Basin and the Towel
Highland Heights Christian Church
Highland Heights 2025 Graduates
HHCC will celebrate our graduates on Sunday, June 1st, during second service. This is a milestone in the lives of our young people and HHCC wants to encourage them as they journey forward. The following are the graduates that we are aware of, if there are others, please notify the church office, 785-379-5642, so that we may include them. High School and College graduates will receive a gift from the church. Younger ones promoting to the next level of their education will be recognized in the service for their accomplishment.
COLLEGE GRADUATES
Sam Cushing (Washburn University)
Jena Grame (Washburn Tech)
Haydin Hill (Washburn University)
Megan Kirby—Masters (Fort Hays State University)
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Bayli Benson (Shawnee Heights)
Kendra Cook (Silver Lake)
Heidi Fraser (Washburn Rural)
Martin Givens (Topeka High School)
Jena Grame (Mission Valley)
Kai Noel Ceila (Shawnee Heights)
Adyson Ping (Shawnee Heights)
Kelson Ralph (Shawnee Heights)
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kameron Bingham (Jeff West)
Brooklyn Downing (Washburn Rural)
Jared Flynn Jr (Washburn Rural)
Claudia Hasenkamp (Shawnee Heights)
Evelynn Jackson (Shawnee Heights)
Haidyn Kaufman (Holton Middle School)
Leila (Layla) Wockenfuss (Washburn Rural)
ELEMENTARY GRADE SCHOOL:
Teagan Cessna; Adria Dunn; Derek Forshee; Bella Klarer; Cal Lawson; John McDonald; Tenley Vobach PRE-K Ollie Mitchell (Jars)
Jars of Clay Graduate: Ollie Mitchell
June 1st
Inside this issue:
Grauduates
1
JOCCC, VBS
2
Pastor Patrick
3,4
Child Dedication
5
Compassion Sunday
6
Mission and Events
7,8,9
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JARS OF CLAY!
The Jars of Clay Children’s Center opened 17 years ago. JOCCC will celebrate the birthday and Graduation on May 10th, 10:00 AM.
Vacation Bible School
Please mark your calendars for this year's VBS June 2 - 6. We will begin nightly at 6:00 and dismiss at 8:30. This year's theme is "Wonder Junction--Marvel at Jesus, Live for His Glory."
Each day the focus will be on a different "wonder." Day 1 will be The Wonder of His Birth, Day 2--The Wonder of HIs Childhood, Day 3--The Wonder of His Ministry Years, Day 4--The Wonder of HIs Death and Resurrection, and Day 5 The Wonder of His Return.
Classes will be offered for 3 year olds (potty trained) through adult. In May pre registration will be available online.
Decorating for the event will begin on the afternoon of Sunday, June 1st. Please let Jacque know if you would like to help.
Jacque Gilbert
Children’s Director
Pastor
Patrick D. Garlock
785 379-5642
Council Officers:
Scarlett Madinger
785 273-3735
Don Christian
785 969-4819
Beverly Renner
785 806-7702
Nancy Christian
785 379-5068
Items for the “Basin and the Towel” should be given to Nancy Christian or Jackie Gardner, by the third Sunday of every other month. All items are subject to approval and may be edited.
Direct questions to Jackie,
785 379-5642. Articles may be sent by e-mail to: hhcc@highlandheightscc.com
Elders:
Ricardo Bonner
785 640-6470
Don Christian
785 969-4819
Curtis Current
785 845-3320
Guy Gardner
785 836-3242
John Johnson
785 806-2402
2930 SE Tecumseh Rd.
Tecumseh, KS 66542
785/379-5642
785/379-5648 (fax)
Jackie Gardner, Secretary
HHCC office hours are 9:00 AM—1:00 PM
Monday through Friday
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VOLUME 25 NUMBER 3
PERPETUAL PONDERINGS BY PASTOR PATRICK PATRICK
There is not a topic that I loathe talking about more in the church, then the topic of money. And that’s probably because financial giving in the church has never come with more scrutiny; or so it appears these days. Perhaps it’s always been like this. But as long as I’ve been a Pastor, it’s been an avoided topic of mine. But then I was praying about it for this article.
Over the past 2,000 years, Christians have lived under a great myriad of difficult times and pretenses of tumult. Life is just a very difficult period to endure at certain moments, and this is what gives us so much hope when we follow the One who gives us freedom from sinful bondage. Jesus Christ promised us eternal life through Him, and contentment upon our surrender. He certainly never promised us, however, freedom from strife or difficulty. In fact, just the opposite.
John 6:33 – “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Hands down one of my favorite verses in the Bible. It got me through so much difficulty and tribulation, I am hard pressed not to consider it daily.
And this is where my mind went: Can financial difficulty for a Christian fall under the tab of “tribulation” for a Christian. Well, the context of the passage isn’t about our financial duress. However, it can certainly fall under the tumult category because it can and will feel heavy and cause us distress, especially if it has become an idol.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
When I visit folks in church, sometimes their trials, difficulties and tribulations are ones that hit their wallet. I get it. After all, we are all in a different state of mind once God gets ahold of us, and everything begins to shift when we are falling in love with our God. Money, greed and all that is associated with it can be up there on the list of things that our Lord is cleaning out of us as part of sanctification. And while money is also the “root of ALL KINDS of evils,” according to Scripture, there is a call for us to be responsible with what’s been entrusted to us.
So, there is a fine line that we must walk. We either become greedy and allow lifestyles to rule our understanding of moneys purpose, or we understand God provision and the call for believers to be good stewards - thus resisting the temptation of allowing it to become an idol. Part of this includes how we fiscally care for the church.
Whether you are (by social standards), financially poor, rich, or somewhere in between, we all must also remember what is expected from us. God, in His Sovereignty, promises us that He will care for His sheep… and we are to care for the Church. And that might be one of the hardest concepts for Christians today when it is up against the backdrop of financial irresponsibility of health and wealth doctrinal heresy, abuse and misappropriation. No, this is not an article that I will go into defending the true Church and calling out the false that has given the true a bad name
(Continued on Page 4)
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(although I’m tempted to). The point of my article today is to focus on what is expected from us as stewards; those who are obediently following the decrees of our Lord, while doing so to the best of our own abilities.
At HHCC, we mention our “time of giving” prior to partaking in Communion. We make “tithing” a very low talking point on our priority list, but that doesn’t mean we take it lightly. If it wasn’t for the giving hearts of the church body, we would not be able to do the work we are doing. No church would. Giving is a priority of the Christian faith. With that said, we don’t speak about it as much because the elders and I, all truly trust that the Lord will provide. After all, He is a God of Provision (Jehovah Jireh).
The notion of giving has just met its negative climax in the view of the world because of the clear satanic attack upon it, which makes so many see it as a joke. But that is not at all what God wants us to focus on. It is not just staff salaries and operations of the building, but our ability to support our local and foreign missions, help others in need when they come to us, or any litany of outreach items.
HHCC keeps a near-perfect record of every dime, and all expenditures are available to be viewed by anyone in the congregation. The monthly report is made available at our Ministry Council meeting, which generally meets every 3rd Sunday of the month, at 11:30am.
I made mention last month from the pulpit that we have to make known what we spend money on, so that the church body knows. We just completed getting a brand-new roof, installed some automatic handicap door openers and a few other items that were of need. And although expensive... it was all necessary.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Aside from this, we have been presented with a very unique opportunity. HHCC is preparing to send a group of in-house members on a mission trip to Kenya, to see our sister church that is led by Jared Makindiba and his lovely wife Grace. Not sure when this will take place, but we feel a definitive calling to do this. So, we will be doing some fundraisers throughout 2025 to help us prepare for a potential mission trip in 2026. Details are presently being ironed out.
But this is where we need to be mindful of giving. Not just in the form of a tithe (as God lays it upon our hearts to support the overall mission and work of our local church body), but also in extra giving where we feel led to assist.
Tithes are part of our personal conviction. Offerings are as well, but they are in addition to what each believer feels led to help. Please be in prayer for two reasons: First, that God provides what we need to do what He has asked of us. Secondly, that the Lord would move some to give exceedingly, as they are only able. And please, pray that our Lord helps lead you in how you can assist as part of the local church body at HHCC, being cognizant of our call to be good stewards.
There. I got it out. Prayerfully you can see what I am asking. And trust me, Chellie and I both pray how we can help, and do so as the Holy Spirit moves us. We are all equally asked to be good stewards.
I ask you all to pray about the financial needs of the church. Bless you my dear friends.
PastorPatrick
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DEDICATION OF THE CHILDREN
On Sunday, May 11th, during the second service, we will have a service of Child Dedication.
At HHCC we believe that you must be able to make a verbal and heart profession of faith in Christ. This is in accordance with scripture. Since small children cannot make the profession yet, we believe it is very important to bless them and their parents. We do this by asking the parents to make a commitment to raising their children with the understanding that a Christ-centered home is vital to their upbringing.
If you have a baby or young child and would like to participate in this dedication service, please contact the church office, 785-379-5642, and let them know.
Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
Pentecost
Sunday,
June 8th
Fellowship Time Simplified
The Coffee Fellowship Time at 9:30 AM on Sunday mornings is being simplified. Coffee should always be available. Doughnuts are provided by the church two Sundays a month. On the other Sundays, Fellowship is now receiving donations of cookies, homemade or store bought. Chex mix is being donated as well. Due to cost and availability cheese cubes will no longer be provided by the church.
This is a time to focus more on visiting with one another and not so much on the snacks.
There is a sign up sheet for food donations and an offering box, located in the Fellowship Hall, to help share the cost.
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COMPASSION SUNDAY
COMPASSION SUNDAY AT HHCC
Sunday, May 4th
During each service on May 4th, there will be information about children that could be sponsored by people in our congregation.
Who Is Compassion?
We're a Christian child sponsorship organization working to release children from poverty by meeting their right-now and long-term needs in partnership with the local church.
· Christ-centered. Children living in poverty need the hope of the gospel. That's why we share the gospel with every single child in a way they can understand. We go beyond offering humanitarian aid, introducing children to Jesus, their eternal hope.
· Church-driven. Local churches know best the needs of children living in their communities. We partner with local churches only, giving them the resources they need to know, love and protect children in need.
· Child-focused. No two children are the same. Our local church partners tailor their support to each child's unique needs.
Baby Bottle Project
As a fundraiser for Kansans for Life Educational Fund Baby Bottles will be available on Mother’s Day to fill with coins and return on Father’s Day. Cash and checks (made out to Kansans for Life) are permissible. This special offering of our change helps fund Pregnancy Resource Centers across Kansas. Because of your offerings and prayers, KFL has the power to educate through all media, give presentations, and keep Kansans up to date on Pro-Life issues.
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GOOD NEWS TO MEXICO
SPRING/SUMMER 2025 NEWSLETTER
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, God’s goodness, love and faithfulness is unending! His mercies are new every morning! (Lamentations 3:22, 23) This year we continue to experience God’s faithfulness. We want to share a sampling of His recent blessings with you.
January found us traveling to the neighboring state of Morelos for an awesome weekend of Family Camp with the Christian Church in Zacatepec. Our mission was to teach three discipleship classes to the “older” crowd (60+) and for Pecos to bring the Saturday night sermon. The Holy Spirit moved in a mighty way among our senior discipleship group, helping them to release spiritual baggage (the enemy’s lies, resentment, traumas, etc.) that many had carried for years. It truly was a very special time. The theme for the weekend was centered on God’s invitation to His table, just as King David invited Jonathan’s crippled son, Mephibosheth to the King’s table. Pecos preached on Saturday night to over 100 campers of all ages, bringing home the message of being God’s hands and feet among our communities. It was an amazing and blessed weekend for sure! Three young people were baptized that weekend!
This February we traveled 7 hours by bus to the geographical center of Mexico, Aguascalientes! We spent 4 full days ministering to couples, young adults and parents at a non-denominational community church. Our contact person, Fabián, knew us from 20 years ago when we spoke at youth conferences (CIY) in Mexico City! You never know the impact you have on people’s lives. Fabián and his wife, Yendy, were wonderful hosts and tour guides. Our time in Aguascalientes was filled with so many blessings! We pray that God will take those nuggets of biblical wisdom shared during the teaching times to produce a rich harvest of spiritual fruit in this growing congregation of believers.
On March 1 we hosted a 4-hour conference for couples and singles alike in Mexico City. Our brother in Christ, Kevin Bayless from Leon Christian Church in Leon, KS was the guest speaker. Kevin spent the week before the conference doing personal counseling with us as a couple, which served as training for us in the future. Thank you, Kevin, for bringing a message of hope and healing to the people of Mexico!
April began with me (Lynda) traveling to Tequisquiapan, Queretaro for a Women’s Conference for three days. I had the opportunity to be one of the keynote speakers as well as giving a workshop. What a refreshing time of fellowship with over 100 women of all ages and stages of life! I enjoyed making new friends and seeing old friends once again in a lovely setting of luscious gardens, pink flamingos and strutting peacocks!
May will be a big month for us as well. We will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary on May 31! God is so good to allow us to reach this milestone in life.
Prayer requests: Marriage Retreat in Zihuatanejo, May 8-12; travel to Kansas May 15 – June 17;
Hispanic Marriage Retreat in Marshall, Texas, June 5-9.
Thank you for your faithful prayers and support! We are blessed beyond measure by your partnership with Good News to Mexico.
Blessings! Pecos and Lynda
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Heritage Christian School serves children
PRE-KINDERGARTEN (AGE 3)
THRU 12TH GRADE
Contact Info:
2000 NW Clay Street | Topeka, KS 66608
785.286.0427 | info@HCStopeka.org
HERITAGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
BACKGROUND
Heritage Christian School is a non-denominational private school founded upon the belief that curriculum should be Christ-centered. Heritage Christian School promotes both academic excellence and the spiritual development of students.
The school started with 31 students in grades K-6 and has grown to it's present enrollment of 150+ students in the pre-kindergarten through 12th grades.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Heritage Christian School is to provide a Christ-centered, quality education in order to prepare our children to serve Christ. We believe that we are called as Christian parents to provide for our children’s education (Proverbs 22:6 “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it) and, therefore, view our school as an extension of the Christian home.
Our educational approach is to teach children to think Biblically in relation to all of life and to develop disciplined lives. We define success as the wise use of the talents and gifts God has given each student to serve Him and to further His kingdom.
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Highland Heights Christian Church
2930 SE Tecumseh Road
Tecumseh, KS 66542
Phone: 785-379-5642
Fax: 785-379-5648
hhcc@highlandheightscc.com
Love God. Love Others. Live it Out!
COMPASSION SUNDAY—MAY 4TH Learn about Compassion International during both services. There will be an opportunity to sponsor a child! (Page 6)
CHILDREN’S DEDICATION—MAY 11TH During Second Service on May 11th we will have a Children’s Dedication Service for families that would like to participate. Please let the office know. (page 5)
MOTHER’S DAY—MAY 11TH HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY To all our HHCC Moms! May each mother have a Blessed Day!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—JUNE 2-6TH, 6:00-8:30 PM Be ready to sign up soon for VBS 2025!
It should be an exciting week of learning about the Bible, singing great songs, playing fun games, and making new friends! Check out “Wonder Junction”. (page 2)
PENTECOST SUNDAY—JUNE 8TH The celebration of the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
FATHER’S DAY—JUNE 15TH HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to all our HHCC Dads!
MOVIE NIGHT—JUNE 21ST, 5:15 PM Hot Dogs and chips prior to the movie “The Forge” to be shown at 6:00 PM. Popcorn, candy and water provided for the movie. Bring a friend.
FIFTH SUNDAY DINNER & More—JUNE 29TH, 11:30 AM will have a Hawaiian theme as a welcome to summer event. Fellowship will be serving Hawaiian Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes or rolls. Some fun outdoor family activities will be set up in the courtyard for everyone to enjoy.
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