Local day missions serve the community
On the agenda was work to establish a sports program for underprivileged kids through an organization called YouthWork, a ministry specializing in short term youth mission trips.
Unfortunately, the kids' conflicting work schedules negated those plans, but HCC Youth Minister Kimberly Russell was not deterred.
"Things work out for the best," she said. "The fact that we didn’t go to Cairo gave more of our kids the opportunity to participate. Instead, by doing day missions in their own hometown, it gave them a feeling of being part of the community."
The canceled trip notwithstanding, HCC youth were able to raise $2,000 to send to Cairo for the program.
Plan B, a brainstorm of Russell, included a week of "day missions" throughout Dallas. She asked the kids for suggestions, and they implemented the most feasible.
The Youth Service Week started at White Rock Lake with the kids armed with large trash bags. Then it was back to the church to prep for painting the next day and a little work in the HCC community garden.
Additional day missions found the kids spending a morning of service assisting with Shoes for Orphaned Souls, a ministry of Buckner International, and lending a hand at Dallas Heritage Village at Old City Park.
The most fun mission of the week for the kids was a furry one – spending time with homeless cats and dogs at the Humane Society’s no-kill shelter, Dog and Kitty City.
The sanctuary provides a permanent home for pets not adopted or not considered good adoption candidates, including disabled cats and dogs. The shelter welcomes dog and cat "socializers" to walk, groom, play with, train and pet the many animals housed there.
After returning from each day's endeavors, the kids also found time to paint the church bathrooms and youth room. Then they put their backs into some maintenance in the HCC Community Garden.
The week wasn’t all work and no play. On Saturday, they all headed to a full day of fun at Six Flags!
Ministers enjoy last weeks with kids & congregants
Russell particularly enjoyed her week of day missions spent with the youth, as she’s leaving Dallas after three years with HCC to return to her hometown of Atlanta. She’ll be assuming the role of a chaplain at Scottish Rite Hospital.
Additionally, Pastor David Tambur, who joined HCC four years ago, has bid farewell to the congregation, as well.
Tambur accepted a position as chaplain with the U.S. Navy.
Following a July 11th reception hosted by the church for both him and Russell, Tambur and his family were off to Rhode Island where he'll begin his training. The family will then head to California for his first duty assignment.
In his final newsletter column, Pastor Tambur reminded his congregants that since November, the church has added over 40 members, and that ministering to the people of God, the community of Lake Highlands, and the greater DFW metroplex is only limited by the size of dreams and visions.
It was clear that his heart was already at sea as he said, "there is a strong feeling of community and love at this church, and a strong desire to shake things up. Plot the course. Set the sails and boldly go where God is calling."
Highlands Christian Church is located at 9949 McCree Road in Lake Highlands.
For information about Dog and Kitty City Shelter and Sanctuary, visit the group's website here.
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