May 2008

Text Box: The first purchase we made after leaving Austin last month was a Garmin GPS system for urban navigation in this sprawling capital city. The Garmin isn’t to be considered a luxury for us, let’s just say the McFaul’s are directionally challenged and consider the expense well worth it, ok? So, Monday as I drove the final leg on my trip from Kansas (stopping off at my folk’s house overnight in Kaufman County) into Austin, the voice on the Garmin inexplicably began chirping repeatedly (as only an automated tone can sound), “when able consider a u-turn...when able consider a u-turn...when able consider a u-turn.” Was it a sign from God, I wondered, or recalculation malfunction? I kept on moving ahead of course, and finally the voice intoned, “Austin City Limits” (will you allow

Text Box: me some homiletical embellishment in my first official column?)
And then there you were — with banners, balloons, and best wishes as we unloaded the truck and hauled books upstairs. You folk really know how to welcome well! With such a reception u-turns are not options to be considered. Now, I’m keeping the GPS because it will be obvious to you in time that I need it. In fact, I’ve programmed into it the location of Highland Park and will begin most treks from 5206 Balcones Drive! Anne Lamott shares the delightful tale told by her minister, Veronica, of the lost little girl who when asked by a policeman where she lived, spotted her church building and said, “oh good, there’s my church — from there I can get home.” May it be so for me.

Text Box: It is a good and blessed thing to return to Texas and to Austin after a twenty one year absence to be among and alongside you for partnered ministry together. I look forward to traveling many miles down different roads (but not I-35) with you in the years to come. My Garmin just spoke — it was a line from T.S. Eliot: We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time. Maybe I did make a u-turn and boom-a-ranged back to my kind of Baptists in the Lone Star State. Upon arrival, Your Pastor, Marcus W. McFaul

Highland Park Baptist Church, 5206 Balcones Dr., Austin, 78731

Text Box: Please join us for worship. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.; Wednesday Supper and Fellowship 5:30 p.m.; Wednesday Weaving 6:30 p.m.; and Second Sunday Taize Prayer Worship 7:30 p.m.

Text Box: After winter comes the summer. After night comes the dawn. And after every storm, there comes clear, open skies. —Samuel Rutherford

Text Box: April 27 - May 3 David Malone (345-0324) Dottie Denton (345-5352) Rachel Flake (343-1742) May 4 - 10 John Miller (451-1993) Walt Shelton (345-8005) May 11 - 17 Ned Burns (345-0270) Fran Hattin (345-7207) May 18 - 24 Brenda Nelson (343-2502) Margaret Stafford (474-4809) May 25 - 31 Eloise Ellis (796-3341) Barbara Lightsey (496-8969)

Text Box: shape. With pliers, twist the wire together at the top of the heart. Tie ribbon to make a loop atop the heart (so your mom can hang it up). Fold the paper into a card, and write a message of love and gratitude to your mom. You might want to add a verse from Proverbs 31 that best describes her. Punch a hole in the card. Attach it to the ribbon that’s tied to the heart.