“Coming Attractions”
by Tom Goodman
July 22, 2005

As leaders, please be in prayer over the following events, and help us promote them throughout the church.

Spiritual Renewal Conference—August 14-17.  Do you know what “two-a-days” are?  These are intense football practices that coaches schedule to launch their players into the season.  You need to pray for our “spiritual two-a-days” that your “coach” (me!) has scheduled to launch Hillcrest into our new Fall season!  Make a commitment to attend all four evenings of our Spiritual Growth Conference with Tierce Green.  The title of the conference is “Identity: Who Are You?”  I can imagine he’ll have all kinds of “tie-ins” with the CSI shows and the publicity about identity theft as he takes us through what the Bible has to say about who we are in Christ.  Expect great worship and great teaching every evening beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Preschool care will be provided.

Back by Popular Demand!  “Movie Messages” returns to the pulpit for four weeks beginning Augus 21!  Last year we looked at what the Bible had to say about the topics of popular films.  We return this year with Napoleon Dynamite, Toy Story, Master and Commander, and Rocky.

The “Hillcrest Institute” begins Sunday evening, August 21.  On the first evening, join us in the gym for a “Discipleship Fair.”  There you will be able to find out about all the different classes we offer by talking with the teachers and thumbing through the materials.

WWW—“Wonderful Wednesday Worship” begins Wednesday evening, August 24, at 6:30 p.m.  Join us for a great midweek meal between 5:30 and 6:15 p.m., then make your way to the Worship Center for a new midweek experience.  Gene will begin a lively set of praise music promptly at 6:30, and then I will lead us in a time of congregational prayer for the needs of our church family.  Following that, I will bring a 25-minute lesson from God’s Word.  We will end the program at 7:20 p.m. so the choir can use the Worship Center at 7:30 p.m.  My first study series will be through the life of Joseph.  This Wonderful Wednesday Worship is designed to give you a “booster shot” in the middle of your busy week.  Try it out for a month and I know you will make it a new part of your active schedule!

Local Heroes: Honoring Our Firefighters.  On Sunday, September 11, we will honor our firefighters in the morning service.  In a few weeks from now, you will be encouraged to go to the fire station in your own neighborhood to thank them for serving the community and to invite them to our 9/11 service.

Toward a Growing Marriage.  Popular speaker and author, Dr. Gary Chapman, will be in Austin on September 17 for an all-day marriage conference.  By signing up through our church, you and your spouse will save $16 off the conference fee.  Watch for more details as early as next week!

Hillcrest Leadership Summit.  It’s not a retreat but a summit!  On Saturday, September 24, join your Ministry Staff for a day of new inspiration for the huge task of leading God’s people!  Watch for more information.

Whew!  The lazy days of summer are over!  As the public school year starts, so does our church’s schedule.  Are you “prayed up”?

—Tom


NO WEDNESDAY MEAL.  On Wednesday, July 27, there will be no Wednesday meal.  The Rock Solid Student Ministry will need the entire gym for their weeklong “Uncivil War.”  Midweek service and all other activities will take place, however.

VBS is HERE!  Load up your car this Sunday afternoon for the third night of VBS!  Find out more at www.HillcrestAustin.org/vbs and send someone a colorful e-card at www.HillcrestAustin.org/ecard.

PRAY for VBS!  Erin Waldo will send you regular prayer updates about our five-Sunday VBS.  All you have to do is contact her at ramblinroadtrip@gmail.com and ask her to add you to the prayer list.