Pine Ridge connections

Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church north of the Missouri River in Kansas City is a spirit-filled mission-involved congregation that we are very fond of. Carla has been on the staff almost nine years now (and part-time for three years before she went to seminary). The church is pastored by Jim Gordon, shown here with his wife Marcia. Our family involvement goes w-a-y-back, when Jim was a youth in our church in Marshall MO, and his Dad chaired the PNC that called Jerry to Covenant Church in 1972. Jim received his seminary training at McCormick Theological Seminary (as did both of us), and Jerry married them about 23 years ago. This week Jim's sermon touched on the Living Water mission trip he had just attended, learning to build fresh water systems in 3rd world countries--a mission dear to our hearts since Midland First has dug 23 water wells in our Uganda mission. The new sanctuary at PRPC is beautiful, and my favorite part is baptismal font, which is located in the middle of the center aisle near the front. It constantly bubbles gently. The bowl is filled with glass pebbles, and when someone is baptized, they are given one of those...or, when baptismal vows are renewed, the person can take one as a reminder of our life in Christ. The baptismal font is also a memorial to Jim & Marcia's fathers. This is Jason Brock, his wife and two precious sons, who are new members of PRPC. Jason and his wife were born and raised in Marshall MO, where we lived for 13 years...and Jason was born two years after Jerry began his ministry at that church, so we did literally watch him grow up. This, my friends, is one of those joys of ministry that Jerry and I are always awed about--seeing little ones raised in the church, crossing paths with them years later, and being able to rejoice in what God is doing in their lives. Jason's Dad was the principal of Marshall High School for many years, fortunately including the years our daughters attended MHS. Now meet Marve & Joyce Hohensee...we don't go quite as far back with them as we do with Jim Gordon and Jason Brock...but the Hohensees were members of our church in Enid OK, moving to Enid at almost exactly the same time we did, and leaving Enid for KC when we moved to Midland, so we have been friends for almost 25 years. When Marve was transferred to the KC area, I mentioned PRPC as a possible church home for them, if they settled in that north part of town. The first time they went out with a realtor to look at homes--guess what was lying on the front seat of her car? A bulletin from Sunday worship at Pine Ridge PC...and listed in the bulletin as part of the staff was our daughter's name. Marve told the realtor that Carla was the daughter of their former pastor in Enid...and now you know the rest of the story. It is such a joy to see them whenever we visit KC. And there are others - remember in a previous blog I mentioned Jerry's cousins in KC...we Worshipped with Jane on both Sundays I was there...one year the youth mission trip helped with a "Faces of Children" Conference in Washington DC, sponsored by FPC Midland...and another year, their youth came to Midland on their mission trip and worked with Midland Habitat for the week, staying at our church and being royally treated by FPC members. (One of the advisors told me he expected to lose weight on that mission trip, since there would be lots of outdoor manual labor, but every time he turned around, another FPC member was showing up with "goodies" for their break times on the job site...and how they enjoyed the hospitality of some of our members with the opening of their swimming pool for them each day, and good Texas barbeque one lunch.) Those youngsters are all away in college now but the adult sponsors remember those trips vividly. And so the Family of God connects and reconnects as we continue on our journey. Praise Him!

Happy Birthday, Carla!

To make Carla's 42nd birthday very special, we did something she has been wanting to do ever since the Courtyard Marriott bought her former apartment building, the Park Lane Apartments, and turned it into a hotel. We rented the King Suite, which we thought would be her entire former apartment, but turned out to be only half of the apartment and invited friends to stop by to celebrate. It was a great evening...the view of the Mill Creek Park across the street is still fantastic, and she and her friends shared lots of memories of 1990-1993, when she called that home. Carla's apartment is on the top floor right, the one with the balcony (which is no longer accessible but only for looks, but in the old days served as a usable balcony overlooking KC!) Since it is on the National Historic Register, the exterior has been totally preserved, and much of the inside including the tiny "icebox" doors next to each apartment for use of the iceman and milkman. The Courtyard Marriott may think that THEY are the pride of the plaza, but we know better, don't we? Congratulations, Carla, on your birthday and for being the very special person that you are. We are so proud of you! To view an album of pics from Carla's orange birthday party, click on this link (or cut and paste), click "view slideshow", and on the bottom click on "show captions" icon. http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=472726007/a=28011805_28011805/t_=28011805

Everything's Up to Date in Kansas City

Its spring in Kansas City..and what better to do than fly kites, right? So Carla's high school friend, Michelle, and her two daughters from Independence KS joined us for the Flights of Fancy Kite Festival...these youngsters are absolutely delightful, and the four of us had a marvelous time picnicking on the lawn, watching all kinds and sizes of kites flying, getting faces painted, and seeing many other families enjoying themselves as well. What fun it is to see old friends..thats friends of long-standing, NOT friends who are aged, right? Gretchen, Nancy and I met in 1972 and shared family life in Marshall MO for a number of years. Nancy still lives there, while Gretchen lives in Pella IA, and Carla's home was a great place to meet for much visiting and eating and laughter. How did Carla grow up from a little girl to adulthood when none of the rest of us have changed? Jerry has some very special cousins who live in Kansas City, folks whom we always enjoy seeing when we are here. Tonight Carla and I met Jim & Jane for dinner at The Blue Moose..a delicious meal but even better was the conversation. Jim's Dad was a real favorite of Jerry's, and Jerry tells lots of stories from Lynn...and I know that Jim has inherited his Dad's story-telling ability! The evening passed all too quickly...and while Jim enjoyed these three women, I know he missed Jerry's presence. Tomorrow Carla and I are going to celebrate her birthday..and we will tell you more about that next time...so stay tuned.

He is risen indeed!

What a glorious resurrection morning at First Pres, Midland! Jo and Scott came from San Antonio for a couple of days, amidst weekend weather that ranged from strong winds to beautiful sunshine to large hail...quite eventful. All our children are devoted to our dear friends, Ray & Jane, so it was very special to spend a morning with them over breakfast at Manor Park. These remarkable folks are over 90 years young, and an inspiration to all of us. My special moment came with a hug from David Bingham of Edmond OK...a college student at OSU, whose Dad was chair of the Pastor Nominating Committee in 1992 when Jerry was called to Midland. Thus David and his brother became our first "surrogate grandchildren". Its been a special joy to watch David grow and mature, and follow our Lord. In the summers, David has been working at Camp Barnabus in southwest Missouri, a camp for special needs kids. Camp Barnabus is located on the campus of what used to be the Presbyterian church camp where Jerry went to camp as a youngster...small world, isn't it? We visited David there a couple of summers ago and Jerry could share that with David. Our Easter worship closed, as is our tradition at FPC, with anyone in the congregation who wished to sing, joining the sanctuary choir in the choir loft as we praised our risen Lord with the "Hallelujah Chorus". Amen and amen.

Birthday are such fun--even if we are elderly!

The first part of April means birthdays..and it seems the older we get, the more we manage to stretch it out! We celebrated our birthdays by going to El Paso to spend a couple of days with our cousins, Bill & Wayne...and were treated to a magnificent birthday dinner at The Edge of Texas in EP - I do highly recommend it, if you find yourself in El Paso. It was also special to spend time with our EP friends, Lynn and Judy. The three of us who were 70 years old had our picture taken together to commemorate the event..that would be Mary, Jerry and Judy! Jerry was attending a Faces of Children Prayer Meeting at FPC and was delighted to see his friend, Getanah and his wife. They are from Ethiopia, but sought asylum in the US after Getanah was persecuted for his Christian faith, and they now have a prayer ministry in the Washington DC area called "Watch and Pray". Jerry asked Mrs. Getanah if she would like a cup of coffee. She replied that she would, so Jerry got up to get it for her when she said something to her husband. Jerry turned and asked Getanah what she had said. Getanah told Jerry his wife had said "it is not right for the elderly to wait on me." So happy birthday...and we are glad to be elderly...we are just grateful to be alive. We appreciated all your cards, calls and Facebook remembrances.

Home Sweet Home

Dear Friends and Family, Where are we, you ask? Midland, Texas - our home base Why are we here? Jerry is (once again) on the staff of First Presbyterian Church, Midland TX, as an Interim Associate Pastor with responsibilities for Mission and Evangelism for a six month period. What is he doing? Whatever it is, he is loving it! He has preached the two Sundays on either side of spring break, taught an adult Sunday School Class, teaching a Wednesday evening Bible Study on John, met with several committees, made hospital calls and home calls, and is getting acquainted with new staff and new programs at FPC. Where are we living? Friends are still living in our house while their new home is being built. So for the past 3 weeks, we are living in our motor home parked behind our house in the alley. It gives a whole new meaning to "alley cats" or "trailer trash" - take your pick! We have full hook-ups back here, and a perfect spot to park, and even a decent view! But the moving van for our friends arrives on April 2nd, house cleaner and carpet cleaners on the 6th and 7th, and then we will be back in our own house in time for Easter and company. What are our plans for the next few months? Jerry will be busy! In 1993, our Senior Pastor at FPC was an Associate Pastor here when we came to Midland, and he and Jerry had a couple of marvelous years working together. This is like a dream come true - back at FPC and working once again with Steve, who is incredible. Next week we will go to El Paso for a couple of days to celebrate Jerry's 70th birthday, back for Holy Week observances, and the arrival of our daughter Jo with her husband Scott, and our dear college friend Meredith. After Easter I am going to Kansas City to help Carla celebrate her birthday. Jerry is looking forward to being able to return to Uganda once again in June, while I attend the Renovare Conference in San Antonio and visit Jo & Scott. And in August, its Bloys Cowboy Camp Meeting once again. The time will pass all too quickly. What am I doing while Jerry is working? I am retired (remember?) so I am doing just what I want....back in my book club, beginning Pilates at the Y (and finding muscles I didn't know I had, and aches to prove that they are there!), visits with friends, being a "grandma" to a precious 6-month old daughter of one of our APs, and looking forward to living in our home for a little while. We are grateful to all of you who have been a part of our life. It warms our hearts to know you care, and you take the time to read our blog. We appreciate all your greetings, by email, snail mail, or Facebook. We rejoice that we serve a Risen Savior who binds us together in one family--I am SO glad I'm a part of the Family of God--aren't you? Love from Midland TX, home sweet home.

A book lovers dream come true

For YEARS we have heard about the VNSA Used Book Sale in Phoenix, because our sister-in-law has been a volunteer for over twenty years. The booksale held its 53rd sale this past weekend, and we could not only attend but also could be volunteers and help out. This exceptional group offers over 600,000 books which have been sorted, categorized and priced all year long in their warehouse, and then set up in the fairgrounds in the most amazing display you have ever seen. Given the economy this year, no one knew what might be the outcome..but when we arrived shortly after 7 a.m., the waiting line was huge..some folks come during the night before to be first in line. You can see them outside waiting for the main doors to open, as those of us inside had the "countdown" to 8 a.m. Grocery carts are available for customers, but lots of people come prepared with rolling luggage, backpacks, duffles, whatever--and the books go out in all manner of carry-alls! We bought our own choices of reading material for the upcoming months (since I no longer am living next door to the public library!) The charities supported by the VNSA will be blessed once again, as the group raised about $440,000! One of our treats at the booksale was to meet up with Nancy Howard and her friend Otto. Nancy is a Facebook friend of ours now, but she is also a friend of my brother's in Phoenix when they both served in the Air National Guard, AND her real claim to fame is that she is from southwest Missouri--grew up in Aurora MO and her family is from Crane MO..so she and Jerry go way back. And by the way, my little brother had a birthday while we were in Phoenix, so we had a marvelous family dinner and celebrated the fact that he now another year older, and trying to catch up to his older sister!

May it warm your heart as it warms mine....

http://cjoshoot.blogspot.com/ Some moments are just so special...like finding this on daughter Jo's blog. If you know our girls, I hope you will click on this link (or cut and paste) and read her blog entitled HER...and while you are at it, move on down and read HIM. Thanks, Jo and Carla, for blessing our life!

Friends, Family and Feenix

It is a joy to find such a welcome when one pulls in to spend the night! Most RV parks don't make one feel so welcome...but our sister-in-law has a way of making us feel very special. They have kind neighbors who don't mind our little RV parked in front of Jim's house for a night--or two or three. The food is delicious...and the fruit trees are loaded with tangerines, lemons and grapefruits. What more could one ask? Thanks for your hospitality, Jan and Jim. Brother Jim was in Washington DC on a business meeting during THE football game...of course, he watched the game at a sportsbar with the OU Alum Club..but the rest of us left back in Feenix carried on the OU tradition in a way that would have made my parents proud (remember, in their 80's, they were still going to OU home football games!) We received an email from our dear friend, Shelley Cooper, from Wichita, telling us she was coming to Midland to visit her son and hoping to be able to see us--and then casually mentioned she was heading for Phoenix to visit her daughter and stepmom. So, of course, I wrote her back immediately to say we were not in Midland so couldn't see her there, but would love to have a visit in Scottsdale! Shelley and her late husband, Norris, were very special friends during our year in Wichita. Norris died way too young this past year, and we all miss him--but had a good time remembering stories, sharing tears, and laughing together. Their daughter Carley is so lovely...we were glad she was able to join us. And with their son, Corey, and his wife living in Midland, we do hope to see them when we are back in Midland. It is a small world, isn't it? Pat Mundy is a friend from Enid that has been adopted in to our family...and we were overjoyed to have her come to a horse show in Scottsdale while we were camped at McDowell Park. For one thing, while we have known all about her love of horses and the competitions she entered, we have never had the opportunity to see her compete, or see her in her riding outfit. For another thing, we haven't had any exposure to the world of horses--West World in Scottsdale is quite an experience. Besides seeing Pat ride, she was able to visit us at McDowell, sit around the campfire, make s'mores, and just enjoy being together.

Chihuly at his best

There are not words to describe the beauty of the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix and the glassworks of Dale Chihuly. It is breathtaking. Colorful. Regal. Whimsical. Eyecatching. I am SO glad that we spent the afternoon there. Our first exposure to Chihuly was the Spencer Theater, Alto, NM several years ago. We saw the magnificent ceiling of the Bellagio in Las Vegas four years ago, his work at the Wichita Art Museum, the Chihuly Bridge of Glass in Tacoma as well as the Tacoma Art Museum. And now this...what a blessing, and what joy the artist brings to all our lives. Our lives are enriched by this afternoon.

Congratulations to Pine Ridge Pres youth!!!

There is a Director of Christian Education and a Junior High Youth Advisor, who (foolishly--or maybe wisely?) challenged their young people to the following: raise $1000 for World Vision 30-hour famine and the youth could dress the adults in outfits of their choosing from the thrift store--to be worn in church on the following Sunday. AND - if they should raise $2500 (how could they possibly do that??), the youth could dye their hair the colors of their choice. Can you guess what these energetic and enthusiastic young people did? They raised OVER $2500 for World Vision, and were delighted to fulfill the challenge. Carla's hair is now huckleberry blue and pink..and will be that for the next few weeks! Our hats are off to these two, to the fabulous youth of Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church in KCMo, and to the generous folks who pledged to the cause. Since Carla is on her way to her national APCE meeting next week in San Antonio, her Dad has suggested she wear a pin that reads "Ask me about my hair", giving her the opportunity to share the story of what one church (properly motivated) can do for a good cause. We are SO proud of all of you!!

Reflections on Christmas

There are two different worlds in Las Vegas....the glitzy world of  The Strip with all its bright lights, no clocks, and way too many people...the pic of  the three Hiltons  taken as we left the Barry Manilow Show at the Hilton LV  (appropriate, don't you think?)  Jo & Scott spent 3 nights at Caesar's Palace, so we got a small taste of that side of the LV life.  The picture of Jo, Scott and Mary shows a part of the Christmas decor on The Strip.  And on the other hand--you have the permanent residents of Las Vegas who live normal lives, just like you and me - and rarely take in The Strip!

Included is a picture of the five Sparks grandchildren.   In the back is Carla Hilton.  The front row is our hostest (with the mostest!) Sally Sparks Suppe, Jo Hilton Peters (and yes, she does have pink hair!), Nancy Sparks, and her brother Steve, who both live in Phoenix.  Best of all was the joy my brother and I shared in watching our adult children thoroughly enjoy one another and share in Christmas preparations as well as clean-up!  Jim and I each have a son-in-law who fit right in and seemed to enjoy all of us as well.  My brother, Jim Sparks, and I are sitting in our niece Sally's home in LV, where we all headquartered for the holiday. Sally was a fantastic hostess, and what a joy to watch the younger generation be in charge. It was a Christmas with new traditions happening--Christmas Eve at Sally's was a Thai dinner, primarily prepared by Sally and her brother Steve, and the guest list included four young women students from Peru whom they had invited for the evening--a delightful addition to our family gathering.   Our Christmas afternoon gathering/dinner was part of Sally's tradition since she married in to an Italian family.  We were joined by some of her husband, Ray's, family and enjoyed a lasagna dinner.  

Christmas Eve worship was truly a highlight.  You will see Jerry pictured with Pastor Jim Houston-Hencken from First PC, LV.  Prior to this calling, Jim was an Associate Pastor at FPC Midland, and they are all like family to us, especially their children, Peter & Paige.  (See Paige's 10th birthday in a prior blog.)  The music program at FPC is magnificent, and we were overjoyed at hearing their 35-40 voice choir on Xmas eve as well as the Sundays we were able to worship with them.  (You may recall that we spent two months in Las Vegas with the H'H's following Jerry's retirement,  so we feel very much at home with that congregation.)

Christmas morning was just the Hilton family celebrating in our motor home, with our felt Christmas tree hanging on the wall.  This tree was originally made by my cousins, Sue and Carl (from Sequim WA) for his mom (and my aunt Bea) when she moved into the retirement home.  It is perfect for our motor home, and we love knowing who made it  and who has used it in past Christmases...just a little bit of family tradition from the Sparks side.

For more pictures of our Christmas in Las Vegas, click on this link:

http://cjoshoot.blogspot.com/  

You'll enjoy her pictures as well, and I didn't want to duplicate her choices, so please check her out.

The Sparks family last celebrated Christmas together in 1984 in Phoenix, and our parents were with us.  How they would have enjoyed this gathering as well..and it was a Christmas we will long remember.    

Orange Grove camping is the best!

This has been a str ange and interesting stop along our journey to Las Vegas.  We arrived at the Orange Grove Park in Bakersfield on a gorgeous day..full of sunshine and surrounded by orange trees, and the opportunity to eat a fresh-picked one at that!  Yesterday we had a nice morning, and then the rain started..and it rained and rained.  But the rain seems to have been only right here in the Valley, and on either side of us it seems it was sleet, ice and snow...and by last night our highway (CA58) was closed going both directions.  On our drive home from an evening of dinner and dancing at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, there were miles of parked trucks who could NOT head east as the highway was closed.  This morning the line of trucks and cars filled all 3 lanes, totally blocking 58E for miles...and I have no idea how far that line extended.  The picture cannot begin to tell the story.  So here we are--spending another night in the orange grove, with a gorgeous sunny day behind us, and yet somewhere the ice and snow is wreaking havoc. Does it go without saying that we had a great time at Buck Owens?