I am in the second year of a three-year term serving on Grace Presbytery's Committee on Preparation for Ministry. The second Thursday of every month, I spend most of the day at the Presbyterian Mission Center in Los Colinas, interviewing candidates and inquirers. In true Presbyterian tradition, we have very thick manuals that outline protocol, and we read a lot of paperwork that our inquirers and candidates faithfully submit each month.

   The members of CPM are participants in the process of discerning how God is guiding our inquirers and candidates for ministry in call and vocation in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and specifically in the Grace Presbytery model. We are listeners, providing care and understanding during a time when the listening needs to be on a deeper level and is focused on helping the candidates and inquirers hear and discern God's will for their lives. We are mentors, guiding them in the process, which is long and demanding, but also guiding them in life, which is even longer and more demanding. We are advocates in communication with the Seminary, home church and our large church institution, standing with them through the triumphs and difficulties of seminary life, ordination exams, personal life and, hopefully, eventual bridge to a call and ordination. I get to do all of this at our monthly meetings, and also as a liaison assigned to individuals.

   The candidates and inquirers that come to us give me great hope for the future of the PC(USA) to continue firmly grounded in the Reformed tradition but alive to the possibilities of the work of the Holy Spirit. This was particularly true last Thursday, when Brandi Schoel was enthusiastically and unanimously endorsed to become an Inquirer, by the CPM of Grace Presbytery. We are one of the largest presbyteries in the denomination, and we have many fine inquirers and candidates, and Brandi was no exception. She was a bright spot in our interviews. Chuck Stoughton, Session liaison, and Alan accompanied her and spoke for her on behalf of St. Andrew. Her faith journey and accompanying paperwork were thoughtful, mature, and well written. Now that Brandi is an inquirer, we all have the opportunity to support, listen, encourage, mentor and advocate for her, as a congregation. Brandi will be introduced as a new inquirer on the floor of presbytery on Saturday, June 6th at the meeting in Tyler.  

Grace and peace,

Lisa

   What is more Presbyterian than food and lively conversation?  Practically nothing!  After the success and fun of last summer's "coffee hour" after Sunday worship, we will do it again this summer, enjoying good food and sharing in the fellowship!  We will need each of you to help make this work!  Since we all enjoy good food, each Sunday different groups will provide some treats to share, and you will only have one Sunday to bring something all summer. Some suggestions might be a small fruit tray, a couple dozen cookies or muffins (either homemade or purchased), coffee cakes, pastries, cheeses, breakfast casserole, etc.  Just use your imagination!  If possible, please use disposable plates/dishes for the treats.  If the plate/dish is not disposable, you may pick it up in the Narthex workroom later, so please make sure your name is on it.
   We will divide the summer dates by alphabet, so note your alphabet letter and put it on your calendar!  If you will be gone that week, trade with someone of a different letter or just bring your treat on any other Sunday.  It is always welcome!  Extras will be frozen for later use and not wasted. Bon appetit!

May 24 - A  June 7 - B  June 14 - C  June 21 - D, E, F  June 28 - G  July 5 - H  July 12 - I,J,K,L

July 19 - M   July 26 - N,O,P    August 2 - Q,R   August 9 - S   August 16 - T,U,V  August 23 - W,X,Y,Z     August 31 - Memb. Committee

Cornerstone Group Crab Boil!
Saturday, May 30 at 5:00pm (weather permitting)
   Join St. Andrew's newest group, Cornerstone, for a crab boil at the Chavira home, 2405 Green Oaks Street in Denton on May 30. Bring a side or dessert and a chair. BYOB or beverage of choice. Kids are welcome!
RSVP to eden51671@gmail.com. Please join the Facebook group "Cornerstone" & email list for updates. 

Thank You for Supporting Our Youth!
   We are so grateful for the continued support St. Andrew has shown to our youth group time and again. We had a wonderful time this past Sunday at the Youth (indoor) BBQ. Thank you all for baking goods, eating brisket, donating and purchasing items from the bake sale and auction. Your overwhelming support of our youth group helped us to raise a record setting $2,700.  This summer as we are traveling around the country and in the year ahead, we will be able to serve others and play together because of your kindness and generosity. Thank you so much!

How to Reach the Financial Secretary
   Tonya Hernandez, our Financial Secretary, is happy to answer any questions regarding financial matters for members and guests. Tonya's office hours are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00am - 11:45am.  During the months of June, July, and August her office hours will be Tuesdays and Fridays, 9:00am - 12:00pm.  When she is not in the office her extension is forwarded to her cell phone, so please feel free to call her at any time.  If she is not able to come to the phone at that moment, please leave a message on her voicemail and she will gladly get back to you as soon as possible, usually on the same day. Her number is 940-387-3897 ext 225. 

   The Mission Committee is again coordinating the distribution of lunches provided by the Denton Parks & Recreation Department. This summer we will be serving many more students at the Village East Apartments (University and Mingo).  It takes less than an hour per shift. You can sign up in the narthex and complete the application forms or email scanned forms. Contact Bob Stewart (940-262-3364) for more information.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to earthquake disaster in Nepal
   The death toll from the massive earthquake continues to rise. Nearly 4,000 are known dead and more than 6,000 were injured. PDA is providing emergency relief and short-term recovery as well as long term recovery in the impacted areas.
   The needs for the response assistance will be great. Here are two ways you you can help by giving. Put a check in the offering plate on Sunday marked "PDA for Nepal" or give online at https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/nepal-earthquake-april-2015/

Volunteers Needed
   Interfaith Ministries of Denton, Inc. is looking for volunteers to help with screening and assistance to working families. Available hours are 1:00-3:30pm, Tuesdays and 9:00-11:30 am, and 1:00-3:30pm Fridays. For more information, contact Interfaith Ministries at (940) 566-5927.