Cypress Republic Band Plays With Huckabee and Patrick

December 12 2011

When you attend a Cypress Republic Band performance, you don’t have to worry about questionable lyrics. CRB is value-driven, conservative and was formed through faith and family connections. “We are simply a group of musicians who love performing and playing great music,” says Darrell Wehlmann, back up vocalist and guitar player. “So much of the entertainment crowd is way left of center and not shy about letting you know it. Not CRB. We are normal . . . although we realize that is totally subjective. But, we think we’re normal.”

In fact, CRB was initially a “Dad Band,” performing at backyard gatherings and for their daughters’ graduations. The five members include Wehlmann, vocalist and guitar player Brock Miller, lead vocalist Paul Bailey, drummer Steve Thomson and back up vocalist and bass player Erich Schoennagel. They know each other through church, scouts, their kids’ schools, or the gym. In fact, Miller and Schoennagel are brothers-in-law.

The band members attend St. John Lutheran Church and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church. All live in the Copperfield, Cypress and Hockley area and like to joke about changing the band’s name to “FLAC” – Four Lutherans and A Catholic. “That pretty well sums us up,” quips Wehlmann, who makes no excuses for the band’s Christian approach. “We are not ashamed of our faith or sharing it, so we work in Christian songs during our sets and close every show with “Until the Whole World Hears” by Casting Crowns. We just love the lyrics.” It might seem strange to play Christian music at midnight as people party and drink, but the band does just that. “What better place and time to sing about salvation through Jesus Christ?” asks Wehlmann.

The band plays selections that run the gamut from ZZ Top to Roy Orbison. They also have friends and fans in high places. Senator Dan Patrick performs with them from time-to-time, as does former Governor Mike Huckabee. “Very early on Paul, a Harris County Republican Party Precinct Chairman, volunteered to help Dan Patrick with his race for the Texas Senate,” says Wehlmann. “Through him we met Mike Huckabee. Too bad he isn’t running for President again – otherwise we might be playing at an inauguration. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

The band is definitely attracting media attention and is featured on the October cover of Cy-Fair Lifestyles & Homes Magazine. They are also receiving mentions for their October 1 opening for Earl Thomas Conley at the Waller County Fairgrounds. Their charitable work includes a “Battle of the Dad Bands” at Goode Co. BBQ – “Hope, Help, Heal” – on October 9. This event is close to their hearts, organized by Copperfield resident Jenny Tyler to support treatment research for children afflicted with neurological diseases. The big-hearted band members also manage to volunteer at church, on their kids’ teams, and in their neighborhoods.

As their fame spreads they find themselves performing all over the greater Houston area as well as some out-of-town gigs. But balancing full-time jobs, family and rehearsals is a juggling act. They at times turn down opportunities when needed on the home front. “Family comes first,” says Wehlmann. “We have priorities and manage to make it all work, although it takes some effort to merge our individual calendars.”

As Wehlmann likes to say, “God, family, country and conservative values. All-in-all, pretty simple.” Visit their website, song list and upcoming events at www.crbband.com. From there fans can sign up for the band’s Plugged-In Newsletter.

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Pastor Profile: Reverend Rocky Summerfield

December 12 2011

We will Ride Ministries is a church designed by bikers, for bikers . . . but you don’t need to ride a motorcycle to attend. It’s a welcoming, eclectic gathering of believers who care about their faith walk and the community. Meet senior pastor and founder Rocky Summerfield. He leads the nondenominational congregation and takes the Bible seriously with the mantra, “Live to Read, Read to Live.” As a combat decorated Marine, he was called to ministry in 1997 and in 2002 became an alumnus of Washington Bible College/Capital Bible Seminary. He’s also a life time student of Tai Chi and retains his credentials as an NRA Certified Instructor and Glock Factory Armorer.

In short, Reverend Rocky is especially qualified to impact the lives of those who are not ready to enter a traditional church or who feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. “Come as you are,” says Summerfield. “Our church is open to anyone who can identify with jeans, t-shirts and leather. This is a church, not a fashion show or a place to show off the new duds!” Pierced, tattooed up, or just wanting to hear the Word of the Lord in a safe, friendly and fun environment—all are welcomed with open arms at We Will Ride Ministries.

We Will Ride Ministries was formed after Summerfield met a couple members of the Pagans motorcycle club. This group along with the Outlaws, Warlocks, Hells Angels and Bandidos are located predominantly in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and New Mexico and are labeled as outlaw. Yet Summerfield understood them and was able to minister, bond and gel, realizing that this demographic needed Jesus like anyone else. “I don’t push religion but provide counseling, prayer, hospitalization, etc.,” says Summerfield. “I’ve performed marriages for motorcycle riders from others clubs but not yet an outlaw club.” Summerfield has since shepherded all lifestyles of motorcycle enthusiasts. “Our “Biker Church” is a place for all to come, whether you ride a bike or not.”

We Will Ride Ministries is active in the community. Just recently, church members secured a storage unit at U-Haul in Katy to collect donations for victims of the fires. They also take prayer requests on their website. The congregation meets at the Spring Creek HOA Clubhouse located off 529 at 6722 Spring Creek in Houston and invite seekers to visit. A warm, accepting environment awaits as bikers and non-bikers worship the Lord.

Reverend Summerfield can be reached by phone at 713-480-8227 or by email at reverend.summerfieldjr@yahoo.com. The church website is http://bikerchurch.webs.com

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Christian Business Profile: Grand Vision Center

December 12 2011

Not only business partners, Dr. Brett and Dr. Ryann are brothers in a family-oriented Katy Proud business — Grand Vision Center. They were raised with three additional brothers by hard working, middle class parents and appreciate their roots. Both are graduates of University of Houston – College of Optometry, graduating just one year apart from each other.

Their interest in eye care began early on when their father exposed them to optics and the optical industry. This inspiration led them to careers in therapeutic optometry. They are also optometric glaucoma specialists and provide comprehensive eye care to adults and children.

Dr. Brett is a family man and will be celebrating a 25th wedding anniversary. He and his wife, Fatima, have three children. Their oldest,

Brittany, is a college student and chip off the old block. She plans to follow in her dad’s footsteps and apply at the University of Houston – College of Optometry after completing her undergraduate studies. She’s been helping at Grand Vision since the age of 16. Son Shane is a senior at Faith West Academy and enjoys sports. He, too, works at Grand Vision and is interested in the family business. Brooke, the youngest, has other plans and is an artist, like her mother.

Dr. Ryann is married to wife, Nikki, an esthetician. He appreciates the sacrifices made by his parents as they raised a large family. The expense of undergraduate and optometric schools was significant and through grants and scholarships he and his brother completed their educations. For this reason, since 2006 Grand Vision has been proud to partner with Katy ISD schools and provide graduating students the “Always Focusing on Katy” Scholarship. Four $1,000 scholarships are awarded to deserving Katy ISD students who meet the requirements and submit completed applications.

The “Always Focusing on Katy” scholarship program is in effect to students graduating in the current calendar year. Interestingly, the GPA requirement starts at 2.5 with a maximum GPA of 3.5. “We felt it important for the scholarship requirements to be reasonable so more students are able to qualify. We know some individuals are late bloomers and hope our scholarship can help nurture their academic growth,” says Dr. Brett. After all, through commitment, dedication and generous grants, he graduated Cumme Laude from the University of Houston – College of Optometry.

Being Katy Proud, Grand Vision Center has partnered with Katy ISD and the YMCA since 2002 to provide eye care and eyewear needs to students whose parents are unable to afford services. Since they began the effort, Grand Vision Center has provided a clearer future to over 800 students and continues to do so every day. Students qualifying for the reduced or free lunch program at school also qualify for “Glasses for Katy Kids” program. Additional information is available at local Katy ISD school nurse’s offices.

From corrective lenses through detecting and treating more serious eye conditions,  Grand Vision provides personalized eye care including: comprehensive eye exams, eye care for infants and children,  treatment of ocular diseases, diabetic eye care, emergency eye care, treatment of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), treatment of eye injuries, on-site retina specialist consultation/services, low vision aid for the visually impaired, contact lenses and eyeglasses (see our Optical Shop section), online contact lens ordering, and online appointment scheduling.

Dr. Brett and Dr. Ryann always look forward to seeing clients at their office or in the community!  Visit them at 1534 S. Grand Parkway, Katy, TX 77494. They can be contacted at 281-693-3937. Check out their website at http://Grandvisionkaty.com.

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Birthday Cake for Jesus!

December 12 2011

We love to hear from our readers, especially around Christmas time. One story, in particular, impressed us so much that we had to share.

Chris Koehn describes a family tradition that came to life when her children were young, helping her put the “holy” back in “holidays” once and for all. Amid television commercials, wish lists, house lights and wrapping paper she had became worried that the true meaning of Christmas was being diluted. The challenge was how best to teach her little girl and boy the authentic Christmas message.

Even preschoolers can be adversely affected by commercialism, as she discovered one December. “What is Christmas about?” she asked her little ones, curious about their knowledge of this sacred season. “It’s about presents and Santa!” her kiddos responded, adding “And baby Jesus,” as an after thought. It was the after thought that got her thinking. “I wanted our main focus to be on Jesus’ birth – God’s wonderful gift to us,” says Koehn. “Obviously I needed to ramp up my instruction on the true meaning of Christmas.

Her solution was brilliant. “We give gifts to one another at Christmas for three reasons,” she told her brood. “Number one, God loved us so much that he gave us Jesus, the perfect gift. Number two, the Wise Men gave baby Jesus presents, and we exchange gifts just like them. And number three, Christmas is Jesus’ birthday party and we celebrate it with presents.” Her son and daughter were all ears, soaking up the message. The idea of Christmas as a birthday party made sense to them both.

The time came to bake Santa some cookies for Christmas Eve. However, her children had her own plans. They wanted to make birthday cake, instead. She was floored at their suggestion! Of course! Why hadn’t she thought of that sooner? Koehn promised to bake birthday cake instead of cookies from that year forward – what better way to honor Christ’s birth than to share birthday cake? “We can leave a slice out for Santa,” the kids exclaimed, excited at the prospect.

Santa must have loved that cake very much, because he left a thank you note for the kids on Christmas morning:

Dear Carly and Hohlt,

I’m so glad you shared a slice of Jesus’ birthday cake with me!  Thank you so much!  I’m so glad that you know the true meaning of Christmas!

Love, Santa

P. S. My real name is Saint Nick and I am Jesus Christ’s ambassador.  Notice the “Christ” in “Christmas” – Jesus Christ IS Christmas!

During that special Christmas came a simple but meaningful Christmas tradition. Although her kids are now much older, to this day Koehn and her family leave birthday cake out for Santa. It’s a tradition worth sharing!

Katy Christian Magazine wishes you a very merry Christmas, sends you much love, and hopes you enjoy a delicious slice of birthday cake Christmas morning!

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Restoring Honor and Dignity

October 13 2011

Restoring Honor and Dignity to Women and Children of Rape Conception

It’s a topic very few discuss, either from lack or awareness or general discomfort. But for women and children who were conceived in rape, their situation is very real. They live with the knowledge that their conception was a violent act. How does one process that? Further, if assaulted and faced with pregnancy, to whom does one turn?

That question is best answered by singer/songwriter and author Juda Myers who, herself, was conceived in rape. First, she formed a private Yahoo support group for birth/adoptive mothers and children of rape conception. The outpouring spurred her to form CHOICES4LIFE out of a need that had not yet been addressed (or fully embraced) by the faith community.  In other words, Myers brought the subject out of darkness and into the light.

“We are on the record of valuing life, no exceptions,” says Myers. “Even pro-life advocates often make exceptions in cases of rape or incest. But I ask them to consider the value that their fellow human beings bring to the world – people such as myself who are here only because our mothers refused to abort, even under extraordinary pressure.” Myers was adopted, and after meeting her birth mother in 2005 learned of the ordeal that led to her adoption. Eight men had raped her mother and her grandmother pushed for an abortion. It was matter of conscience. Against the odds Myers was brought into the world to pursue her special mission. Her eyes had been opened to the death wish placed upon children such as herself. Only through her security in God did she come to terms with the plight of her mother, herself and others in similar circumstances.

This is not an unusual situation, although it is generally a silent subject and seemingly shameful fate . . . until now. Meyers is determined to support  the decision to carry to term and seeks to educate family and friends who otherwise might  pressure or abandon mothers who are faced with such a situation. She feels it is time to halt the almost “standard” compulsion to terminate pregnancies in such cases. She feels women who choose life should be celebrated. “Certainly, women pregnant from rape have not had the respect and compassion they’ve needed,” says Myers, who has devoted her life to doing something about it.  Since 2003 she’s shared her testimony around the country and even in South Africa. Hearts and minds were changed even at Harvard and the United Nations with women of rape conception whispering their secret at each event.

In a first of its kind celebration, CHOICES4LIFE is hosting the Honor For Life Awards Gala in the Humble Civic Center in Humble, Texas on November 20. This unprecedented event will be held to restore honor and dignity to women and children of rape conception. “Honoring women who fought against society to save their rape conceived babies is paramount. True heroes have no regrets of giving birth to their babies. The rape is regrettable but the babies are not,” says Myers.

Visit www.choices4life.org to see real life photos of victorious women and children who have reclaimed their dignity after making (or benefiting from) a life-altering and life-affirming decision. Life advocates are invited to purchase tickets for the Honor For Life Awards Gala on November 20th. The Gala will be filled with people who have survived what few can only imagine, yet embrace their lives and circumstances with courage and pride. A delicious dinner will be served, testimonies shared, and heroes of the life movement featured.

There is help and guidance for women and children involved in rape conception. Visit http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/AssaultConception/ for support and encouragement. Myers also has a helpful website at www.juda4praise.com. Also check out these helpful sites: Houston Coalition For Life, Human Life Alliance, Life Advocates of Houston, Personhood USA, Pro Life Action League, Pro Life Unity.

Myers would like Christians to reflect and consider supporting the value of human life regardless of the circumstances surrounding a conception.

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Pastor Profile: Tim Douglas

October 13 2011

Pastor Profile: Tim Douglas of Creekside Community Church

When people ask about Katy, Pastor Tim Douglas tells them, “Katy is a great place to live, run a business, meet diverse people and find welcoming places to worship.” His church, Creekside Community, is among those welcoming places. “We are the ‘new kid on the block’ and opened our doors on Easter Sunday, 2010, specifically to see people others may not see,” says Douglas. “We welcome anyone who wants to explore God, faith and relationships, and many of our participants haven’t been to church for years, if at all. Yet we are drawn together to serve our community and to know a Power greater than ourselves.”

Douglas holds a B.A. in Theology and a Masters of Divinity in Biblical Languages & Religious Education. He married his wife, Val, in 1992, and is the father of three teens: Kyle 13, Reagan, 15 and Jami, 17. He’s also taught piano and enjoys the musical talent that runs in his family. Val sings beautifully and his daughter, Reagan, just performed an original solo at the Cinco High Coffee House and earned rave reviews.

He and Val have followed their vision to reach the multiple ethnic groups of Katy with God’s love. Douglas served as an associate pastor at a local church and stepped down from that long-term ministry to follow this call of God. Together they began to develop the group of Christ followers and were joined from the very beginning by Associate Pastor Angelo Gonzalez and his wife Sarah, as well as Children’s Pastor Amanda Morvant and her husband, Maurice.

Churches in Katy vary in worship styles, denominational ties and community involvement. What sets Creekside apart, according to Douglas, is the congregations’s penchant for serving the needy, loving those who are less than perfect and accepting people wherever they are on their faith journey. In fact, they held five community events before ever holding their first service. “We also live intentionally, befriending those who are not like us in ethnicity, socioeconomic status or in age. We love the diversity of people God has placed around us,” says Douglas of the come-as-you-are atmosphere at Creekside.

Even being small congregation, Creekside spends a huge amount of their money in mission work. “We took 8 people to an African orphan village, and every month we raise money or goods (like school supplies) for a local ministry such as Katy christian Ministries. We may fix an elderly person’s house or respond as we hear of a need. The goal is to make sure people don’t get busy sitting in church,” says Douglas. “I like to see us not so much as a church, but as a movement.”

Creekside Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 on the Woodcreek Junior High campus located at 1801 Woodcreek Bend Lane. Check out their upcoming events at www.thecreekside.org.

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Christian Business Profile: Randy Smith of Appian Commercial Lending

October 13 2011

Randy Smith is a local Christian businessman and founder of Appian Commercial Lending. He ran as a Republican for state office in 2006. As a busy father of three (Audrey, Dalton and Rachel), husband to Heather and a volunteer with the Katy Area Republicans, he still finds time to support charitable organizations. For years he has co-sponsored scholarships for two worthy organizations along with friend and State Representative John Zerwas, M.D., of District 28, representing much of Katy and Fort Bend.

Mourning a good friend and business partner

Smith is mourning the unexpected death of his business partner, Chris Wadkins, who Smith recently brought onboard at Appian Commercial Lending. “Last month I was concerned that my partner missed my daughter’s birthday party. That evening I learned he passed away the night before. Chris Wadkins was more than a partner and more like a brother to me and an uncle to my children. We’d been friends for 25 years and have spent the last 20 years of helping families purchase and refinance residential homes along with commercial lending. I’m going to miss Chris terribly,” says Smith, who has picked up the reins but still struggles with the loss. “Over the last few years both Chris and I have witnessed the effects of banks closing and the subsequent increased lending restrictions. For these reasons we made the decision to move our focus away from the residential lending into the commercial arena.”

The business attributes of Appian Commercial Lending

By combining their years of experience and commercial banking and private investment contacts, the firm realized a huge opportunity in the amount of people they could help with their commercial needs to acquire non-owner residential homes, office buildings, land and SBA business loans. “We also have added a new cash advance business loan program for merchant,” says Smith. “With the increased banking restrictions many business owners and commercial property owners are turning to our private lending sources to obtain short term bridge loans and then seek SBA loans as an exit strategy.” Unlike most commercial lenders, the Appian Way of commercial lending is the first to combine superior commercial lending sources, loan packaging, and loan processing with the strong components of a website with proprietary technology. This is the founding philosophy at Appian Commercial Lending.

Giving back to the community

For years Smith and Representative John Zerwas, M.D., hosted events benefiting the Fort Bend Sheriff’s Deputy Student Scholarship Fund and the Future Leader’s Student Scholarship fund. “It’s easy to take for granted family, friends, good health and a successful business,” says Smith. “I had everything I wanted but something was missing. I shared these thoughts with a Christian childhood friend, George Abboud from Smart Group Houston, to whom I refer customers for financial advice. He invited me to a week-end CMBC Christians businessmen’s retreat. It was an awesome weekend. God opened my eyes and I decided to begin tithing part of my commission back to the less fortunate. I contribute to the KIVA project in giving non-recourse loans to families in torn countries like Iraq and Afghanistan. My vision and hope is that we help change the hearts of those people who may otherwise join our enemies. I pray this may help bring one soldier home safely.”

Smth also wants to honor his partner, Chris. He and Gary Wadkins, Chris’ father, are establishing the Christopher Wadkins Memorial Fund and will give to Christian organizations from the loans they close. “As Appian Commercial Lending grows we hope to increase our contributions. Chris would want it that way,” says Smith.

On the home front

Smith grew up in Katy back in the mid 1970s and came back to raise his family. Smith is fascinated by history and has a collection of antique weapons dating back to the battle for Texas independence. He started his collection to encourage his children to learn more about history. Smith’s two older children, Audrey and Dalton, were recently the inspiration for a legislative bill that seeks to “borrow” the Gray’s Flag, captured by Mexico at the Alamo, for display at the State Capital or at the Alamo. He and Heather are celebrating a 12th wedding anniversary this month. The family attends Grace Fellowship.

From the heart

“My advice to people is to remember that money and credit scores will always come and go, but we should never allow a moment to pass by without hugging someone we love and spending time with those we care about,” says Smith. “Death is always sad but not the end. In fact is the beginning of true life. We are nor perfect and we all have our weaknesses but taking a moment to read a few pages of the Bible and giving thanks for God’s many blessings is the best therapy for me.”

Contact

“If you are a Realtor with clients looking to buy investment homes or a home investor please visit our web site,” says Smith. “We also can help small businesses with merchant cash advance loans by using their future credit card cash receivables as collateral.” Visit Appian Commercial Lending at www.applending.com.

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Building Homes with Abiding Faith: David Weekley

August 17 2011

With a struggling economy and the worst housing downturn in 50 years, many Christians face financial and life uncertainties. One constant in these challenging times is the knowledge that God is in control. Meet one home builder who has weathered the storm with unwavering faith and a dose of optimism.

David Weekley is a highly recognizable name in the home building business. What readers may not know is that Weekley is a Christian whose faith is reflected throughout his company. He was raised in a Christian family at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church where his father taught Sunday School. “I committed my life to Christ with Young LIfe during High School, then dropped away during college and my early business years,” says Weekley. “I recommitted in my early 40’s due to a number of factors including a mid-life awakening and encouragement from my friends. I also participated in Cursillo – an experience that renewed my faith and impacted  my family and the way I do business.”

As a young man, Weekley followed his childhood sweetheart, Bonnie, to Trinity University in San Antonio and was on track for Harvard Business School, lacking just two requisite years of management experience. “I had no idea I would be in the home building business,” says Weekley. “When recruiters from a home builder visited my campus looking for management-trainee candidates, I accepted their offer.”  He quickly discovered his passion and rose through the ranks. “I liked the company and was learning a lot and doing well,” says Weekley. “Yet I was fired for speaking up on what I considered to be an ethical issue.” Rather than impeding his career, it set wheels in motion. “My older brother financed us to get started in 1976, and the whole journey has been simply providential!””

Weekley is a proud father and husband for 33 years to Bonnie. “I’m fortunate to have three great kids and two precious grandkids, all in different places in their faith journey – as most kids are,” says Weekley. “I have faith that they are progressing forward, and in many ways they are farther along than I was at their age!” As for business advice, “If possible, surround yourself with like-minded people that you are accountable to,” says Weekley. “I’ve been fortunate to be able to create the company culture and hire and work with people sharing the same values. We attempt to run our organization with an emphasis on being other-oriented and Enhancing People’s Lives: Our Team, Our Customers, and Our Community.”

Weekley has steered his company into socially and environmentally responsible initiatives with a focus on wide-ranging stewardship. “As part of my Christian awakening almost 20 years ago, I committed to give 50% of my income and time to charitable causes. Since 1992 I’ve found that you can’t “out-give” God. He has blessed our company and me greatly. Based upon my ownership share, approximately 20% of the company’s earnings go into charitable causes. I don’t think this is something that any other home builder does,” says Weekley. His community-consciousness doesn’t stop there. In terms of energy efficiency, his company is on the cutting edge. “We are one the only builders in Houston to offer the Environments for Living Platinum program, which allows us to issue a guarantee for energy usage of each home which can been seen on our website, or in our “Green Rooms” display at our models.”

Through all life’s highs and lows, Weekley realizes that he’s not in control and that God navigates downturns and the upswings. “I just keep the faith and keep on keeping on!I believe home ownership is one of life’s greatest achievements and have been privileged to share this dream with over 65,000 families,” he says. “This unique experience has taught me that, beneath the surface, we have a lot more in common than we might think. Whether we’re recent immigrants or our ancestors arrived on the Mayflower, each of us wants our loved ones to have a hot meal and a roof over their head. No matter where we live or the color of our skin, all of us want our children to have it better than we did.”

Weekley currently sits on the board of Camp Eagle in the Texas Hill Country that ministers to over 10,000 people per year and continues to lead his company into 2011 with God’s guidance.

For more information on home ownership and ‘green’ initiatives visit www.davidweekleyhomes.com.

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Pastor Profile: Dr. Ed Young

August 17 2011

Dr. Ed Young is the busy senior pastor of one church on five campuses. Founded in 1927, the church has much to offer children, youth, families and volunteers. Worshipers converge at the Houston (Woodway) location as well as Katy (West), Pearland (South), Kingwood (North) and Cypress. With nearly 60,000 members, Sundays are a busy day of celebrating Christ. Weekday ministries also abound. As Dr. Young is fond of saying, “There’s something for everyone at Second.”

Young is a proud husband and father. As a testament to the importance of being equally yoked, Jo Beth and Dr. Young were married June 28, 1959, and have celebrated their 52nd anniversary. They have three sons and 10 grandchildren. Their son, Cliff, is the lead singer in the popular Christian band, Caedmon’s Call – which has ties to Katy. Mrs. Young teaches Bible classes at the West Campus in Katy and the Woodway Campus in Houston.

Young is renowned for his parenting and marriage wisdom which he shares on his Winning Walk broadcast ministry. He’s authored several books on the topic, including Against All Adds: Family Survival in a Hostile World, Romancing the Home: How to Have a Marriage That Sizzles, The 10 Commandments of Parenting, and The 10 Commandments of Marriage, helping untold families successfully navigate relationship challenges.

Dr. Young and his staff oversee many ministries including music, community outreach, VBS and dozens more. The church is active in hospitals and hospices. Members support the military, the disabled, the homeless and the housebound. “Visit a campus near you and get plugged in. There are many ways to serve the Lord by serving others,” says Young.

Among Young’s favorites youth activities are the annual beach retreats for high school and junior high students. “Kids need encouragement, guidance, comfort and direction. It is a great privilege to see thousands of teens and ‘tweens transform as they reflect on their relationship with Christ one special week each summer,” says  Young, who attends these events.

Second Baptist’s worldwide Mission Trips – Bring Peace 2011 campaign includes Guatemala, Mexico, Columbia, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Sudan, Nepal, Syria, Iraq and India. “Due to the crisis in the Middle East, we ask that you pray for the safety of our missionaries who spread the Gospel under the harshest conditions.” It is Young’s hope that peace and healing come to the troubled region.

Visit Second Baptist’s website, www.second.org, to learn more about opportunities to worship and serve. Dr. Young’s Winning Walk website is www.winningwalk.org. Check out Caedmon’s Call at www.caedmonscall.com.

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Back to School in Katy

August 17 2011

After a fun summer break families are refocusing on back to school preparations. From school supplies to immunizations, there are resources available to help families navigate through the requirements.

School supply shopping is always high on the to-do list.  A complete list of grade-appropriate Katy ISD school supplies can be downloaded at www.katyisd.org/parents/Pages/SchoolSupply.aspx. A few PTA or PTOs may offer prepackaged and reasonably-priced school supply bundles. Check with your child’s campus to see if these convenient packages are available. Also, be sure to look for flyers from stores like Walgreens, CVS, Office Max and Office Depot offering promotions on every thing from loose leaf paper to glue to erasers. Walmart will offer their usual deeply discounted notebooks, binders, pencils and everything else on your list.

This year Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller, announced that our annual back to school tax-free weekend falls on August 19, 20 and 21 and can save shoppers around $8 on every $100 they spend. Check out the supplies, backpacks, lunch kits, clothing and shoes that fall under the sales tax exemption at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxpubs/tx98_490/tx98_490.html.  August often ushers in a mecca of clothing sales that coincide with the tax-free holiday. The malls from Memorial City to Katy Mills, as well as local boutiques, will be crowded. But savings await if you can tolerate the lines. For devoted bargain hunters, Plato’s Closet, The Children’s Carousel, and other used or consignment stores offer deeply discounted apparel that may just suit your picky shopper.

Are you new to the area? The required school enrollment paperwork can seem daunting, but check out Katy ISD’s information page at www.katyisd.org/parents/Pages/NewToKaty.aspx for zoning, campus, busing and so much more. This link covers food services and Special Education, as well.  Registration dates and time can be found at www.katyisd.org/parents/Pages/Registration.aspx.  Registration can be done online, although parents must still attend the August campus registration events in person.  Scroll down the registration website page to find Immunization requirements.

Have a budding athlete? Katy ISD has a variety of vibrant athletics programs. For a list of athletic directors and coaches (and the sports they sponsor) go to www.katyisd.org/athletics/Pages/AthleticStaff.aspx.

Many families are interested in enrolling their children in local charter or private schools.  The following websites offer school bios, registration information and applicable tuition:

Pope John XXIII High School – http://www.pj23.org

Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy – http://www.westlakeprep.org

Faith West Academy – www.faithwest.org

Katy Adventist Christian School  – www.katyadventistschool.com

Aristoi Classical (formerly West Houston Charter) – www.aristoiclassical.org

Calvin Nelms Charter School – www.cnchs.net

For home schoolers, Katy is has a local group that networks together. Contact www.katytexashomeschoolinggroup.ning.com to connect with other home schooling families and find out about curriculum options and outings.

All in all, the school year is upon us and we look forward to another year of learning. Whether your child is in public, private, charter or home school, the staff of Katy Christian Magazine is prayerfully asking God’s favor for an enriching 2011/2012. Don’t forget – we love to profile Christian students in all our issues.  Do you have a Christian son or daughter who would like to share their bio, favorite scripture, and a picture?  If so, contact the publisher at joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com.

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