Tim Patterson, Mission Committee Vice-Chair, had his first experience with Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) in 2013. Read more about his first hand account on this wonderful missionary event!
Once a month, a small band of WHPC folks (10–12 of us) heads to Community First! Village and throws a block-party–style dinner at King Park. We set tables, cook a simple meal, decorate around a theme, say a prayer (often led by a neighbor), and—most importantly—sit down and talk. Thirty to forty-five neighbors from the 400s–600s streets show up. We learn names. We hear stories. We laugh. We belong to each other for an evening.
This is not a “serve and leave” project. It’s shared life. It’s our church’s commitment to dignity, discipleship and education —neighbors leading prayers, requesting themes, shaping menus, and helping host.
And it’s working—building a community that is not just for the neighbors, but is for all who attend.
High School Senior, Henry Files first came to King Park four years ago to help install the park. He’s been back nearly every month since. Here’s what he’s learned:
“Homelessness is isolation. Community First! gives support, but our Meetups help with belonging. Blair, the self-appointed mayor, has taught me to advocate for people. Charles, in his metallic-pink construction clothes, reminds me to never be ashamed of who I am. Brian, the artist, showed me that work can be joyful.
Every time I look someone in the eye and greet them by name, I watch their face light up. They feel seen. And honestly, they’ve helped me as much as I’ve helped them.”
That’s the jewel of King Park: seeing and being seen on a regular basis. It is rhythm, relationship and the love of God in action.
If you want to learn more about how to get involved with this meaningful monthly gathering, reach out to Martin Hunt (martin4hunt@gmail.com).
Mission
A Visit to First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville
by Pastor Stephen Finkel
Last week, I had the privilege of visiting our faith partners at First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville—a congregation that has become a lifeline for their community in the wake of the devastating Central Texas floods.
Eighty-two days after the floodwaters rose, I sat in the pastor’s office, jaw dropped, listening to story after story of heartbreak—and hope. The room was calm, but just outside its walls, the work of rebuilding lives continues in full force.
At Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, we believe in the power of restoration—the kind of transformation that happens when someone hears, perhaps for the first time, “You matter. You are not alone. There is hope.” That’s exactly what Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) offers families across Texas—and why we’re proud to call them a mission partner. We recently got an update from PCHAS during our monthly Mission Spotlight at WHPC.
Mission
We believe that faith calls us to action at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church. Throughout Scripture, God commands us to care for the vulnerable, provide shelter for the homeless, and extend love to those in need. This mission drives our deep commitment to supporting families experiencing homelessness in Austin. One of the most powerful ways we are living out this call is through our partnership with the Foundation for the Homeless (FFH) and Peace Lutheran Church’s Peace Family Housing Project, a collaborative effort to provide transitional housing for families in crisis.
Written by Handy and Barbara Williamson
Anyone who doubts the saying, “the gift is in the giving,” should try volunteering, especially given multiple opportunities through Caring Ministries at WHPC. For us, it began with The Gathering and expanded to include Community First. In addition, we spent a Sunday afternoon riding in the Mobile Loaves and Fishes truck delivering meals to the homeless.
Although each experience was different, the commonality was meeting people where they were, without judgment, and trying to lend a helping hand.
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