Ministries at DSPC

DSPC began in 2005 with a small group of people who had many wonderful ideas and dreams about what they wanted to see in a new Presbyterian Church in Dripping Springs. In just a few years, through the guidance and love of the Spirit and a lot of hard work by the congregation, all types of ministries have grown from this young church--and it just's beginning! Following is an overview of the ministries and programs currently in the works at DSPC.

Children's Ministry

DSPC is blessed with numerous little people who represent the future of DSPC and of our community. Consequently, children's ministry has been a high priority since our beginning. This ministry includes regular Sunday school classes, involvement in morning worship, Vacation Bible School every summer, and other special educational, mission-related and fellowship activities. Our current Director of Children's Ministry is Tommy Williams. You can learn more about our Children's Ministry program by visiting the Children's Ministry web page.

In 2007, DSPC opened the Dripping Springs Presbyterian Academy for pre-school students in the church and community. The Academy offers partial or full week schedules for parents of young children. We were blessed with the recruitment of Leslie Cox as our director, a church member and professionally-trained pre-school educator who was working in the DSISD. The school continues to maintain maximum enrollment as people in Dripping Springs are seeking a safe, secure, Christian-based environment for their children. We hope to expand the school through higher grade levels when we have the physical facilities and resources in the future. The church has done fundraisers to support this ministry such as two benefit golf tournaments and the sales of personalized bricks for the path to the playground. Check out the DSP Academy Web site for more information.

Youth Ministry

Currently we have a Youth Ministry that people of all ages would probably enjoy. Our young, talented, and downright fun director, Mitch Kolls, has created a program called "WakeUp" (the world around you) and he has definitely succeeded in waking up our young people. They love him! The program offers Christian education on Sunday mornings, as well as weekly youth meetings for fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth. The Youth Group also has special events and activites including mission projects and fellowship events. The group made it's first ski trip to Colorado this winter. Visit the WakeUp Youth Web site created by Mitch and learn more about our exciting program.

Adult Ministries

Adult Christian education and spiritual ministries have been an important ministry at DSPC as they serve to enhance the personal spiritual growth of each of us, and also promote closer relationships among members of our church family. In addition to Sunday morning Adult C.E. classes, we offer a number of small groups for men, for women and for mixed adult groups. While some groups meet at the church, others are held in the homes of DSPC members. Programs include Bible studies, discussion groups on current books or video series, marriage enrichment classes and other topics. While most series are short term, we've also offered long term studies such as nine-month Discipleship classes. DSPC has Stephen's Lay Ministers who have completed in-depth studies offered by Stephen Ministries. The church is actively involved in the Austin Presbyterian Pilgrimage Community. Several members have attended Pilgrimage (formerly Cursillo) retreats and our pastor, musicians, and other members have participated as staff for these retreats and events. Visit our Adult Small Groups Web page, church newsletters and the Web calendar to learn more about Adult Christian Education activities.

Family and Fellowship Ministries

We have offered numerous family and fellowship activities in the past, and these types of activities will continue to be a part of our ministry. Family picnics at the Meyer's ranch, Christmas caroling through Dripping Springs' neighborhoods, and Saturday evening "Family Fun Nights" are just a few of the events that have occurred in the past. We've also held family gatherings during the Advent season to make Advent wreathes and to decorate the church. As good Presbyterians, you can bet that food is involved in almost all activities. DSPC also has annual all-family church retreats at Mo-Ranch in the beautiful Texas hill country near Hunt, Texas. Visit our Fellowship Web page for more informaton about current fellowship activities.

Mission and Outreach Ministries

Once again, DSPC has been blessed with a very active mission and outreach program. Mission programs range from local community projects to international mission projects. Local mission projects include Helping Hands and Manos de Cristo. In the past, DSPC has partnered with Faith Ministry/Ministerio de Fe, Inc. to offer aid to those in need in Mexico. DSPC has been involved in two home-building mission trips in the colonias of Mexican border towns. DSPC has also travelled to other cities and states in the United States for mission and outreach. Fundraisers have been an important part of our mission and outreach program. For example, DSPC has held three benefit concerts to raise funds for mission projects. DSPC also participates annually in the Dripping Springs Founders Day event each spring. Our great chefs known as the "Holy Cows" keep the pits going throughout the weekend. This is also a great outreach to the DS community, especially for those who may be seeking a church home. Currently, the mission team holds a pancake breakfast once a month on every third Sunday for mission support. Visit the Mission Web page for more information.

Music Ministry

In the beginning church organizational meetings in living rooms around Dripping Springs, someone always brought a guitar and we sang praise songs. Needless to say, music is an important ministry at DSPC. It seems we've never had a shortage of musicians and singers to provide music for worship and other church activities. Some of our musicians are also great songwriters, so original worship tunes are just a natural part of this ministry. We have two praise and worship bands that provide music for each of the Sunday worship services and for other special services such as Christmas Eve and Good Friday. In addition to the bands, we have musicians and singers of all ages who provide special music for us from time to time. Visit our Music Web page to learn more about this ministry.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

A group of women in the church known as the Nimbi Knitters knit beautiful shawls that are prayed over by members of the group. These prayer shawls are given to people who are dealing with some type of illness or personal crisis in their lives. It is a wonderful token of love and comfort during an otherwise difficult time. You can join the knitters in their ministry, even if you don't know how to knit. They'll teach you! They meet every 2nd Thursday from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the church.

Ministry Teams

The church has numerous ministry teams and everyone is encouraged to join one or more team. These teams are the "behind-the-scenes" action that make nearly everything possible that's listed on this page. Visit our Teams Web page for more information.