Patrick Chaney: Patrick is a Systematic Theologian who grew up in Moody, TX. He received his B.S. from Texas Tech University in Human Development and Family Studies and his Masters of Divinity from SMU Perkins School of Theology. His particular area of focus was systematic theology, with an emphasis on the Trinity.
Clinton Wilcox: Clinton is an apologist and author for the Life Training Institute. While capable of defending the Christian faith on a wide range of issues, Clinton’s primary focus in the area of bioethics (abortion, euthanasia, etc.).
David Dover: David has his MDIV from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, is am Air Force veteran, and has spent decades in the ministry in a variety of roles including evangelist, Baptist Student Ministry Director, hospital chaplain, and pastor.
Marc Lambert: Pastor at Liberty Hill, focuses on helping people seek the answers to their questions and doubts.
Critical Theory and all of it’s various cultural incarnations (Social Justice, Intersectionality, Critical Race Theory, Gender Theory, etc.) is a toxic ideology that is destructive to the church and society as a whole. As followers of Christ, we are to dedicated to the truth and to loving our neighbors. As such, we should oppose falsehood and injustices in our society. At this time in America, there is no more pernicious and nefarious injustice being perpetrated on the American people than the lie of Critical Theory.
The problems in our culture cannot be solved by divisive untruths. They need the Gospel of Christ.
Below are several resources that present the facts about Critical Theory so that we may be equipped to understand and respond to the culture around us on these issues.
Collection of scholars addressing the cultural shift towards Critical Theory and seeking to get back to open and honest dialogue. Contributors include Peter Boghossian, James Lindsay, and Helen Pluckrose, the authors of several bogus journal articles that exposed the political agenda of Critical Theory based disciplines.
* New Discourses is not a Christian organization. Please do not see their inclusion on this list as an endorsement of everything they say. However, their research and insights on Critical Theory are useful for understanding the ideology better.
Carolyn “Caryn” Hambrick Petzold, 55, passed away, from a tragic accident, on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, July 16, 2020 at Liberty Hills Baptist Church, Moody, Texas officiated by Pastor Carroll Hambrick. Interment will follow in Waco Memorial Park. If you would like to honor Caryn’s life, you may join the family for a visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Cole Funeral Home, McGregor, Texas.
Caryn was born in Dallas, Texas on November 24, 1964 to Teddy and Elizabeth Lowe. Her mother passed away when she was 12, and Caryn was adopted by her aunt and uncle, I.G. and Nell Vaden of Lufkin, Texas. As a child, she lived in several places across Texas and in several other states. As a teenager, she lived in Lufkin, Texas and graduated from Lufkin High School, where she was a member of the dance troop. Caryn was very involved in her church and sang in the choir. In high school, she worked during summers as a junior forest ranger and worked as a camp counselor, at Piney Woods youth camp in East Texas, where she made lifelong friends. She also worked as a photographer’s assistant, a daycare worker, and as a secretary in many places. She worked as a secretary for Elm Creek Water Supply and for the past eight years she was the office manager. Caryn had the voice of an angel and loved to sing in her church choir. She loved teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Caryn married the love of her life, Christopher “Chris” Petzold in December of 1989. She was a loving mom and devoted Nana.
Preceding Caryn in death were parents, Ted Lowe and Elizabeth Lowe, I.G. Vaden and Nell Vaden; sisters, Debera Kizer, and Kay Vaden.
Survivors include husband, of 30 years, Chris Petzold; sons, Matthew Hambrick and wife, Chelsea, Michael and wife, Olivia; grandchildren, Cahnnon Hambrick, Hunter Lynne Hunter, Hayes Hambrick, Aiden Petzold, Easton Petzold, Cason Petzold; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or to Liberty Hills Baptist Church.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
This is not goodbye, but until we meet again my love. . .your favorite.
James Dowell Mars, 78, passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm. Thursday, July 9, 2020 at Liberty Hill Baptist Church, Moody, Texas, officiated by Reverend Roy Marshall. A visitation will be 4:00 pm. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at Cole Funeral Home, McGregor, Texas, masks are required. The family will have a private burial.
James was born in Moody, Texas on October 23, 1941 to Jimmy R. Mars and Jessie Corine (Dowell) Mars. He graduated from Bruceville-Eddy High School in 1960, from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1969 with a degree in electrical engineering, and became a professional engineer in 1973. He was employed by Texas Power and Light in 1969, retired from TU Electric in 1997 after 29 years of service, then started his own business, Genesis Engineering. James served on the National Electrical Code and the International Electrical Code Board. James married Paula Dianna Talbert on September 15, 1961 in China Spring, Texas. They were married for 58 years. He was a dedicated Christian, deacon, Sunday School teacher, enjoyed working with the Texas Baptist Men Church Builders, and was a founding member of Oak Crest Baptist Church where he was chairman of the building committee. After retirement, his passion was traveling and flying his airplane.
Preceding James in death were his parents, Jimmy and Jessie Mars.
Survivors include daughters, Kim Mars Mahlstedt and husband, Scott, Sherri Mars Gibson and husband, Andy; son, Matthew and wife, Beth; brother, Jerry and wife, Betty; grandchildren, Allison Mahlstedt, Aaron Mahlstedt, Andrew Gibson, and Ryan Gibson.
Luke 9:1-2,10, “Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. 2 He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. … 10 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.
Reflections:
Think of all the wonderful and amazing blessing that God has given in this life? All the wonders of nature, relationships, and different abilities that we have.
What are some ways that you can slow down and get the rest that you need and praise God for (and enjoy) the many blessings He has given?
“15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?”
18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.”
So they brought Him a denarius. 20 And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.”
And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way.
23 The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 24 saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. 27 Last of all the woman died also. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.”
29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” 33 And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching.
34 But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?”
They said to Him, “TheSon of David.”
43 He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool” ’? 45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” 46 And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore.
Reflections:
Despite our questions and doubts and excuse-making, Jesus still offers us grace and patience as we wrestle through issues and seek answers.
What secondary issues or questions do you allow to influence how you think about the main question, “Who is Jesus Christ?”
7 They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying:
“Hosanna to the Son of David!
‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’
Hosanna in the highest!”
10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”
Reflections:
Too often people think about Jesus as just some other person making some claim on our lives, but how does it change things when we realize that He is the sovereign King and Creator who has rightful claim over all thing … yet who humbly comes calling us to Himself?
Beginning Wednesday, April 1st, we will try a new service that should allow our online classes to be more interactive without the need to sign up for an account with YouTube.
No need to register an account
Works on any computer, smartphone or tablet.
You WILL need to download the App for your device.
While churches were not strictly forbidden from gathering, Liberty Hill had opted to suspend in-person gatherings and began holding remote services. On Monday, April 27th, Governor Abbott issued an executive order allowing business to begin to reopen under certain guidelines. As we begin to get out and resume a more normal daily life in general, we have decided to also begin the transition into more normal church life as well.
Beginning Sunday, May 10th, Liberty Hill will resume gatherings for Sunday morning services and Wednesday evening Bible study.
Sunday School resumed May 24th, in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00am.
Sunday Evening Bible Study resumes June 7th at 6:00pm.
Wednesday Evening Youth Activities (7:00pm) have resumed as of June 3rd.
All other events will remain suspended for now. Over the next several weeks, we hope to begin activities again as we determine the best and safest course of action to do so.
We WILL continue livestreaming the Sunday services and Wednesday Bible study.
If you have a condition that places you at higher risk from the disease, or just prefer to play it safe for now, please feel free to remain home. I do not want anyone to feel they are obligated to return to church in person at this time.
But for those who are able and wish to gather, we will be open with the following guidelines to help us all get through this time safely.
We all know that the Coronavirus can be spread to others by infected persons who have few or no symptoms. While LHBC will be mindful of federal and state laws and guidance, our aim is to take actions to protect our congregation, especially our at-risk population, and to be a comfort and support during this time.
These initial guidelines are taken from Governor Abbott’s executive order GA-18, issued on April 27, 2020 on religious services.
Hand sanitizer with be provided in the entrance. Please apply on entering the church and leaving. As always, wash hands frequently.
Say “Hello” instead of a handshake or hug. Maintaining good social distance (about six feet) is very important. Please keep at least 6 feet between you and fellow members.
Keep at least two empty seats (or six feet separation) between parties in any row, except as follows:
Two or more members of the same household can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side
Two individuals who are not members of the same household but who are attending together can sit adjacent to one another, with two seats (or six feet separation) empty on either side
Alternate rows between attendees (every other row left empty)
CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask and want one, several ladies in the church are making some available. Make sure it covers your mouth and nose and wash after use in regular wash and dryer.
After service, a volunteer will wipe frequently touched objects such as door knobs, countertops, rails, pews, song books, etc.
Rather than passing the plate, Tithes & Offerings can be placed in the container at the back of the church. Members opting to remain at home can still mail in their tithes and offerings or deposit them directly to the bank in Moody.
For now, the only activities will be Sunday morning services and Wednesday evening Bible Study. All other activities such as Children’s Ministry, Nursery, Sunday evening service, Youth gatherings, Sunday School, Baptisms, Communion, and meal days will remain suspended as we devise means by which to reintroduce them with appropriate precautions.
If you are in a higher risk group, those who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes and feel more comfortable attending remotely for now, please do so.
We want to remind anyone with a cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or a new loss of taste or smell to please stay home.
These guidelines are ever changing. Please pray for our church and for us to all transition back to a normal in the next few months.
Liberty Hill Baptist Church is more than a building on a hill and gatherings. It is a family of people dedicated to following Christ, and dedicated to one another. We will be return to normal services and events soon enough. In the meantime, let’s be sure to keep one another close in our hearts.
Thank you, and God bless,
Pastor Marc
RESOURCES
The link to the live broadcast of church services can be found here:Liberty Hill Live
Liberty Hill Baptist Church 
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