HPUMC Youth Families,

It is with great joy that I'm writing to you regarding some exciting updates in the youth department. As a ministry, we are gearing up for a fantastic summer, 2018-19 school year, and the grand opening of the Tolleson Family Activity Center. We are thrilled about all that God has in store for HPUMC Youth as we remain committed to providing excellent ministry and care to teens and their families.

Please join me in congratulating Peyton Tippett as he has accepted the role of Associate Director of Youth at HPUMC. Over the past three years, Peyton has consistently displayed solid leadership, giftedness, and a pastoral heart for the students and families of the youth program. Peyton's primary responsibilities now include leadership of the high school program, relational ministry, and systems integrator of the youth department. Peyton’s email is tippettp@hpumc.org if you’d like to drop him a congratulatory note!

As most of you have hopefully heard, Josh Esparza is preparing for a new ministry adventure. Josh has accepted a position with White Rock UMC in East Dallas to lead their new church plant, Owenwood UMC, into its first season of life. Josh will stay on staff through June. It's wonderful watching Josh live into his calling as minister of the gospel. Their contribution and commitment to the families of HPUMC has been a joy to behold. Over the next few weeks please take some time and celebrate his new season of ministry by dropping him a note at esparzaj@hpumc.org.

In respect to Josh’s position, I have conducted a nationwide search to find the best male pastors to step into our middle and high school ministry. I’m excited to share that I have found two AMAZING male pastors to continue the excellent ministry that Josh and Werm faithfully lived out. I’m excited to introduce you to Isaiah Terry and Matt McHugh.

Isaiah Terry is joining the youth staff June 11 to serve as our middle school male pastor. He comes to us from Flower Mound UMC where he led a fruitful and fast-growing youth program. Isaiah is highly relational, witty, and brings a creative spirit to our ministry. He’s married to Kristian, has a toddler named Ezra Ray, played college football, and has a dog named Kira. Isaiah’s email is TerryI@hpumc.org if you’d like to drop him a congratulatory note!

Matt McHugh is joining the youth staff June 4 to serve as a high school male pastor. Matt comes to us from Los Angeles, has an MDiv from Azusa Pacific Seminary, played basketball in college (he’s 6’5” and can dunk!), and is passionate about sports and international travel. Two weeks ago Matt married his sweetheart Alyssa and they are excited about moving across the country to join HPUMC Youth. Matt’s email is McHughM@hpumc.org if you’d like to drop him a welcome note!

Whew, I realize this a hefty email! Keep reading…it gets better. I’m pleased to announce that on May 24, Ashley Jeffers joined our team to serve as our Youth Coordinator. We struck gold with Ashley! In her prior career, she worked as an attorney in New Mexico and has been serving in HPUMC’s Discipleship department for the past year. Ashley is married to Jamie, has two kids, and she loves film and theater. Ashley’s email is JeffersA@hpumc.org if you’d like to drop her a congratulatory note!

I'm excited to share that senior leadership has approved the hiring of a second female youth pastor to work alongside Chelsea Peddecord in the high school program! I am currently deep in the hunt for an exceptionally talented person to disciple our high school females and have great hope that the Lord is going to bring the right person to our ministry. Stay tuned!

Finally, we are blessed to have four outstanding summer interns this year. Carson Dugger and McKenna Cook are joining the middle school team; Tyler Brock and Amanda Blettner are joining the high school team. All four interns were very active in HPUMC’s youth program and are passionate about sharing Jesus with our tribe.

God is good! Please be in prayer for the youth program this summer. I know it’s going to be special and life-giving. If there’s anything I can do to serve you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact me at ElliottG@hpumc.org.

In God’s Love,

Elliott Gonzalez
Director of Youth Ministry