See what the perfect gift is all about. - Park Cities Baptist Church

Not Forgotten
PCBC’s In-Home Ministry reaches out to members,
and others, who aren’t able to attend church
because of advanced age.
Every month for the last 15 years, Bob Bates has gone
to visit individuals who have been active at PCBC but,
because advanced age limits their mobility, no longer
are able to attend services.
“I feel it’s the Lord’s work,” he said. “I was somewhat talked
into it the first time I went to visit someone, but I found
that I got more out of it than the person I went to visit.”
Bob is one of about 50 PCBC members who are part of
the church’s In-Home Ministry. They visit about 100 individuals
who live at retirement and assisted-living centers and are
not able to attend PCBC’s services or other activities.
“Many of these people were foundation members of this
church,” said Dorothy Wilkinson, PrimeTime minister. She
oversees the In-Home Ministry. “They’ve given their lives serving
in this church. Some taught Sunday school for 30 or 40
years. Some have been deacons. They can no longer come,
but they certainly aren’t forgotten. They love their church and
they’re still committed to it.”
Still part of the church
Merle Isom, 99, joined PCBC in 1942 and now lives at a
retirement center a few miles from the church. She recently
was visited by Tom and Connie Hill.
“These visits are wonderful because it makes me feel like I
still belong and am still part of the church,” she said. “I miss
Park Cities people because that was part of my life. I love seeing
them whenever I can.”
“Serving with the In-Home Ministry is one of the greatest
blessings we have had,” said Tom, who is Assistant Minister
of Pastoral Care at PCBC. “We’ve served as missionaries and
Connie has served as a schoolteacher, but to reach out to
these people is the most touching and rewarding experience
we’ve had.”
Jack Gholson and his wife, Betty, have served with the In-
Home Ministry since joining PCBC 15 years ago.
“I can’t imagine the church not caring,” Jack said. “It
just seems like it’s part of the mission. Most of the in-home
people are still members and still part of the church. They’re
6 PCBC.ORG
Dr. Allen Crenshaw,
a member of PCBC since 1957.
not forgotten.”
Dr. Allen Crenshaw, 94, practiced as a general surgeon at
Baylor Hospital beginning in 1936. He also served as a physician
for an antiaircraft battalion that guarded Gen. George
Patton’s European headquarters during World War II. He and
his wife, Jackie, both live at an assisted-living center in North
Dallas and recently were visited by the Hills.
“I like people,” he said. “It’s important for me to see
people and to be part of their lives.”
Gaining perspective
Members of the In-Home Ministry team conduct visits at least
once a month, and some go more often. Many take flowers,
cookies or candy. They remember birthdays, and deliver
poinsettias at Christmas and lilies at Easter.