In June, Mark began as Associate Senior Pastor at LBC, preaching and giving leadership to the staff. LBC is a vibrant body with two campuses in Lenexa, Kansas and Greenwood, Missouri. You can check out the 11a Sunday service live on Bott Radio in the greater Kansas City and Midwest area, as well as live streaming of the 9:30a and 11a services, and archives online.
Pastor Steve and Mary Dighton--certainly our closest friends at LBC--as founding pastor of Lenexa Baptist, Steve's servant leadership is unparalleled in mega churches today. If ever you can't find us, we are often cited together, eating...or laughing...usually both...3. Starr Working from KC
Starrla transitioned her job, National Director of Programs for MADD, to Kansas City. In 2011, her team launched a national parent program, re-freshed the MADD brand, and initiated a national annual "PowerTalk 21 day". She recently has been honored with an invitation to speak to the Governors' Spouses in Washington D.C. this coming February. MADD is a phenomenal organization with the mission of saving lives (over 300,000 lives since it began, 31 years ago).
Before leaving Dallas in May, Starrla was also invited to give the invocation for the 2011 graduating class at our alma mater, East Texas Baptist University.
4. Miles and Miles of Running Trails
With multiple access points in parks scattered throughout Johnson County, races every weekend, gorgeous summer, spring and fall running weather, and a number of new running buddies like these, Kansas City has turned out to be a runner's paradise.
5. First Home
We've had the joy of "finally" purchasing our first home!
We are often asked if we miss our families in Tulsa and Dallas. They are much to credit for the ease of transition because they are wonderfully supportive of Mark's calling to pastor. Much love to our awesome families and adorable nephews...
7. PhD, Approaching the Finish Line
Before leaving Dallas, Mark completed his comprehensive exams for his PhD in Leadership Studies at Dallas Baptist University. 2012-2013, Lord willing, is the home stretch of the dissertation.
8. Kansas City: There's No Place like Home
Kansas City was recently named the only American city on USA Today's "Top 10 World Destinations to Visit in 2012." We've quickly found out why... Country Club Plaza, Jack Stack Barbecue, and Sheridan's Custard (thanks to our dear friends Jerry & Monty Sheridan)... to name a few of our favorite date night stops. We're becoming K-State football fans and of course, we look forward to a Jayhawks basketball game.
We know God will bring blessings in 2012 to you and yours...
Merry Christmas,
@StarrlaRPenick

The Penick Thanksgiving day race tradition continued this year in Lawrence, Kansas, along with friends from Lenexa Baptist.


More to come, in preparation for the national 

Prestonwood

Noah



1st Penick Christmas...
R&R - We recently got away for a few days to visit old church friends and friends who are pastoring in east Texas and stayed at Stillwater Inn, a favorite restaurant/bed & breakfast in Jefferson. 






Carter, 7 months old
Mark and I were very honored to attend the 