The Beacon Monthly Newsletter of Christ Presbyterian Church
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Pastor’s Desk................pg 2 Children & Youth........pg 5 By the Numbers..............pg 7
OUR MISSION United through Christ’s love we are called to graciously invite people to Jesus
Christ; encourage
spiritual growth; promote enriching worship; foster community; and equip members for faithful
service in our church,
community, and world.
TOM SCHWARTZ Pastor KRIS SCHONDELMEYER Associate Pastor www.cpctoledo.org
March 2015
LENTEN SEASON Lenten Contemplative Prayer Service For those who wish to take some intentional time in silence, meditation and reflection during the season of Lent, we will be offering an expanded version of our Contemplative Prayer Service. The service will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Hospitality Room each Monday of Lent starting on February 23. This service will incorporate different contemplative practices, candles, and Taize music that will help participants to grow in their awareness of God’s grace. Mark your calendars now to join us as we journey inwards to experience the presence of God during the season of Lent. Please contact Tim Lawrence at harleytim@aol.com or Pastor Kris at kris@cpctoledo.org if you have any questions about the Lenten Contemplative Prayer Service. Lenten Reflection: Silent Prayer in the Hospitality Room or Walk the Labyrinth in Hansen Hall If you are hoping to refocus your life in even deeper ways during the season of Lent, we encourage you to stop by Christ Presbyterian Church on every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday during Lent (except the first Wednesday of March) any time and for as long as you’d like from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for silent prayer and reflection in the Hospitality Room or walking a Labyrinth in Hansen Hall. Taize music will be playing in the background as you take a moment during the lunch hour to stop, reflect, and refocus. Printed prayers will be available as a guide. You may also choose to pray the prayers that are on your heart, or simply sit in silence in the presence of God. Contact Pastor Kris at kris@cpctoledo.org if you have any questions about this Lenten offering. Lenten Family Program: Giving Time to God Instead of just focusing on what to “give up” during Lent, we encourage you to focus on what you can “give to” God. This spring, during the season of Lent, we invite families with children and youth (birth – 12th grade) to join us for a special four week Lenten Family Program: Giving Time to God. The Lenten Family Program will be from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday evening in March. Even if you can’t come every week, we invite you to come when you can. The Lenten Family Program will include a free dinner (you must RSVP) and fellowship with other families, and then a Lenten project that will help your family to connect as we join together in “Giving Time to God” this Lenten season. Please RSVP with Pastor Kris if your family is interested in participating in this Lenten program: kris@cpctoledo.org
4225 W. Sylvania Ave | Toledo, Ohio 43623 | 419.475.8629
PASTOR’S DESK The season of Lent provides an important time for us each year to pause and focus on what matters most. It is a time to heighten our attention on knowing God and being known by God, the creator, redeemer, and sustainer of all life. Central to our reflection must be a willingness to be humble, modest, and devoted to serving others. During my Ash Wednesday meditation, I shared the old story of a monk who was a holy man. He was sent by the Bishop to become the abbot of a monastery. The monk looked so humble when he arrived at the monastery that he was sent to work in the kitchen as a helper. The other monks had no idea that he was to be their next abbot. Without a word of protest, and with no attempt to take his position, he went and washed the dishes and did other menial tasks. It was only when the Bishop arrived a considerable time later that the mistake was discovered and the humble monk took up his true position. The monk helps to remind us that when we look for acclaim, praise, or respect from colleagues, friends, or family we can lose sight of living as a servant of Christ. Ultimately, there is hope, joy, and meaning to be found by placing our trust not in our own brilliance or position, but in the overwhelming grace of God. May this season be a time for us to encounter and celebrate God’s presence. Let me encourage you to take an extra minute of silence each day during Lent to be aware of God’s presence. In a place of silence focus on your breath, a special word or phrase that reminds you of God. I quite often begin my time of silence by saying, “O God, may Your will be done in my life today.” You might consider participating in one of our contemplative prayer services or walking the Labyrinth in Hansen Hall. If you allow this Lenten Season to bring you closer to God, then you and our community will be enriched, Peace and blessings, Tom Schwartz
2015 HOLY WEEK SERVICES Maundy Thursday - April 2 - 7:00 p.m. in Hansen Hall
We gather remembering Jesus’ last meal with his disciples before he was crucified. We acknowledge this event with hand washing and communion.
Good Friday - April 3 - 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary
A service of Word, scripture, and music on the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ presented by the Chancel Choir.
Easter Sunday - April 5
10:00 a.m. Traditional Service - Chancel and Handbell Choirs and Brass 11:15 a.m. Contemporary Service - Praise Band and Celebrate Singers
2
HEARD AND “OVERHEARD”
Congregation news compiled by Barb Ball Did you miss the Heard and “Overheard” article this month? No one sent in or mentioned any news for us to report. We know there is a lot going on in the CPC community, tell us about it and your name will be in print! We like to hear about weddings, new babies, vacations, visitors, personal accomplishments, graduations, baptisms, awards, etc. You get the idea. Send your news to Barb Ball at bar1tom2@bex.net, call me at 419-824-7906, or drop off a note in the office. Thanks, your cooperation will be greatly appreciated.
LED BY THE SPIRIT...
... Meet Deacon Sherry Gilbert
Sherry Gilbert is in her third year of a three year term as a Deacon. Her responsibilities include caring for the homebound by delivering flowers as she visits with them and taking part in deacon projects. But, her service to the church doesn’t end there. Sherry is on the Prayer Team, the Affinity Team, the Welcome Team, the Beacon Mailing Team, an Ushering Team, and she has been a team leader with the Small Groups Team. Sherry’s journey to Toledo was long and winding. She was born and grew up in Columbus, Ohio and graduated from Upper Arlington High School. From Columbus she moved to Phoenix, Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in K through 12 Education. Sherry taught first and third grades in Phoenix. Then, it was on to Bakersfield, California where she worked for ConTel, Inc. in Management Training until the company was bought out by a competitor. Her next move was to Sacramento, California and a position teaching Secondary Adult Education. Her final destination in 2003 was Toledo, where she moved to live near her aunt, her only close relative. Sherry began attending Christ Presbyterian Church since moving to Toledo and has valued her participation and service to the church. Serving as a deacon has enriched her spiritual journey by helping her to evaluate her life and her relationships with others.
PER CAPITA INFORMATION The per capita for the 2015 year is $28.57. If you have any questions, please contact Kelsey in the church office at 419-475-8629 or kelsey@cpctoledo.org
SEVERE WINTER WEATHER It’s that time of year again when snow emergencies can have an effect on our Sunday worship schedule. In the result of a level 2 or 3 snow emergency, all services will be cancelled.
EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP
New dates scheduled for April and May Individuals who desire to be members of Christ Presbyterian Church are encouraged to get actively involved in worship and our wide variety of educational and service opportunities. To learn more about our church and its mission, you are invited to attend our Exploring Membership Classes that are taught by Pastor Tom Schwartz. The next class will be on Thursday, April 30 and Thursday, May 7 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; dinner will be included. Please sign up at the welcome cart in the Narthex or the welcome table in Hansen Hall or with Kelsey in the church office. Call 419-475-8629 for more information.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS We would like to welcome Luke and Erin Brooks, Barbara Schweitzer, John VanValkenberg, and Jen and Phil Worley as the newest members of the church from our February new member class.
NEED A RIDE? Bruce Parkhurst serves as the leader for the Deacon’s Transportation Team. If you need a ride to church or have another transportation need, then please get in touch with him to let him know of your need. The team can always use skilled, accident free drivers so let Bruce know if you would be willing to drive another member. Call the church at 419-475-8629 and we will get a message to Bruce.
FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR March 1 - Canned Vegetables (No corn or green beans), March 8 - Canned Tuna, March 15 - Cereal, March 22 - Canned Fruit, March 29 - Condiments
3
CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP SERMON TALKS
PRIME TIME LUNCHEON
Sermon Talks is a Bible study opportunity where participants read the passage for the upcoming week’s sermon and then dialogue about what the passage says to them. The group meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the church. Please contact Pastor Kris if you are interested in joining this fun Bible study. All are welcome!!!
A monthly educational ministry opportunity for all vibrant older adults. Participants enjoy lunch together, share in the joy of fellowship, and engage in creative and intriguing educational programs.
Bible Study
ANIMATE: BIBLE Sunday’s at 11:15
Have you ever wrestled with tough faith questions? Have the answers to questions from your childhood Sunday School ever caused you more confusion than faith? Have you lost your passion when talking about God, or Jesus, or the Bible? Join us in a 7 week series during the months of February and March called “Animate: Bible” that is sure to animate your understanding of the Bible and ignite love in your heart for God’s Word. The Animate: Bible group will be facilitated by fellow church members and will meet the following Sunday mornings from 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. February 8, 15, 22 and March 8, 15, 22, 29.
JOYS AND CHALLENGES
First and Third Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. A group for sharing ideas and concerns about aging, losing a spouse, being alone and living alone, and for exploring how faith can help. Meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the church. Led by Sherry Gilbert.
DEBORAH CIRCLE
Join us for fellowship time The next Deborah Circle meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 11 at 12:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join us. We will be meeting in Scott Hall at Christ Presbyterian Church.
4
Upcoming schedule for March
Wednesday, March 4 at 12:00 p.m.
Rev. David Montgomery: Ministry on the College Campus. Rev. David Montgomery, a PCUSA Pastor, is the new Executive Director of Toledo Campus Ministry serving The University of Toledo Campus. Sharing insights from his personal ministry, Rev. Montgomery will be here to share what it’s like to do ministry on the college campus, and why it should matter to you.
MOM’S & DAD’S SMALL GROUP Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The Mom’s & Dad’s Small Group meets one Wednesday a month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church. For moms and dads of all ages with children of all ages! We meet in the classroom area so that preschoolers may play while we enjoy the fellowship time with other moms and dads. Please contact Kelsey in the church office (kelsey@ cpctoledo.org), Kate Backoff, or Allison Johnson.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Monday, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
A group that offers self-scheduling volunteer services at St. Anne’s Hospital, Toledo Hospital, and Northwest Ohio Area Office on Aging or another agency of the member’s choosing. Service experiences are enriched by Bible Study and intentional personal relationships. Meets every other Monday at 7:00 p.m. at the church. Led by Wayne Mauk.
SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
CRAFTS AND TREATS BENEFIT THE HOMEBOUND
Godly Play for 3 years old to 3rd grade
On February 1, children decorated 19 treat bags that included trail mix treats, crafts, and greeting cards to give out to our homebound members and others in need of some Valentine’s Day cheer.
Children age 3 through 3rd grade may accompany their parents to the worship service. Children will then be dismissed from worship about 15 minutes later with Monica Mancy for Godly Play. Children can be picked up after the service in their designated classrooms in the children’s wing. Godly Play at the 10:00 a.m. service Age 3-3rd grade Room 5
Bible Discovery for 4th grade and 5th grade Chris Gaynor and Amy Huffman will be teaching “We Believe” for children in grades 4 and 5. The children will spend one year learning and experiencing the New Testament and another year on the Old Testament. After completing two years the children will be presented with their own Bible. We Believe at the 10:00 a.m. service 4th-5th grades Tween Room
Sunday Software
Children age 3 through 5th grade will learn Bible Basics, Books of the Bible, and How the Bible Came to Be through video-game adventures. Available in December.
Children’s Choir
Children’s Choir will meet every Sunday to rehearse in the music room from 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. The children will sing on Sunday at the 10:00 a.m. service.
YOUTH GROUP ON SUNDAYS 2014-2015 School Year
6th – 12th grade youth are invited to join in faith, fun, and fellowship on Sunday evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. We will meet for pizza dinner, faith-based lessons and games, and mission. If you are interested in being a part of our regular Sunday evening Youth Group, please contact Pastor Kris: kris@cpctoledo.org
March Youth Schedule Sunday, Mar. 1 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Youth Group: Contemplation: Part 1 Fri, March 13, 5:00 p.m. to Sat, March 14, 7:00 p.m. 30 Hour Famine Sunday, Mar. 22 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Youth Group: Finding My True Self Sunday, Mar. 29 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Youth Group: Did Jesus Steal that Donkey?
DON’T MISS OUR EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA! Join us April 4th from 1:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. for our Easter Extravaganza. All families are invited to participate and bring their friends. Activities include egg hunts, games, crafts and refreshments for children age 1 through 5th grade and their families.
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING FISH BANKS The fish-shaped cardboard coin boxes for collecting the One Great Hour of Sharing offering are available along with one-month “sharing calendars.” The calendars include daily activities for your family to do that increase awareness of how contributions to this offering help people around the world. People of all ages are invited to participate. The banks and calendars are available on the classroom wing information table and are free to take home. Fish banks will be collected on Palm Sunday.
CONFIRMATION FOR 6TH-8TH GRADE STUDENTS This winter/spring we will be continuing the 3rd year of our new 3 year Confirmation program for 6th - 8th grade students who are interested in becoming full members of the congregation. Confirmation is typically a journey that each young person in the church takes at a time when they claim their faith for themselves. This is a very special and sacred time in a young person’s life, and we are excited to walk with them. Confirmation Classes for 6th – 8th graders meets weekly on Sunday mornings during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Even if you haven’t come yet, you are still welcome to join us at any time. To find out more about our Confirmation program, please contact Pastor Kris: kris@cpctoledo.org
5
30 HOUR FAMINE YOUTH LOCK-IN March 13-14 youth from Christ Presbyterian Church will participate in the annual 30 Hour Famine to raise awareness for hunger and poverty. During the event, the youth and adults will go without eating for 30 hours to experience just briefly what it is like to be hungry. They will also participate in group activities, mission projects, and worship that all focus on issues of poverty. Please contact Pastor Kris is you would like more information about this youth event: kris@cpctoledo.org
SUMMER MISSION GROUP: WEEK OF HOPE This summer, our youth in 6th – 12th grades will be heading to Grand Rapids, MI from Sunday, July, 19 – Friday, July 24 for a Week of Hope mission trip sponsored by Group Mission Trips. Mission activities might include: providing meals to the homeless, providing programs for underprivileged children, helping in a day camp, and more. Your cost for the trip is $150. Confidential scholarship help is available. And, depending on our fundraising efforts, that cost may go down. If you are a middle school or high school youth, 12 years of age or older, and are interested in joining us on our Week of Hope trip, please RSVP with a $50 deposit to Pastor Kris as soon as possible: kris@cpctoledo.org
2014 Week of Hope Youth Mission Trip
DAVID LAMOTTE CONCERT – YOUTH SUMMER MISSION TRIP FUNDRAISER We invite all CPC members, friends, and community members to join us at CPC on Sunday, April 26 from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. for an important fundraising and fellowship event. David LaMotte, an award-winning, internationally traveled, singer, songwriter, speaker and author, will be here to perform a concert to help raise funds for our Youth Summer Mission Trip. David has performed over 2500 concerts and released eleven full-length CDs, including one children’s album. The Boston Globe praises David’s music saying that he “pays homage to folk tradition,” while BBC Radio Belfast lauds David’s “charm, stories, humour, insightful songs, sweet voice and dazzling guitar ability.” Tickets will be available on Sunday mornings starting March 8 after each worship service and online through a link on the CPC website. The convenience of purchasing tickets online does come with a small processing fee. Tickets will be $15.00 for everyone age 12 and older, and $10.00 for kids under age 12. Please plan to join us for this wonderful fundraising and fellowship event, and invite your friends and neighbors. Children and youth are welcome and encouraged to come!
6
ST. PAUL’S COMMUNITY DINNER
by the numbers
6
The number of new members joining the church after the last exploring membership class. We would like to welcome Luke Brooks, Erin Brooks, Barbara Schweitzer, John VanValkenberg, Jennifer Worley, and Phil Worley
On March 8, members of the mission team will be coordinating a luncheon at St. Paul Community Center in downtown Toledo. Members of our church have served meals to nearly 100 men and women who are residents of St. Paul’s or living on the streets in the past. If you are interested in helping, please contact Bob Burnett.
DISASTER RELIEF MISSION TRIP
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Last year we sent a Disaster Assistance Team to Bayville, New Jersey to provide relief to two families struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. There is still additional relief work that needs to be done and we have been invited back to help. We will be sending out a team between April 19-25 to provide disaster assistance. If you are skilled in home repair or just have a strong desire to help, then consider joining us as we seek to help others.
HABITAT HOME RENOVATION PROJECT SCHEDULED
400
The number of Easter eggs hidden for our annual Easter Extravaganza. Bring your whole family and enjoy fellowship time with others while the kids participate in crafts, games, and an Easter egg hunt. There will even be a special egg hunt for the adults.
$15.00 $15.00 is the cost of tickets for the upcoming youth fundraiser. We will be having a concert featuring David LaMotte! See page 7 for additional information
Our Mission Team will be joining with Sylvania United Church of Christ and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in coordinating a Habitat for Humanity Home Renovation Project from April 7 to May 20. The project includes some interior demo work, installing new exterior doors, exterior siding and trim replacement, installing insulation, installing new trim, cabinets, interior doors, and interior and exterior painting. There will also be some landscape work as well. In addition to construction workers we will need greeters and food preparation volunteers. Over forty members form our church have an opportunity to assist in renovating this home for Shatara Brown and her 3 year old daughter, Charm. Signups for the project will begin by March 15th.
SUNDAY WORSHIP VIDEOS This is just a reminder that the footage from our 10:00 p.m. traditional service can be found on our website! It is easy to access as well by following these three simple steps. From cpctoledo.org, hover over the worship tab, and select worship videos. The videos become available the Tuesday following the service. If you are having issues finding the videos, call Kelsey in the church office.
7