The Beacon Monthly Newsletter of Christ Presbyterian Church
INSIDE THIS ISSUE GA Highlights..............pg 2 Mystery Day...................pg 4 Prime Time.......................pg 6
July 2014
2014 GENERAL ASSEMBLY MODERATORS Heath Rada, a retired ruling elder who served the American Red Cross as CEO of the Greater Richmond chapter and president of the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, was elected moderator of the 221st General Assembly (2014) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Saturday, June 14. During his speech to the General Assembly, Heath Rada displayed a t-shirt that said “Jesus loves you, but I’m his favorite.”
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
“That’s Original Sin into a sassy sound bite,” he said. “How easy it is to wear that t-shirt.” However, Rada explained that after he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior when he was 12-years-old, Jesus has continued to open doors and show him new dimensions. Rada stated, “Leaders of many faiths have helped me to see that truth can be understood from many different angles. People who were sure they were Jesus’s favorites had their minds expanded.” His call as a ruling elder was to develop mediation skills that could be used to make life better. He put these to use in his service with the Red Cross, working to help make people’s lives better in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Rada shared that when he was first asked to run for the office of General Assembly Moderator he declined because he didn’t
think of his face as the face of our emerging denomination. But, he was then introduced to Larissa Kwong Abazia, and he decided that together they could form a creative partnership. He states, “She’s everything I’m not when it comes to demographics. One of the joys of these past months (while running for office) has been getting to know her.” Our new General Assembly Vice-Moderator, Larissa Kwong Abazia, is currently serving as pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Forest Hills, a multicultural, multiethnic congregation in Queens, N.Y. Kwong Abazia received her B.A. degree from Rutgers University and her M.Div. degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. She also studied at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England. Following Heath Rada’s installation, he said, “I’ll do my best with Larissa beside me as an extraordinary partner. We’re going to give it everything we have. . .” -From General Assembly News
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2014 GENERAL ASSEMBLY HIGHLIGHTS At the conclusion of the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), our General Assembly Moderator, Vice-Moderator, Stated Clerk and Executive Director shared the following reflection and highlights: The 221st General Assembly (2014) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adjourned after a full week of discussion, debate, prayer and discernment. The week also was enveloped in worship, celebrations, fellowship and glory to God. The Assembly, anchored on the theme “Abound in Hope” (Romans 15:13), was a resounding confirmation that the PC(USA) is alive, well, and fully engaged in being faithful to God. Tough issues were tackled and challenging decisions were made. These actions were not done lightly, and each commissioner and advisory delegate carefully and prayerfully worked in committee and as a full body in plenary. Now, over the next two years, members of the 221st Assembly and other leaders in the church will be about the business of interpreting and guiding people through the decisions made. We hope you, too, will be ambassadors for the Assembly’s work, and we offer ourselves and our colleagues as resources. Now, some highlights: (Edited to accommodate space in the Beacon) Relating to the world • The Assembly approved the “Educate a Child, Transform the World” campaign, recommended by the Presbyterian Mission Agency. This is a call on the whole church to join in a movement to provide quality education to 1 million children in the U.S. and around the world in the next four years – as a way to alleviate poverty. • The Assembly approved a measure to divest from three corporations – Caterpillar, Hewlett-Packard and Motorola Solutions – it believes are not in compliance with the church’s policy on socially responsible investing. The decision is a significant step in the denomination’s policy that says it should not profit from “non-peaceful pursuits.” This does not constitute divestment from Israel – the church maintains significant investments in companies that do business in Israel. Relating to our communities • The Assembly celebrated the nearly 250 new worshipping communities in more than 100 presbyteries that have been counted since the last General Assembly. Clearly this is a movement of the Holy Spirit, giving the promise of renewal and rebirth throughout the church. • The Assembly approved “The Interreligious Stance of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).” which is a study of how Presbyterians should best engage with people of different faiths.
• Recommendations that the PC(USA) advocate measures to prevent gun violence won resounding approval. The GA’s decision calls for such actions as the formation of support, healing and advocacy groups for those who have experienced gun violence in their families; and opposition to “stand your ground” and other legislation that may entitle gun owners to shoot before taking alternative measures. • The Assembly endorsed an initiative to encourage Presbyterians to go beyond the walls of their congregations and increase their engagement in service to their communities and the world. Relating to each other • The Assembly approved a recommendation to allow teaching elders pastoral discretion to perform “any such marriage they believe the Holy Spirit calls them to perform,” where legal by state law. The body also passed a recommendation to change language in the Book of Order to indicate that “marriage involves a unique commitment between two people, traditionally a man and a woman.” This action must now be ratified by a majority of the presbyteries for the language to be changed. • The Assembly overwhelmingly voted to add the Confession of Belhar to the PC(USA)’s Book of Confessions. The action must also be ratified by a majority of the presbyteries.
Jesus clearly tells us in John 13: 34, “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” Agape love for those in our world, in our communities, and for each other is essential in these days ahead. We don’t all agree, yet we must find paths to peace and reconciliation using the unconditional love of God as our guide. Our charge to you now is to go forth with the actions of the 221st Assembly, living missionally as the church beyond walls, and engaging in the process of working together with churches in the task of reconciliation. For more information go to www.pcusa.org/ga221.
HEARD AND “OVERHEARD” Congregation news compiled by Barb Ball
If June is the month for weddings, then it must be the month for anniversaries, too! On June 10, Ruth and Larry Conway celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary! The couple was married on June 10, 1949 at the Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Illinois. They celebrated the occasion this year at home with 20 to 30 family members and guests in attendance. Though the years are not as long, Mary Lou and Bill Forsee’s wedding possibly had a more exciting beginning! On June 12, 1959, Bill and Mary Lou were to be married in the Presbyterian Church in Alton, Illinois. All the plans were made, everything was ready, but two weeks before the wedding the church burned to the ground. Not wanting to wait until it was rebuilt, the couple was married in Mary Lou’s grandmother’s home and has lived 55 years happily ever after! June is also known as the month of graduations. The Reverends Tom Schwartz and Cheryl Nutting were among the proud parents at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio at the graduation ceremony of their daughter, Elizabeth Swartz. After a brief few days at home, Elizabeth left for Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Elizabeth will be there for a two year commitment with Teach America. She will be an elementary school teacher serving children in public schools in one of Oklahoma City’s low income neighborhoods. Yours truly, Barb Ball, also spent a few days in southern Ohio celebrating the high school graduation of her grandson, Jacob Ball. Jacob graduated from Mason High School in Mason, Ohio and will be attending Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio next fall. Jake was awarded both academic and athletic scholarships at Ashland where he will be on the university baseball team. He is the son of former CPC member, Tom Ball III, and Tom’s wife Lori.
Ken and Carlene McCartney travelled north to Wyandotte, Michigan to attend a graduation party for their grandson, Patrick Mierer. Patrick was third in his class of over 300 members. Ken and Carlene were especially pleased that all eight of their grandchildren were present. They came from as far away as Colorado, Minnesota, and Massachusetts. Included in the group was their newest grandson, 10 month old Camden, whom they were seeing for the second time.
LED BY THE SPIRIT...
... Meet Deacon Roy Young
Roy Young joined Christ Presbyterian church in 2009, transferring from Perrysburg First Presbyterian church, where he served as choir director for fifteen years. Roy has lived in the Toledo area all his life, growing up in Perrysburg Township, graduating Eastwood High School. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Bowling Green University and Master of Music degree from Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Currently, Roy is serving as the Band Director at Anthony Wayne High School after previously teaching at Springfield and Cardinal Stritch High Schools. It was while he was teaching at Cardinal Stritch that he met his wife Angela, also a teacher there. The couple has been married for ten years. When Roy is not teaching or directing the band, he participates with the CPC choir on special occasions. He also enjoys participating in his interest in steam trains. This fascination takes him to Cedar Point for two days each week during the summer break to drive the steam trains there. Roy Young is in his first year of a three year term as a deacon. His responsibilities as a deacon include serving on the Communion Committee, the College Student Committee, and as a leader of an Affinity Group. Serving as a deacon has allowed Roy the means to become better acquainted with the other deacons and the work of the deacons. It has enriched his faith and spiritual growth by providing opportunities to be a servant of the church.
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YOUTH, CHILDREN, EVENT HIGHLIGHTS: Vacation Bible School June 23 - June 27 | Mystery Day will be July
CHILDREN & FAMILY NEWS Summer Kid’s Movie Night
Parents get a break from 6 p.m.-8:00 p.m.! Drop your kids off Sunday, July 27, for dinner and a movie. Bring a blanket and a friend and enjoy a movie, good food and fellowship. Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by the movie. PLEASE!!! RSVP to Monica Mancy at Monica@ cpctoledo.org or sign up at the table in the children’s wing by July 20th. This will help to insure enough food for everyone.
we have planned a special day of fellowship just for you!!! Plan to join Miss Monica and Pastor Kris for a day of fun and adventure as we travel away from the church to participate in a day of fellowship. Where will we go? It’s a MYSTERY!!! But, let us assure you that it will be FUN!!! The cost to you for the entire day of fun and fellowship is simply showing up!!! Parents, if you are interested in more information about our Mystery Day trip and you can promise to keep it a secret, then please speak with Monica Mancy or Pastor Kris. To register, please contact Monica Mancy: monica@cpctoledo.org
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Kids’ Travel Guide to the Parables
We are taking a ride through the Parables. Join us each Sunday during the summer, as we take an exciting journey filled with stories, fun, prayer, and adventure. Get in on the creative fun, exploring the journeys that will surprise, comfort, and challenge us to be more like Jesus. Strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride…the adventure is about to begin! Our Summer Sunday school sounds like a lot of fun but in order for everyone to enjoy it we need your help. Children and Family Ministry team is asking that each family sign up to teach one Sunday. A signup sheet will be located in the Children’s classroom wing or you can email me at Monica@cpctoledo.org . All lessons and materials will be provided. Hopefully, together we can make this an exciting journey for the kids.
MYSTERY DAY
Wednesday, July 23 from 9:00am – 4:00pm 4
Calling all those that will be going into 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grades... On Wednesday, July 23 from 9:00am – 4:00pm
2013 Mystery Day at Put-In-Bay
SUMMER MISSION TRIP
Youth Summer Mission - Group Week of Hope This summer, our youth in 6th – 12th grades will be heading to Cincinnati, OH from Sunday, July, 27 – Friday, August 1 for a Week of Hope mission trip sponsored by Group Missions. Mission activities might include: providing meals to the homeless, providing programs for underprivileged children, helping in a pet shelter, and more. Please join us in worship on July 27 for a commissioning of our Youth Mission Team as we send
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& FAMILY MINISTRY 23rd | Youth Mission Trip Leaves July 27th | Summer Movie Night scheduled for July 27th them out to serve in Jesus’ name. Then, follow us on the CPC Facebook page as we post pictures and updates during our week of service. For more information about this trip and special ways that you can help us prepare, please contact Pastor Kris: kris@cpctoledo.org
CONGRATULATIONS to our graduating seniors
- Class of 2014
Brandon Bales Brandon attended Ottawa Hills High School. While at Ottawa Hills, Brandon participated in many activities and sports including: soccer, golf, and lacrosse. This fall he will be attending Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Brandon plans to major in Computer Science. Caroline J. Fleck Caroline attended Northview High School in Sylvania. While at Northview, Caroline participated in Cheerleading and was a member of the Dance Team. She is a member of the National Honor Society, is active in student government and leadership councils, and will be graduating with a 4.2 GPA. She will be attending The Ohio State University in the fall majoring in Pharmacy.
YOUTH GROUP Summer Schedule
This summer the CPC Youth Group will assist with VBS and participate in mission trip to Cincinnati. CPC Youth Group Summer opportunities are available for youth going into 7th – 12th grades for the 2014 – 2015 school year. Other fellowship events are currently being planned and will be updated as soon as possible. Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27 9:00a.m. - 11:30a.m. Vacation Bible School - Weird Animals Sunday, July 20 4:00p.m. - 7:00p.m. Youth Pool Party and BBQ Sunday, July 27 to Friday, August 1 “Week of Hope” Mission Trip
2014 Vacation Bible School
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PRIME TIME LUNCHEON Upcoming schedule for July and August
by the numbers
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Congratulations to our 2 high school graduates and their families: Clinton Bales and Caroline Fleck. Please read about their many accomplishments and plans on page 5
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Over 100 drug store medical supplies, underwear and school supplies have been donated to our mission team headed to the Dominican Republic in July. Donations are still being collected.
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Our CPC garden is growing! Over 90 vegetable plants were planted and will be tended by our Garden Team. Watch for the pounds of produce we will be giving to the Toledo Food Bank.
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.
There will be NO Prime Time Luncheon Program in July. But, do return on August 06th at Noon for lunch and to hear a speaker from Nature’s Nursery in Whitehouse, OH. At least two different rescue animals (or birds, or…?) will also be with us. It will be a “good feeling” program!! All persons interested are welcome to attend! Please NOTE the change in making reservations! Call in your reservations by 3 P.M. the Monday before the program by calling Barbara Brownlee at 419-381-2088 or by emailing her: bdbrownlee@prodigy.net.
FEED YOUR NEIGHBOR Upcoming Donation schedule
There is a tremendous need for food and toiletries for the Feed Your Neighbor Program. Each Sunday, there will be a specific item listed in the bulletin for those wishing to participate. There will be marked boxes on carts in the Narthex and near the Hansen Hall doors. July 6 - Granola Bars July 13 - Canned Fruits July 20 - Cereal July 27 - Pasta & Sauce
SUMMER CHANCEL CHOIR
COLLEGE GRADUATES
Interested singers are invited to sing with our Chancel Choir during June and July. Rehearsals are on Sunday mornings at 9:15, and then the choir sings for the 10:00 service. We sing music that can be learned with a minimum amount of rehearsal. Join us for one or more Sundays as your schedule permits. For more information contact Mark Mathias, Director of Music Ministries, or the church office.
It’s that time of year to recognize the accomplishments of students who are graduating from college. We would like to put a brief bio and photo of our College Graduates in our July Beacon newsletter. If you or someone you know graduated from college this spring and would like to be recognized, please get a short bio and photo to Pastor Kris by Sunday, July 21: kris@cpctoledo.org.
Come join us for June and July
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Please send us yout information
CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP Sermon Talks Bible Study
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. We will meet each Tuesday during the month of June. However, we will take a break for the months of July and August. We will then start up again in September and continue through the fall. Please contact Pastor Kris if you are interested in attending. All are welcome!!!
we are pleased to donate our retreat to the Black Swamp Conservancy and the Wood County Park District. As an avid outdoorsman I am looking forward to opening this place to the community so that all may share in its natural beauty.” The land, purchased in 1883 by Charles Henry Sawyer, became one of the area’s first working limestone quarries selling to Toledo’s burgeoning glass industry. In the 1920s when the active quarry began to fill with water, the family started to use the land and quarry exclusively for recreational purposes. In 1999, Ann Sawyer and her late husband, Charles K Sawyer, partnered with Black Swamp Conservancy to permanently preserve eleven acres of the property’s woods with a conservation easement. Today, the family is expanding the permanently protected area to cover the entire property, and donating the land to the Wood County Park District.
EXPLORING MEMBERSHIP New dates scheduled for September
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 one of our Exploring Membership Classes that are taught by Pastor Tom Schwartz. This class includes participating in our “Discovering and Sharing Your Gifts, Talents, and Passion” course. Come with your questions, concerns and enthusiasm. The next class will be on Thursday, September 11 and Thursday, September 18 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 at 419-475-8629 for more information.
THE SAWYER FAMILY GIFT Ann Saywer’s family makes a great donation
COMMUNITY REWARDS Don’t forget to re-enroll at Krogers
As of April 1, 2014, Kroger’s deleted all Community Rewards designations. All Kroger Plus Card holders need to go to the www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com website and reenroll. Until you reenroll, your purchases DO NOT create any rewards for Christ Presbyterian Church Youth Ministries. If you have any questions, please contact the church office.
THE BEACON How to find it online
The Beacon can be accessed on-line the first of every month at www.cpctoledo.org. It can be found under the “About Us” tab, then select “Publications”. If for some reason you are having trouble accessing The Beacon, please call the church office.
May 3, 2014 - Members of the Charles K. Sawyer, Sr. family announced today the donation of the family’s Perrysburg Township retreat to the Black Swamp Conservancy and Wood County Park District. The more than 60 acres of woods and limestone quarry will become a public park and named the Sawyer Quarry Nature Preserve. “We have so many fond memories of our times at the Quarry,” said family spokesperson Charles K. Sawyer, Jr., “After 131 years and five generations of Sawyer family history,
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