THE NORTHERN LIGHT NORTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

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1 NORTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH MAY 2015 I SSUE 5 The following is an edited article by my colleague Rev. Christina Berry from Mt. Sterling Presbyterian Church, Mt. Sterling IL. It is used with her permission. God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, Courage to change the things which should be changed, and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time, Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, Taking, as Jesus did, This sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it, Trusting that You will make all things right, If I surrender to Your will, So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen. Dear Friends, This well-known prayer, penned by Reinhold Niebuhr and adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous, has come to mind often in the last few weeks, during the last days of Lent last month, and the finally fading cold of winter. Easter, the day and the season, is all about change from death to life, from despair to hope. So much of life is about change! Children grow up, changing every day it seems. One day they are learning to walk and the next they are thinking about which college to attend. Each one of us must face changes, making choices about how we will respond, and each one of us takes responsibility for how we go about choosing or changing. Continued on next page... SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:00 A.M. 400 Villa Road Springfield, Ohio PHONE: (937) FAX: (937) office@northminsterspringfield.org PASTORS Dwight McCormick II, Pastor W. Franklin Sparks, Pastor Emeritus CHURCH STAFF Emily Aldinger Julie Griffin Bill Harrison Greg Veith Mike Ahern Jim Townsend Joan Generous June Hughes Nancy Jean Graves Ruth George Office Manager Financial Secretary Treasurer Custodian Music Director Choir Director Presbyterian Women Parish Nurse Librarian The Northern Light is published monthly September thru May with one summer issue. If there is an omission or an error, please contact the editor so a correction can be made. Thank You Emily Aldinger, Newsletter Editor

2 The church is changing, too. Our motto, Reformata, semper reformanda addresses this reality: we are reformed, and always being reformed. This past month has brought some major changes to the constitution of the PC(USA). I highlighted one of the changes in last month s newsletter article. Now, in states where it is legal, Presbyterian churches may host weddings for same-sex couples, and Presbyterian ministers may officiate at such weddings. No minister is compelled to do this, nor is any church compelled to host a same-sex wedding. This is a historic shift in our denomination. As I stated, many are jubilant; others are heartbroken. A second vote was taken recently. Now a vote of equal or perhaps greater importance, is the vote on the Confession of Belhar. In order for Belhar to be added to our book of Confessions, 115 Presbyteries had to vote to affirm it. This confession comes to us from the Reformed church in South Africa. It is a deeply meaningful theological statement on racism and the unity of the church. It says, in part: We believe that Christ's work of reconciliation is made manifest in the church as the community of believers who have been reconciled with God and with one another (Eph. 2:11-22); that unity is, therefore, both a gift and an obligation for the church of Jesus Christ; that through the working of God's Spirit it is a binding force, yet simultaneously a reality which must be earnestly pursued and sought: one which the people of God must continually be built up to attain (Eph. 4:1-16); that this unity must become visible so that the world may believe that separation, enmity and hatred between people and groups is sin which Christ has already conquered, and accordingly that anything which threatens this unity may have no place in the church and must be resisted. You can find the entire confession here: In a time when separation, enmity and hatred between people and groups seems to be on the rise, and when the church seems so wearied by apathy and disregard, we can joyfully affirm our unity in Christ, as gift and obligation. Through Christ, we receive the grace, courage, and wisdom we need for every circumstance of our lives no matter what changes may come our way. Thank you to Pastor Christina for your insights on this newly added historic confession. Yours in Christ, Dwight CHURCH S CORPORATION President Chuck McMahon Vice President Bob Triebelhorn Clerk of Session Lois Shroyer Treasurer Bill Harrison ELDERS Class of 2016 Carl Ahlm Charles McMahon Terry Rigio Charles Vanarsdall Class of 2017 Judith Heaton Denise Molnar Eileen Reeves Kate Smith Class of 2018 Gini Collins Bob Triebelhorn Ron Reid Nancy Baker DEACONS Class of 2015 Dee Ahlm Emily Aldinger Joe Stalder Class of 2016 Rob Adams Lindy McMahon Nate Smith Class of 2017 Sue Creager Ruth George Cathy Reid Moderator Ruth George Co-Moderator Sue Creager Treasurer Dee Ahlm Secretary Emily Aldinger

3 Session Highlights The Session met in stated meetings March 24 and April 21, 2015 and in a called meeting on April 26, Rev. Dwight McCormick opened all the meetings with prayer. Pastor s Report: Rev. McCormick will be out of town May 3 rd (after worship) through May 10 th for a continuing education event at Montreat Conference Center. Finance Committee: The financial report and balance sheet for March 2015 showed that total income through March 31 was $47,582, and total expenses were $48,292, producing a deficit of $710. Session unanimously approved a motion from the committee to raise the property insurance covering the contents of the building to $500,000. The recent inventory of contents came to $400,000 plus. The insurance premium will increase by $34.25/month (from $ to $573.66). This increase not only gives us adequate coverage for current building contents, but also provides for new acquisitions. Committee chair Chuck McMahon presented the following information on building projects (this information was explained at the forum following worship on April 19 th ): Necessary repairs: 1) reinforce the beam and install new clerestory windows in the sanctuary, $58,900; 2) install new roof over the sanctuary, $9,133; 3) repair gutters and downspouts, $1,800; 4) install new roof over family room, $3,867; 5) seal and stripe parking lot, $5,480; 6) windows from Lowe s, $719; 7) replace two lower level furnaces. Subtotal of necessary repairs equals $88,254. Renovations: 1) kitchen improvements, $2,800; 2) narthex upgrades, $14,933; 3) repair to building interior, $7,456. Subtotal of renovations equals $25,189. Extras: 1) new kitchen dishwasher, $14,000; 2) new countertops (for dishwasher), $4,557. Subtotal of extras equals $18,557. As of April 21, $14,355 has been donated towards the roof repair. At the April 26 th called meeting of session, after more discussion of the sense of the congregation concerning the building projects, session passed the following motion: That Northminster may borrow up to $124,000 to cover necessary repairs to the building and upgrades to the narthex and kitchen (excluding the commercial grade dishwasher and countertops) at a fixed interest rate for five years, secured by Northminster s endowment funds, with no prepayment penalty. This motion allows the Finance Committee lee way in the amount to borrow, depending partially on the amount donated up front to the project. The committee will shop for the most favorable interest rate. Pledge cards will be mailed to congregation members and will also be placed in bulletins. The committee will speak in Minute for Mission on May 3 rd, 17 th, and 24 th. Mission Committee: Session approved the motions to receive the Pentecost offering on May 24th (Pentecost Sunday) and to collect care pack items to support a mission trip to Haiti by Rev. Shelley Wiley and members of Honey Creek Presbyterian Church in New Carlisle. The next stated meeting of Session is May 19, 2015 at 7:00 PM. Please continue to pray for the Pastor and Session as we try to serve this congregation and our Lord Jesus Christ. Submitted by: Lois Shroyer, Clerk of Session

4 NEWS FROM THE CHRISTIAN ED COMMITTEE NURSERY CARE The committee is looking for individuals who would be willing to be on a schedule to help staff the nursery during worship. It would be from 9:30 A.M. to approximately 11:30. It could also be needed on occasion until noon if a parent wanted to stay for Adult Forum. We are hoping to get this started by the first week of June, if not sooner. If you are interested, please sign up on the sheet located just outside the sanctuary doors. Please sign up by May 17th. We will then have a meeting to discuss expectations. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!! It is time again and the planning is underway for this year s Vacation Bible School! Once again, we are teaming with Covenant Presbyterian to offer a combined program. Our theme this year is Mt. Everest. We will be learning about facing life s challenges with Jesus by our side. V.B.S. will be held the week of June 8-12, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. We are still in need of volunteers to help in the kitchen, with registration, and be crew leaders. Crew leaders help lead a group of children to the various stations. They do not teach, they merely escort the group from place to place. Kitchen help is needed to prepare and serve each night s snacks. If you can help with any of these tasks, please see either Terry Rigio or Lois Shroyer. There will also be a sign up sheet on the round table in the family room. Please consider helping out this year. We had a great time last year and are expecting the same this year. For our mission project this year we have chosen a local mission. Instead of asking the kids to bring money, we are asking that each night they bring at least one non-perishable food item. During the week we will take the donated items and build a Mt. Everest of Food. At the end of the week, the food will be divided between Covenant and Northminster to support their respective food bank missions. Ours will go to the Clifton Avenue Church of God food pantry, and Covenant s will go to the Christ Episcopal food bank. Please feel free to support our mission project with a donated food item. As time nears for V.B.S., don t be surprised to see our church transformed into a Mt. Everest base camp, complete with snow covered mountains, tents, and campfires. Even if you aren t able to volunteer to help, please stop by during the week and visit us. All children ages 3 through 5th grade are welcome to attend. Bring friends as well. Please watch the weekly bulletins for registration information. There will be pre-registration available. We are looking forward to another fun week. If you have any questions, please contact either Lois ( ) or Terry ( ). Submitted by Terry Rigio, Christian Education Committee co-chair

5 One Great Hour of Sharing A gift to One Great Hour of Sharing enables the church to share God s love with our neighbors in need around the world by providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, providing food to the hungry and helping to empower the poor and oppressed. Thank you for your gift to the One Great Hour of Sharing. $1, was collected on Easter Sunday. Animal Welfare League Thank you for the many items donated. They will be much appreciated! The items will be delivered to the League the first week of May. Café May 3 Jim & Julie Griffin May 10 Paul & Dottie Good May 17 Lindy & Chuck McMahon May 24 Judy Heaton May 31 OPEN June 7 Cathy & Ron Reid June 14 Emily Aldinger Ruth George June 21 Jim & Julie Griffin June 28 Joe Stalder Please consider filling the open slot! Relay for Life Relay for Life will be held at the Clark County Fairgrounds on June 12 and 13. The committee will be selling luminaries before and after church in the family room on May 24, 31, and June 7. A form for this purpose is included in the newsletter. Shoe Collection for WaterStep Don t throw away those old shoes!! Keep them to give to our WaterStep collection on August 22 and 29 this summer. This is such an important charity that helps countries that don t have access to clean water. Last year, our church did a wonderful job by helping our area collect 3,114 pounds of shoes. Pentecost Offering Pentecost Offering will be collected May 24. Of this offering 40% will be donated to Oesterlen Services for Youth here in Springfield and the remaining 60% will go to the Presbyterian Mission Agency. There will be envelopes in the bulletins on May 10, 17, and 24th for your donations. Haiti Trip The Pastor and some members of the Honey Creek Church in New Carlisle are going to Haiti this June. You can help by donating some of the items below during the month of May: - Regular size bars of soap - Toothpaste (6-8 oz. sizes) - Target brand toddler diapers size 5 with side fasteners, NOT pull ups. - Walgreen brand (Certainty) adult size sm/med and medium, with side fasteners, NOT pull ups. - Beach towels Submitted by the Mission Committee You can start off the Memorial Day celebrations right with a Pentecost worship service, and a delicious picnic afterwards! The Deacons will host their annual Pentecost Picnic on Sunday, May 24th, directly following worship. Hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, drinks, condiments, and dessert will be provided. The congregation will be asked to bring a salad or vegetable. So come to church to celebrate Pentecost and stay to enjoy the fellowship, and some good food along with it! You can also look for announcements in the bulletin throughout May.

6 SUNDAY, MAY 3 WORSHIP SCHEDULE 5th Sunday of Easter Communion; Blood Pressure Screening Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21 John 15:1-8 SUNDAY, MAY 10 6th Sunday of Easter Mother s Day Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 SUNDAY, MAY 17 7th Sunday of Easter Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19 SUNDAY, MAY 24 Day of Pentecost Memorial Day Weekend Acts 2:1-21 or Ezekiel 37:1-4 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:22-27 or Acts 2:1-21; John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15 SUNDAY, MAY 31 Trinity Sunday Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17 May 3 May 10 May 17 ADULT FORUM SCHEDULE Why Pray? From The Thoughtful Christian Terry Rigio leading No Forum Mother s Day Pentecost: Then and Now Dwight Leading ** May 17 is the last day for Adult Forum until it resumes in September. Kirkmont Center registration is now open! Register for one of Kirkmont s unique summer camps right now! They offer a variety of camp experiences for all ages (even adults!) including Grand Camp, Quilt Camp, Beginners Camp, PYC Junior Camp, PYC Camp, Camp Rejoice, Kids Camp, Sports Camp, Teen Camp, Adventure Camp, and a Family Camping Weekend to round out the summer. You can go to to learn more about each of the camps and register online. Thank you to all who signed up to fill the Greeter slots! We are filled all through June. We are still needing Usher volunteers, however. Please consider serving one of those Sundays. Thank you! USHERS May 3 Chuck McMahon Lindy McMahon May 10 Bob Triebelhorn Ruth George May 17 Sue Creager Kevin Creager May 24 Chuck Vanarsdall Linda Vanarsdall May 31 OPEN OPEN June 7 OPEN OPEN June 14 OPEN OPEN June 21 OPEN OPEN June 28 Jim Griffin Julie Griffin GREETERS May 3 Eileen Reeves Nancy Baker May 10 Bill Benston Barbara Benston May 17 Carl Ahlm Dee Ahlm May 24 Jim Griffin Julie Griffin May 31 Susan Dersch Terry Dersch June 7 Lee Jordan Debbie Spoon June 14 Joan Garrett Judy Heaton June 21 John Emerich Carol Emerich June 28 Ron Reid Cathy Reid

7 Presbyterian Women Faith, Fellowship and Fun with a Circle of Friends. All are welcome to participate. Co-Moderators Joan Generous June Hughes Secretary Anne Hines Treasurer Ruth Martin ~ ~ ~ MAY MEETINGS P.W. Board Meeting Monday, May 11, :00 AM Church Library Bazaar Workshop Meets Tuesday Mornings from 9:30 AM to 12 Noon Lower Level Community Room May 3 May 8 May 16 May 18 May 21 May 27 May 29 May 31 Kevin Creager Gini Collins Jerilyn Hines Eric Barga Marcia Barga Diana Harrison Helen Parker Christine Sherry The congregation is invited to an ecumenical worship service celebrating the festival of The Ascension of our Lord at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening, May 14th, at Zion Lutheran Church, 1500 Broadway Street, in Springfield. Pre-service music will begin at 6:45 p.m. Dr. Hank Langknecht, professor of homiletics at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, will preach and Holy Communion will be offered. A time of refreshment and fellowship will follow the service. For more information, call (937) Esther Circle Meeting Monday, May 11, :00 PM Ruth Circle Meeting Thursday, May 14, :00 AM Mark Your Calendars P.W. Yard Sale June 13, 9:00-3:00 HATS OFF TO OUR GRADUATES! Robbie Aldinger is graduating from University of Mount Union with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications on May 9th. He has accepted a position as an Interim Football Coach at Mount Union. Joshilyn Hoefer will be graduating from Springfield High School. Gabrielle Evans will also be graduating from Springfield High School. If you see any omissions from this list, please contact the church office. Thank you.

8 May 2015 Northminster Presbyterian Church Springfield, Ohio Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 3 Blood Pressure Screening Communion 10 Mother s Day 4 10:00 PW Board Meeting 6:30 Yoga 11 6:30 Yoga 6:30 Esther Circle Newsletter Deadline 24 Day of Pentecost Pentecost Luncheon 31 Trinity Sunday 6:30 Remembrance Quilt Guild 6:30 Yoga 25 Memorial Day Office is closed 5 9:30 Bazaar Workshop 6:30 Mission Committee Meeting 12 9:30 Bazaar Workshop 6:00 Finance Committee Meeting 19 9:30 Bazaar Workshop 7:00 Session Meeting 26 9:30 Bazaar Workshop 6 5:00 Worship Committee Meeting 6:00 Bell Choir 7:15 Choir 13 6:00 Bell Choir 7:15 Choir 20 6:00 Bell Choir 7:15 Choir 27 9:30 Mail Newsletter 6:00 Bell Choir 7:15 Choir 7 6:00 Dulcimer Club 14 11:00 Ruth Circle 1 2 Church Work Day Clifton Ave. Breakfast

9 NORTHMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 400 Villa Road Springfield, Ohio Issue 5 May 2015 May 2 May 3 May 10 May 16 May 18 May 19 May 24 May 25 Church Work Day Blood Pressure Screening Communion Deacons Meeting 11:05 A.M. Kitchen Mother s Day Clifton Ave. Breakfast Summer Newsletter Deadline Session Meeting 7 p.m. Pentecost Picnic Memorial Day Office Closed; No Yoga I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 Northminster Presbyterian Church will develop disciples of Jesus Christ and learn how to follow the way of Jesus.