Presbyterian Courier

Transcription

1 Presbyterian Courier The Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green, Kentucky Volume 16 December 2012 Issue 12 Pastor s Corner 1 Associate Pastor 2 Special Events 3 Arts & Education 4 Youth News 6 Kids Page 7 Congregational C a r e / F e l l o w s h i p 8 Church & Community 10 November Birthdays 14 November Calendar 15 Be sure to read about the many special opportunities for worship and for fellowship during the season of Advent. As was the case last year (2011), it appears that our church will finish the current year with a small financial surplus. This is the result of the congregation being exceptionally generous, and the Session of our church being especially responsible. It is a significant accomplishment. Some will remember that, three years ago, the Session approved a deficit budget in order to continue the ministry we consider vital. Obviously, the spending of the church s modest reserve funds is not a recipe for future success. But we have now reversed that negative trend for two consecutive years. Our leaders deserve our appreciation, as they have made good and tough choices. The congregation deserves our thanks for stepping up, as they have, so that we could balance our budget. Looking forward, there is much that will engage us in mind and spirit. I am especially excited about: Advent and Christmas Music: On Sunday, December 2, Tom Moody will lead us in a beautiful Advent Evening Prayer service at 4:00 P.M. The next Sunday, December 9, will feature Lessons and Carols, also at 4:00 P.M. On the Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, we will eat lunch after morning worship, and go caroling together. Maria Mayo will lead a special Advent-flavored Sunday School class: The Nativity in Church and Culture. She will explore the many ways the biblical stories connect with art, music, and thought. We have clearance to return to Guatemala, March 20-28, 2013, to install one new Living Waters for the World clean-water project, and to make needed repairs on another. On the local front, we are feeding people, through our own Food Pantry, through Manna Mart, and through the Saturday Meals program; and we re engaged with other churches in new initiatives to help the homeless and to provide transitional housing. We anticipate a major project to correct moisture problems in our buildings. Already you may have noticed that floors and doors and walls and ceilings are receiving some needed and pastdue care. Keep up the good work! Please finish your pledge for 2012, and remember the church in your year-end giving. Be glad for the future we have, set in place by the faithfulness of so many. And know you are loved, Matthew Page

2 Changing perspectives is not an easy task to do. However, I found my perspective changing about how I understand and view people who live on the other side of the planet. Recently I returned from a trip to Dubai, which is a city state in the country of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is famous for having some of the most interesting modern architecture, having the world s tallest building (Burj Khalifa), and being over the top in luxury. Dubai was unlike anything I have ever seen before and I am unsure I will ever see anything like it again. However, one of the most striking features is how open they are to other religions. In the Dubai Mall (the world s largest mall) they have Christmas trees and decorations, churches were available for worship, their sense of hospitality to all people regardless of religion, and their endeavor to make one feel welcome was something to be commended. One of the guiding principals of the United Arab Emirates is from the first Sheikh of this rather young country (1971). Sheikh Zayed said, To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul is a mark of Islam. Now before I sound like this is a utopian place it isn t. They have their issues like every other country, race, religion, etc However, Sheikh Zayed s words and the actions that I witnessed towards me and around me gave me pause. The question, the teaching, the words of Jesus that kept ringing in my ears was about neighbor. Who is my neighbor? What do I think about my neighbor? What conclusions do I jump to about my neighbor? As we move closer to Christmas, as we enter into this period of Advent, may we consider our neighbors. Not those just closest to us but those who work and live on the other side of this diverse planet. My challenge during this advent season for myself is seeing creation through the lens of love and challenging me to see my neighbor anew. Kara Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world s tallest building Page 2

3 Come and Worship! Sunday December2nd: Sunday December 9th: Sunday December 16th: Sunday December 23rd: Telling Our Story from Beginning to End Removing Obstacles to Telling Our Stories Finding Our Voice for Confession and for Forgiveness The Testimony of Readiness Monday December 24th: Christmas Eve Service 5:00pm : A Family Friendly Service with Children Participating in Worship 10:00pm: Traditional Christmas Eve Service Special Events in Advent Saturday December 1 at 8:30am: Pre-parade Breakfast Party for children/families See page 5 Sunday December 2 at 4:00pm: Afternoon Prayer Service and Music of Advent See page 7 Sunday December 9 at 4:00pm Lessons and Carols See page 7 Sunday December 16: Children s Chimes and Choir in worship Light lunch following the 11am service, and then Caroling and delivering cookies to shut-ins Wednesday Evenings in Advent Wednesday December 5: Meal and Worship Wednesday December 12: Meal and Worship Wednesday December 19: Meal and Worship Page 3

4 The Arts and Education New Exhibit in Fellowship Hall The 5th Annual ArtWorks Show will be on display in the gallery in Fellowship Hall from November 30 until January 11, Be sure to stop by for the opening of this exhibition at the next Gallery Hop on November 30 from 5-8pm! Enjoy the fantastic work from our local artists, along with some delicious food from the Brickyard Cafe and performances by Ernie Small and Mike Kanan. Advent Sunday School Class The Nativity in Church and Culture Led by Maria Mayo, Ph.D. Candidate from Vanderbilt University November 25th - The Nativity in Sculpture December 2nd - The Nativity in Art December 9th - The Nativity Characters December 16th - The Nativity in all Seasons December 23rd - The Nativity in Our Own Life In The Nativity in Church and Culture, we will consider the stories and images of the nativity on the Sundays of Advent. We will compare the birth narratives in Matthew and Luke and discuss their differences, similarities, and how they are manifested in contemporary contexts. We will look at how the nativity is taken up in art and music, as well as how it appears in popular culture. Finally, we will examine how the nativity can be meaningful in our own lives across the entire calendar. Join us for a detailed and multidisciplinary look at how the first Christmas reverberates through in our worship and culture throughout the year. This class will meet in the Conference Room. Page 4

5 A Call to All Creative Members and Church Affiliates Announcing our 2013 In-Church Art Exhibit Jan. 11 Feb. 15 All ages 1 to 100 welcome! Media: 2-D Drawing, Painting, Photography, Needlework 3-D ONLY if wired and ready to hang on wall. Specifications: 1. No larger than 4 by 4, no smaller than 8 by Must be framed or mounted with wire in back for hanging, NO sawtooth hangers! 3. If entering more than 2 pieces, supply a list in order of preference in case there is not room for all. Requirements: 1. Submit the following information by Tues. Jan. 8, 2013: a. Name, phone #, and/or address b. Title of piece(s) and order of preference to be hung c. Price of piece(s) or NFS (Not For Sale) d. Medium used You may your information to pegeddy@bellsouth.net or mail it to The Presbyterian Church 1003 State, Bowling Green, KY, Attn: Art Board 2. Attach a 3 x 5 card to the back of each piece entered and include: a. Name (and age if under 18) b. Phone # and/or address c. Title of piece d. Sale price or NFS 3. Deliver your work to the church Thursday, January 10, between 4-6 PM Dates to remember: Tues. Jan. 8, Deadline to enter Thurs. Jan 10, Deliver work to church between 4 and 6 PM Feb. 15, Pick up works between 8:30 AM and 4 PM Page 5

6 Page 6 Youth News Sunday Youth Group meets 6:00-8:00pm. Youth Group is for students in 6th 12th grades. WKU students and former Youth Group members Christian Croxton and Emily Purpus are now volunteering their leadership. They bring much energy to the group and allow for us to split into age appropriate study groups after dinner. Wednesday Night Youth Fellowship (grades 8-12) Continues 5:30-6:30pm. We meet at Spencer s Coffeehouse. Youth Sunday School: Kelly Goad & Mark Schafer continue to lead a combined Jr/Sr High class. Beginning Sunday November 25, they will begin a five-week Advent study titled A Different Kind of Christmas Living and Giving Like Jesus. Recent Events: On October 26 we held a Youth lock-in and Halloween party for the younger children at the beginning. Several of the youth were taken to a nearby haunted house and 17 stayed overnight for the lock-in. A good time was had by all! The Western Kentucky Presbytery Fall Youth Retreat was held at Camp Loucon in Grayson County. I served as registrar for the event. 76 youth & leaders from 9 churches attended. 6 boys and David represented our church. See a picture of the group on the next page. Upcoming Events: Angel Tree: Once again our Youth Ministry is sponsoring an Angel Tree to help McNeill Elementary families who are need this Christmas. The tree will be set up on Sunday November 25. Individual Angels can be adopted. There are several families with 3-5 children. Fellowship & leadership groups in the church are encouraged to adopt a family. Wrapped gifts should be brought to the church no later than Friday December 14, since they will be delivered on Saturday December 15th. A trip to Climb Nashville will be planned for December. An exact date has yet to be set. This may also include a lock-in for the youth. We ll decide on a date at Youth Group on December 2nd. Youth Group Christmas Party will be Sunday December 16 during Youth Group. Bring a small (wrapped) inexpensive gift to play Dirty Santa. A ski trip to Perfect North Slopes is in the planning stages for January Winter Get-A-Way: Our church will host February This annual WKY Presbytery Youth Event will include service work, recreation, & worship activities by youth and leaders from churches across our presbytery. We will stay overnight Friday & Saturday at our church. Check out this time lapsed video from the November 25th Youth Group meeting: For more info on our Youth Ministry contact our Youth Director David Muffett at david.muffett@bgpres.org

7 Kids Page Coffee, Cocoa, Crafts and Christmas! Join us for the Pre-Christmas Parade Breakfast at 8:30 am on Saturday, December 1st. Breakfast, children's activities and crafts, and fun fellowship for the entire congregation are on the agenda. Enjoy a wonderful tradition, complete with a "front row seat" to Bowling Green's annual downtown Christmas parade. Want to help with the fun or have questions? Contact Margaret Stein at or margaret_f_stein@hotmail.com. Living Nativity If you are going to be in town on Christmas Eve, and if you would like to participate in the Nativity during the 5:00 o clock family service, please contact Margaret Stein at or margaret_f_stein@hotmail.com. Let s Go Caroling! December 16th is a big day! After Sunday Morning Worship, we will have lunch together, and then go sing to folks that can t get out to worship with us and enjoy the songs of this season. This is a great way to spread Christmas cheer to and with other members of our congregation. For more information, contact Margaret Stein AT or margaret_f_stein@hotmail.com. David Muffet and six boys from our church travelled to Camp Loucon to participate in the Western Kentucky Presbytery Fall Youth Retreat. David served as registrar for the event. Seventy-six youth and leaders from nine churches attended. Page 7

8 Congregational Care & Fellowship To mark the First Sunday of Advent A SERVICE OF EVENING PRAYER FOLLOWED BY ORGAN AND VOCAL MUSIC APPROPRIATE TO THE SEASON OF PREPARATION FOR THE COMING OF OUR SAVIOUR In the glow of candles and in the spirit of contemplation, we pause. SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 4:00 P.M. Thomas N. Moody, Organist Soloists: Eric Bigler, Sarah Beth Capito, Lauren French, Will Pope A reception follows at the Chapel lobby JOIN THE CHOIR, CLERGY AND CONGREGATION FOR LESSONS AND CAROLS AT 4:00 O CLOCK DECEMBER 9, 2012 Traditional Readings, Anthems, Instrumentalists, Soloists will Join to Celebrate the Joyous Event of Christ s Birth The Presbyterian Church 1003 State Street Dr. Wayne Pope, Chancel Choir Director Thomas N. Moody, Organist Wanda Hunt & Sheila Reeves, Handbell Directors Dr. Matthew Covington, Minister Rev. Kara Hildebrandt, Minister Page 8

9 Gordoneers Annual Christmas Gathering The Gordoneers annual Christmas meeting will be Sunday, December 16, 6:30pm at the home of Betty Jo Beard, 1420 Euclid Avenue. Please bring finger food for the buffet and a Christmas story or memory to share, if you wish. All adults of the congregation and friends are welcome. Those who are not regular Gordoneer members are asked to call Alicia or Joe for reservations. Friends In a November 5, 2012 BBC News Health report, James Gallagher reported that based on studies, changes take place in the brain decades before symptoms of dementia appear. Improving early detection of the disease will allow potential new treatments to be developed and tested. Interestingly, some regions of the brain can lose up to 20% of their cells before the disease becomes noticeable. It seems to me that we must have a lot of extra potential or a lot of wasted space up there. Perhaps we should dream bigger! In the same article, these are listed as some of the signs of dementia: Struggling to remember recent events Problems following conversations Forgetting names of friends or objects Repeating yourself --- Uh, oh!! Problems thinking or reasoning Confusion in familiar places Here is a suggestion from page 77 of our Best Friends Book of Alzheimer Activities that is really nice considering the holidays approaching. Greeting cards make special occasions celebratory. People with dementia often understand and appreciate the significance of these cards either by receiving or sending. One suggestion is to have your friend/family member make cards by using card stock cut in half, markers, decorative materials like cloth, felt, torn paper, recycled pictures from greeting cards. Let the person make cards that could be sent. Or let them help with mailing of Christmas cards by placing postage stamps or return labels on envelopes. Blessing on your holiday as we celebrate new life and older joys. Donna Hill Page 9

10 Page 10 Church and Community The Property Ministry s Report for December 2012 The Property Ministry has now concluded all interviews and provided walk-throughs with prospective contractors for The Presbyterian Church renovation projects. We are awaiting final bids from contractors with pricing data. Each contractor, expressing interest in performing work on the building, was given a copy of the Baird Dixon report that documents observations and makes general recommendations for correcting existing deficiencies. The report offers guidelines and serves as a tool for prioritizing the most critical work items. The Properties Ministry will upon receipt of bids evaluate each bidders proposal, identify competitive costs, determine if proposals meet requirements, and then identify contractors for both exterior and interior work on the church building. The Property Ministry then will submit its recommendations to the Session for their approval. Following Session s approval, the Church Finance Officer will initiate contracts with respective contractors. Finally, The Property Ministry will meet with the contractors to establish dates for the beginning of work. A master schedule with work priorities and planned work dates will be coordinated with contractors performing work on the exterior walls of the church building, and the interior of the building. On 25 October, 2012, the Hale Roofing Company completed all roof repairs to the church building as identified in the Baird Dixon report. It concluded that roofing and/or flashing problems had definitely caused some of the moisture/water infiltration problems within the church. Other Activities conducted this month: David Muffett reports that four activities were accomplished this month in the church. They are: 1. Ann Covington and Sandy Brown painted the walls in the hallway to the Children s Center, providing a more pleasant entrance way to the school. 2. Tom Cooper painted the baseboard and some trim in the 10 th street foyer. Also, Tom repaired the trap to the nursery sink and the women s toilet on the second floor. Cedric Whitney cleaned the rugs in several of the classrooms. 3. Doug Humphrey has obtained an estimate on replacing six windows with broken seals within the church. Three in the Fellowship Hall, one in the church office, and one in the conference room on the 2 nd floor. The cost for replacing each window is $ Doug says that the windows can be manufactured on 24 hour notice. Submitted by Gilbert T. Calhoun

11 Circle Date Changes - The Wednesday Morning Circle will meet on December 5th at 9:15 instead of the usual meeting date of the 2nd Wednesday. - The Evening Circle will meet on Monday, December 17th at 7:00pm instead of Tuesday. Our deepest sympathy is extended to the following members and friends of this church who have recently lost loved ones: Joel Brown in the death of his sister, Claudine Warfield Pam Kielty in the death of her brother-in-law, Chuck Oleson Judy Gerhardt in the death of her brother-in-law, Murray Arnold The family of Doris Yelton in her death Dr. Tim Whitaker in the death of his mother, Frances Omega Whitaker Jamie Whitaker in the death of her father, Howard Wren Judy Whitson, Donna Wolbe and Martha Sue Williams in the death of their cousin, Barbara Miller The family of Marvin Bond Paula McMahan in the death of her sister, Mandy McMahan-Coefield Cedric Whitney in the death of his uncle, Donald Whitney Page 11

12 Our Mission Reaches Forth A member of our congregation called me recently and asked, Diane, What missions does our church support? The question went beyond the list of benevolences but to the heart of how our contributions are distributed. It was an excellent question. Let s say before the year ends you are considering giving $500 toward child advocacy -- Bellewood, for example -- and $500 toward Habitat for Humanity. Would it be best to give these as designated contributions to the church or give directly to each non-profit? Our church mission budget is a budget, a plan for the year. It directs, not just church funds, but our energy as well. If $5000 is planned for Habitat for Humanity Projects, but $8000 is needed for BUILD projects, we organize a fundraiser and advertise for additional contributions. In 2012 we raised enough money at our April fundraiser to support three HABITAT BUILD days. Approximately 20 church members volunteered on each of those days. The 2013 mission budget repeats our underlying support of Habitat BUILD projects, but again some fundraising will be necessary. With money budgeted for Living Waters, we plan clean water installations. During March 20 to 28, our clean water team will install a system at Mt. Moriah in Guatemala and restore a system damaged by flood at another site. Behind the scenes, s are bouncing back and forth between representatives in Guatemala and team members here. Our congregation can contribute toward this project directly with a designated check to the church or participate in a late winter fundraiser TBA. HOTEL INC. receives a generous percentage of our mission budget, for maintenance and building costs, but also for their food and shelter ministries. The 2013 proposed mission budget increases our church s HOTEL INC. contribution by $2400 in support of a new transitional housing ministry. Our church participates in the HOTEL INC. Homeless Outreach every fourth Tuesday, and we occasionally advertise for blankets and warm clothing. Because the needs at HOTEL INC. are endless, no contribution is too small. Although our mission budget gives thousands of dollars to food ministries each year, and in fact increased our contribution to food ministries, individual contributions of canned goods are always needed for our church food pantry and Manna Mart. The church pantry operates out of a closet at church, and Manna Mart out of HOTEL INC. People may drop off canned goods in the respective containers for the Church Pantry and Manna Mart under the lobby staircase. Our other local food ministry is Meals, Inc., a Saturday Meal Service. Volunteers are always needed to cook food, dish it up, and deliver it. These examples reveal how a budget keeps us focused for the year on how to use our energy and time. Your mission committee distributes money to food, shelter, clean water, and youth advocacy, but also enables volunteerism and acts of generosity for those in need. When you make your pledge to the church, you join hands together to act with love in Christ, an act of faith in response to membership in the family of God. Of course, I didn t say it quite that way over the phone to my friend. I just told her how the mission committee operates as it does and encouraged her to write a check directly to her favorite non-profit, HOTEL INC. I d already seen her drop off her pledge card in the basket. --Diane Simmons Page 12

13 Mission Contacts If you would like to learn more about any of the missions our church supports, please contact one of these people: Mission Committee Chairperson: Diane Simmons Peacekeeping: Steve Todd Fair Trade Coffee (Peacekeeping): Steve Todd Homeless Outreach, HOTEL INC.: Steve Todd Transitional Housing, HOTEL INC.: Susan Thomison Meals Inc.: Pam Bratcher Living Waters: Kelly Goad Art Gallery: Sandy Brown, chair; Katie Maurer, publicity Food Pantry: Debbie Trickey Bellewood: Harvey Johnston or Diane Simmons Angel Tree Project Our Youth Ministry will once again sponsor an Angel Tree for the families of McNeill Elementary who need a little extra help during the holidays. The Tree will be set up in the 10th Ave. foyer on Sunday, November 25th. We have several families with multiple children. If you'd like to adopt a family, please contact David Muffett at david.muffett@bgpres.org. Merry Christmas from the Staff of The Presbyterian Church Page 13

14 December Birthdays December 1 Mary Lucas Bobby Rabold Charlene Rabold December 2 Mary Belle Ballance Jody Johnson Stacy Kreuzer Wanda Rosdeutscher December 3 Margaret Bush Kara Hildebrandt Donna Meredith December 4 Jack Cowan Kate Cowan Emily Gaither December 5 Mae Etta Hines Emily Mason December 6 Katherine Meredith December 7 Bruce Kessler Susan Maurer Ruth Meredith Alex Lebedinsky Marty Jo Watson Alice Winkenhofer Page 14 December 9 Heather Higgins Bill Oldham December 10 Ticket McGown Erin Whitaker December 11 Fred Kernohan Evan Kessler December 13 Michael Spencer, Jr. December 14 John Cowan Alexander Yusk December 15 Ginger Van Ness December 16 Amelia Seidler December 17 Turner Siddens Susan Todd Clair Watson December 18 Reed Crocker Mary Hext Robert Johnston December 19 Emily Sharp December 20 Woods Mason December 21 Jennifer Baker Martha Haynes December 22 Deborah Flynn Mallory Hudson Grayson Trickey December 23 Shirley Schoen December 24 Wes Green Gary Hext December 29 Greg Faulkner December 30 Evelyn Fitts Abbey Oldham December 31 David Rosdeutscher Evan Rudolph

15 December Calendar of Events Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 8:30am Pre-Parade party :30am Worship 9:30am Children s Choir 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship 12:00pm Cong. Mtg. 4:00pm Evening Prayer service 6:00pm Youth Group 11:00am Circle 3 4:00pm Youth Orch. 9:30am Tai Chi 11:00am Special Care 2:00pm Staff Mtg. 6:30pm Deacons (at Covingtons) 9:15am Wed. Morn. 9:30am Tai Chi Cir. (date change) :15pm Advent Dinner 6:05pm Worship 7:00pm Chancel Choir :30am Contemplative Prayers 12:00pm Bellewood in FH 9:30am Chancel Choir rehearsal And breakfast 7:00pm Theology Pub :30am Worship 11:30 Circle 9 9:30am Children s 4:00pm Youth Orch. Choir 9:45am Sun. Morn. Cir. 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship 4:00pm Lessons/Carols 6:00pm Youth Group 9:30am Tai Chi 11:00am Special Care 2:00pm Staff Mtg. 4:30pm Peacemaking 5:30pm Worship Ministry 6:30pm Missions 7:00pm Camera Club 9:30am Circle 6 9:30am Tai Chi 10:30am Contemplative Prayers Angel Tree deliveries :00am Special Care 11:00am Finance Min. 11:00am Circle 4 9:30am Tai Chi 12:00pm Bellewood in FH 10:30am Contemplative Prayers 8:30am Worship 9:30am Children s Choir 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship 12:00pm Lunch/ Caroilng 6:00pm Youth Group 6:30pm Gordoneers 17 7:00pm Evening Circle (date change) 2:00pm Staff Mtg. 7:00pm Session :30am Worship 9:30am Children s Choir 9:45am Sunday School 11:00am Worship 6:00pm Youth Group Christmas Eve Christmas Day Office Closed 5:00pm Worship 10:00pm Worship :00am Worship 6:00pm Youth Group New Year s Eve 5:15pm Advent Dinner 6:05pm Worship 7:00pm Chancel Choir 5:15pm Advent Dinner 6:05pm Worship 7:00pm Chancel Choir 26 7:00pm Theology Pub 7:00pm Theology Pub :30am Contemplative Prayers Page 15

16 The Presbyterian Church 1003 State Street Bowling Green, KY (270) Non-Profit Organization Permit No. 202 U. S. Postage Paid Bowling Green, KY RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Monday, December 17th, is the deadline for the January 2013 newsletter. Send your information to Newsletters are available on-line at December 2012 The Presbyterian Church Bowling Green, Kentucky (270) The Presbyterian Church Staff Our reason for being is to manifest the good news of Jesus Christ in word and deed so that disciples are made by means of inspiring and engaging worship, relevant and reliable education, compassionate and caring fellowship, meaningful and magnanimous outreach, to the glory of God. Dr. Matthew W. Covington Pastor Rev. Kara Hildebrandt Associate Pastor Thomas N. Moody Organist, Pastoral Assistant Wayne Pope Choir Director David Muffett Director of Youth Ministries / Property Administration Richard Barefoot Financial Administrator Steve Moore Treasurer Cheryl Gregory Secretary Dana Patterson Director, Preschool Learning Center Cedric Whitney Custodian Michael Spencer Sunday Sexton Sheila Reeves Newsletter Editor Page 16