Fall Council Minutes. Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 4th 4:00 p.m. Christmas Hope. Continued from page 1... Traditions!

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1 The Echo Lick Creek Church of the Brethren 1500 Center Street, Bryan, OH (419) December 2016 Volume 43 Issue 12 Traditions! Christmas is a time to reflect. Christmas is a time to reflect on traditions. There is that word tradition. How many of us hear that word tradition and instantly start singing the Fiddler on the Roof song Traditions: Tradition, tradition! Tradition! Tradition, tradition! Tradition! Who, day and night, must scramble for a living, Feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers? And who has the right, as master of the house, To have the final word at home? The Papa, the Papa! Tradition. taken from Fiddler on the Roof. Okay enough of this side bar and back to the main topic Christmas Traditions. Think about your families favorite traditions. Ask yourself how these particular traditions became part of your Christmas celebration. Was it brought by others or by circumstances? Now let s take a moment to reflect on the Christmas Story. Prior to the first Christmas the world was waiting for a Messiah to be born. For years that is exactly what it was, a time of waiting. Waiting is very difficult for most of us. But at that time, the time had finally come for God to fulfill the promise of a Savior. The fulfillment came through the young couple of Mary and Joseph. You have Mary and Joseph, two young people just dreaming about their future. God interrupts their normal start to married life with an amazing gift that Mary will give birth to the Messiah. The government implements a census at just the right time that Jesus is to be born in Bethlehem instead of Nazareth. The young family then is visited by unexpected guests that happen to be shepherds from the fields nearby. There are wise men who come and bring gifts of gold, myrrh and frankincense. The items that could possibly fund their unplanned trip to Egypt. Along with those special visitors the angels are preset throughout the story. Do you think Mary and Joseph would want their first Christmas to become their normal tradition? To travel to Bethlehem then to Egypt only to wait for the right time to come back home. God interrupted Mary and Joseph s first Christmas with unexpected surprises. Do we make room in our lives for the opportunity for God to interrupt our traditions? Now before you write me off as a non-traditionalist. Let me reassure you I like tradition but I also like to know that tradition holds purpose to draw me closer to God. The tradition of reading the Christmas Story at Christmas time or in family gatherings should never be out of tradition. But what if you had the grandkids act the story out or you spent time talking to them about how the Christmas Story changed your life. I will never be one to get rid of tradition but sometimes we need to see it with new eyes. An example of this for me was Mark Lowry s song Mary Did You Know and Mark s version is awesome but last year I was blown away by the Pentatonix version of the same song. I believe we need to allow space for new traditions and release the comfort of past traditions. Think about the words for the song: Mary Did You Know : Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you. Continued to page 2

2 Fall Council Minutes The Fall Council Meeting of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren was held November 13, 2016, following the worship service with 24 in attendance. In the absence of Moderator Morris Hendricks, Lee Zigler, Leadership Chair conducted the meeting and opened with prayer. Before the business started a couple of members expressed their concern about having the business meeting before the meal since we have guests whom they invited to stay but it was awkward because we have a meeting first. They suggested we reconsider next time. On the agenda was the affirmation of the Leadership Team presented by Jim Masten. He mentioned before we can affirm the Treasurer or Property Director we need a vote of council to extend their terms. They both have agreed to accept the position. Jim Masten moved and Paul Troder seconded to extend their terms. Vote was unanimous. A motion was made by Jim Masten to accept the recommendation of the calling committee and seconded by Loretta Musser. Motion carried. Doug Hohenberger, treasurer, presented the budget for He went over the items and noted it is up over $8000 from this year. Lee mentioned that we need to consider what we are giving and work toward tithing. A motion to accept the budget was made by Jim Masten and 2 nd by Paul Troder. Motion carried. Deacon chair, Glenn Shearer presented a list of separated members that will be removed from the separated membership list as per our constitution and by-laws. Separated members were received as members, but no longer participate in our church or have joined another church without notifying us. Letters were sent to some in question and only two responded. Forty-five are suggested and if you would like to keep someone on the list notify Glenn or a deacon. After much discussion a motion was made by Loretta Musser and 2 nd by Ed Keck to accept the work of the deacons. Motion carried. Under other business Loretta Musser questioned why the Echo has not been bound like previously. It was shared that the company that did it is no longer in business. Jim Masten will check with Verle Harner on this matter. Lee closed the meeting with prayer and included thanks for the Thanksgiving meal. Respectfully submitted. Janice Masten, Clerk Continued from page 1... Traditions! Mary and Joseph in raising Jesus watched as all of their deepest traditions of the Jewish faith fell away and Jesus ushered in a new way to live in the presence of God. The God that is for everyone. Have a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year Pastor Bill Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 4th 4:00 p.m. Please plan to join us on Sunday, December 4th at 4:00 p.m. to spread some cheer to our shut-ins. This is always a special time for everyone. Don t count yourself out if you think you re not a singer. Just come along with the crowd and you can t help but get caught up in the holiday giving spirit. We will leave the church at 4:00 p.m. sharp and return for light refreshments. Christmas Hope Christmas Hope, a modern-day reflection of the Christmas story, will be presented during Lick Creek s worship service on Sunday, December 18. The cast will consist of members and friends of Lick Creek, and the Worship Committee is hoping to include children in the program by having them sing some Christmas songs. Following the service, everyone is invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall for finger foods and fellowship. Hope to see you!

3 Those Leaving Footprints Among Us Gloria Hurd ( ) Gloria Hurd, age 71, of Stryker, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Community Health Professionals Inpatient Hospice near Defiance, Ohio. Gloria worked as a waitress and cook for many years at the Red Rooster in Stryker and for many years as a daycare provider. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting. Gloria was born on February 20, 1945, in Bryan, Ohio, to Lewis J. and F. Lucille (Swank) Burggrave. She was a 1963 graduate of Bryan High School. Gloria married Ronald L. Hurd on October 2, 1965, in Bryan and he survives. Besides her husband, Ronald, she is survived by two daughters, Sarah Suffel, of Stryker, and Deborah Hurd, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; three grandchildren, Brittany (Spencer) Rosebrock, of Bryan, Victoria Suffel, of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Kaycee John, of Archbold, Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Remington and Alexis Rosebrock, of Bryan; her brother, Lewis (Marilyn) Burggrave, of Hicksville, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation was held in the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan, Ohio, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. on Friday, November 11, Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 12, 2016, in the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Bill Holsopple officiating. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Stryker followed the service. Gerald E. Hendricks ( ) Gerald E. Hendricks, 98, of Alvordton, passed away Friday morning at Hillside Country Living in rural Bryan. He was born on July 8, 1918 in Madison Township, Williams County, to Charles and Martha (Throne) Hendricks. Gerald graduated from Kunkle High School in 1936 as the valedictorian with 12 years of perfect attendance. He then received his bachelor s degree from Manchester College in Manchester, Indiana in 1940, and his Master s of Education from the University of Toledo in On June 15, 1941 he married Elouise M. Stiving and she preceded him in death in April Gerald was active in the Eagle Creek Church, Lick Creek Church and Silver Creek Church of the Brethren, Northern Ohio District and Brotherhood, serving on commissions and committees. He was called to be a life -deacon in the church of the Brethren. He was a member of the Pioneer Lions, serving Lionism for 46 years, and was a Melvin Jones Fellow in Lionism. He also had memberships in the Ohio Retired Teachers Association, Williams County Retired Teachers, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Farm Bureau. Gerald was inducted into the North Central Hall of Fame in Gerald spent 40 years in public education. He was a teacher and high school principal in the former Sulphur Springs High School, Crawford County, from ; teacher and principal in the former Pioneer High School from 1946 until consolidation in 1957, then at North Central High School ; and he was the high school supervisor for Hardin County Schools from He also taught driver education for 26 years. He farmed the Hendricks Family Centennial Farm from and He was living in retirement at Hillside Country Living in Bryan. He is survived by two sons, Charles (Judy) Hendricks of Sarasota, Florida and Morris (Kay) Hendricks of New Bavaria, Ohio; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Elouise; son, Rodney Hendricks; daughter in-law, Sharon Hendricks; three sisters, Thelma White, Etolah Hinkle, Ruth Mulligan; one brother Herald Hendricks. Visitation for Gerald was held on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at the Thompson Funeral Home in Montpelier with a Lion s Club Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Silver Creek Church of the Brethren in Pioneer with Rev. Dorothy Ritchey-Moore officiating. Interment was held at Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer.

4 Minutes from the October Leadership Team Meeting The meeting of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren was held October 11, Present were Lee Zigler, Cindi Zigler, Doug Hohenberger, Gloria Hohenberger, Sherrie Herman, Glenn Shearer, Bernie Schleisser, Pastor Bill Holsopple and Jan Masten. Leadership chair Lee Zigler opened the meeting and led devotions and prayer. Jan Masten, clerk, conducted the roll call and presented the minutes of the previous meeting. The minutes were corrected to include Sherrie Herman s name as present. Doug Hohenberger, Treasurer, shared the treasurer s report noting that we had $11, in the checking account including the youth and benevolent fund. Doug also gave us a report on monies that have been used for each line item in the budget as of 9/30/2016. He also requested moving $4200 out of the Parsonage rental account to cover our outreach commitments. Glenn moved we use the money from the parsonage account and Jan seconded. Motion was approved. Pastor Bill has made 11 visits and attended Gerald Hendricks funeral. He has been making calls to some of the people in the directory. Things have been going pretty well this first month. He announced that the area clergy meeting will be held here on Tues., Nov. 1, It is for the district with 8-15 pastors attending from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Glenn Shearer reported that the Deacons served Bread and Cup communion on Oct. 2 nd. The next deacon meeting is Nov.6. Director of Worship, Gloria Hohenberger, reported that Siberian Solstice is here on Nov. 12 and that flyers have been sent to churches in the area. Loretta Musser and Sherrie Herman are in charge of the light meal for the performers. There will be a free will offering with 10% going to the church for expenses. Gloria said that the worship committee has changed its meeting date to the first Wed. at 10:30 a.m. Also, Christmas plans are underway and the program will be on Dec. 18 th during the morning worship. A light lunch of finger foods and fellowship will be held following worship. Education Director, Sherrie reported that Sunday School has started. Special Events director went over changes in the calendar with Nov. 13 th potluck following council with meat and drinks being furnished. November 20 th we will decorate for Christmas after the worship service and December 4 th there will be caroling at 4:00 p.m. Bernie Schleisser, Director of Church Property reported: 1. Buckeye Exterminator was here and did the outside of the building as part of their contract. 2. He is working on getting the deck stained with help of Jim Shellenberger and Ed Keck. 3. He wants to trim or take out bushes in front?? And also rocks on hill at parsonage. The team thought he needed a follow-up plan before anything was done. Marge Keck was mentioned by Bernie to help with what to plant around church. Glenn will help also. 4. Roofers will start in one week on the parsonage. 5. Elevator was inspected with minor suggestions AND is safe to use. Davis-Newcomer was here and tagged it as okay. 6. Playground surface has been raked and is okay except for the weeds. In other business Pastor Bill was contacted by Universal Directory. We are checking it out but no decision was made at this time. There was discussion concerning a copyright license for music and videos and we are checking into it since our license has expired. A motion was made by Cindi and seconded by Glenn to close the meeting. The next meeting will be on Tues., Nov. 8 th at 6:30. Respectfully submitted, Jan Masten, Clerk Items pending Actions Taken 1. Parsonage Roof 1. Outreach commitment paid 2. Shrubs/Rocks Removal 3. Copyright license 4. Church directory Poinsettias for the Sanctuary If you would like to donate poinsettias for Christmas, the Worship Committee will gladly accept them, beginning with the first Advent Sunday, November 27th, through Christmas Sunday, when you may then take them home. Thank you in advance for your contributions!

5 Minutes from the November Leadership Team Meeting The meeting of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren was held Nov. 7, Present were Lee Zigler, Cindi Zigler, Doug Hohenberger, Gloria Hohenberger, Sherrie Herman, Bernie Schliesser, Glenn Shearer, Pastor Bill Holsopple and Jan Masten. Leadership Team Chair opened the meeting with devotions and prayer. Roll call and the minutes were presented by clerk, Jan Masten. Minutes were approved as written. Treasurer, Doug Hohenberger gave the treasurer s report. He reported $ in the checking account as of and this includes the youth and benevolent funds which means the checking account is $ Giving is not meeting the budget. Pastor Bill reported he made 20 visits this month and he is working through the directory. He attended a class on dementia at Good Shepherd Home. He hosted the Bryan Ministrial Association and the Church of the Brethren Fall Clergy for their respective meetings. Glenn Shearer, Deacon chair, reported the deacons met Nov. 6 th and updated the separated members list, and will report to council their recommendations. The Director s reports are as follows. Director of Worship Gloria Hohenberger reported: 1. Siberian Soltise plans were complete for Nov. 12 th. 2. Christmas plans are moving ahead with a short skit being planned as part of the worship service on Dec The worship committee decided to support Christmas for Kids and have the Mitten tree this year. Items donated will be taken to the live drive here in Bryan. Director of Education, Sherrie Herman mentioned: 1. Classes are meeting. 2. Would like to plan some fund raising for the youth in the future. Director of Special Events, Cindi Zigler reported: 1. Fall Council will be Nov.13 with the Thanksgiving Dinner following the meeting. Loretta will be in charge of cooking the turkey. 2. November 20 th we will decorate the church for Christmas after worship with pizza for lunch. 3. Dec.4 th will be caroling. 4. Dec.18 th is the Christmas program during worship service with finger foods following the service in the fellowship hall. Director of Property, Bernie Schleisser 1. Jim Shellenberger and Bernie have 2/3 of the deck on parsonage stained. 2. The bushes around church will not be removed until after winter. 3. Roofers will start on the parsonage in 2 weeks. 4. He got a 60 day extension on removing the water in the pit of the elevator, but the elevator can be used. In other business the team went over the agenda for council meeting which included listing of separated members to be removed; approval of Treasurer and Director of Property terms being extended; passed unanimously the budget recommendation with a motion by Glenn and 2 nd by Sherrie; the calling of the Leadership Team to be affirmed by council. A motion was made by Cindi and 2 nd by Doug to adjourn the meeting. The next leadership team meeting will be Tuesday, January 3, Submitted by Janice Masten, Church Clerk Action Taken: Items Pending: 1. Agenda for Council 1. Roof of parsonage 2. Copyright license Hats and Mittens Tree As done in the past several years, Lick Creek will be collecting hats and mittens to be taken to Child and Family Services for distribution to children in need of these items. The Worship Committee will see to it that the collection is taken care of shortly after Christmas. Please be generous in your donations for children who through no fault of their own are placed in situations that make it difficult for them to experience the joys of the season without our assistance! Christmas for Kids Lick Creek s Christmas outreach mission will again benefit Christmas for Kids, a program that collects toys for children in need. Please bring your unwrapped toys to the church by December 4th so they can be taken to the Live Drive at Pence s Carmel Corn Shoppe in Bryan on Monday, December 5th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Toys collected will remain in the Williams County area.

6 We never grow closer to God when we just live life. It takes deliberate pursuit and attentiveness. -Francis Chan Solution is found on page 2. Statistics Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30 Adult Sunday School Worship Service Tithes & Offering $ $ $ $ $ Special Offering Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27 Adult Sunday School n/a Worship Service n/a Tithes & Offering $ $ $ n/a Special Offering $ $5.00 Answers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; Matthew, Luke

7 Deacon Caregivers for December the entire Deacon body Bill Hardman Doug & Gloria Hohenberger Jim & Jan Masten Glenn & Becky Shearer Linda & Robert Shambarger Anniversary and Birthday listings may be unintentionally incomplete. If you are aware of an omission, please notify the office. Thank you. Birthdays December 9 - Doug Hohenberger 26 - Jan Masten Anniversary December 10 - Brittany & Spencer Rosebrock The True Meaning of Christmas Jesus Christ was born this day So many years before He came a servant to the lost, Though He was Lord of Lords. We celebrate this joyous time, Reflecting on His birth Not born in a mansion, but a stable As if He had no worth He came so He could identify With the human heart of man And gave His life as a sacrifice, Offering a better plan Bible Quiz Without going to your Bible, write the names of the four Gospels below:,,, and. Now draw circles around the two Gospels which specifically tell of the birth of Jesus. Answers are found on page 9. A plan that reconciles us back To our loving Father God, Bringing hope and redemption from Sins ruling, iron rod For this is the only reason that we Should celebrate this day, To become focused on anything else, Would take the meaning away So let s arise with joy in our hearts And share it with everyone The meaning of Christmas will always be The birth of Jesus - God s son By M.S. Lowndes

8 Lick Creek Church of the Brethren 1500 Center Street Bryan, OH Return Service Requested Worship Schedule 9:15 AM - Sunday School 10:30 AM - Worship Coming Events Dec. 4 Christmas Caroling Dec. 18 Christmas Program with Luncheon to Follow Dec. 25 Christmas Sunday Jan. 3 Leadership Team Meeting Jan. 8 Take down Christmas Decorations The Echo is a publication of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren and is published bi-monthly (except for December). Articles are to be submitted to the church secretary by the 15th of each month. Editor & Copy writer Brenda Arnold Publisher Verle Harner Proofreader Jan Masten