Monthly Newsletter of Christ Presbyterian Church June 2012

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1 Monthly Newsletter of Christ Presbyterian Church June 2012 Joplin Reflections Pages 2 and 3 Prime Time Luncheon Page 5 Children, Family and Youth News Page 6 SKY Everything is Possible with God Vacation Bible School The Johnny Knorr Orchestra Returns Jerry Knorr is keeping the tradition of bringing The Johnny Knorr Orchestra performances at Christ Presbyterian Church alive. The orchestra will be performing on Sunday, June 3, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Hansen Hall. A free-will offering will be taken to compensate the musicians. Join us June 25 - June 29 from 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. for an exciting Vacation Bible School. Come on a wild adventure with Up & Away Sing & Play, Wild Blue Bible Adventures, All-Star Games, Sky High Movie & Mission, Imagination Station, Skydive Diner and Fly Away Finale. Contact Monica Mancy at Monica@cpctoledo.org to be a part of Sky, sign up today! Our Mission Team to Joplin Makes a Difference Our mission team to Joplin, Missouri discovered a community devastated by the tragedy of a tornado and also filled with hope as people were rebuilding their lives and their homes. One hundred and sixty people were killed, 990 injured, and 7,000 homes destroyed. It is estimated that 75% of Joplin was damaged one year ago. However, despite many streets still filled with only home foundations, there are hundreds of homes being built and restored by people who value their community. Our mission trip was coordinated by Bob Burnett and the team included Eric Baho, Barb Ball, Dale Burnett, Bill and Mary Lou Forsee, Diane Kowalski, Rachel Novakovic, Cheryl Porrett, Doug Ratzenberger, Tom Schwartz, and Jim Wagner. We stayed at a facility owned by First Presbyterian Church of Joplin and worked with Catholic Charities from April 29 to May 4. Most of our time was spent helping two families complete their restored homes. Our work included tiling, carpentry, painting, plumbing and building a playground structure. We worked hard and valued having the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of two families. (Pictures and reflections inside)

2 Pictures and Reflections of the Mission Team to Joplin Our Joplin Mission I was just amazed at the resilience, hopefulness and faithfulness of the people of Joplin. Everyone I met believed that the city of Joplin and its residents would recover from the May 27 tornado and be a stronger city despite the disaster. Each family we worked for had suffered tremendous loss yet had a firm belief that they would recover and move on with their lives. Both families were appreciative of our efforts to finish their homes. I believe this was one of the most meaningful mission trips in which I have participated and it strengthened my belief that if we are to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ we must reach out to individuals in need and give of ourselves to help them in their time of need. - Bob Burnett By participating in the Joplin mission trip, I realized how blessed I am to have basic housing. So many homes were destroyed and damaged by the tornado from May of Even one year after the tornado, there is so much rebuilding that needs to be done. No one church or organization can accomplish the monumental task of rebuilding homes for the families, but with diverse groups from all over the nation working together, Joplin homes are being rebuilt. - Diane Kowalski There is still so much work to do to restore Joplin to what it was prior to the tornado. I feel blessed to have been able to help one family towards reaching the goal of getting back in their own home before the one-year anniversary of this disaster. - Cheryl Porrett 2 Our trip to Joplin was an eye opener just as previous trips have been. The trips make me feel so thankful for all of the blessings that we have. It reinforces that the important things in our lives are a strong faith and our relationships with others. Mission trips allow us to give back and do for others, to learn new skills and form closer relations with other church members. Though we are tired at the end of the day, we can feel that we have done God s work by helping others. - Dale Burnett Thank you for this opportunity to be of help in a small way to put one family back in their home after almost a year of turmoil. I was rewarded several times over with the graciousness of the Joplin community. - Mary Lou Forsee

3 Even though the tornado destroyed their city, it didn't break their spirit. Despite losing their home and everything in it, the owners of the home we worked on were determined and optimistic and looking forward to moving in. - Jim Wagner Emily, a homeowner with three children enjoys a moment with Gabe, a Catholic Charities Supervisor. My journey to Joplin with the CPC team was an enriching experience spiritually and humanistically. Spiritually, our group daily participated in morning meditation and prayer at the chapel, for the discernment and discovery of God's grace in our activities; and humanistically, our two teams worked with great dedication each day for the whole week on reconstructing the two+ homes assigned to us, which were destroyed during the tornado disaster of May The owners of these homes as well as the NGO manager greatly appreciated our work. Weekly, we hear sermons and participate in prayers and religious activities. My participation (1st) in the journey to Joplin illuminated the Christian teachings that; " We are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5;20) Eric Baho The Jump family pauses for a picture with members of our team. I was blessed when out team helped a family who had been scammed by an unscruplous contractor and lost almost all their insurance money. - Bill Forsee. I was impressed by the numbers of volunteers, from all over the country, who had been to or who were scheduled to join in the relief effort in Joplin; and how seriously they applied themselves to the task of doing their best. God s abundant love expressed through people helping people. Barb Ball This was my first mission trip and it won't be my last! First of all it was so wonderful really getting to know the team members. My time at CPC has been one of occasional worship and very little fellowship. On this trip I really got to experience what fellowship means and, other than the long evenings with five other snoring men, it was wonderful. From my Travel Buddy, Barb Ball, to my grumpy Site Supervisor, Billy Forsee I learned what service really means. It's about using our God given talents to help others! It was hard to believe that one year later there is so much need in Joplin and I'm thankful that the CPC Mission Team was called to Joplin and I was able to participate. - Doug Ratzenberger 3

4 4 Summer Worship Hours Begin on June 10 The Summer Worship Hours will begin on Sunday, June 10. The contemporary service will be at 9:00 a.m. in Hansen Hall and the traditional service will be 10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Celebrating 50 Years of Ministry Former pastor, The Rev. Dr. Christian Matthews will be celebrating his 50 years of ministry this year. He will be preaching at both services on Sunday, June 17. Calling All Pie Lovers! Father s Day is fast approaching, and the Special Events team is planning the annual CPC pie celebration! If you would be willing to donate your favorite pie (either homemade or store-bought) please sign up on the sheets provided in Hansen Hall and the Narthex. Then mark your calendars, invite your family and friends, and plan to join us Sunday, June 17 for a slice (or two!) of delicious pie as we gather to celebrate Father s Day after both of the worship services. 25 th Anniversary Interfaith Blood Drive This year will be a special Celebration of Life. The the Interfaith Blood Drive needs 300 units of blood each day in order to meet the needs of the area hospitals. This drive provides some of the needed blood to cover the fourth of July holiday. The Interfaith Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 4441 Monroe Street. Both donors and volunteers are needed. If you would like to volunteer, please call Dorothy Friederich at To schedule an appointment, please call Devorah at Celebrating 60 years of Christ Presbyterian Church Volunteers Needed Christ Presbyterian Church turns 60 this year! It was in July of 1952 that we were founded. We will be celebrating on Saturday, September 22 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and will have 60 th celebration services on Sunday, September 23. Please consider helping to plan the celebration. Please contact one of us if you are interested in planning this exciting celebration. Thank You!! Kate Backoff Dale Burnett Allison Johnson Karen Wharram Pictures Needed The anniversary committee is requesting copies of pictures you may have to help us put together a slide show for viewing on September 22. If you have any photos you are willing to share please drop them off in the church office, or give to Karen Wharram. We will scan them and return them to you. If you have any digital pictures for us, they can be ed to the church office at tracy@ cpctoledo.org or Karen s nerakmi@chartermi.net. We appreciate your help in sharing the memories of CPC. If you have any questions please call Karen at Addresses Needed Please contact Tracy in the church office if you have any addresses or information on previous members and friends of Christ Presbyterian Church that you feel would want to be invited to the 60 th Celebration on Saturday, September 22. Tracy can be reached at tracy@cpctoledo.org or Save the Date Celebrate Christ Presbyterian Church s 60 th Anniversary Saturday, September 22, 2012 All Church Event - 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Hansen Hall and church lawn Catered dinner, program, activities for children & youth Note: Reservations information coming soon! and Sunday, September 23, th Celebration Services

5 Heard and Overheard (Congregation news compiled by Barb Ball) It s that time of year again - time for weddings, graduations, students on summer break, and travels. Congratulations to Jennie Backoff, daughter of Kate and Tom Backoff, who graduated Indiana University with Honors on May 5, Jennie was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with Distinction and a minor in French. Beginning the first of July, Jennie will start her working career with GE Healthcare in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in their Financial Management Program. In the interim, she and her sister Leslie will spend some time together touring France and Germany. Ica and Jerry Sutter were in the audience as their grandson, John Sutter, received his diploma from Westchester University in Westchester, Pennsylvania. John earned a Bachelor of Arts in Health Sciences. He has served internships in this area, working with the elderly and special needs young adults. John is the son of Steve and Sue Sutter. Congratulations are also due to Pastor Kris Schondelmeyer who announced his engagement at Sunday services on May 13, The lucky girl is Abby L. Wasylkowski, a native of Perrysburg, Ohio. Kris and Abby met seven months ago serving together on the Board of Trustees of the Toledo Campus Ministry. Abby is a student at the University of Toledo, finishing a degree in Religious Studies; and has served as an intern at the university s new Center for Religious Understanding. Currently, Abby is working part-time with the children and youth at Fairgreen Presbyterian Church. The couple is planning a winter wedding, possibly in December. Traveling is off to a good start this spring with many in our congregation. Nanci and Bruce Poling just returned from a bicycling trip with friends from Missouri starting in Xenia, Ohio. Leaving from there, the foursome pedaled a total of 104 miles in four days. Arizona was the destination for Kay and Boyd Montgomery. They spent three weeks visiting their son Boyd and his wife, Sandy. The couples enjoyed many side trips together including visits to Sedona, Arizona; and Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Send news of your travels and special occasions to Barb Ball at bar1tom2@bex.com or call Prime Time Luncheon 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. Toledo Campus Ministry at the University of Toledo Wednesday, June 6 12:00 p.m. Rev. Dee Baker (Executive Director/Campus Pastor) will be joining us to share about the ministry and mission of Toledo Campus Ministry (TCM). TCM is one of our church sponsored and Presbytery sponsored ministry partners, and this will be an opportunity to learn more about how we are supporting ministry at the University of Toledo. This will also be an opportunity to meet Pastor Kris fiancée as she is participating in a summer internship through TCM. To reserve a seat, please contact Tracy Stuckey in the church office by Monday, June 4 at or her at tracy@cpctoledo.org. 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. June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 We Need Your Help! Tomato or spaghetti sauce or pasta 100 % juice bottled or single-serving size Canned fruit Cereal Powdered or canned milk is an essential item that can be brought in at any time. 5

6 6 Session Notes From April 24, 2012 Your Session met April 24th and received team reports: Buildings and Grounds is prioritizing projects to be completed this year. New Member Outreach conducted Exploring Membership Classes. Christian Involvement are working on a system to store information and the Opportunities to Serve pamphlet has been updated. Mission team reported a positive response from the Bucket Brigade project. Personnel reported staff goals have been determined for Worship and Music is awaiting handrail installation of chancel steps. Summer schedule to be announced. Clerk reported Mary Moore has requested to be reinstated from inactive to active status. Motion approved. ~Linda Smith, Clerk of Session Volunteer Opportunities Christ Presbyterian Church Garden Volunteer help is needed with the CPC garden this summer. We will be watering, harvesting and weeding. You may get a little dirt under your finger nails, sweaty on occasion and will have some soreness from bending over. The end result is worth while. CPC provides fresh produce for the NW Food bank, Feed Your Neighbor and the Corner. Call Dick Lewis at No experience necessary. Bucket Brigade Update The Mission Team would like to thank everyone who participated in the Bucket Brigade during the month of April. Through your generosity we delivered 21 Buckets and 9 cartons of cleaning supplies to ISOH/Impact in Waterville, OH. They were very appreciative of our effort to collect and deliver the cleaning supplies to them. We are hoping to do another Bucket Brigade this summer. The theme will be school supplies for needy children and youth. More information will be announced at a later date. Children, Family and Youth News Kids Travel Guide to the Lord s Prayer Get ready for a memorable journey filled with stories, ideas, and fun as we travel through the power of prayer. Join us each Sunday during the summer, as we take an exciting journey! Kids will understand what prayer is all about, how God relates to them, and how they can relate to God! Our Summer Sunday school sounds like lots 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 Sundays this summer at both services.. A signup sheet will be located in the Children s classroom wing or you can 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 Calling all those that will be going into 3 rd, 4 th, 5 th, and 6 th grades... On Thursday, July 12 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 only $10. Registrations will be sent by mail next month. 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. Summer Mission Opportunities for Radically Engaged Students (S.M.O.R.E.S.) This summer the CPC Youth Group will participate in local mission opportunities. These opportunities will be available for youth going into 7 th 12 th grades for the school year. S.M.O.R.E.S. will include: - Adopt-A-Highway Clean-Up - Helping with VBS (June 25 29) - Serving Food for the Homeless - Summer Mission Lock-In - Fun Recreation Events (Cedar Point, baseball game, etc.) Dates for specific mission opportunities are still being planned. Please speak with Pastor Kris if you would like more information about participating in S.M.O.R.E.S..

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