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hands&feet
May 2013 | Newsletter of Central Presbyterian Church,
Downingtown, PA 19335
Dear CPC Family and Friends,
The season of Eastertide has been one of true joy and uplifting Spirit. Each resurrection appearance of Jesus affords us
another important piece of evidence that our Lord was truly the Son of God and that he offers to all the gift of eternal
life. From Mary Magdalene, to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and to the disciples by the Sea of Galilee – each
appearance changed the atmosphere from one of disappointment and despair to one of hope and joy and the
determination to spread the good news! Jesus’ presence among us now continues to fuel our passion for the gospel
today. Our Sundays together have been wonderful. Our ministry and mission have been steadily growing.
We expect this marvelous spirit and determination to continue as we gather during the Sundays of May. Youth Sunday
will be celebrated on May 5. We should all be very proud of them. They have endured a lot of challenges during the
past year – yet they faithfully continue to be dedicated disciples of Jesus. They are not the future of the church – they
are the church today. They deserve our enthusiastic support. Let us covenant to make May 5 an “every member in
church” Sunday!
Following Youth Sunday we will celebrate Mother’s Day on May 13, Pentecost on May 19
(everyone wear red), and Trinity Sunday and remembering our Veterans on May 27. Each
and every Lord’s Day is a celebration of the resurrection. May each service bring hope and
healing and harmony to those who gather to worship God.
We invite everyone to hold your officers and leaders in your prayers at all times, but
particularly during the next two months. It is time for us to explore God’s will for the future
staffing model of CPC (with the assistance of Donegal Presbytery) and to address major
decisions with respect to our organizational structure and our priorities for mission and
ministry in the coming year. CPC is blessed with Elders, Deacons, and Trustees who are
displaying deep commitment to Christ in their efforts and a kind and humble attitude toward
one another. It has been an honor for me to labor alongside such faithful followers of Christ.
As we join our hearts and hands to humbly serve our God, we do so knowing that all good gifts come from God, and
our hope is not in ourselves, but in God. With the Apostle Paul we confidently affirm, “I can do all things through him
who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13.
Yours in Christ,
Reverend Bill Hess
Greetings to our Central Family and Friends!
Many of you know that while I have many passions in ministry, my first loves have always
been worship and youth ministry. I attribute most of that to the way that youth ministry
touched my own life and shaped my faith, providing a foundation for what it is today. I
wanted to take this newsletter to say a few things about youth ministry here at CPC.
Thank you all for a wonderful send-off for Colin and Kelsey last month. It was truly a
testament to the love and passion for youth ministry Colin demonstrated to our congregation
over his four years at Central, as well as your investment in them. Over the last several
weeks some of you have approached me asking questions about the transition. Let me
answer some of those questions:
- Who is leading the youth group now? The Youth Leader Team and I are together leading the youth group and sharing that
responsibility as we move forward. Central is beyond blessed with the most fabulous group of volunteer youth leaders I have
ever seen. Not only are they spectacular and incredibly gifted in ministry, but they are also here in abundance. The team
consists of Bill and Pam Criswell, Andrew Fell, Jeff and Jody Flecken, Amy Lisk, Rod McMillan, Judy Mulhern, Tyler
Motel, Melissa Murdock, Ann and Tom Roper, and Margaret Van Guilder. Please thank them for stepping up into this very
important role. The program will be fun, relevant, and strong under their leadership. Questions about the ministry can be
directed to any of the leaders or directly to Emily.
- Is there still a Mission Trip? Yes! Pastor Bill Hess, Judy Mulhern, and Ann Roper will be taking 13 students to participate
in Hurricane Sandy Relief in New Jersey in June. There will be several opportunities to support them financially and with
prayer. Look for those opportunities in the next several weeks.
- What is next for youth ministry at CPC? We will continue to maintain a vibrant ministry for our students through the
spring, summer, and into the fall. Our hope is that no student will feel his or her time in youth ministry was less of an
experience because of recent transitions. Over the summer we will begin concurrently working on a youth ministry model
that is sustainable for this congregation moving forward—which I am incredibly excited to participate in—and over time we
will grow into whatever new life that takes on. Watch for the ways the Spirit moves in this process! It will be amazing to
see.
Over the next several months you will hear me talk more about youth ministry: its theology, why it matters, and what it
looks like today. I hope you will participate in the conversations, tell the leader team and me your ideas and passions, and
think about ways in which you, the congregation, are all youth leaders for our teenagers—encouraging them in their faith,
modeling what mature Christian discipleship looks like, and loving them as your sons and daughters in this our covenant
family.
Blessings,
Pastor Emily
The National Day of Prayer will be observed at CPC on Thursday, May 2, with
an opportunity for personal prayer and reflection in the Sanctuary between 11:30
a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Pastors Bill and Emily will close with a communal prayer in
the Sanctuary at 3:00. If you are not able to attend, we ask that you stop and pray
a silent pray with the nation at 3:00.
Child and Youth Protection Training
On Tuesday, May 7, at 7:00 p.m., CPC will hold a Training Session for all adults working with our young people in
the church. It is especially important that those individuals who plan on volunteering for VBS this summer attend this
session. Please let the church office know if you plan to attend.
The Deacons and Mission Ministries were very
pleased to receive their nearly $4000 payout this
spring from the Endowment Committee. These
funds are taken annually from the yearly interest
gained on Endowment funding and were previously
dispersed as competitive grants. The competitive
annual dispersal of grants was discontinued in the
fall of 2012. The bulk of the annual interest, close to
$10,000 last year, will be turned over to outreach
programs that are already in place at CPC, with
40% designated to the Mission Ministry, 40% to the
Deacon Ministry, 20% for a Student Grant Fund for
use within CPC, with10% for a scholarship for youth
activities and 10% for a scholarship for higher
education needs of CPC youth members who are
studying for the ministry.
The Deacons Liaison Committee continues to assist both CPC
members and individuals from the wider community with financial
needs. Through April, the Deacons received 53 requests for assistance
(food, utilities, rental assistance, clothing needs, etc.) and had funds to
provide assistance to 33 of those in need and were able to refer another
13 to other agencies for assistance. So, if you are experiencing a need,
or if you see a neighbor who really needs help in sifting through a
financial dilemma, please do consider turning to your Board of Deacons.
You can make a request to “your” assigned Deacon, to
“any” Deacon, to the church office, or to a member of the
Liaison Committee – Dan Beam, Jane Butler, Jan Drury,
Pam Dunn, Leah Greenwood, Dey Kyper, Maria Llevat,
Dana Purvis, or Kevin Zeeger. Assistance intakes are
scheduled on Saturday mornings by appointment, or
alternatively Tuesday evening by special arrangement if
Saturday morning is not possible.
listening, praying, helping
CPC'S Got Talent!
It's time to share your wonderful talent with our
CPC community during our Celebration Weekend, May 31-June 2, by unveiling your artistic
and musical gifts!
Spring Coffeehouse- Friday, May 31st, 7-9
p.m. Loosen up those vocal chords, pull out
those instruments, and perform on the stage in
front of your friends and family! The
CPC Praise Band will also be performing as one of the evening's acts. Come
join in the fun by contributing your
musical talent to our Coffeehouse.
Contact Jody Flecken, [email protected], if
interested in participating.
Spring Art Show- Calling all artists in our CPC
community…We invite you to display your work
throughout our Celebration Weekend. We are
presently looking for contributions in oil, pastel,
and acrylic painting, as well as photography and
textiles. Please contact Jody Flecken,
[email protected], if you are interested in
assisting with coordination for this art stroll and/
or contributing your work.
There’s a BUZZZ in the air, but so far it’s only a
BUZZ… A few folks have asked about starting a
raised bed container Community
Vegetable Garden at Central.
Should we, could we???
There will be logistics involved, but
we have the land, we certainly have
many members with a heart for mission and outreach, we have many folks with an interest in
gardening, and there are local individuals and
websites that can provide us with a model.
We need help to get this “off the ground,” so to
speak! You don’t have to be a master gardener
to pull weeds and pick tomatoes! (Not that we
wouldn’t welcome you with open arms, though!)
Think of the fresh produce that could be shared
with our local food banks, as well as the lessons
we could teach our children about sustainability
and where food comes from!
If you, your friends, or your organization/ministry
would like to further discuss the feasibility of a
Raised Bed Container Community Garden at
Central, please notify Sue Blevins or the church
office.
OUR PRAYERS AND SYMPATHY are with:
*Dave and Diane Ward on the recent loss of Dave’s mother, Juanita Ward, following a long
and courageous battle with cancer.
*The Johnston family on the passing of Marian Johnston on April 9 in Silver Spring,
Maryland.
*Jeff and Priscilla Singleton and with Janet Singleton in the tragic loss of their daughter and
granddaughter, Emily Singleton, in New York City.
*Sue Millin and her family on the recent loss of her husband Lee in Myrtle Beach,
South Carolina, following his valiant struggle with cancer. Some members may
remember the Millins, who were active members of CPC a number of years ago.
Kindly contact the church office for the addresses of these families for expressions of love and sympathy.
NEW MEMBERS: On Sunday, April 14, we welcomed Allen Arnwine and Margaret Harrison,
Chuck and Sue Wilson, Patty Murdoch, and Eleanor (“Ellie”) and Melissa Shannon into our CPC
family. Please be sure to greet them warmly when you see them in church.
BIRTHS:
*Mary Ann and Steve Curtiss announce the birth of their precious grandson
Curtiss Russell Berry, born on April 16,
the son of Molly Curtis Berry and her husband, Chip.
*Anne and Dave Cowburn joyfully welcome their new granddaughter
Beatrice Irene Anderson, daughter of Cecily and Bengt Anderson, born April 19.
THANK YOU. Wes Pannebaker would like to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers,
and good wishes extended to him regarding his recent surgery.
BAPTISED April 21: Luke Whitney Sperling and Samuel Donald Sperling, sons of Mary and
Scott Sperling. Welcome!
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN…
“Such exciting and inspiring things are happening at Central. It is so neat to see what a vibrant church Central
is/has been/will continue to be. It is with a large touch of sadness that we will be officially leaving Central for
our new MD church at the end of the month. But we know Central and its wonderful congregation will be
thriving in Downingtown and will always be there to welcome us back for visits.”
With Christian love, Christine & Mark Kamon
DEACON’S CORNER
Summer LEGO Opportunity for CPC and Community Kids
Your Trustees have entered into a rental agreement with "Bricks 4 Kidz," an educational
program providing hands-on summer
experiences for elementary and middle school
students. The programs are taught by trained
teachers and an aide in three-hour blocks (a.m.
or p.m.) over the period of one week.
B4K will be offering three separate weeks
of the Lego-based technology camps from 9:00
a.m.-4:00 p.m. during the weeks of June 24-28;
July 15-19; and July 22-26. These times do not
conflict with CPC activities. It is the view of the
Trustees that this effort will provide our community's parents and children, including those of
CPC, with worthy experiences during a time of
year that children need good activities. The
agreement will benefit our church family by
increasing our visibility in the community,
furnishing rental income that will align with our
budgeted goals, providing a benefit for kids and
parents, and underscoring the value that we
place in education and service.
You can visit the B4K website for our area by
using the link below. The website will provide the
costs, dates, and locations of the full schedule of
camps being held in the area, including those at
CPC:
http://www.bricks4kidz.com/pennsylvania-extonchestercounty/
SPRING LUNCHEON
Our annual Spring Luncheon took place Tuesday, April 9th.
We served more than 120 for lunch, including residents from
seven nursing homes, the Coatesville VA Medical Center
Home, and several from Grace Covenant EPC.
Centerpieces, created by the Youth Group, included
butterfly favors and pots of pansies. Ruth Patterson
graciously served as head chef, assisted by members of the
CPC Working Guild and Deacons, for a luncheon of
chicken tetrazzini, green beans, Jell-O salad, rolls, butter,
pie, coffee and tea. Wonderful entertainment was
provided by Kevin Pierce. Rumors have it that there was
dancing in the aisles! A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who
helped to make the Deacons Senior Luncheon such a
wonderful success. Special thanks to the pastors and to all
of our terrific CPC volunteers.
PHOTOS IN FELLOWSHIP HALL
Thanks largely to the efforts of CPC Deacon Barbara
Leisenring, the church is enjoying some lovely posters of
flowers photographed at Longwood Gardens. Barbara
says she considers herself very fortunate to work with very
talented co-workers and friends in the College of Education
at WCU. Gail Habbersett, for one, is the avid photographer
who took the colorful photos and so graciously shared
them, so that we could beautifully decorate Fellowship Hall
for the Deacons’ Spring Luncheon. When Gail saw Dick
Dague’s online postings of her photos gracing the walls, she
commented that she was so happy to have been able to
contribute to the luncheon!
Deacons Spring Luncheon
EXERCISE IN GRATITUDE
An interesting approach to expressing gratitude was launched at the April
21 worship service. After the offering was taken, Pastor Bill explained
the details and asked that our congregants take note of our blessings
during the following week. Our church then gave an "offering" to those of
us in attendance of ten $1 bills, which we were asked to remove from the
envelope and put in a separate place. As the week went by and we
found ourselves moved to express gratitude for how God has blessed us,
he suggested that we might return one or more of the dollars to the
envelope in appreciation for God’s gifts to us. We were encouraged to
journal a comment about what we noticed. There were no requirements
for how much or how little we placed in the envelope, but only that we
respond to a prayerful consideration of gratitude. The envelopes and
comments were returned during worship the next week, providing us with
a vehicle to express our thanks to God.
Photos by Dick Dague
Christian Education
Spring has sprung! The weather outside has turned warm, and all of the trees are bursting with
new growth! In Christian Education we are planning for the end of the school year and
excitedly preparing for next year! As we end the school year, before we get into our summer
schedule starting on May 26th, we have many activities planned for the children and young
adults here at Central.
*We will honor our high school seniors during Senior Sunday on June 2nd, with the Youth
leading the service. Our K-5th graders have started to work on a drama that they will perform
early in June! Christian Ed also has plans to celebrate the end of the school year at the
beginning of June on Pentecost Sunday with a Pentecost Party! More info to follow…
*Vacation Bible School registration is in full swing! This ever-popular program will be held July 8-12 at CPC
from 9:00 a.m. to Noon, for students Pre-K through 6th grade, with a full day option for students in Grades 2-6 until
4:30 p.m. The fun-filled program this year is entitled “All Year Round!” New this year is an Optional Lunch for all
students until 12:45 p.m. We are also looking forward to working with the folks from Camp Donegal during VBS. It
is not too late to sign up!
*CPC goes to Camp Donegal from July 28th-August 2nd. We invite all students completing Grades 3-9 to join in
on the fun: For 3rd-4th Grade: Summer Games Camp; for 5th-6th Grade: Sports Extravaganza Camp; for 7th-9th
Grade: Jr. Night Owl Camp. See Emily for more information or visit campdonegal.org.
*Please join us for our Christian Education meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month! We are always looking
for additional talents and people who are willing to contribute their gifts. Enjoy spring and all of the beauty that
comes with the new season!
VBS REGISTRATION FORMS continue to be available in the Narthex. Ask at the Welcome
Center. We are so excited about this tremendous program. Sign up today!
In March, we told you about Church Community Builder and helped you learn how to register and
log on. In last month’s CCB Corner, we helped you learn to use CCB to email other members. This
month, we will focus on how to update your profile and add your email address and photos of
yourself and your family to your profile.
First, you must start by logging into CCB. From the “Home” tab of CCB, at the upper right side of
the screen, click “Go to my profile.” On the right, under “Actions,” click “Edit Profile.” From this
screen, you will be able to add or change your email address, as well as add or update other
personal information. To add your photo, click on the “Choose File” tab at the top. This will take
you to your computer where you have stored photos. Open the file with the photo and open the
photo you would like to add. Be sure to click “save” at the bottom when you are done. If you
would like to add a family photo, go to the “Actions” tab and click on “Edit Family Profile.” You will
be able to add a family photo by following the steps above.
Remember, your email address will not be revealed to people within CCB unless you change your
settings or designate people as your friends. We’ll talk more about that in an upcoming CCB
Corner!
Daughters’ Luncheon May 11
On Saturday, May 11th (Mother's Day Weekend), Presbyterian Women and Lydia Circle
are hosting a "Gathering," the annual CPC Daughters’ Luncheon. Daughters of all ages
are invited to join us at Central, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Please bring a covered dish to
share! There will be a craft project available for the younger girls.
We are pleased to have Rev. Dr. Don McCord and his wife Ann as our speakers. Come
and hear of their many experiences in providing medical equipment, supplies, and medicines to the people of
Kenya. They are currently working with the Kasasule Rural Health and Community Centre that serves a
territory with nine remote rural villages. The ambulance at the Centre, which had served the area for 15 years,
has finally given out. As a result, the Centre and its supporters are seeking to raise funds to help purchase a
new ambulance to serve the area. Without it, many of the patients will have to continue to bring their ill family
members in wheelbarrows or on bicycles to get to the Centre!
Kindly look for the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board beside the Welcome Center and sign up if you plan to
attend. This is sure to be an interesting program! Please join us for this very popular event!
Kids Central News
“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you…” Each May we end our preschool year by singing Happy
Birthday to our students with summer birthdays; you may remember that we marked our tenth year in 2012.
We have just finished our eleventh year of serving preschoolers in our community…Our God is good!
May is here and another Preschool year is coming to an end. Where does the time go? The month is filled with
the excitement of springtime and the fun of all the “end of year” activities. Sadly we say good-bye to some of our
kids and wait with anticipation for the arrival of a new group in the fall. I often brag of how wonderful our children
and families are at Kids Central. We will welcome back our current Three’s, some returning alumni families, and
several new families, as well.
Even though the year is winding down, May is very busy at KCP. We have our usual Music and Chapel days,
a lovely Mom’s Tea, and our end of year Graduation/Summer Birthday Celebration. We also have our annual
Field Day and a visit with Mr. Lucas and his School Bus…we always look forward to these special events. Our
3’s will take their final field trip of the year as we travel to Springton Manor Farm.
Once again, I would like to express our thanks to all of the people who have given generously of their time and
talents to enrich the programs at Kids Central. Special thanks go to Jim Lucas, Bill Palmer, and Margaret Van
Gilder. And of course, thanks to the Pastors and the staff for their continued support…where would we be
without all of them! It’s been a great year, and a cooperative effort, from our Preschool Board (Don Bilyew,
Susan Farrell, Barbara Hurt-Simmons, Patti Lausch, Jim Price, Samantha Wolf, our session representative, and
Jane Chaballa, from Trustees) to our fantastic teachers (Molly Bugbee, Christine Sherner, Amy Chandler, Mary
Lee Caggiano, Amy Francella, Lisa Wagner, Debbie Whiting, and Jean Stinson). We are truly blessed by the
partnership with CPC in this ministry, and look forward to next year and whatever joys and challenges God has
in store for us.
We still have several openings for the 2013-2014 school year. If you know of a child who would benefit from the
Kids Central experience, please call Robin in the KCP office at 610-269-0297.
Kids Central has an opening for a Teacher’s Assistant in one of our Three’s classes. The position begins in
September of this year. If you are interested in spending your Monday and Wednesday mornings helping to
teach and nurture a group of three-year-olds, please contact Robin Chiavetta at
610-269-0297.
**An Update on our Pennies for the Pantry campaign: We will continue to collect
coins throughout the remainder of our school year. All proceeds will benefit the
Lord’s Pantry right here in Downingtown. Praise God---and let’s keep those pennies
coming! (Larger coins and bills also accepted J)
In His Service Together,
Robin Chiavetta
Kids Central Preschool Board
PLEASE JOIN US—We welcome you to join the Kids Central Preschool Board and help shape young lives. We
are in search of a church member to fill a position whose term begins September 2013. If interested, contact
Susan Farrell at [email protected], or Jim Price at [email protected].
Israel Pilgrims Announcement
ARCHBISHOP OF GALILEE SPEAKS
Six CPC members drove to Washington, D.C., on April 10 to hear Elias Chacour, the Archbishop of Galilee, speak at
the National Cathedral. Archbishop Chacour, truly a godly man, has worked his entire life to bring peace to Israel and
Palestine against growing odds. He spoke, as he often does when given the opportunity, of his longtime dream of
bringing together Arab Christians, Palestinians, and Israelis, “softening one heart at a time,” as James A. Baker, III,
U.S. Secretary of State, 1989-1992, expressed it. It was a privilege to hear him speak to the supportive and quite
diverse audience at the Cathedral.
SAVE THE DATE FOR ISRAEL PILGRIMS’ EVENT
Please join CPC’s recent travelers to Israel for an evening of images, conversation,
and selected Israeli/Palestinian foods on Saturday, May 18, at 6:00 p.m. at the church.
The informal event will be hosted by Sue Blevins, Anne & Dave Cowburn, Margie & Bill
Flanagan, and Cathy Hankes. Please join them. All are welcome!
Lord’s Pantry
Remember that the Lord’s Pantry has an on-going need for food for its cupboards. CPC provides two large wooden
boxes inside the West Narthex and the North Narthex for the purpose of collecting donations. Members of the church
deliver the food items to the Pantry on a regular basis. Remember that food needs are often greater during the
summer months, when schools are out, and children are not able to receive free breakfasts or lunches. Your
donations are essential to their healthy diet.
CHURCH WOMEN UNITED will be meeting here at CPC on Friday, May 3rd, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All women of the church are
invited to attend a program that includes Bible study and lunch.
Founded in 1941, Church Women United (CWU) is a national volunteer Christian ecumenical
women’s movement initiated and carried out by women in the United States and Puerto Rico. It is a
movement that brings together women of diverse races, cultures and traditions in closer Christian
fellowship, prayer, advocacy, and action for peace with justice in the world. CWU engages millions of
women representing twenty-six supporting denominations and participating Christian women.
Please contact Mae Jean Rosser for more information.
His Mission
As the weather turns nicer, we are doing a Spring Barbecue menu for His Mission. On May
19th, the third Sunday of the month, please bring to Central hamburger patties, hot dogs, buns,
tomatoes, lettuce, onions, mustard, mayo, corn on the cob, frozen French fries, 100% fruit juice,
and fruit pies. Donations of coffee, tea, milk, and creamer are always needed, as well. The
Sturgis family will deliver the food to His Mission later that day. As Sherri Sturgis reminds us,
“The Valentine family is always so grateful for the food we are able to donate."
MUSIC NOTES
RAISING VOICES!!
Our All Church Choir is growing with singers of all ages, but we still need you! On June 2, we will join
together to sing Robert Ray's Gospel Mass - easy to learn and exciting to sing. We have made multiple CD's of it so
that you can listen and catch on, and we are rehearsing on Thursday evenings at 8:15 and Sunday mornings at
11:30. Come whenever you can, and bring family members. If you like to sing, you will love singing this
together. We will worship from 9:30-10:30 a.m. that Sunday (summer worship time), head to Fellowship Hall for an
All-Church Brunch, and then join in singing the Gospel Mass right in Fellowship Hall, celebrating our faith in music! It
will be incredible if most of us are singing to culminate Central's Celebration Weekend!
Call Anne Cowburn, or just come to the Sanctuary at rehearsal time to participate.
CPC Hand Bell Choir
The Celebration Ringers have been busy practicing
and making preparations for our trip to England this
June! In addition, the choir has continued to participate
in worship, a highlight was a collaboration with some
CPC brass players on Easter Sunday! This past month
we also enjoyed hearing chimes played in worship by
our youngest ringers here at CPC. The youth in
Worship Workshop (2nd-5th grades)
have been learning chimes over the
past few months and shared a lovely
rendition of "Amazing Grace" with the
congregation on April 21st.
The choir would like to thank the
congregation for all of its support over
the past few months; it has been much
appreciated. Please be on the lookout for an
opportunity to "Send a bell to England"...more
information to follow!
We also hope that everyone comes out to the Celebration Ringers Concert on May 19th at 3:00 p.m., where
we will play our England program for our church family!
Stephen Ministry
“I AM WHO (THAT) I AM,” said the Lord. (Exodus
3:14)
You are who you are. You are unique, one of a
kind, like your fingerprints or your DNA. You are
irreplaceable. God knew you before you were
born, knows you now in this life and in the
afterlife, and yes, also on Judgment Day.
We are like a grain of sand in the desert on our
short time on earth. God offers us a fulfilling life
with all its goodies. Even with our best efforts we
fall short, sometimes due to our own sins or the
sins of others. We do the best we can, but at
times we don't handle very well some of our life
events and find God holding us up, carrying us
until we, hopefully, regain our whole self.
Stephen Ministry can help you walk spiritually
through rough times in your life with a
confidential, loving, caring relationship, while God
does the healing. Think about it, pray on it, act on
it. You can call Pat Wayne at 484-237-8354 or
contact our Pastors for referral.
RED CROSS Blood Drive
Did you know that the Penn-Jersey Blood Services Region immediately rushed 100 units of blood
products to the Boston area in the wake of the recent Boston Marathon bombings? Some of those units
may have been collected right here in our own Fellowship Hall in the previous CPC American Red Cross
Blood Drive!
Less than 38 percent of the US population is eligible to give blood. If you are a part of that 38 in 100 Americans,
consider the precious gift that you could give to persons in critical need. Remember, a single donation can save up
to three lives!
Make an appointment today to donate blood at our next ARC drive at CPC on Friday, May 2, from 2:00 to 7:00
pm. Call the church office at 610-269-1576 to select a time. Thank you.
Follow-Up: The latest news from Red Cross says that our region has sent over 450 pints to aid victims of the
bombings in Boston and has also sent blood products to West, Texas!
Dynamic Youth Ministry at CPC!
CPC is in for a treat on May 5; it is YOUTH SUNDAY!! Our youth in grades 6-12 will
be leading in worship. Come support them as they lead us. We will celebrate their
leadership at Hi Def on May 5. Come at 5:00 p.m. for pizza, followed by mini-golf at
Rossi's and ice cream at Rita's. Back to church at 8:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome!
Bring friends!
Calling for all high school seniors!! If you are graduating from high school this year,
please let the church office know by May 29. We would like to recognize you in worship
on June 2 with a gift. We will be having a celebration of our seniors and their parents, as
well as all our youth and adult leaders, on June 2 at 5 p.m. at the Fleckens. More information to come!!
May/June Schedule Summary:
May 5- Youth Sunday at morning worship service. Pizza, Rossi's, and Rita's at 5 p.m.!
May 12- NO Hi Def, Mother's Day
May 19- Regular Hi Def, Choir at 5 p.m., Youth Group 5:45-8:00
May 26- NO Hi Def, Memorial Day. Enjoy your family!
June 2- Senior Sunday. Party at Flecken's at 5 p.m.!
June 9-15- Youth Mission Trip to NJ to do Hurricane Sandy relief work.
Members of CPC: If you would be willing to be a Prayer Partner for any of our youth or leaders the week of the Youth
Mission Trip, to pray for them each day, please let Ann Roper know.
Come Join the Young Adult Ministry!
LumberVikings is an exciting and energetic Bible study for high school students held on Wednesday evenings at
CPC from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The group gives students a chance to develop their own leadership and teaching skills by
providing them an environment in which they can lead their peers on topics that Christian teenagers relate to. New
members are always encouraged and welcome to join.
The Gathering is a college and young adult ministry based in the church. It is an opportunity to hang out, reconnect
with some old friends, and get to know some new people. Coupling great events with fellowship, the group offers
open discussion and fun that is focused on growing the group, so that we can grow together. Find us on Facebook or
contact Andrew Fell.
Photo Directory
We have a goal to create a picture directory of our
current church family, but we need your help! If you
have a current family and/or personal photo you
would like to use in a future directory, please send
an electronic version of your photo to our resident
photographer, Dick Dague, at
[email protected]. Make sure to include the full
names of all members/regular attendees and family
pictured. Please note that these pictures will be
loaded to CCB, which will help members recognize
each other when interacting through the electronic
system!
Notice: The staff of CPC’s Hands and Feet Newsletter will
publish a combined June/July edition. Kindly be aware that
any activities that you would like to publicize during June and
July will need to be submitted promptly by the 15th of May.
Sue Blevins, editor, will be traveling in England with the Celebration Ringers Hand Bell choir for a week and a half at the
end of June. Thus, deadlines will have to be closely observed.
In August, we will resume our regular monthly publications.
CPC Men’s Group
CPC Men’s Group meets every other week on Thursday
afternoons from 1:30-3:00 p.m. If you are interested in joining
this growing group, please notify Nancy Hilton at the church
office (610-269-1576 or [email protected] ) and
she will contact you with details. Please join us!
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN AT CENTRAL
WOMEN’S RETREAT PROVES MEANINGFUL-On April 13, twenty-six women from Central enjoyed a
day of reflection, prayer, and fellowship led by Pastor Emily Chudy. We met at St. John's Presbyterian
Church in Devon, where we began with a light breakfast. If you have never been to St. John’s, you will find
it to be a lovely small church in Devon where our Emily worshipped as a young girl.
We were inspired to get to know each other better as we shared the stories behind the cups we brought
from home. We studied about what it means to be a "Container of God's Presence.” After delicious
lunches provided by Panera Bread, we had time for a fabulous, fun craft. We made mosaic crosses filled
with broken pieces of pottery, which challenged our creativity and provided many laughs. (And, yes,
anyone can do it!) We plan to have other retreats and hope that you will consider joining us in the future!
HEALTHY WOMEN, HEALTHY FAMILIES-This year PW is supporting the Healthy Women Healthy
Families Mother's Day project. This project, formerly known as the Net Workers Malaria Prevention
Program, has been expanded to assist a variety of programs that improve the health of women and
children. As a gesture of appreciation, we will have Mother's Day cards provided at no cost on May 5th
and May 12th. Please take a card to give to your loved one on Mother’s Day to show that you have made a
donation in her honor. The donation is usually $10. This is a wonderful way to honor your mother or loved
one, as you help support women in Africa who are trying to care for their children against many odds.
Look for our tables outside both Sanctuary doors following the worship services
on May 5 & 12.
MEMORIES FROM THE PAST
Just wondering…Do any of you have memories of worshipping at the old church, presently Dane Décor? I overheard a
conversation after worship on a recent Sunday, where one of our respected senior couples was telling the story of their children
ringing the big bell way up in the belfry tower of the old church, hopefully as a call to worship! (That big bell, by the way,
presently holds an honored position at our Welcome Center.) I wanted to learn more!
Out of this came the idea to gather as many memories as possible and compile them into a Memory Book. Our memories and
our traditions helped hold us together during the difficult times of last year. Please share your memories, no matter how small,
so that we can pass them down to the next generation, a firm foundation for the future. Be specific; name names if you wish…
all the more fun!
Email Sue Blevins or jot down your memories and put a note in Sue’s mailbox in the office. This could be the start of an
enjoyable walk down Memory Lane!
CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN'S CIRCLES
Deborah Circle meets on Thursday, May 16, at 7:00 p.m. All of the Deborah Circle meetings are held at
CPC. Chapter 10 of Setting a Trap For God is to be discussed. Call Gay Pryor for answers to any questions.
Lydia Circle will meet at Central Presbyterian Church at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7. Chapter 5 of
The Girl's Still Got It will be discussed. Call Denise McMillan for information.
Ruth Circle will meet on Monday, May 6, at 1:00 p.m. at CPC. Ruth Circle is seeking new members.
Would you like to join us? Please call Jan Stockhoff with inquiries.
Sarah Circle will be meeting on May 20, Monday, at the home of Joanne Bilyew at 7:30 p.m. Call
Tina Bandoian or Sue Blevins for questions.
Note: A few ladies have suggested that they might like to create a new circle at Central, one that might more easily
accommodate the needs of mothers with children still at home. If you are interested in talking more about this idea,
feel free to contact Joanne Bilyew, Mary Ann Lukens, or Ann Roper. Circles create a supportive environment for
women as they travel their life journeys. Please consider joining one!
Our May Volunteer Spotlight focuses on John Yurkutat, who has brought significant organizational skills to the
ministry at CPC. Having served several times as an Elder, he has continued to chair the Mission Ministry, serving as
a tireless advocate for Central’s Mission focus. John’s dedicated efforts to create a long-distance relationship with a
small church in Merida, Mexico, has resulted in several CPC mission trips to assist the Christian community in that
area and an on-going personal friendship with mission worker Rev. Don Wehmeyer. Other mission trips organized by
John, including “Rhino” following the devastating effects of Katrina and “Chat,” a ministry to inner-city youth in
Richmond with Chris Whiting, have raised awareness of the spiritual growth and worldwide fellowship which
characterize the Mission Committee Out-Reach Program here at Central.
We have also benefitted from the strong voice of John Yurkutat in CPC’s Music Ministry, an involvement reaching
back to 1975! A dedicated member of the Chancel Choir and Celebration Ringers, in which he sings and rings the
lowest of notes, John has championed the power of music in our worship together at Central Presbyterian Church.
On special occasions, he adds a jubilant trumpet to our worship service. If we are especially fortunate, his son
Bobby will be visiting from out of town and join him in a duet.
We give thanks for the gifts that John shares with us most generously, often in full view, but
also behind the scenes at our church.
Photos by Dick Dague
When I was growing up in the 1950's, Memorial
Day was the "unofficial" beginning of summer and Labor
Day was the "unofficial" end of summer. During Memorial
Day weekend, my parents took all of us (five boys) with
them to the cemetery to clean the family tombstones and
plant flowers at the graves of our loved ones.
Then there was the community parade in which our scout
troop marched. There was a respectful service at the
cemetery, where we remembered those service members
who had given their lives in defense of our country.
Those services were very meaningful in those days so soon after the Second World
War. Everyone knew someone who had lost his life during the war. I confess that as a
young lad the 21 gun salute was more exciting than the speeches. But I learned respect
and gratitude for our veterans.
This Memorial Day let us all give thanks for those who have gone this way before us and have
offered their gifts and talents in making this world a better place. Let us also remember those
service members who paid the ultimate price to secure the freedoms we so cherish.
Blessings to all our veterans! Bill Hess
As a special Thank You to the CPC congregation and the local
community for such great support this year, the Working Guild would
like to share one of its most popular recipes with you. J
CPC APPLE CRISP
(A favorite from the Recipe Files of the Central Working Guild)
5 lbs. APPLES, sliced
1/2 cup granulated SUGAR
1 Tbsp. LEMON JUICE
Mix sugar and lemon juice with the sliced apples. Arrange in a greased
9 x 13 baking dish.
1 1/2 stick BUTTER
1 cup FLOUR
1 1/2 cups quick cooking, uncooked OATS
1 1/2 cups BROWN SUGAR
Add cinnamon or nutmeg as desired.
Combine above ingredients and mix until crumbly.
Spread evenly over apples.
BAKE AT 350 degrees FOR 45-50 MINUTES.
Serve with ice cream, whipped cream, or cheese.
Serves 12 to 16.
Note: fresh, frozen, or canned apples may be used.
Central Presbyterian Church
100 W. Uwchlan Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335
Phone: 610-269-1576 Fax: 610-269-9842
www.cpcdowningtown.org
Rev. Dr. Bill Hess, Co-Pastor, Head of Staff
Rev. Emily Chudy, Co-Pastor, Family Ministry
Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: Sue Blevins
Layout Editor: Leah Greenwood
Photographer: Dick Dague
Contact Newsletter Staff: [email protected]
Where Christ Is Central