Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church
6474 Beechmont Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45230
The Beacon
November 2014
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of
God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
“How could God transform your life and ministry if your every day was infused with joy,
prayer, and gratitude?” Since I read this quote in a Children’s Ministry magazine article by
Sylvia White, I have been bound by the wonder of its possibilities. Transform and infused
are strong, impactful words.
What is the first step in the process of transformation? Intentional moments shared in
conversation with the God who created us and loves us. Prayer brings joy. The product of
prayer and rejoicing is gratitude. Then with grateful hearts we pray. Prayer, rejoicing and
gratitude are so interdependent that soon the rhythm has no beginning or end. A cycle of
God’s presence penetrates our lives to the very core and changes us in unimagined ways.
Prayer does not change the circumstance of our lives. Trials and troubles still find us, but
when we face our problems with prayer, joy, and gratitude, our problems become smaller
because God shares the burden with us.
As Christians, we have long understood the power of thankfulness in our lives. Recently
scientists have begun to chart a course of study directed at understanding this concept.
From the University of California, Berkley, the project Expanding the Science and
Practice of Gratitude has found that people who practice gratitude consistently report a
host of benefits:
• Stronger immune systems and lower blood pressure;
• Higher levels of positive emotions;
• More joy, optimism, and happiness;
• Acting with more generosity and compassion;
• Feeling less lonely and isolated.
Let us infuse the benefits of gratitude with the power of prayer and the joy of God into our
lives and experience the possibilities!
Happy Thanksgiving,
Director of Children & Family Ministry
Page 2
THE BEACON
November 2014
Parents, Join in the Conversation
Did you Know …
… that at last week’s Mobile Food
Pantry, 164 families, a total of 510
people were served?!
Thank you to the Common
Ground team, Brothers
and Better Halves
for
their warm Ministry of
Welcome during October.
Welcome to Morning Rays as they create
fellowship during the month of November.
Butter Braid
Pick Up
Please pick up Butter Braid orders on Saturday,
November 15, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in Davies
Hall. Contact Alycia Champion with questions.
MWPC Women’s
2015 Retreat Scheduled
All women are invited to attend the annual MWPC
Women’s Retreat. Save the date: March 14 – 15,
2015. This year’s theme is “A Confident Heart.” The
retreat will again be at the Jesuit Spiritual Retreat
Center in Milford. Mark your calendars now.
Registration will be available in early January. You
won’t want to miss this fun, and spiritually uplifting
time together.
Death is an integral part of life, but if you are
concerned about discussing death with your children,
you are not alone. Join us Sunday, November 16 at
11:00 a.m. in Room 212. Childcare for children of all
ages will be provided.
Our conversation will include:
developmental stages of understanding and
grieving
sharing by those who have traveled the journey
faith questions
take home resource and book lists
a time for questions
Session Meeting Highlights
Keep informed on the work of the MWPC
Session; highlights of past meetings can be
found at a link on the website home page
(www.mwpc.church) or by going to http://
www.mwpc-church.org/session-meetinghighlights.
Caregiver Resource Connection
Caregiving is both challenging and rewarding; come
learn how to cope with the various stresses involved.
The November meeting is Tuesday, November 11
from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. in the Lower Level Media
Room. For additional information about caregiving,
please call the Caregiver CAREline (513) 929-4483).
Job Search/Transition
Do you know someone who is looking for
work or thinking about changing jobs?
Cincinnati has a well-developed, organized
network of groups for assistance. For more
information, contact Steve Long or go to
www.jobsearchfocusgroup.com.
Twisted Stitchers
Interested in stitching but not available on Thursdays? Is the possibility of stitching with others every week
appealing? Twisted Stitchers is a new stitching group meeting on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the
month in Room 208. Please give it a try!
November 2014
THE BEACON
Page 3
Please Join Us!
2014 Advent and Christmastide
The 1st Week of Advent
Sunday, November 30
9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Wednesday, December 3
7:30 p.m.
“Seasonal Reflections “
NKU Choirs Winter Concert
Rhonda O’Reilly
Sanctuary
The 2nd Week of Advent
Sunday, December 7
9:30 a.m. & 11: 00 a.m.
“Seasonal Reflections “
Communion/Extended Communion
An Advent Celebration for All!
5:00 p.m.
6:15 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Family Advent Activity
Dinner
Program of Music
Steve & Stacey Shadix;
Brian Mitchell
Choir Room
Davies Hall
Davies Hall
The 3rd Week of Advent
Sunday, December 14
9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
“Seasonal Reflections “
Carol Adams;
Kandy Stone
The 4th Week of Advent
Sunday, December 21
9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
“Seasonal Reflections “
Christmas Joy Offering
Wednesday, December 24
Christmas Eve Services
5:00 p.m.
Steve Long;
Rhonda Juliano
Join the children of our church as they share the Good News of Christmas in story and song.
Music by our children’s choirs.
All children & youth worship with family.
Candlelight Christmas Eve Services
9:00 p.m.
All children & youth worship with family.
Sanctuary
11:00 p.m.
Sacrament of Communion
All children & youth worship with family.
Sanctuary
Page 4
THE BEACON
November 2014
Sunday Evening, December 7, 2014
5:00‐6:15
Families spend time together creating an Advent
wreath and devotional booklet.
6:15‐7:00
Fundraising dinner in Davies Hall supporting our
Junior and Senior High Groups.
7:00‐7:30
Enjoy music presented by our children, youth, and
adults in Davies Hall
Enjoy the entire evening with us or come for any part.
Reservations requested by
Wednesday, December 3
Completed form, with check payable to MWPC, may be placed in the box in the Communication Center
or mailed to: MWPC, 6474 Beechmont Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45230.
Call the church office (231‐2650) with any questions.
Name: ____________________________________________________________
Family Advent Activity /1 per family suggested
Dinner Adult
Dinner Child 3-12
Child Under 3
Meat Lasagna
@ $3/ea.$_______________
#________@ $8/ea.
$_______________
Vegetable Lasagna #________@ $8/ea.
$_______________
Meat Lasagna
#________@ $5/ea.
$_______________
Vegetable Lasagna #________@ $5/ea.
$_______________
#________@ free
TOTAL
$_______________
$_______________
November 2014
THE BEACON
Page 5
Looking at a mid-summer garden, so green and lush brings to mind immediately how much a garden reflects
human life. In the beginning, there is a tiny dependent individual, much like all those around it, but having
potential for being unique from those around it in some way. Both humans and plants need intensive and
tender nurturing to mature and become productive. The cycle of growth and assimilation leads to
maturation, blossoming, and the sharing of gifts. The gifts, of course, come in many descriptions.
There are always surprises! For three years in a row in a garden, there may be only two zucchini per plant,
making us wonder if it is really worth the effort of planting, feeding and watering. During the silent debate
the fourth year at planting time, the decision was made to plant just one more time before giving up on
zucchini. The surprise, of course, is that each of the four plants produces bushels of zucchini, and toward
the end of the season, you hear neighbors whispering to each other, the only word you can repeat is
“zucchini.” A similar situation occurred the year my spouse planted ninety-six tomato plants. They all
lived. They all produced. That same summer, our second son was born. We were a little busy. I learned to
make ketchup and also green tomato relish to share with friends in order not to waste the bounty. That
adorable baby (as well as his older brother) turned out okay, too.
It’s fall, again, and harvest time. If we have gardened for ourselves, the time of growth and tending has
been completed. The time to share the “fruits” of our labors has come. Even if we work in an office and
“gather” our food at a supermarket or produce store or stand, or some from each, we cannot escape
knowing that the harvest has arrived! Nature’s Bounty is here and is ready to be shared. Whether we are
sharing meals, individual food items, a kind word or smile, or giving someone our complete attention for five
minutes, our gifts are needed.
The Holiday Food Drive is a concerted effort of our congregation to make sure our neighbors share in the
bounty of harvest. Many families don’t have enough food to eat, no matter how hard they try. Joblessness
or underemployment, medical bills, and other special needs keep many from providing for their families
what the rest of us take for granted. The improved economy has not reached everyone, as we know from
the ever-increasing numbers of families served by the SEM Pantry, the Batavia Y Food Pantry and our own
Mobile Food Pantry. Please donate generously to the Hunger Fund!
The lists accompanying the grocery bags for the Holiday Food Drive are made up of foods not available for
purchase by the food pantries at their regular volume-discount sources. Please give generously to The
Hunger Fund, or fill a grocery bag with the listed items and return it to the Pantry Shelf in the Gathering
Area, or both!
Remember to make a dessert for the Community Meal on Sunday, November 16, and bring it and your best
warm smile to share while dining there! All are welcome….
And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats
must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Luke 3:10-11.
Page 6
THE BEACON
November 2014
From the Church Office:
† The office will be closed on Thursday, November 27, Friday, November 28 and Saturday, November 29 for
the Thanksgiving Holiday.
† The bulletin/announcement information for Sunday, November 30 is due to the office by Friday, November
21.
† December Beacon deadline is Monday, December 1 by 9:00 a.m.
† Friendly Reminder—Regular Office Hours:
Monday—Thursday 8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Celebrating with ...
Congratulations to:
☺ Grandparents Paul & Susie Hammer on the birth of
Douglas K. Konechny born September 25 to Sara & Ryan
Konechny in Denver, CO.
☺ Grandparents Su & Scott Randall on the birth of Olivia
Catherine Randall, born October 13 to J.R. & Michelle
Randall.
☺ Grandparents L.P. & Nancy Jones on the birth of
John (Jack) Forbes McCostlin, born October 20 to
Elizabeth & Ryan McCostlin in Nashville, TN.
Kate Martin & Jay DeLandy who were married
October 11 in Vienna, VA.
Joe Pestro & Stephanie Wu who were married
October 11 in Mountain View, CA.
Eric Hann & Amarinthia Bell who were married
October 12 in Edisto Island, SC.
Lauren Sylvester & Chris Nicholson who were
married here October 25.
Let’s warmly welcome our guests in worship. Help us to
extend that welcome by filling in our own contact
information legibly on the Fellowship Pads, and
encouraging others to do the same. Also, please take time
to direct visitors to the Welcome Center, located to the left
when exiting the sanctuary. A Care Ministry representative
will be available after both worship services to answer
questions and present the visitor with a welcome gift. As
you learn about their interests, introduce them to others
around you. Look forward to greeting our recent first-time
visitors again:
Sally Bickett
Florence Danley
Barbara Olszewski & Family
Our Blessings, Interest and Gifts (B.I.G.) Survey tells us
these folks celebrate milestone anniversaries in November.
Your church family sends congratulations and the wish
that God continue to bless your life together.
2014
** 45 years **
Jon & Nancy Droste—November 1, 1969
Evelyn & Armando Fusaro—November 28, 1969
** 35 years **
Jim & Robbin Brewer—November 24, 1979
November 2014
Page 7
THE BEACON
Memorials Dedicated To God:
In loving memory of Art Ehrnschwender by:
George & Sally McIlveen
Contributions to:
THE HUNGER MINISTRY:
In honor of the marriage of Lauren Sylvester
& Chris Nicholson by:
Larry & Nancy LaGue
Mary Esther Higgs
Chuck & Jan Anderson
John & Barb Jaymont
Greg & Eleen Svanas
In honor of L.P. & Nancy Jones by:
Bill & Theo Tucker
Chuck & Jan Anderson
Mike & Jill Gartner
Mary Esther Higgs
Garnet Curee
Bill & Susie Ryan
Joan Sigmund
Dee Dee Butcher
Steve & Kim Long
Sandy Lane
Pat & Kay Limbach
Ed & Clairanne Hann
Laura Hovland
Les & Sue Reichard
Dean & Karen Violetta
Ray & Bettie Shrader
Sherry Navaro
Lori Hartman
Lynette Armstrong
Dan & Susan Earley
Helen Hummel
Alex & Connie Rodriguez
In loving memory of George & Jessie Hopper
by:
Kevin & Debra Hopper
In loving memory of Art Ehrnschender by:
Ted & Katherine Emmerich
Abraham & Eveline Tegum & family on the recent
death of Evaline’s brother, Lawrence Mbah, in
Washington, D.C.
Nancy & Larry LaGue on the death of Nancy’s aunt,
Ann Mallin Boneau, who died October 10 in Bethesda,
MD.
Claire & John Kroger on the deathof Claire’s aunt,
Eunice Noack, who died October 18 in Eureka, CA.
Barry Ehrnschwender & family on the death of his
father, Art Ehrnschwender, MWPC member since
March 1958, who died October 20.
Bev Robinson & family on the death of her husband,
Al Robinson, MWPC member since June 1961, who
died October 23.
Contributions to:
PASTORS’ DISCRETIONARY FUND:
In honor of the great service of Rev. Dr. L.P.
Jones & Rev. Dr. Rhonda O’Reilly by:
George & Sally McIlveen
THE MUSIC MINISTRY:
In loving memory of Carl Shadix by:
Lois Shadix & Family
L.P. & Nancy’s Carepages
LP and Nancy have now established a CarePages
site that will be updated periodically. That can be
found
at:
www.carepages.com/carepages/
LPandNancyUpdate. You need to establish an
account with CarePages to read and comment on
these updates. For those without access to internet
or choosing not to create a CarePages account,
periodic summaries will be in the bulletin, Beacon
and Beacon Lite.
Page 8
THE BEACON
November 2014
From the Finance Office:
Mariners – November
Winter Gathering
of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery
The next Mariners event will be Tuesday,
November 18 - lunch at the Brio Tuscan Grille
at Newport on the Levee. Following lunch, the
group will go to the Cincinnati Museum Center
for the 3:00 p.m. showing of Jerusalem;
(www.cincymuseum.org/omnimax/jerusalem). A
carpool will leave the church parking lot at 12:30
p.m. for Brio. Please RSVP and send Nancy
Jenkins $7.50 per person for the Omnimax so
the ticket can be reserved. Otherwise, you need
a museum membership to reserve a ticket. Note:
Parking is $7.00 at the museum. You don’t want
to miss seeing this fil!
Rev. Chris White, Christ Presbyterian Church in
Milford, will share her recent trip to the Middle East
(Israel/Palestine). The Winter Gathering is Tuesday,
December 2, here at Mt. Washington Presbyterian
Church. Please bring baby items (newborn diapers,
sleepers and crib sheets) to donate to Carolyn's Kids.
Registration is at 9:30 a.m., the program and worship
follow at 10:00 a.m.; the luncheon is at noon. For
registration, please contact Laura Hovland or Betty
Estes with your reservation by Friday, November 28.
Kick off the Christmas season learning about Advent,
Christmas and the Holy Land, as well as sharing
fellowship with other Presbyterian women.
November 2014
THE BEACON
Page 9
Dinner 6:00 p.m. ($3) Fellowship 6:30 p.m. — 8:00 p.m.
All MWPC Youth (and their friends)
entering 7—12th grades welcome.
Sunday, November 9 - Sky Zone Trip
Jr. & Sr. High—Wall to wall trampoline madness. We will leave at 2:00 p.m. and return approx. 5:00 p.m.
Cost is $14. RSVP’s should be in to Brian.
Sunday, November 16—MWPC Community Dinner
Jr. & Sr. High—We will be helping and serving at our second MWPC Community Dinner. Look for details in a
future email. We will need you to arrive a little earlier than usual, so we can assign tasks; be at church at
5:30 p.m. (If you cannot arrive until a little later, that is OK.) This is an great opportunity for you to serve
our community. Come be part of it.
Sunday, November 23
Junior High—Braid and Groom (games and etiquette lessons). Yeah, Happy Bunny and proper etiquette!
What a combination.
Senior High.—”That’s Your Opinion” It’s Debate Night :-) No presidential election this year, but we all love a
good healthy respectful debate. We’ll be talking about life and God.
November 30—Thanksgiving— No Fellowship
Sunday, December 7—Church Wide Advent Dinner
Jr. & Sr. High—We’ll be working the meal. Look for details coming soon
Sunday, December 14 - Christmas Partaaaaay
It’s that night, bring a $5 gift and bring food for your pot luck meal. Jr. High & Sr. High will party on in their
own room.
Sunday, December 21—Community Meal & Carol Singing
Jr. & Sr. High—We’ll serve at the Christmas Community Dinner and then go brighten up a few folks Christmas with some carol singing.
December 28—Christmas Holidays—No Fellowship (but be on the look out for a movie trip)
Other Activities:
Our midweek boys middle school groups meet on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. We would love to
see our 7-8 graders. We Play Video Games and Talk about God for boys in the LL Game Room.
Our middle school girls group, Wonderfully Made, meets on the last Sunday of each month in Rooms
202/203 at 10:45 a.m. for a mid-morning tea party.
Our midweek senior high group, Fusion, meets each Wednesday from 7:31 p.m.—8:46 p.m. at Brian and
Sara’s home. Midweek chill atmosphere with good snacks and conversation.
BZ meets on the first and third Fridays of each month—7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. - Lower Level.
November Community Meal – Sunday, November 16
Would you like to be a part of the second MWPC Community Meal, scheduled for
Sunday, November 16, when a Thanksgiving theme dinner will be served? The
congregation is invited to bring in their favorite fall/Thanksgiving dessert that will end
this meal in style! Desserts can be brought in that Sunday morning, November 16,
placed in the kitchen and labeled "Community Meal." Thanks for your participation in this community outreach
opportunity.
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY UPDATE
When you’re already on Amazon making
purchases, don’t forget to smile – Amazon Smile,
that is! MWPC receives 0.5% of your Amazon
order when you smile, very much like the MWPC
Kroger program. Details of this new program are
on the church website; just search Smile or go to
Resources tab.
At our latest mobile pantry on October 31, we
provided for 164 families, a total of 510 people.
This is our best turnout yet! We gave away a
ton and a half of food in less than two hours.
Thanks to our 40 volunteers, we made it look
easy, despite the delivery truck arriving over an
hour late! Many thanks to the staff and our
volunteers. Look for the next pantry some time
in January.
Mt. Washington
Presbyterian Church
6474 Beechmont Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45230‐2092
(513) 231.2650 Fax 624.2300
theoﬃce@mwpc‐church.org
www.mwpc‐church.org
Pastor:
Rev. Dr. Rhonda J. O’Reilly
Return Service Requested
Dated Material: Mailed November 7, 2014