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PresbyNews
Volume 25, Issue 11
November 2014
Consecration Sunday Is Coming
Sunday, November 23
Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give
to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to
help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a
percentage of their incomes.
Our congregation’s Stewardship Committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a
way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.
New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own
spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a
social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as
an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in
response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”
During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial
commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the
world.
Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning
worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The
procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.
We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our minister will conduct
a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of
worship.
We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and
governing board members. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will
make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.
Immediately after church, the entire congregation will be invited to a Thanksgiving dinner of gratitude and
generosity in Fellowship Hall. This is not a potluck but a catered Thanksgiving meal. All are encouraged to come!
Invitations and reservation cards will be forthcoming.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.
Governing Board Chairperson,
Tim Rudd
“Hooray for the Pumpkin Pie!”
Always looking for a good sermon title,
I found that line in a Wall Street editorial
by Eric Felten. He was writing about the
fact that Thanksgiving is more and more
crowded out of the calendar by Halloween and
Christmas. He invokes the 19 century poem “Over the
River and Through the Woods,” which ends:
“Hooray for the fun,
Is the pudding done?
Hooray for the pumpkin pie!”
“Christmas creep” seems to trample over the gratitude of
Thanksgiving earlier each year. As we receive our
bountiful harvests, I wonder whether we have lost our
capacity for gratitude. We of all people have been so
richly blessed. Here in this church we have so much for
which to be thankful, and our gratitude is expressed in
our generosity toward God and one another. Our own
giving reflects our thanksgiving.
I must confess, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday,
only because it is so simple and untarnished by
commercialism and consumerism. We gather with
friends and family just to say “Thanks” and “Hooray for
the Pumpkin Pie!” It would make for a wonderful table
blessing!
Blessings to you at your table,
Greg
Paul’s Journey Delayed!
The decision has been made to delay the proposed trip to
Greece and a tour of Paul’s journeys. We had launched the
idea of having this trip next September; however, many of
you indicated that your plans have already been made, and
it would be difficult to put together a sufficient number of
church members who might be able to go on the trip. We
have made the decision to delay the trip one year until
September, 2016. We have received strong indication from
the Hamilton Presbyterian Church that they will have
several members join us on that trip. In fact, John Lewis
and the Hamilton Church are very excited about assuming
leadership for this wonderful experience. Please mark your
calendar for September 2016, for a ten-day journey to trace
Paul’s Missionary Journeys. Further information will be
forthcoming.
Men’s Mission Trip
We are still soliciting men to join us on our week-long
journey for the Men’s Mission Trip to New Orleans, March
1 – 7, 2015. We very much would appreciate volunteers to
join us in this wonderful mission experience. Please contact
Greg at the church office.
Tuesday Morning Advent Bible
Study: Beginning on Tuesday,
December 2, and for two weeks,
thereafter, we will be studying the
different Gospel narratives on the
birth of Christ. In doing so we
will imagine going to a Christmas Party at the homes of
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to see how they would
celebrate Christmas. The study will not only be interesting,
but very entertaining.
Pastor Nominating Committee
It was difficult getting the nine members of the PNC
together this summer, but we are now meeting regularly,
working through five questions that need to be completed
for our Ministry Information Forms (MIFs).
This is an important process for two reasons. First, it is
required by the Presbyterian Church USA. This form helps
pastoral candidates understand who First Presbyterian
Church of Middletown is, and what our expectations will
be for the person selected for Head of Staff.
The benefit to the committee comes about through our
lively discussions about the questions, and how we as a
committee and representatives of our congregation will best
serve you and our future pastor.
Please continue to pray for the search process, for the
committee, and for our future pastor who is unknown to
us. We find strength knowing that God is in control.
Feel free to speak to any of us. We will communicate back
to the committee your comments and concerns and of
course words of encouragement.
PNC Committee:
Kieron Boyle, Donna Chaney, Dianne Gerber, Pattie
Horton, Steve Lane, Allan Smillie, Sandi Templeton, and
Bill Wooley
Dianne Gerber
PresbyNews Deadline
The deadline for the December edition of
PresbyNews will be Friday, November 14.
Please turn in your news items and
calendar dates to the church office by
this date. Thank you!
For Your Information
November Birthdays
03 .................... Jean Lyons
04 ........ Mary Montgomery
05 ................ Jessica Weber
06 .................. Grant Miller
07 ............. Peggy Dobrozsi
07 ..................... Bill Dugan
07 ...................Jack Newlin
09 .................Loyce Martin
09 ........... Sandi Templeton
10 ................. Bill Sandston
10 .................. Neila Barnes
11 .................. Carol Minge
11 .................Nancy Shafer
12 ................. Fearn Gerber
13 ................. Mary Enochs
13 .............. Sharon Perkins
14 .............. Lou Borneman
14 .................... Paul Nisbet
15 ................. Barbara Steel
15 ....................Bill Wilson
17 ............ Julianne Nickell
17 ................... Josh Biddle
19 .................. Helen Haass
19 ................ Chuck Minge
19 ................... Tony Susco
12 ................ Babette Dean
22 .............. Mary Marshall
22 ................. Fred Ruscher
25 ................ Annie Brehm
25 ............. Andrew Horton
25 ..................... Ron Sutter
26 ................ Ida Mae Peck
26 ......... Martha Robertson
28 .................. Carol Braun
28 ..................... Jim Harris
29 .................. Sarah Wiley
30 ..... Ann Stoutenborough
30 ........... Catherine Taylor
We extend Christian Love and Sympathy to
the family of. . .
. . . Louise Lee, who died on October 14.
. . . Mildred Thomas, who died on October 19.
Men’s Monthly Meeting is an opportunity for the men of
the church to get together and socialize over dinner. We
meet on the second Tuesday of each month. On November
11 the meeting will be at The Clubhouse Sports Grille, 250
N. Main St., Monroe, at 5:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!
ATTENTION: ALL CHURCH GALS AND FRIENDS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO A FUN AND CASUAL
EVENING AT LAROSA’S PIZZERIA
4900 ROOSEVELT BLVD
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
6:30 P.M. – IN THE BACK PARTY ROOM
PLEASE RSVP TO
PAT HATHAWAY AT 513-422-3915
Invite your friends and fellow
members to join us in an afternoon
Christmas Tea at Mount Pleasant
on December 9, in the Community
Room at 2:00 p.m. Margaret and
Joyce will provide the music,
refreshments will be served, and we
will conclude our fellowship with communion.
We have purchased the new bus for the
church and presently the logo is being
placed upon it. As soon as we receive
the bus, drivers will be trained, and we
will begin use of our bus for transport of Mount Pleasant
members to church each Sunday, as well as using the bus
for other youth and adult activities.
In the next few weeks we will be
unfolding a new website design and
program which, hopefully, will provide
much better communication in the life of the church and for
outreach to visitors. The sermons will be more accessible,
and the activities and announcements will be kept current.
Please make sure that the church has your email address so
that you will receive all communication. Please contact
Sandy if the church does not have your email address.
GIFT CARDS
The holidays are coming! Make your shopping easy—
give the gift that is easy to use!
Dunkin Donuts new $25 Gift Card
Outback Steakhouse new $50 Gift Card
Groceries
Visit the Great Lakes Scrip website at
www.glscrip.com to find more retailers.
Gift cards will be ordered Mon. Nov. 3 & Nov. 17.
Please have your orders into the church office by
noon on Monday. Thank you for your continued
support! (In December, Gift Cards will be ordered
on Mondays, December 1 and December 8.)
November Worship Services
Sunday, November 2 ++10:00 a.m. worship
Communion Sunday
Rev. Greg Gibson will preach.
Music by the Sanctuary Choir
Baptism
Sunday, November 9 ++10:00 a.m. worship
Rev. Greg Gibson will preach.
Music by the Sanctuary Choir
Recognition of 50-Year Members
Sunday, November 16 ++10:00 a.m. worship
Rev. Greg Gibson will preach.
Music by the Central State Choir
Sunday, November 23 ++10:00 a.m. worship
New Consecration Sunday
Rev. Greg Gibson will preach.
Music by the Sanctuary Choir, Ambassadors and Brass
Quartet & Reception of new members
Sunday, November 30 ++10:00 a.m. worship
Communion Sunday
First Sunday of Advent
Rev. Greg Gibson will preach.
Music by the Sanctuary Choir
Rosa Parks Elementary update:
A big thank you to all of you who responded to the needs of
the children of Rosa Parks this past month. This month the
youth group organized the donated personal care items into
59 care kits for these students. Fay Smillie, Marge Wooley,
Larry Anderson, and Dianne Gerber delivered the kits to
the school’s most appreciative social worker, Joy
Carouthers. Joy has a passion providing for these children’s
needs hoping to give them not only physical comfort, but
also the transformation of the child’s self-esteem when
given the ability to walk into school clean and clothed. She
has witnessed improved attendance of those same children.
It is our prayer that these children of God walk into school
knowing their community cares
November 2nd is our next big collection Sunday. Please
consider the donation of socks (sizes 5-11), underwear
(sizes 4-16), bath towels, and washcloths. It gave us
pause for thought when Joy said that having bath soap does
not mean these families have towels and washcloths.
The mission committee has agreed to Joy’s request to
provide two people every Thursday morning to meet the
Shared Harvest truck at Rosa Parks and help unload the
food backpacks which will take at the most 15 minutes. For
a majority of the children these bags of food are all that
they will have to eat on the weekend. Marge Wooley will
be making calls each week requesting help from our
congregation.
Sunday, December 7, we will be collecting the Personal
Care Products for the families in need at Rosa Parks
Elementary. This month we are concentrating on the
personal hygiene products listed in bold print. Thank you
for helping us to Share God's Love with the children of
Middletown. Household: toilet paper, laundry detergent,
kitchen towels, paper towels, dish detergent, and lice
treatment supplies.
♫ Music Notes ♫
We certainly did give thanks and sing praises to the Most High God with voices and pipes and drums on Sunday, October
12, when we celebrated the Kirkin’ of the Tartans Service. So much thanks and appreciation goes to all the “willing hands,”
both volunteers and staff, who made the Kirkin’ of the Tartans Service such a wonderful worship experience! A note of interest:
our many singers ranged in age from 5 to 102 years old. What a wonderful lifetime gift God has given us in the gift of music!
Looking forward to an inspiring December:
Voices of Christmas—Christmas Cantata
“Each year during the Christmas season we pause to consider the miracle of Christ’s birth. We are swept away by the wonder
of it all, thrilled and amazed at the magnificent grace that brought God’s perfect light into our world of darkness.
The music of Christmas falls on the lonely ears of the world like gentle snow. It rests tenderly on the heart and wraps tired
spirits in a warm blanket of assurance and love. In the ringing of the church bells, the singing of children, and the echo of
treasured carols we affirm the hope that is found in Christ Jesus. As we worship this Christmas, may we listen for God’s still
small voice whispering from a manger, “Come embrace the miracle, raise your voice and join in the music of grace.” These
inspiring words from composer and lyricist, Joseph Martin, describe his beautiful cantata, “The Voices of Christmas”, which
will be presented on Sunday, December 14, during the 10:00 a.m. worship service by the Sanctuary Choir, soloists, chamber
orchestra, and sacred dancers from The Academy of Dance Arts with choreographers Melanie Malicote and Danita Scoggins.
Be sure to mark your calendars to be part of this inspiring morning.
The Christmas Chronicles---Children’s Christmas Musical
The Bethlehem Chronicle newspaper is in big trouble! If subscriptions don’t increase, the paper will be shut down forever.
Now it’s up to Scoop Early (cub reporter and part-time shepherd), Sally O’Callahan (social columnist) and Rock Gibraltar
(sports reporter) as they search for the biggest news in Bethlehem to help save the paper. Add a heavenly host of angels and
shepherds and you’ve got a miracle at just the right time! The true message of Christmas delivered by the voices of children will
delight and inspire you. Join the CAAMP Children’s Choirs in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 21, at 4:00 p.m. for The
Christmas Chronicles.
A very special Christmas remembrance. . .
Christmas trees adorned with beautiful ornaments create some of our most special Christmas memories.
The Music/Worship Ministry Team invites you to join us once again to create a Memorial Christmas Tree
in the Gathering Area. Christened the Christmas bird for its spectacular red color, the cardinal has
become a symbol of the beauty and warmth of the holiday season. A glimpse of this brilliant bird brings
cheer, hope and inspiration on a gray wintry day. As nature's reminder for us to focus on our faith, the
cardinal's scarlet plumage represents the blood of Christ shed for the redemption of mankind. The Christmas Cardinal
was artfully crafted for the Bronner’s collection from glass with stunning glitter accents. This remarkable 4½" long
shiny glass cardinal ornament with perfect poise will make a delightful addition to our Memorial Christmas Tree or as a
special gift.
The Christmas Cardinal Ornament will be on display in the Gathering Area and the church office.
You have the opportunity to purchase the Christmas Cardinal Ornament in honor or in memory of a loved one. After the
Christmas season you may take your lovely ornament home to adorn your tree next year. You may also purchase extra
ornaments as beautiful gifts. Just fill out the form on the next page and for only $10.00 each, you’ll help to create our
beautiful Memorial Christmas Tree.
Christmas Cardinal Ornament
I will purchase______ Christmas Cardinal Ornament (s) for the Memorial Christmas Tree.
In honor/memory of ______________________________________________________
(Circle your choice.)
(Please print information exactly as you would like it listed.)
Given by________________________________________________________________
(Please print information exactly as you would like it listed.)
Phone____________________
Payment Enclosed_______________
Please detach this section and place it in the offering plate on Sunday, or send/bring it to the church office by Sunday, December 14.
Dear Congregants of Middletown First Presbyterian Church,
It was such a pleasure to meet you all and share in fellowship during two services over the summer. Thank you for so warmly
welcoming me into your worship! Your church simply soars with great music, wonderful messages, and what I noticed to be a
great community of leaders and teachers. Thank you for helping me feel at home.
My fiancé, Steve, and I were pleasantly surprised and humbled by your generous wedding gift card to Bed, Bath, and Beyond.
How very considerate of you to think of us both as we enter our last month of engagement before our wedding. We are very
excited for this new, approaching chapter! Thank you for supporting us, it means so much.
I will be sure to come visit when I am back in Ohio. Thank you again for so warmly welcoming a newcomer in your midst. I
hope Middletown First Presbyterian Church continues to abound in blessings and faith.
Warmly,
Kate Tombaugh (and Steven Weimer)
~ Make gifts for family
family and friends ~
Saturday, December 6
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
No Charge ~ for all children,
and adults!
We will share The Christmas Story, crafts,
cookies, and hot chocolate!
Come in your Christmas
Christmas attire!
Call for reservations or questions: 422422-6365
CHRISTMAS BASKET PROGRAM
Each Sunday, beginning November 2, a specific basket item will be designated for that Sunday. It takes a
lot to fill the baskets and spreading the items throughout the holiday season hopefully makes it a little
easier. Thank you for helping us fill our Christmas baskets one Sunday at a time.
November 2 – Macaroni & Cheese
November 9 – Pancake Mix & Syrup
November 16 – Canned Fruit & Veggies
November 23 – Cake Mix & Frosting
November 30 – Soup (chicken noodle & tomato) & crackers
December 7 – Peanut Butter & Jelly
December 14 – Cereal & Oatmeal (instant or oat)
Any and all donations can be brought into the church at any time if you wish. If you have any questions please contact
Pattie Horton at 513-217-4469.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - CHRISTMAS BASKETS PROGRAM
If you wish to participate in this program, please fill out this sign-up form, tear it off this page and either drop it in the collection
plate on Sunday, give it to a deacon, or return it to the church office. Your participation allows us to continue this successful
program every year!
□ Yes! I want to help deliver baskets.
YES! I want to sponsor a family and my preferred size is:
□ Yes! I want to donate $ ___________ to help pay
for the cost of the program.
Name:
□ I have no size preference: use me where needed.
______________________________________
□ Single Person/Family without children
Address:
□ Small family (2 – 4 people)
______________________________________
□ Medium family (4 – 6 people)
Phone:
□ Large family (6 or more people)
______________________________________
Please join us for
A Festival of Organ Music
Our fifth annual Pipe Organ Dinner/Concert
Friday, November 14, 2014
5:00-6:15 p.m. A delicious chicken deluxe dinner prepared
by Chef Bob Cover will be served in Fellowship Hall.
Proceeds will benefit the First Presbyterian Pipe Organ Support Fund and
Choralfest (sponsored by SW Ohio Choristers Guild to promote
singing for young children) Visit the Art Exhibit in the Gathering Area.
Tickets will be available from members of the Music and Worship
Ministry Team, Joyce Zigler, or the church office beginning October 5
Tickets: $10.00 for adults
$5.00 for children from 6-12 years old
Children 5 and under eat free
7:00 p.m.
From Classical to Jazz: an amazing and fun evening!
Featuring: Joyce Zigler, organ
Margaret Chambers, piano
CAAMP Junior Choir with Lara Moon
Tyler Graves, trumpet
Cinda Pelfrey, saxophone
Renaissance Ringers
Janet Scott, organ
Brian Shepard, tenor
Women’s Sextet
(Kara Cover, Tara Downie, Diana McVay,
Lara Moon, Tina Newlin, Sharon Williamson)
The concert is free and open to the public.
A free-will offering will be taken.
You are invited to a very special
and unique worship service.
On Sunday, November 16, we will feature
the acclaimed Central State University Chorus,
under the direction of Jeremy Winston.
The nationally
nationally renowned CSU Chorus will
present all of the music to enhance our
10 a.m. worship service.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
There will be no Third Sunday in November. We want to have the time to enjoy
cookies and coffee with The Central State Choir. Please join us on December
21 for
for our next exciting discussion!
Sr. High Youth
This youth group is for any 9th – 12th grader and is led by our Pastoral Resident Ed Soto and Amber Boyle. Every Wednesday
evening from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. we meet in the Youth Room for fun, fellowship, and enlightening discussion. Come and bring a
friend!
Jr. High Youth
Calling all 6th – 8th graders! We would like to invite you to our new Jr. High Youth Group. The Jr. High Youth Group will be
taking place on every second and fourth Sunday, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. On every second Sunday we will meet in the Youth
Room for exciting Bible lessons, discussions, and activities. Then on the fourth Sundays we will venture out into the
community with a mission activity. This group is led by Steve and Susie Lane. You will not want to miss this! We already have
our missions planned out for the year, so please come and bring a friend! The following is a tentative schedule for the year:
November 9: “Called to Serve” 5:00-7:00, Youth Room
November 23: Christmas Basket mission!
December 14: Christmas Baskets continued
Wednesday afternoon Bible Study is back on! Join pastoral resident Ed Soto for an informal Bible study on Wednesdays at
4:15 p.m. Come with any questions or any Bible verses that you might want to talk about. There’s no formal curriculum, just a
safe place to explore the different aspects and implications surrounding our Scriptures. Is there a parable or two that you find
challenging? Does the Old Testament seem too violent? Ever wonder why we don’t use the Apocryphal texts? Questions like
these and all others are encouraged! The best way to root out ignorance and to grow in faith is by diving into education and
understanding our authoritative Scriptures. Group participation is highly encouraged for this study.
"Linse" will be presented by Peter Seifert on November 18, 6:00 p.m. at MUM, Verity Lodge.
Dr. Walter Linse’s Life Under Nazis and Communists
Peter Seifert will share the story of his uncle, Dr. Walter Linse. He had strong feelings for justice and the rule of law,
not easy to live by under the Nazis and then the Communists in East Germany. Peter learned of his uncle’s conflicts about 10
years ago, from historians and from his own research (www.unser-walter-linse.org with Engl. Synopsis) As much as possible,
Linse supported Jewish business people during the Nazi years, and entrepreneurs in East Germany during the Communist
regime.
Our Mission
.
. . to SHARE the good news
. . . to NURTURE the spirit
. . . to SERVE members and neighbors
Middletown Arts Center is hosting a fascinating exhibit
of the 1913 flood, “Watershed” The Great Miami River:
Then and Now.”
Compiled by Dayton Photographer Andy Snow, the exhibit
was named one of the 20 Best of 2013 productions by the
American Society of Media Photography and will be at the
Arts Center from November 8 – December 7. An Opening
Reception on November 8 from 4 to 6 p.m. will give
visitors an opportunity to meet Snow.
In addition to its regular hours Monday through Thursday,
the Arts Center will also be open on Sundays, November 6,
16, 23, and December 7 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sunday Worship Service – 10:00 a.m.
Church School & Adult Education – 9:00 a.m.
Greg Gibson, Interim Pastor
Ed Soto, Pastoral Resident
Joyce Zigler, Director of Music
Amber Boyle, Director of Christian Education
Margaret Chambers, Pianist
Lara Moon, Director of Children’s & Youth Choirs
Janet Scott, Director of Handbells
Paula Fairchild-Elliott, Dir. of Pre-K Readiness
Kim Flesher, Pre-K Readiness Teacher
Kathy Harris, Administrative Assistant
Sandy Fisher, Secretary
Cheryl Jarbo, Custodian
Bob Lawwill, Custodian
First Presbyterian Church
2910 Central Avenue
Middletown, Ohio 45044
(513) 422-6365
Return Service requested