BELLTOWER NEWSCollege Hill Presbyterian Church – April 2019

513.541.5676 | 5742 Hamilton Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45224 | chpc.org

HELP OUR KIDS LEARN THE TRUE MEANING OF EASTER!

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE

We’re bringing back the simple tradition of a kids’ Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday at the 10:00 hour. Kids will also receive an Easter coloring book that tells the story of Jesus and the Cross. To make this fun event happen, we need your help with a few donations:

Packs of empty plastic Easter eggs Lots & lots of Easter candy A few packages of nut-free Easter

candy (make sure package says it was manufactured in a nut-free facility) Brown paper bags (lunch size) Inexpensive Easter baskets

Donations can be placed in the labeled bin outside Jennifer Cronk’s office (across from Drew’s office). Questions? Contact Jennifer Cronk at: jcronk@chpc.org.

Palm Sunday 9am Traditional Service 10:10am Gospel Project 11am Contemporary

Maundy Thursday Communion in the Fellowship Hall doors open at 6:40 with snacks & table games service starts at 7pm (Childcare provided)

Good Friday 7pm in the Sanctuary

Easter Sunday 7am Sunrise Service 9am Traditional Service 10am Easter Egg Hunt (bring a basket & friends) No Gospel Project 11am Contemporary Service

the new year, start over again paying my full deductible, and miss an entire week of work. Did I pray or ask others to pray for me? No. “My doctor’s got this!” I reasoned.

Allow me to translate: I actually had the gall to say, “No, thank you,” to God. To God!!!!

Round 2: The very next day, I contracted some strange mutation of coxsackie virus and could barely swallow because of lesions on my esophagus, vocal chords, and

eustachian tube. On top of that, an ice storm struck, and a tree branch took out my electric, so I had no heat, no hot water, and limited cell phone access to reach out for help. Clearly, I could not handle this alone. This time, when another friend suggested I put in a prayer request, I didn’t hesitate. The next morning I was considerably better and just two days after that, I was completely cured and cleared for the surgery, with power restored just as I left for the hospital. As Helen said, “He’s got this!” I knew that because of

HE’S GOT THISBy Kelly Hibbett

During a recent worship service, Helen Brooks revealed great vulnerability as she shared a personal story to which I’m sure many of us can relate. Beset by injury from two car accidents within five months of each other and wracked with pain, Helen was battling through it with an “I Got This” attitude, all the while trying her best to keep up with the busy-ness of work and family. But her chronic pain started getting the best of her, causing her to be irritated and short with those she loves most. Surrounded by those fourteen beautiful grandchildren clamoring for attention and the host of neighborhood kids attracted to all of that love and fun, she was barely keeping it together. She knows now that the enemy was focusing her attention on the pain and blinding her to the blessings all around her.

Then, late one night, when her pain and insomnia kept her from sleep, she had some quiet time with her Father, and she knew that she didn’t have to fight this battle on her own. Even a strong woman like her, the one who has always been the caretaker, cannot handle it alone. God blesses us all by sending people into our lives to help us even when we don’t realize or want to admit that we need their help.

Helen knew right then that she “don’t got it,” nor do we. What we have got is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, our fallen nature often manifests itself in a prideful desire

for self-reliance and control that overshadows the need we truly have for Him. Often, it is prayer that enables us to approach Him in humility to ask for the help and guidance we desperately need as we turn our lives over to the one who has truly “got it.”

When Helen told her story in church, it completely resonated with me because I had just learned the same lesson...the hard way. I had scheduled a surgery for the Friday before Thanksgiving; however, the week of the surgery, I experienced heart palpitations and started feeling lightheaded. As concerned as I was, I never once thought to pray for help. Like Helen, I thought, “I got this!” and pressed on. So, when a f riend f rom church asked if I wanted to put in a prayer request, I promptly rejected the idea on the grounds that it was “no big deal.” My vital signs were good...it was certainly all in my head. “I got this!”

The next day, Round 1 of my lesson began. What I had thought was nothing turned out to be pneumonia, and I panicked. I had to recover right away to be approved for the surgery, which the doctor had rescheduled for the following week. If I couldn’t have it then, I would have to wait till

And whatever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

John 14:13 (KJV)

prayer on my behalf from my brothers and sisters in Christ and through His grace, God sped up my recovery, not for my physical health but for the health of my spirit.

So, that “Prayer Request” section on the Connection Cards has taken on new meaning for me. No longer will I view asking for help as an embarrassing weakness but as an opportunity to rely on His strength.

R.C. Sproul, a former pastor here at CHPC, once wrote, “Prayer changes things. It changes us.” It certainly knocked my pride and sense of independence down a notch or ten, teaching me the importance of faith and my need for reliance on Him.

TWO WAYS TO MAKE A PRAYER REQUEST

Fill out this form on the back of the Connection Card. Make sure to consider the boxes at the bottom. Place it in the offering plate. Make your request online at chpc.org.

Go to “Resources.” Click “Prayer Requests.” Select to share via email e-Prayer alerts, if desired.

Staff and others in the Congregation Care Ministry meet during the week to pray about your concerns.

Interested in Joining a Prayer Group? To receive e-Prayer alerts, contact Jeanne Schneider, Director

of Care (JSchneider@chpc.org, 541-5676 ext. 1160). Meet to pray with others at church. (Open invitation!)

Thursdays, 8:30 AM (Prayer Room, near the sanctuary) Sundays, 8:00 AM (Prayer Room) 2nd Wednesday of the month, 7:00 PM (Jeanne’s office)

What to Do with an e-Prayer Alert? Pray specifically, in Jesus’ name, for the person. Send an encouraging email or call the person. Send a card. Keep praying and believing!

Do you come from a church tradition that ignores the Church’s Liturgical Year? Take time to discover your ‘roots’ and deepen your personal relationship with Christ.

As a Christian, I’ve never been able to figure out anti-Semitism. God has always called the Jews His Chosen Ones. I’ve been grafted in by my Lord and Savior, Jesus — my King, who is also the King of the Jews. I’ve found that The Last Supper, The Crucifixion and Easter have become so much more meaningful to me as I reflect on their Jewish roots and their connection with Passover.

From 1949-52, my family rented a duplex home in a Conservative Jewish area in Detroit. 93% of the students in my public school were Jewish. My friends attended Hebrew classes after-school. As a non-Jewish kid I learned a lot by osmosis during that time.

As the rhythms of Jewish life swirled around me, there was much that was strange to me. Many times Mrs Bilski, our land-lady, would have her daughter Susan and me sit down. She’d answer our questions by reading God’s law from her Bible, and add her rabbi’s wise teachings. She prayed that God would help us to understand.

Mrs Bilski had a huge calendar on her kitchen wall that told her what needed to be done to keep her home kosher (according to God’s law). The text was in Hebrew; the date was 3760

Much to my parents’ surprise, the Bilski’s invited our family to share their Passover meals. We studied a written guide, the Haggadah, ahead of time. The first thing Mrs Bilski did was to take a special feather to each corner of the room to prove that all the yeast was cleared from the house. Then she lit special candles and Susan, the youngest child asked, “Why is this night different from all other nights.” We read, ate, sang, blessed God and celebrated life!

Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples was a Passover meal. He took the familiar elements and revealed Himself in them — the Sacrificial Lamb whose blood paid for the Sin of the World, the long-expected Messiah, and the giver of freedom and hope through the New Covenant. I pray for the day that all believers gather to celebrate full Communion with Christ with its Jewish roots and zest for life showing . . . especially the Chosen Ones.

DEEP JEWISH ROOTS SHOWING

years ahead of the date on my family calendar.

More than a month before my Easter was due, Mrs Bilski began housecleaning in earnest. She’d start in the kitchen, or should I say her two kitchens (2 sinks and 2 sets of cookware and dishes). One kitchen was for every day; the other was for special holiday kosher meals. Poor Mr Bilski had to move every piece of furniture. Drapes were beaten, floors polished, closets cleaned, usable clothes shared with the needy, and new ones purchased.

By the time my Church began thinking about Easter, Mrs Bilski was way ahead of them. She was ready for Passover — she had prayed her way through the 40-days of outward acts like cleaning, new clothes, food preparation and rehearsals for their Passover. She knew the Festival caused God’s people to remember His amazing love that freed them from slavery and led them to life.

a last supper of lamb, unleavened bread and wine—all elements of the seder feast celebrated by the Jewish Jesus with his disciples on the first

night of the passover festival of the Jews.

By Sharlyn Stare

APRIL SUPPER CLUB & PROGRAMMarybelle Chapman

On Monday, April 29, you won’t need a recommendation from Howie Mandel or Simon Cowell to realize that CHPC’s Got Young Talent! That is the name of this month’s Supper Club program which will feature several rising “stars” from within our church family. Come

and be entertained as talented young dancers, musicians and singers share the result of hours of lessons, practice and hard work with you. The MC for the evening will be Penny Sauer.

That’s April 29th in the Fellowship Hall. Come for dinner at 6:15, pay $12.00 at the door. To make reservations, call Sally Auble at 741-3125 before Thursday, April 18.

WELCOME KEN DAVIS

CHPC is excited to celebrate the official hiring of Mr. Ken Davis as a CHPC musician. Ken has been playing regularly at our second service since January, 2018, and joined the church last Fall. We celebrate God’s provision of Ken’s wonderful gifts that help lead us in praise of God.

Ken was born Cincinnati Ohio. He began playing piano in the Baptist church as a child around the age of 10 and enjoys playing gospel and contemporary Christian music.

Ken is an experienced pianist. In addition to his gospel roots, he has also performed regularly in many of

the casinos, country clubs and concert venues throughout the country playing Pop, Motown, 70’s, old school, country, jazz and R&B.

“One of my favorite playing experiences was having the privilege to perform with a band several years ago at a popular historic music venue in West Virginia and getting the chance to meet and play as the opening act for the late, great, famous jazz musician and singer Al Jarreau.”

When not playing music, Ken enjoys relaxing, dining out, working on computers, and going to the movie theater.

2019 SWIM MINISTRY DATESBy Sharlyn Stare

Swim Lessons with an Eternal Difference Children/Youths: 10am, 11am, 12pm June 24-28; July 15-19; and July 29-Aug 2 at North Hills Swim Club, Daly Rd.

Adults: 6-7pm July 8-12; July 22-26at Twin Towers Pool, Hamilton Ave. Staff Training: 6-9pm Th June 6& Fri June 7, and 9-4 Sat June 8.

Questions? Sam 513.382.5902 brochures /applications for swimmers and staff at www.chpc.org

SUMMER FOR STUDENTS AT CHPC

Children’s & High School school-year classes will have their last Sunday on June 2nd.

Summer Children’s Sunday school will be at 10 am; it will be one large combined class for Kindergarten through 6th grade (location TBD).

Middle School Sunday School will be at 10 am in Room 204 through July.

High School Sunday School will have the choice to attend the adult Gospel Project class (they will have a dedicated table), or they can serve with the K-6th Sunday school as a volunteer.

Nursery will be offered at 10 am and 11 am (not during the 9 am service)Children and Worship will be offered at the 11 am service (not during the 9 am service).

MegaBlast will meet once a month on the following days/times: May 19th,12:30-2:30 pm in the Crash

Room. June 30th, 12:30-2:30 pm in the

Crash Room July 28th,12:30-2:30 pm in the Crash

room. August 16th, 6-9 pm @ the Johnson’s

house/pool, 5807 McCray Court, 45224.

Crash will meet June 5th and 12th, and July 3rd, 17th, 24th, and 31st, 7-9pm at the Clippard’s house, 6012 Eastridge Lane, 45247.

Middle School Adventure Camp will be June 23rd-29th in Red River Gorge, KY.

High School Mission Trip will be July 7th-13th in Chicago, IL.

Vacation Bible School will take place June 10-14.

Family Camp dates TBD (probably September).

YOUTH SUMMER MINISTRY PARTNER OPPORTUNITIESSUMMER FOR STUDENTS AT CHPC

CHILDREN’S SUMMER MINISTRY PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES

Crash Youth Group Small Group Leader:(Wednesdays 7-9pm in June and July): Lead a small group of middle school or high school students at youth group. A large group teaching and small group questions will be provided - your job would be to facilitate discussion and help students build relationships with one another!

Middle School Adventure Camp Leader:(June 23-29 near Red River Gorge, KY): Lead students on a trip that includes adventure activities like kayaking, mountain biking, a one-night backpacking trip, service work, and a challenge to grow in their faith

Children’s Sunday School (combined class) will meet at the 10 am hour on Sunday mornings. We’re looking for worship leaders, discussion leaders & general enthusiasm-builders.

Vacation Bible School will take place June 10-14. It will be similar to Backyard Bible Club, and will be hosted in people’s homes. We’re looking for storytellers, worship leaders, craft leaders, and general helpful, happy faces.

in Christ and make it their own. The camp leaders provide the teaching and lead discussions - your job would be to build relationships with students, encouraging and challenging them to grow deeper in faith and step out of their comfort zone.

High School Mission Trip Leader:(July 7-13 in Chicago, IL): Lead students on a trip to work with Sunshine Gospel Ministries in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago. Students will have opportunities to listen to, learn from and serve the members of this community, and will be equipped to return home able to practice the skills and lessons learned. Leaders from Sunshine provide the teaching -

Megablast will meet once a month on May 19, and TBD June & July dates. We’re looking for discussion leaders, activity leaders & relationship-builders.

Contact Jennifer Cronk at jcronk@chpc.org or 513-541-5676 for more information on any of these opportunities!

your job would be to build relationships with students, encouraging and challenging them to grow deeper in faith and step out of their comfort zone.

Contact Robyn Hubbuch atrhubbuch@chpc.org or 513-505-3041 for more information on any of these opportunities!

DESTROYING THE DIVIDING WALLS OF HOSTILITYTHE ONE NEW HUMANITY QUILTBy Jim Warner

For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,

and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.Ephesians 2:14-17 New International Version (NIV)

One of the goals that was set for the designer of our new logo, Erik Brown of Brownstone Design, was to express the centrality of the Cross of Jesus and, possibly, our vision of becoming a multiethnic, multicultural church. The resulting logo does indeed put the Cross at the center of a harmonious, unified composition of colors and shapes symbolized as a living leaf. What Erik proposed, and we enthusiastically embraced, was the idea of creating a large quilted leaf to symbolize our congregation - diverse people from every tribe, tongue and nation as depicted in Revelations, who have been woven together by the Spirit of God into a “church that looks like heaven”. In the same way Jews and Gentiles were reconciled, we “who were far away” have been reconciled by the Cross. Dividing walls of hundreds of years of hostility of slavery, oppression, and separation have been likewise destroyed by the Cross. There is neither male nor female, Jew nor Greek, slave nor free; but we are one body because of the Cross. He, Himself, is our peace.

His purpose was to create in Himself ...One New Humanity!

So, naturally, we felt it appropriate that we name the quilt, The One New Humanity Quilt.

The problem was: how are we going to get this quilt made? Heather

Lethander and I, Jim Warner, took on the task. I had an idea of someone who could possibly assist us. As a resident of Ohio Living Llanfair, I had participated in a calendar art competition and made the acquaintance of Sarah Baker, a resident of Ohio Living Mt. Pleasant in Monroe, who is a prize-winning quilter and fabric artist. We approached Sarah about being our quilter; and, unsolicited, she generously agreed to help us in return for a contribution to a Presbyterian mission of her choice.

But what fabric were we going to use? The idea we had was to use fabrics from peoples from all over the world to even more richly express the idea of being One New Humanity. We thought that it would please God, our Creator, and Jesus, through whom all things were made. So Sarah, Heather and I set out one morning, praying that God would bless our very daunting search for twenty three different ethnic fabric swatches that fit the color scheme of our logo. I think we all felt a joy and excitement as we embarked on the hunt.

Our first stop was the St. Theresa Textile Trove in the Pendleton Design Center downtown. It did, indeed, turn out to be a treasure trove. We felt God’s hand as we found 90% of the fabrics we needed from Bali, Senegal, Gambia, Maori from New Zealand, China, .... We were stunned after telling the

story of why we were doing the quilt that Becky Hancock, the owner, unsolicited, very kindly donated these expensive and exotic fabrics!

Our second stop was Silk Road Textiles in College Hill, where we found almost the rest of the fabrics we needed. We even found a fabric with 0’s and 1’s to include people f rom the digital world. Sarah and Heather collaborated over the next few days to complete the collection with fabrics from Japan and Scotland (we had to have some plaid!).

Hopefully, the quilt will repeatedly remind us all that we are committed to the unity that Jesus prayed for in the Garden of Gethsemanee. That we would be one, as He and our Father in heaven are one, One New Humanity.

That we will continue the work of destroying the dividing walls. That seeing us live out the Good News in joyful harmony, many will come to know and follow our Prince of Peace.

RELIGION THAT IS PUREBy Kelly Hibbett

If you’re looking for ways to live into our study of the Book of James by being “doers of the word,” (1:22), please consider helping to host families struggling with homelessness.

This March, CHPC’s first week of hosting in the beautiful new Ministry Center basement brought many blessings to the families and volunteers alike. Families in crisis found much-needed respite and all involved experienced the joy that comes from loving our neighbors.

We are fortunate enough to be able to host families once again in July, and there are many ways you can get involved: Donate supplies for

breakfast, lunch, etc. (List of needed items will be posted two weeks before the start of hosting.) Stay after second service to set up

rooms in the Ministry Center basement the Sunday hosting begins. Join a group of CHPC cooks and

bakers to prepare the Sunday night dinner. Volunteer to be a kitchen host,

assisting with kitchen duties and setting up for lunch making. Spend an evening entertaining the

children with activities. Be an overnight host—arrive around

8:00, help everyone settle in for the night, set out the breakfast food and packed lunches, and see families off to the van that will transport them to

school, work, and various programs. Volunteer to reset the classrooms

after families leave. Take home a bag of laundry to wash

and return. Just be there to lend a helping hand.

This ministry impacts lives in a very tangible way, but more importantly, it touches spirits. Ashley, a young mother whose family stayed at CHPC

this past winter, shared just how meaningful her family’s experience with IHN and the network of College Hill churches that support it was. Go to <http://ihncincinnati.org/explore/videos/> to hear Ashley tell her story. If you would like to be part of another family’s story, contact Dave and Cyndy Butz to find out how.

Real religion, the kind that passes muster before God the Father, is this: Reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world.

James 1:27 (MSG)

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JESUS UNIVERSITY DANCES AT CITY GOSPEL BALLET

WOVEN UPCOMING EVENTS

On Saturday, April 9, the CHPC Jesus University danced with over 20 other groups at the City Gospel Ballet. They celebrated the beauty of dance to the glory of God with over 500 students in the city. The ministry has grown through its partnership with City Gospel. Jesus University has become a vessel within CHPC that is not just any praise dance team, but also a ministry. Helen Brooks’s vision was brought to life after joining CHPC 15 years ago with the support of Maggie Smith (former Director of Children & Family Ministry). Jesus University has developed a liturgical form of dancing that teaches the core Christian values while providing a safe environment for the dancers. The group incorporates

Ladies of CHPCWe have a Ladies Night Outon Wednesday, April 17, 7-10 pmRSVP to Janet Dumfordjanet3747@gmail.com

SAVE THE DATE

WOVEN invites you to aMother’s Day Teaon Saturday, May 11, 4:00-5:45 pm

Drink tea with your pinkies held high,enjoy using fabric napkins,and eating delicious pastries.We’ll share an IF: videoand time to just sit and chat.

Bible study during practice time to establish trusting relationships and teach the Word of God. This has helped the dancers to display their creative energies and talents at each performance. This is a challenging and fulfilling commitment not just for the dancers, but to the parents who support by supervising or provide snacks each Saturday during practices.Currently, there are 21 Jesus University dancers ranging in age from 6-15 years old. They welcome new dancers at any time and at any level. The dancers meet on Saturday afternoons for practices to perfect their craft. Nicole James (17-year-old Walnut Hills student and City Gospel Hub Site dancer) teaches ballet to the older girls (ages 11-15) while Helen

oversees the younger girls (ages 10 and under). Nicole is the daughter of Pastor Tommy and Joyce James. The team has been blessed with her talents and encouragement which displays love and honesty to the older dancers. If you want to join the group contact Helen Brooks at terrycharyse@yahoo.com . Also contact her if you have ideas, requests or want to support the ministry in any way.

Have an idea for Belltower News?

Belltower News is forming a writing team that will meet monthly to write, collect, and edit articles so that we can make the best publication possible. If you’d like to be included, call Mike Jorgensen or if you want to submit an article send it to worshipadmin@chpc.org. Deadline for May is noon on the 26th.

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LISTENING FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE

SATURDAY, APRIL 279:00 AM – 5 PM

Location: College Hill Presbyterian Church5742 Hamilton AveCincinnati, OH 45224

Listening for Heaven’s Sake provides practical, hands-on skills for improving your career, your life and your ministry by becoming a better listener. You will learn to:

cultivate authentic relationships where trust and understanding naturally grow and flourish identify and break 6 common

listening habits that produce needless frustration, misunderstanding and hurt feelings convey genuine warmth, empathy

and respect that puts others at ease and creates a powerful personal connection

Cost: $25 – Includes Materials and Lunch (partial scholarships available)Class Size is Limited. Register by April 24

Taught by: Anne ClippardRegistration: chpc.org/eventsQuestions: Jeanne Schneider513-541-5676, EXT. 1160 or jschneider@chpc.org

On the go? Now you can text to give! Text (513)854-1604.

Enter the $ amount you want to give. That’s it! You will be asked to complete a short form the first time you text.

Did you know you can find registration forms, listen to sermons, and pay your tithe online? It’s easy! Visit chpc.org

ESTABLISH A GENUINE CONNECTION WITH OTHER PEOPLE