Monthly Newsletter of Christ Presbyterian Church May 2014

Our Mission:

United through Christ’s love we are called to graciously

invite people to Jesus Christ; encourage spiritual growth; promote enriching worship;

foster community; and equip members for faithful

service in our church, community, and world.

Tom Schwartz, Pastor

Kris SchondelmeyerAssociate Pastor

www.cpctoledo.org

Inside:

First Sunday Forum: Definitions of Marriage in the PCUSA

On the first Sunday’s of May and June we will continue our 3-part series on the General Assembly of the PCUSA. These First Sunday Forums are an opportunity to learn about some of the major issues that will be addressed at this year’s General Assembly. For the First Sunday Forum in May we will be discussing “Definitions of Christian Marriage” and through a panel discussion of pastors and lay leaders, we will be exploring how the church should respond to same-gender relationships. The First Sunday Forum will be held directly following the 10:00am All Church Communion Service on Sunday, May 4. Please plan to grab a cup of coffee and a snack after worship and join us back in the sanctuary for this special event.

Join CPC for Worship at the 221st General Assembly of the PCUSA

In addition to opportunities to volunteer at the General Assembly of the PCUSA, CPC’s Christian Discipleship Team will be taking a group of CPC members to the opening worship and election of the moderator of the 221st General Assembly. The opening worship service will be a spectacular op-portunity to see the glory of God. And, it would be wonderful for us to have a strong showing of CPC members to participate in this wonderful wor-ship experience. We will also have the opportunity to witness the election process of the Moderator of the 221st General Assembly. The Moderator will serve for two years as the chief spokespersons for the PCUSA. This is bound to be a great experience for those who will take the time to attend. There will be opportunities to sign up to attend the opening of the GA on Sunday mornings over the next few weeks. For more information, please contact Barbara D. Brownlee at 419-381-2088 or bdbrownlee@prodigy.net.

Page 2Prime Time Luncheon

Page 5Faithful Reads

Page 7Youth Mentor Appreciation

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Pastor’s Desk

Dear Friends,

I am writing this pastor’s desk to you just after I have arrived in Bayville, New Jersey with eleven other members of our church to spend the week repairing homes as a part of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program. We are staying at Morning Star Presbyterian Church where the congregation has opened their doors to help work teams have a comfortable place to engage in mission. We are sharing the facilities with a mission team from North Carolina.

Families are still in need of support from the destruction endured by Hurricane Sandy. Tonight the pastor shared with us the effects of the hurricane on people who lived close to the water. The church is inland and so it was not touched by the powerful winds and water. That has enabled them to use their resources to help those in need.

The hope is that after we complete our work this week two families will be moved back into their homes. Tomorrow we will begin using our carpentry skills for hanging doors and kitchen cabinets. We will also be painting, setting tile, and restoring broken fences. The diversity of tasks to be accomplished is a wonderful challenge and it is particularly a delight to know that our work is truly making a difference in people’s lives.

I am grateful for the members of our church who are willing to give a week of their time to help others and I am also appreciative of those who contribute to our budget so that we can continue to reach out to people who need our help. It is wonderful to think about the fact that a faithful group of members from our church will be serving a meal to people in need at the Corner on Monday night, while we are also reaching out to families over 500 miles away. Our church has a wonderful ministry that provides many opportunities for service.

Please keep us in your prayers as we seek to serve others. Blessings,

Tom Schwartz

Prime Time LuncheonA monthly educational ministry opportunity for all vibrant older adults. Participants enjoy lunch together, share in the joy of fellowship, and engage in creative and intriguing educational programs.

Wednesday, May 07, 201412:00 P.M.

Matt Markey, Outdoor Editor at the Blade will present a program on the Asian Carp issues plaguing

the Great Lakes, and in particular the implications those issues will have on Lake Erie.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014 12:00 P.M.

A Level 3 Weather Alert cancelled this program in February. Fortunately, Hattie Kate Howell had an open

date on June 4th, when she will share the mission behind the “Sew and Serve” program. Hattie Kate and her Team

distribute warmth and comfort to the very young and elderly through the Team’s Quilting and Sewing talents. You are invited to attend this program to learn more

about the Team’s ministry.

All persons interested are welcome to attend!Please NOTE the change in making reservations!Call in your reservations by 3 P.M. the Monday before the program by calling Barbara Brownlee at 419-381-2088 or by emailing her: bdbrownlee@prodigy.net.

First Sunday Worship 10:00 a.m. All services combined in the Sanctuary

Our children will benefit from “Godly Play” and the Tween “We Believe” Program at 10:00 a.m.

All Other Sundays8:30 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Chapel10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary11:15 a.m. - 12:00 noon Contemporary/Praise Worship in Hansen Hall

We will be holding education programs for children at 10:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. and a special Music

Performance/Education program will be offered at 11:15 a.m. for children.

2014 Worship Schedule

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Heard and “Overheard”(Congregation news compiled by Barb Ball)

Ellen Cochran Benham and husband, Roger, have some grandchildren in the news this month.

Granddaughter Kate Benham will graduate Magnum Cum Laude from the University of Toledo in May. Kate’s Bachelor of Science Degree is in the Education field.

Another granddaughter, Jillian Kiser, will receive a P.H.D. in Engineering from Brown University. Jillian received a full scholarship to attend Brown.

Not a granddaughter, but another student Ellen is very proud of is Shannon Murphy who will receive her Master’s Degree in Social Work during the May graduation ceremonies at Eastern Michigan University. Ellen was Shannon’s tutor for many years during Shannon’s grade school and high school years.

Students in the news this month who are willing to share their time and talent with their community are CPC members; Brandon Bales, Ben Berschback, Reed Gnepper, Blake Gnepper, Kathleen Johnson, George Mancy, Claudia Mancy, Margi Mancy, Steven Souder, and Trey Souder. All will be performing in the Ottawa Hills Schools production of Oliver to be presented April 25, 26, and 27 at Ottawa Hills High School,

Elaine and Chris Matthews attended CPC as members for the last time on Easter Sunday. The end of April will find the movers at their home, packing up their belongings for their move to Grand Rapids, Michigan to be closer to their daughter Barb and family.

Chris and Elaine’s new home is a villa at Cook Valley Estates, a residential community operated by Presbyterian Homes of Michigan.

Dr. Matthews served as pastor at Christ Presbyterian church from 1979 until his retirement in 1999.

It looks as if the winter is finally over because some of our snowbirds were spotted at services on Sunday. Welcome back, you were missed!

News of special events in your life, family, school, or neighborhood is always welcome. Send to Barb Ball atbar1tom2@bex.net or call 419 824 7906

by the numbers

The number of lilies, daffodils, tulips and hyacinths gracing the sanctuary and Hansen Hall for Easter

services.

General Assembly # 221! Happening the week of June 14-21 at Cobo Center in Detroit. Plan to attend and volunteer at this important national

Presbyterian event.

The number of children, parents, and grandparents who hunted for eggs at the Easter Eggstravaganza!

120

221

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On Sunday, June 1st our 2014 Confirmands will lead the congregation in worship for our All Church Blended Communion Service at 10:00am. During that service, we will be Confirming 9 students: Griffen Barkley, Mary Findley, Michael Fleck, Chris Huffman, Randall Johnson, Cameron Long, Annie Mintun, Meg Muir, and Alex Ruhe. Some of our 2014 Confirmands met with the CPC Session in April to share their personal State-ment of Faith and officially be approved for member-ship. The remaining Confirmands will meet with the Session in May to do the same. Each of these Confir-mands has been attending a Confirmation class over the past few years that takes place on Sunday mornings at 10:15am. This is the first Confirmation class to partic-ipate in the new model designed by Pastor Kris. Going forward, each Confirmand will have participated in a 3-year program that teaches about the Bible, the Con-fessions, Presbyterian Polity, and Tough Faith Questions from Christian Teens. These young people have truly shown their value and importance in the life of this church. Please plan to be here in worship on Sunday, June 1 as we are led in worship by and celebrate our 2014 Confirmands.

Confirmation Sunday on June 1st

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Meet CPC Inquirer Abby Schondelmeyer

Led by the Spirit… …meet Deacon Christine Vischer

Christine Vischer is a lifelong Toledoan. She was born in The Toledo Hospital and has never lived more than twenty miles from Toledo.

Christine is not only a lifelong resident of Toledo, she is a lifelong Presbyterian. She is a

descendant of the Robert Coe family, who were noted Presbyterians in Watertown, MA in the 1640’s.

Chris is a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School, and Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She received a Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Art. She taught art for forty years at all grade levels in public schools in Michigan. The last twenty years of her career, Chris taught high school art classes in Bedford, Michigan where she met her husband, Gary. Christine is mom to three step-children and grandma to several step-grandchildren.

Chris is in her first year of a three year term as a Deacon. She serves on the Worship Team, a Prayer Team, sings in the choir, prepares the elements for communion, delivers flowers to the home-bound, and attends the Sermon Talks Bible study. Her spare time activities center mainly on her love of music. She is a member of the Toledo Dulcimer Group and The Rhodes College Singers. However, she is an ardent fan of the U of M football team!

Serving as a Deacon and participating in responsibilities associated with being a deacon have made Chris feel more connected to the church community. She is more aware of the needs of others; she enjoys meeting new worshipers and making them feel welcome. All of this has helped in her journey of growing spiritually.

On Tuesday, April 22 the CPC Session voted to present Abby Schondelmeyer for enrollment as an Inquirer in the Maumee Valley Presbytery. Inquiry status is one of the first steps an individual must take in a discernment process to become a Teaching Elder (Pastor) in the PCUSA. An individual must first be recommended by their local church Session, and then approved by the Presbytery’s Committee on Preparation for Ministry.

So, who is Abby Schondelmeyer. Abby grew up in Perrybsurg, OH where she attended Perrysburg High School. She was raised and baptized at Epworth United Methodist Church where her parents, grandparents, and great-grand parents were members for many years. During her eighth grade year, she began Epworth’s confirmation program, which helped to give words to the journey of faith that was unfolding before her.

In high school Abby began helping with the junior high youth programs at Epworth. She always had a passion for helping younger students. But, it was becoming more real and more a part of her life. Through conversations with great mentors she began to understand this tug as a call from God.

In college, Abby still struggled with this call. She began helping with the high school youth program in addition to the junior high program. It was clear that Abby’s future would involve some career where she would influence the lives of children and youth. Through more conversations with mentors and involvement in Toledo Campus Ministry, Abby discovered her passion for Religious Studies.

Through involvement with Toledo Campus Ministry, Abby began a two year internship in children’s and youth ministry at Fairgreen Presbyterian Church. Though the primary education of this internship was work with children and youth, she also had the opportunity to preach on a couple occasions. Though Abby has admitted that preaching is not her passion, she has found that it is a part of the ministry to which she is called.

It was through this internship with Fairgreen Presbyterian Church that Abby met and fell in love with Rev. Kris Schondelmeyer. Abby and Pastor Kris married in December of 2012, and she officially joined CPC in 2013. Since joining, she has been a faithful mentor with CPC’s youth ministry program and a volunteer with The Corner.

Abby graduated from the University of Toledo in May of 2013 with a bachelor’s in Religious Studies. Later that fall, Abby began her seminary career through a distance program with the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa (one of our PCUSA seminaries). This 4 year graduate program requires a combination of intensive on-campus residencies and on-line distance education.

We encourage you to congratulate Abby and to support her as she continues to discern the call that God has placed on her life for professional ministry as a Teaching Elder in the PCUSA.

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Sermon Talks Sermon Talks is a Bible study opportunity where participants read the passage for the upcoming week’s sermon and then dialogue about what the passage says to them. The group meets on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the church. Please contact Pastor Kris if you are interested in attending. All are welcome!!!

Faithful Reads: “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger”A book study group that will read and discuss the books of contemporary Christian authors. Each book will help us to explore our own faith and life. The discussions will help us to grow as a faithful Christian community.

The next book will be: “Dinner with a Perfect Stranger” by David Gregory. In this didactic inspirational novella, Cincinnati workaholic Nick Cominsky accepts an invitation that he assumes is a gag: to have dinner with Jesus Christ himself. He soon finds out it’s no laughing matter, and, despite his doubts and initial misgivings, he engages in a long conversation with the deity himself (who has jettisoned the long locks and sandals in favor of a Brooks Brothers haircut and blue suit). That conversation constitutes the novella’s light plot. As the courses of their elegant Italian meal are delivered, we will join Nick and Jesus for a 4 week discussion on the dichotomies of sin and salvation, grace and works, organized religion and personal faith. Meets for four Wednesdays, starting on May 14, from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the hospitality room at Christ Presbyterian Church. Contact Pastor Kris by Tuesday, May 6 if you are interested in being a part of this group: kris@cpctoledo.org

Christian Discipleship

There is a tremendous need for food and toiletries for the Feed Your Neighbor Program. Each Sunday,

there will be a specific item listed in the bulletin for those wishing to participate. There will be marked boxes on carts in the Narthex and near the Hansen Hall doors.

May 4 - Canned FruitsMay 11 - Granola Bars

May 18 - Soup or SaltinesMay 25 - Pasta

Feed Your Neighbor

The Mom’s Small Group meets one Wednesday morning a month from 9:30am-11:00am at the church. We welcome all moms! We meet in the classroom area so that preschoolers may play while we enjoy the fellowship time with other moms. Our April date is Wednesday, May 21.

Please contact Kelsey in the church office (kelsey@cpctoledo.org) or Kate Backoff and Allison Johnson.

Mom’s Small Group

Exploring Membership Class

Individuals who desire to be members of Christ Presbyterian Church are encouraged to get actively involved in worship and our wide variety of educational and service opportunities. To learn more about our church and its mission, you are invited to attend one of our Exploring Membership Classes that are taught by Pastor Tom Schwartz. This class includes participating in our “Discovering and Sharing Your Gifts, Talents, and Passion” course. Come with your questions, concerns and enthusiasm. The next class will be on Thursday, June 5 and Thursday, June 12 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.; dinner will be included. Please sign up at the welcome cart in the Narthex or the welcome table in Hansen Hall or with Kelsey in the church office at 419-475-8629 for more information.

The next Deborah Circle meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 14 at 12:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join us. We will be meeting at Christ Presbyterian Church.

Deborah Circle

This year everyone is invited to help us cleanup our church facility on Saturday, May 10. We will begin at 9:00 a.m. and work until 12:00 noon. We need many hands and able (and not so able) bodies to help us clean windows and pews, spread bark mulch in flower beds and in the new playground, prepare the garden, assist with minor carpentry, and other general cleaning.

Spring Clean Up Day

Weird Animals Where Jesus’ Love Is One-of-a-KindJoin us June 23-June 27 from 9:00 a.m.-11:30 for an exciting Vacation Bible School. Come on an amazing adventure with Sing & Play Stampede, One-of-a-Kind Bible Adventures, Untamed Games, Kidvid Cinema, Imagination Station, Critter Cafe and The Tail End. Contact Monica Mancy at Monica@cpctoledo.org to be a part of Weird Animals; help make this an exceptional VBS!

Kids’ Travel Guide to the ParablesWe are taking a ride through the Parables. Join us each Sunday during the summer, as we take an exciting journey filled with stories, fun, prayer and adventure. Get in on the creative fun, exploring the journeys that will surprise, comfort, and challenge us to be more like Jesus. Strap yourselves in and enjoy the ride…the adventure is about to begin!

Our Summer Sunday school sounds like a lot of fun but in order for everyone to enjoy it we need your help. Children and Family Ministry team is asking that each family sign up to teach one Sunday. A signup sheet will

be located in the Children’s classroom wing or you can email me at Monica@cpctoledo.org . All lessons and materials will be provided. Hopefully, together we can make this an exciting journey for the kids.

The Easter Eggstravaganza Was Fun For AllChildren enjoyed decorating bags to collect their eggs along with other seasonal craft projects and games, which included bunny bean bag toss, pin the tail on the bunny and bunny darts. All the children also made their own Easter basket cupcakes with special frosting, toasted coconut and jelly beans.

Ice Cream Social in Honor of the Children’s ChoirJoin us on the playground after the 10:00 a.m. service, on Sunday May 18, for some ice cream treats for our wonderful singers! Children’s Choir will resume again in the fall.

Sunday Morning Children’s Schedule

Godly Play for 3 years old to 3rd gradeChildren age 3 through 3rd grade may accompany their parents to the worship service. Children will then be dismissed from worship about 15 minutes later with Monica Mancy for Godly Play. Children can be picked up after the service in their designated classrooms in the children’s wing.Godly Play at the 10:00 a.m. serviceAge 3-3rd grade Room 5

Bible Discovery for 4th grade & 5th gradeChris Gaynor and Kim Long will be teaching “We Believe” for children in grades 4th and 5th. The children will spend the one year learning and experiencing the New Testament and another year on the Old Testament. After completing the two years the children will be presented with their own Bible. The children will be dismissed during the 10:00 a.m. service to the Tween room.We Believe at the 10:00 a.m. service4th-5th grades Tween Room

Software SundayChildren age 3 through 5th grade will learn Bible Basics, Books of the Bible, and How the Bible Came to Be through video-game adventures.Software Sunday at 11:15 a.m. Room 9

Children’s ChoirChildren’s Choir will meet every Sunday to rehearse in the choir room from 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. The children will sing on Sunday at the 10:00 a.m. service.

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Children and Family News

Confirmation for 6th – 9th Grade StudentsThe Confirmation class for 6th - 8th grade (this year also includes 9th grade) students is a 3 year program designed to help the youth of our church to develop their own understanding of the church and their role in it. If you have any questions about the Confirmation program for youth, please speak with Pastor Kris: kris@cpctoledo.org

Upcoming Confirmation Schedule:Sunday, May 11 10:15 – 11:00am What is Reformed Theology?Sunday, May 18 10:15 – 11:00am What’s so great about doing things decently and in order?Sunday, May 25 10:15 – 11:00am No Confirmation: Enjoy the Holiday Weekend!Thursday, May 29 10:15 – 11:00am Dinner Meeting: Worship Rehearsal for 8th/9th grade Confirmands only!!!Sunday, June 1 10:15 – 11:00am Confirmation Sunday!!!

Youth Ministry

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Youth Mentor AppreciationYouth Mentor Appreciation: Family EventThe Youth Ministry Team invites all 6th - 12th grade youth and their families (including siblings) to join us for a special celebration as we honor the gifts of our Youth Mentors.

Our adult Youth Mentors have given so much of their time over this past school year to help nurture and guide the youth of CPC, and they deserve our greatest respect. To celebrate their gifts for ministry, Pastor Kris and the youth have planned a special event, and we want you to join us in saying thank you to our leaders.

The Youth Mentor Appreciation will take place at the home of Jeff and Kim Long:8737 Linden Lake Rd.Sylvania, OH 43560

The Youth Ministry Team will provide sandwiches from Shorty’s BBQ. Each family is asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share (ex. potato/pasta salad, chips, BBQ Beans, Brownies, Cookies, more Brownies for Pastor Kris!!!). Please put Sunday, June 1 from 5:30 – 7:30pm on your calendars now, and plan to be at the Long’s to join us in celebrating our 2013 - 2014 Youth Mentors.

6th – 12th grade youth are invited to join in faith, fun, and fellowship on Sunday evening from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. We will meet for dinner, faith-based lessons and games, and mission. Periodically we will meet at other times for mission and fellowship based special events. If you are interested in being a part of our regular Sunday evening Youth Group, please contact Pastor Kris: kris@cpctoledo.org

Sunday, May 4 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Youth Group: Less Stress - Rest for the teenage soul

Sunday, May 11 No Youth GroupMother’s Day! Celebrate with Family

Sunday, May 18 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.Last Day of Regular Youth Group

Sunday, June 1 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.Youth Mentor Appreciation: Family Event

Youth Group on Sundays Youth Summer Mission TripSummer Mission – Group: Week of HopeWe’ve passed the deadline for signing up…but there may still be time. This summer, our youth in 6th – 12th grades will be heading to Cincinnati, OH from Sunday, July, 27 – Friday, August 1 for a Week of Hope mission trip sponsored by Group Mission Trips. Mission activities might include: providing meals to the homeless, providing programs for underprivileged children, helping in a pet shelter, and more. Your cost for the trip is $150. Confidential scholarship help is available. If you are a middle school or high school youth, 12 years of age or older, and are interested in joining us on our Week of Hope trip, please RSVP with a $50 deposit to Pastor Kris ASAP: kris@cpctoledo.org

As of April 1, 2014, Kroger’s deleted all Community Rewards designations. All Kroger Plus Card holders need to go to the www.KrogerCommunityRewards.com website and reenroll. Until you reenroll, your purchases DO NOT create any rewards for Christ Presbyterian Church Youth Ministries. To reenroll your Kroger Plus Card designation of CPC Youth Ministries as your designated recipient, please follow these detailed steps:

1. Go to www.Kroger Community Rewards.com website.2. Click on Sign In/Register.3. Log in with your e-mail address and password. 4. Click Sign in.5. On the sign in page, on the bottom, click on Edit

Community Rewards Program information.6. On the Community Rewards page go to 1 and

type in Christ Presbyterian Church.7. Once you click on enter, under #2, Select

your organization Christ Presbyterian Church Organization # 80985 should appear.

8. You need to click the small button on the left to select Christ Presbyterian Church.

9. Go down to #3 and save your changes.10. Your Kroger Account Summary page should appear.

Scroll down to Community Rewards Information and it should now reflect Christ Presbyterian Church 80985 with the date that you enrolled.

If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

Don’t Forget to Re-Enroll at Krogers