Monthly Newsletter of Christ Presbyterian Church January 2014

Our Mission:United through Christ’s love we are called to graciouslyinvite 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

Kids Against Hunger

We will again be partnering with Sylvania United Church of Christ to prepare food packets to be sent to needy families in Latin America. This is a wonderful event for

families and individuals to show their willingness to work together in serving others. The event will take place in Hansen Hall from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on January 18. Each person or family will work for just one hour so that everyone gets an opportunity to participate. There is a brief training session provided by ISOH-Impact before you begin your shift. Signup on Sundays to participate.

Disaster Assistance Team Provides Help to Hurricane Sandy Victims

You are invited to join our mission team that will be traveling to Bayville, New Jersey. Our teams are usually involved in assisting families whose homes need significant repairs due to violent winds and water. Our work includes carpentry, drywall repair, painting, plumbing, minor electrical repair, and clean up. This year the team will be leaving by van on April 27 and returning on May 3. Our teams have always enjoyed the community that occurs when we serve together. Cost $100.00 Signup on Sundays or call Bob Burnett or Tom Schwartz.

Dominican Republic Mission Team.

This year our international mission efforts will take us to the Dominican Republic. CPC Mission Team member Mary Goldberger has take several trips under the guidance of Solid Rock International and she will be coordinating this trip. The team will fly

into Santo Domingo and then travel to San Juan where team members can participate in a medical clinic, construction projects, children's programs or maintenance projects. Participants will be housed in a secure facility with meals being provided by the staff. Mary has found the people of the Dominican Republic to be very friendly and welcoming. Cost: $250.00 Dates: July 19 - July 26 Signup on Sundays or call Mary Goldberger.

A Letter from MukondiPage 2

Youth Confirmation SchedulePage 5

Children and Youth NewsPage 6

New Opportunities for Service 2014

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A Letter to Tom from Mukondiour Mission Partner from

South Africa

Dear Tom,

Greetings from Jo’burg. It has taken too long for me to inform you about that I had a very long, tiring and safe trip back home. I found everyone in good health. My wife and children were happy to see me back home after such a long time. They also appreciated that I was in good hands at Christ Presbyterian church in Toledo. My experience of sharing ministry with the community of Christ Presbyterian church was great and enriching.

The WCC General Assembly was awesome, and the people of South Korea were wonderful hosts and it was such a well organized meeting. I visited one of the largest Presbyterian Congregations in the world with about 85 000 members and about 50 pastors as they informed us. On November 3, 2013 I worshiped at another big Presbyterian congregation with more than 50 000 members and 25 pastors. I saw church growth at its best.

I also would like to inform you and the congregation that the “big tree has fallen”, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela has died on December 5, 2013 at about 20h50 and he will be buried on December 15, 2013 at his home place in Qunu. The nation is mourning the death of a great states man the world has ever been blessed with. He has joined the great people like John F Kennedy, Mahatma Ghandi, Abraham Lincoln, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jnr. Let the people of the world pray with us for a comfort that God alone can give to a nation that grieving.

Thank you very much for great friendship, love and care that I have received from all of you at Christ Presbyterian church. It was great spending time with you. May the spirit of Advent fall on all of you. Happy Christmas and blessed new year.

Your brother in Christ,

Mukondeleli Ramulondi

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.

There will be no Prime Time in January!

Our new web site is available at cpctoledo.org for church information. The site has updated information, photos and schedules. As soon as the new CPC Directory is published, members only will be able to access the directory on this site. Additionally, the new monthly Beacon will be available on the web site. It can be found using the “About Us” drop down menu, then select “Publications”. This is also where you can find previous month’s issues, too.

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

End of the Year Reminder

New Website Launched

For the church to give you credit for the year 2013, Terrie Knight in the Financial Office must receive your checks by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2013.

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

Marna (Young) Elzinga and son, Noah Young, are happy to announce a new addition to their family.

On December 2, 2013, five year old Sarah officially became Sarah Elzinga. Sarah was welcomed into their home as a foster child

when she was a year old. After a four year wait, her adoption took place a few days after her fifth birthday. The special occasion was celebrated by the Elzinga family at an open house at the Michigan home of her new grandparents, Steve and Nancy Elzinga. Guests included an uncle from California and relatives from Grand Haven, Michigan, as well as local family members, friends, and co-workers.

Sarah is an active five year old. She attends the Children’s Discovery Center three days a week, loves to draw, takes ballet and swimming lessons, and is very social, enjoying interaction with people. She is eagerly anticipating a visit from Santa Claus in a couple of weeks.

Marna is thankful for the overwhelming caring and kindness that was shown to all of them through the whole adoption process.

Welcome Sarah Elzinga! We’re happy to have as part of our church family.

I want to wish all the readers a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years.

Why not make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to share your special occasions with our church family and brighten someone’s day?

Email Barb Ball at bar1tom2@bex.net or call her at 419 824-7906 with news.

Elders:Tom BackoffRon BickBob BurnettCheryl PorrettKay SellersGranger Souder

Class of 2016 Elders & Deacons

Deacons:Lizeeth BalesJill BickBill DrakeDebbie MerrittChristine VischerRoy Young

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by the numbers

the # of poinsettias gracing our Sanctuary, Chapel, and

Hansen Hall this past Advent and Christmas.

CPC members gave 154 presents to individuals registered through Sylvania Area Family Services

1,840 is the Number of food items in the baskets

that are provided by Christ Presbyterian Church to families in need through

Sylvania Area Family Services

The Cookie Walk on December 8 after each service featured over 1,800 delicious cookies and

other delectable treats. Thank you bakers and cookie buyers!

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For three years The Corner mission has provided meals on the third and fourth Monday nights of each month, serving 50 to 60 needy people with hearty meals. Because the need is increasing among our neighbors we are going to expand and offer The Corner every Monday. We need your help to prepare, serve, and clean up in Hansen Hall. Please watch for a sign up sheet after church. You can also contact Deb Johnson (debrasjohnson@buckeye-express.com) for additional information or to answer any questions.

In June, Christ Presbyterian Church welcomed Kelsey Mugler as the new Communication Coordinator.

Kelsey graduated from Bowling Green State University in May of 2013 from the College of Technology. She majored in Visual Communication Technology with a focus in print and photography. Kelsey has been working 12-16 hours per week through funding provided by the Renewing Our Vision

Campaign. She had been responsible for completing a new website, developing a Constant Contact e-mail system for us, providing video technology to our outreach program, as well as assisting with photography and print media. Since Tracy Dewey moved out of the area, Kelsey has also been serving as interim Church Secretary. We are grateful for the energy and expertise that Kelsey brings to her work.

On November 26, the CPC Session voted (with no objections) to terminate the relationship we have had with Ken Schneider. Ken has served on our staff for 33 years and developed many good relationships with church members, so this decision will be met with sadness on the part of many members. Unfortunately, he was not able to follow our personal policies so it is necessary for us to move on and find a new building supervisor. Our existing staff will be taking over his work until a new supervisor is hired. If you have any questions, contact Scott Johnson, CPC Personnel Committee Chair, or Tom Schwartz.

Staff Changes 2014 Chancel Flower Sign Up

It’s time to sign up for Chancel Flowers! What are Chancel Flowers? These flowers are the beautiful arrangements that are on display at the 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services. Christ Presbyterian Church has a wonderful flower team who purchase and arrange the flowers every week. Sometimes the flowers are out of their own gardens!

People who sign up for the flowers are either doing so in memory of a loved one or honoring a loved one or celebrating a special occasion in their life. The flowers are then donated to the homebound to enjoy.

January dates are still available and we ask that only one individual or family sign up for a date. The sign up sheets are in the Narthex or email Terrie in the church office at terrie@cpctoledo.org.

The cost of the flowers is $35.00.

The Corner is Growing

Exploring Membership ClassIndividuals 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.

Our next class will be held on: Thursday, January 23 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with the companion class of Discovering Your Gifts on Thursday, January 30from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The classes will be held in Scott Hall and dinner will be served both nights. Please call Kelsey in the church office at 419-475-8629 with additional questions or to register.

The BeaconThe Beacon can be accessed on-line the first of every month at www.cpctoledo.org, under “About Us” > “Publications”. If for some reason you can not access The Beacon, please call the church office.

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Confirmation for 6th – 9th Grade Students

Confirmation: Tough QuestionsThe Confirmation class for 6th - 9th grade students will be starting a “Tough Questions” unit when we return from winter break. The first “Tough Question” will be: “Is it a sin to think about sex?” This class will take place on Sunday, January 12 at 10:00am. Studies show that young people begin to think about such things during the “tween” years of older elementary. The Youth Ministry Team believes it is important for the church to be a part of this conversation early, giving young people a healthy framework as they enter into their teen years. If you would prefer your child not participate in this particular class, they may stay with you in worship on that Sunday. If you have any questions about the first “Tough Question” or about the “Tough Questions” unit for Confirmation, please speak with Pastor Kris: kris@cpctoledo.org

Upcoming Confirmation ScheduleSunday, Jan. 12 - Tough Questions: Is it a sin to think about sex?

Sunday, Jan. 19 - Tough Questions: How do I stop doing things I know I shouldn’t do?

Sunday, Jan. 26 - Tough Questions: Is divorce a sin?

Sunday, Feb. 9 - Tough Questions: What does it mean to be “born again”?

Sunday, Feb. 16 - Tough Questions: What if my friends aren’t Christian?

Sunday, Feb. 23 - Tough Questions: Is it ok to be angry at God?

To find out more about our Confirmation program, please contact Pastor Kris: kris@cpctoledo.org

Youth Ministry6th – 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, Jan. 12 6:00- 7:00pm Second Sunday Sabbath

Sunday, Jan. 19 6:00 – 8:00pm Youth Group: Dream Big

Sunday, Jan. 26 6:00 – 8:00pm Youth Group: Team Work

Sunday, Feb. 1 - 2 8:00am/Sat.-11:30am/Sun. Youth Lock-In: Toboggan Run at Pokagon State Park

Youth Group on Sundays

Summer MissionSecond Sunday SabbathSummer Mission – Group: Week of Hope

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. And, depending on our fundraising efforts, that cost may go down. 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 by Sunday, January 26: kris@cpctoledo.org

We encourage all families with children and youth (birth – 12th grade) to join us for a new family dinner program called, Second Sunday Sabbath. The one hour, one Sunday a month program includes: free dinner for the entire family, age/grade appropriate “Table Talk,” and time for fellowship with other CPC families. On the second Sunday of each month, families will join for dinner and “Table Talk” based on a common scripture passage. Childcare will be available for our youngest children. Please RSVP with Pastor Kris if your family plans to attend. Also, feel free to contact Pastor Kris if you have any questions: kris@cpctoledo.org

2013 Youth Christmas Party at Tam-o-Shanter

Warm Hearts From Head to ToeDuring January the Children and Family Ministry

team will be collecting mittens, gloves, hats, scarves and socks for needy children. Please bring items and place them in the WARM HEARTS basket located in the children’s classroom wing. The items will then be delivered to a nearby mission center.

Crafts and Treats for the Homebound on February 2nd

All children are invited to make trail mix treats, crafts, and greeting cards to give out to our home bound members and others in need of some Valentine’s Day cheer. The children will begin treats for the home bound after the Godly Play story. We will stay in room 5 and make treats for the home bound during the annual meeting. Come and help spread Valentine’s Day Cheer!

“Splash!” NewsletterParents of infants, toddlers and twos are now mailed

a monthly parenting newsletter specific to the age of their child. Parents of little ones receive their first newsletter when their child is one month old, and they continue to receive it until their little one reaches 36 months. The newsletter contains an abundance of fun and whimsical ideas, including a music CD, to help parents with their little one’s faith formation. We hope parents enjoy this resource as they watch their child grow and change during these important years.

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. service

Age 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. service

4th-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

The next meeting of the Mom’s Small Group at Christ Presbyterian Church will be Wednesday, January 22 from 9:30a.m.-11:00a.m. at the church. We will meet in room 6 of the Classroom area so that any preschool children can play as we discuss. If you haven’t been able to join us for a while or ever, and just enjoy fellowship with other moms, please come. We hope to see you!

Please call us with any questions. Kate Backoff and Allison Johnson

Mom’s Small Group

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!!!

The Sermon Talks Bible Study took a break from December 24 – January 7. We will begin meeting weekly on January 14.

Adult Discipleship

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January