May 2018 | Newsletter of Central Presbyterian Church, Downingtown, PA 19335

hands&feet

“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” Phil. 1:3-6

Dear Friends,

We do remain thankful and grateful for the many ways you continue to participate in ministry through this congregation. It’s hard to believe we are approaching the end of spring, the conclusion of a school year, and all that is in store in the summer months. In some ways, life slows down at the church, but in many ways the ministry and work continue. We’re grateful for the progress and wonderful things we’ve been able to celebrate through the Committed to Our Future capital campaign and the results it has yielded. As you may know, we’re not quite finished. Our Session is committed to finishing the projects for which the money was raised, and our parking lot should be revitalized this summer before we head into the fall season. There are still invitations to support the rest of the work, and every little bit contributed will be money we do not have to borrow or finance. For all we have done, we are thankful. And we’re almost to the end (June 30). As we have recently sent another Mission Team to Houston to do some relief work and rebuilding there, we are aware that in so many ways we are privileged and blessed. The best things that often come from this kind of journey are the relationships that are built, the witness that is shared, and the opportunities it affords for serving others. Continue to pray that we all might be used in meaningful ways like these. In shifting toward the summer, we want to encourage you to participate and support camping and VBS ministries wherever they are. These have been foundational in the faith journeys of so many and we hope you’ll send your kids so that they can be nurtured in these very meaningful communities of faith. For all you continue to do, for the ongoing gifts of compassion and service you demonstrate, for the faith you live and share, we continue to remain your grateful pastors.

With peace,

Rev. Tim Black and Rev. Emily Chudy

Notations from Betsy Williams, Financial Administrator

Hello CPC friends! Thankfully, it looks as though spring has arrived. With the advent of nicer weather and fun travels ahead, please keep CPC in mind. A convenient giving option for people who are out of town could be one of our electronic giving options. Right now we have the capability to receive ACH giving or credit/debit card giving. The Credit/Debit giving is available on the web site; however, the ACH option is not viable through the web site. That is handled out of the church office through DNB First. So if ACH is of interest to you, please do not follow links on the church web site because they will not work. Instead, call or email the church office and we will set it up for you. Note: Giving Statements for the first quarter of 2018 will be mailed in early May. So check those over and make sure they look accurate and let us know if they’re not.

CAMP JOHNSONBURG, a 60-year old PC(USA) camp located about 2 hours from CPC in New Jersey, has a full slate of summer camp opportunities for kids of all ages across a number of interest levels. Visit their website www.campjburg.org for details. Pastor Emily has spent some time there and was impressed! If you’re looking for summer camp options, check it out! CPC has limited scholarship funds to help with camp costs.

BACCALAUREATE SUNDAY is June 3, when during worship we will recognize all of our graduates from high school, college or higher-level degree programs. If someone in your family is graduating, please contact the church office at 610-269-1576 or email nhilton@cpcdowningtown.org as soon as possible. We would like the graduate’s name, where graduating from, degree, future plans, and a picture if possible. Thank you.

CENTRAL CONNECTION CPC’S Early-Dismissal Recreation Program Central Connection is a CPC outreach recreation program for elementary children from East Ward Elementary School on days when the Downingtown School District has early dismissal for students and in-services for teachers. CPC families are also invited to enroll their children in this program and may pick up a registration form in the church office.

Volunteers to help shepherd the children are important to the success of the program. Please contact Margaret Van Gilder to be a part of our May 9 date—our final one for this year.

NURSERY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. One volunteer is needed weekly to serve with Ann Lash in the infant room. Please sign up on the calendar outside the nursery to support this important ministry.

PENTECOST SPECIAL OFFERING

Pentecost is a Christian celebration that occurs fifty days after the Christian celebration of Easter. When counting the fifty days, Easter Sunday is included within the count. Therefore, Pentecost occurs on the seventh Sunday after Easter Sunday. The foundation of Pentecost arises from the Israeli people.

The Pentecost Special Offering on Sunday, May 20, allows Presbyterians to share God’s love by supporting youth ministries at home and around the world.

• 40% of the funds stay at Central to support youth programs.

• 25% of the funds go to support Young Adult Volun-teers (YAV) serving in communities around the world and growing as leaders through transformative Christian service.

• 25% of the funds go to support Ministries with Youth to help guide our youth by uniting them in Christ and lifting them up as leaders and messengers of God’s word.

• 10% of the funds are devoted to children at-risk to improve education and provide safe havens.

Please join us during the Easter-to-Pentecost season in sharing God’s love worldwide!

Per Capita Giving

Shared Proportional Giving (also known as Per Capita) is a fee charged to PC(USA) churches based on membership numbers that supports the broader mission of the denomination. So, if you are a member and haven’t already done so for 2018, please consider making a contribution to offset your portion of CPC’s Shared Proportional Giving expense. The amount per member (Per Capita) for 2018 is $34.78.

CELEBRATE SUMMER COFFEEHOUSE! Please mark your calendars for the next CPC Coffee House, Friday, June 1, from 7-9 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Sign up to bring your favorite strawberry dessert at the Welcome Center. The Anna Spackman Trio, of Phoenixville, will share their soaring vocals and an uplifting musical perfor-

mance. Anna’s vocals and complex musical landscapes pay tribute to folk heroes Joni Mitchell and Shawn Colvin, with an approach to the songwriting craft that is all her own. Her songs are meditations on the forces that shape our inner and outer worlds, with compas-sion for each moment of our

journeys. Onstage, she is both tender and fierce, with the ability to take her audience to the height of her infectious energy or deep into the heart of a wound. Local to Phoenixville PA, she has shared the stage on the East and West Coast with Chris Pureka, Amy Correia, and Lucy Kaplansky, and has been featured at regional poetry slams, local benefit concerts, and variety shows. The Anna Spackman Trio features her fiancé Shawn Cephas on bass and Crystal Murphy on percussion, adding a groovy element to her acoustic act. Anna and her trio give generously of themselves in every performance, and the result is uplifting, soulful, and utterly riveting.

Look for her upcoming shows online:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/annaspackmanmusic Instagram: @annaspackmanmusic www.annaspackman.com

RUN FOR THE SON. CPC member Kevin Sorrell is once again participating in a fundraiser ride for the Christian Motorcyclists Association, an inter-denominational ministry that provides transportation for pastors and Christian workers around the world. Please consider sponsoring Kevin on Saturday, May 5, for a 100+ mile ride for the annual "Run for the Son.” Any amount makes a big difference!

Donations are tax-deductible, and Kevin will provide an official re-ceipt for each donation. All contributions, including cash, must be turned in by the time of the ride on Saturday, 5/5/18. Checks may be made out to "CMA/Run for the SON." To give online (www.cmausa.org/run-for-the-son), just click "Donate Now,” then enter amount for Run for the Son, along with Kevin’s name and member number (Kevin Sorrell, #122267). Please let CPC’s office know if you use this online method, so Kevin can thank you for your kind consideration!

WORKING GUILD COMMUNITY LUNCHEON

Join us for lunch at Central in our bright new kitchen on Thursday, May 3, for the May Community Luncheon, the last luncheon of the season. All are welcome...and bring your friends! The Luncheon begins at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m. The Working Guild members will be serving their delicious menu of homemade soups, sandwiches, hot dogs, salad plates, beverages and desserts at reasonable prices. Take-out is available by calling the office at 610-269-1576.

PARENTS’ GROUP Fellowship, Friendship and Discussion…Please join us for a time of fellowship and short studies led by Pastor Tim on Monday evenings from 5:45-6:30 p.m. in the Prayer Room. If you are bringing your children for Jr. Bells and/or Choir, please plan on staying and getting to know some of the other parents. You can come and stay for part of the time or the entire time. Feel free to bring food and eat while we talk. Childcare is provided. Please contact the office for more information, or just come!

Stanli Cushman Prayer Shawl Ministry Spring is in the air, but the Stanli Cushman Prayer Shawl Ministry continues to knit. There is an on-going need for the warmth and loving comfort of our prayer shawls. If you know of someone who could benefit from a prayer shawl, step into the church office and ask the volunteer to help you select one. They are free for those in need of our prayers.

We meet on the second Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. at Central. Come join us even if you do not knit, and we will be happy to teach you to fringe! (A special call-out to our faithful knitters and fringers.) Call Sue Sweetland at 610-363-8529 for more information.

Photo: A CPC Prayer Shawl is given to support one of the Houston Mission Trip #1 home owners.

All In the Family

OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS are with:

SWEET DREAMS AT CENTRAL makes the baby quilts for infant baptisms and pillowcases for youth baptisms. We also make baby quilts for the NIC Unit at Chester County Hospital in West Chester. We welcome new quilters! If you can use a sewing machine, we can teach you to quilt. Experienced quilters are welcome, too.

Are you downsizing, or just cleaning out, and don’t know what to do with your stash of fab-ric? We can help. Bring your fabric to room 117. We will sort through it and keep what we can use. The fabric we can’t use will be passed on to the appropriate groups. It won’t be wast-

ed! Please join us for a creative, fun time of fellowship!

We continue to meet on Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in Room 117. Come and check us out… and help when your schedule permits.

GET WELL WISHES EXTENDED TO:

Co-pastor Emily Chudy as she continues to heal from her broken arm.

CPC member Bob Key and family in the loss of his wife Dorothy Jean “Dot” Key, who passed away April 7, 2018. Dot was a long-time CPC member. The Brookover family in the loss of Thomas Patrick Walsh, Jr., who passed away on April 22, 2018. Thomas was the son of Thomas P. Walsh, Sr., and Cynthia (Brookover) Walsh and beloved grand-son of CPC members John and Sharon Brookover. The service was held at CPC Friday, April 27, at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Tim Black.

CAFÉ CENTRAL HOSTS. AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: We are in need of Café Central hosts for the month of May. This would be a fun oppor-

tunity for a family, or maybe two families, to join together as hosts in our new kitchen! Please help us! Please sign up on the bulletin board by the Welcome Center.

Could your family or your ministry group prepare coffee and donuts/snacks for one Sunday…or more? All you have to do is set out the cups, creamers, sugars, napkins, etc., serve (refilling donut baskets if they run out) and clean up. You would also need to return the coffee urns to the Dunkin Donuts on Rt. 113. You do not need to provide any food or beverages unless you wish to, and a church member has agreed to bring the coffee and donuts to the church for you. Thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS TO: CPC member Natalie Marks and Matt Markley on the birth of a son, Andrew William Markley, April 5, 6 lb., 5 oz. Proud grandparents are CPC members Kathie and Dan Marks. Parents Kristen and Mike Gleason, Falls Church, VA, on the birth of Raymond James Gleason, born April 18, 7 lb., and 10 oz., 21 inches. Beaming grandparents are Nancy and Richard Hilton.

WELCOMED INTO MEMBERSHIP: New Members joining Sunday, April 29, 2018: Christopher Steven Weikel (fiancé of Jess Clark), Thomas J. Hollis, Nanlee Hollis, Amy Beth Keenan, Craig R. Engesser

CHANCEL FLOWERS. There are openings on our Chancel flower sign-up chart for the upcoming summer months. If you would like to donate the Chancel flowers “in honor of” a respected CPC member or group or “in memory of” a loved one, please make your check payable to the CPC Working Guild. The cost is $40.00. Perhaps you might consider pairing up with a friend (or friends) to split the cost.

Flowers can be taken home immediately after the service, or you can designate that the Deacons deliver them to a homebound member. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your flowers with us in worship.

Red Cross Blood Drive at CPC, Friday, May 25, 2 to 7 pm. Call the church office to make an appointment or register online at redcross.org.

A regular meeting of the Central Presbyterian Church Board of Trustees was called to order at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2018. The Minutes of the March 5, 2018, meeting were approved with one correction regarding clarification of Trustee priorities in terms of improvements to the building. Boy Scout Rep: Wayne Powell was present to discuss the Boy Scout shed and concrete pad. Pad size needs to be 15 x 21 (larger than shed footprint). Motion put forth and approved to have Wayne proceed with the Scouts providing the frame, stone and mesh; Trustees will have the concrete poured. Wayne will spray paint area, so Jane can call PA One Call to mark utility lines. OLD BUSINESS

Leak in Rm. 118: Pat, with Michelle’s help, installed new boards in the ceiling, but leaking still continues. The Board expressed concern about this on-going roofing problem. Atrium Dome: Michelle called four companies about resealing the glass in the dome. All said they would not seal it if we kept the existing “track” system. Michelle proposed we get the glass and frame replaced whenever the roof is done. Potential cost: approx. $10,000 to replace track system and add tinted glass to protect our new Atrium furniture from sun rot. Fellowship Hall Floor: At this time, several areas need replacement and the entire floor needs refinishing. Michelle has obtained three different quotes, ranging from about $9,000-$16,000 to redo the slowly deteriorating floor. Then, with proper care and maintenance, our floor can last indefinitely. This project can be deferred until summer 2019. NEW BUSINESS

Postal meter: Betsy Williams wants to look into getting another office meter, saying the Pitney Bowes meter is too expensive. We have one bid at about 1/3 the cost of current meter. Will need at least one more bid. Glenn says the analog phone line may not be needed with a new meter. Postage can be uploaded wirelessly. Screen in sanctuary: Right side screen not going up and down as it should. May be a problem in the circuit. Now permanently down. Safety update: Kelly has signed off on Protection Bureau agree-ment for installation of the new fire panel and the gas detectors. She also noted that the Ansul system over the hood in the kitch-en needs inspection 2 times/year. Marco is coming out to inspect fire extinguishers, test smoke detectors, alarms, exit signs and emergency lights. Depreciation: Glenn provided an explanation of depreciation, stating that $3,000/month is the depreciation rate. The major building repair fund is held in a money market fund at DNB. Ideas have been floated for investing a portion to get a higher rate of return. Discussion followed about parking lot estimate and how to fund it. MINISTRY REPORTS

Doors: The crash bar on the door exiting the preschool hallway is sticking and needs to be drained. Jim Holmes explained the procedure to Nancy and she will forward the instructions to Jane and Michelle. Next Trustee meeting to be held on May 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Trustees News

DEACONS’ CORNER Communications: The Deacons are considering all ways of communicating to the congregation, from bulletin boards to technology. Homebound Communion: In April communion was taken to everyone on our list of homebound members, including Vivian Piersol, Harry Otto, Ruby Stephano, Jan & Ernie Stockoff, Ruth Wolf, and Angeline Mark. Those from the congregation who were delivering communion to these members were recognized during the worship service at the table, and a silver cup and plate were placed on the communion table to represent the distribution of the Sacraments to those who were unable to receive them in worship. Deacons Liaison Committee: One of the best things about being a Deacon is when a plan comes together. Occasionally, some-one looks to the Deacons for help seeking more than we can offer. As it happens, there are several other organizations in our community that also offer assistance. When two or three of these organizations are able to work together, the client can sometimes avoid becoming home-less or having the lights turned off. We are happy to report that the DLC is continuing to schedule intakes at this time. Deacons Spring Luncheon: April 18th was the Deacons luncheon. 130 people were served a terrific hot meal, with 111 seniors and veterans as our official guests. Fellowship Hall looked wonderful! Thank you to everyone that helped!

GOOD WORKS We have started work-ing on our next home, that of Mrs. Marion Cox. On the first workday,

we tore out the bathroom floor to the joists, reinforced the joists, and installed a new sub-floor and toilet and started installing drywall. Good Works provided a "Monday Crew" who came in and installed a handicapped shower and the rest of the drywall in the bathroom. The family only had one day without a shower. It was great team-work! We also repaired the gutters and installed a new roof over the basement entry. There is lots of work remaining, including rebuilding basement stairs and trimming trees away from the house, as well as some big repairs to the kitchen. You are invited to contact Jeff Kearny or Koren Motel through the church office if you would like to learn more about or join in on this worthwhile project!

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN EVENTS OF INTEREST

MOTHER'S DAY PROJECT: On May 6th and May 13th Presbyterian Women will be sponsoring the Healthy Women; Healthy Families project. Money that is raised helps to provide for health needs, including mosquito nets, of women and children in the African countries of Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Southern Sudan, and Malawi. For your donation we offer Mother's Day cards. Please look for us in the Narthex after the service.

SPRING GATHERING: All ladies of the church are invited to attend the Donegal Presbytery PW Spring Gathering at Central Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 19, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Our speaker is Kelly Black, addressing the topic "The Intentional Pursuit of God." Rev. Emily Chudy will lead Worship and Communion. Please join us for lunch. Registration forms will be available at the welcome center. All women of the church are welcome! Bring a friend!

WOMEN'S CIRCLES OF CPC

DEBORAH CIRCLE will meet on May 17, Thursday, at CPC in the Prayer Room at 7:00 p.m. Chapter 10 in the Study Guide and Chapters 11 and 12 in the "Regular Book" of "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World" will be reviewed and discussed. Call Nancy Hilton with inquiries.

LYDIA CIRCLE meets on May 1, Tuesday, in the Prayer Room at Central at 7:00 p.m. Call Jane Chaballa with questions.

MIRIAM CIRCLE will be meeting on Monday, May 7, 10:00 a.m. at the church, in the Prayer Room. Chapter 6 of "Jesus' Parables of Grace" will be discussed. Call Cindy Markley for answers to any questions.

SARAH CIRCLE meets on Monday, May 21, at 7:00 p.m. at Tel Hai Retirement Community, and the hostesses for the meeting will be Joanne Bilyew and Melissa Matheson. Call the hostesses for specific directions and call Tina Bandoian for Circle questions.

These circles meet to promote mission, service, study, fellowship, and to have fun. All women of the church are invited to join a circle. Call the office for assistance in determining which circle’s time and date best suits your schedule. We love new members!

Escape Room!

Join us for our student created escape room and buy your tickets at cpcdowningtown.org for the weekend of May 18-20. Form a team of family, friends or neighbors and spend an hour solving puzzles in the mummy’s tomb. If you restore the jewels to his crown, you’ll escape … better do it before the mummy awakes!

Money raised will bene-fit our summer camp and mission trips. (Note: If you would like to donate directly to our youth trips, kindly write a check to CPC with ‘Youth Fundraiser’ on the memo line.)

Teams of up to 6 people will solve puzzles together to escape the tomb before the mummy awakes. Don’t be left out of the fun! Round up your team now! Please email Amy Lisk alisk@cpcdowningtown.org if you have any questions.

HERO CENTRAL Vacation Bible School will be held at CPC during the week of July 16-20. Registration is now open! Don’t miss out!

Kids go on awesome adventures alongside some of their favorite Bible heroes and discover the qualities that make them truly heroic in God. VBS Hero Central uses epic music, spectacular science, crafty crafts, heroic recreation, and fantastic Bible stories to

help kids (and leaders) discover their strength in God! You can register on-line via our website, cpcdowningtown.org. Spots are filling up fast! We are encourag-ing Central members to

register ASAP, so as not to miss out on VBS this year! We are still in need of a few adult volun-teers—especially to help with the games station and to be shepherds.

Youth Ministry Summer Fun

CPC’s youth have a busy summer planned. Full schedules are available from Amy Lisk and posted in the Youth Room. We’ll kick off our summer schedule, which combines middle and high school students, with a free canoe trip down the Brandywine. Other highlights for the summer include a trip to Tree House World for the Zip Line Adventure, late night Laser Tag, as well as fun free events like a pool party, Love Bombs, and an evening of fishing and ca-noeing at the Paradise Farm Pond.

In addition to these events, we’re having another Summer Book Club. We have 3 books chosen, one for each month. Bookmarks with all the details are available in Amy’s office. Students rising up into 6th grade will be invited to join us in August to help transition into the middle school group.

On June 3rd, during worship, CPC will honor our graduates. Join us to celebrate their accomplishments that day, and to support them as some participate in the day’s worship. We’re excited to honor them as they prepare for new life adventures next year!

Kids Central News

We kicked off this year with a big celebration of our 15 years in existence. As our year comes to an end, we are now Sweet 16!! How awesome to have spent sixteen years serving preschoolers in the Downingtown area…God is really good! At KCP May is packed with the excitement of springtime, finally, and the fun of all the “end of year” activities. Sadly, we say good-bye to some and wait with anticipation for the arrival of a new group in the fall. We will welcome back our current Three’s, some returning alumni families, and several new families, as well. I often brag of how awesome our children and families are at Kids Central…with good reason. As the year winds down, there is no decrease in activity; in fact, you might say that May goes into “over-drive”! We have our usual Music and Chapel days, a lovely Mom’s Tea and our end of year Graduation/Summer Birthday Celebration. We look forward to Field Day in the middle of the month, where we spend the entire day outside and transform the churchyard into a “festival” of fun. I would like to express our thanks to all the people who have given generously of their time and talents to enrich the programs at Kids Central. Special thanks go to Margaret Van Gilder for bringing Science and Nature to life several times throughout the school year and to Mary Lee Caggiano, who just can’t bear to leave us (truth is we can’t let her go!) for the countless hours spent volunteering wherever an extra pair of hands is needed. And of course, thanks to the Pastors and the staff for their continued support…where would we be without all of you! It’s been a great year, and a cooperative effort, from our Preschool Board (Don Bilyew, Jessica Cihlar, RaeAnn Lukavsky, Heather Ordway, Carol Warren, John Yurkutat, our session representative); and Kevin Sorrell, Jane Chaballa and Kelly Kelly ( from Trustees), to our fantastic teachers (Erika Haak, Lisa Stackhouse, Molly Bugbee, Christine Sherner, Amy Francella, Lisa Wagner, Debbie Whiting, and Maria Llevat). We are truly blessed by the partnership with CPC in this ministry and look forward to another year with new joys and challenges. **An Update on our Lord’s Pantry “Food of the Month” collection: We have collected 19 boxes of Cereal, 10 jars of Peanut Butter and a few bottles of ketchup so far. In May we will be collecting boxed macaroni and cheese. Thanks so much for your contributions! We still have several openings for Three and Four-year-olds for the 2018-2019 school year. If you know of a child who would benefit from the Kids Central experience, please call Robin in the KCP office at 610-269-0297. Word of mouth advertising is the very best kind! I

In His Service Together, Robin Chiavetta

His Mission May menu for His Mission will consist of meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli, 4-Bean salad, and ice cream cones. We strive to provide healthy meals to these grateful individuals who need temporary support. Please help us towards this goal! We also encourage you to add in any of the following if possible since they are always needed: coffee, ice tea mix, 100% fruit juice, milk, whole wheat bread, bleach, paper towels, and toilet paper. There is also a

current need for new or very gently used dishcloths and dishtowels. Bob and Cathy Hankes will be taking our donations to His Mission on Sunday, May 20, so please look for the display on the card table in the North Narthex the previous Sunday (on the 13th), which will contain the cards listing needs for the month! Happy spring to the faithful members of Central who support this important mission in Kennett Square!

Houston Mission Trip 2 The second work team has successfully returned from Houston where they were rehabbing homes flooded by Hurricane Harvey. The team members represented six churches in the Chester County area, including CPC’s John Yurkutat, Nancy Schmid, Pete and Joyce DeBarger, and Diane Bricker. We are grateful for their safe return and productive week!

This article is part of a recurring series that will appear in the Newsletter throughout 2018. Each

article will highlight key programs, initiatives and ministries that are critical in making Central

what it is, and help to define what we will become. Articles will come on a rotating basis from

each of the “pods” in our organizational structure (Celebrating the Story – Worship and

Christian Formation; Practicing the Story – Mission, Deacons, and DLC; Sharing the Story –

Communications and Stewardship; and Supporting the Story – Finance, Personnel,

Administration, Endowment, Working Guild, Memorial Committee, Capital Campaign, and

Trustees). We want members to be excited about what God is doing at CPC, and friends and

visitors to “catch” that excitement and want to become a part of all we are doing.

SUPPORTING THE STORY

Organizations require staffing, infrastructure, processes and maintenance. The work of the “Supporting” pod undergirds all of the ministries of our church by managing these critical areas. They are charged with organizing the myriad functions of the organization; tending assets, both human and material, and ensuring the future strength of the organization by employing the resources entrusted to their oversight. Your Board of Trustees, a group of volunteer leaders, manages the oversight of all of the facets of our physical plant. They have guided the projects of the Capital Campaign, repainted the hallway walls, managed repairs of various systems, from lightbulbs to toilets, heating systems to kitchen and maintenance supplies. Their part of the annual budget is critical to the responsible care of our church facility. “No-cost help” is always welcome for special projects, including the “Behind the Scenes” team, which helps to set up tables and chairs for activities in the church. Maintaining our facility is of utmost importance as this place represents our face to the community. One of the children attending our early dismissal outreach, “Central Connection” remarked, “I like to use your bathroom, because it’s the cleanest!” Working in conjunction with the Trustees, Pastors and Nancy Hilton, Sexton/Custodian, Pathman Carnation demonstrates meticulous dedication to the integrity and usage of our church facility.

From the Administration standpoint, Nancy Hilton, Staff and Ministry Coordinator, can essentially inform anyone about most anything that touches the empathetic heart and smooth functioning of our church. The management of our office functions and volunteer staff are under her able guidance. Should you wish to donate time to supporting work in our office, let Nancy Hilton know. Working in conjunction with our Finance/Capital Campaign, Endowment, Memorial, and Investment Committees, Betsy Williams, our Financial Administrator, is completing the accounting for our two-year capital campaign as we come to the completion of our 4-part building and grounds renovation—only the parking lot left to do. Betsy is a valuable resource to congregants who

wish to provide financial support to our church. She will soon be engaging with all of our ministries to craft a budget for 2019. The Personnel Committee develops, promotes, and nurtures the pastors, staff, leaders, and volunteers of CPC to provide governance for the co-pastor model, and other cooperative staffing functions which rely on a team approach to execution of duties, problem-solving and visioning. This summer will see this committee engaging coaching and equipping teams to meet with our staff. Because Pastors Tim Black and Emily Chudy are a strong team, the practice of engaging cooperative voices in the work of the church is effectively modeled! Ask them their stories of their journeys to CPC! The Working Guild is one of the most visible organizations of our church, but many do not realize that their exceptional fundraising efforts have yielded gen-erous support for facelift activities that can be seen in the Prayer Room, Atrium, Pastor Emily’s office and elsewhere. They are certainly happy to have help from willing CPC’ers for the first Thursday Community Luncheons!

Please consider designating Central Presbyterian Church as your charity at https://smile.amazon.com/ as an additional way to support CPC. Be sure to choose Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown, PA, and 0.5% of the cost of your purchases will be forwarded to our church. To date, we have received $127.84 from this unique funding source.

MUSIC NOTES Our Lenten musical highlights series culminating on Easter featured beautifully executed meditations by soloists and ensembles. Worship is enhanced by the voices of our “Family of God,” so if you have an interest in providing special music, contact Anne Cowburn. We have highlighted gospel sounds in our April anthems and will offer a men’s choir number on May 6 and a women’s choir number on May 13. May 20 is our celebration of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church! The CPC Handbell Choir will offer an exciting selection of music during the May 6 “Extending the Table.” Be sure to come into Fellowship Hall and enjoy some secular favorites!

Capital Campaign Home Stretch!

We are entering into the final phase of our 2-year capital campaign. Through your generosity, we have accomplished much. Of our 4 major initiatives, 3 are complete: kitchen upgrade, bathroom renovations, and debt retirement.

As we wind our way to the end of the campaign on June 30, we are faced with a financial challenge. We are projecting a $54,000 shortfall to complete our final project, the resurfacing of our parking lot. (Please see the bulletin board outside Fellowship Hall for a complete financial summary.) Both cost overruns and some unfulfilled pledges have contributed, nearly equally, to this shortfall.

The good news:

• Session is committed to completion of the parking lot repairs

• There are still pledges coming in

• There is still time for people to contribute if they have not done so, or feel moved to give more

• Session plans to finance any final shortfall needed complete this final project and meet our commitment to you

If you have any questions, please see a member of the campaign team: Don Bilyew, Jane Chaballa, Jeff Flecken, Leah Greenwood, Mike Kammerer, or Walt Kottmey-er. And once again, thank you for your generous financial and spiritual support in all that’s been accomplished during this two-year journey.

Mission: Compelling Update Rise Against Hunger recently cited some amazing statistics for 2017:

• Impacted 1.4 million people in 36 countries

• Engaged almost 400,000 volunteers

• Packaged and delivered 72.2 million meals

• Provided an additional $26 million in “in-kind” aid

• Many of the meals, and much of the aid, was directed at victims of hurricane Harvey, Irma, and other natural disasters worldwide.

It is nice to know that what we do is part of a much larger effort that is making a significant difference across the world to those most in need.

Men’s Ministry Our Men’s Group will meet as follows: Place: Thursday, May 10 Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Place: Prayer Room at CPC Lesson: James 3:1-12 “Taming the Tongue.” Questions? Contact Gerry Mello

Kindly submit articles for the combined June/July/August Newsletter

no later than May 20th.

Sue Sweetland

Our Volunteer Spotlight shines on a prolific knitter, Sue Sweetland. Interestingly, she has twice been a member of Central, first from 1974 to 1976. After a nine year stay in Altoona, she returned in 1985 and has been a member ever since. Her late husband David worked for the railroad and they moved eleven times with his career. He was also a railroad historian and wrote 78 books on railroads and railroad cities, which Sue edited.

Wilton, Maine, is Sue’s birthplace. She and David met at the University of Maine, where she studied nursing and early childhood development. Sue enjoyed music and playing in marching bands and orchestra in high school and college. That developed into a successful career as a piano teacher for the past 43 years and still counting.

Ross, Christopher, Elizabeth, and Joyann are her grown children. Christopher and Lucy are parents to Thokozire and Themba. Joyann and Rob Bartley have AnnaBelle and Everett. Her grandchildren are her joy!

At Central Sue has served as a ruling elder, taught adult Sunday School, and served many years on the Education and Mission Committees. Currently she chairs the Stanli Cushman Prayer Shawl Committee, is treasurer for the Mission Committee, facilitates the study lesson for Deborah Circle, and calls for desserts for the Working Guild Community Luncheons.

Sue’s hobbies include knitting, piano playing, gardening, and playing with her grandchildren. In the summer she enjoys spending time at the family farm in Foster, Rhode Island, and her summer house in Kennebunkport, Maine, with her family. Sue is also proud of the fact that she spent twelve years working with the Girl Scouts. As you can see, Sue is a very busy contributing member of Central and deserves a big Thank You!

Central Presbyterian Church 100 W. Uwchlan Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

Phone: 610-269-1576 Fax: 610-269-9842 www.cpcdowningtown.org

Rev. Emily Chudy, Co-Pastor

Rev. Timothy Black, Co-Pastor

Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: Sue Blevins

Staff Writer: CorieSue Freeman

Layout Editor: Leah Greenwood

Copy Editors: Nancy Hilton, Sally Frederick

Photographer: Dick Dague

Contact Newsletter Staff: blevsb@comcast.net

JORDANS’ CORNER

1) Pray that school would finish well and that Allen would stay diligent in grading his Algebra papers.

2) Praise God that Nikki has found relief in her neck, shoulder, back and hip pain through a new physical therapy program.

3. Pray for Nikki's health: she continues to battle with iron deficiency, which has a negative effect on her overall health and pain levels and results in restless leg syndrome.

4. Praise God for a restful Songkran holiday for the Jordans.

5. Pray for the success of a 2-session teaching program Nikki will lead at women's Bible Study in May. Pray for Nikki to speak the truth of Christ. Pray also for the women who will be coming for their hearts to be open and that spiritual formation will be had.

6. Pray for Martha and Adelina, two prisoners whom Nikki visits. Both are currently at the prison hospital waiting for provision of funds to be able to have scans and procedures that will bring healing.

7) Pray for Nicoline, another prisoner, who is in need of medical care. Pray for God's healing and provision for her also.

8) Pray for Duang as she is battling with knee pain that is hindering her daily living. Allen, Nikki and Naomi Jordan Bangkok, Thailand