Post on 12-Mar-2016
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The Essence of Indian Hill Church
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In the early 1700’s Scots Presbyterians began making
their way to Worcester, Massachusetts. Episcopalians,
however, had already established themselves there
more than a century earlier and were clearly in the
majority. At first, the newcomer Presbyterians worshiped
in their homes, but by 1715, they were able to build
their first church building: a modest, wooden structure,
which would meet their needs. It stood for only two days.
Worcester tore it down!
At the same time, in the mountains of North
Carolina, Presbyterians were in the majority. An Episcopal
priest with evangelistic zeal had courage enough to ride
into the area to convert the Presbyterians. He gathered a
small congregation in a modest structure. During a worship
service some Presbyterians turned two hunting dogs loose
in the church where the dogs began to fight, disrupting
the service. Then the Presbyterians turned the missionary
priest’s horse loose. As the priest ran after it, they closed the
doors behind him, locking him out. But not before they had
brought in two barrels of whiskey for the worshipers.
A Message from our Presbyterian Minister, David Hawley
In March 2010, I will
have served as the Presbyterian
co-pastor of the Indian Hill Church
for seven years. The primary
basis for sensing that I was being
called to this church had to do
with what I perceived to be its
unique ecumenical orientation. People from two distinct
ecclesiastical traditions that had once been at war with
each other in the British Isles and that had had a history
of doing terrible things to each other in our own country
now found themselves worshiping side by side.
What I sensed seven years ago has been
reaffirmed time and time again. The Indian Hill Church
is a remarkable example of the promise that lies within
substantive efforts in the context of ecumenicity. This is a
timely example for a world which all too often and all too
tragically finds itself in the grips of devastating religious
conflict. I could not be in a better place.
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T he Indian Hill Church is an unusual place! It
was founded as a dual-denomination church
and has worked through the dynamics of two
different denominations with two different traditions
in a way that has broadened both. While there are
two denominations, there is only one congregation,
and this congregation is an exciting one.
Indian Hill has a deep commitment to
community outreach, and it is expressed in personal
involvement and dedication as well as in funding.
Our programs for children and youth are strengths
for us and we are proud of our strong youth
group and the excellent curriculum our
children use for their learning. This is a
congregation with strength of intellect
and will, ready to accept a challenge. It is
notable that in the economic downturn of
the last year or so, the level of giving has
remained quite stable, something many
congregations cannot say.
This is a congregation with strength of intellect and will, ready to accept a challenge.
A Message from our Interim Rector, Anne Wrider
This success has not come without
challenges. The journey of this congregation
has not been without difficulty. However, the
leadership of the congregation has worked very
hard to change old patterns and has put new
procedures and policies in place, and those,
combined with the leadership of David Hawley,
our Presbyterian minister, have positioned the
church for a strong future.
As Indian Hill moves into this next phase of
its life as a congregation, it does so with strength
and commitment. A rector with equal strength and
commitment will help this congregation go further
with the mission to which God has called it.
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T he Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian Church vision is a set of statements describing
what people will see when they visit the church. It was developed from an assessment
of our history, our current strengths and the hopes and dreams of the members of
the church and its leaders. As statements of who we aspire to be, our vision is:
The Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian Church mission is to
serve God through worship, fellowship and outreach in both
our community and the world.
Vision and Mission of Indian Hill Church
Our Church Mission
Celebrating God’s presence in our lives
Growing spiritually together in an open dialogue;
Living our dual denominational traditions and making new traditions;
Energizing with a variety of dynamic worship services;
Welcoming and including all, and actively involving inter-generational members;
Engaging our youth and growing side-by-side with them;
Leveraging our talents to benefit others.
and we do that through
and
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In the spring of 2008 the
Rev. Anne Wrider came
to the Indian Hill Church
(IHC) as our newly assigned
Interim Rector, who would
offer stability and guidance
to our congregation during
our transition and would most
importantly help us begin
our search for a new rector.
After spending several months
getting to know our church and
its members, the time came
for us to begin our search with
’s help. The first step in this process was to create an
accurate Profile of the IHC. So, the Profile Committee was
formed and began its work.
That work began by gathering a great deal of
information from our congregation, which we felt could
best be achieved through a Congregational Survey and
then followed up with several congregational Focus
Groups. The results from both the survey and the focus
groups were very insightful and encouragingly they were
very consistent with one another. With the information
we needed, our committee could now move forward and
begin to create an accurate Profile of the IHC based upon
what we knew first hand from each of our own unique
experiences within the church as well as the important
and guiding results from the survey and focus groups.
A Message from the Profile Committee...
From all of this we have
learned that we strongly value
our dual denomination ministry,
our children’s and youth
programs, our music ministry,
excellent sermons, and the
charm of our facility to name
just a few. We prefer traditional
forms of worship which are
intellectually challenging. We
appreciate social issues of
our times incorporated into
worship to articulate clearly the
inclusiveness of Christianity. We
are also proud of our involvement in community outreach
and the level of participation generated from our members
with the use of their time, talents and treasures. We have
learned, however, that we want to reclaim part of our
worship services for the growth and inclusiveness of our
young families and especially their children. We also have
a desire for our clergy to develop and maintain stronger
relationships with our youth and young children as well
as offer a personal investment to the activities within our
church community and the personal communities of our
members. We hope to find that unique person who will
embrace and respect the things we value about the IHC
and who at the same time is willing and able to help us
achieve the things our congregation desires in order for
the IHC to grow and prosper.
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Our Journey in FaithWhat We Want From a New Rector
During these past several months we have spent
a great deal of time discussing and identifying
the qualities our church and our members need
and want from our new rector. Many of which we have
offered below.
Because our church is unique in its dual
denomination ministry, we feel whole heartedly that our
church is looking for a rector who will fully support and
respect this type of ministry. It is also very important
that we find someone who shares a sincere passion for
theology and demonstrates a deep
intellectual and emotional maturity
as well as the ability to share
leadership well with a co-pastor
and a very involved laity.
As our church looks to the
future with a new rector, we hope to
find someone who has a passion for
and a strong willingness to minister
to our children and youth as well as
someone who will be active among
our children and youth and their
activities. We are very proud of the
work we do and the programs we
offer through our children’s and
youth programs, and we hope to find a rector who is eager
and willing to help us continue to build and expand upon
our current success. Currently, our church is beginning to
discuss ideas about how to implement a worship service that
appeals to our younger families and offers an opportunity to
“bring our children back to church” this being something we
hope the new rector would support as well as offer his/her
guidance in creating this additional style of worship.
The Indian Hill Church is also a church that shares a
strong sense of mission and community outreach among our
members and is yet another quality
we are looking for in a new rector.
In addition, our members have
also shared other equally important
qualities they hope to find in our
new rector which include enthusiasm
and energy, stimulating and thought
provoking sermons, someone
who offers spiritual and emotional
stability to the rector position,
someone who is open-minded and
willing to think outside the box, and
a rector who has participated in a
growing church.
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The unique story of a unique church began in 1931
with several area families creating a Sunday school
in a private home for neighboring children. A few
years later, this evolved to include regular services at a local
chapel. A decade later of Presbyterians and Episcopalians
worshiping together, this group decided to form the Indian
Hill church.
In April of 1947, two denominational churches were
organized and approved by the Presbytery of Cincinnati and
the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio into one location in
Indian Hill. This is the oldest dual denominational church of
its kind in the country.
The history of ministers over more than an 80 year
span ranges from the Rev. Luther Tucker, an Episcopalian
Priest, who as the first minister, alternated services between
Presbyterian and Episcopalian, to Rev. Paul Long, who in
1967 came as the Presbyterian minister and was loved for
his charisma and addition of a family service as well as
his service to the greater community of Cincinnati, to the Rev. James Metzger in 1973, who was known for his strong
pastoral care of the congregation, to several other shorter
term ministers in recent years.
Some of these recent ministers who served a
shorter time span were not a fit for Indian Hill church.
Our pool of candidates has not always been large. Some
ministers would view a dual denominational church a
challenge and perhaps not a stepping stone for their
career. We have learned that despite this, we will need to
be cautious in selection and also have a good process for
handling difficulties.
Our Journey in FaithOur Church History
“One grows in faith when one reaches out in faith to those in need.”
— The Reverend Paul Long Pastor Emeritus
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Our Journey in FaithOur Church History Continued
David Hawley, our current Indian Hill Presbyterian
minister for the past 6 years came to Indian Hill church in
March of 2003. He was attracted to our church specifically
because of the dual denominations and saw the unique and
creative nature of the church. He felt it was an example for
a modern world with religious conflict that historically, two
denominations have worshiped together and side by side
for 80 years, mutually benefiting one another. He feels very
Continued from previous page
strongly that the church is positive and has great growth
potential. David is much loved and respected by both
denominations at the church and considered a stable and
effective leader.
As a dual denominational church, we have been
ahead of our time in terms of concept. The faith practices of
those attending the church are those of tolerance. Services
are seamless, meaning Presbyterians and Episcopalians
attend each other’s services without any hesitation.
Presbyterians sit next to Episcopalians in church without
any idea who is practicing what religion. Our heritage at the
church is one of the future. We would like to see ourselves
as an example for acceptance. We look for a minister like
David Hawley that is open minded and can see that the dual
denomination is a strong positive.
“What we have is always enough, if we offer it fully for God’s purposes.”— The Reverend Robert R. Hansel
Former, Interim Minister
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We celebrate both our Episcopal and Presbyterian
heritages, maintaining denominational
identities, traditions and integrity. Indian Hill
Church is truly a dual denomination worship entity with
members of both attending the services. Most members
do not elect to practice their denomination exclusively
by attending only one service type. The order of worship
alternates between Presbyterian and Episcopal services.
Communion is celebrated several Sundays of every month
at the 10:30 service, alternating between Episcopal and
Presbyterian rites. Episcopal communion is also celebrated
at the 8:00 service almost every Sunday and on all high
holidays and special feast days.
The church has a history of practicing a family
style worship service and is working to reestablish this
tradition once again. The congregation feels that more
young people and families would be attracted to a fulfilling
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchWorship
environment where young children are included and
encouraged to learn more about the power of faith and
how a devotion to Jesus Christ can be rewarding and
lead to more security and happiness. A child engaged in
learning how to deepen their faith is as important as an
adult fulfilled by an intellectual sermon. The strong history
of stimulating sermons has helped maintain and stimulate
both denominations for years and is a mainstay and
foundation of the church.
One of the fortunate benefits of the IHC is
the history of a vibrant choir. The Choir is regularly
augmented with soloists from members of the Cincinnati
Conservatory of Music (CCM) and guests from other
venues who grace our services with their outstanding
talent. We also have a talented Adult and Children’s Hand
Bell Choir and a wonderful Junior Choir for children ages
kindergarten through 5th grade.
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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchParticipation
Because the Indian Hill Church is a dual
denomination church, all governance and
activities of the church are shared fully by both
denominations. Once a year the congregation meets
together as Presbyterians and Episcopalians for our
annual congregational meeting. At that time the members
of both congregations act upon any timely matters before
the church, such as the election of incoming Vestry-
Session members as well as current policies or matters
before the Church.
Vestry-SessionThe Vestry-Session is the principal governing body
of the Church and is currently made up of 10 members of
the Episcopal church and 10 members of the Presbyterian
church, and each member serves staggered terms of
3 years each and a term-limit of 6 consectutive years.
This elected body of church members acts as a unit, and
together with the clergy makes decisions on key church
policy and activities. Among its main duties are electing
the Board of Stewards, chairing many of our standing
committees, and calling new clergy.
Board of StewardsFrom the beginning, it was decided that the
property of the cooperating churches should not be
held in common. A separate body, known as the Indian
Hill Church Corporation, was created as a nonprofit
organization to hold and administer all funds and
property on behalf of the two churches, but with no
power over the spiritual concerns of the congregation.
The Vestry-Session elects the Board of Stewards of The
Indian Hill Church Corporation.
The Standing Committees of Indian Hill ChurchIn addition to our various opportunities for
ministry, we have standing committees which are
broadly responsible for our congregational life. Most of
the committees meet monthly, and some are chaired by
members of Vestry-Session.
• Advisory Committee
• Adult Education
• Art Show
• Building and Grounds
• Children’s Christian Education
• Church and Community
• Fellowship
• Finance and Administration
• Long Range Planning
• Membership Development/Fellowship
• Nominating
• Pastoral Care
• Personnel
• Stewardship
• Worship & Music
• Youth Christian Educaion
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Many Sundays we offer an adult educational
hour between the services. It is held
between 9:15-10:15am. These sessions
usually center around community and current events.
The long-range goal of our church is to involve our
children as participating and involved members within
our Church family. The children’s education hour
meets concurrently with the 10:30 worship service.
We teach our children the relevance and principles
of faith as the universal connector to a loving God,
encouraging them to grow in their own faith, providing
them opportunities to serve the church and community
and creating sacred space through worship, prayer,
and simple rituals. Children participate in community
outreach programs in the fall and spring. In addition, they
also participate in the worship service with special music
and at the Christmas Pageant. The Children’s Program also
sponsors Family Fun events throughout the year.
Infants And Toddlers (0-2 years) –
We have an excellent staff who provides childcare
for the youngest within a very warm, accepting
and safe environment. We have Bible stories
available, but share them casually as the
children’s attention allows.
Preschool – Fifth Grade – The Walk With
Me curriculum gives our
children a strong Biblical
foundation allowing for
them to grow in their faith.
The activities we offer allow the children’s own unique
learning style to come through by incorporating drama,
music, story telling and hands on activities. The lessons are
taught in four- week thematic units, and the children have
handouts that they can take home to remind them of the
story of the day.
Sixth Grade – The sixth grade class is offered
many opportunities to express their faith through
worship. They learn all about our own church’s two
denominations and how it works within our church,
and they also learn about the many other religions
including Catholicism, Judaism and Hinduism to name
just a few. During the course of the year, they make
several visits to these various houses of worship. They
complete the year by leading their own worship service
where they offer their reflections and knowledge of what
they have learned about all types of religion throughout the
course of their 6th grade year.
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchEducation
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Our youth programs provide and nurture a safe
faith space for youth in grades 7-12 through
relationships with each other and with God. Our
aim is to help young people meet the challenges of their
lives in a manner that promotes wholeness, authentic
faith, and respect of self and others, through a deeper
understanding of God’s love. Our vision is to model for
the congregation and families just how essential our
youth are to the church of today and tomorrow. Our
hope is to be a catalyst for re-igniting a church that
lives out its faith together with all generations working
and growing together.
During the program year, September through May,
we offer several different opportunities for teens to be
involved in the church throughout their junior high and
high school years and to give our teens opportunities to
deepen their understanding of the Christian faith as they
embark upon and continue in their spiritual journeys.
All of our youth programs strive to build community and
fellowship through educational, spiritual, social, and
outreach activities and provide teens with a safe place
to seek pastoral care.
In addition to Sunday
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchYouth
gatherings, we also plan special activities for fun and
community service.
7th grade Pre-Confirmation ClassMeets on Sunday mornings from 10:30-11:30
in our colorful and lodge-like youth center. We believe
that attending worship is an essential part of 7th grade
Christian education and attend the 10:30 worship service
together as a class 1-2 Sundays a month.
8th Grade ConfirmationOur confirmation program is one of the most
vibrant and thriving programs in our church and one of
the largest and most successful Confirmation programs in
the Diocese. 8th grade youth prepare to be confirmed as
either an Episcopal or Presbyterian, and oftentimes, in the
spirit of our unique dual-denomination church, choose to
be confirmed in both denominations. Students engage in
both small and large group discussions, interactive learning
activities designed to awaken spiritual curiosity and bring
a deeper awareness of Christian principles, and prepare to
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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchYouth Continued
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make a statement of faith in May that creatively articulates
their personal and authentic faith experience.
One of the highlights of this program is the deep
commitment that the Confirmation mentors make to
provide students with small group and individual spiritual
mentoring. There are 22 youth in the 2009 Confirmation
class along with 4 High School mentors and 4 adult
mentors. The popularity and success of this program draws
in youth participation from both IHC youth as well as youth
from other congregations, or youth from families who are
interested in exploring membership and participation at
IHC. The class meets September-May on Wednesday nights
from 6:30-8pm and includes dinner together, (provided each
week by a Confirmation family), several service projects,
and two weekend team-building retreats.
Senior High Youth GroupA fun-filled group meets Sunday evenings from 5-7
pm in our youth center. During this time, youth hang out
with our youth director, Michelle VanOudenallen, and other
adult volunteers for fun, friendship, safe discussions of teen
issues, and spiritual growth.
Youth SundayIt has been a long-standing tradition at IHC to
celebrate Youth Sunday, a worship service that is designed
and facilitated in its entirety by our youth. During this
service the youth pick the worship theme, readings, music,
and one youth writes and delivers a sermon. Teens are also
encouraged to participate in worship services as acolytes,
ushers, and lectors throughout the year.
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Throughout our community The Indian Hill Church
(IHC) is known for its long history of outreach
and for its remarkable reputation of helping
others. These efforts are supported by the church’s
vision to “leverage our talents to benefit others.”
Throughout the year every member of our church is
actively encouraged to be involved in sharing their time
and unique talents. This is manifested through both our
enthusiastic volunteerism and our financial commitment
to organizations throughout our community.
IHC has focused its efforts and commitment to
nine outreach ministries in addition to supporting several
other community programs. In these hard economic
times, we have made helping the hungry and homeless
in Cincinnati a priority. Through the Interfaith Hospitality
Network (IHN), our congregation hosts homeless families
for a total of three weeks each year. Our guests stay
overnight, are provided dinner and breakfast, and spend
time with our church families and youth while IHN finds
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchCommunity Outreach at Indian Hill Church
them permanent housing. As a founding member and
partner of Inter Parish Ministry (IPM), which currently
consists of 35 participating churches, our financial
support provides a variety of social services to the
working poor and other low income families/individuals in
eastern Hamilton and Clermont County. In addition, our
congregation provides food on a weekly basis to stock
IPM’s Choice Food Pantry. IHC is also a strong financial
supporter of the FreeStore/Food Bank which provides
food, products and services to help people overcome
the barriers to their basic survival needs and to further
self-reliance. Working in our neighboring Madisonville
area, our volunteers provide dinner for about 50 people
every other month and financial support for emergency
assistance through the Madisonville Education and
Assistance Center (MEAC). With money raised through
Kroger Neighborhood Enhancement Funds, our church
provides additional resources to fight hunger in Cincinnati.
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Each Sunday church members are involved in
worship services and fellowship with inmates at the
Hamilton County Corrections or Drug and Alcohol Facilities
and spend time each week with the youth in the Hamilton
County Youth Center providing them comfort and
prayer. Showing God’s love through our compassion and
understanding, and giving them their own Bible is a large
part of both programs.
During the holidays each year, our church
members are eager to provide Christmas gifts through the
Angel Tree program to the families of individuals who have
been incarcerated as well as to less fortunate families who
receive assistance from Inter Parish Ministry.
Our congregation is also involved in People
Working Cooperatively by providing services critical to
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchCommunity Outreach at Indian Hill Church Continued
protecting homes in communities and insuring that the
elderly, disabled or other at-risk homeowners are living
in safe and decent housing. Through Winners Walk Tall, a
program developed by a member of IHC, disadvantaged
youth are provided the foundation of good habits, values
and personal pride to increase their chances of maturing
into happy and productive citizens. Finally, our youth
continue to be involved in Mission Projects, service
projects which help needy families throughout the world
whether it be on Navajo reservations, Costa Rica or
raising money to drill water wells in Africa.
By drawing on the financial resources and
talents that each of us has to offer, we have been
able to make dramatic contributions to our church
community and the community at large and, in the
process, enrich our own lives.
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As a Christian community, we hold a stewardship vision
which affirms that each of us is called to offer a
portion of our time, talent and treasure to God in
thanksgiving for God’s gifts to us. Each family is asked to
make an annual faith based pledge to the church through
a Stewardship Campaign each fall. Throughout its history,
Indian Hill Church has always given a substantial amount
of its budget to local benevolent programs and Diocese
and Presbyterian missions. In the past several years,
around 18% of our church revenues have been used for
benevolences. For eight years all profits from our annual
community Art Show have gone towards benevolences.
Beyond the dollars of the budget are over 200 members
giving many hours of volunteer time to serve our church’s
missions and other members who provide leadership in
many major not-for-profit agencies serving the Cincinnati
community. This level of leadership and community
philanthropy is a high commitment of our church members.
We are experiencing many opportunities and
questions in the area of stewardship. What are the real
financial needs of this church? Many members would like
to expand our fellowship and program activities budget,
refresh our facilities and increase our benevolences.
A capital campaign team has been appointed for
implementation in 2010.
The capital finances of Indian Hill Church are
sound. Our building is not mortgaged; the property includes
a sizable burial ground. A $2.4 million endowment fund
historically has provided around 10% of the annual church
budget and capital improvements. Also, over the past three
years the church’s operating budget has been on a balanced
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchFinances at Indian Hill Church Continued
approach. This was a return to an historical process that was
not achieved in 2005 and 2006, those deficits have been
made up and a 2009 surplus exists. Beyond annual pledges
and weekly offerings, it has been a common practice for
many members to give substantial gifts for special projects.
In 2008 and 2009 the number of pledging units has
stabilized at about 300, a drop from the 2005 high of 380.
Between 2005 and 2007 a mood of uncertainty occurred
as simultaneously the budget warranted adjustments in
program and staff and the resignation of the Rector was
unanticipated by the congregation. However, for the period
2005-2009 the average pledge has increased 21.4% from
$2,333 to $2,833. This is very heartening considering during
this period the necessary budget changes, clergy resignation
and national economy. We are looking for a new Rector who
is excited about taking on the task of growing the number of
pledging units.
Each of us is called to offer a portion of our time, talent and treasure to God in thanksgiving for God’s gifts to us.
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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchFinances at Indian Hill Church Continued
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Pledge Contributions 886,776 905,955 917,943 807,812 838,733
Total Contributions 1,004,854 1,051,325 1,003,463 863,237 909,027
Art Show 17,021 15,000 13,436 16,790 17,324
Other Income 28,982 31,240 27,059 18,098 24,176
Endowment Available 116,314 114,360 117,628 126,492 116,331
Carryover Prior Years 94,745 56,712
Total Income 1,167,171 1,211,925 1,161,586 1,119,362 1,123,570
Disbursement Detail:Benevolences 212,617 202,720 188,340 212,488 208,546
Program 66,929 74,113 48,188 52,622 51,161
Staff 412,378 340,705 347,872 337,191 335,296
Clergy 289,081 307,001 295,012 244,112 303,249
Administration 68,071 72,067 63,958 52,315 53,210
Building and Grounds 168,209 171,464 115,785 103,922 99,715
Carryover loss 2005/2006 50,114 13,977
Total Disbursements 1,217,285 1,218,184 1,073,132 1,002,650 1,051,177
Total (Deficit)/Surplus (50,114) (6,259) 88,454 116,712 72,393
Statistics 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Active Members 894 835 843 855 875
Pledging Units 380 358 348 308 296
Average Sunday Attendance 100 145 125 125 131
Church School Enrollees 190 179 160 165 193
Confirmations 14 11 25 18 25
Easter Sunday Attendance 426 526 521 245 531
Christmas Eve Attendance 489 565 430 502 411
Baptisms 19 18 14 10 20
Marriages 13 14 8 4 8
Burials 15 14 13 11 17
Year
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The Indian Hill Church building, consecrated in 1952,
is of rough-hewn stone keeping with the country
atmosphere both immediately surrounding the
church itself and characteristic of Indian Hill, one of the
finest residential areas of Cincinnati. The church sits on
six acres of once farmed land, bounded on the north by
the Indian Hill Elementary School, on the south and west
by important roads of the community, and on the east by
woods and a sparkling stream. It is a lovely quaint church
in a picturesque setting.
An ample lawn frames the church from the front.
South of it is a children’s playground that is used by both
the young children of our church as well as the preschool
aged children who attend the Nursery School that is held
within part of our church building. Behind the church, to
the east, is a spacious burial ground where members and
clergy may be buried. Fine old trees shade these well-kept
lawns, which are free of standing stones. Instead, the
graves are marked by flush memorials in stone or bronze
in areas designated by unobtrusive corner markers. It
is simple and beautiful, a place for contemplation and
tranquility, and escape from the incessant demands of
busy lives.
Having this burial ground adjacent to the church
serves to quicken our awareness of the Church of Christ
as the fellowship of men and women in the presence
of God, in both this life and the next. Furthermore,
it maintains meaningful ties with the Church through
successive generations. It augments the meanings of
Christian burial and contributes to the spiritual strength of
our church.
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchOur Church Facilities
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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchOur Church Facilities Continued
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There are three church buildings – the original
sanctuary and the main building; the youth center, about
75 yards apart from the main building; and a large
storage garage for maintenance and other equipment.
These two outbuildings blend into the background,
protected by trees, so as not to detract from the simple
beauty of the sanctuary building.
Located on the first floor of the main building are
the sanctuary, which seats 275 worshipers; the Guild Hall,
which is almost the same size as the sanctuary and is a
place for large meetings, meals, and other activities; two
clergy offices and two administrative offices; a kitchen
completely renovated in 2006, equipped for meal
preparation of any size, and the church library. On the
lower level, which was renovated in 2000, are a total
of eleven classrooms for our Sunday Family classes and
the Nursery School; the choir room and changing room;
several offices; and storage rooms.
The sanctuary building is adequate for the current
needs of the congregation. The space will be completely
redecorated in the near future and plans for future
enlargement are under development. Special care and
attention are being given to maintaining the atmosphere
and look of the current edifice, which so beautifully blends
with the location and the community.
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Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchDiocese of Southern Ohio
The Episcopal Church is home to more
than 25,000 people in Southern Ohio.
We include more than 80 churches in
Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, and in farm
towns, county seats and suburban centers
throughout the southern half of the state. Our
congregations are organized into 10 deaneries.
We are led by the Rt. Rev. Thomas Breidenthal.
As bishop in Southern Ohio, he offers spiritual
leadership and vision for the Episcopal churches, priests
and members. Our Bishop Suffragan, the Rt. Rev. Kenneth
L. Price Jr. has assisted with congregational and
clergy development in this diocese for nearly 15
years. Our Procter Camp & Conference Center
is a popular retreat facility for youth, church
and community groups. A peaceful refuge on
1,000 acres, the center also hosts spiritual
retreats and summer camping programs. We are
a diverse diocese with a history of commitment
to social action in our communities and in the
world, and we value our relationships with one another in
the Body of Christ.
Cincinnati Presbytery
T he Presbytery of Cincinnati is composed of 85
Presbyterian churches in the greater Cincinnati area
including a few churches in Kentucky and Indiana.
Elders and clergy from its constituent churches plus retired
clergy account for the Presbytery’s membership. Normally the
Presbytery meets four times
during the year, with the opportunity for special meetings
should the need arise. The Council, eight standing committees,
and six special task forces carry out the work of the Presbytery
ranging from personnel and ministry to representation and outdoor education.
The Indian Hill Episcopal Presbyterian
Church is the Presbytery’s only fully authorized dual denomination. As
such, our Episcopal Rector has full privileges within the Presbytery, including
the right to vote at Presbytery meetings and officiating the sacraments.
21
Cincinnati is a three-state, 15-county region
that offers world-class assets in arts and
culture, amusements, hospitality, sports and
recreation. Cincinnati features all the amenities of
a large, bustling metropolis while maintaining a
friendly, small town atmosphere - a unique balancing
act of extraordinary contrasts - but one that makes
the region a remarkably flexible location filled with a
wealth of opportunities and options.
Situated on gently rolling
hills, Cincinnati has earned its
nickname, The Queen City, by mixing
urban vigor with graceful gardens
and parks. German forebears
created traditions of music and
art which live on in Cincinnati’s
numerous cultural resources.
As is the case in most metro
areas, downtown Cincinnati is the
cultural center of the region. Here you can visit world-
renowned museums, experience priceless works of art,
enjoy a Broadway show-or a ballet, or an opera, or a
symphony-visit exotic animals at the zoo, and root on two
professional sports teams.
However, these high profile entertainment
offerings only scratch the surface of what there is to
do in Cincinnati. If you enjoy more intimate arts and
entertainment offerings you will be pleased to know more
than 100 museums and galleries dot the region - most
locally owned neighborhood gems – and community,
off-Broadway and alternative theater thrives. Outside
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchOur Cincinnati Community
of downtown the options only get greater. Children
and families can enjoy an extensive parks system, the
Newport Aquarium, the Beach Waterpark, and the Kings
Island and Coney Island amusement parks to name a few.
The performing
arts are alive and well in
Cincinnati. In addition to
theatre, venues such as
Riverbend Music Center
and the U.S. Bank Arena
attract national music acts,
while the Midpoint Music
Festival, held each year in
September, showcases the prolific local music scene.
The Cincinnati area is also home to a variety
of colleges and universities, including the University
of Cincinnati and Xavier University, which offer diverse
educational opportunities as well as great college
sporting events.
Cincinnati is also surrounded by a medical
community that boasts some of the nation’s most
respected hospitals, including Cincinnati Children’s
Hospital and Medical Center, which was recently ranked
eighth in the nation for pediatrics by U.S. News and World
Report and the fifth best children’s hospital overall in the
U.S. by Child Magazine.
Cincinnati is truly a wonderful and exciting place
to live, and there are many other things to share about
this amazing city. Fortunately all of these wonderful
things are highlighted by the Cincinnati USA Regional
Chamber on their website at www.cincinnatichamber.com.
Cincinnati Museum Center
Cincinnati’s Namesake: Lucius Quinctius
Cincinnatus
22
Indian Hill is located twelve miles from Cincinnati. The
single most compelling quality of Indian Hill is its Village
atmosphere. With a population of approximately 6,000
people inhabiting 20 square miles, it is technically a city, but
its life style over the years has remained a constant, that
of a residential community of dedicated citizens trying to
preserve the history, the country atmosphere and the gifts
of nature bestowed upon it.
When the village was incorporated in 1941,
community leaders sought to preserve its rural quality.
The Village charter states: “It is the purpose and intent
of the people of Indian Hill that the character and uses
of the area within the Village may not be changed, and it
shall continue to be a rural neighborhood.” Today, nearly
one-fourth of the Village is permanently protected as part
of the Green Areas Trust and the Greenacres Foundation.
A firm zoning policy designates one, three, and five acre
sites throughout Indian Hill, and there are no multiple
housing, commercial establishments, or office buildings.
In addition to Indian Hill, there are also several
other wonderful communities whose residents make up a
large and important part of our beloved Indian Hill Church.
Church Life at Indian Hill ChurchThe Village of Indian Hill
Quality education, both public and private
Its own service department for waste disposal and road maintenance
Varied and well patronized recreational facilities, an arboretum, nature preserves and an estimated 150 miles of horse trails
Its own water supply
Exceptionally fine police and fire departments
Four churches, an active historical society, boy scouts, girl scouts and numerous cultural and garden clubs.
All of these communities, which include Loveland, Madeira,
Mariemont, Milford, Montgomery, Symmes Township,
Sycamore Township and Terrace Park to name a few have
equally notable distinctions in education and community
living. All of these areas, including Indian Hill, offer excellent
school districts, a wide variety of housing areas, vast
and diverse community offerings, and most importantly
wonderful places that we all proudly call home.
The Village is governed by an elected council and a professional manager. It has: