THE CRIER€¦ · The best teacher for this was a woman named Jane Elliot who made her fame in 1968...
Transcript of THE CRIER€¦ · The best teacher for this was a woman named Jane Elliot who made her fame in 1968...
THE CRIER August 2020
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Dear Friends and Family of First,
For eight years I taught a class at Murray State University on Cultural Diversity. The highlight for me was watching the students lean into a new understanding of racial discrimination and prejudice behav-ior. The best teacher for this was a woman named Jane Elliot who made her fame in 1968 while she was a 3
rd grade teacher in Storm Lake, Iowa. She developed a program called “Blue Eyed” which got
national attention. You can see the FRONTLINE documentary on YouTube- A Class Divided https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mcCLm_LwpE
I met Miss Elliot last year as she continues to face racism head on. Here is a brief summary of one of her current tactics in waking us up and opening our eyes.
We know what’s happening- so let’s find ways to address the horrors of systematic racism. There are many ways: some simple individual everyday type actions; some that would take an act of Congress; some we can to as a church.
I proudly stand with you as the interim pastor of the congregation that is known in Bowling Green, and all of Wood County, as the place “Where Christ Welcomes All.” We’ve got work to do to be sure that the “All” we profess to welcome truly includes ALL. Everyone no matter race, ethnicity, gender, sexual ori-entation, color, creed, political stance, class, preference of food or libation – no matter what.
So at this stage of life in this country we acknowledge that Black Lives Matter. They matter in every way imaginable. So let us not just use empty words, but may our actions live out our conviction that “You are welcome here. You are precious in God’s sight.”
In Christ’s service, Pastor David
Session Highlights The Session met Tuesday, July 28, 2020 via Zoom. Here are some of the highlights:
Streaming Video Proposal: Session approved hiring Jason
Bonnicksen, Reframe Creative choosing the “middle of the road option:
Equipment and Consultation was approved for $8,096.00. Trustees have allocated $2,500 toward the
project. We have already received one donation for $1000 for this project. Trustees will contact other
committees for contributions and then go to the congregation for donations.
Outreach Committee: The Website committee will join the Outreach committee to develop a
marketing plan for use of the website and streaming resources to expand the church’s presence in
the community. Members of the Outreach committee are: Christina Guenther, Dani Robertson, Mikel
Grenier, and Daisy Boyer. Lisa Lawson-La Point will join the committee and we will be asking other
church members to join us.
Aaron Roos will continue as Choir Director. The contract for the 2020-2010 year will start August 1,
2020.
Dr. Ed Duling’s last official day is Sunday, August 30, 2020. A special gift will be presented to him.
Rev. David Montgomery contract renewal: Chris Dunn will contact Presbytery’s Committee on
Ministry, proposing that we renew Rev. David Montgomery’s contract as interim pastor through
December 31, 2021.
Allison Swanka is graduating from The Ohio State University on
August 9 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. She
will graduate with Honors Research Distinction. While at The Ohio
State University, Allison was co-President of Best Food Forward, a
student organization providing affordable, fresh produce to students and
the OSU community. She was also an Honors College Ambassador
and treasurer of a student group which brought theater experience to
elementary school students. Allison is now job searching, and expects
to go to grad school in a couple years.
If your son or daughter has graduated from college and you would like
to submit a short paragraph and small snapshot we’d be happy to post
it.
Page 2
If you shop at Kroger, sign-up to help the church—enroll in Kroger Rewards
Session Members
Chris Dunn Amy Fry
Christina Guenther Carolyn Layne
CJ Layne Lisa Lawson LaPointe
Lee Liebetreu Terri McNamara
Donna Nelson Beene Marcy St. John Gale Swanka Chris Williams
Deacon Members
Mary Bielen Peggy Brigham Sandi Carsey Janet DeLong
Beatrice Guenther Cathy Horger Dave Horger
Terry Housholder Dave Hyslop Dick Martin
Jan McLaughlin Adriane Weisert
Trustee Members
Don Boren Susan Dunn Mike Evans Drew Hanna Joyce Kepke
Roger LaPointe Chet Marcin
Terri McNamara Bob Vincent
Officers of the Church
Page 3
Prayer for August - Taken from 1 Thessalonians 5 "Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances"
God in Heaven, we thank you that we may feel your leading for you have blessed us with every spiritual and heavenly gift in Christ. We thank you that we may praise and glorify you, even though our days and circumstances are trying and exhausting. Help us to remember that it is in the difficult days that we still belong to you and we have cause to be thankful and joyful because you bring certainty to our lives. We ask that you help us to recognize the good you give on earth so that we may realize how blessed we are in your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Parent Happy Hour - It is time for a fun gathering for the parents! Please make plans to join us on Zoom, Thursday, August 20 at 7:30 pm. We will gather for about an hour to catch up, touch base and just spend some time together. Watch your email for the Zoom link!
Camp Update - Our nine campers had a fabulous time. Each one of them enjoyed their time so much that they hope to go back next year. There were many God sightings at camp- during the labyrinth, during star gazing, during worship and during Bible study. Ryan's favorite moment of the week was being able to share with the campers what Camp Rejoice means to him. He said he was so happy to be able to share how special Kirkmont is during his Senior Speech. All the campers took a few minutes and shared their favorite moments on video. You can see those videos on our YouTube channel. Thank you to everyone who made this special ministry possible for our students!!
Faith Walks - With the weather turning from spring to summer, there are new things to see and experience from God's viewpoint. Join Miss Adriane on the church Facebook page every other week to hear a reading from the book "Family Faith Walks" by Kelly J. Hack. Each walk has a scripture reading, wondering questions and a suggested activity, all wrapped up with a prayer. If you would like to borrow the book, please email Miss Adriane at [email protected].
MVP Retreat - Calling all youth 7th grade and up! The Presbytery is putting on another REKINDLE Retreat November 6-8 (Friday-Sunday)! Mark your calendars and plan to attend. It is an amazing time at our favorite place: Kirkmont Center! Join youth from all around the Presbytery for a weekend of faith formation & fun. Be sure to ask Samantha and Jackson about their time at the last one!
If you shop at Kroger, sign-up to help the church—enroll in Kroger Rewards
Bible Study - Have you ever wanted to dig deeper into the
scriptures that you hear on Sunday mornings? Well, here's your
chance! Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Pastor David & Miss
Adriane are holding a zoom meeting to discuss the scriptures in
the lectionary, which then are read in the sanctuary on Sunday
morning. No experience or prior knowledge necessary- just the
willingness to hear & discuss.
Sermon Overview
August 2 A New Name and A Limp Holy Communion
Genesis 32:22-31
Jacob wrestles and ends up with a life changing situation. Like Jacob, we need to know where we have come from, to recognize where we are going. The Church is in the process of being transformed. As Christians, we are being given a new identity, one so unfamiliar we may have trouble recognizing ourselves. Where is God leading us? Will we go where God leads kicking and screaming? Or will we honestly and fervently pray, “The Kingdom come, thy Will be done”?
August 9 Willing to Follow Jesus’ Command
Matthew 14:22-36
Ed and I will be working closely to see how he wants to celebrate his time with us. He has some fun ideas for music and trombone. I’ll fashion a sermon around Jesus command to follow him as Peter followed by re-casting his net after a futile night of fishing. Will we follow so faithfully?
August 16 It All Begins with Forgiveness
Genesis 45:1-15
In Joseph’s story he embraces and forgives his brothers. We don’t hear a lot about forgiveness these days. Barbara Brown Taylor said, “We need to remember the utter grace and healing power of forgiveness…Even in the most troubled family that has experienced unimaginable rupture, forgiveness and healing are possible”. Where do we need forgiveness?
August 23 The Women Must Have Known
Exodus 1:8-2:10
This is the story of the power of salvation. Moses is the one called by God to be a savior. He enters the story as a vulnerable infant, who is born with a death threat hanging over his head from the most powerful person in the world. In light of this near hopeless situation an unlikely cast of characters – two midwives, a slave mother, and her daughter (Puah and Shiphrah) – team up to save the future savior. Where is God working in our lives?
August 30 Ed and Aaron are leading worship
Page 4
If you shop online at Amazon.com please remember to use the Amazon Smile when ordering
Staff at First Presbyterian
Page 5
Interim Pastor, Rev. David M. Montgomery [email protected] 419/345-2193
Organist, Dr. Ed Duling [email protected] 419/353-9273
Coordinator of Children & Youth Ministries, Adriane Weisert [email protected] 419/494-1343
Choir Director, Aaron Roos, [email protected] 216/970-6518
Office Administrator Tammy Schnitker [email protected] 419/352-5176
Receptionist, Mikel Grenier [email protected] 419/352-5176
Office Information
Monday-Church Closed Tues.—Thursday -
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri.-9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Phone: 419/352-5176 Fax: 419/352-8808 E-mail: [email protected]
Website: firstpresbyteri-anbg.org
The office is closed daily for lunch 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Have you ‘liked’ us on Facebook?
Just enter the
church name!
The Green Team has been discussing how to make best use of the green space adjacent to the church. We'd love your thoughts! This is the section bordered by our parking lot, S. Grove St., the Wooster Green, and the west side of the church building.
1. We are currently looking at leaving the southern half of the space (the side bordering the parking lot) open for various activities, such as outdoor services and Christian Education activities.
2. About in the middle, close to the church building, we'd like to have a community garden in raised beds.
3. On the north half of the space, near the Wooster Green, we're thinking there will be two areas, each with an oak tree, smaller shrubs, and benches for seating. One of these areas would be close to S. Grove St, and the other close to the church building. In the middle would be a labyrinth.
4. We'll have a visual rendering available later, but hopefully you can begin to imagine what this space might be. What to do you think? Send me feedback at [email protected]. Thanks! Submitted by Gale Swanka
Tip of the month: Somehow, my household is generating more recycling while we are all spending more time at home. Maybe it's extra deliveries resulting in more cardboard. Maybe the uncertainty of the pandemic means I've been drinking more wine and recycling the bottles. Maybe it's my daughter's fault, since she's been living here while finishing her senior year at The Ohio State University remotely.
Have you checked to see what can be picked up in Bowling Green's curbside recycling program? There were changes to the program at the beginning of this year. The most notable addition to curbside pick-up was glass, which previously had to be dropped off at the recycling center. There are also additional plastic and paper items which can be added to your recycle bin. The full list can be found on the City of Bowling Green web page, or at:
https://www.bgohio.org/departments/public-works-department/public-works-division/refuse-recycling/automated-curbside-recycling/
I am also following a discussion underway in City Council. They are looking at starting a drop off composting program next year. This would allow many food scraps to be re-used, not just thrown away, and further reduce the amount of waste in our trash collection. That would be great! Submitted by Gale Swanka
If you shop online at Amazon.com please remember to use the Amazon Smile when ordering
Page 6
Corrections and updates to the Directory, including photos, can be sent to Marcy
St.John [[email protected]] for inclusion in upcoming Crier issues.
1. The church address is = 126 South Church
2. Caryl McCormick = She'd like her phone and nursing home listed. 419.819.0544
[Cell], Brookdale Nursing Home, 121 N. Wintergarden Rd., Bowling Green OH 43402
3. Please add: McEwen, Joan & Steve, 1053 Pinewood Court, Bowling Green OH 43402
419.352.3253
Magic
MAGIC IS SAYING "ABRACADABRA" and pulling the rabbit out of the hat, is stepping on a crack to break your mother's back, is a dashboard Jesus to prevent smashups. Magic is going to church so you will get to heaven. Magic is using mouthwash so everybody will love you. Magic is the technique of controlling unseen powers and will always work if you do it by the book. Magic is manipulation and says, "My will be done." Religion is propitiation and says, "Thy will be done.
"Religion is praying, and maybe the prayer will be answered and maybe it won't, at least not the way you want or when you want and maybe not at all. Even if you do it by the book, religion doesn't al-ways work, as Jesus pointed out in one of his more somber utterances when he said, "Not everyone who says, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 7:21), the corollary to which would appear to be, "Not everyone who wouldn't be caught dead saying, 'Lord, Lord,' shall be black-balled from the kingdom of heaven." He softened the blow somewhat then by adding that the way to enter the kingdom of heaven is to do the will of his Father in heaven; but when religion claims that it's always sure what that will is, it's only bluffing. Magic is always sure.
If security's what you're after, try magic. If adventure is what you're after, try religion. The line be-tween them is notoriously fuzzy.
-Originally published in Wishful Thinking and later in Beyond Words
If you shop online at Amazon.com please remember to use the Amazon Smile when ordering
Page 7
Learn to Lament with Kindred Spirits Circle
Laments appear throughout the scripture. They are a form of prayer rather than
a synonym for regret as the word is used today. The point of a lament is rather
poignant in our current time – asking God to change an injustice or address and
adverse situation.
Join Kindred Spirits Circle as we spend the second Monday evening from
September through May on the Presbyterian Women’s Horizons Bible study Into
the Light. Study books can be purchased from the PW (Presbyterian Women’s
website (https://www.presbyterianwomen.org/product/into-the-light-finding-hope-through-prayers-of-
lament/) or by phone (1-800-533-4371) for $10 plus shipping. Or the QR code pictured below should
take you to the site.
If interested in participating in the study, contact Julie Smith Maekask (419/247-
1794). We hope to meet in person at the church in the Green Lounge. Watch your
bulletins and email for updates.
Remember even though we’re learning to lament, sackcloth and ashes are optional!
How Many Elders does it take to run a church?
This sounds like the beginning of a church joke, but it’s not.
The Nominating Committee addressed the Session and the Session is now offering the following proposal for our consideration:
Reducing the membership of the governing councils (Session, Deacons and Trustees) and Creating standing and ad-hoc work groups to deal with projects and problems as needed and/or when
necessary under the direction of a member of the appropriate governing committee.
Rationale: Currently we are asking 33 members of our congregation to commit to three-year terms of governance, care of the physical and financial well-being of the church, and charitable ministry of the church. We have 12 Elders, 12 Deacons and 9 Trustees. Irrespective of the numbers on the church membership roster, 33 is a significant percentage of the actual “active” members of the congregation. As a result, many of those on one of the three governing bodies of the church either re-up for an additional three years, or simply rotate to another committee.
Thank the Lord that we have so many faithful servants willing to dedicate so much time and effort to the service of the church; but this is not a heathy situation: it leads to burnout and discourages many from committing to three years (and probably more) of service.
How this would work: We are proposing that we reduce the Elders and Trustees by one next year and the Deacons by one for the next two years. By 2023 we would then have 9 Elders, 6 Deacons and 6 Trustees. The councils would then with concerted effort invite more participation in ministerial tasks or projects.
Each governing committee is being asked to consider how they would reorganize and reassign their ministry with a reduced number of elected members. After discussion and deliberation, the Session will bring to the congregation our recommendation to change the Bylaws of the Congregation.
We are beginning a new discussion about a new way to effectively serve Jesus Christ here, today with the resources we have.
If you have any questions, concerns, thoughts or ideas please contact Bob Callecod, David Montgomery or any of the Elders.
If you shop online at Amazon.com please remember to use the Amazon Smile when ordering
Page 8
After 25 years in northwest Ohio, our
beloved and eclectic organ wizard Ed Duling is
stepping away from our sanctuary’s Leek organ
console, if not permanently then consequently.
August 30 will be his last “official” Sunday as our
organist, though he has said that he will
occasionally return. A native of Coshocton,
Ohio—as he never tires of reminding us, and to
which he often returns to attend to his ancestral home--he originally came to this part of
Ohio to take a position as a professor of music education at BGSU. Within a few years he transferred his
services to the University of Toledo, where he worked until taking early retirement, in order to assume what in
hindsight became a short-lived position at the Ohio Department of Education in Columbus. Since then, he has
taught music education classes through the online portals at Kent State and the University of Toledo and at
the latter as a visiting professor. Over his career as a music educator in northwest Ohio, he has mentored
countless young music educators, many of whom have gone on to successful careers. And throughout he
has maintained his condo in Bowling Green, with his incredibly fluffy cat Smokey.
Beginning in the late 2000s, Ed would step in at First Pres of BG as an irregular substitute for longtime
organist Vernon Wolcott. Although originally a low brass player (trombone, tuba) by vocation, Ed had
gradually built up his keyboard and pedaling skills and became an active member of the Toledo Chapter of
the American Guild of Organists. He also regularly regaled guests at our annual church Christmas party and
Deacons’ Breakfast, on both keyboard and tuba. (Who can forget the blinking Christmas-tree “mute” he had
contrived for the top of his tuba?) A lifelong Methodist, he had already become an honored member of our
congregational community even before becoming our regular organist, a position he has held for seven of the
last eight years.
Ed’s knowledge of Protestant liturgy, practices, and worship music will be irreplaceable. All the while,
he has diligently worked on his skills as an organist, to the point of improvising preludes and interstitial music
with confidence, injecting a puckish humor into our musical accompaniments, and even performed works by
some of the great organ composers of the German baroque, like Johann Gottfried Walther and Johann
Pachelbel, as well as providing stalwart accompaniment for soloists and for our choir’s performances of
choral masterpieces old and new, large and small. He has even delivered the occasional sermons from our
pulpit. More than a church organist, Ed has been one of us in a way that can never be duplicated.
Submitted by Dr. Christopher Williams, who persuaded Ed to feign
enjoyment of Charles Ives’s music.
If you shop online at Amazon.com please remember to use the Amazon Smile when ordering
Different Ways to Help Your Church Earn Extra Cash Kroger Community Rewards.
Dear First Presbyterian Church—BG (AD555),
The Kroger Co. Family of Stores is committed to
bringing hope and help to the local neighborhoods we call
home. From Feb. 1, 2020 thru April 30, 2020 First
Presbyterian had 31 households participating in the
Kroger Community Rewards program. The church
received a check for 160.91! THANK YOU FOR YOUR
SUPPORT:)
We appreciate your participation in our Community Rewards
program to help accomplish that mission.
We have recently upgraded our Community
Rewards system, and as a result your NPO (non profit
organization) has a new account number (AD555). Please
reference the new number when contacting us for
assistance. New members can enroll by searching for either
the new number or the name of your organization.
• Go to www.kroger.com, sign in, and click on the “community” tab.
• Scroll down to Kroger Community Rewards.
• Click on View Your Rewards Details.
• Then scroll down to Community Rewards. It will show if you are enrolled to benefit First Presbyterian Church. Remember you have to reenroll every year so now is the time!
• If you are not enrolled, click edit and select First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green (Organization Number: AD555)
• You may need to create an account, if you have not done so already. That's pretty simple - just follow the directions on kroger.com.
Page 9 Please remember the church in your will.
Amazon also directs a portion of your purchase
to First Presbyterian Church through the Amazon
Smile program.
Follow these directions to sign up with Amazon:
Go to: smile.amazon.com
Select (First Presbyterian Church Bowling Green)
as your designated charity. When you search
for the church, be sure it is for First
Presbyterian Bowling Green, OH. There are
many First Presbyterian Churches on the list!
Then when you shop on Amazon, be sure to start
at the smile. Amazon address in order to
have your purchase credited to the church.
______________________________________
GIVING ONLINE - Did you
know you can make a donation
to the church with just a few
clicks on a computer or even
your cell phone? Go to our website
firstpresbyterianbg.org and click on one of the
“donate” buttons. You’ll be asked for an amount, and
you can even leave an instruction note for the
donation. If you have a PayPal account, it’s extra
easy, or you can provide credit card
information. Why not give it a try with a small test
amount to see how it works?
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=fPNjqCv55yrGqBWrrb560XYqvAWTR4l2kD08dCNjKXJSu7fvrdBn8JAfzSX2TLI5C1tDGG&country.x=US&locale.x=US
Click on the link above to go directly to the PayPal link to make a donation
First Presbyterian Church—August 2020
First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 126 South Church Street Bowling Green OH 43402 phone:419/352-5176 email:[email protected] web:www.firstpresbyterianbg.org We are on Facebook.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 10 Christian Ed Mtg.
2 10 Outdoor Worship/Communion
3 Church Office Closed
4 10:15 Staff Mtg.
3 Nominating Mtg. on Zoom
5
5:30 Lectionary
Bible Study/Zoom
6
12 White Fragility Bk Group on Zoom
7 8
9 10 Worship 10 Church Office Closed
11
5:30 Personnel Mtg.
12
5:30 Lectionary
Bible Study/Zoom
13 9:30 Deacons Shop Open
12 White Fragility Bk Group on Zoom
5:30 Worship/Zoom
14 15
16 10 Worship
11:30 Deacons Mtg.
17 Church Office Closed
18 19
5:30 Lectionary
Bible Study/Zoom
7 Trustees Mtg.
20
12 White Fragility Bk Group on Zoom
7:30 Parents Mtg. on Zoom
21 22
23 Worship
Youth Group Gathering TBD
24 Church Office Closed
25 Sept. Newsletter Deadline
7 Session on Zoom
26 WC Alternative
School Starts
5:30 Lectionary
Bible Study/Zoom
27
12 White Fragility Bk Group on Zoom
28 Newsletter Distribution
29
30 Worship (Ed & Aaron leading service)
31 Church Office Closed
1 2 3 4 Please note the church office is closed Tues-Thurs for lunch from 12:30-1:30