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Reverend Randy Schafer |
November 2011 |
Members of Session |
Class of
2012
Mark Boyd
Sarah Cottongim
Terry David |
Class of 2013
Crystal Harden
Craig Mullin |
Class of 2014
Heather Alexander
Karen Peters
Tim Reed |
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| Members of Deacon Board |
Class of
2012
Billie Grant
Erin Murphy
Nancy Reed |
Class of 2013
Troy Bitter
Norma Lutz
Carol Points |
Class of 2014
Becky Burdick
Betty Eichelberger
Joe Johnson |
Carol Buckhout Editor
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Brothers and Sisters in
Christ, |
My family gets a magazine called Guideposts every
month. In each edition are inspirational stories about faith, hope, and
love from a uniquely Christian perspective. This morning as I was
perusing this month’s copy, I came across a great quote:
“I’ve observed over and over that people seem to get a much deeper sense
of fulfillment out of something they’ve done as an act of service than
out of the things they do for themselves.”
-actor Edward Norton, who founded the charity Crowdrise, a social
networking community for volunteers
As a pastor, I observe the same thing. At our Harvest Party, the folks who seemed to be having the best time were those who
were giving their time and efforts to others. Several people decorated
their cars for “Trunk-or- Treat”, while others made chili or provided
food. We enjoyed a sense of community and had a great time.
A little girl came to me and showed me “special money” she found in the
hay pile. I looked and it was a shekel from Israel. Seeing a Session
member who recently came back from visiting Israel, I asked her about it
and she said, “Yes, I threw a few shekels into the hay pile for the
kids.” The connection between giver and receiver was life-giving, not
only for them but for me, as I saw them grow in love.
As I continued reading Guideposts magazine I came upon an article about
forgiveness. The writer, Dr. Fred Luskin, has devoted over 15 years of
his life helping people let go of grievances, grudges and heartache in
their lives. I was particularly impressed with the results of a study he
cited. In this study, participants were all given details of a car
accident where the driver was grossly negligent. Some were told they
were injured victims. Others were given the part of rescuers and heroes.
The “victims” felt angry and helpless. The “heroes” felt their
self-confidence soar. An application from the research shows how
forgiveness allows “victims” to take on a new role. Instead of remaining
the victim of someone else’s bad behavior, becoming someone who forgives
changes you into someone who perseveres, who has courage, who learns
from their mistakes. You are allowed ownership of the solution to the
difficulty, instead of being a victim of circumstance. |
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Dr. Luskin proposes that “Forgiveness is a skill you
can develop and practice like any other.” I agree. In my work and life I
have seen the power of forgiveness firsthand. I do not exaggerate when I
say, “Forgiveness holds the power of life and death.”
Every day each of us make choices of how we will live and how we allow
situations and people to affect us. We may be “victims” of bad behaviors or
natural upheavals, but what happens to us or around us is not nearly as
important as how we choose to react or perceive people and events. When
Jesus encouraged His followers to forgive completely he was giving them a
gift of healing and a pathway to abundance in life.
Dr. Luskin writes: “Forgiveness is a personal choice. It is not about
changing a person who has hurt you. It is not about condoning their actions
or even reconciling with them. It’s a choice you make to heal yourself. It’s
about taking control of your thoughts and emotions and not playing the part
of the victim in your life story.” Forgiveness is the balm that heals broken
people.
I like Guideposts because it affirms what I know to be true. To give of
oneself in service and to forgive others are life-giving behaviors affirmed
in Scripture. Jesus commands that we love God with all our hearts, minds,
and strength and to love, serve, and forgive one another. As we grow in
Christ with each other, let us lay claim to these truths.
Brent Benzinger—Worship
Facilitator
Brent Benzinger, who is stepping into the new role of worship
facilitator at church, wants the worship experience at CSPC to be
dynamic and engaging. “I feel like I will be bringing more energy to the
worship,“ said Brent, who started work this month.
Brent is coming to CSPC from Immanuel United Methodist Church in
Lakeside Park, where he has served in the praise band for 11 years. In
addition to his praise band experience, Brent is completing a bachelor
of music degree with a concentration in classical guitar performance.
Brent is enthusiastic about working with the congregation to bring a
dynamic worship experience to CSPC. “I’m really open to working with the
entire congregation to improve the church’s worship experience,” he
said.
He wants to introduce new songs from contemporary Christian radio and
will be expected to use audio/visual equipment to enhance worship. Brent
wants CSPC members to know he is open to working with anyone at church
to bring more energy to both the contemporary and the traditional
service.
“I’m here to help lead everybody in worship,” he said. “It’s something
we’re going to do together. I’m here for all of us, not just the band.”
Brent has worked privately as a music instructor for four years, giving
lessons to children and adults. “I feel like one of my strongest suits
is leading others,” he said. “I feel like I have a gift in teaching, in
showing others and leading others - showing by example. Being
encouraging and hands on with individuals is one of my strong suits as a
leader.”
One of Brent’s first tasks will be helping to plan Advent worship
services, which start Nov. 27.
Session created the worship facilitator position to plan dynamic
services for both the early “experiential” service and the later classic
worship service on Sundays. In his part-time position, Brent will assist
Rev. Randy Schafer in the selection of music and liturgy, as well as
lead the praise band and work with other aspects of worship. |
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By Crystal Harden |
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Children’s Advent program: Operation Baby King
We
are excited to announce the Children’s Christmas Program, Operation
Baby King, will be held on Sunday, December 18th at
6:30, preceded by a meal at 5:30. The kids will prepare for this
fantastic presentation by practicing on Wednesday evenings, beginning
November 9. To ensure they are ready for action there will be a potluck
dinner before each rehearsal. Everyone in the congregation is invited
to attend and enjoy a time of fellowship as we prepare our hearts for
this special time of year. Dinner will be at 5:30 followed by practice
at 6:30. If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions
please contact Heather Alexander at
halexander@fuse.net or 663-6607. |
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Mission Opportunities at CSPC
Helping
Hands:
Remember to bring your Helping Hands items each week so that we can fill
the holiday baskets that are part of our mission giving through River
Ridge Family Resource Center. A green sheet with the requested items is
in the Narthex. There is also a “turkey”—take one of the tail feathers
as a reminder to donate a frozen turkey, milk or eggs to complete the
baskets. Bring the turkey, eggs and milk to church Nov. 20.
Christmas giving will begin soon. Look for the wish list of gifts for
the families we’ll be helping.
Northern
Kentucky’s Emergency Cold Shelter:
The Cold Shelter opened for the season October 17. Their wish list
includes: men’s boxers, (S,M,L), men’s long underwear, winter gloves and
coats, and men’s deodorant. For more information, go to
http://emergencyshelternky.blogspot.com. To get involved, contact
Rachel Winters, 859-291-4555.
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Stewardship Campaign Update
The
CSPC Stewardship Campaign is underway. Letters have been distributed
with pledge cards for both operating and capital pledges. Please
prayerfully consider your pledge for the coming year and return your
cards by November 20. Making a pledge helps the Session determine our
budget and make realistic plans for church programs. If you have
questions, or need pledge cards, contact any member of the Session. |
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Advent devotions--“Following
the Star” by D365
“Following the Star” is a daily online Advent devotional series which
begins November 27. Go to
www.d365.org, where you can access each day’s devotional or sign up
for a daily e-mail reminder. Created by writers and musicians from the
Presbyterian, Episcopal and Baptist denominations, the devotionals are
targeted to youth and college students, but are also thought-provoking
for adults of all ages. |
CSPC
Hosts Community Thanksgiving Service:
This year
the community Thanksgiving service will be Tuesday, November 22 at 7 PM in
the CSPC sanctuary. We will also offer light refreshments for fellowship
time after the service. A sign-up sheet to provide refreshments will be in
the gathering room in the next few weeks. |
Fellowship:
The
CSPC Christmas Party for Adults will be Sunday, December 4 at Karlo’s in
Florence. Reservations with payment go to Carol Points and are due by
Sunday, Nov. 27.
The cost is $22 per person. |
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Financial Update:
The CSPC balance sheet and operating statement are posted on the
bulletin board opposite the church office, year to date as of October
31, 2011. If you have questions, please contact Karen Peters or a member
of the finance committee
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ACTUAL |
BUDGET |
Difference |
| Income |
$169,152.80
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$174,370
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$5,217.20 |
| Expenses |
$179,895.75
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$205,235 |
$25,339.25 |
| Difference |
$10,742.95 |
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Session Notes:
Stated session meeting 10/10
Omnibus Motion: To reactivate and transfer Bill and
Beverly Wynn to Union Presbyterian upon their request; to transfer Mike
and Eileen Dunavan, Jo Frances Purdom, Stephanie Redman Thoeny, and to
reactivate and transfer Kyle and Carrie Holloway to Lakeside
Presbyterian upon their request; to remove the membership of BJ and
Michelle David at their request; to formalize the email motion to
approve the use of CSPC sanctuary and gathering room for the memorial
service and reception of Gary C. Schroth on 9/24/2011; to formalize the
email motion to approve the Rev. Randy Schafer to conduct the memorial
service for Gary C. Schroth Saturday 9/24 and to approve the
presentation of military honors and an American flag during the service
(no guns); to formalize the email motion to approve the use of the
narthex or gathering room for Girl Scout troop meetings led by Elizabeth
Mozea. The meetings will be held the first and third Tuesday of every
month from October 2011 through May 2012 (6-8 PM) and to authorize Rev
Schafer to take 7 days of vacation Nov 2-9.
• To approve minutes from stated session meeting 9/1 and called session
meeting 9/12 as read
• To approve docket as amended
• To transition from The Learning Committee (TLC) to the ministry teams
immediately with Heather Alexander to Children and Family Ministries,
Sarah Cottongim to Youth Vision and Support
• To call a congregational meeting 12/18 at 10:45 AM for 2012 budget
review and to approve the terms of call for Rev Schafer
• To call a session meeting in October for the purpose of interviewing
candidates for worship facilitator (Monday 10/17)
• To choose Personnel committee membership for this year
• To name Sarah Cottongim, Mark Boyd and Crystal Harden to Personnel
committee for this term of session
• To move communion from 11/6 to 11/13 for the month of November
• To assign Tim Reed as chairperson and Karen Peters as co-chair of the
2011/12 Nominating Committee; and to advise the committee to search for
an elder to the class of 2013 and a deacon to the class of 2013 to
complete unfinished terms
• To accept, with regret, the resignation of Karen Ginn from session
• To continue following the guidelines of the 2009-2011 Book of Order
until a Manual of Administrative Operations is approved, no later than
July 1, 2012
• To adjourn
Tabled motions: (carried over on docket from previous meetings)
• To fund, at a rate not to exceed $1700, and begin Stephen Ministry at
CSPC
• To approve Rev. Schafer’s request to allow CSPC to become a “Bethel
Bible” Church
Called meeting Monday 10/17 6:30PM
• Two applicants were interviewed for the position of
Worship Facilitator. Meeting adjourned without discussion due to 7:30 PM
Bible Study.
• Emergency email motion, per CSPC Bylaws, to hold another called
meeting 10/24 for the purpose of discussing and possibly taking action
on those interviewed for the Worship Facilitator position.
Called meeting Monday 10/24 6PM
Approved motions:
• To eliminate the music director role
• To hire Brent Benzinger as Worship Facilitator and hire Becky Morrison
as accompanist
Next stated session meeting Monday 11/14
Calendar of Events: |
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November 9 - 5:30P |
Potluck and Children's Program practice
begin |
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November 12 - 9:30A |
Buildings and Grounds Meeting |
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November 14 - 7P |
Session Meeting |
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November 15 - 7P |
Worship Committee Meeting |
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November 18 - Noon-2P |
Chicks with Sticks |
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November 19 - 9:30A |
Church Work Day |
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November 20 |
Return Pledge Cards |
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November 22 - 7P |
Community Thanksgiving Service at CSPC |
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November 27 |
First day of Advent |
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November 27 |
Reservations for Adult Christmas Party due |
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December 4 |
Adult Christmas Party at Karlo's |
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December 18 |
Operation Baby King |
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Weekly activities: |
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Monday - 7P |
Acts Bible Study |
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Wednesday - 5:30P & 6:30P (11/9
– 12/4 ) |
Potluck Dinner and Children's Program Practice |
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Wednesday - 6:30P |
Bell Choir |
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Thursday - 7P |
Praise Band |
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Saturday - 8A |
Men's Group |
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Weekly
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Food items for
Mission |
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Please join us for worship each Sunday at
8:30 (Experiential Worship) or 11:11 (Classic Worship).
Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:45. |
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Nursery services available.
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To CSPC Homepage |
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