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April 2009 Archives

Prayer Pals: Knit Together

I am convinced that it was because Kendra [Russell] and I were prayer partners that we witnessed prayers answered. Kendra has been my fourth grade prayer partner for the past few weeks through the Children’s Ministry Prayer Pal experience. By meeting with Kendra and praying with her, I was reminded almost daily to pray for her and to pray for the things I asked her to pray for as well.

Every other Sunday, we met to catch up and pray in the Fireside Room. On the off weeks, when we didn’t meet, we would write to one another and tell each other what had been going on in our lives and asked for prayer for certain things. It was a great way of getting to know one another. The whole experience wrapped up with a fun potluck with all the families.

Prayer Pals are an awesome way to get to know people at the church. By keeping in touch each week, we were able to really get to know one another and celebrate when we saw God answer prayers. And just because the program ends doesn’t mean that the relationships have to end as well. Many of the third and fourth grade students keep in touch with their partners long after the experience ends. ~ Missi Kershner
The Congregation Votes, "Explore!"

Last Sunday at a 1 1/2 hour Congregational Meeting, 150 persons voted “Yes” to continue the “process of study and exploration with the Winton Hills Community Church seeking God’s will with regard to joining the ministries of the two churches.” 51 people voted “No.”

Session had resolved that a 70% approval was necessary for the motion to pass. The final vote was 74.6% in favor.

The meeting was inclusive, open and informative. All present were given the opportunity to freely express their thoughts at the microphone, and to ask questions before the vote. Members of Session - along with the Exploration Team - addressed concerns and shared their viewpoints as well.


Our Vision:
Connecting with one another across race, economics and generations
.
Serving the world in the character of Jesus Christ
.
Celebrating what God has done, is doing and
will do!

Why was there a vote at this point in the process?
“Session decided to bring this motion for a congregational vote because we desired the congregations’ blessing to go forward with exploration. It is our desire to begin a deeper exploration process with the congregation being excited about the possibilities before us. We want the congregation to feel as if we are exploring this matter together and dispel any uncertainties that this is an “us vs. them” situation, that there are “backroom meetings” going on or that the merger is a “done deal”. Our prayer is that we can move forward in a spirit of transparency, unity, anticipation and prayer, trusting one another and God to lead us.

This exploration will consider a continuum of possible relationships with Winton Hills up to and including a formal merger. We desire, and will need, the congregation’s participation and input. A vote to move forward in exploration does not mean that concerns and strong opinions, whether positive or negative, should be packed away in a suitcase. Quite the contrary, as we all need to discern God’s will together to uncover His desire for CHPC. If we accomplish anything at all in this process, let it be that we can explore this matter well - using honest dialogue, respect for one another, trusting that we all love the church body of CHPC. Let’s be unified in prayer that God will lead us to live out the vision He has for us.” ~ Lisa Duke, Elder

Where do we go from here?
“Through your voting this afternoon, the will of this congregation has been made known. The Exploration Team will begin working to explore, if and how a joint ministry might help us pursue the [church’s] vision. Much work lies ahead, and we welcome members of the congregation who feel led to step up and partner with this team in the coming weeks.

Your session wants to be absolutely clear on two points, based upon this afternoon’s vote affirming this continued exploration. First, the exploration team reports to session—they’re empowered to explore not to enact. Second, any form of joint ministry will only be proposed after thorough study and extensive discussion engaging the congregation broadly. Any decision to move forward in joint ministry will only happen through a vote of this congregation in a meeting similar to this one today.” ~ Mark Jorgensen, Elder

 
Encouraging Parolees

Are you aware that on the fourth Thursday of each month we have parolees from the community come to work at our church? Phyllis Schoenberger is our community liaison. We let her know what our needs are, and she assigns the men and women to help us.

We have been able to tackle many projects. In just one visit, these hardworking parolees scrubbed the kitchen, tightened or replaced screws on the Fellowship Hall chairs, stripped the wallpaper from the White House kitchen, cleaned the Great Hall tables and chairs, and cleaned and organized the table room!

We would love to have a team from CHPC work alongside these men and women. There are 3 or 4 parolees in a group supervised by a parole officer. Those who have tried this have found it to be a rewarding experience.

Work begins at 9:30 a.m. and lasts until 1 p.m. with a break at noon for lunch.
CRASH at the Supper Club!

The mature (that is, not getting any younger) members and friends of CHPC will be the recipients of an avalanche of excitement on Mon., April 27 at 7 p.m. Under the direction of their enthusiastic leader, Tony Buxsel, the youth group of our church will take over the Supper Club program. Known as CRASH - Colliding Relationally And Sharing Hope - they will be let loose on the full-grown and middle-aged innocents participating in their monthly Supper Club meeting.

The younger set has enough energy to scare a rhinoceros, which, by the way, is their mascot. Why the rhino? Because these kids want to be like that gigantic beast that will run 30 mph when it can see only 30 feet ahead—in other words, they want to constantly “go for it!” for God, even though they might CRASH.

This summer, Budapest, Hungary will be impacted by the presence of these amazing teenagers. Please pray for them, Kathy and Joe Angi, the International Church and the refugee population as they receive their ministry.

The group is doing all sorts of things to raise money for their trip. They offered their baby-sitting services on Valentine’s Day, they cooked a pancake breakfast for the entire church on Palm Sunday, and they are open to doing work projects around your house or yard. Additionally, they can protect you from the horrors of the dreaded “Mad Cow Disease” - for a price!

All those who are getting on in years (older than 21) are invited to attend Supper Club, Mon., April 27.
To RSVP for the 6:15 p.m. dinner (deadline April 20), call Sally Mosier.
Folk a la Caffeine

Concert & Coffee House, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Local folk favorites Dave Hawkins and Trace Walker are teaming up for Folk à la Caffeine, a concert and coffee house event to benefit Arts Revival of College Hill (ARCH) and the CHPC youth.

The family-friendly event, which is sponsored by the College Hill Coffee Co. & Casual Gourmet, will take place tonight, April 19, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Admission is free. A donation for ARCH will be taken.

“We really want to have some quality events for College Hill and beyond, and some of those involve money,” Sharlyn Stare, ARCH board member, said of the organization. “Our whole commitment is to have adults and children be able to experience quality art events and to do that in an
affordable fashion.”

Desserts, coffee, tea and other beverages will be available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting the College Hill Presbyterian youth group’s 2009 trip to Budapest.
Below is all the information printed to this point on College Hill Presbyterian Church and Winton Hills Community Church
so that you may make an informed vote at the Congregational Meeting, Sunday, April 19 at 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
CHPC's Previous Ministry with Winton Hills
from the October 1966 Belltower News
The Winton Hills Ministry has provided a good example of Stewardship by people from the College Hill Presbyterian Church. This Ministry, organized as a Commission of the Cincinnati Presbytery, is a mission to those living in the Winton Terrace, Findlater Gardens and Garden Hill Developments of the Metropolitan Housing Authority, located east of Winton Rd. and south of North Bend Rd.

NEW SANCTUARY NEARS COMPLETION
While our membership may be aware of the fact that our church, under the 50 Million Fund, has donated the entire amount needed for a permanent church building at Winton Terrace, it may overlook the many other activities and real leadership roles in which volunteers from our Church have served- truly a stewardship of talents as well as more material gifts. Show below is the new building now nearing completion, with Rev. Gibson explaining details of construction to Clyde Gordon and other interested adults and young people from College Hill.

Mrs. Jack Schroth has been active as the Session representative to the Ministry. This has involved the coordination of donations of food, clothing and other gifts as well as almost all of the other activities illustrated. In addition, Mrs. Schroth has worked to organize a Sunday Church School at Winton Hills as well as training teachers with demonstrations involving volunteers from College Hill.

Since the inception of this ministry about five years ago under the direction of Frank Gibson, our people have played a very active role in its organization, development and ministry itself. The Commission of the Presbytery is headed up by our James V. Rice, while Clyde Gordon, another of our members, has served on the Commission since it was organized. [Scott Rice, Jim’s son, remembers going with his dad to check out the work.]

PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM
A pre-school program has been offered by the Ministry to residents of Winton Hills. The need for this program became obvious when a survey indicated a large proportion of young children in the area, with a total of ten to fifteen percent of the overall population being in diapers. While this program has been largely staffed by volunteers from College Hill, the program has received certification from the City.

Major contributions in this program have been made by Mrs. Ron Huston, Mrs. Ken Shull, Mrs. James Nichol, Mrs. Ray Kenke, Mrs. Hal Larson, and others.

Shown right is a typical scene from the pre-school program. The Winton Hills program preceded the Head Start program. In addition this activity has appeared to help in overcoming the many other complex problems and needs of these children.

ENRICHMENT TRANSPORTATION
A number of field trips have been used over the years in several of the activities at Winton Hills. These field trips, including visits to Winton Woods, the Zoo, the Airport, a Police Station and other locations have served as enrichment programs for the children. College Hill has provided many of the private cars needed to transport the children. The telephone committee, headed by Mrs. Louise Pearce, has worked many hours in providing the transportation as needed. Shown below is the start of an enrichment trip.

Those assisting in transportation have included the Hagerstrands, Barrs, Sawtells, Edwards, Tolls, Hoffmans, Weis’, and many others. Recent work has shown these enrichment programs to have a major influence in widening the horizons of children as well as helping them to relate to the community at large.

SPLASH!
The [camp] program was operated three evenings a week, with Rev. Gibson and four young people from the National Missions Board coordinating the activities with the Day Camp Program and also with the Community at large. An average of one to three hundred children from Winton Hills participated in the activities each evening. A major benefit of the program was the inter-relating of Winton Hills and Northern Hills people. A total of over one hundred Winton Hills people, both adults and teenagers, helped in supervising the SPLASH! program.

[During the 1970’s, Rev. Durwood “Woody” Busse was pastor at Winton Hills. His wife, Barbara, led the choir at the church. Their high-school children brought a young man home to meet their mom because they said he had a lot of talent. His name was Todd O’Neal.]
Questions...and Answers
from the Exploration Team

The Congregational Survey in March identified a number of question categories. Some of these categories can only be answered if the congregation approves further exploration. This is because the answers require collaboration between the Exploration Team and the congregation, a lengthy discovery process, or information that will not be available until further along in an exploration process. Other question categories can be addressed before the congregational vote on April 19 at 3 p.m.

Questions that cannot be answered now, but will be answered if the congregation approves further exploration are: 

  • the process we would use to get to a second vote (to merge or not merge)
  • the pros and cons of “merger” versus other options. The answer to this question will determine whether we continue to call the end result a merger or something else.
  • full financial disclosure of budgets, assets, and liabilities of both congregations
  • the total cost of a merger; models of shared pastoral leadership, discussion of which would be best if a merger is approved
  • organizational structure: how to merge church officer boards (deacons, elders, etc.), how these would operate after a merger
  • what experimentation to worship services would look like, how such experimentation would be handled, how
  • experiments would be evaluated
  • how we will discern the voice and will of God together.

This list is just a sample of important issues to be addressed if further exploration is approved. In addition, opportunities for the two congregations to interact, get to know one another, work through differences of expectation and culture, and develop details of a shared vision will be important.

 
The survey brought up several question categories that can be addressed before the congregational vote. So far, the Exploration Team has provided Pastor Chip Hall’s statement of faith and a Q&A with him on issues of political and theological concern. We learned that Pastor Chip holds a classic reformed theology, is pro-life, actively supports women in positions of church leadership, and shares CHPC’s stance on the fidelity and chastity amendment. His positions on marriage, divorce, and homosexuality are consistent with CHPC’s positions. If you missed this publication please refer to the March 29th edition of Hot Off the Press (which is still online at www.chpc.org).

In this issue, the Exploration Team addresses these questions:

  • How does a merger fit within CHPC’s vision of a Jubilee community?
  • What is presbytery’s involvement in the Winton Hills Community Church (WHCC)?
  • Why did WHCC extend an invitation to merge?
  • What is the general financial status of WHCC?
  • How could joining in ministry with Winton Hills Community Presbyterian Church
    catalyze the pursuit of this Jubilee Vision?

    The Vision of College Hill Presbyterian Church is to be a Jubilee Community:
    Connecting with one another across race, economics and generation
    Serving the world in the character of Jesus Christ
    Celebrating what God has done, is doing, and will do.
    Our vision is based on Jesus’ call to bring good news to the poor in Luke 4 in addition to a myriad of passages that call God’s people to care for the poor. Jeremiah 22:15 -16 Are you a king because you compete in cedar? Did not your father eat and drink and do justice and righteousness? Then it was well with him. He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Is not this to know me? says the LORD. Proverbs 14:31 Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but those who are kind to the needy honor him. In addition, the act of Jubilee is God’s great plan of preventing generational poverty. To redistribute the community’s wealth every 50 years back to the original distribution. (Leviticus 25) The early church lived out that pattern by holding all in common so that no needy were among them (Acts 2-4). Obviously, people in poverty are a major Biblical concern and part of the Jubilee Community.

    Winton Hills has a 40 year history of ministry in the largest public housing community in Cincinnati. Relationships have been formed and ministries active in the Winton Terrace neighborhood. They, our fellow Presbyterian church, are now searching for a partner in this ministry. Will we explore if this is how God might indeed continue to bring good news to a large concentration of poor just down the street? Is this indeed a way for us to pursue God’s Jubilee?

    We have said we desire to be reconciled with one another – connecting along race, economics and generation. Winton Hills Church is predominately African-American and very diverse economically. We would indeed be connecting across race, economics and generation by joining in ministry with WHCC. In addition we would be gaining from their relationships and experience in ministry in their community. Working together we would pursue this challenging ministry of developing a unified community of faith with such different social and cultural traditions – a church without walls.

    We understand for churches to best pursue God’s heavenly reality of a unified, diverse body – people of every nation, tribe, and tongue – we need a diverse leadership. Since the leadership at WH is African-American and economically diverse, sharing our leadership structures will provide for this essential element for a church seeking to be reconciled across historical racial and economic differences.

    We want to serve God in the world according to the character of Christ. The wisdom, experience, and ministry history at WH will help those at CHPC reach out to the diverse population in College Hill and surrounding neighborhoods. The added energy and resources from CHPC will help continue and deepen the ministry in the Winton Terrace neighborhood to fulfill both the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. With focused attention on outreach and mercy to the poor, the church members can benefit from the combination of resources, training, and experience in such a challenging area of ministry. Our heightened awareness of ministry with the poor will lead to more training, shared experiences and a growing comfort level in our serving the neighborhoods according to the character of Christ.

    The addition of African-American members plus African-American pastoral leadership, will multiply the avenues of celebration before God. To share communion with one another and to hear from one another all the ways God has saved us, blessed us and continues to empower us in love from our multitude of varied backgrounds will not only be an encouragement to us but witness to an unbelieving world. We are one in Christ. We love one another because He loved us. (John 17:21) The world will see and take note. May God receive the glory. (Mathew 5:16)

    Of course, joining in ministry is not the only way to fulfill this vision. It does seem to me that these are some of the precise ways that joining with Winton Hills Community Church does fulfill the Jubilee Vision. I’m most thankful to God for this journey concerning a possible merger because the vision and direction of CHPC has become clearer at least to me. If God demonstrates through session and congregational voice that the merger is not the right action at this time the pursuit of this Jubilee vision will not be affected. Our direction will still be the same – we will pursue reconciling connections within the church across the socially constructed walls of race, economics and generation. We will continue to pursue becoming a people who serve sacrificially according to the character of Jesus. We will continue to pursue God by celebrating what God has done, is doing, and will do.

  • Presbytery Involvement
    The Cincinnati Presbytery entered the scene only after an invitation to merge was given by WHCC to CHPC. The role of the presbytery is to ensure congregational empowerment and a more healthy exploration and transition process than might otherwise occur. The PCUSA has two requirements, that both congregations vote on whether or not to explore and that both congregations vote on whether or not to merge at the end of an exploration process. The PCUSA makes documents available on its website from other churches that have explored merger and provides suggestions for the many areas that should be worked out before two congregations decide to choose a merger. Back on the local level, our presbytery has assigned Sharon Wilcox to come along side both congregations as a resource person. To be very clear: The merger invitation did not originate with presbytery nor does presbytery have any stake in the outcome except to see that a process respecting the interests of both congregations takes place.

  • The Merger Invitation
    WHCC approached CHPC as a potential partner in ministry. WHCC does not need CHPC to continue to serve its community but dreamed of serving its community in a larger way by joining with a like-minded partner. Other area churches are partners in ministry with WHCC but, to continue the relational metaphor, having a group of friends is not the same as having a spouse. WHCC has been looking for the right ministry partner. WHCC approached Carmel Presbyterian and West Cincinnati Presbyterian Churches and then North Presbyterian, all prior to CHPC. In each case, these churches decided that they would not be in a position to explore a merger for several years. Because WHCC is vision-driven, the church continued looking for a partner with whom it could move sooner rather than later into a shared ministry vision. 

  • Winton Hills Financial Strengths and Liabilities
    WHCC operates on an annual budget of $159,300. The church has a reserve fund that is used to supplement monthly cash flow fluctuations and major building repairs. The church holds very little short term debt. The budget includes only three paid staff, all paid through the congregational offering, and runs its programs through congregational volunteers.
    		•
    Results of the Church Merger Survey

    On March 18, CHPC’s Session directed the Exploration Team to make the entire “Pulse of the Congregation” survey results available to the congregation. The Session and the Exploration Team believe the congregation will benefit by seeing the full extent of opinions held by both College Hill and Winton Hills congregations.
     
    All survey submissions were collected anonymously so that participants would feel free to respond with great candor. No comments can be linked to participants through either the paper surveys or the online survey. However, Session is aware that some participants may feel uncomfortable with having their comments published. At the same time, others may feel slighted if they do not see their comments included. To balance anonymity with transparency, the Exploration Team has omitted any information that might identify anyone. The Exploration Team hopes it has done this successfully and asks your forgiveness if any oversights have been made.

    Comments related to the questionnaire’s value or its structure were omitted. The Exploration Team also removed a small handful of comments or portions of comments whose content could be taken as offensive. Some of these comments concerned the appropriateness of questions about race. The Exploration Team believes that questions regarding racial issues are unavoidable when a white church and a black church consider joining. No one knows how big an issue race is unless the questions are asked. The Winton Hills congregation is especially interested in how the CHPC congregation answered the questions about race-based differences and commitment to a congregation with a growing African American population.

    We are at the beginning of a process, and there are many more questions than answers. This survey has helped identify some of these questions. Some questions can be answered quickly. Others will require detailed analysis and will be answered only if continued exploration is approved by both congregations. CHPC’s congregational meeting to determine continuation or not will be held Sun., April 19 at 3 p.m.

    The complete results of the survey are available Sunday in the Atrium, at the Front Desk during the week, and online here and from a link on the homepage. Please take a printed copy only if you do not have access to a computer. Thank you.

    “Serving on the exploration team is an act of obedience, investing in a chapter of time with the CHPC congregation moving
    forward in understanding God’s plan for His people.”

    Jason McSwain
    CHPC Exploration Team

    “Change is hard on organizations and on people. In churches, the potential for good and the potential for pain are both heightened as sinful people try to discern together how God is moving for the sake of the world.

    I volunteered for the Exploration team out of a desire to see a good discernment process formed and implemented. I wanted to help ensure a process that discerned God’s will through all the media He provides: the call of Jesus Christ in the Word, the voice of the Holy Spirit through individual and corporate prayer, the wisdom of other churches’ and organizations’ experience, and the insight provided by good research.

    As much as the decision process needs to be about where we see the Lord leading, it needs to be equally about how we get there: in partnership with God and one another.”

    Lynn Carlin, CHPC Exploration Team

    “I believe God is opening hearts and minds to something new; something challenging and
    creative; something that will take us out of our comfort zones. I am delighted to be a part of that
    process.”

    Frank Baker
    CHPC Exploration Team

    CHPC's and Winton Hill's Relationship:
    How Do the Gears Mesh?

    Congregational Meeting - Sunday, April 19, 3 p.m. in the Sanctuary:
    to vote on whether the exploration of the merger
    with Winton Hills Community Church (PCUSA) should proceed or not.

    Our congregation’s voice is important. That was quite apparent at the last meeting of Session. They want CHPC’s membership to decide if the exploration of a possible merger with Winton Hills Community Church should continue or not. It is our responsibility to ask the Lord for direction, to search out the facts and to step out with faith and wisdom.

    On the next three Sundays, the Exploration Team will begin to give you information on survey-raised questions.

    April 12: They will provide information in Hot Off the Press addressing several concerns raised in the survey.
    April 5: They will publish the results of the recent church merger survey. These will be available in the racks.
    Today: They have asked Rev. Chip Hall’s for his theological views - which are published below.

    If the vote is affirmative, the team will continue to provide answers to your other questions.

    Rev. Theodore “Chip” Hall’s Theological Statement of Faith

    I believe and confess that God is the creator, sustainer, redeemer and finisher of all we know and don’t know. In every age and every generation, He has chosen to make Himself known through words, deeds and spiritual revelation. When His chosen people asked who he was through the prophet Moses, He stated “Yahweh,” meaning “I Am.” Although He is one, He chose to reveal Himself as triune, in the form of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

    In each role by divine design, God’s goal is to bring His creation, specifically humankind, into a restored relationship that was originally broken through and by Adam’s disobedience. This disobedience, i.e. sin which is now imputed to all humankind, is the reason that God chose to reveal Himself as Messiah, Savior, and Christ in the second person of the Trinity.

    I believe and confess in Jesus Christ who is the son of God. Jesus is God incarnate, spirit wrapped in flesh. He was born a natural birth, lived a natural life, died a natural death, making Him fully human. And at the same time, He was supernaturally born of a virgin, taught through healing and miraculous events and after death, He rose from the grave and returned to His Father in heaven, thus making Him fully divine. In accordance with scripture, through the shedding of blood, an old system that was established by God was fulfilled through the only One who can truly atone man. Jesus, as superior High Priest, sacrifices Himself, and by doing so does what the old system of Judaism was never intended to do. Through the salvific act on the cross, crucifixion, Jesus is the final sacrifice which restores our relationship with God. After His resurrection, He appeared to his followers, then ascended to the right hand of God where He now intercedes as our permanent High Priest and Mediator of the New Covenant.

    I believe and confess in the Holy Spirit who is the spirit of God and the third person of the Trinity. In accordance with the scriptures, the Godhead is petitioned by the Son to send a Comforter, Counselor, and an Intercessor. The function of the Holy Spirit is to continue to teach the ways of God and to remind the believer what Jesus has spoken. In this context, the Holy Spirit binds and seals the church to Christ until His second coming. It is in this binding that we are empowered as regenerated children to illuminate, interpret and proclaim the Word of God in a variety of different contexts. It is the Holy Spirit that administers the gifts within the body and convicts the heart and minds of men and women, boys and girls to use their gifts to build the kingdom and bring glory to God.

    It is through the Holy Spirit that I believe and confess my understanding of the sacraments that Jesus established, through water baptism and the Lord’s Supper. These two outward signs are to remind us of the continuing redemptive work of Christ. Water baptism is a combination of the old and new covenant. In the old covenant, God saved His chosen people from the hand of Pharaoh through the power of water. Jesus was obedient to the baptism of John in which water symbolically washed away sin. In the new covenant, we participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ by going into the water and coming out of it. The Lord’s Supper recalls the Passover meal in which an unblemished lamb was slain (atoning blood) and served to remind the Israelites of God’s deliverance. In the same manner, Jesus instructs us as disciples, that as often as we do this, do it in remembrance of His atoning blood that was shed for us.

    As children of God, we must embrace our faith and realize that it is impossible to please God without a faith that calls and moves us into action for the kingdom of God. When our faith is truly realized we will sense the urgency of hope and the evidence of what is to come that cause us to implore all to seek the goodness of God through His Son Jesus Christ.
    Pastor Chip Addresses 10 Hot Topics
    1. We know you’re a Presbyterian Minister in good standing, but Presbyterians have a wide range of views about the inerrancy of the Bible. Can you tell us what you believe about the scriptures? 
      The inerrancy of scripture is central to all I say and do as it relates to my personal ministry.

    2. What is your personal definition of inerrancy?
      Inerrancy is the view that when all the facts become known, they will demonstrate that the Bible in its original autographs manuscripts and correctly interpreted translated is entirely true and never false in all it affirms, whether that relates to doctrine, ethics, social, physical, or life sciences.

    3. What do you mean by “the facts”?
      The “facts” as stated above, is my life-long quest for the continued revelation of God in the context of community. By this I mean that the facts, i.e. the truth of God, remains a constant, but the communication of that truth will take on many different forms within the cultural relevance of different communities.

    4. Why do you think this is important?
      When we hear music, prayers, preaching, teaching and more that is not within the realm of our specific community context it must be scrutinized in the context of scriptures alone.

    5. Our Cincinnati Presbytery recently voted down an amendment to the PCUSA Constitution that would have removed the fidelity/chastity requirement for ordained clergy and lay leaders. What is your opinion about this?
      Any language that would diminish the process of repentance in regards to ANY sin, I am opposed to. Therefore I was NOT in favor of the language change that practicing and or professed homosexuals should be ordained as leaders in the church. But I also want to make it clear that I am not in support of any professed or practiced sin in regards to leadership. Homosexuality has no greater weight than any other sin even though we seem to put greater emphasis on it.

    6. What do you think about homosexuality in general?
      I have personally counseled several individuals in regards to homosexuality. This sin or temptation thereof is no greater than any other sin. The scriptures are clear that we are to love the sinner and hate the sin. We are also to look beyond faults and see/embrace needs.

    7. What is your theology about abortion?
      I am Pro-Life supporter. But in the case where the mother’s life would be put at risk I am in favor of saving the mother.

    8. What about other situations?
      In all other cases such as incest, rape and birth defect prognosis, etc., I am in favor of alternative methods to caring for children such as adoption.

    9. What are your views about women in leadership positions in the church?
      I am 100% in support of women in leadership.

    10. What are your views of marriage and divorce?
      My children are a product of divorce and remarriage. My calling to the ministry was in the midst of a very bad breakup. At the time I was under the impression that God was making a mistake concerning me and how I could be used in the midst of my brokenness. I found out that God specializes in broken vessels, and there fore I was able to minister to others through my divorce. Therefore I hold the sanctity of marriage in very high regard. I personally do a minimum of 4 hours counseling with all couples who ask me to marry them. And at all cost ,I encourage couples who are having marital problems to make divorce the absolute last alternative. Remarried or divorced persons should not be denied full participation in the life of the church.
    The Merger Exploration Process

    Last week Session updated the congregation on the process of exploring the possible merger with WInton Hills Presbyterian Community Church. Here are their notes with a few updates:

    How did the idea of a merger come about?

    • In September 2008, Pastor Chip Hall - having earlier determined with the Winton Hills PC congregation their interest in merging with another church - asked Pastor Drew Smith if CHPC would be open to consider such a merger.
    • Pastor Drew Smith brought the question to the CHPC Session, and Session approved a preliminary exploration to help determine the range of issues to consider for a merger.

     

    What is involved in the preliminary exploration?

    • Merger Exploration Teams were formed from both congregations, and they began a joint effort to gather information.
    • Pastor Hall attended the January 2009, joint CHPC leaders’ retreat. He introduced himself to our group and spent one on one time with some attendees.
    • Joint church activities were implemented which aided in determining what major questions need to be addressed.
    • A survey was conducted to gather responses from both congregations regarding a merger.
    • Session met March 10 (with Rev. Chip Hall and Winton Hill’s session invited) to hear about preliminary plans of the exploration team. They heard initial results of the survey and discussed the overall process for exploring a merger.
    • Session also recognized the critical importance of the congregation’s approval in order to move ahead with the exploration.

    What are the next steps?

    • Session met again March 18 to discuss the results of the survey and to determine the steps that will be taken to give the congregation the information they’ll need to discern the Lord’s direction. It was decided
    1. to share the results of the survey in both summarized and complete form (taking out anything that might identify a participant) and
    2. to hold a congregational meeting on Sun., April 19 at 3 p.m. The purpose of this meeting would be to vote on whether or not the exploration of the merger should proceed. A simple majority will determine the outcome.

      If, at that congregational meeting, the measure is defeated, the exploration of a merger possibility will cease.

      If it is passed, a series of discussions will occur in several venues to allow CHPC members opportunities to express their interests and concerns, and get answers to their questions.
    • The Merger Exploration Teams will continue working to provide answers to all questions asked.

    Is there a timeline established for this process?
    Although certain tentative dates have been mentioned in the past, they have not been approved by Session and are not binding. Session is committed to taking whatever time is necessary to study thoroughly the issues and to get the congregation’s views and concerns addressed.

    Winton Hills church will be conducting a similar process.

    When Session has ascertained that the congregation has learned enough to make an informed decision regarding a merger, a second congregational meeting will be held at which the congregation will vote on whether to merge or not.

    At the appropriate time, Winton Hills would also vote at their congregational meeting.

    A merger will occur only if both congregations approve of the step by sufficient vote margins. Presbytery must also approve any merger. A member of presbytery is now providing support to the CHPC and WH exploration teams.

    If you have any questions, please speak with a member of Session, the Merger Exploration Team (Frank Baker, Lynn Carlin, Jason McSwain) or our pastor.
    John R. W. Stott Study to Begin

    Classic Adult Sunday School is gearing up for their new study. Lessons on the Sermon on the Mount will begin April 19 at 10:45 a.m. in Barnabas Center, Rm. 201 and continue for twelve weeks.

    Author John R. W. Stott who wrote the study for the LifeGuide series is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist and teacher of Scripture. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and even around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). Whether in the West or in the Third World, a hallmark of Stott’s ministry has been expository preaching that addresses not only the hearts but also the minds of contemporary men and women.

    Co-teachers Fran Kelley and Richard Brumfield are hoping that this in-depth look at Jesus’ familiar sermon will be of great interest to the adults in our church. Whether you prefer to carefully prepare or just come as you are, you are welcome. Even dropping in once or twice just to check out the class is fine.

    Books are $6.50 each and may be reserved by contacting Fran Kelley at 851-7821.
    Holy Week Schedule

    Journey to Jerusalem
    Mark your calendar for Journey to Jerusalem, 7 - 8:30 p.m., Sunday, April 5th at College Hill Presbyterian Church. Bring your family and friends to this unique, entertaining, multimedia teaching and worship experience featuring photographs, music, and drama combined with spiritual insights into the Holy Land and Jesus’ life during His final days leading to the cross.

    This Lenten program is presented by Visions of Israel featuring Judy Langdon as vocalist/worship leader, Judy Haag as photographer/teacher, and Jack Young as actor/drama director. Childcare will be provided.

     

    Maundy Thursday
    Come anytime between 7:00 - 7:45 p.m. to Fellowship Hall for this inspirational, family-friendly time to reflect on our Lord’s final night before His crucifixion.

    Walk through the elements of the Passover Seder as celebrated in Christ’s time as you spend time at prayer stations meditating on the deeper meaning behind the Last Supper.

    Good Friday
    Friday Morning Men Invite Everyone to a special Good Friday meeting at 8 a.m. in the Fireside Room. CHPC’s own Judy Langdon will lead worship. Dr. Mark Snyder will teach on the sanctity of human life.

    A continental breakfast will be served in the church kitchen beforehand at 7:40 a.m. Worship and teaching will begin at 8 a.m. For more info, call Bill Gerhardt, 591-4848.

    Community Services: This year there are two area services on Fri., April 10 with a similar format and flavor. Both will last between two and three hours with seven different preachers speaking 5 - 10 minutes on one of Jesus’ last words. Musical selections will be interspersed between each talk. Worshippers may come and go as needed because of the length of the service.

    • 12 - 3 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, corner of Belmont and Hamilton.
    • 7 - 10 p.m., Winton Hills Community Church (PCUSA), 5255 Wineste Ave. All are invited 6 - 7 p.m. for fellowship and light refreshments. The service begins at 7 p.m.
    Treehouse: Reaching Out to the Community
    From the beginning of fall to the end of spring, Treehouse Learning Center opens its doors to the children of the community on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. First through fourth graders are lovingly tutored giving each child an extra boost with their studies. It is also rewarding for the tutors. Many return year after year to share their time and knowledge with these young people. To get involved, call Sue Baker.
    Choose Your Leaders Wisely

    It’s time to begin the 2010 church officer election process. Church officers hold key roles in our church body. They make pivotal decisions concerning vision, staff, finances, facilities, services - and more - and then oversee their implementation. They also reach out with service in Christ’s name to the congregation and community. What these officers decide and do will affect our church. You are the ones who will nominate and elect them.

    It is important that you make nominations with thoughtfulness and prayer.
    Please continue to pray for the nominees and the Church Nominating Committee.


    After your nominations are submitted on March 29, a careful screening process begins:

    1. Each nominee is checked to see if they are a member of CHPC since only members may hold office.

    2. The pastor considers each recommendation looking for any significant personal issues that may make an individual unqualified for office.

    3. The approved nominations are forwarded on to the Church Nominating Committee (CNC).

      The committee makes sure that every nominee meets the stated qualifications for office (as stated in the       Presbyterian Book of Order and the church Bylaws).

      They prayerfully and thoughtfully interview each candidate. Together with the candidate, they discern how God is leading. Those who are recommended for specific offices are primarily considered for those roles.

      A slate of candidates - equal to the number of offices open - is chosen by the CNC to present at the annual congregational meeting in October. This is done according to the companion of The Book of Order.

    4. The congregation votes by ballot for the slate at the annual meeting. It is also given the opportunity to
      exercise the right to nominate candidates from the floor.

    5. New officers are installed in January.

    The Church Nominating Committee (CNC) will be supplying nominating forms to the congregation beginning today, March 8, until the nominating period ends on Sunday, March 29.

    You may also choose to submit your recommendations online. Either click here or link from the homepage. (The CNC would like to thank Frank Baker and Linda Crank for their efforts to provide the online form.)

    The CNC wants to be transparent and wants to answer any of your concerns. If you have any additional questions or comments, please contact them:

    Frank Baker
    Jim Bodmer
    Cindy Brown (Vice-chair)
    Marybelle Chapman
    Holly Dixon
    Doreen Hendley
    Charlie Lethander
    Bonnie Mack (Deacon Rep)
    Jan Osborn
    Carol Schubert
    Paul Strasinger (Chair)

     

     

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