Using only Scripture - from the gospels of Luke, Matthew, and John - Rhoda Brumfield will present a dramatic Biblical version of the Christmas story with the Chancel Choir and congregation providing musical interludes throughout. Rhoda Brumfield is a Candidate for Ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) who is passionate about God’s Word. She believes scripture is the basis for knowing and understanding God and memorizes it on a regular basis.

Nearly nine years ago, the Classic Adult Sunday School Class decided to study the book of James. Rhoda had just finished memorizing James and was inspired by the word pictures of the text and the drama of Friends of the Groom. With the help of her daughter, Richelle Roth, they quickly put together their first production The Words of James.

Within the first four months, Rhoda had performed The Words of James nine times. At this point, it was decided to advance the quality of the production. Tom Long, director of Friends of the Groom, was added as consultant and artist to this production.

Richelle and Rhoda combined talents again for their second production, “The Christmas Story…as told in the Bible.” It was commissioned for the Care Volunteers’ Christmas party and is now in its seventh Christmas season. This production uses the scripture from Luke, Matthew, and John without adding anything more to the story.

Rhoda has performed Scripture from the state of Washington to Connecticut to Florida and has continually enjoyed God’s anointing each time. College Hill Presbyterian Church has graciously offered The Christmas Story…as told in the Bible this Christmas Eve at 8 p.m. Invite your family, friends and neighbors, and enjoy!

Many teenagers use their Christmas break to visit Grandma, hang out with their friends or catch up on some much-needed sleep. On December 26th, CRASH ministries will be taking 19 teens and parents to Tuskegee, Alabama for a week-long mission trip. This will be our second time working with ARM (Alabama Rural Ministry), and we are excited about what God will do!

ARM is an outreach ministry working with local social agencies to serve the “poorest of the poor” through home repair. It’s a great way to show the love of Jesus in a real and tangible way. We will replace a roof (blown off by a hurricane), level and re-tile a bathroom floor, install windows and doors, and finish up a wheelchair ramp.

It all started with Hurricane Katrina. As a group of concerned church members gathered to see how housing could be provided for the storm victims, they became acutely aware of the housing situation in College Hill. They were equally determined to do something to help. Thus the College Hill Housing Team (CHHT) was birthed. CHHT in partnership with Working in Neighborhoods (WIN) has already succeeded in renovating several properties on or adjacent to Cedar Avenue. The idea is to fix up properties, and then resell to first-time home buyers. The improvements also spur others on in the neighborhood to fix up their homes.

Perhaps you have noticed a new home under construction along Cedar Avenue. The specific address is 1402 Cedar, at the corner of Cedar and Lantana. It’s one of the properties sponsored by the College Hill Housing Team. It was demolished, and then rebuilt and expanded. The style matches that of other homes in the immediate area. This house should be finished and ready for occupancy near the end of this year.

It will have 1476 ft sq, three bedrooms, and a 2-car garage. Additionally, it will be LEED certified, which is a classification of energy conservation, and as a consequence, will receive a 15 year real estate tax abatement from the City of Cincinnati. Overall, it will be an ideal home: attractive, energy efficient, and low cost to live in.

At our congregational meeting in October, we watched brief video messages from each of our ministry areas. We saw and heard about involvement in our community through the annual Block Party, about the mission trips carried out by our youth, about the work of our overseas missionaries, about the importance of our counseling ministry, and the list goes on….

It was a chance to see where we can get involved in ministry. And it was a wonderful opportunity to see how the gifts of our tithes and offerings are transformed into ministry that has an impact here at CHPC, in our College Hill community, and all around the world.

Unfortunately, though, our recent giving has fallen short of providing the resources that are required to sustain these ministries. Our budget this year is $240,000 less than our budget for last year. Making such a sizable reduction required many difficult decisions; each ministry area is working hard to do more with fewer dollars, we eliminated several staff positions, and our remaining staff have taken a 10% reduction in salary. We will spend significantly less money this year than last. But even with this budget reduction, our giving through the end of November is $43,000 short of where we expected it to be.

Since we cannot spend money we do not have, we need to make up this shortfall to avoid even more difficult decisions about where and what to cut.

Some good news: historically, almost 20% of our annual giving occurs in December. And historically, when we have made you aware of our financial need you have responded. So we encourage you to prayerfully consider what you can do this month to help us finish the calendar year in a healthy financial position so that we can continue to support these important and much needed ministries.

Last Sunday, Drew taught us that Mary was openhearted and flexible when God chose to use her in such a mighty way. May we all follow God willingly through the leading of the Holy Spirit during this Advent season.

Only Love would send Jesus Christ to this earth for our sakes. CHPC’s Dec. 20th combined service will give us a unique opportunity to remember that and worship.

The Chancel Choir, children’s choir, dancers, musicians and narrators along with moving visual imagery will focus our attention on the great love of God at Christmas.

December 20th Combined Service
A Christmas Worship Experience

The span and scope of the Christmas story is a timeless and mystifying mosaic of events that reshaped the course of human history. It is a story so profound that it demands to be shrouded in simplicity - so breathtaking that it requires some space just to comprehend the intent, let alone the reality - so unbelievable that it must be anchored in truth. This is a story that is divine in origin and eternal in design. The service will tell the story of God in Heaven who loved the world so much that He sent His Son, that whoever believes in Him and the sacrifice that He has made would never perish, but have eternal life. Only God could make that promise - only Christ could pay that price - Only Love could write this story.

The music will be a cross-section of styles - truly something for everyone: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel • What Kind Of King? • You Better Get Ready • Soli Deo Gloria! • Gloria In Excelsis! • Infant Heart of God • Tell It on the Mountain • Wise Men from the East • Christmas Chorale and Carols • Only Love • Silent Night, Holy Night • Joy, Joy, Joy!

If you would like a taste, the Choir will be performing four pieces at Twin Towers on Sun., Dec. 13, 2:30 p.m.

As we prepare to honor the coming of the Messiah - the Savior born for us - come and experience an evening of worship, prayer, reflection and hope. Take time in the midst of the busyness to participate in a dynamic service of depth and creativity hearing Christmas songs as you have never heard them before. Featuring a diversity of instrumentation and styles, the Crosspoint Worship band combines classical excellence with modern strength to engage the listener in a very authentic and powerful way.

Included in the worship concert will be selections from Crosspoint’s latest worship album, Adore, which features Eric and Britt Hauck plus the added voices of Emily Autran and Jeremy Smucker, and the musicianship of the Crosspoint Worship Band. This album is a great celebration of the Christmas truth of our salvation through Christ. You may hear selections at www.cdbaby.com/cd/crosspointwor

Lucy Gacheru, her sister Priscah, Pastor Gerald, and nine children from Lucy’s orphanage in Kenya are in the United States for the first tour of the newly formed Hope Community Singers. Already they have been to California, North Carolina, and Georgia. Now they are here in Cincinnati.

During the first two weeks of December, they are visiting with many churches and singing in other places as well. But we all have the opportunity to be with them on

Tuesday, December 15,
6:29 p.m. at
College Hill Presbyterian Church

Join us for the evening as the Hope Community Singers present a concert of music, readings and testimony. They’ll also update everyone with the latest news from Hope and lead in a time of prayer for this ministry.

Refreshments will be provided. CD’s, DVD’s, crafts from Kenya will also be available to purchase - as great gifts to give family and friends this Christmas. A freewill offering will also be collected.

Invite your friends and neighbors and please pass this message on. If you know of an opportunity for them to perform or need more information about this event, please call or e-mail North Presbyterian Church (513)681-1400, npc@fuse.net.

Brian Donaldson is no stranger to vocal music or to Cincinnati. A native of Mt. Healthy, he has been performing in musicals, operas, concerts and recitals for the past twenty years. Having done undergraduate and graduate studies in music in both Cincinnati and Louisville, he has had the privilege of singing under the direction of many well-known and respected conductors and directors.

He has performed with the Kentucky and Indianapolis Operas as well as with the May Festival Chorus and Vocal Arts Ensemble of Cincinnati. He has acted in several plays and musicals in such venues as the Story Station, the Covedale Theater and the Showboat Majestic. Having served in music ministry for over twenty years, he has worked in churches from 400 to over 2000 in attendance, directed choirs of 20 to 140 in churches and for conventions. Brian recently launched his own private lesson studio, BD Studios, offering quality musical education that makes a difference. He is enjoying nearly thirty students and invites more to come!

Brian will be performing at Supper Club on Mon., Dec. 14th. His program will include a cross-section of popular, traditional Christmas songs and a few surprises. The program will warm the heart and bring a smile. Songs, such as Bring a Torch, Jeanette Isabella, Lullay, Gesu Bambino and O Holy Night are just a few that will be shared. Come with an open heart, ready to enjoy the vocal artistry that Brian will bring to this special evening of holiday songs and celebration!

There were 136 tickets - there are only 9 left - and $20 of the ticket price is a tax-deductible donation for the repair and landscaping of the two mission houses on Wintrop Ave. in College Hill. The houses are a “home away from home” for our missionaries and for those in Christian ministry. Smoke on the Mountain, the Playhouse in the Park’s most popular and beloved comedy is a heavenly evening of laughter, tears and music. Set in the 1930s, this musical tale introduces the singing Sanders family, who perform their traditional and bluegrass gospel songs for the members of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, NC. Pastor Oglethorpe welcomes the family to the church, where their individual stories and beliefs are shared during the concert. The audience serves as the members of the congregation.

The score of Smoke on the Mountain consists of almost thirty gospel tunes, all of which could have been performed at the time by such a group. There is a pleasant mixture of energetic rousing numbers, plaintive hymns, and soulful praise songs. The songs vary from the well-known, such as Amazing Grace and I’ll Fly Away, to the more obscure ones, such as Filling Station and Christian Cowboy.

The story, conceived by Alan Bailey and written by Connie Ray, is an extremely well rendered one. Rather than just a concert of old-time Christian hymns, Smoke On The Mountain is truly a musical. The characters are well developed, there is a real story, and the dialogue is never trite. Many of the songs supply further clarification or reinforcement of the plot and personal stories provided. The presentation of the characters’ faith and beliefs is inspiring and personal, yet never preachy. Features 38 standard Christmas carols and gospel songs. Vera, Burl, Stanley, June, Dennis and Denise will make you feel right at home with their brand of faith, family and old-fashioned fun.

Tickets: $50 (Garage parking pass: $10) (15-20% savings over retail); Senior Special: $65 (show and bus - limit 34)

To get your tickets, call Sam Stare, 542-2442.

Everyone is invited to join the children of the church for an evening of Christmas caroling, pizza, and a special Christmas story.

Meet at the church on Sun., Dec. 13 at 5:30 p.m. We’ll walk to nearby homes to carol - also to the new fire station across the street. Afterwards at 6:30, Grandma Carol Schubert will host a pizza dinner. Then as we cozy up around the fireplace in the Fireside Room, we’ll munch on homemade cookies and listen to a special Christmas story.

Please mark this event on your calendar. RSVP by calling the Front Desk or emailing Maggie Smith at msmith@chpc.org and be sure to bake a batch of your favorite Christmas cookies to bring and share!

Help make Christmas a little brighter for others in our community by purchasing a gift that will be shared with a family in College Hill.

Gifts are needed for the following age ranges:
Infant
Boy or Girl aged one to two years
Boy or Girl aged three to five years
Boy of Girl aged six to nine years
Boy or Girl aged ten to twelve years
Male or Female Teen

“What to give?” Games, dolls, action figures, sports equipment, art supplies, toy cars and trucks, building blocks, puzzles or great books just to name a few...

Personalize your present by
praying for the children who will receive the gifts
wrapping the gifts
taping a tag on the outside of each gift indicating the gender and age range for which the gift is appropriate

Drop the gifts off with any Deacon at church until Sun., Dec. 13th. Gifts will be distributed through Christ’s Community in College Hill.

Feast of Love is gearing up for its annual Thanksgiving Day banquet. Everyone is invited to this free sit-down dinner. Lonely, poor, homeless, wealthy, singles, and families will be sitting down together to enjoy good food and fellowship at College Hill Presbyterian Church on Thurs., Nov. 26th. Meals will be brought to shut-ins within the community who are not able to be there. Groups and individuals will also deliver food to shelters and serving locations within the inner city and urban areas of Cincinnati and northern Kentucky. All in all, up to 2,000 people will be served.

Arrive anytime for the feast between 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. on Thurs., Nov. 26th. In addition to the dinner, there are activities for children.

Or if you would like to be part of the team that provides the dinner for others, here is how you may participate.

Volunteers are needed to help serve, wash dishes, set up, clean up, and deliver food and flowers to shut-ins, nursing homes, and shelters.

Donations of food are needed: cooked and sliced ham and turkey, decaf and regular coffee, commercial size punch concentrate, apple sauce, green beans, cranberries, dinner rolls, and desserts in disposable containers. Please bring cans of or boxed food in each Sunday till the feast.

Donations of additional items are also needed for the homeless shelters: magazines, toilet paper, bath towels, detergent, cleansing agents, personal care items, baby formula and diapers.

For more information, call Karen Lane at 541-5676, ext. 167 or see her on Sunday.

Our Missions Committee is preparing to send loving Christmas gifts to all of our Global Workers...and are asking if you’d like to be a part of that.

If so, pick up a red envelope from the table on Main Street, enclose cash or check made out to CHPC, and drop in the offering plate any Sunday before Christmas.

Each person who serves the Lord and CHPC in a foreign country will receive a virtual Amazon.com gift card, allowing them to choose whatever they’d like best at their convenience. This avoids the expense of postage (which is exorbitant) and avoids any problems with customs. Plus each recipient may also choose exactly what they like.

If you wish to send your own personal greetings, ask at the table on Main Street for details. Just look for the Christmas tree with the red envelopes!

Four performances of Nativity on the Square and Other Christmas Encounters will come to CHPC the first weekend of December. The program includes a revival of Nativity on the Square - a fantasy in which the characters of a full-size creche scene come to life on Christmas Eve and struggle to discover who they are. In 1995, the script won the Best One Act Play award in the national play writing contest sponsored by Christians in Theater Arts.

These scenes, presented by the Cincinnati-based Christian theater company, Friends of the Groom, will be hosted by our church. Shows will be Fri., Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sat. and Sun., Dec. 5th and 6th at 3 p.m.

There are three ways to help make this a great event:

1. Volunteer to help. We need:
• A stage manager and a house manager for each performance
• Construction people to help with the set on Wed. evening Dec. 2
• Heavy lifters to set up and tear down the stage
• Flyer distribution in the neighborhood on Nov. 22 and other days
• Cookie bakers and servers, and a kitchen supervisor for Saturday night
• Ticket sellers
To volunteer, call Chris Miller at church at 541-5676 or Colleen Schied after hours at 541-8289.

2. Invite as many people as you can to the show. These scenes are funny and touching and the level of performance is professional. They present the Christmas Story in a way that is accessible to both churched and unchurched people. Tickets are available for purchase on Sunday mornings on Main Street, and also for free in exchange for volunteer help from Chris Miller at church during the week.

3. Buy a block of tickets - even if you don’t need them all - to cover some of the tickets which will be given away. ($10 for 10 or more, children and youth, $12 for adults.)

Great entertainment and an outstanding opportunity for outreach are coming to CHPC the first weekend in December, when Friends of the Groom Christian Theater company will present, “Nativity on the Square and Other Christmas Encounters”.

“This is a really fun, really touching show that is perfect for inviting relatives, friends and neighbors to see,” said Colleen Scheid, an actress in the company and member of CHPC. “It presents the Christmas story in a fresh way.”

There will be four performances: Fri., Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec., 5 at 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Dec, 6 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be available on Main St. Sunday mornings or by calling the church at 541-5676. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students, children and groups of 10 or more. Since inviting as many people as possible is the goal, there will also be some free tickets available.

“We don’t want money to be an obstacle for anyone,” Colleen said. “We want people to pay for what they can afford and ask for free tickets when they need them. The main thing is that people come and bring others, especially people who might not usually come to church.”

Friends of the Groom is a nationally touring company based in Cincinnati. Since 1980, the group has performed original plays with a commitment to proclaiming the Christian message through unforgettable scenes. One Cincinnati Magazine reviewer described their programs as a “Refreshing combination of excellent acting, direction and unusual material...”

For more info or to buy tickets, go to www.friendsofthegroom.org or stop by their table on Main St. Sundays between services.