There will be free height, weight, vision, audio, blood pressure, skin cancer, asthma, and other screenings available from 2:30-6:30 p.m. on Mon., July 13 at the Llanfair Retirement Community. The screenings will be available in College Hill for the first time as part of the Mobile Health Fair, sponsored by Synod of the Covenant, a regional body of the PC(USA), comprised of almost 800 congregations, as well as local presbyteries, mission groups, and churches. The mobile ministry sends six health care professionals in a van stocked with displays, pamphlets, and other hands on materials to communities throughout Ohio and Michigan. Participants are educated on how to become their own best health advocates and then examined by nurses/physicians who make referrals to low cost or free clinics for further treatment on a need basis.

In addition to sponsoring the Mobile Health Fair, the Synod of the Covenant also offers grants and scholarships to organizations and individuals, sponsors campus ministries that are associated with the PCUSA, and works with other Christian organizations such as the Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services and Hope Homes, a joint effort of the Presbyterian congregations of Eastern Ohio and the United Church of Christ to provide housing, day care, and other services to the developmentally challenged.

We encourage all of you to come to Llanfair for this opportunity. Not to mention, there will be complementary food and gifts for anyone who comes for testing! See you on the 13th (meet in Llanfair's Campus Center). ~Sarah Reder

Master Joe Robinson, founder of the Strike Force Karate ministry was blessed recently as he saw four of his long-time students receive their first-degree black belts and one advance to second-degree black belt.

On May 22, they were examined and passed by Grand Master Dale Brock (8th degree Black Belt), Izir Robinson and Tonya Roberts.

From its inception in Nov. 1999 till now, Joe Robinson has instructed his students not only in karate but in high personal standards:

The Karate Oath
To build true confidence and knowledge of the mind,
earnest in the heart, and strengthen the body,
to keep friendship with one another,
and build a strong and happy community,
never fight to achieve selfish ends,
but to develop might for right.

For more info, contact Joe Robinson.

You’ve seen them around church. “Quincy Chiles and his Big Sister, Eileen Boyle, have been matched since May of 2008. Quincy says that it has felt like Eileen has been his real big sister from the very first day.

Quincy and Eileen have gotten together weekly. One of their favorite activities is grocery shopping and then going back to Eileen’s house to cook and just “chill out”. Other activities have included Playhouse in the Park, doing homework, Cirque du Soleil, King’s Island, Newport-on-the-Levee, ball games, bowling and going out to eat. Eileen reports that Quincy sang right along with the waitresses when they ate at Johnny Rockets.

While Eileen was laid up with total knee replacement, Quincy would come to her house to help out. When Quincy played football, Eileen would often take him to or from practice. She attended most of his games. Eileen often invites Quincy and his family over to her house for barbecue.

Quincy’s mom thinks that Eileen is a wonderful mentor and has done beautiful things for her son. She says that Quincy and Eileen have always enjoyed the company of each other. Her belief is that this match will last a lifetime. The match of Eileen and Quincy truly shows “Mentoring That Changes Lives.”

If you might be interested in this type of ministry with a young person here at CHPC or beyond, talk with Eileen and Quincy or see http://bigsforkids.org or call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati, Inc. at 421-4120.

~ from http://bigsforkids.org/match_month.html

Fifteen Jr. High teens and seven adults went to Oneida Tennessee for this year’s Confrontation Point Mission trip. Everyday they drove to one of three different work sites located in trailer parks in the Appalachian Mountains. Each site had a different project to get done: a wheelchair ramp, a room extension, and a trailer underpinning. They worked all week everyday until the projects were done - and God blessed.

The rain came at perfect intervals - never while they were working, but falling as they took their lunch breaks. It cooled the temperature and refreshed them for the rest of the work that day. Not to say that it was easy. They worked in the mud, but finished everything for the families at 10 p.m. on the final day - then treated themselves to Sonic.

They saw that they could use power tools, help people in life changing ways, handle meals and plan worship. They never complained, and were excited to help those who are not as fortunate.

As one participant said, “I definitely want to go back next year!”

Barry and Sharlyn (Sam) Stare will celebrate their fortieth anniversary on June 28th...but not in a conventional way. Whereas most people would throw themselves a party, this couple is choosing to commemorate the occasion with their CHPC family and friends by hosting an Evening of Love Songs.

Barry and Sam met when they were both working for P&G as engineers. Barry had grown up at CHPC, so they called the church to get married. When they came for pre-marriage counseling, Rev. Jerry Kirk (Head Pastor of CHPC at the time) said he was “not in the business of marrying couples but rather that of building Christian families”. After nearly 10 months of meeting with Jerry and other couples being married in 1969, Barry and Sam committed themselves to Christ. They made a 3-way covenant with Christ during their marriage ceremony, so anniversaries are commemorated annually by renewing their vows in church.

Over the years, their dedication to Christ has led them to be equipped by CHPC to help build a church “without walls.” For example, Sam founded the Swim Ministry 33 years ago and they both teach there. They have also been a part of various organizations including Equipping Ministries International, ARCH (Arts Revival of College Hill), College Hill Gardeners, International Friendships Ministry, and Sonlight Power.

An Evening of Love Songs will be a reflection of the love and passion they have experienced within their marriage and throughout their relationship with Jesus Christ. The event will take place on Sunday, June 28 at CHPC, beginning with a gourmet dinner at 6 pm, to be prepared by chefs Steve Bohlke of “La Petit France,” Lance Brown, and several other chefs. The concert, a series of Pop/Broadway/Stage love songs performed by professional vocalists, Ross and Laura Hauck of Seattle WA, will start at 7:30. Sam said, “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have sing than the Haucks! They’re talented and fun! It’s a great chance to invite Christian and non-Christian friends to celebrate!”

The cost of the dinner ($15) includes a salad, a dual entree of fish and chicken, and dessert. To RSVP for the dinner, call 541-5676 or the Stares at 542-2442. But hurry! The dinner is limited to 150 patrons, and tickets are going fast! There is no charge for the concert, but there will be a free will offering for those who would like to donate. Profits will benefit Sonlight Power, installing solar power in third-world communities, and ARCH, providing affordable quality art experiences in the College Hill area. Please make checks payable to: College Hill Presbyterian Church, 5742 Hamilton Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45224.

If you entered CHPC this week you would have found yourself immersed in Roman culture. From the columns in the Sanctuary to the bustling market place to the underground catacombs, everywhere you turned you would find something to make you think of Rome. This year we experienced a record number turn out to our Galilee by the Sea event: Rome, and the Underground Church.

There was an abundance of compliments and enthusiasm from those in attendance.

• Nick Horn described his first Galilee by the Sea experience as “Excellent, I really enjoyed the fellowship!”
• Grade school student Toby Knueven shared that “The Olympics were great!” Charlotte Phoenix couldn’t get over the catacombs, “They were really neat – complete with mold and the dank mildew smell!
• Visitor 11-year old Lemiah Jackson enjoyed doing the metal craft the best and thought the whole experience was, “Great!”
• Lashaunda and Tasha Brooks agreed this could not be confused with Vacation Bible School and that they would happily encourage their teenage friends to come.
• Lena Beyring gushed, “I can tell everyone has done so much work. The food was delicious!” When asked what she enjoyed most, she summed it up by saying, “The whole doggone thing!”
  
  Maggie Laird, Director of Galilee by the Sea, pointed out one of the most beautiful aspects of the entire event,

“Galilee by the Sea provides families with an opportunity to take the time
to put everything aside and just be together.”

This was truly a transgenerational experience with some groups having as many as four generations participating together. What a wonderful glimpse into what heaven will be like!

Thank you to all the walkers who came out on Sunday to drop off invitations to our neighbors inviting them to CHPC and our upcoming events. We had over twenty walkers and thirty people who took door hangers with them to invite their own neighbors.

Upon returning to the church, Bonnie Mack shared that she approached a woman working in her yard and said that she had information about our church. The woman replied that she was a Jehovah Witness and wasn’t interested, to which Bonnie said, “Well, this is a turn of events, you’re usually the one visiting me!” They laughed and Bonnie was able to invite her to Galilee by the Sea and the BlockParty.

Altogether we handed out 1,200 invitations. Please pray that the recipients will first be sparked to desire a relationship with God, and second that they will consider making CHPC their church home.

Also, look for upcoming opportunities to join in a walk in July and August.

My name is Scott Kammer and currently I am enrolled at Cincinnati Christian University working on a degree in counseling. I have been in the program for two years now with one more year to go. From 1990 to 2007, I was a pastor serving in the Church of the Nazarene. I pastored four churches during this time, one in Ohio and three in Kentucky.

The last time I pastored, I was bi-vocational (worked and pastored at the same time). I was sales associate at the Corvette Store located inside the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. While working at the Corvette Museum, a co-worker started a Bible study for the employees there that met during lunch once a week. It had up to 20 co-workers, and once I became involved I felt like it was my second church.

I have been married for 24 years - and counting - and have three children: two girls and a boy (22, 17 and 16). The youngest (my son) is autistic and was diagnosed when he was three. My oldest daughter was recently married in May, and my youngest daughter just graduated from high school. I am also a cancer survivor and have been cancer free for 4 years.

If your heart’s desire is to worship God, work with young people or visit the elderly, then the Anointed Vessels Dance Ministry may be the place for you. This exciting and dynamic group is open to ages 7-100. They meet on Fridays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Fireside Room. No experience is necessary, and you do not have to be a member of CHPC to join. All you need to be is prepared to worship.

Led by Deacon Joe Brooks and his wife, Helen, the Anointed Vessels began at CHPC in 2004. Their desire is to instill in those who participate that no matter what their situation or age, they can still be used by God. Their goal is to help each member cultivate their own personal relationship with God through Bible Study, worship, and giving back to the community. Last year, they participated in Clean up College Hill and a Unity Walk on the West Side. Their passion is for the elderly and shut-ins. They regularly present worship at area nursing homes .

If you come to the Friday night practice at 7 p.m., you can expect to begin with prayer. The youth and adults break out into separate groups for a time of Bible study and discussion. Then they come back together to practice the dances.

Faithful participant, Cheryl White-Schaeffner shared that her enthusiasm for this ministry comes from “Seeing the members give their whole selves in service to God and witnessing the group cross generational, cultural, and racial barriers through music.” Come and be a part of what God is doing through this ministry!

American Heritage Girls Troop OH2521, chartered here at College Hill Presbyterian Church, held their annual Court of Awards Ceremony on Monday, June 1. The troop is completing its 6th year of ministry with 31 active girls members from kindergarten through 6th grade. During the ceremony, Troop Coordinator Amy Kindell shared about some of the highlights of the year. The four kindergarten Pathfinders successfully completed their year and earned their Eliza Shirley level awards; nine third graders earned their Sacagawea level awards, and three sixth graders earned their Lewis & Clark level awards. More than 135 badges were earned by girls in grades 1-6. More than 665 community service hours were completed by the girls during the program year since last June.

For their excellence in programming, community service, retention and recruitment, the troop achieved the national Honor Troop distinction. Amy presented retiring 3-year leader, Denise Soloria, with a patriotic print fleece blanket. Jackie Goss was honored as the Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Amy received the Jewel of a Coordinator award from Charter Representative, Maggie Smith, on behalf of the national AHG organization. Especially exciting was the outstanding leadership shown by the four 6th graders as they planned and carried out many aspects of the awards ceremony this year. These girls bridged to the Pioneer level of AHG (for 7th & 8th graders) and will be members of our first Pioneer unit next year.

Eleven college students, including five from CHPC, have been granted scholarships by the Lord’s Bounty Clothing Store for the 2009 - 10 school year.

• Julie Bertke
• Daniel Custer
• Ryan Simerlink
• Joshua Telecsan
• Joel Verhagen

Additionally, the non-profit organization gave grants to a number of organizations this year, including Christ’s Community, Arts Revival in College Hill (ARCH), Little Brothers, and the CHPC Swim Ministry.

The Lords Bounty, operated entirely by volunteers, was established in 1984 and donates a percentage of their profits every year to providing scholarships and grants.

In order to be considered for an annual scholarship, applicants were required to provide two references, a current transcript, a personal statement, and be a resident of college hill or attending a church in the area. Scholarships were awarded in amounts up to $1000. Congratulations to the recipients!

Come explore early Rome and the Underground church.This is an inspiring and dynamic program that will deepen your understanding of scripture as it relates to Christians in Rome and us today. It is for people of all ages, members, non-members, family and friends, older and younger and everyone in-between.

Be adopted into one of twelve Roman families, meet other people and engage in a variety of cultural activities! Visit the Roman marketplace where craftspeople ply their trade, take on apprentices, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Come worship in the catacombs with Brother Drew. There will also be an opportunity to participate in Roman games. Enjoy dramas that highlight Biblical truths with a modern day twist. Roman style snacks will be available plus evening meals where the Roman families will eat together and talk about what they are experiencing. We look forward to seeing you there!

Partner with Us! Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, so we have been working hard to prepare for this time. We’re looking for people to help. (Shopkeeper Training will be Sun., June 7 after second service.) Contact Maggie Laird at 886-0704.

Register Yourself and Invite Your Friends!

• CHPC Website: Click here - (Galilee by the Sea brochure/registration} or click on homepage Summer Forms link to download brochure and registration form.
• Forms are also at CHPC’s Galilee by the Sea table and in the literature racks.
• Email Gwen Tipton.

Forms may be mailed to CHPC: Galilee by the Sea Registrar, 5742 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45224 or dropped in the offering plate on Sundays.

Class of 2009 Graduates

NEXT is a new ministry at CHPC that will launch this summer. Its mission is “to be a diverse community of Christ-followers between the ages of 23 and 45 seeking to be the NEXT generation of leaders at CHPC who witness, believe, and share the love of God in of word and action.” A leadership team has formed and is currently meeting to plan summer events as well as a Sunday school class which will begin next week.

Are you aware that there are 2,500 homeless families in Cincinnati each year? And only 500 of these can be served by local family shelters. Are you aware that 32% of the homeless are children.? We are aghast at the situation, but where do we start? What can we do about this situation?

We are told in Isaiah 61: 1b: “to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor …” What can we in the Faith Community do about the homeless situation of so many families in our city?

The Kickoff for the 18:25 ministry will be Sunday, May 31st. Led by Mike Jorgensen, this group is geared towards young adults ages 18 - 25 and has been meeting since summer 2006.

This summer, CHPC will be partnering with Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church. Both will enjoy fellowship and participate in discussion-based teachings. Meetings will take place every Sunday night from 7 - 9 p.m. with the location rotating between the Towner’s house and the Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church on a bi-weekly basis.

Tonight’s gathering will be 7 p.m. at Madeira-Silverwood Presbyterian Church (8000 Miami Ave., Cincinnati, 45243). We encourage everyone to come on out and bring your ideas for summer programs. Please feel free to contact Mike Jorgensen at (513)546-6448 or Mike.T.Jorgensen@gmail.com with any questions.

A group of CHPC staff members gathered at the Llanfair Retirement Community on Thurs., May 21 for their 3rd annual Bosses’ Day Luncheon to celebrate Pastor Drew and his hard work throughout the year.

They were joined by clergy and staff from Groesbeck United Methodist Church and St. Ignatius Catholic Church. The gathering included a time of eating and fellowship followed by a game of Lets Make a Deal (based on the 70’s TV show) in which staff from all three churches won prizes (like a teddy bear, a plant, and Kroger gift cards, to name just a few).

Bosses’ Day was started in 2007 by several Llanfair staff members who wanted to show their appreciation to those who continue to dedicate their time to visiting residents from their congregations. They also thought this would be a great way to give different denominations the rare opportunity to fellowship. A fun time was had by all! ~ Sarah Reder

Emy Benson is a sophomore at Bellarmine University studying Arts Administration and History.

This summer she hopes to have some crazy fun with the Tweens and join in their path towards spiritual growth. In her spare time, she enjoys playing Tetris, eating, and dancing with her friends.

You may have seen her around CHPC working with Music and Drama camp or, when she was younger, singing in the church choir.

When she was in Tweens, Junior High/High School, Emy had amazing interns, and she hopes to be just like them this summer!

My name is Kelsey Linder. I just finished up my freshman year at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan where I’m majoring in nursing.

I am interning because of the great experiences I had growing up during the summer programs at CHPC. The relationships I formed with other kids and counselors through the summer activities always helped me to feel like part of God’s family. Some of the experiences I had during those summers helped form the foundation of my personal faith.

I want to make sure that the kids I will be working with have the same feeling of being valued as a part of the family of God. I’m excited to be a part of the ministry that supported me.

My name is Abby Smith. I participated in Choir School, Music and Drama Camp, and Mini/Day camp for a number of years in various capacities. I’m very excited to be back in yet another role--serving CHPC as an intern.

I grew up going to Loveland Grace Brethren Church, now known as Grace Church of Loveland. I also attended Cincinnati Chinese Church some during high school.

I graduated from Walnut Hills last May, in 2008, and just finished my first year at OSU studying Agricultural Engineering.

In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors, reading, making jewelry, and spending time with friends and family.

I just finished my first year at Baldwin-Wallace College and Conservatory in Cleveland, double-majoring in English and Viola performance. I had a blast working as a children’s ministry intern last summer as well, and am so thankful to return to the position.

A couple of English classes this year have really emphasized the importance of imagination and creativity, and I hope to provide plenty of opportunities to invent, dream, and play this summer!

I’m really looking forward to working with the other members of the intern team, and planning awesome events for the first through sixth graders.

P.S. Sixth graders - Tweens is going to be the best ever!