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December 1, 2017

th e He r ald
Volume XXXXXIV,
Issue 11

Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
Inside this issue: 7:30 p.m.

Christian Education 2
Carols, Lessons & Candles
News/Christmas
greetings Pre-service music begins as 7:00 p.m.
Advent deovtion- 3
als/Lectionary read-
ings
Childcare provided.
Session notes 4

Giving Tree 5

Mount Kilimanjaro 6

Deacon news 7 Sunday, December 3


Crass Indifference/ 8 4:00 pm decorating
Thank Yous

Calendar 9 5:15 pm supper

Church Happenings 6 6:00 pm dedication service

Fun and fellowship for all


childcare provided for youngest children
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the He ral d

Christian Education News Cheryl Moles

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL - The children and youth will present The Music of Christ-
mas during worship on Sunday, December 17. The Christmas story will be told us-
ing familiar carols, but also learning the story behind the song.

Sunday School 2017-2018


Classes meet each week from 9:30 10:20 am.
Preschool (3-5 year olds) Room 108
Kindergarten 1st grade Room 202
2nd 5th grades Room 103
Middle School Room 201
High School Room FH classroom B
Adults Reading the Prophets Room 200
Marriage & Family Room FH classroom C

Parents Night Out is on December 8. Childcare w ith supper is at the church


from 5:30 9:00 pm. Please notify the church office if your children are attending.

There will not be T3EM supper in December. Please check with your committee/
commission chair to see if you are meeting.

The family prayer group meets on Mondays at 11:00 am at the church. If you can-
not attend yet have needs for prayer, please email kaysf122@aol.com

Hanging of the Greens is Sunday, December 3 from 4:00 6:30pm.


Unhanging of the Greens will be on Sunday, December 31 following worship.

Best wishes for the Holiday season from the staff


of Central Presbyterian Church
Kevin, Scott, Cheryl, Sarah, Mark, Connor,

Steve and Alvin


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Advent Devotional

Our Parish Associate, Cookies Needed


Scott Paul-Bonham, has The Worship Committee is seeking your
coordinated and as- help. As you bake your Christmas cookies
sembled the 2016 Ad- this year, please set aside some to share with
vent Devotional booklet. Each of the 30 your church family on Christmas Eve. The
devotionals was written by a member of church office will be open on Friday, Decem-
Central Presbyterian Church. These ber 23, until 3:30 if you would like to drop
booklets are available for pick up in the your cookies off before the service on Satur-
fellowship hall. day.

LECTIONARY READINGS FOR


DECEMBER 2017

December 31st Sunday of Advent


*Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; *Mark 13:24-37
December 102nd Sunday of Advent
*Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; *Mark 1:1-8
December 173rd Sunday of Advent
Childrens Program
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55;
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
December 244th Sunday of Advent
*Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; *Luke 2:1-14 (15-20)
December 311st Sunday after Christmas
*Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; *Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

*--denotes probable text for that Sunday

December 24 Christmas Eve Worship will be a Festival of Lessons and Carols.


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Notes from Session, November 2017 Herald

During its November meeting, session reviewed reports from commissions and committees and transacted routine business.

Session approved a motion to receive Andrew and Virginia Payne by letter of transfer from Wesley Monumental
United Methodist Church in Savannah and approved a motion to baptize their son James during worship on Novem-
ber 19.

Featured Reports: Communication Commission and Nominating Committee

Communication: Luanne Tilstra highlighted some of the changes that have recently been made to the newsletter,
our social media presence, and the church handbook. Web liaison training went well, and members of the commis-
sion will be working on structural redesign of the web site. We will install a view counter on the Herald web page.
We will continue to print copies but need information about where they are needed.

Nominating: The committee needs to fill slots for six deacons and five elders; those who are eligible for second
terms have been contacted. We will attempt to have a youth member for a one year term on each board.

Session next considered a proposal from Steve Mead on behalf of the Mission Committee. Grief Share is a 13 week
video series that guides participants through the grieving process using small group discussion. World Gospel
Church is currently offering the program, and we could schedule terms to provide continuous coverage to the com-
munity. The cost is a one-time fee of $400 for videos, access, training, and supplies. Steve would hope to train oth-
ers to share the leadership. Noting that using our building for outreach is consistent with our mission, session voted
to approve using funds from the Mission budget to establish this program.

Pastors Report
Session discussed the question of whether we should have active shooter training in light of the recent church
shooting in Texas. Elders concurred that such a scenario is unlikely but concluded that familiarity with our emergen-
cy plan is important. Suggestions for an abbreviated bullet list of important steps for the ushers and others to follow
and a way to quickly lock down the building were considered.

Treasurers Report
The October treasurers report was received with thanks. The new format shows budgeted amounts to date.

Operating Fund Sum-


Month of October Balance Sheet Summary 10/31/17
mary
Beginning of Month $55,402.16 Current Assets $673,057
Income $29,375.88 Fixed Assets $2,980,000
Expenses $21,904.47 Short Term Liabilities $2388
End of Month $62,873.57 Long Term Liabilities $275,000
Net Worth (Fund Balance) $3,375,009

Christian Educators Report: Cheryl shared her report and information about the per capita tax. Our obligation
for 2017 is $31.50 for each member, which does not begin to cover all items that are to be funded from this assess-
ment. In 2018 the amount will rise to $36.00. We will consider how to better educate our congregation.
Reports and Action Items from Committees and Commissions

Christian Nurture: the commission is shifting some of its budget to better reflect our needs. Hanging of the
Greens is December 3, and the facilities commission will advise on how to hang decorations.

Church Life-Church Action: the celebration dinner went well.

Facilities: Roof repair is on schedule but there is not yet a specific start date. Reinstallation of the pews is to
start next week. Session considered the emergency plan as presented, including its three purchases: a defibrilla-
tor ($1200), a stair-enabled wheel chair ($1500), and a Knox box to house a key to allow emergency personnel
to enter ($300). These items are in the commissions budget request for next year. Session approved adoption
of the plan and the commission will work on its implementation.

Worship: preparations are underway for Advent. The banners, paraments, and linens need attention. The com-
mission is looking at opportunities for a musical event in the spring.

I&S: pledges were received on Sunday and the committee will meet next week to review them.

Personnel: the committee reviewed all salaries.

PNC: the committee has developed a draft MIF and next will be prioritizing attributes. Session will need to ap-
prove the MIF before it is submitted.

The Central Mission Committee will have a Giv-


ing Tree set up on Sunday, December 3.
Those who desire to assist the community and
other outreach opportunities may take a gift tag
that will have a gift need listed. These will in-
clude HEMEfund sewing machines ($60), dona-
tion to purchase gloves, scarf, socks & jacket
for an Afghan child ($6) or widow ($10), dona-
tion to purchase ethnically appropriate food for
refugees in Indianapolis ($10-20), or needs for
the 14th and Chestnut Clothes Closet (various
prices). All items will need to be returned by December 17. Make
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V o lu me X XX XX I V, I ss u e 1 1

Climbing Kilimanjaro: A Battle of the Mind and Body

On September 18, our own Dr. Joshua Powers summited the highest moun-
tain in Africa, and the fourth highest of the seven summits on each conti-
nent. The climb itself was daunting, and the preparation was, well, awe-
some.

Josh and a friend, Amy, whom he met thirty-five years ago as an undergrad-
uate student, began serious planning for the trip about a year before they
boarded a jet to Amsterdam, then on to Tanzania. They climbed with an
adventuresome bunch, including other professional people. These were
people who wanted challenges, and over the years had planned and carried
out several adventures.

Joshs personal training included circuit running up the 150 stair Union Hos-
pital Professional Building, usually with a 35 pound knapsack. Since Tanza-
nia is two hundred miles south of the equator, well within the danger zone for malaria, medica-
tion was taken to counter the disease starting before the trip.

It was a seven day venture, and included time for the climbers bodies to adapt to increasing alti-
tude. As it turned out, this was a very good idea; lungs acclimated to near sea level conditions,
such as in Terre Haute, need time to adjust to oxygen levels found on the way up a moun-
tain. Add to that the strain of carrying twenty-five pound packs

They were supported by a total of sixty-two porters on the climb, each of whom carried packs
weighing not more than twenty-five pounds, a limit set by the Tanzanian government. Each
climber toted his or her personal gear.

Amy supplied a video account, done in several sections, of their climbing


ordeal. While they didnt live in luxury, the interior of tents looked func-
tional and very livable. Meals, and healthy snacks were provided as mile-
stones were reached, prepared by staffers of Mountain Madness, the
paid guide service conducting the adventure.

Some of the video account centered on trails that they followed; one was
a steeply angled foray that necessitated testing each rock on which
climbers stepped. Another showed a guide giving an early-morning pray-
er to our maker, thanking him for the beauty of nature (the guide was
joined by Amy). Other videos recorded a string of baboons trekking to-
ward the truck during the post-climb safari. Giraffes and lions were seen,
with water buffalo (could be vicious and aggressive!) known to be in the
area. One of the burly guides carried an AK-47 rifle, just in case

The thrust of many video clips dwelled on the mental agony experienced by climbers. Low oxy-
gen, bodies unaccustomed to unending daily physical challenges, and no showers for a week
were part of the travail. It seemed that there was no end to the upward trail, and one sage was
quoted (paraphrased) saying If you want to know how far you have to go, look back on where
you have come. A particularly steep section called the Western Breach, required a 5am depar-
ture to reduce the likelihood of being injured or killed from rock falls as the glaciers warmed and
melted in the sunshine.
The bunch summited at dawn (6:10am) just as the sun arose. Josh
described that moment as being both emotional (Wow, I really made
it.) and spiritual (Here I am at the highest point in Africa, the cradle
of human kind; God surely made this wonderful place called earth).
A day and one-half later, they were back to base camp, showered,
and received certificates at a thank you gathering given by the
climbers for their guides.

Josh made a presentation on his adventure of the mind and body to a


pre-service CPC gathering on a recent Sunday morning. Would he
do it again, knowing what he knows now? Ask him.

-Ernie Danek
Member, CPC Mission Committee

The Deacons thought you might like to know how we have been spending your money this year! The following
is a list of our expenditures through October.

TH Ministries-utility assistance. $ 1,899.00


Gas/repairs for Church bus. 935.99
Meals-new baby in family. 22.99
Meals-funeral. 151.15
Funeral flowers. 84.98
Bereavement gift 89.92
Hotel for person in need. 137.00
Lent series 6.49
Easter baskets for shut ins 50.00
International dinners. 91.33
Cards and binders. 8.00
PDA-Hurricane relief. 1,859.00
Total. $5335.96

Nov.
Emergency help for former member. $483.59

Estimated year end expenses.


Utility assistance. $200
Bus gas. 50
Deming Back Pack. 250
Sugar Grove Back Pack. 125
Postage Christmas Boxes. 200
Christmas cards and
Shut in treats. 225

It is YOUR GENEROSITY that makes it possible for the Deacons to help so many!
Many thanks, to all of you.
The Deacons
A Haphazard Supplication: Crass Indifference by Allen Holder

Our modern societal mood is sadly replete with crass indifference, and agony and injustice motivate much of our
public dialogue. It seems like we have assembled ourselves into an endless taxonomy, with each division being de-
fined by its own personal brew of discrimination and injury. Many of our little peremptory cliques obsess over
their prejudiced and obdurate perspectives as they excoriate and loath the ideology of others. A particularly ago-
nizing and perplexing animosity among these divisions is the collection of mendacious, lurid, and self-inflicted feuds
preached by the privileged and the powerful, who promote crass and repugnant claims of institutionalized stealing
by the lazy poor, of shameless exploits induced by our innate and seductive temptations, and of cultural erosion
imposed by the refugee and immigrant. The sickening theme is that the gifts of power, wealth, and health are justi-
fiably owned, and if your clan doesn't have, then you are either unworthy or incapable -- and oh yeah, don't you
dare ask for any of mine. Instead, you need to sweat, you need to succumb, and you need to die. The bold and
contemporary nonchalance with which these false injustices are hurled should prompt a visceral anger, and we
should be shouting a message of being our brother's keeper, of loving our neighbor, and of being co-equal.

Maybe we could argue that our sinful state requires a modicum of indifference as we endure the amalgamation of
our many parts into the one body. We might perceive indifference as the lubrication that reduces the societal
chaffing precipitated by the friction among our various parts. However, we should not be content with a proverbi-
al live-and-let-live rationale, and just as an eye can not abolish the hand, we can not sever ourselves from one an-
other. Indeed, Paul implores us in 1 Corinthians to at least acknowledge our many parts, even if we don't under-
stand or appreciate them. The message then strengthens by asserting that our perceived weaker elements are
essential and in need of special care, whereas the stronger and more visible elements have no need of accommo-
dation. However, acknowledgment, care, and love oppose indifference and its dismissive foundational attitudes,
and society has lost its way when the regnant class squeals injustice by boorishly dismissing the legitimate and mor-
al claims of the distressed.

Christ's second commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves is hopeless if we initiate relationships with an
option of indifference. After all, we are surely not indifferent to ourselves and are instead attentive to all our parts.
Acknowledgment and compassion are difficult in our current angry pathos, but the easier and sinful decision to
dismiss and ignore that with which we disagree promotes injustice. God wants us to engage, and Christ set the
example by speaking truth to power, by promoting social justice, and by spreading love. May we each find a way to
pick up our cross and follow.

Dear Central, this Thanksgiving as I was thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for, Camp
Pyoca and all the relationships I've made there crossed my mind. Thank you so much for helping fund our
youth going there every year, as it truly is an amazing and unforgettable experience. -Peter Christ

This past Thanksgiving I was thinking about the many things that I am thankful for, including this church and my
church family. I am also extremely thankful for the opportunities I have had to go to church summer camp and
on several mission trips where I learned lots, made new friends, and had a lot of fun. I would like to thank all of
you for contributing to make these experiences possible for me! Thank you! Caroline Christ
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V o lu me X XX XX I V, I ss u e 1 1

December 2017
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2

3 Choir 8:45 4 Family Prayer 5 6 7 Womens Book Club 8 Parents Night Out 9

Sunday school 9:30 Group 11:00


7:00 5:30
Worship 10:30
Hanging of Greens 4:00
Donna Wilson Chuck Shutt Alisa Ennis

10 Choir 8:45 11 Family Prayer 12 Seekers & Search- 13 Deacons 5:00 14 15 Youth Group Over- 16 Program rehearsal
Sunday school 9:30 Group 11:00 ers Bible study 10:00 night Christmas 9:00
Session 7:00
Party at CUMC Deacons meet to
Worship 10:30
assemble goodies
Barb Goltry, Anna Jim Moles 9:30
Weber Ryan Grossman
Phil Farmer

17 Choir 8:45 18 Family Prayer 19 Committee/ 20 21 22 23

Sunday school 9:30 Group 11:00 Commission meetings

Worship 10:30 Matthew Ford,


Samuel Ford, Katlyn Powers
Monica Hawkins Merri Kelley

24 Choir 8:45 25 Christmas Day 26 27 28 29 30


church office closed.
Worship 10:30

Christmas Eve candle-


light service 7:30 David Giltner, Annie
Templeton

31

Worship 10:30
Sunday School for all ages 9:30 a.m.
Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Rev. Kevin Buchanan, Interim Pastor
Scott Paul-Bonham, Parish Associate
Cheryl Moles, Christian Educator
Sarah Kelsheimer, Church Secretary

Central Presbyterian Church


125 North Seventh Street
Terre Haute, IN 47807

Phone: 812-232-5049
Fax: 812-232-5040
Email: CPCOffice@thcpc.org

Church Happenings

Womens Book Club


Womens Bible Study
Next Herald The Womens Book Club
The Womens Bible Study CL-CA plans to host a
will not be meeting in Janu-
Deadline ary. If you would like to get will be studying the last ses- Sunday lunch on Dec.
a head start on the reading sion of The First Christmas 17th in celebration of
Dec. 27, 2017 for February, the book to be by Marcus Borg & John
discussed will be Enemy the childrens Christmas
Dominic Crossan. Shirley
Women by Paulett Jiles. pageant. Ham and
Connie McLaren will lead Slutz and Barbara Schmitt
drinks will be provid-
the discussion. will be hostesses.
ed. Please bring a side
dish and join in celebrat-
ing our youth.

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