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WINDOW
JULY 2015
The Monthly Newsletter
of First Presbyterian
Church, Athens, Ohio
From the Pastor….
July 2015
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, July 5th
10:30 a.m. - Communion
during Worship
11:45 a.m. - After-church
Organ Recital
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, July 12th
10:30 a.m. - Worship
1:00-1:30 p.m. - Lindley
Inn Hymn Sing
2:00 p.m. - Bike Ride and
Ice Cream
(see page 3)
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, July 19th
10:30 a.m. - Worship
~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, July 26th
Food Pantry Sunday
Trail Mix Assembly
10:30 a.m. - Worship
“We are a Christian
community of faith that
shares the love of God
with all people
everywhere.”
It doesn't rival 9/11 in size, but the insane act itself is inherent with a similarly cold calculus. It was diabolically
and deliberately planned. Charleston
AME isn't just any church, and not
just any Black church. It is the most
prominent, most celebrated, most storied African-American church in the
land, the oldest surviving congregation of its genre and denomination.
The community around it called
Charleston AME "Mother Church."
The killings were not random. This
kid, mad with hate, got in his car,
drove what?--a hundred miles, then
sat in the pews and around a table
with his victims for an hour before
pulling out his gun and murdering
nine of the people with whom he'd
been praying.
His hate had to be insane.
He looks like a child. He is someone's. Those who died might have
thought the angel of death to be nothing more than a mixed-up boy looking for a Savior. The preacher, a state
senator, let the flop-haired kid sit beside him.
When once again President Obama
talked about this particular brand of
American horror, his face wore a
weariness in all of us, even though
his anguish is different and deeper
than mine--different because I am
white, after all. When Barack and
Michelle Obama--and their girls-look at the faces of the dead, they see
themselves and their children more
clearly than I ever will. How he and
Michelle talk to their daughters about
what happened will be different from
what I would tell my own children.
What they say touches somewhere
within a different identity.
Charleston's "Mother Church" has a
storied history that includes association
with one of America's few slave revolts, an 1821 planned uprising church
historians remember as the Vesey Revolt, a revolution that never happened
because white folks discovered it was
in the offing and therefore burned the
Charleston AME to the ground. That's
a chapter of Mother Church's history.
Those white folks, inflamed by hate
and fear, determined it illegal for black
people to worship God together--too
dangerous. Made it the law of the land
in the Bible Belt. It must be difficult
for shiny-faced American exceptionalists to admit such things, but good
white Bible-believers determined that
slaves could not, under penalty of law,
worship the Maker of heaven and earth
together. No.
That story belongs to Charleston AME,
where a baby-faced hater named
Dylann Storm Roof murdered nine
members of a Bible study two nights
ago. This horror wasn't without design.
No white person ever died in the Vesey
Rebellion, but on July 2, 1822, Vesey
(continued on page 2)
NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESYTERIAN CHURCH, ATHENS, OHIO
The weariness on President Obama's face, the sick sadness that was
himself and five others were exeinescapably there in the slump of
cuted for their crimes after a cityhis shoulders --it does belong to all
appointed tribunal condemned them of us.
to death. That story belongs to
Charleston AME.
This tragedy belongs to Charleston
AME, but it's Barack and Michelle
Criticism of the outcome of that
Obama's too and it's ours, all of
whole event didn't die in the slave- ours; it's mine, out here in Athens,
holding community. So many
Ohio, a world away beside the
more slaves were arrested that July
and August, 67 convicted of conHocking River running swiftly
spiracy, another 30 of those execut- with fresh rain. It's our history,
ed. That story--all of that story-our story.
belongs to Charleston AME.
In the President's frightful weariWhat do we tell our kids?
ness, I couldn't help read a tired
King David who, when there were
(continued from page 1)
July 2015 - Page 2
no words, used to say his very
bones cried out to God. What the
President knows--what Charleston
AME knows, what all of us who
believe in an incarnate God believe
--is that when there is simply nothing more to say, nothing more that
can be said and nothing left to feel,
when our very exhaustion cries out
to God, the Spirit intercedes, gives
us utterance, as the Bible says,
"with sighs too deep for words."
There is no consolation but this for
President Obama, for the Mother
Church, for any of us who believes:
God hears us, even in our deepest
wordless silence.
~ Pastor Rob
Prayer Concern Requests and Visitation
Prayer request slips are available in the narthex. If you would like others in the church to pray for a person
or for a concern near to your heart, place the slips in the Prayer Request box in the narthex. If you or someone you know would enjoy a visit from Pastor Rob and a Deacon, or appreciate receiving communion at
home, phone the office (593-3351), place a note in the collection plate, or email: office@athensfpc.org
Windows ON: Mission/Outreach Committee
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY NEWS
Habitat for Humanity - Thanks to
all who brought things out to the
Habitat scrap metal drive on May
30th. Everyone’s donations greatly
added up. It was a banner day for
dead lawnmowers and old yard furniture. Thanks also to the Athens
Township trustees, who donated a
large load of scrap from the township roadsides.
Total receipts came to $1,393.70,
which moves Habitat another step
forward toward the $35,000 that is
needed to build the next Habitat
house. Please start tagging stuff
In a related project, the OU Inn is
now for the next scrap metal drive, remodeling all 130 of its rooms
which will come in the fall.
during the summer. Habitat can get
fixtures and furniture from this proHabitat for Humanity is deconject and give them to the Restore.
structing several buildings over the Want to help? You too can help
summer, including some on West
Habitat build a new home by grabUnion Street. Habitat gets to rebing your screwdriver and crowbar
move all the usable materials from and joining in on some of these dethese structures and give them to
construction projects. Call Molly
the ReStore. Receipts from the sale Blair at the ReStore: 740-589of these items at the ReStore go
4865.
toward the construction of a new
Habitat home.
NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESYTERIAN CHURCH, ATHENS, OHIO
July 2015—Page 3
Summer Fun with First Presbyterian!
Sunday, July 12th - 2:00 p.m. - All Church Bike Ride
August 1st - 6:00 p.m. - Sunset Canoes at Dow Lake
Let’s go ride our bikes! Sunday, July 12th plan to meet at the Athens Public Library at 2:00 p.m.
The group will bicycle to West State Street Park where we will enjoy ice cream and fellowship. Not a bike
rider? Join us at the park by 2:30 p.m. for the outing!
After Church Organ Recital
Janice Robison will play an organ recital immediately following the worship service on
July 5th. The program will be music appropriate for the 4th of July holiday. All are
invited to stay for this thirty-minute recital.
Summer Children’s Church
Children’s Church will continue through most of the summer. Parents will be asked to volunteer to teach
one Sunday during the summer months to allow Barb Martin and Kirsten Trachsel a chance to attend
worship services. The lessons will focus on a Bible story and a craft.
July Worship Information
July 5th
July 12th
July 19th
July 26th
Psalm 48 and Mark 6:1-13
Psalm 24 and II Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Psalm 89:20-37 and Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Ephesians 3:14-21 and II Samuel 11:1-15
Shake the Dust Off Your Feet
Cherished Memories
A Settled Rest
The Eyes of the Heart
Need a ride to church? Or know someone who does?
If you need a ride to church, please contact the Deacon of the Month, Linda Parsons
Email: lparsons2@frontier.com or Phone: 740-592-2275
Caring For the Congregation
Pastor Rob and the Deacons place a priority on visiting hospitalized members of the congregation. Hospitals
no longer provide information on admissions and dismissals. Please notify the church office if someone you
know should be visited in the hospital or while recovering at home or at a nursing facility.
NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESYTERIAN CHURCH, ATHENS, OHIO
July 2015—Page 4
Presbyterian Women
MONTHLY NEWS
July 14th - PW’s “Out to Lunch at Applebees Restaurant at 11:30 a.m. All women of the
church are automatically members so please join other Presbyterian Women for lunch!
Windows ON: Church Support Committee
JUNE 2015 FINANCE REPORT
Offering Budgeted for 2015
Other Income Budgeted for 2015
INCOME AND EXPENSES
$ 251,800 Offering Received to Date
$ 132,525 Other Income (Received to Date)
$ 120,235
$ 59,047
(endowment, parking lot lease, Putnam apt. rent, interest)
Total Income Budgeted 2015
Current Assets (checking, money market, & petty cash)
Expenses Budgeted in 2014
$ 384,525
---------$ 384,525
Total Income (Received to Date)
Total Cash on Hand
Expenses to Date
$ 179,282
$ 33,241
$ 166,235
Other Endowment and Contribution Activity in 2015
$
1,223
Sent to Presbytery (40% of Pentecost and 25% of Peacemaking offering is retained for local use
$
1,167
Disbursed to appropriate agency or group
Gifts supporting AFPC Mission Projects
$
$
263
365
Memorial Gifts
$
7,385
Special Offerings (Christmas Joy, Pentecost, One Great
Hour of Sharing, and Peacemaking)
Offering Gifts (Athens Co. Food Pantry, Good Works, My
Sister’s Place, Planned Parenthood, Habitat for Humanity, etc.)
Offering gifts designated for Discretionary Fund
(Local Emergencies)
To be distributed by the Pastor for local emergencies
Used for AFPC mission work projects
Gifts in memory of Ron Black, Al Clapp, Bill Diles, Mary
Kaye Jordan, Ben Kendall, Nada Kerr, Sheila King, Marshall Lowe and Charlie Mickelson
Windows ON: Amesville/New England
THIS MONTH’S NEWS
New England Vacation Bible
School was held June 8th-12th.
It was led by Janelle Cogar and
Catherine Hare, with helpers
from the community.
Although the group was small,
the spirit was big, and everyone
had a great time. The theme,
“Feeding the Hungry”, was based
on five New Testament feeding
stories. The curriculum material
is published by the Society of St.
Andrew, an interdenominational
nation-wide organization that organizes volunteers to glean in
fields, with the surplus going to
feed people who are hungry.
An interesting craft activity was
provided by six-year old Kaylee
who asked on Thursday if she
could bring a craft on Friday.
She did….gathered the materials
herself, brought them in and gave
instructions. Everyone made
snowflakes from choices of colored
construction paper; she showed
everyone how to fold and cut the
paper, brought yarn to hang the
snowflakes with, and because she
had no hole punch at home, everyone used scissors to make a hole
through which to string the yarn.
Think of what she’ll be able to do
in just a few more years!
The older group spent time writing
poems/haiku. Here are a few of
them based on the New Testament
stories.
We are unique
We are very different
Just like Zacchaeus.
--Alexis
Martha and Mary
Have different interests or different
ideas
All shown in one visit.
--Suzi
Jesus went to eat
Mary got mad at Martha
Jesus said, “it’s fine.”
--Joci
NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESYTERIAN CHURCH, ATHENS, OHIO
July 2015—Page 5
Windows ON: Outreach/Mission Committee
MISSION POSSIBLE: GENEVA HILLS
There is a traditional Irish folk
song that contains the line “going
to a wedding is the making of another.” This may also be true for
FPC’s church mission trips. Two
years ago, a group went to Washington D.C. and assisted in cooking a meal for homeless men,
helped with an organization that
provides furniture and other necessary items for people struggling to
equip their homes and joined in a
Trail Mix church ministry. Last
year a group went to Kansas to
work with a homeless community
group and the Heartland Presbyterian Church Camp in Parkville.
When both groups returned they
made presentations to the congregation. The Snack Bag ministry
is a result of the Washington trip.
The second trip resulted in a lunch
meeting with the Mission and
Outreach Committee and other
interested church members.
A wide ranging discussion took
place during that lunch meeting.
The suggestion arose that FPC
should consider opportunities to
help in the immediate community
as well as Bob Stewart and Penny
Shelton who volunteered to take a
group to FPC’s sister church in
Thailand. The group concluded
that distant mission trips needed
careful planning to address the
logistics and expense and find a
time that was good for the participants and the mission partner.
This led to the suggestion that
FPC should plan for this type of
mission activity every two years.
Many folk returning from Washington D.C. and Kansas were ener-
gized and wanted to explore mission activities closer to home that
would require less logistical and
financial commitments. The idea
that FPC could have a sustained
impact in the immediate community was appealing. During the conversation, a number of members
remarked on their experiences in
church camp at nearby Geneva
Hills and wondered how that facility was doing after the Scioto Presbytery cut financial support in
2003.
Martin) worked on helping to clear
the pool area, remove a tree, clear
the leaves and other decaying materials and animals from the pool.
This group also deconstructed a rotten deck at the craft house and replaced a set of steps.
Linda Anthony and Kirsten Trachsel (with Soren's cooperation) catered a great lunch on Friday.
It was a very hot couple of days
that offered a chance to get to know
fellow travelers from FPC much
better. The fellowship and
From this seed, a group of FPC
exchange of ideas was energizing
members embarked on this year’s
and this was reflected in the presenmission trip to Geneva Hills just
tation to the congregation on June
outside Lancaster, Ohio for two
7th after the service. It was great
days at the beginning of May. A
that Geoff and Kristy Burns from
total of 16 volunteers of various
Geneva Hills could join FPC to
ages participated. Seven stayed
overnight Friday and the remainder both express their appreciation for
the Mission trippers efforts as well
commuted for one or both days.
as explaining their vision and the
During this time together, volunchallenges that lie ahead for the reteers made a significant contribubirth of Geneva Hills.
tion to getting the camp in shape
for the upcoming summer camps.
What’s the next opportunity for
One group of folks (including Carla local or distant mission at Athens
Boyle, Lee Gregg, Danny Moates, FPC? Many folks have expressed
an interest in more local opportuniDebbie Perry, Margaret and Burt
Stumpf) focused on gardening and ties including a longer term relathe activities surrounding the nature tionship with Geneva Hills. Can
center. Their work involved creat- FPC help with not only money but
ing a fenced garden area, planting, with hands and heart to support
weeding and trail clearing. In addi- some local mission partners and/or
address other s needs in the Athens
tion, they installed benches at the
community? Keep an eye on the
Nature Center and generally ennew Mission Opportunities board in
hanced the landscaping surroundFellowship Hall. Pin a challenge
ing the Welcome Center.
on there if you have an idea you
The second group (including
would like to see the church comLydia, Henry, Stuart and Terry
munity engage with or speak to
Baxter-Potter, Josh Bodnar, Mike
Keith Wiens or any member of the
Boyle, Susan Loughridge, Rob
Mission and Outreach Committee."
NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESYTERIAN CHURCH, ATHENS, OHIO
Last
Ice Cream Social
Ice cream and sorbet socials
once again take place after the
Ohio University “Concerts on
the Green” in FPC fellowship
hall. Join FPC family and
friends for the final Concert
and Ice Cream Social on July
1st.
The Concerts begin at 6:00 p.m.
with the socials to follow behind
Putnam House (office) - in case
of rain, fellowship hall.
July 1st - Celebrate America!
In honor of heroes and Charles
Bolden, Administrator of
NASA. Featuring Dr. Nipat
Kanchanahud, Kasetsart University, Bangkok Thailand
July 2015—Page 6
Windows ON: Outreach/Mission Committee
GOOD WORKS NEWS
Good Works - Do you garden?
Want to help the Good Works program for Neighbors Helping
Neighbors? Volunteers are coming in this summer from Ohio,
New Hampshire, Maryland, Illinois, North Carolina, and Kentucky to help with yards and garden of people in southeast Ohio.
Can you loan them a mower or
weedeater? Can you help put in a
garden? Many of the recipients are
widows or disabled and can benefit
a lot from fresh produce in their
own yards.
presentation of 30-60 minutes that
kids grade 1-6 would like? Have
you been to another country?
Want to talk about it? Do you
have a hobby that’s right for kids?
Do you do art that the kids would
like – water color, photography,
banjo? The KDC presentations are
followed by lunch for the kids (and
sometimes their parents).
Can you help with food for these
lunches? If so, contact Emily at
740-594-3339 or emily@goodworks.net or contact a member of
the Outreach/Missions Committee,
Good Works is also putting on a
e.g., Carla Boyle, John Hauser.,
Kids Discovery Program June 15th Danny Moates or Keith Wiens.
–July 31st. Can you do a one-time
No Bell Choir or Chancel Choir Rehearsals during the Summer
Communion at First Presbyterian Church now offers gluten
-free bread along with
regular bread for
communion.
Bring a friend to church Sunday!
Food Pantry Sunday
Food Pantry Sunday is the fourth of each month.
Lindley Hymn Sings
FPC’s fifth year of hymn sing ministry began June 21st with 13 FPC volunteers and 15 Lindley residents,
including FPC members/friends Martha Bitters, Russ Conklin, and Louise Gray. Bob Schulz was welcomed back as accordionist, fully recovered from hand surgery. Barb Martin, at the piano, led attendees
in singing the familiar old hymns with spirit. Then, the FPC Quartet (Betty Lacy, Danny Moates, Melanie
Schori, and David Tees) sang "There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit" as everyone thought of Pentecost, and the
birthday of the church. Researcher Ann Fox highlighted the poetry of John Greenleaf Whittier who wrote
the words to the next hymn, "Dear Lord and Father of Mankind." Thanks to faithful and able readers of
the Scripture: Jean Drevenstedt, Benji Martin, and David Tees. Three people were recognized for their
June birthdays, before the closing hymn and benediction by Pastor Rob.
The next hymn sing will be Sunday, July 12th (2nd Sunday NOT 3rd Sunday), at 1:00 p.m. Please consider joining FPC family and friends in this ministry through music and the Word.
NEWSLETTER OF FIRST PRESYTERIAN CHURCH, ATHENS, OHIO
JULY BIRTHDAYS
2 – Rory Woods
4 – Charles Atkins
Bear Murphy
9 – Emil Nagy
11 – William Dombrowski
Harry Kaneshige
Stephen McKinley
12 – David Johnson
13 – Ernest Bastin
Jean Drevenstedt
Dustin Key
Mink Neely
16 - Janice Bacak
17 – Annie Poore
18 – Calista Strickmaker
21 – Scott Malcom
Noah Morgan
22 - Kirsten Trachsel
25 – Joshua Stewart
July 2015—Page 9
26 – Jamie Lloyd
27 - Travis Neely
28 – Harold Robison
29 – Judd Stephenson
30 – Martha Johnson
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
1 – James and Elizabeth Gleason
8 – Aaron and Cathy Wright
10 – Burt and Margaret Stumpf
11 – Marvin and Heidi Marty
14 – Brad and Karen Graves
21 - Andrew and Kirsten Trachsel
23 – Perry Lloyd and Miriam
Garcellano
23 - Jesse and Fiona Yun
26 – Kent and Dia Knudson
27 - James Jr. and Sarah Cox
Flowers For Sunday Worship Services
A monthly sign-up sheet for providing chancel flowers is posted on the
wall in Fellowship Hall. Please sign your name by your selected Sunday
(s), with a brief note indicating whether a remembrance or an honoring, or
simply a contribution. An announcement in that Sunday’s worship bulletin
will include the name of the donor, as well as the names of those for whom
the flowers are being given, when appropriate. Deacons continue to provide the over-all chancel preparation. What to do? Just provide the flowers! From the garden, the hot house or a flower shop - all are appreciated!
Invitation
To:
A Haiti Mission Network meeting
When:
9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m., Thursday, July 30, 2015
Where:
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Cost:
$85.00 for the day, including lunch and snack. ($125 to
stay overnight Wednesday and participate in the meeting Thursday,
includes breakfast.)
Registration: To register, go to:
http://www.pcusa.org/resource/big-tent-2015-registration-form/
Purpose: To help PCUSA mission co-workers in Haiti determine
common ground among respective congregations and partners in
creating a renewed network. "Relying on the Spirit of God and the
experience and insights of our brothers and sisters in Haiti, to
discern together how our various gifts might be used for the
common good."
Please come join this conversation as those attending invigorate the
Haiti Mission Network.
Worship and Children’s
Church School - 10:30 a.m.
***
Worship Service is aired on
Athens City Community TV
Channel 23
Monday-Saturday - 6:00 a.m.;
Sundays -10:00 a.m. and 5:30
p.m.; Wednesdays - 2:00 p.m.
***
Bible Study
Noon on Tuesdays in Library
***
Church Office Hours
Monday-Thursday
8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Fridays
8:30 a.m.-Noon
Newsletter
Jane Baker, Carla Boyle,
Lillian Dinos, Ann Fox,
Betty Lacy, Susan Loughridge, Robert Martin, Danny
Moates, Janice Robison and
Kirsten Trachsel.
Placing Events on the
Church Calendar
All occasions/events should
be listed on the church calendar to avoid conflict over
use of the facilities. The
sponsoring group must
cover out-of-pocket expenses. Please phone the
church office (593-3351) to
request a form for placing
your event on the calendar.
www.athensfpc.org
July 2015
9 North College Street, Athens, Ohio 45701
Phone: 740-593-3351
Fax: 740-593-3352
E-mail: office@athensfpc.org
www.athensfpc.org
Pastor: Rev. Robert E. Martin
Clerk of Session: Andrew Stuart
Choir Director: David Tadlock
Organist: Janice Robison
CE Coordinator / Bell Choir Director: Kirsten Trachsel
Adm. Assist.: Jane Baker
***********************************
Summer Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday - 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Friday - 8:30 a.m.–Noon
Church: Corner of Court and Washington Streets
Office: 9 North College Street
Phone: (740) 593-3351
FAX: (740) 593-3352
E-Mail: office@athensfpc.org
Web: www.athensfpc.org
***********************************
Worship Service and Children’s Church - 10:30 a.m.
Coffee/Fellowship - 11:30 a.m.
The Worship Service is aired on Athens Community TV
Channel 9 - Monday-Saturday - 6:00 a.m.; Sundays - 10:00 a.m.
and 5:30 p.m.; and Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m.
***********************************
Bible Study: Tuesdays at 12:00 Noon in the church library
***********************************
Deadline for August 2015 Newsletter: Noon Monday, July
20th
First Presbyterian Church, Athens, Ohio - AFPC has occupied
its site in the center of Athens, Ohio since 1809. Among the
founding fathers was Ohio University's first president, a Presbyterian minister, the Rev. Jacob Lindley. Dr. Lindley served this
congregation as Moderator and Pastor until 1824. Over the
years, thirteen pastors of the church have been either university
presidents or members of the faculty. Dr. William Holmes
McGuffy, author of the McGuffy's Readers, was called to serve
as President of Ohio University and served as pastor of the
church in 1839.
Presbytery of Scioto Valley - The Presbytery of Scioto Valley
encompasses twenty-six counties in south central Ohio. From
Ironton in the south to Ibera in the north: Hanover in the east
and London in the west, FPC’s presbytery consists of 112 congregations many of them historic where Presbyterians today are
carrying on a long tradition of witness and service in their communities. All over FPC’s presbytery, Presbyterians reach out to
welcome the stranger, sharing the Gospel and God’s love as
Christ bids us to do.
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - The PC (U.S.A.), with denominational offices in Louisville, Kentucky, has approximately 2.3
million members, more than 10,000 congregations and 14,000
ordained and active ministers. Presbyterians trace their history to
the 16th century and the Protestant Reformation. Its heritage,
and much of its doctrine began with John Calvin (1509-1564),
whose writings crystallized much of the Reformed thinking that
preceded him.