MEMORIAL PRESS
731 Walnut Street - P .O. Box 70 - Dayton, Indiana - 47941 (765) 296-3199)
Web: www.daytonpres.org
Pastor Justin:
Darlene :
DECEMBER 2014
Pastor’s Epistle
“The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Have you ever given a portion of yourself to someone? I bet you have. When you volunteered at the Kid’s Closet or the Food Pantry that one morning, or when you rang the bell for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle, you gave some of yourself for another. When you stopped to talk with that certain someone when you knew you just didn’t have the time, or when you called that other person at home when they didn’t show up for church one Sunday, you shared a piece of yourself with them. Remember when you gave that harried and hardworking waitress a twenty five percent tip even though the service was just atrocious, but knew they were doing the best they could, well, you also gave them a portion of yourself. Last week, when your neighbor didn’t know that their dog had gotten loose, which would have suited you fine if it just ran away because you hated how it barked and barked all night long, but you went next door and told them anyway, and even helped them look for Fido, it was then too, my friend, that you gave them a very good piece of who you really are.
Do you think that God gives a portion of himself to us when we need him to? No, I don’t think so, in fact, I know he doesn’t. God has never given a portion of himself to you or to anyone. Are you surprised? Well, you shouldn’t be, because God doesn’t give pieces of himself to us; he gives all of himself to everyone!
That, my friends, is the mystery and awesomeness of incarnation of Jesus who was born as an infant to Mary on the first Christmas. Although we can only give portions of ourselves to others because of our humanness, God can give all of himself because of his humanness! It is a mystery because it doesn’t make sense but it is oh so very true. When Jesus was born, truly born, in the flesh, as human as you and I, yet still God, it was then that he gave his entire self, body and soul, if you will, to all of humanity, to all of us. He didn’t hold back one iota, had no plan B, and held nothing in reserve, just in case things didn’t work out the way he planned. Instead he placed himself in the arms of Mary, as confused and anxious as any young mother is, and trusted that this time, we would finally understand.
The greatest gift any of us can give is a portion of ourselves; the greatest gift God has given us is his entire self in Jesus Christ. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all…he it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.” (Titus 2:11 & 14) During this Christmas season, continue to give of yourself, for that is what Christmas is about. And God will continue to give all of himself for you, for that is what he is all about!
Blessings,
Pastor Justin
* * * SESSION NOTES * * *
Your Session met on Tuesday evening, November 18, 2014, and during the meeting the Elders:
· Approved the All-4-Fun 4-H Club using our facility on February 6
· Heard a report of the Presbytery Assembly of 11/18, which indicated new and expanded uses for Geneva Center
· Received a new Assessment for the rental property from the County Assessor
· Added 2 copies of the late Rev. Dr. Paul Kitley’s book The Fruits of the Holy Spirit to our Church Library
· Approved “The First Christmas: A Children’s Christmas Pageant” adapted by Elizabeth Schlesinger-Devlin
· Learned that more pew Bibles will be obtained to continue with memorial requests
· Heard a report from the Nominating Committee, preparing for the Called Meeting of the Congregation and Corporation scheduled after worship on November 30, for the Purpose of hearing a report from that committee, and electing our church officers for 2015
· Continued to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Kid’s Closet mission and ministry
Michael E. Grimes, Clerk of Session
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Celebrating the Saints – Recognized on Sunday, November 2, 2014
Francis I. Alkire – December 15, 2013
Lois M. Miller- December 26, 2013
Benjamin E. Huston - February 12, 2014
Gary L. Hicks – April 14, 2014
James L. Whitlock – May 14, 2014
Rosalee M. May – August 8, 2014
Edwin Bruce Biery – August 13, 2014
Rev. Dr. Paul Kitley – October 29, 2014
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MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
DAYTON, INDIANA
BIBLE DEDICATION
NOVEMBER 2, 2014
Given by: / In Memory of: / In Honor of:Susan Y. Clawson & family / Kenneth and Julia Widmer Yost
Cathy Bowlin / Marcus (Mark) and Helen Thompson
Cathy Bowlin / Donald Thompson
Bob & Kathy Deckard / Our Grandaughter Elizabeth Keough
Bob & Kathy Deckard / Our Grandchildren
Steve & Cathy Hancook / Conrad & Margie Calmer
Steve & Cathy Hancook / Jack Hancook / Jane Hancook
Steve & Cathy Hancook / Marvin & Norma Bush
Steve & Cathy Hancook / Ann Benner Hancook
Steve & Cathy Hancook / Sandra Calmer Smith
Michael & Jon Grimes / Donald C. Grimes
Michael & Jon Grimes / Margaret L. Grimes
The families of: Sharon Wills, Sally Maroska, Deb Watkins and
Susan Gibson / Floyd (Frog) and Lola Dixon
The families of: Sharon Wills, Sally Maroska, Deb Watkins and
Susan Gibson / Jim & Mae Whitlock
Ray & Patty Hicks / Walter & Goldie Pendleton / Terry Pfeiffer
Karen Summers / Mary Ellen Bowers
Karen Summers / Dwight & Wilma Baker
Tammy & Randy Webber / Daniel Robert Lenig, Esther Gareis
Max & Marsha Biery Family / Truman & Sue Alkire
Max & Marsha Biery Family / J. Kenneth & Elma Biery
Patricia Biery / Edwin Bruce Biery
Given by: / In Memory of: / In Honor of:
Patricia Biery / Paul & Maud Biery
Patricia Biery / Leon & Doris Corns
Marilyn Yoder / Marvin, Lucy, Morris & Marlene Yoder
The Schlesinger-Devlin Family / Mary Kay Devlin
Phyllis Hill / Richard, Josephine and Daniel Sanders
Ralph & Diane Achgill / Jenny Achgill and Helen Cunningham
Bill & Nancy Edwards
Carol Frantz / David & Greg Frantz
Carol Frantz / MacKenzie & Keaton Orr
Joy & Don Schwartz / Mr. & Mrs. Harry Rohler and Mr. & Mrs. Walter Schwartz
Richard Logan / H. Vaughn and Bertha J. Logan
Jack Norris family
Jack Norris family
Ron & Esther Miller / Edward & Esther Brockett
Ron & Esther Miller / Mary L. Engler
Ron & Esther Miller / Edward Miller
Ron & Esther Miller / Barbara L. Smith
John & Nancy Brand / William & Elsie Widmer
John & Nancy Brand / Everette & Kay Brand
Judy & Lynn Ryan / Mildred & Russell Vaughn
Fauniel Gard family / Fauniel S. Gard
Fauniel Gard family / Ronald Dale Gard II /
Gene & Sally Smith, Gary and Debra Vyse, Adam, Angelia & Nathan Franklin / Barbara L. Smith
Alex & Cindy Zdravich / Anita Bohannon
Ron & Harriett Berry / Wilson & Oreal Bull
Marge Smith / Keith Smith
Marge Smith / Gertie Dilden
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DECEMBER SUNDAY BREAKFAST HOST/HOSTESS: Nancy & Bill Edwards
DECEMBER ELDERS: Tammy Lineback, Communion Brian Sprague, Devotions
DECEMBER DEACONS: Cindy Bull, Captain Cindy Stanford
2 Roy Reid 15 David Stene
3 Wes Shaw 17 Aiden Grimes
4 Nathan Andrew Franklin 17 Kristin Webber
4 Ben Petrie 22 Lois Campbell
5 Evan Tyler Lane 22 Caitlinn Lineback
6 Nicholas Bush 25 Jesus
7 Hannah Boles 26 Bobby Deckard
12 Joy Schwartz 30 Lerry Holladay 12 Elizabeth Schlesinger-Devlin 30 Margery Smith
12 David & Heather Stene
14 Jason & Nina Chism
17 Michael & Tracey Harris
23 Tim & Suzanne Fogarty
26 Ralph & Diane Achgill
30 Rob & Nancy Grimes
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OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS:
Our military, our nation & its leaders; persecuted Christians; people locally & nationally in need; victims of domestic violence; Carolyn Finkenbinder; Russell Lucas; Marjora Odenkirk; Jackie Ginther (Niece/J.Schwartz) Cindy DeGolyer; Randy Smith, Monica Bretz; Andy Vasiento (father of Nicole Rosen); Kevin Konrad; Ellen Hiday (friend of T. Lineback); Betty Pfeiffer; Jack Ferry (friend of D. & J. Schwartz); Richie Holmberg (nephew of Lynn & Judy Ryan); John & Jean Downham; Ann Jarboe (daughter of C. Gribble); Margaret Stonecipher (friend of C. Stanford); Miriam Woodrow; Kathleen Smith (co-worker, K. Summers); Carol Bolander (daughter of L. Guenther); Rick McCullom (nephew of J. Schwartz); Jon Grimes; Mary Terry; Jill Plantenga (Vyse’s family friend); Lois Sherrill (mother of C. Zdravich); Terry Lynn Pfeiffer; Max Biery; Jane Yost; Terry McKillip (friend of C. Bull), Bob & Susie Yost; Riley Crye (friend of the Boles family); Brent McKinney (friend of the Boles family); Kennedy Alkire; Shirley Schwartz (sister-in-law of D. Schwartz); Jeff Westfall (brother of Gary Vyse); Debbie Ward; Nina Wagner (Aunt of Muriel Grimes); Nancy Brand; Janet Clarkson (sister of Judy Ryan); Tyler Loschen (friend of DeGolyer family) Morgan Valenta, Rev. Ashland Shaw (father of W. Shaw); Avery Grimes; Kevin Querry (friend of S.& C. Stanford); the family of Dave Bull; Jack Carson.
Thank-you Cindy Gribble
Many things have changed during the 180 year history of Memorial Presbyterian Church. One thing that has remained the same is our love of music. We can only imagine what role music played during the first 100 years of worship services. However, we do know that in 1935, Church member Emma Brand passed away and bequeathed to the Church a financial gift for the purpose of purchasing a new Wickes pipe organ. The first public playing of the organ was on February 23, 1936 and this fine instrument continues to serve the needs of our church nearly 79 years later.
A pipe organ cannot be heard and appreciated until someone actually plays it. Memorial Presbyterian Church has been blessed with gifted musicians who have served as Church Organist including Mrs. John Widmer, Julia Yost and Jeanette Gibson. Our current organist, Cindy Gribble has done an amazing job playing for our worship services and accompanying the Chancel Choir for the last two years. Sadly for our congregation, the time has come for us to say good-bye to Cindy who will be leaving our Church at the end of December.
Please join us for a coffee hour in the Parlor following Worship on Sunday, December 21st as we honor and thank Cindy for her service and sharing her great talents with Memorial Presbyterian Church.
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Rejoice! Reflections on Four Seasonal Hymns
During the season of Advent, beginning on Sunday, November 30, the Adult Sunday School Class with be singing, listening to and learning about some of our favorite Christmas Carols!
Whether it's memories of caroling, Christmas pageants, or Christmas Eve services, the hymns of Christmas are some of the most evocative parts of the season for many of us. They refocus our spirits and remind us of the holiness and mystery of God's incarnation.
This four-session Advent study pack explains the history behind some of our favorite carols and helps groups encounter the rich wording anew. Focusing on the ways in which words and music can speak to the core of our experiences, groups will spend time in reflection, conversation, and simple enjoyment of these beloved hymns.
The four hymns that will be studied are:
Sunday, November 30: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Sunday, December 7: "Silent Night, Holy Night"
Sunday, December 14: "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Sunday, December 21: "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Please note there will not be Adult Sunday School on Sunday, December 28.
2014 Smorgasbord and Bazaar – Thank you for your support!!
What a wonderful day! We were blessed with a great turnout and the generous support of our congregation and community! A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL for your prayers and generous contributions of time, food, creativity…and appetites!!
We served 266 dinners, and unfortunately had to turn a few away. The tentative profit this year is $1800 for the Smorgasbord and $625.00 for the Bazaar; a total of $2425 for missions of the Dayton Presbyterian Women!
Please send your ideas and suggestions for next year – we will definitely be preparing for MORE FOOD!
BLESS YOU ALL!
Phyllis Hill, on behalf of the Dayton Presbyterian Women
News from Evangelism/Seed Planting Committee
Our DINE WITH NINE GROUPS are in full swing of meeting each month. Please continue to do so and always feel free to invite others into your groups that may have not signed up. I believe this is truly the best way for everyone to really get to know each other. The groups are a lot of fun, and we all have the common goal of sharing God’s love for each other.
ZUMBA has gone through a period of low attendance, but we are back in the up-swing now and have several new gals coming from the Dayton area. Last week we had 9 in attendance, and there were only 2 from the church. We are reaching out to others in the community. If you haven’t tried it yet, try us out on a Wednesday night at 6:45 p.m. in the basement. Classes are $4.00 each and taught by a certified instructor. You can lose up to 1000 calories by doing Zumba!