February 2018 | Newsletter of Central Presbyterian Church, Downingtown, PA 19335

hands&feet

Greetings CPC!

Every once in a while the church calendar and the secular calendar collide in very interesting ways. This year, on February 14 we will celebrate Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday on the same day.

You may not think it is very romantic to celebrate with your beloved by taking him or her to church and leaving together holding hands, with ashes smudged on your forehead. Hearing that “You are dust and to dust you shall return” might appear morbid compared to a gorgeous, living bouquet of red roses. But before you skip church on Wednesday, February 14, let me attempt to convince you why these two celebrations are not as incongruous as you might think—and actually might even be beautiful together.

Ash Wednesday is the day that marks the beginning of Lent, the weeks leading up to Jesus’ passion, death on the cross, and ultimate resurrection from the grave. Ash Wednesday reminds us that as humans we are mortal—that eventually our bodies return to the dust of the ground we were first born into. If that were the end of the story, it would be sad. But it is not! In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, even though we die, we are promised eternal life. Reconciled to God through the forgiving, saving, grace of Jesus, we are promised life everlasting, beyond the dust of this earth. And that is a gift—the greatest gift—given out of God’s unimaginable love.

It is because of that love and that gift that we have hope each day. Ash Wednesday reminds us to live life to the fullest every day. It invites us to love as passionately as God loves us. We are to celebrate relationships with loved ones, with family and friends… to take adventures, enjoy the gifts of the earth shared with us for our enjoyment, to work and to play, to be trusting the sovereignty of God and the love of God in all we do and are.

It is all a gift out of love. Isn’t that what Valentine’s Day is supposed to be about?

So, before you make that dinner reservation, I hope you’ll consider joining us for worship on Ash Wednesday. Let us worship the One who loved us first, so we might fully love others.

Blessings,

Pastor Emily Chudy CALL FOR CONGREGATION/CORPORATION MEETING. The Session and Trustees of Central Presbyterian Church announce the Annual Meeting of the congregation and corporation on Sunday, February 11, 2018, immediately following the 9:30 a.m. worship service. The complete Annual Report for 2018 will be distributed one week before the meeting. Please plan on joining us for this important meeting in the life of the church.

Notes from Betsy Williams, Financial Administrator

This is the busiest time of the year for the accounting requirements at CPC. I am finishing up the 2017 year-end financial statements, which involves looking over many accounts and making sure balances look accurate, reconciling and recording information from bank and investment statements, issuing 1099’s and W-2’s, as well as issuing final giving statements. Please take a look at your giving statement and let me know as soon as possible if there are any errors or omis-sions. Gifts of Property (stock, mutual funds, art work, physical items) will not show up on giving statements because the church is not equipped to assign value to donated items. Donated items should have their value determined by the donor. The church will send an acknowledgement indicating receipt of the items, which should be kept for tax records in conjunction with the donor’s substantiation of the value of the items. If you have any questions or just want to find out more about the church accounting process, please stop by or call on a Monday or Tuesday and sometimes on Thursday mornings. Thanks!

GETTING CONNECTED at Central continues to be important to our sense of community. As needs for prayer and more tangible needs are made known to us, the effort to communicate them effectively grows. If you would like to be included in the needs that come through our office, please contact Nancy Hilton to be added to the mailing list for our Prayer Chain and our Volunteer Communications. We will continue to do our best to share the needs within the Central congregation with each of you.

WORKING GUILD COMMUNITY LUNCHEON

Winter is here! Join us for the February Community Luncheon prepared and served at Central for the church and community, on Thursday, February 1, 2018. All are welcome...and bring your friends! The Luncheon begins at 11:00 a.m. and continues until 1:00 p.m.

The Working Guild members will be serving their popular delicious menu, which includes homemade soups, sandwiches, hot dogs, salad plates, beverages and desserts at reasonable prices. Plan to purchase some extra soups for a stay-at-home cozy winter night. Take-out is also available by calling the office at 610-269-1576.

We would love to see you there!

PER CAPITA GIVING. Shared Proportional Giving (per capita) is an amount charged to PC(USA) churches based on membership numbers, to support the broader mission of the denomina-tion. The 2018 per capita for each CPC member is $34.78. Please consider making a contribution to offset your portion of CPC’s Shared Proportional Giving expense. A per capita envelope is provided in your offering envelope box, or write per capita in the memo section of your check. Thanks for paying your part! Your support would be greatly appreciated.

DO WE HAVE YOUR CUR-RENT CONTACT INFOR-MATION? If you have had a recent change in home address, home or cell phone number or email address, please be sure to let us know so that we can update our database. Each member and regular attender has a Deacon who wants to reach out and stay in touch, so having accurate contact information is important to us. Please call or email the church office with any updates.

2018 GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Donegal Presbytery is seeking Teaching Elders, Ruling Elders and a young adult (ages 18-23) to be part of our delegation to next summer's General Assembly (GA). Our Presbytery's GA Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD) will speak and make decisions at General Assembly, the national governing body of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The meeting will be held in St. Louis, Missouri on June 16-23, 2018. Please contact the church office if you are interested.

CAFÉ CENTRAL is a wonderful opportunity of fellowship following worship each Sunday. This would be a fun opportunity for a family, or maybe two families, to join together as hosts in our new kitchen! CAFÉ CENTRAL HOSTS ARE NEEDED for 2018. Please speak to Margaret Van Gilder or look for the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board to the right of the Welcome Center. Everyone loves our Fellowship time; thanks for volunteering!

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March newsletter no later than

CENTRAL CONNECTION CPC’S Early-Dismissal Recreation Program

Our first gathering of Central Connection for 2018, headed by recreation guru, Margaret VanGilder, is Thursday, February 15. For your future planning, the other dates remaining for this school year are April 11 and May 9. All are from 1:00-5:30 p.m., when the Downingtown School District has early dismissal for students and in-services for teachers. Information about our program is being sent to parents of students at East Ward Elementary School.

Any CPC families interested in enrolling their children in this program may pick up a registration form in the church office. Volunteers to help shepherd the children are important to the success of the program. Contact Margaret or the church office if you can offer your help at any of these sessions.

Mission Committee and Kids on a Mission

February is the month when we look past bleak winter and remember close friends and loved ones with love and warm affection. This month, let us also remember our

local Food Pantries, including the Lord’s Pantry and the Honey Brook Food Pantry, and the many people they support. Join us as we "Share the Love" with them by bringing food items to church each week in February, as we help the pantries restock the shelves after the busy holiday season. Each week, a bulletin insert will have suggestions for items to bring the next week. Themes will include “Pantry Essentials,” “Don’t Sneeze at These Items!”, “Kid Tested, Kid Approved,” and “Remembering Special Needs.” Collection boxes are in both narthexes, decorated by our Kids on a Mission Sunday School class.

Each time you come to church, whether it be on a Sunday morning for worship, or while attending a meeting or rehearsal throughout the week, please consider bringing in an item from the week’s shopping list. Join us in supporting these vital community outreach programs here in Chester County.

SWEET DREAMS was very busy in 2017! This industrious group made 10 baptismal quilts for infant baptisms at Central and one baptismal pillowcase for a child over the age of three. In addition, the group made 143 baby quilts for the NIC Unit at Chester County Hospital in West Chester and more than 30 pillowcases for the Christmas bags prepared by Central for local charities.

We meet on most Thursday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. We welcome new quilters! If you can use a sewing machine, we can teach you to quilt. Experienced quilters are welcome, too.

Please join us for a creative, fun time of fellowship!

Sharing the Love; Sharing the Talent

While CPC will be Sharing the Love with local food banks during the month of February, we will also be Sharing the Talent during Extending the Table on February 4th. You will have the opportunity to watch and learn while some of the congregation share their talents. Pick one station and stay with it, or make your way around to all or many. It’s up to you! There will be a CCB tutorial, knitting lesson, sinus therapy, and rainbow loom-ing, just to name a few! Also, enjoy a special hot chocolate bar!

Yummmm…

Greetings from Faith Formation & Fellowship! We are looking forward to another great year here at CPC! But first, we would like to look just a wee bit backwards and give an extra special thank you to Meredith Kearney for playing the carols on the piano at our Christmas Hot Chocolate Bar during Café Central on December 10th. It was greatly appreciated by all! And if you enjoyed that Hot Chocolate Bar, look for another Valentine’s edition as part of Extending the Table on February 4th.

Many thanks to the CPC Kids on a Mission Sunday school class and their leaders, Carole Dantonio, Liz Muirhead and Kevin Zeeger, for hosting Extending the Table on January 7 th! That morning Bibles were presented by Pastor Emily and Amy Lisk to Thomas Cihlar, Liam Cloyd, Zoe Hauer, Emma Pasley-Smith, Hannah Shackelford and Lauren Vishneski. The globe-trotting Liam Black will receive his upon his return from China. The annual Chili and Mac-n-Cheese cook-off is back! Dust off your bandanas and cowboy boots and join us on Saturday, February 24th from

6 to 9 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Who will succeed last year’s winners, John Shackelford for chili, and Abby Reynolds for mac-n-cheese? Plan to enter your fabulous chili and mac-n-cheese recipes for judging, or just come out to enjoy helping with the judging! With all of that good food, it will be a win for everybody! Raven Hill Bluegrass, a bluegrass band from Phoenixville, will be performing from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information on the band, check out their website ravenhillbluegrass.com. Look for sign up sheets to appear at the Welcome Center at the beginning of February. Hope to see you there! Wondering what the Faith Formation and Fellowship Committee is all about? We’re the folks that bring you the Fall Picnic, Coffeehouses, Hayride and other fellowship events throughout the year. We help to oversee the content of Grand Central Stations, and work closely with Vacation Bible School and the youth groups. We also help to recruit the volunteers for Café Central and the Nursery Ministry. We’re into a little bit of everything, and we always have a good time doing it! If you’d be interested in becoming a part of Faith Formation & Fellowship, and would like some more information, please contact Brad Aucker, Kris Blankmeyer or Carole Dantonio. We meet on the 4th Monday of the month at 7pm in the Prayer Room.

All In the Family

WELCOME TO OUR STAFF. Jill D'Ginto joins us as a part-time bookkeeper. Jill resides in Downingtown with her husband, Domenic, and three children, Anna, Joe, and Liz. She has been a member of First Presbyterian Church West Chester for over 20 years, most recently serving as Trustee on the Building Committee. In her spare time, she enjoys swimming, walking, spending time with family, and taking trips to national parks. Please welcome her when you see her!

CHANCEL FLOWERS. There are openings on our Chancel flower sign-up chart for the upcoming months. If you would like to donate the Chancel flowers “in honor of” a respected CPC member or group or “in memory of” a loved one, please make your check payable to the CPC Working Guild. The cost is $40.00. Perhaps you might consider pairing up with a friend (or friends) to split the cost. Flowers can be taken home immediately after the service, or you can designate that the Deacons deliver them to a shut-in. Thank you for sharing the beauty of your flowers with us in worship.

PARENTS’ GROUP

Fellowship, Friendship and Discussion…Please join us for a time of fellowship and short studies led by Pastor Tim on Monday evenings from 5:45-6:30 p.m. in the Prayer Room. If you are bringing your children for Jr. Bells and/or Choir, please plan on staying and getting to know some of the other parents. You can come and stay for part of the time or the entire time. Feel free to bring food and eat while we talk. Childcare is provided. Please contact the office for more information, or just come!

NEW OFFICERS. We are grateful for the service of our outgoing officers and thank them for all they have done for the work of the church. We welcome our 2018 officers. Elders: Brad Aucker, Carole Dantonio, Leah Greenwood, Liz Muirhead and Lowell McKinney; Deacons: Adam Anders, Wendy Clark, Martha Gay, Dave Hollis, Kathie Marks, Rick Sapovits, Shannon Veit and Cathy Hankes; Trustees: Nancy Kammerer, Glen McMillen, Ruth Patterson and Pat Traini.

WELCOME TITUS. We joyfully welcome the newest member of the Black Family: Titus Charles Cheng Black, Birthdate: 2/5/14.

Stanli Cushman Memorial Prayer Shawl Ministry

Thank You to all the knitters and fringers of 2017! We knitted and dispersed thirty-six prayer shawls to comfort those in need. Fifty-four hats, nineteen scarves and five pairs of mittens were given to Central's pre-school coat drive, His Mission, City Gate, and CYWA in Coatesville. We appreciate the many donations of yarn, as well as the financial support of the Mission

Committee. We meet on the second Tuesday each month at Central at 9:30 a.m. and would welcome new crafters. If you have any questions, please call Sue Sweetland at 610-363-8529.

INCLEMENT WEATHER… Wintertime is upon us, and with it comes all sorts of weather. The CPC office normally follows the Downingtown Area School District when there are two-hour delays or closures because of bad weather. You can call the church office to hear a recorded message, or check our website at cpcdowningtown.org to find out if we are closed.

A regularly-scheduled meeting of the Central Presbyterian Church Board of Trustees was held December 4, 2017. Members Present: Steve Caggiano Jane Chaballa, Mike Cihlar, Pete DiStefano, Lew Gay, Michelle Graybeal, Ray Horwitz, Kelly Kelly, Kevin Sorrell, Jim Sciandra & Jake Schlabach. Absent: Kraig Gualtieri. Also in Attendance: Pastor Tim Black New members: Ruth Patterson, Pat Traini and Glen McMillen. The January meeting, scheduled to meet January 8, 2018, was cancelled due to inclement weather.

Capital Campaign- Tim drafted a letter to the congregation about the status of the campaign in hopes of encouraging more donations. Goal is to get the parking lot done without having to take a loan.

OLD BUSINESS

Gas Detector Needed for Kitchen- Presently no auto shut-off for gas to stove when pilot light blows out. New detector will be monitored by The Protection Bureau at a cost of about $200/year (includes the fire extinguishers, alarms) and will detect carbon monoxide and natural gas. We also need a detector in boiler room- need to

upgrade panel in kitchen to do so.

Office Machines Contract. The office has 2 new copiers. New lease is for 60

months.

Atrium Furniture- Delivery was scheduled for week of December 14. The company

hauled away the old furniture.

NEW BUSINESS

Roof- When Mike looked at roof to determine if squirrel got into sanctuary that way, he didn’t see any holes, but did notice damaged drainer basket. Will check with Dunleavy about cost to fix/replace. Plan made for clearing of leaves on Sunday, December 10 at 11 a.m. Mike also noticed moisture in between the glass that insulates the stained glass; recommended we monitor, does not need immediate attention. Eventually insulating glass will need to be replaced.

Electrical- Most of the church lights have timers. Will need to check outside lights at side entrance; lights were not on.

HVAC: Jane suggested that Oliver come out to teach us how heat system works, including activation and inactivation as seasons change. Requested operation documentation. Michelle reported that former member Steve Moore has offered to give advice/guidance as far as heat and electrical systems. Discussion held about needing a spare motor for the boiler. Oliver recommends buying a new one or rebuilding the current spare motor.

Prayer Room- Seems colder than other rooms. No insulation in roof; it was an addition. Also is end of the line for radiant heaters and it has an outside wall. Discussion regarding adding new insulation.

Sanctuary Lights- Two lights out in second ring, front of screens. Discussion about light bulbs; cannot get same ones at Home Depot or Lowes. 12 bulbs/ring.100 watt equivalent CFL bulbs. LED’s suggested. OK’d Michelle to purchase new LED set at $5/bulb.

Insurance (Lew)- Accident insurance coverage due for renewal December 27. About $553.00 for same coverage for 2018. Lew will call agent to renew

coverage.

Snow Removal Contract- Received quote from Brian Hankes of LCS Landscaping.

Motion made to approve contract; motion passed.

Next Trustee meeting to be held on February 5, 2017 at 7:00 pm.

T r u s t e e s N e w s Deacons’ Corner

We want to start off by saying Thank You to Nancy Blackwood for leading the Deacons for the last three years and hope she enjoys her well-deserved “retirement.” Thank You also goes out to the class of 2017 Deacons: Dan Beam, Pam Criswell, Ralph Johnson, Jeff Flecken and Rick Sapovits.

Please welcome the class of 2020 Deacons: Adam Anders, Wendy Clark, Dave Hollis, Shannon Veit, Martha Gay, Kathie Marks, Cathy Hankes and Rick Sapovits.

The Deacons Liaison Committee continues to be busy. Requests for heating oil, rental assistance, assistance with PECO and gift cards for groceries continue to come in on a daily basis. The Deacons are thankful for your loose change offerings on the first Sunday of the month, as well as your weekly offerings in the envelopes. If you know of anyone needing assistance, please contact a Deacon or someone in the office. We help members of the congregation first, then members of the outside communities of Downingtown and Coatesville.

The Deacons continue to offer communion to home bound church members unable to attend church on Communion Sundays. If you know of a church member unable to attend church who would like communion served at his or her home or medical facility, please let a Deacon know. If you have served as a Deacon or Elder and would like to serve communion to a homebound member, please contact Patti Lausch at lauschdan@hotmail.com or Rick Sapovits at ricksapovits@gmail.com.

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Quarterly Update for CPC's Good Works Activities

We just completed working on Joe McGraw's home. In addition to the roof and siding work we reported last quarter, we also built new outside front stairs, repaired siding and washed the exterior of his home before moving indoors. Inside we repaired the sub-floor in several places and tested and repaired the electrical system in multiple places. Although we tried to place a pan under his hot water heater, the closet was too small. Not to be deterred, we then lifted the hot water heater, so it was not in direct contact with the sub-floor.

In December we dedicated his home and enjoyed a rousing "drum-off" between Joe, the homeowner and Mike, "the Hammer" Kammerer. It rocked! We look forward to seeing you on a workday!

Practicing the Story Central is INSPIRED TO SERVE. And nothing embodies this component of our Vision statement more than the amazing breadth and depth of mission programs which the congregation supports and sustains through time, talent and treasure.

Did you know that:

• Central supports at least one mission field worker on each of the continents (except Antarctica)?

• There are five people currently or formerly associated with Central whose mission activities we annually support? (Peter Ayukachale’s orphanage in Cameroon, The Jordans in Thailand, CHAT – started by Chris Whiting, in Richmond, Ellie Roper with Intervarsity at Johns Hopkins, and Hearts In Hands – Dawn Schell is Executive Director)

• We support several local agencies involved in home repair and home building, several involved in food distribution to those in need, and several involved in providing shelter to those without a home, escaping unhealthy living arrangements, or trying to get back to work so they can afford their own place to live?

• Through the Deacons Liaison Committee, we provide food, utilities assistance and rent assistance to those in need in the local community?

About $45,000 of the Core Budget goes to support many of these programs. But there is a significant “above and beyond” component to our mission support that is simply “in and out” money given to specific programs, events, or in response to special appeals. In 2016 (2017 full year records are not yet available, but we expect they will show similar levels and patterns), total giving to mission exceeded $100,000. Major programs supported include the first Sunday loose offering which goes to the Deacons for DLC work (roughly $30,000 per year), Stop Hunger Now (Central has packaged and sent over 38,000 meals over the three years of our participation), Heifer (Central has contributed the equivalent of over 30 arks in the 25+ years of our relationship with this organization), One Great Hour of Sharing (and other PC (USA) special offerings), disaster relief through the Presbyterian Disaster Agency (and by sending teams to work in disaster-torn areas), and a number of other caring and sharing projects.

And it is not about the money or the number of programs – it is about lives impacted and changed. Members of Central have repaired houses in Coatesville, Sadsburyville, Kennett Square, Sumter, S.C., New Orleans, the Jersey shore, and will soon do repair work in Houston. We produce hats, scarves, mittens, prayer shawls, baby quilts and other hand-crafted items that bring warmth and show caring to those in need. We distribute mosquito nets in Ghana, repair church roofs in Mexico, repair orphan-age roofs in Cameroon, help women leave the sex trade in South Asia, provide a place to live for women and their children in Coatesville, keep at-risk children off the streets in after-school programs in Coatesville and in the mobile home communities along US 322 between Downingtown and Honeybrook, and so much more.

It has been said that a church can be measured by how well it shares its beliefs and its substance with the community outside its walls. Central is “Inspired to Serve,” and shows abundant generosity in mission. If you are a part of the mission work at Central – thank you for all you have done and are doing. If not, catch the fever and join one or more of the many opportunities to help those in need – you will most assuredly get back so much more than you give.

This article is the first in a recurring series that will appear in the Newsletter throughout

2018. Each article will highlight key programs, initiatives and ministries that are critical in

making Central what it is, and help to define what we will become. Articles will come

on a rotating basis from each of the “pods” in our organizational structure (Celebrating

the Story – Worship and Christian Formation; Practicing the Story – Mission, Deacons,

and DLC; Sharing the Story – Communications and Stewardship; and Supporting the

Story – Finance, Personnel, Administration and Trustees). We want members to be

excited about what God is doing at CPC, and friends and visitors to “catch” that

excitement and want to become a part of all we are doing.

Ellie Roper, Intervarsity Ministry

Hon. Rev. Dr. Peter Ayukachale and the Kembong Sanctuary for Orphans, Cameroon, West Africa

Kids Central News

Weather is a big topic in February! Whether the weather is wintry or spring-like depends on the Groundhog and his shadow. After a cold, cold winter, the hope of an early spring is on everyone’s mind. It’s February at Kids Central and we talk about groundhogs and shadows! We take the shadow concept one step further with silhouettes of Presidents Washington and Lincoln. Then it’s on to discussions about President’s Day, when we learn about our presidents past and present. Take a walk down the KCP hallway and look for silhouettes of our Fabulous Fours…can you guess who any of them are?

We chase away the winter blahs as we learn about Jesus and his friends, the Disciples. This lesson ties in nicely with Valentine’s Day, when we talk about love and our own relationships with friends and family. To highlight Dental Health Month, we have a visit from a local dentist’s office to teach us all about good oral health. As always, we love to “make a joyful noise” in our bi-weekly music and movement class. We also keep things moving through the Bible in Chapel time with Pastors Tim and Emily, as well as monthly Science and Nature adventures with Margaret. After a great experience last year, we hope to take the Fours to the Delaware Children’s Museum later in the month…as long as the weather cooperates. Yes, it’s always this busy!

Our annual “Lord’s Pantry Food of the Month” campaign has been a big success and will begin again this month. We thank all of you for participating in the past and welcome you to do so again. Our food for February is Cereal. Please check back next month to see how we did and to see what we will be collecting in March.

Kids Central registration for the 2018-2019 school year has begun, and spaces are limited. Call 610-269-0297 today to set up a tour. If you know of a child who would benefit from a quality Christian preschool experience, please spread the word! It is the very best form of advertising!

In His Service, Robin Chiavetta

Attention all men of Central Presbyterian Church!

Please come and join us on Saturday, February 10, from 8:30 a.m.–10:00 a.m., as we continue our study on the book of James, where we will be looking at Chapter 2:1-13, “Favoritism Forbidden.”

On Saturday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., we will continue with the study of James 2:14-26, “Faith and Deeds.”

Gerry Mello usually leads this study; however, he will be away during the months of February and March, so our get-together will take place at the church in Room 120 and will be led by Rev. Dr. Peter E. Ayukachale on February 10, 2018, and Kraig Gualtieri on March 10, 2018. Please feel free to invite a friend, co-worker, neighbor, or relative, and remember that men of all ages are welcome. Also, please make sure you RSVP to Peter and Kraig as follows:

Peter – Email: ayukachale@yahoo.com

Kraig – Email: lkgualtieri@gmail.com

Chili & Mac ‘n Cheese Cook-Off & Bluegrass Band Save the date! Saturday, February 24, 6-9 p.m.

WANTED

The best dog-gone Chili this side of the 30-Bypass! Add your favorite recipe of Mac & Cheese and

enter our Winter CPC Chili and Mac & Cheese Cook-Off.

The showdown takes place in Fellowship Hall. All ages are welcome… from little sprouts to wise old geezers!

Be on the lookout for Sign-Ups at the Welcome Center to enter the Cook-Off. Make sure you give your recipe a one-of-a-kind name, and if possible, volunteer to bring some other

goodies. All will be part of the judging… and prizes will be awarded to the winner!

Yee-Haw!

Once you’ve had yur fill, git yourself all gussied up for some foot stomp’ in, hand clap’in along with the Raven Hill Bluegrass Band!

Come and be part of the family fun!

MUSIC NOTES

All of our musical organizations started the New Year with energy and new ideas. Our traditional Christmas Festival Concert was held for the first time on January 7, titled "Twelfth Night Celebra-tion Concert." In addition to beautiful selections by the Bell Choirs, Organist, Pianist and Chancel Choir, a performance of Gian Carlo Menotti's "Amahl and the Night Visitors" was offered as the second half of the pro-gram. The story of Amahl, a crippled shepherd boy who is miraculously healed when he offers his crutch as a gift to the child to the three kings visiting his cottage, was a delightful way to culminate our Christmas season at Central. Kathy Fredericksen and her son Thomas beautifully portrayed the parts of Amahl and his mother. Many of the cast had portrayed characters in “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in previous performances over the past 40 years at Central! A special thank you to all who spent long hours practicing and preparing for this most charming production, which brought joy to its enthusiastic audience.

Ash Wednesday is February 14, and Easter is April 1. We will highlight with music the ministry and lessons of Jesus and His unconditional love and sacrifice for His people. Special ensembles will offer musical and spoken selections during our Sunday Lenten services February 18 through April 1.

Reminder from Amy Lisk, Associate for Youth and Children

On Monday, February 12, at 6:30 p.m., a session will be held to review and explain the CPC policy for Child and Youth Protection. All volunteers who work with kids in church programs are invited to attend. Since we have not held a training class for volunteers other than VBS training in a few years, we want to make sure everyone is on the same page with expectations. Please RSVP if you will attend to alisk@cpcdowningtown.org Child Care will be available during the meeting.

SPIRIT RISING: Contemporary Or Traditional Music? A Perspective

Sing to the Lord a new song – Psalm 98:1

Much has been written regarding the role of contemporary Christian music in worship. Some may see it as loud and entertain-ment-focused, while others find it spiritually fulfilling and a modern approach to worship God. It is not a new debate; many of our beloved traditional hymns were considered new and even controversial at some point, breaking from the tradition of chant and a capella Psalms-singing within the early church. Still, many of us grew up with traditional hymns and find comfort in them, while seeing newer music and praise band format as “different.” Likely the future of church services across the land will continue to evolve and incorporate both styles in some combination.

We are blessed to be part of a church that blends musical styles to appeal broadly to all who seek to worship God. Our diversity is inviting and can inspire us to be a stronger congregation. Spirit Rising works diligently, in consultation with our pastors, to be sure we lead liturgically appropriate songs with appropriate musical styles that help us focus on our collective worship of God.

Overall, musical styles are less important than the depth of the message and the worship that is inspired. We thank you all for allowing us to be a part of our worship of God each Sunday!

In this photo, Amahl offers his crutch as his gift to the Christ Child.

YOUTH MINISTRY

Our Second Fridays Youth Group met in January for indoor “playground games.” They played 4-Square, Gaga Ball, and even had a “snowball” fight indoors with marshmallows. They rounded out the evening with an ice cream snack and a devotional discussion about how important teamwork is in the Bible and in our lives. Join the group for its next gathering, Friday, February 9 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. All youth currently in grades 3-5 are welcome.

Heifer’s Alternative Gift Market Day a Success!

Special Thanks from Kids on a Mission Class and Central who again faithfully supported Heifer’s Alternative Gift Market Day on December 3, 2017, by giving a handup! Total Alterantive Gifts were $7846.85 plus $400 corporate sponsorship. Our first Kids on a Mission Heifer Team Page collected $348.00 online!

More great news, Heifer is matching all gift animals through an anonymous corporate sponsor program. Our purchses include: One $5000 gift ark, plus 2 goats, 2 llamas, 1 alpaca, 2 trios of rabbits, 2 packages of trees, 10 flocks of chicks, 1 share of biogas stove, 1 package of clean water, 1 irrigation pump, 1 share of a knitting basket, 3 water buffalos, and in Mae Jean Rosser’s memory 28 packages of bees! Known as the “Gift that keeps on giving,” Heifer gifts to the world provide 9X impact! Thank you for honoring your friends and loved ones during the holidays with a meaningful gift that helps struggling families.

CIRCLES OF CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH DEBORAH CIRCLE will meet on February 15, Thursday, at 7:00 p.m. in the Prayer Room. Chapter 5 of " HAVING A MARY HEART IN A MARTHA WORLD" will be studied and discussed. Call Mary Lee Caggiano or Nancy Hilton with any questions. All are welcome. LYDIA CIRCLE meets on the first Tuesday of the month in the Prayer Room at C.P.C. at 7:00 p.m. Call Denise McMillan for information. MIRIAM CIRCLE will be meeting on Monday, February 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the Prayer Room. Chapter 5 of James W. Moore's "JESUS' PARABLES OF GRACE” will be discussed and studied. Call Cindy Markley for more information. SARAH CIRCLE will meet at CPC on February 19, Monday, at 7:00 p.m. Chapter 5 of "JESUS' PARABLES OF GRACE” will be reviewed and discussed. Call Susan Blevins or Tina Bandoian with any questions.

Presbyterian Women of CPC BLANKET THE WORLD WITH LOVE. On Sundays February 4 and 11, Presbyterian

Women will be accepting donations for blankets. Sponsored by Church World Service, these blankets are given to families fleeing their homes and recovering from disasters. They help provide warmth and comfort. In return for your donation, we will offer you a lovely Valentine’s Day card, which you may give to someone you love. Look for our tables in both Narthexes after

the service and thank you for your support. Save the Date for… CPC’s Women's Retreat, which will be held next April 27, 28 and 29, 2018, at St. Mary of Providence in Elverson, PA. Betsy Friend will be our speaker, her topic is: BRINGING HOPE TO A WORLD IN NEED.... CARING FOR SELF, OTHERS AND GOD’S CREATION. All women are welcome to join us! Registration forms are at the Welcome Center.

Perhaps you might be interested in the 2018 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women, which will be held August 2-5 in Louisville, Kentucky. 2018 is also the year that PW celebrates its 30th Anniversary. Wish to learn more? See Melissa Matheson or Jane DeFord.

February 4 is SCOUT SUNDAY, when Scouts celebrate the founding of the organization and recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting.

NURSERY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES There is a need for an additional volunteer to help Lead Staffer Ann Lash during worship each week in the Infant Nursery. The sign up is a calendar posted outside the nursery, next to the bulletin board. Thanks for volunteering. If you have questions, feel free to ask a staff member.

CPC continues to collect food every month for His Mission, a shelter in Kennett Square for those who are temporarily homeless and those seeking employment. This facility relies solely on donations in order to provide breakfast and dinner every morning for its guests. This month His Mission is feeding extra people who come in for a meal and a shower because the facility is at maximum sleeping capacity. There are always more people who need shelter than there are beds available during the winter months. Cathy and Bob Hankes regularly deliver the collected items to His Mission. They report that the folks there are so very grateful for the kind, dependable donations from our church! As you may also know, our Mission Ministry reaches out to His Mission further by helping with the cost of insurance for the property each year. On Sunday, February 11, please look for the tri-fold poster in the North Narthex with the menu and food items requested for His Mission for the month of February. CPC will provide a hot beef stew, green salad, cornbread, and cupcakes. We will collect and deliver the food on Sunday, February 18. Cathy emphasizes that His Mission always needs towels, washcloths, soap, dish detergent, hats and gloves. Thanks to all who support this vital local mission!

His Mission

Volunteer Spotlight MICHELLE GRAYBEAL

Michelle Graybeal came to Central at the invitation of friends and was amazed to see on one of her first visits that, when people who volunteered their time at CPC were asked to stand, most people present were on their feet! Later after joining the church, Michelle determined to add her skills and commitment to the life of Central.

Elected a Trustee in 2016, she is the contact person for and helps facilitate the work schedule of our Sexton/Custodian Pathman Carnation, ordering his supplies and often assisting in building set-up and upkeep. She has been known to pull a tool from her toolbox, which she always carries in her car, and perform some emergency mechanical miracle! She co-chairs the Kitchen Committee, along with two other Trustees, calling meetings when questions arise over usage responsibilities. She maintains the Shared Kitchen Supplies, purchasing and replenishing supplies, as needed.

As leader of the Facelift/Building Beautification Committee, a sub-committee of the Trustees, she was the primary painter, along with Nancy Kammerer and Pathman Carnation, of the attractive warm gray walls of the Atrium and Education Wing of the building. She meets with members of the committee to determine the needs for furniture repairs and replacement and helps find ways to bring those goals to fruition.

With a background of 26 years working in creating office systems at Spectrum Office Furniture Company, Michelle has definitely put her skills to work here at Central. She oversees storage in the building, determining locations for equipment, decorations, educational materials, and other supplies, in order to keep our church un-cluttered and well maintained. A great asset, she is gifted with an ability to bring order to chaos and can visualize the potential outcome of a well-ordered, beautiful space, and she never hesitates to volunteer to work where her heart is.

Michelle is a gifted Massage Therapist, a career that complements her compassion for others. She lives in Downingtown with her son, Sean, and a friendly cocker spaniel, Buddy.

JORDANS’ CORNER

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers for the Jordans throughout the year. 2017 was a very good year.

Pray for the upcoming SALT trips as students from ICS travel to different parts of Thailand to do community service as large groups. Pray specifically for the 7th grade trip, as Allen and Nikki head to Pattaya to work with people living in the slums, including elderly at a home and kids who are at risk. Pray for unity and for a hard-working attitude. We will be painting, gardening, presenting information on hygiene, and preparing a show to entertain the elderly people.

Pray that the enthusiasm the students have shown for the beginning of this semester would not fade away too quickly.

Pray also for the U-13 Girl's Soccer team as we finish up the season with our annual tournament. Pray for team unity and for them to work together to play as a team.

As for personal requests for Nikki, pray that she would be diligent with her schoolwork here at school and look for opportunities to mentor kids when they need it. Also, pray that she would be faithful in the word and prayer, as it's very important in her daily walk and work.

Continue to pray for Nikki's physical healing. Pray also that she would have an increase in patience. Sometimes things in Thailand do not work like they do in the USA, which can easily be frustrating because of our Western expectations. Pray for an increase in grace and understanding to reduce irritation.

Pray for Nikki's ministry to women, to prisoners and to Naomi. Pray for favor, God's will, and healthy balance.

Central Presbyterian Church 100 W. Uwchlan Ave., Downingtown, PA 19335

Phone: 610-269-1576 Fax: 610-269-9842 www.cpcdowningtown.org

Rev. Emily Chudy, Co-Pastor

Rev. Tim Black, Co-Pastor

Newsletter Editor-in-Chief: Sue Blevins

Staff Writer: CorieSue Freeman

Layout Editor: Leah Greenwood

Copy Editors: Nancy Hilton, Sally Frederick

Photographer: Dick Dague

Contact Newsletter Staff: blevsb@comcast.net