Jazz Sunday
June 24, 10:00 a.m.

Our Jazz Sunday will feature clarinetist extraordinaire Dave Bennett. Bennett was here last year with the New Reformation Band (which is not appearing at this year's festival). At age 20 he is an authentic musical prodigy who has been touring nationally since age 14 and has recorded a CD tribute to Benny Goodman. He will be joined by vocalist Chris Witman, Celia Weiss, and other outstanding musicians for a memorable service. Invite your friends!

Click here for details.

The Hopkins 4K for Cancer Cross-Country Cyclists visited our church June 4-5. Click here for details.

What would be the best Sunday morning schedule for our church to follow?

That question has occasioned a good deal of discussion and consideration recently. It is a question that affects everyone in our church, and no single choice can please everybody, so I want to have some open discussion.

Let me say at the outset that the “conventional wisdom” is that moving worship times can cause great controversy in churches. We have done some moving of worship times, and may choose to do some more, but I have not seen it causing major controversy in our church, and I want to celebrate your flexibility.

A bit of history

Since we moved the Bridge to Sunday mornings three years ago, we’ve tried two different combinations of worship and Sunday school times, to wit:

The first schedule: Chapel service at 8:30, Bridge service at 9:45, Sanctuary service at 11:00, and children’s & adult’s classes at 9:45. Advantages: the least disruption to Chapel and Sanctuary attendees who were used to the old schedule; people can attend more than one service. Disadvantages: Bridge attendees cannot attend any classes, either children or adults.

2. The second (current) schedule: Chapel service at 8:30, Bridge service at 9:30, Sanctuary service at 10:45, and two different sets of children’s and adult’s classes: one at 9:45, and one at 10:45. Advantages: Everyone can attend some class; people can attend more than one service. Disadvantages: Bridge and “upstairs” attendees cannot attend the same classes; children are divided; staffing for two hours of children’s Sunday school is difficult; Sanctuary service and Bridge had to change times.

Feedback on the current schedule

After a couple of years with the current schedule, I’ve heard numerous comments about a perceived loss of unity and connectedness in the church. A number of “upstairs folks” (the group with whom I have the most contact) regret that they don’t get to see Bridge attendees whom they know, and don’t get to know new Bridge attendees. As I often explain, some loss of unity is an inescapable result of having multiple services in different spaces. Indeed, some long-time Chapel attendees don’t know some long-time Sanctuary attendees, and vice-versa. However, given that multiple services mean that everybody cannot know everybody else, nevertheless there are ways to foster “connectedness” by intentionally scheduling classes and events that will bring people together from different services.

The other night, Shawna Reyes, a young adult Bridge attendee, (for whose daughter, Olivia, we have been praying) came to Session to join the church. As elders were introducing themselves, one of our “upstairs” elders said, “Shawna and I know each other - we’ve been in a class together.” That’s the kind of connection many are seeking.
 

What can we do to foster “connectedness?”

As mentioned in last month’s newsletter, one way to bring both children and adults together would be to run the Sanctuary and Bridge services simultaneously, with children’s and adult classes either before or after. Doing so would allow children and adults from both services to attend classes together, and possibly to mingle in fellowship time. It would reduce or eliminate some of the drawbacks of the current schedule, including the difficulty of staffing children’s Sunday school for two hours (although we would probably return to something like the old “FISH” program - activities for toddlers during the combined services to allow their parents the option of worshiping without trying to care for a toddler).

How might a schedule with simultaneous services look? Here are two options:

Option 1: Chapel service at 8:30; Bridge and Sanctuary services at 9:45; children’s and adult classes afterward, at 10:45.
Advantages: experience has shown that people are more likely to attend classes after worship than before worship (e.g. we currently have more Chapel attendees than Sanctuary attendees in 9:45 classes); choir members and Bridge leaders can attend classes.
Disadvantages: Chapel attendees have no classes immediately following their worship; Sanctuary service moves a full hour earlier.

Option 2: Chapel service at 8:00; children’s and adult classes at 9:00; Bridge and Sanctuary services at 10:00.
Advantages: Chapel attendees can easily attend classes with Bridge and Sanctuary attendees.
Disadvantages: Chapel service moves 30 minutes earlier, Bridge moves 1/2 hour later, and Sanctuary service moves 45 minutes earlier; choir members and Bridge leaders may not be able to attend Sunday morning classes.

Keep in mind that any schedule which runs the Sanctuary and Bridge services simultaneously has three drawbacks: 1) people could no longer attend or participate in both the Bridge and Sanctuary services, 2) parking would be tight — some people might have to park on the street and walk a bit, and 3) moving the Sanctuary service earlier means Sunday morning choir rehearsal will be earlier.

So…what do you think? Do the advantages of simultaneous services outweigh the drawbacks? Is this a direction we should go? If so, should we run Sunday school before or after the simultaneous services?

Give these ideas some thought. In August, we will schedule some opportunities to gather and discuss these possibilities. No decision will be made until fall, and no change will be made until after Labor Day.

On another front, plans are progressing for our capital campaign, and you will be hearing more about that in the months ahead. May God’s blessings be with you.
 

Saving Jesus

Wednesday's Table, the small group that meets at 11:00 a.m. Wednesdays at the church, invites you to experience the challenging, thought-provoking exploration of Jesus Christ in the "Saving Jesus" video series.  The sessions began in the Reception Room on June 13 .

Brown Bag Book Bunch 

Everyone is invited to this monthly discussion of worthy books.  Read and come for a lively discussion!  Join us on the first Monday of the month at 11:00 am.

Upcoming sessions:

July 2	The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington
August 6	Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie
September 10	Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
October 1	Damage Control by Robert Dugoni

Vacation Bible School

We’re excited about this year’s Vacation Bible School! A few volunteers are still needed in some areas. Please fill out the volunteer sheet in the bulletin if you can help out, or you can contact me at 523-0866 or Kristy@presby.net. Volunteers are needed to teach preschoolers, teach crafts, games, and we need captains to lead the children through the different activities. Thank you to all who have volunteered already. There will be a light dinner beforehand for volunteers and nursery care and for the children of volunteers. We would like children to pre-register for VBS. You can go to the website to register online at presby.net or fpcbridge.com and look for Great Bible Reef or call the church office at 264-3109.

  
 

Sunday School Schedule

Classes will resume August 19.

Kristy Nix’s Contract Extended…The Personnel Committee is pleased to announce that Kristy Nix’s contract as interim Coordinator of Children’s Ministries has been extended through the upcoming school year.

Summer Camp at Geneva Center

Geneva Center, our presbytery camp near Rochester, IN (about 75 min. south), has some wonderful summer camp opportunities for children & youth.  Call the camp for a brochure  (574) 223-6915, or check out their website at www.genevacenter.org,   Application forms are available in the church office or at the welcome desk.  Scholarship help for up to half the cost of camping is available from the church.   To request scholarship help, talk to Steve Braden.

Some tables are available, but you may want to bring your own lawn chair. Lunch and drinks will be provided. Please bring a dessert to share, and dress casual!

A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING

If you enjoy the music from Rogers and Hammerstein join PoGO when we carpool to Warsaw to see this musical revue. We will hear the lyrics and the melodies with new scenarios and arrangements, without losing the heart of the original songs from Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, The King and I, South Pacific, and others. Grand Night for Singing earned two Tony nominations in 1994 for the Best Musical and Best Book.

   So mark your calendar and sign up now. The date for the performance is Sunday, August 19 at 2:00. A group price is $19 per senior ($22 for other adults) and must be paid by July 1.

A sign-up sheet is located on the table by the Gathering Place in the church or you may call to register at 264-3109.

The Presbyterian Women are collecting School and Health Kit Supplies

School’s out, so it’s time to start buying school supplies!

 That’s right, it’s time to start thinking about filling our school bags and backpacks. Supplies will be due in the church Sunday, August 5, so keep your eyes out for good bargains. You may donate individual items, entire kits, or money for purchasing items or for postage. The items needed are:
 

Please purchase only the items listed. Kits sent overseas need to be identical. Thank you so much for showing the children God’s love. You’re a blessing!

Health kits…While you’re out shopping for school supplies, you may also want to pick up some items for the health kits. These kits are sent wherever they are needed. This is an ongoing mission project, so supplies may be brought to the church anytime. Thank you!
 

Habitat for Humanity Apostles’ Build

This year’s Habitat Apostles’ Build will take place in October. Our church will be joining other churches to build a house at 1917 Benham Avenue. The Partner Family is Shealvonne Wilson, her mother Mattie, and her four sons, Tarin (12), Dwayne (10), Clinton (9), and Dennis (8). Shealvonne works at Homecrest Cabinets and her sons all do well in school.

The dates for our church’s hands-on building work: Thursday, October 11, and Friday, October 12.  Watch for further details about how to sign up. Coordinating our effort is Braden McCormick (bmccormick@unitedshade.com).

As with last year’s build, our church needs to raise $4,000 for our share of the build. Can you contribute? Please make checks to the church, marked “Habitat.”
 

Trustee Notes

The new sign on the east side of the church has been installed. It is meant to coordinate with the sign on the Chapel. Thanks to Alex Eraybar for shepherding this project.

The plan to build up the driveway under the portico by the tower room is in the works. This will make the tower room entrance handicap accessible (though without an electric door). Thanks to the Foundation for funding this project.

The much-needed repairs to the organ chamber walls have been funded (thanks again to the Foundation!) and scheduled. This will involve removing some of the organ pipes to give access to repair and re-plaster walls damaged by old water leaks. The organ will still be playable during this project.

Room 106, the old Sonshine Kids room, has been repainted and is in the process of being redecorated to be a small group meeting room.

The Trustees have been working hard to refine the list of projects to be included in our capital campaign.

Cinda has been trained on the new church management software, Church Windows, and is in the process of implementing it. For the first time, we will have our financial records, attendance, and membership data all in one program. Cinda will run parallel books with the old system for several months.
 

Church Community Services (CCS), our ecumenical food pantry, distributes bags of food and (as funds are available) assistance with rent and utility payments to local families needing emergency help. Our church supports CCS with regular donations from our mission budget, and a number of our members make individual contributions toward rent assistance (since CCS now incorporates the work of the former Dave's Place). Several of our members volunteer at CCS, and they can always use more volunteers!

We collect grocery donations each Sunday on the following schedule:

First Sunday - Fish (canned tuna & salmon) Second Sunday - Spaghetti & Spam (sauce & canned meat) Third Sunday - Oral Hygiene & Toiletries (toothpaste, personal care) Fourth Sunday - Canned Fruit Fifth Sunday - Cleaning Supplies for Faith Mission

Spencer Brotherson, the son of Jim & Patty Brotherson and the grandson of Dick & Pat Brotherson, graduated from Central High School with Academic Honors. Spencer will attend Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and will be majoring in Business with a concentration in legal studies or management.

McKenzie Butler, better known as Kenzie, the daughter of Lynn and Michael Butler, and granddaughter of Phid Butler, graduated from Concord High School and will be attending Columbia College in Chicago to study fashion merchandising.

Karen Evans, the daughter of Diane & Doug Evans, graduated from Central High School. She will be attending Ball State in Muncie and majoring in Psychology. Karen has been a Youth Deacon.

Christopher Gilpin, the son of Russ and Sue Gilpin, graduated from Elkhart Central High School. Chris will be attending Purdue University and has not yet decided on his major.

Christopher Lea, the son of Cheri & Brent Lea, graduated from Elkhart Memorial High School. Chris will be attending Columbia College in Chicago or Indiana University and majoring in Journalism

Lauren Pitcher, the daughter of Jennifer and Vern Pitcher, graduated from Central High School, in the top ten in her class. Lauren will be attending Purdue University with a focus in Film Productions (thanks to Bridge!). Lauren was a Youth Elder and a Youth Deacon and has been the Bridge Media and Technical Assistant the past three years.

Post-Secondary Graduates

Marsha Brownewell graduated from Indiana Tech with a Masters of Science in Management.

Tamara Disch graduated on May 26 from Hanover College with a degree in Sociology and a minor in German. She hopes to find a job in Social Services where she can apply her newfound skills.

Ben Weiss graduated from Indiana University with a Masters Performer Diploma in Violin Performance. He will continue his studies for a Masters Performer Diploma in Viola.

Our recipient from Jimtown High School is Allen Konrath.

Allen is an ambassador for human kindness and selfless giving. He volunteers without hesitation, leads by example and displays a genuine sense of understanding and tolerance at diversity.

Allen has helped many high school students as a peer tutor. He spent extra time with one student who had special needs. Allen offered the student encouragement and genuine friendship. Allen learned a card game that was special to this boy and attended a card club meeting so he could experience something that was so meaningful to this student.

Also, Allen was asked to tutor a first grade boy who was struggling in life and needed a positive male role model. Allen spent countless hours with him helping not only with academics, but also with personal care responsibilities and self value. Allen connected with a boy no one else could reach, and he became a stable and positive influence in a little boy’s chaotic world.

Allen gives tirelessly of himself to others. He motivates and inspires others to be more open-minded and tolerant, more aware and less self-centered.

 

Our recipient from Elkhart Central High School is Teresa M. Nisely.

Thank you for recognizing me as being a peacemaker. I was surprised to receive the award, but I am very thankful. I plan to take a year off of school. After that year is up, I plan on attending IUSB for accounting. I'm sorry I won’t be able to attend the Sunday service to be introduced to the church. I am very thankful for the grant.

Sincerely,
Teresa M. Nicely
 
Teresa was chosen because she works well with everyone in the classrooms, as well as maintaining a high level of respect toward her peers and the teachers. Even if personalities collide, Teresa is the student who makes everyone feel safe and comfortable working in class.

Teresa was a member of the SCRAM program Student Conflict, Resolution and Mediation program at Concord High School. The teacher who nominated her said "without a doubt, Teresa is the first senior who comes to mind when I think of a student who promotes reconciliation between people. Teresa is a fantastic representative of the SCRAM program."

Our recipient from Elkhart Central High School is Moises Santos.

I was born in Michoacan, Mexico, on March 12, 1989, where I lived for 11 years. My family is very small. My parents only had me and my older sister, Christina, who is now married.

I have enjoyed being in schools where teachers have been very nice to me and my parents. Because I moved to the U.S. I had to do the sixth grade again, but only for a couple of months. I have been to Monger Elementary, and then I went to Pierre Moran, and to Elkhart Central High School where I have finished high school. My goal is to keep studying at Goshen College so that I can major in Computer Science and maybe become a Computer Programmer.

Hopefully when I finish college, I have gained enough skills to have a decent job. Later I would like to help my family financially just as First Presbyterian Church has helped me. For that I thank enough to you in my support. Also I would like to help parents get adjusted to the American culture. I do plan to get married and have my own family, but that would be after I finish college. I plan to move to Mexico maybe, to live with all my family, if it's possible when I get to have the job I want to have. I'm very thankful for everything that the American life has offered me. I will always be thankful. Again thank you for your support you guys at the church.

Bless you and God be with you.

Moises Santos
 

Moises was chosen because his kindness and his calm demeanor influences his peers and brings out their better natures. He radiates peace. The teacher who nominated Moises said "I often arrange seating charts to promote a more peaceful environment. Moises is one of the students I trust to be a buffer between the rest of the class and a student who tends to be disruptive or hot-tempered, or a student who might be the target of teasing. Teachers trust his good character."

In his studies, as well as learning English as a second language he is also studying French. His sponsoring teacher said, "I believe that he is one of those peacemakers who will inherit the earth."

Moises knows how cultural understanding and better communication among different groups will promote peace. He has devoted a lot of effort at Central High School sharing the best of his culture in the International Club.
 

Our recipient from Elkhart Memorial High School is Sarah Rose Hummel.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the First Presbyterian Church for awarding me with the Peacemaking Grant for Elkhart Memorial High school. The money awarded will go towards my college expenses: perhaps for groceries, supplies, or otherwise. This fall, I will be attending Minneapolis College of Art and Design in pursuit of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. This is a four year investment and I would like to concentrate my studies in either photography or graphic design. With this degree, I'd like to do professional photo shoots for magazine advertisements or design covers for CD's. Thank you again for honoring me with the Peacemaking Grant.

Sarah was chosen because she has reached out to help others in many areas of student activities and student government while at Memorial High School. She impressed her teachers because of her efforts and accomplishments with her own peers in Student Government, as well as leadership in many other student and community groups.

Sarah has been very involved in the Student Mentor program for incoming freshmen. This is a serious commitment of time, patience, and compassion. Sarah mentored in a special education classroom. She demonstrated how to make a difference and showed a special compassion for other people.

Through her many many kindnesses she is devoted to helping others. Sarah has volunteered at Mary Feeser and Cleveland Elementary Schools and Feed the Children, and has participated in the CROP Walk.

Sarah exhibits fairness and compassion in her personal life and works for peace and wholeness in her school and community.
 

Hosting Hopkins 4K Cancer Cross-Country Cyclists

On June 4, our church hosted twenty-six bicyclists representing Johns Hopkins University. The students are bicycling from Baltimore to San Francisco as the final stage to fulfill their mission. Throughout this last year each student has raised over $3,500, has regularly visited the Hope Lodge in Baltimore (temporary housing for cancer patients undergoing treatment who live outside of Baltimore), and is now bicycling 4,000 miles across America to raise cancer awareness and increase understanding of the strength a person needs to fight cancer. Their money raised will go to Hope Lodge, to the American Cancer Association, and several other cancer activities they have become aware of on their bicycle journey.

We hosted a congregational picnic dinner and the opportunity for them to present their story. They slept at the church, enjoyed a great breakfast, and headed west.

Special thanks to Jim Rasp, who spent many hours tuning bicycles for 56 more days of cycling. Special thanks also to Carol and Steve Eldridge, Carol and Dave Steede, Susan and Dave Lehman, Paula and Stu Barb, Pam Duncan, Dian Holdeman, Mary Ann Graves, Colleen Goode, Steve Seward, and Cinda Olinger who prepared and served dinner and breakfast and helped meet many other needs of the students.

If you wish to read about this adventure, go to their website www.hopkins4K.org. There are pictures, biographies of the riders, info about their route across the USA and other information, Also, some brochures about their mission are near our Sanctuary and Chapel.

Luau at Susie & Wen Wu’s!
Everyone is invited to come! Sunday, August 26, 2007
3:00-7:30 p.m.
Lots of activities, food, and fun!
Watch for future details!

Men’s Softball Team Update...The First Presbyterian Church Softball Team played Monday night, June 11, and it was an exciting game! The team won 11-10, which now brings their record to (3) three wins and (2) two losses.

The First Presbyterian Church Softball team plays every Monday night at Riverview Park. Please show your support by coming out and cheering your team!

The next game is: Monday, June 18

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