Weekly BLAST - Sycamore Presbyterian Church

Weekly Email BLAST, March 27, 2015
Holy Week Calendar
This coming Sunday is Palm Sunday (March 29, 2015)
Palms will be available at the 9:15 a.m. traditional worship
service. At the 10:45 a.m. service, there will be a procession,
and everyone is invited to attend. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. in
the Connector (by the CMT table and Student Kiosk) to receive
a palm. As the service begins, we will process in with the
pastors, choir, and leadership waving our palms as the
congregation sings "All Glory Laud and Honor." Afterwards,
children and students will be excused to their respective
ministry areas.
Maundy Thursday (April 2, 2015) Please join Rev. Linda
McClanahan in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. for our Maundy
Thursday worship service. *Childcare for Nursery and Toddler
available.
Good Friday (April 3, 2015) Join us as we prepare our hearts
for the final days of Lent with Stations of the Cross...an event
for all ages...we will begin worshiping in the Chapel at 5:30
p.m., have dinner at 6:00 p.m., and then follow a path of
interactive, devotional stations depicting Jesus' final days from
the Last Supper to the Resurrection. Please sign up in the
Café or online for the meal. **In addition, the church will be
open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, and
Easter Sunday for self-guided tours for those unable to join us
on Good Friday.
Easter Sunday (April 5, 2015) Our Easter Sunday Services
will be at 9:15 and 10:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary.
Church Closed
Monday, April 6, 2015
As always, the Monday following holy week, specifically the
day after Easter, SPC will be closed on Monday, April 6, 2015.
Easter Flowers - March 30 is the last day to
order -
Continuing Care List
Please pray for:
Chuck Lowe
Harlyn Hubers
Kim Fix
Zach Malanchuk
Lewise Kalsbeek
Richard Jones
Mackenzie Hicks
Ernie Tong
Robert Weidner
Patty Reinhart
Marirose Stiver
John Gillcrist
Mel Reno
Emily Hill
Julie Malcolm
Mary Read
Ron Brady
Joe Burnett
Skip Rhein
Tina Rhein
Dianne Harmon
Tom Morgenfeld
Ruth Gantt
Marcia Werger
John Taylor
John Beil
Robbie Koslan
David Read
Helen Sperling
Mary Hastings
Betty Richards
Steve Krentz
Susan Mullen
Candy Baker
Carol Hunnicutt
Barb Sacks
Mel Mack
It is that time of year again...
The Easter Flower order forms will be passed out on Sundays,
so you may place an order in memory or in honor of a relative
or friend. The flowers will be used to decorate the Sanctuary
on Easter Sunday, and you may take them home after the
second service. The deadline for ordering is Monday, March
30, 2015. All payment and selection information is located on
the order forms. If you have any questions, feel free to call the
church office at 683-0254.
Thanks from the Deacons
Thank you for the Easter BLESSINGS...
The Deacons would like to express their deepest appreciation
to everyone who helped make the 2015 Easter Basket project
with IHN a huge success. 110 baskets were assembled with
snacks, candy, and special items. Thanks to the SPC
Preschool for their donations of hot wheels, pencils, erasers,
notepads, crayons, and girl's hair accessories. Thanks to the
church staff for their help and support and thanks to the
congregation. Their generous donations ($1330.00) enabled
us to purchase food for the families' Easter meals. This was an
excellent project and an outstanding witness of hope and the
sharing of God's Blessings. THANK YOU!
The SPC Office Needs Your Help...
We are trying to update information for our current Military
List. Could you please look over the following names, and let
us know their status. For example, are they still in the military,
are they deployed, do you want them to remain on our list?
Whatever information you might have, we would greatly
appreciate. Simply email your updates to Jeanne Stevens at
[email protected] or Virginia Barnett at
[email protected]. Thank you for your time.
Sgt. Paul Ryan Keller
Sgt. Nathan McCall
MM3 Joseph Prickett
2nd Lt. Michael Hills
SSG Kurt Davis
2nd Lt. Mark Folchi
PO3C James Hough
Brandyn LaFarge
Staff Sgt. Kelsey Melzer
Staff Sgt. Andrew Ruberg
LCpl Zachary Sultz
Coffee Ministry Needs Your Help...
Volunteers are needed to serve coffee and donuts in between
worship services on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in
helping, please contact Nancye Rascov at 697-7784
or [email protected]. Thank you!
Savannah/Charleston Trip Opening
April 13-19, 2015
Due to a family matter, Bev Guenther needs to sell her
reservation giving some lucky person the opportunity to be her
replacement. This is a very easy process; you simply pay Bev,
and we will change the name on the reservation...VOILA!...you
get a single room on a fantastic full week trip filled with fun and
adventure for only $998.00.
Make your decision quickly; we are having our pre-trip
information and fellowship dinner on Thursday, March 26, at
6:00 p.m...sure would be super if you have signed up by then,
so you may be included in our plans.
You may reach Bev at 398-0195.
Prime Timer's News Flash...
Canada and New England Cruise
Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Sea
September 15-25, 2015
A Cruise Package Designed for Sycamore Prime Timers
ONLY 2 BALCONY AND 1 OCEAN FRONT CABINS LEFT!
Balcony: $2764. per person Ocean View: $2168. per person
PRICE PER PERSON INCLUDES: Airfare from Cincinnati to
Newark, NJ and from Quebec City back to Cincinnati; all taxes;
all government fees; port charges; transfers to/from pier; and,
prepaid ship gratuities.
NOT INCLUDED: travel insurance *travel insurance is highly
recommended
PRESTIGE TRAVEL IN MONTGOMERY IS THE AGENCY
MAKING ALL ARRANGEMENTS - they accept Visa, Master
Card, Discover, and AmEx
If interested, please contact Irene Strong, Sycamore
Presbyterian Church - 513-677-1712 or [email protected]
Men of Sycamore...
Men of Sycamore - Fellowship Opportunity!
The excitement and thrill of college basketball remains in the
air! The third round of the Men's NCAA Basketball
Championship has already begun. By the end of this weekend
the Final Four teams will be determined and will be competing
in Indianapolis.
The StoneMasons Leadership Team will be hosting an
afternoon/evening of fellowship for all Sycamore men on
Saturday, April 4. Please plan on joining together with other
men of Sycamore to watch the NCAA Final Four teams play in
two different semi-final games, beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the
SPC Chapel. Pulled pork, baked beans and cole slaw are on
the menu. You are encouraged to bring your favorite appetizer
or desert to share. You can arrive at any time and stay as long
as your schedule permits. If you have sons who are Student
Ministries age please bring them along.
A great time will be had by all cheering on your favorite team
while enjoying good food and companionship. Please join us!
Gardeners Needed!
Many of our church members and friends have commented on
the appearance of the church gardens. More help is needed
to keep them looking good!
The Garden Group meets on Thursday mornings to plant,
weed, prune, and water. If Thursday isn't an option for you,
other days and times may be arranged. Watering the plant
urns is ongoing, since they are located under a covered roof. If
you live near the church and are able to water them one or two
weeks in the summer that would be greatly appreciated!
Come and enjoy the fellowship and learning
opportunities...there is always something new in planting and
gardening! No experience necessary!
If you are interested, please contact Joan Broersma at
[email protected] or 984-4326.
Women's Daffodil Luncheon
Saturday, April 11, 2015 beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Dreaming of Spring? Join us for this Spring event.
All women of SPC are invited, and you are encouraged to
invite a guest as well to this buffet lunch in Fellowship Hall.
The Hall will be decorated with countless, fresh daffodils in
many varieties. The president of the Southwest Ohio Daffodil
Association, Linda Wallpe, will speak to us before lunch. The
Daffodil Lunch is limited to 72 people, and tickets will be
available in the Cafe between services (suggested donation is
$10 per ticket) this Sunday, March 29. Sponsored by Melissa
Wharton ([email protected]).
Watoto Children's Choir to Perform at SPC
Thursday, May 14, at 7:00 p.m.
Host Families needed for Watoto Children's Choir Visit
The Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda will perform their
"Oh, What Love" concert on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m.
Through the colorful sounds and rhythms of Africa, the orphan
children share their personal stories about how the love of
Jesus changed their lives. The concert is free of charge with a
free will offering.
Eight host families are needed to provide overnight
accommodations for 3 or 4 people (2-3 children and a
chaperone). Volunteers are needed for other activities such as
preparing dinner at the church and selling merchandise. If you
are interested in hosting or volunteering, contact Betsy
DeLage at [email protected] or 513-288-1161. To see
the choir, click here Children's Choir
One Great Hour of Sharing
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Join in and be generous...
Presbyterians have joined with millions of other Christians
through One Great Hour of Sharing to share God's love with
people experiencing need. Our gifts support ministries of
disaster response, refugee assistance and resettlement, and
community development helping people find safe refuge, start
new lives and work together to strengthen their families and
communities. The Presbyterian Hunger Program receives 36
percent of undesignated gifts, while Self-Development of
People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receive 32
percent.
Here is an example of a program supported through One
Great Hour of Sharing:
Community of the Beloved: Crossing Boundaries
The Rev. Amy Cantrell has always felt called to build
community with people who live on the margins of society.
"I needed to be a minister to people who do not have one," she
says. "When I began this journey, I learned the public housing
complexes are very isolated--at the end of streets, up against
a highway--people do not even know where they are."
It was there, in the middle of one of these isolated areas, that
Cantrell and Lauren White co-founded the Community of the
BeLoved in Asheville, North Carolina. They placed their
hospitality house downtown near homeless shelters, public
housing, and the bus station, across from a senior center and
the employment commission.
"Love requires proximity, so we put down roots in the middle of
that struggle," says Cantrell. "The solution to a lot of our
community problems can be found by creating communities."
"But it means developing relationships, and that requires a lot
of powerful boundary crossing because of different religious
backgrounds, racial disparity and segregation, and poverty and
homelessness. But we have a great role model--Jesus was a
very good boundary crosser."
One way the Community of the BeLoved connects with others
is by sharing food through a free farmers market, community
gardens, and food pantry.
"One of 10 seniors in North Carolina is struggling with poverty,"
Cantrell notes. "Our city is No. 9 in food insecurity, which is
shocking because of how many farms we have, but you can go
into a classroom and count every other child as a child who is
hungry; more than 50 percent of our children in Buncombe
County schools are food-insecure."
Families who were helped through the group's transitional
housing program helped to create community gardens through
a summer camp and healthy eating program. That's where a
unique idea was born--a food truck.
"It will take fresh foods to kids who are hungry," Cantrell
explained. "They can't come to us because their parents
struggle with transportation, so we go to them and ensure
healthy food is still accessible, even when school is out."
"We don't ask if they need it. We just show up where the
children are and share food together; we also teach the kids
how to cook and garden."
That's the project the Presbyterian Hunger Program is
financing--through your support of One Great Hour of Sharing.
It's a program that will not only feed children but will also
create neighborhoods where the children can feel loved by the
whole community.
"If we are to 'live, love,' then we have to move out and connect
with people--that's what it means to love your neighbor,"
Cantrell says. "In our culture, individualism is celebrated. We
don't talk to our neighbors anymore. But in reality, community
is a spiritual gift, a powerful thing for all of us."
"This area was not a neighborhood when we came here six
years ago. Now people are saying 'hello' to each other. Every
time we cross a boundary, there is a connection that Jesus is a
part of making."
Please give generously...
Visit the PC (USA) website:
(http://specialofferings.pcusa.org/oghs) to learn more about
One Great Hour of Sharing.
Iberian Vacation...
with opportunity for Barcelona extension...
Make this dream vacation your reality. Visit the Café for
detailed information about this fabulous 13 day trip to Spain
including Madrid, Lisbon, Salamanca, Tangier, Morocco,
Granada, Toledo, and more, or add the three day extension to
Barcelona, and make it a 16 day excursion. A $250.00 deposit
will reserve your spot. If you are interested, please contact
Ceil Allard at 459-1730 or [email protected] or
Lois Borisch at 489-0744 or [email protected].
Children's Ministries
Questions regarding Children's Ministries: Jan Ferris at 6830254, ext. 107
Student Ministries
Sunday (March 29)
Confirmation 915: 9:15 a.m. in the Underground
Awakenings, Elevation, and Cross-Training: Following the
Processional in the Fellowship Hall/Underground
Confirmation 430: 4:30 p.m. in the Underground
Check out all of the Holy Week Happenings.
No WALK/BABES Wednesday, 4/1.
No Confirmation, Awakenings, Elevation, or Cross-training
Sunday, 5/5, due to Easter; worship with your family at 9:15 or
10:45 a.m.
*Kroger Cards must be re-registered every year! To do so, go
online to www.krogercommunityrewards.com. Registering your
Kroger Card supports Student Ministries!! Please Contact
Wendy Grethel with any questions!
*For questions or additional information regarding Student Ministries,
contact Meredith Reuscher at 683-0254, ext. 108.
Adult Ministries
Singles Update: Since we have Good Friday Services, our
First Friday activity is going to be postponed until April 10.
You are invited to join the singles at the new Longhorn Steak
House on Fields-Ertel Road. We will meet there at 6:00 p.m.
on Friday, April 10. Questions? Contact Rena Taylor at 9841272 or [email protected].
MarriedPeople E-ZINE is a monthly, online magazine for
married people. It's a fun, mush-free resource full of ideas and
insights that sparks great conversations and helps you laugh.
You will be encouraged; we promise. So, with no sarcasm and
just the right amount of enthusiasm - welcome to the
MarriedPeople E-ZINE. If you would like us to email the e-zine
to you, sign up on the church website or contact Wendy
Grethel at 683-0254 or [email protected]. Click
the following link to begin reading! Married People EZINE
Living Proof Live with Beth Moore is your chance to see her
in action at a live venue. Beth is the author and Bible teacher
of bestselling Bible studies and books for women. She is the
founder of Living Proof Ministries and speaker at Living Proof
Live women's events across the US. Her mission is to guide
women everywhere into a richer, more fulfilling relationship
with the Father, and she is coming to Cincinnati.
Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to see Beth live
at the US Bank Arena, June 26-27, 2015. Tickets start at
$59.00. For registration and ticket information, please visit
http://www.lifeway.com/livingproof or call 800-254-2022.
"The truth is a powerful tool for life change - the truth spoken in
love, taught from a bold and trustworthy teacher will rearrange
you".
Lenten Study on the Disciples
Adult Ministries is offering a Lenten study "Watching the
Disciples: Learning from Their Mistakes" This small group
discussion is similar and related to the Sermon Series about
the disciples and how we can be better disciples in our own
lives. The Lenten study examines the 12 Disciples in their onthe-job training to become disciples of Jesus. We hope to find
guidance for our pilgrimage as well as help to assess
our discipleship.
Join us as your schedule allows: Sundays at 9:15 a.m. in
Room 120 with Steve Helterbridle or 10:45 a.m. in the Manse
with Wendy Grethel, and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m.
with Missy Iannelli in the Media Center. Please Note **10:45
a.m. Lenten study will not be held on March 29; feel free to
attend the 9:15 a.m. class.
Saturday StoneMason Bible Overview...
Started March 14, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 120. Feel free to
join anytime...what is most amazing about the disciples is that
Jesus ever selected them at all; among them were a handful of
common fishermen, a hated tax collector, and an impulsive
political zealot. Who were these men? When you take a fresh
look at the disciples, you'll be faced with a stunning fact: the
men the Savior chose were ordinary...hopelessly
human...remarkably unremarkable, but they were available
and obedient to the Master's call.
Come and join us as we study "TWELVE ORDINARY MEN", a
book by John MacArthur. This class will be moderated by Alan
Greggo and Chris Dugle. We start at 8:30 a.m. and finish at
10:00 a.m. sharp every Saturday. Donuts and coffee are
served, along with a big helping of fellowship and fun. All men,
sons, fathers, grandfathers, youth...etc. are invited to join.
Book and workbook provided for $27.
Please sign up on the sheet provided in the Café. If you have
questions, feel free to email Alan Greggo at
[email protected].
"The Life of Jesus, A Study of the Gospels" (a women's
small group study) with Rev. McClanahan meets on
Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. or Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. in Room
120. Questions: Linda McClanahan at
[email protected]. **Childcare available
upon request.
Dinners for 6, 7, or 8 - Please see the guest/host chart in the
Café for April's information.
Singles meet for lunch on the third Sunday of each month
following the second service. They meet in the Café first to
decide on a restaurant. All singles are welcome!!
Beth Moore Women's Study Children of the Day: 1st & 2nd
Thessalonians will be studied. Meets Wednesdays in Room
120, 9:30-11:15 AM.
Adult Ministry...it's never too late...
to join an Adult Ministry Small Group - Continue your spiritual
growth! There are a lot of options:
Adult Small Group Calendar:
Take a look and see if anything inspires you; everyone is
welcome to attend. On-line registration is available, and you
may purchase your books in the area outside of the Music
Room
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Sundays, 10:45-11:45 a.m., Room 120, Study: Book of
Judges, Leader: Randy Gross
Sundays, 6-7:30 p.m., 2/8/2015-4/12/15 (Easter off),
Room 223: Financial Peace University, Leader: Neil
Gartner
Mondays, 10:30-12:00 p.m., Room 120: What's So
Amazing About Grace, Leader: Marilyn Poe
1st & 3rd Tuesday, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Room 120:
Women of the New Testament, Leader: Claudia Gross
3rd Tuesday, Harmony, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Room
120:The Family of Jesus by Karen Kingsbury, Leader:
Mitzi Green
Tuesdays, Lamplighters, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Media
Center, II Corinthians, Leaders: Don and Joyce
Dunham
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Wednesdays, 6:45-7:30 a.m., in Room 120, Men's
Bible Group, I Corinthians, Leader: John Strong
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:15 a.m., Room 120: Beth
Moore, Children of the Day, 1st and 2nd
Thessalonians will be studied. Leader: Jenny
Ellsworth
**For additional information regarding Adult Ministries, please
visit the display in the Cafe or contact Wendy Grethel at
[email protected].
Prime Timer Trip Opportunity:
JUNE 16 & 17 BARDSTOWN & LOUISVILLE -- HERE WE
COME!! Sycamore "Out 'N About" travelers:
IMPORTANT NOTE: We have 6 openings for a short travel
distance adventure filled with a variety of interesting places to
see and things to do at a very reasonable cost. It will be a very
memorable, enjoyable time. Curious? Interested in additional
information? Is your June schedule opening up and you are
ready to be "OUT 'N ABOUT"? Look for the blue poster and
the informational flyers in the Cafe on our BARDSTOWN /
LOUISVILLE trip.
The total cost for this two day, one night excursion is only
$265.00 per person double occupancy and $335.00 per
person single occupancy.
I will be at the Welcome Center Café area on Sunday, March
29, and April 5, so come see me; you will be glad you did.!!!
Want to know more "RIGHT NOW," just email
([email protected]) or text me (513-720-6771).
Have a blessed day and be a blessing to others.
Irene
The Media Center's Suggestion of the Week:
Lord is My Shepherd, The Kushner, Harold S. 248 Kus
The author demonstrates how this sustaining work can help
readers cope with every aspect of life, from mundane
jealousies to the death of a loved one to unimaginable
tragedies of global proportions. Check it out!
Additional Childcare Available:
If you are interested in participating in any of our Sunday
morning classes and workshops, please note that we now offer
a supervised area for preschool age children and older during
the 9:15 a.m. hour. Please sign in at the Nursery. For
questions, please contact Julie Smith at
[email protected].
Lawn Fete Collections
Items for Lawn Fete and the Spring Sale can be dropped off at
the storage facility at any time. If the building is closed, just
put the item on the porch, and it will be moved inside the next
day. Pickups have started. If you have questions, contact
Doug Gausmann (683-8614 or [email protected]).
Follow Sycamore on Twitter:
If you want to keep up with the latest happenings at church,
just follow us on Twitter for photos, events, and inspirational
thoughts--@SycamorePC.
Sycamore Public WIFI
Log in to Sycamore's public WIFI anytime you are at the
facility. Search for the SCPublic network, and access it with
the password: scwelcome.
Deacons of the Month
The Deacons of the Month for March are
Linda Hill (740-503-0061) and Gary Hester
( 513-677-9368).
Active Military Service
SSG Kurt Davis, US Army National Guard
2nd Lt. Mark Folchi, USAF
PO3C James Hough, USN
Sgt. Paul Ryan Keller, USAF*
Brandyn LaFarge, USN
Staff Sgt Kelsey Melzer, USAF
MM3 Joseph Prickett, USN*
Staff Sgt. Andrew Ruberg, USMC
LCpl. Zachary Sultz, USMC
Sgt. Nathan McCall, Army*
2nd Lt. Michael Hills, Army*
*Deployed
Sycamore Church | | [email protected] | http://www.sycamorechurch.org
11800 Mason Road
Cincinnati, OH 45249
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