The Advocate
First Presbyterian Church
June 2014
41 West College Avenue
Westerville, Ohio 43081-2103
614/882-3155 Phone 614/882-2421 Fax
www.westervillefirstpresbyterian.org
The Restoration of the Belfry and
Exterior
The Administrative Services Committee has contracted with Brix
Restoration to perform maintenance on the masonry interior of the belfry
and the exterior of the entire building (sanctuary and 1950's addition).
Why are we undertaking this project? First, we have to keep the moisture out. The most accessible symptoms of moisture
damage are in the bell tower. For a good example, go to the balcony level and look at the condition of the wall
surrounding the north window. Second, we have to stabilize the bell tower itself. Since the belfry interior is not readily
accessible, current pictures are displayed in the Knox hallway. Finally, mortar requires periodic maintenance. This is not
the first time our church has had this type of work performed, and it will not be the last.
To the casual observer, the exterior of the church looks great. How certain are we that this work is necessary? SEM
Partners, Inc., a Westerville-based architectural firm with expertise in the preservation and restoration of historical
buildings, performed a thorough assessment of our church building. Their recommendations included the items in this
project.
Why now? The interior walls and ceilings already damaged by moisture, especially those in the bell tower, continue to
deteriorate, and the rate of deterioration is accelerating. We must fix the cause before we fix the symptoms. Bundling all
of the masonry work into a single project allows us to achieve economies that would be unavailable were we to address
them one at a time.
Why did we select Brix Restoration? The Administrative Services committee prepared a Request for Proposal and
contacted qualified masonry contractors. We conducted walk-throughs with a number of interested companies, ultimately
receiving five proposals. After reviewing the responses and having further discussions, we concluded that Brix had the
best understanding of the work and offered the most economical solution.
How will this affect church activities? Work will begin in August with little to no interference with church activities,
although the bell rope will probably be pulled up during work hours for the safety of the masons. It should be completed
within six weeks of the start date.
First Presbyterian Outdoor Worship
Fathers’ Day — June 15
Antrim Shelter at Heritage Park on West Main Street, Westerville
Worship at 10:30 a.m.
All-Church Picnic at 11:30 a.m.
We had a great time last year at the new location for our annual Outdoor Service: Antrim Shelter at Heritage Park. We are
really looking forward to being in this green and peaceful setting again this year. Heritage Park is on the corner of
Cleveland Avenue and West Main Street. You can reach Antrim Shelter by entering the park at the entrance off West
Main (near the Westerville fire station) or by turning east on Hanawalt Road off Cleveland Avenue. Then just follow the
signs to Antrim Shelter. Childcare is available and/or the kids can enjoy the playground next to the shelter. After the
service, we’ll have a potluck picnic. Please bring a dish to share, tableware, and a drink. Picnic tables are available for
seating but you are welcome to bring a chair. If you can’t stay for the potluck, please do come for the service! Birds
chirping in the trees and a gentle breeze make great accompaniments to Rev. Gauen’s message.
City Parking Lots
The City of Westerville has finally resolved their plans for improving parking in the rear of City Hall. None of what they
plan involves any of our church property. The plan involves creating a through driveway (?) exiting from College Avenue
to Park Street. Also, the property immediately south of Thomas Alley and the church will be cleared and paved for
parking. This parking area is intended for city employees during working hours on week days. On Sundays and evenings
it would be available for us to park.
All of this construction will temporarily disrupt the availability of parking in the present city parking lot. This means that
it will be important for those of us who can easily walk to find parking in locations farther from the church, reserving our
own lot behind the Annex for those with limited capabilities.
Another temporary disruption will likely be the closing of Thomas Alley behind the church during part of the construction
period. We will make the necessary arrangements with the COTA buses to facilitate loading and unloading of our
members who use that service. When this city project is completed it will enhance parking opportunities for our
members.
We will post a drawing of the city’s plan in the hallway so all can see what is to be the finished product. Construction
work is tentatively scheduled to start in late July.
The Officers of 1st Presbyterian Church
On April 6 new officers were elected by this congregation. When they are installed on June 9, the Session and the Board
of Deacons will be as follows:
Session
Class of 2015
Deacons
Class of 2015
Bev Etling
Gary Hinzman
John Robbins
Janet Withers
Pat Beeman
Gigi Elliott
Julia Bates
Patty Lane
Class of 2016
Doug Dunlope
Mike Hoggarth (2nd term)
Don Miller (2nd term)
Sue Ann Norton (2nd term)
Class of 2016
Dorothy Driskell
Kay Mackan (2nd term)
Eric Fredrickson
Kim Hunt
Class of 2017
Marsha Duffey (2nd term
Jim Hines
Matt McConaha
Ann McElhaney (2nd term)
Class of 2017
Debbie Dunlope
John McElhaney (2nd term)
Debby Nealer-Bice (2nd term)
Bernie Simpkins (2nd term)
2015 Nominating Committee – At large members
Linda Barr (3rd term)
Kelly Flynn (1st term)
John McElhaney (2nd term)
Kay Mackan (1st term)
Carol O’Kane (1st term)
New Members
Keith Riddell
Keith has been with us ever since he married Terry Epley in 2006, and now he has made his relationship official. Keith is
an IT specialist with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. He is very interested in helping with our Pike County mission
work.
Adam and Meagan Tener
Mallory
We welcome Adam and Meagan and their little daughter, Mallory, to our fellowship. Meagan and Adam both work for
Kokosing Construction Company, which is where they met. They are enjoying their new life as parents and are looking
forward to their daughter’s baptism on June 22nd.
New Confirmands
Sarah Brickersmith
Sarah is an eighth grader at Genoa Middle School who is very
involved with cheering and dance.
Abby Doherty
Amy is a seventh grader at Blendon Middle School. She likes
cheerleading, reading and drawing.
Claire Essig
Claire is a freshman at Marburn Academy. Her favorite
activities include working with electronics and being on her
school robotics team.
Jillian Flynn
Jillian is a seventh grader at Walnut Springs Middle School.
She likes to read, play soccer and take pictures.
Carter Fuller
Carter is a seventh grader at Big Walnut Middle School who enjoys playing tennis and hanging out with his friends.
Gabe Hauff
Gabe is a seventh grader at Walnut Springs Middle School. He has fun playing chess and computer games, as well as
going fishing.
Will Nussdorfer
Will is a freshman at Olentangy High School. He spends his free time fishing, boating and playing basketball.
Bella Riegel-Hall
Bella is an eighth grader at Worthington Hills Middle School who enjoys cheering and playing the violin.
Noah Tennant
Noah is a seventh grader at Worthington Hills Middle School. For fun, he plays soccer, baseball, and hangs out with
friends.
New Member Picnic
The Membership and Evangelism Committee is hosting a picnic for new members after worship on Sunday, June 22nd at
Towers Park. New members will have a chance to connect with each other and the committee. Invitations were sent out
in May to members who have joined in the last year or so.
New “Robo” Call System
Multimedia InfoNetworks, the company that has provided our automated calling system, has gone out of business. We
are trying out another system called MemberCaller, which is integrated with our church database and provided by
Concordia Technologies. Unfortunately the InfoNet system disappeared before we were able to get our most recent call
list, so we have started from scratch beginning with members, frequent attendees, staff and friends. We will be using the
new system soon to remind everyone of our outdoor worship service. Please let Barbara Klingman know if you do not get
a call and want to be on the list, or want to list a different phone number, or don’t want to be called in the future.
2014 Graduates
On May 18 we recognized our 2014 high school, college, and graduate school graduates.
Congratulations to:
Tim Bates, Westerville South High School
Nick Cafaro, Westerville South High School
Anna Dunlope, Westerville South High School
Matthew Duffey, Ohio State University
Erin Stevens, Ohio State University
Kelley Flynn, Columbus State Community College
Spring Musical April 2014
Weird Animals/VBS
God filled the world with a lot of crazy creatures...including you!
When kids feel weird, different, or even lost in a crowd—nothing
compares to the extraordinary love of Jesus.
Monday, June 16 – Thursday, June 19
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 per child (includes lunch, t-shirt, and materials)
This morning vacation Bible school program is designed for our
younger children age 3 through 4th graders. We need a lot of adult and teen help this year. You can help one, two or all
week as a crew leader with five or six kids. Please sign up in the Knox Street hallway.
Wacky Wednesday
Summer Schedule 2014
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost is $10 per child for the entire day
Below are the upcoming Wacky Wednesday dates for the summer. The first kids that sign up will catch a space. Number
of spaces will be determined by how many adults and helpers are available. If you have a free day and would like to help
for a few hours, please let Linda Kretschmaier know.
June 4
June 11
June 25
July 9
July 23
July 30
August 6
BLUE Day, kids should wear everything BLUE
Things That Fly, a field trip to the park
Disney Day, wear or bring your favorite Disney thing
International Day, a field trip
Our Community Helpers, a field trip
Down on the Ranch, wear your favorite Western gear
Back to School Luau, we will try to have a water slide
On the Horizon for eMerge Youth Fellowship
Parents…have you registered your youth for our Summer Mission Trip to Reach Out at Lakeside, Ohio, the week of
July 13 – 19? We have a great week of mission, study, making new friends and worship planned on the beautiful shores
of Lake Erie. Lakeside is a small gated community located near Port Clinton. For more information or to register your
son or daughter go to www.eocumc.org/camps and register in the section for Youth. If you need assistance, please call
Linda Kretschmaier.
Sunday, June 1, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. @ the Annex. Meet with Rev. Mark to discuss the Blessing of the Animals service.
Pizza and salad provided.
Sunday, June 8, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. @ the Annex.
Sunday, June 15, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Bring $10 for lunch out. We will start or finish decorating for VBS. There will
also be a brief orientation on VBS and what expectations there will be of you.
Sunday, June 22, 11:30 a.m. - ? p.m. Picnic at the zoo, bring money for admission.
Deacons’ Corner
It’s hard to believe, but three years have passed since the church published the current directory and with the changes in
membership it is time for an updated version. We have started the ball rolling and Lifetouch will once again be the
vendor. So that you can get it on the calendar, the photographers will be at the church on Tuesday, September 9th and
Wednesday, September 10th from 2:00 to 8:50 p.m. During your one hour session you will check in, be professionally
photographed, view your portraits and have an opportunity to purchase portraits. Well in advance of the photo sessions,
you will be able to schedule your portrait session online at your convenience simply by going to the church’s web site and
clicking on a link to Lifetouch. At the Lifetouch site you will be able to view available times, schedule your appointment
and if necessary, make changes. For those who are not comfortable with the on-line process, a sign-up sheet will be
provided. One final note: to accommodate those who work and students with after school activities, we ask that those of
us who are free during the day take the early sessions and leave the evening ones open.
Notes from Session Meeting
May 12, 2014
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: Roger Pulley is repairing the plaster in the upstairs Blue Room prior to painting.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: The basket fundraiser was a success with approximately $900.00 raised. At present, there is a
Presmont Camp scholarship available, which is camp attendance totally free of charge for the youth.
EVENTS AND CELEBRATIONS: Sherri Monteith added the annual canoe trip to the calendar on August 23rd.
OUTREACH: The One Great Hour of Sharing was received in the amount of $1,800. John Robbins announced that the W.A.R.M.
(Westerville Area Resource Ministry) will be moving to their new building this summer and will need lots of help. They are presently
serving about 400 families.
DEACON REPORT: Kay Mackan reported that Tom Jonard had obtained some pamphlets on dealing with grief and they will be
given out where needed through Stephen Ministry and the Deacons.
2014 General Assembly to Convene in Detroit
The 221st General Assembly (GA) of the Presbyterian Church (USA) will convene on Saturday, June 14 in Detroit. GA
is the national gathering of our denomination and is made up of delegations of elders and pastors in equal numbers from
each presbytery in the country. The delegates will decide upon the important issues facing the denomination, first in
committee deliberations and then in plenary sessions. The decisions they make will address Presbyterian theology,
worship, mission work, financial concerns and more. In addition to the formal business of the denomination, GA provides
an opportunity for the many and various Presbyterian organizations to meet and promote their ministries. If you are
interested in attending GA, please see the GA website at www.pcusa.org. Advance tickets are required for some of the
events. You can also use this website to follow all the business of GA.
Master Plan Update
The Session continues to work with SEM Architects to evaluate and revise the Master Plan proposals. The hope was that
the plan would be done this spring, but questions and concerns have required additional attention, thus slowing the
process. The Session seeks to be thorough in its work, including looking at how any plan improvements would be
funded. When the plan is ready, it will be presented to the congregation.
Summer Office Hours
For the months of June, July and August the church office will be open from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Monday through
Thursday. If you need to get into the church on Friday, please contact our secretary ahead of time to get a key.
Many Thanks
Manna Cafe: Many thanks to everyone who had anything to do with the
dinner on May 14. We served about 235 people for under $2.00 per person.
Pike County: Many thanks to all who gave clothing and other items for the
welfare house in Waverly. Had a car load! Thanks also to everyone for the
food donations to the pantry, also in Waverly. Everyone connected with both
of these facilities is SO very appreciative of our donations. Keep up the good
work!!
Watercolor Painting Classes
John Cameron is offering a beginner’s watercolor painting class at First
Presbyterian Church. There is no fee for the lessons, as this is John’s first foray
into the world of teaching watercolor painting. The use of the term “beginner’s
class” applies equally to both students and teacher! The first session is on
Sunday, June 1, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. The class runs for six consecutive weeks. The class is small (about 6-7 members)
and is already full for this initial six weeks session. Please contact John if you would like to discuss any aspect of this
class.
Why Not Wi-Fi
Since there aren’t any land lines for computers going to the annex, the cost of creating a hot spot there is too much for the
church’s budget. We will look again at the cost and availability of creating a hot spot when the annex is renovated.
Parents’ Morning Out children enjoy an Easter egg hunt
Fundraiser at City Barbeque, June 23rd
Christian Education Committee is hosting a City Barbecue fundraiser on Monday, June 23 at the Westerville City
Barbecue. The flyer printed below must be presented when purchasing food. 25% of all purchases using the flyer
will be donated back to Christian Education. The event lasts all day and is good on dine in and carry out orders.
Help the Christian Education Committee raise funds for the youth mission trip and scholarships for church camp.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eat at City Barbeque and raise money for our group!
Please join us for a special fundraising event.
25% of your purchase will be donated back to our group!
Name of group: First Presbyterian Church
Date of fundraiser: Monday, June 23rd
Participating Locations: Westerville City Barbeque
Good all day on Dine In & Carry Out Orders
Sale Amt:
$________
Note: If ordering carry out for large groups, please use our Pig Up ‘n
Go Menu.
Flyer must be presented at time of order to receive credit for the sale.
Flyers cannot be passed out on City Barbeque property. Fundraiser cannot be combined with
other promotions or offers. Not valid on gift card purchases.
Check out our menus and Order Online at www.citybbq.com
We look forward to serving you to help raise money for your organization!
Pastor’s Page
Dear Friends:
At the beginning of April our congregation conducted the annual ritual of electing
officers who will lead this church for the coming year. For the office of Elder we elected
Jim Hines and Matt McConaha and for the office of Deacon we elected Debby Dunlope
and Julia Bates. On June 8th we will ordain and install these men and women to their
respective offices and ask them to be servant leaders in the name of Jesus Christ. Please
pray for them as they begin this special ministry within the church.
As their term begins, so ends the terms of two Elders and two Deacons. I would like to
thank these retiring officers for their gifts of time and talent to this church:
Kim Adams: Kim has spent the last three years serving in multiple roles as a member of our Session. Kim has
chaired the Worship Committee and during that time helped to organize the operation of that committee, recruit
new committee members, and create the Easter Sunrise service. Kim also served on the Personnel Committee
where she helped to guide and shape the staff of our church. Kim’s enthusiasm and sunny disposition will be
missed on the Session.
Sherri Monteith: Sherri is completing six years as an Elder during which time she served as co-chair of the
Events and Celebrations Committee and also as Clerk of Session. Sherri was helped created the church softball
team and the all-church canoe trip, but her biggest contribution was helping us celebrate the 100 year history of
our building. Her book, God’s House, Our Home, is a lasting tribute to our church. We have been blessed to
have Sherri’s leadership on our Session.
Glenna Cameron: Glenna is finishing three years on the Board of Deacons. In addition to serving the members
on her Parish List, Glenna also served as Secretary to the Board. Glenna was also active on several mission
projects of our church, including Manna Café and Backpack Bounty. I am sure that Glenna will continue in
finding special ways to serve both within and beyond the church.
Marcy Eves: Marcy had to resign early from her term as a member of the Board of Deacons, but her caring
spirit lingers on. While on the board, Marcy brought her daughter to our church to teach us about making out
living wills as part of the Deacon series on “Difficult Discussions”.
These women were faithful in their service, wise in their leadership, and humble in their manner and I am
grateful that they responded to God’s call to be leaders in this church.
Yours in Christ,