September 2016 Newsletter - Sycamore Presbyterian Church

Called to be an inviting community
where God is glorified, lives are lifted,
and Christ’s spirit of fellowship awaits.
Sycamore Newsletter
September 2016
Lawn Fete is just around the corner. Don’t miss this opportunity for food, fun and fellowship! Here are some of the things
happening this year:
Games and Activities for Everyone
More than 10 favorite activities are available this year: Bounce House, Balloon Pop, Plinko, Milk Bottle Ring Toss, Over Under,
Lollipop on a Stick and Pop Bottle/Tic Tac.
Special activities you won’t want to miss include Pony Rides (12:00-3:00 p.m.), Gold Fish Pond, face painting and balloon
animals.
Veterans Outreach Team
The Veterans Administration Outreach Team will be at Sycamore from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.to assist Veterans with
enrollment in VA Healthcare, establishing their medical record and then referral to the closest Cincinnati VA healthcare facility.
If you have questions about your benefits or need to apply, stop by the Veterans Outreach tent located in the parking lot.
Shop Till You Drop!
Shop at the largest Yard Sale for Books, Movies & Music, Kids’ Korner toys, puzzles & games, Treasures & Trinkets home and
garden items and Furniture Barn value priced furniture. Retail Row offers new products from a variety of merchants such as
Wildtree natural sauces and blends, Thirty-One Gifts, Tastefully Simple foods and gifts, Scentsy candles and scents, Jamberry
nail wraps, Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, Tupperware, LuLa Roe clothing, Paparazzi Accessories, Stampin' Up stamping products
and BB Christian products.
The Basket Raffle offers gift-filled baskets. Baskets are themed and include Pasta Baker, Dog Lover, Budding Artist, Welcome
Home Baby, Gardener’s Wish List, Happy Halloween, Cat Lover and many more! Offered as a raffle this year, be sure to buy
your raffle tickets to enter the drawing for each basket. You can purchase as many tickets as you want for as many baskets as
you want! One winning ticket will be selected per basket.
Angelic Treats Bake Sale allows you to purchase, take home and enjoy the culinary talents of Sycamore members.
Lawn Fete Volunteers: Your help is needed to work a specific time shift or to provide
donations for food and other grocery items. Please sign-up in the connector. Thank you!
Food & Fellowship
The Snack Bar is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can eat on the run or at the tables under the Sycamore trees and enjoy
snacks, beverages, sandwiches and other treats.
Chicken Dinner 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. (Note new location)
Enjoy your dinner in Fellowship Hall while enjoying live music and the fellowship of others.
The dinner includes the BEST Grilled Amish Chicken Breast or Leg Quarter, Side Dishes, Homemade Desserts, Lemonade, Iced
Tea or Water. Kid’s Meals are also available: Hot Dog & Bun, Chips, Fresh Fruit and Beverage.
If you have general questions about Lawn Fete 2016, contact Co-chairs Nancye Rascov, [email protected] or Renee-Walker
Tong, [email protected].
*Cash, check and credit cards are accepted at Lawn Fete.
Current Events
Death and grieving are a part of life. If you, or someone you
know, have experienced a loss, SPC
wants you to know that you are not
alone and we want to support and
walk along with you as you travel
through your grief. Anyone grieving the loss of a loved one,
whether it is a recent loss or from years ago, is invited to
join us in our next 13-week cycle of GriefShare, beginning on
September 14.
About GriefShare: GriefShare is a proven ministry delivered
worldwide through a network of more than 12,000
churches. It is a faith based program that equips and
supports local churches to offer grief support groups that
deliver biblical concepts for healing from grief, and support
individuals as they grieve and transition to a “new normal.”
GriefShare participants meet weekly in a warm and caring
environment to receive the information, support and
encouragement they need to move forward on their journey
through grief. Weekly meetings consist of three key parts:
Video Seminar - Encouraging information-packed
videos featuring some of the nation’s foremost
Christian experts on grief recovery topics.
Support Group - Small group discussion and fellowship
with others who are journeying through the grief
process.
Personal Workbook – “Your Journey from Mourning to
Joy” provides an opportunity for reflection,
journaling and personal study exercises that
reinforce the weekly session topics.
SPC’s GriefShare will meet
Wednesdays, September 14 – December 14, 2016
Coffee Fellowship: 10:00 -10:30 a.m.
Program time: 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m.,
in the SPC Media Center
Participation fee of $15 for materials
To register please contact Susie Shaw
at (513)520-7429 or email [email protected]
SPC’s GriefShare is a ministry of the Board of Deacons and is
led by caring people who have experienced grief and want
to help you through the difficult days ahead. If you have
questions about GriefShare please contact one of our group
facilitators: Susie Shaw (see above), Nancy Casner
(513) 398-1242 or [email protected], Bill Barnhill
(513) 683-9133 or [email protected], or Gordon
Fournier (513)899-7031 or [email protected].
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
Matthew 5:4
2
Upcoming Opportunities
Next New Member Class
Saturday, September 17
8:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. in the Chapel
Please contact the church office, 683-0254, or
[email protected] to register or
for more information. Thanks!
Join the Chancel Choir!
Chancel Choir practice has resumed on
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir room.
The rehearsals have just begun so there’s still
time to join! Questions? Contact Sujin Kim
at [email protected].
Women’s Retreat
Bridge To Thrive
Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, October 1 in
Wilmington, Ohio.
For more information about the event visit
http://www.bridgetothrive.org/, pick up a flier
in the Café or contact Glenys Merriman at
[email protected].
Wilmington Project
Looking for a new opportunity to serve this
Fall? Sugartree Ministries is a worthwhile
project to help others in need. On Wednesday,
September 7 we serve lunch and on Thursday,
September 22, and Tuesday, September 27 we
serve dinner. Show time is 11:45 a.m. for lunch
and 5:45 p.m. for dinner. Contact either Bob
Morgenfeld ([email protected] or
933-0274), or Rhonda Vickers
[email protected] or 295-3834).
Eunice Circle Invitation
All women are invited to attend Eunice
Circle Luncheon/Meeting
Thursday, September 8 at 12:00 p.m.
We will meet at Olive Garden on Fields Ertel
Road for lunch. Devotions: Chris Crawford.
Contact Diana Combs at 683-6615 if you have
any questions.
Lines from Larry….
Let me take a few lines to introduce you to someone
few of you knew…my father-in-law, Bob Fry.
I remember first meeting Bob behind a dorm at
Bowling Green in 1975. The car pulled up…I
recognized Joyce’s brothers…and a hand reached
through the passenger window to shake my hand.
“Hello, Larry…I’m Bob” came the greeting from my
future father-in-law. I couldn’t believe the size of his
hands. I would soon grow to learn the size of his
heart.
From here on I will refer to Bob as “D” which would
mean “Dad” for over 40 years. D was born on the
family farm in Springboro. His memorial service will
take place in the room in the farmhouse where he
was born. D loved nothing better than to “putter” on
the farm. D and his father and sister moved into
“town” during his teenage years after the death of his
mother, a loss he never relinquished. D was humble…
talented…and extremely popular. People seemed to
be drawn to him and regard him as a leader, even
though he never sought such attention.
He helped lead his high school basketball team to the
state semi-finals. In 1940 he would become the
Dayton Singles Tennis Champ. Scholarship offers to
play b-ball would come from Ohio State, Dayton and
DePauw Universities, to name a few. He would be
elected King of the May Dance in High School and
wouldn’t even want to go, especially if he could claim
that he had an upcoming tennis match. After high
school, the war intervened.
D was a veteran, but was the humble, kind
hard-pressed to stand when veterans were invited.
Perhaps it was because he had to run a PX in England
and hadn’t fought on the front line. But someone had
to do it, and I’m sure he did it well. After the war he
finished college under the G.I. Bill at Bowling Green…
was degreed in accounting…married my mother-inlaw, Helen – whom he would be married to for 68
years, raised three terrific children, and worked his
way up through Firestone. D would ultimately be a
controller for a tire-test facility outside of Rome,
looking over the ocean, with 2 of his 4 walls being
glass. He believed that he had the best job in the
whole corporation. In retrospect, he probably did.
And he loved the Italian way of life. D got to retire at
60 and never seemed to be driven to do anything
else, but enjoy his family, putter on the farm, love
being a grandfather and great-grandfather, and find
great joy in the simple things of life. D seemed to
figure out what it is all about.
3
D was unfailingly honest. He never wanted to
be center stage, and would probably vote to not even
have an obituary. Even though D never overtly tried to
endear people to him, he did it by just being himself. D
always maintained that he would rather be respected
than loved, but it becomes almost impossible to not
dearly love someone you easily grow to respect. He
always knew I loved him, and I had the joy of telling
him that I had felt closer to him than my own father
and that I was proud to call him “Dad.”
I was all alone with D on Wednesday evening and I
was reminding him of some of my cherished – and
funny memories. It took a lot for him to laugh at that
point in time, but he did laugh, which was great to
share. The nurse arrived to give him his meds and I
told her were we just remembering some good times.
He laughed and announced, “And I’m still ready to
have good times.” Little did I know then, but in 36
hours he would be gone from us, but beginning the
time of his life…in God’s good care.
The final thing he said to us was “I love you all. Take
care of each other.” What a great closer. We all knew
that he trusted our Lord to handle every detail, and in
the best and most wondrous way.
Heaven is always nearer when those we love are
there. And I will be forever grateful that D brought a
special portion of heavenly care to me. His 94 years on
earth were wonderful. And although he might not
always have had much to say, he surely does now, for
an even more wonderful life has just begun. Thank
you, Lord.
SPC Book Club
Friday September 16
11:30 a.m. Room 120
We will be discussing “See Me” by Nicholas
Sparks. Questions? Kathy Vickey 677-1158
FAMILY MINISTRY
Wednesday, September 7 starting at 4:00 p.m. is Lawn Fete Set Up! Let’s work together to empty out the storage facility
and fill up the tents as the Lawn Fete excitement and frenzy begins. This is a great way to serve the church with your
whole family. We start at 4:00 p.m. and work until 7:00 p.m. so come when you can!
Sunday, September 11 at 10:45 a.m. is Promotion Sunday School Kickoff for Toddlers - 12th grade (and the Intentional
Parenting Class for parents). We are so excited for a new program year!
Sunday, Sept 11 NEW Class for parents! Intentional Parenting: 10 Ways to Be an Exceptional Parent in a
Quick Fix World. You are the most influential person in your child’s life (no matter their age). This small
group discussion is filled with lots of humor, important questions and 10 doable actions for parents of
all ages who are trying to figure out how to be better parents. Starting Sunday, Sept. 11 at 10:45 a.m. in
the Chapel. Go to the church website under Family Ministries for more information. You can sign up on
the website, at the kiosk or in the café. Contact Wendy Grethel [email protected] .
Sunday, September 25 Family Ministries Tailgate Party will be Sunday, September 25 after 10:45 a.m. service. Wear your
favorite team apparel to church and bring a side dish. Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 20 by using the link on the
church website under Family Ministries.
Wednesday, September 14 - MOPs – (moms of Preschoolers) will have their first meeting September 14 at 9:30 a.m. in
Room 229. There are flyers in the Family Room and in the Café or Contact Trina Gunn [email protected]
MarriedPeople is gearing up for our Big Event on Saturday, September 24. We will be passing out more information and a
Date Night Challenge to ‘Get your “WITH” Back’ on Sunday, September 11. Get ready to have some serious fun “WITH”
your spouse!. There’s more information on the church website with a link to signup. Contact Wendy Grethel at
[email protected].
CHILDREN’s MINISTRIES
Program Changes – due to some scheduling issues, two of the “Take Faith Home” Workshop dates have been changed.
Please note:
5th Grade – “MONEY AND ME” will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, September 18. Breakfast to follow before worship.
Overview: Money, money, money!!! We want it. We never have enough of it. It can rule our lives. One of Children’s
Ministries’ goals for children in 5th grade is to learn about good stewardship. Combined with our belief that you, as parent/
caretaker, are the main Christian influence in your child’s life, we believe this Sunday experience will help foster daily
discussions between you and your child about what Jesus had to say about money.
•
•
3rd Grade – “BIBLE PRESENTATION” will be held at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday, October 23 with breakfast served for families
between services. Third Graders will be presented their Bibles during the 10:45 a.m. service on that day.
•
OVERVIEW: Being in third grade has always been a special time for a child in the life of Sycamore Presbyterian Church. This is
the time that our church presents your child a Bible. Before being presented with their own personal Bible, we’ll look at
passages of inspiration from the Bible and how we are impacted by its power in our lives.
STUDENT MINISTRIES
Wednesday, September 7 - Lawn Fete setup – Come work with your friends and family to help set up for Lawn Fete. A
great way to earn community service hours!
Wednesday, September 14 - BABES Bible study for Girls 9th – 12th grade starts Wednesday, September 14. We will be off
site. Check out the weekly for details. Contact Meredith Reuscher [email protected] . All the ladies say
“Woop Woop!”
Sunday, September 18 – Middle School Quest begins 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Underground.
Wednesday, September 28 – WALK Bible study for guys in 9th – 12th grades is back with a special event. See the weekly
email for more details. Contact Meredith Reuscher [email protected] .
4
Current Events
From the Interfaith Hospitality Network
of Warren County Website
Sycamore Presbyterian Church has been deeply involved
with the IHNWC program since the very beginning. Their
service to community families is stated perfectly by a
member of their congregation:
Reminder:
November is National Homeless Month and
our IHN Team will again be collecting your
donated loose change on November 6.
Habitat for Humanity Build Schedule
"SPC has been participating in the IHNWC program since
1998. We believe our program has been successful
because of the overwhelming support of our congregation
(as one member stated “IHN is the most worthwhile
program we are involved with).”
We welcome the Warren County homeless families four
times a year, and we start preparing for each rotation
three weeks prior to their visit. How do we prepare? We
have a table outside our sanctuary for three Sundays
where people can sign up for many different
opportunities to serve; e.g., helping to set up the rooms
for our guests, bringing items for our pantry, preparing a
portion of a meal, furnishing perishable items such as
milk, lunch meat, bread, etc., acting as hosts for dinner,
evening or overnight stays, volunteering to do laundry,
and lastly, helping to tear down the rooms and return
them to their original state.
We are fortunate to have four SPC organizations furnish
an evening meal (our Student Ministries, The
StoneMasons (a men’s group), Harmony Circle (a women’s
bible study), and the SPC Singles. Our menus are healthy,
and created by a certified dietitian.
We encourage our guests to take advantage of the variety
of crafts offered. We provide many hands on activities for
the guests and they take great pride in their projects or
art work. The parents especially seem to enjoy them. We
have a playground for the children, weather permitting,
and a basketball hoop for the teens. Of course, we also
have plenty of activities, toys, etc. for the children.
Our Mission Committee supports IHNWC with funds
quarterly, and we participate in the July Run4Home
program with congregation sponsors for our walkers/
runners. We have also been successful gathering financial
support through the November Time for Change. Our
motto is “YOUR CHANGE CAN CHANGE LIVES”. We were
honored to be included in the IHN Website in order to
promote the program and encourage other churches to
participate."
- Sycamore Presbyterian Church Volunteer
5
October 1
Here’s your last opportunity to volunteer this
year. Those interested in being involved this
year need to contact Hal Demmerle at
[email protected] or 513-375-6725
with questions. Thanks!
Media Center September Update
Recently Dr. Kent talked about author Lloyd
John Ogilvie during worship. The following are
just two of his classic books that are available in
the Media Center. Check them out!
The Magnificent Vision 248 Ogi
Do you lack the power for life’s struggles? Do
you feel defeated by your thoughts and
actions? If so, this is the book for you. The
author will help readers to develop a fresh and
deeper vision for your life.
A Future and a Hope 230 Ogi
By examining the Scriptures for their amazing
capacity to create hope in the midst of
darkness, the author leads us to see: Christ
seeking the lost and wounded and bringing
them hope and hope as the indispensable
anchor for faith and love.
Vivian Morgan
Please pray for the families of those
who have died:
Bob Gittinger
Martha Smith
Heber Wilfong, father of Trish Main
Jean Rahn, wife of Ed Rahn
Bob Fry, husband of Helen Fry
The Jesus I've Overlooked.
5) "The Best Struggle You"lll Ever Have"
John 6: 53-56 July 31, 2016
Dr. Lawrence W. Kent
It would be a miracle. It would be a miracle if each
day we would allow our lives to be remade into the
image of Christ. It would be a miracle. It would be a
miracle to admit our own insufficiency, and to
welcome Christ's sufficiency in all areas of our lives. It
would be a miracle. It would be a miracle to recognize
in each challenge, heartbreak or predicament a
unique opportunity to receive the indwelling power
of Christ's care on some new level - knowing that he
is eager and ready to bring it. And it would be a
miracle to no longer overlook Jesus, but to be willing
to meet him on his terms.
We have sometimes looked to Jesus as the one to
deliver the pieces that we want and need which fulfill
our personal program, rather than seeing him as the
one who seeks to draw us into God's program and
life. It isn't merely what Jesus wants from us, but also
what he wants for us that matters.
He loves us too much as to accept a second-place
status in our lives. He commands full and complete
devotion. Many of us here would acknowledge him as
our Lord and Savior, but when it comes to his hard
sayings we may be inclined to step back from that
relationship. Over these five Sundays in July we have
looked at some of the hard sayings of Jesus.
To a prospective disciple who had been traveling with
Jesus, Jesus said, "follow me!" Jesus was met with
resistance as the man stated he had to go home to
bury his father who had died. Because this man has
been traveling with Jesus – and the burial usually
occurred before the end of the day, it seems obvious
that this man has made something up. Jesus tells him,
"leave the dead to bury their dead." Jesus is more
interested in raising the spiritually dead than burying
the physically dead. It's a hard saying.
We hear an interesting discussion of new wine
needing new wine skins for the old are inflexible,
broken and often brittle. The wine is a symbol of the
fermenting power of Christ's spirit which seeks to be
alive within us. We often constrain God's desired
activity by our old ways and customs, instead of being
willing to offer a new wine skin evidenced by a new
attitude and a welcoming desire to give Christ
controlling interest in our lives.
Jesus challenges us with his thinking about the
unforgivable sin – the sin against the Holy Spirit. We
6
may be in the presence of God's activity and influence
and willfully deny, deflect or denigrate it – ignoring
that the Holy Spirit is even present – remembering
that the religious leaders of Jesus' day claimed that he
was operating under the influence of the devil. And,
there are times when we fail to recognize the
presence of sin in our spirits and therefore we do not
confess our need for mercy. The sin that is
unforgivable is the sin that will not be confessed –
therefore no sin exists and it cannot be forgiven.
The religious leaders of Jesus' day came again to
stone him for his activity. They would not
acknowledge his Sonship. Jesus reminds these leaders
that in Scripture they are called sons of God, quoting
Psalm 82:6, which really sets up a Catch 22 scenario.
They are named as sons in scripture which means that
they will also have to acknowledge Christ's Sonship,
and since they won't, Jesus calls them to at least
judge him on his actions, which are the acts of the
Messiah. As God's unique servant, Jesus is healing,
casting out demons, calling people from death to life,
and being the catalyst for lives being transformed.
How can they possibly not acknowledge what Jesus is
doing? And all of this is backstory to get us to our
teaching of today.
For some of us, the words of Jesus that we have
heard sound almost ghastly. He is speaking about our
drinking his blood and eating his flesh. I remember
wrestling with this passage while I visited my favorite
campsite early in the summer, and I was struck by the
dense and intense nature of the few verses. Part of
me thought, "Larry, if you lead off with this kind of
discussion, people will be reluctant to come to the
following messages in the series." Ironically, Lloyd
Ogilvie referred to this passage as "Our Struggle to
Keep Struggling." I would never want to deny Lloyd
his rightful say, he is such a wonderful man, but the
theme that emerged for me was, "The Best Struggle
You'll Ever Have."
The call to drink the blood of Jesus may catch us off
guard. It's not what we expect and it makes us
uncomfortable. This is hardly a passage you would
turn to in the dark night of your soul. But if you read
the Old Testament seriously, you will surely come
upon this phrase, "the life is in the blood." That's one
reason why there were particular regulations around
how meat was prepared and handled. To be called to
drink in Christ's blood means to drink in his life. It
means to allow his spirit to saturate us and to hydrate
us with the fullness of his existence. Although we can
live much longer without food, our very existence is
quickly compromised if we don't have an adequate
blood supply or we are low on liquid. Some of us are
acquainted with the saying of calling someone a
"bloodsucker." It is a term we use to describe
someone who is toxic in our world and who drains life
from us.
This passage also foreshadows Jesus’ death on the
cross and the blood he will shed for our forgiveness of
sin. We are called to drink in his sacrifice and to taste
his life – which is the only catalyst for real life.
Some of us are equally put off by his reference to
eating his flesh. It may sound incomprehensible and
utterly grotesque. I am one of the persons who read
the hauntingly tragic book called "Alive" which
depicts the horrors of the Uruguayan rugby team
which crashed in the Andes mountain range. No
search vehicle could find them. They were on their
own to be rescued. The group succumbed to eating
flesh in order to stay alive and 72 days later a group
of them made their way to safety.
By time she was nearly 10, a decision was
made to try to remove her leg brace and see
how she might walk. Wilma felt such
gratitude that she publicly thanked God in church one
morning. As she found that she was able to take
steps, she also found that she could run, and could
she ever run! Some have described her as being like a
black gazelle. Wilma would be noticed by Ed Temple,
many regarded as being the best women's track
coach in the country, at Tennessee State.
Ed worked with Wilma and she became a part of our
Olympic relay team for the games in Melbourne. The
4 x 100 m relay requires that someone runs a turn,
someone runs the straightaway, someone runs a
turn, and someone runs a straightaway. Team USA
brought home a bronze. Not a bad showing for a
woman who was never expected to walk.
When Jesus tells us to eat his flesh, he is using the
metaphor of humanity. We are to consume Jesus and
his life for us in such a way that he feeds us body and
spirit. We are to ingest Jesus remembering that he is
our bread of life. He alone can make us fully satisfied.
He is the one who is able to feed us at every point of
need. And it is his flesh alone that ultimately can fill
us up and help us face our every challenge.
But Wilma wasn't finished with her witness to God's
grace. She would run the 100 m in Rome and bring
home gold. She would run 200 m in Rome and bring
home gold. And then she would anchor our 4 x 100 m
relay. What a lady to run anchor. But this was no
ordinary team. The four ladies on this team were all
friends and the proud Tigerbelles of Tennessee state.
It would be like our Cincinnati Bearcats or Xavier
Musketeers being our Olympic basketball team.
It is a wondrous thing when you see our Lord in action
in ways that bless, strengthen and uplift. This hit my
radar just the other day as I reflected on the Rio
Olympics which are about to begin. What a
welcoming witness to our Lord will greet the
participants who look up to the Christ the Redeemer
statue which looks down on the bay.
One of Wilma Rudolph's teammates, Lucinda
Williams, commented that Wilma really believed that
it didn't matter how far behind they were in a race –
if they could just get her the baton she could make
up the difference. And that's exactly what they were
about to see.
As a child I had seriously compromised health. Most
of it was bronchial, brought on by the horrific air
quality of Charleston, West Virginia in the late 1950s.
I believe it was in kindergarten when I missed 37 days
during one of my four marking periods. My health
was so bad that my father was forced to take a job
transfer. I was often told it was too chilly for me to
swim or too cold for me to sled. I just remember
feeling trapped inside. But I saw something in the
Olympics that I never forgot.
Through three exchanges, Team USA is behind the
favorite Soviet team by several meters. And the
handoff went to Wilma and it is as if her whole life
had been lived for this moment. She exploded down
the track with the nearly supernatural speed. With
determination in her spirit and a will that wouldn't be
stopped, Wilma passed the Soviet runner, leaving her
in her tracks, and when Wilma broke the tape she
was still accelerating. Wilma Rudolph became our
first female Olympian to bring home three gold
medals.
Her name was "Wilma.” She was the 20th of 22
children. By the age of four she had suffered polio.
She would also battle double pneumonia, scarlet
fever and be left unable to walk. One of her legs was
so badly compromised that she had to wear a heavy
steel brace. The doctors had stated that they never
expected Wilma to be able to walk. Fortunately, her
brothers and sisters took turns carrying her.
Why do I tell you that: because there will be a time in
your life when the greatest struggle you will ever
have is to decide to whom you will pass the baton of
your life. May it be to Jesus Christ, your anchor, and
the one who can take you to the finish line and by his
grace, to a welcomed heavenly home. In the name of
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
7
Current Events
European River Cruise on Your Travel
Bucket List?
Come sail with us on the
ms River Venture by Vantage Travel Cruise Line.
Date: October 1 through October 14, 2017
Duration: 12 nights/13 days with optional 2 night/3 day
extension available in Paris. Itinerary includes: 5 day land
tour of Avignon, Arles, and Lyon; High-speed train transfer
to Paris; 7 day cruise on the Seine River with stops at
Vernon, Giverny, Les Andelys, Honfleur, Le Havre,
Normandy Beaches - Omaha Beach, Rouen, and Paris.
Price: Brochures are available with full details, including
pricing, in the Café. Tours can be customized to your needs.
River Cruise only is available October 6-14.
One More Week to Sign-up for College
Football!
College football is so exciting,
especially when you have an
opportunity to attend the
game with good friends! The
StoneMasons Leadership Team
wants to extend an invitation
to all Sycamore men to attend a Miami University
football game. On Saturday, September 17 the
Redhawks will be playing the Western Kentucky
Hilltoppers at Yager Stadium in Oxford. The kick-off is
scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Still Time To Signup for 2016 Sycamore Prime Timers
International Australia/New Zealand Trip, Oct. 10-30
We have a block of seats reserved,
located in the main grandstand at a cost
of $10/seat. We also will be hosting a
tailgate party prior to kick-off located
close to Yager Stadium. Last day to
sign-up in the Cafe is Sunday,
September 4. Plan on an exciting afternoon/evening
of great fellowship, delicious food and all that is
special about college football.
Brochures are available in the Café or contact Ceil Allard at
513-641-9671 or [email protected] for more information.
Sign up today to explore the “Land Down Under.” Don’t miss
this opportunity!
Please contact Rick Rogers with any questions you
may have: ([email protected] or
513-713-7140).
Contact Ceil Allard (513-641-9671 or [email protected])
or Chris Crawford (513-398-7889 or
[email protected] )
SYCAMORE PRIME TIMERS POT-LUCK LUNCH AND ENTERTAINMENT
WHEN: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 12 NOON / WHERE: FELLOWSHIP HALL
RESERVATIONS: Welcome Center in the CAFÉ. Sign-up NOW!
COST: $5.00 FOR TWO , $3.00 FOR SINGLE ENTRÉE PROVIDED
OUR LUNCH PLAN: Time for another yummy, enjoyable pot-luck lunch.
At time of registration you will indicate the category of your dish: Salad Side/Vegetable or Dessert
ENTERTAINMENT: NEW HORIZONS DIXIELAND BAND: They will be offering jazz and blues in addition to Dixieland tunes. The
band boasts that four members of their group are graduates of a music conservatory along with the other members who are
happy amateurs who have learned to play this special kind of music. Their music is upbeat, peppy, and a whole lot of fun. Their
toe-tapping melodies will enliven your spirits. A fun time will be had by all!
BENEFITS:The fellowship is always memorable. What a great opportunity to expand current friendships and to develop new
acquaintances.
WHO IS A PRIME TIMERS? Any Sycamore member or friend who is available to attend events during the daytime. We don’t
have a specific age “requirement.” It isn’t a membership needed group. You are welcomed.
Prime Timers provides a phenomenal opportunity to get to know more folks in a relaxed, casual setting. We have four Meal/
Entertainment events a year, one in each quarter. We travel by deluxe motor coach taking professional arranged trips. We have
six trips booked in 2017. Check our schedule that includes a day trip in Cincinnati, a six day trip in Michigan, historic
Philadelphia /Gettysburg, made in Ohio factory tours and a River Cruise in France.
Irene Strong
8
Adult Ministries Studies
Sunday Adult Bible Study Group
10:45 a.m. in Room 120, begins Sept. 18
Luke—New Hope, New Joy
A Lifeguide Bible Study
The Gospel of Luke contains the most complete
account of Jesus’ early life as well as many of the best-known
and the most-loved stories, miracles, and parables. The Gospel
of St. Luke has been described as “the loveliest book in the
world.” It was written by a Gentile for Gentiles, with the
purpose of touching their hearts with the Good News of Christ.
Luke speaks especially to the poor and the marginalized of
society with an emphasis on joy, healing and prayer.
Tuesday Morning Women’s
Bible Study
1st and 3rd Tuesdays ; begins Sept. 20
9:30 a.m. in Room 120
Sermon On The Mount, A Lifeguide Bible Study
Questions? Randy Gross, 683-6709
What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of
God in life? According to John Stott, Jesus'
Sermon on the Mount describes what human
life and human community look like when they come under
the gracious rule of God—different! Matthew 6:8 reads: "Do
not be like them" (the people around them). Study more
about the greatest sermon ever preached. Questions?
Contact Claudia Gross, 683-6709
Monday Women’s Bible Study
Harmony Circle
10:30 a.m. in Room 120; begins Sept. 19
3rd Tuesday of the month; begins Sept. 20
7:00 p.m. in Room 120
The Gospel of Mark: The Jesus We’re Aching For
by Lisa Harper
Questions? Contact Marilyn Poe, 677-1515
Wednesday Women’s Study
9:30 a.m. in Room 120; begins Sept. 14
Stepping Up: A Journey Through the Psalms of
Ascent by Beth Moore
Traveling pilgrims sang Psalms 120-134 both on
the way to the great festivals of the LORD and as
key elements of the worship at those festivals.
Just as a song or poem can express feelings of fear, doubt,
hope, and joy, these 15 psalms model how we can voice our
own petitions and praises to our God, who is always available
and ready to hear us. Modern-day believers in Jesus Christ can
learn much from these treasured Psalms in their journey
toward greater intimacy with God. Questions? Contact Jenny
Ellsworth, [email protected]
Saturday Men’s Bible Study
8:30 a.m. in Room 120; begins Sept.17
Twelve Extraordinary Women
By John MacArthur
They were ordinary and common, yet each was
made extraordinary by her life-changing
encounter with God. Be challenged and motivated
by a poignant and personal look into the lives of some of the
Bible's most faithful women. Their struggles and temptations
are the same trials faced by all believers at all ages. The God to
whom they were so committed is the same God who
continues to mold and use ordinary people today. Come join
us anytime! All Men of any age are welcome. This course has
something for everyone! Contact Alan Greggo,
[email protected]
Wednesday Men’s Study
6:45 a.m. in Room 120; meets all year
The Bible and Science led by Bob Mansfield
Men, if you are looking for an ongoing faith experience,
consider joining the Men's Wednesday Morning group.
Questions? Contact John Strong, 677-1712
9
Follow Jesus through His days of early ministry to the cross
and discover what it fully means to be the recipients of His
overflowing compassion and the very reason for His allconsuming passion. Discover how Jesus’ ministry on earth
still impacts us today. Come to know the real Jesus of
Scripture without the lens of man’s perspective. Questions?
Contact Mitzi Green, [email protected]
Women’s Small Group Discussion
Tuesday 5:30 p.m. in Room 120 ; meets all year
We discuss the Sermon from Sunday and see how we can
apply it to our daily lives. Later in the year we will be
discussing a Bible Study. Questions? Contact
Dianna Jimenez, [email protected]
Lamplighters Adult Small Group
Tuesday, begins Sept. 13
7:00 p.m. in the Media Center
Ruth Poverty & Plenty, Good Book Guide
This woman from ancient times was just a
young, vulnerable widow, an impoverished outcast. The
story records a struggling family facing hard times in a small,
agricultural community occupied with their livelihoods and
customs. But the hidden hand of God is at work in the lives
of these ordinary people, and wonderfully at work in
history. God transforms hardship from bitterness to joy.
Like those in the story, we may be just ordinary people,
unable to see how the events of our lives will turn out. But
by encountering the God who works through the
circumstances of life, we too can discover the God who can
turn our 'poverty' to 'plenty' through Jesus Christ.
Questions? Contact Don Dunham, 513-398-6893
Current Events
What’s On My Mind
Gratitude.
I am often struck by how Our Lord brings
opportunities for renewal from times of challenge.
It was nothing more than a re-check to see how my
bout with gout was doing. I didn’t expect any
excitement. The nurse looked puzzled when she took
my blood pressure. “That’s really high!” she
exclaimed. She called another nurse for a re-check.
Oh-Oh!
Asking, “Well, how high is it?” The nurse replied
166/110. That was a stunner. Never, ever had I had
blood pressure like that.
The doctor came in and said, “What is going on with
you?” Without trying to be dramatic, I explained that
we were short-staffed at my work, and that I had
spent the last hour hurriedly trying to get some
details in place for a move my in-laws were needing
to make. The doc stated that I would need to take my
blood pressure “religiously” for the next month, and
that going on blood pressure meds would need to be
considered.
I agreed to take my blood-pressure, and I pledged to
lose some weight – which I needed to, and which
might bring my BP down. I remember having lost
weight in 2005 and some members thought I was ill,
but it was to help with waking up in a headache
mode. Yes, there have been some points of stress in
recent months, but the thought of giving up apple pie
at breakfast might be more than I could bear.
My reason for telling you this isn’t to state that I have
been able to lose 20 lbs., or to tell you that my BP
came down 40 points, or to declare that there are 4
pies in our freezer that I intend to visit someday.
My reason for sharing is to encourage you to take
care of yourself, regardless of what is on your radar. It
is a reminder that a challenging time was used by Our
Lord as a “wake-up” call to me to drop some needed
weight. It is also to tell you that some fresh breezes
have blessed my life with leaders, friends and
colleagues all stepping up to say they can help with
the handling of many pieces, and that such offers are
wonderful affirmations that many do care and are
eager to support what God is doing among us.
My best word for right now is “grateful.” It is always
humbling to realize that the Lord is always up to
something…no matter what we are going through.
And something good.
Fall Preaching Schedule
“GETTING THE UPPER HAND ON FEAR”
Steps For Letting Christ Take Fear From Your Life
September 4 “Hungry for God”
Isaiah 41: 10 & 13
September 11 “Playing Your Life to God”
Romans 8: 15
September 18 “Home in His Heart”
1 John 4: 18
September 25 “Let Go and Let God”
Isaiah 43: 18-26, Meredith Reuscher
October 2 “The Courage to Embrace Yourself”
1 Corinthians 15: 10, Dr. David Poland
October 9 “Wonderful Inadequacy”
2 Timothy 1: 17
October 16 “Rejection Rejection”
Psalms 27: 1-5
October 23 “Our Fear of Losing Control”
Luke 19: 11-27
October 30 “Imagine That!”
Jeremiah 7: 24
November 6 “More Than Living Forever”
John 11: 25-26
November 13 “Motoring With Love”
Romans 12: 9-21
November 20 “A Future Without Fear”
Romans 8: 28
Sunday Service Times
9:15 and 10:45 a.m.
Nursery/Toddler
and Preschool age childcare
provided at both services
during the summer.
Promotion Sunday is September 11.
Deacon for September
Carol Wilkinson 683-8211
Larry
10
Sycamore Snapshots
11
Called to be an inviting
community where God is
glorified, lives are lifted, and Christ’s
spirit of fellowship awaits.
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
LOVELAND, OH
PERMIT NO. 4
Sycamore Presbyerian Church
11800 Mason Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Phone: 513-683-0254 Fax: 513-683-0364
[email protected]
www.sycamorechurch.org
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Sycamore Newsletter
Retired Men
The Men's Landscape Team (MLT) has
been busy the past two months! Besides
spreading lots of mulch, we have been
painting preschool classrooms, the
playground equipment and playhouse,
doing pickups for Lawn Fete, and edging
and cleaning up garden beds. We meet
every Thursday from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
at the storage facility. Come and enjoy
good fellowship and help make the church
grounds more attractive.
Questions, contact Doug Gausmann,
683-8614, [email protected].
12