THE CRIER August 2020

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Dear Friends and Family of First,

For eight years I taught a class at Murray State University on Cultural Diversity. The highlight for me was watching the students lean into a new understanding of racial discrimination and prejudice behav-ior. The best teacher for this was a woman named Jane Elliot who made her fame in 1968 while she was a 3

rd grade teacher in Storm Lake, Iowa. She developed a program called “Blue Eyed” which got

national attention. You can see the FRONTLINE documentary on YouTube- A Class Divided https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mcCLm_LwpE

I met Miss Elliot last year as she continues to face racism head on. Here is a brief summary of one of her current tactics in waking us up and opening our eyes.

We know what’s happening- so let’s find ways to address the horrors of systematic racism. There are many ways: some simple individual everyday type actions; some that would take an act of Congress; some we can to as a church.

I proudly stand with you as the interim pastor of the congregation that is known in Bowling Green, and all of Wood County, as the place “Where Christ Welcomes All.” We’ve got work to do to be sure that the “All” we profess to welcome truly includes ALL. Everyone no matter race, ethnicity, gender, sexual ori-entation, color, creed, political stance, class, preference of food or libation – no matter what.

So at this stage of life in this country we acknowledge that Black Lives Matter. They matter in every way imaginable. So let us not just use empty words, but may our actions live out our conviction that “You are welcome here. You are precious in God’s sight.”

In Christ’s service, Pastor David

Session Highlights The Session met Tuesday, July 28, 2020 via Zoom. Here are some of the highlights:

Streaming Video Proposal: Session approved hiring Jason

Bonnicksen, Reframe Creative choosing the “middle of the road option:

Equipment and Consultation was approved for $8,096.00. Trustees have allocated $2,500 toward the

project. We have already received one donation for $1000 for this project. Trustees will contact other

committees for contributions and then go to the congregation for donations.

Outreach Committee: The Website committee will join the Outreach committee to develop a

marketing plan for use of the website and streaming resources to expand the church’s presence in

the community. Members of the Outreach committee are: Christina Guenther, Dani Robertson, Mikel

Grenier, and Daisy Boyer. Lisa Lawson-La Point will join the committee and we will be asking other

church members to join us.

Aaron Roos will continue as Choir Director. The contract for the 2020-2010 year will start August 1,

2020.

Dr. Ed Duling’s last official day is Sunday, August 30, 2020. A special gift will be presented to him.

Rev. David Montgomery contract renewal: Chris Dunn will contact Presbytery’s Committee on

Ministry, proposing that we renew Rev. David Montgomery’s contract as interim pastor through

December 31, 2021.

Allison Swanka is graduating from The Ohio State University on

August 9 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science. She

will graduate with Honors Research Distinction. While at The Ohio

State University, Allison was co-President of Best Food Forward, a

student organization providing affordable, fresh produce to students and

the OSU community. She was also an Honors College Ambassador

and treasurer of a student group which brought theater experience to

elementary school students. Allison is now job searching, and expects

to go to grad school in a couple years.

If your son or daughter has graduated from college and you would like

to submit a short paragraph and small snapshot we’d be happy to post

it.

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Session Members

Chris Dunn Amy Fry

Christina Guenther Carolyn Layne

CJ Layne Lisa Lawson LaPointe

Lee Liebetreu Terri McNamara

Donna Nelson Beene Marcy St. John Gale Swanka Chris Williams

Deacon Members

Mary Bielen Peggy Brigham Sandi Carsey Janet DeLong

Beatrice Guenther Cathy Horger Dave Horger

Terry Housholder Dave Hyslop Dick Martin

Jan McLaughlin Adriane Weisert

Trustee Members

Don Boren Susan Dunn Mike Evans Drew Hanna Joyce Kepke

Roger LaPointe Chet Marcin

Terri McNamara Bob Vincent

Officers of the Church

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Prayer for August - Taken from 1 Thessalonians 5 "Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances"

God in Heaven, we thank you that we may feel your leading for you have blessed us with every spiritual and heavenly gift in Christ. We thank you that we may praise and glorify you, even though our days and circumstances are trying and exhausting. Help us to remember that it is in the difficult days that we still belong to you and we have cause to be thankful and joyful because you bring certainty to our lives. We ask that you help us to recognize the good you give on earth so that we may realize how blessed we are in your hands. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Parent Happy Hour - It is time for a fun gathering for the parents! Please make plans to join us on Zoom, Thursday, August 20 at 7:30 pm. We will gather for about an hour to catch up, touch base and just spend some time together. Watch your email for the Zoom link!

Camp Update - Our nine campers had a fabulous time. Each one of them enjoyed their time so much that they hope to go back next year. There were many God sightings at camp- during the labyrinth, during star gazing, during worship and during Bible study. Ryan's favorite moment of the week was being able to share with the campers what Camp Rejoice means to him. He said he was so happy to be able to share how special Kirkmont is during his Senior Speech. All the campers took a few minutes and shared their favorite moments on video. You can see those videos on our YouTube channel. Thank you to everyone who made this special ministry possible for our students!!

Faith Walks - With the weather turning from spring to summer, there are new things to see and experience from God's viewpoint. Join Miss Adriane on the church Facebook page every other week to hear a reading from the book "Family Faith Walks" by Kelly J. Hack. Each walk has a scripture reading, wondering questions and a suggested activity, all wrapped up with a prayer. If you would like to borrow the book, please email Miss Adriane at Adriane.fpcbg@gmail.com.

MVP Retreat - Calling all youth 7th grade and up! The Presbytery is putting on another REKINDLE Retreat November 6-8 (Friday-Sunday)! Mark your calendars and plan to attend. It is an amazing time at our favorite place: Kirkmont Center! Join youth from all around the Presbytery for a weekend of faith formation & fun. Be sure to ask Samantha and Jackson about their time at the last one!

If you shop at Kroger, sign-up to help the church—enroll in Kroger Rewards

Bible Study - Have you ever wanted to dig deeper into the

scriptures that you hear on Sunday mornings? Well, here's your

chance! Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Pastor David & Miss

Adriane are holding a zoom meeting to discuss the scriptures in

the lectionary, which then are read in the sanctuary on Sunday

morning. No experience or prior knowledge necessary- just the

willingness to hear & discuss.

Sermon Overview

August 2 A New Name and A Limp Holy Communion

Genesis 32:22-31

Jacob wrestles and ends up with a life changing situation. Like Jacob, we need to know where we have come from, to recognize where we are going. The Church is in the process of being transformed. As Christians, we are being given a new identity, one so unfamiliar we may have trouble recognizing ourselves. Where is God leading us? Will we go where God leads kicking and screaming? Or will we honestly and fervently pray, “The Kingdom come, thy Will be done”?

August 9 Willing to Follow Jesus’ Command

Matthew 14:22-36

Ed and I will be working closely to see how he wants to celebrate his time with us. He has some fun ideas for music and trombone. I’ll fashion a sermon around Jesus command to follow him as Peter followed by re-casting his net after a futile night of fishing. Will we follow so faithfully?

August 16 It All Begins with Forgiveness

Genesis 45:1-15

In Joseph’s story he embraces and forgives his brothers. We don’t hear a lot about forgiveness these days. Barbara Brown Taylor said, “We need to remember the utter grace and healing power of forgiveness…Even in the most troubled family that has experienced unimaginable rupture, forgiveness and healing are possible”. Where do we need forgiveness?

August 23 The Women Must Have Known

Exodus 1:8-2:10

This is the story of the power of salvation. Moses is the one called by God to be a savior. He enters the story as a vulnerable infant, who is born with a death threat hanging over his head from the most powerful person in the world. In light of this near hopeless situation an unlikely cast of characters – two midwives, a slave mother, and her daughter (Puah and Shiphrah) – team up to save the future savior. Where is God working in our lives?

August 30 Ed and Aaron are leading worship

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Staff at First Presbyterian

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Interim Pastor, Rev. David M. Montgomery revdmm@gmail.com 419/345-2193

Organist, Dr. Ed Duling ebd2140@aol.com 419/353-9273

Coordinator of Children & Youth Ministries, Adriane Weisert adriane.fpcbg@gmail.com 419/494-1343

Choir Director, Aaron Roos, akroos@bgsu.edu 216/970-6518

Office Administrator Tammy Schnitker bgpresb@wcnet.org 419/352-5176

Receptionist, Mikel Grenier fpcmikel@gmail.com 419/352-5176

Office Information

Monday-Church Closed Tues.—Thursday -

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fri.-9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Phone: 419/352-5176 Fax: 419/352-8808 E-mail: bgpresb@wcnet.org

Website: firstpresbyteri-anbg.org

The office is closed daily for lunch 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Have you ‘liked’ us on Facebook?

Just enter the

church name!

The Green Team has been discussing how to make best use of the green space adjacent to the church. We'd love your thoughts! This is the section bordered by our parking lot, S. Grove St., the Wooster Green, and the west side of the church building.

1. We are currently looking at leaving the southern half of the space (the side bordering the parking lot) open for various activities, such as outdoor services and Christian Education activities.

2. About in the middle, close to the church building, we'd like to have a community garden in raised beds.

3. On the north half of the space, near the Wooster Green, we're thinking there will be two areas, each with an oak tree, smaller shrubs, and benches for seating. One of these areas would be close to S. Grove St, and the other close to the church building. In the middle would be a labyrinth.

4. We'll have a visual rendering available later, but hopefully you can begin to imagine what this space might be. What to do you think? Send me feedback at gswanka@bgsu.edu. Thanks! Submitted by Gale Swanka

Tip of the month: Somehow, my household is generating more recycling while we are all spending more time at home. Maybe it's extra deliveries resulting in more cardboard. Maybe the uncertainty of the pandemic means I've been drinking more wine and recycling the bottles. Maybe it's my daughter's fault, since she's been living here while finishing her senior year at The Ohio State University remotely.

Have you checked to see what can be picked up in Bowling Green's curbside recycling program? There were changes to the program at the beginning of this year. The most notable addition to curbside pick-up was glass, which previously had to be dropped off at the recycling center. There are also additional plastic and paper items which can be added to your recycle bin. The full list can be found on the City of Bowling Green web page, or at:

https://www.bgohio.org/departments/public-works-department/public-works-division/refuse-recycling/automated-curbside-recycling/

I am also following a discussion underway in City Council. They are looking at starting a drop off composting program next year. This would allow many food scraps to be re-used, not just thrown away, and further reduce the amount of waste in our trash collection. That would be great! Submitted by Gale Swanka

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Corrections and updates to the Directory, including photos, can be sent to Marcy

St.John [mestjohn@yahoo.com] for inclusion in upcoming Crier issues.

1. The church address is = 126 South Church

2. Caryl McCormick = She'd like her phone and nursing home listed. 419.819.0544

[Cell], Brookdale Nursing Home, 121 N. Wintergarden Rd., Bowling Green OH 43402

3. Please add: McEwen, Joan & Steve, 1053 Pinewood Court, Bowling Green OH 43402

419.352.3253

Magic

MAGIC IS SAYING "ABRACADABRA" and pulling the rabbit out of the hat, is stepping on a crack to break your mother's back, is a dashboard Jesus to prevent smashups. Magic is going to church so you will get to heaven. Magic is using mouthwash so everybody will love you. Magic is the technique of controlling unseen powers and will always work if you do it by the book. Magic is manipulation and says, "My will be done." Religion is propitiation and says, "Thy will be done.

"Religion is praying, and maybe the prayer will be answered and maybe it won't, at least not the way you want or when you want and maybe not at all. Even if you do it by the book, religion doesn't al-ways work, as Jesus pointed out in one of his more somber utterances when he said, "Not everyone who says, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 7:21), the corollary to which would appear to be, "Not everyone who wouldn't be caught dead saying, 'Lord, Lord,' shall be black-balled from the kingdom of heaven." He softened the blow somewhat then by adding that the way to enter the kingdom of heaven is to do the will of his Father in heaven; but when religion claims that it's always sure what that will is, it's only bluffing. Magic is always sure.

If security's what you're after, try magic. If adventure is what you're after, try religion. The line be-tween them is notoriously fuzzy.

-Originally published in Wishful Thinking and later in Beyond Words

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Page 7

Learn to Lament with Kindred Spirits Circle

Laments appear throughout the scripture. They are a form of prayer rather than

a synonym for regret as the word is used today. The point of a lament is rather

poignant in our current time – asking God to change an injustice or address and

adverse situation.

Join Kindred Spirits Circle as we spend the second Monday evening from

September through May on the Presbyterian Women’s Horizons Bible study Into

the Light. Study books can be purchased from the PW (Presbyterian Women’s

website (https://www.presbyterianwomen.org/product/into-the-light-finding-hope-through-prayers-of-

lament/) or by phone (1-800-533-4371) for $10 plus shipping. Or the QR code pictured below should

take you to the site.

If interested in participating in the study, contact Julie Smith Maekask (419/247-

1794). We hope to meet in person at the church in the Green Lounge. Watch your

bulletins and email for updates.

Remember even though we’re learning to lament, sackcloth and ashes are optional!

How Many Elders does it take to run a church?

This sounds like the beginning of a church joke, but it’s not.

The Nominating Committee addressed the Session and the Session is now offering the following proposal for our consideration:

Reducing the membership of the governing councils (Session, Deacons and Trustees) and Creating standing and ad-hoc work groups to deal with projects and problems as needed and/or when

necessary under the direction of a member of the appropriate governing committee.

Rationale: Currently we are asking 33 members of our congregation to commit to three-year terms of governance, care of the physical and financial well-being of the church, and charitable ministry of the church. We have 12 Elders, 12 Deacons and 9 Trustees. Irrespective of the numbers on the church membership roster, 33 is a significant percentage of the actual “active” members of the congregation. As a result, many of those on one of the three governing bodies of the church either re-up for an additional three years, or simply rotate to another committee.

Thank the Lord that we have so many faithful servants willing to dedicate so much time and effort to the service of the church; but this is not a heathy situation: it leads to burnout and discourages many from committing to three years (and probably more) of service.

How this would work: We are proposing that we reduce the Elders and Trustees by one next year and the Deacons by one for the next two years. By 2023 we would then have 9 Elders, 6 Deacons and 6 Trustees. The councils would then with concerted effort invite more participation in ministerial tasks or projects.

Each governing committee is being asked to consider how they would reorganize and reassign their ministry with a reduced number of elected members. After discussion and deliberation, the Session will bring to the congregation our recommendation to change the Bylaws of the Congregation.

We are beginning a new discussion about a new way to effectively serve Jesus Christ here, today with the resources we have.

If you have any questions, concerns, thoughts or ideas please contact Bob Callecod, David Montgomery or any of the Elders.

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Page 8

After 25 years in northwest Ohio, our

beloved and eclectic organ wizard Ed Duling is

stepping away from our sanctuary’s Leek organ

console, if not permanently then consequently.

August 30 will be his last “official” Sunday as our

organist, though he has said that he will

occasionally return. A native of Coshocton,

Ohio—as he never tires of reminding us, and to

which he often returns to attend to his ancestral home--he originally came to this part of

Ohio to take a position as a professor of music education at BGSU. Within a few years he transferred his

services to the University of Toledo, where he worked until taking early retirement, in order to assume what in

hindsight became a short-lived position at the Ohio Department of Education in Columbus. Since then, he has

taught music education classes through the online portals at Kent State and the University of Toledo and at

the latter as a visiting professor. Over his career as a music educator in northwest Ohio, he has mentored

countless young music educators, many of whom have gone on to successful careers. And throughout he

has maintained his condo in Bowling Green, with his incredibly fluffy cat Smokey.

Beginning in the late 2000s, Ed would step in at First Pres of BG as an irregular substitute for longtime

organist Vernon Wolcott. Although originally a low brass player (trombone, tuba) by vocation, Ed had

gradually built up his keyboard and pedaling skills and became an active member of the Toledo Chapter of

the American Guild of Organists. He also regularly regaled guests at our annual church Christmas party and

Deacons’ Breakfast, on both keyboard and tuba. (Who can forget the blinking Christmas-tree “mute” he had

contrived for the top of his tuba?) A lifelong Methodist, he had already become an honored member of our

congregational community even before becoming our regular organist, a position he has held for seven of the

last eight years.

Ed’s knowledge of Protestant liturgy, practices, and worship music will be irreplaceable. All the while,

he has diligently worked on his skills as an organist, to the point of improvising preludes and interstitial music

with confidence, injecting a puckish humor into our musical accompaniments, and even performed works by

some of the great organ composers of the German baroque, like Johann Gottfried Walther and Johann

Pachelbel, as well as providing stalwart accompaniment for soloists and for our choir’s performances of

choral masterpieces old and new, large and small. He has even delivered the occasional sermons from our

pulpit. More than a church organist, Ed has been one of us in a way that can never be duplicated.

Submitted by Dr. Christopher Williams, who persuaded Ed to feign

enjoyment of Charles Ives’s music.

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Different Ways to Help Your Church Earn Extra Cash Kroger Community Rewards.

Dear First Presbyterian Church—BG (AD555),

The Kroger Co. Family of Stores is committed to

bringing hope and help to the local neighborhoods we call

home. From Feb. 1, 2020 thru April 30, 2020 First

Presbyterian had 31 households participating in the

Kroger Community Rewards program. The church

received a check for 160.91! THANK YOU FOR YOUR

SUPPORT:)

We appreciate your participation in our Community Rewards

program to help accomplish that mission.

We have recently upgraded our Community

Rewards system, and as a result your NPO (non profit

organization) has a new account number (AD555). Please

reference the new number when contacting us for

assistance. New members can enroll by searching for either

the new number or the name of your organization.

• Go to www.kroger.com, sign in, and click on the “community” tab.

• Scroll down to Kroger Community Rewards.

• Click on View Your Rewards Details.

• Then scroll down to Community Rewards. It will show if you are enrolled to benefit First Presbyterian Church. Remember you have to reenroll every year so now is the time!

• If you are not enrolled, click edit and select First Presbyterian Church of Bowling Green (Organization Number: AD555)

• You may need to create an account, if you have not done so already. That's pretty simple - just follow the directions on kroger.com.

Page 9 Please remember the church in your will.

Amazon also directs a portion of your purchase

to First Presbyterian Church through the Amazon

Smile program.

Follow these directions to sign up with Amazon:

Go to: smile.amazon.com

Select (First Presbyterian Church Bowling Green)

as your designated charity. When you search

for the church, be sure it is for First

Presbyterian Bowling Green, OH. There are

many First Presbyterian Churches on the list!

Then when you shop on Amazon, be sure to start

at the smile. Amazon address in order to

have your purchase credited to the church.

______________________________________

GIVING ONLINE - Did you

know you can make a donation

to the church with just a few

clicks on a computer or even

your cell phone? Go to our website

firstpresbyterianbg.org and click on one of the

“donate” buttons. You’ll be asked for an amount, and

you can even leave an instruction note for the

donation. If you have a PayPal account, it’s extra

easy, or you can provide credit card

information. Why not give it a try with a small test

amount to see how it works?

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=fPNjqCv55yrGqBWrrb560XYqvAWTR4l2kD08dCNjKXJSu7fvrdBn8JAfzSX2TLI5C1tDGG&country.x=US&locale.x=US

Click on the link above to go directly to the PayPal link to make a donation

First Presbyterian Church—August 2020

First Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 126 South Church Street Bowling Green OH 43402 phone:419/352-5176 email:bgpresb@wcnet.org web:www.firstpresbyterianbg.org We are on Facebook.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 10 Christian Ed Mtg.

2 10 Outdoor Worship/Communion

3 Church Office Closed

4 10:15 Staff Mtg.

3 Nominating Mtg. on Zoom

5

5:30 Lectionary

Bible Study/Zoom

6

12 White Fragility Bk Group on Zoom

7 8

9 10 Worship 10 Church Office Closed

11

5:30 Personnel Mtg.

12

5:30 Lectionary

Bible Study/Zoom

13 9:30 Deacons Shop Open

12 White Fragility Bk Group on Zoom

5:30 Worship/Zoom

14 15

16 10 Worship

11:30 Deacons Mtg.

17 Church Office Closed

18 19

5:30 Lectionary

Bible Study/Zoom

7 Trustees Mtg.

20

12 White Fragility Bk Group on Zoom

7:30 Parents Mtg. on Zoom

21 22

23 Worship

Youth Group Gathering TBD

24 Church Office Closed

25 Sept. Newsletter Deadline

7 Session on Zoom

26 WC Alternative

School Starts

5:30 Lectionary

Bible Study/Zoom

27

12 White Fragility Bk Group on Zoom

28 Newsletter Distribution

29

30 Worship (Ed & Aaron leading service)

31 Church Office Closed

1 2 3 4 Please note the church office is closed Tues-Thurs for lunch from 12:30-1:30