INFOCentral
May 12, 2013
Central Presbyterian Church
A Worshipping Community Finding Purpose for Life Between Sundays Stepping Up to Change Lives Loving and Leading the Lost Through Prison Ministries Many people have seen a sign reading “You Are Now Entering the Mission Field” hanging on an exit door. It’s a not so subtle reminder that as followers of Christ, we are all missionaries, charged with sharing and spreading the good news of Jesus Christ through our every day lives. The reality of the mission field being just outside your door takes on additional meaning for Central’s ministry efforts to those who are incarcerated. Just a few short blocks from Central’s Clayton campus is the St. Louis County Buzz Westphal Justice Center, which holds some 1,300 inmates. For many years Central and our members have ministered to those in area jails and prisons. Art and Jesus in Jail is a team of artistic, creative women from Central who go to the Clayton County Jail every Monday and Wednesday. The women use art as a vehicle, sharing Jesus, scripture, Bible stories, and prayer with the women in the jail. Mission Gate is another local mission supported by Central that shares the Gospel with inmates, their families and ex-offenders in Missouri and Southern Illinois. About four years ago, Central’s Ted Winters was called to serve in a different capacity. A long-time volunteer with Mission Gate, Ted was approached by Clay Smith, then Associate Pastor at Central. Clay asked if Ted might be interested in serving as a Prison Chaplain at the St. Louis County facility. After going through the necessary training and educational programs, Ted was ordained as Pastor, Commissioned to Teach the Word and Administer the Sacraments in Jails and Prisons. As a volunteer Chaplain, Ted meets regularly one-on-one with inmates, providing basic Christian counseling. These sessions include listening
to the inmates, reading the Bible, and prayer. The men are given their own copy of the Recovery Bible, as well as a concordance. Ted works with them to equip the men with the basic skills they need to read and study the Word. Ted also leads group classes, which may have as many as 30 men in attendance. There is a 5-week, 30-hour anger management class, as well as the “Inside Out Dad Christian” fatherhood class, which prepares incarcerated fathers for a successful reentry. This Biblically-based reentry program reconnects inmates with their children and introduces them to the transforming power of the Gospel. As demand for the classes has grown, Central’s Bob Denckhoff is now coteaching with Ted, and many other Central members and pastors have also been involved in varying capacities. Upon successful completion of one of these courses, there is a ceremony, and each man receives a certificate, which is placed in their file and can be beneficial as their cases are tried. Beyond any legal benefits however is the powerful work the Holy Spirit often does through the efforts and commitment of people such as Ted and many others. “In the last three months, we have baptized about 30 men” stated Ted. “Maybe half of those are new believers, while the other half were rededicating themselves to the Lord.” By stepping up financially, your generosity enables Central to provide the Bibles and concordances, as well as the Inside Out Dad Christian materials and anger management resources. Thank you!
Stepping Up to Love Intentionally Leading Our Church Family in Helping Students Come to Know God and His Truth
UP
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VISION
focus is on building relationships with the young men in Junior When Jeremy Blythe came to Central last year to assume the High, and takes the lead on executing and implementing the role of Director of Youth and Junior High Ministries, he knew weekly Junior High programs and activities. Adam also works Central’s youth program was in a period of change. Little did he in partnership with Jeremy to develop and establish a dynamic, know. A few short months after arriving, he learned Central’s gospel-driven and relational ministry. Senior High Director, Dustin Jernigan, had been offered his dream job back in North Carolina. “Based on his gifts and Katherine Thurmond made a similar transition, moving from passions, I knew Dustin leaving to become a Student Ministries Intern to Assistant Director of StudentCentral/Girls. Katherine Director was only a matter of time. It was a bit further away is responsible for building a ministry that effectively loves, on my timeline (!), but when he guides, and serves Central’s told me the news my immediate “Partnering with parents to bring students female students. While most of response was, “How do you not to spiritual maturity through intentional her program-related efforts are take that job?” directed towards Middle School, relationship and excellent programming” Katherine is available to all of our Jeremy and Dustin had already begun implementing a strategy for the Youth Ministry to move to female students, working with both the Junior and Senior High a more relational and intentional discipleship model. The desired groups. result would be a greater number of students “graduating” with Cole Lescher is StudentCentral’s Guys Intern. Cole’s primary a deeper, more mature faith and be better prepared for the focus is working with Central’s Senior High guys, pursuing spiritual challenges that would face them as they transitioned relationships, and establishing our Ministry of Presence in out of high school. With the necessary budget in place due the public high schools in proximity to Central. Additionally, to the generosity of Central’s congregation, three interns had Cole plays a key role in building a culture of worship within been hired, all of whom fit perfectly with the new vision for StudentCentral. StudentCentral. Now with Dustin’s departure, in addition to developing and implementing strategies for the ministry, Jeremy In Dustin’s absence, Jeremy’s role also changed slightly. Still was now looking at having to fill a significant void in his staff. serving as Director of StudentCentral, instead of being the While prayerfully seeking to establish a creative and sustainable “boots on the ground” in Junior High, Jeremy now works more staffing model, he soon realized he had the necessary talent directly with Senior High, assuming many of the responsibilities already in-house. in Dustin’s absence. Perhaps most importantly, as the Adam Hess transitioned from the role of Middle School Intern to Assistant Director of StudentCentral/Junior High. Adam’s
L to R: Jeremy, Melinda, Adam, Katherine, Cole
StudentCentral Ministry Assistant and longest-tenured staff member, Melinda Dyke provides continuity and helps make certain the team and all the various events and activities stay organized. “The current team God has placed here is remarkable” says Jeremy. “We are a team of friends committed to make much of Jesus in our own lives and those we are called to share life with. We trust one another and we collectively buy into God’s vision for Central, which empowers us to love boldly and be confident in what each one of us brings to the table. I pat myself on the back for hiring well, but the honor is truly all mine to work alongside Melinda, Cole, Katherine and Adam. (And by way of prayer request, we are looking for a Senior High Girls Intern, so lift that up for us!)” Well said Jeremy!
Summer Sunday School As in the past, we will be giving our Adult and Children Sunday School teachers an extended break for the summer. • At the Clayton campus, Spring Sunday school classes for adults, students, and children will end May 19. • The Gleaners Sunday school class will end June 9. • At West County Fellowship, classes will end May 26. • Early Childhood classes (ages 2.5-Kindergarten) will continue meeting through the summer at 9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. We need classroom teachers and helpers, and don’t worry, you can take time off for vacation! Contact Valerie Hyatt (
[email protected]) if you would like to serve our children in this way. We encourage families to take this time and worship together at one of CPC’s services: •
Clayton: 8:30, 9:45 or 11:15 a.m.
•
West County Fellowship: 10:00 a.m.
•
Trio: 5:00 p.m.
All fall Sunday school classes will begin August 18!
New Opportunity This Summer This summer, for the first time our Presbyterian Early Education Program (PEEPs) will be accepting children who have just completed kindergarten! • PEEPs meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm. • The summer session is every Monday and Wednesday in June and July. • We also have several spots available for this summer in the three, four, and five year old rooms. • If you are interested in signing up your kindergartener for the summer session or would like more information, please contact Christine Vandervoort at 314-854-0145. Please tell your family and friends!
Memorial Service for Cheri Hampton Sorey A memorial service for Cheri Hampton Sorey (1959-2013), daughter of Suzanne and the late Oscar Hampton and sister of Mike will be on Saturday May 18 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary at Central Presbyterian Church.
Missions Update: First Step Back Dear Randy and Church: Thank you so very much for your sensitivity to the needs of the homeless being served by First Step Back Home, Inc. ministry. Your continued support of our work helps us continue to say “yes” more often when the calls come in daily for assistance. At this time we’re receiving about 30-40 calls per day. In the past eight years we have been able to help more than 5000 people with their immediate shelter, food and transportation needs in our region. Support to do all of this has come totally from donations by corporations, community service groups and individuals who have a heightened awareness of this problem. One example of this is that about 70 different churches and community groups come together to supply food at two local motels where we house the homeless so a hot meal is served most days of the week. This love gift has allowed our financial resources to be allocated in other areas, primarily the cost for temporary lodging. We enjoyed connecting with your church family at your Annual Missions weekend in April. It was inspiring to meet so many others who are supported by Central. Sincerely, Paul and Lana Kruse
Kids’ Night Out! This summer, three years olds through rising fourth graders get to join us on Wednesday nights in June for Kids’ Night Out! We will eat a kid-friendly meal, hear a biblical lesson, and do fun crafts and games! Kids’ Night Out will take place on June 5, 12, 9, and 26 from 5:30-7:30pm. The cost is $5 a night per child, with a $10 a night maximum for families. Registration forms are available on centralpres.com/kidcentralspecialevents. Rising 5th and 6th graders are welcome to join us as helpers! Please register them as well. The nightly themes and lesson topics are: June 5: A Night at the Carnival, The Good Samaritan June 12: Up in Outer Space, Creation June 19: The Great Outdoors, Jesus Feeds the 5000 June 26: Under the Sea, Movie Night (Finding Nemo) *Volunteers are needed. Nursery care will be provided for children of volunteers under the age of three. If you would like to serve, contact Blythe Sizemore at 314-7272777 or at
[email protected].
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday 1
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Friday Up atSaturday Coming Central 3
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May 15
5
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Men’s Fellowship Lunch
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Wednesday, May 15 @ 12 p.m. // Meet in the Parlor at Central Presbyterian // Rob Futo will be back to share more about his ministry in Budapest and the progression of the reformed church and16 its status today in Hungary and that 12 13 14 15 17 region. Where is Christ in the hearts of the people? Should it matter to us?
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VIP Luncheon and a Little Jazz!
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ThriVe Alive 5K and 30th Anniversary Celebration!
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Women In Ministry
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19 20calendars for our 21 22 May 16 at noon23in the Dining Room. 24 The Home School 25 VIPs…please mark your luncheon on Thursday Jazz Band will once again provide us with a wonderful program as we enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Julie Kraus. Shuttle service will be available from the east side of the Schnuck’s lot beginning at 11:30. RSVP to Carol Mulick by 26 on May 13. $5.00 27per person. 28 29 30 31 noon
Come out and join fellow Central members and hundreds more life-affirming people from around the St. Louis community to support ThriVe and help change hearts and save lives! // Saturday, May 18 @ 7:00 a.m. // St. Louis Arch Riverfront // Live music, contests, prizes, fitness, and inspirational celebration will continue from 7:00am - 10:00am. The race starts at 8:00 and the Walk and Roll stepping off at 8:30 // For more information, or if you would like to join or support the Central Team, visit http://www.firstgiving.com/thrive/5K/teams (Look for “Central Prez”!) Tuesday, May 21 // Join us for Coffee at 9:15, with Worship and discussion beginning at 9:30 // Central’s Dr. Mark Hutton, Pastor of Community Formation, will complete our study on “How Spiritual Growth and Outreach are Connected” // Make plans to stay for lunch at 11:30. Cost is $5 // Shuttle service from Central Christian School and the old Schnucks lot at Hanley and CLayton
June Central’s College Students 2 Calling Summer College Central kicks off Sunday, June 2! // Reconnect with old friends or meet new ones as we fellowship and worship together during June and July // More info to come regarding weekly Bible studies and fellowship events.
Women in Ministry Home Meetings May 14, 2013
Central Presbyterian Church An Evangelical Presbyterian Church congregation
7700 Davis Drive, Clayton, Missouri 63105 314-727-2777 | fax 314-854-0168 | www.centralpres.com
Sunday Mornings Clayton 8:30, 9:45, and 11:15 Radio Broadcast: KSIV 91.5 FM • 11:00 a.m. • Sunday Live streaming: 9:45 Sunday mornings @ www.centralpres.com/live/
West County Fellowship
West County Family YMCA | 16464 Burkhardt Place, Chesterfield Sunday Morning Worship | 10:00 a.m. Children’s Worship | 10:00 a.m. Live Streaming: 10:00 a.m. Sundays www.westcountyfellowship.org/live/
Sunday Evenings Trio Worship
Central Presbyterian Sanctuary - 5 p.m. Live streaming: 5:00 p.m. Sundays @ www.centralpres.com/live/
CIRCLE
LOCATION Hostess
TIME
TYPE
Abigail
Jill Claycomb
9:30 a.m.
Coffee
Deborah
Emily Castle
10:00 a.m.
Lunch
Elizabeth
Charlotte Headrick
10:30 a.m.
Lunch
Hannah
Beverly Paulson
10:00 a.m.
Lunch
Lydia
Joyce Abel
11:30 a.m.
Lunch
Ruth
Sandy Bouchein
9:30 a.m.
Lunch
Sarah
Jill Darrah
9:30 a.m.
Lunch
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