Compassion

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -- Colossians 3:12

The root meaning of compassion is "to suffer with."  Compassion is not for the faint of heart -- it can hurt to care!  There is a cost to opening ourselves up to others and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable.   As we begin this Lenten season, we know that suffering and death are stopping points on the road to the empty tomb: to resurrection.

Of course, to not care is even more costly. We end up seeing the world through the lens of our fears and prejudices.  Daniel Goleman, in his research, has found that: 

It is important to note the difference between isolation and solitude.  Where solitude removes distractions and draws one into a deeper relationship with God and others, isolation leaves one feeling alienated and alone.

It has been said that compassion is empathy in action.  In times of deep change, this calls for creativity.   It can be hard to care for wounded and hurt people.  Anger is often used as a defense to push people away.  Compassion demands not only understanding and empathy, but also a willingness to act on those feelings of care.  Such caring calls for resilience in the face of struggle, even as it provides renewal to those who persevere through the challenges.

This Lent, instead of pondering what to give up, I invite you to consider clothing yourself with compassion. 

Lenten blessings for the journey!

Debbie Rundlett

General Presbyter 

Holy Habit: Clothing Yourself with Compassion

A Note Regarding Statistical Reporting for 2013

from Candice McMath 

Twin City Community Chorus presents Haydn's "The Creation: An Oratorio"

From Mark Unrue

All are invited to attend the Twin City Community Chorus performance of Haydn's "The Creation: An Oratorio."

When: Sunday, March 9, 2014

Where: First Presbyterian Church, 633 N Main Street, Uhrichsville, OH

Time: 7:00 pm

Cost: Freewill offering

"Believing Out Loud: Finding Your Preaching Voice" training for Lay Preachers in March!

"How can they call on him unless they believe in him? How can they believe in him unless they hear about him? How can they hear about him unless someone preaches to them?" 

(Romans 10:14 NIRV)

Save the date! 

On March 15, 2014, we will be offering "Believing Out Loud: Finding Your Preaching Voice," a one-day training session at the Mission Center for lay people who might serve as pulpit supply.  This is an excellent opportunity for those who may consider the Commissioned Lay Pastor transformation track in Fall 2014, as well as other church leaders, elders, and/or deacons.

Preaching is a physical activity where mind, body, spirit, voice and passion are engaged. In the process of preparing for and practicing sermons out loud, this seminar will provide the practical basics of preaching and aims for your discovery of and gaining confidence in your preaching voice.

• Date: Saturday, March 15, 2014
• Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
• Location: MVP Mission Center, 109 Stonecreek Rd NW, New Philadelphia, OH
• Cost: $25 (includes materials and lunch)
• RSVP to Candice by email or phone (330) 339-5515 before March 11, 2014.

Save the Dates!

Upcoming Thai Folk Drama Performances

Esther Wakeman, our missionary, will be traveling to three churches in the Presbytery with her dance team from Thailand.  You can catch these performances at:

• Christ Presbyterian Church, Canton Ohio on Sunday, March 23

• The Mission Ministry of Christ Church proudly announces the visit of the

   

  LIKAY THAI FOLK DRAMA DANCERS

   

  They will be presenting dances and drama based upon stories from scripture after the late service on March 23rd.  The presentation will be preceded by a covered dish luncheon where the baked chicken and mac-n-cheese will be provided.  This family friendly production is part of the outreach mission of the Christian Communications Institute of Payap University in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Its longtime director is Dr. Rob Collins who is married to our mission representative, Dr. Esther Wakeman-Collins.  It was organized to tell the Gospel message to those who were unable to read or were uninterested in just the spoken word.  The CCI troupe has presented the Good News Gospel on many international tours and always looks forward to their visit to Christ Church. 

   

  The drama will begin about 12:30 for those who may not be attending the late service or the luncheon.  Please invite friends and neighbors who might enjoy this beautiful message.

• First Presbyterian Church, Wooster Ohio on Sunday evening, March 23
• 6:00 pm - Traditional Thai dinner provided by Thai One (Suggested donation $8.50)
• 7:00 pm - Thai Folk Drama performance (freewill offering to cover travel expenses)
• For further information on attending the Thai folk drama at First Wooster, contact 330-264-9420 before Tuesday, March 18.

• Trinity United Presbyterian Church, Zanesville Ohio on Saturday, March 29
• 6:00 pm -Thai Folk Drama performance (freewill offering to cover travel expenses)
• For further information, contact 740-452-6441.

"Resting in God: A Retreat for Church Leaders" 

Spring Retreat from RMMG

The Retreat Ministry Mission Group wishes to invite you to their Spring Retreat - "Resting in God."  

Details and registration form are available in the attached brochure. 

Registrations are due by Monday, April 21, 2014 to MVP. Scholarships are available to offset the cost of the retreat.

Spring Lantern Fellowship 2014 Women's Retreat

From Tara Mitchell

All ladies are invited to attend the 2014 Spring Lantern Women's Retreat in April.  

An Update from the Presbyterian Women

From Sandi Butterbaugh

Attached is the winter 2013 newsletter for the Presbyterian Women of the Synod of the Covenant.  Enjoy!

Winter 2013 Newsletter

An Update from the Synod of the Covenant

From Janet Fehlen

The synod is in the process of sending (via mail) the attached Thank You Letter and Synod Annual Report for 2013, which also includes opportunities for 2014 to all churches within the synod.

Thanks!

Janet C. Fehlen

Executive Assistant

Synod of the Covenant

419-754-4050

From Massillon Central Presbyterian Church

Seeking an Organist

Central Presbyterian Church of Massillon has an immediate opening for a quarter-time organist and accompanist. Instruments are a 2002 Allen Renaissance 80-stop, 3-manual digital organ with MIDI and a Steinway six-foot grand piano.  The individual filling the position will be responsible for one Sunday morning worship service, weekly rehearsal (September-May) with a twenty-five voice chancel choir, special liturgical services, weddings, and in-church funeral services.  

Position reports to the Director of Music Ministries. Compensation will be negotiated and based upon commensurate experience.  A full position description is available upon request. 

Interested persons are asked to contact Larry Lalama at 330-832-7455 or cpcp@sssnet.com.

2014 PW Gathering: "Radical Hospitality"

From the Presbyterian Women in the Synod of the Covenant 

The PW in the Synod of the Covenant wish to announce their 2014 Gathering, "Radical Hospitality."

• Date: July 18-19, 2014
• Location: Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 5151 W Lennon Rd, Flint Township, MI 48507

Details on breakout sessions, cost, and speakers can be found in this brochure.

Save the Date: May 1, 2014

Re/Entry: Rebuilding Productive Lives, Post-Incarceration

A Policy Coordination and Training Symposium for Professionals

Please see the attached news release announcing the Exploring a Call to Seminary Conference at UDTS 

An Exciting Choral Opportunity for Our Youth