The Messenger January 2021 - Westwood Presbyterian Church
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The Messenger January 2021
Annual Congregational Meeting Church Envelopes
is called for Church envelopes are available now. You
Sunday, February 21st. may stop by the church and pick yours up if
you like.
Our annual congregational meeting will
be on Sunday, February 21st, 2021
following our first Worship Service in
the New Year. Among the items
discussed will be our Annual reports,
terms of call for our pastor, along with
the 2021 budget being presented, and
the election of our new officers. Deacons – No January meeting
The officers nominated for the class of Administration – February 21– after worship
2023 are: Deacons: Andrea Estridge,
Cindy Anglin, Reva Johnson and Jeanne Spiritual Gr/Outreach – February 22 – 6 pm
Riechers; Elders: Bob Estridge, Session – February 22 – 7 pm
Marlene Sloneker, Tim Turber Dale
Alvey.
(An installation service will be set in the
near future.)
16 Jim Simensen
24 Blake Hollenbaugh
Newsletter Deadline 25 Ruth Mollett
for February is 27 Karen Conrad
January 21st.
The Usher Sign Up Sheet for 2021 is
Happy New Year! on the church bulletin board. If you
We would like to thank all who have would like to usher in the New Year,
helped us make 2020 a great year. either stop by and sign up or call the
We are looking forward to another year church and tell us which month you will
of serving and blessing others in 2021. be available. Thanks!
The Christmas Project donations will
resume in February.
Westwood Financial Report - 2020
November: Receipts Expenses Balance
Current Funds 4,130.50 5,862.62 -1,732.12
Per Capita 0.00 0.00 0.00
Benevolence 0.00 245.00 -245.00
Total 4,130.50 6,107.62 -1,977.12
Year-To-Date:
Current Funds 67,207.50 65,594.64 1,6121.86
Per Capita 575.00 0.00 575.00
Benevolence 595.00 595.00 0.00
Total 68,377.50 66,189.64 2,187.86
More detailed financial reports are available upon request
from Steve Anglin or the church office.
“Pray That We Do Not Go Back to Normal”
As we think of all that we have had to deal with in this past year, some are looking forward to the
New Year, hoping that it will be filled with light and hope; praying that we will get back to what some
of us define as “normalcy”.
Indeed, 2020 has been filled with ups and downs. It has been an emotional roller coaster ride. The
separation from one another has left many feeling alone and lonely. We long to feel safe enough to be
able to hug and share life “mask free”. We have realized anew that human touch is life-giving.
Many have also felt the sting of life and losses that have thrown them into despondency. Indeed,
their faith has been tested. Questions have been raised that we would like God to answer. Though we
still believe that God is in charge of our life and world, we would like to know where we are being
led.
As we think of getting back to normal (if there is such a thing), someone sent Carol, on facebook
this writing on “Praying that we don't go back to normal”. I think it focuses us on what we may be
learning and experiencing in these times. Listen as this anonymous writer speaks:
• I pray that the next time a friend grabs me and pulls me in for a hug, I actually take the time
to appreciate the gift of their embrace.
• I pray that when school resumes and people are dropping kids off, they take the time to thank
the staff for the amazing gift that they give to our community.
• I pray that the next time I'm sitting in a crowded restaurant I take the time to look around at
the smiling faces, loud voices and thank God for the gift of community.
• I pray that the next time I'm standing in church listening to the voices of praise and worship
that I take a moment to thank God for the gift of congregation.
• I pray that the next time I see a person or situation that needs prayer, I hope I pray as
passionately and fervently as I have these past few weeks.
I'm looking forward to the time when we will be together in worship. Meanwhile, I hope that you
are tuning in on our website to participate in our recorded services.
I look forward to us getting together for worship and our annual congregational meeting on
February 21, 2021. Hope you are planning to be there as we look forward.
My hope also is that you had a blessed Christmas Season and will have a fulfilling New Year.
In Christ,
Norman
Prayer Concerns
Dear Members of Westwood
Presbyterian,
Thank you for your generous Hospital:
donation of $80.00 for the Penny Wimsatt (Pam Long's sister) doing better
Hospitality Network of CMC. We
really appreciate all your support! Miscellaneous concerns:
The beautiful 1881 historic house Bonita Gay
gifted to us is well underway on Fred Sloneker
renovation. We hope to have one Ruth Mollett
side (3 bedroom unit) ready for Summer Estridge
occupancy in spring. We will Michael Gesell (Marlene) lymphoma
partner with Family Promise and Bill Craft
other agencies to help families Mark Combs – home
coming out of poverty with decent Kristi Craft
affordable housing. Family of Jeff Tellup (John's brother)
Family of Virginia Miller (Bonnie Santel's sister)
Stay safe and well. Family of Frank Dougherty
Love & Peace to you all. Family of Loretta Otto
Family of Carol Jones (Bonnie Santel's sister)
In God's Service,
Betty Sloneker - covid-19
Lauren & CMC/TIN Board
In Nursing Home/Assisted Living:
Windsor of Cape Coral: Dick Flynn
Dear Members of Westwood, Westover: Catherine Gibson
Thank you so much for your Sheridan at Mason: Bill Mountsier
generous Christmas gift. I really
do appreciate this gesture as it has National & International Concerns:
been a very lean year due to the Our country, Natural disasters, violence, unity
virus. Our armed forces worldwide
Blessings to all! Missionaries across the world
Peace in our world
Treva Boardman
Local Concerns:
Our church
Dear Westwood Members, Cities of Hamilton & Fairfield
I would like to thank you for your Serve City / Haven House / Community Meal Center
Christmas gift. I love your Churches in community
generous spirit of giving. God Corona virus victims & cure
bless you all.
Congregational Prayer:
Angela Scenters As we continue to pray for our sister churches in the
Miami Presbytery, and for all the churches in our
community in Ohio.
Prayer for a New Year
Rev. Gradye Parsons
Lord, go with us as we travel once again into a new year. It stands before us like an
untraveled road, full of promise and adventure. Give us the confidence to know You will be
there, whether we travel far or wander on the scenic route.
We acknowledge that we are burdened with the scrapes of the past year. Let them not
hinder us from new opportunities to see stars and gifts that point us to a new reality.
Help us to remember the many times in days past when we were full of despair—how you
never left our side, but sent Your Spirit to quicken our hearts with hope and courage.
We will spend this new year with many people – some will be easy to love and others will
be hard to like. Remind us that our witness for You should be that we see all people as Your
children and relate to them as sisters and brothers in Christ.
Strengthen our hands to do the work of bringing Your justice and mercy to this world. Open
our ears to the cries of the homeless, the hungry, the sick, and victims of war. Show us new
opportunities to serve You with hammers, pots, medicine, and our own presence.
Give us the voice to be a ready witness to the good news of Your Son Jesus Christ. Break
through our polite shyness and help us to share how much Your gift of faith means to us.
Let our eyes sparkle with the joy of Your salvation.
Lord, grant us new vistas of faith. Give us a heart that experiences a mountaintop vision in
the midst of our daily work. Show us the Christ in the other and help us to hear the wisdom
of those on this pilgrimage with us.
In all things we give You thanks and praise.
Amen.
Per Capita Request
Each year The Presbytery of the Miami Valley publishes “Expected
Payments” for each active member of each church. For the year, 2021, they
are requesting a total of $50. In years past, the Session has voted to give what
fits our budget. The Session also invites members, who are able, to pay all or
a portion for yourself. If you have questions, please talk to Rev. Godfrey or a
member of the Session.
Christmas Joy Offering
Thank you to everyone who gave to the “Christmas Joy Offering” this past year. $75 was
collected to help our Presbyterian Pastors and Religious workers, who, in retirement are having
financial difficulties and to our Ethnic youth who are preparing for ministry at our Presbyterian
schools. God bless each of you.
The One Way Farm
6131 River Road
Fairfield, Ohio 45014
513-829-3276
The One Way Farm staff have been busy over the past few months. They are presently operating
at full capacity. They are especially thankful for each person who has given to their third dorm
renovation.
They have hired a new Chaplain, Michael Wilson, who, along with his wife and four children
have recently moved to Fairfield from London, Kentucky. Soon the newly renovated “Barb
Condo Learning and Recreation Center” will be finished, dedicated and open for use.
The following is a “Sweet Christmas Story...”
A sweet Christmas Story...
We have a small framed 8-year-old boy who was walking the track with me the other day. The
subject of Christmas came up. He looked towards our dorms with a concerned look on his face.
He saw no chimneys on the houses. He wanted to know how Santa was going to bring toys if he
could not get in. I told him that we would give him a key to the front door so he would not have
to get dirty coming in through a chimney. I told him that we would have to make some cookies
for him. He stated, do not forget the milk! We love these times, despite all that our kids have
been through, when we see them age appropriate and stable. Our kids are extremely excited
about Christmas. We have kids from the age of 8 to 18. If you would like to sponsor a child this
year, please call our office and we can let you know which children are still available.
If you have any questions, please contact “The One Way Farm”. The President is John Rice. A
private viewing of the facility can be arranged. They are happy to report that they are operating
to capacity and in the process of renovating a third dorm. Pray for this very important ministry
in our community.
Westwood Presbyterian Church
1068 Stahlheber Road
Hamilton, OH 45013
Address Service Requested
2021
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