Notes From My Knapsack -- The Church Window Dec. 2003
"Focus" was the Latin word for "hearth." In ancient Rome, and in more recent times on the Ohio frontier, the fireplace, the hearth was indeed the focus of the family living space.
Nowadays, the focal point of most living rooms is the TV set. Even in homes with a fireplace, the location is carefully to one side, so as not to shift the focus of the room, or to block the sight lines to the screen all the furniture points at.
But during this time of year, all kinds of folk are willing to adjust their reality a bit. We move furniture, realign the sight lines, and make our focus the Christmas tree.
If some seats have an obscured view of the picture tube, we decide we can live with it. . .for at least a few weeks. We take a bit of the outdoors, a few ornaments of our family tradition, and some of our faith, and put it on display where no one, least of the residents of that space, can miss the new point of focus.
This is, for many households, an opportunity. A chance to create some new traditions, make a few adornments to our future history, and reflect (by the Christmas lights alone of a late evening) on what our faith tells us about "the reason for the season."
I hope and pray this Christmas season that you may, by the lights echoing those Roman fireplaces, now making you a new hearth through scented candles and electric colored bulbs, find your focus in the Light that comes from a stable, and place your hope in One born under a wintry star over Bethlehem.
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
CWF Christmas Dinner for the whole church family -- after worship Dec. 21
Budget/Stewardship Team
The Budget Committee, which was asked to review items from their proposed 2004 budget at the last Board meeting, will meet along with the Stewardship Team, which meets on months between Board meetings.
They will work at the church on Monday night, Dec. 8, at 7 pm to review what will be presented to the congregational meeting Jan. 25.
Due to increased fixed costs and expenses, even with some fairly significant cuts, the new budget will represent an increase over the giving levels in 2003. Jean Wonders, our financial secretary, estimates that if, on average, each of our 50 regular "giving units" (families or individuals by household) gave another $10 per month, we would have a solid budget for 2004.
Thank you for your prayerful reflection on your own giving in the new year, and for your prayers for the board and financial officers in their decision making! We are glad to report that the support for the 604 W. Main property has the principal owed below $60,000 on a $113,000 purchase just four years ago, and we are halfway to our congregational commitment of $12,000 to Camp Christian's new construction.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Notes From My Knapsack -- The Church Window Dec. 2003
"Focus" was the Latin word for "hearth." In ancient Rome, and in more recent times on the Ohio frontier, the fireplace, the hearth was indeed the focus of the family living space.
Nowadays, the focal point of most living rooms is the TV set. Even in homes with a fireplace, the location is carefully to one side, so as not to shift the focus of the room, or to block the sight lines to the screen all the furniture points at.
But during this time of year, all kinds of folk are willing to adjust their reality a bit. We move furniture, realign the sight lines, and make our focus the Christmas tree.
If some seats have an obscured view of the picture tube, we decide we can live with it. . .for at least a few weeks. We take a bit of the outdoors, a few ornaments of our family tradition, and some of our faith, and put it on display where no one, least of the residents of that space, can miss the new point of focus.
This is, for many households, an opportunity. A chance to create some new traditions, make a few adornments to our future history, and reflect (by the Christmas lights alone of a late evening) on what our faith tells us about "the reason for the season."
I hope and pray this Christmas season that you may, by the lights echoing those Roman fireplaces, now making you a new hearth through scented candles and electric colored bulbs, find your focus in the Light that comes from a stable, and place your hope in One born under a wintry star over Bethlehem.
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
CWF Christmas Dinner for the whole church family -- after worship Dec. 21
Budget/Stewardship Team
The Budget Committee, which was asked to review items from their proposed 2004 budget at the last Board meeting, will meet along with the Stewardship Team, which meets on months between Board meetings.
They will work at the church on Monday night, Dec. 8, at 7 pm to review what will be presented to the congregational meeting Jan. 25.
Due to increased fixed costs and expenses, even with some fairly significant cuts, the new budget will represent an increase over the giving levels in 2003. Jean Wonders, our financial secretary, estimates that if, on average, each of our 50 regular "giving units" (families or individuals by household) gave another $10 per month, we would have a solid budget for 2004.
Thank you for your prayerful reflection on your own giving in the new year, and for your prayers for the board and financial officers in their decision making! We are glad to report that the support for the 604 W. Main property has the principal owed below $60,000 on a $130,000 purchase just four years ago, and we are halfway to our congregational commitment of $12,000 to Camp Christian's new construction.
"Focus" was the Latin word for "hearth." In ancient Rome, and in more recent times on the Ohio frontier, the fireplace, the hearth was indeed the focus of the family living space.
Nowadays, the focal point of most living rooms is the TV set. Even in homes with a fireplace, the location is carefully to one side, so as not to shift the focus of the room, or to block the sight lines to the screen all the furniture points at.
But during this time of year, all kinds of folk are willing to adjust their reality a bit. We move furniture, realign the sight lines, and make our focus the Christmas tree.
If some seats have an obscured view of the picture tube, we decide we can live with it. . .for at least a few weeks. We take a bit of the outdoors, a few ornaments of our family tradition, and some of our faith, and put it on display where no one, least of the residents of that space, can miss the new point of focus.
This is, for many households, an opportunity. A chance to create some new traditions, make a few adornments to our future history, and reflect (by the Christmas lights alone of a late evening) on what our faith tells us about "the reason for the season."
I hope and pray this Christmas season that you may, by the lights echoing those Roman fireplaces, now making you a new hearth through scented candles and electric colored bulbs, find your focus in the Light that comes from a stable, and place your hope in One born under a wintry star over Bethlehem.
In Grace & Peace,
Pastor Jeff
CWF Christmas Dinner for the whole church family -- after worship Dec. 21
Budget/Stewardship Team
The Budget Committee, which was asked to review items from their proposed 2004 budget at the last Board meeting, will meet along with the Stewardship Team, which meets on months between Board meetings.
They will work at the church on Monday night, Dec. 8, at 7 pm to review what will be presented to the congregational meeting Jan. 25.
Due to increased fixed costs and expenses, even with some fairly significant cuts, the new budget will represent an increase over the giving levels in 2003. Jean Wonders, our financial secretary, estimates that if, on average, each of our 50 regular "giving units" (families or individuals by household) gave another $10 per month, we would have a solid budget for 2004.
Thank you for your prayerful reflection on your own giving in the new year, and for your prayers for the board and financial officers in their decision making! We are glad to report that the support for the 604 W. Main property has the principal owed below $60,000 on a $130,000 purchase just four years ago, and we are halfway to our congregational commitment of $12,000 to Camp Christian's new construction.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Hebron Crossroads 11-30-03
By Jeff Gill
So the good word is that unemployment is down nationally, down in Ohio, and even declining in Licking County. Other than Democrats running for President in 2004, that's great news, no doubt about it.
And you are probably reading this on or just after the retail event known as "Black Friday," when traffic reports start early even though few are going to work. "Live helicopter shots" show predawn serpents of tiny little people far below waiting in line at the big box retail giants facing their requisite acre of asphalt. . .at 6:30 am.
Everyone expects consumer spending and retail numbers to be up, up, up this holiday season.
So why do I not feel so good about the economy?
To tell you all the truth, the numbers that would make me feel better about the future would be an increase in the savings rate of Americans, now startlingly low. I'd like to see mortgage foreclosures and personal bankruptcies on the decline, along with food pantry applications. The fact that consumer confidence and personal discretional spending is up doesn't necessarily make me feel like all is rosy again in the economy.
I trust our faithful advertisers won't take it amiss if this columnist points out that with average total balances on credit cards (16 of 'em per household!) pushing $9,000, we think we have a whole lot more money to spend than we actually do. Then when the least little economic tremor knocks a family over the precipice of paying for groceries and car payments off the cards that they're no longer making minimum payments on, the fall is quick and the sudden stop at the end is harsh.
All of which is to say, that as you head out into your Christmas shopping, remember that it really is the thought that counts, that you probably won't win the lottery in January before the credit card bills come due, and that you can't buy love. Stimulate the economy by all means, but don't tickle the tiger named "Chapter 11" to do it. Give gifts of love and service along with the awkward-to-wrap store bought items, and give of yourself instead of giving your future away for a present.
OK, I heard you say that: "Gee, you're in a mood!" Well, sure. Not a bad mood, but a bittersweet one. The Lakewood Area Churches' Thanksgiving Service was very well attended with over 220 at the LHS auditorium, and thanks again to Bob Beyer, Martha Fickle, Judith Rauch, Janice Harris, Martha Graham, Joyce Meredith, and Brian Harkness along with truly a cast of over a hundred who took the stage at one point or another to help present the service, and to Ila Mason and Annette Price who set up refreshments after. Our offering was over $375.
And that's where the bittersweet part comes in. I had already heard from Enid Ray and Maribel Neel that the LEADS Food Pantry at Buckeye Lake had a record number of requests for October, and November is heading down the same path. The when I arrived with the offering, Lynne Cash the director told me it was only the second donation they had received this holiday season so far. . .just like last year. But there's even more exposed shelving this year than last, as giving both in kind and financial is down.
This was just after a wonderful noontime celebration of the decade-plus of service from the Licking County Coalition for Housing, which has gone from a card table in a damp basement and four barely furnished apartments to a million dollar a year budget, still often administered off of card tables!
But the card tables aren't the problem, not at all. That staff will work on their hands and knees setting up shoes around Courthouse Square in a chill wind just to increase public awareness, dontcha know, and they make sure all the best stuff gets used for the families and take the busted pieces donated to furnish their offices. It's just that with all the growth and cooperativeness in Licking County around this transitional housing program, we still see families in crisis we can't quite help. Good folks who lost a job or even just their insurance, and the next thing they know they're bankrupt, evicted, foreclosed. It happens as fast as it takes to get six credit card applications in the mail, or even faster.
So take it easy this Christmas; put something in the savings account even in December, make a budget for 2004, make a contribution in someone's name as a gift this year.
LCCH, LEADS, Catholic Social Services, the Salvation Army, or any group you personally know is helping build community ties and strengthen families: they'd be happy to acknowledge your gift in honor of somebody. And the great thing about a gift like that is that they don't have to figure out where to store it!
Or if you want to build up some holiday cheer, there are so many FREE ways to do so coming up soon. This Sunday afternoon, Nov. 30 at 4 pm, the Land of Legend Symphony and Centenary UMC in Granville are offering a "Sing-along Messiah" for no charge.
Next Saturday, the Granville Candlelight Walking Tour from early evening on and "Christmas in the Country" at Infirmary Mound Park on Rt. 37 will have loads of seasonal spirit with no admission fee, sharing music and Christmas scenes to get you in the mood.
Not the spending mood, but the feeling that life itself is a gift. It can be expensive, but giving of yourself is the gift anyone can afford to give.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, and bemused holder of one credit card with a limit that keeps going up even when he doesn't use it for months. If you can explain that, or have news of local interest, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
By Jeff Gill
So the good word is that unemployment is down nationally, down in Ohio, and even declining in Licking County. Other than Democrats running for President in 2004, that's great news, no doubt about it.
And you are probably reading this on or just after the retail event known as "Black Friday," when traffic reports start early even though few are going to work. "Live helicopter shots" show predawn serpents of tiny little people far below waiting in line at the big box retail giants facing their requisite acre of asphalt. . .at 6:30 am.
Everyone expects consumer spending and retail numbers to be up, up, up this holiday season.
So why do I not feel so good about the economy?
To tell you all the truth, the numbers that would make me feel better about the future would be an increase in the savings rate of Americans, now startlingly low. I'd like to see mortgage foreclosures and personal bankruptcies on the decline, along with food pantry applications. The fact that consumer confidence and personal discretional spending is up doesn't necessarily make me feel like all is rosy again in the economy.
I trust our faithful advertisers won't take it amiss if this columnist points out that with average total balances on credit cards (16 of 'em per household!) pushing $9,000, we think we have a whole lot more money to spend than we actually do. Then when the least little economic tremor knocks a family over the precipice of paying for groceries and car payments off the cards that they're no longer making minimum payments on, the fall is quick and the sudden stop at the end is harsh.
All of which is to say, that as you head out into your Christmas shopping, remember that it really is the thought that counts, that you probably won't win the lottery in January before the credit card bills come due, and that you can't buy love. Stimulate the economy by all means, but don't tickle the tiger named "Chapter 11" to do it. Give gifts of love and service along with the awkward-to-wrap store bought items, and give of yourself instead of giving your future away for a present.
OK, I heard you say that: "Gee, you're in a mood!" Well, sure. Not a bad mood, but a bittersweet one. The Lakewood Area Churches' Thanksgiving Service was very well attended with over 220 at the LHS auditorium, and thanks again to Bob Beyer, Martha Fickle, Judith Rauch, Janice Harris, Martha Graham, Joyce Meredith, and Brian Harkness along with truly a cast of over a hundred who took the stage at one point or another to help present the service, and to Ila Mason and Annette Price who set up refreshments after. Our offering was over $375.
And that's where the bittersweet part comes in. I had already heard from Enid Ray and Maribel Neel that the LEADS Food Pantry at Buckeye Lake had a record number of requests for October, and November is heading down the same path. The when I arrived with the offering, Lynne Cash the director told me it was only the second donation they had received this holiday season so far. . .just like last year. But there's even more exposed shelving this year than last, as giving both in kind and financial is down.
This was just after a wonderful noontime celebration of the decade-plus of service from the Licking County Coalition for Housing, which has gone from a card table in a damp basement and four barely furnished apartments to a million dollar a year budget, still often administered off of card tables!
But the card tables aren't the problem, not at all. That staff will work on their hands and knees setting up shoes around Courthouse Square in a chill wind just to increase public awareness, dontcha know, and they make sure all the best stuff gets used for the families and take the busted pieces donated to furnish their offices. It's just that with all the growth and cooperativeness in Licking County around this transitional housing program, we still see families in crisis we can't quite help. Good folks who lost a job or even just their insurance, and the next thing they know they're bankrupt, evicted, foreclosed. It happens as fast as it takes to get six credit card applications in the mail, or even faster.
So take it easy this Christmas; put something in the savings account even in December, make a budget for 2004, make a contribution in someone's name as a gift this year.
LCCH, LEADS, Catholic Social Services, the Salvation Army, or any group you personally know is helping build community ties and strengthen families: they'd be happy to acknowledge your gift in honor of somebody. And the great thing about a gift like that is that they don't have to figure out where to store it!
Or if you want to build up some holiday cheer, there are so many FREE ways to do so coming up soon. This Sunday afternoon, Nov. 30 at 4 pm, the Land of Legend Symphony and Centenary UMC in Granville are offering a "Sing-along Messiah" for no charge.
Next Saturday, the Granville Candlelight Walking Tour from early evening on and "Christmas in the Country" at Infirmary Mound Park on Rt. 37 will have loads of seasonal spirit with no admission fee, sharing music and Christmas scenes to get you in the mood.
Not the spending mood, but the feeling that life itself is a gift. It can be expensive, but giving of yourself is the gift anyone can afford to give.
Jeff Gill is pastor of Hebron Christian Church, and bemused holder of one credit card with a limit that keeps going up even when he doesn't use it for months. If you can explain that, or have news of local interest, call 928-4066 or e-mail disciple@voyager.net.
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