Tower Tidings March 2020

Worthington Presbyterian Church

TOWER TIDINGS

March 1st through March 31st, 2020

“Body
and Soul”

“Body and Soul” is our 2020 Theme for
Lent. (Now through April 12th) This phrase comes
from an ancient affirmation, that we “belong—
body and soul, in life and in death, to [our] faithful
Savior, Jesus Christ.” These are strong words of comfort to hear in our anxious world.
Our Lenten study will focus on contemporary life through the lens of such ancient wisdom.
But Jesus teaches us to love God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind (Luke 10:27).
So many of our Lenten activities this year will focus not just on thought (the “mind” part),
but on our bodies and ways our senses can be engaged in loving God. Please explore any
or all, as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter.
~~~~~

“In the Image”
Choir Plus Children’s Musical

March 15th at 10:00 a.m.

NOTE FROM PASTOR JULIA: Radical Hospitality Thank Heaven for the warmth and excitement
is a precious part of our life together. I invited that so many of us find in worship! Let’s all be glad
Betsy to use this space to share a message with when we see new faces in the sanctuary. Welcome
you from her perspective as our Pastor for Member one and all into the Lord’s presence.
Ministries.
Yours, in Christ; Betsy
Reverend Betsy Rice
LENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLET
You have a place at Worthington Presbyterian
Church. In so many ways, you belong here, so Please pick up your copy of our 2020 Lent
please, please, don’t take this the wrong way— Devotions. You'll find a Scripture reading,
none of us actually “has a seat” here. No one’s reflection, and prayer for each day starting on the
name is on any seat in our sanctuary. first Sunday of Lent (March 1). The theme is
"Letting go and holding on"--a liberating and
There is a famous tale about a visitor to a strengthening resource for your journey to the
church, sitting in a pew, when someone came over cross and the empty tomb. Copies will be
with an out-stretched hand, saying through a broad available as you leave worship, as well as in
smile, “It is so nice to see you. You know, at St. Fellowship Hall and at the Church Office.
Swivan’s we love visitors, but you’re sitting in my
seat.” STAFFORD VILLAGE SUPER SATURDAYS

Recently I heard a similar tale from one of our WPC member Chris Togni will be offering a
ushers. The usher warmly welcomed a visitor who program at Stafford Village on Saturday mornings
carefully asked, “Where should I sit?” and all are welcome! Gatherings will be
approximately once a month, starting on
The usher replied, “Anywhere you like.” Saturday, April 4th, at 10 a.m. in the Stafford
With a bit of hesitation the visitor said, “Well, the Community Room. Come for a program that will
last two times I came here, someone told me I was nurture friendships, fellowship, laughter and
sitting in their seat.” community. Please help spread the word and
It’s hard for me to imagine anyone at WPC bring a friend!
saying such a thing, but apparently it has
happened. This particular visitor gave us a second March 1; 22; 29 Dr. Julia Piermont
chance. We might not always be so lucky. March 8 Dr. Tom Rice
Fortunately this is not every new guest’s
experience. LouAnn Shearer shared in a “Making March 15: (10) Choir Plus Musical
a Difference” moment that people made room for March 15: (8 & 5) Nick Robison
her on her first visit, and she received a wonderful
welcome. CAREGIVERS’ SUPPORT GROUP
When you come to worship and find a new
person in “YOUR” seat, please, welcome them The WPC and St. John's Episcopal joint support
warmly! It takes courage to come to an unfamiliar group for caregivers and for those grieving will get
church. Be glad that others are giving us a try. together for dinner at Worthington La Chatelaine
This is your church, so it is your “home” (in the backroom) on Monday, March 23rd at 6:30
territory. Jesus Christ wants many more people to p.m. You need not call in advance to
make their spiritual home here, to feel his love attend. Please feel welcome to show up and enjoy
when they walk through the doors, when they warm fellowship!
experience an unfamiliar worship service, when
they listen for his invitation. Give the same warm
welcome you give to your friends to people you
have never met. You may be the face of God to a
newcomer.
In a challenging, partisan world, our Christian
welcome means even more. “Do not neglect to
show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that
some have entertained angels without knowing
it.” (Hebrews 13:12)

All-Church Social and Service Your SUGGESTIONS ARE NEEDED FOR
Afternoon ELDER, DEACONS, and NOMINATING
COMMITTEE MEMBERS. Talk to Us!
Charitable Pharmacy of Central Ohio Please pick up a suggestion form from the
Saturday, March 21, 11:30 to 4:00 p.m. Welcome Center or Fellowship Hall and
submit via offering plate or church office. OR
Join a group from WPC for great lunch for an online form, look for a link in our weekly
conversation and an introduction to the Charitable email blasts or on our homepage, or at
Pharmacy of Central Ohio, downtown. We will get https://forms.gle/fsmTsTTNfbAyvQ9U7.
a tour of the facility and will help with some of their
routine activities. REVIEW OF “STEWARDS OF THE
ENVIRONMENT” By Lou Ann Shearer
All adults are welcome for this activity. [EDITOR’S NOTE: PWU hosted Dr. Linda
Nonmembers, new members, YAHAs (Young At Mercadante in November to present a program on
Heart Seniors), young adults—all are welcome to stewardship of the environment in light of climate
make some friends and make a difference for our change concerns. Lou Ann Shearer attended the
low-income neighbors. Ongoing volunteer presentation and was moved to share this review
opportunities are available with Charitable with the congregation.]
Pharmacy.
The Rev. Dr. Linda Mercadante’s message to
Cost: whatever you spend on lunch Presbyterian Women on November 13, 2019 was
Meet at church at 11:30, Saturday, March 21. a call to each of us to seriously take the fact that
Please RSVP to Betsy Rice at 614-885-5355 x 113 global warming is already with us! God gave us a
or [email protected]. beautiful world filled with good creations. Church
people are the ones who must lead the way to
Why Would I Want a Stephen Minister? recovery. We are God’s hands. Each of us is
meant to act as God does: protect, watch over,
Seven new Stephen Ministers have just care for, shepherd, and love.
finished their training and are being commissioned
on March 8. A Stephen Minister can help you if Our choices are mitigation, adaptation, or
you are suffering. We presently need to focus upon
mitigation, which is the act of softening the effects
• experiencing caregiver fatigue of or to make less severe the effects of global
• adjusting to a new phase in life warming. Pay attention to the positives; get
• grieving the loss of a job or a loved one involved; be a good example; do works of love;
• in transition, even a happy transition. realize that we all in this together. One person can
Yes, a Stephen Minister is a trustworthy make a difference. Small individual actions can
companion in grief, but a Stephen Minister can also reap huge dividends. We have the science; now,
be a Christian supporter if you are new to the we need the will.
community, newly retired and looking for your new What can I do?
identity, an empty-nester, or if you have just
downsized from your family home. 1. Pledge to do more, then, do it.
We all tend to say, “I can handle it. I’m not doing 2. Encourage businesses to join in.
great, but I’m okay.” A Stephen Minister can help 3. Tell your elected officials to prioritize climate
in that situation. He or she will not solve your
problems, but you will find a safe space to pour out action.
your feelings, find acceptance, and feel the loving “Even baby steps are still steps.”
presence of God. Those gifts make the storms of
life pass by more quickly and return you to strength
and confidence.
If you would like to know more, please contact
Pastor Betsy Rice at 614-885-5355 x 113 or
[email protected].

Hands-on Mission Opportunities: Contact Dr. ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING: Each year,
Rice at [email protected] for churches from every corner of the Presbyterian
more information or to sign up. Church (USA) rise to meet the needs of our
brothers and sisters who need a hand up. One
Sun. March 1: NNEMAP Food Pantry—help Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) is collected at
break down donations into family-sized portions in each worship service on Palm Sunday (April 5).
Fellowship Hall at 11 a.m. This special offering provides relief in three
specific ways: 32% is used to restore hope
Mon. March 2: Friendship Dinner: Help cook or through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance; 36% is
help serve—a free dinner—6 p.m. every 1st directed to reducing hunger: and 32% funds the
Monday. self-development of people (SDOP) program.
Checks can be payable to Worthington
Sun. March 15: NNEMAP Food Pantry—help Presbyterian Church (memo: OGHS).
break down donations into family-sized portions in
Fellowship Hall at 8:45 a.m. THANK YOU for Mission
Palooza! On February 9th after
Sun. March 22: Bag Lunches for the the 10 a.m. worship service our
Homeless—make the lunches and bring them to WPC church family went to
Fellowship Hall. Fellowship Hall and put together
61 flood relief buckets, 75 blankets for foster
SAVE THE DATE ~ HABITAT FOR HUMANITY children, 67 bean soup kits (weighing 246
pounds!), and packaged into family-sized portions
Do you like a challenge? Do you want to make a for NNEMAP Food Pantry 200 pounds of coffee,
difference for Jesus and help a family have a sugar, flour, and salt. AND we wrote messages to
home? We need 20 skilled volunteers on Friday, Pastor Saman in Sri Lanka and our missionaries
April 24th at 5:30 p.m. We need 100 volunteers of in Costa Rica and Niger. What a day of making a
all ages and abilities 9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on difference in Jesus’ name! Thank you for your
Saturday, April 25th. We also need 12 strong- generosity and commitment to make every day a
backed volunteers on Sunday, April 26th at noon to “mission palooza!”
help as we build the walls of a Habitat for Humanity
house on the green in front of our church! On WORTHINGTON PRESBYTERIAN PRESCHOOL
Sunday after worship at 10 a.m. we’ll get to go
write prayers, Scripture verses and blessings on WPPS was proud to be a partner in the Relief
the walls, and then we’ll transport them to the Bucket Mission project. Along with our WPPS
house site. Spread the word and join in (contact families, the staff contributed to filling 5 buckets
Pastor Tom or watch for the signup genius link)! for this tremendous outreach. Our wonderful
The excitement is building! families did not hesitate to donate to this worthy
cause. What a great way for our children to learn
NNEMAP UPDATE about giving to those in need!

2019 was a busy year for NNEMAP. There were
17,338 family visits as compared to 16,194 in 2018,
and almost 1 million pounds of food were
distributed during the year. The pantry will be open
Wednesday afternoon, starting in March, in addition
to WTWF mornings and a Saturday produce
market. Thanks to all of you who have contributed
to the success of NNEMAP through your donations,
assistance with breakdown, and volunteering. More
volunteers are always needed, so check the web
page for NNEMAP or pick up a brochure in the
church office if you might be able to help.

A MESSAGE FROM SAMAN IN SRI LANKA: SUNDAY MORNING PRAYER STATIONS

Dear Worthington Presbyterian Church, Greetings Starting on Sunday, March 8th, we will have 5
from the Scot’s Kirk, Kandy! Sundays in a row with a 9-9:30 a.m. prayer
station in the Chapel. Led by Jenni Whitford, our
This is to acknowledge the receipt of the Director for Children's Ministries, come and
remitted funds for the ongoing work among the experience helpful, creative ways of praying that
prison inmates. Thank you for your kind gesture of involve more than just one of your five senses.
generosity toward this valuable cause! With those Perfect for our Lenten theme of "Body and Soul."
funds we have already provided (educational
assistance) exercise books and school bags for CHRISTIAN LIFE CIRCLE
300 children and the first week of March we are The eighth Commandment, “Do Not Steal” (Exodus
planning to distribute 150 pairs of reading glasses 20:15) is the title of Christian Life Circle’s Bible
to prison inmates out of 256. As we are doing study, led by Pastor Tom Rice, on Thursday,
these programs inside the Prison, the prison March 5th from 1:15 - 2:00 p.m. in Room 222. This
authorities do not allow our cameras. However, I study goes beyond disrespecting personal property
have asked for some photographs taken by the and looks at “taking the easy way to get what we
officers and I will send them as means of want at the expense of others.” Dessert and coffee
verification. The church is preparing to celebrate will be available beginning at 12:30 p.m., with the
her 175th anniversary and we all are busy with the latest news about Presbyterian Women United’s
intended program and once we finalized the activities discussed from 12:45- 1:15 p.m. Please
program I will send it for you. The climax of the join us and bring a friend! All are welcome.
event will be a thanksgiving service and it is
scheduled to be held on August 15, 2020. Please Presbyterian Women United invite you
pray for us, as to meet this challenge for the glory to come and learn about “Being Mortal”
of God. My kind regards for all good friends of the Important messages on end of life issues.
congregation.
Being Mortal:
With best wishes and prayers, Saman Talking About End of Life Issues (Part 1)
(Rev. Saman Perera, who spent 3 weeks with
WPC in November of 2018) Wednesday, March 11th
12:30 p.m. dessert and coffee
ADULT EDUCATION: 1:00 p.m. program in Fellowship Hall
In the first of the two-part program,
“BODY AND SOUL: Ancient Wisdom for Rev. Wayne Morrison will impart some
Modern Times” Lenten Study A six-week series “Wisdom from a Pastor” by giving a biblical
on Sundays at 9 a.m. (starting on March 1st, led perspective on end of life issues.
by Dr. Rice in Room 222) or Wednesdays at 7 Devotions and Hosting: Christian Life Circle
p.m. with a soup supper and 7:30 p.m. with
discussion (starting on March 4th, and led by Dr. Being Mortal:
Piermont in the Youth Room). To sign up contact Talking About End of Life Issues (Part 2)
Dr. Rice or go to: https://www.signupgenius.com
/go/30e0b4fa9ac2ca6f58-lenten. Wednesday, March 18th
12:30 p.m. dessert and coffee
MONTAÑA DE LUZ MISSION TRIP: We have a 1:00 p.m. program in Fellowship Hall
mission team from WPC going to Honduras July WPC members Jeff Appel and Andy
8-15 to serve the children there affected by MacDowell will offer “Wisdom from a Lawyer”
HIV/AIDS. If you are would like to come or need to and “Wisdom from a Doctor” in the second part
find out more please contact Dr. Rice. of addressing end of life issues.

Devotions and Hosting:
PWU Coordinating Team

Family Lenten Devotions 2020

Take-Home Activity: "Lent in a Box"

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on
Ash Wednesday, and ends on the Saturday before Easter (April 11).

Lent is the church season where we remember and celebrate Jesus’
life, death and resurrection. During Lent, there is a tradition to try to
get closer to God by doing three things:
1. Giving something up—this is called fasting.
2. The practice of Almsgiving—which means taking some of what we have and sharing with those in
need.
3. Spending more time praying.

Each family will make their own “Lent in a Box” to take home on March 1st.

Extra boxes will be available as first come, first serve basis. See Jenni to pick up your box.

(1) Enjoy this creation devotional entitled Lions, and Camels, and Goats! Oh, My! that starts on
Transfiguration Sunday, February 23 through Easter Monday, April 13 with your household. It’s simple
to do and takes 5 minutes to read the daily devotional, ask the question, and then pray. You can use this
devotional while you eat dinner, lunch, or breakfast together, in the car, or before bed. (Heather
Johnson, who serves at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN as Pastor of Faith Formation and
Evangelism Specialist.) Story Board - Lions, and Camels, and Goats! Oh My! is free to use online or to
download. https://storyboardingchurch.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/lions-and-camels-and-goats-
oh-my.pdf

(2) This Lent, The Upper Room is offering an online Lenten Calendar for Children, Youth, and
Families, featuring daily spiritual practices to guide you and those you love through Lent and Easter
week. https://www.upperroom.org/lent

For All Ages: The Lent Coin Challenge ~ for "One Great Hour of Sharing"

Lenten activities often include "works of love," (see page 4) and annually our church participates in the
national, ecumenical One Great Hour of Sharing. Bring your fish boxes to church on Palm Sunday,
April 5th. Taking some of what we have and sharing it with those in need is an important part of Lent.
The Lent Coin Challenge is a simple, fun project to help us realize how much we have and share with
others. As a family decide if you want to use pennies, nickels, dimes or quarters. Fish-shaped coin boxes
(to remember the "loaves and fishes" miracle) are available at church. Here are suggestions to choose
a theme for each week of Lent:

Week 1: A coin for every chair in your house and/or a coin for every box of cereal.
Week 2: A coin for every cross in your house and/or a coin for every electrical outlet in your house.
Week 3: A coin for every person in your family and/or a coin for every shoe in your house.
Week 4: A coin for every bed in your house and/or a coin for every lightbulb in your house.
Week 5: A coin for every coat in your house and/or a coin for every box of band aids.
Week 6: A coin for every room in your house and/or a coin for every television.
Week 7: A coin for every device in your house and/or a coin for every Bible in your house.

On Sunday, March 15th at 10:00 a.m. the children March 13 – Progressive Dinner (7-10 p.m.)
in the Choir Plus program will present the musical 7-7:30 p.m. – Appetizers at the church
In the Image by Mark Burrows. The play is a 7:39-8:30/45 p.m. – Pizza at Dewey’s
poignant, upbeat and sometimes humorous 8:45-9:30 p.m. – Ice Cream at Graeters
depiction of what it means to be created to love $10/person – friends welcome to join!
and create as God as created and loved us. The
children are hard at work on sharing this story WPC Youth Ministry:
with our congregation and welcome your Youth Group Meets on Sundays from
supportive presence on the 15th!
6:00 to 8:00 p.m.!
Celebration Ringers: Rehearsal (6:30 p.m.) March 6-7
3/4; 3/11; 3/18; 3/25
Chancel Choir: Rehearsal (7:15 p.m.) 3/5; 3/12; Youth Lock-In starts at 7 p.m.!!
3/19; 3/26 Meet at Church and prepare for great fun

MUSIC FOR SUNDAY 10 a.m. WORSHIP and fellowship!

Sunday, March 1st S’MOREs TRIP
“Jesus, So Lowly” - Harold Friedell Join us on our June 14-21 trip to New Orleans to
serve in local ministries that are helping victims
The Chancel Choir of natural disasters to rebuild their lives. It will be
great week to build your faith and make new
Sunday, March 8th friends. This trip is for our incoming freshman
“Create in Me” - Michael Larkin next year (current 8th graders) through
graduating 12th graders.
The Chancel Choir
“Come Love, Come Lord”
Ralph Vaughan Williams

James Newport, tenor

Sunday, March 15th
Choir Plus Musical Presentation
In the Image by Mark Burrows
The Little Trebles, Cherub and Chapel Choirs
With Kelli Lawrence, oboe; Drew Martin and

Emil Miller, percussion

Sunday, March 22nd
“Just a Closer Walk With Thee” - Mark Hayes

The Chancel Choir
“O Sacred Head Now Wounded”

Arnold Sherman
The Celebration Ringers

Sunday, March 29th
“What Wondrous Love Is This” - John Leavitt

The Chancel Choir

Worthington Presbyterian Church
773 High Street
Worthington, Ohio 43085-4171

Place label STRAIGHT on top of this line.

EASTER LILIES PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
On Easter Sunday, April 12th, we
will have our traditional Easter You may know that the Prayer Shawl Ministry
Lilies. The Ministry of Worship knits or crochets shawls and blankets that are given
and the Arts will accept your to people as a reminder of the church's
honorariums and memorials prayers. They bring comfort to people who are
to dedicate these lilies for healing, grieving, or lonely. A prayer shawl feels like
Easter. a hug, a connection to the church and a reminder of
If you would like to honor a loved one, please God's care. You may not know what else they
make a contribution of $18.00, complete this produce: baptism cloths, "Pat's Hats" for
form, and mail your request to the Church Office chemotherapy patients, scarves for our college
before Sunday, April 5th. freshmen, scarves for our mitten tree, and scarves
and washcloths that go to Romania. Unless you've
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY been there, you have no idea what a warm
In Memory of: fellowship of creative and caring women they are!

In Honor of: You are invited to visit or join them as they knit or
crochet items for those facing an illness, a crisis, or
Donor: a need for God's comfort and healing. Each meeting
is full of conversation, laughter, friendship, and
Donor’s Phone or e-mail address: sharing. If you cannot come to the meetings, you
are welcome to knit at home. We are happy to share
patterns. Questions, contact Jane Riddle at
[email protected]. The Prayer Shawl Ministry
meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in
the “Living” Room. All are welcome!