News to Use

Dear Friends,  

Hello. We hope you and yours are doing well and that you can enjoy the sunshine before it gets too warm. We’ve had some beautiful sunrises and sunset of late and hope you have been able to see them. Our online Bible Study is studying Max Lucado’s Anxious for Nothing. We are focusing on Philippians 4:4-8. We are drawing courage from Paul’s words, and we hope that these words encourage you as well.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

STAYING CONNECTED: The nightly news lately has been challenging to watch, and we are concerned for those friends and members of the congregation that may feel anxious by the circumstances they may find themselves. Pastor John and Pastor Kim are trying to reach everyone and are on their third round of contacts using the Church Directory. They are asking for your assistance reaching our Presbyterian Church family. This week they are asking that each of you pick up your phone or computer and reach out to a couple of members of your church family this week. Let them know that you are thinking about them.  I’m sure the people you call will be grateful to hear a friendly voice and to know you care. Back in March, we shared an updated Informational Church Directory. If you have misplaced your copy, please call the church office, 513-867-5411, or email Trish at to make arrangements to get your copy. We look forward to the day when we can put all our current challenges behind us and worship together. But until then, Stay connected! Stay safe! Stay healthy!

ONLINE WORSHIP CONTINUES THIS WEEK with a four-week sermon series on Ruth, God’s Invisible Hand. Pastor John and the team are down on the farm for this study.  We hope you can stream our services on Facebook or our website. The Traditional Worship Service will be streamed live on Facebook at 9:30 a.m. The Contemporary Worship Service will be broadcasted at 10:45 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. & 6 p.m. All services can be found on our Facebook at www.facebook.com/thepresbyofhamilton or by clicking on our “Sermons” icon on our website at www.thepresby.org.

 **We have some reminders and new information to share with you this week**

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the 4th of July parade at Westover & Berkeley square. We received lots of good feedback, and we made lasting memories and encouragement for participants and the spectators.

SCAMMERS & EMAILS: All of us know that anyone can fall for a fake email. We want to remind everyone to please be sure to check where your emails are coming from. Do not respond to any requests that come from any suspicious address or asks for gift cards.  Pastor John will only send emails from ; he will not email you from a gmail or any other account. The same is true for each staff member as well; examples include , , and , just to name a few. Emails for the Blitz and Prayer Updates will come from . Thank you in advance for your vigilance in watching for those email addresses that you receive.

 SHARED THOUGHTS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: We know now more than ever what is missing in our lives. One of them is being together the second and fourth Thursday mornings each month, sharing what is on our hearts and minds. When we are permitted to re-open, there will be an announcement when we can resume our meetings in the Mix and Mingle Room. In the meantime, if you need to speak with someone, please call the church office at 513-867-5411. We are here for you.

 RETURN TO WORSHIP INFORMATION: Listed below are some more details you need to keep in mind when the call is made to return to Phase II in-person worship. Each week we will share more information to help us prepare for that time.   

• When we begin Phase II in-person worship, no children’s programs or nursery will be available. We ask children to sit with their families. We will resume these programs when we feel we can do so safely.
• For your safety, the water fountains will be turned off.
• So that we can limit the transmission of the virus, the books, envelopes, and pens will be removed from the pews. All information will be projected on the screens in both sanctuaries. At first, no bulletins will be distributed.

 Worship Committee Report for June 2020

The Worship Committee covers all aspects of worship services, including ushers, greeters, communion, and music. The committee works with the program staff, Pastor John, and Mark, regarding special services, decorations, flowers, or anything extra needed for those days. Unfortunately, with the onset of COVID-19, we are at a standstill. We will, however, be ready to resume duties again as soon as restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, we stand ready to support the staff in any way. ~ Pat Jones, Chairman

Please know that we miss you, and you are in our prayers. Thank you for your continued support or our ministry and mission at The Presbyterian Church. The staff appreciates your prayers for the team as we face our “new normal.”  We are reaching more people with our online service than we could have imagined. We are working hard so that we can effectively manage both online and in-person worship service when they resume. If you need to speak with someone, please contact the church office at 513-867-5411.  Stay strong in Christ together!

Pastor John & Staff

The Presbyterian Church
23 S Front St.
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-867-5411