News to Use

Dear Friends,  

We hope that everyone and their family are doing well. The staff is planning as much as possible for Fall worship and programming. The Task Force for Resuming In-Person Worship meets next Monday, August 17. 2020. Please lift them in your prayers as they weigh every aspect connected to reopening in Phase II worship and other church events. We want to return to in-person worship, but we want to do so in the safest way possible. If you need anything, please call the church office, 513-867-5411. We'd love to hear from you.

ONLINE WORSHIP CONTINUES THIS WEEK with Pastor John Lewis beginning a new Sermon Series, Our Purpose.  His first of three sermons on purpose is, "Looking for Our Purpose." Pastor John's sermon this week comes from Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. The Traditional Worship Service will be streamed live on Facebook at 9:30 a.m. & 12:00 p.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.

REMINDER: NEW ONLINE BIBLE STUDY Committed Couples continues on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and runs until September 16, 2020. The study is based on the book "Cherish" by Gary Thomas & Beth Graybill and will be facilitated by Mark & Kelli Provart. Please email info@thepresby to let us know if you want to be part of this exciting new option. Registration is required. We will need to email you the Zoom meeting specifics for you to join us.  You must purchase your study guide. Study guides can be found on Amazon.com for $10.89 for paperback or $4.99 for the Kindle version. SIGN UP NOW!

NEW ONLINE WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY: This Fall, we will take a trip into "The Quest" by Beth Moore. Pack your bags! The study will focus on our intimacy with God, which promises to turn our embers into flames and take each person on step further into the realization that all the earthly treasures cannot compare to time spent with Jesus. This online study will begin on Tuesday, September 29, and we offer two different times for you to join us 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Linda Bonham and Trish Reynolds will facilitate this study and hope that you can join us. Reserve your spot by emailing or by calling the church office, 513-867-5411. You will need to register so that we can email you the Zoom study details. You will need to purchase your study guide. You can do so by ordering your guide at Christianbook.com by clicking here or at Amazon.com by clicking here.  Both vendors have the book for $14.99. You can begin signing up now for this opportunity.

ONLINE MEN'S BIBLE STUDY: Mark Provart is working on options for the Men's Fall Bible Study, slated to start the week of September 28, 2020. More programming information will be shared in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more details.

BUTLER COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS is actively recruiting Precinct Officials for the November 3, 2020, Presidential Election. If you would like to learn more details, call Butler County Board of Elections at 513-785-5711, or email them at .

REMINDER: THE COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2020, from noon until 6:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 212 S. Front St. Because of health concerns and social distancing restrictions, all blood donors must make an appointment. At this time, they cannot utilize volunteers to help and are unable to take walk-ins. To make an appointment, visit https://www.donortime.com/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/54519 or call 1-800-388-GIVE to schedule a time. Be sure to use the sponsor code #171 when making your appointment.

THE CONSULTANT PROCESS: PLANNING FOR OUR FUTURE AT THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH: The Session approved Consultation Process is underway. This month, the staff is exploring demographic trends, lifestyle diversity, life concerns, and program priorities. Tom Bandy is our consultant and is guiding us through the process. Mr. Bandy has over 25 years of experience as an independent consultant working with churches across the spectrum. He has also published over 30 books on the subject as well. Different Committees and groups will provide their insight into the foundation of trust, life-shaping worship, and education and training, to name a few areas that will be discussed beginning in October 2020. Because of the pandemic, the consultation process is expected to last until October 21, 2021, and will involve coaching to help us become a relevant church in a post-pandemic world. Please be in prayer for the exciting opportunities in our church's future as we share the love of God will all. If you have any questions about the process, please feel free to email them to , and they will be forwarded to Greg Eyler or the appropriate person to answer your questions.

While our regular Fall Kick-Off doesn't look like years past, we are striving to keep us in worship and the study of the word under these trying times.  We miss you, and you are in our prayers. Thank you for your continued support during this challenging time.

In Philippians 4: 4-8, Paul reminds us to "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.  

We hope that this scripture reference encourages and strengthens you through the coming week.  Please share with us the scripture reference that helps you during this time of challenges. We are staying connected in Christ!. Stay safe! Stay healthy!

Pastor John & Staff

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