We are now worshipping in person! Join us at 11:00am if you are able. Due to recent CDC recommendations, we are requiring masks.
Worship services continue to be available by livestream on our Youtube channel or Facebook page at 11:00 am on Sunday and anytime afterward.
This Sunday is the kickoff of our stewardship season, themed "I'm IN!" Look for more information on Sunday and throughout the month about how you can be all in with the ministry and mission of MAPC.
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ONLINE SUNDAY LITURGY
We are offering the congregation an online order of worship each Sunday so you can follow along with ease at home, or print the bulletin in advance to have a contact-free experience of in-person worship. You can view the Bulletin here.
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A FEW WORDS FROM THE PASTOR
Most of you will also receive this letter by mail. If you do not receive our hard copy mailing and would like to be on that mailing list, please contact our office.
Dear friends,
When I was a kid, I played on a basketball team. Before every game, the coach would gather us around in a circle, and one after another, we’d pile our hands into the middle, one on top of the other. Then we’d chant together, “1-2-3 -- Let’s go!!” We all put our hands into the pile and we all cheered, whether we were in the starting lineup or sitting injured on the bench. We were a team, and whether we were the leading scorer or the kid who could barely dribble the ball, it didn’t matter. We were all IN. We could choose not to participate, of course, but if we were there, we were fully included on the team. The coach made sure of it.
I think the same is true of God. We are all included on the team as full participants in God’s family. We are all given the opportunity to be invested in experiencing and sharing God’s love with the world. We are all welcome to be involved in God’s mission of justice, peace, and radical hospitality. We are all invited to pull up a chair at God’s table of grace and use our unique gifts to make a difference in the world - together. So, the only question is, are you in?
Imagine a team huddle at MAPC. Envision the hands of our members and friends as we each reach into the pile, all of us invited to be part of this team, to join in worship, service, learning, mutual care, justice-seeking, and peacemaking together. When I picture that pile of hands - YOUR hands - all I can think is, “I’m IN!” How about you?
We need your hand in the pile, too, no matter what gifts, skills, and resources you bring. Without you, something is missing. We’re all invited, and we each get to choose whether we’ll participate. Will you answer, “I’m IN?”
“I’m IN!” is the theme of our stewardship season this year. Throughout this month, we will explore what it means to be all IN:
INcluded as a part of this congregation and of God’s team more broadly;
INvested in experiencing and sharing God’s love;
INvolved in the ministry and mission of MAPC; and,
INvited to dive deeper in your connections and purpose within this community.
Please consider this your official INvitation to explore how you might throw your hand on the pile and share your unique gifts with the MAPC team. As you prayerfully discern, we ask that you use our Estimate of Giving form to indicate your pledge of time, talents, and treasure for the coming year. Please return the hard copy form by mail or in the offering plate, or fill out this online form, by Nov. 7. Then come celebrate with us on Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 14! We will not be having a Thanksgiving meal as we do in non-pandemic years, but we will be celebrating in ways that allow us to remain masked and handing out pie to take home.
I’m IN! How about you?
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Stacey
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UPDATE ABOUT PASTOR STACEY'S SURGERY
Stacey will have spinal surgery on Tuesday, Oct. 19 to repair two herniated discs. If all goes well, Stacey should have less pain and more mobility almost immediately after surgery, so we are waiting until the recovery process becomes more clear before publicizing what needs she may have post-surgery. She looks forward to being with you in person again as soon as possible. In the meantime, she is available to be contacted by phone (518-533-8000) or email, and cards can be sent to her home address: 704 Race St. Apt. 401, Cincinnati, OH 45202. Stacey also sends her thanks for all the meals, delivery credits, dog walking, and other care that has already been extended to her!
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IT'S NOMINATIONS TIME!
The Nominations Committee has begun meeting to create a slate of nominees for ruling elder, deacon, and Nominations Committee representatives for 2022. That means it's time for you to consider whether God may be calling you to one of these forms of service at MAPC.
Deacons care for the immediate physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of church members and friends, particularly those who are in their Agape groups. The Board of Deacons meets monthly to share prayer requests, support one another, and expand the skills they need to care for individuals. The deacons take turns coordinating coffee hours when we are able to have them, offer their ushering skills on alternating first Sundays of the month, and assist with special events. Are you someone who loves connecting one-on-one consistently with a small group of people? Do you enjoy meeting tangible needs for support? You might make a great deacon!
Ruling elders serve on the Session, meeting monthly and as needed to oversee the collective spiritual, relational, and operational wellbeing of the congregation as a whole. Each elder also participates in a committee as their liaison to Session, who is sometimes but not necessarily the chair of the committee. The elders alternate with the deacons in ushering on the first Sundays of each month, and assist with special events. Do you value looking at the big picture, even when you're making seemingly mundane decisions? Do you get joy from collaborating with a group to make decisions that move the congregation to deepen their relationships with God, each other, and the world around us? You might be a wonderful ruling elder!
Nominating Committee members are not eligible to be nominated for the other offices of the church. They meet in the fall to create a slate of nominees for the church's leadership. Great nominating committee members have thorough knowledge of the church's membership and are invested in building positive leadership for the future.
Do any of these three positions sound like you - or someone you know? Please contact Pete Tuff, Amy Grady, or Pastor Stacey with questions or to suggest someone.
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OPEN STACKS BOOK CLUB
Continuing on the library theme…yet, another good book. This one takes place in Paris(well, duh!given the title😋) during WW II when the Nazi’s took over Paris.
“The Paris Library is a dual timeline story of family, friendship, resistance, romance, betrayal, heroism, bravery, and books.” Readingladies.com The Paris Library, by Janet Skeslien Charles is our selection for November 5th. We will continue meeting in person at the home of Bill and Carl and Zoom. We gather at 7pm with discussion starting at 7:30. All are welcome. Contact Bill Bogdan or Nan Costello to be added to the email list.
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THE CLASSICS CLUB
We are beginning a new literary year with Dostoevsky's great novel The Idiot. Deeply concerned with the great universal questions of good and evil, God's role in the world, and human passions and responsibility, Dostoevsky sought to depict a perfect Christian man in his title character, Prince Myshkin, whose good intentions and simple, compassionate heart lead to all kinds of trouble when, after years in a Swiss sanitorium, he returns to a Russian society driven by greed, lust, power, and the worship of money. We meet on Mondays, 7:30-9:00 PM on Zoom. Please join us. Email John Tallmadge for details.
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WEEKLY PRAYER GROUP
30 OF MINUTES MEDTITATIVE PRAYER
Join friends to pray together during the week. We’re planning a time when we will meet via Zoom to have 30 minutes of quiet, reflective prayer. The focus is on thankfulness and peaceful hearts; we encourage deep breathing, silent time, ritual response and other techniques to invite contemplation. If you are interested, please indicate if one of the times listed on the Doodle Poll works for you. Want more information? Contact JoAnn Morse joann@sutton-consulting.com.
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SOS ART presents an Art workshop for Children/Youth
Saturday 11/13/2021, 2-5pm, at MAPC
SOS ART will be offering an art workshop, free of charge, for children/youth, on Saturday November 13, from 2 to 5pm, in the Geier Room, at MAPC. The workshop will focus on the theme of Hunger and on the technique of pastels and will be directed by artist and art educator Jay DeFazio. The workshop is open to any children/youth ages 6 to 16, and children/youth of the MAPC congregation and their friends are all welcome and encouraged to participate. All participants will be asked to wear a mask during the entirety of the workshop. The artwork produced during the workshop will be photographed and posted on the SOS ART website and will be exhibited at a later date. Please register to participate by sending an email listing the name and the age of the child/youth and a contact info (phone number/e mail), or by completing a registration form found on the SOS ART website. Please help us also spreading this invitation to other children/youth you may know. Many Thanks!!!
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CHURCH WORKDAY
October 23
9am-Noon, please come!
We will be planting bulbs for next Spring!
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CONNECTOR ART GALLERY
Now – December 2021:
Craig Britton, Oil Painting
Born and raised in Chicago, Craig completed his BFA at the Art Academy of Cincinnati, MFA at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and has a working studio in Cincinnati’s Pendleton Art Center. His work is part of many private, corporate and municipal collections in the US, Europe and the Caribbean. He has served as a staff muralist and teacher with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Commission and has a permanent installation at the Erie-Torresdale train station in Philadelphia. Copies of Craig’s biography / contact info are located on the ground floor of gallery.
Weston Art Gallery, Aronoff Center, Nov. 19 - Jan. 16th
Gallery Talk with Gee, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Free admission / open to public
Black-male adolescence, search for identity, acceptance, purpose and love.
Preliminary discussions are underway to showcase
Gee’s art and passion for social justice in 2022.
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Household Hazardous Products One Day Drop-off Event
When: Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Madisonville (specific location provided after registration)
Early registration is recommended to secure your spot. Registration for this event will be available until all time slots are filled. When preparing for this event, please pack like items together and place all of your household hazardous products to be collected in the rear of your vehicle and remove all other items. For more information (what is accepted and what isn't.)
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Hello Future Ringers
Our handbell choir is experiencing some heavy existential problems. Temporarily we are down 2-3 people (due to some unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances) and that means ringing the pieces we want to ring is impossible. Is there anyone out there who could step in for a few weeks (or months) and give us a hand or two? Ringing bells is really, really fun . Although having some music reading skills is important . the ringing techniques are not difficult. You’ll also find that being on a “team” of folks that are very tolerant, talented, loving and accepting is an ego boost. Anyway, we really need a few folks to ring about 5 -6 bells at the right time . Making music is fun and rewarding. Please consider joining us . We meet from 6:15-7:15 on Thursdays in the social hall . We wear masks and open windows so really were super safe. Interested? Call or Text Chris Miller @ or just see me on Sunday .
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UPDATE FROM PAAD
On Tuesday, October 12, approximately 100 people gathered at Xavier University for an
Interfaith Vigil calling for the end of the death penalty in Ohio. Among those gathered
were members of MAPC: Pat Basler, Marlene Muse, Pat Timm and Patty Muhleman.
Several leaders from a variety of religions spoke. This was part of the Death Penalty
Abolition Week for Faith Communities; October 8-17.This Sunday, October 17, following worship we will gather in the Social Hall to sign Christmas cards which will be sent to inmates on Ohio’s death row. We hope many will make time to join us there. Seldom do inmates receive mail and we know it means a lotto them to know there are people who care enough to reach out to them.
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OFF THE STREETS
EmpowHERment
Palooza 2
Thursday, October 21st
5-7PM 2401 Reading Rd.
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Halloween at the Cincinnati Scholar House
Two ways you can help
First way: DONATE treats and/or costumes
Donate individually wrapped Halloween treats. There will be a marked collection box in the rear entryway of church. CHS is also looking for new or gently used and washed Halloween costumes for ages newborn up to 16. You can place these donations on the table next to the treats’ collection box. Please put all of your donations in the box or on the table no later than Wednesday, October 27. Linda Ford will deliver the donations to the CSH on Thursday morning, October 28.
Second way: Attend the Halloween Parade on Friday morning (10AM), October 29
Let Linda Ford know if you can help to distribute treats to the children during the BIG parade around the perimeter of CSH. YES! This is an outdoor event. YES! It is an opportunity for you to put on a costume and join in the fun. Linda could use 4 to 5 volunteers. Arrive by 9:45 and be finished by 11 AM. Contact her soon and she will provide additional important details.
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MAPC OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES |
2 – Margaret Breidenbaugh & Ryan Bland
6 – Mary Carol & John Melton
12 – John Wegener & Seth Currier
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1 Sandee Ernst
2 John Hancock
6 Lori Anthony
8 Jocelyn Logan
9 Linda Moy
11 Beth Troendly
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15 Holly Dorna
Ben Marston
16 Myles Thigpen
18 Earl Apel
21 Dave Simon
22 Debbie Ramey
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Ohio Death Row Inmates with October Birthdays
Cards have been sent to the following inmates. (Remembering Jesus’ words, “I was in prison and you visited me”, please, take time to read the list and offer a prayer for each of them.) Quisi Bryan, Antonio Franklin, Ralph Lynch, Scott Group, Clarence Fry, Charles Loraine, Keith Henness, Raymond Twyford, Grady Brinkley, Lee Moore, Edward Lang, Marvin Johnson, Nawaz Ahmed, Perry Hutton, Michael Madison, Lance Hundley
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If you want to see something on the prayer list,
and note how long it should remain on the list.
- Patty Muhleman asks for prayers for her sister, Margaret Hillman, who continues with health issues.
- Daniel Addai asks for prayers for healing.
- Prayer's for Susan Ingmire's mother, Marlene, and for her brother, Steve. Also prayers for Susan and Lynn as they travel on an extended vacation.
- Prayers for Frank Burdick who has been diagnosed with cancer and is in treatment. Emails, texts, and cards are most appreciated at this time rather than calls.
- Diane Myers’ mother, Jeanette Longworth, recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Requesting prayers for healing and a gentle path.
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MAPC OFFICERS
The Session is: Sara Bick, Eric Burgmann, Sandee Ernst, Amy Grady, Jeanna Lawson, Julia Malkin, Marlene Muse, Sequoia Powers-Griffin, Sara Renner, Dave Simon, Pete Tuff, and Susan Thomas. Faye Burdick, stated clerk.
The Deacons Board is: Elizabeth Marsh Singh and Mark Schuller, co-moderators, Linda Vaccariello, Earl Apel, Heather Graden, Bonnie Bohn, Rick Sowash, Patty Muhlemann, Rob Biddinger, Deb Carle, and Dale Didier.
The committees of the church (and their chairs/Session liaisons) are:
Operations - Eric Burgman
Finance and Stewardship - Sara Bick, Susan Ingmire
Worship - Van Ackerman, Julie Malkin
Education and Spiritual Nurture - Sara Renner
Justice-Seeking - Linda Ford, Sequoia Powers-Griffin
Congregational Engagement - Elizabeth Marsh-Singh, Sandee Ernst
Outreach - Lynn Hailey, Marlene Muse
Personnel - Jeana Lawson, David Simon
Nominations - Pete Tuff, Amy Grady
Earth Care Leadership Team
Please contact any of these people or Stacey or Rebekah if you have questions about the Session, Deacons, or Committees of MAPC!
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MAPC HAPPENINGS!
All gatherings and worship services are virtual unless otherwise noted.
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Friday, October 15
7:00 PM Recital, Sanctuary
Sunday, October 17
11:00 AM, Worship, Zoom and Sanctuary
12:00 PM Card Signing for PAAD, Social Hall
2-6 BPI Programming, Geier Room
6-8:30 Brass Fellowship, Sanctuary
Monday, October 18
7:30 PM Classics Club, Zoom
Tuesday, October 19
9:30 AM Preacher Bible Study, Geier Room
6-9 Bill Bogdan, Geier Room
Wednesday, October 20
11:00 Staff Meeting
2:00 St John's Seniors, Geier Room
6:00 Joint Operations Group, Zoom
6:30 Finance & Stewardship, Zoom
7:00 Operations, Zoom
Thursday, October 21
1-3 Earl Organ Practice, Sanctuary
5:30-6:30 Beth Organ Practice, Sanctuary
Friday, October 22
9:00-6:00 Glimmerglass Festival Auditions, Sanctuary
Saturday, October 23
9:00-12:00 Church Workday, Outside
9:00-6:00 Glimmerglass Festival Auditions, Sanctuary
Sunday, October 24
11:00 Worship, Sanctuary and Zoom
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DONATE ONLINE
Now you can participate in the mission and ministry of Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church through convenient online giving! Scan the QR code with the camera on your phone and it will bring you directly to our donation website. Thank you for your generous support.
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MAPC ONLINE DIRECTORY
Updated as of July 2021
You can find the online version here. Please pass any updates on to Nori!
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OFFICE AND PASTORAL COVERAGE
Stacey is housebound for the present and available for phone calls, texts, and emails but not in person activities. Please do feel free to call if you have a pastoral matter you'd like to discuss.
At least one of the pastors is normally "on call" every day. Stacey is off on Mondays and can be reached the rest of the week at 518-533-8000 or pastor@mtauburnpresby.org. Rebekah is off on Fridays and can be reached at other times at 717-476-6297 or rebekah.nolt@gmail.com
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IMPORTANT CONTACT INFO UPDATE
Please take note! Dan Davidson has new contact info. Should you need him for anything Church related after hours, please note the changes to his contact info. Cell is (513) 808-6010 and his email is treehousecinci@gmail.com.
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If you would like to add anything to this weekly e-newsletter, please email Nori office@mtauburnpresby.org by Thursday morning. This includes ALL events, prayer requests, and other items of interest. If you want to see it in the e-newsletter, email it to Nori!
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