Building Use Task Force Begins Work

We all probably learned in Sunday school that the church is not a building—it’s the people. Yet we also know that Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church’s physical facilities have provided wonderful space for worship, education, recreation, and ministry over the years. As we look to where God is leading our congregation in the future, the Session has authorized formation of a Building Use Task Force to explore such questions as: How is God calling us to use our building and grounds? How might our physical space be a resource for mission and outreach to the community?

The task force has met twice in June and is looking at current building use policies and procedures. Several members of the task force, and Pastor Peggy Hinds, met with Derek Penwell, pastor of Douglass Boulevard Christian Church, who gave us a tour of their facilities and talked about the various ministries located there. With a membership about the size of CHPC, the Douglass Blvd. Church provides space for a weekly outdoor farmers’ market, Louisville Classical Academy, Highland Community Ministries Day Care, and Feed Louisville, which uses their kitchen to prepare up to 1,000 meals a day for people in homeless camps.

Penwell says the goal of his congregation is to be “a church for our neighborhood.” Prompted by the growing numbers of LGBTQ people in the neighborhood, the church voted to become an “open and affirming” congregation. Opening the door to one justice issue has led to advocacy on other issues. “We do things because it’s right,” without expectations that people will join the church, give money, etc., Penwell says. They figure out ways to say “Yes“ to requests from groups wanting to use the facilities. For example, the church said “Yes” to hosting Guns to Gardens events.

The people of Douglass Blvd. do not want their church to be a “museum” (for preserving good memories of the past); they want it to be a “toolbox” for mission, Penwell says. He says most new people joining the church are people who had given up on the church in the past because of bad experiences.

Serving on the Building Use Task Force are Barbara Hedspeth and Eva Stimson (co-chairs from Session), Alan Pauw, and Ben Langley. Others are encouraged to meet with the group and share ideas. Please contact anyone on the task force if you have ideas or questions.

Let’s Spend Time Together This Summer

We Plan Some Things, You Plan Others

Check out the CHPC website https://crescenthill.church for details on our Sunday recital series, which begin on July 9. On August 20 we will have our annual worship/picnic/swim party at Cedar Ridge Camp.

What can you do the rest of the summer? Nurture Committee is asking you to be the planner this year. It is easy. We will have sign-up sheets in the narthex this Sunday for you to fill out with an activity you want to coordinate. It is similar to the way cottage suppers used to be planned. Folks sign up and you contact them to set up a date and time for your event. If you attend worship on Zoom, you can invite people in the chat or arrange to call them later. If no one signs up for your idea, it doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea but maybe just not the right timing. Try again later.

These personally planned outings are a great way for church members who do not know each other well or have not spent time together for a while to get to know each other. Come up with things that interest you and more than likely there are others at CHPC who share your interests. If you need some ideas, here are some to consider: 

• Form a group and see the play “Helper” at Bunbury Theatre, https://www.bunburytheatre.org June 30 – July 16. This excellent production shows how the presence of firearms can turn an ordinary afternoon violent. Panels follow performances and share what local groups are doing to reduce gun violence.

• Join other CHPCers and do the 4-week anti-racism challenge in July. Sign up at https://listenlearnact.org. Get together and talk about your experience with it.

• Meet up to walk – around our church property, surrounding neighborhood, Crescent Hill Reservoir, or any great park in Louisville.

• Organize a game night here at church, or a needlework group of some kind.

• Visit the Waterfront Botanical Gardens https://waterfrontgardens.org. General admission is free! It is open 10-4 on M, F and Sa. Also 10-7 Th or noon-4 on Su. A walk is 30-45 minutes.

• Meet up with other CHPCers to try out a new restaurant – it’s fine for everyone to pay their own way. Or, take turns inviting others for a potluck at your home.

The possibilities are endless and the joy of getting together is immeasurable. We cannot wait to see what you plan to coordinate. If you have questions, feel free to contact Soni Castleberry, Nurture Committee chair, at 502-417-6481, or soni.castleberry@gmail.com.

Music for a Summer Afternoon

Our first recital, An American Hymn Festival, is Sunday, July 9. The program will feature our choir and the congregation singing many of our traditional American hymn tunes. Guest musician Jeanne-Marie Rogers will act as our song leader, Frank Kirk Jr. will be at the organ, and Doug Yeager on flute. Soprano Conra Cowart and tenor Todd Rogers will join our choir for this 40-minute musical stroll through the liturgical year. 

Join us for a fun afternoon, and don't forget to invite friends.

Update on Bob Abrams

Bob is home and doing great as of Thursday morning! He went to the operating room at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday and was back in his apartment for a late dinner and a night in his recliner per his doctor’s orders. It was a surprise that he did not have to have general anesthesia and thus was able to be released from the hospital. A friend who stayed with him the night after surgery reported a smooth night. Bob had breakfast in the dining room and returned to his apartment to rest in his recliner. Pain seems easily managed. Reportedly, Bob is a “tough old sailor.” Thanks be to God! Reminder that his mailing address is: 5012 Manslick Road, 40219.

Due to the office being closed next Tuesday for the 4th of July holiday, Always in Prayer will be going out on Wednesday next week.