July 30, 2021
T he H e ral d
Volume XXXXXVII,
Issue 8
Blessing of the Backpacks will be
on Sunday, August 15 during wor-
ship. All students, teachers and
professors are invited to bring
their backpacks (or briefcase!) for
a special back to school blessing.
Inside this issue:
Pastor writes/ 2
McKee scholarship
Christian educator/ 3
birthdays
Deacons/A Hap- 4 Sunday, August 29
hazard Supplication
Ute Shelter in Deming Park
Session notes 5
beginning at 10:45 a.m.
Volunteer coordi- 6
nator/CASA
Calendar 7 Please bring chairs/blankets. Weather permitting, we
will set up on the lawn. In case of rain, worship will be
Church Happenings 8 under the shelter.
Page 2
T he He ral d
Note from Pastor Mike Riggins
One thing that drew Linda and me to this congregation so powerfully
was its diversity of theological and political thought. But this very
strength can also become a challenge. In my short tenure here we
have not faced a greater challenge of this sort than at present, as we work through issues in-
volving gender, sexual identity, inclusion and the Christian life. Not even the pandemic has
taxed our fellowship as heavily. We have entered into conflict, and as Pastor I need to ad-
dress this.
I cannot begin to solve the current situation in a pastoral letter in the Herald. I can, however,
reiterate how I intend to lead this church--in this, as in every situation. First, I intend to try
to govern my own behavior according to the fruits of the Spirit as listed in Galatians 5:22-
26. I further intend to encourage the same effort on the part of us all. Next, I pledge to listen
to all. Every person of every opinion. I am not by nature an argumentative person and in
times like these I have learned to become even less so. You can talk to me. I will hear you.
I will lead this church in a period of biblical reflection on the relevant issues. I understand
my predecessor did this very thing some six years ago. But the time seems to have come
around again to repeat the process. Watch for announcements about the Forums we intend to
conduct during Sunday school 9/26, 10/10 and 10/17.
I also will hold us to the standard operating procedures of Presbyterianism. As moderator of
the session, I will facilitate the elders' work as the true leaders of this church. It is they who
make decisions and set policy. If the session has as yet failed to find the best possible path
through this challenge, rest assured we will not quit trying. And I will faithfully and sincere-
ly support the elders' decisions.
Jesus cared profoundly about the unity of the church. He spoke and prayed about it more
than any other single topic in the Gospel record. Across 36 years of ordained ministry I have
seen the most damage to congregations and to individuals done when we fail to maintain our
unity. Not unanimity: no, I honestly meant it when I wrote of how the diversity of this con-
gregation attracted us here. But unity, the real, affectionate, self-sacrificing determination to
stick together, is critical to the whole ministry of any church.
So I close with this plea: please, by the grace of God, join in our life together in the Spirit of
unity. Thank you for reading this far!
Attention High School seniors and college students
Applications for the 2021/22 Nancy and Dale McKee Family Scholar-
ship for the benefit of a member of the Central Presbyterian Church will
be available at [Link] un-
til August 27, 2021 at 2 PM. This scholarship requires that you are a mem-
ber (or regular attendee) of Central Presbyterian Church.
Page 3
T he He ral d
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION REPORT – Ellie Templeton, Christian Educator
We are seeking Sunday School teachers for all ages as well as nursery workers at
Central. Workers must be at least 18 and work to provide a loving and safe environ-
ment to our babies and toddlers during Sunday morning worship and other church
events. Please contact Ellie at the church or via email (ellie@[Link]) for more info
about both opportunities.
Blessing of the Backpacks is set for August 15 during w orship. All students,
teachers and professors are invited to bring their backpacks (or briefcase!) for a
special back to school blessing.
The Sunday School Kick-off event is set for September 19 at 9:30 am. Come
for donuts, fellowship and information about the new school year. A luncheon pro-
vided by our Church Life committee is planned following worship.
Classes for all ages begin on September 26 and meet from 9:30 to 10:20 am
Preschool for 3 & 4 year olds (& 5 year olds not going to Kindergarten)
Kindergarten through 3rd grade
Tweens 4th through 8th grade
High School 9th through 12 grades
Adults -- Tentative plan is to offer a Matthew 25 class led by Andrew Conner dur-
ing the fall. More info coming soon.
Save the date for our annual PYOCA retreat set for October 1-3.
August Birthdays
1—Evelyn Gladden
3—Robert Guell
4—Pat Collins
5—Paul Shaw
7—Nathaniel Spencer
9—Scot Mardis
10—Donna Garrison
12—Beth Christ, Evie Templeton
13—Max Payne, Leah Ramer
134—Luke Bailey, Jack Judge
15—Jill Conner
22—Cathy VanNahmen
25—Lucas Rubey, Justin Woodruff
27—Tim Johnson, Karringten Winn
29—Isabelle Conner, Grant VanNahmen
Page 4
T he He ral d
At the June meeting we began talking about be-
ing bold to ask others to come to church where
we are going. We spoke about stepping out and
talking to new people. Many of us admitted to asking a person if he/she had come to church
here before, only to discover they had been attending for 3 years — worse yet belongs. We
have a real desire to have people know that they are important to us, and we are so glad they
have joined us. I think that sometimes we can be so comfortable where we are concerning
our time at church that we fail to see that there are others who are all that comfortable. We
all agreed that we could do better.
Minuscule Enormity
A Haphazard Supplication by Allen Holder
Resting in the awe of an expansive landscape or being overspread by an encompassing galactic
umbrella dwarfs us and imposes the sensitivity that “we’re all puffs of air. Oh! we’re all shad-
ows in a campfire. Oh! we’re just spit in the wind. We make our pile, and then we leave
it.” (Psalm 39:5 MSG). How easily we accept a sense of diminutiveness - a comforting acqui-
escence that compresses our overbearing quandaries into meaningless infinitesimals. Mistakes,
gaffes, solecisms, and personal sin simply waft into thin air, giving a spiritual allowance that
aids forgiveness’s receipt. For salvation, and the freedom that it brings, feels credible once our
offenses seem negligible.
Measurement mandates a standard, and our nugatory perspective presumes creation as the
unit. But wait, aren’t we instead the units? Did our Lord not create us for communion, did He
not send Christ to shepherd us back after our fall, and are we not promised a new creation? Af-
ter all, “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by
God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more
than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7) Yes! We are the beloved and cherished units of God, and
our apprehensions are not prorated against the grandness of creation, but rather, creation’s vast-
ness is a multiple of us. Psalm 8 celebrates this ancient mystery about our significance in, and
our responsibility to, creation, which is itself praising our Lord, see Psalm 148.
We are temporary and mortal, but the universe, while massive and ample, is also finite and im-
permanent. So how do we examine our fleeting but significant roles against the backdrop of
God’s guarantee of forever? Our devastating original fall insinuates that we, as well as all of
creation, were shoved into time by our selfish rapaciousness to become creative authors our-
selves. God granted our egotistical wish as He escorted us from Eden, a moment when we
gained our ability to create. Our temporary handiwork lacks God’s vitality, but we know and
trust that He loves our charitable attempts. After all, He sent his only begotten son, Christ, so
that we, our families, the nations, and all of creation could re-enter an everlasting community
with our Lord and Savior. May our significance overcome our diminishment as we stand in the
immensity of our fallen reality, and may we find comfort in the knowledge that a single ever-
lasting day awaits.
Page 5
V o lu me X XX XX V II , Is su e 8
Session Notes from July for the August Herald
Session met was glad to resume meeting in person in July, and two elders who were out of town joined electron-
ically.
Featured Report: Personnel Committee
Lance Weatherwax thanked the membership of the committee and summarized their general duties and the spe-
cific actions they have taken this year. They oversee the recruitment and hiring of all staff, working with the
stakeholders for each position, review compensation, and assist the pastor with any needs. Lance reviewed what
is included in the Policies and Procedures Manual. There is a five step procedure to fill open positions—review
and update the job description, determine salary, involve the appropriate group to conduct the search, review
qualifications, and hire by the pastor. There is a great deal of knowledge and expertise on the committee.
Pastor’s Report:
Several issues were raised for consideration and action.
The pastor summarized reactions to and conversations about the rainbow PCUSA sign that was posted out-
side after the June session meeting. He, and session members, have received many comments with
strong feelings all across the spectrum. Elders discussed these reactions and their personal feelings. A
point was raised that the June action was taken more quickly than our usual Presbyterian process. It has
been several years since we had an adult Sunday School series on LGBTQ+ matters and inclusion and
perhaps it is time to have another class. A motion was made to remove the current rainbow PCUSA
sign from outside and place it in the fellowship hall, put up a plain color “everyone welcome” sign out-
side, and schedule informational/educational meetings. The motion was approved by a vote of 7 in favor,
3 against, and 2 abstentions.
Session agreed to continue outdoor worship on the last Sunday of the month, at least for July.
The reopening task force will meet soon to consider resuming choir and fall activities. Session approved the
recommendation to keep communion bread in individual baggies.
Treasurer’s Report: Bruce McLaren presented the report and noted that although June was not a very good
month, summer income is always down. The report reflects corrections of anomalies from earlier in the year and
the distribution of dividends. The report was approved.
Operating Fund Sum-
Month of June Balance Sheet Summary 6/30/2021
mary
Beginning of Month $66,756.97 Current Assets $699,496
Income $24,743.77 Fixed Assets $2,980,000
Expenses $32,328.10 Short Term Liabilities $3088
End of Month $59,172.64 Long Term Liabilities $200,817
Net Worth (Fund Balance) $3,475,591
Christian Educator’s Report: Ellie reviewed the training she had done with Cheryl Moles and noted she feels
prepared. She will be the point person for social media and is working on fall Sunday School projects.
Page 6
T he He ral d
Reports and Action Items from Committees and Commissions:
Christian Nurture: Valeri Kershaw thanked Ellie and Corrine Foree for covering the nursery and reiterated that
we need to hire nursery workers. Session approved a motion to resume in-person Sunday School on September
19.
Church Life: Holypalooza will be at Central this year. It appears that the United Campus Ministries BBQ again
will be held that Sunday and that it will be in our fellowship hall. With that event, we will not serve a normal cof-
fee hour but instead will assist with the BBQ. Eileen Whalen suggested that we resume normal coffee hour on
September 19 and that we have a luncheon or breakfast in conjunction with the resumption of Sunday School.
Session approved.
Facilities: Session examined color samples for the front door stain and made a recommendation.
Mission: The committee has been brainstorming activities and there was a community suggestion for teaching life
skills.
I&S: the committee will begin meeting in September and would like budget requests by November.
Personnel: the search for a volunteer coordinator is open and is internal for now. If responses are inadequate,
they will widen the search.
Central is seeking to fill a newly created Volunteer Coordinator
position. This is a part time role involving approximately 12
hours per week. This person will be responsible for matching
people with various volunteer roles within our church including
roles for the Kids Hope program, formerly a separate position.
A more detailed job description upon request. Contact the
church office or email sarah@[Link]
Time waits for no child —
Become a CASA Volunteer now
In 2020 CASA served over 1,200 abused/
neglected children in Vigo County. Children get
lost in favor of adult voices and the need keeps
growing. BE THE VOICE for a child who des-
perately needs one. Apply at
[Link]
volunteerapplication
Page 7
V o lu me X XX XX V II , Is su e 8
August 2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 Worship 2 3 4 Bible 5 Women’s 6 7
10:30 study & Book Club
beer 7:30
2:00
8 Worship 9 10 Bible 11 Staff 12 13 14
10: study & 11:15
beer 7:30 Deacons 5:00
Session 7:00
15 Worship 16 17 Tuesday 18 Youth 19 20 21
10:30 meeting Design
night Team 4:00
Bible study
& beer 7:30
22 Worship 23 24 25 Person- 26 27 28
10:30 nel 12:30
Bible study
& beer
7:30
29 Worship 30 31
at park
10:45
Central Presbyterian Church
125 North Seventh Street Sunday School for all ages 9:30 a.m.
Terre Haute, IN 47807 Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.
Phone: 812-232-5049 Rev. Mike Riggins, Pastor
Fax: 812-232-5040 Ellie Templeton, Christian Educator & Communication Coordinator
Email: CPCOffice@[Link]
Sarah Kelsheimer, Church Secretary
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Church Happenings
Women’s Book Club
The Women’s Book Club Choir Director Mark Carlisle has
will be meeting on August 5 been arranging for our soloists to
Next Herald at 2:00 p.m. The Nickle Boys participate in our worship ser-
by Colson Whitehead is vices. If you are willing to perform
Deadline — the book to be discussed. this service for us, would you
reach out to him? His email ad-
dress
Aug. 25, 2021 All women of the church is [Link]@[Link]
are invited to attend. Thank you!
