Pastoral Letter



Sunday morning we’ll be looking at a classic Gospel passage in Matthew. It's the one where Jesus is being tested by the religious leaders of his time, who ask him a question about which commandment in their Jewish law is the greatest. Jesus passes their test and then turns the tables on them, by asking them a question about what they think about the Messiah.

I’m intrigued by the motivation of those asking Jesus this question, and also by Jesus’s motivation in asking them a question. While the religious leaders wanted to trap Jesus, Jesus wanted to teach them about humility and that there is always more to learn and be revealed about God.

As we ask questions about who we are, why we’re here, and how we should live, may they point us to a grander, expansive reality of God’s love — so that we can share this with our world that is hurting and suffering in so many places.

Paul

Memorial Service for Beverly Machin

There will be a memorial service for Beverly Machin on Saturday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m., in the church sanctuary.

A reception will follow in fellowship hall.

A Word about Mustard Seed

The mustard plant is a fast-growing annual herb, growing up to 10-12 feet tall in only a few months. It was the smallest seed the Jewish people planted in their gardens. Yet it became the largest plant in their gardens when it was grown.

The mustard seed is a striking example of the potential of a seed. Although it starts out small and insignificant, it quickly grows into something that blesses others.

A seed can push aside obstacles, but it does not do so instantaneously. A seed does not move hindrances by an explosive burst, but by a relentless expansion of growth continually pushing outward and upward. As a seed becomes a plant, it draws nutrients from its source, and thus continues to grow bigger and stronger, forcing hindrances out of its way.

A seed is persistent, never giving up. Only death will stop it from growing and working to produce fruit. This may be the most important characteristic of a mustard seed: it never gives up!

As you consider how you will support the ministry and mission of CHPC next year, think about the mustard seed. Think about what you can plant, what you can water, what you can tend. Go Forward in Faith that God is growing something wonderful in you and this congregation.

By now you should have received a letter with a pledge card enclosed. Please bring your completed card to worship on October 29 for commitment Sunday, or mail it to the church office. If it is more convenient for you, click here to complete your pledge form online.

Thank you for your generous support of CHPC!

An Opportunity to Pray for and Study the Middle East

The daily news of the horrors in the Middle East is devastating and hard to understand for those of us who have not followed the history of this region over the last 75 years. We are left to wonder what is happening with Father Abraham’s many children and what we as individuals and those of us in our little church can do about it.

Some CHPCers have said they would like to pray together. Others would like to delve into the history for a better understanding of how to respond personally. Don Mead, who has traveled in the Middle East and is knowledgeable about the region, is willing to meet with those of us who feel profoundly shaken about what is happening and wonder what the future holds.

Don is available to facilitate an in-person prayer-study group in the Gathering Room of the back building on Mondays (Oct. 30 and Nov. 6), 4:30–5:30 p.m. We know this will not work for some CHPCers but we are hoping it can be a beginning, with the possibility of expanding to other time slots and issue areas as we delve in.  

If you want to participate, please contact Soni Castleberry (502-417-6481 or soni.castleberry@gmail.com) as soon as possible. If you cannot make this study but have suggestions for other time slots or ideas for study, please let her know that too. 

Crescent Hill Health Fair

There will be a Crescent Hill Health Fair on Sunday, October 29, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Peterson-Dumesnil House, located at 301 S. Peterson Avenue. There will be free health screenings, 15 health care vendors and a raffle to win prizes.

"Trick or Treaters" are invited to participate in the Halloween Costume Parade. All participants should be on the front porch of the Peterson-Dumesnill House at 1:00 p.m. Children will parade through the Health Fair booths and at the end of the parade, each will receive a treat bag.

Implicit Bias Interactive Workshop

October 28, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Anchorage Presbyterian Church

11403 Park Rd, Anchorage, KY 40223

Free lunch included - Registration required.

Led by Dr. Veda Pendleton

Author, Advocate, Consultant, Educator, Parent and Presbyterian Elder, Dr. Pendleton has published 5 books and 20+ articles.

This workshop's goals are to understand implicit bias, to identify ways in which implicit bias causes harm even when unintentional, to name your own implicit biases, and to identify and learn strategies that can help curb implicit biases.

Sponsored by Mid-Kentucky Presbytery, Highland Presbyterian and Anchorage Presbyterian Churches.

CHPC Calendar

Scheduling a meeting at CHPC? Please contact Megan Cahill (office@crescenthill.church) with the date/time/place so that she can add it to the church calendar. A link to the church calendar can be found on CHPC’s web homepage (www.crescenthill.church).