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Lick Creek Church of the Brethren 1500 Center Street, Bryan, OH 43506
(419) 636-1581 [email protected]
Volume 43 Issue 12 December 2016
The EchoThe Echo
Christmas is a time to reflect. Christmas is a time to
reflect on traditions. There is that word tradition. How
many of us hear that word tradition and instantly start
singing the Fiddler on the Roof song Traditions:
“Tradition, tradition! Tradition! Tradition, tradition!
Tradition!
Who, day and night, must scramble for a living,
Feed a wife and children, say his daily prayers?
And who has the right, as master of the house,
To have the final word at home?
The Papa, the Papa! Tradition.” –taken from Fiddler on
the Roof.
Okay enough of this side bar and back to the main
topic Christmas Traditions. Think about your families
favorite traditions. Ask yourself how these particular
traditions became part of your Christmas celebration.
Was it brought by others or by circumstances?
Now let’s take a moment to reflect on the Christmas
Story. Prior to the first Christmas the world was waiting
for a Messiah to be born. For years that is exactly what
it was, a time of waiting. Waiting is very difficult for
most of us. But at that time, the time had finally come
for God to fulfill the promise of a Savior.
The fulfillment came through the young couple of
Mary and Joseph. You have Mary and Joseph, two
young people just dreaming about their future. God in-
terrupts their normal start to married life with an amaz-
ing gift that Mary will give birth to the Messiah. The
government implements a census at just the right time
that Jesus is to be born in Bethlehem instead of Naza-
reth. The young family then is visited by unexpected
guests that happen to be shepherds from the fields near-
by. There are wise men who come and bring gifts of
Traditions! gold, myrrh and frankincense. The items that could
possibly fund their unplanned trip to Egypt. Along with
those special visitors the angels are preset throughout
the story. Do you think Mary and Joseph would want
their first Christmas to become their normal tradition?
To travel to Bethlehem then to Egypt only to wait for
the right time to come back home.
God interrupted Mary and Joseph’s first Christmas
with unexpected surprises. Do we make room in our
lives for the opportunity for God to interrupt our tradi-
tions?
Now before you write me off as a non-traditionalist.
Let me reassure you I like tradition but I also like to
know that tradition holds purpose to draw me closer to
God. The tradition of reading the Christmas Story at
Christmas time or in family gatherings should never be
out of tradition. But what if you had the grandkids act
the story out or you spent time talking to them about
how the Christmas Story changed your life. I will never
be one to get rid of tradition but sometimes we need to
see it with new eyes. An example of this for me was
Mark Lowry’s song “Mary Did You Know” and Mark’s
version is awesome but last year I was blown away by
the Pentatonix version of the same song. I believe we
need to allow space for new traditions and release the
comfort of past traditions.
Think about the words for the song: “Mary Did You
Know”:
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day
walk on water? Mary did you know that your baby boy
would save our sons and daughters? Did you know that
your baby boy has come to make you new? This child
that you delivered, will soon deliver you.
Continued to page 2
Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 4th
4:00 p.m.
Please plan to join us on Sunday, December 4th at
4:00 p.m. to spread some cheer to our shut-ins. This is
always a special time for everyone. Don’t count your-
self out if you think you’re not a singer. Just come
along with the crowd and you can’t help but get caught
up in the holiday “giving” spirit. We will leave the
church at 4:00 p.m. sharp and return for light refresh-
ments.
“Christmas Hope”
“Christmas Hope”, a modern-day reflection of the
Christmas story, will be presented during Lick Creek’s
worship service on Sunday, December 18. The cast will
consist of members and friends of Lick Creek, and the
Worship Committee is hoping to include children in the
program by having them sing some Christmas songs.
Following the service, everyone is invited to gather in
the Fellowship Hall for finger foods and fellowship.
Hope to see you!
Continued from page 1 . . . Traditions!
Mary and Joseph in raising Jesus watched as all of
their deepest traditions of the Jewish faith fell away and
Jesus ushered in a new way to live in the presence of
God. The God that is for everyone.
Have a Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year
2017.
Pastor Bill
The Fall Council Meeting of the Lick Creek Church
of the Brethren was held November 13, 2016, following
the worship service with 24 in attendance. In the ab-
sence of Moderator Morris Hendricks, Lee Zigler,
Leadership Chair conducted the meeting and opened
with prayer.
Before the business started a couple of members ex-
pressed their concern about having the business meeting
before the meal since we have guests whom they invit-
ed to stay but it was awkward because we have a meet-
ing first. They suggested we reconsider next time.
On the agenda was the affirmation of the Leadership
Team presented by Jim Masten. He mentioned before
we can affirm the Treasurer or Property Director we
need a vote of council to extend their terms. They both
have agreed to accept the position. Jim Masten moved
and Paul Troder seconded to extend their terms. Vote
was unanimous. A motion was made by Jim Masten to
accept the recommendation of the calling committee
and seconded by Loretta Musser. Motion carried.
Doug Hohenberger, treasurer, presented the budget
for 2017. He went over the items and noted it is up
over $8000 from this year. Lee mentioned that we need
to consider what we are giving and work toward tithing.
A motion to accept the budget was made by Jim Masten
and 2nd by Paul Troder. Motion carried.
Deacon chair, Glenn Shearer presented a list of sepa-
rated members that will be removed from the separated
membership list as per our constitution and by-laws.
Separated members were received as members, but no
longer participate in our church or have joined another
church without notifying us. Letters were sent to some
in question and only two responded. Forty-five are sug-
gested and if you would like to keep someone on the list
notify Glenn or a deacon. After much discussion a mo-
tion was made by Loretta Musser and 2nd by Ed Keck to
accept the work of the deacons. Motion carried.
Under other business Loretta Musser questioned
why the Echo has not been bound like previously. It
was shared that the company that did it is no longer in
business. Jim Masten will check with Verle Harner on
this matter.
Lee closed the meeting with prayer and included
thanks for the Thanksgiving meal.
Respectfully submitted.
Janice Masten, Clerk
Fall Council Minutes
Gloria Hurd
(1945 - 2016)
Gloria Hurd, age 71, of Stryker, Ohio, passed away
on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at Community Health
Professionals Inpatient Hospice near Defiance, Ohio.
Gloria worked as a waitress and cook for many years at
the Red Rooster in Stryker and for many years as a day-
care provider. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting.
Gloria was born on February 20, 1945, in Bryan,
Ohio, to Lewis J. and F. Lucille (Swank) Burggrave.
She was a 1963 graduate of Bryan High School. Gloria
married Ronald L. Hurd on October 2, 1965, in Bryan
and he survives.
Besides her husband, Ronald, she is survived by two
daughters, Sarah Suffel, of Stryker, and Deborah Hurd,
of Fort Wayne, Indiana; three grandchildren, Brittany
(Spencer) Rosebrock, of Bryan, Victoria Suffel, of
Bowling Green, Ohio, and Kaycee John, of Archbold,
Ohio; two great-grandchildren, Remington and Alexis
Rosebrock, of Bryan; her brother, Lewis (Marilyn)
Burggrave, of Hicksville, Ohio; and several nieces and
nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation was held in the Krill Funeral Home, 860
West Mulberry Street, Bryan, Ohio, from 4:00 to 8:00
P.M. on Friday, November 11, 2016. Funeral services
were held on Saturday, November 12, 2016, in the Lick
Creek Church of the Brethren at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor
Bill Holsopple officiating. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery
in Stryker followed the service.
Gerald E. Hendricks
(1918 - 2016)
Gerald E. Hendricks, 98, of Alvordton, passed away
Friday morning at Hillside Country Living in rural Bry-
an. He was born on July 8, 1918 in Madison Township,
Williams County, to Charles and Martha (Throne) Hen-
dricks. Gerald graduated from Kunkle High School in
1936 as the valedictorian with 12 years of perfect attend-
ance. He then received his bachelor’s degree from Man-
chester College in Manchester, Indiana in 1940, and his
Master’s of Education from the University of Toledo in
1965. On June 15, 1941 he married Elouise M. Stiving
and she preceded him in death in April 2002.
Gerald was active in the Eagle Creek Church, Lick
Creek Church and Silver Creek Church of the Brethren,
Northern Ohio District and Brotherhood, serving on
commissions and committees. He was called to be a life
-deacon in the church of the Brethren. He was a mem-
ber of the Pioneer Lions, serving Lionism for 46 years,
and was a Melvin Jones Fellow in Lionism. He also had
memberships in the Ohio Retired Teachers Association,
Williams County Retired Teachers, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi
Kappa Phi and Farm Bureau. Gerald was inducted into
the North Central Hall of Fame in 2004.
Gerald spent 40 years in public education. He was a
teacher and high school principal in the former Sulphur
Springs High School, Crawford County, from 1941-
1946; teacher and principal in the former Pioneer High
School from 1946 until consolidation in 1957, then at
North Central High School 1957-1966; and he was the
high school supervisor for Hardin County Schools from
1966-1981. He also taught driver education for 26
years. He farmed the Hendricks Family Centennial
Farm from 1946-1966 and 1982-2004. He was living in
retirement at Hillside Country Living in Bryan.
He is survived by two sons, Charles (Judy) Hendricks
of Sarasota, Florida and Morris (Kay) Hendricks of New
Bavaria, Ohio; eight grandchildren; eight great-grand-
children; and one great-great-grandson.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; wife,
Elouise; son, Rodney Hendricks; daughter in-law, Sha-
ron Hendricks; three sisters, Thelma White, Etolah Hin-
kle, Ruth Mulligan; one brother Herald Hendricks.
Visitation for Gerald was held on Thursday, October
6, 2016 at the Thompson Funeral Home in Montpelier
with a Lion’s Club Ceremony at 7:30 p.m. at the funeral
home. Services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, October
7, 2016 at Silver Creek Church of the Brethren in Pio-
neer with Rev. Dorothy Ritchey-Moore officiating. In-
terment was held at Floral Grove Cemetery in Pioneer.
Those Leaving Footprints Among Us
Minutes from the October Leadership
Team Meeting
The meeting of the Lick Creek Church of the Breth-
ren was held October 11, 2016. Present were Lee Zigler,
Cindi Zigler, Doug Hohenberger, Gloria Hohenberger,
Sherrie Herman, Glenn Shearer, Bernie Schleisser, Pas-
tor Bill Holsopple and Jan Masten.
Leadership chair Lee Zigler opened the meeting and
led devotions and prayer. Jan Masten, clerk, conducted
the roll call and presented the minutes of the previous
meeting. The minutes were corrected to include Sherrie
Herman’s name as present.
Doug Hohenberger, Treasurer, shared the treasurer’s
report noting that we had $11,968.25 in the checking ac-
count including the youth and benevolent fund. Doug
also gave us a report on monies that have been used for
each line item in the budget as of 9/30/2016. He also
requested moving $4200 out of the Parsonage rental ac-
count to cover our outreach commitments. Glenn moved
we use the money from the parsonage account and Jan
seconded. Motion was approved.
Pastor Bill has made 11 visits and attended Gerald
Hendricks’ funeral. He has been making calls to some of
the people in the directory. Things have been going pret-
ty well this first month. He announced that the area cler-
gy meeting will be held here on Tues., Nov. 1, 2016. It
is for the district with 8-15 pastors attending from 6:30-
8:30 p.m.
Glenn Shearer reported that the Deacons served Bread
and Cup communion on Oct. 2nd. The next deacon meet-
ing is Nov.6.
Director of Worship, Gloria Hohenberger, reported
that Siberian Solstice is here on Nov. 12 and that flyers
have been sent to churches in the area. Loretta Musser
and Sherrie Herman are in charge of the light meal for
the performers. There will be a free will offering with
10% going to the church for expenses. Gloria said that
the worship committee has changed its meeting date to
the first Wed. at 10:30 a.m. Also, Christmas plans are
underway and the program will be on Dec. 18th during
the morning worship. A light lunch of finger foods and
fellowship will be held following worship.
Education Director, Sherrie reported that Sunday
School has started .
Special Events director went over changes in the cal-
endar with Nov. 13th potluck following council with
meat and drinks being furnished. November 20th we will
decorate for Christmas after the worship service and De-
cember 4th there will be caroling at 4:00 p.m.
Bernie Schleisser, Director of Church Property report-
ed:
1. Buckeye Exterminator was here and did the outside
of the building as part of their contract.
2. He is working on getting the deck stained with help
of Jim Shellenberger and Ed Keck.
3. He wants to trim or take out bushes in front?? And
also rocks on hill at parsonage. The team thought he
needed a follow-up plan before anything was done.
Marge Keck was mentioned by Bernie to help with
what to plant around church. Glenn will help also.
4. Roofers will start in one week on the parsonage.
5. Elevator was inspected with minor suggestions AND
is safe to use. Davis-Newcomer was here and tagged it
as okay.
6. Playground surface has been raked and is okay ex-
cept for the weeds.
In other business Pastor Bill was contacted by Uni-
versal Directory. We are checking it out but no decision
was made at this time. There was discussion concerning
a copyright license for music and videos and we are
checking into it since our license has expired.
A motion was made by Cindi and seconded by Glenn
to close the meeting.
The next meeting will be on Tues., Nov. 8th at 6:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Masten, Clerk
Items pending Actions Taken
1. Parsonage Roof 1. Outreach commitment paid
2. Shrubs/Rocks Removal
3. Copyright license
4. Church directory
Poinsettias for the
Sanctuary
If you would like to donate poinsettias
for Christmas, the Worship Committee
will gladly accept them, beginning with
the first Advent Sunday, November 27th,
through Christmas Sunday, when you may
then take them home. Thank you in ad-
vance for your contributions!
Minutes from the November Leadership
Team Meeting The meeting of the Lick Creek Church of the Breth-
ren was held Nov. 7, 2016. Present were Lee Zigler,
Cindi Zigler, Doug Hohenberger, Gloria Hohenberger,
Sherrie Herman, Bernie Schliesser, Glenn Shearer, Pas-
tor Bill Holsopple and Jan Masten.
Leadership Team Chair opened the meeting with de-
votions and prayer. Roll call and the minutes were pre-
sented by clerk, Jan Masten. Minutes were approved as
written.
Treasurer, Doug Hohenberger gave the treasurer’s
report. He reported $4966.38 in the checking account
as of 10-31-16 and this includes the youth and benevo-
lent funds which means the checking account is
$306.43. Giving is not meeting the budget.
Pastor Bill reported he made 20 visits this month and
he is working through the directory. He attended a class
on dementia at Good Shepherd Home. He hosted the
Bryan Ministrial Association and the Church of the
Brethren Fall Clergy for their respective meetings.
Glenn Shearer, Deacon chair, reported the deacons met
Nov. 6th and updated the separated members list, and
will report to council their recommendations.
The Director’s reports are as follows.
Director of Worship Gloria Hohenberger reported:
1. Siberian Soltise plans were complete for Nov. 12th.
2. Christmas plans are moving ahead with a short skit
being planned as part of the worship service on Dec. 18.
3. The worship committee decided to support Christ-
mas for Kids and have the Mitten tree this year. Items
donated will be taken to the live drive here in Bryan.
Director of Education, Sherrie Herman mentioned:
1. Classes are meeting.
2. Would like to plan some fund raising for the youth in
the future.
Director of Special Events, Cindi Zigler reported:
1. Fall Council will be Nov.13 with the Thanksgiving
Dinner following the meeting. Loretta will be in charge
of cooking the turkey.
2. November 20th we will decorate the church for
Christmas after worship with pizza for lunch.
3. Dec.4th will be caroling.
4. Dec.18th is the Christmas program during worship
service with finger foods following the service in
the fellowship hall.
Director of Property, Bernie Schleisser
1. Jim Shellenberger and Bernie have 2/3 of the deck
on parsonage stained.
2. The bushes around church will not be removed until
after winter.
3. Roofers will start on the parsonage in 2 weeks.
4. He got a 60 day extension on removing the water in
the pit of the elevator, but the elevator can be used.
In other business the team went over the agenda for
council meeting which included listing of separated
members to be removed; approval of Treasurer and Di-
rector of Property terms being extended; passed unani-
mously the budget recommendation with a motion by
Glenn and 2nd by Sherrie; the calling of the Leadership
Team to be affirmed by council.
A motion was made by Cindi and 2nd by Doug to ad-
journ the meeting.
The next leadership team meeting will be Tuesday,
January 3, 2017.
Submitted by Janice Masten,
Church Clerk
Action Taken: Items Pending:
1. Agenda for Council 1. Roof of parsonage
2. Copyright license
Hats and Mittens Tree
As done in the past several years, Lick
Creek will be collecting hats and mittens to
be taken to Child and Family Services for
distribution to children in need
of these items. The Worship Committee
will see to it that the collection is taken
care of shortly after Christmas. Please be
generous in your donations for children who through no
fault of their own are placed in situations that make it
difficult for them to experience the joys of the season
without our assistance!
Christmas for Kids
Lick Creek’s Christmas outreach mis-
sion will again benefit Christmas for Kids,
a program that collects toys for children in
need. Please bring your unwrapped toys
to the church by December 4th so they
can be taken to the Live Drive at Pence’s
Carmel Corn Shoppe in Bryan on Mon-
day, December 5th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Toys
collected will remain in the Williams County area.
“We never grow
closer to God when
we just live life. It
takes deliberate
pursuit and atten-
tiveness.”
-Francis Chan
Solution is found on page 2.
Statistics
Oct 2 Oct 9 Oct 16 Oct 23 Oct 30
Adult Sunday School 17 12 15 14 17
Worship Service 29 41 31 33 31
Tithes & Offering $990.50 $1361.75 $560.93 $1499.00 $1180.05
Special Offering
Nov 6 Nov 13 Nov 20 Nov 27
Adult Sunday School 16 18 17 n/a
Worship Service 40 47 40 n/a
Tithes & Offering $675.00 $2082.00 $959.50 n/a
Special Offering $125.00 $5.00
Answers: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John;
Matthew, Luke
Anniversary and Birthday listings may be unintentional-
ly incomplete. If you are aware of an omission, please
notify the office. Thank you.
Birthdays
December
9 - Doug Hohenberger
26 - Jan Masten
Anniversary
December 10 - Brittany & Spencer Rosebrock
The True Meaning of Christmas
Jesus Christ was born this day
So many years before
He came a servant to the lost,
Though He was Lord of Lords.
We celebrate this joyous time,
Reflecting on His birth
Not born in a mansion, but a stable
As if He had no worth
He came so He could identify
With the human heart of man
And gave His life as a sacrifice,
Offering a better plan
A plan that reconciles us back
To our loving Father God,
Bringing hope and redemption from
Sins ruling, iron rod
For this is the only reason that we
Should celebrate this day,
To become focused on anything else,
Would take the meaning away
So let’s arise with joy in our hearts
And share it with everyone
The meaning of Christmas will always be
The birth of Jesus - God’s son
By M.S. Lowndes
Deacon Caregivers for December
the entire Deacon body
Bill Hardman 419-636-3331
Doug & Gloria Hohenberger 1-419-899-2758
Jim & Jan Masten 419-636-2331
Glenn & Becky Shearer 419-636-4470
Linda & Robert Shambarger 419-636-6149
Bible Quiz
Without going to your Bible, write the names of the
four Gospels below:
___________________, __________________,
___________________, and ________________.
Now draw circles around the two
Gospels which specifically tell of the
birth of Jesus.
Answers are found on page 9.
Lick Creek Church of the Brethren
1500 Center Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Return Service Requested
The Echo is a publication of the Lick Creek
Church of the Brethren and is published bi-monthly
(except for December). Articles are to be submitted
to the church secretary by the 15th of each month.
Editor & Copy writer Brenda Arnold
Publisher Verle Harner
Proofreader Jan Masten
Worship Schedule
___________________
9:15 AM - Sunday School
10:30 AM - Worship
Coming Events
Dec. 4 Christmas Caroling
Dec. 18 Christmas Program with
Luncheon to Follow
Dec. 25 Christmas Sunday
Jan. 3 Leadership Team Meeting
Jan. 8 Take down Christmas
Decorations