Lick Creek Church of the Brethren 1500 Center Street, Bryan, OH 43506

(419) 636-1581 office@lickcreekchurch.org

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