Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church

2011 Annual Report:  Nurture Council

Submitted by Gail Bingham

Nurture Council members/report contributors:  Eva Stimson, Mary Love, Gayle Trautwein, Kate Husk, Emily Pauw and Charlie Boyd.

Nurture Council facilitated programs and activities focusing on:

·        Christian Education (primarily Sunday School for adults and children)

·        Children and Youth Ministries (youth group and children’s fellowship)

·        Developing and strengthening relationships within our congregation and the wider community

Christian Education

Adult Sunday School

The Adult Sunday School program offered classes on a broad range of topics, including “Presbyterian 101”, the Ten Commandments, Christian discipleship, Spanish-language Bible study, recreation, and poetry.  A new class for parents was nurtured by Beverly Bartlett Turner and Becky Wolf.  We are grateful for the participation of so many individuals who had a role in planning, leading and coordinating the Adult program.   These included:  Amy Pauw, Pat Miller, Ken and Amy Linfield, Rick Roderick, Carol Cook, Marcia Myers, Dave Bush, Molly Casteel, Kevin Park, Mary Love, Hunter Farrell, Bob Abrams, Rebecca Barnes-Davies, Jerry Van Marter, Carlos Lara and Marcus Perry. 

Young Adult Group

One of the exciting new ministries to develop this year at CHPC is the young adult fellowship.  The group is made up largely of folks in their 20's and 30's.  The group meets on Sunday mornings at 9:45 in the library (formerly known as the youth room) for Sunday school.  Additionally, they host a monthly fellowship gathering just to get together and relax.  Monthly events have included baseball games, bowling, pumpkin carving, meeting at BBC and a homemade pizza party.  They have a Facebook page to stay in touch during the week.  If anyone is interested in getting involved feel free to contact Charlie Boyd at charlieboyd1@gmail.com.  The group is very fluid and eager to welcome new faces. 

Youth Group and Children’s Fellowship (see Youth and Children’s Fellowship Report)

Developing Relationships

Nurture Council facilitated or participated in several events aimed at building and strengthening relationships among CHPC members, and providing opportunities for members to invite friends and neighbors to share fellowship.   Attendance met or exceeded our expectations, and interest is evident in repeating most of these events next year.   2011 events included:

·        Cottage Suppers - began in February.  There were six groups, five self-selected by sign-up sheets and one selected by the hosts.  Several of the groups went on to meet at least one more time during the year. 

·        Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

·        Hiking at Bernheim Forest - May

·        Belle of Louisville Cruise - June

·        Louisville Bats baseball game - July

·        All-church picnic at Camp Cedar Ridge – August.   This year Sunday morning worship was at Cedar Ridge (with a service also at CHPC), followed by  a pot-luck picnic, games and swimming.  Perfect weather contributed to a large turnout.

·        Sunday School Kick-Off Breakfast - September

·        Huber Farm outing – October

·        Ministries Opportunities Fair – October.   Nurture Council participated with other councils.  We served soup and invited people to sign up to help with Nurture Council activities.