Epiphany gathering

In celebration of Epiphany, Perry and Stephanie brought a King cake to share with the group.

Trip possibilities: Perry shared that the Tennessee group is planning to go to Coban in late April to further their interest in developing a theological training center in that area. Those present discussed whether we would be interested in being part of that trip. Carlos said that he felt that participation in this trip would take us away from our partnership. Although our partners in Guatemala have asked for training, it is not exactly the same. There was general agreement with that thought. We then talked about the most likely alternative - still going to Coban, but meeting some of our partners there [at a different time, not in April with the larger group] so we could all see and learn more about the country and culture and get to know each other better too. We thought that it would be best to take 8-12 persons from here and likewise from there. We discussed the importance of sharing the same living quarters. Carlos said that maybe Delia Leal, the Guatemalan Nazarene pastor who visited here and preached for us last September, might be able to arrange housing. Findig a date may be tricky. We think that General Assembly will e meeting the week of July 4. Generally, we're thinking of some time in June or July in order to miss school schedules.

Communication: Carlos called and talked with Pastor Gerardo Ich Pop during the meeting. We leanred that the churches in the presbytery had celebrated Christmas and New Year's using materials he had suggested through the presbytery. These celebrations are not usual practices in Guatemala. New leaders were selected for the presbytery Women's Group. Pastor Gerardo said that the Presbyterian Women's Convention (November 11-13) in the southwest part of the country had gone well. Unfortunately, the women's petition to have the next meeting in Coban was dnied. Apparently there were earlier petitions to have the next convention in San Juan Ostuncalco in the western part of the country. The celeration of the first anniversary of the establishment of the presbytery youth and young adult group also went well. The presbytery was that six representatives came from Guatemala's national group. Pastor Pop also mentioned that the presbytery is wanting to create a Q'eqchi' hymnal (apparently just with lyrics, not music) and he said that "probably Crescent Hill could help with this." All of those actions showed wonderful progress in trying to unify the work of the presbytery. the phone call was cut short due to someone else in Guatemala needing the phone. Carlos will try to call back after church on Sunday.

Local Activities: Card sales in December didn't go very well. We only sold 2-3. Soni had previously suggested that this be the last attempt and that the remainder of the cards be used by the church as gifts for new members. The English as a Foreign Language classes being coordinated through James Lees Presbyterian Church will resume for a second term on January 11. About 10 Crescent Hill church members are involved as teachers, aides, or child care workers. And many others are helping to coordinate and prepare meals. Ada Asenjo is also starting her Spanish class for Crescnet Hill folks and others this month.

Meetig Place and Times: We had some discussion about when and where to meet. Although we had been rotating meetings amongst the homes of members, it was suggested that perhaps more people would attending meetings if they were held at church and on a week night. Since attendance did not seem to improve for this meeting, those present decided to resume our previous schedule. The next meeting will be on Saturday, January 30, at 9:30 a.m., at the home of Perry Chang and Stephanie Gregory, at 3928 Kennison Avenue, in St. Matthews. Anyone interested in the partnership is welcome to attend.

-- Soni