The Friday Five - 01.16.26
1. Chili Cook-Off 2026! Register Today!
Our annual Chili Cook-Off is getting closer! Join us on Sunday, February 1, immediately following worship, from 12:00–1:30 pm. Entry is free, and all proceeds will support our Pikeville mission trip this summer.
We’ll need helping hands for setup and cleanup, and a small team will be formed to help organize details like special awards. If you’d like to enter your chili, please sign up by Sunday, January 25 - less than 10 days away!
Invite a friend—everyone is welcome to cook, attend, or cheer on the competitors!
For questions or to get involved, see Corina.
Corina Atherton
Director of Family Ministries
2. A Sacred Place of Remembrance
A columbarium is a permanent structure with inbuilt niches for the reverential housing of inurned cremated remains. The first known use was in 1846. In 2016, I planted a “seed” thought about our church erecting a columbarium with our then administrator, Dean Judkins. After several discussions, Dean formed a Columbarium Committee.
Following approval for perpetual care from the local church, the City of Milford, and the State of Ohio, the columbarium was erected on the Maple Street side of the sanctuary. Bob Wallace served as the architect, and Bill Prus was the contractor—both members of the church.
At the beginning of this year, thirteen niches were purchased. Each niche is completely covered and securely sealed. A customized plate is mounted on the front of each niche. The fee includes perpetual care, ensuring the niche will be maintained indefinitely.
The most significant benefit of choosing a columbarium is its longevity. It is designed to endure for centuries. This permanence offers families a lasting site where they can come to pay tribute or reflect on their cherished loved ones.
The contact persons are Deb Clifton or Donna Parrish at the church office.
Rev. Bill Tice
Congregational Care Pastor
3. The Pikeville Mission Trip is Approaching!
We invite you to be part of the Pikeville, Kentucky Mission Trip! This opportunity is open to individuals, families, and students who have completed third grade and are ready to serve, grow, and share in a life-changing experience together.
The interest meeting and sign-up deadline will take place on Sunday, January 25, immediately following worship at 12:00 pm.
This mission trip offers a chance to live out your faith and embody the love of Christ by supporting local churches, ministries, and families in Pikeville, Kentucky.
On this trip, you will:
Discover Appalachian culture by learning about the unique challenges of Pikeville, a once-thriving region now facing economic hardship.
Serve the community through home repair projects and local initiatives that help families move toward stability and hope.
Build authentic relationships as you connect with local residents and grow together as a mission team.
In the meantime, be sure to watch the video below to get a better sense of this meaningful mission and the impact it can have on both the community and those who serve.
https://vimeo.com/1123661260?fl=pl&fe=sh
Corina Atherton
Director of Family Ministries
4. Earl Willson to Be Inducted into Milford High School Athletic Hall of Fame
We are proud to share that one of our own, Earl Willson, will be inducted into the Milford High School Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026 on Friday, January 23.
Earl dedicated more than five decades to Milford Exempted Village Schools as an educator, administrator, coach, and mentor. A former University of Cincinnati football captain and First Team All-Conference linebacker, Earl spent over 30 years teaching mathematics and serving as an assistant principal at Milford Junior High and Milford High School. His long-standing commitment to Milford athletics included coaching football, wrestling, and assisting with track and field programs. Even after retirement, Earl continued serving Milford Schools in a variety of roles, impacting generations of students.
The induction ceremony will take place prior to Milford’s boys varsity basketball game, with a reception and formal induction held earlier in the evening.
Event Details
Friday, January 23
5:00 p.m. — Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Milford High School Cafeteria
7:15 p.m. — Recognition of inductees prior to the Boys Varsity Basketball game vs. Anderson
Milford High School Main Gymnasium
Please join us in congratulating Earl Willson on this well-deserved honor.
https://www.milfordathletics.org/o/milfordathletics/article/2630026
5. Zanna, Don’t! Opens Tonight at Loveland Stage Company.
Our organist and friend, George Drewyor, is producing a play with the Loveland Stage Company titled Zanna, Don’t!, which opens tonight and runs January 16–26.
Please note that this musical contains mature content.
For those who would like to support George and the Loveland Stage Company, tickets are available online. Click the button below to learn more and purchase tickets.
