Pastor’s Reflections
General Conference
This past month I spent two weeks in Portland, Oregon attending our United Methodist General Conference, an event held every four years that brings representatives of our church together from around the world. I am still working through what happened in my own mind, and that process is far from complete. But since I’ve been telling you in this newsletter about the issues being dealt with at this meeting, I feel I owe you my best effort to describe what actually happened.
Our church is divided over issues of sexuality, and there is not a lot of room for compromise. The clergy and laity from various countries and regions came into the sessions unwilling to change their minds in almost all cases. Plans for allowing the issue of same sex weddings to be left up to individual congregations were quickly defeated. Same with leaving it up to our regional bodies, the annual conferences, to decide whether or not to ordain gay or lesbian persons. Those United Methodist pastors who are performing weddings, or are in same sex relationships themselves, are not backing off either.
Under United Methodist rules our bishops are not supposed to take part in debate at General Conference, but this time they did because they were asked to do so by the delegates themselves. They met separately, finally came back, and said they wanted to set up a commission to study all the issues related to human sexuality. Here is part of their statement:
“We recommend that the General Conference defer all votes on human sexuality and refer this entire subject to a special Commission, named by the Council of Bishops … to include persons from every region of our UMC, and will include representation from differing perspectives on the debate. We commit to maintain an on-going dialogue with this Commission as they do their work, including clear objectives and outcomes. Should they complete their work in time for a called General Conference, then we will call a two- to three-day gathering before the 2020 General Conference.”
What does this mean? In “church-speak” it’s saying we should give ourselves a few more years to try to settle this issue through a quieter discussion, set apart from the angry politics of a General Conference. Somewhat surprisingly, the bishops’ recommendation passed by only a handful of votes, but it did pass. We will see if anything comes of it. I spoke to a number of people on both the right and the left who feel we simply chose to kick the problem down the road, that we are permanently divided and the church should split now before we damage ourselves further. Others were clearly relieved we have more time to find a solution.
As I said at the outset, I am still trying to wrap my head around what happened in Portland. I was spending most of my time trying to get the church to speak out more clearly for peace and justice in the Holy Land, an effort that met with a great deal of resistance. One thing I learned, however, and on this I agree with the bishops, is that some discussions are best held in private, where we can get to know each other, see each other as fellow Christians, and not simply as opponents or heretics. My work on issues related to the Middle East actually achieved very solid results between General Conferences. Perhaps this special commission will be able to do the same.
One last thing. I saw lots of tears at General Conference, even shed a few myself. We Christians really do want to get along, we really do want to find areas of agreement, and yes, we do really love each other. I have good friends who are very conservative, and while we disagree the thought of jeopardizing our friendships is something that causes us tremendous pain. I believe we all wish there was some other way to deal with differences.
On the Sunday I returned to Middletown I said what a relief it was to be back with you folks. I really meant it. I love the way we work through disagreements with each other, and think we have something truly valuable here, something like the Spirit of Christ. It’s a great treasure. Let’s not lose it, but strengthen it, and if we can, share it with others in the United Methodist Church and beyond.
-John Wagner
“I’m So Excited!”
From July 3 to August 13, our church will be hosting Hiram Daniel Cardenas Mendez, a United Methodist seminary student from Mexico. We were asked to do this by our annual conference leadership as part of a student exchange program – four other churches in Ohio will be hosting someone like Hiram. I’ve learned that he was born into a United Methodist family in the Mexican state of Coahuila, one of two children. He’s had a number of jobs – in a movie theater, at a McDonald’s, as an orderly in a hospital – but most recently as an English teacher in an elementary school until last year when he was called into the ministry. Hiram, (pronounced ee-RAHM) seems very personable and is very understandable over the phone.
Friends, the request to host Hiram was unexpected, and then there were some complications in getting him a visa, so things have been up in the air while all that got sorted out. I apologize for just now giving you this notice. Our responsibility will be room and board, plus transporting him back and forth to the church. I’ve asked Katie and Michael McNeil, who have a great deal of experience with exchange students, to help us find host families. Please call the church office if you are interested. Hiram’s own preference is to get to know Americans, be part of a family, make friends. His favorite foods are hamburgers, tacos and pizza … and we do eat those things here in Middletown.
I was pleased to learn that Hiram is an accomplished guitarist and could help with worship in both our English and Spanish services. Our own Pastor Dani Ortega Folgoso also spoke with him, and reports that he is anxious to do a good job, curious about the weather, nervous like you or I would be facing a similar situation. But most of all he is excited. In a brief message he wrote, “I am so glad to make this trip, truly I feel so excited, receive my greetings, have a nice day, God bless you!”
I know we will want to do our best for Hiram and make him feel welcome. Please let me know if you have any questions.
John
Mission Moment
Back In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les and Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
| I (Debbie) have returned to Kathmandu – arriving early in the morning on Wednesday, May 11. My three weeks in the U.S. went way too quickly – especially since half of it was spent in Michigan falling in love with our beautiful granddaughter, Miriam Rose Dornon. She was born on April 9 to Luke and Laura, and we think she is perfect. It was amazing to watch our son and daughter-in-law working together to care for this precious gift from God, and I was so thankful to be able to be a small part of her beginnings. As I was enjoying the comforts of life in the west – long, hot showers; beautiful green lawns and flowers; driving on straight, flat roads; hearing a sermon in English; singing in four part harmony; eating any type of food (not just seasonal); shopping in stores bigger than the entire bazaar area of Tansen – I couldn’t help but marvel at the differences of life that are occurring on earth at the same time! It was so hard to get my head around the fact that while I was enjoying the green grass and lovely long showers, Les was in Tansen where the dust is inches thick due to lack of rain, and he was taking bucket showers because the hospital tank had run dry. While I was in a country where gas and electricity are cheap and readily available, Hannah was in KTM where cooking gas is still hard to find, and electricity is only on about 13 hours a day. Since getting back here to Nepal, I am happy to say that we have had several rains, which is helping greatly. Thanks for your prayers – please continue! This weekend, Les and I will be at the UMN annual retreat for all the missionaries and families. We are in charge of worship – feeling a bit nervous about this! But we are looking forward to a time of spiritual renewal and refreshment – and we pray that as you remember us here in Nepal, that you will also take a moment to be thankful for the gifts He has given to each of us.
In Him, लेस (Les) and देबी (Debbie) |
 Four Generations! |
Want more stories & photos? Check out our blog at dornonnepalmission.wordpress.com
Prostate Cancer Support Group
It is with regret that I announce the end of the formal meetings for the Prostate Cancer Support Group in Middletown. Several factors have come into play and prompted this decision. The American Cancer Society no longer sponsors the Man to Man support groups. Attendance has greatly decreased over the last five years. This is partially due to more wide spread information on Prostate Cancer treatment, increased survival rates and many more treatment options over the last twenty years.
Another major factor is that I am tired. I have chaired the group for the last sixteen years and I truly believe that all things have a proper beginning and a fitting end. The last three formal meetings will be on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, Tuesday, October 4, 2016 and November 1, 2016. There will be no meetings this summer. I have not lost my passion for the cause and I will still be available for listening, counseling and answering questions as always at (513) 423-7092.
Thanks are in order to all of those who made this possible over the years. Especially Tom and Nancy Heberling and Barbara Balsmeyer. Nancy and Barb had the vision and foresight to start the two cancer support groups through the First United Methodist Parish Nurse Ministries. I would also like to thank all of the FUMC Ministers and Staff members for their support and allowing us to meet at the church and for the newsletter publicity of the monthly meetings.
Thanks also go to Dee Markle and the Breast Cancer Support Group, for allowing us to meet with them several times when the speakers topic pertained to both groups. Thank You to all the speakers who served the cause voluntarily over the years to include: Dr. Doug Gaker, Dr. Marty Walsh, Dr. Mary Ellen Gaeke, Dr. Cheryl Skinner, Dr. Albert Malcom and Mr. Herschel Chalk, cancer support advocate.
Last I would like to thank all of the men and women who attended our meetings over the years and many of them with favorable outcomes from their various cancer treatments. They were always courageous and willing to share their stories. My wife, Linda, has also been there to provide support for the spouses, friends and significant others when needed.
I also would like to acknowledge Pastor Larry Kreps, Findlay United Methodist Church, who spoke to us on occasion about his own experiences and provided many copies of his book entitled, “Cancer is a Four Letter Word.”
Sincerely,
Mike Snyder
First Church 2016 Graduates
We would like to recognize the graduates of First Church. Two high school graduates:
Celestine Bakich, daughter of Michael Bakich and the late Lisa Bakich, graduated from Christian Home Educators of Clark County. She plans on pursuing a career in Education.
Mark Mills, Jr., son of Mark and Sandy Mills, graduated from Middletown High School. He will be attending Wright State University in the fall, majoring in Biology and minoring in French Horn.
Congratulations and we wish the best for all the graduates!
Jr. Church News
Here Comes Summer! Activities for Children this Summer
| Wednesday, June 8 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | One Day Adventure at Camp Wesley
The children will spend the day at Camp Wesley, which is located in Bellefontaine, Ohio. They will meet at the church at 7:15 a.m. to travel as a group to camp in the church van. Two volunteers will be driving the children to camp. Pick up time will be around 6:00 p.m. at the church. You may drive your child separately if you prefer. If you have any questions, please contact Dani Ortega. |
| Saturday, June 18 | Water Park & Picnic at Smith Park–Details TBA |
| Saturday, July 30 | Movie and Popcorn Night at FUMC–Details TBA
A back to school family night at the church. |
| Sunday, August 14 10:30 a.m. Worship Service | Children Recognition Sunday
A luncheon for all children and their families will follow worship service. Further details TBA. |
Thank You from the UMW
The United Methodist Women wish to thank this congregation for baking, cooking, serving, cleaning, buying, eating, and supporting this year’s salad luncheon. Many of our guests do not attend this church but come every year because FUMC is so welcoming. This is one of our biggest fund-raisers of the year; the money raised helps support programs in our district, in Middletown, and in our own church. Thanks again to all of you!
Altar Flowers
It’s not too late to purchase Altar Flowers in memory or in honor of someone special to you. There are still some open slots available for 2016. The following Sundays are available: June 12, July 3, July 24, July 31, and October 9. Cost for each arrangement is $25.00. If you are interested in purchasing altar flowers for one of these dates, please call the church office or fill out a purple Altar Flower order form and return to the church office. Order forms will be available in the North Foyer during Sunday service.
Music Notes by Mary Ellen Clinard
One of the greatest joys in my work as Director of Worship is searching for hymns that reflect the scripture or topic of our worship service each week. The first hymn (or hymn medley) usually will focus on praise to God, affirming His greatness, power, and love.
Recently we have been using hymn “medleys” at the beginning of our service as a way to combine some of the best in contemporary worship music with traditional hymns. I am continually amazed at how some of these old/new hymns work so well together. Over the years, the “best” of hymnody has risen to the top and regardless of how you “change up” the style of the hymn, the core of the message remains intact.
The prayer hymn or chorus is chosen for its ability to focus our thoughts on speaking to God through prayer. It’s usually a shorter hymn or only one verse. The songs of the French based Taize Community are written to use for this and are intended to be sung repeatedly to create a sense of focus and meditation. We have several songs in our hymnal and in the Faith We Sing that are from the Taize Movement. Prayer choruses began to be written in the 20th century specifically for this time in traditional worship.
The Doxology is the musical highpoint of the service. Doxology means “glory” or “praise”. As we sing the doxology, we are praising the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There are many versions of songs that can be sung at this point in the service. The Doxology we sing today was introduced to our congregation about 20 years ago. Before that, the “Old 100th” (UMH# 95) was sung. We switch to that version during Lent due to the absence of the word Alleluia, which is typically not used during that season.
The last hymn is usually selected by Rev. Wagner and the text and mood reinforce the topic of his sermon and the Gospel Lesson. It’s usually an upbeat hymn to encourage us to remember what we have learned and apply it to our lives outside the sanctuary.
Next time you attend worship take note of these musical clues that make up the pattern of our weekly service. I am always happy to discuss any questions or comments you might have about music heard and sung in our sanctuary!
2016 First Friday Concert Series @ First Church–NOON
 |
JUNE 3 | MIKE “ELVIS” DAVIS, TRIBUTE ARTIST
This is the concert you’ve been waiting for! Mike “Elvis” Davis, tribute artist extraordinaire, will shake us up with his popular tribute show to Elvis! You don’t want to miss this one complete with photo ops, audience participation, and fun fit for a King. Elvis is IN the building! JULY 1 | MY BROTHER’S KEEPER Fresh from a 24 state summer tour in 2015, this up and coming bluegrass band brings acoustic folk, bluegrass, and gospel to a new generation. Not many more years before this band breaks into the bigtime national scene. Catch them at this concert and you can say “I saw them when…..!” You won’t regret it! This concert series would not be possible without the support of the Middletown Community Foundation, the Barnitz Fund, Miriam Knoll Foundation and the congregation of First United Methodist Church, Middletown. Thank you for your support!! |
June Birthdays
3 Mavene Atkinson
6 Carolyn Callis
7 Julie Urso
8 Larry Fillnow
11 Harold Byrd, Rev. David Hilton
13 John Beagle, Charles Morgan
14 Catherine Brown
17 Shirley Fultz, Katey Shepperd
19 Leah Hogg
21 Glendon Markle
23 Dorothy Wieneke
24 Ron Davis, Carole Jackson, Anne Sander
26 Dede Day
27 Justin Frazer, Norm Harsh
28 Katie McNeil
29 Tom Hazelbaker, Wilberta Schaefer
30 Susan Duff
