Pastor’s Reflections
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Ann Beck is a long time member of our congregation, and for a good portion of that time, some 23 years, she has been battling multiple sclerosis. We are always glad to see her when she and her husband Charlie can get to church. A few weeks ago she suffered a broken leg while being transferred to her bed, which put her in the hospital again, and later in a cast. I honestly wonder how she gets through a day. I assume she must get tired of it all, and irritated and depressed sometimes — in fact she’s told me she has, and I wouldn’t blame her in the least. But she has never shown a trace of bitterness in my presence. Both she and Charlie have a marvelous countenance.
A little while back Ann told me this story — I thought I’d share it with you:
When the large red-tailed hawk swooped down to the many birdfeeders, all the birds frantically flew in every direction. The little sparrow hit the window so hard, he bounced back onto the patio onto his back. His tail feathers fluttered an instant, then he was still. He was so still we thought he had broken his neck. As I was reading and watching the little sparrow, I began praying for him. He lay unmoving for a half hour to forty-five minutes. The next time I looked up, he was standing on his feet. He just stood there for a while, then slowly moved his head to the right, then to the left. Suddenly it hit me, as if the Lord had written it before me: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me” (Matt. 6:26). I had been at a low point and this was a clear message from the Lord. I know he watches over me. It was a special message at a time that meant so much. After an hour and a half, he hopped off and flew away.
Ann isn’t the only member of this congregation who has to suffer, and I also know she isn’t the only one with a story of unexpected comfort and confidence in the midst of suffering. Jesus’ story is likewise one of suffering and redemption, apparent death and miraculous new life, incurable injury and ultimate healing — and we really need to hear his story as well. And no time of the Christian year is more important for embracing all such stories than right now — Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Please make it a point to come be a part of this worshipping congregation, or if you are far away, a congregation near you. As we gather, remember … all the people around you are searching for hope in the midst of difficulties. Let us share our stories and combine our faith.
John Wagner
Holy Week Schedule
Holy Thursday, April 2
7 p.m.
Remembering the Last Supper,
Tenebrae Service
Good Friday, April 3
6:30 p.m.
Focusing on the Crucifixion,
Ecumenical Good Friday Service at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church
1000 Yankee Road, Middletown
Easter Sunday, April 5
8:15 a.m. Sunrise Service
Begins outside around the fountain on the south side of the church, then proceeds to sanctuary for Communion
9:15 a.m. Breakfast
Served in the Weatherwax Commons
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Celebration in the Sanctuary
Easter flower order forms are available through the church office. Deadline to order is April 6. Please contact the office for assistance.
New Staff
I’d like to welcome Sarah Dean and Rachel Hurley to our church staff. They will be sharing the office manager position that has been vacant for two months now.
Sarah is a recent nursing school graduate who has worked for the last two years at Cleveland Clinic and is now looking to the church as a place for following her call to care-giving and service. Rachel has been out of school a few more years, has significant experience as a United Methodist church secretary and freelance book editor, and is skilled in writing, editing and communication. Both graduated summa cum laude, both came highly recommended, both have a United Methodist background.
The Staff Parish Relations Committee felt these persons and this team approach would work best for the present, and I agree with them. Let’s all do our best to make sure it does.
I want to personally thank the SPRC for their leadership. They did all the screening of applications and initial interviewing, which was a big relief to me. In leaving this responsibility largely in their hands, I followed the precedent of Rev. Dean Penrod, who trusted this committee to find an office manager last time around, and of course they found a very good one.
Thanks so much to all the applicants, those who suggested applicants, and to our dedicated office volunteers for getting us through this period.
—Rev. John Wagner
Memorial Committee Update
After several years of absence, the Memorial Committee of our church has been re-activated. The present members are: Imogene Orts, Chairperson; Robert Boonstra; Jeffrey Clinard; Duane Gordon; Mary Maurer; and John Tack. A revised set of Policies and Procedures has been adopted by the Administrative Council.
Memorial funds typically come to us in small donations after a funeral when families have asked that gifts be given to the church in honor of their loved ones. (Larger gifts are usually given through wills and trusts and added to our endowment.)
During 2014, the major ways memorial funds have been used were to purchase supplies for the Historical Room, a new pulpit Bible and repair of the old one, lapel microphone system, a library cart and books, a receptacle for baptism and an art display hardware.
—Imogene Orts
Otterbein Lebanon Men’s Breakfast: March 14, 9 a.m.
FUMC men are invited to a Men’s Fellowship Breakfast on March 14, 9 a.m., at Otterbein Lebanon UMC. This year’s guest is Dave Boling, West Ohio Coordinator of the Imagine No Malaria campaign of The UMC and Associate Director of the West Ohio Council on Development. Cost is $7 to be paid by March 6. Contact Dave Balsmeyer to register.
$5 on the 5th Offering: March 29
The Mission Committee requests your dollars and cents on the next fifth Sunday, March 29. All money put into the collection jars or designated on your offering envelope on March 29 will be contributed to First UMC’s Benevolent Fund. This fund is used to provide assistance to individuals and families in need. The $5 on the 5th offerings are organized by the Mission Committee. Thank you for your support!
Sahalu In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
Almost 60 years ago when the Tansen mission hospital was being built, the missionaries laid a tennis court right alongside the new hospital. They believed that exercise and relaxation were an important part of life here in Nepal! That court built all those years ago has seen many activities over the years — tennis, volleyball, basketball, kid’s games and parties, and, most popular over the past 15 years or so, Finnish field hockey (sahalu).
This game was first introduced by a Finnish teacher at the missionary school. Now days, the players are the doctors, residents, medical students and anyone else brave enough to join in! Unfortunately, last Wednesday was the final sahalu game on the tennis court — which is going to be covered with a much-needed new water storage tank. The money has been raised, and the work is due to start any day now. It has been promised that a new tennis court will be placed on the top of this water tank — but in the meantime, sahalu may be having a rest.
At the sahalu banquet following the final game on Wed, Les was awarded a trophy for being “MIP” — either “most intimidating player” — or “most injured player”! We are thankful for times of fun and laughter amidst the hard work and many sad and difficult situations faced daily at the hospital here.
In Him,
लेस (Les) and देबी (Debbie)
P.S. To see more photos and stories, please check our blog: Hope for the Hills
Remember, every third Sunday of the month we collect donations to support Les and Debbie’s work in Nepal.
You may drop your donation in the collection jars or add it to your regular offering using your envelope; just write “Dornons” along with the designated amount.
“MIP” Les playing sahalu
Music Notes by Mary Ellen Clinard
Easter is Coming!
After all this snow and ice, our Easter Celebration is sure to be joyous and much welcomed! However, we can’t celebrate Easter and Christ’s resurrection without understanding the “rest of the story” which is Holy Week. Here are the details of this special season that defines our faith:
PALM SUNDAY | March 29
A favorite of our children, we will celebrate Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem with joyous palm waving and singing in the first part of the service. As worship progresses, we will move into the beginning of the “Passion” as Christ steps into the public and political scrutiny of the week. The choir will end the service with the singing of “The Holy City” with soloist Jim Gayhart.
MAUNDAY THURSDAY | April 2
Our 7 p.m. service will be a Tenebrae Service, in which we will experience the events of Jesus’ last days. Stripping the altar, Communion and the extinguishing of candles are part of this moving service, leaving the sanctuary in darkness. Christ’s life will be depicted in famous works of art on screen as we create an atmosphere of reverence and meditation.
GOOD FRIDAY | April 3
Join members of our community at the Good Friday Service held at 6:30 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1000 Yankee Road, Middletown. Henry Folgoso will be one of the speakers.
EASTER | April 5
Set your alarms early to wake up for the Easter Vigil at 8:15 a.m. This ancient rite dates back to the early Christians. We gather at the south side of the church around the fountain in which a small fire is created. Taking the flame into the sanctuary, we read the liturgy that has sustained the Church for centuries. After service we enjoy breakfast at 9:15 in the Commons and worship service at 10:30 — complete with gorgeous flowers and celebration!
First Friday Concert Series 2014
MARCH 6 RON ESPOSITO and FRIENDS
Our most unique offering this year is the Tibetan Singing Bowls, Tabla and Native American Flute of Ron Esposito and his friends. Ron’s music has been heard on NPR’s “Echoes,” as soundtracks for television and in countless other venues. This ethereal music will soothe and surround you like a big, warm hug! His newest CD will be available at the concert.
APRIL 10* THE JAZZ PEOPLE
Hipster Alert! Their tasty swinging sound is coolness defined. Popular in Mt. Adams, Yellow Springs, and Mason—and, after this concert, they’re sure to be popular in Middletown! Groovy! Check them out at thejazzpeople.com then call all your friends to meet you—be there or be square!
*NOTE: date change due to Easter Weekend
This concert series wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Middletown Community Foundation, The Barnitz Fund and the congregation of First United Methodist Church, Middletown. Thank you for helping us make downtown Middletown a destination for the arts!
Community Ministries Corner
Pantry Coordinator
Pat Beasley, after serving as Pantry Coordinator for several years, and her husband and assistant, Don Beasley, have decided that it is time for them to retire. May 26 will be their last day on the job. The Community Ministry Council now has the task of finding their replacements.
If you are someone who might be interested in this ministry and want to know more about what is involved, please contact either Pat Beasley at 513-988-6160, or Patty McGraw at 937-746-9487. The responsibilities that go with this position are currently being re-evaluated to see if they could be shared by a larger number of volunteers, so even if you can only give a small amount of time, please don’t hesitate to see if there is a place for you. Thank you!
March Birthdays
2 Bob Bradley, Beth Miller, Becki Roof
3 Scott Wills
4 Barbara Dillon
6 Michael Alderton, Laura Griffin
7 Max Grandey
8 David McGraw, Neal Walke
10 Ellen Pratt
12 David Morgan
13 Mary Maurer
14 James Irwin, Patty McGraw
16 Scott Tucker
19 Ron McGuire, Alma Taulbee
20 Dick Roof
23 Tom Atkinson, Jean Stampler
27 Barb Orth
28 Shelley McDaniel
29 Linda Schmitt
30 Pat Ickes
31 Lon Fairchild