Pastor’s Reflections
The Spirit of the Law
A friend of mine was traveling through Pennsylvania with his two grandsons. It was a station wagon, the boys had a large back seat in which to play with each other, they got along pretty well, so the trip was pleasant. Plus it was summer, and the windows were down and Grandma had packed them all a really nice lunch. Then my friend noticed flashing red lights behind him and realized the highway patrol wanted him to pull over.
License and registration were produced, and then, “What seems to be the problem, officer?”
“Sir, there are apple cores all down the road behind you, and we can’t allow people to just throw them out the window.”
Now my friend is a Mennonite pastor – a very earnest and sincere person, soft spoken with an honest face. It comes across right away. “Well officer, I agree it’s wrong, but I don’t think we’re the ones who threw them out the window.” And he turned to the two boys in the back seat. “Boys, did you throw any apple cores out our windows?” And the boys, with the same earnest and honest faces said, “No grandpa, we did not.” “You’re sure?” They were sure. My friend turned back to the patrolman. “Officer, I really don’t think we did this.”
A pause, another look into all their faces looking straight back at him, and the patrolman shook his head in defeat. “So you’re sure about this.” Again, they were all sure. He nodded and let them go, even apologized for the accusation, whereupon my friend assured him it was perfectly ok and wished the officer a nice day. They got back on the road, and the station wagon was silent for a while as they contemplated how throwing apple cores out the window in Pennsylvania could put you crossways with the law.
Then one of the little boys spoke up. “Grandpa, I’m sure glad grandma packed pears instead of apples.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
No court would have convicted my friend’s grandsons; they were answering truthfully, unaware they were violating the spirit of the law. Had the patrolman been less specific about the kind of cores he opposed they might have just as easily confessed to the deed, but as it was, they were innocent. The same would go for any of us … if we were children.
I like the expression “spirit of the law” because it lifts up two values we rightly cherish and should keep in tandem. Without law there is no measuring stick, no order, no direction. “Oh, how I love your law!” exclaims the psalmist in Psalm 119. “It is sweeter than honey in my mouth!” The law is God’s protection of the innocent, recourse against tyrants and bullies. It encourages reason and thoughtful questions. It is God’s Word, and we need God’s Word in this disordered world. Like the psalmist, we are to love the law, which literally means we are to love the Bible. It comforts and confronts in equal measure. When we ignore or dismiss it, we reject a great gift from God.
We also value the Spirit … in fact the Bible itself commands we do so. There is a living Spirit that works in and through human beings, and in and through the law itself. When slavery was present in our nation, and no particular opposition to it could be found in scripture, the Spirit of the Law had to take over. Slavery clearly violates something essential in the biblical witness, even if we can’t put our finger on precisely where.
Pentecost is coming. It’s the third great Christian holiday after Christmas and Easter, the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world. We also call it the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ, and we are to acknowledge its constant presence in our lives, look for signs of it, and be obedient to its instructions as best we can. This most definitely doesn’t mean, “If it feels good, do it.” Actually, it can often mean just the opposite. The Spirit pushes us into compliance with God’s Word in ways that are often uncomfortable, creating tension within us, and within our Christian communities. “What actually should we do here?” we ask. “What does God really want from us?” The Sprit of the Law is not going to let us go until we wrestle with it like Jacob at the Jabbok River.
On May 19 our church, and churches around the world, will be once again celebrating the coming of this demanding Spirit that is also another clear sign of God’s love for us. By His grace we mature, moving on from the mere letter of the law, deeper into His true intensions for us. We need this, and I think we know we need it.
It also makes for a far more interesting journey in this life, whether on the turnpike or anywhere else.
Peace,
John Wagner
Heritage Sunday on June 16
Please mark your calendars for June 16th, 2013. It’s Father’s Day, but more importantly for our church, “Heritage Sunday” … or as we might want to call it, “Forefather’s Day,” (except we don’t want to leave out all our foremothers.) Our new Historical Committee, set up by Tom Atkinson, is working on an historical display of pictures and artifacts and we’ll have two special guests to help in worship—Rev. Dr. Paul Shew, who grew up in this church and is now a professor and missionary in Japan, and Rev. Joel Harshbarger, one of our former pastors who was an outstanding youth leader and influence on many of our young people. This would be a wonderful day to ask all our
former members to visit.
Stay tuned!
The “Care” in Care Packages
My earliest recollection of FUMC sending cookies to college students was in the late 70’s or early 80’s—members were asked to donate shoe boxes and cookies. The packages were sent to college students sporadically in the beginning, then I took over the project about 15 years ago and we began bi-annual mailings. We mail one in the fall and another in late winter. I think this is an important ministry so that college students and military persons are not forgotten once they aren’t able to attend church on a regular basis. Several have suggested it would be much simpler to send a note and gift card for fast food but I think that lacks a personal touch.
Our practices have evolved over time with this project. We send to college students and military personnel who are members of First Church or relatives of members of the church who make a request. We added military boxes after the US became involved in Iraq. And we started sending two boxes to each student when Rev. Penrod came—one has a label that says, “Please share with a friend.” Last month (12) college students received two boxes each and (2) military received the larger boxes. That number was down this time because military who are in transit can’t receive boxes. College students receive a box containing a dozen homemade cookies, gum, crackers, cocoa, popcorn and assorted candies and military persons receive a larger box with assorted snacks and non-perishable food items in addition to several packages of homemade cookies. Members donate cookies and the other items are purchased by donations from church members. The postage has been paid the last several years by one of our families. Presently each box contains a card with information on how the recipient can get in touch with the staff and our minister any time they would like.
I hope you see that it is important for members to keep us informed of their college students’ or military address changes and to let the office know of additions for our list. It is our heart to minister to our loved ones that are away and send them a little touch of home.
Thank you, Imogene Orts
A Pastor Ponders…
By Rev. David Hilton
Winter wind chilled us to the bone as we gathered at Woodside Cemetery. Family and friends came to say goodbye to one who lived long and well.
The graveside committal liturgy included these words of Jesus, “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit …” John 12:24. What does this mean for us today? How do we die in order to be fruitful disciples? I think about this frequently.
My unwritten book focuses on the meaning of life and death. It is about what the dying have taught me about living. This is written on my heart by many who have been my mentors. I am grateful for the privilege of being a pastor and a hospice chaplain. Companioning the dying is a sacred, life-giving gift.
I believe that we are not fully alive until we are ready to die. This is counter-cultural. We live in a death denying society. Death is perhaps the last of the forbidden subjects for polite conversation.
I intend to share the following topics over the next few issues: 1) Life has limits; 2) Now is sacred; 3) Death is a gift; 4) Love never dies; and, 5) Live your legacy. These themes will surface in sermons
I preach. I’ll be glad to explore these thoughts with you. Let me know if you are interested.
“Hymn of Promise” by Natilee Sleeth is a contemporary hymn often used in funeral services. This stanza is a fitting introduction to a series of articles which will follow:
In our end is our beginning; in our time infinity;
In our doubt there is believing; in our life eternity,
In our death, a resurrection; at the last a victory,
Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.
—DH
Highview Parnership Ministry Update
Our soups & desserts dinner for the Highview staff during conferences was greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who made soups, desserts, sent crackers & breads, provided desserts or donated money. Also thank you to those who help serve ice cream for Honor Roll recipients on March 19. Your continued support is so valuable to this partnership ministry.
—Thank you, Lynda Goecke
“Silom House” In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
Several years ago a missionary saw the need here in Tansen for a place for homeless children. They started what is known as Abiyan Nepal (Mission Nepal) and with the help of other Nepali believers, Silom House was born. There is a nice home for them, with Christian house parents, and love and support from others in the community here and from overseas.
Recently, Les and I went down to visit the house as someone had sent a box of gifts for the children and we were blessed to be able to take them to distribute. I did literally mean “down” when I said that – we pretty much walked straight down the side of the mountain for about 20 minutes to get to this house. We had to wait a bit for some of the kids to get home from school, so we got a tour while we waited. There are 4 or 5 huge water tanks on the roof – but no water coming into them. They cook for all these children on a 2 – 3 burner gas cooker. They have to carry water for washing, bathing, and laundry. (Somehow, the powers that be in the city haven’t been able to get a water line into the house.)
But – the children are happy, the place is clean, and we really enjoyed our afternoon visit. Thanks for your prayers for Nepal – perhaps say an extra one today for the children and those who are caring for them. God Bless!
In Him,
लेस (Les) and देबी (Debbie)
P.S. To see more photos and stories, please check our blog: http://dornonnepalmission.wordpress.com/
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.
UMW May Salad Luncheon Baked Goods & Flower Sale
Wednesday, May 1 Make plans to come to United Methodist Women’s annual May Salad Luncheon, Flower & Bake Sale from 11 am-1 pm Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Fellowship Hall. Tickets for the luncheon are $6 and can be purchased from any UMW member or at the church office. All church members are asked to prepare one (or more) of their best salads (12-16 servings), and their favorite baked goods for the event. Proceeds benefit UMW Service Projects. For more information or to learn more about joining UMW call the church office, 513-423-4629.
“Hashing It Out”
Starting April 7th, the combined Adult Sunday School classes will continue meeting in the Chapel, and will be addressing some contemporary issues we Christians need to talk with each other about with each other, but often avoid because they are controversial and we worry about offending. Topics such as the merits of capitalism, doctor assisted suicide, homosexuality, gambling, abortion and the care of nature will be discussed in an atmosphere of trust.
Our guides will be two friends who put together a series of short videos exploring these and other topics. They are Tony Campolo, a progressive evangelical scholar, and Steve Brown, a conservative evangelical professor, and their approach is titled “Hashing it Out.” Pastor David Hilton and Barbara Balsmeyer will be primary leaders, with assistance from Pastor Wagner. All adults are welcome! We intend to go though May.
Tell Him So
If you have a word of cheer
That may light the pathway drear,
Of a brother pilgrim here,
Let him know.
Show him you appreciate
What he does, and do not wait
Till the heavy hand of fate
Lays him low.
If your heart contains a thought
That will brighter make his lot,
Then, in mercy, hide it not;
Tell him so.
Bide not till the end of all
Carries him beyond recall
When beside his sable pall,
To avow
Your affection and acclaim
To do honor to his name
And to place the wreath of fame
On his brow.
Rather speak to him to-day;
For the things you have to say
May assist him on his way:
Tell him now.
Life is hard enough, at best:
But the love that is expressed
Makes it seem a pathway blest
To our feet;
And the troubles that we share
Seem the easier to bear,
Smile upon your neighbor’s care,
As you greet.
Rough and stony are our ways,
Dark and dreary are our days;
But another’s love and praise
Make them sweet.
Wait not till your friend is dead
Ere your compliments are said;
For the spirit that has fled,
If it know,
Does not need to speed it on
Our poor praise; where it has gone
Love’s eternal, golden dawn
Is aglow.
But unto our brother here
That poor praise is very dear;
If you’ve any word of cheer
Tell him so.
—J. A. Egerton 1869 – ?
Music Notes by Mary Ellen Clinard
Music Outreach
We have so many wonderful opportunities to connect with people of all ages in Music Ministry. I want to share an experience with you that I had the week before Easter while teaching a song to the children of the Hispanic Ministry. I gave them a hand signal for them to use when they were ready to focus and sing so we could all start together. One 1st grade girl spoke up and said, “It looks like we are getting ready to pray! We do this so God will know we are singing to Him!” Then one boy said, “When we sing, we are really praying!” I was charmed by their insight and ability to connect singing with worshipping God. We do indeed pray through singing! How many times has a line or two of a hymn been stuck in your head, or how many times have you found comfort in the words of a song sung in worship? From singing monthly at a nursing home to teaching children about God through music, we have many opportunities to share the WORD of God with the MUSIC of God. Come and join us!
Like to Read the Bible?
Do you enjoy participating in worship? Reading scripture during the worship service is a great way to connect with God and serve your congregation! We would love to have you on our Reader’s List. Just call Mary Ellen and asked to be added. You will probably read every 4-5 weeks depending on the rotation of readers.
First Friday Concert Series 2013
APRIL 5 ROSE ROOM
Making it’s first bonafide concert appearance anywhere! Rose Room will delight you with the music of Benny Goodman, Charlie Christianson, and more! According to some of the players..”It’s like we ask Jazz out for a date and take it to White Castle”. You will recognize the impecible musical talents of members of the Faux Frenchmen and Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band among the blooms!
This concert series would not be possible without the support of the Middletown Community Foundation, the Barnitz Fund, the Miriam G. Knoll Charitable Foundation and the congregation of First United Methodist Church, Middletown. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for helping us make downtown Middletown a destination for the arts!
Community Ministries Corner
About Our Food Pantry
The First United Methodist Church Pantry is open to all First Church members and regular attendees. If you need to use our Pantry, please do not hesitate. Our hours are every Tuesday (except holidays) from 2:00 until 3:30 pm. The cost to shop is $2.00 for singles and couples, and $3.00 for a family with minor children. Food items are priced at ¼ of their retail cost and taxable items such as paper goods, soaps, etc. are priced at 1/3 of their retail cost. Even if you do not need to shop at this time, feel free to stop by, meet some of our clients and see how the Pantry works. This ministry belongs to all of us!
Pantry News
A wonderful thing happened during Pantry in March. One of our shoppers came in and quietly gave a $100 donation. She shared that she had come into some extra money and felt that she was “supposed to do this” with part of it. She wanted no recognition, only to give back to the church that has helped her. God is definitely at work!
Garage Sale Reminder!
Don’t forget—there’s a garage sale on the horizon. Donate your “stuff” so that we can provide someone else with a “treasure. ” Storage space is available at the church if you need to remove something from your home at this time.
Susan Jutte is chairing the sale and Scott and Teri Hines are assisting. Please contact them or the church office if you have questions.
April Birthdays
1… Kathy Larison
2… Sharyn Edelen, Patricia Livzey
3… Lorena Trinkle
6… Dave Balsmeyer, Mary Ittel
12… J.C. Shew
13… Betty Risner
14… Eleanor Imhoff, Sarah Irwin
15… Anita Shew
16… Helen Hollenbaugh,
Alex Wieneke
18… Michael McDaniel
20… Elois Duff
21… Pat Bowman
25… Debbie Taylor
26… Don Beasley
27… Gene Keister
28… Nicole Kidd
29… Bob Duffey
30… Evelyn Hudson
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