Pastor’s Reflections
A Word to the Wise
“If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one.”
These are the words of Jesus, from Matthew 18. More than 35 years ago I was assigned those words, along with a few other verses from that chapter, to analyze very carefully. It was the first assignment for my first New Testament class of my first year in seminary.
I studied hard. I looked up every other instance where Jesus might have said something similar. I looked up places in the rest of the Bible where similar issues are addressed, and where they were addressed in other Jewish teachings. I was afraid I’d miss something. But in the end, I came to the conclusion that Jesus was not saying something mysterious or with any kind of double meaning. Nor was he saying anything terribly original. It was straightforward advice, a word to the wise, from an excellent rabbi, a teacher of how to live out the law. That’s one valid way to look at Jesus by the way, as a wise rabbi helping people understand how to live with one another.
Basically what he said was this: We all get sinned against from time to time, we all feel violated by others. They break the law of good manners, or wrong us in some way, or do something we see as unethical, enough so that it truly upsets us. The trick is to go to that very person, and do so first, before we complain to anyone else, and try to work it out.
Easy, right?
I know I’m not alone when I say I hate going to the person herself or himself, and pointing out the fault. I’d much rather complain to a third party right away. Then I get to tell my side of the story without fear of contradiction. But Jesus didn’t want us to do that. He wanted us to seek reconciliation, to be honest. He didn’t want us to let it go and pretend for the sake of keeping the peace. Neither did he want us to bring everything to the attention of a leader or leaders. No, he wanted us all to take responsibility for moral behavior in the community of the faithful while at the same time dealing with one another as real human beings who must forgive and be forgiven.
I’ve never forgotten this first assignment in my first Bible class … which is not to say I’ve always abided by it. All too often I’ve complained to third parties. All too often I’ve ignored bad behavior because it seemed more comfortable. Yet from time to time I do try to go the person with whom I have a problem. I try to do so humbly, calmly, and treat the other person as I would want to be treated – innocent until proven guilty, and as a child of God. I’d like to say this has always worked out, but I can’t. Occasionally it seems to make matters worse. But often enough it leads to real reconciliation and real change. And sometimes it’s me who changes, since I find out the other person had reasons for their actions that hadn’t occurred to me.
One last bit of trivia I learned while researching this verse. It’s only in Matthew that the word “church” comes out of Jesus mouth, and only in this chapter. This makes it very significant advice in my view, something that should be taken very seriously in the community of believers. Jesus wanted us to live out the Gospel message of both “grace” and “truth.” Both forgiveness and truth-telling. Not an easy way to live, but if we manage it, we are the church Jesus intended.
Peace,
John
A Moment in Middletown Missions
Hope House Center for Women and Children, the “sister” organization to Hope House Center for Men, provides shelter for women and their children here in Middletown. The Center’s objective is to “help women to escape the bonds of addictive behaviors and homelessness by providing education, life skills, structured values, and a caring environment.” This will empower these women to successfully move into the mainstream of society.
“Hope House Center for Women and Children provides a safe, orderly, caring environment. Each woman’s self-esteem is fostered by positive relationships with Center Leaders, Teachers, Community Mentors, and Dedicated Volunteers. We strive to have them actively involved with our women’s learning process,” says Center Director, Melissa Schwarber.
Services at the Center include employment search assistance, housing search and application process, and wrap around services. Wrap around services take place after a client has graduated and received their housing. This provides individual comprehensive community services and support through networking. It is their objective to empower individuals and families to achieve and sustain independence and self-sufficiency. Clients will receive these services for up to six months.
Education classes are supported through the Center itself, Rescue Mission, Miami University, (CBI) The Salvation Army (Middletown), Middletown Community Foundation, Middletown City Schools, United Way and Middletown City School Adult Education.
Our $5 on the 5thoffering on Sunday, August 31 will be sent to the Hope House Center for Women and Children to support the wonderful programming they are providing. Please prayerfully consider giving $5 this month.
Submitted on behalf of the Missions Committee by Virginia Jenkins
Hospitality Team Meeting
If you currently serve in any area of hospitality or have an interest in getting involved in this area, please join Rev. Wagner for a team meeting on Sunday, September 21, after worship for about 20 minutes. If you are an Usher, Greeter, Hospitality Table Volunteer, or just like to help visitors feel welcome then this meeting is for you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the office (423-4629 or office@myfumc.net). We’re here to help you connect to this vital ministry.
Mark your calendar to attend:Sunday, September 21, after worship
Library Open House
September 7
See what’s new, what’s different and books/tapes to buy. We’re still in need of library workers; contact Anita Shew
Want To “GIVE Green?”
You can go paperless by setting up automatic giving on your credit/debit card. It’s confidential and simple, and can be set up for weekly, monthly or however you’d like and can be stopped at any time. Lots of members love it…some comments we’ve gotten are:
“Using the credit/debit card option means we don’t have to waste time writing checks and the office is so tactful with regard to our card. So, best scenario for us is more time to enjoy our retirement and save up air miles so we can fly to Arizona and Florida. We have never had any problem and, if necessary, could cancel at any time.” —Dee & Dave Young
“It is so convenient and saves time!” —Brenda Byrd
Contact the office for more information and to set up your “Green Giving” this week!
The Family Project In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
Les and I have been involved with a group at our church which is called the Family Project. It was started when some missionaries became aware of local children in dire need of food, clothing, and general care from adults! It turned out that many of these children had parents who just didn’t know how to properly take care of them. Some of the parents had struggles with alcohol, and others didn’t make much money (if any) and didn’t know how to prepare nutritious, inexpensive meals for their kids.
Cool new trousers!
The goal of this group (which soon came to include members of the Nepali church here in Tansen) is to teach the parents how to care for their children, while helping to provide needed assistance with school fees, clothing, and food.
Girls show off new dresses
One of the church families has these needy families actually live with them to help them learn how to prepare meals, and to care for their children better – thus strengthening the family structure. There have been successes, and failures.
One family has struggled for a long time – and after much attempted help is still finding life difficult. It became even worse recently when the husband died after an alcoholic binge. The mom is now responsible for 3 young children. Please pray for the mom and kids – and for us as we try to help support this woman and to help her find a way to take care of her family and to someday help support themselves.
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.
After Four Years on the Job at FUMC: An Outsider’s Perspective
I was blessed when you chose me four years ago this July, among many qualified candidates seeking to become your office manager. I am thankful to Pastor Dean and the SPRC for seeing something in me that seemed to be a fit for this congregation. As a member of another church, and not a United Methodist, I was hoping they were right… and I truly believe they were!
It amazes me that although I don’t worship with you on Sundays regularly, I can look at the attendance and see that I know at least three-fourths of you personally. The reason I have gotten to know so many of you is that you are a congregation that serves. You serve the church and this community with your time, your talents and your resources. Statistically speaking, the number of people who volunteer at First Church is amazing. A quick internet search says that 57% of U.S. adults haven’t volunteered in the past 12 months and 28% have never volunteered, according to an article on ChurchDevelopment.com from February 16, 2012. Well, you all blow those stats out of the water – you should be proud.
As a member of a non-denominational church I wondered what it would be like to serve in a UMC. I have become educated about John Wesley and the history of Methodism, but what I can testify about is that Methodists love Jesus and want to serve the people He loves, just like the rest of us Christians out there in other churches. I have been encouraged by your authentic faith, as a church and individually. My faith has grown since I have been here and I attribute part of that to First UMC, this staff and the volunteers I have grown to know and love.
I have served as a paid church staff member since 1999, which means I’ve served several pastors, music ministers and with various secretaries. Never have I had so much fun at work and yet accomplished so much as a team. Each person on your staff knows their gifting and gives it their all, while at the same time always pulls together to get the work of the ministry done excellently (and with joy!) That is rare and I enjoy getting to be part of that.
I have coined a phrase that Rev. Wagner seems to like called “Kingdom dollars.” Those are the financial gifts you give to the church. I would like to affirm you in your generosity and giving. Your “Kingdom dollars” are used wisely here—every dollar is considered carefully and used to make the most impact. You may not always be the one to see the fruit, but trust that the Lord blesses your faithfulness and there is a harvest. Your faith is not without works—you are doing a lot of good in Jesus’ name.
I just want to say, “Good job, everybody. Keep it up!” I’m proud to get to be a part of what you are doing here in your corner of the earth—it’s Kingdom work and you are blessed for it. I look forward to the future with you!
Blessings,
Jaime Albaugh
Office Manager
Music Notes by Mary Ellen Clinard
Our Inter-generational Choir
The dynamics of the Temple Choir have changed over the last few years. In the past we have had an adult choir, a youth choir, and a children’s choir. Within the youth choir, because many of our youth were also good musicians, they wanted to sing more challenging music, but the music they were interested in singing required a larger group. A couple of our older youth were already singing in both the Adult and Youth choir and seemed to prefer the repertoire of the Adult Choir, so we invited the youth to sing with the Temple Choir.
What happened over a period of time was an enriching experience for both our Youth and Adults. The younger singers bring an energy and freshness to our rehearsals and Sunday morning worship. Our seasoned singers are able to mentor and guide the youth who have had limited choral experience.
This Spring, I asked for volunteers who would like to work on ‘Miserere’, a Holy Week classic from the 1600’s. Many of our singers were youth! We will be working on other specialty “small groups” in the fall. These youth enjoy a broad range of music and are also instrumentalists at school. We are blessed to be able to mentor these young people and instill in them the importance of a community of faith, church family, and intergenerational dependence and respect. We are also blessed to have choir members who are receiving them with open arms and are guiding them in all aspects of their lives as they begin to share other areas of their lives with us. The blending of these groups has ministered to all of us in unexpected ways—undoubtedly the work of the Spirit among us!
Questions?
Contact Mary Ellen
First Friday Concert Series 2014
AUGUST 1 THE DEDICATION BAND
Experience what music was like in Colonial America with costumed performers using instruments authentic to the period. Back by popular demand from 2013!
SEPTEMBER 5 THE BRANDON COLEMAN QUARTET
A preminent jazz guitarist and master-class instructor, Coleman brings his brand of jazz fusion to the line-up in September. Lots of crazy indie stuff going on here, but one of the hottest modern jazz groups in the Cincy-Louisville area. Expand your musical mind!
This concert series wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Middletown Community Foundation, the Miriam G. Knoll Charitable Foundation, The Barnitz Fund 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
Highview Happenings
Annual Open House Cookout
for Student & Family Orientation
Monday, August 11
Approx. 5:00pm
We need volunteers to:
- Purchase food & drinks
- Set Up
- Grill/Prep & Serve Food
- Clean Up
Please contact the church office to sign up to help with this family-friendly ministry event!
Being the Hands & Feet of Christ
Please remember in your prayers the outreach ministries of FUMC, the volunteers that make these ministries possible and the people whose lives are hopefully changed for the better because of them. If anyone feels led to help with any of these ministries or wants to know more about them, please contact the church office at 513-423-4629. These ministries include:
Whiz Kids, Breakfast Club, Food Pantry, Hispanic Ministry, Highview Ministry, SHALOM, and more
These all provide opportunities for us to be the hands and feet of Christ in our community. Thank you!
August Birthdays
1 Pat Beasley, Debbie Boonstra, John Tack, Stuart Wilson
2 Ann Beck, Imogene Orts, Ken Tucker
3 Dudley Inwood
4 Debbie Hazelbaker
9 Steve Urso
11 Melvin Motley
12 Linda Snyder
13 Bev Urso
14 Jennifer Host, Edna Palmer
17 Tammy Rosenbaum
19 Charles Orth
20 Karol King
21 Jane Kern, Joyce Parella
23 Martha Swank
26 Evelyn Breytspraak, Kathleen Darling, Cheryl Irwin
27 Helen Converse
28 Mary Katherine Cook, Bill Schaefer, Sue Wittman
29 Louise Goforth, Lee Mendenhall