Lost in Love
By Rev. John Wagner
I ran into Bud at the nursing home, just as he was stepping out of his wife’s room. I recognized him – we’d met sometime back, and I recalled our nice conversation, and that he was very focused on caring for his wife. I had not yet met her, however, and he was eager to introduce me. She was lying there on the bedspread, fully dressed, eyes opened but unfocused, a slight, fine featured woman. I spoke to her, and although she moved a little at the sound of my voice, she was not really aware she had company. Bud told me she was this way most of the time.
We sat and talked, and he told me about his life. He told me he spent most of every day making sure she got the best care, and he also wanted to be around for those moments when she would become more alert, and they could have something like a conversation. There was some sadness in his voice, and I wondered how often he took stock of his situation. He seemed lonely, and I felt bad for him. I asked him about the holidays, and he said they were like any other days.
But then his wife perked up a bit. It happened as I was praying for her. She thanked me, and when I asked how she was doing she said, “I’m doing quite well.” Then she looked over at Bud, gave him a smile, then drifted away again.
Bud saw me to the door, and then looked back at his wife lying on the bed and said, “I’d do this all over again. I’d marry her all over again.” The way he said it, and the way he was looking at her – I was convinced this was not just a care giver trying to talk himself into something. This was how he genuinely felt. For him, this tiny woman was as beautiful and precious as when he’d first met her. He was truly smitten, and at that moment had absolutely no reservations or regrets about his life.
I don’t know if I’d call Bud happy or sad in any conventional sense. He seemed to have moved beyond transitory feelings. He certainly was not thinking about himself a whole lot. The best words I can think of to describe him are “lost in love.”
As I walked back down the hall of the nursing home I began to wonder; do I have this capacity for selflessness? Do I have this much love in me, to give myself over to a quiet and nearly unnoticed devotion to another human being? At this point in my life I have to admit I am rather ambitious. There are certain things I want very much to accomplish in this world, and my successes and failures occupy much of my thinking. I want it all to mean something, to count for something. I want self respect, and also some recognition.
But there is also a part of me that envies Bud. I wouldn’t know exactly how to do it, but sometimes I think I really want to get off this road I’m on, and lose myself. Then maybe I’d find something else.
We’re starting a new year, and we are setting new goals for ourselves, our families, our outside activities – including our church. This is a good thing, no question. We must keep trying to make a difference.
And yet, I’m also coming to believe that even as we are called to grab hold of life, we also called to let go. To lose ourselves in love of something beyond ourselves. I believe this is God working in us, moving us into something deeper and more profound. One way or another, we are all heading in that direction. This is a good thing, too.
My New Year’s wish for you and for myself is both of these; that we adopt some clear and ambitious goals for ourselves, our church and our community … but that we also heed God’s continuous call into a deeper life, whatever that may be.
Peace,
John Wagner
2013 Pledge Update
The New Covenant of Faithfulness Campaign has been a success so far! To date we have received 121 financial commitments totaling $310,896. Thanks to all of you who have made this possible. We are blessed beyond belief!
Respectfully, Mike Snyder
Pledge Campaign Chairman
SHALOM Homeless Ministry Update
Homeless Shelter will be open December 2, 2012—March 23, 2013
Serving the Homeless with Alternate Lodging Of Middletown is in full swing again this winter thanks to the faithful volunteers, churches and donations that support this program to keep those less fortunate off the street during the coldest weeks of the year. There have been as many as 18 guests per night already.
We have successfully hosted one week at FUMC, and we will again the last week of the season. This ministry is not possible without your time, talents and generosity. See John Tack if you have questions or would like to get more involved.
Highview Partnership Ministry Highlights
After a strong start to the school year with the Day Camp, Open House/Cook-out, back-to-school treats, helping with conferences and Honor Roll assembly, we are now looking forward to the second annual supply drive for Highview staff and students.
We have exciting news to report. After reviewing our grant application for Highview Partnership and its purposes and ministry, we received a grant from Ohio River Valley District. These funds are to be used for specific purposes in this ministry. The grant will partially fund many of the plans we have made for 2013, though not fully. Your support will be vital for this outreach to continue to be a success.
Now that the holiday rush has slowed down, please keep the supply drive project in mind. We will have requests from Highview for soon which will provide everyone with opportunities to contribute. Last year, this was a very successful project and greatly appreciated by the staff at Highview.
MidPointe Library says, “Thank You!”
The MidPointe Library wrote a letter to FUMC to thank you, along with the congregations of Second Baptist, St. Paul’s & Bethlehem Lutheran for the $300+ donation received from the offering collected at the Ecumenical Thanksgiving service. Their letter said:
We are honored to accept your gift and touched that our neighbors thought of the Library when selecting an organization to receive this donation.
The gift will be used to purchase books for our Youth Services Department, ensuring that our community’s children will benefit from your kindness. Your generosity is truly appreciated, not only by the MidPointe Library System, but by all that enjoy our collection.
Anita Carroll
Library Director
A Minute About Money
Please find your 2013 Offering Kit in your mailbox for your convenience in giving. If you did not receive a Kit and would like one, please contact the office and we’ll get one to you.
A Letter from Our District Superintendent
Dear First United Methodist Church,
I am deeply encouraged and want to congratulate you for achieving 100% in connectional giving for 2012. This means you have fulfilled what was asked for the missional needs of our Ohio River Valley District, the West Ohio Annual Conference and the United Methodist Church worldwide. You have shown faith that we can do together far more than we can ever do apart. This is the power of our connection with one another, and so on behalf of all those serving God though our church you have my heartfelt appreciation! And as your superintendent, and speaking for myself and our district staff, please know we are likewise always here to serve you,
In His Service,
Rev. Brian Brown
Ohio River Valley District
Hispanic Ministry Volunteers
First UMC has a wonderful group of volunteers ministering to children who have been coming with parents taking English and GED classes on weekday evenings. Many of you saw and heard these children as they sang for us last Sunday. Our volunteers work in pairs for 2 hours each month (Tuesday and/or Wednesday evenings 7-8:30) to welcome and encourage these children, all of who are bi-lingual. God has given us an amazing opportunity to reach out to these children and show the love of Jesus throughout the community. If you would like to be a part of this new ministry, please contact the office.
Thank you to our current volunteers: Susan Beagle, Carol Byrd, Vickie Frazer, David Hilton, Sue Jutte, Dee Markle, Shelley McDaniel, Dave & Patty McGraw, Katie & Laura McNeil, Alex Mills, Barb Orth, Rose Morgan, Becky Rutledge, Debbie Taylor and JoAnn Wagner.
Sunday School Classes Kicking Off 2013
From January until Lent we will change up our Sunday School program as we offer topical group studies at 9:00am; there will not be an opening session before classes begin each morning this time around. Here’s a list of the classes & meeting rooms:
- Music & Spirituality: Join Rev. David Hilton and Mary Ellen Clinard as we explore spiritual, emotional, and historical connections between music and worship. we will study different musical styles, songs of different faiths and denominations, and how music can transport us deeper into communion with God. This class will meet in the Chapel.
- Christianity, Cults & Religions: Join Barb Balsmeyer in the Otterbein Room. As Christians living in the 21st century, we are faced with increasing religious diversity. This study takes you beneatht he surface to shed light on what attracts and keeps people in religious groups.
- Youth Class: All teens are invited to join Rev. John Wagner and dig into topics relevant to them in the Bride’s Room.
Thank you & Congrats to Our 2013 Officers!
Lay Leader… Mary Maurer
Church Council… John Hoffman
Trustees… Harold Byrd
SPRC… Sally Jo Inwood
Finance… Ron McGuire
Investments… Tom Hazelbaker
Community Ministries… Patty McGraw
Education… TBD
Treasurer… Eugene Haney
Co-Treasure…r Gene Goecke
Lay Delegates… J.C. Shew & Anita Shew
UPDATE FROM NEPAL
“God’s Sense of Humor” In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
Yesterday our landlady came to say she was down to a couple of gallons of water at her house. We have been using our water carefully, so we still had about 750 liters in our roof tank, but the bottom 1000 liter tank was almost empty. Apparently, the drinking water supply people were fixing pipes, etc, and we hadn’t been getting water and probably wouldn’t get it for several days. So – we phoned and ordered a tanker of 1500 liters of water to be brought to our house. It has been very dry and dusty here – our humidity read about 35% yesterday. This morning we had a bit of rain – we hope the first of more winter rains. (Humidity up to 65%) Then – while I was in the shower, I heard the tractor with the water arrive! Not funny, God! (Les was at work and the landlady was already gone, too). I dressed quickly, and ran out to show the young men where to put our water. 
They filled our tanks, and left with 480 rupees (about $5.65). Our house helper did the laundry – and then the water came from the city! Ha, Ha – God is really “showering” us with blessings – and water – today! J May your 2013 be filled with God’s joy and blessings! Thanks for your prayers and your support!
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.
P.S. To see more photos and stories, please check our blog: http://dornonnepalmission.wordpress.com/
MUSIC NOTES by Mary Ellen Clinard, Director of Worship
Thank you to all the musicians who shared their talents with us this Christmas! From carolers to instrumentalists and singers to those who enthusiastically jingled the “jingle bells!” We are truly blessed to have so many who are willing to bring us closer to God through music!
UN-hanging of the Greens
Sunday, Jan 6 @ 2:00pm
The decorations were beautiful this year and so inspiring! But down they must come as we prepare for the new year! It’s not fun to pack it all away, but it WILL be fun to fellowship and spend the afternoon together. There will be healthy snacks available and it will all get done before you know it! Come and join us on Jan 6th. All ages invited! If you have any questions, please call Mary Ellen.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
Dates for all Musical Missionaries: We sing at the Woodlands (formerly Rittenhouse just north of the old hospital site on McGee St.) every 3rd Friday at 10:30 for about 25 minutes. ALL are invited to share in this special ministry—you don’t have to be in the choir to sing!
Community Ministries Corner
2012 Outreach Reflections
When the position of Director of Community Ministries was eliminated the end of May, the Community Ministries Council questioned how we would accomplish the outreach ministries to our neighborhood. With God’s help and many members of FUMC working together, we can report the ministries have continued and are doing well.
It’s exciting & encouraging to see how many we served last year…
- 4,021+ Breakfasts served at Breakfast Club
- 1308+ Pantry shopper visits
- 171 Emergency Food bags given out
- 160 Guests served at the Community Holiday Dinner
- 25 folding chairs donated to The Gathering
- Meals provided by UMW Circles to The Gathering
- 55+ gifts given through the Giving Tree
- 23 Families given Utility Assistance (total given $1, 029 with average of $48 per family)
- 6 Families given Rent Assistance (total given $585)
- 1 Family given Fuel Assistance (total given $10)
- 1 Family given a Food Gift Card (total given $100)
Kudos to all those who serve weekly in the Food Pantry, Emergency Food Pantry and Monday Breakfast Club. Many volunteers helped with the Harvest of the Heart Food Drive, the Giving Tree which gave gifts to children at The Gathering and Whiz Kids, the Holiday Food Baskets through Family Service, the Community Holiday Dinner and the Winter Wear Tree to benefit guests of SHALOM and other ministries during the winter months. God has blessed our efforts–thanks be to God. And all of you deserve a big THANKS, too!
First Friday Concert Series Returns for 2013
JANUARY 4 JIMMY ROGERS
Enjoy a new year of First Friday concerts beginning with Jimmy Rogers and his Honky-Tonk Blues piano. Just the thing to chase away the grey skies of winter! New schedules will be available so you can check out the musical offerings for the rest of the year.
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!
January Birthdays
2… Mindi Dickson
6… Sylvia Maynard
7… James Harris
8… Grace Morgan
10… Chris Urso
12… Bobby Beagle
14… Martha Smith
18… Jim Hogg
19… James Irwin
22… Pat Schaefer
23… Vikki Jones
25… Brett Dickson & Phyllis Lolli
26… Alex Mills
27… Walt Roehll
28… Andrew Youtsler
30… Shelby Rutledge & Carolyn Tucker
31… Dixie Davis