Pastor’s Reflections
Holy Land Learnings
In 2008 I went to the Holy Land. It was something I never expected to do, or even wanted to do. I’d heard enough about the way in which holy sites such as Jesus supposed birthplace in Bethlehem, and Golgotha, and much of Old Jerusalem itself had become so over laden with ornamentation they bore no resemblance to the picture we get from the Bible. I’d also heard the tours were so quick that instead of “walking where Jesus walked” the tourists felt like they were actually running most of the time. This didn’t appeal to me, and I never signed up.
But I was given the opportunity to go when Bishop Judy Craig fell ill. She had been intending to go, then teach a class at the United Methodist Women’s Summer School of Mission at Ohio Northern. I was asked to go in her place as well as teach the class. My way was paid, so I went.
This trip changed my life.
Yes, I did sometimes run where Jesus walked. The holy sites were indeed gold and jewel encrusted, and this detracted from their significance in my mind. But then I got to go to the Sea of Galilee. It was very natural, mostly free from modern buildings and tourist traps. Space does not permit me to really go into it, but it was a deeply moving experience. Jesus had been here – this very place. The hills surrounding us were where he prayed. I felt close to him in a way I’d never known before. It was amazing, and this feeling has stayed with me to this day.
Then I met some people from the Holy Land. A Muslim man named Bassom who had been a “terrorist,” spent time in an Israeli prison, befriended his Israeli jailor, and with his help started an organization called “Ex-Combatants for Peace.” I met a retired Lieutenant in the Israeli army who had also become a peacemaker, and challenged us to do the same. I stayed in the home of a Catholic priest, a Palestinian, who told me of the heartache of his own people, yet knew more about the Nazi Holocaust than I did. He’d even visited Auschwitz.
When I returned, I decided that working for peace in the Middle East was a true calling for me. I’ve helped to start a United Methodist organization dedicated to finding a genuine solution.
This coming August 7th and 8th, at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church just north of Dayton, there will be a conference entitled “Walking with Palestinian Christians.” I’d like as many of you as possible to sign up. I helped to put this together, and it will assemble a unique collection of speakers and experts from around the world, including many prominent Evangelicals like Mike Slaughter himself, pastor of Ginghamsburg – the 4th largest United Methodist church in the US, and Lynn Hybels, co-founder of Willow Creek Church, the 3rd largest church of any kind in the US. Also speaking is my good friend Alex Awad, the Dean of Bethlehem Bible College and a long-time United Methodist missionary. Here is the web site address: ginghamsburg.org/palestineconference . The phone number for the church is 937-667-1069, and it located at 6759 South County Road, 25A, Tipp City, Ohio 45371 – it’s just north of the Dayton airport.
I know many of you have already visited the Holy Land and Palestine – most recently Tom and Chris Buchert and Scott and Terry Hines – but I think you folks will still find this fascinating. There will be a genuine Middle Eastern dinner on Thursday evening, and lots of new friends to be made and stories to share.
I have some brochures that describe the conference further, but I think this will be a bit like going to the Holy Land itself – an unexpected blessing. I hope you can come.
Peace,
John Wagner
“Weird Animals” VBS—July 20-24
“Where Jesus’ love is One-of a-Kind”
Hello everyone! Our Vacation Bible School is taking shape! We are so blessed to be working with all of you as you have responded to God’s call for this important mission to the Kingdom: Be a child and have fun! We have had several volunteer meetings and everyone is on board by either being in charge of one of a station or just by being there to support this event in various ways needed.
An update on the decorations for the stage: It is finished! You will get to see it on Sunday, July 20. Don’t feel “weird” that day; it is part of the plan! Remember, the cookout will be at 2:00 on Sunday and VBS will start at 4:00pm. The children’s director from The Gathering and some of their volunteers will be part of the First UMC Crew. They have invited their kids to be part of this program throughout the week of July 20-24… we are living God’s Word from Psalm 133:1“Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
We are still working on details such as getting volunteers to help us set up all the decorations on Saturday, July 19 starting at 1PM. (If you feel impressed by this need, that means you need to be here to help 🙂 We also need volunteers on Friday morning, July 25 to take down the decorations to have them ready for another church to pick up for their VBS.
Thank you for your support! All “Weird animals” volunteers ask for your prayers.
For more info or to get involved, please contact:
Henry or Dani through the Church Office (513-423-4629)
God bless you!
—VBS Team
Hispanic Ministry at First UMC
We are so blessed to share with you about the Hispanic/Latino ministry here at First UMC. We had 10 students graduate last September. Some are working in the community and others are pursuing a degree in college. In the spring we received a grant from the Magee Christian Education Fund to help with expenses. This year we have 18 active students taking classes and working hard to graduate this September.
Through this ministry many of the students that graduated were granted the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (aka DACA), a program approved by President Obama in 2012 that allows them to have a legal work authorization.
Folgosos with two other families after receiving DACA certificates
Besides the school program, we started visiting the families to create stronger relationships in order to set a foundation for Bible studies. We also participated in a health awareness class taught by a community program from the Ohio State University. A group of families including Dani and I graduated and got a nice certificate.
It is such a blessing to be part of First UMC for its willingness to reach out to our Hispanic/Latino brothers and sisters. A big thank you to ALL the volunteers that help care for the children while their parents were taking classes; you ROCK!!! We still need volunteers to help with the children and also to help teach Math and English. We have more students registered to begin classes August 12. Classes are on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 6:30pm. For more info on volunteering in any way, please contact the office.
Thank you for all your help,
Henry Folgoso &
Dani Ortega de Folgoso
New Adult Sunday School Class: “The Holy Spirit”
Johnny Schmitt, the former pastor of Faith United Methodist Church here in Middletown, will be our guest teacher for 6 sessions starting Sunday, July 6 and going until August 10. Johnny is the excellent and experienced teacher who helped frame our two sessions with Rabbi Bernie Barsky in May.
His classes on the biblical and experiential understanding of the Holy Spirit will include short videos and small group discussion. Please make every effort to attend.
Classes will start in the Chapel promptly at 9am and end at 10.
“Scorecard”
| 5/31/2013 | 5/31/2014 | |
| Tithes/Offerings | $186,450 | $203,649 |
| Total Expenses | $171,840 | $162,180 |
| Net Income | $14,610 | $41,469 |
The “scorecard” above indicates our progress through May 2014 for giving. It also shows the results of our efforts to keep expenses down. We are entering the summer months which historically result in reduced giving due to vacations and travel. We appreciate your efforts in support of God’s work.
Did you know you can use your debit or credit card for one-time or automatic recurring giving? Several members do this and love the ease and convenience. Please call the office for more information.
Ron McGuire,
Finance Chair
See What‘s New at Your Church Library And Feed Your Soul
Continuing our celebration of Pentecost, consider these selected lines from Joyce Rupp’s prayers, poems and reflections from Out of the Ordinary:
- “May the warmth of Spirit’s fire be extended through your concern and care for all those who need your love.”
- “May the strength of Spirit’s love sustain your hope as you enter the pain of this world.”
- “May the steady flame of Spirit’s goodness within you convince you every day of the power of your presence with others.” (from Blessing for Pentecost)
Thanks to suggestions from Mary Lois Hilton, we have added this and other new UMW books to the library. Thanks especially to Rev. David Hilton for a very generous donation of 16 of his collection of books by and about renowned spiritual writer, Henri Nouwen.
Also among the new UMW selections are Break the Cycle: Healing from an Abusive Relationship and the Dressmaker of Khair Khana (large print, gift of Marcy Andrews).
And, save the date September 7 for the Library Open House. See what’s new, what’s different and books/tapes to buy. We’re still in need of library workers; contact Anita Shew (513-424-4734).
Beauty from Ashes In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
We’ve been back in Nepal for 2 weeks now – jet lag is finally over and the busy-ness of the hospital is keeping us from missing you all too much! We had a wonderful visit back to the U.S. and so enjoyed being at church a couple of Sundays – we can’t tell you how much your love and support means to us! Thank you for the encouragement you gave to us which helps us through difficult times here in Nepal!
Fresh green shoots of grass emerging from burnt soil
Recently, we took a short weekend visit to Chitwan with a Nepali family with whom we have been friends for many years. It was a great time to relax with Ganesh and Laxmi and their 2 daughters. While we were hiking through the jungle (looking for tigers, rhinos, and other interesting sights!) I came upon some patches of ground which had been burned. As I looked more closely, I could see fresh green shoots of grass coming up through the blackened soil. It reminded me of the way God brings new life in our lives when all seems dead. And how he brings beauty from the ashes in situations which seem hopeless. The bright color of the green contrasted so sharply with the black earth – it was a good lesson for me. Thank God for His gift of new beginnings! (Please pray for Ganesh and his family that they would come to new life in Christ.)
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.
Music Notes by Mary Ellen Clinard
Musical Offerings
Music for Worship this summer is filled with the talented musicians of our congregation sharing their gifts with us on Sunday mornings. Throughout July we will have a variety of pianists, instrumentalists, duets, and ensembles. What a blessing to have the gift of music shared with us in this way!
First Friday
July will re-start our First Friday artist series in the back hallway of the church after several months of empty walls. Our July artist will be a paper architect who creates small 3-D buildings from a single sheet of paper.
In August we will enjoy the art of Alice Stranksy, a local Middletown artist. If you know of an artist that would enjoy sharing their work with us, please let me know.
Don’t Forget!
Our church sings at the Woodlands every 3rd Friday at 10:30! You don’t need to be in the choir to enjoy this musical outreach. We sing old favorites both sacred and secular. Books are provided. We GUARANTEE you will know these songs and have a great time interacting with the residents!
First Friday Concert Series 2014
JULY 11* US, TODAY (Concert scheduled July 11thto observe July 4th holiday.)
No, that’s not a typo! A band as unique as it’s name uses guitar, drums, and vibraphone in an avant-garde blend of jazz, rock, and minimalism. Described by CityBeat in Cincinnati as “redirecting the parameters of experimental jazz.”
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!
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
Our Annual Open House Cookout for the beginning of the school year will be held Monday, August 11 (probably around 5:00pm).
We’ll 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!
One GIANT Print Bible
Recently a couple came in and asked for emergency food (that is a one-time sack of non-perishable foods provided by your donations). I followed procedure, gave the couple their bag with a “God bless you” and they were very thankful. But then the gentleman said, “I have an odd request for you… would you happen to have a Giant Print Bible you could give me?” With enthusiasm I told him to wait while I looked for one.
Now, I’ve never heard of a Giant print Bible, only large print, so I was just hoping I could find one of those among our stacks of available Bibles. As I headed to the Asbury Room I said a quick prayer.
You won’t believe what I found! The first Bible I found on the shelf said right on the spine, “Giant Print New King James Holy Bible!” I told the man ‘ask and ye shall receive’ then invited him to Sunday School and Worship.
God truly provides.
—Jaime Albaugh, Office Manager
July Birthdays
1 Mike Snyder, Veronica Warren
2 Debbie Dornon
3 Don Burley, Scott Hines
4 John Foy, Gene Goecke, Dani Ortega de Folgoso
6 Dan Hausman
8 Debbie Ellis
10 Sam Burnett
13 Virginia Barber
15 Jeff Caldwell
16 Barb Balsmeyer
18 Gwenn Lewis
19 Elizabeth Williams
20 Kyle Wilson
21 Gene Haney
22 Frank Richmond, Noah Rogers
23 Gene Schaefer
25 Austin Jutte
26 Chris Buchert
27 Sheila Crowe
29 Betty Moles
30 Fred Parrella
31 Lee Bachelor