Pastor’s Reflections
“Everything is Fine”
It was a Sunday. I got to church before most had arrived, but certainly not all. Those who have special responsibilities, and those who just like to get places early, greeted me. They asked me how I am doing. “Fine,” I said, “I’m doing just fine.” They ask about my father, who has been ill, and ask about my own health since I’ve had some kind of bronchitis, and I say there has been improvement on both counts. Then I ask them how they are doing, and they tend to say the same thing — “I’m fine. Doing just fine. Thanks for asking.”
But I know they and others in our church are not doing so well in some cases. I know about their illnesses and loved ones who are ill, loved ones who have died, loved ones who have departed in other ways. I know something about family discord, money problems, mental health issues, crushing career disappointments. I am aware that “fine, I’m doing just fine” does not always mean what we’d think it might mean. And yet, I hear it all the time.
Why is that? Where does that response come from?
Many people, including critics of religion, would have a name for it. They call it denial — which in the language of psychology means we are pretending things aren’t as bad as they seem. They might say religion in particular is part of a “system of denial”; that all our talk of heaven and miracles, and our use of expressions such as “God has a plan” is an unconscious attempt to remove ourselves from reality. They have a point. Sometimes religion does function that way — it can be used as an escape from our problems, and the problems of the world. But nearly every other ideology or philosophy can also serve that function. The fact is we humans are adept at finding projects, distractions and techniques to mentally remove ourselves from pain. I just finished a novel about a beekeeper who shuts out every problem in his life by focusing on the hive and keeping the bees happy, and therefore allows those who care about him to suffer. In the end, his denial is his undoing.
I do think it’s important to remember that our religion can lead us into denial, but that’s not what I perceive when people at church tell me they are just fine. What I get from them is courage. They know, and I know, that their difficulties have not suddenly vanished. But in God’s house, on a Sunday morning, they are taking the route of faith, and this faith gives them courage. It also gives me courage.
When I prepare a sermon, and when I preach, I am trying to connect with something real in life, something that matters, that worries people. But then I also want to ask for faith. I want us all to leave with a sense that God cares and is working in our lives and in the lives of those around us. I have to say, these last few Sundays, I feel I am getting at least as much from you folks as you are getting from me on that score. It’s almost as if the church is this great repository of faith and courage. We come and deposit what we can of our own faith and courage, and then, when we especially need it, we take some of it back home with us.
I can’t think of anything more important.
This seems like an endlessly repeated pitch of mine, but I always mean it: Invite those you know to come to church. This can be a place where people learn to live lives that face reality with hope, where “everything is fine” does not sound false, but brave and faithful. A wonderful place we all need.
John Wagner
The “Trust the Future” Campaign
I am so pleased to say that the “Trust the Future” campaign seems to have been very successful. Our goal was to raise $300,000 pledged over a three-year period, and at this writing it appears we are well within sight of that goal. The money will be used as we said it would be — for some capital improvements; repairs to the organ; programming and pastoral needs for children, youth and the homebound; and for our new Hispanic ministry. Those who contributed not only appear to trust that our church has a future, but have shown trust in our present lay leadership.
I want to thank Dr. Mark Frazer and John Hoffman, our co-chairs, for their steadfast guidance of this project, and also the members of the Administrative Council, Board of Trustees, Investment Committee and others who have given their time and hope to this effort. I’m sure they would in turn want to thank all of you for your faithful response. Good job, First United Methodist! Well done!
John Wagner
West Ohio Annual Conference
The annual conference of West Ohio United Methodists will be held June 7 through 10 at Lakeside, Ohio. I will be in attendance, along with Dee and David Young, our lay delegate and alternate delegate. Mary Maurer, our lay leader, will also be in attendance representing the Ohio River Valley district.
There will be around three thousand United Methodists gathering to review our missions, vote on a conference budget, receive an offering for the Imagine No Malaria campaign (for which FUMC has raised over $400 since last year’s Annual Conference), ordain new people into ministry, remember those who have died and, this year, elect representatives to the General Conference being held in Portland, Oregon in 2016. This gathering of United Methodists from around the world is held every four years and makes major decisions for our denomination. The key issues at General Conference 2016 will include a decision on whether or not to change our rules on full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons in our denomination, as well as an issue I am very involved with — taking actions for peace and justice in the Holy Land.
Both Dee and I are running for General Conference — we will let you know what happens. Please pray for all the people in attendance.
John Wagner
Summer Work Day
Let’s make work fun! It’s time for some belated “spring” cleaning at FUMC. Please join us in July (date TBD) to help us tackle our “to-do” list of indoor and outdoor tasks. We will be organizing and cleaning various rooms throughout the building, as well as doing some yardwork. Lunch will be provided.
A sign-up sheet will soon be posted in the foyer. Please sign-up, or contact the church office, Greg Cooper or Mary Ellen Clinard to volunteer.
God’s Protecting Hands
Vehicle from Tansen off the road
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
What can we write about this month except the earthquakes in Nepal? Even though we have been here in the U.S., it feels as if our lives have been shaken along with our friends, family and colleagues who are actually “on the ground” in Nepal. Our hearts are torn — as we love being here and seeing friends and family, but we are also concerned for and wanting to help in Tansen.
First — thanks so much for your outpouring of love and concern for us! We are so thankful that Hannah is safe and doing well, and that she is able to continue to teach at her school. We are also thankful for the news that the hospital is undamaged and continuing to run as before — the needs were great when we left, and we know that they will only continue to increase.
Here is a short story from Tansen that probably won’t make the news: “Last week members of the Tansen Church community were on the way to one village to give food supplies to the earthquake victims. It turned out that Jeep was loaded to more than its capacity with people and supplies (rice, oil, lentils etc). As it was climbing up a hill, the jeep slid back and fell down the hill. By God’s grace, the jeep was stopped and supported by a strong tree and then the church leaders could escape. Pushpa and her husbands were in too. Except for three people (including Pushpa’s husband as he has stitches on both hands) all are fine. We all can see God’s protecting hands over our church leaders. Praise God!” (Roshan Kharel, dentist and church elder in Tansen)
Thanks for your continued prayers!
In Him,
लेस (Les) and देबी (Debbie)
P.S. To see more photos and stories, please check our blog: 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
Psinging the Psalms this Psummer
Rev. Wagner is encouraging us to delve deeper into the writings of the Psalms during worship this summer. As part of our summer worship experience, the congregation will be singing responsively as a leader speaks or sings a phrase of the chosen psalm for the day. We read a portion and, as indicated by the red “R” in our hymnals, we will sing a response. We have done this frequently in our worship but not regularly. In some denominations, it has been done this way each Sunday for hundreds and hundreds of years!
So why do we sing the Psalms? The word “psalm” means “sacred song or poem.” John Calvin noted that the Psalms contain every possible human emotion. They do, indeed, express the greatest contrasts of joy and pain, fear and confidence, tragedy and triumph. Attributed mostly to King David, the Psalms are still as relevant today as in ancient Bible times. It is while we sing the Psalms, that we recognize that God is with us in our darkness as well as our light. In our good times as well as challenging times. We hope you will be moved closer to a relationship with God as you experience the Psalms, the first “hymnal” of our faith.
First Friday Concert Series 2015
JUNE 5 | VIVA LA STRINGS
This ensemble is new to our series. So many people had heard them perform in other venues, our office was flooded with glowing recommendations as a perfect match for our First Friday concerts. A polished string quartet + perfect acoustics equals another glowing recommendation! Classical and popular favorites will delight and satisfy.
JULY 3 | TOM WHITE
Tom returns with his lush piano stylings of Broadway tunes, love songs, and sacred melodies. And if that’s not enough, he’s planning a special tribute to our country with patriotic favorites and a salute to our military. Wear some red, white, and blue and celebrate the USA’s birthday party in style!
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
Shalom Summer Assistance Program
After a brief recess, the Shalom office reopened on May 5 to assist people with IDs, birth certificates and delinquent expenses. There are five volunteers who meet each Tuesday to keep this ministry in operation.
Farewell & Thank You
The Pantry had a farewell / thank you party for Pat Beasley and her husband, Don, on May 26. Cake and punch were served to CMC members, staff, volunteers and Pantry shoppers. Pat has put in many hours of hard work as Pantry Coordinator. All who work with the Pantry are very grateful for her service to our church and community.
First Church Graduates
On May 17, 2015, we recognized high school and college graduates from our congregation. We also want to honor the graduates in your families who are out-of-state. Congratulations to all!
High School Graduates
Jeff Clinard, son of Stan and Mary Ellen Clinard, Middletown High School. Attending University of Oklahoma in the fall.
Brett Dickson, son of Jeff and Mindi Dickson, Middletown High School. Attending Ohio University in the fall.
Dominique Dunfee, daughter of Theresa Dunfee, Middletown High School. Attending Bowling Green University in the fall.
McKenzie Harris, daughter of Jeff and Jennifer Harris and granddaughter of Don and Pat Beasley, Eaton High School and Miami Valley Career Technology Center. Attending Wittenberg University in the fall.
Alexandra Mills, daughter of Mark and Sandy Mills, Middletown High School. Pursuing a career working with animals.
Cody Shell, friend of McKenzie Harris, Miamisburg High School and Miami Valley Career Technology Center. Working in construction/heavy equipment.
Bailey Staderman, great-granddaughter of Bob and Becky Rogers, Scott High School (Taylor Mills, KY).
College Graduates
Andrew Clinard, son of Stan and Mary Ellen Clinard, B.A., Wright State University. Continuing at Wright State to begin graduate studies in Public History.
Jessica Hatton, granddaughter of Kathy Wright, University of Cincinnati College of Pharmacy.
Jacob McIntosh, grandson of Bob and Becky Rogers, Liberty University (Lynchburg, VA).
June Birthdays
2 Braden Dickson
3 Mavene Atkinson, Andrea Jutte
4 Jaime Albaugh
6 Carolyn Callis
8 David Chivington, Larry Fillnow
11 Harold Byrd, David Hilton
13 Johnny Bealge, Charles Morgan
14 Catherine Brown
17 Shirley Fultz, Katey Shepperd
19 Leah Hogg
21 Glendon Markle
23 Dot Wieneke
24 Mary Alice Foy, Carole Jackson, Anne Sander
26 Dede Day, Aleta Truesdell
27 Justin Frazer, Norm Harsh
28 Katie McNeil
29 Tom Hazelbaker, Wilberta Schaefer
30 Susan Duff