Pastor’s Reflections
Something Deeper
Before she went back to work my wife would occasionally turn on an afternoon soap opera, just for some company. If I was home I’d sometimes find myself watching it too, but I didn’t watch for very long. I’d eventually get too irritated at the inertia of the characters, their “stuckness” in their personal problems. They’d talk on and on, over and over, about difficulties with spouses or friends or children or jobs, and all their various jealousies or resentments. There was never any real resolution, never any way out, never any going anywhere. Even the doctors, whom you’d think would have some professional responsibilities, never seemed to practice actual medicine but would talk and complain about this or that personal situation all day long. Their lives seemed a kind of hell, like being on some human hamster wheel expending all this energy and never getting anywhere.
Sometimes I would shout out loud, “Why don’t you people just go to church?” JoAnn can testify that I actually said this. I meant it then and still mean it.
Friends, I admit going to church is not the perfect solution to every problem. I admit it doesn’t strictly equate to a relationship with Christ, and I suppose for some people it can even be an escape, and for still others a kind of soap opera all its own – Lord knows some churches are just that. But for most us church is where we get out of our own heads, out of our own endless loops, and start thinking about others and about God, and that’s usually a very healthy thing. I strongly recommend it and suggest you recommend it, too.
The season of re-examination and renewal we call Lent is fast approaching. It starts with Ash Wednesday, this year on March 5, and lasts for forty days. Often it’s during this time of year that people once again consider going to church. They have come to suspect they really are on a kind of hamster wheel, possibly going nowhere, and are in fact longing for something more meaningful for themselves and their loved ones. They are, in other words, open to trying something new.
If you encounter such persons, please consider saying something like this:
“You know, this may not be the answer for you, but I find I get something out of going to church. The people are not perfect, the sermon isn’t always on target, and sometimes I do wish I’d slept in … but for the most part I get a lot out of being with other people who care, who are trying to make a difference. They are searching for something deeper and more significant, and it helps me to be around people like that. If you’d like to try it sometime, let me know, we can go together. No obligation.”
Like I said, church attendance in and of itself is not the be all end all. We all have to keep growing, and if you already attend church, think about adding something else that might bring God more fully into your life. I will be attempting to fast the first week of Lent. I have done this before, and have some health guidelines I follow, so I’m not too worried abut it … but I like company. If you’d like to try it, let me know, and I can explain how I’ve found it to be meaningful and safe. Same goes for any other discipline you may wish to try — regular devotions, a service opportunity, small group Bible study. Talk to me or someone you trust, and take the next step toward a deeper faith.
I consider Lent a time for us to challenge ourselves, challenge others, come to grips with God’s love and purpose for our lives. It can also be fun and refreshing. Let’s consider a happy and holy Lent this year.
–John
Adult Sunday School During Lent
We have asked persons on our church staff to help us with our Lenten Study.
Please join us in the Chapel each Sunday at 9:00am
- March 9, Henry Folgoso: “Lent as a Christian Tradition: Answering Your Questions”
- March 16, Debbie Taylor: “Our Ministry to the Poor: What Can or Should be Given?”
- March23, Mary Ellen Clinard : “The Story of Christ Expressed in Music”
- March30, Dani Ortega de Folgoso: “Sharing the Sacred Story with Children”
- April 6, Greg Cooper: “The Church Building as a Gift from God: How is it Being Used and Cared For?”
- April 13, John Wagner : “The Cross and its Meaning”
Choralfest 2014
FUMC is one of nine children’s choirs participating in Choralfest on March 8th at Christ’s Church (Western Row Rd) in Mason. The children are there all day practicing, meeting new friends, and even folk-dancing. The guest director, Mark Patterson, is a prolific writer of children’s anthems; in fact all the pieces sung that day have been composed or arranged by him.
This year’s participants are Savannah Albaugh, Erin Dyke, Isabella Folgoso-Ortega, and Mackenzie Rutledge. The worship service featuring the children singing is at 4:00PM. We thank First Church for sponsoring us!
Historical Committee News
The Historical Committee is in the process of sorting through hundreds of photos and news articles saved in boxes dating back to the 1960’s. As you can imagine most of these articles have no identification for date, activity or persons involved. We plan on putting those articles that can be identified into scrap books.
All articles that cannot be identified will be made available to the Congregation. Every couple of weeks a new stack of articles will be made available in the Weatherwax Commons area for anyone who would like to have them. Feel free to sort through these articles and take what you want. You never know you may just find an old photo of yourself. These articles will also be available in Fellowship Hall during our Pot Luck Dinner on March 2nd.
The Committee would also like to start saving photos and clippings of Special Church Events and make them into “Annual First Church Happenings” scrap books. We will need the help of our Church Leaders and Congregation to make this happen. You can submit photos and articles to any Historical Committee Member throughout the year.
We do ask that you follow what we call the “Four W” rules:
1) What was the event?
2) Where was the event?
3) When was the event?
4) Who? (Name of all persons in the photos).
All articles to be considered for the scrap books must contain this information.
All articles will be used at the discretion of the Committee and are not returnable.
The Historical Committee: Tom Atkinson, Don Burley, Donna Burley, Carol Byrd, Harold Byrd, Dee Markle & Linda Snyder.
2014 Church Officers
Council Chair… John Hoffman
Council Secretary… Dave Balsmeyer
Lay Leader… Mary Maurer
Lay Delegates… David & Dee Young
Treasurer… Linda Snyder
Co-Treasurer… Gene Goecke
Committee… Chairperson:
Education… TBD
Worship… Mary Ellen Clinard
SPRC… Sally Jo Inwood
Trustees… Harold Byrd
Finance… Ron McGuire
Investments… Tom Hazelbaker
UMW… Tammy White
UMM… David Balsmeyer
CMC… Patty McGraw
Member Care… John Hoffman
Missions… TBD
Hispanic Ministries…Henry & Dani Folgoso
Historica…l Tom Atkinson
Memorial… TBD
Library… Anita Shew
Always On A Mission
Cookie Walks…Salad Luncheons….Cookbooks… Circle Meetings……these are what much of our congregation can tell you about what First UMC’s United Methodist Women’s (UMW) group does with their time and talents. But did you know that our UMW is actually a part of the largest denominational faith organization in the WORLD? Over 800,000 members and growing!!
Thanks to mission-oriented activities that we all love—cookies at Christmas and delicious salads in the Spring—our UMW has donated thousands of dollars to local and world-wide missions. The worldwide UMW donates over $20 million dollars each year!
On Sunday, March 9th we will celebrate these remarkable women with UMW Sunday. We enjoy the participation of women in our service on a weekly basis, but this Sunday, UMW ladies will participate in all areas of worship as ushers and greeters, offering prayers and scripture, and leading the service. Rev. Carrie Jena will be offering the message. The UMW this year is focusing on building projects that support the programs of women, children, and youth.
In 2014, the Prayer and Self-Denial offering will go towards “Sound Foundations, Sound Missions,” a program that helps with the renovating, expanding and greening of buildings that house the critical work of National Mission Institutions and historically related international institutions. These institutions, founded by United Methodist Women and their forbearers more than 100 years ago, include community centers, domestic violence and homeless shelters, and children’s homes, schools, colleges and universities.
Special giving envelopes will be available during worship on March 9th.
One hundred percent of the offering goes directly to these missions.
FUMC Hosting:
SHALOM Homeless Shelter March 16-23
To date, 72 individuals have been blessed by the participating churches. The turnover has been good this year, indicating that many of our guests have found accommodations! We pray for the remaining folks to find housing before the season ends March 23. Please plan to assist with this program during the week of the 16th if you are willing and able. John Tack (513:855-3534) will have the sign-up board in the lobby soon.
Safety In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
We have a “security officer” located at UMN headquarters in KTM. He keeps us informed of political doings, and other issues and problems around the country. Today, this was one of the notices in his email:
06 February: 14 people were killed and 7 others injured when a bus they were travelling in skidded 300 meters down off the road at Chidipani VDC this morning. Injured people are undergoing treatment at Palpa Mission Hospital and Lumbini Medical College.
This is an all too frequent occurrence in Nepal these days, but this one was very close to home. This bus went off the side of the mountain from one of the roads we use every time we go to Pokhara. Several of the injured were brought here to our hospital (referred to as Palpa Mission Hospital – Palpa is the district name).
Friendly Elephants in Nepal
Another notice read:
Chitwan: 06 February, a man from Gardi VDC was killed by an elephant while he was sleeping in his house on Wednesday night.
Wow – how can I guard against this??? Very sad – and fortunately not so common!
Finally:
06 February: Nepal Electricity Authority has decided to increase the weekly power cuts by four more hours. There will be 84 hours power cut in a week effective from 09 February.
We are glad we don’t live in the big cities where there will soon be 12 hours daily of power cuts. We still have unexpected cuts here with rare long outages, but living with the cuts daily is so difficult for our friends in KTM and other cities.
Thanks for your love and prayers! We miss you all.
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
A Little About Lent
The holy season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th and continues until Holy Week beginning on April 13th. You will discover that some elements of our worship experience will change as we observe this time of reflection, self-denial, and renewed commitment to our faith. Instead of a time of somberness, I like how Rev. Wagner views Lent….. A vigorous and joyful time to strengthen the health of our faith—a “back to basics” approach to what we believe as Christians. We hope that you will make a commitment for the 6 Sundays of Lent to attend Sunday School and worship in anticipation of the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ash Wednesday Service: Wednesday, March 5th 7:00pm in the Sanctuary
Soup, Sandwiches & Singing: March 16th
Immediately after church join us in Fellowship Hall to explore some of the little-known hymns in our United Methodist Hymnal. There’s lots of great music that we don’t sing yet and this is a special opportunity to learn more about the expanse of hymns available to us during worship. Come enjoy a good lunch and some singing! It would help greatly in our planning if you would call the office and let us know you are attending!
First Friday Concert Series 2014
MARCH 7 CEOH MOHR CELTIC BAND
One of the most popular Celtic Bands in southwest Ohio joins us with music from the British Isles. Just in time for St. Patrick’s celebrations.
APRIL 4 BACCHANAL STEEL DRUMS
A First Friday favorite, this Caribbean ensemble entertains and educates with calypso, soca, reggae, and pop, all played on instruments made from 55-gallon drums. Now that’s what we call recycling!
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
Thank You!
The United Methodist Women (UMW) have been faithful supporters of the outreach ministries of FUMC for many years now.
The Community Ministries Council (CMC) would like to thank you for your 2014 monetary donations to the Pantry ($550), the Breakfast Club ($300), the Benevolent Fund ($550), Whiz Kids ($350) and Shalom ($1100). We give you a standing ovation for your generosity!
We also want to say thank you to everyone in the FUMC family who continue to contribute in any way, whether through donations of time, money, goods or all three, to the ministries represented by the CMC.
We know these gifts represent a sacrifice on everyone’s part and we pray that each of you will share in the joy of knowing you are serving the One who gave His all for you!
—Community Ministries Council
The Highview Annual Supply Drive ended Feb 14 with the delivery of 36 bags full of materials the staff can use for their students the rest of the year. Many thanks to all of you who were able to help with donations of supplies or money. The staff was thrilled and appreciative. We will be helping with quarterly awards again, and the Annual Field Day at the end of the year. Thanks you for all your support for this ministry.
—Highview Ministry Team
March Birthdays
2 Bob Bradley, Beth Miller, Becki Roof
4 Barbara Dillon
6 Michael Alderton, Laura (Alderton) Griffin
7 Max Grandey
8 Joyce Boyd, Dave McGraw, Neal Walke
10 Ellen Pratt
12 David Morgan
13 Mary Maurer
14 James Irwin, Patty McGraw
16 Scott Tucker
17 Breanne Dickson
18 Greg Cooper’s 60th!!
19 Ron McGuire, Alma Taulbee
20 Dick Roof
23 Tom Atkinson, Jean Stamper
24 Shiela Bailey, Marcille Weatherwax
27 Barbara Orth
28 Shelley McDaniel
30 Pat Ickes
31 Lon Fairchild