Pastor’s Reflections
The Living Stones
Over the last five years I’ve gotten to meet a number of Palestinian Christians. Some live here in the United States, but others are part of the dwindling population of Christians in Israel and the West Bank – what we call the Holy Land. Here’s what I’ve learned:
- They tend to be better educated and better connected than other Palestinians, almost all of whom are Muslims.
- They represent a great many denominations. I’ve met Lutherans, Catholics, Melkites, Eastern Orthodox, Baptists and Pentecostals.
- There is indeed some tension between the Christian minority and Muslim majority within Palestinian society, as one might expect.
- The major source of anger and frustration, however, is the expansion of Israeli-only settlements into land set aside for a future Palestinian state, as well as the second class status most Arabs must endure in the Holy Land.
- Many young Christians are leaving to find better opportunities elsewhere.
The Palestinian Christian I’ve come to know the best is Rev. Alex Awad, our long-time United Methodist missionary. Alex is what one might call a conservative evangelical; conservative on theological issues, conservative with regard to family values, and evangelical in his warm-hearted zeal for sharing Christ. He is also the Dean of Bethlehem Bible College and pastor of an international church in Jerusalem. He’s highly intelligent, but also soft spoken and approachable. I’d love for you all to meet him.
As for his faith and how he came to receive it, he often tells this story: He was speaking at a conference in Jerusalem, and after his lecture a visitor from the U.S. asked him how he came to be converted from Islam, through what particular missionary, and so forth. Alex answered gently that while he had accepted Christ as a youth he had also come from a devout Christian family. “So who got them to convert?” she persisted. At this point Alex had to explain an apparently under-taught aspect of basic church history. In the Book of Acts, Chapter 2, verse 11, we read that “Arabs” were among those who received the original outpouring of the Holy Spirit, instantly converting them to followers of Christ. On that great day the church was formed, a community of believers that welcomed both Jews and Gentiles. It happened to occur on the Hebrew “Feast of Pentecost ” meant to honor the Ten Commandments, but for the last two thousand years it’s also been a day set aside as the birthday of the church. Alex Awad’s family is descended from those very first Christians, and their conversion predates Islam by over 600 years. So while he and others like for Christians from the West to visit the Holy Land and see the ancient stone temples, they also ask us to meet “the living stones”, i.e., those who represent a palpable connection to the first Christians. I agree. Just as it’s important for us to honor our own history here at First UMC, we need to remember that these people, with dark skin and Semitic features were the ones who actually converted us! And yes, sometimes this has been forgotten.
A few weeks ago Father John Civille, over at Holy Family, suggested that we might enjoy meeting a group of Palestinian Christians who offered to come to his church. Father Civille has been a good friend to many of my predecessors here in Middletown, so in the spirit of Pentecost I accepted. On May 26th we will have a breakfast in the Weatherwax Commons at 9 am, meet some of these folks, and hear their stories. They are bringing some handicrafts, the sale of which will go to a reputable Catholic charity in Bethlehem, but we are under no obligation to buy.
Pentecost this year actually falls on the prior Sunday, May 19, and I hope to see you on that day as well. It’s a major Christian holiday and we will deck the sanctuary in red, the color of fire and the Holy Spirit. You are invited to wear something red as well, but also to remember your own origins in the Christian faith, and how all of us around the world – red and yellow, black and white – are now precious in His sight.
Peace,
John Wagner
Wrapping Up the School Year!
Highview Partnership Ministry of FUMC
We are quickly coming to the end of another successful school year in our partnership ministry with Highview Sixth Grade Center. In the next few weeks we have a few events that will need the help & support of our congregation.
Field Day is earlier this year—May 9. There is a cook-out for the students that day. Last year FUMC was well represented with volunteers. We will need to help with serving food & snacks, manning “garage sale” tables where the kids can “purchase” items with tickets they’ve earned, popcorn for the movie segment, and support for the field events. It would be wonderful if we had a nice big group from First Church show up in our red shirts to help out. The event will run all day from 8:15-2:45. I realize most folks can’t stay all day, but shifts of people throughout the day would be great.
Our last event of the year will be a breakfast for the Highview staff in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week on May 14. If anyone wants to help out by making/providing breakfast baked goodies or juices, we’d appreciate it. There is a sign-up board which will show what & where we need help for you to sign up. Thank you for all the support for this special ministry of FUMC. —Lynda Goecke
2013 Annual Conference Missional Offering: Stamp Out Malaria!
Each year at the West Ohio Annual Conference, a special Mission Offering is received to support a targeted need. This year during the June 9-12 conference at Lakeside, the special offering will support the “Imagine No Malaria” project, a key component of the United Methodist Church Global Health Initiative.
Just a few years ago, statistics showed a child died every 30 seconds of malaria. Today, malaria’s impact has been cut in half. For details and to see how other churches are raising money for this cause of stamping out Malaria and its devastating effects, see http://www.westohioumc.org/ac/2013/missional-offering
First Church will be also be joining the other 1,000+ churches in the conference in collecting Bedding Kits and Layette Kits for UMCOR’s Relief Supplies. Copies of the Kit contents and instructions may be picked up at the church office or printed from the above website. These will also be received during the Conference week. Last year for this Miracle offering, we took with us many Health kits prepared by First Church members to add to the total of 14,000 received!
We have been blessed with God’s grace and abundance. Let us share this abundance. If you wish to contribute to this offering, make checks to FUMC (by June 7) with a memo note “Conference Offering” and send to the church office or drop in Sunday’s offering plate.
Thank you, J. C. & Anita Shew
Lay Delegates
This Life Is Temporary
By David Hilton
I continue to learn how to live from those who die. This is the first of a series of articles about life and death. As a pastor and hospice chaplain for more than 50 years I’ve had the sacred privilege of companioning many at the end of their earthly journeys. These insights come from what they have taught me.
We know death is inevitable. It is not a matter of “if” we die but “when.” How do we prepare for the reality of death … our own and those we love? Last month I stated that we live in a death denying culture. Death is what happens to someone else. Boston, Newtown and 9/11 are tragedies far removed from most of us. And yet, each of us has experienced death up close … in our own family and among our friends.
In my own Otterbein Retirement Community of approximately 800 we have more than 100 deaths each year. Many of these are my neighbors and friends. They remind me of my own mortality. They cause me to examine my life and to accept limitations and approaching death. These are not morbid thoughts but gifts of freedom and hope.
We begin life dependent upon the nurture and care of our parents and others. At the end of life many of us will again depend upon the care of others. Those of us ‘seniors’ of 75 plus years probably have less than twenty years to live. We do not choose when or how we die. Death comes in many ways … senseless violence, unexpected accidents, sudden devastating illnesses, long struggles with relentless diseases, or by simply wearing out.
Some of us experience diminishing physical and mental abilities. Daily I’m reminded of hearing, vision and memory loss. I have less flexibility, mobility and energy. I would like to believe that I am totally independent and self-sufficient. I find it more comfortable to assist others than I do to receive assistance. Many people share this view. When I am helping others, I am in charge. I have been forced by serious illness to accept help from others. I now encourage those who need assistance to ask for and receive help gracefully. We have the opportunity to give others the joy of serving us.
We enjoy being “DO-ers.” We value productivity, achievement and acquisition. DOING is important and so is BEING with exciting possibilities for spiritual growth, witness and service. The beginning through the ending of life can be a grace full journey.
Future article topics include: Now Is Sacred, Death Is A Gift, Love Never Dies and Live Your Legacy. I invite your feedback. Let’s explore how our Christian faith relates to these topics.
Kroger Card Update for Community Rewards
As of April 1, 2013 your Kroger card needs to be updated online. You will need your card number to enroll or re-enroll your card to receive a rebate for First United Methodist Church on the website Kroger.com. If you need help, feel free to call the office and we can walk you through the process. You may also come into the church office and we’ll be happy to help you with this task.
Our church has received as much as $176 for a quarterly rebate that goes into our Food Pantry Income. So, we encourage you to register your card. Once you’ve done this, you don’t have to do anything else until next April (must re-enroll annually). Your purchases are turned into cash for our Neighborhood Ministry Program.
“Through Joy & Sorrow” In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
We have enjoyed two baby showers here in Tansen in the past few months. I didn’t realize that “showers” are an American/Canadian practice – most of our friends from other countries here don’t have this tradition. Actually, several years ago, a lady gave a shower for a pregnant Indian lady (wife of a surgeon) and she was terrified they were going to literally wash her with soap and water!
Special food for mom-to-be at Mina’s shower
Well – one shower was for a Norwegian lady, and she gave birth to a healthy, big boy in February. We are so happy for them. Then I was asked to have a shower for one of the ladies at church – it was just me and the Nepali ladies enjoying some games and snacks. But this lady didn’t have a happy ending. She came in at full term and the baby wasn’t moving. After inducing labor, she delivered a little girl who had been dead for several days. I was really devastated by this – and have prayed so often for Mina and her husband, Prakash. This would have been their first baby. Please join me in asking God to heal them and to let them stay strong in Him through this tragic time. I am thankful we can hold on to our living Savior even in hard to understand moments.
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.
First Friday Concert Series 2013
MAY 3 YUN KYONG KIM
This world-class organist returns to the Series with her fresh stylings and surprising organ intrepretations. Enjoy our 32-rank Reuter pipe organ pushed to the max!
JUNE 7 THE CLARINET QUARTET
Well-known as a jazz player, Kwami Barnett brings friends together to serve up some of the best in woodwind repertoire.
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!
Community Ministries Corner
Join Our Pantry Ministry
We have faithful volunteers who keep our Pantry Ministry running smoothly each week, but in order to assure that this will be true in the future, we need new volunteers to come aboard. Maybe you prefer to work behind the scenes and would be willing to occasionally do the purchasing for the Pantry. A grocery list of needs and the money to buy the items are provided. Our present buyers are John and Mary Nichols and they would be happy to talk with you about what is involved and to train you. Pat Beasley keeps the Pantry shelves stocked, creates the shopping list for the buyers, checks out the customers each week and has the pleasure of getting to know them personally. If you have a Tuesday afternoon available once a month or more, she would love to have you come and work with her.
If you feel God saying to you that this is something you could do, or you just want to know more about what is involved, please contact the church office at 513-423-4629 or Patty McGraw at 937-746-9487. We can never have too many helping hands. Thank you!
Garage Sale Set for Fri & Sat, August 2 & 3
Donate your “stuff” so that we can provide someone else with a “treasure. ” Storage space is available at the church if you need to remove something from your home at this time.
Susan Jutte is chairing the sale and Scott and Teri Hines are assisting. Please contact them or the church office if you have questions.
May Birthdays
1… Lynn Benoy, John Regensburg
4… Jacob Halsey, Pat Jenkins
6… Marcy Andrews, Shirley Fields
7… Pat Bolin, Judy Thorn
8… Adam Wilson
11… Luke Dornon, Joyce Ann Finch
13… Bill Pratt
14… Rebecah Symon
18… Daisy Byrum, Helen Cotterman,
Marie Murphy
19… Brenda Byrd, Mark Mills,
Don Youtsler
20… Mary Nichols
21… Andrew Clinard
22… Vickie Frazer
24… Bob Stephenson
25… Dee Young
26… Tammy White
28… Mabel Borders,
Becky Douthett
29… Marian McGuire
30… Nancy Fenton
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