Welcome to our first digital newsletter! Please be patient as this is new for us and we are “on the job training.”
October 5, 2012
My Trip to the Library
I was driving around one morning, thought I’d stop in at the local library. (This was a few years ago, about this time of year.) It wasn’t because I had anything specific to look up or a need for a particular book; I was simply avoiding the start of my day. I can’t remember precise details, but I’m sure it had something to do with feeling overwhelmed at work and not knowing what to do with my overflowing inbox. I likewise recall I wasn’t feeling very good about the world and my place in it. It was an election season, and I believed our society was heading down the worst possible path and that I was powerless to do anything about it.
So I stopped in at the library to waste some more time, probably get more depressed. Not a smart move.
I pulled into a parking place and there, parked in from of me, was a car with maybe five bumper stickers. It was amazing. Every single bumper sticker represented a cause or candidate or public criticism that was exactly the opposite of what I believe. Every single one! The words were sarcastic, some bordering on vicious … you know the type. Then to top it off, there was that blue and yellow “M” in the center of the rear window. Yes, this guy was not only a jerk with horrible opinions, but also a Michigan fan! Figures. And I have to see this on this morning, of all mornings.
So now even more depressed and irritated, I go into the library. At least I can look at the newspaper, catch up on sports, read a movie review, maybe an editorial by someone I like. Distract myself for a while. I went over to the rack that holds all the papers, and it’s empty. Again, it figures. I look around, and all these other people who probably got to the library two minutes before I did are reading. I sit down, and just stare.
Then it happens. This guy just walks over to me, asks if I’d like to see his paper. Just like that! I look up, and he’s a trim, athletic looking man with short hair, the sort of person I’d learned to associate with our local military base, most likely an officer. He wasn’t looking to have a conversation, not wanting to intrude, but he must have seen me come in, saw my disappointment, and performed that simple act of human decency. “Thanks a lot, I really appreciate it!” I said. And I meant it. That act of empathy and compassion, however brief, however minimal, had an outsized effect. Maybe things weren’t so bad after all. Heck, maybe people are not so bad, either!
So now I read the paper, waste some time, but the clouds are lifting. Within fifteen minutes or so I decide to go work, see if I can slay a few of those dragons on my desk. My faith is on the rebound, and I have some hope, and all because of a simple kindness by a stranger. I go out, get in my car, and I see my new friend, the one who restored my faith in humanity, is also coming out to the parking lot. He walks my way, and of course gets in the car in front of me. The one with all the bumper stickers. The Michigan guy. Amazing. I’m pretty sure he didn’t notice me, but if he’d looked in his rearview mirror he’d have seen that forlorn fellow from the library now chuckling and shaking his head. Basically laughing at himself, which is exactly what I was doing.
So, what’s the message here? You know it, but I’ll spell it out anyway.
It’s fall. It’s football season again, but also an election year. The divisions in our country are real, and not just over sports. Many of those around us hold passionate opinions, and I have to confess I’m one of them. So how do we handle ourselves?
Here’s what I say:
We don’t back off. We argue our points as strongly and passionately as we can. We don’t pretend we don’t care, and don’t give in to despair. We try to change the world for the better, as God gives us the light to do so. It’s a holy obligation.
But we also recognize our opponents as real people … real people who can
sometimes choose insensitive ways of expressing themselves.
We see them as God sees them, and follow though on what we see. We behave decently.
Simply put, my friend at the library told me more about himself in one brief moment than if he’d had a hundred bumper stickers. Or maybe it was God himself reminding me, asking me to recognize his children everywhere I go.
So let’s try to do just that, even beyond November 6th, perhaps all the way to November 24th (Election Day and OSU-Michigan game respectively). Let’s do that, and have a better day.
Peace,
Rev. John Wagner
Update from the Dornons in Nepal
Between June and September every year in Nepal it is monsoon time. Water is a critical issue here where we live in Tansen as the city (and hospital) were built up at the top of the mountain so that the more fertile land in the valley could be used to plant rice. There is no water up on this hill – so all the water that comes to Tansen is pumped through a series of pipes and pump houses from a river down on the other side of the mountain. More and more people are building in Tansen these days – and there is more and more need for water.
This year’s monsoon has been below average in rainfall, which doesn’t bode well for the dry season which will soon be upon us. In Kathmandu, where “load shedding” has become a way of life, already people are up to 7 hours every day without electricity. Virtually all of Nepal’s electricity is produced by hydro electric plants, and the rest is purchased from India (who are having their own problems.) People had up to 18 hours a day of no power last winter – and some are saying it might be up to 20 hours a day this year. Fortunately in Tansen we don’t have the same number of hours of power cuts – but even 5 – 8 hours daily is difficult on the refrigerators, etc.
Having said this, I am prompted to remember to be thankful – that we have a water tank with a line that comes into our house – most people have to carry water from a tap (see photo) in jugs called “gagro.” Also that we have a battery/inverter system so that we have lights and access to wireless internet and the ability to charge our computer even during power cuts. We are so well off here – I am always completely humbled in church when we sing “Count Your Blessings” with our Nepali fellow believers. Thanks for your prayers – and remember to give thanks for your many blessings! In Him, Les & Debbie Dornon
P.S. To see more photos and stories, please check our blog: http://dornonnepalmission.wordpress.com/
P.P.S. The Dornons will be with us Oct 21!! 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.
World Communion Sunday, October 7
A feast is prepared and you are invited. Invite others to join you at a long table that reaches around the world. Bring your wonderings and your wanderings. Bring your hungers and your hurts. Bring your memories and your dreams. Jesus Christ, our host, welcomes you to the table.
This worship service is a celebration of discovery, recognition and healing. We join a world family at the table as we feast on the bread and drink from the cup that satisfies our hunger and thirst. We will be nourished to become the Presence of love to share as we “go into all the world.”
—Pastor David
Save the Date!
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service
Sunday evening, November 18 at Second Baptist Church
We are combining with three downtown churches for a service focused on praise, thanksgiving, and God’s providence. We will also enjoy the variety of traditions represented by Second Baptist Church, Bethlehem Lutheran, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, as well as First Church. There will be an offering received for MidPointe Library’s children’s department to purchase new AV equipment. Pie will be shared following the service. Check calendar for up-to-date details.
Beckoning All Bakers
*Cookies needed on Oct 28*
Those of you who enjoy baking and would like to make cookies for the “Care Packages for College Students & Military “ should mark your calendar to bake and bring cookies in on Oct 28 (boxes will be packed and shipped).
We are asking for you to bake cookies that are small to medium in size (2” or less) and the quantity should be (8) baggies of (6) cookies each; the size & quantity is important as boxes only allow so much space and we wish the cookies to make it in one piece. Please contact the church office to let us know that you will be baking so we can make sure there is enough for all the packages.
We are also accepting donations to help underwrite the cost of other items in the packages and the shipping costs, just mark an envelope with the project name.
A FUNDRAISER THAT’S ACTUALLY A-PEEL-ING!
The UMW is once again selling the McDonald Peelers. They are $10, which includes $1 donation going to the Ronald McDonald House for each one sold. They contain Buy-One Get-One offers. They would make perfect gifts or stocking stuffers. We will be in the north foyer before and after the 10:30 service or contact any circle member and they can help you. We appreciate your support as the money earned will go to missions.
COMMUNITY CORNER
HARVEST OF THE HEART
It’s that time of year when we invite you to participate in Harvest of the Heart. This extra supply of food gets the Food Pantry through the winter months when there is an increase in shoppers, as well as providing for the Emergency Food Pantry. Grocery bags with a list of needed foods will be available for pick up the first two Sundays of October (7th & 14th). Food should be returned by Sunday, October 28th and will be dedicated at the Sunday worship service. Blessings to you for your generous spirit of sharing.
EMERGENCY FOOD MINISTRY
Emergency food is supplied, on a one time basis, to those in extreme need. The Emergency Food Ministry relies on your generous donations of food. Without your support, this ministry would not exist. Please place all donated food in the blue barrels in the north and south foyers. Thank you!
The following food is needed to maintain our supplies: Assorted oatmeal packets, crackers, soup, corn, spaghetti & spaghetti sauce, and peanut butter.
VOLUNTEER’S ALWAYS WELCOME IN OUTREACH MINISTRIES
We’ve had several member of the congregation express a desire to help in the Food Pantry and we’re so glad to welcome them in these ministries. If you would like to volunteer your service in the Pantry or Breakfast Club, members of the Community Ministries Council will help to get you oriented and comfortable in these outreach ministries. Talk to anyone of us.
—Community Ministries Council
Members: Linda Snyder; Becky Douthett; Vickie Frazer; Ron McGuire; Barb Balsmeyer
October Birthdays
1… Bob Hollenbaugh
1… Glenn Slama
2… Nevin Markle
2… Rose Morgan
4… Virginia Jenkins
4… Jen Tucker
5… Charles Beck
7… Bette Fletcher
9… James Gilmore
11… Don Boyd
11… Bob Wieneke
12… Jenny Kerr
15… Hilda Trent
17… Michael McNeil
20… Katie Thorn
26… Daphne Eldridge
26… Becky Rutledge
27… Sue Diefenbach
27… Sue Irwin
27… Charlene Mackall
30… Kay Fraley
30… Vera West
31… Janet Green
31… Jonah Rogers
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