Pastor’s Reflections
A Blessing To Us All
A few weeks ago a couple of our newer young people asked me about baptism and particularly, baptism by immersion. That means going under water, all the way. And it turns out this was no idle question; this is what they actually want to do, be baptized by immersion in a body of water in the presence of God and our congregation. So, long story short, we plan to do that on November 23. This will be a Sunday, we will baptize two of our young people by immersion, and I very much hope you can be there.
I must admit I am excited by this development. Some younger persons, new to the faith, have come to believe that what we do here at First United Methodist, what we believe about God, what we believe about Jesus, how we try to live our lives, how we worship, all that …is something they want to affirm in the most dramatic fashion. This takes a bit of courage and they will honor God in doing this, but we should also feel honored and blessed ourselves.
This brings up some questions of course – the whole baptism question. I know some of our congregation was baptized by immersion. Others may have had water poured over their heads. I was sprinkled as a baby. Are all of these valid baptisms? My simple and direct answer is yes, all of these count.
I had a conversation about this recently with Dr. Kendall McCabe, the recently retired professor of worship at United Theological Seminary, who has spent his life studying these questions. He said, “The most important thing to remember in baptism is that it’s about what God is doing in our lives, and not about what we are doing.” In other words, we can get caught up in thinking we somehow order up a blessing through using a precise set of words or gestures – like young Harry Potter having to learn only certain words in a certain order so that he could make something magical happen. This is not the Christian way. We don’t create or manage or manipulate God’s favor in any respect. Having said that, the form of baptism can have great meaning for us. Dr. McCabe shared with me how pouring water on someone’s head has its origins in the practice of anointing a prince or king – like being introduced to a special way of life. The act of sprinkling is tied to one of the most ancient signs of God’s blessings – the dew or the rain coming down out of heaven calling forth new life from the earth. And baptism by immersion is a vivid way of identifying with Christ’s death and resurrection by going down into the shadow world and then coming back up into the light.
I’d like to make November 23rd a special day to remember all our baptisms, however they were performed. I’d also like to invite anyone who has yet to be baptized, and would like to consider it, to contact me. And for those who have thought about making a formal commitment to follow Christ in this congregation, this would be a wonderful time to do so – I would love to have some of you as official members of First United Methodist, and I’d love to take part in the ceremony. Can you let me know, and we can talk about what that means and how you might prepare? Be assured that if you were baptized in another church, another denomination, and in any of the variety of ways people can be baptized, it still counts as a valid sign of God’s blessing. We don’t re-baptize in this church because we don’t second guess how God might have worked the first time around. It’s God’s business, after all.
And lastly, I know what you you’ve been wondering since the first paragraph. How the heck can we immerse these kids in late November?
You’ll have to show up.
Peace to you.
John
Hospitality Is Our Goal!
By Jaime Albaugh,Office Manager
In staff meeting last week I was told there were nearly 30 people who attended the hospitality training meeting led by Rev. Wagner on September 21. As a Christian who believes strongly in reaching out to welcome newcomers, I thank you all for taking the time to stay, listen and participate. It was evident that you have a heart for our guests, whether they are new to FUMC or long-time members.
Participants discussed the common fears of being the “newbie” at a church, especially one with such a strong history as this one. Compassion was expressed for the first time guest. Rev. Wagner invited everyone to think back to their own first church visits and remember it takes courage to go to a church you’ve never been to that’s full of people who all seem to know each other and the customs and traditions of the service.
While it is obvious that hospitality is our goal, I think all of us need to be reminded that the goal is achieved by everyone working together, not just the usher and greeter who is scheduled that morning. (We also have to remind ourselves of this at the church I attend.) If we consider church as something very close to our own home, then it’s our responsibility to welcome everyone that comes in.
So the next time you see someone and don’t know their name, don’t hesitate to introduce yourself. Let’s not assume they are someone’s guest or that someone else will talk to them. Make sure they get a warm welcome by providing one. Seen them before? Don’t feel guilty for not remembering their name or not meeting them sooner. Just start connecting—they will appreciate it and you’ll be richer for the new friendship as well.
“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9
Let’s do it! Let’s be obedient to Peter’s call. Let’s make hospitality our goal. Let’s be part of the team—official or not.
—Jaime
Stewardship Sunday
Some years ago the church I was serving had a relationship with a United Methodist congregation in Africa. They needed monetary support and I tried to help them get it. One thing I did was advise them about their approach to asking for money. Their preferred method was to emphasize how terrifically impoverished they were, that without our dollars they would go under, that financial ruin was just around the corner. “No,” I said, “this is not the way to get our folks to give. Show us you have something going on, something happening, that you are a strong congregation, worthy of our investment.” And they actually did this! They sent us a photo of some improvements to their building they had made on their own, and evidence of faithfulness in their evangelistic efforts. We followed up with a sizable donation.
On Sunday, October 19th, we will ask you to make a pledge to support the church in 2015. You will receive more about that in the mail. All I want to say here is that First United Methodist is doing well, and we are worth your investment. Our church attendance is increasing bit by bit, our outreach efforts are strong, and we are currently paying our way and then some – it has been a good year financially speaking. Rather than discouraging you from giving, our recent success should be an encouragement! Let’s build on what we are already doing! We have something that works here – let’s keep it going!
Nuff said.
—John Wagner
Seekers & Readers: Try This
Increase your understanding of Jesus and enjoy Rembrandt’s drawings of the life of Christ with interpretations of the Gospel taken from theologian Henri Nouwen’s works. Find Jesus: A Gospel in the “New Additions” section of our church library (it is a gift from Rev. Hilton).
A hearty thank you to all who helped with the library Open House—especially Esther Johnson, Sally Jo Inwood and Peggy Kramer (for those delicious brownies & lemon bars). Please pass along your book and website suggestions.
–Anita Shew
Go Paperless & Save Time
You can go paperless by setting up automatic giving on your credit/debit card. It’s confidential and simple, and can be set up for weekly, monthly or however you’d like and can be stopped at any time. Lots of members love it…some comments we’ve gotten are:
“Since I sometimes travel to our daughter’s family in Australia for an extended time, I have my church pledge paid on my credit card monthly. I can also tell the office to take out special offerings. This way the church receives its money in a timely fashion for its budgeted needs and this is an expedient way for me to keep current.” —Imogene Orts
“It is the easiest way to pay your pledge and not have to worry with envelopes and remembering to pay each month. The church does my work for me and never asks a fee! Also, if you want to give a gift to the Memorial Fund in memory of someone who recently passed you just call the office and it’s done. Why not try it? It works for me.” —Marcy Andrews
Care Package Request
Please provide current college/military addresses to the church office this month to help us prepare for the mailing of care packages to your loved ones!
Baking Reminder
*Cookies needed Nov 9th*
Those who plan to make cookies for the “Care Packages for College Students & Military“ should mark your calendar to bake and bring cookies in on Nov 9 (boxes will be packed that day then 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.
Please contact the office or Imogene Orts for questions or to help with this outreach.
The Dornons—In Japan?!
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
Yes – this month we are writing from Japan where we are visiting for the first time in 13 years. We are enjoying eating great food, seeing old friends, and even taking a trip to a mountain hot spring for a bath! We had a mission meeting we needed to attend in Chang Mai, Thailand on September 11, so we decided to take a “side trip” on to Japan and have a short vacation from what has been a very busy time in Tansen.
Emmaus Center in Sendai, Japan
While in Sendai, we visited the Emmaus Center (what used to be the Student Center started by Les’ dad). We found the statue of St. Francis—the twin of which is located there at First Church!
St. Francis statue at Emmaus Center
At first, I was surprised and a bit sad to see the statue surrounded by bags and boxes of stuff. THEN we learned that all of that “stuff” was donated items and equipment to help the ongoing relief effort for those made homeless or destitute by the earthquake and tsunami of 2011. So – I realized St. Francis was right where he would want to be – in the middle of service to the poor and needy.
Whether we serve in Japan, Nepal or in the U.S., let us follow the tradition of St. Francis and pray, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.” We also bring greetings from your “other” missionaries – Paul and Mari Shew, who kindly welcomed us into their home for a night.
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
Handbell Rehearsals
The Handbell Choir is back! Rehearsals are Sundays @ 4:00pm in the Music Office. We’ve got lots of work to do learning music for the Handbell Festival on Nov 15thand we have agreed to be the pre-concert music before the Civic Chorus’ performance of “Messiah” on Sunday, Dec 5th!
Mack LaMont will be planning a handbell technique workshop for us on Oct 26th, 2-5pm to refresh our technique! There is still room for YOU!!! If you have questions, just ask Mary Ellen.
Messiah Rehearsals
The Middletown Civic Chorus will be presenting Handel’s “Messiah” on Sunday, December 7th at 3pm in our Sanctuary. The only thing better than hearing “Messiah” is singing it!!! Join us for rehearsals in the Choir Room on Tuesdays beginning October 14-December 2 from 7-9pm. Voices are always needed.
There will not be a rehearsal on Nov 25 and there is a dress rehearsal on Dec 6 at 10am in the Sanctuary. If you don’t have your own copy of the “Messiah” score, please call and we can loan you one. Please be a part of this great community celebration of music!
Save the Date!
Our church will be a part of the Historic Homes Tour of Downtown Middletown also scheduled on Sunday, December 7th from 3-8pm. A busy day, but we are blessed to be a part of the celebration of our community. We will be looking for volunteers to help on this date with refreshments and hosting!
Questions? Contact Mary Ellen
First Friday Concert Series 2014
OCTOBER 3 GOODTIME ACCORDIAN BAND / Artist: Michael Margerum
Charlie Campbell, who has led some pretty crazy First Friday Christmas Sing-A-Longs brings his accordion trio to polka our way into Oktoberfest month! Lots of audience participation if Charlie’s in charge!
NOVEMBER 7 PIANIST, TOM WHITE
An instant hit, Tom’s lush interpretations of Broadway melodies, love songs, and sacred favorites enchanted everyone who heard them. He’s coming back and bringing his first CD….just in time for early Christmas gift-giving!
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
October Is Harvest of the Heart
October is Harvest of the Heart time! We, the First Church family, support the Pantry and Emergency Food programs all year long through our tithes, offerings and food donations, but every October we are given an opportunity to dig a little deeper and to become hands on buyers of items needed to restock the shelves for the winter months ahead.
In the past we’ve furnished brown paper bags for you to fill and return to the church. This year we are trying something different. Since the Pantry uses plastic grocery bags each week for the people to carry their groceries home in, we are providing you with this “wish list” of items and are asking you to bring whatever you feel lead to buy back to us in plastic grocery bags.
You can bring these to the church anytime during October and place them BESIDE the blue barrels in the hallway behind the sanctuary. (Only weekly Emergency Food donations go inside the barrels.) On Oct. 82th we will line the chancel with your gifts and a blessing will be said over them.
Someone once said, “No matter how little I have, when I share with others, I feel very rich.” Let’s all go home feeling “very rich” on October 26th.
Return all donations anytime by: Sunday, October 26, 2014
Shopping List:
| Beef Stew | 100% Fruit Juice | Mac ‘n Cheese |
| Instant Potatoes | Rice | Stuffing Mix |
| Canned Vegetables | Canned Fruit | Flour |
| Soups | Canned Pasta | Canned Chicken |
| Spaghetti | Spaghetti Sauce | Saltine Crackers |
| Sugar | Tuna in Water | Sugar |
| Instant Oatmeal Packets | Tuna/Chicken/Hamburger Helper | Beans, Dried or Canned |
| Peanut Butter | Pancake Mix | Canned Meats |
| Jelly | Syrup | Vienna Sausage |
| Cooking Oil | Instant Grits | Ramen Noodles |
| Dish Soap | Laundry Soap | Bar Soap |
| Shampoo | Toothpaste | Toilet Paper |
Shopping Tip: You may purchase items wherever you like, but the following stores are where our regular Pantry Shoppers go because of their good prices: Aldi, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Save-A-Lot.
Whiz Kids Update
Sessions with students began September 29th. Our current need is for an administrative assistant who would come early to greet and sign students in upon arrival, then do light admin tasks during the session, and finally check students out as they are picked up. This individual does not work one-on-one with a student.
This role could be filled by one person or two sharing the schedule throughout the Whiz Kids season. Please contact Debbie Ellis or the office with questions and/or interest in this position.
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.” —Matthew 25:35-36
October Birthdays
1 Glenn Slama
2 Mary Emmert, Nevin Markle
4 Virginia Jenkins, Jen Tucker
5 Charles Beck
7 Bette Fletcher
11 Bob Wieneke, Wanda Forster
12 Jenny Kerr
15 Hilda Trent
17 Michael McNeil
18 Jeff Dickson
20 Kate Lee
23 Karen Walke
26 Daphne Eldridge, Becky Rutledge
27 Sue Diefenbach, Sue Irwin,
Charlene Mackall
28 Ira Bolin
30 Kay Fraley, Vera West
31 Janet Green, Jonah Rogers