Pastor’s Reflections:

The Big Picture

A news report caught my eye last week. A train accident in Canada had claimed fifty lives. The headline ran, “Company president blames employee for fiery crash.”

I found myself remembering another engineer I had known years ago.

In 1993 Bill Barnett was the engineer of a commuter train near Gary, Indiana that collided with another train. Seven people were killed. The other engineer was blamed for not switching tracks, but Bill was also faulted for ignoring “repeated warnings” to stop.

I knew Bill Barnett. He had been a member of one of my churches back in Indiana. I remember him as very shy, very much in the shadow of a wife with an outsized personality. Bill quietly volunteered his time with the AV equipment. 

I might not have gotten to know him at all except that his son died while I was there. Robby had been run over by a truck while serving on an Army base. The family was told it was one of those things, wrong place at wrong time. The funeral was full military honors, and Bill’s wife was at the center of it all, receiving almost all the attention.  People asked me how she was holding up, but tended not to ask about Bill, who seemed to fade into the background even more than usual. I don’t know if I paid a whole lot of attention to him myself. 

A few years later, of course, Bill was suddenly famous. Those on the train with him claimed he seemed oblivious to them. I can’t help but wonder if Bill had his mind on other matters, and had been that way for some time.

If I’d had a loved one killed by a negligent engineer I know I’d feel differently. I wouldn’t want to feel sympathetic toward anyone responsible. But I also believe God sees the big picture. He knows about the thousands of people Bill delivered safely over his long career. He knows about how Bill tried to bear up after his son died, and how he tried to continue to serve the church. The world may have chosen to see Bill Barnett as “Engineer Fired for Deadly Accident.” God sees something different.  God also sees the big picture when a celebrity says the wrong thing, or when someone goes to prison. The rest of us may choose to see a villain, may even want or need to see only a villain. God doesn’t have to abide by such rules.

One of the most important aspects of church life is the perspective we adopt once we enter these doors and sit in these pews. It’s a signal to adopt another way to see ourselves and others.  We may be saints and villains to everyone else, but God sees something different, and we know we should as well.

Peace to you,

John Wagner

---

Church-Wide Retreat Set!

Save the dates of October 3-5, 2013 for the retreat to be held at the Bergamo Retreat Center in Dayton. We begin with dinner on Thursday evening and conclude with lunch on Saturday.

The total cost is $125 per person with a shared room. Total cost for a private room is $150. This includes the six meals. Shared transportation will be arranged. Space for forty persons has been reserved. Call the church office to seek further information and to make your reservation.

Many remember previous Prime Timer retreats. Several have inquired about the topic and   format which is still being formulated. A variety of activities will be included. Our group sessions will be interactive. We will become more aware of God, ourselves and others. We will listen and share, sing and worship, pray and play, eat and sleep. Persons will have the freedom to participate at the level of their own comfort and interest. Time for relaxation and rest will be included.

We will grow closer to God and to each other. Our personal faith and church community will be strengthened. We will return home strengthened in body and spirit. We will be refreshed, renewed and energized for the ministry to which we are called. Please pray and plan to attend. I will be happy to talk with you about your ideas, insights and concerns.

David Hilton

Coordinator

---

A Miracle of Mission

By Virginia Jenkins for the FUMC Missions Committee

The story below was found on Debbie Dornon’s blog:

Les and I have gotten involved with a church project called The Nepal Family Project. It was started by some church members and some previous missionaries here to help families who are struggling with issues. The goal of the project is not to take children from parents in order to put them into other homes or orphanages, but to help get help for parents and teach the family how to live better and in more healthy ways together. Sometimes some monetary help is given through food items or school fees, but mostly it is Christian Nepalis coming alongside these families.

With common issues like alcoholism, lack of work, etc., training is given as needed, like how to cook nutritional foods, how to budget and live within your means, etc. A recent family was being helped by sending the father to rehab, then both he and the mother were given daily wage jobs at the hospital. The children were fed, clothed and washed and sent to school regularly. Unfortunately, there have been some setbacks along the way but we think it is an encouraging project and pray that lasting fruit will come through it.

This story comes from Dr. Lester and Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal, working in the Tansen Hospital.

The Dornons are commissioned by Global Ministries, therefore First Church shares in this ministry as we pay our apportionments to the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. Every third Sunday we have the opportunity to give donations to support their mission work through the church offering or the giving jars.

---

Haunting Eyes in Honduras

By David Hilton

I will always remember her. Each day Tonya came early and stayed late. This seven year old participated fully in the children’s activities even as she watched over her two younger brothers. She was reserved and quiet. Her dark, penetrating eyes seemed wistful and longing.

We connected early in the week. She brought her coloring sheets for me to see. She looked for recognition and approval. Before our sessions and at breaks she came and sat beside me. Among the scores of children, Tonya was special.

At the end of the week as the medical staff was packing up the clinic, she came and sat by me on a bench. Her wondering eyes looked up into my eyes and she asked “manana?” With great difficulty I shook my head and said “no.” Tears formed in her eyes and in my heart.

This relationship with Tonya was a holy encounter. In her I met the Holy One reaching out to touch me in deep places. All the children of Honduras and the world were reflected in those searching, haunting eyes. My own longing for Holy Presence was revealed in this child of Honduras. I will never forget Tonya. She was a gift from God. I am thankful.

---

2013 Annual Conference Personal Reflections

The new Bishop, Gregory Palmer, did a fine job of conducting the business of the Conference as well as dynamic preaching. We learned about all the places the Methodist church is working in lives in Ohio & beyond–Charitable Pharmacy in Columbus, Wings of the Morning aviation ministry in Democratic Republic of the Congo, campus and scholarship ministries, Hispanic ministries, clergy training, discipleship, church revitalization., etc. We learned about Freedom Schools and Social Justice initiatives.

It was a blessing to participate in Holy Communion with 2, 500 other people (and to see how quickly that was accomplished!) We joined in the celebration of the Ordination as Elder of Pastor Carrie Jena and Meghan Howard’s commissioning as a provisional elder and enjoyed watching Rev. Amy (Palmer) Haines as a member of the Board of Ministry participate in the ordination process.

We attended the Conference with Mary Maurer, FUMC Lay Leader, Rev. Paul T. Shew, Rev. John Wagner, Rev. Ken & Mrs. Galdeen. We met many former FUMC pastors; attended a special social justice luncheon and session.

J.C. and I, and Mary have copies of the 2012 Missional Report and encourage you to look at all the ways Methodists are living out the gospel. You might also be interested to see the Program Guide and Celebration of Life & Ministry program book we received. We have left copies in the church office. You may also visit the conference website for a full description of the preaching, teaching and business of the conference. You can watch the video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y18W-2vpG5E or (Go to www.YouTube.com and search: Methodist 2013 Week in Review).

Thank you for your mission offering and your prayers for us during the week, June 9-12, 2013. 

J.C. & Anita Shew,

Lay Delegates

---

“It’s Raining… Babies” In Nepal

Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital

The other day, Les came home and shared the news that triplets were born in the hospital. Hannah and I went up to have a look and met three beautiful baby boys – each weighing around 3 pounds! The mom was sore and got infection, but is recovering well now.

Yesterday it rained and rained and rained – 10 inches in 12 hours! The electricity has been off again for about 34 hours so far….time to clean the fridge again! J The rice in the fields is very happy, but there are more landslides, and one of the houses near us lost a part of a balcony as the supports slid away.

The hospital has been very busy and doctor numbers are down. There were 165 inpatients in our 165 bed hospital last week…. And 20 were in the 16 bed maternity ward. Les’ rounds were interrupted twice for deliveries. The first was one in which he just needed to give some help, but the second was a lady who had come in and they were having trouble hearing the baby’s heartbeat. They sent her to ultrasound and couldn’t find it there, either, so they told the mom the baby was probably dead and they sent her to delivery. Things didn’t go smoothly there – an arm came out first – so they sent her for a c-section. They took the baby out – and she took a breath! Praise God – this little baby was indeed alive and is now doing well! We are so thankful for God’s miraculous intervention here at Tansen Hospital! Thanks for your prayers.

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

Hand Bell Choir Picnic

Join your fellow “ding-a-lings” for a cook-out on Sunday, August 4 beginning at 5pm at the home of Harold & Carol Byrd, 208 McClure Rd., Lebanon. Bring a side dish or dessert. Everything else is provided. Families are welcome. Carol’s phone is: 513-932-4888 or 513-836-5003. If you need a ride, call Mary Ellen at the church. Hope to see everyone there!

Temple Choir Practice for August is August 4th at 7:30. There are no other choir rehearsals in the month of August. The choir WILL be singing anthems during worship so please plan to be in the choir room on Sundays at 10am for a quick rehearsal. SAVE THE DATE on Sept. 4 for our annual potluck and Boot Camp–(a review of good singing technique lead by our favorite Sargent, Bob Mucha!)

Always fun and productive!
If you’ve thought about joining the choir, Sep 4th is a good time. No audition required! Being able to read music is helpful, but not required. We all learn together! Regular attendance is also helpful, but we understand busy schedules and family commitments. Experience the joy in singing with others! Please call Mary Ellen if you have questions about joining the choir.

Field Trip to Pipe Organ Company

Join us Monday, August 12 as we travel to the Bunn-Minnick Pipe Organ Company in Columbus to tour their facility and learn about how pipe organs are made–from the initial design on paper–to installation. This is a FASCINATING tour, not only for musicians, but for those interested in construction/engineering. There are some stairs to climb, but they also have an elevator.  We will also be stopping at Schmidt’s German Restaurant for lunch!! Call the church office to put your name on the list. We need a firm count by August 8th. Cost is only your lunch.

---

First Friday Concert Series 2013

AUGUST 2 GREGG CLARK

Don’t miss this blues and jazz guitarist extraordinaire! Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser with a song list of cool tunes that will take the summer temperature down a few degrees.

SEPTEMBER 6 CINNAMON PEPPO

Our harpist returns to set the mood for Fall with romantic melodies just perfect for the season of cool evenings, changing leaves, and enchantment.

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

Shop at the Garage Sale!

Friday & Saturday, Aug 2 & 3

9:00am—4:00pm

Subs Needed

We need persons who would be willing to learn about the various aspects of our Food Pantry, so that when we need substitutes we can call on them to sub. It doesn’t require much training and you only be called on to sub (not work weekly).

Subs are needed for: the person who prices food in the Pantry, the person who checks customers out and for the food shoppers. If you think you might be interested in any of these, please call the church office at 513-423-4629 and leave your name and phone number. Thank you!

VBS…

text

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 August Birthdays

1…Pat Beasley, Debbie Boonstra, John Tack, Stuart Wilson

2…Ann Beck, Imogene Orts, Ken Tucker

3…Shannon Forster, Dudley Inwood

4…Debbie Hazelbaker

9…Steve Urso

11…Melvin Motley

12…Linda Snyder

13…Bev Urso

14…Jennifer Host, Edna Palmer

17…Tammy Rosenbaum

19…Charles Orth

20…Karol King

21…Jim Forster, Jane Kern, Joyce Parrella

23…Martha Swank

26…Evelyn Breytspraak, Kathleen Darling, Cheryl Irwin

27…Helen Converse

28…Mary K. Cook, Bill Schaefer, Sue Wittman

29…Louise Goforth, Lee Mendenhall

---

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.

Pastor’s Reflections

The Curious Mix

Summer is here, and of course so are mosquitoes. I hate them. If I feel one on my body I slap so hard that I will hurt myself, but I don’t mind. I want them dead.

But then I’ll go back inside and see a mosquito in my house, and always they are just trying to get out the window and back to their world. It’s so pathetic. I feel sorry for them, and try to find a way to open it up and shoo them out. I do the same for wasps. Sometimes it takes me quite a while, what with storm windows and all. But they seem so desperate I just have to make the effort.

We humans are a curious mixture, aren’t we? We can be compassionate and bloodthirsty in the same hour. It’s like King David. Last night I had a conversation with a church member about him – a curious mixture of a man if there ever was one. He was genuinely merciful to his enemies – particularly King Saul at one point. Then he’d turn around and do something despicable like arrange the death of Bathsheba’s husband in order to cover up his infidelity. The church member and I agreed that David was dreadfully lacking as a role model, but also agreed it was a good thing God manages to work though sinners. Otherwise nothing would ever get done.

After Heritage Sunday, after we listed all our accomplishments, I looked at our church with fresh eyes. I looked at the pictures and heard the stories, and realized that all the charitable activity over the years, the building of the buildings, the children and youth ministries and projects, the money raised for missions and missionaries, the artistic and musical endeavors, all of that … was achieved by real people, which necessarily means imperfect people, mixed up people, people like us, who could be nice one day and rotten the next.

Of course I don’t want to embrace or excuse the rottenness in ourselves – I want us to fight it! Even so, let’s remember to be amazed at how God works through people such as us. This is the lesson of all of human history, whether recorded in the Bible or a church’s archives.

So thanks to all of you who were part of our Heritage Sunday celebration. Thanks for making the past come alive. Thanks most of all for giving us an indispensable perspective on our present and future as a congregation, and what we can accomplish by the grace of God.

Peace to you,

John Wagner

---

Oct 3 –5 “Spiritual Life Retreat”

Our church wide retreat features spiritual growth and renewal. Everyone is welcome. Mark your calendar and prepare for a relaxed time apart at the Bergamo Retreat Center in Dayton.

The total cost for three days is $125 per person/double room or $150 per person/single room. Transportation can be arranged.

 We begin with the Thursday evening meal and conclude following lunch on Saturday.

Contact the office with any questions or concerns and to make your reservation. Rooms for 40 persons have been reserved.

---

Catch Up On the Past

Heritage Sunday (June 16, 2013) was quite a landmark day for FUMC—it truly was a celebration of the past, present and future together with friends. We thought you’d enjoy knowing what each of our guest ministers, who were a large part of our recent history, are doing in ministry today. Here’s an update for you…

Rev. Amy (Palmer) Haines is currently serving as Associate Pastor for the Greater Leipsic Multi-Site Parish in the Northwest Plains District, and this summer will begin her 5th year there and her 17th year in ministry. There are four pastors over five rural churches, and her primary church is Oakdale UMC near Deshler, Ohio. She also serves as Co-Chair of the NWP District Committee on Ministry and Vice Chair of the Conference Board of Ministry.

 Amy and her husband, Ken, have been married for almost 13 years. Ken stays home to care for their children and occasionally gets out to golf. Nathan is going into 3rd grade; Timothy into kindergarten; and Rachel is now six months old.

 I appreciated the opportunity to “come home” on Heritage Sunday to the church family that shaped me in worship, study, youth group, choirs and PROMISES. Thank you!

—Rev. Amy (Palmer) Haines

~~~~~~~~

Joel Harbarger is currently serving as the Pastor at The Plains UMC, near Athens. He is starting his fifth year there at The Plains UMC. Before his appointment to The Plains UMC, Joel served as the Pastor at First UMC in New Lexington in Perry County for ten years. Prior to his appointment to First UMC, New Lex, he served at First UMC, Athens for seven years as the Associate Pastor for Youth and Campus Ministries. 

His wife, Wendy, is currently working at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and has been there for about four years. Before that, she worked at the Somerset UMC as the Church Secretary for about ten years. Nate and Molly graduated from the New Lexington High School (Molly was Valedictorian). Nate has been in California since he graduated and is currently working at Rocket Restaurant Supply in Berkeley, California. Molly is a journalist with the Oregonian Newspaper and lives in Portland, Oregon.

Wendy and I were so glad to be back in Middletown! Reconnecting with so many good friends really touched our hearts. What a glorious time it was!

—Joel

~~~~~~~~

Rev. Dr. Paul Shew is currently serving as Scholar in Residence at the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry in Nashville during his research sabbatical. From September 2012, he has been working with the Board to research the theory and practice of Christian higher education, hoping to help Methodist schools to not only reclaim their faith heritage but also to leverage the educational wellspring of the Wesleyan tradition to meet the needs of today’s changing global society. Through research visits to Methodist schools such as Emory University, Ohio Wesleyan University, Boston University, and American University, Dr. Shew has engaged institutional leaders to reflect on these issues and discover best-practices that can be helpful for other schools. He has also been involved with the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities, which represents the 750 Methodist-related schools worldwide and facilitates networking for educational exchange and institutional leadership development. This summer he is wrapping up his research and speaking at educational conferences in Brazil and Argentina. 

His wife, Mari, and their three children (Joshua, Elijah and Daniel) returned to Japan in late May and have settled back into life in Tokyo. Mari’s parents have recently retired from the pastorate and moved in with the Shews in Tokyo forming a three-generational household, common in Japan. His two older boys are attending the local, Japanese elementary school in June and July, but all three boys will be attending Christian Academy in Japan starting in August. Dr. Shew will be returning to Japan in late August, where he will continue his work as missionary, university chaplain, and associate professor at Aoyama Gakuin University.

—Rev. Paul Tsuchido Shew

---

Love Lives Forever

By David Hilton

Death remains shrouded in mystery. I confess my lack of understanding. I have come to believe that death is not a great enemy to be defeated but can be a friend to be embraced. We recently observed Heritage Sunday. Memorials in stained glass, old photographs, historical records and albums of letters and newspaper clippings are reminders of the passage of years and the passing of our forebears.

Guest speakers returned home and paid tribute to our heritage, expressed gratitude for their years here and challenged us to be faithful in ministry and mission. Throughout the day I reflected on the question of what really matters.

Our three-year old grandson Alexander provided the inspiration for this reflection. We had custodial care of his mother’s cat Oliver. Alexander bonded with Oliver. And then Oliver died. I buried him in the backyard and decided to wait until Alexander’s next visit before planting flowers on his grave. I thought that helping with this project would comfort him in his first encounter with death.

As I planted, Alexander watered with the garden hose. In a moment of silent thoughtfulness, this young child looked up and said, “Graddy, I loved Oliver and Oliver loved me.” I replied, “Yes, I know. We miss Oliver.” And then came these words of profound wisdom and eternal truth, “Graddy, love never dies. Love lives forever.” Wow! This was an unforgettable expression from the mouth of a child.

In reflection I realize that Alexander must have been sharing from an earlier conversation with his mother. He captured the essence of our Christian understanding of death. The Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 8 speak to the reality of love’s power over death. “Who can separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors … I am convinced that neither life, nor death … nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Love never dies. Love lives forever.

---

You’re Invited to an Open House

60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration for Dot & Bob Wieneke

Sat, July 20, 1:00-3:30pm

at “Café 210”

210 Mount Pleasant Drive in Monroe

Kindly RSVP: rwieneke@cinci.rr.com or 513.539.2670. No gifts please.

---

A Miracle of Mission

By Mary Jane Frazer for the FUMC Missions Committee

Here is a story I read recently related to missions in the 2013 UMW Prayer Calendar:

“Clementine Oyono is 11 years old. Last year she stopped attending school because she couldn’t see anymore. In May 2011 our medical team held a free eye clinic in Monatele UMC (Cameroon) where she is a member, and Clementine came to the consultation. She had her eyes screened with the refractor machine, and she received free eyeglasses that matched her vision. The moment the glasses were put on her she jumped and shouted three times, “I see, I see, I see!” There was a lot of emotion in the room at that moment. Now Clemintine is back to school because she can see again.”

This story came from our missionary, Rev. Nkemba Ndjungu, serving as mission superintendent of the Cameroon Mission of the General Board of Global Ministries. First Church shares in this ministry as we pay our apportionments to the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, so this is something we can be proud of, too.

---

“Stop Praying!” In Nepal

Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital

If anyone there is praying for rain in Tansen – please could you stop for a few days?! We have had about 15 inches of rain in the last 3 days—and it is still coming down. The electricity went off about 45 hours ago, and even with all the rain coming down, there is no water in the taps (our roof tank) because there is no electric to do the pumping needed…. Fortunately, we have a gutter system now on our roof, and we are collecting rain water into 2 large tanks—so we are using that for almost everything. The valley below us is pretty much a lake now, and landslides are starting to block roads and knock down houses. It is a huge and early start to monsoon here!

We do need rain in Nepal – but most people feel it would be okay to have a break for a day or two now! Monsoon season generally runs from June to September, but the rains came early this year – in mid-May. It is lovely to see everything so green and lush, but it also means we must watch for snakes and leeches and other monsoon creatures. Soon the rice will be planted, and the rains are needed to keep it well irrigated until it ripens.

We plan to take Hannah to Chitwan National Park next week to ride elephants and visit the jungle – but we hope that it won’t be 3 days of rain while we are there! We will be using lots of mosquito repellent! God bless and thanks for your prayers.

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

JULY 5 TOM WHITE

Tom White has been a professional musician/pianist for over 30 years. He will entertain us with creative interpretations of Broadway and Movie Theme favorites in a concert you won’t want to miss!

AUGUST 2 GREGG CLARK

Don’t miss this blues and jazz guitarist extraordinaire! Guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser with a song list of cool tunes that will take the summer temperature down a few degrees.

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

Help Wanted!

Opportunity #1

We are in need of an individual or couple who would be willing to develop and lead programs (including crafts) and coordinate snacks for the children of those in our Hispanic Ministry on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from approximately 6:30-8:30pm beginning on July 23 and running through November 20. There is some monetary compensation for this position and funds are available for food and materials. We already have a list of willing volunteers who would assist you each evening. If interested, please call the church office at 513-423-4629.

Opportunity #2

Our Whiz Kids Program is in dire need of a volunteer site administrator for the 2013-2014 tutoring year. This ministry role requires about 8 hrs/week, served on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. Some computer knowledge is needed, but not a great deal. You would be working with Carol Byrd (that’s a bonus!) To learn more about the position please call Carol at 513-836-5003 or 513-932-4888.

 

Coming Up This Summer:

Rummage Sale: August 2 & 3

Closets overflowing? Can’t park in the garage anymore? Clean it out and donate what you’re not using anymore! Don’t forget—there’s a church rummage sale in just a few weeks. Storage space is available at the church if you need to remove something from your home at this time. Pick ups can also be arranged. Susan Jutte is chairing the sale and Scott and Teri Hines are assisting.

Questions? Just call the church office.

 

Vacation Bible School

July 15-18, 6-8PM

Contact church office for details to register students or volunteer!

 

Highview Partnership – A Ministry of First United Methodist Church

Dear Friends,

Even though it is summer, the Highview Ministry is still at work. We are preparing for the Day Camp in August for the new 6th graders.

We will have a training session on      July 28 right after church. Lunch will be provided and we will be done at 2:00pm. Please consider sharing your talents for this special event on August 10, from 9:30-2:00, to kick off a new school year. Contact: Belinda Hausman.

FUMC will again be the grill masters for the Cookout preceding the Open House. This has been a wonderful way to get involved as the new year begins. We will also provide Welcome Back gift bags for the staff containing supplies for their classrooms.

There will be announcements, information, and sign-up sheets appearing on the bulletin board on the wall opposite the coat rack off the north foyer. Please take a look on Sundays. Also, watch for sales of school supplies throughout the year if you are able to make donations. These can be dropped off at church any time. Items always on the request list are pencils, tissues, pencils, Clorox wipes, pencils, hand sanitizer, pencils – well, you get the picture. Due to the increased poverty level throughout the city, the basics for students are greatly needed, and we have played an important part in helping through this ministry. Thank you for all your support.

God Bless, Lynda Goecke

---

July Birthdays

1…Mike Snyder, Veronica Warren

2…Debbie Dornon

3…Don Burley, Scott Hines

4…John Foy, Gene Goecke

6…Dan Hausman

8…Debbie Ellis

10…Sam Burnett

13…Virginia Barber

15…Jeff Caldwell

16…Barb Balsmeyer

18…Gwenn Lewis

19…Elizabeth Williams

20…Kyle Wilson

21…Gene Haney

22…Frank Richmond, Noah Rogers

23…Gene Schaefer

25…Austin Jutte

26…Chris Buchert

27…Sheila Crowe

29…Betty Moles

30…Fred Parrella

31…Lee Bachelor

---

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.

Pastor’s Reflections

 

Past, Present and Future

 

Some years back, 28 to be exact, the Tyner United Methodist Church had a dilemma. Their young pastor was leaving. He’d been there a few years, it was his first appointment, and they’d grown to love him, and the feeling was mutual. He was sad to go, and the congregation was sad to say goodbye, but it was time. Now the big issue was his replacement.  

Eventually the word came from the district superintendent: “I’m bringing your new minister to a meeting of your leadership on Tuesday night. I trust you’ll enjoy meeting her.”

Oh really?

It was a surprise, and of course there were questions: “Can we relate to a woman?” “Will she fit in?” Men had these questions, but the women of the congregation felt them more deeply, especially when they found out she was a young woman who’d gone to an elite Ivy League school. “Will someone who has had opportunities for education and advancement appreciate our role in the church? Will she value our projects, and what we’ve made of our lives?” Tyner was a farming community, and many of the older women had little if any experience working outside the home and farm. Others had worked only part time. The church was the place where they’d been respected as local leaders.  Was this the end of all that?

So the new pastor was on the hot seat before her first sermon. “Yes, we will accept this appointment, but we don’t have to be happy about it, certainly not at first. And she’d better be good. She better be worth it.” These sentiments went unspoken for the most part, but they were real.

Then Wanda spoke up. She was the unofficial church historian, known for putting the church’s history into long poems which she’d read at women’s meetings from time to time. The congregation found this a bit silly, but they put up with it. Wanda was Wanda. But today she had something to say.

“You know,” she said with authority, “this young woman will not be our first female pastor. We had a woman here for six months back during the war. Weren’t enough men I guess. Charlotte Henry was her name.”

“How’d she do?” someone asked.

“Can’t remember,” Wanda replied, “but the church didn’t fall apart.”

And that bit of historical data turned out to be good enough. We’d managed before, we’ll manage again. They gave the new pastor a chance. She was allowed to make her fair share of mistakes, and had a fruitful ministry. The church didn’t fall apart.

Friends, on June 16 we are celebrating Heritage Sunday. We will get to see some former pastors, greet some former members, look at a lot of old pictures and historical records and mementoes, and reminisce. We will honor our past, and have fun doing so. 

It also seems to me we have a choice. A day like this can have a real downside if it tempts us to move beyond nostalgia into sadness and even anger that things are no longer the same for our church or our community. On the other hand, such a day can make history come alive to the point where those people in old pictures do not seem quite so different from us. It can motivate us to face up to the challenges in our time with the same spirit they did in theirs. The past won’t and can’t provide a blueprint for the future, but if those men and women in stiff collars and starched bonnets could handle the changes going on around them, perhaps so can we. And if they could speak to us, I believe they’d be asking us to honor them with more than nostalgia.

One last thing: I was the young pastor leaving Tyner United Methodist church 28 years ago, and I was replaced by a young woman who did pretty well. And Wanda Braner, God rest her soul, is now reciting her poetry to a whole new audience.

Peace,

John Wagner

---

Heritage Sunday on June 16!

FUMC Reunion Sunday

Celebrating our past, present & future together with friends!

Welcome back Special Guests:

Rev. Paul Tsuchido Shew

Rev. Joel Harbarger

Rev. Amy (Palmer) Haines

9:00am Special Sunday School

You are strongly encouraged to attend Sunday School for a time of fellowship, reminiscing, and the Service of Holy Communion

10:30am Worship/Lunch Following

View the Historical Committee display of pictures on the “First United Methodist Church Heritage Wall” along with other artifacts and items dating from the early 1800’s to the present.

---

New Info: Oct 3 –5 “Spiritual Life Retreat”

NEW DATE, NEW LOCATION, NEW PRICE!!

We are planning a church wide retreat for the fall focused on spiritual growth and renewal.

Everyone is welcome, so please mark your calendar and begin preparing.

It will be held at  the Bergamo Center in Dayton, Ohio.

The current estimated cost is $125 per person/double room or $150 per person/single room.

Retreat will begin Thur. evening and go through lunchtime on Saturday. Contact the office to make your reservation and discuss payment options.

---

City Garden Tour to Feature New FUMC Biblical Garden

June 22-23, 11am-3pm Daily

Special thanks to Katie McNeil, Barb Balsmeyer, and Rose Morgan for getting things started on the Biblical Garden for the 2013 Garden Tour.  We have our plant list and are ready to go!

Greg has the fountain working and it should be the beginning of a very interesting and educational addition to our gardens.  A brochure will be available listing all plants, scripture, and a short narrative of the plant’s purpose in the scripture.  Honorariums/memorials will be listed in that brochure as well. 

Dedicate a plant to a loved one!  Forms are still available in the church office or the usher stands.  For more information, contact Mary Ellen.

---

UMCOR Disaster Relief for Oklahoma Tordadoes

Our hearts and prayers are with the people involved in the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma. Mary Ellen Clinard is from Oklahoma and has many relatives scattered throughout the state. Right now, we can help by donating funds to the UMCOR Advance Disaster Relief Fund. You may write your check to FUMC (with notation please) and put in the offering plate or go to the website www.UMCOR.org and donate directly online.

We are fortunate to know that when we donate to UMCOR, 100% of the monies go directly to the fund designated. Please continue to pray for those who have suffered loss in this recent disaster.

---

Youth Work Hard!

On Saturday, May 11th, four of our FUMC Youth (Celestine Bakich, Sam Bakich, Jeff Clinard and Mark Mills), Rev. Wagner, Mary Ellen Clinard and Shelley McDaniel joined questCHURCH in Middletown to serve our community and complete home repairs and yardwork through an event sponsored by People Working Cooperatively called “Repair Affair.” We met up with Jaime Albaugh (crew leader) and other questCHURCH volunteers early in the AM and were dispatched to a very appreciative and hospitable elderly couple’s home in Middletown to mow grass, weed , clean gutters and paint the garage door.

Upon arrival, the homeowner asked for assistance with converting backyard gardening beds into container pots (approx. 30) for his wife of 60+ years to enjoy. The next door neighbor’s yard was mowed as well. The group spent 3+ hours on this project. Everyone had a great time serving our neighbors and working together. Afterwards, we had an excellent lunch prepared by the questCHURCH lunch ladies and enjoyed fellowshipping.

FUMC was blessed to have four energetic teenagers spend their Saturday morning on a community service project when they could’ve slept in!!!

---

NOW is the Time

By David Hilton

Our series on What the Dying Have Taught Me About Living continues with thoughts about the importance of the present moment. I am convinced that we need not wait until we die to experience the presence of God. In this NOW moment God is present.

The question is: Are we present and attentive to God’s presence with us?

As a hospice chaplain I listened to Bill’s life story. He told of his family, pointing to framed photos … his alcoholism … his divorce … the life changing, healing influence of a friend. We prayed together and I started to leave. “There’s one more thing … since I’ve been dying, I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life.” He was alive in God’s NOW time.

There are two ways to measure time. One measure is temporary and distracting. We speak of “how fast time flies.” We live by the clock. What time is it? Where did the time go? Will I be on time? This is time measured by the clock and calendar. This is chronos time.

Kairos is another measure of time that may be understood as God’s time or grace time. Chronos and kairos are Greek words for time found in the Bible. We have described the first as chronology. Kairos is God’s time … the supreme moment … the reality of God’s presence in each moment. This is the time that Bill discovered as he was dying.

The word kairos appears 85 times in the New Testament. Mark 1:15: “The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God has come near.” Romans 13:11: “… you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from your sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers.”

Bill discovered God’s NOW time. Have we? Next month we consider how death can be a gift. These are life-giving topics. Let’s keep exploring them together.

---

“Back & With Company” In Nepal

 Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital

 

Hannah and I arrived safely back in Tansen on May 14 – travel included a 13.5 hour flight from Chicago to Doha, Qatar, a 6 hour wait in there, and another 4.5 hour flight into Kathmandu.  We spent a day in the “big smoke” and then had a car drive us to Tansen the next day – 9 hour trip.  Due to recent rains, the hills were beautiful with new green growth, and the flowering trees were lovely.  Thanks to all of you for your welcome to me (Debbie) during April and May – it was wonderful to be back in Middletown and to get to see you and join you in worship.  (Being part of the beautiful music again was a bonus!)  It has been great to get back with Les and to start to catch up on work here – and to have Hannah with us!  She hasn’t been back to Tansen for 9 years, so it has been fun to see Tansen through her eyes this time. 

Yesterday (Friday), Les got the pins removed from his left hand.  He was so happy as one of them had “migrated” and was poking into his palm.  The surgeon was sweating a bit trying to get that one out, but all seems fine this morning.  Les is looking forward to having both hands back in action again.  He thought his work load would go down when I returned (as he was helping cover my job) but another doctor (medical superintendent) has gone away for several weeks, so Les is still wearing several hats at the hospital!  Thanks for your love and prayers.

In Him,

लेस (Les) and देबी (Debbie)

---

Music Notes by Mary Ellen Clinard

Few things reflect the passage of time like music styles in worship!  When our church was first organized in Middletown, worshippers sang a cappella, perhaps with a song leader and no hymnals.  If they had hymnals, only words were printed and the tune was selected by the song leader.  Different song leaders had their own favorite tunes to fit the text.

 As our church grew and a more permanent building was built, hymns such as “Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know” and “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks” were written and became popular.  Our second building, located where the YMCA is now located, probably heard the strains of hymns from the revival era—newly minted hymns such as “To God Be the Glory” by Fanny Crosby and “It Is Well With My Soul” by Philip Bliss and Horatio Spafford became extremely popular.  As we moved in to the newest sanctuary in 1890, we took our water-powered pipe organ with us and sang new hymns such as “Trust and Obey” and “Alas, And Did My Savior Bleed?”

We’ve stopped relocating and constructing buildings, and hymns and worship styles have come and gone, but the truth-telling hymns have stood the test of time.  In the present age, new hymns continue to be composed and sung, old hymns are presented in fresh new ways.  In the last few Sundays, we have praised God with music from France, Korea, Latin America, and Germany, just to name a few.  The psalmist says “Sing to the Lord a new song…”  (Psalm 96:1).  We are blessed with a rich history of worship and song in this community of faith, and we continue to sing to God in ways that reflect the history of our faith as well as provide opportunity for new songs that inspire us and those who will after us.

---

First Friday Concert Series 2013

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.

JULY 5  ROD NIMTZ

One of SW Ohio’s most versatile pianists, Rod has created a concert full of Broadway and Movie Theme Favorites infused with his own creative flair. You’ll think you’ve been to the Oscars and you won’t even have to rent a tux or walk the red carpet!!

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

Vacation Bible School

July 15-19, 2013

Evening Sessions, Time TBA

We’ve got the Leaders…

We just need the Volunteers!

We are excited to announce that Henry & Dani Folgoso, volunteer leaders of our Hispanic Ministry Classes, have   volunteered to lead a VBS program for all the children of FUMC, our Hispanic Ministry and the neighborhood!

More details are coming soon, but in order to make plans we need volunteers to make this ministry happen!

Please let us know which night(s) you can serve. Contact the office to get signed up and we’ll be in touch with you soon.

 Let the VBS fun begin!

 

DON’T FORGET… 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.

---

June Birthdays

2… Braden Dickson

3… Mavene Atkinson, Andrea Jutte

6… Carolyn Callis

11… Harold Byrd

13… Johnny Beagle, 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

---

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.

 

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 26^th 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!

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

---

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.

Pastor’s Reflections

The Spirit of the Law

A friend of mine was traveling through Pennsylvania with his two grandsons. It was a station wagon, the boys had a large back seat in which to play with each other, they got along pretty well, so the trip was pleasant. Plus it was summer, and the windows were down and Grandma had packed them all a really nice lunch. Then my friend noticed flashing red lights behind him and realized the highway patrol wanted him to pull over.

 License and registration were produced, and then, “What seems to be the problem, officer?”

“Sir, there are apple cores all down the road behind you, and we can’t allow people to just throw them out the window.”

Now my friend is a Mennonite pastor – a very earnest and sincere person, soft spoken with an honest face. It comes across right away. “Well officer, I agree it’s wrong, but I don’t think we’re the ones who threw them out the window.” And he turned to the two boys in the back seat. “Boys, did you throw any apple cores out our windows?” And the boys, with the same earnest and honest faces said, “No grandpa, we did not.” “You’re sure?” They were sure. My friend turned back to the patrolman. “Officer, I really don’t think we did this.”

A pause, another look into all their faces looking straight back at him, and the patrolman shook his head in defeat. “So you’re sure about this.” Again, they were all sure. He nodded and let them go, even apologized for the accusation, whereupon my friend assured him it was perfectly ok and wished the officer a nice day. They got back on the road, and the station wagon was silent for a while as they contemplated how throwing apple cores out the window in Pennsylvania could put you crossways with the law.

Then one of the little boys spoke up. “Grandpa, I’m sure glad grandma packed pears instead of apples.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

No court would have convicted my friend’s grandsons; they were answering truthfully, unaware they were violating the spirit of the law. Had the patrolman been less specific about the kind of cores he opposed they might have just as easily confessed to the deed, but as it was, they were innocent. The same would go for any of us … if we were children.

I like the expression “spirit of the law” because it lifts up two values we rightly cherish and should keep in tandem. Without law there is no measuring stick, no order, no direction. “Oh, how I love your law!” exclaims the psalmist in Psalm 119. “It is sweeter than honey in my mouth!” The law is God’s protection of the innocent, recourse against tyrants and bullies. It encourages reason and thoughtful questions. It is God’s Word, and we need God’s Word in this disordered world. Like the psalmist, we are to love the law, which literally means we are to love the Bible. It comforts and confronts in equal measure. When we ignore or dismiss it, we reject a great gift from God.

We also value the Spirit … in fact the Bible itself commands we do so. There is a living Spirit that works in and through human beings, and in and through the law itself. When slavery was present in our nation, and no particular opposition to it could be found in scripture, the Spirit of the Law had to take over. Slavery clearly violates something essential in the biblical witness, even if we can’t put our finger on precisely where.

Pentecost is coming. It’s the third great Christian holiday after Christmas and Easter, the celebration of the coming of the Holy Spirit into the world. We also call it the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ, and we are to acknowledge its constant presence in our lives, look for signs of it, and be obedient to its instructions as best we can. This most definitely doesn’t mean, “If it feels good, do it.” Actually, it can often mean just the opposite. The Spirit pushes us into compliance with God’s Word in ways that are often uncomfortable, creating tension within us, and within our Christian communities. “What actually should we do here?” we ask. “What does God really want from us?” The Sprit of the Law is not going to let us go until we wrestle with it like Jacob at the Jabbok River.

 On May 19 our church, and churches around the world, will be once again celebrating the coming of this demanding Spirit that is also another clear sign of God’s love for us. By His grace we mature, moving on from the mere letter of the law, deeper into His true intensions for us. We need this, and I think we know we need it.

It also makes for a far more interesting journey in this life, whether on the turnpike or anywhere else.

Peace,

John Wagner

---

Heritage Sunday on June 16

Please mark your calendars for June 16^th, 2013. It’s Father’s Day, but more importantly for our church, “Heritage Sunday” … or as we might want to call it, “Forefather’s Day,” (except we don’t want to leave out all our foremothers.) Our new Historical Committee, set up by Tom Atkinson, is working on an historical display of pictures and artifacts and we’ll have two special guests to help in worship—Rev. Dr. Paul Shew, who grew up in this church and is now a professor and missionary in Japan, and Rev. Joel Harshbarger, one of our former pastors who was an outstanding youth leader and influence on many of our young people. This would be a wonderful day to ask all our

former members to visit.

Stay tuned!

---

The “Care” in Care Packages

My earliest recollection of FUMC sending cookies to college students was in the late 70’s or early 80’s—members were asked to donate shoe boxes and cookies. The packages were sent to college students sporadically in the beginning, then I took over the project about 15 years ago and we began bi-annual mailings. We mail one in the fall and another in late winter. I think this is an important ministry so that college students and military persons are not forgotten once they aren’t able to attend church on a regular basis. Several have suggested it would be much simpler to send a note and gift card for fast food but I think that lacks a personal touch.

Our practices have evolved over time with this project. We send to college students and military personnel who are members of First Church or relatives of members of the church who make a request. We added military boxes after the US became involved in Iraq. And we started sending two boxes to each student when Rev. Penrod came—one has a label that says, “Please share with a friend.” Last month (12) college students received two boxes each and (2) military received the larger boxes. That number was down this time because military who are in transit can’t receive boxes. College students receive a box containing a dozen homemade cookies, gum, crackers, cocoa, popcorn and assorted candies and military persons receive a larger box with assorted snacks and non-perishable food items in addition to several packages of homemade cookies. Members donate cookies and the other items are purchased by donations from church members. The postage has been paid the last several years by one of our families. Presently each box contains a card with information on how the recipient can get in touch with the staff and our minister any time they would like.

I hope you see that it is important for members to keep us informed of their college students’ or military address changes and to let the office know of additions for our list. It is our heart to minister to our loved ones that are away and send them a little touch of home.

Thank you, Imogene Orts

---

A Pastor Ponders…

By Rev. David Hilton

Winter wind chilled us to the bone as we gathered at Woodside Cemetery. Family and friends came to say goodbye to one who lived long and well.

The graveside committal liturgy included these words of Jesus, “Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit …” John 12:24. What does this mean for us today? How do we die in order to be fruitful disciples? I think about this frequently.

My unwritten book focuses on the meaning of life and death. It is about what the dying have taught me about living. This is written on my heart by many who have been my mentors. I am grateful for the privilege of being a pastor and a hospice chaplain. Companioning the dying is a sacred, life-giving gift.

I believe that we are not fully alive until we are ready to die. This is counter-cultural. We live in a death denying society. Death is perhaps the last of the forbidden subjects for polite conversation.

I intend to share the following topics over the next few issues:   1) Life has limits; 2) Now is sacred; 3) Death is a gift; 4) Love never dies; and, 5) Live your legacy. These themes will surface in sermons

I preach. I’ll be glad to explore these thoughts with you. Let me know if you are interested.

“Hymn of Promise” by Natilee Sleeth is a contemporary hymn often used in funeral services. This stanza is a fitting introduction to a series of articles which will follow:

In our end is our beginning; in our time infinity;

In our doubt there is believing; in our life eternity,

In our death, a resurrection; at the last a victory,

Unrevealed until its season, something God alone can see.

—DH

---

Highview Parnership Ministry Update

Our soups & desserts dinner for the Highview staff during conferences was greatly appreciated. Thanks to all who made soups, desserts, sent crackers & breads, provided desserts or donated money. Also thank you to those who help serve ice cream for Honor Roll recipients on March 19. Your continued support is so valuable to this partnership ministry.           

—Thank you, Lynda Goecke

---

“Silom House” In Nepal

Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital

Several years ago a missionary saw the need here in Tansen for a place for homeless children. They started what is known as Abiyan Nepal (Mission Nepal) and with the help of other Nepali believers, Silom House was born. There is a nice home for them, with Christian house parents, and love and support from others in the community here and from overseas.

Recently, Les and I went down to visit the house as someone had sent a box of gifts for the children and we were blessed to be able to take them to distribute. I did literally mean “down” when I said that – we pretty much walked straight down the side of the mountain for about 20 minutes to get to this house. We had to wait a bit for some of the kids to get home from school, so we got a tour while we waited. There are 4 or 5 huge water tanks on the roof – but no water coming into them. They cook for all these children on a 2 – 3 burner gas cooker. They have to carry water for washing, bathing, and laundry. (Somehow, the powers that be in the city haven’t been able to get a water line into the house.)

But – the children are happy, the place is clean, and we really enjoyed our afternoon visit. Thanks for your prayers for Nepal – perhaps say an extra one today for the children and those who are caring for them. God Bless!

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.

---

UMW May Salad Luncheon Baked Goods & Flower Sale

Wednesday, May 1 Make plans to come to United Methodist Women’s annual May Salad Luncheon, Flower & Bake Sale from 11 am-1 pm Wednesday, May 1, 2013, in Fellowship Hall. Tickets for the luncheon are $6 and can be purchased from any UMW member or at the church office. All church members are asked to prepare one (or more) of their best salads (12-16 servings), and their favorite baked goods for the event. Proceeds benefit UMW Service Projects. For more information or to learn more about joining UMW call the church office, 513-423-4629.

---

“Hashing It Out”

Starting April 7^th, the combined Adult Sunday School classes will continue meeting in the Chapel, and will be addressing some contemporary issues we Christians need to talk with each other about with each other, but often avoid because they are controversial and we worry about offending. Topics such as the merits of capitalism, doctor assisted suicide, homosexuality, gambling, abortion and the care of nature will be discussed in an atmosphere of trust.

Our guides will be two friends who put together a series of short videos exploring these and other topics. They are Tony Campolo, a progressive evangelical scholar, and Steve Brown, a conservative evangelical professor, and their approach is titled “Hashing it Out.” Pastor David Hilton and Barbara Balsmeyer will be primary leaders, with assistance from Pastor Wagner. All adults are welcome! We intend to go though May.

---

Tell Him So

If you have a word of cheer
That may light the pathway drear,
Of a brother pilgrim here,
Let him know.
Show him you appreciate
What he does, and do not wait
Till the heavy hand of fate
Lays him low.
If your heart contains a thought
That will brighter make his lot,
Then, in mercy, hide it not;
Tell him so.

Bide not till the end of all
Carries him beyond recall
When beside his sable pall,
To avow
Your affection and acclaim
To do honor to his name
And to place the wreath of fame
On his brow.
Rather speak to him to-day;
For the things you have to say
May assist him on his way:
Tell him now.

Life is hard enough, at best:
But the love that is expressed
Makes it seem a pathway blest
To our feet;
And the troubles that we share
Seem the easier to bear,
Smile upon your neighbor’s care,
As you greet.
Rough and stony are our ways,
Dark and dreary are our days;
But another’s love and praise
Make them sweet.

Wait not till your friend is dead
Ere your compliments are said;
For the spirit that has fled,
If it know,
Does not need to speed it on
Our poor praise; where it has gone
Love’s eternal, golden dawn
Is aglow.
But unto our brother here
That poor praise is very dear;
If you’ve any word of cheer
Tell him so.

—J. A. Egerton 1869 – ?

---

Music Notes by Mary Ellen Clinard

Music Outreach

We have so many wonderful opportunities to connect with people of all ages in Music Ministry. I want to share an experience with you that I had the week before Easter while teaching a song to the children of the Hispanic Ministry. I gave them a hand signal for them to use when they were ready to focus and sing so we could all start together. One 1^st grade girl spoke up and said, “It looks like we are getting ready to pray! We do this so God will know we are singing to Him!” Then one boy said, “When we sing, we are really praying!” I was charmed by their insight and ability to connect singing with worshipping God. We do indeed pray through singing!  How many times has a line or two of a hymn been stuck in your head, or how many times have you found comfort in the words of a song sung in worship?  From singing monthly at a nursing home to teaching children about God through music, we have many opportunities to share the WORD of God with the MUSIC of God.  Come and join us!

Like to Read the Bible?

Do you enjoy participating in worship? Reading scripture during the worship service is a great way to connect with God and serve your congregation! We would love to have you on our Reader’s List. Just call Mary Ellen and asked to be added. You will probably read every 4-5 weeks depending on the rotation of readers.

---

First Friday Concert Series 2013

APRIL 5 ROSE ROOM

Making it’s first bonafide concert appearance anywhere! Rose Room will delight you with the music of Benny Goodman, Charlie Christianson, and more! According to some of the players..”It’s like we ask Jazz out for a date and take it to White Castle”. You will recognize the impecible musical talents of members of the Faux Frenchmen and Buffalo Ridge Jazz Band among the blooms!

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

About Our Food Pantry

The First United Methodist Church Pantry is open to all First Church members and regular attendees. If you need to use our Pantry, please do not hesitate. Our hours are every Tuesday (except holidays) from 2:00 until 3:30 pm. The cost to shop is $2.00 for singles and couples, and $3.00 for a family with minor children. Food items are priced at ¼ of their retail cost and taxable items such as paper goods, soaps, etc. are priced at 1/3 of their retail cost. Even if you do not need to shop at this time, feel free to stop by, meet some of our clients and see how the Pantry works. This ministry belongs to all of us!

Pantry News

A wonderful thing happened during Pantry in March. One of our shoppers came in and quietly gave a $100 donation. She shared that she had come into some extra money and felt that she was “supposed to do this” with part of it. She wanted no recognition, only to give back to the church that has helped her. God is definitely at work!

Garage Sale Reminder!

Don’t forget—there’s a garage sale on the horizon. 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.

---

April Birthdays

1… Kathy Larison

2… Sharyn Edelen, Patricia Livzey

3… Lorena Trinkle

6… Dave Balsmeyer, Mary Ittel

12… J.C. Shew

13… Betty Risner

14… Eleanor Imhoff, Sarah Irwin

15… Anita Shew

16… Helen Hollenbaugh,

Alex Wieneke

18… Michael McDaniel

20… Elois Duff

21… Pat Bowman

25… Debbie Taylor

26… Don Beasley

27… Gene Keister

28… Nicole Kidd

29… Bob Duffey

30… Evelyn Hudson

---

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.

Pastor’s Reflections

Dear Friends,

My wife, JoAnn, used to watch daytime dramas–soap operas. She doesn’t have the opportunity so much anymore, but back when she was working at home she could get into them. And of course, I loved making fun of these shows. It was like shooting fish in a barrel, what with all the excruciating examination of feelings, the agonizingly long reaction shots just before commercials, the inevitable complications that arise when your daughter just happens to be married to your new father-in-law… what absurd lives these people lead! (So you’ll know, JoAnn now gets back at me for my addiction to televised sports which are, if anything, a more complete waste of time.)

One of my most frequent observations was that nothing much seemed to happen. The characters didn’t seem to have real jobs. They didn’t spend a day at the beach or fly kites or ride bicycles. They didn’t do much of anything that got them out of intense, circular conversations in living rooms and bedrooms. They seemed trapped, like rats in a maze. Often I’d ask out loud, “Why don’t these people just go to church?”

Now going to church, in and of itself, doesn’t solve all problems. I’m a minister and I can only wish it was that simple, but clearly it isn’t. Yet some kind of break in the routine, in the endless re-working and re-telling of our own stories, is absolutely necessary for authentic living. Indeed, it isn’t just soap operas where people are trapped like rats; all of us can find ourselves in a maze, running fast but never getting anywhere, doomed to an endless traversing of old ground.

A day is coming, however, that can lift us out of the maze of our own making, like that giant hand grabbing hold and finally bringing us out of our box.  It’s Easter, and somehow it just works. For once, we look not ahead or behind, but up. For once, it’s not just about all this crud I’ve gotten so caught up in,  not just about my own career/marriage/health/ politics/finances… there’s a God. And a God who loves the world, and me!  Hallelujah!

Granted, Easter is a single day, and a day on the calendar doesn’t mend our lives. But it can lead to a daily, perhaps even hourly resurrection, where our souls are drawn back up where they belong. It is with God, and in communion with Christ, where we are happily unencumbered, freed from confusion, free to be ourselves. So again, Hallelujah!

You’ll want to come to church on Easter. You’ll want to bring your friends and family, and all those who don’t get to church very often.  Tell them it’s time for some up-lift, time to get out of the rat race.  I believe inviting somebody to worship on Easter makes it doubly wonderful, akin to giving someone an unexpected gift and then accompanying them as they enjoy it.

And if you want to make it truly special, more authentically meaningful, then the drama of Holy Thursday is a must. We will recall the events leading to the crucifixion, we will take the Lord’s supper, and have a chance to make our own silent confession. 

When we do these things, when we contemplate the full story of Jesus on this earth and beyond, when we allow ourselves to experience His resurrection as our own, we leave the soap opera behind. Come… laugh, cry, learn and live. Get lifted up! Get resurrected!

Blessings,

John Wagner

---

Holy Week Services

Maundy Thursday, March 28

7:00pm

Special service celebrating the Last Supper, offering Communion, Prayer & Music

Good Friday, March 29

12:00pm at First UMC

7:00pm at Bethlehem Lutheran

Focusing on the Crucifixion

Easter Sunday, March 31

8:15am Sunrise Service

9:15am Breakfast

10:30am Worship Service

---

Lenten Sunday School Class

“Examining Our Beliefs”

Schedule continues to Easter:

Mar 3      “The Life of the Spirit”

Mar 10    “Why Believe? A Panel Discussion”

Mar 17    “The Church, Then & Now”

Mar 24   “Jesus Christ: His Life & Work”

This session of classes is open to all adults and youth, and is especially important for those new to the First Church congregation.

---

Bach Society of Dayton performs  “St. Matthew Passion”

As we experience the Lenten journey, the Bach Society invites us to attend its performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental St. Matthew Passion on Sunday, March 10th at 4:00pm at the Kettering Adventist Church, 3939 Stonebridge Rd. in Kettering. The work recounts the story of Jesus’ path to the cross. Considered to be among the greatest choral works ever written, it is rarely performed in Dayton. A free concert preview with Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Neal Gittleman precedes the concert at 3:00pm. With a group of 10 or more we can take advantage of discount ticket prices—just $15/adults and $7/students; ages 12 & under are free. For more info go to www.bachsocietyofdayton.org

Go with the FUMC group…

Mary Ellen Clinard invites you to attend this performance with a  group who will engage in a lunch/study session prior to the performance. See “Music Notes” for more details.

---

Palm Sunday Ecumenical Service & Potluck Dinner

Sunday, March 24@ 4pm

at Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Second Baptist Church and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ will join us at Bethlehem Lutheran (212 S. Broad St.) for an ecumenical service followed by a potluck dinner. Every family needs to bring a side dish or dessert to share; FUMC providing the meat entrée. Hope to see you there!

---

Do You Remember…?

Memory has become an issue for me. I have always struggled to remember names and this continues at an accelerated pace. Lent is a time to remember. This was impressed upon me in our recent Ash Wednesday service. In the prayer of thanksgiving over the ashes we heard these words: “Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, so that we may remember that only by your gracious gift are we given everlasting life …”

As ashes were imposed on our foreheads we were told “Repent, and believe the gospel.” Other words of imposition sometimes used are “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This is a powerful reminder of our mortality. We have limited time on this earth. 

To re-member is to re-connect the broken and scattered parts of our lives. We are all in the process of growing into wholeness. Broken hearts and broken relationships, physical, emotional and spiritual brokenness all call us to remember the source of our healing. Lent is a great time to remember and be      re-membered.

David Hilton

Visitation Pastor

---

Baking Reminder

*Cookies needed Mar 3*

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 Mar 3(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 in any way with this outreach.

---

Connecting in the Commons

The half hour before the worship service in the Commons has become a time of connection and refreshment for those waiting on the worship service to begin. As you know it takes some simple preparation and a team to make it all happen.

Thank you to those who have served as hosts so far for this connection time each Sunday morning: Marcy Andrews, Carolyn Callis, Katey Shepperd, Mike & Linda Snyder, and Debbie Taylor.

We invite anyone who would like to participate in this team effort to please let us know which Sunday you would be willing to provide bagels, donuts, coffee cakes, or whatever you think might be a special treat for the congregation. Contact the office for more information.

---

Highview Partnership Ministry Update

Our latest project was the supply drive for the Highview staff. The response from the congregation was terrific and inspiring. Between donation of materials and money we were able to grant all the requests that were submitted. That is such a blessing to us and the teachers! Coming up for the Team are support for parent/teacher conference nights, 3rd quarter awards party, and helping with the 5th graders’ visits to familiarize them with Highview Sixth Grade Center for next year. Keep May 9th in mind if you are able to help with the cook-out/field day for the students. I will be posting details as I receive them. Blessings to you all for your support for this ministry.        

—Lynda Goecke

---

“Training in Tansen” In Nepal

Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital

How much training does a trainer need? I, Les, was “invited” to come to Kathmandu for a training skills course, to help me be a better instructor. Since several of the training courses which we run at Tansen Hospital have outside grant support, the sponsors want to make sure the instructors have all been properly trained. The first 3 days was for the Primary Trauma course, in which I teach physician’s assistants, interns and residents how to give first aid to seriously injured people. The clinical training skills course (so I can teach physician’s assistants and skilled birth attendants the necessary skills for their jobs) was for the following 5 days. After 8 days of training, I was very happy to get back here, to the work that I enjoy doing. I see patients, both in the clinic and on the wards. And I do continuing education for interns and residents at the hospital, and for physicians’ assistants and midwives who come to the hospital for training from other hospitals and village clinics. Our hospital also does training for anesthetic assistants.

It is exciting to see people developing their skills and knowledge, so that health care in Nepal is improving, not just at our hospital, but in all the other remote areas where these people work. After the last training session, I was able to spend time talking with the participants about why we are here in Nepal and about Christianity and Jesus’ love for everyone. No other reward is needed.

 

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

First Friday Artist Debut!

We have enjoyed many kinds of art in our hallway during our First Friday Concert Series, and this month we are so happy to feature one of our own members!  The work of Carolyn Callis will be on display for the month of March.  Please come and enjoy these wonderful paintings by a talented lady!

Join Me for  “St. Matthew Passion”

For those who plan to attend the concert (detailed article above: Bach Society of Dayton performs  “St. Matthew Passion”) there will be lunch provided and a study session in the Commons immediately following worship on March 10.  We will also be attending the concert preview at 3pm followed by the performance.  Please RSVP for tickets by March 7^th.  Any questions, please contact Mary Ellen at the church or email. Hope to see you there!

---

Special Invitation to All

You are cordially invited to attend an Open House honoring the 50th wedding anniversary of Don and Imogene Orts on Saturday, March 30.  It will be held at the Monroe Community Center, 6 East Avenue, Monroe from 2-4 pm. Their children, Scott Orts of Hilliard and Karen Orts Ronlund of Edmonton, Australia are hosting this event.  It would be helpful to get a tentative number of those who plan to attend so kindly respond by telephone 513-539-7977 or email: don.imogene@gmail.com

THE ORTS REQUEST: NO GIFTS PLEASE.

---

First Friday Concert Series 2013

March 1 THE DEDICATION BAND

Enjoy old mountain tunes and Early American/British Isles melodies with this talented group of musicians playing traditional music on authentic instruments.  Strains of Celtic and Appalachian melodies combine in a salute to this distinctive period of American music.

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

Thank You, FUMC!

The Community Ministry Council wishes to thank the generous people of FUMC for their continued support of the Pantry and Emergency Food programs. We also wish to thank the many volunteers who provide their time and talents to make these programs a success. Working together we can help make the world a better place!

Hispanic Hospitality

Do you like to smile?  Do you like to think that you’re making a difference in someone’s life?  Do you have an hour and a half a month that you could spare?  If you answered yes to these questions, then pray about joining the team that is providing child care for the new Tuesday and Wednesday evening Hispanic outreach in our church.

You won’t have to work alone and will be partnered with an experienced person. Interested?  If so, please contact Debbie Taylor, get your name on the list and prepare to be blessed!

Garage Sale Reminder!

Don’t forget—there’s a garage sale on the horizon.  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.

---

March Birthdays

2… Deborah Back, Bob Bradley & Becki Roof

4… Barb Dillon

6… Laura & Michael Alderton

7… Max Grandey

8… Joyce Boyd, Dave McGraw

10… Ellen Pratt

12… David Morgan

13… Mary Maurer

14… James Irwin, Patty McGraw

16… Scott Tucker

17… Breanne Dickson

19… Ron McGuire, Alma Taulbee

20… Dick Roof

23… Tom Atkinson, Misty Clark, & Jean Stamper

24… Sheila Bailey, Cary Fenton & Marcille Weatherwax

27… Barb Orth

28… Shelley McDaniel

30… Pat Ickes

31… Lon Fairchild

---

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.

Reconnecting

By Rev. John Wagner

When I received our invitation to the annual Renaissance Feast over at the Otterbein Retirement Community, the operative word for me was “feast.” I couldn’t help myself. I was looking forward to tables groaning under the weight of pies and potatoes and roast pork, with perhaps some entertainment thrown in, but this was not to be. Turns out it was a very formal affair, with perhaps thirty people of all ages in period dress, and authentic decorations, and an overall impressive attention to detail. As for the food, it certainly didn’t come all at once so we could simply stuff ourselves. The salad, beverage, main course and dessert were served with great fanfare, each brought in with its own processional that included dancers, musicians and small children carrying banners. We sang and raised toasts before every serving; the whole meal took nearly two hours to complete. I was amazed.

Many thanks to Rev. David Hilton for arranging for the staff to go, and to our own Herman Emmert for being such a wonderful master of ceremonies. And as it happens, I was not at all disappointed it wasn’t some kind of big holiday spread where I could gorge myself. Far from it… I think it satisfied a hunger I didn’t know I had. I would say we probably all welcome a bit of formality in our lives from time to time. Historical reenactments of this sort serve as a kind of re-connection to traditions we sense we ought to cherish, even if they are largely unfamiliar.

I also believe church meets this need in some respects. It can be a place where we behave a little differently, where we say and do things we wouldn’t do anywhere else, the kinds of things we know our parents and grandparents might have done. For example, the formal greetings and responses we use like “The Lord be with you,” and traditional prayers, and standing for the doxology and the Gospel reading. We even have our own processionals at certain times of the year. These traditions sometimes seem strange to outsiders, and we need to be conscious of that, but they also have great value. I believe they have the potential to move us out of our usual patterns, and I think deep down, this is why we show up in the first place. We are here to move out of our everyday patterns, retrieve some ancient wisdom, and get re-connected to the God who continually calls us into a life far greater than anything we’ve got going on our own.

On February 13^th we celebrate Ash Wednesday, which is the official beginning of the season of Lent. It’s a time of renewal, but also a serious time that ends with the crucifixion of our Lord. To best honor this season I’d like to challenge us to make some fairly traditional commitments. There are just six Sundays, from February 17^th to March 24^th, and I would hope we all could consider attending adult Sunday School, even if it’s not our usual practice. Along with Rev. Hilton and some others I’ll be teaching a class in basic Christian doctrines, and I’m looking forward to stimulating discussions. I’d also like the congregation to try learning or re-learning the Apostles Creed, which we will be reciting Sunday mornings. And please think about some form of service during Lent. Maybe join the choir for a spell, or take a turn at Breakfast Club or the Hispanic Ministry. As for Christian witness, I’ve ordered some small cross shaped lapel pins we can pick up after church service – I’d like to challenge us to wear them every day and go public with our faith during this sacred season. Pastor David and I especially ask that you set a goal of inviting someone to church during Lent. Or maybe there is something else you have personally felt Christ calling you to do, or at least explore. This is the time.

We often talk about giving up something for Lent. How about giving up our normal life for a time, and making a formal and declared effort as a congregation to take up the Cross of Jesus and follow him all the way to Easter?

Call it a historical reenactment.

Peace,

John Wagner

---

Choral-what?!

by Barb Orth

Have you ever noticed “Choralfest practice” on the church schedule and wondered what it is? The short answer is a children’s music festival, but it’s so much more! Choralfest was started 27 years ago and FUMC was one of its original participants. Ten or so churches meet to choose appropriate anthems and each choir learns the songs at their own church. On the day of the festival we all get together and that’s when the real fun begins; imagine 100 children all praising God with song! On Choralfest Day the children come in the morning, practice, eat lunch, practice, have a snack, square dance, and practice again. You might think they would be worn out, but at 4:00 they put on a wonderful, inspirational worship concert for family and friends.

This year is especially exciting for our church; Reverend Wagner will be leading the prayers and we have several of our young singers attending: Allison Palmer (Urso), Ashley Hale, Bree Dickson, Evan Urso, MacKenzie Rutledge, and Matthew Palmer as well as some new friends who have been practicing with us. If you would like to attend this year’s concert, it will be held on March 9^th at the Town Blvd Church of God. You will be blessed.

---

 

Palm Sunday Ecumenical Service & Potluck Dinner

 

Sunday, March 24 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church

You asked for it…and you’re getting it! Second Baptist Church and St. Paul’s United Church of Christ will join us at Bethlehem Lutheran for an ecumenical service followed by a potluck dinner (every family needs to bring a side dish or dessert to share; FUMC providing the meat entrée). The time is yet to be determined and will be published in next month’s newsletter as well as in the church bulletin. Mark your calendar and plan to be there.

---

A Minute About Money

Did you know you could fill out one envelope and have your pledge gifts automatically taken care of for you for the entire year? You can.

Our new offering envelopes allow you to use your credit or debit card to give your donations to the church and you may choose to fill one out each time or write a note asking the Finance office staff to automatically process your gift once a week, month or however you choose. You may also use your credit or debit card to give anytime you wish online, go to the “Give” page on our website and click “Submit Payment” and follow the instructions.

If you include your email address you will get an electronic receipt each time a transaction is processed—so you’ll have confirmation of your gift being processed . Each gift will appear on your giving statement as usual.

If you have questions or concerns and are interested in using this method, call the office to talk with Jaime or Debbie and they will be glad to help you.

---

February Funnies: Senior Citizen Texting Code*

ATD At The Doctors

BFF Best Friend Fell

BTW Bring The Wheelchair

BYOT Bring Your Own Teeth

FWIW Forgot Where I Was

GHA Got Heartburn Again

IMHO Is My Hearing-aid On?

OMMR On My Massage Recliner

OMSG Oh My! Sorry, Gas

ROFLACGU   Rolling On Floor Laughing And Can’t Get Up

TTYL Talk To Ya Louder

*2012 HomeTouch Quarterly; newsletters mailed to homebound  members.

---

Beckoning All Bakers

*Cookies needed Mar 3*

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 Mar 3(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.

If you have, or should have, a college student or military person  that should be on our mailing list, please contact Imogene Orts or the church office. Also, if you know of an address change for your loved one let us know.

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.

---

Highview Partnership Ministry Project

The Highview Team plans to do the mid-year school supply drive again this year. Current supply needs have been gathered from the teachers to put together a list of requests. Those that would like to support this project can pick one or more items to purchase from the display in the North Foyer and return by February 10th. Some items make sense to purchase in bulk so cash donations can be used by the team to buy those items. If you cannot do the shopping but would like to donate toward the cause, someone from our team will do the shopping for you. Just note that your donation is for “Highview Supply Drive” and we’ll take care of it! Thank you in advance for your ongoing support of this ministry.

---

Lenten Sunday School Class

“Examining Our Beliefs”

Feb 17     “We Humans Need Help”

Feb 24    “Grace Explained”

Mar 3      “The Life of the Spirit”

Mar 10    “Why Believe? A Panel Discussion”

Mar 17 “The Church, Then & Now”

Mar 24 “Jesus Christ: His Life & Work”

This session of classes is open to all adults and youth, and is especially important for those new to the First Church congregation.

---

Ash Wednesday Service

February 13 @ 7:00pm

Mark your calendars for the Ash Wednesday service. This meaningful worship experience sets our hearts and minds to the spirit of Lent as we begin our 40-day journey to Easter. 

Join us in the ancient ritual of the imposition of ashes as a reminder of God’s grace and love for us.

---

“Cold Weather & Power Cuts” In Nepal

Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working inthe Tansen Hospital

If you drove into a gas station and saw a pump which looked like this, what would you think?

In Nepal, it means that there isn’t enough electricity for the stations to be able to sell gas – unless they do it by hand pump! In most areas of Nepal now, “load shedding” is cutting power 12 hours a day to homes and businesses. People live their lives according to when the power will come on and off – and many now have inverters with batteries or generators to help get through the dark times! (Due to lots of problems, there is not enough electricity being produced to meet demand here.) It is also very cold these days – and people are dying of exposure in the areas which are usually warmer than they have been this year. Keep in mind that in Nepal, the altitude goes all the way from close to sea level up to Mt. Everest height. Here in Tansen, we are fortunate in 2 ways – we have only 6 hours a week of power cuts (that are announced, anyway! There are other cuts that are unexpected), and we have sunshine in the daytime to warm us up! (That’s a good thing – but it is still hard to get out of bed when the temp in the bedroom is around 55…) Today we sang in church, “Count your blessings, name them one by one…” There is so much to be thankful for! Thanks for your prayers!

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 from Mary Ellen Clinard

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Our FUMC Music Scholarship Fund is now ready to receive applications. If you are a church member and your son or daughter (up through grade 12) is interested in taking private lessons on any instrument or voice and they are willing to share those gifts with us in worship, come pick up an application and guidelines in the office or check out the details on our website.

This is a great opportunity to “grow” young musicians and provide a life-changing experience for our children. If you have questions, please contact Mary Ellen.

1^st Annual “Caroling Cup” Awards!

The Adult Choir had a multitude of outside singing opportunities during Christmas. Three of our choir members attended ALL of those events in addition to the programming here at church. In recognition of this dedication we created the “Caroling Cup,” a gold cup trophy that has the name of the award’s first recipients—Barb Balsmeyer and Jack & Sue Diefenbach! Each also got to take home a smaller version of the award. Please let these dedicated singers know how much you appreciate them and their love of service to others.

---

First Friday Concert Series 2013

FEBRUARY 1 MIKE HEMMELGARN, Comedian Juggler & Ventriloquist

We’re changing up the format to welcome the unique and crowd-pleasing talents of Mike and his cast of characters—Butterball the paranoid turkey, Rosie the Britney Spears wanna-be grandma, and more.  There’s magic, music and audience participation in this high-energy show you won’t want to miss!

 

March 1 THE DEDICATION BAND

Old mountain tunes and Early American/British Isles melodies

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 Corner

Off to a Great Start!

With new chairperson, Patty McGraw, the Community Ministries Council is jumping into the new year with both feet! Patty and former chair pro tem, Barb Balsmeyer, have been working together to get Patty acclimated to her new position. New CMC members have been added, Scott & Terry Hines, and the CMC as a whole is evaluating policies to make sure they are serving our neighborhood effectively as well as efficiently.

CMC leadership, along with the church staff, also met with an outside consultant, and expert in Urban Ministry, to further develop the mission, plans and strategies of our Community Ministries.

Around the Corner

We will again have a Garage Sale, coordinated by Sue Jutte and Scott & Terry Hines. Proceeds from this sale will go into the Benevolent Fund which is used to assist those in need with various financial burdens. So please, as you de-clutter that closet and begin to get rid of those piles in the basement and garage…bring viable items to the church—we’ll store them till the date is set for the sale!

SHALOM Update

January was very busy. We have a capacity to serve 30 clients and have had as high as 28! Currently there’s 22, including a family of 4 with 2 children, a mother & son, and a father & son. One of the boys turned 11 on Jan 18; Breiel Blvd Church of God, who was hosting that week, threw him a surprise birthday party. He received dozens of cards and many volunteers came out to celebrate.

Rev. Wagner is allowing us to open Epworth Hall on the coldest days and John Tack assists with lunch on these days. Flu shots have been administered by Mary Raab, volunteer Nurse. We’re now in our 10th year with 10 hosting churches and 8 other support churches. Thank you, First Church, for your continued support of this worthy mission.

---

February Birthdays

1… Matt Dixon, Hannah Dornon

3… Sandy Mills

4… Bob Sears, Beth Watson

5… Mark Frazer

7… David Wittman

8… Anita McLaughlin

9… Mary Davis, Lynda Goecke

10… John McDaniel

11… Roy Ickes, Gene Saylor, & David Wieneke

13… Jack Diefenbach, Marth Gill

14… Mary Roehll

16… Mary Ellen Clinard

17… Phyllis Richmond

19… Bill Alderton, Dean Prushing, & Helen Tucker

24… Joni Bachelor, Eric Young

28… Donna Burley

---

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.

 

Lost in Love

By Rev. John Wagner

 

   I ran into Bud at the nursing home, just as he was stepping out of his wife’s room. I recognized him – we’d met sometime back, and I recalled our nice conversation, and that he was very focused on caring for his wife. I had not yet met her, however, and he was eager to introduce me. She was lying there on the bedspread, fully dressed, eyes opened but unfocused, a slight, fine featured woman. I spoke to her, and although she moved a little at the sound of my voice, she was not really aware she had company. Bud told me she was this way most of the time.

   We sat and talked, and he told me about his life. He told me he spent most of every day making sure she got the best care, and he also wanted to be around for those moments when she would become more alert, and they could have something like a conversation.  There was some sadness in his voice, and I wondered how often he took stock of his situation. He seemed lonely, and I felt bad for him. I asked him about the holidays, and he said they were like any other days.

   But then his wife perked up a bit. It happened as I was praying for her. She thanked me, and when I asked how she was doing she said, “I’m doing quite well.” Then she looked over at Bud, gave him a smile, then drifted away again.

   Bud saw me to the door, and then looked back at his wife lying on the bed and said, “I’d do this all over again. I’d marry her all over again.” The way he said it, and the way he was looking at her – I was convinced this was not just a care giver trying to talk himself into something. This was how he genuinely felt. For him, this tiny woman was as beautiful and precious as when he’d first met her. He was truly smitten, and at that moment had absolutely no reservations or regrets about his life.

   I don’t know if I’d call Bud happy or sad in any conventional sense. He seemed to have moved beyond transitory feelings. He certainly was not thinking about himself a whole lot.  The best words I can think of to describe him are “lost in love.”

   As I walked back down the hall of the nursing home I began to wonder; do I have this capacity for selflessness? Do I have this much love in me, to give myself over to a quiet and nearly unnoticed devotion to another human being? At this point in my life I have to admit I am rather ambitious. There are certain things I want very much to accomplish in this world, and my successes and failures occupy much of my thinking.  I want it all to mean something, to count for something. I want self respect, and also some recognition.

   But there is also a part of me that envies Bud. I wouldn’t know exactly how to do it, but sometimes I think I really want to get off this road I’m on, and lose myself. Then maybe I’d find something else.

   We’re starting a new year, and we are setting new goals for ourselves, our families, our outside activities – including our church. This is a good thing, no question. We must keep trying to make a difference.

   And yet, I’m also coming to believe that even as we are called to grab hold of life, we also called to let go. To lose ourselves in love of something  beyond ourselves. I believe this is God working in us, moving us into something deeper and more profound. One way or another, we are all heading in that direction. This is a good thing, too.

   My New Year’s wish for you and for myself is both of these; that we adopt some clear and ambitious goals for ourselves, our church and our community … but that we also heed God’s continuous call into a deeper life, whatever that may be.

Peace,

John Wagner

---

2013 Pledge Update

The New Covenant of Faithfulness Campaign has been a success so far! To date we have received 121 financial commitments totaling $310,896. Thanks to all of you who have made this possible. We are blessed beyond belief!

Respectfully, Mike Snyder

Pledge Campaign Chairman

---

SHALOM Homeless Ministry Update

Homeless Shelter will be open December 2, 2012—March 23, 2013

Serving the Homeless with Alternate Lodging Of Middletown is in full swing again this winter thanks to the faithful volunteers, churches and donations that support this program to keep those less fortunate off the street during the coldest weeks of the year.  There have been as many as 18 guests per night already.

We have successfully hosted one week at FUMC, and we will again the last week of the season. This ministry is not possible without your time, talents and generosity. See John Tack if you have questions or would like to get more involved.

---

Highview Partnership Ministry Highlights

After a strong start to the school year with the Day Camp, Open House/Cook-out, back-to-school treats, helping with conferences and Honor Roll assembly, we are now looking forward to the second annual supply drive for Highview staff and students.  

We have exciting news to report. After reviewing our grant application for Highview Partnership and its purposes and ministry, we received a grant from Ohio River Valley District. These funds are to be used for specific purposes in this ministry. The grant will partially fund many of the plans we have made for 2013, though not fully. Your support will be vital for this outreach to continue to be a success.

Now that the holiday rush has slowed down, please keep the supply drive project in mind.  We will have requests from Highview for soon which will provide everyone with opportunities to contribute.  Last year, this was a very successful project and greatly appreciated by the staff at Highview.

---

MidPointe Library says, “Thank You!”

The MidPointe Library wrote a letter to FUMC to thank you, along with the congregations of Second Baptist, St. Paul’s & Bethlehem Lutheran for the $300+ donation received from the offering collected at the Ecumenical Thanksgiving service. Their letter said:

We are honored to accept your gift and touched that our neighbors thought of the Library when selecting an organization to receive this donation.

The gift will be used to purchase books for our Youth Services Department, ensuring that our community’s children will benefit from your kindness. Your generosity is truly appreciated, not only by the MidPointe Library System, but by all that enjoy our collection.

Anita Carroll

Library Director

---

A Minute About Money

Please find your 2013 Offering Kit in your mailbox for your convenience in giving. If you did not receive a Kit and would like one, please contact the office and we’ll get one to you.

---

A Letter from Our District Superintendent

Dear First United Methodist Church,

I am deeply encouraged and want to congratulate you for achieving 100% in connectional giving for 2012. This means you have fulfilled what was asked for the missional needs of our Ohio River Valley District, the West Ohio Annual Conference and the United Methodist Church worldwide. You have shown faith that we can do together far more than we can ever do apart. This is the power of our connection with one another, and so on behalf of all those serving God though our church you have my heartfelt appreciation! And as your superintendent, and speaking for myself and our district staff, please know we are likewise always here to serve you,

In His Service,

 

Rev. Brian Brown

Ohio River Valley District

---

Hispanic Ministry Volunteers

First UMC has a wonderful group of volunteers ministering to children who have been coming with parents taking English and GED classes on weekday evenings. Many of you saw and heard these children as they sang for us last Sunday. Our volunteers work in pairs  for 2 hours each month (Tuesday and/or Wednesday evenings 7-8:30) to welcome and encourage these children, all of who are bi-lingual. God has given us an amazing opportunity to reach out to these children and show the love of Jesus throughout the community. If you would like to be a part of this new ministry, please contact the office.

Thank you to our current volunteers: Susan Beagle, Carol Byrd, Vickie Frazer, David Hilton, Sue Jutte, Dee Markle, Shelley McDaniel, Dave & Patty McGraw, Katie & Laura McNeil, Alex Mills, Barb Orth, Rose Morgan, Becky Rutledge, Debbie Taylor and JoAnn Wagner.

---

Sunday School Classes Kicking Off 2013

From January until Lent we will change up our Sunday School program as we offer topical group studies at 9:00am; there will not be an opening session before classes begin each morning this time around. Here’s a list of the classes & meeting rooms:

• Music & Spirituality: Join Rev. David Hilton and Mary Ellen Clinard as we explore spiritual, emotional, and historical connections between music and worship. we will study different musical styles, songs of different faiths and denominations, and how music can transport us deeper into communion with God. This class will meet in the Chapel.
• Christianity, Cults & Religions: Join Barb Balsmeyer in the Otterbein Room. As Christians living in the 21st century, we are faced with increasing religious diversity. This study takes you beneatht he surface to shed light on what attracts and keeps people in religious groups.
• Youth Class: All teens are invited to join Rev. John Wagner and dig into topics relevant to them in the Bride’s Room.

---

Thank you & Congrats to Our 2013 Officers!

Lay Leader… Mary Maurer

Church Council… John Hoffman

Trustees… Harold Byrd

SPRC… Sally Jo Inwood

Finance… Ron McGuire

Investments… Tom Hazelbaker

Community Ministries… Patty McGraw

Education… TBD

Treasurer… Eugene Haney

Co-Treasure…r Gene Goecke

Lay Delegates… J.C. Shew & Anita Shew

---

UPDATE FROM NEPAL

“God’s Sense of Humor” In Nepal

Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital

Yesterday our landlady came to say she was down to a couple of gallons of water at her house.  We have been using our water carefully, so we still had about 750 liters in our roof tank, but the bottom 1000 liter tank was almost empty.  Apparently, the drinking water supply people were fixing pipes, etc, and we hadn’t been getting water and probably wouldn’t get it for several days.  So – we phoned and ordered a tanker of 1500 liters of water to be brought to our house.  It has been very dry and dusty here – our humidity read about 35% yesterday.  This morning we had a bit of rain – we hope the first of more winter rains. (Humidity up to 65%)  Then – while I was in the shower, I heard the tractor with the water arrive!  Not funny, God!  (Les was at work and the landlady was already gone, too).  I dressed quickly, and ran out to show the young men where to put our water.  They filled our tanks, and left with 480 rupees (about $5.65).  Our house helper did the laundry – and then the water came from the city!  Ha, Ha – God is really “showering” us with blessings – and water – today!  J  May your 2013 be filled with God’s joy and blessings!  Thanks for your prayers and your support!

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.

P.S. To see more photos and stories, please check our blog: http://dornonnepalmission.wordpress.com/

---

MUSIC NOTES by Mary Ellen Clinard, Director of Worship

Thank you to all the musicians who shared their talents with us this Christmas! From carolers to instrumentalists and singers to those who enthusiastically jingled the “jingle bells!” We are truly blessed to have so many who are willing to bring us closer to God through music!

UN-hanging of the Greens

Sunday, Jan 6 @ 2:00pm

The decorations were beautiful this year and so inspiring!  But down they must come as we prepare for the new year!  It’s not fun to pack it all away, but it WILL be fun to fellowship and spend the afternoon together.   There will be healthy snacks available and it will all get done before you know it!   Come and join us on Jan 6^th.  All ages invited!   If you have any questions, please call Mary Ellen.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Dates for all Musical Missionaries:  We sing at the Woodlands  (formerly Rittenhouse just north of the old hospital site on McGee St.)  every 3^rd Friday at 10:30 for about 25 minutes.   ALL  are invited to share in this special ministry—you don’t have to be in the choir to sing!

---

Community Ministries Corner

2012 Outreach Reflections

When the position of Director of Community Ministries was eliminated the end of May, the Community Ministries Council questioned how we would accomplish the outreach ministries to our neighborhood.   With God’s help and many members of FUMC working together,  we can report  the ministries have continued and are doing well.

It’s exciting & encouraging to see how many we served last year…

• 4,021+ Breakfasts served at Breakfast Club
• 1308+ Pantry shopper visits
• 171 Emergency Food bags given out
• 160 Guests served at the Community Holiday Dinner
• 25 folding chairs donated to The Gathering
• Meals provided by UMW Circles to The Gathering
• 55+ gifts given through the Giving Tree
• 23 Families given Utility Assistance (total given $1, 029 with average of $48 per family)
• 6 Families given Rent Assistance (total given $585)
• 1 Family given Fuel Assistance (total given $10)
• 1 Family given a Food Gift Card (total given $100)

Kudos to all those who serve weekly in the Food Pantry, Emergency Food Pantry and Monday Breakfast Club.   Many volunteers helped with the Harvest of the Heart Food Drive, the Giving Tree which gave gifts to children at The Gathering and Whiz Kids, the Holiday Food Baskets through Family Service, the Community Holiday Dinner and the Winter Wear Tree to benefit guests of SHALOM and other ministries during the winter months.  God has blessed our efforts–thanks be to God.  And all of you deserve a big THANKS, too!

---

First Friday Concert Series Returns for 2013

JANUARY 4  JIMMY ROGERS

Enjoy a new year of First Friday concerts beginning with Jimmy Rogers and his Honky-Tonk Blues piano. Just the thing to chase away the grey skies of winter! New schedules will be available so you can check out the musical offerings for the rest of the year.

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!

---

January Birthdays

2… Mindi Dickson

6… Sylvia Maynard

7… James Harris

8… Grace Morgan

10… Chris Urso

12… Bobby Beagle

14… Martha Smith

18… Jim Hogg

19… James Irwin

22… Pat Schaefer

23… Vikki Jones

25… Brett Dickson & Phyllis Lolli

26… Alex Mills

27… Walt Roehll

28… Andrew Youtsler

30… Shelby Rutledge & Carolyn Tucker

31… Dixie Davis

 

 

 

The Real Reason

By Rev. John Wagner

Like many of you JoAnn and I will be sending out a Christmas form letter pretty soon, sharing news about our kids and their families, our new jobs, our parents and so forth. And like several of you, we will also be mentioning close friends who’ve died.

Frank was the husband of the secretary in our last church, a large man with a full beard and flashing teeth when he laughed or smiled, which was frequently. He had served in Viet Nam, bore the emotional scars of that ordeal, but was also a professional singer, and would liven up our bass section every Christmas. I sat next to him in choir and he would always wink and nod like we were sharing some great fun secret. We saw him this past Labor Day; he died of a heart attack just a few weeks later.

Martha had been a friend for much longer, and was one of the kindest and sweetest people I ever encountered. I met her when we were both freshman at Earlham College, and for some reason we just stayed in touch, attended each other’s weddings, and our families even vacationed together a couple of times. Our most memorable experience may have been the year she, her husband Steve and their young son, Sam, traveled from Chicago to celebrate a “Christmas/Hanukkah” party – a first for all of us. Martha died of a brain tumor this past summer, and at the funeral I told her family, “I never knew a finer person.”

Neither of these good friends shared my Christian faith. Frank would join our church choir during the holidays, but he was also a dedicated member of the Theosophical Society, an international organization committed to a generalized understanding of spirituality not associated with any particular tradition. Martha was a non-practicing Jew, and although we talked about spiritual matters toward the end of her life, as far as I know she never made any explicate profession of belief.

Now I shouldn’t have to do this, being a minster and all, but just in case you’re wondering I actually do believe Jesus is the Son of God and that our religion is the correct one and the others are in error. My non-Christian friends know this is how I feel; I’m not shy about it. Yet I hope they also know I try to draw the line at setting myself up as any kind of judge. That job belongs to someone else, as Jesus had to remind his followers fairly frequently. I’m supposed to honestly share the truth as I see it, while also being a true friend. I hope I did this for Martha and Frank – I know they were for me.

As for Christmas, well, we all know the religious aspects tend to get overshadowed by commerce and secular traditions. We Christians lament this, and we should. But I also think Christmastime can be that moment when we come up for air. We take a deep breath, look around us, and forget for a moment who is right and who is wrong, who is on our side, and who isn’t. We remember we are all human.

Here’s a bit of wisdom about the need for basic human decency by way of the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol.” In this passage Scrooge’s nephew Fred is trying to convince him to join him for the holiday:

 “”Uncle!” pleaded the nephew. “Nephew!” returned the uncle sternly, “keep Christmas in your own way, and let me keep it in mine.” “Keep it!” repeated Scrooge’s nephew. “But you don’t keep it.” “Let me leave it alone, then,” said Scrooge. “Much good may it do you! Much good it has ever done you!” “There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,” returned the nephew. ” Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round — apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that — as a good time: a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, ‘God bless it!'”

I’m with Fred. The coming of Christ was and is the great sign that all God’s children really do matter, and not just a certain few who sing out of the same hymnal. And yes, Jesus is indeed the “Reason for the Season,” but if we truly want to show respect for Christmas we’ll pay attention to its central message, and live it out.

As I think about Frank and Martha, and a few others, what I find I regret most is not being as fully present to them as I should have been, not listening enough, and not fully comprehending the wonderful gifts they were to me and to this world. We who survive the death of loved ones tend to feel this way, and in small doses I suppose it isn’t such a bad thing. We can always improve. For me, this year more than most, Christmas means doing a better job of being a true friend, and honoring Jesus’ reason for the season.

May God Bless You and Yours this Christmas.

—John Wagner

---

Advent 2012

When you arrive at church on the first Sunday in Advent you will notice some remarkable differences in our sanctuary! Our beautiful decorations have all been changed to focus on the color blue. Traditionally, purple has been the color of Advent and also of Lent. However, in recent years, the church has offered the alternative blue color for liturgical paraments and decorations. Since Advent is a season of preparation for Bethlehem and also the second coming of Christ it is characterized by the color blue symbolizing HOPE rather than purple, which during Lent reflects a more somber and repentant mood. The new window boxes were designed and created by Barb Hoffman and our new paraments and clergy stoles were design and created by Carolyn Callis. Other members of our Worship Committee who have given so much of their time to make the season special are Sally Jo Inwood, Dee Markle, Becky Douthett, and Patt Gibson. As you seek to prepare your hearts this Advent season, take time to appreciate the “mood of worship” that has been created for you by members of your faith community.

---

A Minute About Money

Our bank, First Financial Bank, is helping us to find ways to eliminate service charges on our checking account. We have been informed that the use of debit or credit cards for transactions on the account will achieve our goal of a free checking account. Some members currently use this process in their giving. It is my hope that if we can get at least 30 members to pay their offerings by using this method, we would meet the criteria to avoid any future fees. You may use this method for any payments to the church including altar flowers, poinsettias, donations to the Benevolent Fund, food pantry or breakfast club, as well as our special Sunday offerings and the Dornon’s Mission. Combining gifts into one check when possible would also aid in this endeavor, for example, instead of submitting separate checks on the same Sunday write one check for the total and mark your envelope accordingly with specific designations.

The 2013 offering kits will enable you to provide the card number and expiration date. You can then put your envelope in the offering plate just as you do now. If you prefer, you can contact Jaime or me and we can set up weekly, monthly, or quarterly automatic payment schedules. I can assure you that all information received is kept confidential and is not shared under any circumstances. If you have any questions, please feel free to see me at church or call the office.

—Debbie Taylor

---

SHALOM

December 2, 2012—March 23, 2013

Serving the Homeless with Alternate Lodging Of Middletown will be in session again this winter thanks to the faithful volunteers, churches and donations that support this program to keep those less fortunate off the street during the coldest weeks of the year. We will begin and end with a week at FUMC, so please see the sign up board in the North Foyer for opportunities to assist this week and throughout the season. This ministry is not possible without your time, talents and generosity. See John Tack if you have questions or would like to get more involved.

---

UMW Cookie Walk

Saturday, December 8 @ 10am-Noon

It’s just days away! The annual Cookie Walk will fill our Commons with delicious homemade holiday yummies. It’s a great time to pick up a wide variety of items for  holiday entertaining. Also, get our famous brooms, microfiber  cleaning cloths and more! See you there!

---

Winter-Wear Tree

We will have a Christmas tree in the Commons during Advent to collect items for the guests of SHALOM to stay warm this winter. Please find it in your heart—and on your shopping list—to pick up extra winter-wear to put on the tree. We’re collecting:   Gloves, Hats & Socks for Men, Women & Children. Supplies will used throughout the entire SHALOM season. Thank you in advance!

---

“Trick or Christmas?” In Nepal

Update from the Dornons, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital

We arrived back in Tansen between the two major Hindu festivals of the year. Dasai was in October, and Tihar is this week. Tihar (also known as the festival of lights) seems to us to be a cross between trick or treat and Christmas! Houses are decorated with Christmas-like lights, and families travel to be together, but kids go around from house to house singing songs and begging for treats!  The shops in the bazaar are all selling bags of colored powders used in the “puja” (worship) that takes place during this festival, and you can also buy different kinds of nuts and raisins. This celebration lasts 5 days. The first four days are for worship of crows, dogs and cows, and also to give offerings to Laxmi, who is the goddess of wealth.

The last day is the main day and it is known as Bhai Tika. The women place a tika (blessing) on the heads of their younger brothers and pray for their prosperity and health. The Hospital is closed 2 days during this festival – and the outpatient departments are slow on the other days, as well. However, Les has been working in the maternity ward, and things haven’t slowed down there! Today there were 22 women (in the 15 bed ward) either just having delivered or in labor! Some things don’t stop even for major festivals!!

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.

---

Ecumenical Review & Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, Nov. 18^th at Second Baptist Church! Choirs and congregations from FUMC, St. Paul’s UCC, and Bethlehem Lutheran joined Second Baptist in song and celebration of God’s blessings and the opportunity God has given us as neighbors to work together. We enjoyed each other’s music, sang together, prayed together and then enjoyed fellowship time with some wonderful pie! More than one recipe was exchanged, there was lots of laughter, and people lingered sharing stories and good company.  The most often heard comments? “This was wonderful!” and “We must do this again!” Thanks to Rev. Wagner for his vision for this service and for planting the seed for more opportunities like this in the future.

---

MUSICAL OPPORTUNITIES THIS SEASON

Sun, Dec 2  South Main Street Historic Tours include our church this year! Musicians will be playing in our sanctuary during the tour hours 3-8pm. Details: www.historicsouthmain.org

Fri, Dec. 7 12 noon First Friday Community Christmas Sing-A-Long and Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Win a gift certificate to Kohl’s if your Christmas sweater is the ugliest of all! Plus lots of fun singing carols with emcee Charlie Campbell!

Sun, Dec 16 & Mon. Dec. 17 Christmas Caroling is one of the most rewarding events of the season!! Everyone is invited to come and sing to members of our congregation who may have difficulty getting to church. It’s fun and fellowship and music and mission! Meet in the Commons at 2pm both days.

Fri. Dec. 21 Singing at The Woodlands (formerly Rittenhouse) Everyone is invited to join and sing. Meet in the lobby of The Woodlands (across from First Presbyterian on McGee) at 10:30am.

Mon. Dec. 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Pre-service music begins at 7 and worship begins at 7:30 on this special night of nights!

GIVE A GIFT THAT WILL CHANGE A LIFE!

Make a contribution to our Music Scholarship fund in honor or in memory of a loved one. We will send a card notifying the recipient of your gift if you provide us with the address. These gifts will provide private music lessons to students in our congregation who are studying voice or an instrument. What a great way to support our youth and encourage them to offer their music as a gift to God. Giving forms are available in the pews. For more information, contact Mary Ellen.

---

First Friday Concert Series

DECEMBER 7 CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG

Charlie had so much fun he wanted to come back and do it again! More singing! More trivia! More jingle bells and silly hats! We’re adding an “Ugliest Christmas Sweater” contest this year, so make it an annual event and bring your friends as our community ushers in the Holiday Season together by singing and merry making. Someone pass the figgy pudding, please…

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

The Giving Tree 2012

Dear Congregation,

As we approach the busy season of two major holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, our hearts are filed with the warmth and love of family and friends. The wonder of the birth of Christ spills over as an outpouring of our generosity to unknown children—His lambs. This year we again commit to assisting needy children whose names are being carefully gathered. The anonymous gifts bring the wonder of Christian love into many homes. Please watch for the Giving Tree after Thanksgiving. Names will appear and call to you to share in the joy of giving. Take on—or two!! Wrapped gifts need to be returned to the church by Sunday, Dec 16.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Giving Tree Coordinator

Harvest of the Heart Thank You!

A big thank you to our wonderfule congregation for the overwhelming response this year to the Harvest of the Heart Food Drive. Because of your generosity we are able to stock the Pantry shelves as well as the Emergency Food shelves. As always, your support is greatly appreciated!

Comm. Council Members: Linda Snyder; Becky Douthett; Vickie Frazer; Ron McGuire; Barb Balsmeyer

Free Community Holiday Dinner

December 4th at 5:30pm

Everyone in the community is invited for ham, tater tots and all the fixin’s. We are distributing invitations to families of Rosa Parks Elementary, Highview Sixth Grade Center, and the local high-rises.

Donations of homemade cookies and ready to serve rolls are needed. If you are interested in assisting you may come and help for part or all of the day on Dec 4, 9:30am—7:30pm (soup lunch provided for all volunteers). Call or email Vickie Frazer if you are coming (513.424.8582/ MEFVCF@aol.com).

---

December Birthdays

1… Pat Lyke

3… David Irwin

7… Sue Day & Fred Sander

8… Mary Lou Bennett, Helen Hackney & Jared McDaniel

9… Robert Fultz

11… Esther Johnson

13… Don Stamper

14… Terry Hines

16… Marcia Greenham

17… Rev. John Wagner

18…Carrie White & Dorothy Youtsler

20… C.M. Jenkins & Kelli Wilson

22… Kathy Wright

23… Joyce Thompson

24… Tom Buchert

25…Rick Lyke, Miriam Melloh & Jesus

26… David Young

28… Dee Markle

29… Nita Driscoll

30…Brianne Archer, Duane Gordon, Belinda Hausman & Matthew Youtsler

31… Robert Boyd

---

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY, November 4, 2012

By Rev. David Hilton, Outreach & Visitation Pastor

On this day we remember and celebrate those of our church family who have died this past year.  Names will be listed in the bulletin and read during the morning worship service.  In silence a candle will be lighted and a bell tolled in memory of each person.  This solemn and sacred observance is grounded in our faith and has been observed by the church for centuries.

In the New Testament, Paul calls “saints” those who were faithful to Christ.  In his letter to the Romans he writes: “To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints …”  Followers of Jesus were typically referred to by this general term. The Apostles’ Creed speaks of belief in “the communion of the saints.”   The first Saints were Christian martyrs who died under Roman persecution in the first centuries after Jesus Christ was born.

By the fourth century an All Saints Day was established on November 1 to remember and celebrate the official saints.  By the tenth century the common practice was to designate the next day as All Souls Day commemorating all Christians who had been faithful in their own way to Christ.  In practice those two days are hyphenated, together pointing to the great cloud of witnesses who throughout the church’s history have “run with perseverance the race that was set before them, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross …” (Hebrews 12:1-2).

In our own times, we need to regain the biblical understanding of sainthood as existing not in human attainment but in functioning as a vessel through whom God chooses to offer grace.  Other than Jesus, few major biblical persons are perfect.  David was a scheming murderer and Peter a persistent denier.  As with all of us, saints are saints not because of but in spite of themselves.

This may be illustrated by the words of a child asked to define a saint.  Thinking of the stained-glass windows of her church, she replied, “They’re the ones who have light shining through them.”  Saint Paul’s earlier version is “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

All Saints Day is deeply significant for me.  A personal experience helps explain this.  My last pastoral appointment in Kentucky, prior to retirement, was to my home church in Frankfort.  I had been away since graduation from high school – forty years earlier.

Soon after coming home I spent an afternoon walking around the beautiful, historic Frankfort Cemetery – a place not unlike Woodside Cemetery.  On a bright June day, I was absorbed in silence and solitude.  I visited my father’s grave on the crest of a hill overlooking the Kentucky River, the downtown area and Kentucky’s state capital building.  I saw the east entrance and the window of my Dad’s office.  And I remembered the many times I went there as a child after school.  His gravestone dates of 1901-1989 and my fifty-four years with him were compressed into a single sacred moment filled with memories and his presence.  A vital re-connection flooded me with comfort and peace.

Continuing my walk through the cemetery, I experienced the presence of men and women who loved, nurtured and encouraged me in growth toward wholeness.  They were my Sunday school teachers, youth fellowship, scout and choir leaders.  I experienced Holy Communion, the communion of the saints, that afternoon.

I am aware that there will soon be a stone engraved with my name and span of years.  Now is my time to allow the light of Christ’s love to shine.  We are all called to engage in ministries that bring healing and hope to broken lives in this fractured world.

Celebration, connection and communion are what we experience in worship on All Saints Sunday.  Bring your own life experiences and your own special memories.  Together we will sing “For all the saints who from their labors rest, who thee by faith before the world confessed, thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.  Alleluia, Alleluia!”

---

Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

Sunday, November 18, 5:30pm at Second Baptist Church (116 S. Verity Parkway)

Join us for this unique ecumenical Thanksgiving service organized by our pastor along with the pastors of the three churches closest to the library.

Ecumenical means representing a number of different Christian churches. We will enjoy the traditions represented by Second Baptist Church, Bethlehem Lutheran, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, as well as First Church. Our focus will be on praise, thanksgiving, and God’s providence. 

There will be an offering received for MidPointe Library’s children’s department to purchase new AV equipment.

Each family should bring a pie to share  during fellowship      following the service.

---

Adult Sunday School

The “Chapel Class” we’ve been having for the last six weeks went very well. We averaged over 40 in attendance and a number of participants have requested we continue, so from now until the end of the year we will be offering adult Christian education classes in the chapel taught by your pastors and some experienced laity. These will be our only adult classes. Descriptions for the week ahead can be found in the bulletin, but you can also just show up and be surprised! Starting in November Rev. Hilton will be leading a series on Christian spirituality. Please consider checking it out if you haven’t already. We’ve had a lot of fun! 

---

Highview Partnership – A Ministry of First Church

As the new Chair of the Highview Ministry, I would like to share an update of our mission activities. We again started the school year hosting a cookout at Highview’s Open House night serving several hundred families a hot dog meal, and gave the staff some Welcome Back to School goodies. Shortly after that, we hosted the second Day Camp at our church, were on-site during conference nights, and presented the staff with snacks, candies & supplies to support them during their conferences. 

This ministry has the opportunity to touch all the families of all the 6th grade students in Middletown. With that in mind, the committee is planning several activities throughout the year that aligns with our Mission statement: “To minister with the students, their families, the staff and administration of the Highview Sixth Grade Center by providing activities that support the functions of the school, and by making faith-centered fellowship, education and worship available to members of the HSGC community.”

—Lynda Goecke

---

Pastor Appreciation

Dear First Church Friends,

We cannot begin to thank you for all the good wishes and gifts we received on “Pastor Appreciation Sunday.” We must especially thank our Staff Parish Relations Committee for organizing the event. It is certainly a great privilege to serve here with you wonderful folks, and we hope to do so together for many years to come.

Blessings,

Reverends John Wagner &

David Hilton

---

A Minute About Money

It’s that time of year when we are ordering Altar Flowers, Poinsettias, attending the Cookie Walk, etc. as the holidays approach. You can use your credit/debit card for any of these transactions. Just ask the person assisting with your payment. You can also give online at www.myfumc.net. Click “Give” on the top menu.

---

Update from the Dornons in Nepal

When writing this article we were in the U.S. for our son’s wedding…by the time you are reading it we are back in Nepal.

We are about to drive to Luke’s wedding – and it just brings to mind the differences between lunch on the road in the U.S. and in Nepal. When we traveled from Tansen to Kathmandu on the mission bus, we left the hospital at 6am. We drove down the hill to Butwal (about 35 km which takes 1.5 hours) and took a short break for the toilet (where there was no running water…) and continued on across the Terai (the flat, southern part of Nepal which borders India). The temps were high, the sun was hot, and the going was slow and dusty. We arrived in Mugling around 11:30am. Lunch time! There is pretty much one thing on the menu – Dal Bhat. Dal is a lentil soup and bhat is cooked rice. We entered the “restaurant” and discovered that they were in the process of redecorating while serving food. (They were painting the ceiling.) We did find a sink and a bar of soap to wash up and a plate with rice, dal, curried vegetables and spicy pickles was set in front of us. If you ask, you can also have meat. (We didn’t ask). You also have to ask for a spoon as most people eat with their hands. After we finished, we found the bathrooms (hole in the floor behind a tin door – no toilet paper, no lights) and washed up. We saw the “fast food” which had escaped that day’s pot running around the floor where we had just eaten – cleaning up? Today we will enjoy Wendy’s perhaps – with clean running water, and no live food on the premises!! Thanks for your prayers for us.

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.

---

UMW Christmas Luncheon

Saturday, December 1, 11:30am at Brown’s Run

All ladies are welcome to attend this annual holiday event. Lunch will be served at Noon featuring chicken Alfredo, salad, rolls, beverage & dessert. Entertainment will be provided by the “Purple Pizzazz” Show Choir of Middletown High School.

Tickets are $12 each; paid reservations must be made by Nov 28. Call Marcy Andrews (513.422.4284). Checks payable to: Brown’s Run. Tickets are non-refundable.

---

UMW Cookie Walk

Saturday, December 8 @ 10am

It’s almost that time of year! The annual Cookie Walk will fill our Commons with delicious homemade holiday yummies. It’s a great time to pick up a wide variety of items for holiday entertaining. Also, get our famous brooms, microfiber cleaning cloths and more!

---

Poinsettia Order Forms Available

Deadline to order poinsettias: Monday, December 10.

Poinsettias are used to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas and dedications can be made with each pot ($10 each). They may be picked up and taken home aft er the Christmas Eve service.

Contact the office to order by phone (513.423.4629).

---

Music Notes from Mary Ellen Clinard

SAVE THE DATE!  

Sunday November 25^{th @ 4pm} is Hanging of the Greens!

Just as we prepare our sanctuary and our homes for Christmas, we also prepare our hearts and minds to receive Christ during this season of Advent.  This is always a special afternoon with great fellowship, food, and worship.   It begins at 4:00 –Just find someone with a name tag and let them guide you to a ‘decorating team’ and jump right in.  After it’s all done, we will go to Fellowship Hall for a delicious dinner and a short worship service to get us ready for the season.  It’s a “family friendly” event—bring everyone from the baby to grandpa—child care and kid’s activities are also planned!   If you have questions, call Mary Ellen at the church.

LOOKING FOR A CHRISTMAS GIFT?  

Consider donating to the new Music Scholarship Fund!  We will send a card in the mail to your loved one letting them know of your gift to this Fund.  We hope to begin accepting applications from students by January 1^st.

LIKE TO READ SCRIPTURE?

It has been wonderful sharing worship and scripture readings with members of our congregation.  If you are interested in reading scripture during worship, we rotate a list of people each quarter.  You will know well in advance of the dates you are scheduled to read and the selected scripture.  Contact Mary Ellen if you would like to be a part of this laity ministry in worship.

---

COMMUNITY CORNER

Outreach Ministries & Events

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: Tuna, peanut butter, assorted oatmeal packets, crackers, soup, spaghetti & spaghetti sauce.

 

Thanksgiving Basket Outreach Ministry

If you would like to assist with the cost of Thanksgiving Baskets that will be given out to those in need in our community, please make monies payable to FUMC and write “Benevolence” on the other line and include it with your regular contribution.

If you have questions concerning any of the benevolence outreach programs of First Church, please see a member of the Community Ministries Council:

Members: Linda Snyder; Becky Douthett; Vickie Frazer; Ron McGuire; Barb Balsmeyer

 

Free Community Holiday Dinner

December 4th at 5:30pm in FUMC’s Fellowship Hall

Everyone in the community is invited for ham, tater tots and all the fixin’s. We are distributing invitations to families of Rosa Parks Elementary, Highview Sixth Grade Center, and the local high-rises.

Donations of homemade cookies and ready to serve rolls are needed. If you are interested in assisting you may come and help for part or all of the day on Dec 4, 9:30am—7:30pm (soup lunch provided for all volunteers). Call or email the church office if you plan to volunteer that day.

---

November Birthdays

2… Pat Duffey

6… Amy Palmer

8… Millie Carrozza

10… Patt Gibson

11… Marilyn Grandey

12… Sally Jo Inwood

14… Joni Regensburg

17… Cheryl Davis

18… Carol Byrd

21… Phyllis Cox

23… Janet Crawford

23… Nancy Haney

25… Leo Davis

29… John Houser

29… Bill Thorn

30… Les Dornon

30… Skylar Halsey

---

 

If you would like to unsubscribe from this newsletter, email “AMBASSADOR UNSUBSCRIBE” to office@myfumc.net.