Pastor’s Reflections
The Wider View
Fred Craddock was for many years a professor of preaching at a seminary in Atlanta, and famous for telling great stories. Here’s one of them:
“Couple of years ago, I went back to the community where I was born and reared and went to public school, in west Tennessee. On Sunday evening while I was there, I went with a friend to his church, a small church, not many there, but I noticed they had new leaded glass windows, beautiful windows and, I calculated, expensive windows. While I wondered how they could afford it, I began to read the names, the dedications in the windows. I didn’t recognize any of the names, and I was reared there. I said to my friend, ‘Are these new people who have come in? I don’t understand this; I don’t recognize any of these strange names.’
He said, ‘No, a church in St. Louis ordered these windows from Italy, and when they got them, they didn’t fit. They advertised in a church paper that they would sell them because they were going to have new ones made. They were so cheap we bought them.’
And I said, ‘Well, they sure are beautiful, but what are you going to do about the plaques?’
He said, ‘Well, the board discussed that, and we decided to leave those names up there. It’s good for us in our little church to realize that there are some Christian people besides us.'”
I like that. Churches do tend to forget that there are other Christians out there. I don’t think it’s a conscious omission. It’s just that we naturally tend to celebrate what our own people are doing for God. We simply don’t have as much fun talking about and celebrating what others are doing. I know I don’t. Therefore, every so often, we need reminding.
One way to be reminded (other than putting up stained glass windows with strangers’ names in them) is to recognize that in our denomination we are connected with other churches around the world. We are truly part of each mission and each missionary. Our offerings go to every place where there is suffering, every place where there is spiritual deprivation. If we regularly acknowledge this aspect of the United Methodist Church then we are less likely to forget about those other Christians out there.
Our church budget reflects this wider view. By the end of 2014 we will have sent $79,746 outside of our direct control. We should be proud of that. I also know the money is appreciated … I’ve been privileged to get to know many of our denominational staff and missionary personnel, and they are well aware that they are only able to realize their dreams of Christians service because we are supporting them.
Now as for this congregation here in Middletown, by all means, we will continue to maintain and improve our church property. We will endeavor to make our worship more beautiful and meaningful, invest in our children and youth, and care for those who are homebound. We will try to grow this particular church. Trust me, this occupies much of my thinking and planning and praying.
And yet I also know we will continue to reach out, and do so in a way that recognizes we can’t do it all ourselves. For example, ever since coming here it has struck me how almost all of our outreach ministries involve collaborations with other Christians in our community. This is a tribute to you folks.
We are entering the busy fall season when so many of our ministries are gearing up again. I’m hoping you will try volunteering for at least one of them, if you are not doing so already. And as you do, here’s an image to keep in mind: A big garden, where we are all working, but some of us are harvesting, some are planting, others are fertilizing. We don’t always see our co-workers, but God sees them, and I believe He gives us extra credit when we see them too.
Peace,
John Wagner
Homecoming Sunday Is September 28th
We had so much fun visiting and learning about our church’s history, let’s do it again! Our Homecoming Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, September 28th after the worship service in Fellowship Hall. There will be displays from the Historical Committee and some new material they have organized and gathered in this last year. Susan Duff is heading up the dinner with Hope Circle.
While the church is providing the dinner, we would like everyone UNDER 80 years of age to bring a dessert to share. Those OVER *) will be our special guests in honor of your years of wisdom, service and support of our church.
We want everyone to be able to attend, so please call the church by September 15th if you need transportation that day; we’ll do everything we can to make sure you get picked up that morning for worship at 10:30am.
Children Singing!
We learn God’s word through singing! We will be learning one or two songs during Jr. Church as our opening song and after about 6 weeks we will sing it in church and then begin to learn another one! This is a great way to teach as well as share our children with the congregation in song. We have some great young voices!
Library Open House on September 7
See what’s new, what’s different and what books and tapes
we have to buy. We’re still in need of library workers; contact Anita Shew.
It’s That Time of Year!
Yep…it’s time to raise funds for those annual events and programs starting. So in order to help the various groups work together with the Church we want to share a little about the “Solicitation and Fundraising Policy” of FUMC.
Fundraising is any event, activity or solicitation that seeks to generate income or goods for a beneficiary. The beneficiary could be an individual, group or event for something inside or outside of FUMC. Because of the large number of requests and need for fundraising activities, the Finance Committee has established guidelines with regard to the solicitation of funds at church / church activities.
The purpose of this policy is to keep the primary goal of all fundraising in line with the financial mission of the church; to keep the pastor and Finance Committee aware of which groups are soliciting funds and to ensure that they are representing the church appropriately; and to keep the congregation aware of who is soliciting funds, when funds are needed and where the funds will be designated. This will be done through bulletin notices, not by announcements during services.
Any individual or group that wishes to fundraise at or through FUMC can request or pick up a copy of the Policy and Request Form from the church office. Requests must be made in writing (using the official Request Form) and submitted to the Finance Committee before their meeting on the second Tuesday of each month; please allow for approval in advance of the requested dates of your fundraiser. Upon approval notices will be placed in the church bulletin.
If you have any questions about this policy or how to make a request, please contact the Finance Chairman, Ron McGuire, or inquire at the church office.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation… working together we accomplish more!
Family Movie & Game Night
Saturday, September 6, 4:00-7:00PM
Join us to watch a movie and/or play some board games! Get ready to have fun!
Family Movie & Game Night provides a great opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to a family-friendly event, where we all get to share and grow together as a family in Christ.
We’re serving hot dogs, chips & drinks; please bring a side and/or dessert to share!
Jr. Church
“Children are great imitators.So give them something great to imitate.” —Anonymous
Wow! What an important task we adults have with the children! That’s why in Junior Church we, the teachers and volunteers, look for ways to help with the growth and development of our kids, not only in the spiritual realm, but also in the social.
There are two aspects we are working on with the children: getting closer to God (PRAYING and READING the Bible) and the act of Giving. Kids have a Mission-Project of helping the poor: collecting gently used toys, clothes and shoes to distribute in the community. They’ve already started bringing these items and will continue until early December.
So, if a child asks you to clean their room and bring toys to church, you’ll know why. Please help us instill in the kids the desire and need to extend their hands to give and think of others. Let’s all join in this cause and be role models for these little ones!
In Christ’s Love,
Dani Ortega De Folgoso
Praying In Nepal
Update from Dr. Les & Debbie Dornon, missionaries to Nepal working in the Tansen Hospital
It seems there have been so many items for prayer lately – missionaries suffering from the Ebola virus, Christians being attacked and martyred in Iraq, people killed and suffering losses from landslides here in Nepal, typhoons causing havoc in Japan…. sometimes it feels so overwhelming! And often I feel very small when I pray for our close, personal needs and desires.
Perhaps this is what God wants as we seek to live each day for Him. We know there are certain things we can’t do anything about – except to pray. And we should do that! And then after we commit all the things on our hearts – big and small – in prayer, we can go out to live each day knowing that He has placed us in this time and in this place to do His will.
Mother & Son
We so appreciate that you take time from your lives to remember us here far away in Nepal. The hospital continues to see and to try to meet the needs of hundreds of patients each and every day – and your prayers and gifts help to make that happen. Les was working in the ER the other day when a baby came in who was unresponsive. He and another doctor were able to give care and to bring that baby back for a chance to live out a full life. Each day brings small triumphs – and sorrows, as well.
Debbie went out to a village the other day with some ladies from the church. We met this little boy and his mom (pictured here) and they came to church on Saturday! God is good.
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
Temple Choir
Annual BOOT CAMP is on Wednesday, Sep. 3rd. We will meet at 6pm and enjoy a potluck dinner in Fellowship Hall together and play a few games, then it’s up to the choir room for some vocalizing and the unveiling of some new fall music that I think the congregation will love. The Choir is open to anyone who loves to sing!
First-time choir members are guests that night and don’t need to bring anything for the potluck. If you have been thinking about joining the choir and have questions, please call Mary Ellen at 513-423-4629. If you can’t make the dinner, please plan to join us upstairs at about 7pm.
Temple Bells
Rehearsals for Temple Bells will begin on Sunday, Sep. 14th at 4pm in the Music Office on the 2nd Floor. It’s best to park in the rear parking lot and go in the far right hand door then up the stairs. If you are curious about handbells, come on the 14th and try it out. Best for ages 14 and up and reading music is not necessary, but helpful. It’s definitely a team sport and we have a great time. An extended workshop/rehearsal is being planned but no date has been set. The Bells would like to participate in the Handbell Festival on Saturday,Nov. 15th and have been asked to provide pre-program music for the Middletown Civic Chorus “Messiah” Concert on Dec. 7th.
First Friday Concert Series 2014
SEPTEMBER 5 THE BRANDON COLEMAN QUARTET / Artist: Kathleen Darling, Cross-Stitch Samplers
A preeminent jazz guitarist and master-class instructor, Coleman brings his brand of jazz fusion to the line-up in September. Lots of crazy indie stuff going on here, but one of the hottest modern jazz groups in the Cincy-Louisville area. Expand your musical mind!
OCTOBER 3 GOODTIME ACCORDIAN BAND / Artist: Mary Margerum
Charlie Campbell, who has led some pretty crazy First Friday Christmas Sing-A-Longs brings his accordion trio to polka our way into Oktoberfest month! Lots of audience participation if Charlie’s in charge!
This concert series wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Middletown Community Foundation, the Miriam G. Knoll Charitable Foundation, The Barnitz Fund and the congregation of First United Methodist Church, Middletown. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for helping us make downtown Middletown a destination for the arts!
Community Ministries Corner
Opportunities To Serve Students
Whiz Kids will be starting for the school year soon. Our most crucial need is for volunteers who are willing to tutor a child on Mondays after school from September through April (school holidays excluded). We also need substitute tutors, clerical help and food preparers. We are continuing our monthly suppers for the tutors, students and families to extend this outreach ministry.
If you are interested or just have questions, please contact Debbie Ellis.
Highview Cookout Successful—Again!
Thank you to the many volunteers who shopped, helped with set up, clean up, grilling, greeting and more. This annual event blesses and touches the whole Middletown community as we minister God’s grace to every family with an incoming 6th grade student.
We were able to feed and fellowship with the families that came to orientation August 11. We couldn’t do it without the volunteers and our coordinator, Lynda Goecke. Thank you all!
September Birthdays
7 Nina Markle
8 Bob Boonstra
9 Mary Jane Frazer
10 Rachel Dornon, Ursula Glover
11 Lyla Lilijestrand
12 Everett Sherron
13 JoAnn Wagner
14 Paul Brewer
15 Joyce Burnett, Gordon Hughes, Robert Livzey
17 John Hoffman
19 Medreth Bingham, Megan McLaughlin
20 Diane Wilson
21 Matthew McDaniel
23 Jerry Slama
24 Juanita Harsh
25 Mary Jane Fairchild
26 Melanie Alderton, Jim White
27 Jonathan Goecke
28 Barb Hoffman