NOVEMBER N. Central Ave. It Occurred to Me Life Reflections from the Desk of Pastor Gene. When God has Other Plans

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Tracy Harrell
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1 Trinity United Church of Christ Gene Cline, Pastor 821 N. Central Ave. Fairborn, Ohio (937) Office Phone I was ready for her this time. NOVEMBER 2018 It Occurred to Me Life Reflections from the Desk of Pastor Gene When God has Other Plans When we traveled to Tampa after Christmas last year, my daughter Cindy surprised me/shocked me with how she magically appeared at the baggage carousel. She was quite proud of herself. On this solo trip to Tampa I was bound and determined that she would not surprise me this time. I would get the upper hand. I had thought through every possible scenario. I was ready for her. I texted Cindy has soon as my plane was on the ground. Cindy and Ryan only live a short distance from the airport, so she would be able to be here by the time I got off and claimed my suitcase. Cindy s reply to my text stated that her husband Ryan would be picking me up. I was mildly disappointed, but shook it off. After all we had a great time planned and I was looking forward to this visit and the planned highlight of the trip, the three of us attending the Browns/Buccaneer s game on Sunday. When Ryan greeted me at the airport I asked if Cindy was busy. Yes, he responded, with the remodeling there are a lot of major projects going on at the house right now. I nodded in agreement and we were on our way to their home. We walked through the garage into their kitchen. The only appliance in it was the refrigerator. There were no cabinets on the wall, no kitchen island and I could see where the kitchen wall had 1

been extended. We shared some conversation about the project when Ryan said, But you need to take a look at the real major project that is on the living room side. I wasn t sure what Ryan meant.

2 been extended. We shared some conversation about the project when Ryan said, But you need to take a look at the real major project that is on the living room side. I wasn t sure what Ryan meant. I thought it was just a kitchen remodel, but it s not my house. I hadn t seen the plans. So, went to take a look. There were no carpenter tools or construction work being done on the other side of the wall. Just my daughter Cindy, whose face had this huge smile and glow about her. She looked good, but different, in a way I had never seen her. So, what s this major project Ryan was talking about, I wondered? Where is it? It was then I caught sight of the major project: It was standing right in front of me. It was Cindy, 6 months pregnant with their first child. We hugged, laughed, cried and Face Timed Sue. We were the first of the family with whom they had shared their news. We are beyond excited for them, and yes, my daughter had won again and surprised me, just not at the airport. As the afternoon went on It Occurred to Me that what I thought was the reason for this trip, the Brown s/buccaneer s game, wasn t God s reason for this trip. I was there to share their joy, answer their questions and wonderings, and just be Dad for my pregnant daughter. There was much baby talk between the three of us during my visit. There was baby talk between Cindy and I when we were home alone or out eating that culminated with a trip to the Baby Supply Superstore to look over nursery furniture with my daughter. I got the first view of this expectant Mom s vision of her son s room. I still haven t come down from the joy of this trip. I hope I never do. So often in life we go about making our plans. We believe we have everything planned and under control, and we just might. Yet so often God intervenes and we find a greater purpose to what we thought we were planning to do. The ordinary becomes extraordinary. It becomes Holy. We find ourselves a full partner in God s presence and work in our world. So, my word to all of you is to keep your eyes, and your senses open. God can intervene in our everyday lives in ways we can never imagine. What we thought were simply our plans can become a part of the divine s presence in our world and we end up bringing comfort, assistance and joy to those we encounter. Keep awake. So often in life we discover that GOD HAS OTHER PLANS. Joy, Pastor Gene 2

WEDNESDAY MORNING DOCUMENTARIES On the first two Wednesdays in November Pastor Gene is hosting the showing of two documentaries. Time will be 10:30 a.m. After the viewing the group can go out to lunch and talk about the film over food and drink.

3 WEDNESDAY MORNING DOCUMENTARIES On the first two Wednesdays in November Pastor Gene is hosting the showing of two documentaries. Time will be 10:30 a.m. After the viewing the group can go out to lunch and talk about the film over food and drink. The documentaries we will be exploring are: November 7 th He Named Me Malala This film is an is an intimate portrait of Malala Yousafzai, who was wounded when Taliban gunmen opened fire on her and her friends' school bus in Pakistan's Swat Valley. The then 15-year-old teenager, who had been targeted for speaking out on behalf of girls' education in her region of Swat Valley in Pakistan, was shot in the head, sparking international media outrage. An educational activist in Pakistan, Yousafzai has since emerged as a leading campaigner for the rights of children worldwide and in December 2014, became the youngest-ever Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. November 14 th Three Identical Strangers This film tells the astonishing true story of three men who make the chance discovery, at the age of 19, that they are identical triplets, separated at birth and adopted to different parents. The trio's joyous reunion in 1980 catapults them to fame but it also sets in motion a chain of events that unearths an extraordinary and disturbing secret that goes far beyond their own lives a secret that goes to very heart of all human behavior. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization headed by Franklin Graham. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 146 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 150 countries and territories. For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received. Once again Trinity will be participating in Operation Christmas child. Our shoe box collection Sunday is November 18 th. Boxes, gift guides and packing slips are on the table in the entryway. 3

DAYTON DRAGONS GAME Yes, it is a bit unusual to get a notice for a Dayton Dragons game 6 months before the season starts, but this one comes with a good reason.

We have tried and have either been closed out or the cost was just prohibitive. But all that has changed.

4 DAYTON DRAGONS GAME Yes, it is a bit unusual to get a notice for a Dayton Dragons game 6 months before the season starts, but this one comes with a good reason. A number of people have asked over the last few years if we could get luxury box tickets. We have tried and have either been closed out or the cost was just prohibitive. But all that has changed. Pastor Gene has secured for us a Luxury Box (Box 4) for the home game on Thursday April 25 th. The box can seat 20 people and the tickets are ONLY $12.50 each. So, whether it s hot, cold, snow or rain we are covered. There are still a few seats left. Signup to reserve yours. NOVEMBER 18 TH Trinity United Church of Christ will hold its Annual Meeting on November 18th, following the morning worship service. If you receive your newsletter through . That is how you will receive your Annual Meeting materials. If you receive the newsletter through regular mail that is how you will receive your Annual Meeting materials. All members are encouraged to attend and hear the reports and vote on the 2019 budget. CALLING ALL PLASTIC SHOOPING BAGS We now have a way for all of us to put those necessary, but annoying, plastic shopping bags to good use. Kathy Stewart knows a lady who weaves these bags together as bedding mats for the homeless. 100 bags equal one bedding matt. 4

So, bring your plastic bags to church on Sundays. We will have a basket for them in the entry way and Kathy will take them to the lady who will weave them into bedding matts. HELP!

5 So, bring your plastic bags to church on Sundays. We will have a basket for them in the entry way and Kathy will take them to the lady who will weave them into bedding matts. HELP!!!!!! Advent Message Series A Very Special Christmas A Very Special Christmas is the title of Pastor Gene s Advent/Christmas message series for this year. The series will draw its messages from classic and popular Children s Christmas stories. So why lead this article with the word HELP? The reason is simple. Pastor Gene would like your assistance in narrowing down his list of stories. So below is a Pastor Gene s list which needs to be narrowed down to FIVE. Circle your 5 favorite stories and bring your slip to worship with you by November 18 th. We will list in the December newsletter the winners that will comprise this year s Advent/Christmas Series. Drop your ballot into the Christmas Gift bag in the entryway. If you are unfamiliar with the story, look it up a synopsis the Internet. The Littlest Christmas Tree The Polar Express Frosty the Snowman The Nightmare before Christmas A Charlie Brown s Christmas Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer Construction Site on Christmas Night Dear Santa, I Know It Looks Bad Dream Snow How the Grinch Stole Christmas Room for a Little One Olive the Other Reindeer Christmas Magic Stick Man 5

NOVEMBER USHERS November 4 th Kelly Blair, Kim O Loughlin Joanne Benson Sonia Green November 11 Phil and Jinny

Linda Konz Nov 11 th Bob and Barb Schneider Nov 18 th Mike and Michelle Naragon Nov 25 th Marcia Horton

6 NOVEMBER USHERS November 4 th Kelly Blair, Kim O Loughlin Joanne Benson Sonia Green November 11 Phil and Jinny Jones November 18 Irene and Jon Thurston November 25 th Tom and Donna Kochan NOVEMBER ALTAR FLOWERS Nov 4 th Linda Konz Nov 11 th Bob and Barb Schneider Nov 18 th Mike and Michelle Naragon Nov 25 th Marcia Horton DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR ADVENT/CHRISTMAS We have two dates when you can help get the sanctuary decorated for Christmas this year. November 25 th a few people are needed after worship to get decorations out of the altar room and down from the attic. November 26 th Time 10:00 am. We will gather to adorn the sanctuary in the colors of Advent and Christmas. 6

RESTROOM UPDATE We are currently doing some work on the first-floor men s restroom. A locking doorknob has been installed on the door.

ADVENT STUDY Pastor Gene will be offering an Advent Study on Wednesday s mornings at 10:00 a.m. beginning November 28 th. Study books will be available starting on November 18 th.

There will be two servings at 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. Plus, there will be home delivery. Call the Senior Citizen s Center to reserve your place for the meal. (937-878-4141).

7 RESTROOM UPDATE We are currently doing some work on the first-floor men s restroom. A locking doorknob has been installed on the door. Soon the partitions will be removed to give better access to the facilities for all and especially those with walkers or wheelchairs. ADVENT STUDY Pastor Gene will be offering an Advent Study on Wednesday s mornings at 10:00 a.m. beginning November 28 th. Study books will be available starting on November 18 th. Once again Fairborn will be hosting a free Thanksgiving Dinner for anyone within the Fairborn community. The dinner will be served on Thanksgiving Day. There will be two servings at 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. Plus, there will be home delivery. Call the Senior Citizen s Center to reserve your place for the meal. ( ). There is also the need for pumpkin pies. A signup sheet is available on Sundays at the church if you can donate a pie for the dinner. NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS Margaret Nobling - 11/4 Annabelle Kocker - 11/7 Alan Barone - 11/10 Phyllis Blair - 11/13 Jon Thurston - 11/17 Tim Davis - 11/17 Barbara Schneider - 11/18 Don Boyd - 11/18 Candice Kammerer - 11/20 Melody Gast 11/21 REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS Joyce Wysocki, Thora Pierce, Mary Port, Gary Butdorf, Keith McMurray, Phyllis Mitman, Margaret Nobling, Karen Hilt, Drew Carver, Mary Ann Barr, Sue Sampson, Lee White, the Ali Varhola Family, and Marlena Foster 7

To Mary Ann Barr and her crew for putting together Feed the Team on October

To Linda Sheetz for taking charge of outing messages on our outdoor sign.

decorations and to Phyllis Blair, Joanne Benson, and Linda Konz for their

8 To Mary Ann Barr and her crew for putting together Feed the Team on October 24 th. To Tim Davis for his work on the first floor Men s Restroom. To Linda Sheetz for taking charge of outing messages on our outdoor sign. Thanks to Jim and Mary Ann Barr for their donations of the harvest decorations and to Phyllis Blair, Joanne Benson, and Linda Konz for their work arranging everything. We received this card from the Senior Skyhawks football players 8

In Contact. Dear Friends,

In Contact. Dear Friends, FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH In Contact A Publication of the First Presbyterian Church of Boone Equipping Ordinary People to Lead Extraordinary Lives in Christ Dear Friends, November 16, 2014 Sermon: Tragedy