AUGUST MUSE. Hudson United Methodist Church MAY 2017

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "AUGUST MUSE. Hudson United Methodist Church MAY 2017"

Allison Todd
5 years ago
Views:

Hudson United Methodist Church 26OO Hudson Aurora Road, Hudson Ohio 44236 330-650-2650 MAY 2017 * A Spirit of Love Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17 (*Sermon delivered by Rev.

Bootcamp Week 7 - Staff Meeting, SPRC & Trustee s 9 - Nominations & Lay leaders 13- UMW 15- Worship 16- Welcome back Bell & Chancel Choirs 20- Open M 21- Finance 23- Books for Breakfast/Kralik 26-

Crossroads 11:00 AM A PREACHER ONCE HEARD ABOUT ANOTHER PREACHER who gained notoriety by preaching the world s longest sermon.

1 Hudson United Methodist Church 26OO Hudson Aurora Road, Hudson Ohio MAY 2017 * A Spirit of Love Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17 (*Sermon delivered by Rev. Hoyte Wilhelm on Sunday, May 27, 2018 addressing to a large extent the matter of human sexuality and sexual orientation in the life The United Methodist Church) AUGUST CALENDAR 6 - Nursery School Bootcamp Week 7 - Staff Meeting, SPRC & Trustee s 9 - Nominations & Lay leaders 13- UMW 15- Worship 16- Welcome back Bell & Chancel Choirs 20- Open M 21- Finance 23- Books for Breakfast/Kralik 26- RALLY DAY 27- NS Teachers 1 st day back 28- Church Council HUMC VISION: A place where: People grow spiritually People connect meaningfully People serve joyfully Worship 9:30 AM Fellowship 10:30 AM Crossroads 11:00 AM A PREACHER ONCE HEARD ABOUT ANOTHER PREACHER who gained notoriety by preaching the world s longest sermon. He felt led to preach some kind of notable sermon too and get in the record books. But he didn t want to bore people with a long sermon. So he decided he would peach the world s shortest sermon and he told his congregation that he was going to do this. He didn t want it to just be an excuse for a sermon. He had to say something meaningful in the sermon. He received a lot of good suggestions. When the time came for his notable short sermon he stood up at the pulpit cleared his throat and said, Love, and then sat down. (Yet, there is certainly more to say about love that is very important!) ANCIENT PHILOSOPHERS said that everything in the world is made of four elements: earth, air, fire, and water. The movie The Fifth Element imagined that there was a fifth element that tied these four together and that would save the world. That fifth most important element was Love. Maslow, a psychology theorist, said that Love is one of the most important needs of human beings (basic, psychological, and self-fulfillment) and that to be healthy and happy we need to love and be loved. Source: (Rev. Alex Stevenson) LOVE IS WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IN OUR LIVES AS CHRISTIANS! WHERE DOES OUR LOVE AS CHRISTIANS ORIGINATE? In the Bible, we learn that Jesus said that the most important commandments are to love God and to love your neighbor. The Bible also informs us clearly that God is Love. IT IS CHALLENGING TO FIND EVIDENCE OF THE PRACTICE OF PEOPLE REFLECTING A SPIRIT OF GOD S LOVE in the world. It would often appear that our divisiveness and polarity as a country and world are escalating rather than deescalating, cutting at the fabric of the many freedoms that so many people desire physically, emotionally and spiritually most notably in relationships with one another. THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS NOT IMMUNE TO THE DIVISIVENESS AND POLARITY OF THE WORLD and has often, even in its ministries and missional strengths, experienced a lack of civility and holy conversation in dealing with sensitive matters of our time.

2 YOU MAY OR MAY NOT BE AWARE OF THE COMMISSION ON A WAY FORWARD. It is gaining traction, visibility and will eventually impact all United Methodist Churches. An introduction to the Commission s work was presented by Paul Brown and me at this past Tuesday s Church Council meeting. Paul and Linda Brown and I have attended structured and intentional gatherings and conversations offered by the East Ohio Conference and our more immediate Canal District with its central office located in Akron. THE COMMISSION ON A WAY FORWARD WAS PROPOSED BY THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS (North America, Europe, Asia, Africa 612 million people) and approved by the 2016 General Conference (worldwide quadrennial conference every four years) to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph of the The Book of Discipline concerning human sexuality and explore options that help to maintain and strengthen the unity of the church. WHEN A SPECIAL SESSION OF GENERAL CONFERENCE CONVENES IN FEBRUARY OF 2019 clergy and lay delegates will consider a report with recommendations from the Council of Bishops in response to the work of the Commission addressing questions around human sexuality, mission and unity that will ideally move the denomination from its current impasse. AS WE PREPARE FOR AND LEARN ABOUT THE BISHOPS RECOMMENDATIONS for how The United Methodist Church can be in ministry with, by and for LGBTQI people (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex), many United Methodist churches and annual conferences are creating settings for people to engage in meaningful dialogue about sensitive topics. ON MAY 4, 2018, UNITED METHODIST BISHOPS, MET IN CHICAGO and engaged in a prayerful process to discern a way forward. At the conclusion of the discernment process, the Council of Bishops strongly approved the following motion and rationale: HAVING RECEIVED AND CONSIDERED THE EXTENSIVE WORK OF THE COMMISSION ON A WAY FORWARD, the Council of Bishops will submit a report to the Special Session of the General Conference in 2019 that includes: All three plans (The Traditionalist Plan, The One Church Plan and the Connectional Conference Plan) for a way forward considered by the Commission and the Council. The Council s recommendation of the One Church Plan. An historical narrative of the Council s discernment process regarding all three plans. THE MAJORITY OF BISHOPS SERVING ON THE COUNCIL AGREED TO RECOMMEND THE ONE CHURCH PLAN as it provides conferences, churches, and pastors the flexibility to uniquely reach their missional context while retaining the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church. THE ONE CHURCH PLAN (RECOMMENDED BY THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS) would allow different United Methodists in different places to make different decisions regarding ministry with or by LGBTQI persons rather than maintaining a single standard that operates everywhere throughout the worldwide church. This plan would remove restrictive language from the Book

of Discipline and give conferences, churches and pastors the flexibility to uniquely reach their missional context in relation to human sexuality without changing the connectional nature of The

3 of Discipline and give conferences, churches and pastors the flexibility to uniquely reach their missional context in relation to human sexuality without changing the connectional nature of The United Methodist Church. UNITED METHODISTS IN CENTRAL CONFERENCES in Africa, Asia and Europe would retain the authority to adapt the Book of Discipline and could continue to include their traditional language and values. THIS PLAN WOULD ALSO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF UNITED METHODISTS whose theological convictions will not allow them to perform same-sex weddings or ordain LGBTQI people. THE TRADITIONALIST PLAN would affirm the current language about homosexuality in the Book of Discipline and seek to strengthen enforcement for violations of church law. THE CONNECTIONAL-CONFERENCE PLAN would create three connectional conferences based on theology or perspective, each having clearly defined values (accountability, contextualization and justice). The three connectional conferences would function throughout the worldwide church and the five existing U.S. jurisdictions would be abolished. Adaptations to the Book of Discipline would be allowed by each connectional conference. Annual conferences would determine their affiliation with a connectional conference. Local churches who choose a branch other than the one chosen by their annual conference could vote to join another conference. THE FULL REPORT AND LEGISLATION WILL BE AVAILABLE following translation into the official languages of the General Conference. THE ESTIMATED RELEASE DATE IS JULY 8, THE 2019 GENERAL CONFERENCE WILL RECEIVE THE REPORT AND LEGISLATION AND MAKE DECISIONS about whether or how to change our current connectional relationships in advance of the General Conference in Minneapolis, MN, May 5-15, SO, HOW ARE WE TO LIVE WITH A SPIRIT OF LOVE with such a sensitive and potentially very volatile matter in speech and action with one another as Christians and United Methodists?...to stay seated at the table to stay connected as UM churches for people to not leave their local churches over one issue? THE FOUNDATIONS OF TODAY S SCRIPTURES HELPS US IN ANSWERING THAT QUESTION. From Romans 8:12-17: So then, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, we are debtors, NOT to the flesh, TO LIVE ACCORDING TO THE FLESH 13for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; BUT if BY THE SPIRIT you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are LED BY THE SPIRIT OF GOD are CHILDREN OF GOD. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, Abba! Father! it is that very Spirit BEARING WITNESS WITH our SPIRIT THAT WE ARE CHILDREN OF GOD, and if children, then heirs, HEIRS OF GOD AND JOINT HEIRS WITH CHRIST if, in fact, we SUFFER WITH HIM so that we may also be GLORIFIED WITH HIM.

4 And from John 3:1-17: Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from THE PRESENCE OF GOD. Jesus answered him, VERY TRULY, I TELL YOU, NO ONE CAN SEE THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITHOUT BEING BORN FROM ABOVE. Nicodemus said to him, How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother s womb and be born? Jesus answered, VERY TRULY, I TELL YOU, NO ONE CAN ENTER THE KINGDOM OF GOD WITHOUT BEING BORN OF WATER AND SPIRIT. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, You must be born from above. The WIND blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born OF THE SPIRIT. Nicodemus said to him, How can these things be? Jesus answered him, Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? NO ONE HAS ASCENDED INTO HEAVEN EXCEPT THE ONE WHO DESCENDED FROM HEAVEN, THE SON OF MAN. And just as Moses LIFTED UP the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. 16 FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, SO THAT EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM MAY NOT PERISH BUT MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE. 17 INDEED, GOD DID NOT SEND THE SON INTO THE WORLD TO CONDEMN THE WORLD, BUT IN ORDER THAT THE WORLD MIGHT BE SAVED THROUGH HIM. AND SO, EVERY PERSON AND EVERY VOICE IS WELCOME AROUND THE TABLE IN GOD S KINGDOM in the church in the world to live to be saved! A SPIRIT OF LOVE IS CALLED FOR IN MOVING FORWARD AS CHRISTIANS AND AS UNITED METHODISTS! AFTER HIS GRANDFATHER S DEATH, DONALD HALL, ONCE THE POET LAUREATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, went into his grandfather s attic and found many, many boxes, one of which was filled with short pieces of string. The box was marked in an old hand: STRING TOO SHORT TO BE SAVED. He was astonished. The box of string had caught him completely off-guard. And from his off-guardedness and unguardedness, he was inspired to write and have published a book of poems by the same title. HIS GRANDFATHER HAD SAVED STRING THAT WAS TOO SHORT TO BE SAVED. If you have ever felt like you were a string too short to be saved, you can discover or rediscover what it means to be accepted by God, in Jesus Christ! God! GOD WILL SAVE US ALL! NOTHING IS EVER LOST TO GOD! Nothing. No one is lost to WE WILL EACH FEEL TOO SHORT TO BE SAVED MANY, MANY TIMES IN OUR LIVES. Yet, God will still save us! (Too Short to Be Saved, Author Unknown) GOD WILL NEVER STOP LOVING US AND OFFERING A SPIRIT OF LOVE TO BE EXTENDED TO OTHERS! Amen.

From Rev. Paul Beal Congregational Care Congregational Care August 2018 Does it seem to you like it does to me that summer seems to rush by all too quickly?

com One of my blessings this summer has been to lead a small group at Laurel Lake in a study of The Key to A Joy-Filled Life by Tommy Newberry.

It seems to be easier and even our human nature to see and think negatively.

5 From Rev. Paul Beal Congregational Care Congregational Care August 2018 Does it seem to you like it does to me that summer seems to rush by all too quickly? As I write this article it s less than six weeks until Labor Day. Enjoy the time remaining between now and Labor Day as much as you can. To contact Pastor Paul: x23 Paulbeal38@msn.com One of my blessings this summer has been to lead a small group at Laurel Lake in a study of The Key to A Joy-Filled Life by Tommy Newberry. It s a book of forty chapters, one for each day, of ways to look at and think about how we need to be aware of and intentional in keeping negativity from controlling our thoughts and our life. It seems to be easier and even our human nature to see and think negatively. So the key to a joy-filled life is to avoid negative thoughts as much as possible and take charge of our thoughts replacing any negative thoughts with positive, good, healthy thoughts. That sounds fairly simple, but it is amazing how easily our mind is filled with negative thoughts about ourselves, other persons, and the world. As I get older I am reminded again and again of two words that are helpful in making changes for the better in my life. Those two words are awareness and intentional. When I become aware that there are better ways of behaving and better ways of doing things, and I am willing to make changes, then I discover my life becomes much happier and more joyful. Let me give you a personal example. Since I officially retired 16 years ago I have put on an extra 30 pounds.

6 I have not been happy about that, but let it go because I was active and enjoyed eating. Here lately I am dealing with some health issues. They have given me the incentive to become Intentional about eating more healthily and losing weight. To summarize: changing behavior begins with awareness of the need to change. It would be nice if that happened in a gentle way. More often it happens when we are confronted with a crisis or dilemma of some kind. The important thing is that we decide to become intentional about changing our behavior. You and I are not alone in facing issues that require change in our lives. One verse comes to mind: I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. (Philippians 4: 13) REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Janet Alexander, Candy Kinsey, Doris Luckhardt Deanna Page has relocated to New Mexico to be near daughter Ingrid and family Also: Barbara Carter, Ingrid Cavan, Maggie McGrainor, Barry and Mary Lynn Reynolds

FEED MY SHEEP Friday August 10, 2018: TP, lotion, mouthwash, and sports socks needed Feed My Sheep is a church-based hot lunch program, which takes place every Friday from 11:15am to 1pm, at Redeemer

On Friday, August 10, we ll distribute socks, briefs, TP and toiletries (body wash, soap, lotion, disposable razors, shaving cream, shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc.) to low income families.

Please join us! Contact: Nancy Kralik, 330 212-7581 nskralik@gmail.com BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS August is here! For many families that means school is just around the corner.

7 FEED MY SHEEP Friday August 10, 2018: TP, lotion, mouthwash, and sports socks needed Feed My Sheep is a church-based hot lunch program, which takes place every Friday from 11:15am to 1pm, at Redeemer UMC (265 Cuyahoga Falls Ave.) in Akron s North Hill neighborhood. On Friday, August 10, we ll distribute socks, briefs, TP and toiletries (body wash, soap, lotion, disposable razors, shaving cream, shampoo, mouthwash, toothpaste, etc.) to low income families. New socks and briefs, gently used seasonal clothing and hotel sized toiletries are especially needed. Blue collection bins are located in the Narthex closet, near the hand bell cabinet. Please join us! Contact: Nancy Kralik, nskralik@gmail.com BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS August is here! For many families that means school is just around the corner. Shopping for school supplies, books, and fall clothes becomes a large part of a family s schedule. Here at HUMC, on Sunday, August 12, we want to celebrate and bless the beginning of another school year. All students are asked to bring their backpack to Worship, whether attending the early service or Crossroads. Those students participating will be asked to come forward for a special blessing of the backpacks. For those attending the 9:30 service, this will occur directly after the Children's Sermon, and for those attending Crossroads Service, you will be given direction during service. This special blessing of the backpacks will serve as a reminder that you carry God with you wherever you go. LIFELINE SCREENING Life Line Screening, a leading provider of communitybased preventive health screenings will be in our community on Friday, December 7, 2018 at Hudson United Methodist Church. Ultrasound screenings to Identify risk factors for Cardiovascular disease include; Carotid Artery (plaque buildup-a leading cause of stroke), Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (an enlargement or weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body), Peripheral Arterial Disease (hardening of the arteries in the legs), a Heart Rhythm Screening (an EKG to detect Atrial Fibrillation-irregular heartbeat) and an Osteoporosis Risk Assessment for men and women. Being proactive about your health by knowing your risks helps you and your doctor address problems early. Register online TODAY at and receive your Community Circle discount and your Preferred Appointment!

TEACHER S AIDES FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSROOMS Are you a high school student looking for service hours? Do you enjoy working with kids in a fun classroom environment?

You'll assist during the Sunday school hour with a flexible schedule that is based upon your availability. Safe Sanctuary training will be provided.

8 TEACHER S AIDES FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSROOMS Are you a high school student looking for service hours? Do you enjoy working with kids in a fun classroom environment? If so, the Christian Education Committee is interested in recruiting you. We are seeking 1 or 2 Teacher's Aides to assist in the Pre-K -1st grade and the 2nd - 5th grade classrooms. You'll assist during the Sunday school hour with a flexible schedule that is based upon your availability. Safe Sanctuary training will be provided. To inquire, please contact Isabel Lee, Christian Education chair, at isabelleeoh@gmail.com or (330) FALL 2018 /2019 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR NURSERY AND 2/3 YEAR OLD ROOM The Fall schedule will begin on Rally Day ~ Sunday, August 26, 2018 with 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Sunday School 11:15 am Crossroads Worship During each of these hours, childcare will be available in the Nursery and Two/Three-Year Old rooms. Childcare is a vital ministry for our guests and church families connecting or desiring to connect with HUMC on Sunday mornings. We are in need of volunteers to assist our Child Care Givers in the Nursery and Two/Three-Year Old rooms, on Sunday mornings for each of the hours listed. (Our Safe Sanctuary Policy requires 2 adult leaders in each classroom). Please consider serving in this vital ministry with our young children which is such an important service to our visitors and church families. There are many openings in the schedule. If you are interested in being a volunteer one hour, once a month, please contact Cheryl Gamble, ASAP at or at cgamble1114@yahoo.com TWINSBURG HABITAT PROJECT We are looking for two more people to support our first Habitat build date on Saturday, August 4th. We currently have six volunteers but are looking for a total of eight. The minimum age is 18 years old. The location is 1926 Case in Twinsburg. If you are interested please contact John Kralik at jpkralik@gmail.com. Work starts around 8:30am and goes to around 4:00pm. Gloves and tools are provided. We may be in the sun throughout the day, so please dress appropriately.

What better way to share your talents with the church? We would LOVE to have you!

Rehearsals for bells and chancel choir will begin August 16 th at 6:15pm and 7:30pm respectively.

If you would like to join us, email Terri Wilhelm at wilhelmterri@gmail.com for more information!

9 COME ONE, COME ALL! Please join our fun-loving, devoted group of musicians as we begin a new year of music ministry! What better way to share your talents with the church? We would LOVE to have you! We are not looking for divas, but rather those with a soul filled with music! Rehearsals for bells and chancel choir will begin August 16 th at 6:15pm and 7:30pm respectively. We will begin singing for worship service at 9:30am on August 26 th. If you would like to join us, Terri Wilhelm at wilhelmterri@gmail.com for more information! LOOKING FOR HIDDEN TALENTS! Do you have a hidden musical talent that you haven't told anyone about yet? Or, have you been waiting to share it? We are currently seeking any and all musicians to expand our repertoire of church soloists, or group members. A brass group, flute group, string group, etc. would love to have you! But, we have to know about you! Please Terri Wilhelm at wilhelmterri@gmail.com with your instrument specialty and how you would like to be involved. We are looking to grow in these areas! Let's make a joyful noise!

SAVE THE DATE: Rally Day is Sunday, August 26th! Rally Day marks the beginning of our Sunday school year, and this year will also mark the launch of our new 2-service worship format.

Adults will be encouraged to "tour" the many adult class offerings that are available during the Sunday school hour.

10 SAVE THE DATE: Rally Day is Sunday, August 26th! Rally Day marks the beginning of our Sunday school year, and this year will also mark the launch of our new 2-service worship format. On Rally Day, regular Sunday school classes will begin for children and youth, grades Pre-K - 8. High school students will be welcomed in the Christian Friendship class in room 41 (basement). Adults will be encouraged to "tour" the many adult class offerings that are available during the Sunday school hour. "Tour Guides" will be on hand to guide you to classrooms throughout the church where leaders will answer questions and entice you with intriguing topics, friendly faces and real opportunities for spiritual growth. Those who visit at least three classrooms will receive automatic entry into a drawing for an Amazon gift card! Questions may be directed to isabelleeoh@gmail.com or (330)

11 LAUNCH DATE Our official Crossroads launch will be Sunday, August 26 at 11:15 a.m. We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in planning our launch: Thinking of creative ways to advertise Planning pre- and post-service community engagement activities Inviting others Prayer Special service features If you would like to help partner with us in making our launch a special day for the community, please sign up in the lobby. Please let Kerrie or Bob Book know if you have any other questions.

I cannot believe we are looking into August and school starting in a few weeks! I hope everyone enjoyed the hot summer. Nursery School is gearing up for another exciting year.

12 I cannot believe we are looking into August and school starting in a few weeks! I hope everyone enjoyed the hot summer. Nursery School is gearing up for another exciting year. We will be welcoming new children and teachers. We are very excited to get school started and welcome all our new friends, as well as, welcome back our returning friends. School will start September 5 th for most classes. We do have openings in our toddler 2 ½ yr. old program, 3 yr. old program and 4/5 yr. old programs. If you know anyone interested in our school, please have them call the office at We are looking forward to an exciting school year. Lisa VanBuskirk Director

The Newsletter of. United Methodist Church. January All Things Considered

The Newsletter of. United Methodist Church. January All Things Considered The Newsletter of January 2018 United Methodist Church All Things Considered Happy New Year! May your upcoming year be filled with grace and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace that