PREVUES. Easter at Saint John United Church of Christ No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here!

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A p r i l 2 0 1 8 PREVUES T h e M o n t h l y e - n e w s l e t t e r o f S t.

Easter Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Enjoy food, friendship and fellowship before Easter Sunday worship in the Fellowship Hall (lower level elevator available). Everyone is invited.

1 A p r i l PREVUES T h e M o n t h l y e - n e w s l e t t e r o f S t. J o h n U n i t e d C h u r c h o f C h r i s t Bellevue, Kentucky Easter at Saint John United Church of Christ No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are welcome here! Easter Breakfast 9:00 a.m. Enjoy food, friendship and fellowship before Easter Sunday worship in the Fellowship Hall (lower level elevator available). Everyone is invited. Easter Sunday Worship with Brass Quartet April 1, 10:30 a.m. (Pre-service music at 10:20 a.m.) The Sanctuary will be filled with Easter Lilies, spring flowers, and music to celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The service will be led by the Chancel Choir, Handbell Choir and a Brass Quarter. There will be a special time for Children, prayers of healing, and Holy Communion for all. Pastor Keith s Easter sermon is Now What? from Mark Bring a friend and celebrate the resurrection!

2 From the Corner Jesus is Alive, April Fools! Every year I struggle with what to preach on Resurrection Sunday. I mean really, what can you say that hasn t already been said, Christ is risen, Alleluia, now go home? I jest of course. Most of my congregants and friends will say that preaching on Easter Sunday must be easy since it s the same theme every year. Little do they realize I have yet to repeat an Easter sermon. The resurrection stories found in the Bible are full of meaning and truth for life. Ironically, Easter falls on April Fools day this year. Being the reverent person, I am (ha) I said to my office assistant, This is going to change the Call to Worship on Easter. She asked, how? I said, Christ is Risen! April Fools! She looked at me in horror and said, You re not really going to do that, are you? Then I said, You ll have to show up to find out. I m always looking for ways to invite people to Church. Over the years I have been asked if I believe in a literal resurrection or do I hold to a metaphorical or metaphysical interpretation. Now keep in mind most of the people who ask are those who are trying to test me. I ve come to realize that no matter how I answer this question there are some who will judge me. One of my favorite movies is The Count of Monte Cristo (2002). It is based on the adventure novels of Alexandre Dumas completed in When unjustly incarcerated to the island prison, Chateau d If, Edmond Dantes, realized it was his friend s deception that landed him in the most horrid place on earth. After years of counting the stones in his cell, he encounters an old man, Abbe Faria, a Priest who dug for five years to get to Edmond s cell, thinking he was digging to the outer wall. This encounter leads to a reluctant friendship and a dramatic escape from the prison. While digging together the tunnel caved in on the old Priest. Edmond dragged him out with little time before his last breath. The Priest shared with Edmond where a hidden treasure was and warned him not to use the wealth for revenge. Edmond protested that he would use it for revenge. The Priest said, God said, Vengeance is mine. Edmond said, I don t believe in God. That doesn t matter, God believes in you! the Priest responded. Do I believe in the resurrection? My answer is, yes! I believe in resurrections of any kind that God is willing to offer humanity, including the resurrection of Jesus with all its interpretations, understandings, and meanings. My faith is based in the Holy One who calls me out of the tombs beyond the worst situations and into life. And, I believe in the Holy One who even though we may doubt, question, or even not believe, believes in us. No matter who you are or where you are on life s journey, you are invited to come celebrate Easter Sunday on April Fools Day - April 1 st at St. John United Church of Christ, 520 Fairfield Avenue, Bellevue, KY. 9a Breakfast, 10:20a Pre-service music with Brass Ensemble, 10:30a Worship Service. Happy Easter! From the Corner is written by the Rev. Keith M. Haithcock, Pastor & Teacher. You may also find Keith s writing in 2

Sunday Worship in April @ 10:30a Pre-service music begins at 10:20a Reflections and Reading: April 1: Easter Sunday Now What? -Mark 16.1-8 April 8: Second Sunday of Easter Marks of Faith -John 20.

11-18 April 29: Fifth Sunday of Easter "Abiding in Love" -John 15.1-8 Prepare for Sunday Worship by: Reading the lesson for the day. Inviting a friend, neighbor, or family member to come with you.

3 Sunday Worship in 10:30a Pre-service music begins at 10:20a Reflections and Reading: April 1: Easter Sunday Now What? -Mark April 8: Second Sunday of Easter Marks of Faith -John April 15: Third Sunday of Easter "Christ Among Us" -Luke 24.36b-48 April 22: Fourth Sunday of Easter "Enfolded by Love" -John April 29: Fifth Sunday of Easter "Abiding in Love" -John Prepare for Sunday Worship by: Reading the lesson for the day. Inviting a friend, neighbor, or family member to come with you. Praying for all who will attend, the pastor, and other leaders of worship. Enhancing your experience, sit toward the front and invite someone to sit with you. YOU ARE INVITED TO Kids Connection Kids Connection is an interactive class for ages 4 thru 11. Classes help children learn about God's love and the Bible lessons about Jesus. Sundays at 10:30a on the 2 nd, 3 rd, and 4 th Sundays of each month. N e i g h b o r s, M e m b e r s, R e g u l a r A t t e n d e e s, F r i e n d s, a n d A l l Register your child to attend Kids Connection TODAY! For registration and other information contact Pastor@StJohnChurch.net or call , ext St. John United Church of Christ 520 Fairfield Ave., Bellevue, KY StJohnChurch.net A criminal background check for leaders is required and two adults are always present in the class room. 3

An official Call to the 2018 Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, May 6 th following worship All St. John United Church of Christ covenant members are urged to attend. Visitors are welcome.

community. Previous Bible knowledge or experience is not required. Bibles are available. Attend when you are able. Face it, most of us would not read the Bible at all if we didn't have a plan.

with you! Morning Prayer Wednesdays at 7:47 a.m.

4 An official Call to the 2018 Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, May 6 th following worship All St. John United Church of Christ covenant members are urged to attend. Visitors are welcome. Weekly Bible Encounter For Youth & Adults Sundays at 9a - Room 102 The purpose of the Weekly Bible Encounter is to encounter the Bible through prayer, reading, study, scholarship and inquisitive community. Previous Bible knowledge or experience is not required. Bibles are available. Attend when you are able. Face it, most of us would not read the Bible at all if we didn't have a plan. Here is your plan! Invite a friend to come with you! Morning Prayer Wednesdays at 7:47 a.m. In the Sanctuary Start your day with 35-minutes of prayer Scripture Silence Prayers of Intercession Enter the accessible door off the parking lot Recent Memorial Fund Gifts In memory of Steve Dougherty from Melissa Artopoeus and Rita & Bob Auteri In memory of Lorraine Arthur from Melissa Artopoeus and Rita & Bob Auteri In memory of June Kirchner from Melissa Artopoeus Thank you! A sincere thank you to all who offered me prayers, support and condolences for the recent loss of my mother and my brother Jim s surgery and rehab challenges. -Marlene Hayes 4

Save the Date! Annual Rummage Sale Saturday, May 12 th, 2018 8:00a 1:00p Fellowship Hall We invite all members, friends, and supporters to donate goods for the sale.

We accept and need all types of household and kitchen items, baby items, clean clothing, shoes, collectibles, knick knacks, bed and bath linens, small and medium sized furniture, lamps, toys, crafts,

We DO NOT ACCEPT large appliances like stoves, refrigerators, or washer/dryers, NO old-style box TVs, old computers/monitors or cable/electrical parts, and no used or opened personal hygiene items.

5 Save the Date! Annual Rummage Sale Saturday, May 12 th, :00a 1:00p Fellowship Hall We invite all members, friends, and supporters to donate goods for the sale. Bring donations to church between Sunday April 29 th and Monday May 7 th. We accept and need all types of household and kitchen items, baby items, clean clothing, shoes, collectibles, knick knacks, bed and bath linens, small and medium sized furniture, lamps, toys, crafts, books, yard and garden items, antiques, jewelry, etc. We DO NOT ACCEPT large appliances like stoves, refrigerators, or washer/dryers, NO old-style box TVs, old computers/monitors or cable/electrical parts, and no used or opened personal hygiene items. For questions or assistance with donations please contact STEVE PHILLIPS at or stephen.phillips2014@icloud.com. Spring has Sprung! Come Help Spruce Up the Church Property. Yard work day at the church, weather permitting, on Saturday April 7th from 9:00am - 2:00pm. Volunteers would be greatly appreciated. Please bring shovels, rakes and garden tools. Contact Steve Howes at if you re able to help. One Great Hour of Sharing Offering Update! We raised $1,027.98! Melissa Artopoeus Pastor Keith Haithcock Mission Offering Coordinators Prevues is published monthly. Submissions due on the 10 th of the prior month. (May items due April 10 th ) All repeat submissions should be revised each month. Please your submissions to: Prevues@StJohnChurch.net. Requests for the Prayer List are due on Mondays. to PrayerList@StJohnChurch.net. Editor: Keith M. Haithcock; Publication Assistant: Debbie Cummings 5

6 From Global Ministries February 28, 2018 Dear Friends: Global Ministries gives many thanks for your gift of $25.00 made through the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association of the United Church of Christ. As you have indicated, this gift will be used in its entirety for Inanda Seminary in South Africa. Your support is appreciated and felt all over the world. Sincerely, Reverend Jane Sullivan-Davis Executive for Resource Development Global Ministries 2018 Crop Walk Plans Dear friends, We are now living in a time when ongoing humanitarian disasters are being met with decreasing official compassion. Non- Government Organizations (NGOs) like Church World Service have their capacity stretched as they struggle to fill the need gap. We, the volunteers who organize the Greater Cincinnati CROP Hunger Walk invite the communities of faith to help fill that gap. Over the past several years we have raised over $45,000 through CROP Walks, with 25% going to local and 75% going to global hunger organizations. This year s event will take place on Sunday, October 7 th. But it doesn t just happen. We also need help planning, organizing and promoting this event. We invite you to get involved early for greater success and to make vital resources available to more people. Please attend the first organizing meeting on Wednesday, April 18, 7:00p at St. John s United Church of Christ, 415 Park Avenue, Newport, KY. At this meeting we will be establishing our leadership team for 2018, designating up to three organizations to share in the local portion of the funds raised, as well as making other decisions. Your support and your input are both needed and welcome. Sincerely, Rev. Russ Kimmerly for the CROP Volunteer Team revruss2@yahoo.com;

United Church of Christ Choirfest Sunday, April 22, 3:00p St. Paul UCC, 6997 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati. Featuring UCC choirs from greater Cincinnati including the Chancel Choir of St.

Last year over $4,000 was raised - the most ever!

local restaurant. Topics include: Introduction to St.

7 United Church of Christ Choirfest Sunday, April 22, 3:00p St. Paul UCC, 6997 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati. Featuring UCC choirs from greater Cincinnati including the Chancel Choir of St. John UCC, Bellevue, KY. The festival of choirs will conclude with a mass choir singing: "Hallelujah Chorus" by G.F. Handel "When I Survey The Wondrous Cross", arr. Gilbert Martin "River In Judea" - arr. by John Levitt, composed by Jack Feldman In addition to a great afternoon of sharing beautiful music the Choirfest is a fundraiser for United Church of Christ Mission Priority Board. Last year over $4,000 was raised - the most ever! Spring Covenant Membership Classes Saturday, May 5 th - 9:00a to 2:00p Room 102 (enter using the accessible door off the parking lot) Registration deadline: Sunday April 29 th Lunch ordered in from a local restaurant. Topics include: Introduction to St. John United Church of Christ, Statement of Faith, Spirituality, Baptism, Holy Communion, the Bible, what we believe, what does it mean to be a disciple, the six marks of discipleship, and more. Becoming a member of the church is more than adding your name to a list. It is a matter of faith and covenant with a local Church. Attending class does not mean you must join. The class may help you see if you are ready for this step in your faith journey. Registration deadline: Sunday April 29 th. Register via your Sunday Information Card, or sign up at the Welcome Table, calling , ext. 202, or ing: Pastor@StJohnChurch.net. St. John Financials & Attendance Information March 2018 Offering Total: $7,233 Worship Attendance Average: 63 Blessings to those who are celebrating this month! April Birthdays 7 Ginnie Kelley 11 Dean Clevenger 27 Ryan Jago April Anniversaries 4 Charles & Pat Giglia 11 William Machuga & Marvin Snodgrass Alan & Lilian Imberg 18 Jamie & Jim Schubert 24 Jim & Susan Colding 7

The Pastor s Discretionary Assistance Fund -Helping those in need- March Update The Rev. Keith M. Haithcock 7 Kroger Cards for food were distributed.

Your over-and-above gift to the PDAF will go to those in our congregation and community who are in need of food, housing, utilities and amenities.

8 The Pastor s Discretionary Assistance Fund -Helping those in need- March Update The Rev. Keith M. Haithcock 7 Kroger Cards for food were distributed. 40 Blessing Bags (individual-meals) were distributed. 8 households were served by PDAF. Your over-and-above gift to the PDAF will go to those in our congregation and community who are in need of food, housing, utilities and amenities. Blessing Bag Story By Bobby Moreland Encouragement can lead to individual accomplishments as well as assistance to others. After an uplifting service at St. John United Church of Christ, I was preparing to leave. A congregant, Sandy Kerlin, was behind me. She gathered several Blessing Bags and, in the process, shared a story about placing one with a person in need. As a result, I took two bags. Two weeks later, I had not visualized someone in need. Upon leaving the church that cold Sunday in January, I said a prayer, Dear Lord, please allow me to assist someone with a Blessing Bag today. Three hours later, I was driving North on I-75 proceeding to the Middletown, OH exit. As I reached the end of the ramp, the traffic light turned the cautionary amber. I came to a stop. My passenger window framed the picture of a young lady needing assistance. I handed her the Blessing Bag. She was very thankful. She had an animal companion. I asked, What is your dog s name? Her reply, Samson, and he is a friendly companion. I thought of the Warrior Samson from the Book of Judges. With a few seconds to spare, I inquired, What is your name? Sunshine, she stated with a smile. God answers prayers. She expressed sincere gratitude. However, I felt blessed by her positivity. I take the same exit frequently. Since that gray, winter day, I have not seen Sunshine. I hope she is wonderfully well and in a better position than in January. Bobby is an elementary school teacher in Lebanon, OH. He serves on the Congregational Care Team and is the chair of the Pastoral Relations Committee. Your over-and-above gift to the Pastor s Discretionary Assistance Fund (PDAF) make Blessing Bags possible. Thank you for your continued support.

Illumination Youth Ministry News We have spent the last quarter exploring our theme, taken from Hebrews 12:1... Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.

We have had fun making our own race cars, bowling, going to a movie, having a Mario Kart tournament, and we have talked and listened to each other about what it means to persevere when the road gets

9 Illumination Youth Ministry News We have spent the last quarter exploring our theme, taken from Hebrews 12:1... Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us. We have looked at the race from different perspectives, and have related it to many different activities. We have had fun making our own race cars, bowling, going to a movie, having a Mario Kart tournament, and we have talked and listened to each other about what it means to persevere when the road gets bumpy. We have tried to understand the bumps that other people experience, and we have engaged in some service projects that we hope made some other people s roads smoother. At a recent March meeting, we nourished our bodies with a Crossfit workout and a healthy dinner, and nourished our minds in a team building brain challenge with the idea that you need to stay fit in body, mind, and spirit to persevere in the race. April Illumination Events: We are taking our scripture for the second quarter of 2018 from I Timothy 4:12-- Don t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. We are going to concentrate on building relationships between generations, and showing people who we are and what we are capable of doing. During the second quarter of 2018, our first Wednesday meeting will continue to be held at First Christian, and our third Tuesday meeting will be held (or start at) St. John UCC (520 Fairfield Avenue, Bellevue). Wednesday, April 4 th, 5:30-7:30p at First Christian Church: We are going to use technology to create a youth collage of This is who we are. This is what we can do. This is what is important to us. We ll also play a game that will help us think about how others see us. Dinner will be served. Tuesday, April 17 th, 5:30-7:30p at St John UCC in Bellevue: This will be our first meeting of this calendar year at St John UCC, so we plan on exploring the church, and learning about it s different spaces and what they are used for. Then we will take advantage of the church s great location by walking down the street to Schneider s for ice cream! Illumination Youth Ministry is a shared youth ministry of St. John UCC-Bellevue, Christ Church UCC- Fort Thomas, and First Christian Church-Fort Thomas. Middle School and High School Youth (Grades 6-12) are invited and encouraged to attend. Our regularly scheduled meetings are on the first Wednesday and third Tuesday of each month. Friends are always welcome we just ask that everyone sign in for meetings with appropriate emergency contact information. For more information, please contact the Illumination Coordinators: Nancy Bardgett Call or text: (859) Nancy.Bardgett@gmail.com Melanie Sorrell Call or text: (859) melaniemcb@gmail.com 9

From Our Mission Church March 2018 Washington United Church of Christ 2950 Sidney Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45225 Phone (513) 541-7757 Fax (513) 541-7579

Wednesday and field trips on Thursdays. Positions available: Kitchen Assistant, helping prepare and serve breakfast and lunch.

* Christian Educator, teaching Bible stories. Creativity leader, teaching children crafts and other creative arts.

10 From Our Mission Church March 2018 Washington United Church of Christ 2950 Sidney Avenue, Cincinnati, OH Phone (513) Fax (513) JOB OPENINGS Childrens Summer Program 8a to 2p Monday thru Thursday May 31 to August 3 Activities for these 40 low-income children include breakfast and lunch, and a structured curriculum. Children are divided into small groups and rotate among classes in arts, crafts, Bible stories, recreation, nutrition, gardening on Mondays thru Wednesday and field trips on Thursdays. Positions available: Kitchen Assistant, helping prepare and serve breakfast and lunch. * Nutrition Leader, teaching children nutrition and hygiene from a prepared curriculum and working with them in community garden. * Christian Educator, teaching Bible stories. Creativity leader, teaching children crafts and other creative arts. Preschool Leader, doing activities and lessons for 4 and 5-year-olds. Recreation Leader, leading outdoor and indoor games and physical activities. Stipend: $2,000-$2,500. *VISTA positions. $1,230 education bonus! Free housing available (with roommates) in church-owned apartments. For more information contact Laurel Humes: laurelh@zoomtown.com or

11 April 2018 Calendar Sunday, April 1 HAPPY EASTER 8:45a Choir Rehearsal, Rm 203 9:00a Easter Sunday Breakfast, LL100 10:30a Easter Sunday Worship, with Communion & sign interpretation, Sanctuary Mark Tuesday, April 3 1:30p Staff Meeting, Rm 101 6:30p Handbell Rehearsal, Rm 202 Wednesday, April 4 7:47a Morning Prayer, Sanctuary 2:00p Friendship Center, Rm LL100S 5:30p Illumination Youth Ministries, First Christian 1031 Alexandria Pike Thursday, April 5 10:00a UCC Clergy Group Christ Church, 15 S. Ft. Thomas 2:00p Outreach Missions Group, Rm 102 6:30p Cub Scouts, Rm LL100 Sunday, April 8 8:45a Choir Rehearsal, Rm 203 9:00a Weekly Bible Encounter Class, Rm :30a Sunday Worship, Sanctuary John Kids Connection, Rm 202 1:45p Mannerchor rehearsal Rm 203 Tuesday, April 10 DEADLINE MAY PREVUES 1:30p Staff Meeting, Rm 101 6:30p Handbell Rehearsal, Rm 202 Wednesday, April 11 7:47a Morning Prayer, Sanctuary 2:00p Friendship Center, Rm LL100S Thursday, April 12 10:00a UCC Clergy Group Christ Church, 15 S. Ft. Thomas Sunday, April 15 8:45a Choir Rehearsal, Rm 203 9:00a Weekly Bible Encounter Class, Rm :30a Sunday Worship, Sanctuary Luke 24.36b-48 Kids Connection, Rm 202 1:45p Mannerchor rehearsal, Rm 203 Tuesday, April 17 1:30p Staff Meeting, Rm 101 5:30p Illumination Youth Ministries St. John UCC, 520 Fairfield Ave. Rm 102 6:30p Handbell Rehearsal, Rm 202 Wednesday, April 18 7:47a Morning Prayer, Sanctuary 2:00p Friendship Center, Rm LL100S 7:00p CROP Walk organizing meeting, St. John s Newport, 415 Park Ave. Thursday, April 19 8:30a Staff Meeting, Rm :00a UCC Clergy Group Christ Church, 15 S. Ft. Thomas 4:30p Youth Advisory Board, Christ Church 15 S. Ft. Thomas 6:30p Cub Scouts, Rm LL100 Sunday, April 22 8:45a Choir Rehearsal, Rm 203 9:00a Weekly Bible Encounter Class, Rm :30a Sunday Worship, Sanctuary John Kids Connection, Rm 202 1:45p Mannerchor rehearsal, Rm 203 3:00p UCC Choirfest, St. Paul UCC 6997 Hamilton Avenue, College Hill Cincinnati Tuesday, April 24 1:30p Staff Meeting, Rm 101 6:30p Handbell Rehearsal, Rm 202 Wednesday, April 25 7:47a Morning Prayer, Sanctuary 2:00p Friendship Center, Rm LL100S Thursday, April 26 10:00a UCC Clergy Group Christ Church, 15 S. Ft. Thomas 6:00p Strategic Leadership Council, Rm 102 Saturday, April 28 11:30a Free Senior Meal, LL100 Sunday, April 29 - Spring Covenant Membership Class registration deadline 8:45a Choir Rehearsal, Rm 203 9:00a Weekly Bible Encounter Class, Rm :30a Sunday Worship, Sanctuary John :45p Mannerchor rehearsal, Rm

12 St. John 520 Fairfield Ave. Bellevue, Kentucky Facebook.com/StJohnUCC Church office hours: Tuesdays and Wednesdays 8a to 4p Ministers The whole congregation Clergy Pastor & Teacher...The Reverend Keith M. Haithcock , ext. 202 Always available by appointment Volunteer Chaplain in Residence.. The Reverend Sue Jelinek Staff Administrative Assistant to the Pastor. Debbie Cummings , ext. 201 Data Coordinator... Linda Schuster House Keeper. Luis Hernandez Illumination Youth Ministry Directors Nancy Bardgett Melanie Sorrell Keyboard Musician and Choir Director... Steve Milloy Kids Connection Teacher-Coordinator (February thru May 2018)...The Reverend Amy Arnold Strategic Leadership Council (SLC) President. Steve Howes, President Elect.. Alan Imberg, Recording Secretary. Theo Baldwin, Treasurer.. Dave Hiser, Member-at-Large.. Lonnie Fields, Member-at-Large.. Ginnie Kelley,

13 St. John United Church of Christ is proud to provide outreach to the following organizations: Washington Cincinnati, Ohio Our Church s Wider Mission Rubate Hospital - Kenya Africa Durban, South Africa 13

Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner

Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner S t. J o h n Bellevue, Kentucky Never place a period where God had placed a comma God is Still Speaking P R E V U E S T h e M o n t h l y e - n e w s l e t t e r N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 7 Neighbors, Members,