Delphos Trinity Newsletter

Transcription

1 Delphos Trinity Newsletter TRINITY UMC STAFF Pastor Rich Rakay Cell: (419) Tender Times Director Melissa Smiley Office: (567) Church Secretary Carol Higbea Office: (419) Fax: (419) Janitor Carl Miller Worship Musician Kathy Stewart Choir Director Erin Stokes Office and Mailing Address Trinity United Methodist Church 211 E. Third Street Delphos, OH Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8AM-Noon & 1-5PM Website: delphostrinity.org Like us on Facebook! Dear church - Have you ever considered what you want the church to be? I ve been at Annual Conference for our yearly regional denominational meeting listening to the ways the big C church (all Christians everywhere) is at work in the world. Stories were shared of specific congregations reaching the community around them, the need for new congregations to reach people not yet connected to a community of faith, and the tremendous global needs related to poverty, healthcare, and basic nutrition. A question started swirling within me: What is a church supposed to be? Or, another way to word that: What makes a church, a good church? I thought about these questions for some time and then began asking some of my colleagues what they thought. Probably the most truthful answer I received was from a guy who has been fairly successful in leading churches as far as statistics go (good attendance and giving, bills paid, etc.). He said, You know, I m so busy doing all the stuff that I see needs done that I don t have time to think about it. However, I believe it is worth making the time to seriously consider what it is that God would desire us to do. After all, He created the church. The LORD is the one who is ultimately in charge. And, He charged His followers with carrying on the work He set forth in Jesus. I have to admit that there are times I worked harder to make the church what I wanted it to be than I did to lead it to be what Jesus intended it to be. Does that resonate with you? Have you witnessed others pushing forward with tasks and busyness that had nothing to do with the Gospel? Have you ever been caught up in all the work that needs to get done, all the gossip and drama, or a turf war over petty power struggles that you wondered why in the heck you bother coming to church? If so, let s prayerfully study the scriptures to see what God wants the church to be and to do. That is our only reliable source for being the people Jesus died to save and lead. So then, I believe it starts there. Each one in the church must understand that they need faith in Jesus Christ to save them from their sins, to be in right relationship with the Father, to receive the Holy Spirit, and to be led in using their God-given gifts to build up the community of faith. Over the next two months we will continue to study the Gospel according to Mark in the Sunday services. I hope to reflect on what Jesus came to do and what He taught. As we go through this, I d like you to consider what it is Jesus created the church to do and to be. If you want to share your thoughts with me, please do. Perhaps I ll share some of those in a future article. The point is, I d love to get you connected with the Word of God so that you can get in tune with the Heart of God. Only then will we really look like the People of God. Yours in Christ - Pastor Rich July/August 2018

2 Page 2 Delphos Trinity Newsletter July & August 2018 Trinity UMC Family Picnic Where: 2150 Shenk Road, Elida OH (Mike & Becky Binkley s home) When: Who: Why: Sunday, July 22 nd, 1-4PM We will eat about 2 PM, rain or shine) Church family, friends, and guests. All are invited! Just to have fun and visit with our whole church family! What to bring: A side dish to share. Hotdogs, hamburgers, pop, and water will be provided. There are plenty of plugs to keep things hot, if you want to cook. Cold sides, chips, and dessert are always welcome too! Clothes for the occasion. There will be volleyball, corn hole, kayaking and swimming in the pond. Remember to bring a towel! There is a play set for the little ones and plenty of shade for those that just want to sit and visit. A lawn chair. If you have one, bring it along. If not, there are folding chairs and picnic tables. A friend. This is the perfect opportunity to invite someone who has yet to experience the joy of having a church family. Please RSVP to the church office, so we can plan for adequate food. Call or info@delphostrinity.org. Join the Fun!!! Kyack Paddle Boat Swimming Plenty of Shade

3 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page 3 July Mission Feature CASA of Allen and Putnam Counties, Ohio was started in 2009 as a program of Crime Victim Services, a non-profit organization advocating for victims of crime. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is a trained community volunteer, appointed by a judge, to assess the circumstances of a child and make recommendations regarding his/her best interest. CASA Volunteers make home visits to interview the child and family members, as well as review school records, medical and psychological reports, and police records. The ultimate goal are empowered to make a life-long difference in the lives of these children. In Fall 2017, the CASA program moved to a new building purchased by Crime Victim Services, to accommodate the growing number of CASA Volunteers. However, CASA still needs more Volunteers to adequately serve every child that needs a voice. Every CASA Volunteer completes 35 hours of pre-service training prior to being sworn-in as an Officer of the Court. CASA Volunteers then complete a minimum of 12 in-service training hours annually. Monetary donations will be used to purchase training equipment and materials in the new build. -Thank you, The Missions Committee August Mission Feature AIA celebrates 50 years of changed lives! I am one of the many lives that have been completely changed by this ministry. As a freshman at the University of Dayton, one of my teammates reached out to me and led me to Christ. I am thankful to be part of seeing God change lives all over the world. Expect that God will use you in ways beyond what you ve seen so far. -Dave Hannah, founder of AIA. Last month all of our AIA staff gathered to celebrate 50 years of God changing lives through AIA. It was incredible to hear this one man s vision to take the gospel to the world through sport. Now we have immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine as I trust Him for AIA movements in every college athletic department (currently on 220 campuses of 1800 total). Training the next generation: This year it was my goal to focus on raising up more female leadership in our ministry. I led a Local Team Leader training the past 6 months. These ladies are making history as the first female AIA Local Team Leaders. Daily they reach out to share Christ with athletes on over 45 campuses in Boston, UVA, Stanford, VT, Atlanta, and Colorado Sate. University of Michigan is sending laborers to reach the world. Sent out from Ann Arbor we are now reaching athletes for Christ at U of Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Chicago, San Diego State, Puerto Rico, East Asia and South Africa! You play a vital role in this ministry. Thank you for your prayers and support! The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. -Numbers 6: Denise Hammons If you wish to provide financial support, please designate your giving to Denise Hammons

4 Page 4 Delphos Trinity Newsletter July & August 2018 Calling all Castaways July 16th - July 19th 6:30-8:30PM We will again be partnering with St. Peter Lutheran Church to make Vacation Bible School a true community event. We will be combining volunteers, resources, and children as a powerful witness of the love of Christ. Transforming Experiences At Shipped Wrecked kids discover that Jesus rescues them. Today s generation is like no other in history! They have been linked in since day one with instant access to a sea of information. A constant media feed and increasing push toward excellence has led to waves of worries and struggles that kids have never faced before. Kids leave Shipwrecked VBS knowing that there is Someone bigger than their struggles. Someone stronger than their weakness. Someone who loves them unconditionally.jesus. VBS Buddies Moe Coral Hope Gauc Beacon Rae Join us on this awesome adventure at Vacation Bible School! July 16 th to 19 th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the downtown location, 211 E. Third Street, Delphos. To register, fill out the VBS Registration Form and bring to either Trinity UMC, St. Peter Lutheran Church, or call Teresa Gilden at

5 Page 5 Delphos Trinity Newsletter July & August 2018 Delphos Community VBS Sponsored by Trinity UMC & St. Peter Lutheran Church July 16 th July 19 th, 2018 from 6:30pm - 8:30 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church 211 E. Third Street - Delphos, Ohio Children Registration Form Name Last Grade Completed Street Address City: State: ZIP: Home telephone: ( ) Cell phone: Home address: In case of emergency contact: Allergies or other medical conditions: I hereby consent to participation by my child in this Vacation Bible School. In consideration of my child s being allowed to participate in this VBS, I agree to indemnify and hold harmless Delphos Trinity UMC and St. Peter Lutheran Church including negligence, arising from or relating to my child s participation in this event. This indemnification and hold-harmless agreement does not apply to claims for intentional misconduct or gross negligence. I hereby grant permission for you to photograph, videotape, and/or to record my voice and sounds and to use any or all such photographs, recordings, and reproductions thereof in and/or as a part of any motion picture, video production, broadcast, published products, related advertising, displays, social media, or in exhibition uses. Parent Signature: Date Drop off Registration Form at Trinity United Methodist Church, 211 E. 3 rd St., Delphos, Ohio or St. Peter Lutheran Church, 422 N Pierce St., Delphos, Ohio by July 13 th. Any questions, contact Teresa Gilden 419/ or Carrie Calvelage 419/ or call the church office 419/

6 Page 6 Delphos Trinity Newsletter July & August 2018 Greetings! The summer camp/daycare is in full swing! The students and staff are enjoying some super fun summer themes and activities. The warm weather brings opportunities for outside water play, too. This month the children will be learning about all different kinds of sports, America, how to care for pets, and having different experiences cooking. Their days are jam packed! We are really utilizing the purchases of new classroom equipment and materials. These new activities bring great enthusiasm from both the students and staff. We have also added some fantastic new teachers to our education team. We are thrilled to have such dedicated people caring for these precious little ones. We are currently filled with registrations for the upcoming school year. Thank you for spreading the word about the good things happening at Tender Times. Your support is as always greatly appreciated. We hope you are having a wonderful summer! Sincerely, Tender Times Staff and faculty America week in the Pre-K room calls for a fun game of Capture the Flag!

7 Page 7 Delphos Trinity Newsletter July & August 2018 Tender Times Photo Gallery Pre-K Fun Field Day Toddlers enjoying water day! Infant Room The Pre-K used their fine motor skills to assemble their own beaded bubble wands, then we mixed up some homemade bubbles! Our Pre-K farmers are making a vegetable basket collage after reading the story, Growing Vegetable Soup. Pre-K class, investigated matter and weight, then explored different measuring concepts with things you find on a farm!

8 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page 8 Altar Flowers We thank those who will be gracing the altar with flowers during the month of: July Altar Flowers July 1 Danny & Diana Mullen in celebration of their 47th wedding anniversary on June 26th and Steve and Marilyn Montgomery in celebration of their 49th wedding anniversary on June 28th. July 8 Carol Mox in loving memory of her nephew, Eric Plow. July 15 The Ford Family in loving memory of Don Ford. July 22 Rick & Lynn Miller in celebration of their 27th wedding anniversary. July 29 Bill & Jan Wiechart in honor of Tony s birthday. August Altar Flowers August 5 Carol Mox in loving memory of her nephew Matthew Klausing August 12 The Cochensparger Family in loving memory of Jack Cochensparger August 19 Craig & Stacey Poling in honor of our children s birthdays and upcoming wedding of Shayn & Tiffany. August 26 The Linder Family in loving memory of Andy Linder. Radio Broadcasts We thank those who will be sponsoring the radio broadcasts during the month of: July Radio Broadcasts July 1 Don & Nedra Macwhinney in loving memory of their parents, Francis & Nelle Macwhinney and Harold (Jack) Irick, and in honor of their daughter, Kristen Ulm s birthday on July 1st. July 8 Jim, Pam & Jaden Vincent to celebrate Luke Vincent s 5th birthday. July15 Jim, Pam & Zach Morris in loving memory of Jim & Mary Fleming. July 22 Dan & Jodye Grice in celebration of their 36th wedding anniversary. July 29 Doug & Donna Erman in celebration of all their kids birthdays but especially Kirsten, Karla, & Todd this month. August Radio Broadcasts August 5 Dr. Earl & Marge Morris in loving memory of their son, Scott Morris. August 12 Jack & Dian Staup in loving memory of our parents Bill & Margaret Broaddus and Ralph & Marie Staup. Friends & Church Family, Your cards and prayers were truly appreciated following my recent hip replacement surgery. I am on the road to recovery. God is good! -Marilyn Montgomery We have been gone for 17 years now but it is so nice to be remembered by everyone. Thanks for the many prayers & blessings of healing. God has heard them, as my surgery went well and all tests have been good. I was blessed to have two church families praying for me. Again, thank you all for your kindness. - Edna Feathers

9 Page 9 Delphos Trinity Newsletter July & August 2018 ATTENTION!! United Methodist Men Steak Fry, July 9, 2018, at church at 6:15pm. We will have a special guest speaker this year. Dr. Dennis Morris, Retired Podiatrist, who is a full time BIG TEN Football Referee. We must have reservations by July 3, Call the Church Office with your count by 4:00pm the on the 3rd of July. This Steak fry is open to anyone from the area who would like to hear about BIG TEN officials. The cost of the meal will be $10.00 payable that night. Trinity UMC members only are to bring a side dish. Please make reservations in advance so that we have enough steaks. -Steve Montgomery June Jubilee Recap The June Jubilee event held on June 13th was a very successful event once again. God gave us a great day weather wise! The food received great compliments from the attendees.the strawberries were fresh and delicious as well! Thanks to everyone who supported and/or shared their time by working. Without everyone s help, this event would not be possible. Special thanks to Sue Wilkin, Becky Jones, Sue Barclay, Jan Miller, Becky Binkley, and Pam Vincent. These ladies ROCK!! Thanks once again to everyone for caring and sharing.. -Kay Ahten on behalf of the Mission Committee. This June Jubilee was my last event as chairman of Missions. I have served on Missions since 1976 when Pastor H. Eugene Risch asked me to chair it following the untimely death of Jan Schumaker. I have loved every part of this commitment, and I sincerely hope and pray that our church will be as supportive of the new co-chairs and committee as you have been of me. Please give a High-Five to Robin Stewart and Becky Jones who have agreed to chair this great committee. Again I want to thank everyone from our church who supports Missions. -Outgoing Chairman, Kay Ahten

10 Page 10 Delphos Trinity Newsletter July & August 2018 Hungry For Him Dear Hungry4HIM family, Travel Struggle Grace Praise When we think of travel, struggle, grace and praise, there could be a myriad of ideas that come to your mind. We have a more direct thought on that for this newsletter. We have a mixture of news to bring that involve al of this. Please join us in promoting the needs and praying for the topics at hand that Jesus light may shine upon all of these issues. Note from Adam Cascio, H4H Board Member: I would like to start off by showing gratitude toward Hungry 4 Him and the way that the Lord has moved this organization in amazing ways. Never in my life, would I have ever known I would be a part of such a great thing. Jesus is amazing. Travel Benard has competed his travels from Kenya to the USA and now is back in Kenya. During his time here, he was able to relax, enjoy and praise the Lord. He was prayed on and hosted by so many grateful people. Thank you to everyone who played a part in making his stay comfortable and memorable. He is now back in Kenya safely to continue his mission with Benard's Vision School. Struggle There was recently major flooding in Kenya, in the neighboring county. There was also major flooding in Ahero rendering many families in Ahero homeless. This means that roadways are washed, bridges are fallen, and homes swept away. Please join us in praying for those children, families, farmers and business owners in the area. A lot of resources will be needed to rebuild. Grace Benard s mother passed away during his visit to the United States. Benard was very close to his mother and was her caregiver during her later years. She was a strong part of the Wachara community and that was her final resting place. Praise Abraham, Benard s son, wants to bring praise to the children and teachers and the school that the health of the students has remained strong lately. The students are enjoying education at Benard's Vision School. The teachers and support staff are in good spirits and have been helping lead the children s performance. Thank you all who donate, support and sponsor these amazing people. Without your efforts, many of these students and teachers would go without. So let us al bring praise to Jesus working strongly in their hearts and mind to have a lifelong impact. It is our duty as Christians to bring forward to Word of God. -Thank you all, Hungry 4 Him Board

11 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page 11 Card Ministry Sign-up Chart for Card Ministry is at the Trinity Information Center in Fellowship Hall. Sign up for the month you would be willing to prepare the cards to be signed by the church members. Altar Flower Open Dates Available If you would like to grace the altar with flowers for 2018 there are two open dates available: October 28th and December 30th Sign-up Charts There are plenty of ways to get involved in the life of the church! Sign-up charts can be found either on the table or on the wall at the Information Center. Check them out and sign-up today: Card Ministry, CAFÉ Hosts, Ushers & Greeters, etc. Radio Broadcasts Dates Available The following dates are available to sponsor a radio broadcast: Sept. 30th; Nov. 4th, 11th; Dec. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd. Cost is $45.00 Please help our Worship Service by spending a few minutes on any given Sunday as an usher/ greeter. Your willingness to help, is a simple, important and rewarding part of Sunday Worship. The Sign-up Chart for can be found at the Information Center in fellowship hall. This is your opportunity to pick the month or months you are willing to serve. God Bless and thank you. Café Sign-Up Sheet Sign up for the Sunday or Sundays you would be willing to be a Café Host which can be found on the round table in Fellowship Hall. (There is a Prepaid Standing order for rolls at Pat s Donuts & Kreme Sunday morning at 8:15 am).

12 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page 12 Church Family, We wish to express our prayers and sympathy to the families of. Marilyn L. Holdgreve, 72, of Delphos, passed away Wednesday evening, June 13, 2018, at Vancrest of Delphos, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 11, 1945 in Lima, to the late George and Betty (Buffenbarger) Sroufe. On September 11, 1965, she married Edwin C. Holdgreve, who survives in Delphos She is also survived by a son, Randy (Amy) Holdgreve of Delphos; a daughter, Ann (Darren) Closson of Grand Rapids, Michigan; two grandsons, Gavin and Grady Holdgreve, both of Delphos; Zack Benner of Nashville, Tennessee, who they had a special relationship with and helped raise; two brothers, Gary (Louise) Sroufe of Delphos, and Paul Nub (Kay) Sroufe of Powell; two sisters, Kathy (Jim) Watson of Plymouth, Michigan, and Carol Spring of Delphos; sisters-in-law Jane Osting of Delphos, Eileen (Howard) Klaus of Venedocia, and Kathy Holdgreve of Delphos; and a brother-in-law Don (Lynnette) Holdgreve of Van Wert. She is also survived by her dear dear friend and caretaker, Barb Ebbeskotte. Marilyn was also preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Dennis Stemen; and three brothers-in-law Terry Spring, Jim Holdgreve, and Tom Osting. Marilyn was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. She was well known for baking, especially cakes of all sizes for any occasion. She enjoyed playing cards and telling old jokes. Her infectious laughter could often be heard wherever she was. Margaret Elaine Ditto, 95, of Delphos, passed away on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at Vancrest Healthcare Center of Delphos. She was born August 23, 1922, in Elida to Fred and Sylvia (Sunderland) Ditto. They both preceded her in death. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Kay (Dave) Kowalski, Lorna Ditto, Ed Bindel, Linda (Lee) Miller, Randy (Sandy) Bindel, Barry (Brenda) Bindel, Dennis (Melanie) Ditto, Jill Williams, Jeff (Ellen) Ditto, Ruth Ann Wittler, Carolyn Dunlap, Jim (Anita) Dunlap, and Paul (Diann) Dunlap. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clare (Mary Alice) Ditto and Frank (Millie) Ditto; three sisters, Edna Ditto, Edith (Herb) Dunlap, and Mary (Lou) Bindel; niece, Dianne (Hager) Lafferty; and nephew, Wayne Ditto Margaret was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she was involved in church activities and the Thrift Shop for many years. She retired as a secretary/clerk from Lima State Hospital Please remember these families in your prayers. The Koester family would like to thank the church family for their thoughts and prayers during Austin's surgery and for the recovery afterwards. He is adjusting very well and everything is going smoothly. Your thoughts and prayers are always with us and help make this journey easier knowing we have such support, thank you!! -The Koesters, Luke, Alicia, Nathan and Austin

13 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page 13 Join Us! The Sunday night Ladies Bible Fellowship Group which meets at 7:00pm on Sunday nights is inviting you to join them as they read C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters. We will be reading just one or two chapters a week to keep the reading manageable for the summer. This will also afford us ample time for discussion. In this book, Lewis tells a story about Christian faith not from a Christian point-of-view but from the perspective of a devil trying to secure the damnation of one man's soul. In this humorous and perceptive exchange between two devils, C. S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good vs. evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. Lewis's satire is a Christian classic. Screwtape is a veteran demon in the service of "Our Father Below" whose letters to his nephew and protégé, Wormwood, instruct the demon-in-training in the fine points of leading a new Christian astray. Lewis's take on human nature is as on-target as it was when the letters were first published in This book is widely available on line, in book stores and Libraries. START DATE: SUNDAY JULY 8TH TIME: 7 PM PLACE: THE PARLOR Scriptures for July July 1 Mark 4:1-20 The Fruit of the Word July 8 Mark 4:21-41 Kingdom Growth July 15 Mark 5:1-20 Real Spiritual Power July 22 Mark 5:21-43 Life Interrupted Scriptures for August August 5 Mark 6:30-56 Meeting Needs August 12 Mark 7:1-23 Clean Inside & Out August 19 Mark 7:24-8:30 Proof or Faith August 26 Mark 8:31-9:29 Our Source of Strength July 29 Mark 6:1-29 The Painful Truth

14 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page Cole Binkley Jerry Mericle Alysann Myers Kristen Ulm 2 - Jerry Gilden Jacqueline Kill Garrett Lee Douglas Long, Jr. Melissa Smiley Tony Wiechart 3 - Max Wiltsie 4 - Alex Neubert 5 - Jonathan Staples 7 - Jon Casemier Dean Follett Jan Smith Chris Truesdale 8 - Mike Johnson Dustin Looser Larry Shumaker 9 - Avery Tobe 10 - Carolyn Culp Dennis Wilhelm 12 - Douglas Long 13 - Alison Metcalfe Ashton Moore Doug Stewart 14 - Rex Bowersock Ryan Morris 15 - Scott Osburn 16 - Irene Blockberger Joe Bullinger Linda Petersmeyer Charles Wilkin 17 - Andy North 18 - David Kayser Steve Montgomery Shannon Strayer 19 - Jason Grogg Hudson Place 21 - Matthew Waldick 20 - Evan Neubert Ella Place Jeff Schleeter 22 - Dennis Parsell 25 - Alix Cross Brayden Cross Brody Cross Courtney Teman 26 - Shayn Klinger 27 - Terry Pohlman Ryan Prine Cindy Redmon Craig Stewart Mike Truesdale, Jr. Pam Vincent 28 - Alexandar Geise Garrett Johnson Gwen Teman Trent Teman 29 - Kali Edgington Karla Erman 30 - Opal Place Macy Poling 31 - Douglas Ditto Laura Grogg Zion Stokes The family of Robert Van Meter wishes to thank the members of the church for their prayers, cards and gifts of food for the dinner. Thanks so much to Pastor Rich for his words of encouragement and to the ladies who gave their time to prepare a wonderful luncheon for us. It meant a lot to our family. God s blessings to all of you! Diana & Dan Mullen Mike & Peg Van Meter Dawn & Ron Coburn Brent Van Meter Thank you to Becky Binkley and Carol Higbea for co-chairing the funeral dinner and to Sue Wilkin, Peg Van Meter and Jo Briggs for serving and clean up. Also, thank you to all who provided food. Everything was delicious. Thank you Pastor Rich for a wonderful service that allowed us to talk about and remember Aunt Margaret for the special person she was. -The family of Margaret Ditto

15 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page 15 An Update on the United Methodist Church By Pastor Rich Rakay Usually, the General Conference of the United Methodist Church meets only once every four years. This is a representative group of elected lay and clergy individuals from every annual conference across the globe who gather together to worship, pray, and discuss issues facing the church. This is only body that can officially speak for the denomination through legislation that is adopted. No pastor, local church, bishop, or group regardless of size can speak for the denomination - they can only give their personal or collective opinions. Even denominational agencies cannot speak for the church, they are simply tasked with implementing the decisions of General Conference into the everyday life of the church. The last General Conference met in May of During this session there was significant debate on how the church should handle the issue of human sexuality. While this has been a discussion in the church since it formed in 1968, the intensity has ramped up due to recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings which made gay marriage legal. The debate was so intense that the General Conference directed the Council of Bishops to create a taskforce focused on reviewing all sections in the Book of Discipline that relate to human sexuality and to bring a recommendation for consideration to a Special General Conference that will deal only with these issues. The Special General Conference session is set for February Our Current Stance Current church doctrine on these issues are contained in the Book of Discipline. Relevant paragraphs are: 4 The United Methodist Church is part of the church universal, which is one Body in Christ. The United Methodist Church acknowledges that all persons are of sacred worth. All persons without regard to race, color, national origin, status, or economic condition, shall be eligible to attend it worship services, participate in its programs, receive the sacraments, upon baptism be admitted as baptized members, and upon taking vows of declaring Christian faith, become professing members in any local church in the connection While persons set apart by the Church for ordained ministry are subject to all the frailties of the human condition and the pressures of society, they are required to maintain the highest standards of holy living in the world. The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore, selfavowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches. From the Social Principles referring to Human Sexuality: We affirm that all persons are individuals of sacred worth, created in the image of God. All persons need the ministry of the Church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and considers this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God s grace is available to all. We will seek to live together in Christian community, welcoming, forgiving, and loving one another, as Christ has loved and accepted us. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons. Recent Developments Prior to the 2012 General Conference, there we roughly 1,100 pastors across the US who signed pledges to perform same-sex marriages in the normal course of their pastoral duties meant as a message to influence the delegates attending the conference. Since that time, numerous pastors have performed gay marriages and/or declared publicly that they themselves are gay. In addition, on July 15, 2016, Rev. Karen P. Oliveto of Denver was elected by the Western Jurisdiction to be a United Methodist bishop even though she is openly gay and married her partner in {continued on next page}

16 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page 16 What s the issue? While many complaints have been filed and pastors brought up on charges, very few have been prosecuted or defrocked. Even when cases reach the Judicial Council (the UMC version of the Supreme Court), there is little action. The Judicial Council determined that the pastor mentioned earlier who was elected bishop did not meet the qualifications for service under church law, yet she continues to serve because none of the bodies tasked with carrying out this decision will act. Regardless of where each person stands on the issue of homosexuality, there is broad agreement that the current path of having a church position that is not enforced is counterproductive and divisive. What s the solution? The taskforce commissioned by the Council of Bishops under the direction of the General Conference has met and developed their report. This body, called the Commission on the Way Forward, developed three proposals that were given to the Council of Bishops. A summary of these positions is: A One Church Plan - would let individual churches and clergy decide whether to marry same-sex partners and would leave to local annual conferences to determine who can be ordained. A Traditional Plan - would keep the current statements in the Book of Discipline but strengthen enforcement. A Connectional Conference Plan would let geographical conferences align under the umbrella of progressive, traditional, or centrist (allowing local churches to decide) denominational alliances. (This would be similar to the synod approach in the Lutheran denomination.) The Council of Bishops voted to recommend to the General Conference that they approve the One Church Plan. However, bishops do not vote during general conference. It is up to the delegates to decide. In addition, these are not the only three proposals that could be considered. The Judicial Council has ruled that all proposals related to this topic that have been duly submitted are eligible to be considered. In light of all of this, the outcome of General Conference 2019 remains a ministry at this point. There is a high probability that there will not be enough time for all the proposals to be debated and reviewed or a final decision reached. Even if a decision is reached - whatever that may be - there will likely be challenges and appeals. Even if the decision is clear-cut, it will take time to implement - rather enforcement of current church policy or some sort of restructuring. My two-cents worth The reason this issue has not been solved and will not likely be solved is because the opposing sides are talking about two completely different issues. When a traditionalist considers the issue of homosexuality, they do not see the homosexual as an evil person. They see a person trapped in the sin of homosexuality. A sin that is made worse by refusing to see it as sin and demanding others accept it as a natural expression of the human existence. A traditionalist sees this sin like any other sin (i.e. lust, pride, stealing, gossip, etc.) which needs to be confessed and turned from. It is never easy to turn from sin and the temptation may always be there, but the Lord gives the strength to resist sin. A traditionalist uses scripture to examine the issue and also how to treat people caught up in this lifestyle. They resist following the tendencies of the culture simply to be relevant, but genuinely seek to know God s mind on the issue. A progressive approach says that this is moral issue on the grounds of civil rights. People should be accepted and loved however God made them to be. The progressive believes it is wrong to exclude anyone for any reason. The driving force for the progressive is a belief that God is love. As such, progressive believe that God accepts everyone and the church should as well. Not exactly advocating for this view, but certainly in this camp are the centrists. Centrists are those who may hold personal convictions one way or the other, but believe that this really shouldn t be an issue. Live and let live is the mantra. You do what you want and let me do what I want. I won t tell you how to live and you don t tell me how to live. When sides see things so differently, it is hard for me to see a solution going forward. I simply share this article as information. Whenever the denomination acts, there will be action required by our local congregation to deal with these issues. In the meantime, prayerfully consider how God would have us respond.

17 1 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY COMMUNION OFFICE CLOSED 1:00pm Mission Meeting Sr. High Lakeside :00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor Mission Ada 7:00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor 15 Church Mission Trip Ends 7:00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor 22 7:00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor 29 7:00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor 1:00pm Sewing Day/ Ridge 9 8:00am-3:30pm Summer Speech Trinity 1:00pm Sewing Day/Ridge 16 1:00pm Sewing Day/ Ridge 7:00pm Trustees 23 1:00pm Sewing Day/Ridge 7:00pm Administrative Bd. 30 Weekly Sunday Services: 9:00 AM Traditional Service and 10:30 AM Praise Service (WDOH Radio 11:30 AM) JULY :00pm Sewing Day/Ridge :00am-3:30pm Summer Speech Trinity 24 8:00am-3:00pm Summer Speech Trinity :00am-3:30pm Summer Speech Trinity 25 8:00am-3:00pm Summer Speech Trinity Mission Ada :00pm Prayer Mtg./St. Paul 5:45pm Crafts 8:00am-3:30pm Summer Speech Trinity 5:00pm Prayer Mtg./St. Paul 19 5:00pm Prayer Mtg./St. Paul 26 5:00pm Prayer Mtg.//St. Paul Church Mission Trip in West Virginia :30pm-8:30pm VBS/Trinity 6:30pm-8:30pm VBS/Trinity 6:30pm-8:30pm VBS/Trinity 6:30pm-8:30pm/Trinity phone Trinity United Methodist Church fax: delphostumc@bright.net 211 E. Third Street - Delphos OH website: delphostrinity.org 21 28

18 August 2018 Weekly Sunday Services: 9:00 AM Traditional Service and 10:30 AM Praise Service (WDOH Radio 11:30 AM) SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY COMMUNION 7:00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor 12 7:00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor 19 7:00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor 26 7:00pm Ladies Bible Study Fellowship/Parlor 6 1:00pm Sewing Ridge 6:00pm Tender Times/Parlor 13 1:00pm Sewing Ridge 6:00pm Tender Times/Parlor 20 1:00pm Sewing Day/Ridge 7:00pm Trustees/Trinity 27 1:00pm Sewing Ridge 7:00pm Administrative Board 1 2 5:45pm Crafts :00pm UMW Meeting :00pm Prayer Meeting/St. Paul 5:45pm Crafts 5:00pm Prayer Meeting/St. Paul 1:30pm Newsletter Assembly 5:00pm Prayer Meeting/St. Paul 5:45pm Crafts :00am NWP UMW Officers/Trinity phone Trinity United Methodist Church fax: delphostumc@bright.net 211 E. Third Street - Delphos OH website: delphostrinity.org

19 July & August 2018 Delphos Trinity Newsletter Page Jenna Gilden 2 - Emma Wiltsie 3 - Jaxon Bayliff 4 - Ryan Carder Trace Casemier Carrie Elwer Dorothy Kohorst Jan Miller Warren Poling 5 - Helen Kitson Amanda Wiltsie 6 - Ainsley Eickholt Carl Wollenhaupt 7 - Laura Osburn 8 - Sydnie McGue Julane Stockwell Michael Truesdale, Sr 9 - Jordan Barclay Alexander Bayliff A.J. Teman 11 - John Jones Phyllis Sherrick 12 - Jessica Dudgeon Pat Poling 13 -Maxwell Giller Suzanne Kill 14 - Autumn Bowers 16 - Lucy Wiltsie 18 - Rob Kriegel Melanie Martin Amanda Truesdale Ashley Truesdale 19 - Kelly North Lyn Rhoads 20 - Bonnie Buettner 21 - Dave Blockberger Eric Stewart 22 - Larry Brown Emily Kriegel Bethany Waldick 24 - Marsha Carpenter Parker Poling 25 - Jim Vincent 26 - Carla Harter Carter Mox 27 - Beth Hardesty 28 - Makayla Binkley 29 - Skip Bardo Shellie Wurst 30 - Joey Schier 31 - Sheryl A Fetzer Megan Gilden Jeffrey Harris Nancy Spencer To Church Friends and Family, Thank you for the card I received during my recent hospital stay. I appreciate all the prayers and concerns during this recent surgery and recovery. It has been a rough road and I couldn t have done it without all the support prayers, concerns, and thoughtfulness from my church friends and family. Also, thanks to Pastor Rich for his visits at the hospital -Shannon Strayer United in Holy Matrimony Congratulations and Best Wishes to Victoria Suever and Bryce Ringwald who were married on June 9, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church, Delphos. We wish this couple God s blessings as they continue their lives together. Sept. Newsletter Deadline Mon., Aug. 20th Monday, August 20th is the Deadline for the September Newsletter. delphostumc@bright.net or Fax: or turn in written newsletter articles to the Church Office by the deadline which is always the 3rd Monday of each month. All articles must be in writing.

20 TRINITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 211 E THIRD ST DELPHOS OH Return Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 34 Delphos, OH 9:00 AM Service Acolytes: Liturgists: July 1 Garret Johnson July 8 Elyse North July 15 Caden Carder July 22 Emma Kill July 29 Katie Knepper Acolytes: Aug 5 Trent Teman Aug 12 Eli Kill Aug 19 Macy Poling Aug 26 Tyler Dellinger Audio Visual Tech: Clay Erman Liturgists: Ushers/Greeters: If you are available to help though the summer, please contact the office ( ). 10:30 AM Praise Service Audio Visual Tech: Jason Ditto July & August Servants Altar Guild: Kristen Ulm Others Serving in July: Communion Stewards: Diana Mullen & Joyce Myers Card Ministry: Carl Miller Café Hosts: July 1 Mallory, Cora & Abby Rakay & Linda Fay July 8 andy, Kelly, Audrey & Elyse North July 15 July 22 July 29 Others Serving in August: Altar Guild: Communion Stewards: Nedra Macwhinney Becky Jones Stacie McGue Julie Kiggins Card Ministry: Joyce Myers Café Hosts: Aug 5 Aug 12 Aug 19 Aug 26