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October 2018
Greetings
from the Pastor!
OUR PURPOSE
COMMITTEE MEETINGS Oct. 1 6:30 pm Outreach
7:00 pm Trustees
Oct. 8 7:00 pm Finance
Oct.. 18 7:00 pm Ad Council
Oct. 15 7:00 pm Nurture
Oct. 22 7:00 pm Personnel
Micah and I have been reading Little House in the Big
Woods by Laura Engels Wilder. It is wonderful to hear detailed accounts of this frontier way of life. She de-scribes everything from loading a shotgun to curing meat, and her description of a beautiful doll is so differ-ent from our factory made toys these days.
One thing that peaked my interest was the description of
Sabbath. On Sundays, they were required to be quiet, somber, and attentive. No new paper doll items could be made or even drawn. Quiet conversation was per-mitted, but no running and playing. How different from today. I wonder what we would learn from those strict practices, and what we would change?
In Marva Dawn’s book, Keeping Sabbath Wholly, she
highlights a four-part pattern for keeping the Sabbath: (1) ceasing—not only from work but also from produc-tivity, anxiety, worry, possessiveness, and so on; (2) resting – of the body as well as the mind, emotions, and spirit—a wholistic rest; (3) embracing—deliberately taking hold of Christian values, of our call-ing in life, of the wholeness God offers us; (4) feast-ing—celebrating God and his goodness in individual and corporate worship as well as feasting with beauty, music, food, affection, and social interaction.
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INDEX
Greetings from the Pastor 1
Nurture 2
Oct. Birthdays/Anniversaries 2
Thank You 3
Crop Walk 3
Homebound Connections 3
Fresh Expressions Reflection 4
It’s Caramel time 4
Youth Activities 5
Worship news 6
Offering Envelopes 7
Parsonage Funds Update 7
UM Connection 8
Status Charts 9
News from The James Family 10
Baby Shower 11
Join Us 12
October Birthdays 2 Cathy Barter
Dot Blackburn
3 Harold Humerick
5 Gwen Crouse
7 Allen Sumner
Margaret Hamilton
16 Jack Barter
17 Kathleen Muller
18 Rosetta Schaffner
19 Barbara Hamm
Andrew Morton
20 Dave Roberts
21 Gerald Layne Blackburn
24 Anne Sibert
25 Grace Dunifon
29 Amy Fitzsimmons
Tiffany Presgraves
October Anniversaries 9 Ken and Carolyn Lowe
28 Dan and Jane Moore
(continued from page 1)
Since I work to prepare worship for you all on Sunday, John and I take Friday as Sabbath. At our best, we cease from talking and thinking about church work and home work; we embrace that we are more than what we do or produce by letting go of perfection or pressure to do chores. We rest with naps, we feast on family and friends and home dance parties. When is your Sabbath? How are you including all four parts of a healthy Sabbath pattern? Prayerfully Yours, Pastor Jennifer Burns The United Methodist Church
Nurture Team
To Comply with Memorial’s Safe Sanctuary Policy, the follow-
ing changes have been established:
1. On Sunday mornings each parent/guardian is to sign in
and sign out their child/children in the Nursery/Primary/
Intermediate classrooms. As a reminder, please pick up
your child promptly when worship is completed.
2. The sign in/sign out procedure will also be in place for
Second Saturday.
3. The children will be collecting pennies by their classroom
door, rather than standing in the hallway leading into the
sanctuary. Please continue to drop off your pennies!
4. On communion Sundays the attending volunteers will
bring all Nursery Children into the sanctuary to sit with
their parents for the communion service. The child’s partic-
ipation will be at the parent’s discretion. The unstaffed
Family Care Center is available for families, if needed, and
an usher will bring the sacraments to them.
5. When dropping off children for the Nursery, a parent
needs to remain in the classroom with the child until two
volunteers are present.
Our Nursery children are increasing in numbers, a true bless-
ing! We would also like for our volunteer staff to increase. If
you have considered becoming a volunteer, please contact
the church office. A Safe Sanctuary training will be provided
at your convenience.
Our Thanksgiving carry-in dinner is set for November 11,
after the worship service. Please bring your favorite holiday
foods to share. Thanks, Sharon
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I thank you for your prayers, kind words and cards following the passing of my dear brother, Steve. I am truly appreciative of your thoughtfulness and friendship. Carla
Charlene Dever 450 N. Elm St. West Carrollton, OH 45449 (937)-353-3169
Tom Fogt 317 Sycamore Glen Dr., Apt. 100, Miamisburg OH 45342 (937) 859-3218
Wilma Fread 1010 Taywood Rd. Cottage 409 Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 832-9796
Everett Hamm 1626 Sue Avenue Miamisburg, OH 45342 (937) 866-7301
Joe Liffick 694 Isaac Prugh Way Kettering, OH 45429 (937) 297-4320
Mary Oldham 5302 Grouse Court Dayton, OH 45424 (937) 233-3202
Betty Passmore 3131 Gardenia Drive West Carrolton, OH 45449 (937) 438-3224
Betty Schaeff 7847 Lois Circle Apt. 304 Centerville, OH 45459 (937) 439-1928
Mary Alice Schaeff 3797 Summit Glen Rd Dayton, OH 45449
Gerri Jo Trudell 1920 Waterston Blvd. Unit 103 Miamisburg, OH 45342 (937) 433-7725
Crop Walk
The Crop walk will be held on Sunday, October 7th. I will be the recruiter/contact person for anyone interest-
ed in participating. This year the 25% that is donated to local food banks is being matched by an anony-
mous donor! We can make a greater impact right here in our community! I have included some information
from the website. More information is available at: crophungerwalk.org/Dayton OH
Thanks for your Help!!
Debbie Hildreth
Hunger is one of the greatest injustices facing our world, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ending hunger is
possible and it is possible in our lifetime. You can help make it happen.
For early half a century, CROP Hunger Walks have ensured that more people worldwide have access to
nutritious, sustainable food sources. From combating droughts in Nicaragua to providing agricultural training
in Indonesia to stocking shelves in hundreds of food pantries across the United States, CROP Hunger
Walks help end hunger by raising funds to support local food programs and the international anti-hunger
work of Church World Service.
Stand with neighbors in your community who rely on food assistance programs. Partner with parents world-
wide as they ensure a bright future for their children. Support those struggling in the face of grinding poverty
and open up new doors of opportunity for them.
Tens of thousands of CROP Hunger Walkers are committed to building a hunger-free world. Join the move-
ment!
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A Fresh Expressions Reflection
By Erika Mattingly
Our family has lived in West Carrollton for twelve years now—since 2006. After we moved from
Delaware, Ohio, and before we joined Memorial UMC, we visited lots of churches—Methodist,
Presbyterian, United Church of Christ and non-denominational.
We have been asked: How did we end up at Memorial and why have we stayed? Each member of
our family probably has a different answer. “It was close and we don’t have to wake up too early.” “I
like playing with the toys in the nursery.” The people are always nice to us.” “They sent me a
birthday card.”
Another simple answer: “Memorial UMC is a true mirror of the community that we’ve come to love
and call home.”
In my job for the city, I hear a lot of complaints. “Why aren’t there any new businesses coming in?
Why aren’t there more events in the city? Why are the taxes so high?” Often the complaints are
valid. But just as often, I resist the urge to respond: “Well, what have you done to get involved to
improve your community?
I wonder if God responds the same way when we offer our complaints about church and just don’t
wan to hear the answer? Me: “Why don’t any of my friends want to come to my church?” God:
“Well, what have you done to invite them or make them feel welcome?” Me: Why aren’t more
people who live nearby interested in coming to Memorial?” God: What have you done to truly meet
the neighbors? Maybe they have needs that you know nothing about?
I guess that’s why I said “Yes” when Pastor Jen asked me if I was interested in getting involved with
Fresh Expressions. Memorial church feels like home, a safe-sanctuary and respite for my family.
But perhaps God is telling me to step out of that safe comfort zone and to look towards making
connections in my community that result in a fresh reflection of God’s love?
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all
your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment
greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31
It’s Candy Making Time!
That’s right—it’s almost time to start making caramel candy. Preparations are under way. The boxes
have been purchased and labels printed and applied (thanks Jan and Margarette!). The freezers
have been defrosted, and space made for sugar, Karo, and milk in the L shape. (Thanks Bill
Ferguson!) We will have our usual box assembly get together (it’s not a party, but it is a lot of fun) on
Tuesday, October 2nd starting at 6:00 p.m. Candy ingredients are ordered and will be delivered on
Wednesday, October 10th. On that day, we will clean and prepare the kitchen for cooking, and wash
all candy pans, trays, etc. We will also ready the social hall for candy
cooling, weighing, boxing, and wrapping. Sounds like a busy day? It will
be, and we would welcome helpers. Contact Daryl Garrison if you can
help. Cooking will start on Monday, October 15th with cutting starting on
Tuesday, and wrapping on Wednesday. This is an important church-wide
project that’s a lot of work but a lot of good fellowship. And we get lunch!!
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Children and Youth
SECOND SATURDAY
October 13, 4:30-6:30
The Spark Squad Report On September 22nd the youth went to the
Hamilton’s house to mulch and trim shrubs.
Take a look at the fun they had!
Great job!
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Upcoming Worship Services
Help Us With Worship!
All Saint’s Day: Please send a photo of any saint's) in your life who passed away in the past year (regardless of church mem-
bership). We will have a slideshow to honor the saints before worship.
Veteran’s Day: Veterans are invited to bring an object for a Veterans Day display in the hallway. This may include an artifact
or memento from your time of service. Please bring to church no later than Nov. 5th. Also, if you are a veteran and have
not already been included, please send us a photo to include in our veterans day slideshow.
Date: Sermon: Special Day:
Oct. 7th Many Seats, One Table World Communion Sunday
Oct. 14th Realizing Dr. King’s Vision for Every Child: Lives of Hope, Not Despair
Children’s Sabbath
Oct. 21st Gary Hardy Laity Sunday
Oct. 28th Meaningful Use of Money
Nov. 4th Hope All Saint’s Day
Nov. 11th Victory Veterans Day
Nov. 18th Confidence Stewardship Dedication Day
Nov. 25th Love UMC Student Sunday
Looking Ahead
Our annual Church Conference will be November 15th at 7:00 pm. All members of Memorial UMC
are welcomed as voting members of our Church Conference. Also called a charge conference, the
primary responsibilities of the conference are to (1) review and evaluate the total mission and
ministry of the church, (2) receive reports on ministry from various leaders, and (3) adopt objective
and goals recommended by the church council that are in keeping with the objectives of The United
Methodist Church.
Blessings & Peace,
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2019 Offering Envelopes
We will be ordering the offering envelopes for 2019 on or about Oct. 15th. Envelopes are available
for weekly giving or monthly giving. Please let Carla Bryant, our financial secretary, now as soon as
possible if:
• You have had an address or name change recently
• We do not have your address
• You do not have customized weekly or monthly giving envelopes and would like some for 2019
• You would like to change from weekly to monthly envelopes or vice versa
• You will be paying electronically and no longer need envelopes.
Please call or text Carla at (937) 681-1735 or email her at [email protected] within the next few
days.
Thank you
Parsonage Funds Update
Dear Friends,
Many of you remember the sale of the parsonage back in the spring of 2016. With its sale, the West
Ohio Conference required that the net funds of $107,463.00 be set aside into a restricted or desig-
nated parsonage account. Since then, Memorial has invested those funds into interest bearing ac-
counts (CD’s), and Memorial has been permitted to deposit earned interest into our general fund for
unlimited usage without touching the deposited principle.
Last June, Rev. Wendy Lybarger, Asst. District Superintendent, came to Memorial Church to meet
with Administrative Council and other interested congregants to discuss our financial situation. At
that meeting, there was some discussion of using designated funds for other needs within the
church. Rev. Lybarger said it is possible that Memorial may be granted permission to use part of the
parsonage designated fund to help pay for Rev. Jennifer’s housing allowance. Since the West Ohio
Conference owned the parsonage and controlled the resultant funds from that sale, she suggested
that Memorial make a formal request.
On July 19, 2018, Memorial Church prepared a formal request to Bishop Palmer and the West Ohio
Conference Cabinet asking for permission to use a portion of the parsonage sale funds. That request
was to free up $12,000 in 2018 and the same amount again in 2019 (if needed) to cover our Pastor’s
Housing Allowance.
I am pleased to report that Memorial received notification during the week of September 17th, that
our request as written was approved. Therefore, Memorial can now reimburse the General Fund for
the $9,000 spent so far this year on housing and may continue assessing $1000 monthly thru 2019
for housing costs. Upon news of our request approval, Administrative Council approved applying
these 2018 funds toward meeting our Apportionment obligations. When this money is applied, then
about 65% of our $26,643 obligation will be satisfied for this year. Memorial will be well on its way to
again being the 100% Church like we have been every year since 2007! Thanks once again to all of
you in making this possible. Sincerely, Mark Berner, Finance Chair
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Save the Date!
Oct. 2nd Assemble candy boxes at 6:00 pm Oct. 7th Crop Walk for Hunger
Oct. 15th Candy Making begins Nov. 11th Thanksgiving Carry—In
UM Connection
TOP FOUR WORST, AND BEST, WAYS TO HELP AFTER A DISASTER
In the light of the recent natural disaster, as well as those having happened a year or two, or more,
ago, I found this article most enlightening. So, I thought I would share it here.
When disaster strikes, often we see heart-wrenching images on television. People have lost every-
thing. Their homes are swept away or lie in a tangled heap. Their belongings are ruined.
We immediately want to help—a good intention that stems from compassion for our fellow human
beings. However, be certain to couple your compassion with good judgment on the best ways to
help disaster survivors.
Here are the top four most common pitfalls into which helpers fall after a disaster—and what they
should do instead.
Resist the urge to jump from your couch and drive to the disaster site. When storms strike,
often scores of people decide to drive to affected areas. The result? Clogged interstates, a worsen-
ing gasoline shortage,, and volunteers arriving in droves and diverting the attention of emergency
personnel. What to do instead? When you watch or read the breaking news about a disaster, re-
spond immediately—with prayer or a cash donation
Don’t give that shirt off your back. Did you know that donations of used clothing are commonly
called “the second disaster”? When clothing piles up at a disaster scene it must be stored, hauled
away or sorted by volunteers who could better use their time helping disaster survivors. Instead,
cash donations help disaster survivors purchase needed items from local businesses, which boost
an economy weakened by disaster.
Don’t believe that recovery takes only a few days. Well-intentioned donors often give money or
relief-supply kits only while a disaster is prominent in the news headlines. In fact, for a major disas-
ter, recovery can take years. If donations dry up after a week or two, responders no longer have
the resources to help disaster survivors. Those survivors feel forgotten, and their recovery doesn’t
progress.
Don’t forget your own disaster preparation and training. If you want to respond in a safe, help-
ful way, seek disaster-response training and learn how to prepare yourself so you can respond
should the need arise. Preparing can be as simple as forming a plan with your neighbor, or as in-
volved as becoming a specialized responder who serves on a United Methodist Committee on Re-
lief (UMCOR) Early response team.
The next time a disaster strikes, put your compassion into action through prayer, cash donations,
relief-supply kits, training and volunteering. You will help survivors around the world.
Rosetta
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Hi everyone, we are thankful to Pastor Jennifer for giving us opportunity to share our brief introduction with all of you. Originally we are from Pakistan and we born in Christian families. In 2017 we moved to US due to religious persecution. We feel really blessed and freedom while we are living here and now we can really understand the meaning of freedom. It is pertinent to mention that USA is very blessed country and people are really great. We sometime visit WIC office that is located very close to our church and we were always thinking to go inside. Finally one day we went inside and met Pastor Jennifer, she is very great person and we felt encouraged to share our story with her. This is how we joined the church family and next day of our church visit, Saira delivered the baby girl and got hospitalized due to complications after delivery. During that period since we don’t have any family member here but Pastor Jennifer came to us and helped us during that difficult period of our lives and also Mrs. Ruth visited Saira and stayed with her during the day time. It is difficult to express our feeling in words, but we are sincerely very much thankful to the Pastor and all of you for accepting and helping us. GOD Bless America and the People.
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Pastor’s Contact Info:
Jennifer Burns
Cell: (937) 823– 4370
Office: (937) 859-4444
Email:
OFFICE HOURS
Monday thru Thursday
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Deadline for the next
issue of Pathways is
October 25th, 2018
Fishermen
Would you like to be part of the
prayer chain but you don’t have a
computer? Contact the church office
to give them your name, telephone
number where you can be contact-
ed, and whether it is okay to leave a
message on an answering machine.
Prayers are often confidential so it’s
important that all messages be treat-
ed with respect.
Due to candy making, Lunch Bunch
will not meet in October.
Men who love to make a difference
meet for breakfast and fellowship
on the last Thursday of the month at
Holly’s Restaurant in West Carroll-
ton from 10:00—11:00 am. They
also get together periodically to
work on projects at the church.
The Mary Rebecca Circle will meet
October 8th at the Church. Bring a
small dish to share.
All are welcome.