QUARTERLY
From the Corner of
2018 Spring Easter is the only time when it’s perfectly safe to put all your eggs in one basket. -Evan Esar
Be Still: Examinations…Oh My! p. 5 Global Outreach p. 7 Nourishment is Necessary! p. 11
PALM
SUNDAY March 25
PALM PARADE
We invite all children to participate in our Palm Parades at both the 9:30am and 11:00am worship services.
Join us for our Lenten Sermon Series Awakened! and discover how encounters with Jesus change us all!
FEBRUARY 18
MARCH 11
John 4:1-26, 28-30
John 11:1-7, 17-27, 38-44
Woman at the Well FEBRUARY 25
MARCH 18
Matthew 9:9-13
John 9:1-12
Matthew The Easter Cross A tradition at HPCUMC
During Easter, we hope that many will participate in the meaningful practice of “flowering the Easter cross.” To be a part of this tradition, each of you is invited to pick out a fresh flower from an assortment that is provided, or you may bring a flower from your garden at home. Take a moment to reflect on Christ’s great love as you approach the cross and stand before it to place a flower upon it. Often, families take a picture together at the cross.
Lazarus
The Man Born Blind
MARCH 4
MARCH 25
John 3:1-8
Mark 14:53-65
Nicodemus
Caiaphas
SUNDAYS
SUNDAYS
Traditional 8:00am & 9:30am
Community Breakfast 9:15am
Worship@11:00, 11:00am
Worship 10:30am
Letter from
the Communications team
“All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today.” Lent is a season of prayer and fasting, it is a time of reflection and spiritual discipline. During this Lenten season, HPC offers you many opportunities to focus your heart and mind on Jesus Christ our Savior. In this 3rd issue of “From the Corner of Grace” Christine McHenry explores how an examination of conscience is an effective tool to guide us into a deeper relationship with God. Rev. Dave Weaver shares some thoughts on our “Spiritual Diet” and there are many activites within our ministries to help you connect and grow. Some other ways to expand your faith are to devote a part of each day reflecting on God’s word (Lenten devotional) or consider registering for our Lenten Retreat led by Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns. We hope that you will join us during Holy week for one of our Easter services to celebrate the Risen Christ!
Many Blessings,
Shari Rust and Lisa Foley
Table of CONTENTS Easter Services/Easter Lilies
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Be Still: Examinations…Oh My!
5
Global Outreach
7
OTRCC: Looking Ahead
9
Nourishment is Necessary!
11
Get Connected
13
Activities
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EASTER Free at Last! APRIL 1, 2018
MARCH 29 MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:30 pm, Sanctuary MARCH 30 GOOD FRIDAY 7:30 pm, Sanctuary
EASTER
Lilies
Order yours today! Lilies will decorate both the Hyde Park and Over-the-Rhine locations on Easter Sunday. Cost is $12 each. To order go to www.hydeparkchurch .org or contact the church office, 871-1345. The deadline is Monday, March 26th.
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EASTER 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 am, Sanctuary
MARCH 29 MAUNDY THURSDAY 7:00 pm, Pot Luck Shared Meal MARCH 30 GOOD FRIDAY 7:30 pm, Sanctuary
EASTER 7:30 am, Sunrise Service at the “Garden”, at the corner of 14th and Race St. 10:30 am, Sanctuary
CHOOSING COMPASSION IN AN ANGRY WORLD:
Lessons from Jesus
Led by Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns
Saturday, March 10, 2018 8:30am-12:30pm Hyde Park Community, Welcome Center
Cost $10.00
Includes Continental Breakfast & Childcare
Registration deadline March 8. Register online at www.hydeparkchurch.org or with Amanda at akern@hpcumc.org or 979-8176.
Saturday, March 24 9:30am-12:00pm
th
Provided by the Children and Family Ministry
• Age appropriate Easter Egg Hunt for children. •Activities and Pancake breakfast included!
Be Still: Examinations…Oh My! Examinations can cause great anxiety and fear. We all have faced school examinations and medical examinations, for example. Questions such as, “Am I going to pass this test?”, or “What might the doctor find?” loom large. Implicit in these examinations is a judgment by another about knowledge or about health. Such examinations can be and are important. So, too, the examinations of consciousness and of conscience are important to the spiritual life but come without judgment from God. The examination of consciousness helps us be aware of God in our lives and in the world. This process was helpful to me when I was discerning whether to retire from academic medicine. I had been feeling unsettled for a number of months but the prospect of leaving medicine after all those years of education and training and over 25 years of practice seemed daunting. By consciously coming into the presence of a loving God and then asking what was life-giving to me and what was life-draining to me, I was able to see over time that I was being called to another form of ministry. You may be facing other decisions such as where to go to college, questions about marriage, or moving away from family and friends. Or you may be content in your current circumstances. Noticing when you are happiest or saddest or when you feel energized or drained can not only help you as you discern but also help you be aware of God’s presence in all that you do. The examination of conscience helps us to see ourselves more clearly in the light of God’s presence. In the presence of a loving and merciful God, we ask God to reveal to us those situations where we were not the people God would have us be and to reveal to us those attitudes and actions that were not loving and compassionate nor encouraging and life-giving. We listen without being defensive or trying to rationalize. With the help of the Spirit, we reflect on what contributed to the situation and how we might respond differently in the future. It’s important to remember that this is not about beating ourselves up about what went wrong and what part we played in it. It is about sitting in the presence of a loving and merciful God and allowing God to show us the effects of our attitudes and actions. 5
As we enter this time of self-examination and reflection known as Lent, I invite you to experience God’s love, acceptance, and guidance that can come from these spiritual practices by: 1. Centering: Spend a few moments quieting your mind and your heart in God’s presence. Be aware of God’s loving presence within you, holding you, and surrounding you. Remember: you are God’s beloved daughter or son. God only wants what is best for you. 2. Gratitude: Review your day, week, or month and give thanks to God for God’s abundant gifts and blessings. Allow the Spirit to lead your reflection. You may want to give thanks for your morning cup of coffee, the birds singing, the love and support of family and friends, or how you were able to use your God-given gifts to help another. 3. Reflection: Review your day, week, or month a second time and notice the various situations in which you found yourself. Was there a situation where you had a sense that something wasn’t quite right? Did you feel drained or anxious or sad? Was it hard to find anything for which to be grateful in the situation? Were you aware of God’s presence? Allow the Spirit to help you come to a greater awareness of what happened, of how your attitudes, actions or inactions may have contributed, and of what was going on inside you at the time. Spend some time talking with God about what is revealed. 4. Forgiveness: For those times when your attitudes or actions were not loving, express your sorrow to God and ask God for forgiveness. Freely accept God’s forgiveness and in doing so, forgive yourself. Pray for the courage to respond differently in the future if faced with a similar situation. 5. Thanksgiving: End your time with thanksgiving for what has been revealed to you and praise God for God’s faithfulness, loving kindness, and mercy. Examinations may be scary. But there is nothing to fear from examinations of consciousness and conscience when done in the presence of a loving and merciful God who only wants the very best for us. May this Lenten season be a time of selfexamination on our journeys of becoming more the persons God is calling us to be.
May we all have a very blessed Lenten season. Written by Christine McHenry Christine has been a member of HPCUMC for over 35 years. She is a retired pediatrician with a masters degree in theology from United Theological Seminary. She is a trained spiritual director and supervisor, a trained labyrinth facilitator, and a retreat leader.
Community Ministry
PROJECT 5000
Food List 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 1
cans of meat cans of soup cans of fruit box or bag of dry cereal plastic jars of peanut butter plastic jar of jelly cans of cooked pasta or chili cans of vegetables large can of baked beans
Pick up a Project 5000 reusable grocery bag today to help feed our neighbors. A food list is attached to each bag. Please return your filled food bag(s) to the Social Hall. All food collected is shared with our ministry partners and will help feed individuals and families in our community. We accept donations too. It costs about $25 to fill a food bag; however, any amount will help! Checks should be made out to HPCUMC with “Project 5000” in the memo. For additional information contact Sarah Putman at sputman@hpcumc.org.
VBS 2018 2018-2019 REGISTRATION At HPCUMC Preschool, our goal is to encourage the development of each child’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills, as well as spiritual growth in order to prepare each child for life-long learning. We provide a learning environment where student-centered learning takes place through exploration, play, experimentation, and discovery. We are currently registering children ages 2-5 for the 2018-19 school year. Registration packets are available outside the Preschool Office and on our website, www.hydeparkpreschool.org. We are looking forward to serving your family in the near future! Julie Vail, Director, jvail@hpcumc.org
SAVE THE DATE! June 11-15th 6:00pm-8:30pm
Registration begins March 1st
Register on our website www.hydeparkchurch.org! Contact Dana at dcalhoun@hpcumc.org with questions
GLOBALOutreach
Expand Our Reach… Our Global Outreach Ministry partners are able to make a BIG difference in the lives of the people in their communities who would otherwise be overlooked. Your gifts help this ministry to change the world for those who are often forgotten. Our partners share their successes and gratitude for your support in transforming lives…one person at a time.
ROMANIAWay of Faith
“For us, the entire Alfa Grup team, your support and help, your prayers and encouragements are one of the greatest blessings and miracles of the last 5 years.” – Corneliu & Alina Goia founding members of Alfa Grup Association
REDBIRDMissionary Conference
HPCUMC has partnered Redbird & UC’s Department of Audiology, to provide hearing aid support to people in need in Beverly, Kentucky. Jeannie’s experience with the Red Bird Hearing Clinic exemplifies the contribution they are making to the people with hearing loss that come to them for help. She wants all to know “how grateful she is to Red Bird for all that they do for people, and for the new life that she has because of them.”
THE HENRYS
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The Henry family continue to fulfill their call to international missions in various ways. They are leading marriage intensive retreats and providing team building, care, and support for other missionaries in the area. Currently they are on furlough in the U.S. for a few months to raise support and check in with their partnerships.
We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.
HAITIFaith Academy Breaking Ground! With your support Faith Academy is beginning to finance, fund, supply, and support the addition of a 7th grade. “We have 370 students currently attending the school. There are 31 sixth grade students who will be able to continue their education because of your help. We are in the process of interviewing teachers and preparing for next year. Thanks again for helping us here in Haiti. May the Lord bless you all. With thanks and love.”
– Fanfan H. Janvier. Director of Faith Academy
RUSSIASamara UMC
–Nelson Mandela
Every gift opens up new possibilities – please give a gift today to help grow these amazing ministries.
GIVE TODAY ONLINE!
It’s Easy! Visit www.hydeparkchurch.org, click GIVE, then choose Global Outreach from the drop down menu. Other ways to GIVE place your gift in weekly offering, or drop off to the church office or mail your gift to Hyde Park Community UMC, 1345 Grace Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45208
Two amazing ministries embrace the value, dignity, and worth of people that society has devalued and marginalized, those with special needs and the Gypsy community. With your support, Samara UMC partners with Theatre Studio for Disabled Youth, led by a mother of a young man with special needs. The plays are customized to the gifts and abilities of each child. Samara UMC offers a loving hand to the oftenoutcast Gypsy population helping them with their economic, social, and communal poverty. Affirming the worth of all in God’s eyes, Samara UMC creates a bridge that leads to healing and wholeness, and lives are transformed! From a production by Theatre Studio for Disabled Youth. Samara, Russia
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From Rev. Ian Strickland
O
ver the past three years we’ve had a lot to celebrate what God is doing through OTR Community Church. Our Community Breakfast continues to create space for people across class and race to work alongside each other and sharing a meal, leading to formative and illuminating conversations. Our Sunday Worship Gatherings have consistently seen an average of 50 engaged and lively individuals throughout the winter, keeping spirits up and motivating positive action. We consistently have new people visiting us at our various gatherings and remark that within our community they get to experience church in a way they’ve never experienced before. God has created a beautiful thing in our midst! Now it’s time to begin looking forward and dreaming about the next three years. Starting in November we began a multi-session process of strategy planning around the current vision of OTR Community Church, where we believe God is leading us, and how we’ll get there. We’ve got a group of 15 wonderfully dedicated and eager core
Looking Ahead 9
members participating in this strategy process and so far it’s proven not only a great means of intentionally looking ahead, but also reinvigorating our key leaders into deeper participation. We had our first full strategy planning day on January 21 and the second of three on Sunday, February 25. Additionally on Tuesday, February 20 we hosted three different focus groups representing various demographics of the neighborhood as well as awareness of our presence as a church in the neighborhood. We gained key insight as to how we are perceived in Over-the-Rhine and how we can grow in awareness and effectiveness as a faith community. With the continual growth to our church family, the upcoming major renovations to our property at 1314 Race Street, and the renewal of Spring and Easter approaching quickly, there is plenty on the horizon. Our hope with our three-year strategy planning work is to make sure we can hit the ground running along with the many exciting changes soon to come.
Baptisms 11/12/2017 Augustus Warren McKee
DEaths
1/21/2018 Rose Maria Jankovsky
2/13/2018 Caroline Riethmiller
1/21/2018 Makayla Marie Stammer
1/04/2018 Mrs. Jean J. Bodocsi
1/28/2018 Chandler George Goodman
1/20/2018 Ms. Minnie H. Coulson 12/29/2017 Ms. C. Maxine Manahan 12/12/2017 Mr. Arthur Shilt 11/28/2017 Ms. Janet R. Landers 11/14/2017 Mrs. Virginia Hanni 11/08/2017 Ms. Joan Pollitt
– 2017 2018 April 15, 2018
4:00pm Renée Anne Louprette
For more information visit www.hydeparkchurch.org!
Nourishment is N
What Does a Spiritual Diet Look Like? by Rev. Dave Weaver
N
o one can deny the importance
of nutrition. Our level of energy, our ability to cope with life’s challenges, and
even our mental attitude are directly linked to the proper intake of the right foods eaten regularly and in proper amounts.
We’ve all experienced times when we’ve eaten too many sweets, binged on junk foods, or completely skipped a meal when in a hurry. Invariably, we have endured the consequences of feeling sick, or light-headed, irritated or jumpy and occasionally even depressed. It’s the body’s way of letting us know that it’s lacking proper nourishment. It’s a fact: “optimal health requires optimal nutrition.”
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The same is true spiritually speaking. Without sufficient and regular nutrition, our inner life begins to suffer the consequences. Our souls long to be fed, nourished, and energized on a regular basis. When we fail to set aside time to absorb healthy spiritual food, it isn’t long before the consequences kick in . . . and it’s not a pretty sight. We start to operate strictly on our self-will power rather than under the supernatural power of God’s Spirit. We get shallow and selfish, more demanding and less gentle, quick to react impatiently, rashly, angrily. These are all signs of spiritual malnutrition or soul starvation. It’s always good to do some soulful self-examination. John Wesley practiced spiritual disciplines or practices for the care of his soul. He was always asking his pastors and church people, “How is it with your soul?” I think that’s a great question! How would you respond? Are you in need of nourishment? What would feed your soul?
Necessary! Every year we go on a 40-day adventure. We travel a journey with Jesus to Jerusalem, his arrest, his suffering and death on the cross and ultimately his resurrection. Lent is a perfect time to focus on our faith, feed our souls more intentionally and become more spiritually energized.
Spring bulbs pushing their way to the sunlight, we are reminded how God brings new life from death each Spring season. The same is true for our spiritual lives. Lent is the Spring time for our souls, where we tend the fertile ground of our inner life and God brings forth new life. We call this resurrection!
We are invited to experience or re-experience new life within our souls. We do this in a variety of ways: selfdenial, serving others, fasting, repentance, praying, reading the scriptures, times of quiet contemplation, meditation and participating in the holy week worship services. Choose one or more of these spiritual practices to nourish your soul on this Lenten journey, Which one or more of these spiritual practices will best nourish your soul this season?
I think we all know that our spiritual life needs more than forty days of good nourishment! The season of Lent and Easter resurrection is always a new beginning for me, a fresh spring spiritual energy. The truth is that our spiritual journey is about ongoing inner transformation. Like physical exercise and healthy eating habits, our soul needs to exercise healthy faith-forming habits. An intentional balanced diet of these disciplines is the nutrition we need to grow and mature in our faith. May this holy season be for you a time of resurrection, renewal and recommitment to a deeper more devoted spiritual life!
Did you know Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word “lencten” which means “spring.” Spring is a great time to get outside and take a walk. As we look at the trees and shrubs bursting with new life and the
Nourishment is necessary!
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HPCUMC PRESCHOOL
YOUTH MINISTRY
Hyde Park Preschool Summer Fun Camp August 13-17, 2018, 9 am - Noon Ages/Grades: Children ages 3-5 Cost: $125.00 (includes daily snack & all camp
For more info contact Kate Smith, ksmith@hpcumc.org or
supplies) 1345 Grace Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45208, Contact: Mrs. Julie Vail, Director of Preschool Ministry, Phone: 513.979.8191, Email: jvail@hpcumc.org, www.hydeparkpreschool.org
2018-19 Preschool Registration
We are currently registering children ages 2–5 for the 2018-19 school year. Registration packets are available outside the Preschool Office and on our website, www. hydeparkpreschool.org. We are looking forward to serving your family in the near future! Julie Vail, Director, jvail@hpcumc.org
CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRY Easter Egg Hunt, March 24, 2018 9:30am-12:00pm Palm Parade Sunday, March 25th at 9:30 and 11:00am worship service Easter Cross on lawn, throughout Lent VBS Registration begins March 1st
WOMEN’S MINISTRY (UMW) Easter Cookie Walk & Craft Sale March 25, 2018 9:00am-12:30pm, Welcome Center With the success of our Christmas Cookie Walk and Craft Sale, the women of UMW are back on Palm Sunday to offer the congregation our most delicious baked treats for $8/lb and most delightful crafts, just in time for Easter!
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(513)979-8179
Help Support our Youth! We hope you were able to join us for the Dance-a-thon on March 3rd to support Local Youth Missions. If you missed it you can still help our Youth Ministry by going to www.hydeparkchurch.org and clicking “Give”. Once there, chose “Dance-a-thon Youth Mission” from the drop down menu and the amount you would like to give.
Retreat: Unbreakable March 9-11, 2018 Our youth will come together with youth from other UMC’s at Higher Ground Retreat Center.
Retreat: Made to Make a Difference April 6 & 7, 2018 Mission Trip: Charleston, SC June 23-30, 2018 Calling all handy people! Join our youth this summer on a mission trip working on capital improvement projects for local homeowners affected by rural poverty.
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY (S.A.M.) NEW! A few good men & a meal
Beginning March 20th, a new men’s group will begin to meet at an area restaurant on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Fellowship over food is the primary goal of the group! Our first meal together will be at Bob Evan’s at 8057 Montgomery Road. For this first time, meet in the church library at 11:00 am. To learn more, contact Dennis Wilson at dswilson@ fioptics.com or 513-232-5211. Reservations are needed by Monday, March 19th so the restaurant will know how many are coming.
Strength, Flexibility & Balance Chair Exercise Class: Monday, April 9-May 14, 2018 (6 sessions) 11:15 am to 12:00 noon Mary Pearce, exercise instructor at St. Margaret Hall and OLLI, will lead us in gentle exercises for persons of all ages. These exercises will work all parts of the body while either sitting or standing, utilizing the chair as support. Registration is not necessary but appreciated. Contact Mary at mnbpearce@fuse.net.
ACTIVITIES & things
FEBRUARY 14 18 25
Ash Wednesday
1st Sunday of Lent 2nd Sunday of Lent
MARCH
2 4 8 10 11 18 20 24 25 29 1 2 6 12 15 26
First Friday Niters,
3rd Sunday of Lent Thursday Edition, He Was One of Us! Lenten Retreat: Choosing Compassion in an Angry World, Led by Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns 4th Sunday of Lent (Daylight Saving), Feb. 11-18 IHN hosting 5th Sunday of Lent A Few Good Men and a Meal, Fellowship over Food! Easter Egg Hunt, 9:30am -12:00pm Palm Sunday Thursday Edition, Field Trip to Cincinnati Art Museum
APRIL
Easter
Church Office Closed First Friday Niters, Tour of the Universe—You Are Here Thursday Edition, Community Choristers Spring Program Organ Concert Series, Renée Anne Louprette Thursday Edition, Field Trip to Spring Grove Cemetery and Lunch
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THANK YOU
GIVE US FEEDBACK
FOR CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ISSUE Rev. Dave Weaver Christine McHenry Our Partners: Romania, Russia, Haiti, Redbird, Henrys Rev. Ian Strickland Rev. Doug Johns
communication@hpcumc.org What did you think of this issue? We would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on what you are interested in seeing in this quarterly magazine.
1345 Grace Ave. Cincinnati, OH 45208 (513) 871-1345 www.hydeparkchurch.org
1310 Race St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 871-1345 www.otrcc.org
Co-Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns
Co-Senior Pastor
Rev. Doug Johns
Associate Pastor
Rev. Dave Weaver
Pastor of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
Rev. Kate Smith
Pastor of Over-The-Rhine Community Church
Rev. Ian Strickland
HPCUMC Office Hours 9:00am - 5:00pm Sunday Worship 8:00am, 9:30am, & 11:00am
OTRCC Sunday Community Breakfast 9:15am Sunday Worship 10:30am