2021 Winter: From the Corner of Grace

Winter 2021 Perhaps I will stay with you for a while, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.

- 1 Corinthians 16:6 (NIV)

QUARTERLY

From the Corner of

Advent Sermon Series

Poinsettias

will decorate our Hyde Park location on Friday, December 24th. Poinsettias may be picked up starting December 28th.

Cost: $12 per poinsettia To order, go online at www.hydeparkchurch.org or contact the church office at (513)871-1345.

The deadline to order is Wednesday, December 15th.

Advent Starts the Sunday after Thanksgiving on November 28th. We hope you will join us on Sundays in-person or online as we prepare for the birth of our Lord and Savior.

November 28

Peace

Rev. Doug Johns

December 5

Hope

Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns

Order Your

Poinsettias Today!

December 12

Love

Rev. Doug Johns

December 19

Joy

Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns

the communications team It is hard to believe that Christmas is just around the corner. The Advent and Christmas season is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus with family and friends. As we move into this season consider participating in one of the many opportunities our church is offering such as the Outdoor Live Nativity, Advent retreat or Pastor Dave Weaver’s Advent Study.

We hope that you have a blessed and joyous Christmas!

Many blessings, Shari and Lisa

Table of CONTENTS Christmas Eve Services

3

What People are Saying About Young Adult MInistry

4

Current Studies

6

New Church Members

7

Advent Devotional

8

Mission & Outreach New Team Members

10

The Warehouse Reaches Out

12

Be Still: Giving and Receiving

14

Alternative Christmas Gifts

15

Activities & Things

16

2021 ADVENT RETREAT

WAITING WITH

Hope

with Dr. Cynthia Good

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 9:00am-12:00pm

via Zoom

Join us for the Advent Retreat this year with Rev. Dr. Cynthia Good as we explore the theme, “Waiting with Hope.”

The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Good is an elder in the New England Conference of the United Methodist Church and pastor of Calvary Church in Arlington, MA. She is a spiritual director and retreat leader, artist, mother, spouse, and friend. Cynthia studied at the University of Colorado, Yale Divinity School, Hartford Seminary, and Stillpoint at Ghost Ranch. For the 34 years of her professional ministry she has tended the holy by serving churches, leading retreats, mentoring colleagues, and offering spiritual direction. Her passion is listening to stories of the soul told in the ordinary and extraordinary lives of others.

“Hope is a way of looking at the world - more than that, it's a way of life”, wrote the American social and political activist, Paul Loeb, in his book, The Impossible Will Take a Little While: A Citizen’s Guide to Hope in a Time of Fear. In the Advent season of waiting, we shape our lives in hope and with hope. Hope is not just a feeling. It is an action and it is a choice. As we enter this season still surrounded with uncertainties, I invite you to explore hope as found in prayer, poetry, silence, and conversation. May we ground ourselves again in God’s hope for us and for the world.

Registration Deadline is Thursday, December 2.

Register on Realm or email Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org.

Outdoor Live

Nativity Discover Bethlehem

Sunday, December 12th Outdoor ONLY Event

You will start your journey in the church parking lot.

Masks Required

Socially Distanced Event

Free Family Event (All Ages Welcome) Hyde Park Community UMC www.hydeparkchurch.org

1345 Grace Ave., Hyde Park

4:00 p.m.

Candlelight Family Service with music from children’s choirs. Nursery care is provided.

6:00 p.m.

Communion Service, with Candlelighting and Carols. Music from Matthew Covert and our praise band. Nursery care is provided.

8:30 p.m.

Canterbury Brass and Cathedral Choir provide music.

Candlelighting and Carols. NO Nursery care is provided.

11:00 p.m.

Wesley Choir will provide music, Candlelighting and Carols.

Rejoice & celebrate with Us on Christmas Eve the birth of the Savior!

What people are saying about the Young Adult Ministry…

The Young Adult Ministry has flourished in the new home at Bean and Barley with the Brews and Brene and Evolving faith studies. Not only are people engaging in deep, meaningful faith and life conversations during the studies, but also people are starting to connect outside of Monday evenings. Read on to learn how the Young Adult Ministry has transformed a “case of the Mondays” to a day people look forward to!

“

Logan Hardin

FAVORITE PART This is so cliche, but the best part is the friends I have made. I moved to Cincinnati in 2019 and knew zero people. Joining the young adults has helped me meet other people down to talk about faith and explore Cincinnati. I look forward to Monday evening as a time of laughter and community.

FAITH IMPACT Being part of this ministry has affirmed my faith and my questions. God is in the messiness of this world, and we talk about specific, modern anxieties (career, climate, whatever) in a way that I think is productive and important. Growing up in the church, I struggled to connect my Sunday school faith with the lens of life, especially in college. Talking to other people in a similar life place about the faith of every day has helped me both to see God more and see a more expansive God. WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ANOTHER YOUNG ADULT WHO IS THINKING ABOUT BEING PART OF THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY? It is approachable! The material is consumable and relevant, and the people are excellent. It’s okay to be late or tired (I am late frequently and tired always). You are truly welcome as you are.

Eric Bodge

”

FAVORITE PART The diversity of topics and the ability for us to welcome new members mid study without them feeling lost or like they are at a disadvantage for having not been there in previous weeks.

FAITH IMPACT The Evolving Faith study has challenged me to think more critically, allowing me to grow in my faith. It forces me to be accountable for my actions (or lack of actions) when it comes to areas such as social justice issues.

It makes me think outside of just my bubble and outside of my comfort zone, helping me to grow.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ANOTHER YOUNG ADULT WHO IS THINKING ABOUT BEING PART OF THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY? Just try it out. It’s a great group and you can be as quiet or as vocal as you want.

You don’t have to make any long-term commitments, just stop by one week and check it out!

Molly Fernandez

“

FAVORITE PART The energy and the people. Each week people reveal just a little bit more of their selves and you get to witness the freedom and community that grows as a result. Not only do you get to learn from others, but you get to share your own journey and thoughts about the [Evolving Faith] podcast and your own faith experiences.

FAITH IMPACT My faith has strengthened since being a part of the young adult ministry. Each week I leave with a deeper understanding of my own faith journey along with others and how that impacts my faith today. It is a great group where you learn to question as a method of solidifying your own faith.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ANOTHER YOUNG ADULT WHO IS THINKING ABOUT BEING PART OF THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY? Do it! Since this summer, this has been one of my favorite nights of the week.

You will quickly realize that this is a community that is willing to walk into the wilderness and back to help each other grow in their faith and understand any thoughts or belief one is wrestling with.

Andrew & Sami Lindhome

FAVORITE PART Our favorite part of the young adult ministry is the open and friendly discussion without feeling pressure about our view points. Even from our first time going, we felt incredibly welcomed and accepted, and we were able to freely express ourselves.

FAITH IMPACT The biggest impact is that the young adult ministry focuses on topics that are not frequently discussed within a traditional church setting.

These topics provide a lot of ways for faith to develop beyond a surface level understanding of Biblical teachings.

”

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ANOTHER YOUNG ADULT WHO IS THINKING ABOUT BEING PART OF THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY? Come and try it out. It is an open and welcoming place. There is no pressure to give a right or wrong answer, or even an answer at all. The group welcomes new members with open arms. We’ve only just recently joined, and we already feel a strong sense of community within the group.

Kate Warren

FAVORITE PART I have really enjoyed getting to make new friends who have a desire for deeper connections! We have gotten so comfortable together which has allowed us to be open and vulnerable about our walks with God as well as dive into tough topics that end up providing so much insight! It is really the people that have made this group.

“

FAITH IMPACT My faith has been affirmed and challenged all at the same time.

In this group, I have people I can talk with about my doubts and know I won’t get shamed for asking questions. It is also helpful to hear about how everyone else came to know God- listening to others’ perspectives and upbringings in the church has been eye opening!

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL ANOTHER YOUNG ADULT WHO IS THINKING ABOUT BEING PART OF THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY? Give it a try, it is the community I have needed for awhile! It does take courage to try something new, so just muster a little of that up and you won’t be sorry!

YOUNG ADULT ADVENT STUDY

Awakening Welcome & Wonder

with Freedom Poetry of Maya Angelou MONDAY NIGHTS, 7:00-8:30PM AT BEAN & BARLEY

November 29 – December 20

This Advent season, young adults are invited to enjoy their favorite beverage as we explore the question: Is the Christmas story just something that happened a long time ago…or is it a story that is still happening today?

Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” It’s a time meant to prepare our hearts, minds, and souls for the arrival of God-with-us, Jesus Christ. Through reading scripture and poems from Maya Angelou, songs, discussing contemplative questions, and honest prayers we will seek to discover that the wonder of God-with-us is still happening today – in your unexpected change of plans, your unaccomplished dreams, your humble new beginnings. A perfect way to prepare for the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christmas day.

Maya Angelou is an Advent poet extraordinaire, in the sense that she often stands in the shadows and writes of the light. She boldly insists on blessedness and freedom, even as she confronts – with both candor and wit – the pain and injustice in the world.

So, carve out some space and time on Monday evenings for reflection and discussion, and remember that, for Angelou, “I” often means “we.” Night has fallen, and God is coming. The question is whether we’ll have the presence of mind and heart to notice, and to rejoice – and sing – when morning comes.

Advent Study Join Rev. Dave Weaver for a 5-Week Advent Study on Adam Hamilton’s “The Journey!”

TUESDAY, NOV. 23 - TUESDAY DEC. 21 | 6:00PM-7:30PM | WELCOME CENTER Pick-up a copy of the book at the Church Office, with a $10.00 donation. Register with Amanda Kern at 871-1345 or akern@hpcumc.org by November 19.

Please join us in an Advent Study titled The Journey authored by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Hamilton travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem in a fascinating look at the birth of Jesus Christ. In this book and DVD study Hamilton once again approaches a world-changing event with great insights. Using historical information, archaeological data, and a personal look at some of the stories surrounding the birth, the most amazing moment in history will become more real and heart-felt as you walk along this road. Prepare for the holy season of Advent by participating.

WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHOOL INFORMATION Let’s Get Real

Soul Builders

Faith Weavers

New Ventures

Sunday mornings at 9:30am in the Parlor For more information contact Amy Burgess at terminallyhappy@gmail.com

Sunday mornings at 9:30am in Room 205 For more information contact Mike Hickerson at mikehickerson@gmail.com

Sunday mornings at 11:00am in Room 205 For more information contact Ronda Deel at rodeel@fuse.net

Sunday mornings at 11:00am via Zoom For more information contact Michael Vilardo at mpvilardo@gmail.com

NEW MEMBERS

New Member Sunday was October 24! Please join us in welcoming these new faces to our church family!

MARY ELLEN ADCOCK

Mary Ellen lives in Cincinnati with her spouse, Roman Alexander, and son, Miles, and has been a regular attender of Hyde Park Community for five years. Mary Ellen was initially interested in HPC because of the preaching, teaching, and leadership of Rev. Dr. Cathy Johns, as well as the inviting nature of HPC to make the church a good Christian home. Mary Ellen works at Kroger as the Senior Vice President of Operations.

She is excited to officially become a member of Hyde Park Community UMC to use her gifts of faith, intercession, and giving in the different areas of ministry, including Sunday School and Bible Study. Please welcome Mary Ellen to our church family!

LAINY FOLTZ

Lainy lives in Cincinnati and has been attending the 9:30 service at Hyde Park Community. Lainy initially visited HPC because she wanted to be in a church that was accepting to everyone, and chose to stay because she felt at home during the first service she attended.

Lainy is engaged to Blake Chambliss and works as a Realtor at Exp Realty.

She is excited to officially become a member of Hyde Park Community UMC to use her gifts of teaching, pastoring, and encouraging in the different areas of ministry, including youth ministry, young adult ministry, and United Methodist Women.

Please welcome Lainy to our church family!

TORI GUY

Tori lives in Anderson Township and attends the 9:30 service at Hyde Park Community. She is the daughter to Kim and Rob Guy, and is a sophomore at Turpin High School. In her free time, Tori is involved in volleyball, Key Club, Hope Squad, and youth ministry at Hyde Park Community.

Tori completed confirmation in 2020 and is excited to be baptized and take the new member vows to officially become a member of HPC so that she can become more involved in the church. Please welcome Tori to our church family!

2021

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL ADVENT PLAYLIST Throughout your week, we invite you to listen to this playlist on Spotify! Use your phone to access the QR code and save the playlist to your own Spotify account. If you can’t access the QR code, visit our our website or Facebook page to click on the link posted.

We pray that this is just one of the ways you find peace, hope, love, and joy as you listen to the words and music of a diverse group of voices and talents in the midst of this Advent season.

Included in our Advent Devotion this year are Advent On-theGo Activities and an Advent Playlist! This is a way for us to extend our Advent practice outside the pages of the wonderful reflections and questions of our Advent Devotion writers this year. You’re invited to explore the playlist and the activities however you would like during this season, as well as pick up a hard copy of the devotion to participate in the readings each week. Peace be with you on your Advent Journey.

ADVENT ON-THE-GO WEEK 1: PEACE Light a candle and practice saying this breath prayer: As you take a deep breath in, pray, “Ever present God,” As you release your breath, pray, “guide my feet into the way of peace.”

When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or tired or thankful, pray this prayer, whether verbally or silently, as a way to find God’s peace this Advent season.

WEEK 2: HOPE This month, we are collecting for the Center for Respite Care!

Choose an item to donate: • Jogging suits (for men and women - sizes Medium - 2XL) • Slide sandals for shower (the ones without the thong in the middle) • Water bottles • Travel sized hygiene products (body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste etc.)

Bring this item with you on Sunday morning or anytime during the week as a way to express hope into the world and into our community this season.

EXTRA ADVENT ON-THE-GO ACTIVITIES! • Send a Holiday note to a neighbor, near or far.

• Buy Alternative Gifts supporting New Life Furniture.

WEEK 3: LOVE This week, do something that you love to do! This can be anything from getting a cup of coffee, to calling a friend, to donating to an organization that reflects what it means to love in this season and every season. Remember: You are so loved.

• Buy Alternative Gifts supporting Haiti and Russia.

• Listen to the Advent Playlist.

• Take a prayer walk around your neighborhood.

• Bake cookies for a friend or neighbor.

WEEK 4: JOY Learn about Las Posadas, the Latin American tradition that celebrates the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Use the QR Code or click here to watch a video. Think about what it means to make room for all people, and the joy it brings to the whole community when everyone is invited “inn”.

• Light a candle and read Luke 1:26-2:21 on Christmas Day.

WHAT IS REALM? Realm is a private, online community for HPC where people can join groups, build relationships, give online, and find new ways to connect and do ministry together.

DOWNLOAD THE APP NOW!

CREATE/EDIT YOUR PROFILE Create or Update your profile, manage who you share your information with, and stay up to date on all your church events! Need to create a Login? Visit www.hydeparkchurch.org/realm GROUPS Communicate, interact, and follow your groups!

Realm makes it easy to know what’s going on and to join the conversation.

GIVE Manage and track your giving. Realm’s giving dashboard is a quick and easy way to see how, where, and how much you give.

Visit hydeparkchurch.org for additional information and links.

Mission & Outreach

NEW TEAM MEMBERS The Mission and Outreach team over this last year has evolved with working to be better champions with our local and global partners which included adding 5 new members to the team. Below you will read about the new members, their role on the team, their favorite serving experience, and why they think it’s important for people to engage in serving with others. Please contact any of the members if you are interested in learning more about how to get connected with serving!

KAREN BRUNER MISSION PARTNER CHAMPION: Rothenberg Preparatory Academy tutoring/ mentoring program and summer literacy programs FAVORITE SERVING EXPERIENCE: Developing a relationship with our Rothenberg partner has been a deeply impactful experience. The children are so incredibly open and loving and it means so much to get a big smile after working hard to solve a problem or help a student become a better reader. There are many hugs, even from students in the hallway. After having been away during the pandemic, the teachers and staff were overjoyed to see us--it was an emotional reunion. We truly care for each other and we are fulfilling our purpose to walk in faith with the children who live in Over the Rhine.

Why do you think it’s important for people at HPCUMC to engage with serving locally and/or globally? I believe serving is simply living into our shared humanity and an opportunity to reflect God’s love.

JACKIE ABDELLA MISSION PARTNER CHAMPION: New Life Furniture Bank FAVORITE SERVING EXPERIENCE: I’ve always enjoyed being a part of the Thanksgiving baskets with so many folks coming together to assemble the baskets. It’s been a great opportunity to make new acquaintances while giving back to the community. Hopefully we’ll be able to get back to doing this next year!

Why do you think it’s important for people at HPCUMC to engage with serving locally and/or globally? I believe it’s a fundamental part of being a Christian to share love and compassion with those in need in what ever way we can. We all have different skills but with so many different options to serve there is something for everyone. There’s also the added benefit of the wonderful feeling you get from having made a difference in someone’s life.

LAURA WOOLLETT MISSION PARTNER CHAMPION: La Soupe FAVORITE SERVING EXPERIENCE: Packing up Thanksgiving baskets in the parking lot in the church Why do you think it’s important for people at HPCUMC to engage with serving locally and/or globally? I truly believe in the phrase, “what would Jesus do?” Jesus sat at the table and conversed with the lost and broken, the undesirables, the people left behind. I think it’s so important in our spiritual journey to take that on, to help others, and be part of a larger, more allencompassing community. The group I’ve been drawn to throughout the years are the youth, as they are often unheard and often have unappreciated potential.

KAREN & WARREN WEBSTER

S

3

MISSION PARTNER CHAMPION: Wesley Chapel Mission Center and State Ave. UMC

FAVORITE SERVING EXPERIENCE: Our most rewarding local serving experience has been Rothenberg School and Wesley Chapel Mission Center. From the global perspective, our times in Haiti have been most rewarding.

SuperSERVE

Why do you think it’s important for people at HPCUMC to engage with serving locally and/or globally? Getting involved with our volunteer experience opens our eyes to some of the real needs of the world locally and globally. We hope we are making difference. We also hope others can share in the experience and show the love of Christ to others.

NO SUPERPOWERS NECESSARY

3

S SuperSERVE SATURDAY NO SUPE R POWE R S NE CE SSARY

3RD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH

December 18th, January 15th, February 19th Support our local partnerships Serve projects for all ages and abilities

To find out what opportunities are available visit http://hydeparkchurch.org/superserve-saturday/

JUNE LAUNCH AUGUST BACK TO SCHOOL SEPTEMBER COME TOGETHER

The Warehouse Reaches Out Outdoor/Indoor Outreach

This summer The Warehouse Church, OTR sponsored three outdoor events introducing the church to the Over The Rhine Community.

Hundreds of children and their families were able to worship together in Washington Park, which is right across the street from the church.

We experienced communion, heard the Gospel, praised and worshipped Jesus together, and shared in love feast community meals. We were able to be a blessing to families providing book bags, and meals to ward off food insecurity in the Summer, and children whose families may not have been able to afford a fun and celebratory event were able to do so, including prizes and giveaways.

As we turn to the Fall and Winter months, we are busy renovating The Gathering Place, the lower-level of the 1310 Race Street Campus.

A generous donor has provided staging and seating so that we can offer a monthly dinner church, which we will tryout on November

10, 2021 and December 8, 2021 and hope to officially launch in 2022. On the 2nd Wednesdays of the month, we’ll join in a meal, have a time of worship, study and sharing. We hope to invite local caterers and artists who may have lost income due to the pandemic to be a part of the experience.

We will also hold other arts and community events and meals in this space as the Commercial Kitchen is finished and receives a license from the Health Department. We are looking forward, COVID permitting, to have many wonderful memories of communitybuilding and faith sharing in Over-The-Rhine.

If you’d like to take part or have more questions about these events, please reach out to us at info@thewarehousechurch.org. We are so grateful for your continued prayers and support!

Pastors Sadell and Sherman Bradley, and The Warehouse Church, OTR Family

RENOVATIONS

WORSHIP IN THE PARK

Be Still: Giving & Receiving As I sit at my computer and look outside it is hard to believe that November is upon us and the “season of giving” is just around the corner. Soon there will be family gatherings, festive lights, and Christmas carols and we will be in a frenzy about what to buy Uncle Frank or cousin Sue or the grandchildren who live in California.

We all have heard the adage that it is better to give than to receive. But is that necessarily so?

To give out of obligation or a sense of guilt, or to give for appearance sake misses the point.

Giving out of love without expectation of return, giving out of a sense of gratitude for the person receiving the gift is the point. And there are gifts beyond the material such as the gifts of time and presence or of talent. Giving, no matter what time of year, can be a spiritual practice with the proper intention and attitude. And so, too, receiving.

Just as there are different intentions and attitudes of giving, there are different intentions and attitudes of receiving. If you look up the word “receive” in the Merriam Webster dictionary you will see words such as get, acquire, and take. And you also will see the word welcome meaning to accept something or someone with happiness or pleasure. During this season of giving and receiving, with what intention and attitude do you and I give and with what intention and attitude do you and I receive? Do we give out of obligation or guilt, or do we give out of love and gratitude? Do we receive in a manner of getting, acquiring, or taking which can have a possessive and harsh feel to it, or do we receive in a manner of welcome with acceptance and joy?

As we move into this season surrounded by the sights and sounds of the holidays, I invite you to experience the spiritual practice of receiving by means of an ancient prayer practice known as Visio Divina. Visio Divina is a contemplative practice using images. Contemplative means simply (or not so simply!) slowing down, noticing what is before you, savoring what you notice, and responding in some way. The invitation in Visio Divina is to slow down and receive the gift of time that will enable you to notice and savor what is before you and to receive what the image is gifting you. You might find a picture in a magazine or a picture of a famous painting that strikes you. You might use a family photo, a picture from vacation, or a picture from a past holiday. If you are so inclined, you might go outside into nature to capture the wonder of creation with your cell phone or camera. Once you have a picture or image, I suggest the following steps: 1. Centering - Take a few moments to quiet your mind by deeply breathing in and deeply breathing out. As you breath in, ask the Holy Spirit for openness to the possibility of new insights. And as you breath out, release those things that are occupying your mind such as a “to

Written by Christine McHenry

do” list or a particular worry or expectations for this practice. Deeply breathe in and breathe out three times. When you are ready, proceed to gazing at your image.

2. Gazing - As you gaze at your image, notice the shapes, colors, textures, and shadows. Notice the relationship between and among the objects in the image. What in the image stands out to you? What is distracting to you? Is there something challenging to you in the image? Is there something drawing you in? Remember: Visio Divina is about noticing what is there.

3. Reflecting - Once you have spent time gazing at your image (you will know when you are ready to move on to the next step) write down a few words, thoughts, or feelings that came to you while you were gazing. You also might want to ask such questions as: Does this image or some part of this image connect with an aspect of my life right now or with my life in general? In what way(s)? What might God be saying to me through this image?Journaling about these questions may help in uncovering what God is saying.

4. Responding - Now that you have noticed by gazing at the image and savored what you noticed by reflecting, how might you respond to what has been revealed to you? Maybe you have a sense that God is calling you to a different way of thinking about an issue or that God is asking you to take a concrete action in a certain circumstance in your life. Or, you may come to this point of the practice and feel as if nothing new has been revealed to you, and that is ok! An appropriate response no matter what has occurred is gratitude - gratitude for receiving and welcoming this time apart to be more fully present with God. 5. Resting - As you end, release the image and all the words, thoughts, and feelings the image has generated. Be still and rest in the presence of God. I am reminded of something Pastor Doug said in a recent sermon about Benedictine hospitality.

When the porter of the monastery opens the door to someone on the outside, he does so with gratitude for the person and with the gift of a blessing. The intention and attitude reflect the way in which the monks approach the world. The same holds true for giving and receiving. The way we give and receive, the intentions and attitudes we have, reflect and make a difference in our relationships with one another, with creation, and with God. As we enter into these next months, I pray that we are open to giving with love and gratitude and to receiving with welcome, acceptance, and joy the multiplicity of gifts the Lord is offering to us through family and friends, through sight and sound, and most importantly through the birth of a babe whom we call Immanuel, God with us. A blessed and joyous Christmas to all.

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.

Alternative

Christmas Gifts

Supports our Local and Global Partners An Alternative Gift is a financial gift in honor of a loved one that makes a lasting impact locally or globally.

Local Alternative Gift

Global Alternative Gift

Welcome Home! bags for families overcoming homelessness

Help our partners meet the needs of local youth

New Life Furniture Bank

Imagine moving into a new apartment home from a shelter and all you have left of your belongings is the clothing you could take with you. Starting over in new housing is often an overwhelming experience for those that have been homeless. In addition to fully furnishing homes for our neighbors in need, New Life Furniture Bank also provides basic housewares and a “Welcome Home!” bag to be sure that families have everything they need to start over.

Each Welcome Home! bag contains hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, wash cloth, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toilet paper, wash cloth), cleaning supplies (dish soap, hand soap, multipurpose cleaner, paper towels, sponges, trash bags, paper towels), clothes hangers, laundry detergent, and other essential household items. There is also a new bible with a note wishing them the best in their new home! Your generous gift will provide a complete Welcome Home bag and be a huge blessing for a family starting over.

Faith Academy, Haiti & Samara, Russia Donations given to the global alternative gift will be split evenly between our Samara and Haiti partners to provide food and clothing to children.

Faith Academy

It costs $33 a month to feed a child attending school at Faith Academy in Haiti. There are currently 500 children enrolled in school so the cost is $750 a day or $16,000 for the month.

There is also a need for new uniforms for the 500 children which cost $10 per uniform. Any amount you give will help to provide food and clothing for children as they learn and grow at Faith Academy.

Samara, Russia

There are currently 140 children served by the church in Samara and many are in desperate need of new shoes for their growing feet along with warmer clothes for the winter. The church has a list of shoe sizes for each child and $25 or 1700 roubles will purchase a pair of shoes that will be a perfect fit for a child.

Stop by the Welcome Center starting on November 28 on Sundays leading up to Christmas to learn more about or purchase Alternative Gifts. Each donation includes a beautiful Christmas card and an explanatory note to give to a loved one. This is a great gift idea for honoring a loved one who has passed, families, or for the person who “has everything.” Want an electronic version instead of a physical card to share with your loved one? Contact Pastor Kate (ksmith@hpcumc.org) to make your donation and to receive the ecard.

DECEMBER’S DONATION DRIVE

The Center for Respite Care • Jogging suits (for men and women, sizes Medium - 2XL) • Slide sandals for shower (the ones without the thong in the middle)

• Water bottles • Travel sized hygiene products (body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste etc.)

ACTIVITIES & things DECEMBER

4 Live Outdoor Nativity 12 5:30-8:00pm, Christmas fun for the entire family!

12 UMW Cookie Walk We hope to see you at our Christmas Eve Services 24 (listed on the inside cover) MERRY CHRISTMAS! 24, 27 Church Office Closed NEW YEAR! 31 HAPPY Church Office Closed Advent Retreat, Zoom 8:30am-12:00pm

JANUARY

1 HAPPY NEW YEAR! 17

Martin Luther King Day Church Office Closed

FEBRUARY

7 Hoxworth Blood Drive 13 Aaron David Miller Presidents Day 21 Church Office Closed

Organ Concert 4:00pm

2

MARCH Ash Wednesday

Order Deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 8th!

Cookie

Walk & Craft Sale It’s the annual holiday event everyone is talking about…

United Methodist Women at HPCUMC raise funds to support local charities with 100% of the proceeds supporting our local mission partners serving women, children and families. Your contribution to our fundraising campaign will lift up our most vulnerable.

PLEASE ORDER BY WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 8, 2021 for DRIVE BY PICK UP SUNDAY December 12. THANK YOU for your continued support of this annual event! Payment is

expected at time of delivery.

Visit www.hydeparkchurch.org and order today!

REGISTER YOUR PRESCHOOLER, AGE 2.5 TO 5 FOR THE 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR AT HPCUMC PRESCHOOL! Registration materials will be made available November 22nd and will be located outside the Preschool Office and on our website, www.hydeparkpreschool.org.

Contact Julie Vail, jvail@hpcumc.org 513-979-8191

Pastor Sadell Bradley Pastor Sherman Bradley Meredith Menius Christine McHenry Rev. Kate Smith Katie Bauman

HPCUMC Office Hours 9:00am-5:00pm Sunday In-person & Online Worship 8:00am, 9:30am & 11:00am