From the Corner of Grace: Sept/Oct

From the Corner of

HYDE PARK COMMUNITY UMC MAGAZINE

Dusk is coming a little earlier each day, tomatoes and cucumbers are plentiful, school buses are back on their routes, students are meeting their teachers and adjusting to new schedules, football anticipation is in the air: fall is nearly here!

With the arrival of September, we also begin our church program year. We are looking forward to kicking it off with a Block Party Celebration on Sunday September 10th. This is an opportunity for all of us at HPC to reconnect with longtime friends and church family and to connect in new ways. This event is for those of all ages. We will begin with a combined worship at 10am followed by the Block Party from 11am-1pm that will include a hot dog lunch, activities, Kona Ice, music and time to connect with each other. We hope you will join us and bring a few friends and neighbors!

Our summer at HPC has included so many wonderful experiences such as Family Camp, Godspell, the Galatians Bible Study, the Unbinding Grief worship series, wonderful music ensembles in worship, and the Sunday School Mixers. It’s always sad to say goodbye to summer.

Fall brings new opportunities for learning, growing, and connecting to God and the church community. We are looking forward to having our choirs resume and join us in worship, to the adult Sunday School classes and Super Serve Saturdays resuming, and to our next worship series “Values of a Spirit-Filled Community” which highlight the values connected to our Strategic Plan.

We look forward to sharing in faith and fellowship with you this fall!

Blessings!

Pastors Suzanne, Todd, and Kate

Sermon Series | September 10, 17 & 24

Values of a Spirit-Filled Community

Acts is often known as the book of the Holy Spirit. During these three weeks we will use the story of Peter and Cornelius from Acts 10 as a way to help us think about living out the new values we have committed to as a church in our strategic planning process: curious, courageous and connected.

Sept. 10: We are Curious (one combined service)

Curious

Courageous Connected

Sept. 17: We are Courageous

Sept. 24: We are Connected

Sermon Series | October 1, 8,15, 22 & 29 Embody

Hope

Our new church mission states that we will embody hope. This is not just any hope, but a hope that comes through faith in Jesus Christ and God’s love for all. During the month of October, we will celebrate the many ways that HPC currently embodies this hope and consider the ways we can grow in our capacity to share this gift of hope.

Oct. 1: Worship & Prayer—A Living Hallelujah

Oct. 8: Study: The Impact of Listening

Oct. 15: Serve: Here I am Lord, Send Me

Oct. 22: Give: Where Your Treasure Is

Oct. 29: Go: Reflect Your Light

& Introducing Donuts and Discussion!

Books and Beverages with Sarah and Meredith is returning in the fall, with an additional opportunity for conversations: Donuts and Discussion!

Donuts and Discussion will use the same book of the month, and will meet on the Sunday morning of the same week as Books and Beverages. We are so excited about this opportunity for more people to be involved in the conversations about the books we are reading!

Fall 2023 Dates

Books and Beverages:

Wednesday, September 27, 6:30pm

Native by Kaitlin Curtice

Wednesday, October 25, 6:30pm

Living Resistance by Kaitlin Curtice

Fall 2023 Dates

Donuts and Discussions:

Sunday, September 24, 11:00am

Native by Kaitlin Curtice

Sunday, October 22, 11:00am

Living Resistance by Kaitlin Curtice

All-Sing Choir

anyone who likes to sing September 10 | 10:00am Service

On September 10, we need your voice for the Rally Day Choir! We’ll be having one service that day at 10am, and one choir made up of anyone who likes to sing, whether you’re in Cathedral Choir, Wesley Choir, or no choir at all. Gather in the choir room (2nd floor) at 9:15am, learn some music, and participate in worship. Scan the QR code to sign up today!

Sign up with the QR code above.

Church Leadership—Have you considered serving?

Strong lay leadership is critical to having a healthy and thriving church. Those in lay leadership bring skills, ideas, and energy from their various backgrounds, increase communication and connection within the congregation, and help the church to stay focused on mission and strategic priorities.

The Servant Leadership Board (SLB) is the lay leadership team at Hyde Park Community. The SLB is made up of 10-15 lay members along with the pastors and several key program ministry directors.

Lay members of the SLB serve for a 3-year term and are a part of one of three teams that make up the SLB: Personnel, Property, and Finance.

The term year begins in January. We are currently accepting applications from those who are interested in serving on the Servant Leadership Board.

If you are interested in serving, please pick up an application on the welcome center desk, check the church website, or email Pastor Suzanne sallen@hpcumc.org with questions or for an application.

Applications are due by Sunday September 24th but positions may be filled before or after that as decided by the Nominations team.

Mark Your Calendars for Advent Retreat: Songs of Advent, on Saturday, December 2

Led by Ben Owen and Meredith Menius

Kaitlin Curtice is an awardwinning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker. As an enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi nation, Kaitlin writes on the intersections of spirituality and identity and how that shifts throughout our lives. She also speaks on these topics to diverse audiences who are interested in truth-telling and healing.

As an inter-spiritual advocate, Kaitlin participates in conversations on topics such as colonialism in faith communities, and she has spoken at many conferences on the importance of inter-faith relationships.

Besides her books, Kaitlin has written online for Sojourners, Religion News Service, Apartment Therapy, On Being, SELF Magazine, and more. Her work has been featured on CBS and in USA Today. She also writes at The Liminality Journal. Kaitlin lives in Philadelphia with her family.

Colaw Lecture Series: Kaitlin Curtice

/ POET-STORYTELLER / PUBLIC SPEAKER

We are very excited to announce that Kaitlin Curtice will be our Colaw Lecture Series speaker for Fall 2023.

Mark your calendars for November 4 & 5!

November 4, Kaitlin Curtice will lead a lecture at 10:00am and a workshop at 2:00pm

All are invited to attend Kaitlin’s lecture at HPC in the morning. If you are interested in attending her workshop in the afternoon, please RSVP by using the QR code:

November 5, Kaitlin Curtice will preach at the 9:30am and 11:00am services

AUTHOR-ESSAYIST

10 Ways to Create Family Harmony

November 8, 2014 | Vivian Morgan

The Family Camp theme was Harmony and we found this article and its suggestions so helpful that we wanted to share them with you.

Fall is just the season where we begin to pull energies back into the home and family gatherings. When time is spent indoors more that out, and holidays keep us tethered to family. It can also be a time of unavoidable stress because of new fall schedules and the demands of school and work. I have a few tips that may help encourage family harmony in the face of life’s events.

1. Speak kindly to each other. This sounds so simple, but many times when we are under stress or just busy, we can often make remarks or use a tone that evokes irritability in others. If you do happen to use an unintended tone or language that sounds hurtful, excuse yourself. Let the other person know that the tone or language wasn’t intended to be harsh, and that you apologize. An apology goes a long way in my house.

2. Let each member of your family know what it is that you value in them. Don’t take the contributions of your family for granted. If they are kind, generous, giving, helpful, or supportive, let them know.

3. Value the uniqueness of each member of your family. What characteristics do your family members have that you find interesting, unique, or even wonderful? Celebrate the positive about those you love.

4. In so much of our lives we are evaluated or are competing with others (and even ourselves sometimes). Take time to just spend time doing non-competitive activities like walking, watching movies, and games that involve chance or where you learn something about each other (creative games like Charades, Apples to Apples, etc.) without making winning the most important thing. We honestly can make anything competitive, the effort is to make it non-competitive! Sometimes dividing a family into teams can make it more fun and take the focus off of winning.

5. Use Sundays as a day to gather and meet about the week ahead. Often schedules are overloaded and can be overwhelming as a result. Planning the week ahead and checking

in with family members as to how they are doing, what is coming up in the week ahead, as well as, highlights and “low-lights” from the week past, can be a way of connecting and preventing potential problems or pitfalls in the coming week.

6. Have a plan for managing stress. We all have a certain level of stress, and not all stress is bad. But too much stress can lead to distress, and this takes a toll on the body, the mind, and relationships. Exercise, creative pursuits, fun activities, and positive relationships all counteract the effects of stress.

7. Realize when to say “No”. Everyone has a limit, what’s yours? Don’t take on too much to do, and know when to stop. Keep this in mind with your children too. Children need down time and so do parents. Many times kids are taking on too many after school activities, and combined with increased school work this can lead to distress. Down time is time to do whatever you like, quiet or otherwise.

8. Find some Quiet Time daily. This is just 10 minutes of time to think, relax, sip on a cup of tea/ coffee, and be still. This is unplugged, non-electronic time. Encourage your children to find quiet time, or still time. They could spend time in their room, laying on their bed, snuggling with you, walking outside, creating a craft, writing, drawing,or even looking out their window. Just 10 minutes to bring the mind back to quietness.

9. Spend time in nature. So often we are caught up in our worlds of work, sports, and school we forget the beautiful force of nature and all the tranquil moments it provides to release stress. Science has shown us that sending time in nature slows down the heart and improves one’s outlook. And to think, it is just outside our door.

10. Think positively and look for the positive in others. This is hard, but every moment has it’s silver lining. Most of our irritations are small and inconsequential. If you can find it in your heart to forgive and move on with whatever hurt you have experienced, it will lighten your load. Sometimes our inner space gets completely taken up with negative feelings and thoughts that actually end up hurting ourselves. Most people do not intend to be hurtful, they make mistakes, as we all do. Find the beauty in others and they will find it in you.

Harmony: agreement; accord; harmonious relations. a consistent, orderly, or pleasing arrangement of parts; congruity.

2023 Family Camp

HPCUMC Caregiver Support Group

Begins Friday, September 22 1:00pm, Kilgore Parlor 12 sessions; 60 minutes

Caregiving can impact your family, relationship, your career, your health, and emotional well-being. Juggling life and caregiving can be stressful, but help is available. HPCUMC is starting a caregiver support group. This group is open to anyone who serves as a caregiver for a loved one living with any health conditions.

The group will be facilitated by a licensed mental health professional, Paul Owen, M.S. Ed, LPC, NCC, CDP, CGP

This support group will offer members the opportunity to:

• Express and work through feelings associated with caregiving (e.g. fear, frustration, worry, guilt, anger, and other emotions) with peers who have experienced similar feelings

• Share feelings, needs, and concerns in a confidential, safe, supportive, non-threatening and non-judgmental environment.

• Develop realistic and compassionate expectations of themselves and the loved one(s) they care for.

• Share their experiences, tips, information, and offer support.

This group is free and open to the public. HPCUMC will also provide in the Joy & Faith Hospitality Room, activities and volunteer caregivers for your loved one to be with while you are in the support group.

Please contact Sarah Knapton at sknapton@hpcumc.org to register for the group.

“Unrelenting Grace” Book Study

Led by Pastor Dave Weaver

Wednesdays 10:00am-11:30am, Social Hall

Starting Sept 20th, last class is Oct. 11th.

You are invited to join in this book 4-week study by Bishop Kenneth Carter. There has been much change the last several years in the church life of our denomination. To name a few the pandemic, polarization and disaffiliation. In our reading we will come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of what the bishop says is a United Methodist Way of Life. Come and be part of the conversation and connect with others as we embrace the unrelenting grace of God to move us forward in the future.

To register use the QR code to the left or contact Amanda Kern at akern@hpcumc.org or 513-871-1345. Pick up book in the church office. Donation $10.00.

The Hospitality Team Needs YOU!

The Hospitality Team invites you to get involved! Whether greeting, helping with Sunday morning Coffee Fellowship, or other generous ways to help people feel affirmed and loved as they come to HPC, there are many opportunities for your presence to be shared with our guests and members.

Please email Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org for more details!

Pastor Dave Weaver

Update on Strategic Plan

Thank you to so many of you who attended our strategic plan feedback sessions. We have taken your many excellent thoughts into consideration and adjusted our work in response. It was interesting to hear the variety of responses even on one or two words and a great reminder of the various perspectives that we all bring.

Copies of the final version of the plan will be available on the desk in the welcome center and on our church website If you have questions, please contact one of the pastors or John Fillion, our SLB chair.

Our next steps will be to build the operating plan. Each of our ministry teams will be a part of that work.The SLB, the Equipping Team, and the Program Ministry Teams will be the primary groups who will inspire, celebrate, and hold us accountable to the values, mission, goals, and priorities that are named in the plan.

Each of us is creating a legacy by how we live and how we give. Would you like to create a legacy of generosity for life-changing ministry?

The HPCUMC Endowment is an excellent vehicle to do so. One avenue is to give “appreciated assets.” Property that has increased in value (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, etc.) can be transferred to the church and is usually tax deductible while avoiding capital gains taxes.

To discuss this and other ways to make a gift to one of the Endowment Funds, contact Michael Vilardo at 316-1540 or Rev. Todd D. Anderson at 513-979-8195.

Fall Adult Sunday School Classes

Mark your calendars for September 17!

You’re invited to participate in our Block Party on September 10 to kick off the start of the academic year. Then on September 17, all of our Adult Sunday School classes will be back in full swing.

9:30am Classes

Bible Study Class with Pete Rudowski in the library

The Adult Bible Study Class is led by Rev. Pete Rudowski, a retired Lutheran pastor, and is made up of older, retired adults that gather to explore the depths of scripture together. The class is lecturebased, with all material organized by Pete himself. Some examples of previous materials include: Luke, Jesus, and the Disciples, The Prophets

According to Pete, Life Lessons of the Psalms, and others.

To get involved, email Pete Rudowski at prudowski@fuse.net.

Faith Weavers in Room 205

Faith Weavers is led by Mike Hickerson and is made up of people between the ages of 40-55, including some who are parents of high school and college-aged children. is discussion-based and moves through different books or resources.

Some examples of previous books/resources include: Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Calhoun, HPCUMC Lenten or Advent devotionals, and others.

To get involved, email Mike Hickerson at mikehickerson@gmail.com.

Let’s Get Real in the Parlor

Let’s Get Real is made up of people between the ages of 30-45, including parents of young children (infant-middle school aged). This group is discussion-based and focuses on the hard questions of our faith and why we believe what we believe in a safe, inclusive, and honest environment.

Some examples of previous books/resources include: Subversive Sabbath by A.J. Swoboda, What is the Bible? by Rob Bell, the Evolving Faith podcast, and others.

To get involved, email Jason Burgess at jasonburgess13@gmail.com.

11:00am Classes

Soul Builders in Room 205

Soul Builders is led by Ronda Deel and is made up of people ages 55 and up. This class is discussionbased and includes books by a diverse group of authors for the group to grow together in faith and life from a variety of voices.

Some examples of previous books/resources include: Falling Upward by Richard Rohr, Forgiveness by Adam Hamilton, Saving Grace by Kristen Powers, and others.

To get involved, email Ronda Deel at rodeel@fuse.net.

New Ventures in the Library/Zoom

New Ventures is led by Rev. Dr. Michael Vilardo, and is made up of people ages 50 and up. This class is hybrid style and is also discussion-based. The group is focused on progressive Christian theology to grow in faith while learning also applying issues currently happening in our society. Some examples of previous books/resources include: Do I Stay Christian by Brian McLaren, Short Stories by Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine, Fear of the Other by Will Willimon, and others.

To get involved, email Michael Vilardo at mpvilardo@gmail.com.

NEW CLASS : Current Events and Faith in

the Parlor.

Join Meredith Menius, Director of Connecting and Discipleship Ministries, as we start a new class, Current Events and Faith, at 11:00am in the Parlor for the 2023-2024 year (September-May)!

This class is focused on current events and topics, including but not limited to, gun violence, inclusivity of LGBTQIA+ persons, current legislation in our state and country, and other social justice concerns we face as Christians. We will use books, videos, podcasts, and other forms of educational resources to lead this discussion-based class. All ages are invited to attend as we explore and create this new class together.

To get involved, email Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org.

SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

gently guides you so that you might become more aware of God’s presence, love, and light and thus discover God’s wisdom within…

Need support during a major life change or a crisis, help with discernment, self-care, and finding meaning beyond the moment?

God is present in all circumstances and in all things and that life is a sacred journey of becoming more awake and alive to this reality.

We support a person’s sacred journey by listening to their life experiences, by encouraging and supporting personal reflection on these experiences, and by helping them discover what effect these experiences might have had on their awareness of and relationship with God.

All life experiences are part of the spiritual journey.

If you would like to know more please feel free to contact either Christine McHenry, or Roger Johannigman. Both are trained spiritual directors and would be happy to talk with you.

Christine clm2804@gmail.com Roger rtjohannigman@gmail.com

Tuesday Evening Bible Study with

Pastor Suzanne

begins September 12th

7:00pm-8:30pm, Every other Tuesday with breaks during holiday months

John for Everyone By N.T. Wright

Don’t miss this opportunity to dive in and discuss the Gospel of John using the discussion questions and insights of N. T. Wright. “Nothing in John’s Gospel is there by accident. And all the details in John are designed ultimately to come together. In these studies we discover the clues John gives that we might see even more clearly the reality of who Jesus is, the new creation he inaugurates and the difference that all makes.”

Sign up using the QR code or in the church office today. John: 26 Studies for Individuals and Groups, the discussion guide for this series will be available in the church office for a $10 donation. The supplemental reading, John for Everyone Part 1 & Part 2, are also helpful for additional insight and can be ordered on Amazon.

20

2023-2024

20th Anniversary Season

September 17, 2023 @4pm Paul Jacobs

Heralded as “one of the major musicians of our time” by The New Yorker and as “America’s leading organ performer” by The Economist, the internationally celebrated organist Paul Jacobs combines a probing intellect and extraordinary technical mastery with an unusually large repertoire, both old and new. He has performed to great critical acclaim on five continents and in each of the fifty United States and was the first organist to win a Grammy Award—in 2011 for Messiaen’s towering “Livre du Saint-Sacrément.”

Fellowship

Calling all Senior Adults (65-105) First Friday Fellowship will be back in swing starting September 8th!! There will be new things in store that you will not want to miss, as we begin the fall with joy and curiosity! The events are still to be determined, but mark your calendars for the following dates:

September 8th, October 6th, November 3rd, December 1st

New Member Classes 2023-2024

We’re excited to announce our New Member Class dates for 20232024! These classes will be every other month on the second Sunday from 12:15pm-2:00pm in the Social Hall.

Schedule below:

October 8, 2023

December 10, 2023

February 11, 2024

April 14, 2024

June 9, 2024

Lunch is provided for each class.

Email Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org for questions.

Use the QR code to register for the date that works for your schedule.

NEW MEMBERS

Please join us in welcoming these new faces to our church family!

DALE AND KATIE ANDERSON

Katie and Dale Anderson are excited to join HPCUMC. After being involved in the Young Adult group that meets on Monday nights at Bean and Barely, they wanted to explore becoming a member of Hyde Park Community. Katie and Dale were married in June 2021 and have lived in the Bridgetown area for about a year. Katie is a sales analyst and Dale is a teacher. Help us welcome Katie and Dale!

EMILY JACKSON

Emily Jackson is looking forward to joining the HPCUMC church community. After attending the Young Adult Group on Monday nights and Pastor Suzanne's Tuesday night class, Emily has been very interested in becoming a part of this curious congregation. Emily is self-employed, and has lived in the Greater Cincinnati Area for about 11 years. Emily currently lives in Evanston. Help us welcome Emily to our church community!

ERIC AND MELODY RIGGS

Melody and Eric Riggs are excited to become members of HPCUMC after spending time in ministry with this congregation over the past year. Melody and Eric have three children (Cat- 15, Lizzy- 8, and Brennan- 8) and their family lives in Pleasant Ridge. They have been in the Greater Cincinnati Area for about 17 years. Melody is a librarian and media specialist and Eric is a Product Director. Help us welcome the Riggs family to our congregation!

Be still …

Serving God and God’s Kin-dom

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it…

– Psalm 24: 1 (NRSV)

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength … You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

– Mark 12: 30-31 (NRSV)

Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

– 1 Peter 4: 10 (NRSV)

What does it look like to serve God and God’s kin-dom? Here are a few examples. An elderly woman writes an encouraging note to a friend who is having a difficult time. A teen volunteers at STAFF (Save the Animals Foundation) on the weekends. A retired nurse cares for her 101 year old mother. A grandmother who loves to work with plants and play in the dirt volunteers at the zoo’s botanical gardens. A multigenerational group gathers to write Christmas cards to people who are incarcerated. A mother of four serves as liturgist on a regular basis. A retired professional donates to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) following a natural disaster. A multigenerational group works at Habitat for Humanity on the weekends. A group of women gather weekly to pray for the joys and concerns of the faith community and for the world. A family concerned about climate change walks whenever possible rather than taking the car.

You may be curious as to why I am using the word “kin-dom” rather than the familiar “kingdom”. After-all, Jesus spoke about the “Kingdom of God”. The political rulers at the time found this phrase subversive since it challenged the notion that Caesar was both king and god. Over time, the word “kingdom” has been associated with wealth, power, vertical hierarchy, domination, oppression, and exclusion. This was not the kind of society Jesus had in mind. The word “kin-dom”, however, expresses the interconnectedness and the kinship of all things. First used by Dr. Ada Maria Isasi-Diaz, an Hispanic American Catholic theologian, “kindom” emphasizes relationships, community, equity, horizontal solidarity, stewardship, and inclusion. (1) God’s kin-dom is about our kinship

with God, one another, and all creation. It is about recognizing Divine Presence in all things and honoring it. There is no room for domination, oppression, or exclusion in God’s “kin-dom”!

Serving God and God’s kin-dom means to love God, to love what God loves, and to be ready to act when God nudges and inspires us. We are able to love and to serve God’s kin-dom because God first loved us. When I think about serving God and God’s kin-dom I am reminded of John Wesley’s means of grace by which he means words, actions, and practices that open us up to the flow of God’s grace and a deeper intimacy with the Divine. Over time, these means of grace become a part to who we are as Christian people. John Wesley talks about works of piety and works of mercy (some would like to use the word “solidarity" instead). Works of piety include such things as worship, scripture study, prayer, and the Lord’s Supper. Works of mercy/solidarity include feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, clothing the naked, and finding shelter for the homeless. (2) And I feel certain that if he were living in the 21st century, JW would also include caring for the environment, respecting non-human animals, and honoring all human and non-human life. So when I think about serving God and God’s kin-dom and thus expressing our love for God, several questions come to mind. How do we serve God? How do we serve others? How do we serve God’s creation?

How might we serve God? It goes without saying that serving others and serving creation also serves God by serving the things God loves. But by worshipping, studying the scriptures, spending time with God in prayer (in whatever form that might take), accepting God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, and being confident in our goodness, we also are serving God through our desire for a closer relationship with the Divine. So we serve God by loving God and staying in love with God. We do this by attending to our relationship with God. And it is impossible to stay in love with God and not desire the rest of the kinship to experience God’s love, goodness, and grace as well. This desire leads to works of mercy/ solidarity.

How might we serve others? Jesus partially addresses this question in Matthew 25. You all know the story. All the nations are gathered and separated. Those on the right fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, clothed the naked, cared for the sick, and visited those in prison and thus were blessed. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

(3) This is a clear statement of kinship between Jesus and humanity and in God’s kin-dom we serve our kins! There obviously are multiple ways we can serve our kin: praying for the health and well-being of another,

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.

listening to someone in despair, writing a check to support a non-profit in delivering medical care, volunteering at a local homeless shelter, going on a missionary trip, or tutoring and mentoring a struggling high school student. The possibilities are endless.

And how might we serve creation? The two creation stories in Genesis give us some idea as to what our relationship to creation should be. In the first story, God creates humankind on the sixth day, blesses them, tells them to be fertile and multiply, and to take charge of the animal world. God also gives humankind all the plants and trees that produce seed for food. And God declares all that God made very good. Depending on the translation, you may see dominion, rule, or subjugate instead of “take charge”. However translated, it is clear that humankind is given power over what God has created, but power isn’t defined. Since humankind is made in God’s image, we are God’s representatives in creation and as such, we must exercise the same kind of power or authority as God would exercise in creation, a power of caring and not domination. In the second creation story God humankind is made out of the soil of the earth. The story places humankind in the garden to farm it and to take care of it. Humans are to serve the soil and be dependent on it, not exploit it. (4) These creation stories highlight our kinship with creation. So how might we care for our kin as God intended? Again there are endless possibilities such as recycling, carpooling, not using pesticides, feeding the birds in your backyard, volunteering at an animal shelter, or getting involved in climate justice.

By accepting God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, we find that to love is the only acceptable response to such grace. Service to God and God’s kin-dom, to love God and what God loves, then become “second nature” to us. It becomes an integral part of who we are. It honors the kinship and interconnectedness of God, humanity, and creation. It is how we love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. A quote traditionally associated with John Wesley says, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, by all the ways you can, in all the places you can, and at all the times you can to all the people [CM - I would also add “to all creation”å] you can, as long as ever you can.” (5) May we be open to the invitations God presents to us to use our time and our skills and talents in the service of love.

(1)

(2)

(3) Matthew 25: 40 (NRSV)

(4) Genesis 1, 2 (CEB Study Bible)

(5)

Melissa Florer-Bixler, The Kin-dom of Christ, Sojourners, November 20, 2018.

Steven Manskar, Opening Ourselves to Grace: Discipleship in the Wesleyan Spirit, Trinity United Methodist Church, 2020.

Kevin M. Watson, Wesley Didn’t Say It: Do all the good you can by all the means you can … , kevinwatson.com, April 29, 2013.

Hope Sunday Is Coming October 29, 2023

Hope Sunday is our stewardship celebration day;

which we will hold on October 29. It is a culmination of an entire month of inspiration of how we have served together to impact the world.

During the month of October our preaching staff will lead a Sermon Series, Embody Hope to inspire all of us around a central theme, Hope. We will experience and remember the ways we have served in ministry together over the last year. Our church is making a positive impact in the world! Our Embody Hope series will culminate in a special celebration with one service on October 29.

Here are the components of the series:

October 1, 2023, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Worship & Prayer: A Living Hallelujah, Matthew 6: 5-8, Revelation 4: 1-11

Rev. Dr. Suzanne Allen, World Wide Communion Sunday

October 8, 2023, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Study: The Importance of Listening, Matthew 9: 9-13, 2 Timothy 3: 14-17

Meredith Menius

October 15, 2023, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Serve: Here I am Lord, Send Me, Matthew 20: 26-28, Ephesians 2: 8-10

Rev. Dr. Todd D. Anderson

October 22, 2023, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.,

Give: Where Your Treasure Is, Matthew 6: 19-21, Acts 20: 32-36

Rev. Dr. Suzanne Allen

October 29, 2023, 10:00 a.m. Only

Go: Reflect Your Light, Matthew 9:35-38, 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Rev. Jennifer Lucas, District Superintendent the Great Miami River District Post Service Celebration Brunch

As mentioned already, we will have one combined worship service at 10:00am on Hope Sunday, October 29. At that service we will ask those in attendance to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world. Every attendee will receive an Estimate of Giving Card on Hope Sunday. This card will also be distributed via mail prior to that day for your prayerful consideration.

Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation!

John Fillion, Servant Leadership Board Chair

Accolades

Ben Owen is awarded the John Ness Foundation award

One way the John Ness Beck Foundation furthers John Beck’s legacy is by awarding cash prizes to composers of traditional sacred choral music which show the most potential for creating the type of music that John Beck valued. In the past, the Foundation gave annual awards to both published and unpublished composers. Recently, the Foundation has narrowed its focus toward unpublished (or selfpublished) composers, with the goal of nurturing the next generation of church choral music composers.

CRITERIA for reward recipant: Entries are judged on their composer’s demonstrated potential for furthering John Ness Beck/Beckenhorst Press’s tradition of blending artistic integrity with church/ministry functionality.

"Feeling incredibly enlightened, informed, and inspired after spending the week with Dan Forrest, Howard Helvey, Jamie Hillman, and thirteen fantastic choral composers at the John Ness Beck Foundation composition workshop. We heard so much intriguing original music and very, very helpful feedback (my favorite that I received is pictured: "hard even for Brenda Portman"). Best of all, we were an easy-going and supportive cohort. All I can say is I'm grateful!"

- Ben Owen

Tuesday Mornings with Pastor Todd

October 17 – November 14, 2023

Tuesday Morning 10:00 a.m,. in the Refectory

2023 Colaw Lecturer Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church

Native: Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering God, Kaitlin B. Curtice

As both a citizen of the Potawatomi Nation and a believer, Curtice has struggled deeply with the West's destruction of indigenous cultures, its scientific view of nature, her own tribal upbringing, myths, stories, and how she should relate to ancestors. Strikes a deep chord with anyone who is a cross-cultural convert.

Kaitlin B. Curtice will be our guest in early November. Please bring your book for her to sign.

September Donation Drive

The mission of Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH & Northern KY is to deliver essential services that promote the independence of seniors so they may remain in the comfort of their own homes. With a broad range of programs, “WE FEED BODIES, MINDS AND SPIRITS.” To lift the spirits of home-bound meal clients, volunteers—including those from HPCUMC on Super-Serve Saturday—deliver Birthday Boxes.

Support this project by donating these items for the boxes:

• Travel/purse packs of tissue

• Travel-size hand lotion

• Chapstick

• Hostess or Little Debbie birthday cupcakes (individually wrapped)

Please place your donations in the entry-way collection bins during the month of September.

Soul Builders Sunday School Class thanks you for your generosity!

A Weekend of Thanksgiving November

18th & 19th

Save the dates and make it a weekend of thanksgivings and giving back together! Our annual Thanksgiving Baskets will take place on Sunday, Nov. 19th, plus Bust-A-Crust will be at HPC with our Super Serve Saturday the 18th! Don't miss the chance to make a big difference this Thanksgiving season.

More details to come…

Senior Pastor

Senior Pastor

Pastor of Mission & Outreach and Young Adult Ministry

Pastor of The Warehouse

Pastor of The Warehouse

Rev. Dr. Suzanne Allen

Rev. Dr. Todd D. Anderson

Rev. Kate Smith

Pastor Sadell Bradley

Pastor Sherman Bradley

Suzanne Allen Todd Anderson

Sarah Knapton Meredith Menius

Christine McHenry Ben Owen Kate Smith