From the Corner of Grace: 2023 Summer 2

From the Corner of

HYDE PARK COMMUNITY UMC MAGAZINE

Dear Hyde Park Community family and friends, What an amazing launch into summer we have had!

Among other things we have celebrated our graduates, sent a mission team to Tijuana, had an amazing VBS, supported the Cincinnati Juneteenth Celebration, and walked in the Cincinnati Pride Parade!

The VBS theme was Hero Hotline: Called Together to Serve God. In each of these ministries in and beyond the walls of the church, we have seen so many of you step up to live your faith and serve God and our neighbors. Thank you for being heroes in so many significant ways!

As we look to July and August, we encourage you to take time for those special treats of summer like Family Camp, summer reading, time for rest and renewal, time with family and friends, and time outdoors. These are the experiences that build treasured connections and memories. We are also looking forward to special summer worship experiences including a return to receiving communion by intinction, and having the Ron Purdon Quintet, a Community Band, and the Godspell team share the special music.

We are so glad to be a part of the team of heroes that serves God and neighbors through Hyde Park Community UMC. We look forward to all that is to come!

Blessings,

Pastor Suzanne

Pastor Todd

Pastor Kate

Living with Grief and Loss Booklet/Grief Sermon Series

Grief is a product of the human experience. It can come in all shapes and sizes: in the death of a family member or friend, the loss of a friendship, the loss of a job, the end of a marriage, the death of a child or the ability to reproduce, the end of a dream, the loss of community, or the loss of memories. These losses that often shape human experiences, can be hard to weather alone.

Join us in July as we unpack the story of Lazarus, found in John 11:1-44, from different perspectives of Lazarus’ death and resurrection. Each week we will be unpacking different character’s grief and trauma surrounding the events and how we can better embrace our grief with empathy and love. Also in the Welcome Center there will be booklets available for you all to take home with information to consider and activities to contemplate as you or someone you know and love journeys through the phases of grief.

Sermon Series | August 6-September 3

Building Up

At the end of King David’s life, he commissioned his heir Solomon to build a magnificent temple for the worship of God in Jerusalem. In our August sermon series, Building Up, we follow the planning, construction, furnishing, and consecration of the temple in 1 Chronicles and 1 Kings, while considering what it means to build up one another as a community of Christ. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.” – Ephesians 2:19-22

August 6: A Foundation of Encouragement

August 13: A Peaceful House

August 20: A Beautiful City

August 27: A Holy Dwelling

September 3: A United Community

Welcome Ethan Guseman!

We welcome Ethan Guseman as our new part time Director of Production and Visual Communication. Ethan graduated from NKU this spring with a major in Electronic Media and Broadcasting. While studying, he also worked at Milford First UMC as a Digital Media Specialist and with the broadcast crew for NKU Athletics.

We are excited to work with Ethan as he offers leadership in worship production and helps us incorporate more video into our communications. Please join us in offering Ethan a warm welcome to Hyde Park Community UMC.

Colaw Lecture Series: Kaitlin Curtice

Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning 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.

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!

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

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

Be on the lookout for more information to come!

& 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

Summer Movie Series

Join us on a Sunday afternoon in July and August at 4:30pm for our Summer Movie Series (dates listed below). This is an opportunity for both children and adults to watch a meaningful movie and have discussion after, with dinner provided! Nursery Care is available for children 3 y/o and under in Room 120. We hope you can make it!

Sunday, July 30 | 4:30pm

Adults: Welcome Center A Man Called Otto

Children: Little Theater: Inside Out

Sunday, August 27 | 4:30pm

Combined Family Movie Night in the Little Theater: Turning Red

The Ohio River Valley District Joins Up with Juneteenth Cincinnati

The Ohio River Valley District of the West Ohio Conference participated in volunteering at the Cincinnati Juneteenth Festival on June 17. From serving hot dogs, to helping to pick up trash, to volunteering with the children’s area, we were able to provide a presence from HPCUMC at the festival to show our mutual celebration with our Black siblings for the official abolishment of slavery in the US.

To learn more about Juneteenth and the importance of our presence and collective celebration, please visit our website: http://hydeparkchurch.org/juneteenth/ by using the QR code provided.

Collaborating and Celebrating

In 2022 the Ohio River Valley District of the United Methodist Church Stop Racism Task Force approached Lydia Morgan, the founder and organizer of Cincinnati’s Juneteenth celebration for 36 years. Our request was to contribute to the work of creating the annual event. We wanted to show our commitment to Stand Against Racism by offering support to a celebration of the end of slavery in the U.S. and the beginning of a journey toward freedom for all. Lydia was thrilled that we wanted to take part and that we were “getting it”, that Juneteenth is a celebration for all. Lydia created a place for the Task Force on the planning committee and gave United Methodists an opportunity to volunteer for many of the tasks that needed doing the Saturday celebration in Eden Park.

Fast forward to the 2023 celebration.......

The Task Force provided volunteers from Church of the Saviour, Clifton, New Vision and of course, Hyde Park Community. Mary Beth Owens helped create a hospitality area for United Methodists attendees and volunteers to assemble, rest and greet each other. Meredith Menius returned for the 2nd year to the hot dog booth and was joined by Peggy Schmitt and Julie Saucerman. They honed their culinary skills and enjoyed making friends with others serving in the hot dog booth. A certain Director of Music revealed additional creative skills with his special METHODology for collecting trash. Others contributing their skills and spirit to the event were Paul Owen, Sarah Knapton, Bob Whalen and Suzanne Allen. Not only did these folks add to the success of the event they all expressed (to their

Meredith Menius

submitted by Meredith Menius

friendly supervisor, Jan Seymour) how much they loved participating, making friends, having fun and all asked to return next year.

For some of us celebrating Juneteenth is a new experience and a great way to be part of the beloved community. One HPCUMC member, Marcia Hartsock, recalls attending Juneteenth in the early years when it was held in Drake Park in Kennedy Heights. She remembers it as a small, fun, community event. Over the next thirty-six years the event grew and is now attended by several thousand in Eden Park.

Having several thousand attendees makes for a lively event with two stages of performers, booths offering historical and genealogy information, health screenings, ethnic products, nonprofit services, voting information and lots of food! The several thousand also make parking difficult. Cathy and David Shick struggled to find parking but said it was well worth it. They loved checking out all the activities and greeting old friends and making new ones.

Joyce Miyasato's sister was visiting from Nashville, so they attended together and enjoyed the food and learning some of the history of the struggle for emancipation, especially about the “colored troops’ in the Civil War.

The Osterburs attended as a family. Drea and Jake both confessed, like a lot of us, that they didn’t know much about Juneteenth and had no idea that Cincinnati had been celebrating it for 36 years. They were so glad to bring Josephine and Julia so that the girls could begin to understand our country's history and why we all celebrate the freedom that Juneteenth is about.

submitted by

Jan Seymour

2023 Vacation Bible School

We had a blast welcoming 200 kids each day to Hero Hotline VBS June 12th-16th! For the third year in a row, we hosted Preschoolers and Kindergarteners in the morning and Elementary-aged kids in the evening. As the children rotated between worship, crafts, games, snacks, and Bible stories, they learned that Heroes are called to follow Jesus, help others, work together, listen to God, and show grace. Throughout the week, our young people had fun memorizing Romans 14:19:

As always, we are super grateful for our amazing volunteers. More than 100 adult and teen heroes dedicated countless hours to building, decorating, and leading groups and stations during VBS. We are so proud of our Youth in 6th grade and up who guided younger children and were phenomenal with them.

Every kid who came through our church doors truly felt the love of God thanks to the efforts of so many awesome people!

This year the Family Ministry team was thrilled to partner with Pastor Kate Smith to collect school supplies and raise money for school uniforms for the children of Tijuana Christian Mission in Tijuana, Mexico. Our VBS families contributed over 200 items and $1200 for the young heroes at TCM! Pastor Kate led her 28th mission team to Tijuana the day after VBS ended. This team included some of our Youth who had just volunteered all week at VBS! They were able to deliver our donations in person and complete several projects for TCM during their visit.

“So let’s strive for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up.”

Flower Buds

Did you know our congregation is involved with a flower ministry? Flower Buds of Cincinnati strives to spread joy through the use of repurposed flowers to share with Hospice patients, children and family ministry groups, nursing homes and those who usually would not receive flowers. Accepting flower donations weekly from area merchants and floral markets that would otherwise be thrown away, to recycle them into beautiful floral bouquets and deliver to those in need of cheer and kindness during a difficult time. This fun, ecumenical group of volunteers can be found working out of our kitchen and refectory every other Monday morning. Would you like to join us? Volunteers do everything from pickup of flowers, washing vases, preparing flowers, arranging, and delivery. For more information on how you can participate in this flower ministry, please send an email to Karen Martin at karenkarchermatin@ yahoo.com. Donated vases are always needed.

www.flowerbudscincinnati.org

Volunteers Spreading Joy Through Flowers

Strategic Planning Process Update

On Tuesday June 6, a group of about 40 of our Stakeholders met with our strategic planner, Eric Weinheimer to review the work of the Steering Team on our Values, Mission, Vision, and Strategic Priorities. The discussion was thoughtful and engaging. As Eric guided the conversation, the Stakeholders provided very helpful feedback which has been incorporated into a revised draft of the document.

Our next step is to share these items with the wider congregation in order to receive your feedback on how we might strengthen and implement the Strategic Plan.

We will have several opportunities for you to join us.

Sunday July 16 (following each service) 9am, 10:30am, or noon

Tuesday July 18 at 10am or 7pm

Monday July 24th at 6pm zoom meeting

Once we receive and incorporate your feedback, we will bring the plan to the Servant Leadership Board for approval at the August meeting. We will share the approved plan widely this fall. The Staff and Ministry leaders will also begin work on the operating plan to help guide us in accomplishing our Strategic Priorities.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Pastors Todd, Suzanne or Kate or our SLB chair, John Fillion.

Start your week off enjoying a beautiful summer evening with your favorite beverage and meaningful conversation with other young adults. On Mondays starting July 31st through August 28th meet at the downstairs patio of Beans and Barley (Madison Rd.) from 7:00p-8:30p for Brews and Blues as we parallel the Unbinding Grief series using podcast episodes talking about navigating loss, a universal experience that is often difficult to talk about.

We experience grief when we are confronted with death, of course, but grief is also a presence whenever we go through changes and upheavals in life where we mourn the past as we face the future. Confronting grief can be messy, painful and a lot of times, it can feel optional. Why provoke your deepest, wildest emotions – the ones that make you feel like you’ve lost control? The Young Adult Ministry doesn't shy away from doing and talking about hard things and getting vulnerable. If you’re carrying grief with you, know this: There are no rules here. But there is always hope.

Each week will feature a different topic and/or guest so each week stands on its own – come when you can. Scan the QR code to view the schedule for the summer series and find links to the episodes. Listen or read the transcript of the episode of the week before the gathering and come ready to discuss.

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.

Did You Know…

Did you know that Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church has a Spiritual Direction/Spiritual Companionship Ministry? Spiritual direction/ companionship is a centuries old practice grounded in the beliefs that 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. A spiritual director/companion supports 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.

People of all faiths seek spiritual direction/companionship for a variety of reasons including support during a major life change or a crisis, hhelp with discernment, self-care, and finding meaning beyond the moment. All life experiences are part of the spiritual journey. Thomas Merton said, “… the spiritual life is not just the life of the mind, or of the affections, or of the ‘summit of the soul’ - it is the life of the whole person.” Spiritual direction/ companionship is not, however, psychotherapy nor counseling nor life coaching. Spiritual directors/companions do not diagnose and prescribe, do not engage in behavior modification, do not tell you how or what to think, do not offer techniques to deal with specific issues, and do not coach you on “how to make the most out of life”. In other words, spiritual directors/ companions are not in the business of fixing problems or telling you what to do or how to think. Spiritual directors/companions are in the business of gently guiding you so that you might become more aware of the God’s presence, love, and light and thus discover God’s wisdom within.

When you come to a spiritual direction session you can expect a safe, hospitable, non-judgmental, confidential space where the spiritual director/companion will listen deeply with you to your life experiences. The spiritual director/companion does not come with an agenda other than to be fully present to you and to the flow of the Spirit. The three chairs, a symbol of spiritual direction/companionship, signifies the presence of the director/companion, the directee/seeker, and the Spirit. Most spiritual directors/ companions will have a third chair in the meeting space as well as a lighted candle to represent the presence of the Spirit, the true spiritual director and transformer of lives.

If you would like to know more about spiritual direction/companionship, please feel free to contact either Christine McHenry, clm2804@gmail.com or Roger Johannigman, rtjohannigman@gmail.com. We are both trained spiritual directors and would be happy to talk with you.

Preparing Children for Success in Life

Enroll your child age 2 1/2 – 5 for the 2023-2024 school year at Hyde Park Community UMC Preschool. Our goal at HPCUMC Preschool 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 the formal learning experience. Learn more by visiting our website www.hydeparkpreschool.org.

Learn more by visiting our website www.hydeparkpreschool.org.

Questions? Email preschool@hpcumc.org

TRAININGS

If you are involved in volunteering with any ministry at HPCUMC (hospitality, mission and outreach, education of all ages, etc.), you are invited to attend a Safe Sanctuaries training in August.

Join Meredith in the Little Theatre from 12:15pm1:00pm on one of the following dates:

August 6

August 13

August 20

August 27

Use the QR code to RSVP:

irs riday 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:

August 13, 2023

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!

JANE LANKFORD

We are so excited to have Jane join HPCUMC! Jane is a wedding officiant for Say I Do Cincinnati and lives in Anderson Township. She is married to Aaron Lankford, and has 4 children (Zoe McFadden- 18, Alexander McFadden- 18, Willow Brooke Lankford- 5, and Waylon Lankford, 5). Jane is excited to join HPCUMC because of the connection to community that this faith community brings, as well as the spiritual accountability and growth that is possible here. Help us welcome Jane!

JANET ELIZABETH HERMAN

Help us welcome Janet Elizabeth to HPCUMC! Janet Elizabeth is a consultant for Deloitte and lives in Norwood. Before joining HPC, Janet Elizabeth was a member of St James UMC in Dayton, OH. Because that church community has decided to disaffiliate from The UMC, Janet Elizabeth searched for a different church home. She is joining HPC because of the affirmation of LGBTQIA+ persons and wants to be a part of a congregation that doesn’t go against her beliefs. We’re so excited to have Janet Elizabeth join!

AIMEE & RICHARD STOCKDALE

Help us welcome Aimee and Richard Stockdale! Aimee and Richard Stockdale have been married since 2014. Richard is a Tax Examiner for the DOT, and Aimee is HPCUMC’s new Praise & Worship Leader at our Worship@11 service. Richard and Aimee live in Union Township and are excited to be a part of the HPC faith community in a variety of ways. We’re so excited to have Aimee and Richard join HPC!

Don't miss this opportunity to share your love of music and your God given talents by joining the Interfaith choir. Use the QR code below to sign up today!

This year’s festival will feature more than 13 world religions and will consist of programs throughout the week following the exhibition, culminating in an interfaith Peace Walk at Ault Park on August 31, at 7 PM. All events and programs are free and open to the public. To learn more about the 6th annual Cincinnati Festival of Faiths visit www.cincifestivaloffaiths.org.

In late May, we held auditions for our planned summer production of Godspell. A good number of talented auditionees danced, sang, and acted their hearts out! However, we were unable to cast a few of the most important roles in the show. Have no fear! Rather than cancel our summer production, we have decided to retool the show into a more manageable timeline and worship experience:

On Sunday, August 20th, come and experience a Godspell-infused worship service at 9:30 or 11:00! Worship God with scenes and songs from Godspell intertwined with prayers, scripture, and a meditation on building God’s beautiful city on earth.

Can you sing, act, dance, or play an instrument? We need YOU! Sing a solo or in the ensemble. Read scripture or lead a prayer. Our choreography is designed to include people of all ages and skill levels – from “stand and sings” to full-on seasoned dancers.

Rehearsals are as follows:

Sunday, August 6th, 1:15-4 pm

Tuesday, August 8th , 7-9 pm

Thursday, August 10th, 7-9 pm

Sunday, August 13th, 1:15-4 pm

Tuesday, August 15th, 7-9 pm

Thursday, August 17th, 7-9 pm

We want to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who participated in helping us celebrate the Cincinnati Pride Parade this year! Whether that was walking, donating, sharing on social media, or praying for us, we are so thankful for Hyde Park Community UMC and your commitment to love, justice, and equity for all of our LGBTQIA+ siblings.

To continue to learn about Pride, how to be an ally, and other resources, you can visit our website: http://hydeparkchurch.org/pride/ or use the QR code provided.

New District Names And Boundaries Announced

When annual conference met in June 2022, members approved the reduction of districts in the West Ohio Conference from eight to six. The Book of Discipline authorizes the bishop “to form the districts after consultation with the district superintendents” (¶415.4), while giving the annual conference the authority to determine the number of districts.

A task group, assigned by Bishop Palmer, included representation from each of the seven existing districts. Working with the district superintendents, the task group created new district names and boundaries. These districts will focus on new ways to do mission and ministry as The West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.

Effective July 1, the new district names and individuals who will serve as district superintendents are:

• Maumee River District - Rev. Amy Haines

• Western Lakes District - Rev. Dr. Jim Wilson

• Olentangy River District - Rev. Dr. Tim Bias

• Great Miami River District - Rev. Jenn Lucas

• Scioto River District - Rev. Dr. Calvin Alston

• Hocking River District - Rev. Mark Chow

District names were chosen because the image of water encourages Christ followers to remember their baptism and renew their commitment to God and to discipleship — with the help of the Holy Spirit.

“I have deep respect and gratitude for the members of the redistricting task group and each of the district superintendents,” said Bishop Gregory V. Palmer. “My gratitude for their tireless work and the spirit with which they do their work has no limit.”

“People throughout our conference, because of their love and commitment to God, The United Methodist Church and West Ohio, are willing to step up and give of their time and talent. It was an honor to lead this group”

– Janet George Blocher, Redistricting Task Group chair.

Maps detailing new district names and boundaries shown above.

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL MIXERS!

While most of our classes are not meeting in person during the summer months, we will still have some opportunities for learning, relationship building, and fun for anyone who would like to join!

These opportunities will be present at both 9:30am & 11:00am on the following Sundays in the Social Hall with Meredith Menius:

July 23, August 6 & August 20

If you have any questions, please email Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org.

Tuesday Mornings with Pastor Todd

August 22 – September 19

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

After Jesus Before Christianity: A Historical Exploration of the First Two Centuries of Jesus Movements, Erin Vearncombe, Brandon Scott, Hal Taussig, The Westar Institute

Christianity has endured for more than two millennia and is practiced by billions worldwide today. Yet that longevity has created difficulties for scholars tracing the religion’s roots, distorting much of the historical investigation into the first two centuries of the Jesus movement. But what if Christianity died in the fourth or fifth centuries after it began? How would that change how historians see and understand its first two hundred years? Considering these questions, three Bible scholars from the Westar Institute summarize the work of the Christianity Seminar and its efforts to offer a new way of thinking about Christianity and its roots.

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.

January 2 – February 20, 2024

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

The Book Your Church Doesn't Want You To Read, Tim Leedom

The Editor and authors who have spent years of study, research and investigation share in a general point of view - the view that the religious beliefs held by many people in the United States and other countries, are totally unfounded. The foundation of the book is the spirit of free inquiry, from the ancient Greeks - Pythagoras, Socrates and others. This book is an enquiry into crucial issues of today. These issues need examination, for we are now all villagers in the global electronic village of the world, of which social commentator Marshall Mcluhan spoke of 30 years ago. This is not an anti-religious book. The search for the meaning of life started long before Moses and, Jesus, Mohammed or organized religion. This book is a reference guide that is meant to be challenging and informative.

March 15 – April 23, 2024

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

Grounded, Diana Butler Bass

The distant God of conventional religion has given way to a more intimate sense of the sacred that is with us in the world. This shift, from a vertical understanding of God to a God found on the horizons of nature and human community, is at the heart of a spiritual revolution that surrounds us - and that is challenging not only religious institutions but political and social ones as well. Grounded explores this cultural turn as Bass unpacks how people are finding new spiritual ground by discovering and embracing God everywhere in the world around us--in the soil, the water, the sky, in our homes and neighborhoods, and in the global commons. Faith is no longer a matter of mountaintop experience or institutional practice; instead, people are connecting with God through the environment in which we live. Grounded guides readers through our contemporary spiritual habitat as it points out and pays attention to the ways in which people experience a God who animates creation and community.

May 7 – 28, 2024

Tuesday Morning 10:00 a.m. in the Refectory Invitation to the Old Testament, Celia Brewer Sinclair & James D. Tabor

This study approaches the Hebrew Scriptures by inviting participants to hear the story of God and God's calling of the people of Israel through the many "voices" of the biblical text. Narrative, poetry, history and prophetic utterance all have their own distinctive characteristics and purposes, arising out of a particular historical, social, and cultural setting. To understand fully the story of God's covenantal relationship with Israel calls for listening to these various ways the story is told throughout the Old Testament. This is the participants guide.

Summary Of The 54th Session Of The West Ohio Conference

Each year in June, lay and clergy representatives from United Methodist Churches across the conference gather to do the work of the annual conference which includes worship, teaching, reports, and legislation. The clergy delegates from Hyde Park Community UMC included: Suzanne Allen, Todd Anderson, Kate Smith, Sadell Bradley. Stephanie Tunison and Dave Weaver also attended in retired status. The HPC lay delegates were John Chase, Ronda Deel, David Scott, and Diane Weaver. Others attending in connectional roles and as visitors were Jan Seymor, Barb Fillion, Denis Larrick, Daryl Hams, and Sherman Bradley.

Reflections from John Chase:

I attended the 54th Session of the West Ohio Annual Conference on June 1 – 3, 2023 at the Dayton Convention Center. • I went to the conference believing that we are better Christians when we are inclusive of All people - as Jesus was - and I came away with that confidence. • With nearly 1,600 clergy and lay members, this was the first in-person annual conference since 2019 because of Covid19, • During his Episcopal Address, Bishop Gregory Palmer spoke of recent and historic challenges of our United Methodist Church. “Our calling is to serve in this present age,” • The major work was to be the 'disaffiliation' of some of our beloved sisters and brothers and their respective church properties, with grace. • Bishop Palmer explained that it’s not a blame thing; it's just the way it is. • We were assured that the West Ohio Conference gave every attention to the disaffiliation of these churches in our conference as necessary, and as West Ohio United Methodists, we will finish up what there is to be finished up as loving Methodists. I came away with the confidence that OUR UMC CHURCH is back on track toward our continuing work of being the Christians that others will see making the world a place that is more like Jesus each day. We as HPCUMC members will build, nurture and leave as a continuing legacy – “Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Additionally, here is the summary written by our Conference Communications team It, along with other information about the Annual Conference can be found at www.westohioumc.org.

The 54th Session of the West Ohio Annual Conference convened June 1 – 3 at the Dayton (Ohio) Convention Center. With nearly 1,600 clergy and lay members, this was the first inperson annual conference since 2019. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer presided over the conference under the theme “Committed, Connected, Community,” rooted in Hebrews 10:23-25.

During his Episcopal Address, Palmer spoke of recent and historic challenges of the church. “Our calling is to serve this present age,” he said, “even if there's a storm … in the midst of passing over.”

“One of our storms,” Palmer continued, “is disaffiliation. That's not a blame thing; it's just the way it is. It's in the book. We've given a lot of attention to it. Let me be clear. It is not our mission. We gave attention to it. We'll finish up what there is to be finished up. But it is not Jesus' mission. It's not the mission of The United Methodist Church. It's not Greg Palmer's mission, and it's not your mission. We’ve got one mission: Make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. “

“We exist for the people that have yet to come,” Palmer said, as the audience rose to their feet.

CELEBRATIONS

Mary Katherine Collins, Henry Antonio Folgoso Jarmillo, Jennifer L. Miller, Sungyoon Park, Carrie Schwab, Shin Sung and Daniel Wells were commissioned as Provisional Elders and Seonyoung K. Chang, Lucy Kelly and Ashley Wynn as Provisional Deacons.

Angela Schroder and Hannah VanMeter were ordained Deacons, and Mary Beth Cheeseman, Joseph Graves, Caleb Henry, James Jennings, Gregory Miller and Dominic Mejia were ordained Elders.

Bobbi Ruddock was commissioned as a Deaconess.

Fifty-eight clergy retired.

The Harry Denman Award for exceptional ministry of evangelism was presented to Chris Parsons, a layperson from the Miami Valley District (Mosaic Church in Dayton).

The One Matters Award, which celebrated an increase in the number of professions of faith and baptisms from zero through a renewed focus on discipleship was awarded to Bremen United Methodist Church, Foothills District, Linda Ward, pastor.

LEGISLATION

Recommendation #1

Changes to Structure, Procedure and Rules

– Annual Conference Rules and Policies –PASSED

Recommendation to amend the conference rules impacting our structure, procedures and to be more concise. This recommendation added the official list of Annual Conference officers to the General Rules. Throughout the rules, document references to United Methodist Women were changed to United Women in Faith and references to the Director of Lay Speaking Ministries were changed to Director of Lay Servant Ministries

Recommendation #2

Board of Pension and Health Benefits – PASSED

This recommendation outlines Clergy Pension and Disability plans and the Health Care Benefit plans for Active and Retired Clergy, as well as the eligibility requirements for those plans, and also includes resolutions related to Rental/ Housing Allowances for retired and disabled Clergy of the West Ohio Conference. The base annuity rate for 2024 on Pre-82 pensions will increase to $650 as outlined under the Clergy Pension and Disability Plans section of the recommendation.

Recommendation # 3

Commission on Equitable Compensation –PASSED

The 2024 Equitable Compensation recommendation presented a minimum salary increase of 2% over last year. The committee sought to balance the needs of appointed clergy and the financial challenges of the local church.

Recommendation #4

Disposition of West Ohio Camps and Retreat Ministry Property – WITHDRAWN by Makers (Board of Trustees). The recommendation was withdrawn to allow more time to study the potential options for the disposition of the camp and retreat properties.

Recommendation #5 Responding to a Request from Palestinian Christians – PASSED

The resolution authorizes the creation of a West Ohio Annual Conference committee to educate clergy, laity and delegates to General and Jurisdictional Conferences on the current situation in the Holy Land and to consider whether the West Ohio Conference will fully embrace the request made by Palestinian Christians represented by Kairos Palestine. The committee members are to be chosen by the Bishop and to report their findings to the 2024 session of the West Ohio Annual Conference.

Recommendation #6

In Support of Creating a U.S. Regional Conference – PASSED

The West Ohio Conference supports the intents of the Christmas Covenant and Connectional Table legislation, including the creation of Regional Conferences in Africa, Europe, the Philippines and the United States. The recommendation also supports urging the Council of Bishops to expedite the process of voting on the constitutional amendments necessary to enact the regional conferences legislation including calling special sessions of annual conferences where necessary. Through the recommendation, the West Ohio Annual Conference also requests that the Council of Bishops appoint an Interim Committee on organization for a U.S. Regional Conference.

Recommendation #7

Supporting the Removal of Discriminatory Policies – PASSED AS AMENDED

The West Ohio Conference supports the removal of discriminatory policies and harmful language related to sexual orientation that are present in the United Methodist Book of Discipline. The recommendation notes nine petitions that identify the policies and language for removal that are already submitted and will be before the voting body of the next General Conference.

Recommendation #8

Affirmation for All People in The United Methodist Church – PASSED

The recommendation affirms that the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church will

aspire to become a United Methodist Church in which LGBTQIA+ people will be protected, affirmed and empowered by supporting and amplifying the call to justice and empowerment for the LGBTQIA+ community throughout the Annual Conference; affirms the spirit of abeyance or moratorium as proposed to the General Conference by the authors of the Protocol of Reconciliation and Grace Through Separation; and asks the West Ohio Annual Conference either to not pursue, hold in abeyance or resolve in timely fashion through the process of Just Resolution complaints against clergy regarding their sexual orientation or the officiating of wedding of LGBTQIA+ persons.

Recommendation #9

Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions – PASSED

The Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions recommendation asks the West Ohio Conference to join our denominational boards and commissions in committing to a just and equitable reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050. The recommendation calls on the bishop to establish a working group to study this action and develop an implementation plan. The working group will report back on their plan to the 2024 session of the Annual Conference.

OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCE BUSINESS

172 churches requested disaffiliation from The United Methodist Church. This was supported by conference members.

North Star churches are prepared to welcome United Methodists whose home churches have disaffiliated. One new church has been launched with members seeking to depart their disaffiliating church.

“My focus, our focus will continue to be on a vibrant future for the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church and its more than 700 churches and the communities in which they serve,” Bishop Gregory V. Palmer concluded. “We’ve got work to do. With God’s help, may it be so.”

Written by Kay Panovec, Chris Clough and Amy Graham contributed to this story. www.westohioumc.org

2023 Mexico Serve Trip

In June, an intergenerational team of 11 went on the first Serve Trip since 2019 to visit our partners Tijuana Christian Mission and Women with Purpose in Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico. The visit was one of connection, learning and renewal. To try to capture the experience, this article will paraphrase reflections from the team members.

[Kate Warren] Every day, breakfast was served at 7:00a and we were ready for the day when we entered the dining room. We usually had our heads on our pillows by 9:30p and were able to debrief with our roommates about our experiences and curiosities of the day! Our team grew closer every day and we put ourselves out there to engage in unique and fun ways with those we met in Mexico.

[Scott Schap] In focusing on building relationships and connection with our partners, the team engaged with 40 children, young adults, and staff who stay at the children’s home of Tijuana Christian Mission through broken Spanish conversation, lots of gesturing and smiles, play, and activities. Being able to connect with people through a game even through there is a language barrier is a great experience. Through sports I was able to do what I enjoy at home with people I’m not even able to communicate with. For service work we did many projects including making bund beds, cleaning and sorting the tool closet, and some smaller activities that gave the kids and us joy.

[Mary Sheldon] In some ways, it was what I thought it would be like at the orphanages. The children were so happy, smiling, and so thrilled with the crafts, puzzles, and their photos which we took and printed. In regards to the women’s shelter, it was beyond anything I could have imagined. Seeing the women’s shelter’s modern white walls and glass and the sereneness and quietness of the space.

“Tijuana Christian Mission and Women with Purpose are very special places! It was a joy to see my children working alongside our team connected by the love of Jesus to the kids and teens in Mexico. They are already asking if we can do this trip again next year!”

– Mary Wheeler

[Kate Warren] God is VERY present in Tijuana (TJ). When looking out from the Women’s Shelter from the top of a mountain in Rosarito with the orphanage just below and being able to see the Pacific Ocean, it’s hard not see God’s love and grace working so beautifully! God is in the best of places and the worst of places. God likes to remind us all of our shared humanity. Sometimes it seems like God works harder in the hurt spaces – the people following God’s will in those places seem like they understand grace so, so well!

[Kate Warren] Our trip was quite a journey! I learned a lot along the way, like how to be more flexible, how to communicate with teens with broken Spanish, and how to consume street tacos every night-very easy!! I felt changed by the interactions I had with so many people there - from the teens and seeing them take care of us (cooking meals, cleaning our shared bath-rooms), the children welcoming us to play games and make bracelets-which we learned didn’t take much knowledge of Spanish to enjoy, and so much more! I’m so glad to have experienced those communities while learning about and growing deeper relationships with those from Hyde Park.

When the team members were asked what would you tell someone who is considering being part of the next Mexico Serve Team a handful said simply, “Just do it!” Kate Warren followed up with, “You’ll grow and learn and laugh a lot! God will see to it!”

“A memory I will hold on to for a long time is our afternoon on the Tijuana Beach [with 20 teens and young adults from Tijuana Christian Mission]. It seemed to be a snapshot of Mexican culture – food, drink, music, family, leisure activities, and religious devotions.”

-Jeff Sheldon

"I am thankful I had the opportunity to go back after so many years. I am thankful for the teens and kids being so open and willing to have us around and play games with us. I am thankful for the connections I made with the other team members and the people we met."

-Sam Gneuhs

“I always experience deep joy getting to introduce others to the people of Tijuana Christian Mission and Women with Purpose and witnessing people live out their God given gifts and be-ing stretched to learn and use new skills.”

-Kate Smith

Rev. Dr. Suzanne Allen

Rev. Dr. Todd D. Anderson

Rev. Kate Smith

Pastor Sadell Bradley

Pastor Sherman Bradley