2023 Spring: From the Corner of Grace

Presence

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

- Matthew 28:20b, ESV

From the Corner of

Lent is often described as a time of preparation and an opportunity to go deeper with God. It is a time of personal reflection that prepares our hearts and minds for Good Friday and Easter.

Ash Wednesday is a solemn day that marks the beginning of a season of repentance in preparation for celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. There will be 2 services on Ash Wednesday, one at 11:00am and one at 7:30pm. There are many opportunities to reflect and to open ourselves to a deeper journey of transformation.

We encourage you to join one of our classes, sign up for the Lenten Retreat on March 11, or pick up a copy of our Lenten devotional.

We hope you have a fruitful Lent and a joyous Easter!

Shari & Lisa Communications team

Table of Contents

Appreciating the Gift

We hope you will join us this Lent

February 26th TEMPLE

Rev. Dr. Todd D. Anderson

Mark 11:15-19

March 19th WIDOW

Rev. Dr. Todd D. Anderson Mark 12:38-44

March 5th AUTHORITY

Rev. Kate Smith

Mark 11:27-33

March 26th ANOINTING

Rev. Sadell Bradley Mark 14:1-11

March 12th COMMANDMENT

Rev. Dr. Suzanne Allen

Mark 12:28-34

During Easter, we encourage you to participate in the meaningful tradition and practice at HPC of flowering the Easter cross. All of you are invited to pick out a fresh flower from an assortment that is provided, or you may bring a flower from your own garden, and stand before the cross to place a flower upon it. Take a moment to reflect on Christ’s great love for you and for all people as you participate in this tradition. You are also invited to take a picture of or with the cross to remember this special moment!

APRIL 2ND

We invite all children to participate in our Palm Parades at both the 9:30am and 11:00am worship services.

"Praise and Prepare” Lunch event at 12:00 noon. All families are invited to decorate eggs and have lunch together. We are asking that families bring a dozen eggs and donate a dozen eggs to Center for Respite Care. More details and sign up

coming soon!

What is the Messianic Secret?

Who is Jesus in the Gospel of Mark?

Why does Jesus spend so much time telling demons and others to keeps quiet about his divine identity?

On our half day retreat day, we will explore The Messianic Secret by looking at the Gospel of Mark and search for the impact of the messianic secret on our Lenten journey. Come join Pastor Todd in this exploration together.

Childcare available upon request.

Lilies will decorate both Hyde Park Community UMC and The Warehouse Church on Easter Sunday. Cost is $12 each.

To order use the QR code, go to www.hydeparkchurch.org or contact the church office, (513)871-1345. The deadline is Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

APRIL 2ND

PALM SUNDAY

8:00am, 9:30am, 11:00am, Sanctuary

Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson

Mark 11:1-11

APRIL 6TH

MAUNDY THURSDAY

7:00pm, Sanctuary

Meredith Menius

Mark 14:12-25, 26-42

APRIL 7TH

Good Friday

7:00pm, Sanctuary

Requiem Ben Owen, Sarah Knapton, & Meredith Menius

Mark 14:43-15:47

2023 LENTEN DEVOTION

by A Sanctified Art

Our Lenten devotional this year comes from A Sanctified Art. Some of you may remember A Sanctified Art from Lent 2022 where we explored their devotional, Full to the Brim!

This Lenten season, we will explore Seeking: Honest Questions for Deeper Faith. Through the use of art, poetry, prayer, music, and self-reflection, this Lenten devotional will guide you alongside the scripture to ask honest and thoughtful questions for the growing of your faith.

I invite you to follow A Sanctified Art on social media to see more daily questions and reflections throughout Lent! (Instagram: @ASanctifiedArt; Facebook: A Sanctified Art)

-Meredith Menius Director of Connecting and Discipleship Ministries

“This Lent, may you engage in the spiritual practice of seeking—by asking questions, and by staying curious, open, and nimble. We hope you will soften your assumptions and expand your perspectives. We pray that these questions will create a safe space to explore—to be drawn more deeply into the fullness of life, into the heart of God.”

Copies are available in the Welcome Ceter

-Excerpt from the “Introduction” of Seeking: Honest Questions for Deeper Faith

Calling all Senior Adults!! Every first Friday of the month we gather together for fellowship, food, and exploration into something new.

Come Join us on March 3, April 7, and May 5 from 11:00am2:00pm in the Welcome Center. In March, our very own Brenda Portman will perform a special musical presentation on the organ for us. In April, Ruth Alpers, Rabbi and Chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s, will come and walk us through a traditional Jewish Passover Seder meal. And finally, May is still to be determined, so stay tuned.

FlowerBuds

1st & 3rd Monday of the Month

9:30am-12:00pm Refectory & Kitchen

Every first and third Monday of the month, join the FlowerBuds gang as they arrange and distribute flowers to assistant living facilities, homebound, and others throughout the community. They meet from 9:30am-12:00pm in HPCUMC refectory and kitchen. They are in need of extra hands and drivers to deliver flowers to their locations.

Please contact Ginger Vanderlinde at gvanderlinde@cinci.rr.com with questions.

Appreciating the Gift

by Sarah Putman, Romania

As I reflect upon times I have heard people recite their membership vows or renew them in light of a response to baptism or joining of new members, the audio that plays in my mind is that “presence” is said softer, almost as an oversight. As the second in the list it does not draw the same emphasis as “prayers” but energy also seems to pick back up on “gifts,” “service,” and even “witness,” which has caused me a moment of pause. Immediately upon thinking about “presence” various things come to mind professionally, personally, and experientially as a person living in Cluj, Romania. While these variations all overlap in some ways, it is interesting to think of them together or holistically.

Professionally, as a mental health therapist, presence conjures the idea of connectivity. It is not merely about physically being in the same space as another person, but bringing your entire being, your entire focus, your entire consciousness to that interaction. You can be present with just yourself or you can be present in a given moment or with given people. It is an application of not letting thoughts wander to the future or to the past but rather to stay in the moment experiencing or even participating in what is happening right now.

Personally, as an introvert, I have often appreciated the gift of the mere presence, the literal, physical presence, of others - even in silence. Some of my most treasured relationships

“It is an application of not letting thoughts wander to the future or to the past but rather to stay in the moment experiencing or even participating in what is happening right now.”

are the ones that follow a balance of being and sharing. The relationships I have where we can just be in the same space, doing our own thing or staying with our own thoughts for some of the time and then sharing with one another or doing things together other times. There is something about physically being present that carries with it the spiritual connectivity even when nothing is being said or intentionally done. There is a communal connectivity in sharing the same physical space with others.

Experientially, as someone living not in their motherland, presence is all of these things and more. There is the presence we offer and the presence we receive. All too frequently I find myself in circumstances where my language is not sufficient for deep or lengthy conversations. While I can be here in the moment with someone, there is often not the ability to share more than the comfort of knowing another person is there. As the days and weeks pass, there is the comfort of the commitment, that I keep showing up, there is connectivity from spirit to spirit even when no words are shared. I have seen the gift of mere presence in children with disabilities excited to see me arrive at their center even though our conversations usually peak at “how was your day?” I have seen it in children running up to me and continuing to try and have conversation, or even just smiling at me when I return to ministry after a time away.

I have experienced receiving the gift of presence from afar when my mom sat with me on a video chat, literally reading a children’s book to me during a moment of high anxiety and close-up when Romanian friends gathered together to be in the presence of one another after the loss of one of our dearest friends and colleagues. I have experienced the gift and power of presence in the ease of tackling a new task in a foreign country with someone by my side - even if that person is just as clueless as me when it comes to accomplishing this task.

I spent much of my reflection during Advent 2022 reflecting on the presence of the Lord, specifically that the joy of the presence of the Lord is my strength in both times of celebration and times of trial. The presence of the Lord is enough, and as we are created in God’s image and made for community, our presence - either in physicality, connection in the moment, or intentionality towards support, can be the balm for someone’s soul, the opportunity the Lord uses to have a conversation that brings light to a dark place in someone’s life, can be used to catapult ministry to new levels because of the gifts, service, witness, and prayers we bring along with our presence. Our presence wherever we are can be a source of joy, especially as the Spirit in you connects to the Spirit in another. The power of presence transcends miles, perhaps it is time we intentionally speak that part of our vows a little louder for those in the back!

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY!

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.

Questions? Email us at preschool@hpcumc.org.

BOOK CLUB Books & Beverages

with Sarah Knapton and Meredith Menius

Join Sarah and Meredith with Books and Beverages Book Club. The book of the month will change each month. We will meet on the last Wednesday of the month through May at Sarah Knapton’s house, 6:30-8:00 to have snacks, fellowship, and conversations. Contact sknapton@hpcumc.org or mmenius@hpcumc.org with any questions!

Feb: Accidental Saints by Nadia Boltz-Weber

March: I’m Still Here by Austin Channing Brown (Meet on March 29th)

April: Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies by Kate Bowler (Meet on April 26th)

May: Love Wins by Rob Bell (Meet on May 31st)

Stay tuned for the summer magazine for suggested reads for the summer as well as the books for Fall 2023.

BECOME A FRIENDLY VISITOR

A Friendly Visitor is a caring individual who is committed to enhancing the quality of life of homebound persons and those with different abilities through the concern and support of friendly companionship. A Friendly Visitor’s responsibilities may include (but are not limited to): listening, support, playing games/puzzles, reading to the care receiver, shopping/errands, correspondence help, and transportation. It is requested that the Friendly Visitor contacts their care receiver at least two times a month.

If this role interests you or have questions, please contact, Sarah Knapton, at sknapton@hpcumc.org.

All people are welcome to come and learn from different experts of care on different populations of people.

March 18th, April 15th, May 20th

always have your “yes” on the table

by Austin Tinsley

A pastor of mine once said to always have your “yes” on the table. This was the advice he gave a group of us who were volunteering over our college spring break to help those who had lost everything from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Our group’s “yes” was agreeing to whatever was asked of us on our work sites, whether it was performing grueling manual labor or spending time with people who needed some hope and encouragement when we ourselves did not know the right words to say. I’ve found the “yes” advice is not just confined to a volunteer setting. Bringing nothing except a “yes” to the table has been what has encouraged me to become involved no matter where I am in my life, even when I may have felt unprepared, unqualified, or anxious about the future. Through it all, I have learned that having your “yes” on the table is all God wants as he desires our presence with Him and those around us. My first “yes” at HPCUMC was to fill in for the Worship at 11 team in the spring of 2019. Since then, I have continued to say “yes” to different opportunities. Whether it is something that has immediately sounded interesting or something God has lovingly nudged me toward until I have put my feelings of inadequacy aside and just done it.

After I became a permanent member of the Worship team, I had a deep sense that I needed to be more involved at HPCUMC by joining the Young Adult Ministry group, but I was hesitant. I still was involved at my old church and loved the friends and people I got to spend time with. Additionally, I was nervous about joining a new group of people. Would I be a burden to them? Will this be the right group for me? So many anxious questions filled my head.

Despite my initial anxiousness, I felt like joining was the step to take; a nudge from God. Since then, the people in this group have become my dear friends. Our small group that meets on Monday nights is an empowering space where we feel comfortable talking about our faith, sharing our perspectives, and encouraging one another along our journeys to know God and love others better. I eventually said yes

to leading some of our discussions and have seen the positive impact it has had on people, including myself, even when I have felt like nothing I did or said was particularly profound.

We, as a group, have also said “yes” and volunteered and served alongside each other at places like New Life Furniture Bank, Found House, and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, we have become great teammates on the best sand volleyball team in the City of Cincinnati, Serves You Right. Thus, your own proclivity to say “yes” might be fostered by others around you saying “yes.” I have also experienced how having my “yes” on the table has led to unexpected blessings.

Indeed, I have a lot to say about how the people in this group have lived out their “yes”. One of the deepest impacts on my life has been these friends demonstrating their love and support through all my life circumstances. When I was sick, they offered to bring me food or anything else I needed. When I graduated law school, they celebrated with me. When a friend of mine passed away after a hard battle with cancer, they grieved with me. When I complained about studying for the Bar this past summer, they listened with patience and reminded me of my worth. When I passed the Bar, they

cheered me on and fostered my excitement for the future of my career. Without having my “yes” on the table, I would not have experienced the blessings of these sincere friends.

My next “yes” has been to join the strategic planning committee, to assist with the future vision of the church. While I could share how unqualified I feel to be part of this committee, my posture throughout the years of learning to have my “yes” on the table more and more has reminded me that I do not have to be qualified, but willing for God to use. Our willingness is all God asks of us.

Having your “yes” on the table will bring hard times and difficult decisions. It is not always easy, but I have found it is well worth it. To be sure, we do not have to say yes to every little thing, but in being open to the Holy Spirit guiding you to become more involved in living out the love of God, you will find blessings and opportunities that you never thought were there before. Sometimes you may not know what is in store for the future, but perhaps it is simply “yes” to something God is nudging you towards right now. Is your “yes” on the table?

"Our small group… is an empowering space where we feel comfortable talking about our faith, sharing our perspectives, and encouraging one another along our journeys to know God and love others better."

by Torie Perdue

Singing God's Praises

Music has always been an important part of my life, and my spirituality. I grew up in a church with a strong music ministry, and I always felt more comfortable singing God's praises in the choir than in Sunday School. So when I was looking for a church home after moving to Cincinnati, an excellent music program was my number one criteria. I joined the Cathedral Choir seventeen years ago, and have been a member of the Praise Team since its launch in 2016. I cherish the friendships I have developed in both of these groups, and our weekly rehearsals and services are definitely time well spent. Long ago I found my connection with God through music; in both liturgical and secular music. The blending of voices in harmony feeds my soul and strengthens my connection with God. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Saturday, May 20, 4:00 pm

Church Sanctuary Leader: Ben Owen, Director of Music, at the piano

Followed by an informal fellowship hour

After singing a few stirring hymns in church on Sunday, do you sometimes find yourself with an “earworm”? As the words and melodies float through your head— demanding your attention while you try to carry on with your daily activities—do you ever pause to consider the power hymns have to affect your day? Hummed to ourselves, hymns may help us find a way to celebrate, grieve, pray, give thanks. Sung aloud with others, they gather power.

Build on that power by joining with friends and families from our church who treasure our Methodist music heritage and who have requested this afternoon be set aside for a one-hour hymn sing. Our versatile Director of Music Ben Owen will lead us from the piano as we sing hymns that cover a range of familiar texts and tunes.

In addition to sharing the joy of harmony and the delight of music resounding throughout our beautiful sanctuary, we hope participants will experience a shared moment of gratitude: for God’s grace; for wise parents, grandparents, teachers, neighbors, and mentors who prepared us and sacrificed to help us along the way; and for new and lifelong relationships made through church friends, Sunday school and choir teachers, ministers and staff, scouting, UMYF, and people sharing service opportunities.

All are welcome. Invite your friends, your family, and your neighbors. Just imagine the collective power of grateful voices singing praises to God. And surely, the afternoon sun will do its part by illuminating our magnificent stained-glass windows and radiating through our hearts.

2 Cans of cooked pasta or chili (14oz)

2 Cans of soup (Chunky, Progresso, or similar)

2 Boxes or bags of cereal

1 Plastic jar of peanut butter (16oz)

1 Plastic jar of jelly (strawberry or grape)

2 Large Rolls of toilet paper

2 Bars of Soap

1 Large tube of Toothpaste

Items will go to our neighbors served by Madisonville Education and Assistance Center and State Ave. UMC

Pick up a Project 5000 reusable grocery bag today to help feed our neighbors. A food list is attached to each bag. Please return your filled food bag(s) to the Social Hall. All food collected is shared with our ministry partners and will help feed individuals and families in our community.

We accept donations too. It costs about $25 to fill a food bag; however, any amount will help! Checks should be made out to HPCUMC with “Project 5000” in the memo.

For additional information contact Rev. Kate Smith at ksmith@hpcumc.org.

New Member Classes

March 19th

12:30pm-2:30pm

Interested in becoming a member of HPCUMC? Join us for our New Members Class on March 19, 2023 from 12:30pm-2:30pm in the Library!

This class will provide information about The United Methodist Church as a whole, Hyde Park Community’s history, beliefs and how to get involved, and a Spiritual Gifts Assessment.

Lunch will be provided. Register through the QR Code starting February 19!

We hope to see you on March 19!

Lent Bible & Book Study

with Pastor Dave

Luke: Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts, and Outlaws by Adam Hamilton

Meets Tuesdays, 6:00pm-7:30pm

Feb 28 - April 4, Social Hall

Starting February 27th through April 3rd

We continue our Brews & Good News series through the Lenten season using N.T Wright's "Gospel of Mark for Everyone". Start your week off enjoying your favorite beverage and meaningful conversation with other young adults.

The schedule will go as follows:

February 27th: Mark 1-2

March 6th: Mark 3-5

March 13th: Mark 6-8

March 20th: Mark 9-10

March 27th: Mark 11-13

April 3rd: Mark 14-16

Each week stands on its own – come when you can. If able, read the chapters from Mark we'll be covering before the gathering and come ready to discuss. Didn’t get a chance to read? No problem, the questions are written in a way to give context in order to engage in the discussion.

You are invited to join in this 6-week study being led by Rev. Dave Weaver. Bestselling author Rev. Adam Hamilton explores the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus as told in the Gospel of Luke. Through Luke’s stories we find Jesus’ care and compassion for all as he welcomes sinners and outcasts. As we study Luke and see Jesus’ concern for those who were considered unimportant, we hear a hopeful and inspiring word for our lives today. Come as we learn from reading and sharing time together. Let our 2023 Lenten journey in study begin!

Cost $10.00.

Pick up book at the church office. Register Now using the QR code or via Realm!

Adult Discipleship Classes

New Ventures Class

Meets at 11:00am in the Library and on Zoom (hybrid style)

Do I Stay Christian: A Guide for The Doubters, The Disappointed, and the Disillusioned by Brain McLaren

For more information contact Michael Vilardo at mpvilardo@gmail.com!

Soul Builders

Meets at 11:00am in Room 205

Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

For more information contact Ronda Deel at rodeel@fuse.net!

Faith Weavers

Meets at 9:30am in Room 205

Spiritual Disciplines Handbook by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun

For more information contact Mike Hickerson at mikehickerson@gmail.com!

Let’s Get Real

Meets at 9:30am in the Parlor

Subversive Sabbath by A.J. Swoboda

For more information contact Jason Burgess at jasonburgess13@gmail. com!

Adult Bible Study

Meets at 9:30am in the Library

“The Prophets According to Pete”

For more information contact Pete Rudowski at prudowski@fuse.net!

Kevin Buckley Connect Group

Meets every other Wednesday at 7:00pm in the Parlor

More details to come, stay up to date in our News & Happenings or contact Kevin Buckley at buckleykj65@hotmail.com for more information!

Pastor Todd’s Study

Tuesday Mornings at 10am from February 28- March 28 in the Refectory

The Last Week by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan

For more information email Pastor Todd at tanderson@hpcumc.org!

NEW MEMBERS

Be sure to introduce yourself to our new members who joined on November 27!

Miller Family

Doris Dunathan is transferring her membership to HPCUMC from Sharonville UMC, where she was active with their IHN food pantry, used to sing in the choir. Prior to SUMC, she and her late husband, John, were members of Church of the Savior UMC in Montgomery. She has lived at Deupree House since 2019, and enjoys painting and playing bridge and is also the mother of Joyce Miysato.

Ron Stoerker has been attending HPCUMC for the past year, and has joined the Cathedral Choir to share in his gift of music. Ron is originally from Ohio, and currently lives in Green Township, and is retired. We are excited for Ron to join HPCUMC and continue to share his gifts of music with us and with the Cathedral Choir.

Clifton and Julie Miller are joining Hyde Park Community UMC after moving to Cincinnati from Baton Rouge, Louisiana where they were members of First United Methodist Church. They have two children, Charlotte (6) and Clifton, III (aka Cam). Julie grew up in New Richmond, Ohio and is the development director for Pink Ribbon GirlsCincinnati. Clifton is from Louisiana (Geaux Tigers) and is an occupational therapist working in home health. They chose Hyde Park as their church home because they believe the spirit of the church reflects the Spirit of Christ.

The Martin family, Laura, Jeremy, Camryn (14), and Will (11) have been attending HPCUMC for many years before deciding to join. Laura Martin works in the Mason schools in Mental Wellness, and Jeremy works for the University of Cincinnati as the Director of Digital and User Experience. Camryn is a freshman in high school and is excited to join by profession of faith.

Doris Dunathan

Ron Stoerker

Martin Family

ANNOUNCING!

Rock the Block

Bond Hill

April 29, 2023 9am-3pm

Rock the Block calls the community to be outside together, working in the yard, and having fun! The event will focus on neighborhood clean-up, refresh public spaces, park maintenance, and exterior home repairs in Bond Hill.

To learn more and to sign up to serve: visit www.hydeparkchurch.org/rocktheblock

Be still…Right Here, Right Now

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.” – Luke 17: 20 - 21 (NRSV)

“One day at a time - this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

It’s Sunday and a beautiful spring day. As you emerge from the doldrums of late winter, you have a lot on your “to do” list. But it’s Sunday and, as is your custom, you go to morning worship at church. As you are sitting in the pew, you find yourself thinking about all the things you want to accomplish in the next couple of weeks. Then you see a friend a couple of pews in front of you and you find yourself ruminating over a recent conversation with her that didn’t go so well. The next thing you know, you are standing for the doxology and you have no idea what the sermon was about. You were physically present but you were “living” in the future and in the past.

It has been said that we spend 50% of our time either in the past or in the future. We all have wonderful memories that we cherish and difficult memories of pain and sorrow. And we have things we plan for in the future that excite us and things that cause us dread. We frequently go around with our minds so full of memories and plans that we miss what is before us. To quote Katherine May, an internationally known bestselling author and podcaster in the UK, “When we endlessly ruminate over distant times

[and I would add future times as well], we miss extraordinary things in the present moment. These extraordinary things are, in actual fact, all we have: the here and now.” (2) It’s the rumination, the dwelling in the past or the future, that tends to hook us. God cautions us about this tendency, encouraging us to stay with what is before us (refer to Proverbs 17: 9; the Book of Ecclesiastes; and Matthew 6: 25-34, for example).

Our physical presence at an event is important as a sign of support. But think how much richer the experience would be for us and potentially for others if we were present in “the here and now”! How much more effective would we be in our ministries if we were fully present? Where might we see God working? Where might we see God’s love and justice and mercy in action? How might we join in God’s work?

When we become members of a United Methodist Church, we vow “to faithfully participate in its ministries by [our] prayers, [our] presence, [our] gifts, [our] service, and [our] witness.” (emphasis added) (3) I would suggest that this call for our presence is a call for more

– Mary Morrison (1)

than our physical presence, though that is the first step. Our call is to be mindful, to be aware of all that is before us without getting lost in the past or the future. After-all, that is where God is, in the present moment. Yes, God was present in our past and will be present in our future. But God and God’s kingdom are here right now!

When we are mindful of the present moment extraordinary things can and will be revealed to us as we open ourselves to the Divine Presence. In those moments when I am fully present, I find myself more alert and alive and filled with hope and joy. My eyes and ears are open to the sacredness all around me and I feel God’s presence surrounding me. I have a sense of “being in the world but not of it.” Henri Nouwen, a 20th c. theologian, said, “Be sure to taste the moment to the full. The Lord always reveals himself to you where you are most fully present.”

(4)

Staying in the present moment without letting your mind wander is not easy. When you find your mind going to the past or the future, pause. Follow your breath. Breathe in slowly and envision your breath filling your lungs and traveling throughout your body. Slowly exhale. Repeat several times. It is amazing how something as simple as focusing on your breath which is in “the here and now” can help you come back to the present moment. And as you come to the present moment, try to “stay where your hands are”, as a good friend and spiritual director colleague of mine likes to say.

So let’s go back to that Sunday morning and the beautiful spring day. You have a lot on your “to do list” but as you drive to church you intentionally set aside the list so that you can be mindful of the moments ahead. On your way to the church, you notice a hint of baby green on the trees and crocuses and daffodils making an appearance. You walk into the sanctuary

Written by Christine McHenry

and you are struck by the light shining through the stain-glass windows. It’s as if God is smiling because you are there. You see friends who greet you warmly and pastors who are concerned about your welfare. The music during the service makes your heart sing and you feel love and belonging. The scripture text and the sermon speak to you in a new and refreshing way. At the end of the service, the pastor sends the congregation forth by the power of the Holy Spirit to make God and God’s kingdom known to the world, a kingdom filled with awe and love, forgiveness and acceptance.

Being fully present makes a difference in how we experience the moment. And not just on Sundays! When your mind wanders and you find yourself getting “hooked” to the past or to the future, practice pausing and breathing and “staying where your hands are.” God has wonderful experiences and things to reveal if we are fully present. May it be so as we continue our journeys.

1. Grateful Living, Word for the Day, January 31, 2023

2. Katherine May, Grateful Living, Word for the Day, January 25, 2023

3. Book of Discipline: ¶217. Membership Vows, The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church - 2016

4. Henri Nouwen, Daily Meditations, January 30, 2023

Christine McHenry, MD, MATS

February, 2023

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.

Intergenerational Mexico Mission Trip

Serve with Tijuana Christian Mission, an orphanage with two locations (suburb of Tijuana and in the mountain range of Rosarito) and with Women with Purpose, Tijuana’s first women’s shelter.

June 17-22, 2023

Who: Adults & High School Students (middle school students need to go with parents/ guardians/grandparents)

Cost: $400 plus airfare

Questions or interested in serving?

Contact Pastor Kate (ksmith@hpcumc.org or 513-871-1345)

“I got to see another part of the world and help those in need, which is what God wants for all his children.”

– Sam Gneuhs, Mexico Mission Trip participant 2019

a trip to the Holy Land

I am now in the last Semester of my Masters of Divinity program at United Theological Seminary. Praise the Lord and pass the hot sauce, lol! My thanks to Hyde Park’s Masters scholarship committee and to all those who have sponsored, prayed for, and encouraged me along the way. As part of our graduation requirement, we were to choose an immersion learning experience. The three options offered were a church in Cuba that is experiencing pentecostal revival, a southern Civil Rights tour for those who are still apprehensive about overseas travel, and a trip to the Holy Land. I chose Israel. We were given the option to have a companion with us, so Sherman accompanied me, which was a great blessing. The Immersion Experience was part of our Methods of Inter-religious Encounter class. Therefore, the trip was not solely Christcentered, but was also meant to expose us to the plurality of beliefs and cultural experiences in Israel and Palestine. The desire both in the class and in the immersion was for us as clergy to learn about, and even engage in some of the practices of other faith traditions so we would have a breadth of understanding. Though the Israeli state is only about the size of New Jersey, as you probably know, it is wrought with political conflict and holds a variety of cultural, religious, and ethnic expressions. The local inhabitants and those traveling to Israel from around the world for tourism and spiritual encounter, were an eclectic assembly. We traveled via El Al airlines to Tel Aviv, and visited various sites in cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tiberias, Nazareth, and Capernaum. It was an awesomen experience to go to the places in Scripture: where Jesus was born and grew up, where He and His disciples lived and ministered, and where He was crucified, died, buried and rose again. It brings such

Pastors Sadell & Sherman Bradley shared by Pastor Sadell Bradley

great perspective to what we preach and live out every day and why. We worshipped in song together on the Sea of Galilee. We walked up the Via Dolorosa, and Golgotha’s Hill. We reflected at the Garden of Gethsemane at the bottom of the Mount of Olives. One of my classmates was allowed to baptize his 15-year-old son in the Jordan River. It was a beautiful experience, though the water was much more muddy than I expected. Some floated in the dense Dead Sea and were able to benefit from the spa-like medicinal effects of its mud.

One of the most poignant stops was Yad Vashem, Israel’s holocaust museum. Those of us who are African-American could identify with the horrific racism, ghettoizing, and genocide experienced by the Jewish people, and with the misuse of Christianity toward those purposes. One of our guides, Rabbi Brad Hirschfield and some of his Jewish friends and family, adeptly led us through their history and perspectives on a number of issues and how they navigate their independence and the warfare and conflicts they’re faced with every day.

We also visited the Dome of the Rock, the Islamic shrine in Jerusalem built in the late 7th century. It is known by Muslims as the al-

Haram-al Sharif. We did not go inside, but it was fascinating that all of these holy structures: The Dome of the Rock, The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, The Jewish Temple and the Western Wall where inserted written prayers, were all located in the same place, with adherents of each religious belief visiting from across the world. We listened to the sounds of prayers, weepings, and groaning to God and songs in every language, over loud-speakers and in choruses in the cathedrals. We saw, Christians, Jews, and Muslims of all ethnic groups: Africans, Asians, Europeans, Latinos, and folks from the Americas. Young, middle-aged, and old, they traversed the streets, viewing historical sites that were almost all being contested over the accuracy of their historicity depending on your political and cultural persuasion. Each religious persuasion and even Christian denominations (e.g. Roman Catholics, Greek Orthodox, Ethiopian Christians, etc.) all wanted to have a piece, own a stake of the Holy Land. We heard many languages, ate different foods. Our hotel served kosher food. The most interesting thing to me was that you could not have dairy and meat at the same time, so I could not butter my bread…the travesty!

If you’d like to see and hear more, Sherman and I have begun to post pictures of our trip

and videos sharing our experience on The Warehouse Online Community, YouTube and our personal Facebook pages. Shorter clips are going on Instagram. You can subscribe to our social media at @warehouseotr. It was a great honor for us to visit Israel. It was a wonderful almost culminating experience on the way to graduation in May. Thank you for your prayers through these last months at United, and for your continued support of The Warehouse Church, OTR.

MARCH 25, 2023

8:00am-2:30pm

GREAT WOLF LODGE | 2501 GREAT WOLF DR, MASON $25

With Pastor Sherman Bradley, Pastor Freddie Piphus, & Pastor Jackie Jackson

MEN’S RETREAT

Music Ministry Activities

Sunday, February 19th

CCM Trombone Choir

8:00 am & 9:30 am services

Led by CCM professor and Canterbury Brass member Dr. Tim Anderson, the CCM Trombone Choir will provide the Prelude, Anthem, Offertory, and Postlude in our traditional services.

Wednesday, March 8th

Lenten Jazz Vespers

7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Meredith Menius, Paul Owen and the Vespers Combo return to lead a worship service infused with jazz, poetry, and Lenten contemplation.

Saturday, April 1st

May Festival Chamber Choir concert “Vaulted Voices”

7:30 pm in the Sanctuary

May Festival Director of Choruses Robert Porco conducts Handel's celebratory Dettingen Te Deum, the first work ever performed at the May Festival. Matthew Swanson leads the May Festival Youth Chorus in a varied program, including a 25 for 25 commission from composer Olivia Bennett. Visit www.mayfestival.com for ticket information.

Friday, April 7th

The Cathedral Choir presents Duruflé’s Requiem within the Good Friday service

7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Walk with Christ on his journey to the cross in this unique Good Friday service interwoven with MauriceDuruflé’s legendary Requiem for choir and solo organ.

Sunday, April 23rd

Organ Concert Series: Caroline Robinson

4:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Experience a program by Dr. Caroline Robinson, Organist and Associate Choirmaster at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta.

Sunday, April 30th

Seven Hills Baroque ensemble concert

4:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Led by Michael Delfín, Seven Hills Baroque will give a concert of historically informed music from the 17th and 18th century.

Thursday, May 4th

Three Choirs Festival

7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

The HPCUMC, Redeemer Episcopal, and St. Mary’sHyde Park choirs combine to pack the choir stalls and rock the rafters.

Saturday, May 20th

Church-Wide Hymn Sing!

4:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Join with friends and families from our church who treasure our Methodist music heritage and who have requested this afternoon be set aside for a one-hour hymn sing.

Sunday, June 11th

End-of-Year Anthems Concert with the Cathedral and Wesley choirs

2:00 pm in the Sanctuary

Attend and hear a selections of the choirs’ favorite anthems from the past year before they wrap up for summer.

The theme for this magazine is Presence. When you think of Presence immediately the employees of TDG come to mind. Our church building is open for service each day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Andy Marcott, site director, Shawn Spouse, Trameeka Lewis and Stephanie Smith are engaged in house cleaning, making coffee, room set up and tear down, major and minor maintenance and many other things. TDG relates to Church Staff, the Property Team, the Preschool, members of the congregation and countless community members who use our facilities at both the Grace Campus and the Warehouse Church. Each member of the team reports that the best part of the job is relating to all the wonderful people who they meet each day. Each enjoys meeting guests and member’s needs, problem solving and above all serving. Sometimes you see each of them at work, but most of the time in the background making things happen behind the scenes becoming part of the Presence that makes ministry flow! We honor TDG for their Presence in our midst in working to keep our ministry going!

Youth Sunday

The ten Commandments

When we look at where the Commandments came from, we will see how Jesus changed them all into the GOOD things we should all DO

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LOVE YAHWEH ABOVE ALL ELSE.

Put God first in all we do. Worship only YAHWEH. Honor Gods name.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBORS AS MUCH AS YOU LOVE YOURSELF.

As Jesus said; “Love one another, as I have loved you.”

Spend quality time with God. Spend quality time with Family.

Dedication to a friend long ago named Arthur Abercrombie. He was a stranger who walked into Prince of Peace Church. He lived in the area, and was obviously poor. He came for meals. He soon began helping around the place doing odd jobs like sweeping up and cleaning up after services and community meals. He had friendly words for all, and some wisdom to many. After a while we considered him our official janitor, and welcome committee.

Scout Troop 114 was officially chartered at Hyde Park Community UMC on February 5, 1923, and we were honored to recognize this incredible 100-year anniversary on its exact date!

One hundred years ago, five adult volunteers and eleven boys, led by Scoutmaster George Justice Gray (19231944), were assembled to form Troop 114 as Chartered by the Hyde Park Community (Formerly known as Linwood) Methodist Church. Now we are the 2nd oldest Troop in all of Cincinnati.

The troop presented HPCUMC with a framed copy of the original 4 page Charter as well as a proclamation from the Mayor. February 5th, 2023 is officially named “HPCUMC Scouting Day”.

The church presented Jack Ball with the “Cross and Flame” award. The Cross and Flame Award recognizes adult leaders who have given exceptional service in the use and promotion of the Scouting Program for young people, one who has served children and youth through The United Methodist Church.

Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church

We are excited to share with you that Hyde Park Community UMC is embarking on a strategic planning process! This process will allow us to check in with our church and community, understand how we can continue to improve our ministries, and to create strategies to better achieve our mission: to share the love of Jesus to transform lives, Cincinnati, and the world.

Healthy organizations engage in this type of process every 5-10 years in order to function at their highest level. As our last strategic planning process began 9 years ago, as we are living into a post-pandemic world and we have new pastoral leadership, now is an ideal time to engage in this process.

Our process involves four phases:

Stage one involves collecting data from our members, constituents, neighbors, and community partners. This will be done through surveys and individual interviews with a representative focus group during the month of February.

Stage two involves working through the data and formulating a plan. Our consultants will guide a group of 54 stakeholders who have agreed to be a part of our Strategic Planning Team in this work in March and April.

Stage three will involve offering the whole of the congregation opportunity to review and give feedback for the plan. Once it is finished and reviewed, the congregation will be invited to approve it.

Stage four will be the implementation of the plan of action.

Our Consultants:

This past fall pastors Suzanne and Todd led the Servant Leadership Board to send out a Request for Proposal to several firms who offer Strategic Planning for churches. The responses were vetted by the SLB and two consulting groups were chosen. The Bank of America consultants come to us at no charge. Strategic planning and board training is included as part of their fee structure for managing our endowment. The Measurement Resources Corporation is doing the demographic work for our information collection.

Eric Weinheimer is a Senior Vice President and Philanthropic Strategist for the National Consulting and Advisory Practice at Bank of America Private Bank, based in Chicago, IL.

In his role, Eric delivers customized consulting and advisory services to nonprofit clients’ boards of directors and senior leaders. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, board governance, revenue diversification, and social enterprise.

Embarks on a Strategic Planning Process

Charly Bauer of Measurement Resources Corporation brings extensive experience working with mission-driven organizations. As one of the co-founders of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream in Columbus, Ohio he led Jeni’s through the B Corp Certification process and helped the company maintain its standing as an innovative corporation. At MRC, Bauer is responsible for deepening relationships with clients, strengthening collaborations in the social impact community, and overseeing day-to-day operations.

Elizabeth Pafford is an Analyst and Strategist with Measurement Resources Corporation. At MRC Elizabeth assists senior leadership in their work with clients to transform strategic plans into workable solutions and benchmark performance against key operational goals. With over ten years of professional experience, Elizabeth helps organizations build capacity to measure and communicate their impact and value.

Queen City Bronze

Queen City Bronze, a community-based advanced handbell ensemble, has been part of the Cincinnati art scene since 2008, performing an eclectic mix of musical styles on 7 octaves of handbells and handchimes. QCB is privileged and grateful to have Hyde Park Community UMC as its home base, rehearsing there weekly since early 2020.

QCB is dedicated to advancing the art of handbell musicianship and educating the public about the unique beauty and artistry that is possible with the instrument. The ensemble's 15 musicians strive to create a cohesive sound, becoming a living keyboard. Through their 14-year history, QCB has performed with the Cincinnati Pops, Cincinnati Men's Chorus, and Cincinnati Camerata; given educational workshops throughout the tri-state; and presented feature concerts for Handbell Musicians of America and Music Teachers National Conference.

Public performances are offered throughout the Cincinnati area each December and May and the ensemble rehearses weekly on Sunday afternoons in the Little Theater at HPCUMC. Guests are welcome to observe rehearsals any week.

SOUL BUILDERS IS GRATEFUL FOR YOUR PRESENCE & PRESENTS FOR OUR PROJECT

Do you see a connection between the story about Jesus and the loaves of bread and fishes and the Soul Builders Sunday School class’s monthly donation project? Could the connection be presence and community?

The story of Jesus’s miracle to provide for the 5000 is a reminder for us to be present to offer our resources to our community, not to hoard them unto ourselves but to share so that there might be enough for all. Jesus did not provide filet mignon and asparagus tips. He provided the basic foods of the day. He did not provide an overabundance. He provided enough. Much as God provided manna for the Israelites waiting in the desert. God is present in our lives and gives from unlimited resources for our needs. In turn, we are to give from our resources to our neighbors in need. As God loves us, we are to love our community.

Our project started in February 2021 to provide where we saw a need, caused by the injustice that feminine sanitary products cannot be purchased with food stamps. We felt these items were basics, not luxuries. We wanted to be present to do what we could to fill a void. We asked for you to help us. Your response was so overwhelming that we decided to continue the project for the rest of that year, identifying a different agency partner for each month. You have continued to remain present with us each month. In February 2023, our project entered its third year.

In the past two years, through your generosity and presence, our church has provided 5,130 needed items to our agency partners. The agency we support each month identifies for us four essential items for the clients they serve. Then we ask you to fill our donation bins with what has been requested as you are able to do so. In the past two years, you have given 5,130 items.

Our agency partners are the Center for Respite Care, Found House (formerly IHN), MEAC, Meals on Wheels of Southwest OH and Northern KY, New Life Furniture Bank, Rothenberg Academy, State Avenue UMC, Wesley Chapel

by Peggy Schmitt

Mission Center, and Wesley Education Center. In January 2023, we added a new partner, La Soupe. They requested basics such as lentils, lasagna noodles, cans of marinara sauce and cans of diced tomatoes. They use these items in their classes for high school students and teachers. The goal of the classes is to show those attending how to cook for themselves and their families easily and economically. By the middle of the month, Jan Betts and Susan Crossland, from our class, delivered to La Soupe 50 pounds of products (a total of 104 individual packages or cans)—all given by you. In the following week, you refilled our donation bins with almost as many items as were contained in the first delivery. Bless you!

To help us thank you for your generous presence, here are the words Meals on Wheels posted on Facebook about the items we delivered to them, collected during December 2022:

“A very special thank you to the members of Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church who collected winter hats, gloves, scarves and socks for our seniors. With the weather turning colder, there is a huge need for these items, which will be distributed to those in need at our Over-TheRhine Senior Center and senior housing residences this week. Their bodies are warmed by the donations and our hearts are warmed by the generosity.”

We hope you have seen the new donation bins at both door entrances from the parking lot. They always display information about the items needed for the current month. They are just awaiting your presence.

Soul Builders meets each Sunday at 11:00AM in Room 205. Sheila Brown, who has been a member of our class for more than 25 years, feels “it is a very important part of my Sunday worship experience. From sharing and praying over our joys and concerns, it provides a strong small group community. We challenge our thinking on spiritual and real life issues with the books we read, and continually strive to find ways to make a difference.” Your presence is always welcome!

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First Friday Fellowship, 11:00am

Lenten Jazz Vespers, 7:00pm

Lent Retreat, 8:30am-1:00pm

Sisterhood breakfast, 10:00 am

New Members Class, 12:30 pm

Strategic Planning Retreat, 3:00pm

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Found house hosting

Maundy Thursday, 7:00pm

Good Friday, 7:00pm

Easter Sunday, 8:00am, 9:30am, 11:30am

Church closed for Easter

Sisterhood Breakfast, 10:00am

Strategic planning retreat, 3:00pm

Organ Concert Series, 4:00pm

Three Choirs Festival Concert, 7:00pm

Primary/special election

Congregational Hymn Sing, 4:00pm-5:00pm

Senior

Senior

Pastor

Rev.

Rev.

Pastor

Pastor