“The BIBLE, that’s the book for me! I stand upon the word of God, the BIBLE!”
Between Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, Children’s Church, Camp, we’ve sung those words thousands of times.
Now that we’re older, it’s interesting to think about what they meant to us when we were young, singing them at the top of our lungs, and what they mean to us now after years of study, life, and faith experiences.
Maybe they were about the joy, love, and energy we found in our faith community, maybe they were about loyalty, maybe they were about standing taller because God was on our side, maybe they were about honoring the stories that we learned and loved that helped us know how God wanted us to live.
We hope we have kept a lot of that childlike faith as we continue to claim the Bible as the book for us, even while expanding and growing in the way we approach and value it.
We still claim it as the primary source of our faith. We believe that through these written words, we can experience the living Word of God. And as we do so, it is not a one way conversation but a multi-way conversation. We are encouraged to have a conversation with many partners as we study the scripture—God, the writers of the text, the context that it was written in, our current culture, our experience and that of others, science and reason, tradition, the list goes on.
This summer, we are thinking about the gift of the Bible and how we can be even better readers of it. We as United Methodists take scripture seriously rather than literally. We believe it is inspired but not perfect. It is written by imperfect people in imperfect settings, yet God uses it to speak healing and new life into us and the world.
We believe that how we read it, and the context that we use the scripture verses in matters. How we interpret and teach various stories and passages has the potential to either pass on our own biases or God’s grace. We want to be a church that reads and teaches the scripture in a way that passes on God’s grace.
We continue to believe, now more than ever, that the BIBLE is the book for us, and we are committed to a lifelong conversation with it as we continue to grow in knowing the God who speaks to us through these holy, transformational words of grace and love.
Blessings,
Pastors Suzanne,
Todd, & Kate
June 16- July 14 |
The Sermon Series “Out of Context” focuses on a number of Scriptures that are controversial. These passages of scripture sometimes are taught or preached without regard to their original Biblical context. Why? We will discuss and examine them in a way that reflects their context. Discovering misinterpreted understandings either by ignorance or by created alternative narratives will be discussed. Fasten your pew belt!
July 21-August 18| Centering God
How often do we tell a Bible story and forget to talk about God?
We tell of the animals going into the ark two by two while brave Noah counts…but what about God?
We tell of grumpy Jonah, the bad people of Ninevah, and the whale with digestive issues….but what about God?
We talk about the disciples following Jesus and of Paul seeing the light and losing his sight…but what about God?
If we’re not talking about the characters in the story, we’ve often jumped to what the story tells us to do—to be more faithful, more forgiving, more generous. How often do we ask, “How does this story help me know God?”
This summer, as we continue thinking about how we read the Bible, join us for Centering God as we think about what it means to keep God at the center of the stories in the Bible.
August
25- September 29 |
Holy Troublemakers & the Arc of Justice
We don’t always pay close attention to certain parts of the Bible, especially the Old Testament, even though Jesus quoted it frequently. In fact, the Hebrew prophets, God’s first holy troublemakers, are often overlooked because many assume that the prophet’s message was only for people back then and does not apply to us today - even though they have a lot to say about how we love God and love one another. Prophets are truth-tellers and fore-tellers (not fortune tellers or future tellers!) offering comfort to God’s people, but also challenging them and critiquing them for empty worship and a lack of care for the most vulnerable and calling people to repentance, forgiveness, and restoration.
In this sermon series we will see the impact of God’s holy troublemakers as they are people of faith committed to pursuing love, compassion, and justice in their corners of the world, even when it means rocking the boat. Holy Troublemakers are diverse in their context and how they respond to God’s call, but they are alike in their work of naming situations truthfully and seeking justice, within themselves and with their communities.
It is our hope that this sermon series will help us hear God’s message for us today and understand that God’s vision for the world hasn’t changed and that we are called to be part of the arc of justice.
THANK YOU to all who participated getting their pictures taken on Mother's Day. We hope you are enjoying the photos of you and/ or your family.
With your permission we have uploaded photos taken to Realm. We hope you will take a look.
While you are logged into Realm, please take a moment to review and update your contact information, check your photo, and add one if you haven’t done so yet.
This helps us and those in our community know how to reach you and makes sure you don't miss any important information from us. We greatly appreciate you taking the time to make sure we have your updated information.
If you don’t yet have a Realm account or you need help updating your account, please contact Meredith Menius mmenius@Hpcumc.org or Ethan Guseman eguseman@hpcumc.org.
Dates: Time: Ages:
August 5-9 August 12-16 9:00 AM – Noon 3-5yrs. old (by August 5, 2024) $135 per week (includes snacks and all materials) Use the QR
Mexico Serve Trip
July 6th-July 11th
Tijuana Christian Mission & Women with Purpose
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
12:00-2:00pm and 3:15-6:00pm
Donor Bus will be in HPCUMC parking lot – 1345 Grace Ave.
To schedule an appointment, please visit:
hoxworth.org/groups/hpcumc
Or call Hoxworth at (513) 451-0910
Appointments preferred / Walk-ins welcome
Every donor receives a FC Cincinnati shirt!
Questions? Contact Amanda Kern at akern@hpcumc.org
Tijuana & Rosarito, Mexico
A team of 8 representing 5 decades are preparing for their upcoming visit to our global partners Tijuana Christian Mission, a children’s home and Women with Purpose, a women’s shelter.
The team members are:
Henry Perkins
Yana Keck
Mary Wheeler
Scott Schap
Laura Schap
Olivia Klenke
Clay Heap
Kate Smith
Thank you for supporting the team as they engage in ministry with our global partners!
William Mason High School
Miami University, Media & Communications
Turpin High School
University of South Carolina, Biology
Walnut Hills High School University of Washington, Engineering
SCPA
Kent State University, Engineering
Marie Flessa
Caroline Gneuhs
Tori Guy
Ginger Hickerson
Anderson High School Ohio University, Biology/Pre-Med
Miami Valley Christian Academy University of Cincinnati, Biomedical Engineering/ Pre-Med
University of Dayton
David Yeung
Little Miami High School
The Ohio State University, Exploratory Studies/ Biology
Turpin High School Forest Hills Center, Transition to Work Program
Walnut Hills High School
Gillian Hunter Courtney Prevost
Scott Schap
Ela Tuzun
West Ohio Annual Conference Summary 2024
The 55th session of the West Ohio Annual Conference was held May 28-June 1 on the campus of Capital University in Bexley, Ohio. Bishop Gregory V. Palmer presided over the conference under the theme, “God is Able,” drawing inspiration from Ephesians 3:20-21.
Addressing the 1100 members of the conference, Bishop Palmer said, “When the flunk is on you, God is able. When you think you’ve hit it out of the park, God is able. When you are ready to hang it up, remember God is able.”
Worship included powerful preaching from Bishop Palmer, Rev. Jessica Stonecypher, a Deacon and vocational agriculture instructor and Rev. Ken Woode, a member of this year’s retirement class. The 100-member Annual Conference Choir, the Ginghamsburg Praise Band, a string quartet, the Milton Ruffin Gospel Chorale and the Brass Band of Columbus brought people to their feet in praise and thanksgiving.
CELEBRATIONS
Ordained 5 elders Marcella Velandia Ciccotelli, who serves the Ottawa Trinity and Riley Creek Churches. Melissa Anne Hart, currently serving Shalom UMC in Carroll. Kristen Lawson, who serves North Broadway UMC, Columbus. Audrey D. McClain, who serves Richland Correctional Institute, Mansfield and Serena Joy Wolfe, who serves Atlanta and Williamsport Churches.
Ordained 2 deacons: Sarah Lynn Beach, who is serving Westwood UMC, Cincinnati Alycia Gaye Boyer Orcena, who is serving at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, Delaware.
31 pastors retired. Collectively, they represent 871 years of ministry.
Bishop Gregory Palmer’s retirement and celebrating Mrs. Cynthia Palmer’s ministry with clergy spouses The conference members celebrated the Palmers’
Pictured above listed as shown from left to right: Zoe Hams, District delegate; Rev. Suzanne Allen, Clergy member; David Scott, District delegate; Rev. Stephanie Tunison, Clergy member; Rev. Todd Anderson, Clergy member; Jan Seymour, District delegate; John Chase, Hyde Park Community delegate: Ronda Deel, Hyde Park Community delegate; Diane Weaver, Hyde Park Community delegate; Denis Larrick, District delegate; Rev. Kate Smith, Clergy member; Barb Fillion, District delegate; Rev. Dave Weaver, Clergy member
ministry in the church with music and testimonials from West Ohioans, colleagues, family and friends. With 24 years as an episcopal leader, he is the longest-serving, active United Methodist bishop in the United States.
The Bishop Gregory and Mrs. Cynthia Palmer Africa University Scholarship was established through the generous contributions of West Ohioans. Nearly $30,000 was collected.
LEGISLATION
Recommendation #1- Changes to structure, procedure and rules - ADOPTED Recommendation to amend the conference rules affecting our structure and procedures and to be more concise.
Recommendation #2 – Budget – ADOPTED
The adopted budget apportions $12,049,000 to its 600 churches, a slight reduction for these churches from 2024. While considerably reduced from pre-disaffiliation levels, budgets for local church grants, emerging generation ministries and lay and clergy leadership development are maintained or increased, reflecting our continuing priorities. Existing resources and program fees will supplement the apportionment budget. The conference also adopted moving to a single apportionment fund from three in 2024. Apportionment receipts will be distributed proportionally to the conference, district and all general church funds.
Recommendation #3 – Board of Pension and Health Benefits – ADOPTED
Eligibility for participation in the Health Benefits and Pension plans were adopted as presented. New for 2025, retired clergy and their spouses will be eligible for retiree health not earlier than age 62 if subject to their years of service in the local church.
Recommendation #4 – Commission on Equitable Compensation - ADOPTED
The Commission presented guidelines for minimum salaries for 2025. Minimum salaries reflect a 3% increase over 2024. The Commission on Equitable Compensation balanced the capacity of churches and the needs of clergy in arriving at this amount.
Recommendation #5 – Regionalization - ADOPTED
The makers of this recommendation encourage West Ohio Annual Conference boards, committees, ministry teams and the General Conference delegation to provide a variety of educational opportunities throughout the conference, over the next calendar year, ensuring that we are fully informed and prepared to vote on the constitutional amendments at the 2025 annual conference. Bishop Palmer assured the annual conference that the Council of Bishops and other official bodies will support this effort.
Recommendation #6 - Responding to Palestinian Christians – ADOPTED
The Committee for Responding to Palestinian Christians recommends steps to respond to Kairos Palestine for the United Methodist Church to oppose the Israeli government’s occupation in the Holy Land. Steps include engaging in bible study on the history of the region and sending a delegation of conference members to the Holy Land. The delegation will be prepared to report on its findings at the 2025 annual conference.
OTHER CONFERENCE BUSINESS
After suspending the rules, the West Ohio Annual Conference supported the approval of United States Senate Bill 3910, the “Yes in God’s Backyard Act” (YIGBY) regarding affordable housing.
West Ohio’s General Conference delegation reported on several matters addressed at the recently completed General Conference including regionalization, removal of restrictive language, and the adoption of new social principles.
Bishop Palmer will complete his 12th year in West Ohio on August 31. Although moving into retirement from episcopal leadership, he will serve as the Executive Secretary to the Council of Bishops effective September 1.
“Our lives are forever transformed by your love, your ministry, your mercy, your forgiveness and your grace,” Bishop Palmer said.
A bishop will be assigned to West Ohio at the North Central Jurisdictional Conference in July. That bishop will serve both the East and West Ohio Conferences, a shared episcopal area with 2 annual conferences.
The West Ohio Conference will return to Capital University for the 56th session of the annual conference set for May 28 – 31, 2025.
Kay Panovec, Amy Graham and Bill Brownson contributed to this story. Photo credit: Kenzie Kuhn from: https://www.westohioumc.org/news/2024-west-ohioannual-conference-summary
Pastor Todd's Tuesday Morning Study
10:00 a.m. in the Refectory
Dates: August 27, September 3, 10, & 17
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.
Pastor Suzanne’s Tuesday Evening Bible Study—Acts
Starts August 27th
Every other Tuesday, 7:00pm-8:30pm
Mark your calendar and plan to join us as we resume on August 27th! This is a discussion based study that meets ever other Tuesday from 7pm-8:30pm. We will be focusing on the book of Acts. More details about our study guide, schedule, and the opportunity to register will be available on Realm beginning on July 15th.
2024 Confirmation Class
We celebrate and welcome our 2024 Confirmation class
After 4 months of classes, on Sunday April 21st, 11 teens confirmed their baptism and became members of Hyde Park Community UMC.
Holly Sutton Nora Flynn Jonathan Lippert Jr. George Lippert
Meredith Calhoun Emmett Davison Nora Frazier
Shipley Standridge Shepard Standridge Alexander Pearson Lily Portman
We are so proud of their hard work and commitment & welcome them in Christian love.
2024 Hosting Dates
August 25-September 1
November 3-10
Did you know that up to 71 people can show radical hospitality to Found House families during each host week? There are also multiple opportunities to provide support and care behind the scenes by providing food for the week. In 2024, we will be hosting up to 4 families 5 weeks throughout the year.
Through our partnership with Found House we are working to ensure families are able to stay together having access to temporary shelter and connect families to the housing they deserve. We invite you to consider being part of the host team by signing up to provide donations for meals and supplies and/or be onsite with the families in the evenings.
Faithful and Inclusive
Summer
Study with Meredith Menius
Every Other Tuesday Morning from 10:00 am – 11:30 am, with an Evening Zoom Option from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Dates: June 18, July 2, 16, 30, August 13
Hyde Park Community UMC seeks to always respond on the side of affirmation, inclusivity, and celebration of our LGBTQIA+ siblings. Faithful and Inclusive will allow us to gain an understanding of how United Methodists can be both obedient to God's Word and fully welcoming to LGBTQ persons in the church.
The themes of this study include:
1. How United Methodists Interpret Scripture
2. Old Testament Passages
3. The Influence of Culture on How We Read the Bible
4. New Testament Passages
5. The Jesus Ethic: What Did Christ Say?
No book necessary!
FAMILY CAMP
JULY 22ND-27TH 2024
Family Camp will happen the week of July 22nd. We have a full roster of families attending this year. Families will dive deeper in relationship with God and enjoy many camping activities like morning devotions, cookouts, outdoor activities like canoeing or hiking, campfire worship and so much more. Each day's theme is as follows:
Deepening Our Relationship with God
Day 1. Get to know who God is - Bible
Day 2. Spend time with God—Pray
Day 3. Live out your love for God—Obey
Day 4. Live out God’s love for others—Serve
Day 5. Enjoy the gifts He’s given us—Live with Gratitude
We are excited to be with each other for a week of family fun, bonding and diving deeeper into our relationship with God.
Fall Classes Calendar
Our Sunday School classes take a recess during the summer, starting at the end of May! Please reach out to Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org to learn more about other summer educational opportunities.
9:30
am Classes
Adult Bible Study Class with Pete Rudowski Library
The Adult Bible Study Class is led by Rev. Pete Rudowski, a retired Lutheran pastor, and is made up of adults that gather to explore the depths of scripture together. The class is lecture-based, 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, Room 205
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, Parlor
This group is made up of people between the ages of 30-45, including parents of young children (infantmiddle 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.
Sunday Connect Group
11:00 am Classes
Soul Builders, Room 205
Led by Ronda Deel and is made up of people ages 55 and up. This class is discussion-based 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, Library/Zoom
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.
Current Events and Faith, 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.
To get involved, email Meredith Menius at mmenius@ hpcumc.org.
This group is made up of people who have college-aged children and older who are interested in discussing current events and growing in their faith through books and guest speakers, as well as participating in service projects together to build community. The group meets the first Sunday of the month until May at the home of David and Jill Colaw. If you are interested in attending, please email Jill Colaw at jillcolaw@gmail.com.
Written by Christine McHenry
Christine has been a member of HPCUMC for over 35 years. She is a retired pediatrician with a masters degree in theology from United Theological Seminary. She is a trained spiritual director and supervisor, a trained labyrinth facilitator, and a retreat leader.
Be Still … A Reflective Moment Contemplation: It’s More Than a Glance
Over the last decades there has been a lot written about contemplation, what it is and how it can support your spiritual journey. Here are a few descriptions from prominent religious scholars.
Contemplation is allowing the moment to come without comparison, competition, categorization, judgment, labelling.
- Richard Rohr (1943 - ), Franciscan priest and founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque
The contemplative looks not so much around things but through them into their center. Through their center he discovers the world of spiritual beauty that is more real, has more density, more mass, more energy, and greater intensity than physical matter. In effect, the beauty of physical matter is a reflection of its inner content.
- Henri Nouwen (1932 - 1996), Dutch Catholic priest, professor, writer, and theologian
The contemplative life is a matter of being so fully present to the moment that we cannot help but catch a glimpse of God in all that is.
- Mirabai Starr (1961 - ), author, speaker, and leading teacher of interspiritual dialogue
Contemplation is a long loving look at the real.
- Walter Burgkhardt (1914 - 2008), Jesuit priest and theologian
During my spiritual direction training, Walter Burghardt’s description of contemplation is where we began. So let’s breakdown this definition and examine the components of contemplation as outlined by Burgkhardt.
1. A look - It is not just a hurried glance but a fixed intent observation.
2. A long look - “A long look” requires slowing down, pausing, and gazing at whatever has captured your attention.
3. A loving look - “A loving look” means to gaze without judgment, comparison, labelling, analysis, or expectations.
4. at the real - Small “r” real means observe what is right in front of you, or as Henri Nouwen suggests looking through what is in front of you to its center, so that ultimately you can see the large “R” or the Divine that is within the all things.
This summer, I invite you to give contemplation a try. Whether you are sitting in your backyard, walking on the beach, hiking in the woods, or taking a walk in your neighborhood, slow down and see what captures you attention. Maybe it’s a bird you have never seen before or a sea shell that has rolled up on the beach. Or maybe it’s a flower at the edge of the path or a squirrel that is looking for nuts. Don’t rush by. Stop and take a long look, a loving look at whatever is before you. You might be surprised at what you learn about God.
Remember
1. Slow down.
2. Pause.
3. Take time to observe what is in front of you without judgment or analysis.
4. Be open to discovering God and what God has to say to you. May contemplation be a blessing and bring you joy on your spiritual journey.
Christine McHenry June, 2024
05.05.24 FLYING PIG SUNDAY RECAP
On Sunday, May 5th we were a church beyond the walls supporting the #1 Marathon in the Country, the Flying Pig Marathon!
104 people either came out to Hyde Park Square to serve in the Party Zone cheering on racers as they “flew” down Erie Ave. and hosting spectators or ran the marathon making it a great morning in our community. From the supportive signs, cowbells, bubbles, and inflatable pigs to the first ever Flying Pig Choir the church really showed up from the first to the last racer! Thanks to all who came out to make it happen, it was such an inspiring and uplifting morning!
Each organization that volunteers with Flying Pig is given a donation which we will pass on to Lighthouse Youth and Family Services. The donation ($500) will go specifically for supporting housing accessibility to LBGTQ youth.
For the first Super Serve Saturday that restarts September 21 we will be serving 14K/7K Brewery Run in Over-theRhine (more information to come). Please mark your calendars for Sunday, May 5th for the 2025 Flying Pig where we will be at Hyde Park Square for the Party Zone to support the race!
To view more pictures from this fun event scan the QR code.
General Conference Recap
A great deal of ground breaking and historic change happened at the General Conference of The United Methodist Church that took place in Charlotte in May.
This included removing harmful language towards our LGBTQ siblings from The Book of Discipline, updating our Social Principles, removing prohibitions related to weddings and ordination of those who identify as queer, approving regionalization, and giving Deacons sacramental authority.
There is much work to be done to live into these changes but we are grateful for the opportunity to do so.
If you did not get a chance to watch the video recap or read the overview of the legislation that was passed, you can find it on our church website by clicking on the banner photo with Pastors Todd and Suzanne next to the #BeUMC.
Register your child age 2 1/2 – 5 for the 2024-2025 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.
Learning Through Play!
Learn more by visiting our website www.hydeparkpreschool.org. Questions? Email us at preschool@hpcumc.org.
BOOK CLUB SUMMER SERIES: Books & Beverages
with Sarah Knapton and Meredith Menius
Join Sarah and Meredith for a Summer Series of Books + Beverages! We will meet 2 times in person and 1 time via Zoom (see the schedule below). We hope you can join us!
July 31 at 6:30 pm via ZOOM: All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely
August 28 at 6:30 pm location TBD: In the Shelter by Pádraig Ó Tuama
On April 13th, we had the privilege of facilitating “Wound Stories: A Workshop for Listening and Responding to Stories of Harm” at Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church. The workshop originated out of conversations we had about our personal healing journeys and the various ways folks responded to our wound stories. We recognized that it is important for people to share stories of harm–such as rejection, religious abuse, experiences of racism/sexism/ etc., or the loss of a loved one. However, such stories are sometimes received poorly. Responses like “It could be worse!” or “I’m sure it wasn’t really that bad” or “What did you expect would happen?” may actually cause more harm. But we don’t believe “bad” responses come from “bad” people. Instead, we believe the listener’s emotions (anger, sadness, etc.) often give rise to these unhelpful responses. Also, people too often listen with their ego, projecting themselves onto the storyteller or refusing to accept a story that does not fit with their conception of a person, event, or institution. The aim of this workshop, then, was to bring awareness to unhelpful responses and help people become better at listening and responding to hard stories.
The workshop began by defining wound stories and explaining why people tell stories about harm. Then, we defined a variety of common but often unhelpful responses. We identified four categories of unhelpful responses: misunderstanding the harm, not believing the harm, centering/prioritizing the listener, and attacking the storyteller. In the final part of the workshop, we explained the elements of a helpful response, which we called “wound care.” The first step of wound care is recognizing that injury has occurred, that someone is in pain, and trying to understand their hurt. Then, with attention and gentleness, we believe anyone can provide the kind of supportive, thoughtful wound care that can be truly helpful.
The workshop also included a number of reflection activities as well as small and large group discussion. These conversations were some of the richest, most sacred moments of the workshop. Attendees shared bravely about their own wounds and practiced listening to and caring for each other's wounds.
Here are a few reflections from attendees:
“The workshop and workbook covered a lot of information in an engaging manner. The building blocks to understanding and implementation were solid and memorable. Though there was a Christian component, it was offered subtly so those seeking Divine guidance and those who are not surely found it a comfortable, welcoming environment.”
“My listening ear has been sensitized. I will look for opportunities to be a better listener. I have committed the five components of wound care to memory. I now have confidence in my ability to appropriately engage in wound stories.”
Grief
Scared
“This workshop helped me to see I haven’t always been helpful in my raesponse with others. Not because I didn’t want to be helpful, but because I didn’t have the tools. On reflection, this feeling of inadequacy caused me to avoid or poorly address opportunities for crucial conversations.”
“If you want to be a more loving person, if you want to be an instrument of peace, if you want to grow personally and communicate more effectively, and/ or if you are prone to negative self-talk, attend this workshop.”
We believe that wound care is sacred work that all Christians are called to as a legacy of Christ’s healing ministry. So, we hope to continue to refine and disseminate this material. We are currently working on turning the material into a book that could be used for small group discussion. We hope to start sending out inquiries to publishers later this summer. Also, we are considering how to offer more workshops or even virtual modules that folks can work through at their own pace.
Scan the QR code above to learn more about UMCOR
Scan the QR code above to donate to UMCOR
UMCOR Receives Top Rating from CharityWatch
CharityWatch, the only independent charity watchdog in the United States, released a report this spring on the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), awarding its highest A+ rating for the United Methodist humanitarian and relief agency.
Evaluating a number of key factors, the report states that UMCOR spends 97% of its cash budget on programming for humanitarian relief, response and recovery work. In addition, it spends $1 to generate $100 in donations. Analysis of UMCOR’s operations included the work of the Sager Brown Depot and the Immigration Law and Justice Network (ILJN, formerly NJFON), which are wholly owned subsidiaries of UMCOR.
Key factors included the transparency audit practices and the accessibility of financial data, governance policies, governance of the board of directors and privacy policies related to the organization’s donors.
According to CharityWatch: “Groups included on the CharityWatch toprated list generally spend 75% or more of their budgets on programs, spend $25 or less to raise $100 in public support, do not hold excessive assets in reserve, have met CharityWatch’s governance benchmarks, and receive ‘open-book’ status for disclosure of basic financial information and documents to CharityWatch.”
About UMCOR and the General Board of Global Ministries (would be good to put this section in a box)
Founded in 1940, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is the global humanitarian relief agency of The United Methodist Church. A part of Global Ministries, UMCOR works in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the United States and its territories. The agency’s mission, grounded in the teachings of Jesus, is to alleviate human suffering. Working in the areas of disaster response and recovery, sustainable development and migration, UMCOR responds to natural or civil disasters that are interruptions of such magnitude that they overwhelm a community’s ability to recover on its own.
The Kindness Campaign Coming this fall!
As the election season and all of the polarization that goes with it ramps up, join us as we participate in a different kind of campaign based on the words of Jesus, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
Designed and hosted by the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, United Methodists across the US will practice and encourage kindness, respect, love, humility, and compassion.
Vacation Bible School participants have already received a “Do unto Others” sticker. Yard signs will be available in September. Social media posts and a sermon series will also begin in the fall.
Join us in spreading Jesus’ message of kindness during this election season!
1946 Movie Recap
On Saturday, June 8th Hyde Park Community UMC hosted a witness event at the Esquire Theater to screen the documentary 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture. The documentary follows the story of tireless researchers who trace the origins of the antigay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946. It chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice. Featuring commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators, 1946 is at once challenging, enlightening, and inspiring.
119 people came out to fill a theater with half from HPCUMC and the rest from multiple other churches (Knox, Church of the Redeemer, First UCC, Trinity Episcopal, Friend University Christian Church), friends invited by HPCUMC people, and others who saw the event on social media.
The church is donating the money paid for each movie ticket ($1,170) to Lighthouse Youth and Family Services that will specifically go to supporting housing accessibility for LGBTQ youth.
Weren’t able to make it out to see the screen but still interested in watching it? You can rent the movie for $13 to screen at home by scanning the QR code with your phone.
You can further engage with what you learned from watching the movie by viewing reflection/discussion questions and information about state legislation regarding LBGTQ rights by scanning the QR code.
SUMMER Sermon Discussions
June 16th – August 18th
Join a staff member in the Library or via Zoom after each service at 9:15 am, 10:45 am, or 12:15 pm to discuss the sermon! After worship, grab a cup of coffee from the Welcome Center and head to the library to share your thoughts, takeaways, and/or questions after the sermon.
We look forward to seeing you!
Brews & Brené is BACK for the summer! On Mondays meet at the downstairs patio of Beans and Barley (Madison Rd.) to discuss an episode from Brené Brown’s Unlocking Us podcast. If you haven’t tried out the young adult ministry yet, this is a great study to try out and invite friends to!
Dr. Brené Brown has spent over 20 years studying emotions and experiences that bring meaning and purpose to our lives and if there’s one thing she’s learned it’s this: we are hardwired for connection, and connecting requires courage, vulnerability, and conversation. This podcast is real, unpolished, honest, and reflects both the magic and messiness of what it means to be human.
Each week will feature a different guest talking about various topics so each week stands on its own – come when you can. To view the schedule for the summer series and find links to the episodes scan the QR code.
WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL OF FAITHS?
The Cincinnati Festival of Faiths is EquaSion’s annual flagship event and the city’s largest interfaith celebration. It’s a gathering of 34 faith traditions and 13 world religions from the Greater Cincinnati area. It’s an exhibition with great food and entertainment and admission is free.
MAIN EXHIBITION
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
12:00 - 5:00pm
Xavier University's Cintas Center
VIRTUAL PROGRAMS (via Zoom): AUGUST 26 – AUGUST 28
INTERFAITH PEACE WALK
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
6:00 - 8:00pm
Ault Park
THE FESTIVAL IS A CELEBRATION OF ALL FAITHS WHERE WE CAN HAVE FUN AND LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER.
Use the QR code to learn more about this year's festival.
Volunteer Hub
Our new Volunteer Hub offers a place for you to stay up to date about volunteer opportunities at Hyde Park Community UMC. You can sign-up for Sunday morning slots, and also find other ways you can volunteer your time throughout the week. We hope this is a helpful and efficient way for you to connect with us and those in our community! If you would like to add anything to this document, please email this information to Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org.
Scan the QR code or use the iPad to discover opportunities to serve!
Scan the QR code below to check it out!
The Israeli occupation of Palestinian land has been an ongoing crisis for much of our history, and it continues to be a humanitarian crisis for those in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. This active information sheet was created by the leadership of Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church for you to use to educate and advocate for a ceasefire. As United Methodists, we hold a stake in peace and justice for all, and this includes our Palestinian siblings. Use the QR code to view the active informatin sheet. Please utilize the links provided, and share the resources as you can. If you have any questions, email Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org.
Do you pray everyday? Would you like help praying in the middle of the week? Join the group and receive a Mid-week Lift directly to your inbox.
To receive this weekly prayer, praise or encouragement email Denise Harpring at deeharp24@gmail.com. Don't wait, start praying with us this week!
News & Happenings Weekly E-blast
Stay up to date on everything that's happening at Hyde Park Community! Scan the QR code to receive our weekly newsletter straight to your email.
FAMILY MINISTRY
Have a toddler? a tween? a teenager? or maybe all three? Sign up to receive one of our family ministry newsletters so you are in the know about what's happening in these ministries.
Children's Ministry Infants – 5th grade
HPC Kids Weekly email contact Pam Pilger at ppilger@ hpcumc.org to get added to the list.
Youth Ministry 6th – 12th grade
Please email Dana Calhoun at dcalhoun@hpcumc.org to be added to our mailing list for our HPC Youth Newsletter.
Youth Youth
HYDE PARK COMMUNITY
BLOCK PARTY
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR SEPTEMBER 1ST! 2024
Suzanne Allen
Todd Anderson
Dana Calhoun
Jen Edwell
Christine McHenry
Sarah Knapton
Meredith Menius
Kate Smith
Julie Vail
Senior Pastor
Senior Pastor
Pastor of Mission & Outreach and Young Adult Ministry
