We have had a wonderful summer around HPC including SCUBA VBS (that went swimmingly!), a serve trip to Tijuana Christian Mission, Family Camp, three worship series that have helped us consider our approach, the context, and our focus as we read the Bible and allow it to shape our faith, and Sunday morning sermon discussions and the Faithful and Inclusive Study that also built on the summer worship theme. We have continued to work with our consultants from The Solution Consulting Co. to develop and prioritize the action steps for our Strategic Plan and the OTR Discernment team came to a consensus and presented a plan for next steps to the Servant Leadership Board. We have accomplished a lot together this summer!
As we move into fall, it is a time of resetting and refocusing. As many go back to school or get back into the school year routine after summer adventures, we will move back into a full offering of Sunday School classes for all ages, Bible studies, fellowship groups, service, and musical opportunities. We encourage you to find a way to connect in a small group setting where you can learn and grow in faith and community. Over and over again we find that faith and community are keys to wellbeing. If you would like suggestions on what might be a good fit for you, please let one of the pastors or Meredith Menius know.
As we reset and refocus for fall, it draws us back to our mission: “We strive to embody the hope and love of Jesus for all through service, worship, and companionship;” our values: “Curious, Courageous, and Connected,” and our three year goal: “As cocreators in God’s unfolding story, we commit to practices that build a beloved diverse intergenerational community that includes 250 new people investing in the life of the church and community with half under the age of 45.”
For us to fully achieve any of these, we will need your help. How will you invest and grow in faith this fall? How will you lead and serve in the life our church in ways that accomplish our mission while sharing our values? We’d love to talk with you about these questions. We also encourage you to pray about who you might reach out and invite into the life of faith through Hyde Park Community UMC. We have and abundance of faith and community to share with hope and love.
It is a privilege to share it with you!
Blessings,
Pastors Suzanne, Todd & Kate
UPCOMING SERMON SERIES…
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.
October 6 - November 3 | Do Unto Others
Jesus taught that we should treat others as we want them to treat us – including those with whom we disagree. Known as The Golden Rule, a version of this teaching can be found in almost every religion in the world. This holds the power to bring people together again. And this is one of the most important things we can proclaim right now because our world seems to be consumed with division–often typified in the colors red and blue. Rather than stay in our monochromatic silos, the Golden Rule in scripture challenges us to engage in conversation and seek to create whatever common good we can with our relatives, friends, and neighbors who we might consider to be on the “other side” politically and ideologically. As we attempt to come together, the idea is not that we are obliterating either one or trying to change each other, but rather we discover the beauty that can be created when we work together to make the world a better place. The “purple space” is where we cultivate kindness, compassion, humility, respect, and love for one another and for the good of all the world, no matter what.
Kicks Off in a FUN Way September 21st
You're invited to serve alongside our community partners throughout Cincinnati or take part in projects here at the church. As of last May, Super Serve Saturday had an average of 50 people who served each month!
As we kick off this September we are doing something different! We are having just one project to rally around to start the new S3 year and partnering with PigWork’s (the organization that created and runs the Flying Pig Marathon) by supporting The Hudepohl 14K/7K Brewery Run!
The Run, one of the TQL Beer Series events, kicks off Oktoberfest Cincinnati, the largest Oktoberfest celebration outside of Munich. The 14K Brewery Run and shorter 7K start and end along Cincinnati’s riverfront.
Along the course, racers will pass by many of the historic brewery sites of early Cincinnati and follow the routes that the horse-drawn carts took to bring the beer from the breweries to the riverboats that would take the beer throughout the country.
We will host a spot at the corner of E Liberty Street and Moore Street (near the Shell gas station). Our post will be along the course of the 14K, close to mile 3. Like the Flying Pig Marathon, we will cheer on the racers and help make it more fun by passing out some type of fun food/candy to be picked up along their way! It will be a unique way to encourage the racers!
There will be two shifts available to sign up for:
6:45a - 8:30a
8:30a-10:30a
Sign up using the QR code below.
3RD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH SEPTEMBER – MAY
Support our local partnerships Serve projects for all ages and abilities
Impact from last round of Super Serve Saturday:
50 people Rocked the Block in Covington with Habitat for Humanity
30 people helped to prepare for Scuba Vacation Bible School
We hosted Meals on Wheels Bust a Crust event supporting seniors and 81 people from our church came out to serve
$2,400 was raised for Tijuana Christian Mission for the SOUPer Bowl sale with a group in January coming to the church to mass produce soup
United Women in Faith hosted two serve days preparing for their Christmas and Easter sale with proceeds (over $2,000) benefiting our mission partners
The most popular partner to serve with was New LIfe Furniture building furniture, organizing homegoods, and serving in their thrift store
To find out what opportunities are available and sign up to serve scan the QR code with your phone or visit http://hydeparkchurch.org/superserve-saturday/
The Solution Consulting Co. Visit this September Strategic Action Steps Presentation
Over the last year our staff and leadership team have been working with The Solution Consulting Co. to grow in our capacity to be an inclusive church where all feel a sense of belonging and to develop the action steps connected to our Strategic Plan. They will be on site September 22-24 as our staff and lay leaders share the results of the work we have done with the congregation.
Mark your calendars and join us to hear the presentation of the next steps we will take in the areas of communication and leadership development.
These will take place on:
Sunday September 22nd at 4:30-6:00pm on Zoom (QR code below)
Monday September 23rd at 7pm-8:30pm in the Welcome Center
Tuesday September 24tth at 10am-11:30am in the Refectory
Your feedback and participation in implementing these priorities is essential and appreciated!
The consultant team of Ava Williams, Yinka Arjiotutu, and Gabrielle Roffe have helped us as a church staff to increase our awareness of practices that create an inclusive culture rather than a dominant culture. The practice that has most helped us pause and reconsider is that of urgent patience. We continue to learn how to do what is most important at a healthy pace rather than feeling like everything needs to be done with urgency in ways that are not healthy for the whole and might even work against our mission.
They have also worked with the OTR Discernment team, helping us assess demographic information and to consider how to best listen to the community. The most significant portion of our time with them recently has been working with two teams, communication and leadership development, on the action steps for our strategic plan.
We are looking forward to having them with us again at Hyde Park Community from September 22-24. Yinka Arjiotutu will also share in our worship services that Sunday.
QR code to join the zoom meeting on Sept. 22nd
Pastor Todd's Tuesday Morning Study
Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m., in the Refectory
Dates: August 27, September 3, 10, and 17, 2024
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.
August 27:
Introduction, The Making of the Hebrew Bible, The Creation Story of Israel, Timeline
September 3:
Out of Bondage, Promise and the Problem of the Land
September 10:
Israel has a King, Division, and the Rise of Prophecy
September 17:
Exile and Response, Restoration and Renewal
Pastor Suzanne’s Tuesday Evening Bible Study—Acts
Begins August 27th - November 5th
7:00pm-8:30pm Meets every other Tuesday This study has 6 sessions.
Join us this fall as we study Acts! We will study the book of Acts using Matthew Skinner’s book Acts: Catching Up with the Spirit to guide our discussion.
Please register on Realm or through the church office. Books will be available from the office in early August for a $10 donation.
In Acts: Catching up with the Spirit, author and biblical scholar Matthew Skinner provides an introduction to this important book and its story of the early church learning to bear witness about God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.
Skinner explores six key themes that illustrate the ways in which reading Acts is capable of igniting our imagination about the character of the Christian message, the work of God’s people (the church), and the challenges of living faithfully in a complex and changing world.
JULY
6-11 2024
TEAM MEMBERS
Kate Smith
Yana Keck
Olivia Klenke
Henry Perkins
Mary Wheeler
Scott Schap
Laura Schap
Clay Heap
SERVING CONNECTING & SHARING GOD'S LOVE
Tijuana Serve Trip Recap
In July, an intergenerational team of 8 representing 5 decades traveled to serve alongside our global partners Tijuana Christian Mission (or TCM - a children’s home) and Women with Purpose (women’s shelter). The team spent the first two days building relationships with the high schooler and college students at the Tijuana campus engaging in basketball, card and board games, puzzles, bowling, and sharing meals together. The team found that the language barrier did not prevent them from connecting with each of the teens, young adults, and staff.
The rest of the week, the team traveled daily to TCM’s Rosarito campus (45 minutes south of Tijuana) to play with the children as well as complete two work projects. With the children’s home being on a mountain made of dirt and clay, the major work project was to create a paved large walkway for people to use to get between the buildings on campus. This project was a priority because when it rains, the campus turns to mud and is difficult to navigate. While it was tedious and strenuous work, the team was able to complete with the help of eager young children to also pitch in making it for an enjoyable experience.
The other work project was to also put gravel under where all the laundry for the children's home hangs to dry to ensure that the clean clothes don’t fall into dirt or mud.
One of the highlights of the trip was the unique opportunity to attend graduations for Kindergarten and 6th grade students. The team put together a gift basket for two of the students to celebrate with them. What was so special about these graduations is that the team witnessed two of the graduates (brothers - one in Kindergarten and one in 6th grade) become cycle breakers. Almost two years ago, these same children were found with their toddler brother abandoned in a hotel room after migrating from Honduras. Since coming to TCM, the oldest brother began thriving in school getting some of the best grades in his class. He is taking guitar lessons, plays on the flag football team and enjoys surf classes and playing chess. It was clear on this visit that he and his brothers feel safe, knowing that they have a place where they are deeply loved and cared for. This is just one of the many sacred stories the team were able to see firsthand how TCM makes a profound impact on the lives of children.
REFLECTIONS
FROM SOME OF THE TEAM MEMBERS
God’s work through seemingly ordinary people can be extraordinary: the women’s shelter, the resurrected lives of the orphans, the infusion of purpose into the battered lives of some of the staff. I have much more faith (again) in the quiet, long-term impact of God in our lives.
– Henry Perkins
“I really felt God with us wherever we were. God was wrapping His arms around all the kids and using each one of them to bring smiles to each other. It was truly amazing to witness. I love serving with TCM and can't wait to go back next year”
– Mary Wheeler
“My mission journey taught me that you shouldn’t believe everything you see online and you should experience things for yourself. I learned that people in Mexico are not like how they are portrayed in the media. It was nice to get a full perspective on what their lives are really like. Getting the full story, seeing the realities of immigrant cities was important for me to grow as a teenager.”
– Laura Schap
PAVING THE WAY
“I felt God's presence with me the entire trip. Although I already knew that God is within each one of us, I really could see God working in each team member. I also learned that prayer can be very powerful. I felt the prayers of our church, my connect group and my friends so strongly - every day!”
– Yana Keck
“This trip was honestly one of the best things I could have done this year. I learned that going on mission trips is something I enjoy as I loved being able to help a little and make some great memories and relationships. Playing with the kids at Rosarito was honestly the best. It didn’t matter that I only understood a little bit of what they were saying, we were still able to have so much fun.”
– Olivia Klenke
“Building relationships is the most important part of the trip. But the physical projects are the enduring reminders of those relations to the locals and to us after we leave.”
– Henry Perkins
SUMMER 2025 SERVE TRIPS
Hyde Park Community UMC is planning for 2 serve trips in the summer of 2025.
TIJUANA, MEXICO SERVE TRIP
Saturday, June 21 to Friday, June 27
Visit and serve alongside our global partners
Tijuana Christian Mission (also known as TCM - a children’s home with campuses in Tijuana and Rosarito) and Women with Purpose (women’s shelter next door to TCM’s Rosarito campus).
WHO
The focus of the trip is to be a youth serve trip with adults who want to serve alongside them
COST
$450 plus airfare (flying in and out of San Diego)
DETAILS
What we do with TCM and the women’s shelter will depend on the gifts of the team that forms (like capital improvement projects at the children’s home) but will definitely focus on building relationships with the children, teens, and women. While being able to understand and speak Spanish is a bonus, there are plenty of TCM staff that are bilingual and serve as translators.
There will be pre-immersion sessions that happen in the Spring that will include team building, bible study, culture study, and trip planning.
INFORMATION MEETING
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH after each service
Questions before the meeting: Contact Pastor Kate Smith (ksmith@hpcumc.org), Dana Calhoun (dcalhoun@hpcumc. org), or Mary Wheeler (mews1971@gmail.com)
CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA SERVE TRIP
Friday, July 25 - Thursday, July 31
Visit and serve alongside ICM Fe y Esperanza (Faith and Hope Colombia Methodist Church) as they serve children in their local village outside of Cartagena through various ministries, engage in their ministry with LBGTQ people, and learn about Footprints with Hope’s The Luchadoras en Acción Program (Women Warriors in Action) that provides an opportunity for women to learn a skill/trade.
WHO
Open to all adults and high school students serving with parents/grandparents who are comfortable with international travel.
COST
TBD, working on budget numbers and will be available at the November information meeting
DETAILS
What we do in Cartagena will depend on the gifts of the team that forms. Our focus will be building relationships and exploring a growing relationship with the church.
While being able to understand and speak Spanish is a bonus, we will hire a translator to be with us throughout our experience.
There will be pre-immersion sessions that happen in the Spring that will include team building, bible study, culture study, and trip planning.
INFORMATION MEETING
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH after each service
Questions before the meeting: Contact Pastor Kate Smith (ksmith@hpcumc.org) or Kevin Betts (Betts.K@ gmail.com)
Scan the QR code to visit the Facebook page with more information
Sunday Connect Group
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 starting in October at the home of David and Jill Colaw.
If you are interested in attending, please email Jill Colaw at jillcolaw@gmail.com.
New Member Class Dates
Fall 2024 BOOK CLUB
with Meredith Menius
Join Meredith this fall as we continue to hold Book Club! Please see the schedule and how to register below. Locations TBD.
September 18th, 6:30 pm
The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon by Bill McKibben
October 23rd, 6:30 pm
Disunity in Christ by Christena Cleveland
November 20th, 6:30 pm
A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans
December 18th, 6:30 pm
Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe
Register here
We are excited to announce our 2024-2025 New Member Class dates! If you want to join, whether as a new member or you want to transfer your membership from another church, please register below!
Questions? Contact Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org.
Fall Classes Calendar
Our Sunday School classes are staring back on September 8th! Please reach out to Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org if you have any questions.
9:30 am Classes
Adult Bible Study Class, Location TBD with Pete Rudowski Starting October 13th
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, Location TBD
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. The class 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.
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.
Be Still … A Reflective Moment CENTERING GOD: THE PRAYER LABYRINTH
Several weeks ago in our sermon series on Centering God, Pastor Suzanne referred to the prayer labyrinth as a metaphor for keeping God at our center. So I thought I would take this opportunity to talk about labyrinths and to remind us of our labyrinths at HPCUMC and at Smale Park.
The labyrinth is an ancient spiritual tool dating back 5000 years and can be found in all cultures and all religions. The best-known labyrinth with Christian roots is found inside the sanctuary of the 13th century Chartres Cathedral in France. The labyrinth was and is used as a spiritual tool representing life and the spiritual journey. A labyrinth is not a maze. Whereas a maze is a puzzle designed to confuse and challenge us, a labyrinth is designed for us to find our way. A maze has more than one entrance and has many blind allies. A labyrinth has one way in and one way out. There are no blind allies and no puzzles to solve. Just the path.
There are many different types of labyrinths but the older labyrinths, or archetypal labyrinths, are circular. The Chartres labyrinth is one such archetypal labyrinth. Modern labyrinths can be found in many different shapes including butterflies and footprints. Below are pictures of the HPCUMC outdoor labyrinth which is a Chartres-like labyrinth and the labyrinth at Smale Park.
The HPCUMC outdoor labyrinth which was originally behind the Erie Building is now located outside the chapel on the corner of Observatory and Meier. During Holy Week you can find a full-sized canvas Chartres labyrinth in the Little Theater.
Several weeks ago I was on a retreat at a local retreat center and walked a small Chartres-style labyrinth. As I was walking I was not only aware of the twists and turns, taking me closer and then further away from the center, but I was also aware of what was on the labyrinth. On the outer path there were a lot of pine needles and other debris. These became fewer and fewer the closer I got to the center. I thought how this was so like my life. When I feel far away from God for whatever reason, the little things of life, the little annoyances or concerns, accumulate and seem much bigger than they truly are. It is only by centering on
HPC Labyrinth
Smale Park Labyrinth
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.
God, by drawing closer to the Holy, that these annoyances and concerns take on a different perspective. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and drained, I feel hope and empathy.
For those who may be interested in walking a prayer labyrinth, here are some general guidelines. It is important to remember that there is not a right way or a wrong way to walk the labyrinth. Allow the Spirit to guide you.
1. Prepare for your walk.
• Pause at the entrance. Become quiet and centered.
• Be aware of your breath. This helps quiet the mind.
• Rid yourself of any expectations of what you might experience during your walk.
• Bow or nod before entering the labyrinth indicating your intention of being fully present.
2. Follow your natural pace.
• Take as much time as needed.
• As you walk toward the center, release any details and distractions of the day.
• Pay attention to what you see, hear, and feel as you walk. Use anything and everything that occurs during your walk as a metaphor for your journey.
• If there are others on the labyrinth with you, you may move around them as you meet along the path.
• When you reach the center, pause and be fully present. Be open to what God wants to reveal to you. Dwell in God’s presence, love, and joy.
• Leave the center when it seems appropriate and follow the path back out into the world.
3. Exit the labyrinth.
• As you exit the labyrinth, turn and face the entrance. Thank God for this time and ask God for the courage and strength to take out into the world what has been revealed to you.
If you are interested in learning more about labyrinths or your group would like to experience a labyrinth walk, please don’t hesitate to contact me, Christine McHenry at clm2804@gmail.com.
Blessings on your journey.
Way of Faith UMC Cluj, Romania ZOOM GATHERING
In July, 13 people gathered via Zoom with Pastor Rares and missionary Leah Harper representing our global partner church Way of Faith UMC in Cluj, Romania. We spent the hour with Pastor Rares sharing an inspiring and moving devotion, hearing and sharing updates about each church and prayer requests, and ended the meeting with a time of prayer.
You are invited to attend future meetings as a way to stay connected with our global partners in Cluj, Romania. It is our hope that people from both churches will attend these Zoom gatherings happening every other month from 12:00p-1:00p (a great way to spend your lunch hour). Each time we gather, we will take part in a short devotion, share updates from each of the churches as well as joy and concerns, and spend time in prayer. This is a great opportunity for those who don’t know much about our partner church and want to learn more as well as those who have visited Cluj, Romania.
The upcoming meeting dates are Thursday, September 12 and Thursday, November 7th from 12:00p-1:00p. Scan the QR code to register for the Zoom meeting and get the link to join the meeting on that day.
September 12
Zoom Registration Link:
November 7th
Zoom Registration Link:
2024–2025
Doppelflöte
Melissa Freilich, flutist & Vincent Ryan, organist
Sunday NOV 9
Bonus Event
2024
2024 @ 4:00 p.m.
Organ & Flute NOV 10
More information about the duo scan the QR code or visit https://ourflutestudio.com/doppelflote.
@ 1:00 p.m.
Orgelkids USA workshop for all ages!
• Build a real pipe organ!
• In less than an hour you will assemble a beautiful instrument, then make beautiful music.
• Adapts each build to the group’s makeup
VBS CELEBRATION RECAP:
SCUBA Vacation Bible School was all about “Diving into Friendship with God!”
We had 225 kids attend and 127 volunteers participated. We collected donations for Meals on Wheels and named it “Soaps and Suds Supporting Seniors.” We collected $300 and 622 soap items.
Themes for each day:
God is a friend who is real!
God is a friend who loves!
God is a friend we can trust!
God is a friend forever!
God is a friend for everyone!
Special thanks to ALL who helped with VBS 2024!
OTR Campus
DISCERNMENT TEAM UPDATE
DISCERNMENT TEAM MEMBERS
Pastor Suzanne
Pastor Todd
Pastor Kate
Ronda Deel
Amy Greene
Austin Tinsley
Jan Seymour
Kathy Thorton Keith
Jill Colaw
In January 2024 we formed an OTR Discernment team to discern what our next steps related to this space would be. The 12 member team included pastors, staff members, young adults, older adults and those who had been involved in various areas of ministry from the time it was Nast Trinity through OTR Community church.
One member described the team as “open minded, dedicated, diverse and task oriented.”
The team followed a three phase process for discernment:
Phase 1: Study to discern pros and cons of holding on to the entrusted building(s) or selling one or two buildings.
Phase 2: What would we do with the building? Timeline? Partners?
Phase 3: Criteria for Potential Direction/Next Steps
PHASE 1
During this phase we embodied our congregational value of curiosity. We spent time in the space and community looking, listening, asking questions, learning history, and walking the neighborhood. We met with leaders and took a tour at First Lutheran Church, took the Homeless Tour with Dr. Mark of the Homeless Coalition, joined the OTR Pastor and Non-Profit leaders group which we found out was originally started by Dave Weaver, we hosted various events and meetings there including MLKing Walk lunch, SLB, the Young Adult retreat, and an Alt. Spring Break group. Two team members attended the national Fresh Expressions Conference in Charlotte. Over this time, we also rediscovered the rich history of the location and its missional impact in German Methodism, in the US and in Germany.
We also offered a HPC congregational survey about the OTR property.
A Summary of Results Indicated:
• Deep care of the OTR area and desire to be a positive influence
• Divided as to whether best option was selling or staying as a presence in the community
• Many questions around finances
• Many had not been to the building recently
“The many conversations … have generated a multitude of ideas, opportunities for relationships and partnerships, and a sense of excitement and possibilities that we couldn’t have imagined…”
– OTR Discernment team member
Follow up on results:
• Congregational meetings answering questions on finances
• Studied Book of Discipline, Consulted with DS and Church Building and Location and gave an overview of our missional responsibility as stewards of an urban core church property
• Held 3 open houses for people to see property and ask questions
Summarizing our work up to this point, one team member noted: “The many conversations with community leaders in OTR and HPC ministry partners have generated a multitude of ideas, opportunities for relationships and partnerships, and a sense of excitement and possibilities that we couldn’t have imagined when we began the discernment process in January. These conversations and a survey of the OTR community have served to clarify needs and focus our thinking about where we go from here.”
At the end of phase 1, we came to a consensus that the building was a gift that was entrusted to us to continue the significant ministry of Nast Trinity in OTR. It was humbling to learn that while we might not remember, the neighborhood remembers the significant positive impact of Nast Trinity and the positive impact of the UMC.
With all of this information, the team used a decision making matrix to come to these recommendations at the end of Phase 1: Keep both buildings and continue to offer a missional UMC presence in OTR.
These conclusions were based on the rationale that the Kin-dom/ministry value far exceeds the
cash value, HPC has a lot to both learn and gain from continuing to invest in OTR, when this kind of resource is gone, it’s gone, and we contribute to continued gentrification, and it aligns with our strategic plan of reaching more diverse and younger people.
PHASE 2
Once we reached this consensus, we moved into the second phase of our discernment process, asking what would we do with the building? What timeline would we follow? And, who would be our partners? In this phase we continued dialogue with community members, mission partners, relators, lawyers, etc. We offered a local OTR community survey and found that the primary felt needs are affordable housing, community & spiritual community and community meeting space.
At the end of phase two we reached consensus on the recommendation that whatever we do moving forward is done as “us.” In other words, this is a part of HPCUMC in OTR and will be one church with various ministry expressions that all are in alignment with our mission, vision and values with a clear staff and funding configuration.
We also developed these criteria for potential direction/next steps:
• Flexibility for Experimentation involving Community, Congregations, and Mission Partners to explore and try out new things in the Church Building
• Serve community need(s) that supports community building across diverse groups
• Has a positive impact on lives and on the OTR community
• Supports the vision, mission, values, and strategic plan of HPCUMC
• A path forward exists to fund programming and renovations/staffing and volunteers
After prayerfully researching, reviewing, and discussing we found:
Greatest identified community need(s):
• Affordable housing
• Community gathering space
Emergent need:
• Laundromat
In August, the OTR Discernment team met and presented their results and recommendation to the Servant Leadership Board. The SLB gave approval to move forward in an exploration phase to come up with a more detailed plan related to funding, staffing, and next steps on this recommendation:
PHASE 3 Recommendations for further exploration: Church Building:
• Begin experimenting with community and mission partners to utilize space in the church building- seeing what works and what doesn’t
• Determine how to staff/support these activities during this experimentation phase
Adjacent Building:
• 1st Floor— community non-profit laundromat
• 2nd & 3rd Floors—several transitional housing units to be utilized in conjunction with mission partners such as Respite Center and Found House, and possibly by our out of town speakers/ministers/concert performers
More details for this next phase will be brought to the SLB. If approved, it will then be brought to a church conference so that a building committee can be formed.
Interested in helping to accomplish this vision? If you have questions about this process or have gifts of skills to share as we enter the next phase related to OTR, please contact one of the pastors or a member of the team listed above. Most of all, please keep this vision and next steps in your prayers.
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!
PRIDE RECAP
We had a wonderful time at Cincinnati Pride this past June! This year, we introduced hosting a table in addition to participating in the Parade. This table provided postcards for the Pride Festival attendees to write letters to their legislators to vote and advocate against HB 8, the Parents’ Bill of Rights Act and HB 68, the Ohio Saving Adolescents from Experimentation (Ohio SAFE) Act. Both of these bills in our Ohio Legislator create significant harm for our transgender, nonbinary, gender diverse, and queer siblings in our community. You can learn more about the bills themselves and where they are in the legislative process by scanning the QR codes with information from Honesty for Ohio Education.
As a faith community whose mission is to “strive to embody the hope and love of Jesus through service, worship, and companionship,” it is within our collective, Christian charge to oppose these bills as they create hurdles and barriers to the love and care that our transgender, nonbinary, gender diverse, and queer siblings have a right to as human beings. There are many ways for you to continue supporting our siblings in the midst of these bills and other forms of discrimination that exist in our city, state, and country. If you have questions about what this can look like, please contact Meredith Menius at mmenius@hpcumc.org. We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who participated, whether through prayer, gifts, or presence! We are excited for Pride 2025!
- Meredith Menius (she/they) Director of Connecting and Discipleship Ministries
September 6, 2024: Aimee Stockdale
October 4, 2024: Trivia - Community Building Game Day
November 1, 2024: Cathedral Choir Program
December 6, 2024: Innocence Project: Elwood Jones
Social time starts at 11:00 am. Lunch is served at 12:00 pm, with the Program starting at 1:00 pm. RSVP for Lunch ($10.00 per person)
Contact Peggy Schmitt via email at meschmitt2013@gmail.com or call/text at 513-673-6841 to RSVP.
To follow along with the sermon series Holy Troublemakers and the Arc of Justice, the young adults will dive into the Book of Isaiah. The study will incorporate four visions of the prophet Isaiah that raises holy trouble as we learn that central and essential to living life together is justice.
Young adults are invited to watch a short video via Amplify Media (think Netflix for Christians) before each session that introduces a vision from Isaiah. We will explore how the words of Isaiah regarding justice and peace still have meaning and relevance for us today.
The study will take place on Monday evenings from 7:00-8:30pm at Bean and Barley starting September 9th through October 7th.
Leading up to the November election, the young adults will explore what it means to cultivate kindness paralleling the Do Unto Others sermon series. By engaging in this study and worship series it is a way to send the message to our community that kindness is the most important behavior we can exhibit as we seek to depolarize our community and love our neighbors.
In this four-week study, young adults will explore our call to love others and look at why we struggle so much with loving our neighbors, and how the complexity of the world can challenge our most basic assumptions. We’ll explore how to engage with all people practicing the Bible’s great love ethic: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12)
WEEKLY STUDY TOPICS
September 9
A Vision of Hope
September 16
A Vision of Life
September 23
Strategic Plan Presentation at church
September 30
A Vision of Cooperation
October 7
A Vision of God
To find out more information about the study and to access Amplify Media please scan the QR code
WEEKLY STUDY TOPICS
October 14
Calling: The call of Abraham and Sarah
October 21
Fear: The universal experience of fear
October 28
Gospel: Jesus teaches us how to love all people
November 4
Church: Intentionality in the life of our faith community
COLAW LECTURE SERIES October 25-27
Weekend Schedule:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25: LECTURE
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Lecture by Dan
8:00 pm - 8:30 pm Q&A with Dan
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26: CONTEMPLATIVE WORKSHOP
8:30 am - 2:30 pm (lunch included)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27: PREACHING
Dan will preach at all three services (8:00 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00am)
Scan the QR code to RSVP for the Dinner on October 25. Scan the QR code to sign up for the workshop on October 26.
Mark your calendar for October 25-27 as we welcome Dan Wolpert as our next Colaw Lecturer!
Childcare for ages 4 & under is provided for all events this weekend.
More about Daniel:
Daniel Wolpert, a healer and student of the spiritual life, worked as a research scientist, psychologist, farmer, and teacher, before earning his Masters of Divinity degree at San Francisco Theological Seminary (SFTS). Co-founder and former Executive Director of the Minnesota Institute of Contemplation and Healing (MICAH, micahprays.org), he has taught in the fields of psychology and spiritual formation in numerous settings around the world. A writer and a spiritual director, he has also played key rolls in developing environments for contemplation and spiritual leadership, helping to build or restore monasteries, theological schools, and retreat centers across North America. Author of multiple books on the spiritual life, his most recent work is “Looking Inward, Living Outward: The Spiritual Practice of Social Transformation” (Upper Room 2024). When not on the road, he divides his time between Seattle and Minnesota.
Daniel Wolpert
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!
Scan the QR code or use the iPad to discover opportunities to serve!
Volunteer Hub
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 below to check it out!
Scan the QR code or use the iPad to discover opportunities to serve!
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.
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.
Learn more by visiting our website www.hydeparkpreschool.org. Questions? Email us at preschool@hpcumc.org.
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 information 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
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
Have you considered serving?
Strong lay leadership is critical to having a healthy and thriving church. Those in lay leadership bring skills, ideas, and energy from their various backgrounds, increase communication and connection within the congregation, and help the church to stay focused on mission and strategic priorities.
The Servant Leadership Board (SLB) is the lay leadership team at Hyde Park Community. The SLB is made up of 12-15 lay members along with the pastors and several key program ministry directors.
Lay members of the SLB serve for a 3-year term and are a part of one of three teams that make up the SLB: Personnel, Property, and Finance.
The term year begins in January. We are currently accepting applications from those who are interested in serving on the Servant Leadership Board.
If you are interested in serving, please pick up an application on the welcome center desk, check the church website, or e-mail Pastor Suzanne at sallen@hpcumc.org with questions or for an application.
Applications are due by Sunday September 29th but positions may be filled before or after that as decided by the Nominations team.
Senior Pastor
Senior Pastor
Pastor of Mission & Outreach and Young Adult Ministry
