Music Ministry Member Highlight: Christina Cotrone
Celebrating 20 years of Blanket Ministry
Be Still: A New Year’s Prayer
The New Year has arrived, bringing a season of change and renewal. With Pastor Suzanne transitioning to a new role as a member of Bishop Jung’s Cabinet, we also welcome new staff assignments to our ministry. Exciting new opportunities are unfolding: fresh initiatives in the OTR (Over-the-Rhine), Holiday Markets, a yoga class, a retreat, and a vision for a community laundromat. At the Grace Campus in Hyde Park, we are launching a new Confirmation Class experience, exploring the possibility of a capital campaign for the church, and offering studies and other enriching opportunities. Additionally, we’re introducing a new Easter Basket ministry to provide food for families, similar to our Thanksgiving Basket program.
As we step into this new chapter, I must confess that the New Year feels like it snuck up on me. It seems like I was just navigating the Thanksgiving season, preparing my heart to welcome Jesus, attending Christmas services, traveling to Columbus to visit family, hosting relatives at home, celebrating a birthday, and juggling it all. Life has felt like one long run-on sentence—much like the one I just used to describe it!
For those of us who didn’t find time for quiet reflection during Advent and Christmas, it’s not too late. Take a moment now. The Christmas season isn’t over; it spans twelve days, from December 25 to January 6, culminating in Epiphany. And even Epiphany is not the end. The story of the wise one’s bearing gifts continues, and we can celebrate this moment until January 12, when the Western Church observes the Baptism of Jesus—a moment rich in meaning for our lives.
Baptism calls us all to ministry and service in Jesus Christ. While this doesn’t mean everyone will become a preacher or pastor, it signifies a shared calling. Baptism reminds us that each of us plays a vital role in the church’s ministry. During baptismal remembrance services, we renew our faith and pledge to care for the church, resist injustice and evil, and uphold the church through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness—all for the glory of God.
Another cherished tradition, especially among Methodists, is the Covenant Service. This January, as part of our sermon series One Faithful Promise: The Wesleyan Covenant for Renewal, we will explore the depth of this tradition. Once forgotten, the Wesleyan Covenant Service has been revived in updated forms, inviting us to deepen our commitment as followers of Christ.
As we begin this New Year, I extend an invitation to each of you: let us engage in new and meaningful ways, renew our covenant with God, and recommit to living as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. May this be a year of growth, service, and deepened faith for all of us.
“I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen.”
Sincerely,
Pastor Todd
Upcoming Sermon Series
December 29-January 26
One Faithful Promise: The Wesleyan Covenant for Renewal
The Wesley Covenant Prayer and Renewal Service from 1755, which is the substance of this sermon series is built upon the work of Megrey deVega, who wrote One Faithful Promise: The Wesleyan Covenant for Renewal. The Wesleyan Covenant Prayer became a crucial act of Methodist identity.
The Wesleyan Covenant Service, found its origins in 1755, and was preceded by several mornings of teaching from John Wesley about “the means of increasing serious religion.” Charles Wesley also wrote a hymn supporting the prayer – “Come, Let Us Use the Grace Divine.”
Since 1755, many Methodists have used this liturgy on New Year’s Eve – the Watch Night Service – as a service of renewal of the individual’s covenant with God for the coming year. At Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, we will begin our own “Watch Night” if you will on Sunday December 29 and continue until the end of January as we consider together the depth of our Wes-leyan heritage unpacked through this profound prayer of trust and faith in God.
February 2nd
Youth & Scout Sunday
February 9th
Samara Russia Joint Service, 8:00am
February 9- March 2
Spiritual Gifts and Wholehearted
Living: Gifts of Imperfection
Our February Sermon Series will focus on expanding our understanding of spiritual gifts. We will explore the scriptures to see the ways in which people with a variety of gifts use them to further the love and hope of God for all people. Join us in this series as we dive into these themes together, holding our values of being curious, courageous, and connected at the center of these conversations!
Led by Stephanie Tunison Stephanie is a retired Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Her call has always been outside of the church, to be a bridge between the world and the church. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with certification as a Clinical Trauma Professional in private practice in Kenwood. Teaching, leading retreats, and sharing information about the love of God are her passions. She is especially excited with her new revelations about Epiphany and its meaning for our everyday lives. Please join her to learn more about this Christian experience at the retreat, Beyond the Wisemen, to deepen your daily walk with Jesus throughout the New Year.
ASH WEDNESDAY MARCH
5 ,2025
United Women of Faith Ash Wednesday service will be at 11:00am followed by a soup luncheon. The offering will go to UWF local ministries.
Celebration and Send Off
On Sunday December 22nd, we held a farewell reception in the Welcome Center to say goodbye and thank you to Pastor Suzanne after two and a half years serving as one of our Senior Pastors. Pastor Suzanne also invited us to attend an Appreciation Open House at the parsonage that afternoon.
She began her new role as the District Superintendent of the Great Miami River District on January 1, 2025. She will supervise the churches in the 7 counties in Southwestern Ohio: Preble, Montgomery, Greene, Butler, Warren, Clermont, & Hamilton. Due to a conflict of interest, she will not serve as the Superintendent for Hyde Park Community. Rev. Jim Wilson will serve in that capacity for us.
The District Office for our area is located in Blue Ash on the second floor of the Brecon UMC. There will be a Service of Installation for Pastor Suzanne as a District Superintendent during the afternoon of February 22, 2025 at Monroe UMC in conjunction with Bishop Jung’s day on the district. You are invited to mark your calendars and to plan to attend.
Pastor Suzanne and her family will continue to live in the parsonage, renting it from the church, as Pastor Todd owns his own home.
Our New Staffing Structure begins January 1, 2025!
Appreciation:
At this transition point, we want to say thank you to those who served dynamically in various roles over the last few years:
Pastor Suzanne—Senior Pastor of Worship and Leadership Development
Pastor Todd—Senior Pastor of Administration and Missional Engagement
Meredith Menius—Director of Connecting and Discipleship Ministries
Dana Calhoun—Director of Youth and Family Ministries
Sara Pease—Children’s Ministry Coordinator and Communications Support
Abundant Blessings:
We celebrate the blessing that we have so many gifted staff members who expressed interest, interviewed with our Personnel Team, and have accepted new positions within our staff. We are excited to see them step out in faith, expand their skill set, and lead us in our mission as “we strive to embody the hope and love of Jesus for all through worship, service, and companionship.”
New Roles: Who’s doing what?
While it’s hard to capture everything that one person does in a few bullet points, we wanted to give you a snapshot of what each of the staff members in new roles will be responsible for:
Senior Pastor: Rev. Dr. Todd D. Anderson
Pastor Todd will serve as the primary spiritual and strategic leader of the congregation and staff. He will work closely with the SLB, lead the Equipping Team, Program Team, and Staff, as well as take on worship planning and direction along with two co-directors of worship, Ben Owen and Aimee Stockdale. Pastor Todd will continue to teach, preach, serve in connectional church roles, and give direction to the Capital Campaign process.
Director of Operations: Meredith Menius
Meredith with serve as the primary administrative leader of the congregation and staff. She will work closely with the Administrative Staff to create the yearly schedule of meetings, design meeting agendas, and support the work of the SLB & Equipping teams, always keeping the mission, values, inclusivity policy, and strategic plan in front of the staff and congregation. She will keep all policies and procedures up to date including the Employee Handbook, Financial Policies, and Safer Sanctuaries. They will also work with the Personnel Team in the hiring and onboarding new staff members, the maintaining job descriptions, the facilitation of staff development, as well as working to ensure the implementation of SMART Goals and the yearly employee review process.
Director of Connection: Dana Calhoun
Dana will oversee the Engagement Pathway of Hyde Park Community so that all people who attend church events are followed up with and offered ways to continue to connect with our faith community. She will also oversee the Membership Pathway, which seeks to help people move from visitors to consistent participants who are connected and feel a sense of belonging, participating fully in the life of faith and the church. Dana will lead all the Welcome Events that help connect people to the church (Block Party, Live Nativity, VBS, Easter Egg Hunt, Flying Pig), as well as move to be the primary point person for membership, Realm, visitors, new members, and hospitality.
Director of Faith Formation: Sara Pease
Sara will oversee the Faith Formation Pathway of Hyde Park Community from birth through the end of life. She will plan, develop, and implement opportunities for Christian formation, including Sunday School classes for all ages, study groups, Witness Events (MLK March, Pride, Juneteenth), and special faith formation opportunities such as retreats, Family Camp and the Colaw Lecture Series. Sara will serve as the Scout Liaison, as well as supervise the Faith Formation department, which includes current Early Childhood Coordinator, Pam Pilger, Childcare Coordinator, Emily Bolin-Meyers, the new Children’s Ministry Coordinator, and the new Youth Ministry Coordinator when they are hired.
Co-Director of Worship: Ben Owen & Aimee Stockdale
Ben and Aimee will work with Pastor Todd to ensure that all areas of worship leadership are covered. Ben will coordinate and plan special worship services, lead the weekly worship team meetings, and be the point person for the bulletins. Aimee will coordinate the details of Planning Center, work with Amanda Kern in the Church Office on the Altar Flower Calendar, and other seasonal needs for the Sanctuary. Pastor Todd will oversee baptisms, communion servers, ushers, and announcements.
Director of the OTR Campus Development: Rev. Kate Smith
In addition to her other responsibilities in Mission and Outreach & Young Adult Ministries, Pastor Kate is taking on the leadership of the OTR Campus development. She will lead teams of people to try innovative expressions of faith and community building in the church building and a laundromat and transitional housing in the adjacent building. Christina Cotrone, Mission and Outreach & Young Adult Coordinator, joined our team this fall in order to offer support to Pastor Kate as she adds OTR to her areas of focus.
New Positions: Children’s Ministry Coordinator and Youth Ministry Coordinator
We are taking this opportunity to review our current Children’s and Youth ministry areas. This includes having conversations with students, parents, leaders, congregation members, and staff to determine the top needs as we update these position descriptions and undergo a search process. We are very thankful that Pam Pilger will remain as the Early Childhood Coordinator and Emily BolinMeyers will remain as Childcare Coordinator. In this interim period as we look to hire for these positions, we are extremely grateful to those who will serve in an interim capacity as this review and hiring process takes place:
Interim Children’s Coordinator: Laura Tuzun
She will oversee Sunday School for Elementary aged children on Sunday mornings, including teaching as needed and finding volunteer teachers. We are excited to have Laura lead you in this time!
Interim Youth Coordinator: Emily Bolin Meyers
She will oversee Sunday morning activities for Youth, including teaching as needed and finding volunteer teachers, as well as help with Confirmation and Youth Sunday coordination. We are excited to have Emily step into this role for this period of time!
Staff Transition Celebration: Sunday January 12th
Between services in the Welcome Center
Please join us in the Welcome Center between services for a reception celebrating the staff members who have begun new positions with us as of January 1st.
We will share our appreciation for them and the wonderful ways they have led us in their previous roles and welcome them into their new roles!
Staff Transition Q & A
Sunday, January 26 after each service and at 4pm on Zoom
Tuesday, January 28 at 7pm
Use the QR code to join the zoom Q&A.
Looking for us?
The staff restructuring will also bring about changes in who is in which office. The moves will take place from December 26-January 10.
If you stop by to look for someone, here is where you might find them:
Pastor Todd: in the Senior Pastor office just off the main office suite (formerly Suzanne’s office)
Pastor Kate & Christina: in the larger office on the east side of the main office suite (formerly communication office)
Pastor Kevin: in the main office suite in the office (formerly Kate’s office)
Meredith: in the Administrative office in the main office suite (formerly Todd’s office)
Dana: in the corner office in the main office suite (formerly Meredith’s office)
Shari & Lisa: will move across the hall to the offices in a newly configured Communications Suite (formerly Christina & Kevin’s offices)
MLK Coalition’s
50TH
TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MARCH
• By 10:15am gather outside the Freedom Center (50 E Freedom Way)
• We will meet at the corner of Rosa Parks St. and Freedom Way
• Look for our United Methodists Against Racism banner
• An interdenominational prayer service begins the solemn and spirit-filled re-enactment of the civil rights era marches for equality, dignity, and justice.
• The march (about a mile) concludes at Washington Park with an additional prayer service.
• The complimentary Rosa Parks Bus provides rides for those who cannot walk the mile uphill in the cold.
Scan the QR code to let us know you’re coming.
ANNUAL COMMEMORATIVE MARCH 2025 JAN 20 MLK MARCH
We invite you to come together and be part of the MLK commemorative march with a prayer service & program at Music Hall followed by FREE lunch at our OTR Campus.
The Commemorative program in Music Hall starts at 12:00pm features:
• The award-winning MLK Chorale, guest performers, & inspirational speakers.
• After the program, you are invited to come to the OTR Campus for a Chipotle lunch. The lunch is FREE- you are welcome to make a donation to the church to help cover the cost if you’d like.
Thanksgiving Basket Celebration
Since 1991, the people of Hyde Park Community UMC have come together in the church parking lot the Sunday before Thanksgiving to share God’s grace through the gift of food. For 33 incredible years, this tradition has been a testament to our commitment to serving our neighbors. On Sunday, November 24, over 200 members and friends gathered once more to pack 585 boxes of food, bringing the total number of boxes distributed to an astounding 13,736!
We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed this year—from logistics and setup to donating funds and volunteering your time. A special thanks to Pete and Mary Jankovsky and their Sunday School group for their steadfast leadership and dedication to this ministry.
For decades, Hyde Park Community UMC has been at the forefront of addressing food insecurity during Thanksgiving, inspired by our faith to serve others. As many churches now offer similar programs, and as food insecurity remains a year-round challenge for many in Cincinnati, we’ve discerned a new way to continue this ministry of love.
After much prayerful reflection, the leadership of the Thanksgiving Baskets Ministry has chosen to transition from a Thanksgiving focus to an Easter celebration. Beginning in 2025, we will become Resurrection People in a new way, embodying the Good News of Jesus by providing food baskets for Easter. This shift aligns our ministry more closely with a Christian holy day, offering an opportunity to share the hope and joy of Christ’s resurrection in a tangible, impactful way.
Mark your calendars now for Sunday, April 13, 2025, when we will gather on Palm Sunday to pack Easter (food) Baskets for approximately 600 families! Two partner agencies are already on board, ready to distribute the food in time for Easter Sunday.
As part of this transition, the Project 5000, which has benefited the food pantry at State Avenue UMC and Madisonville Education Center during Lent, will no longer occur. Instead, these two valued partners will receive Easter (food) Baskets to distribute in the spring. Additionally, under the
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
– Galatians 6:9
leadership of the Soul Builders class, each partner agency will have its own designated month for the church to collect donations in October and November. This approach allows us to continue our support for these important ministries while creating new opportunities to serve throughout the year.
For those who cherish the tradition of serving during Thanksgiving, we invite you to join us for Meals on Wheels’ Bust a Crust event on Saturday, November 22, 2025. We have participated in this fundraising event supporting holistic care (including meals) for seniors in our community since 2021. We have hosted the event the last two years and are planning to host again in 2025. It’s an opportunity for multiple generations to come together to pack thousands of pre-made pies by bakeries to be distributed to those who purchased them. This fun and impactful day continues our Thanksgiving spirit of service in a new way.
We are excited to see how God will use this new chapter to touch the lives of our neighbors and deepen our call to serve. Thank you for your continued support and faithfulness as we follow where God is leading us.
Music Ministry Member Highlight: Christina Cotrone
Hello! My name is Christina Cotrone. I’m thrilled to be a member of the Wesley Choir at HPCUMC! After 10 years of leading in contemporary worship bands, I’ve shifted my ministry focus primarily to mission and outreach work. However, since music has always been a meaningful part of my life, I wanted to keep that part of me challenged and growing. Since I hadn’t sung in an ensemble since middle school, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to reconnect with choral singing.
A memorable experience I had in music ministry was serving as a Worship Leader for a Christian organization at Ohio State. When I joined the band as a freshman, we had strong musical talent, but we lacked a sense of community—both within the band and with the broader student body. This gap held us back as a team. In my sophomore and junior years, I began hosting team nights to build fellowship within our group, strengthening our connections with each other and our relationships throughout the congregation. This growth allowed us to lead worship in a much more meaningful way. During my senior year, we recognized a need for greater diversity within our music, so we empowered students from various backgrounds and church traditions to join the band. Together, we energized the congregation with a mix of worship styles, from traditional hymns to gospel choir, creating a richer, more inclusive worship experience for everyone.
I’m looking forward to the combined choir and band events at HPCUMC throughout the year! Also, to more rehearsals! Everyone is incredibly kind, and I learn something new each week—so I’m just looking forward to Wednesday evenings as a weekly highlight. I can’t wait to keep growing both my vocal skills and relationships through this amazing experience.
January 18th and February 15th
3RD SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH SEPTEMBER – MAY
Support our local partnerships Serve projects for all ages and abilities
Make serving part of your holidays. Help some of partners like New Life Furniture Bank, Wesley Chapel Mission Center, & The Center for Respite Care or come and explore the other serving opportunities at one of our Super Serve Saturdays. We hope to see you soon!
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/
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
Dates: Time:
Ages: Cost: August 4-8 August 11-15 9:00 AM – Noon
3-5yrs. old (by August 4, 2025) $140 per week (includes snacks and all materials)
Visit www.hydeparkpreschool.org for registration materials in late February.
Visit www.hydeparkpreschool.org for more information.
Starting January 6th, join us Mondays at Bean & Barley at 6:30 pm for Sowing Seeds of Solidarity, a four-session small group study based on Justice or Just Us? This study invites Christians to acknowledge the reality of racism and our responsibility to oppose it in our own lives and within the church. Together, we’ll deepen our understanding and grow in our commitment to building a more inclusive and anti-racist faith community. Please scan the QR code below to find preparation materials!
SBF Exercise Classes
January Classes: 1/13, 1/20 & 1/27
Mondays 11:15am - 12:00pm
Choir Room on the second floor at HPCUMC
Mary Pearce, our fun-loving instructor, leads us in movements to help with our strength, balance, and flexibility.
Registration is not required but appreciated. Contact Mary Pearce at mnbpearce@fuse.net for more information.
Blood Drive
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
11:00pm – 1:00pm 2:15pm – 5:00pm
Donor bus in HPCUMC parking lot – 1345 Grace Ave.
All Types Welcome! Appointments preferred/ Walk-ins welcome Every donor receives a Hoxworth waffle shirt!
To schedule an appointment, please visit: www.hoxworth.org/groups/hpcumc or call Hoxworth at (513) 451-0910
Questions? Contact Kevin Buckley at kbuckley@hpcumc.org
New Member Class Dates
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!
Lunch and childcare are always provided.
February 9, 2025
April 6, 2025
June 8, 2025
RSVP using thee QR code
Questions? Contact Sara Pease at spease@hpcumc.org.
irs
riday
Fellowship
Christianity in Art
Explore Christian subjects from the Cincinnati Art Museum’s Medieval and Renaissance collections, as well as later renderings of Christian themes in works from around the world.
Friday,
February 7th
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.
PLEASE NOTE: First Friday Fellowship WILL NOT meet in January.
SOUPer Bowl
SUNDAY 2025
benefits Tijuana Christian Mission
Each order is $10, includes 4 cups & crackers
Pre-order by Sunday, February 2nd by scanning the QR code with your phone, emailing Mary Wheeler, mews1971@gmail.com, or calling the church office.
The United Women of Faith invite you to purchase soup as part of your Super Bowl plans or for a cold winter day to warm your spirits. The Soup options: Chicken Tortilla Soup, Vegetable Soup, Broccoli Potato Soup, and Bean and Bacon Soup.
All proceeds from the sale of the soup will benefit Tijuana Christian Mission, a children’s home with campuses in Tijuana and Rosarito Mexico.
PIck up for the pre-orders will be 9:00am-12:00pm on Sunday, February 9th in the Welcome Center. There will be limited soup available to purchase the day of.
Want to help make soup?
Please sign up to help on Super Serve Saturday by using the QR code.
YOUNG ADULT FINANCIAL WORKSHOP
ArtThe of Financial Balance
CREATE, SAVE, GROW, GIVE
Empowering young adults to take control of money, build wealth, and give generously.
Saturday February 22, 2025
12:30pm- 6:30pm
OTR Campus, 1310 Race St.
Cost $25, please talk to Pastor Kate if in need of financial assistance.
Are you ready to take charge of your finances and set yourself up for a secure future? Join us for a powerful Financial Balance Workshop, designed specifically for young adults. For just $25, you’ll gain practical tools and insights to help you create a solid financial foundation, save for the future, grow your wealth, and give generously and joyfully.
This workshop will give you easy, actionable steps to start managing your finances wisely, regardless of where you are on your financial journey. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided throughout, so come ready to learn, grow, and network with others who are committed to building a balanced financial future. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to take control of your money and set yourself up for lasting financial security.
Talk to Pastor Kate ksmith@hpcumc.org or Christina Cotrone ccotrone@hpcumc.org for more details and scan the QR code to fill out this survey and tell us what topics you’d like covered!
Celebrating 20 Years of the Blanket Ministry
The Hyde Park Community United Women of Faith’s Blanket Ministry was started in 2005 with the intent to provide blankets to women, children, families and individuals needing support. With that goal in mind, for the past 20 years over 2500 blankets have been distributed, providing warmth and security but it also provides a spiritual and emotional comfort knowing that they are wrapped in the love of both God and the women that created them.
The original idea came from Sue Cober who had heard about this ministry idea from another group and then shared it with Ruth Young, and from there it took off. The ministry has been funded by both the missions of the church and by the United Women of Faith. The first recipient to receive blankets was the Center of Respite followed by the Rothenberg Academy students.
Additional organizations have received blankets throughout the years including: Off the Streets Program, New Life Furniture Bank, HPCUMC Preschool, Wesley Chapel Mission Center, MEAC, Summer Reads, Felicity UMC, and our mission partners in Mexico, Samara Russia, and Romania. Many hands have made light work of making these special blankets and the women involved have been; Ruth Young, Sue Cober, Jane Lapointe, Ann Reed, Bev Good, Shelly Smith, Rhonda Deel, Meredith Roos, Ann Burrows, Janet Kaylor, Gail Fisher, Chery Brandt, Mary Sheldon, Marlene Morris, Peggy McDanial, Barb Christman, Lucinda and Kate Hurst, Debbie Kaupp and Lily Pennigton in addition to other church members at craft club events, block parties and youth retreats..
In 2019, Janet Kaylor took over leading the group when Ruth moved to Florida, although Ruth continues to make blankets. When asked what
has been the best part of being in the blanket ministry Janet and Ruth both replied, “it has been the fellowship they have shared with the other women when making the blankets,” and the, “joy and excitement on the faces of those who receive them.” Ruth remembers one special moment when they gave a blanket to a gentleman at the Center for Respite. She said he took the blanket, held it in his arms and just could not believe that anyone would make something like this for him. It has been moments like those that have kept this ministry going and growing. Even during Covid, blankets were still getting made even when the team could not meet, many continued to make them at home like dedicated member, Ann Reed. Janet would drop fabric off at Marjorie P. Lee for Ann and then come back for the finished products. Even Covid did not deter this group.
In addition to the fellowship of making blankets, Ruth also loved the shopping adventures that she, Ann Burrows, and Janet Kaylor would have. Going to JoAnn’s, looking for a great deal on fabric, and getting a good laugh when the worker’s at JoAnn’s were amazed at the amount of fabric they were buying.
After 20 years, Janet is stepping down from her leadership role, but the ministry will continue through UWF lead by Mary Wheeler. If you individually or your small group would like a programming event idea, blankets can come to you! It takes approximately 40-60 minutes to tie one blanket and it’s a fun relaxing fellowship activity! So please contact Mary at Mews1971@ gmail.com or Pastor Kate ksmith@hpcumc.org to set up a day or time for our mobile blanket ministry opportunity!
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
A New Year’s Prayer
As we begin this new year, I would like to share a prayer written by Joyce Rupp, author, international retreat leader and conference speaker, co-director of the Institute of Compassionate Presence, and a member of the Servants of Mary community. Some of her books include Praying Our Goodbyes, The Cup of Our Life, Out of the Ordinary, Boundless Compassion, and The Cosmic Dance. My hope is that this prayer may speak to you in a meaningful way as we walk into the mystery of a new year. Blessings on your journey.
A New Year’s Prayer
When we miss the beauty and the joy of earth’s goodness, God, surprise us again.
When we grow too accustomed to life’s busyness, God, surprise us again.
When the goodness of others gets lost in the rush, God, surprise us again.
When our frailty outruns our strength, God, surprise us again.
When the hope in our heart fades away, God, surprise us again.
When the call to serve others loses its flavor, God, surprise us again.
When we search for the way home to you, God, surprise us again.
When loneliness pursues us, God, surprise us again.
When it seems the darkness will never give way to the light, God, surprise us again.
When the ache of the world wears our compassion thin, God, surprise us again.
When the trouble of others seem more than we can carry, God, surprise us again.
When even you seem far away from us, God, surprise us again.
As we strive to live our lives well, walk closely with us, God.
As we enjoy the treasures we’ve found in the field of faith, walk closely with us, God.
As we continue to surrender ourselves to you, walk closely with us, God.
As we journey into the unknown territory of a new year, walk closely with us, God.
As we hurt in the process of loving our enemies, walk closely with us, God.
As we learn to accept our weaknesses and our strengths, walk closely with us, God.
As we open our hearts to the messengers you send to us, walk closely with us, God.
As we stay faithful to our relationship with you, walk closely with us, God.
As we give ourselves to the poor and the powerless, walk closely with us, God.
As we keep searching for the truth, walk closely with us, God.
As we try to live in the heart of the scriptures, walk closely with us, God.
As we accept your constant love for us, walk closely with us, God.
God of this new year, we are walking into mystery. We face the future, not knowing what the days and months will bring to us or how we will respond. Be love in us as we journey. May we welcome all who come our way. Deepen our faith to see all of life through your eyes. Fill us with hope and abiding trust that you dwell in us amidst all our joys and sorrows. Thank you for the treasure of our faith life. Thank you for the gift of being able to rise each day with the assurance of your walking through the day with us. God of this new year, we praise you. AMEN. (1)
(1) Joyce Rupp, May I have This Dance?, Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Indiana, 1992, p. 24 - 26.
Christine McHenry, MD, MATS, DHL December, 2024
2025 Tuesday Morning Book Study with
Pastor Todd
The Second Mountain: The Quest for the Moral Life
Tuesday Morning in the Refectory 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
January 14 – February 11, 2025
“The Second Mountain” by David Brooks explores the concept of living a meaningful and fulfilling life beyond individual success and self-interest. Brooks argues that many people reach a point in their lives where they realize that material success and personal achievements are not enough to bring true happiness and fulfillment. He suggests that the key to a meaningful life lies in forming deep and meaningful relationships, committing to a higher purpose, and serving others. Brooks emphasizes the importance of love, community, and moral values in creating a flourishing society. He also discusses the limitations of rational decision-making and the need to listen to one’s intuition and inner calling when making important life choices. Overall, the book encourages readers to move beyond the pursuit of personal happiness and find fulfillment in connecting with others and living a life of purpose and service.
1/14/25 Session One The Two Mountains Parts 1-4
1/21/25 Session Two The Two Mountains Continued Parts 5-8
1/28/25 Session Three Vocation Parts 9-13
2/4/25 Session Four Marriage Parts 14-18
2/11/25 Session Five Philosophy and Faith Parts 19-22
2/18/25 Session Six Community Parts 23-25
Freeing Jesus
Tuesday Morning in the Refectory 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
February 25 – April 8
Her secular friends often ask her “How can you still be a Christian?” In the book, she explains that her experience of Jesus has changed over the years, viewing him in different ways at different times. And that, though she is still
a Christian, she isn’t the same kind of Christian she used to be, or that they many think she is. Freeing Jesus explores the many images of Jesus we encounter and embrace through a lifetime—and how we make theology from the text of our lives in conversation with scripture and tradition. Freeing Jesus invites us to liberate Jesus and free ourselves when it comes to the ever-compelling and yet often-elusive figure at the center of Christian faith.
2/25/25 Session One “Friend”
3/4/25 Session Two “Teacher”
3/11/25 Session Three “Savior”
3/18/25 Session Four “Lord”
3/25/25 Spring Break
4/1/25 Session Five “Way”
4/8/25 Session Six “Presence”
The War For Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World
Tuesday Morning in the Refectory 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
April 22 – June 3, 2025
Empathy is in short supply. We struggle to understand people who aren’t like us, but find it easy to hate them. Studies show that we appear less caring than we were even thirty years ago. In 2006, Barack Obama said that the United States was suffering from an “empathy deficit.” Since then, things seem to have only gotten worse.
It doesn’t have to be this way. In this groundbreaking book, Jamil Zaki shares cutting-edge research, including experiments from his own lab, showing that empathy is not a fixed trait— something we’re born with or not—but rather a skill that can be strengthened through effort. He also tells the stories of people who embody this new perspective, fighting for kindness in the most difficult of circumstances. We meet a former neo-Nazi who is now helping to extract people from hate groups, ex-prisoners discussing novels with the judge who sentenced them, Washington police officers changing their culture to decrease violence among their ranks, and NICU nurses fine-tuning their empathy so that they don’t succumb to burnout.
Written with clarity and passion, The War for Kindness is an inspiring call to action. The future may depend on whether we accept the challenge.
4/22/25 Session One “The Surprising Mobility of Human Nature”
4/29/25 Session Two “Choosing Empathy”
5/6/25 Session Three “Hatred Verses Contact”
5/13/25 Session Four “The Stories We Tell”
5/20/25 Session Five “Caring Too Much”
5/27/25 Session Six “Kind Systems”
6/3/25 Session Seven “The Digital Double Edge”
Adult Classes Calendar
Please reach out to Sara Pease at spease@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 Sara Pease, Director of Faith Formation, 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 discussionbased class.
To get involved, email Sara Pease at spease@ hpcumc.org.
In the New Year, we will be offering an opportunity for you to share with the Colaw Lecture Series Committee who you want to hear from as future lecturers!
Colaw Recap
Thank you to everyone who came out for the Colaw Lecture Series in October with Dan Wolpert! We had a wonderful weekend with Dan as he led us in a lecture, workshop, and preached at our worship services.
OTR Campus UPDATE
Launch of the Grace on Race St. Market
shared by Rev. Kate Smith
On Small Business Saturday, we launched the first-ever Grace on Race St. Market at our OTR Campus! This community-focused initiative aims to bring people together in the heart of Cincinnati to celebrate and support local artisans, creators, and small businesses. Each market provides a space where craftsmanship and creativity flourish, offering an inspiring atmosphere for vendors and visitors alike.
When envisioning new ministry opportunities for our OTR Campus, we looked to Washington Park for inspiration. Its popular Winter Market and monthly City Flea draw large crowds, but vendors often pay significant fees to participate. We wanted to create an alternative space—one that lifts up both budding and seasoned artisans who may not have the resources for these premium
costs. At the Grace on Race St. Market, vendors are instead invited to make a donation based on their sales. This model allows for greater accessibility while fostering a spirit of generosity and community support.
Our first two Grace on Race St. Markets demonstrated this mission in action. On November 30, in conjunction with Washington Park’s Pride Winter Market celebrating the LGBTQ community, donations from our market went to support Cincinnati Pride. On December 14, proceeds were directed toward the development of a community laundromat and temporary housing in our adjacent building. By aligning our efforts with meaningful causes, the Grace on Race St. Market reflects our commitment to making a positive impact in Over-the-Rhine and beyond.
At its core, the Grace on Race St. Market is about more than shopping. It’s about building connections, strengthening the local economy, and celebrating the dynamic energy of the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood. Each event
Vendors on November 30: Elwood Jones
Andrea Slone
Bloem Handcrafted Studio
Mim and Moxie Shop
Nana Kate’s Sweet Treats
Question ABLE Creative
Norton Pots
offers the opportunity to discover unique, locally made goods while directly supporting the talented individuals who make our community so vibrant.
The inaugural markets featured an incredible lineup of artists showcasing their creations, from pottery and jewelry to cookies, teddy bears, ornaments, and more. We are deeply grateful to the vendors who participated and to everyone who came out to support local businesses.
Looking ahead, we’d love for you to become part of the Grace on Race story! Be on the lookout in future magazines for updates on our 2025 market schedule. Join us to explore diverse vendors, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and freshly popped popcorn, and immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of OTR. Together, let’s celebrate local talent and invest in the creative heart of Cincinnati!
Vendors on December 14:
United Women in Faith
King Clayworks
Joyful Dirt
MHA Pottery
Question ABLE Creative
Elwood Jones
Mim and Moxie Shop
2025 Hosting Dates
Jan. 25th- Feb. 2nd
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.
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.
Volunteer Hub
Volunteer Hub
Scan the QR code or use the iPad to discover opportunities to serve!
Scan the QR code below to check it out!
Scan the QR code or use the iPad to discover opportunities to serve!
Explore our Volunteer Hub to discover opportunities to serve. There are many options for the whole family including Super Serve Saturday, liturgist sign-ups, communion servers and much more. This is the place you can stay up-to-date with ALL that Hyde Park Community offers.
News & Happenings Weekly E-blast
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