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October 2018

Greetings

from the Pastor!

OUR PURPOSE

COMMITTEE MEETINGS Oct. 1 6:30 pm Outreach

7:00 pm Trustees

Oct. 8 7:00 pm Finance

Oct.. 18 7:00 pm Ad Council

Oct. 15 7:00 pm Nurture

Oct. 22 7:00 pm Personnel

Micah and I have been reading Little House in the Big

Woods by Laura Engels Wilder. It is wonderful to hear detailed accounts of this frontier way of life. She de-scribes everything from loading a shotgun to curing meat, and her description of a beautiful doll is so differ-ent from our factory made toys these days.

One thing that peaked my interest was the description of

Sabbath. On Sundays, they were required to be quiet, somber, and attentive. No new paper doll items could be made or even drawn. Quiet conversation was per-mitted, but no running and playing. How different from today. I wonder what we would learn from those strict practices, and what we would change?

In Marva Dawn’s book, Keeping Sabbath Wholly, she

highlights a four-part pattern for keeping the Sabbath: (1) ceasing—not only from work but also from produc-tivity, anxiety, worry, possessiveness, and so on; (2) resting – of the body as well as the mind, emotions, and spirit—a wholistic rest; (3) embracing—deliberately taking hold of Christian values, of our call-ing in life, of the wholeness God offers us; (4) feast-ing—celebrating God and his goodness in individual and corporate worship as well as feasting with beauty, music, food, affection, and social interaction.

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INDEX

Greetings from the Pastor 1

Nurture 2

Oct. Birthdays/Anniversaries 2

Thank You 3

Crop Walk 3

Homebound Connections 3

Fresh Expressions Reflection 4

It’s Caramel time 4

Youth Activities 5

Worship news 6

Offering Envelopes 7

Parsonage Funds Update 7

UM Connection 8

Status Charts 9

News from The James Family 10

Baby Shower 11

Join Us 12

October Birthdays 2 Cathy Barter

Dot Blackburn

3 Harold Humerick

5 Gwen Crouse

7 Allen Sumner

Margaret Hamilton

16 Jack Barter

17 Kathleen Muller

18 Rosetta Schaffner

19 Barbara Hamm

Andrew Morton

20 Dave Roberts

21 Gerald Layne Blackburn

24 Anne Sibert

25 Grace Dunifon

29 Amy Fitzsimmons

Tiffany Presgraves

October Anniversaries 9 Ken and Carolyn Lowe

28 Dan and Jane Moore

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Since I work to prepare worship for you all on Sunday, John and I take Friday as Sabbath. At our best, we cease from talking and thinking about church work and home work; we embrace that we are more than what we do or produce by letting go of perfection or pressure to do chores. We rest with naps, we feast on family and friends and home dance parties. When is your Sabbath? How are you including all four parts of a healthy Sabbath pattern? Prayerfully Yours, Pastor Jennifer Burns The United Methodist Church

Nurture Team

To Comply with Memorial’s Safe Sanctuary Policy, the follow-

ing changes have been established:

1. On Sunday mornings each parent/guardian is to sign in

and sign out their child/children in the Nursery/Primary/

Intermediate classrooms. As a reminder, please pick up

your child promptly when worship is completed.

2. The sign in/sign out procedure will also be in place for

Second Saturday.

3. The children will be collecting pennies by their classroom

door, rather than standing in the hallway leading into the

sanctuary. Please continue to drop off your pennies!

4. On communion Sundays the attending volunteers will

bring all Nursery Children into the sanctuary to sit with

their parents for the communion service. The child’s partic-

ipation will be at the parent’s discretion. The unstaffed

Family Care Center is available for families, if needed, and

an usher will bring the sacraments to them.

5. When dropping off children for the Nursery, a parent

needs to remain in the classroom with the child until two

volunteers are present.

Our Nursery children are increasing in numbers, a true bless-

ing! We would also like for our volunteer staff to increase. If

you have considered becoming a volunteer, please contact

the church office. A Safe Sanctuary training will be provided

at your convenience.

Our Thanksgiving carry-in dinner is set for November 11,

after the worship service. Please bring your favorite holiday

foods to share. Thanks, Sharon

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I thank you for your prayers, kind words and cards following the passing of my dear brother, Steve. I am truly appreciative of your thoughtfulness and friendship. Carla

Charlene Dever 450 N. Elm St. West Carrollton, OH 45449 (937)-353-3169

Tom Fogt 317 Sycamore Glen Dr., Apt. 100, Miamisburg OH 45342 (937) 859-3218

Wilma Fread 1010 Taywood Rd. Cottage 409 Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 832-9796

Everett Hamm 1626 Sue Avenue Miamisburg, OH 45342 (937) 866-7301

Joe Liffick 694 Isaac Prugh Way Kettering, OH 45429 (937) 297-4320

Mary Oldham 5302 Grouse Court Dayton, OH 45424 (937) 233-3202

Betty Passmore 3131 Gardenia Drive West Carrolton, OH 45449 (937) 438-3224

Betty Schaeff 7847 Lois Circle Apt. 304 Centerville, OH 45459 (937) 439-1928

Mary Alice Schaeff 3797 Summit Glen Rd Dayton, OH 45449

Gerri Jo Trudell 1920 Waterston Blvd. Unit 103 Miamisburg, OH 45342 (937) 433-7725

Crop Walk

The Crop walk will be held on Sunday, October 7th. I will be the recruiter/contact person for anyone interest-

ed in participating. This year the 25% that is donated to local food banks is being matched by an anony-

mous donor! We can make a greater impact right here in our community! I have included some information

from the website. More information is available at: crophungerwalk.org/Dayton OH

Thanks for your Help!!

Debbie Hildreth

Hunger is one of the greatest injustices facing our world, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ending hunger is

possible and it is possible in our lifetime. You can help make it happen.

For early half a century, CROP Hunger Walks have ensured that more people worldwide have access to

nutritious, sustainable food sources. From combating droughts in Nicaragua to providing agricultural training

in Indonesia to stocking shelves in hundreds of food pantries across the United States, CROP Hunger

Walks help end hunger by raising funds to support local food programs and the international anti-hunger

work of Church World Service.

Stand with neighbors in your community who rely on food assistance programs. Partner with parents world-

wide as they ensure a bright future for their children. Support those struggling in the face of grinding poverty

and open up new doors of opportunity for them.

Tens of thousands of CROP Hunger Walkers are committed to building a hunger-free world. Join the move-

ment!

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A Fresh Expressions Reflection

By Erika Mattingly

Our family has lived in West Carrollton for twelve years now—since 2006. After we moved from

Delaware, Ohio, and before we joined Memorial UMC, we visited lots of churches—Methodist,

Presbyterian, United Church of Christ and non-denominational.

We have been asked: How did we end up at Memorial and why have we stayed? Each member of

our family probably has a different answer. “It was close and we don’t have to wake up too early.” “I

like playing with the toys in the nursery.” The people are always nice to us.” “They sent me a

birthday card.”

Another simple answer: “Memorial UMC is a true mirror of the community that we’ve come to love

and call home.”

In my job for the city, I hear a lot of complaints. “Why aren’t there any new businesses coming in?

Why aren’t there more events in the city? Why are the taxes so high?” Often the complaints are

valid. But just as often, I resist the urge to respond: “Well, what have you done to get involved to

improve your community?

I wonder if God responds the same way when we offer our complaints about church and just don’t

wan to hear the answer? Me: “Why don’t any of my friends want to come to my church?” God:

“Well, what have you done to invite them or make them feel welcome?” Me: Why aren’t more

people who live nearby interested in coming to Memorial?” God: What have you done to truly meet

the neighbors? Maybe they have needs that you know nothing about?

I guess that’s why I said “Yes” when Pastor Jen asked me if I was interested in getting involved with

Fresh Expressions. Memorial church feels like home, a safe-sanctuary and respite for my family.

But perhaps God is telling me to step out of that safe comfort zone and to look towards making

connections in my community that result in a fresh reflection of God’s love?

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all

your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment

greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

It’s Candy Making Time!

That’s right—it’s almost time to start making caramel candy. Preparations are under way. The boxes

have been purchased and labels printed and applied (thanks Jan and Margarette!). The freezers

have been defrosted, and space made for sugar, Karo, and milk in the L shape. (Thanks Bill

Ferguson!) We will have our usual box assembly get together (it’s not a party, but it is a lot of fun) on

Tuesday, October 2nd starting at 6:00 p.m. Candy ingredients are ordered and will be delivered on

Wednesday, October 10th. On that day, we will clean and prepare the kitchen for cooking, and wash

all candy pans, trays, etc. We will also ready the social hall for candy

cooling, weighing, boxing, and wrapping. Sounds like a busy day? It will

be, and we would welcome helpers. Contact Daryl Garrison if you can

help. Cooking will start on Monday, October 15th with cutting starting on

Tuesday, and wrapping on Wednesday. This is an important church-wide

project that’s a lot of work but a lot of good fellowship. And we get lunch!!

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Children and Youth

SECOND SATURDAY

October 13, 4:30-6:30

The Spark Squad Report On September 22nd the youth went to the

Hamilton’s house to mulch and trim shrubs.

Take a look at the fun they had!

Great job!

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Upcoming Worship Services

Help Us With Worship!

All Saint’s Day: Please send a photo of any saint's) in your life who passed away in the past year (regardless of church mem-

bership). We will have a slideshow to honor the saints before worship.

Veteran’s Day: Veterans are invited to bring an object for a Veterans Day display in the hallway. This may include an artifact

or memento from your time of service. Please bring to church no later than Nov. 5th. Also, if you are a veteran and have

not already been included, please send us a photo to include in our veterans day slideshow.

Date: Sermon: Special Day:

Oct. 7th Many Seats, One Table World Communion Sunday

Oct. 14th Realizing Dr. King’s Vision for Every Child: Lives of Hope, Not Despair

Children’s Sabbath

Oct. 21st Gary Hardy Laity Sunday

Oct. 28th Meaningful Use of Money

Nov. 4th Hope All Saint’s Day

Nov. 11th Victory Veterans Day

Nov. 18th Confidence Stewardship Dedication Day

Nov. 25th Love UMC Student Sunday

Looking Ahead

Our annual Church Conference will be November 15th at 7:00 pm. All members of Memorial UMC

are welcomed as voting members of our Church Conference. Also called a charge conference, the

primary responsibilities of the conference are to (1) review and evaluate the total mission and

ministry of the church, (2) receive reports on ministry from various leaders, and (3) adopt objective

and goals recommended by the church council that are in keeping with the objectives of The United

Methodist Church.

Blessings & Peace,

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2019 Offering Envelopes

We will be ordering the offering envelopes for 2019 on or about Oct. 15th. Envelopes are available

for weekly giving or monthly giving. Please let Carla Bryant, our financial secretary, now as soon as

possible if:

• You have had an address or name change recently

• We do not have your address

• You do not have customized weekly or monthly giving envelopes and would like some for 2019

• You would like to change from weekly to monthly envelopes or vice versa

• You will be paying electronically and no longer need envelopes.

Please call or text Carla at (937) 681-1735 or email her at carlajbryant@live.com within the next few

days.

Thank you

Parsonage Funds Update

Dear Friends,

Many of you remember the sale of the parsonage back in the spring of 2016. With its sale, the West

Ohio Conference required that the net funds of $107,463.00 be set aside into a restricted or desig-

nated parsonage account. Since then, Memorial has invested those funds into interest bearing ac-

counts (CD’s), and Memorial has been permitted to deposit earned interest into our general fund for

unlimited usage without touching the deposited principle.

Last June, Rev. Wendy Lybarger, Asst. District Superintendent, came to Memorial Church to meet

with Administrative Council and other interested congregants to discuss our financial situation. At

that meeting, there was some discussion of using designated funds for other needs within the

church. Rev. Lybarger said it is possible that Memorial may be granted permission to use part of the

parsonage designated fund to help pay for Rev. Jennifer’s housing allowance. Since the West Ohio

Conference owned the parsonage and controlled the resultant funds from that sale, she suggested

that Memorial make a formal request.

On July 19, 2018, Memorial Church prepared a formal request to Bishop Palmer and the West Ohio

Conference Cabinet asking for permission to use a portion of the parsonage sale funds. That request

was to free up $12,000 in 2018 and the same amount again in 2019 (if needed) to cover our Pastor’s

Housing Allowance.

I am pleased to report that Memorial received notification during the week of September 17th, that

our request as written was approved. Therefore, Memorial can now reimburse the General Fund for

the $9,000 spent so far this year on housing and may continue assessing $1000 monthly thru 2019

for housing costs. Upon news of our request approval, Administrative Council approved applying

these 2018 funds toward meeting our Apportionment obligations. When this money is applied, then

about 65% of our $26,643 obligation will be satisfied for this year. Memorial will be well on its way to

again being the 100% Church like we have been every year since 2007! Thanks once again to all of

you in making this possible. Sincerely, Mark Berner, Finance Chair

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Save the Date!

Oct. 2nd Assemble candy boxes at 6:00 pm Oct. 7th Crop Walk for Hunger

Oct. 15th Candy Making begins Nov. 11th Thanksgiving Carry—In

UM Connection

TOP FOUR WORST, AND BEST, WAYS TO HELP AFTER A DISASTER

In the light of the recent natural disaster, as well as those having happened a year or two, or more,

ago, I found this article most enlightening. So, I thought I would share it here.

When disaster strikes, often we see heart-wrenching images on television. People have lost every-

thing. Their homes are swept away or lie in a tangled heap. Their belongings are ruined.

We immediately want to help—a good intention that stems from compassion for our fellow human

beings. However, be certain to couple your compassion with good judgment on the best ways to

help disaster survivors.

Here are the top four most common pitfalls into which helpers fall after a disaster—and what they

should do instead.

Resist the urge to jump from your couch and drive to the disaster site. When storms strike,

often scores of people decide to drive to affected areas. The result? Clogged interstates, a worsen-

ing gasoline shortage,, and volunteers arriving in droves and diverting the attention of emergency

personnel. What to do instead? When you watch or read the breaking news about a disaster, re-

spond immediately—with prayer or a cash donation

Don’t give that shirt off your back. Did you know that donations of used clothing are commonly

called “the second disaster”? When clothing piles up at a disaster scene it must be stored, hauled

away or sorted by volunteers who could better use their time helping disaster survivors. Instead,

cash donations help disaster survivors purchase needed items from local businesses, which boost

an economy weakened by disaster.

Don’t believe that recovery takes only a few days. Well-intentioned donors often give money or

relief-supply kits only while a disaster is prominent in the news headlines. In fact, for a major disas-

ter, recovery can take years. If donations dry up after a week or two, responders no longer have

the resources to help disaster survivors. Those survivors feel forgotten, and their recovery doesn’t

progress.

Don’t forget your own disaster preparation and training. If you want to respond in a safe, help-

ful way, seek disaster-response training and learn how to prepare yourself so you can respond

should the need arise. Preparing can be as simple as forming a plan with your neighbor, or as in-

volved as becoming a specialized responder who serves on a United Methodist Committee on Re-

lief (UMCOR) Early response team.

The next time a disaster strikes, put your compassion into action through prayer, cash donations,

relief-supply kits, training and volunteering. You will help survivors around the world.

Rosetta

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Hi everyone, we are thankful to Pastor Jennifer for giving us opportunity to share our brief introduction with all of you. Originally we are from Pakistan and we born in Christian families. In 2017 we moved to US due to religious persecution. We feel really blessed and freedom while we are living here and now we can really understand the meaning of freedom. It is pertinent to mention that USA is very blessed country and people are really great. We sometime visit WIC office that is located very close to our church and we were always thinking to go inside. Finally one day we went inside and met Pastor Jennifer, she is very great person and we felt encouraged to share our story with her. This is how we joined the church family and next day of our church visit, Saira delivered the baby girl and got hospitalized due to complications after delivery. During that period since we don’t have any family member here but Pastor Jennifer came to us and helped us during that difficult period of our lives and also Mrs. Ruth visited Saira and stayed with her during the day time. It is difficult to express our feeling in words, but we are sincerely very much thankful to the Pastor and all of you for accepting and helping us. GOD Bless America and the People.

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Pastor’s Contact Info:

Jennifer Burns

Cell: (937) 823– 4370

Office: (937) 859-4444

Email:

pastorjhb@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS

Monday thru Thursday

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Deadline for the next

issue of Pathways is

October 25th, 2018

Fishermen

Would you like to be part of the

prayer chain but you don’t have a

computer? Contact the church office

to give them your name, telephone

number where you can be contact-

ed, and whether it is okay to leave a

message on an answering machine.

Prayers are often confidential so it’s

important that all messages be treat-

ed with respect.

Due to candy making, Lunch Bunch

will not meet in October.

Men who love to make a difference

meet for breakfast and fellowship

on the last Thursday of the month at

Holly’s Restaurant in West Carroll-

ton from 10:00—11:00 am. They

also get together periodically to

work on projects at the church.

The Mary Rebecca Circle will meet

October 8th at the Church. Bring a

small dish to share.

All are welcome.