the x update · the x-update from xenia united presbyterian church page 4 returning to the...
TRANSCRIPT
The X-UPdate Xenia United Presbyterian Church
SPECIAL POINTS OF IN TEREST:
• March 7 - Drive-in Worship w/
Communion
• March 14 Drive-in
Worship
• March 3 & 17 - Kid’s
Night Out!
• March 21 - First
Service in Sanctuary
• March 28 - Palm
Sunday
• April 2 - Good Friday
Service
MARCH 2021
Youth/Spoken
Word 2
In Church and In
the World 3
Mission 4
Feeding Body
and Soul 5
Volunteers /
Birthdays 6
Contacts 7
Calendar 8
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Kevin’s Korner
In just a couple of weeks it will be one year since we had to close the church because of COVID19 restrictions. One week later, thanks to the genius suggestion of Luke Prindle, we began “Drive-in Worship.” None of us knew whether it would work or how. None of us had any idea what a “honk-aluia” was or how much you would enjoy doing it. None of us thought we would still be worshiping in the parking lot a year later. Certainly, there have been issues, mostly technical, that have made our worship less than we had hoped. Certainly those hot summer mornings nearly roasted us and those frigid winter ones nearly froze us. But through it all you have been gracious and generous. You have sought ways to serve your community through providing beds and meals. You have given generously to the COVID Relief fund so we could relieve some of the physical suffering in our community. And by virtue of the fact that, unlike so many other churches, we were not exclusively online with our worship, we have been able to welcome others from our community to join in our worship and praise… in the parking lot. That's saying a lot for a congregation that also had to finish up the details of merging and sell the former Westminster building to a budding congregation that has now filled it with life, ministry and mission.
But we aren't finished yet. In fact, we are just beginning. On March 21st we will re-enter the building for worship. Things will still have to be somewhat different. Though many of you have been vaccinated, the virus is still among us, so we must still take precautions. Here are the main things to remember. We want you to not spend too much time in close proximity to each other, so there will be no coffee or refreshments before or after worship. Everyone must wear a mask while in the building – even through-out the service. Families, or those who share a ride to church, will sit together and will be distanced from others by at least six feet. (Yes, you might have to give up your favorite pew.) Our singing and responses will have to be somewhat subdued even on Palm Sunday and Easter. And, we will continue the Facebook Live feed each Sunday, so if you are not ready or able to join for worship in the sanctuary, you can still be part of it via this online media. There are more details about the session-approved protocols later in this UPDate.
Our next task will be to elect a Pastor Nominating Committee to begin the search for your next pastor. As a prelude to that, you will be asked to fill-out several questionnaires and return them to the church. Watch your mailboxes for these questionnaires and return them promptly so we can hear your thoughts and dreams.
Of course, none of this is possible without our faith in God's everlasting love. Our plans and accomplishments are nothing if they are not meant to further the work of God in our community and world. Keep praying and working. Keep setting goals for God's kingdom and achieving them. Keep sharing the love of Christ within and beyond our church community.
I'll see you in the parking lot or on Facebook Live and as the church in the world. Peace, Kevin
Volume 10 , I ssue 3 Page 2
March is here and Easter Sunday is a month away. During the Lenten Season, I found some exercises that you and your family or friends can use to make this time special. The Spiritual Growth Team will be sharing these online for all to use. Kathleen is sending these to Mary Quinn to email each week during Lent. Thank you to all you for your help.
One Great Hour of Sharing has begun. Anyone wanting a Fish Bank please let us know. We have given them to some of the children with exercises to do each day to encourage them to fill their banks with coins. By sharing your coins, people around the world are helped with food sources, clean and healthy water, and personal and natural disasters assistance. Please consider sharing.
Kid’s Night Out in March will be Wednesday the 3rd and 17th from 5:30-7. Due to Covid-19, we want to be sure that we keep everyone safe. Please call or email Nancy’s office the day before (Tuesday) to be sure we can accommodate everyone in our small space. The number is 937-376-9461, option 5, and the email is [email protected].
We hope you all are staying warm and enjoying the sunny days. Stay safe and healthy! The Children and Youth
News for the Younger Set
March 7 3rd Sunday in Lent Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Psalm 19:7-14; John 2:13-22 “They Should Know Better” March 14 4th Sunday in Lent Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-21 “It’s All About Trusting God”
The Spoken Word - Lectionary Readings
March 21 5th Sunday in Lent Psalm 51:1-12; John 12:20-33 “The New Deal” First Sunday Worship in Sanctuary March 28 Palm Sunday Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 11:1-11 “Palm Parade for Jesus”
April 2 Good Friday John 18:1-19:42 April 4 Easter Sunday Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper Isaiah 25:6-9;Acts 10:34-43; Mark 16:1-11 “The Beginning of the Good News”
It’s time to fill up those fish banks! We have banks and calendars available for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. You can follow the calendar or make up your own rules about how much to give. Bring your banks back on Easter Sunday, April 4th! For everyone, not just kids!!
March Artist of the Month: Jase
Volume 10 , I ssue 3 Page 3
In the Church and In the World
Sunday Worship Service Drive-in Worship & Facebook Live! Sunday mornings at 10:30
Join us in the parking lot for drive-in worship; just tune in on your car radio to 89.1FM to hear Pastor Murphy lead us in prayer, scripture, and song. Please stay in your car!
If you can’t join us in person, go to our Facebook page at Xenia United Presbyterian Church and watch the live stream of the service. If you are not familiar with Facebook, there is a link on our website (xeniaunited.org) and you do NOT have to have your own Facebook
account. Just click “not now” if asked to sign up.
to Connect with us on Facebook which will take you directly to our page.
REMINDER: If Communion is scheduled (first Sunday of each month) for Drive-in service, please bring your own elements, such as juice and bread or crackers and water.
Anything you have will be fine! A limited number of packets will be available for visitors.
* See page 4 for Worship Service Update*
Weather Conditions: In case of snow emergencies, drive-in services will be cancelled. Tune in to channels 2, 7, 22, 26, or 45, or check XUPC’s Facebook page and your email for information on cancellations. If drive-in service is cancelled, we will have worship on Facebook with a livestream from Pastor Murphy. If the church is closed due to bad weather conditions, meetings such as Bible Study will be conducted via Zoom when possible.
If you are not sure you are signed up for email notices, please check with Mary in the office ([email protected]
Xenia FISH Food Pantry is again accepting non-perishable food as well as monetary donations.
Sunday, March 28 is our next collection day. Please mark “FISH Pantry” on checks or envelopes
for cash donations. Thank you!
Bible Study: Contact the church office or Pastor Murphy for details. Tuesdays at 10:30a.m. in the church library and via Zoom. Refer to the Spoken Word for scripture references… the class studies the next Sunday’s scripture each week.
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Returning to the Sanctuary On March 21, 2021 we will begin meeting inside the sanctuary again (unless circumstances change). For those who prefer not to attend in person, the services will still be streamed live on Facebook. Please read the following procedures carefully so that you are prepared when coming to worship.
If you are feeling unwell or were exposed to COVID19, please stay home. Our goal is to be together in worship and keep everyone safe!
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Feeding Body and Soul
WESTERN STYLE RANCH BEANS Gladys Randall from “Memorial Cooks” 1977
1lb lean ground beef 1 (15oz) can butter beans
1 medium onion, chopped 1 (15oz) can pork and beans
3/4c brown sugar 1 (15oz) can red hot chili beans
1/2c catsup 1/2c Cheddar cheese, shredded
2Tbs Worcestershire sauce
Brown ground beef and onion; drain. Add brown sugar, catsup, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well and set aside. In large bowl, combine beans. Add the meat mixture and stir well. Stir in cheese. Pour into a large,
greased casserole dish and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Serves 10-12
XUPC Cooks
SLOW COOKED CHILI SOUP Alice Barber
1 T. oil ¼ tsp. garlic powder
1 ½ lb. boneless beef round ¼ ground red pepper
Steak, cut into ½ in. cubes cayenne
1 med. (1/2 c.) onion, chopped ¼ tsp. black pepper
1 (1 c.) green bell pepper, 2 (15.5 or 15-oz,) cans dark red
chopped kidney beans, drained
1 c. chopped carrots 2 (14.5-oz) cans diced
3-6 tsp. chili powder tomatoes, undrained
¼ tsp. salt 1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce
Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add beef and onion, cook and stir until beef is browned. In 3 ½-to-4-quart slow cooker, combine browned beef, onion, and all remaining ingredients; mix well. Cover,
cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours. Adjust cooking time for larger slow cooker.
Dessert with Friends
Are you missing sharing a cup of coffee and dessert with your XUPC friends? Join us on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month for a virtual fellowship hour.
Make it fancy… get out your pretty dishes and silver; or keep it simple with a mug of hot cocoa. An email with the link and details will be sent out ahead of the date.
Bingo, anyone? We’ll be playing a rousing round or two of Zoom Bingo during the Dessert hour on Wednesday, March 10 and also at 2:00p.m. on Wednesday, March 17. Cards will be handed out in the bulletin on Sundays before and also emailed with the Zoom link.
Page 6
If I have missed anyone’s birthday, please let me know in
the office. Mary
Remember in Prayer: Ben White, John Curry, Jackie Nowak, Kathleen Strickland, John Sparks, Joan Anderson, Sandy Smith, Leesa Poole, Jennifer Harphant, Judy Martin, Carolyn Robinson, Mary Ann Van Horn, John Townsley, our shut-ins, and military
personnel and their families who wait for them to come home. If you or someone you know would like prayer, please contact Mary Quinn in the church office (937-376-9461 or [email protected])
Birthdays/Volunteers
March Birthdays
If you are willing and able, please consider being a lay reader or doing children’s time for our Sunday morning services. You can contact Carolyn Randall (937-372-3239) to be a lay reader and Nancy Beam (937-376-9461 ext. 5) to help with children’s time. Nancy has resources if you would like to help but need a story or lesson for children’s time.
3-7 Pam Lubbers
Steve Lubbers
3/14 Louanne Boat
3/21 Evelyn Falk
3/28 Harold Hanlin
4/4
Lay Reader
Children’s Time Leader
Card Shower for Betty Van Horn who will be 100 on March 19. She lives independently at Legacy, 817 Nightingale Court, Xenia Ohio 45385.
Eric Van Horn 2-Mar
John Bloom 5-Mar
Maryssa Misamore 5-Mar
Morgan Detty 6-Mar
Kevin Murphy 11-Mar
Keegan Noble 11-Mar
Harold Hanlin 12-Mar
Carol Ondercin 15-Mar
John Balmer 16-Mar
Mark Ferguson 17-Mar
Jo Fehl 17-Mar
Bonnie Berry 18-Mar
Betty Van Horn 19-Mar
Cindy McCoy 20-Mar
Shirley Harphant 20-Mar
Luke Prindle 20-Mar
Jacqueline MacIntyre 21-Mar
Terry Hedges 22-Mar
Joanne Moeller 24-Mar
Larry Ellsberry 25-Mar
Madolin Grinstead 25-Mar
Tony McIlvaine 26-Mar
Mary Beam 27-Mar
Gail DeWall 27-Mar
Xenia United
Presbyterian Church
343 West Ankeney Mill Rd,
Xenia, OH 45385
Church Office – 376-9461
Contact Information
Office Hours: M-F 10a.m.-2p.m.
Please call before coming in to the office.
E-mail:
[email protected] Website:
www.xeniaunited.org
Xenia United Presbyterian Church
Rev. Kevin Murphy
Interim Pastor [email protected]
Nancy Beam, Director of Youth & Children’s Ministries
Michael Weller, Music Director
Jill-Ann Bryant, Organist
Anne Posey, Dixie Szalejko Memorial Preschool Directors
Mary Quinn, Office Admin. [email protected]
Office Memos
Pastoral Needs Information
If you are ill, hospitalized, need a pastoral visit, or know of
someone who does, please call the church office at 376-9461. If it
is after office hours, contact Pastor Murphy (859)391-7867
Bulletin information must be received in the office by Wednesdays at 9:00 a.m. to guarantee inclusion in the next week’s bulletin. Newsletter information and articles must be received in the office by the 22nd of each month to guarantee inclusion. Committees and Teams, please let the office know of any meeting schedule changes as soon as possible.
If you would like to be added to our email list to receive the daily devotions, bulletins, X-UPdate, and other church information, please email Mary at [email protected] and let her know which emails you would like to see. There is also a link on our Facebook page (Xenia United Presbyterian Church) that you can click on to sign up directly.
Office Information Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 10a.m.-2p.m.
Please call or email for questions or information.
If it is necessary to come in to the office, please call first. ([email protected]) 937-376-9461
Reminder: masks are required. We have disposable masks available at the office entrance.
If you need assistance immediately for an emergency outside of office hours, you can call Mary at home (937-736-2531) or Pastor Murphy (859-391-7867).
Thank you for your patience and support!
Memorial Preschool at XUPC is in session -
If you are coming into the church during the week, please come to the church office door only as we are limiting access
to the west wing for the school year.
Sweet Dreams Program:
937-376-9461 ext. 2
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2
9:00AM Preschool
10:30 AM Bible Study - Library, Zoom
3
9:00AM Preschool
5:00PM Lenten Meditation - Facebook
5:30 PM Kid's Night Out! - Art Room
4
9:00AM Preschool
5 National Day of Unplugging
6
7
10:30 AM Worship with Communion : Drive-in and Facebook Live
8 9
9:00AM Preschool
10:30 AM Bible Study - Library, Zoom
3:00 PM Worship and Music Team - Library/Zoom
4:00 PM Stewardship Team Comp. Rm
4:30 PM Spiritual Growth Team - Room 1/Zoom
6:00 PM Mission Team - Chapel/Zoom
10
9:00AM Preschool
5:00PM Lenten Meditation- Facebook
7:00PM Dessert and Bingo - Zoom
11
9:00AM Preschool
12 13
Spring Forward!
Don’t forget to change your clocks and smoke detector batteries
14
10:30 AM Worship - Drive-in and Facebook Live
15 Nat’l Napping Day
16
9:00AM Preschool
10:30 AM Bible Study - Library, Zoom
6:00 PM Deacon Meeting - Parlor, Zoom
17
9:00AM Preschool 2:00PM Bingo - Zoom
5:00PM Lenten Meditation - Facebook
5:30 PM Kid's Night Out! - Art Room
18
9:00AM Preschool
19
Red Nose Day
20
21
10:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary and Facebook
22
Deadline for Newsletter
23
9:00AM Preschool
10:30 AM Bible Study - Library, Zoom
5:00 PM Trustee Meeting - Chapel
7:00 PM Session - Fellowship Hall, Zoom
24
9:00AM Preschool
5:00PM Lenten Meditation- Facebook
25
9:00AM Preschool
26 Epilepsy Awareness Day
27
28 Palm Sunday
FISH Food Pantry Collection Day
10:30 AM Worship - Sanctuary and Facebook
29 30
10:30 AM Bible Study - Library, Zoom
31
March