Volume XXIV, No. 9

From The Pastor,

I recently heard a story about a couple of reporters who conducted an experiment on the streets of Miami, Florida.  They printed a copy of the Bill of Rights (the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution) in the form of a petition, put it on a clipboard, and then stopped people on the sidewalk and asked them to sign it.   Most people just glanced at the document and walked on without signing it.  Several people however, became angry with the reporters and accused them of being radical enemies of the American way of life.  In fact, the experiment ended when the reporters found themselves surrounded by a dozen or so very angry passers-by who were shaking their fists at them and calling them subversive Communists who ought to be thrown in jail. 

I could talk about the fact that this experiment reveals that many of our citizens don’t know the truth about the Constitution.  They pay lip service to the country and its heritage but really they don’t even know the basic rights outlined in the Constitution.   But I’m not going to do that, well at least no more than I already have.  Instead, I would like to reflect on the fact that so many people do the same sort of thing about faith in Jesus Christ.  They say they believe but they don’t always know the basic tenets of the faith.  They may think that believing means that they will never suffer.  But Jesus said that if we follow him we may well be persecuted for his sake.  They may believe that being a believer means that God will bless them with a lot of stuff.  God may do that but on the other hand Jesus said to the rich ruler, “Give all you have to the poor and follow me.”

Our world is full of misconceptions about religion, especially Christianity.  I could probably do a whole series of articles about the most common misconceptions, but today I would like simply to talk about the most profound category of misconceptions, the radical nature of Christ’s love and his teachings about love.  Jesus told Peter, “If you love me, feed my sheep.”  That means that we cannot claim to follow Jesus if we have no concern for those who starve, physically or spiritually.  Jesus said, “Go! Make disciples!”   We who follow Jesus are called and commanded by Jesus to share the Good News with others because Jesus does in fact love them as much as he loves us!  Jesus said, “Pick up your cross and follow me,” and again, “deny yourself and follow me.”  Being a follower of Jesus Christ entails commitment!   Jesus ate with people who were considered to be undesirables.  We who follow Jesus dare not make ourselves into an elite little group of folks who keep modern day “undesirables” from God.  And perhaps the most challenging of all, Jesus said, “Love your enemy.”  If ever there was a counter-cultural idea that’s it. 

I would like to challenge you to spend some time reflecting on the radical nature of Jesus’ love.  Ask yourself whether or not you love as Jesus loves.  Ask yourself how you take this challenging truth to heart and let it transform you.  Oh, and by the way, I’m pretty sure that a lot of people wouldn’t sign the Ten Commandments or the Beatitudes either.

Please share your reflections with me.

Pastor Vicki

Youth and Family Events

September

5^th Max and Erma’s Fundraiser

-          Take a coupon from the church and help support the youth

6^th Confirmation, 6:30pm in youth room

7^th High School Gathering, 7pm in youth room

8^th-9^th High School Lock-In, 7pm

-          Ends at 8:30am on Saturday

-          Friends are welcome to attend

-          Bring a snack to share

10^th Rally Day, 9:45am   

-          Get registered for Sunday School

11^th No YAG, Committee Night at GDLC

12^th Guitar Lesson for Youth, 7pm at GDLC

-          Please bring your guitar and a note book

14^th High School Service Project, 3:45pm

-          We will be working at Welcome House

-          We will return to the church around 6:15pm

16^th Paint Your Own Pottery, 2pm-4pm

-          Meet at Morning Star Pottery, located near Better Bodies

-          Open to all youth

17^th First day of Sunday School

18^th Young Adult Gathering, 7pm at Borders

-          We will be reading “Buck Naked Faith”

-          Copies available in the office

19^th Drum Lesson for Youth, 7pm at GDLC

20^th Confirmation, 6:30pm in youth room

21^st High School Gathering, 7pm in youth room

24^th Family Ministry Roller-skating, 1pm at Florence Fundome

  -     Check Fundome’s website for buy one get one admission

25^th YAG, 7pm at Borders

28^th High School Gathering, 7pm in youth room

30^th Confirmation Outing, 2pm meet at GDLC

-          Outing will be voted on at the confirmation meeting

 

A note from Rebecca… Well, It’s that time again.  I love back to school.  It is really an exciting time of the year.  While most kids say they are not excited to be back, I think they secretly miss school.  Maybe not the education part but the social part.  There is something special about buying wooden pencils.  Back to school time brings about schedules, a sense of ease.  While I enjoy the craziness of summer, I look forward to weekly scheduled activities.  I know that on Thursdays I have high school gathering and Tuesdays are with the young adults.  I know that Sundays I will see most of my kids during Sunday school and a great deal of families at the 11am service.  I have to admit, I do enjoy structure.  Summer lends itself to a very casual schedule, which is needed to rejuvenate the body.  Now is the time to rejuvenate the soul.  Crack open that Bible, dust off those devotionals, and jump back into what God has in store for you. School time is about educating the mind.  Use the church to educate your heart, soul and mind.  There are a great deal of activities going on, find something you like and get back to it!  You may be surprised at what you find!   Blessings- Rebecca

 

Trunk-or-Treat  Sunday, October 29^th

                  You may be asking yourself, what is Trunk or Treat; let me explain.  Trunk or Treat is a safe and fun way for youth to trick or treat.  It is also a way for families to socialize and come together in a safe and healthy way.  Here is what you do, decorate the trunk of your car, to whatever theme seems to fit you the best, and you decorate yourself to match your car.  Then everyone comes to the church and lines their cars up.  The kids then come and go from trunk to trunk for candy, or whatever you want to hand out. 

We will also serve chili, cider and other goodies during this event.  It is open for the whole community. 

So start thinking of a theme or you can ask Rebecca for some.  This event can be a great success with your participation!!! J

KOK and COOL trip to Newport Aquarium

Kids Of the Kingdom and Children Of Our Lord will be heading out to the Newport Aquarium on Sunday, October 8^th at 1pm.  Please sign up on the youth board if you are interested.  We may be eligible for a group discount. 

Don’t miss your chance to pet the sharks and see all the great fish!

The last outdoor worship service will be September 3 at 9:00 a.m.  Beginning September 10 we will resume with four worship services on Sundays:  8:30, 9:45, and 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Sunday School Rally Day and registration will be September 10 with classes beginning September 17.

Adult Sunday School Starts Soon

On September 17 at 9:45, in one of our “new” rooms in the fellowship hall, Adult Sunday School will begin a video series called “Jesus, the New Way.” This series introduces Jesus--who He is and why He came. Noted British scholar, Dr. Tom Wright, uncovers fascinating backgrounds from the first-century world of Jesus and shows how He was indeed a “new way,” both then and now. Wright shows how Jesus is the fulfillment of Israel’s ancient hopes and humanity’s deepest dreams.  We will see Jesus as we have never seen Him before, in the context of His Jewish and Roman world.  We will find new meaning in His familiar words and deeds as Wright unfolds His incomparable life and shows how Jesus remains an unavoidable challenge to our world and to our way of thinking. Join us as we learn more about our Savior.

E. KY Conference at Gloria Dei

Plan now to attend the East Kentucky Conference Fall Assembly at Gloria Dei on September 23 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.  Open to all interested parties, the presentation will be “Thanks in Living” presented by Brenda Dembroski, the Region 6 area marketing representative for the Mission Investment Fund and chairman of the Indiana/Kentucky Stewardship Team.  It is not only our monetary gifts that we give back to God but our special God-given gifts as well.  We will learn about personal giftedness, personal stewardship, and leadership enhancement.  We can live in love and thanks to God by using our personal gifts to God’s glory.

All Committees Meet September 11

Committee Meeting Night is scheduled for Monday, September 11.  Council members and Discipleship chairs will meet at 6:00 p.m. for a light dinner and Team Members will join them at 7:15.  Please send agendas to Steve Kieffner as soon as possible and let him know if babysitting is needed.

Upcoming Fellowship Events

Please mark your calendars for the annual Church Picnic- Sunday, September 10, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at President's Park in Edgewood.  Fried chicken will be served around 4:00 and there will be plenty of fun activities for all. Relax in the picnic shelter, play games (including basketball, volleyball, and cornhole) and enjoy delicious food with family and members of Gloria Dei.    Please bring a dish to share and look for sign ups in the narthex for what to bring. Contact Shawn Honnerlaw at 513-257-9220 or Jane Nicol  at 859-586-7973 for more information.

Coming October 21 is the Family Fall Hayride at Mullens’ Farm. A sign up sheet will be posted in the narthex.   Contact event co-chairs Len Hegna at 859-282-1768 and Ed Budrick at 859-727-6543 for more information. 

If you would like to help with either of these fall events, we would love to have your help!  Please call any of the contacts listed to volunteer or if you have questions. 

September means church picnic and this year the Seniors are able to attend.  We are looking forward to a great time. In October we are planning to tour Spring Grove Cemetery- one of the best Greater Cincinnati tours.  More information will be available later.  Hope you can go with us. We'll see all of you at the picnic.

We Say Yes!

“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.”

1 Corinthians 4:1-2

The theme of this year’s stewardship program is We Say Yes! It is an enthusiastic statement that creates images of hands raised, faces smiling, excitement brewing, and hearts and minds in agreement. “Yes, God, I’m here. Yes, God, I’m listening. Yes, God, I’m a willing and ready partner in your plan for my life.”

Our church supports, nurtures and equips us to go out into the world to share the gospel with others. God calls us into community and into relationship. How do we answer that call? It begins by saying “Yes, I will do my part. Yes, I will be a trustworthy servant and steward for Christ.”

We are stewards of God’s mysteries. Christ is not as concerned about the end product of our lives or all that we accomplish as He is that we be found trustworthy along the path of our life journey. Following Christ and living as a faithful steward may include a few unexpected turns. Yet we are caught up in Christ’s story. We might just be amazed at how fulfilling the whole process can be.

So this year’s stewardship program is not simply about making a financial pledge.  It is about examining our relationship with God and what it means to live a life of faith. Do we feel accountable to God?  Over the next few months you will learn more about the ways that you can say “Yes” to God’s call and become a steward of God’s mysteries. God has some wonderful surprises in store for you!

2006 Stewardship Committee:

Susan Bunnell

Bob Frey

Burt Lloyd

Phil Schmidt and Becky Sittason, co-chairs

Mid-Year Financial Report

For the six months ending June 30, the general fund has generated a surplus as shown below.  As can be seen, the offerings are running behind budget and for the same period last year, so the surplus is a result of less spending, some of which is simply timing.