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AUGUST 2015
www.highlandsucc.org 1910 Saint Paris Pike
[email protected] Springfield, Ohio 45504-1206
937-399-7493
From the Pastor Recently, I ran across the Welcome below that is
used by the Churches Tourism Network Wales which seeks to support
all Christian Churches in Wales. I found it intriguing in that this
welcome, which is posted in the churches, announces the kind of
inclusivity that we at Highlands are striving to have.
We extend a special welcome to those who are single, married,
divorced, gay, filthy rich, dirt poor. We extend a special welcome
to those who are crying new-borns, skinny as a rake or could afford
to lose a few pounds. We welcome you if you can sing like Pavarotti
or are like our vicar (who cant carry a note in a bucket). Youre
welcome here if youre just browsing, just woke up or just got out
of prison. We dont care if youre more Christian than the Archbishop
of Canterbury, or havent been in church since little Jacks
christening. We extend a special welcome to those who are over 60
but not grown up yet and to teenagers who are growing up too fast.
We welcome keep-fit mums, football dads, starving artists,
tree-huggers, latte sippers, vegetarians, junk-food eaters. We
welcome you if you are having problems or youre down in the dumps
or if you dont like organized religion weve been there too! If you
blew all your money on the horses, youre welcome here. We offer a
welcome to those who think the earth is flat, work too hard, dont
work, cant spell, or because your grandma is in town and wanted to
go to church. We welcome those who are inked, pierced or both. We
offer a special welcome to those who could use a prayer right now,
had religion shoved down their throat as a kid or got lost in the
local one-way system and wound up here by mistake. We welcome
tourists, seekers and doubters, bleeding heartsand you!
I often imagine, what if when we invited folks to worship at
Highlands we used language like thislanguage that leaves no doubt
that no matter who you are or where you are on lifes journey, you
are welcome? As we begin thinking about our future in this diverse
community, lets encourage folks to attend a church where all are
welcome, where each of us brings differing life experiencessome of
which may even be named in the above welcome statement; for each of
us has foibles with which God has so richly blessed us.
Blessings,
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Pastors Office Hours
Monday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.12:00 noon Wednesday 12:00 noon3:00
p.m. You can reach Pastor Avery in the church office during these
hours or at 937-429-1536.
A Safe Zone Outside the pastors office is a sign that says, This
is a SAFE ZONE. You can talk about anything here. The sign lists
some of the many things you can discuss. Check it out!
Worship Helpers for August Greeter Geneva Falkner 2, 23 & 30
Alta Lou Miller 9 &16 Liturgist Pam Dixon 2 & 16 Linda
Owens 9 Dixie Jenkins 23 Ushers Geneva Falkner 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Alta Lou Miller 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Sound System Kathy Howard
Fellowship Hour Pam Dixon 2 Alta Lou Miller 9 Millie McNeal 16 23
30
Serving during worship is one way of giving glory to God and to
enrich the experience of worship for all, whether it be ushering,
as a greeter or as a liturgist. See where you can be of service.
You will be blessed!
Kids World of Springfield KIDS WORLD of Springfield is a
Christian Pre-School/Day Care with a mission of developing the
whole child, keeping the love and nurturing of children as our top
priority. KIDS WORLD will create a caring, value-based environment
while providing safe boundaries and opportunities for children to
grow developmentally with structured learning activities. Opening
in 2005, ten years later, our mission is still going strong while
also reaching out to the community. We have developed a
relationship with Wittenberg University and our center is a site
for Psychology and Education students who are able to observe
children in all different developmental stages and conduct their
Pre-School teaching practicum in our classrooms. We also enjoy
working in collaboration with Highlands United Church of Christ to
provide a Harvest Festival in the fall to our students and the
community alike. KIDS WORLD is your family away from home so give
us a call and check out our wonderful pre-school/day care program.
Krista Yost, Admin/Owner & Kelly Stewart, Owner 399-2444
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * Highlands United Church of Christ is pleased to
have this high-quality pre-school/day care program in our facility.
We hear high praise from parents whose children attend. Trustees of
Highlands
Highlands Leadership Pastor: Rev. Avery Sledge Church Officers:
Pam DixonModerator Jan KushmaulVice Moderator Linda OwensTreasurer
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
9:00 a.m.12:00 noon.
Dont Forget the Food Cart!! We collect food and non-perishable
items for
Open Hands Free Stores food pantry. You can help feed the hungry
by dropping off items to Highlands Church, 1910 St. Paris Pike,
from
6:00 am to 5:30 pm. Come through the front door under the
covered
walkway. The grocery cart is right inside!
Meijers Community Rewards Program
For those of you who shop at Meijers, you can help Highlands by
enrolling in the Meijers Community Re-wards Program. Applications
and information are on the table in the narthex. Application can be
made on line at Meijer.com/rewards. If you know of families that
shop at Meijer, pick up an application and share it with them.
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Justice and Peace Wall
The wall in the narthex under the picture is being made into a
Justice and Peace Wall. The justice and peace activities that
Highlands is involved in will be displayed on a table where those
entering the church can see them.
Attention! Sign-out sheet now in effect People have needed to
borrow items from the church (i.e. tables, chairs, wheelchairs,
etc.) and, until now, there has been no way to monitor or keep
track of those items. It is possible that some of our chairs have
been borrowed and not yet returned. If anyone finds they have white
folding chairs at home, we ask that they be brought back. When you
need to borrow items from the church, please sign the form in the
secretarys office so we know where church items are located. We
wish to continue to help out when possible but would appreciate
help in keeping track of church property.
Recycle at Highlands! Paper, plastic, metal, cardboard all are
collected and taken to the recycling centers
1602 W. Main St. and between the Project Woman building and the
Clark County Combined Health District building on East Home
Road.
Household hazardous waste is collected for a fee of $1.00 per
pound at the West Main Street location on the First Saturday of
April, June, August and October.
More information is posted outside the kitchen door.
Box Tops & Labels collected for Oesterlen Services for Youth
A number of organizations collect BOX TOPS and food labels to raise
funds for their non-profit agencies. Highlands received a plea from
Oesterlen and we have responded. If you would like to help, a list
of the items that are being collected is on the bulletin board in
the fellowship hall out-side the kitchen window. A can is located
on the table in the narthex to place the box tops and la-
bels. When we have collected a number of them, we will take them
to Oesterlen.
Items for Interfaith Hospitality Network are being collected
Some of the members of Highlands Church are collecting items for
Interfaith Hospitality Network.
We have a box in the narthex if you wish to join us in this
effort. Once we have several items, we will take them to IHN.
Here are a few things needed: Hygiene, such as bath, hair, and
body products. Household, such as cleaning, storage, paper,
products. Health care, such as ointment, band-aids, baby items,
pain relievers, over the counter medications. A complete list is
located on the Community News bulletin board
in the fellowship hall outside the kitchen window.
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UCC 30th General Synod Recap What is General Synod? The General
Synod of the United Church of Christ is the national
decision-making body for the denomination, responsible for giving
general direction to the evangelistic, missionary, and justice
programs of the UCC. General Synod meets every two years. Because
the UCC holds to an explicitly congregational polity, though, any
decisions made by the Synod are not binding upon the UCC's
congregations (or its associations or conferences) in any way,
though the national offices expect serious consideration to be
given them. First, some of you might be wondering what specifically
happens at a General Synod: For the 30th Synod, over 3,000 gathered
in Cleveland, Ohio to discern the business of the church. There was
also fantastic worship, a variety of speakers, shopping in the
Exhibit Hall, and many reunions with friends, colleagues, and
pastors. The site was abuzz with excitement with the Supreme Courts
upholding of Equal Marriage and the Affordable Care Act. Election
of the New General Minister and President: The Rev. Geoffrey Black
retired from his position as the General Minister and President of
the UCC. The 30th General Synod was tasked with electing a new
General Minister and President, and with 85% of the vote, we
elected the Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer (Conference Minister of the
Southwest Conference). There was some discussion/debate about his
election, since now our three top ministers in the UCC are all
white males (which is problematic in a denomination that honors
diversity). However, Rev. Dorhauer addressed this issue head-on and
addressed the privilege he has as a white stright male and
committed to use his privilege to address concerns of those not
privileged. Re-election of the Executive Minister of Wider Church
Ministries: This was a rather easy process. The Rev. Dr. James Moos
was easily re-elected to this position. Proposed Changes to the
Constitution and Bylaws (defeated): This was the most controversial
issue during Synod. The proposed changes to the Constitution and
Bylaws were defeated (total vote was 401 in favor of the changes,
239 against changes, 23 abstained, however in order to approve
these changes, there needed to be a majority). The new proposed
changes would essentially make the General Minister and President
(if we think in terms of a local church), the Senior Minister of
our denomination with the Executive Ministers serving as Associates
Ministers. Or in business language, he would be more like a CEO.
Here is the language presented in the (defeated) proposed
Bylaws:
The General Minister and President oversees the administration
of the national setting offices. The General Minister and President
leads and directs the work of the Executive Ministers and the
Officers of the United Church of Christ. The General Minister and
President is the executive ultimately responsible for all hiring
and termination decisions in the National Setting of the United
Church of Christ. The General Minister and President may from time
to time delegate administrative responsibilities as the needs of
the Church and good judgment dictate.
This change will likely be revisited at the 31st Synod in
Baltimore in 2017. By then, there may be better definition of the
changes and it is likely that in some form, the changes will be
adopted. RESOLUTIONS Here is a brief synopsis of the resolutions
presented to the 30th General Synod. Boycott and Divest from
companies in Israeli-occupied Palestinian Land: Approved The UCC
followed the Presbyterian Church in voting to boycott and divest
from businesses in Israeli-occupied Palestinian land. This required
a vote. However, this resolution, though politically charged,
carries less weight than some may desire. The resolution cannot
mandate the Pension Boards of the UCC to completely divest. The new
General Minister and President, Rev. Dorhauer, raised fears that a
resolution such as this could harm our relationship with our Jewish
brothers and sisters. Nevertheless, a delegate and grandchild of a
holocaust survivor reminded the delegates of the quote by Desmond
Tutu, If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have
chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on
the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse
will not appreciate your neutrality. Recognize Actions of Israel
against Palestine as Apartheid: Defeated This resolution was
presented as the title states. And while it was presented with a
good argument, it did not receive a majority and so was not
approved. Full Communion between the United Church of Christ and
the United Church of Canada: Approved (almost unanimously) The UCC
now has full communion with the United Church of Canada, so their
pastors can serve our churches and ours theirs and whatever else
full communion en-tails. Think of it like the Disciples of Christ,
with whom we also have full communion. After the resolu-tion was
approved the hall broke into song singing, O Canada.
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Resolution Urging Socially Responsible Investing Practices:
Approved Submitted by the Pension Boards, it calls for the church
at all levels (local, conference, national) to choose socially
responsible investing practices by being conscious of how our
investing affects justice, peace, human rights, and the
environment. Emergency Resolution to Lament the Shooting in
Charleston: Approved As the title states, this is a resolution
standing with our brothers and sisters in Christ in the wake of the
shooting of 9 people from Emanuel AME in Charleston, SC. Because of
this resolution, the UCC will also petition the removal of the
Confederate Flag from the Statehouse (which has now been done). The
discussion challenged our own churches to address and overcome
issues of racism in our communities. Renewing Commitment to be a
Just Peace Church: Approved Encourages the UCC to remain focused on
peace and human rights, and celebrates our 30th anniversary as a
Just Peace Church. Developing WISE (Welcoming, Inclusive,
Supportive and Engaged) Congregations for Mental Health: Approved
The purpose of this resolution is to help our churches become more
welcoming, inclusive, and supportive to people with mental health
problems. For more information visit:
www.facebook.com/wideningthewelcome Dismantling Discriminatory
Systems of Mass Incarceration and Dismantling the New Jim Crow:
Approved Since the pr ivatization of pr isons, pr isons have become
a means of making money, and people of color are imprisoned at a
far higher rate than whites (even for equal crimes). The UCC
resolved to stand up with a prophetic witness against this corrupt
system of imprisonment. Resolution to Change the Racially Demeaning
Name, Mascot and Imagery of the Washington National Football League
Team: Approved A few fans who served as delegates expressed how
they refuse to wear their favorite teams apparel because its
discriminatory. One person tried to explain how the team name
honors Natives, but she was quickly educated by one of the Native
American delegates from the Lakota Tribe who passionately stated, I
am not a red skin, I am not a mascot that is not an honor. This one
prophetic Native voice resulted in this resolution being approved
with a strong majority. Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewable
Energy: Approved Last Synod, the UCC resolved to divest from Fossil
Fuels. Since then, our Pension Boards has responded by creating a
Sustainable Investing option. This resolution testifies to our need
to get over our fossil fuel addiction. Resolution to Support
Legislation Requiring Labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods on
Food Packaging: Defeated This resolution was defeated, because
there are essentially scientists arguing on opposing sides, and the
UCC is not ready to take a stance. A Call for Peace, Justice, and
Reunification of the Korean Peninsula: Approved This resolution is
as the title states. Responsible Stewardship of the Outer Space
Environment: Approved Also called, the space junk resolution. Space
junk that orbits around our planet is accumulating and is becoming
dangerous. The UCC Synod approved this resolution to encourage
education, dialogue and engagement at all levels. Commemorating 100
Years Since the Armenian Genocide: Approved This is as the title
states. If you desire more information or detail about these
resolutions, you may visit www.ucc.org/synod or
www.ucc.org/news.
If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call
937-399-7493 and ask to have your name removed from the Outreach
newsletter mailing list.
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Your Help Is Needed The rest rooms on the lower level have not
been updated since the building was built in 1955. The metal stall
enclosures have rusted over the years and are now a danger to the
children who use them everyday. You can see what we are talking
about with a quick trip downstairs. We have received a grant in the
amount of $799.00 to help replace the enclosures, but that is not
enough to do all that is needed. We have quotes for the repairs and
the one that appears to be best is $2,893.00. There are funds in
the Building/Capital account, but this amount would drastically
deplete it. We have already had a commitment of a donation (not yet
specified) that will help. Can you assist as well? Any amount would
be appreciated. Mark your check or donation for rest rooms.
Our last best chance Those are the words of our Clark County
Health Commissioner Charles Patterson after meeting with Ohio EPA
Director Craig Butler to discuss the Tremont City Barrel Fill. He
is referring to the upcoming meeting with US EPA staff here on
Thursday, August 27th, 6:30-8:00pm to announce their revised
remedy, which changes nothing regarding reburying untreated
hazardous wastes permanently at the site. We are waiting for a
confirmation of the meeting location. This meeting is extremely
important not because the US EPA will listen to us, but because
Ohio EPA is undecided about whether to concur with US EPAs current
plan or not. If not, the possibility exists that Ohio EPA could be
the responsible agency to oversee the cleanup. Director Butler told
local officials he will base his decision in large part on how many
people show up at the meeting August 27th. Marilyn Welker,
President, People for Safe Water
Northminster Presbyterian Church will host a shoe drive August
22nd and 29th, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To donate simply drive
through the drop off station at the church and donate unwanted
shoes. All types, sizes and conditions will be accepted. Shoes
collected will be given to WaterStep, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to bringing safe drinking water to children and families
in need all over the world. WaterStep sells the shoes to an
exporter and uses the funds to equip people with training and
technology enabling them to provide safe, clean water to
communities in need.
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Highlands United Church of Christ 1910 Saint Paris Pike
Springfield, Ohio 45504
www.highlandsucc.org
Mission Statement
Our Mission is to be the loving heart and healing hands of God
in the world; we are a welcoming community of faith, seeking to
accompany and support all
on their journey to Christ, and bearing authentic witness of
Gods inclusive love as proclaimed through Jesus.
Highlands United Church of Christ, is called by God
To open doors for all who seek a safe place for their spiritual
journey To extend extravagant hospitality To set an open table for
all who hunger To provide sanctuary for all who seek forgiveness,
reconciliation, and healing To do justice and pursue peace
Highlands Open and Affirming Statement
The worshipping family within the faith community of Highlands
United Church of Christ believes in Christ's gospel of
unconditional love. We joyfully welcome into full participation,
membership, and leadership of this congregation persons of every
race, language, age, gender identity and expression, sexual
orientation, physical or mental ability, economic or marital
status, and faith background. We affirm and celebrate all loving,
committed relationships affirming that all families defined by love
are blessed." Adopted by the congregation January 13, 2013
Return Service Requested
