“Making disciples of Jesus that transform the world.” Inside This Issue:

Pastor’s Letter

Because We Are

Family . . .

Bob Evans Day

Flyer

415 W. Greene Street,

Piqua, Ohio 45356

(937) 773-5313

Fax (937) 773-5397

office@greenestreetumc.org

www.greenestreetumc.org

Pastor Kenneth A. Stewart

Greene Street's 41th Christmas Market is history. Another successful event was held on October

10. The 2013 Market was under the direction of the Administrative Board. Members of the Administrative

Board— Adele Penrod, Donna DeBrosse, and Brett Marrs—

formed a leadership team to assure each area of the market was covered.

The 2013 balance in the fund, with all known bills paid, is $6510.63. The division of proceeds will be discussed and

approved at the next Ad Board meeting.

Special thanks is extended to all who stepped forward and provided leadership in specific areas. There was great

fellowship, great food and lots of smiles.

Christmas Market Reflection

Everyone is invited to a brief reflection meeting about this year’s Christmas

Market on Monday, November 11, at 6:30 p.m. Conversation is needed to

help this event form for next year.

Page 2

On October 17, our family was given the privilege of moving into Greene Street’s new parsonage, located at 608 Bear Run. After spending 37 days living with 9 other family members (not that I was counting) and sharing a smaller home (2 bedroom, 1 bath), we could not be happier to enjoy the new confines of this wonderful home (4 bedroom, 2.5 bath)! Thank you to everyone who helped us along the way, from those who worked to sell the Caribou property to those who helped purchase the new property, along with everyone else in between who brought food, offered assistance, and held us in prayer through the transition. We feel loved, supported, and spoiled by all the goodness you have shown.

Our 37-day adventure living with extended family gave me a deeper appreciation for what Jesus said in Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58: “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” I have often wondered what it was like for Jesus and his band of disciples to travel from one town to another without a travel agent or concierge. Who decided where to stay, and with whom? Who made the dinner plans? Did they discuss their destination along the way, or plan ahead? The Gospel writers simply do not provide us with these details.

At the end of the day, we’re not sure whether Jesus knew whether he was going to have a nice bed to rest upon. He was displaced…from his own bed, home, land of origin; even from his Father in heaven. The beautiful thing is Jesus chose to be in this position; he willingly decided to be displaced from all the comforts of heaven in order to touch earth and all who dwell therein. This is the reason we celebrate his advent – his coming to earth at Christmas. We recognize all Jesus forfeited in order to reveal the unimaginable love and passion of God for his children.

Displacement forces us to grapple with the question of what makes a home, a home. It is certainly more than bricks and mortar, painted walls, and indoor plumbing (although we certainly appreciate these features). It is more than a mailing address, a phone number, and a neighborhood. Through displacement, our family discovered “home” is more about relationships than it is about physical location. This is why we could still be “at home” even in someone else’s house, and I suspect why Jesus could be “at home” on earth whenever he communed with his Father.

There are some of us who have faced displacement. Ours was chosen, but sometimes it is not a choice. For those who face declining health who have moved to a new place, sometimes willingly and sometimes not, remember…Jesus put on flesh and moved into these less-than-friendly confines too. For those who serve abroad in our military, often spending months, if not years away from home, remember…Jesus’ deployment to earth lasted 33 years. For those who face bankruptcy and foreclosure, remember…Jesus faced homelessness too and lived to tell about it.

May the God who chose displacement from heaven comfort you this day, whoever you are, wherever you’ve been, and through whatever you’re facing.

Your fellow servant in Christ,

Rev. Kenneth A. Stewart

A New Place

Page 3

Light of Christmas

The Light of Christmas - a tree and wreath auction to benefit the Piqua Compassion Network will be held the week of November 8-15. The trees and wreaths will be available for purchase at the opening Dessert Gala and will remain on display throughout the week at the Miami Valley Centre Mall.

The full arrangement of trees and wreaths will be open for public viewing, free of charge, November 9-15. Each donor, decorator and purchaser will be recognized throughout the display. A few tickets remain for the dessert gala which will be held from 6-7:45 on Friday, November 8. Call the Piqua Compassion Network at 778-8856 to purchase a ticket. Select trees and wreaths will be auctioned at the gala with the remaining available for purchase. Those not sold on November 8 will be available for purchase through November 15. Hours of display will be: Nov 9-10: 12-6 p.m. Monday-Friday 4-8 p.m.

Piqua Compassion Network, located at the Bethany Center on South Street exists to transform lives by providing Christian hope, education and basic needs assistance to Piqua area residents. They are committed to provide a hand up, not a hand out, by empowering individuals to move forward from crisis and poverty.

Please consider supporting this worthwhile program by visiting the display. Please invite your friends as well.

NA to Meet at Greene Street

Rev. Kenneth has been in discussion with a group from Greene Street who is seeking to establish an addiction recovery and treatment program in Piqua, since there are very few available in the surrounding area. As a result, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) will begin meeting Sunday evenings in the Wall/Wesleyan Room from 7-8 P.M. The meetings will start November 3, with Rev. Kenneth attending for the first couple of months to ensure safety and build trust. NA provides an effective recovery and treatment program through working a twelve-step program. The group atmosphere provides help from peers and offers an ongoing support network for addicts who wish to pursue and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. NA has also brought many persons to God and helped break the hopeless chains of addictions, in keeping with the mission of Jesus who came to “proclaim freedom for the prisoners and…to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18 NIV). If you have questions or concerns, please contact Pastor Kenneth. As this new ministry venture begins, we would certainly appreciate your prayer support.

From the Pantry A sincere THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the Olde Kitchen Shoppe for the Christmas Market. We appreciate the time and resources donated toward this fun event; from the donation of kitchen items, setup, working the booth and cleanup. The success of this event could not have been achieved without this much appreciated support. With the colder days and the holiday season upon us, it continues to be a challenge to feed the hungry of Piqua. We appreciate your continued support of providing non-perishable food item to the Food Pantry. Every little bit helps and counts. In the month of September we served 211 families. Looking ahead: Watch for information on how to get your coupon book for the upcoming Elder-Beerman Community Days. This event not only helps to stock the Food Pantry, but also provides valuable coupons that will help with your Christmas shopping needs. We extend wishes to our Greene Street Family for a blessed and happy Fall season.

Because We Are Family . . .

Greene Street Church Family - Bob Jones, Darlene Montgomery, Jade Piatt, Fred Shellenberg, Rene Clark, Kathleen Smith, Jim Whetstone, Lois Erbes, Walter and Melinda Slaughter

Friends and Family of Greene Street- Mike Jess, Gail Wilson, Nancy Wiford, Pat Pleiman (Stilwell), Jim Lyons (Francony), Eddie Joe Williams (Cain), Ron Clark (Clark), Brian Haley (Castle)

Military - Jed Cooper, Ronnie Cooper, Clarke Cripe (Elliott), Kristopher Palsgrove (Ash), Andy Pearson (Hudson/Carter), Alexander Yantis (Williamson), Tyler Fellure (Christy), Brian Pummill, Jacob Kerrigan

OUR SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:

Michelle Underwood, Toni Thompson, and their families upon the death of their uncle Edgar Grunert.

CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED TO:

Ron and Erica Cooper with the birth of their daughter, Scarlett Grace Cooper, on October 18, 2013. Scarlet is welcomed home by big brother Trent.

Page 4

Nursing Homes Sterling House Virginia Gross Barbara Heater Maxine Zimmerman Heartland Bill Alexander Piqua Manor Carolyn McClannan Morris McClannan

Spring Meade Martha Fraley Garbry Ridge Doris Penrod Barbara Minton Dorothy Love Ruth Brush John Phillips Kay Phillips Kentucky Alvena Thornton

Hospitalized Since Last Month: Alvena Thornton, Rene Clark, Jim Whetstone, Lois Erbes,

Walter Slaughter

3 Don and Ruthanne Ruffner 4 Doug and Marj Stilwell 21 Dan and Kathy Califf 23 Darrell and Lisa Seas 28 Mick and Charlene Robinette

1 Jed Cooper 2 Tina Elliott Cathy Oliver Sammy Ruiz 3 Blair Elliott 4 Ashlee Larger 7 Tanya Stewart 8 Jim Christy 9 Haylee Meckstroth 10 Megan Kline 11 Hillary Fry 13 Marge Trimmer 14 Cecily Stewart Grady Stewart Allison Wagner 15 Dick Callison Roger Hale 16 Sally Ellis Carol Hepler 17 Samantha Slusher

18 Cortney Henry Jackson Trombley 20 Chris Vosler 21 Miranda Sweetman 22 Pam Brown Jason Jones Jim Otey 24 George Sweetman 26 Carol Cain 27 Molly Hudson Cecil Stewart 29 Linda Carter

Bucket total is $229.65 for Children’s Outreach

activities like the Block Party, Night in Bethlehem,

and VBS.

Bucket Money for this Fall

Bucket monies for the next few weeks are as follows: October 20-November 3 = Shoebox Ministry

November 10-November 24 = Springcreek Outreach

Dear Greene Street Church Family,

Thank you very much for your continued

support of my missionary work with The Navigators at The University of Akron! Receiving

the bucket money for September was a huge blessing and a step toward being fully

funded. Only about $5,500 more, for which I have a goal to raise by December 31st! The next bigger event we have coming up is a brief trip for

the men to Washington, DC! We’ve been looking forward to this time, as it will allow our director

Todd, the male students, and I to bond and share an adventure together. As Paul modeled in Ephesians 1:16, “I have not stopped giving thanks

for you, remembering you in my prayers.” Thank

you again!

Your partner in the Gospel,

Nate Ellis

Sound System

Greene Street's sound system has been enhanced with several new items. Pastor Ken will be wearing a new headset which will allow greater movement in the pulpit area and will not create static like the one he was currently using. The static was random and happened when the frequency was used by another outside source. The old microphone was using a frequency that had been deemed illegal several years ago. In addition to the new headset there are two new sanctuary speakers which will allow a fuller sound. New equipment was installed to drive the choir speakers and floor monitors in the front. A sequencer was installed which allows all the equipment to be turned on and off in a sequence which is better for the items. Many contributions have been made to this project by church members, projects such as Bob Evans Day, Pie Peddler sales, etc. and Becker Estate fund. Special thanks to all who helped fund this new project.

Elder-Beerman Community Days

The Greene Street Food Pantry will benefit from the Elder-Beerman Community Day Sale on November 15 & 16. A coupon book is available for purchase for $5 (Food Pantry keeps the $5) and shoppers may benefit from the many coupons in the booklet. For the first time coupons may be used for Bonus Buys. There is a $10 off any item (some exclusions) coupon; a 30% off any one item; a 25% savings pass for use all day coupon plus many other sales. The Food & Hunger team will be available on Sunday, November 10 with booklets at church and they are available in the church office each weekday. If you don't think you will shop and want to give a donation to the food pantry via these coupon books they can be used by Rita Ash to shop for theme basket items.

Please remember to sign

up to help with the cafe

on Sundays. It is a great

time to chat with your

friends and extend the

hospitality of Greene

Street. Thanks you in

advance for you help.

Hanging of the Greens

Nov. 24th at 4:00 pm.

The Worship Committee

cordially invites church

members to the annual

Hanging of the

Greens. Within an hour the

many willing hands decorate the

sanctuary, narthex, and entryways. It is

amazing to see the transformation. Bring the

whole family; children will have fun activities

with Mrs. Jenny (Sweetman). To celebrate the

beginning of the Advent Season, ALL church

members are invited to join in a meal of

fellowship beginning at 5:15 p.m. More

information about the meal will be announced.

Please join us.

Young Adult Movie Night November 23, 2013 at 7:30 pm

Movie: TBA Bring a snack to share and own drinks

Address: 1552 Edge Street, Piqua

RSVP:

Krystal Lawson: 937-638-3519 Erin Carter: 937-214-0824

A special Theme Basket “Thank You” is in

order for the countless number of people

who either donated items or participated in

our basket work day in September! We

also can’t forget those individuals who

helped on several other days to help

assemble these baskets! Without each and

every one of these terrific volunteers, the

baskets could not have been completed on

time for our Christmas Market. Thank you

one and all!

Rita Ash

Katelyn Kerrigan

is a hairstylist in

Sidney and is

running a special

for everyone who

brings the flyer,

10% will be

donated to Greene

Street. Flyers are

available in the

narthex or online.

December 13, 2013

6-8 p.m.

Take a stroll in our Bethlehem village where

you will interact with shopkeepers and others

coming for the census. This will be the 5th year for “Night in Bethlehem”. There will be crafts and other hands-on activities for the children

and young-at-heart. This is a family-centered event and all are welcome!.

*** Many helpers are needed for this event to be successful. See Jenny in the church office

for opportunities to help.

Page 7

Daycare News

Acts of kindness go a long way! During the month of November we will be have our annual Great Turkey

Race. Families are encouraged to purchase food items for the food pantry here at Greene Street. The race begins on November the 4th and ends on November 22nd. The class that brings in the most items will receive a cupcake party. You can also help us out by going on line to eLabels for education and signing up to give us points. If you need help with this just let me know.

Thank You

Dear Members of Greene St. Church.

I would like to thank you all for your prayers, cards, & love during my injury healing. It was so thoughtful most of all for the beautiful crochet prayer shawl that was made and brought to me the other day by a member of the church. Sorry to make this so brief but it is difficult for me to sit too long at the computer. Hopefully one of these days I will be up and in full swing again.

Love to you all.

Lois & Al Erbes

Greene Street United Methodist Church,

Thank you for donating 5 Backpacks to Wilder. We appreciate your donation and thoughtfulness.

We have students who will be thankful for this donation.

Thank you,

Wilder Intermediate Staff & Students

To Greene Street Church,

A BIG Thank you for a wonderful Block Party. It was a wonderful time of sharing our Blessings. It was so well organized and such fun to be a part of. To the many people who gave time, energy & their love - - we appreciated all of you. Working and being a part of it was a wonderful experience. Everyone reached out and made us feel welcomed and appreciated. Working together is what life is all about!! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

- Mike & Sandie Cox

Congratulations!

On October 26, 2013, Debbie Frazier was

recognized as Director of the Year

by the Dayton Association for

Young Children

Page 8

October 6, 2013 The Altar Flowers are given by Chuck

and Nancy Woods in celebration of their October birthdays.

October 13, 2013

The Altar Flowers are given in “Thanks” for everyone that helped to make the 41st Christmas Market a success.

October 20, 2013

The Altar Flowers are given in honor of the 30th birthday of Amy Kathryn Penrod celebrated October 24 and the anniversary of her baptism on November 6.

October 27, 2013

The Altar Flowers are given in celebration of Charlie William Vosler’s 2nd Birthday on October 28, 2013.

October Information September

Dedications November Worship Leaders November 3

Greeters 8:00: Fred Shellenberg and Gerry Williamson 10:30: Jane Salisbury and Granddaughters Head Usher Brett Marrs Children’s Church Barb Hudson

November 10 Greeters 8:00: Peggy Moorman and Debbie Blue 10:30: Doug and Marj Stilwell Head Usher Brett Marrs Children’s Church Jenny Sweetman

November 17 Greeters 8:00: Brenda and Paul Rice 10:30: Tanya Stewart and family Head Usher Brett Marrs Children’s Church Natalee Heath

November 24

Greeters 8:00: Carol Hogston 10:30: Bill and Linda Carter Head Usher Brett Marrs Children’s Church Michelle Underwood

United Methodist Men

Calling all men! The United Methodist Men will meet

November 16, 2013 at 8 a.m. Come for breakfast and

fellowship.

Ladies Afternoon Circle

Ladies Afternoon Circle will meet Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. in the Parlor. Need a ride call,

Mary Catherine Grimes 773-2404. Everyone Welcome! Please join us.

Chimes Information

December deadline for Chimes is November 17. Due to the holiday seasons coming the next chimes will cover December / January

and be sent out the first week in December. Newsletter folding

party will be Wednesday, December 4th at 9 a.m.

Unless otherwise stated . . .

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

3 4

Childcare

Committee

6:30 p

5 6

Children’s

Ministries

6:30 p

7 8 9

10 11

Christmas

Market

Reflection

& Ad Board

6:30 p

12

Ladies

Circle

1:30 p

13

Children’s

Ministries

6:30 p

14 15 16

UMM

Breakfast

8 a

17 18 19 20

Children’s

Ministries

6:30 p

21 22 23

Young Adult

Movie Night

7:30 p

24

Hanging of

the Greens

4:00 p

25 26 27

NO

Children’s

Ministries

28

Office

Closed

29

Office

Closed

Bob Evans

Day

30

Sunday Schedules 8 a.m. Worship 9:15 a.m. Church School 10:30 a.m. Worship 6 p.m. Ch. 5 Rebroadcast

Greene Street

United Methodist Church 415 W. Greene Street

Piqua, Ohio 45356-2198

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Piqua, Ohio Permit No. 268

ADDRESS SERVICE