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“Making disciples of Jesus that transform the world.” Inside This Issue:
Pastor’s Letter
Because We Are
Family . . .
College Care Package
“Thank You”s
Bob Evans Day Flyer
415 W. Greene Street,
Piqua, Ohio 45356
(937) 773-5313
Fax (937) 773-5397
www.greenestreetumc.org
Pastor Kenneth A. Stewart
Kitchen Renovation Project
The Kitchen Renovation is progressing. To Date 81% of the pledged $10,420.00 has already been paid. The goal for pledges remains at $15,000. The floor finish will be completed on February 28 with several days drying time required. The painting of the walls and installing new ceiling tiles will be completed shortly. Two gas top stoves with electric, self-cleaning, convection ovens have been ordered. In addition a stack of
freestanding convection ovens will complete the cooking/baking area. The two electric ovens remain in the kitchen. In addition a new dishwasher will be installed, keeping the return tray and garbage disposal connection we currently were using. Electric and gas service will be changed to accommodate the new purchases. The pantry and kitchen area have been combined with minimal long term storage of any items in the kitchen. Duplicate or unneeded kitchen equipment is available for members to purchase. Tables have been set up on the stage and members are welcome to stop by during the week or on Sunday to look over any of the items. Donations for items needed will be used for kitchen renovation. These kitchen items will be available for purchase through March 9.
New Worship Format
March 9th starts the new worship services. During the 9 a.m. “Liturgical” service, we will sing hymns, hear the choir, engage in responsive readings and prayers, be inspired by beautiful organ accompaniment, all while worshiping our God in the beauty of His holiness.
At the 10:30 a.m. “Unveiled” service, we will offer a worship gathering appealing to those who appreciate a less traditional worship experience.
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Status – Pending
When we purchase something over the internet and check to track its status in the ordering
and shipping process, sometimes we’re met with a response that is less-than-desirable –
“Pending.” The word literally means “awaiting a decision or settlement;” “until something hap-
pens or takes place.” “Pending” places us in a land of in-between where we’re forced to wait
upon results. It’s a place few of us enjoy. And yet, that is where we find ourselves with re-
spect to our new Sunday morning format, which is scheduled to begin March 9.
After all the conversations and discussions we’ve had together regarding the new format, there
are a few things I’d like to share.
First, there is excitement about the new worship styles being offered. Some of us have been
waiting for years to worship either in a fully liturgical/traditional sense, while others have
longed for something much different. This will soon become a reality, and many are eager to
participate.
Second, there is a sense of palpable anticipation, as many are planning to experience both wor-
ship styles prior to settling into a new Sunday morning rhythm.
Third, I could not be more pleased with the Sunday School classes, who have agreed to adapt
to this new schedule. Your flexibility is a sign of the sacrificial love you are sharing for the Body
of Christ and for those we have not yet reached.
As much as we’ve planned and prepared for this historic change, there will likely be bugs and
oversights requiring immediate attention. Please be patient as we address issues as they arise,
extending grace to all. Our children’s ministry is offering an entirely new format, possessing
many moving parts. “Parental Guidance” may be required. We may also need some last-
minute greeters, ushers, and other people willing to serve in some capacity during worship. We
may need someone to help with the welcome center or café. In any case, please help! We
want to make our guests and visitors as comfortable as possible when they enter our doors, ex-
tending the same hospitable love God has freely shown us.
Our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ who will in turn join with God in transforming
the world. But we cannot make new disciples apart from reaching out to new people, and new
people cannot be reached unless they are first invited. Even though our worship status might
be “pending,” we can use this time to bring others along to share in the new things God is do-
ing in the life of His church. I eagerly anticipate what God will do with our new format, and I
hope you do too!
Your fellow companion in Christ,
Rev. Kenneth A. Stewart
“You do not have because you do not ask…”
This verse from James 4:2 convicts me, because it is difficult for me to ask for things,
especially for help. However, last month one of the foundational applications from a Sunday
message included this statement: “Generosity frees us from the grip of greed.” Today I want
to extend an opportunity to continue in generosity, and in so doing, eradicate the grip greed
has on our souls.
First of all, we want to celebrate our financial solvency. We celebrate having financially
sustained our ministry commitments in 2013 without the assistance of any outside
endowments. Your generosity has created a climate of freedom rather than fear as we
approach the future. But are we content with simply sustaining what is? Have we reached
our pinnacle? Will we be satisfied to plateau as a congregation? Or could God have much
more in store for us?
I believe God is equipping us to make a deeper impact in our community and beyond; an
impact that will require an expansion of the ministries we currently offer. I believe there is a
great need to provide the highest quality children’s ministries every Sunday, carrying out the
commandment to “Impress [God’s commandments] upon our children” (Deuteronomy 6:7).
This will require another staff person in the future, but we do not want to hire someone until
we can take our giving to the next level.
We also have a variety of people traveling to minister to the orphans and abused of Tijuana,
Mexico in July. Mission trips such as these have proven to serve as life-changing experiences
to those who participate. What if we took our support to the next level, raising enough to
fund a building project? Wouldn’t that be exciting?
These dreams are closer than we might imagine. The average household income for residents
of Piqua is $40,293.* We have approximately 76 households who have pledged to invest in
the ministry and mission of Greene Street. The current pledged income for our 2014 budget is
$145,700, representing a giving ratio of 4.75% (based on this conservative average household
income figure for our city).
But imagine the opportunities we could embrace, the expanded ministries, the deeper impact
we could have for Jesus if we all gave just 2% more? We would easily gain $50,000 to our
annual operating budget. Imagine the possibilities! Dare to dream what God can do with the
loaves and fishes of just two more percent, and consider your part in making a deeper impact
for Christ!
*From http://www.city-data.com/income/income-Piqua-Ohio.html; Internet, accessed 13 February 2014.
Because We Are Family . . .
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Nursing Homes Sterling House Virginia Gross Maxine Zimmerman Spring Meade Martha Fraley Garbry Ridge Doris Penrod Barbara Minton
Dorothy Love Ruth Brush John Phillips Kay Phillips Kentucky Alvena Thornton Lincoln Park Manor Margie Trimmer
Hospitalized Since Last Month: Robyn Cooper and Melinda Slaughter
3 Jeff & JoJo Marrs 6 Pat & Bob Smith 8 Marcy & Phil Thomas 9 Bob & Peg Luby 17 John & Linda Brinkman 23 Amy & Drew Hartman Gail & Jim Reas 25 Kris & Cecil Stewart 28 Cornelia & Mike Tinkler 30 Becky & Paul Doak Jamie & Jeff Oldham Gerry & Penny Williamson
1 Micah Paldino Zachary Reimer Doug Stilwell 3 Rose Staley Jim Whetstone 5 Tom Brinkman Renee Helman 6 Dot Casselman Dale Davis Emily Shawler 7 Joe Adams Scottie Moore Elizabeth Paldino 9 Don Motter 12 Katy Doak Jackson Elliott 13 Anthony Grunkemeyer Judy Weigel 14 Jenna Weimer 16 Jeff Leininger 17 Jacob Cox Kris Stewart 18 Morgan Brinkman Jonathon Cox John Tauber 19 Laura Brown 20 Jennifer Beaver Anna Tauber 21 Austin Johnson 22 Joanne Motter Darrell Seas 23 Molly Brinkman Joyce Paldino 24 Brant Helman 26 Jeff Elliott Landon Hancock Mark Hopkins 27 Evan Moore
Jenni Piatt 28 DiAnn Bateman Allison Drzeweicki Larry Grabo 29 Noah Moore
Carolyn Weimer 30 Andy Pearson 31 Virginia Gross
Greene Street Church Family - Bob Jones, Fred Shellenberg, Jim Whetstone, Lois Erbes, Ron Cooper, Mabel Bragg, Ann Elliott, Don Motter, Hubert Bateman, Robyn Cooper, Melinda Slaughter, Abby Silvers
Friends and Family of Greene Street- Mike Jess, Mike Jess, Gail Wilson, Nancy Wiford, Jennifer Ketrow Bragg (Stilwell), Jim Lyons (Francony), Wyatt Osting (Ash), Jack Thiebeau (Frazier), Griffin Schobe (Elliott), Ida Parshall, Brandon Burnside (Stewart), Lexi McKinney (Cooper), Bud Runner (Pettit), Twidle family (Paldino), Scott Miller (Hudson), Wanda Shawler (Preston), Rachel Kinninger and Linda Canan (Helman), Amy Vosler (Vosler), Jennifer Welker (Office), Dave Kiefer (Food Pantry)
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, Joseph Sherman (Shellenberg)
Page 5
January 26, 2014
The Altar Flowers are given by Chuck Alexander in loving memory of Lela.
February 2, 2014
The Altar Flowers are given by Mary C. Grimes “with love to my sister and her husband, Beverly and Lynn DeWeese in their new home.
February 9, 2014
The Altar Balloons are given by Doug and Marj Stilwell in honor of being God’s Children.
February 16, 2014
The Altar Flowers are in memory of Scott Underwood from Michelle Underwood and his family.
February 23, 2014
The Altar Flowers are given by John and Mary Wolf in loving memory of Forest Groves.
February Dedications Thank You
Dear Jane and Greene Street Members,
Thank you so very much for your wonderful
contribution for our children's clothing bank. Our supplies were running low before your
donation. Thanks to you, we can now supply our students with hats, gloves, and a
scarf. Students will now be much warmer as
they travel to school and go out for recess.
With Appreciation,
Rick Fry and Staff
Greene Street Church,
Thank you for all your thoughts
and prayers in our time of need.
We all greatly appreciated it.
Thank you from
the bottom of our hearts. Just wanted to let you know
how much your kindness was appreciated.
Wyatt and the Osting Family
Please welcome these new members and their families: Seth Heckaman, Scott and Kaley
Little, Jason Frazier and Lindsay Lambert, Kara and Ray Hare, Jason and Mara Lambert,
Jennifer and Bill Wright, Harold and Mary Pummill, and Alice Marrs.
Bonjour à tous!
First things first, I want to thank everyone who donated their time and goodies to put my, as well as others', care packages together. As I quickly go in debt for the sake of getting a piece of paper, free food and treats are always much appreciated! So with the pink sheet that I received with my goodies in front of me, let me make sure I hit all the marks on this checklist and get you all up to speed. Right now I am attending college at the University of Cincinnati. When I first arrived last semester, I had my mind set on majoring in Marketing. But as the semester went on, I realized that it would end up being a career that I would not be happy with. So now, with my majors finally declared, I am double majoring in Communications and Journalism. As far as "exciting things" happening in my life, I can't really say there's much happening in the "exciting life" of Nick Thompson. But I suppose some noteworthy things would be that just this week I have joined UC's student newspaper "The News Record" as a reporter for the College Life/Opinion columns. So I'm pretty jazzed about that. And another thing would be that I'm now learning French (and doing actually pretty well; knock on wood). My plans for the summer is to get a paid internship at a local newspaper in the area and most likely work a second job. (My dad suggested working for the city, but I'm not 100% on that). But when I'm not working, I'll probably take some road trips with friends and go to some entertainment venues as well. Because all work and no play makes me a dull boy! Now for my plans for the future, I'm not gonna say. Life never really goes the way you want it to, so I'm not going to set up a game plan for my future. I've had a bad record with things never going the way I want them to, so I'll hold off on making predictions at this time. So now with my Negative Nancy side out of the way, what is my favourite item in the box?! The mint gum! No one likes bad breath, especially college students. So the gum is much appreciated! And it'll save me some money on buying 3 packs at Walmart. Every bit counts! And lastly, the paper is asking me to state any concerns that I'd like you all to pray for. Well, I will just leave that all up to you! Pray for my studies, pray for my continued safety, pray for my health, pray that I'll get another job soon, or you could even pray that I'll have a valentine for Valentine's Day! (I can hear mom now: "You put that in an email that the whole congregation is going to read!?") But I won't tell you what to pray for, that's all up to you! So in conclusion, I want to thank everyone who made the care packages possible and I want to thank everyone that has kept me in their thoughts and prayers! :) (And if you've forgotten to do that, I won't hold that against you. I tend to forget a lot too.)
Take care everyone! And Happy Valentine's Day and President's Day!
Nicholas Thompson
Hi Greene Street!
Thank you so much for the care package - I am so blessed to have such a supportive church family who loves me, prays for me, and sends me goodies! I am in my final semester of college, and the real world is approaching fast! After I graduate with a degree in biochemistry this May, I'll be working for Procter & Gamble doing research and development. Before I start work, though, I'll be fulfilling a long-held travel dream of mine and am heading to Europe for 12 days! I'll be seeing London, Paris, and Barcelona, and I've very excited about it.
My favorite items in the box were the crafts from the kids - I loved the Love Bug valentine from the infants, and the marbled heart from the school-age children. They make me smile every time I look at them! My housemates also appreciate all the treats :)
As I have been facing a few difficult decisions lately, I ask that you pray for me to seek, hear, and follow God's guidance.
With much love,
Jessie
College Care Package “Thank You”s
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The United Methodist Mission Map—Mission Awareness
Page 7
Each week a portion of our offering goes to missions. As a result of your generosity, many amazing mission works happen.
The new United Methodist Mission Map, published in 2013, is designed to reflect the varied and dynamic world of contemporary mission work. This digital version of the map includes interactive paths for further exploration. - See more at: http://www.umcmission.org/Explore-Our-Work/Mission-Map#sthash.n2fDP1Yv.dpuf
To my Friends at Greene Street UMC,
WOW! (This is my fourth year receiving one of these, and by this time you would think I would be expecting it, but every year it's still a great surprise!!! I was having a bad start of my week and this box with your letter, thoughts, prayers, crafts and food just made it so much better.)
I am Stephanie Lochtefeld, Irene and the Late Terry Clark's Granddaughter.
I attend the College of Nursing at the University of Cincinnati, and I am graduating with my Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) in April!
After graduation I hope to obtain a job at in the local area (hopefully at Upper Valley Medical Center) as an RN (so....if anyone has any connections, let me know!!).
My favorite item in the box, was the gum and the cookies :)
And concerns/things I would like you to pray for are: attainment of a full time job after graduation, passing the state boards at the end of the year and patience.
Thanks again for your love, prayers and support. It means more than I can say.
Stephanie Lochtefeld
More College Care Package “Thank You”s
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J.A.M. Annual Seed Collection
Spring means “seeds” for the Garden Project through Jackson Area Ministries. Pro-viding resources which allow persons to help themselves is what this outreach United Meth-odist ministry is all about.
The deadline for collecting seeds is the first week in April so there is time to mail them by April 15th.
We have been a part of this ministry for many years. While you are out shopping, pick up a few packages of seeds. The following are the seeds requested:
Beets Broccoli Cabbage Carrots
Cauliflower Corn
Green Beans Herbs
Lettuce Melons Peppers Radishes Spinach Squash Turnips
District Superintendant News
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
I am writing to announce a new appoint-ment...mine. As of this coming July 1, 2014, I will be serving as the new Senior Pastor at Trinity UMC in Columbus, Ohio.
It's been such a privilege to serve you and all the Miami Valley faithful on this glorious adventure of kingdom and grace. Many incredible memories and God-stories will go with me and my family. We have been so deeply blessed. I want to thank you for the immeasurable kindness you have extended me over the years. You have taught me much. And God has used this season mightily to build into my life.
If all could see just half of what I have been privileged to see, everyone would know that Jesus is alive and well, thriving among the fields of glory in the best district in the world.
A successor will be announced, I believe, soon. They will bring their own set of gifts and graces, greatly adding to the next new season of life and vitality both here in Mi-ami Valley and as part of the Bishop's Cabinet, helping give oversight to the en-tire West Ohio Conference. Please receive them with the warmest of hospitality and regard.
God's continued best to you as we carry the light of God's grace and love forward.
Humbly still yours in Christ,
Rev. Chris Heckaman
A basket in the narthex is marked seeds. J.A.M. is also our Bucket Brigade
Mission Project for March.
Vacation Bible School
July 14-18
6:30—8:30 p.m.
Mark your calendars now!! If you are interested in helping, or would like to order VBS t-shirts see Jenny Sweetman or call the church office. This year we will be asking for donations of fun, WEIRD craft supplies. Start
collecting and bring them to the church office. Thank you!
Dear beloved friends in the West Ohio Conference,
You are abundantly aware that we are in the appointment season. Although appointment making goes on year-round there is an intensity and focus to this good work that comes with the winter and spring. For several months now I have been thinking and praying about those who I might appoint to serve as conference superintendents who in turn would be deployed to be servant leaders in specific districts. These are among the qualities I value in superintendents:
a palpable love for Jesus Christ and a conspicuous love of the church;
an understanding and commitment to a Wesleyan pattern of discipleship;
an understanding of and engagement with the connection;
the ability to team with others including those not just like us;
a willingness to take missional risks; and
a teachable spirit.
This year I have responsibility for naming four new superintendents. I have received lots of input that has all been helpful and we have no lack of able elders who could serve well. But at the end of the day some choices must be made with faith and humility.
Today is the first of three announcements of new superintendents. Two more will be announced on Sunday, February 9 and another on February 16. The staggered rollout is to allow for appropriate announcements in the current ministry settings of these four colleagues. Please join me in praying for each one of these servant leaders.
Today, I am pleased to announce that Rev. Dr. Jocelyn M. Roper will be appointed a conference superintendent and assigned to the Miami Valley District in the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church, effective July 1, 2014. Rev. Roper will follow Rev. Dr. Christopher Heckaman who will become senior pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in Columbus on July 1 after a five-year appointment leading the district.
Jocelyn, who grew up in Springfield, Ohio and is a lifelong United Methodist, currently serves as the Director of Diversity Initiatives for the West Ohio Conference. Prior to that she was the Assistant to the Superintendent in the Ohio River Valley District for seven years. Jocelyn received her Bachelor of Science degree from Central State University, and both her Master of Arts in Theological Studies and Doctor of Missiology degrees from United Theological Seminary. She also served as pastor of Mt. Healthy United Methodist Church and on multiple conference and district committees. Before becoming an ordained elder in the West Ohio Conference in 2000, Dr. Roper served the church as a community developer, a church and community worker, a deaconess and a diaconal minister.
During her tenure with the conference, Jocelyn brought a passion for working with diverse communities and sought ways to share and show the love of God across social, cultural, economic, ethnic, political and religious boundaries. She was a part of the team that participated in Shift Happens, a national gathering of urban and town and country lay and clergy and is coaching eleven pilot churches using Holy Currencies in ways to see ‘anew’ and implement the cycle of blessings. Jocelyn has a depth and diversity of ministry experiences that will assist her in coming alongside all descriptions of congregations and their lay and clergy leaders as they seek to take the next faithful step in ministry. She will team well with all of her new partners in ministry.
As superintendent, Jocelyn will have spiritual and administrative oversight for 145 congregations and numerous mission sites and projects. She will also become a member of the bishop’s cabinet, assisting in the appointment of all pastors in the West Ohio Conference.
Jocelyn is the proud mother of five children and three grandchildren. Please be in prayer for this transformational leader as she continues in a new role serving the West Ohio Conference in its mission and ministry of making disciples of Jesus Christ.
Your servant through the Risen Christ,
Gregory V. Palmer Resident Bishop
Daycare News
March 13th is Registration Day! We will be registering for the 2014/2015 school year. There are some changes in the
preschool program. We are excited to be offering another 5 day program in the afternoon. Stop by and pick up information. After a lot of snow we are looking forward to the fresh air and spring. Spring brings the promise of new life and what a gift that is. We are so thankful to have a safe and loving environment to keep children safe and warm. Thank you for your support! Happy Spring.
Home Visitation Committee
There will be a Home Visitation Committee meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining us or would like more information, please call Brenda Rice at (937) 272-1109.
United Methodist Men
UMM will be meeting Saturday, March 15 at 8:00 a.m. downstairs in the Wall/Wesleyan room. Breakfast and coffee provided. ALL MEN are invited to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Bill Carter 773-3380.
From the Pantry The food pantry has recently been blessed by an increase of donations, both monetary and food items, from outside the Greene Street Church community as well as within. These donations have allowed us to continue to provide food items to the Piqua community during these harsh cold months of winter. We sincerely thank those who have contributed to our mission to feed the hungry of Piqua. It is truly a blessing from God. As we anxiously wait for Spring to arrive, keep an eye out for an announcement of an evening of fun and entertainment being planned in April. More information to follow in the coming weeks.
Hospitality Team
Hospitality will be holding a meeting following the 10:30 am service on March 23rd. If you would like to be a part of the hospitality team then please come join us.
Mexican Dinner
March 16 after 10:30 a Worship, there will be a dinner. The proceeds benefit the Mission trip to Tijuana.
Small Groups, Ministry Teams, and Committee News
From the Finance Team
The Finance Team led by Gary Harbinson met recently to review church accounts and discuss future financial options for Greene Street UMC. One option discussed was electronic giving and the benefits provided to the church. Currently around $3,000 per month is received via elec-tronic deductions from personal checking accounts. Other electronic options available would be electronic giving through smart phones or the church website. There is a monthly fee associ-ated with this type of giving and the finance team decided to poll congregational members to see if website donations and smart phone donations would be viable. If you believe you would use the church website or a QR code for your phone for church contributions please notify the office via a phone call, email or attendance pad note. Your interest is not a commitment for giving, just a guideline for the Finance Team. The church website ishttp://www.greenestreetumc.org and the connection after accessing the website would be through a company called Vanco. You would enter your information, establish a password and use this method when so desired. You would be able to designate a gift to the food pantry, church op-erations, missions or a project like the kitchen renovation. The QR code would be used with your smart phone and would take you to a simple contribution template to indicate your dona-tion. The Finance Team appreciates any comments or suggestions for this process.
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
2 3 4 5
Wednesday Night
Ministries
6 7 8
9 New
Worship Format
Confirmation Starts
10
7 p Ad Board Meeting
11
7 p Food & Hunger Team
12
Wednesday Night
Ministries
13
Preschool Registration
Begins
14 15
8 a UMM Breakfast
16
Confirmation
17 18
6:30 p Home Visitation
Team
19
Wednesday Night
Ministries
20 21 22
23
11:45 a Hospitality
Team
Confirmation
24 25 26
Wednesday Night
Ministries
27 9 a
Newsletter Folding
28
Bob Evans Day
29
30
Confirmation
31
Unless otherwise stated . . .
Sunday Schedules 9 a.m. Liturgical Worship 10:30 a.m. Unveiled Worship 4:00 p.m. Confirmation 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
