SEPTEMBER 2015

www.highlandsucc.org 1910 Saint Paris Pike

highlandsucc@sbcglobal.net Springfield, Ohio 45504-1206

937-399-7493

From the Pastor…

I am completing my second year with you, and it seems like only yesterday you invited me to become your designated pastor and travel a ways on the journey with you. Becoming a pastor was never something I dreamed of in my wildest dreams. Perhaps, you never imagined having a part-time pastor. Perhaps, you never expected the changes we’ve witnessed during these past two years. These changes have changed each of us. Church is becoming something a little different…we are experimenting on many fronts. We sponsored and hosted a Taize worship for an ecumenical contemplative weekend. We varied worship from time-to-time, including—worshipping in the fellowship hall, singing the music a Capella, serving one other communion, reaching out to the community by providing food for the Open Hands Free Store, toiletries for the Interfaith Hospitality Network, box tops for the Oesterlen Center. We hosted pastors from Cuba who minister to LGBT persons in Havana and collected two boxes of medical supplies. We’ve participated in Culture Fest and the first Springfield Pride Festival—sharing the message that we are a Jesus loving church who believes in loving all God’s people. We were present at City Commission speaking up for the least of these, present at the Clean Water meetings advocating care for God’s creation. We were well represented at a vigil for Lelah Alcorn on a bitterly cold night in Springfield, speaking up for those who are pushed so far to the margins that they tragically, see no recourse but to end their lives. We are still learning—learning how to be church with a different model of taking care of one another—learning how to be church out in the world—a church that makes a difference; a church meeting the needs of the community. As I have been reflecting on the future of Highlands UCC, I remembered a prayer from Thomas Merton, a Trappist Monk from the Gethsemene Monastery in Kentucky. “My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.” What will the future bring? I don’t know. The 2008 musical, the first with an all teenage cast, “13”, has a song called If That's What It Is. The chorus has this line repeated throughout. “I do know that what we can do is put one foot in front of the other.” And so may it be with us. Continuing our legacy of being a witness in the world and despite not knowing where we are going, may we continue to put one foot in front of the other. Blessings,

Pastor’s Office Hours

Monday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.—12:00 noon Wednesday 12:00 noon—3:00 p.m.

You can reach Pastor Avery in the church office during these hours or at 937.429.1536.

A Safe Zone Outside the pastor’s office is a sign that says,

“This is a SAFE ZONE”. You can talk about anything here. Check it out!

Worship Helpers for September Greeter Flo Keaton 6, 13, 20 & 27 Liturgist Pam Dixon 6 & 20 Barbara Romaca 13 & 27 Ushers Pam Dixon 6 & 20 Acolytes Noah Wooten 6 & 20 Sound System Kathy Howard Fellowship Hour Dixie Jenkins 13

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!

The sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex.

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 creates 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 Pam Dixon, Moderator Officers: Jan Kushmaul, Vice Moderator Linda Owens, Treasurer Office Hours are Monday, Wednesday,

Thursday, Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon.

Don’t Forget the Food Cart!! We collect food and non-perishable items for

Open Hands Free Store’s 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!

Community Rewards Program

For those of you who shop at Meijer’s, you can help Highlands by enrolling in the Meijer’s Community Rewards Program. Applications and information are on the table in the narthex. Applications can be made on line at Meijer.com/rewards. Share with family and friends!

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, etc.) and, until now, there has been no way to 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, please bring them back. When you need to borrow items from the church, please sign the form in the secretary’s office so we know where church items are located. We wish to continue to help out and appreciate your help in keeping track of church property! Thank you! Board of Trustees

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 outside the kitchen window. A can is located on the table in the narthex to place the box tops and

labels. 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 products, household products, health care products, such as band-aids, over the counter

pain relievers etc. A complete list is located on the Community News bulletin board.

Fall Garage Sale for Highlands Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015 8:00 am-3:00 pm

1072 Imperial Blvd. Springfield (home of Tom and Jan Kushmaul)

Anything and everything will be accepted for the sale. Call Jan at 937-206-1005 if items need to be picked up, or if you can help organize items.

Items are being collected now and can be dropped off to the address above

Another year at the Clark County Fair is in our past. The one thing that stands out is the great time we all spent together. There were lots of hard work, talking, sharing and eating with each other. Yes, this was all good. Our great facility was in perfect condition to begin the event. When you just stand and look around it is almost too difficult to believe this is a once a year facility at a fair grounds. Thanks to all that make this possible! Many hours were spent well before the first day. Hours of repairs, replacements, cleaning, and organizing. It also takes time ordering supplies and putting them away to make sure we are ready for the BIG day! We thank each and every one of you for the time you gave and, believe it or not, some are still giving. Whether your hours were many or just a few at the “White House”, they were greatly appreciated. YOU were appreciated! Some of you did many extra things, and we thank you. If you were unable to be at the fair, we felt the abundance of your prayers. The building was ready, we were ready, and we had lots of great help. However, I know we were a little disappointed because we only had one or two nights/days that were as busy as we had planned for and no way to know the reason. The Fair Board made some changes that might have changed things. We understand many of the vendors had less business. When we know how things turn out financially we will let you know. Was it a success? It certainly was, in so many ways! We were told many times how great the food was and “Thank you for being here” And we thank all of you for all you have done! Have a Blessed Day! Betty (on behalf of the Fair Committee

Speaking of fairs…!

We have some great, yummy, and delicious two and one half (2 1/2) pound meat loaves available for your freezer. These are great to have around to pop in the oven and in a few hours, relive the fair with our famous meat loaf. They can be purchased for $10—a REAL deal!!! So, feeling hungry, having company or just craving some of the foods of summer? Stock up now!

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.

Semper Fidelis Women’s Group

It’s that time again! Mark your calendars for the following dates:

Wednesday, September 9 EAT OUT? Also coming up (We are serving meals): Monday, September 14, DKG 6:00 pm Tuesday, October 27, ABW 7:00 pm Monday, November 2 DKG 6:00pm

Your Help Is Still Needed

Rest Rooms Upgraded!! Take a little time to visit the lower level and see the transformation in the rest rooms! Thank you to all who have contributed to the cost. With the grant of $799 and contributions of over $1,000, we have just under $1,000 to go. Your donations help. Just note “For the re-

September is “National Preparedness Month”

Take action now! Make a plan with your community, your family and for your pets. Plan how to be safe and communicate during the disasters that can affect your community. FEMA and the Ready Campaign are asking everyone to participate in America’s PrepareAthon! And the national day of action, which culminates National Preparedness Month on September 30, 2015.

LGBTQ Youth Information An LGBTQ youth group has been formed which meets at First UCC Spring-field. This group provides a safe place where youth are welcomed, where they can share without fear and where they are unconditionally loved and embraced as chil-dren of God. The group is seeking volunteers to help.

Contact Sheryl Witt at 937.926.6826 for meeting dates and times or to volunteer.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and bisexual, transgender, questioning, and allies, meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1013 E. Lawn Avenue, Urbana.

Highlands to be at CultureFest

Mark Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015 on your calendar. From 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Highlands will have a booth on the City Hall Plaza, downtown Springfield. We need volunteers to represent Highlands to the Clark County community. We will be giving away brochures that tell about Highlands and the United Church of Christ and magnets with our address and service times. A sign-up sheet is available on the table in the narthex. Help us share God’s love with those who need us most.

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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 God’s 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

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