steeple_-_november_2009

The Braden Steeple

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors, Official Publication of Braden United Methodist Church

Vol. V November, 2009 No. 23

The Braden Steeple will be printed and distributed to the membership of Braden United Methodist Church and the community during the months of January, March, May, July, September, November & a special Holiday issue in December. News articles are due by the 20th of the previous month the newsletter is printed. Send all material to: Communication Ministry Team, 4725 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43625 or contact the church office at 419-386-2700

The season of Advent

Rejoice; rejoice the beginning of Advent is November

30th. It is the beginning of the Christian year. We are

to prepare our hearts for a great event, The Gift of

Christ. The colors of Advent are purple and blue.

Look for the advent colors.

Winter Wonderland… Winter Wonderland… Winter Wonderland… Winter Wonderland…

God‘s Handiwork… God‘s Handiwork… God‘s Handiwork… God‘s Handiwork…

All are his workmanship!All are his workmanship!All are his workmanship!All are his workmanship!

Reflections

It’s amazing how God our father created each season to

have its own uniqueness; winter begins December 21.

Did you know that no two snowflakes are alike; and that

we too are unique, each person is different? Job 37:6

Message from the Pastor

My Beloved Parishioners,

What a difference a year makes? One year ago we

were in a predicament of trying to locate a new church

home. Through the grace of God, we were given a

gracious gift that has been a true blessing to us.

There are five fruitful practices of congregations that

the Conference and District offices have been promot-

ing:

Radical hospitality – means we offer the absolute

utmost of our abilities, our creativity, and our-

selves to offer the gracious invitation and wel-

come of Christ to others.

Passionate worship – means an extraordinary ea-

gerness to offer the best in worship, honoring

God with excellence and with an unusual clar-

ity about the purpose of connecting people to

God.

Intentional faith development – encompasses all

the ministries that help us grow in faith outside

of weekly worship. It requires deliberate effort,

purposeful action, and high priority.

Risk-taking mission & service – involves efforts

to alleviate suffering and injustice and improve

the conditions of others in the name of Christ.

Extravagant generosity – describes practices of

sharing and giving that exceed all expectations

and extend to unexpected measures.

The four areas of focus are: developing leaders, creat-

ing places for new people, eliminating poverty and

improving health globally.

Friends, the more I read about John Wesley, the foun-

der of Methodism, I feel that we as a church have

strayed very far away from his teachings and vision

for the church.

Thank you for your prayers and support, it is a joy

serving as your pastor as we expecting some great

things to happen in our church.

The Braden Steeple November 2009 Issue Page 2

HIGHLIGHTS OF CHURCH

COU'CIL MEETI'G

SEPTEMBER A'D OCTOBER 2009

The Pastor:

Arlene Bishop lost her son. Rebecca Stewart and Mr. Madave were in the hospital and have re-turned home. Sis. Edna Brown lost her daughter, Carol Marie Brown-Lewis. Please keep these families

in your prayers.

Pastor Dixon stated that he would like for every mem-

ber of the church to find a place they can fit into.

He reported that since the church has adopted the NOW plan, some of the current ministries of the church may be discontinued next year if they do not fit in with the goals set by the church to produce the re-sults that we want. We are to be concerned more

about substance than numbers at this time.

McTigue Junior High School has opened its doors to allow us to do some things with the school. Braden will work with Toledo Area Ministries to put together a program but currently the school has some needs that the church can provide through our mission

fund.

Coordinator of Christian Education:

The Christian Education meeting was held on 10-10-09. It was reported that Carol’s class is grow-ing and Yolanda’s class is maintaining its size. There are concerns regarding the children that aren’t at-

tending Sunday school. There was some discussion about having Sunday school on the 2nd through the 4th Sundays during Church service time. There will be a need for committed teachers and parents’ participation to make this work. This idea would need to be pre-

sented to the congregation.

The theme for the Christmas program is Chris-

tians Christmas Tradition. There is question

whether to have the program during church service.

The evaluation of vacation bible school was that it went fine and there may be an Adult class next

year.

Coordinator of Youth Ministries:

Yvonne Mitcham resigned as the tween leader. Danyale Brown is recruiting and working with Jr. Ushers. Thanks Danyale. Numbers are increasing for youth participation in several areas. Eight youth attended the UMW’s Extravaganza. Youth also at-tended the UT Homecoming football game on 10-10-09. Thanks to Herb Ragland, Steve Halliburton

and George Robinson II for helping to make this a

memorable event for the youth.

Other events and activities include: Lay Speaking Workshop, All Saints Day event, learning the Lord’s Prayer and Doxology, learning the books of the Bible, administrating Braden’s Face book page,

and the Texting Ministry.

Coordinator of Outreach Ministries:

At the Festival of Sharing event Braden gave six Health Kits and eighteen school kits. The Pastor authorized $48.00 for shipping costs. Twenty-four

children will benefit from these kits.

There is a list of sixty children for the Angel Tree program. Eva will have the Angels by the 2nd Sunday in November. This year the youth will help

deliver the gifts.

United Methodist Men –

Steve reported that the men had met and de-cided to give “Men's Day” over to the church. They do not wish to handle it anymore. After discussion, Pastor stated that since the men do not want to oversee Men's Day then we will instead have a Homecoming

(Church anniversary) for the 4th Sunday in October. .

The balance in the treasury is $967.90. Octo-ber will be the last month for food distribution. The Men will feed the sick and shut-in for the month of

November on Thanksgiving Day.

Lay Delegate –

On 9-26-09, Morell Fonfield, Robin Rushe, and Marie Latham Bush attended the BMCR meeting in Columbus to discuss Strategic Planning Session for the Renewing of Black Churches. Black churches are declining twice as fast as white churches. BMCR


COU�CIL MEETI�G continued

Treasurer Report –

Marie presented her final treasurer report stat-ing that as of August 31, 2009 all bills were current including the gas bill. All fringe benefits for the Pas-tor were current and the second quarter city, state, and federal employee taxes had been paid. The treasurer files were delivered to Lisa Gleason, treasurer on Sep-tember 1, 2009. It was suggested by Pastor Dixon that Marie keep the laptop computer and would weekly receive the download of information from the new ac-counting system as a back up and second person being trained on the new system. She further stated that the August rent check in the amount of $3650.00 from Jesus Christ Ministries was returned for non-sufficient

funds.

The gas bill for the church is budgeted at $1284/month and $75.00 for the parsonage. This

month (October) everything has been paid As of September, 2009, the totals are: General Fund $3846.38, Capital Improvement $7,386.26, Savings $25,071.02, CD $5,425. The grand total from all ac-counts is $41,728.95 at the end of September. It

should be noted this is the first time in 10-15 years

Braden enters the winter without a delinquent gas

bill.

SPRC –

Vicky reported that the committee had agreed that anyone desiring to become a Lay Speaker should come before the Committee before attending Lay Speaking Classes. It was agreed that Pastor Dixon would be allowed to carry over two weeks of vacation to the following year with total not to exceed six weeks in one year. It was further agreed that when any holiday falls on Monday, Pastor Dixon will have Tuesday as his off day, because his regular day off is Monday. The next scheduled meetings are October 6,

November 10, and December 1, all at 6:00pm.

The resignation of our Director of Music, Mi-chael Boyd was accepted. The job opening has been posted. Glenna Wilson-Barnes is acting in that capac-ity for a $175.00/week salary until someone is hired. Lafe Tolliver and Elbert Stewart have been accepted

as Lay Speakers for Braden.

Trustees –

Questions – what is the status of 2013 Law-rence? The heating at 2013 Lawrence has been turned off. Also the pipes have been drained for winteriza-tion. The water is off inside and outside. The electric and phone have to remain on for the security system to work. The dumpster is to be removed. There is no one

in the building presently.

Jennite was hired to repair the drain sump at 4725

closest to the main entrance at the cost of $750.

Notices are in the bulletin and the newsletter regarding the use of the facilities in the new church. Contact Lisa at least a week before you want to sched-ule a meeting that requires use of the building. In ad-dition, refer to the church calendar to see what is al-

ready scheduled and work around that.

Finance –

Ken Robertson – auditor, will supply the in-ventory forms to Braden. He stated that a voucher should be required with third party billings or a signa-ture of the person validating the charges. The commit-tee adopted the combined new budget which consists of balances from 2013 Lawrence and the acquired ex-penses at 4725 Dorr with a start date of July 1, 2009. Carol Robinson will retain the office of financial sec-retary as the treasurer cannot serve as financial secre-

tary.

The conference is requesting for the first time that a Financial Records Update Form be submitted along with the auditor's reports. This relates to the Certifi-cate of Deposit that Braden currently has and whether there are limitations on that CD and the use of the funds. When the money was donated and the CD purchased, there were no limitations but later limita-tions were put on the CD. No paperwork was found to substantiate that since that original donation was made

anonymously in 1996.

(Council Meeting printed as submitted)


COU�CIL MEETI�G continued

After much discussion, Vicky presented this written motion: “I hereby make a motion that the funds in the amount of $5423.19, and all interest accrued, donated by Ms. Victoria Forrest, whose address is 364 Kopernik, Toledo Ohio 43607 to Braden United Meth-odist Church whose address is 4725 Dorr St, Toledo, OHIO 43615 be designated and set aside for the pur-chase of a new central air conditioning system within Braden United Methodist Church. In the event that Braden UMC obtains a new central air conditioning system without using the funds donated by Ms. Forrest, then the administration of Braden UMC shall contact Ms. Forrest or her designated representative to request another designation for such funds. Respect-fully submitted, Victoria Forrest, cc.; Attorney” Sec-onded by Robin – 4 yeas, 2 oppose, 2 abstentions.

Form will be submitted to conference with limitations.

Treasurer report – Lisa Gleason – ACS (program) will give Braden the software free of charge and she is currently installing the software. She plans to purchase laser checks which will be computer gen-

erated.

Pastor stated that we have been advised Eddie Cole was recognized at the African Legends Banquet.

The Pastor and 22 other persons represented Braden.

Finances at a Glance

We would like to thank everyone for their continued support of Braden Church and it’s many ministries this year. The weekly amount needed to meet the budget is now at $4363.00.

Needed to Date (10/25/09): $164,209.00; Received to Date (10/25/09) : $154,699.53.

(This does not include income received from building use.(See below.)

Daycare Utilities $14,000.00 Other Rentals- $785.00 (Basketball, Aerobics & Churches)

The account balances as of October 31, 2009 are:

Our conference apportionments paid are $13,772.38 (50%) and our district apportionments paid are $5382.46 (81%).

Anniversary (Homecoming) received to date 11/01/09: $2937.50

Attendance Report

General Fund 8,346.15$

Capital Impr Fund 7,922.76$

Savings 25,500.58$

CD 5,425.29$

Total 47,194.78$

Date

Worship

Sunday

School

Bible

Study

7/05/09 227

7/12/09 185

7/19/09 ? 25

7/26/09 159 19 29

8/02/09 125 18

8/09/09 113 18 24

8/16/09 168

8/23/09 168

8/30/09 156

9/06/09 168

09/13/09 164 22

09/20/09 119 19

09/27/09 152 23 17

10/04/09 155 21

10/11/09 159 27

10/18/09 ? 25

10/25/09 158 17 18

11/01/09 157 28

The Braden Newsletter the Steeple gets a new name!

The name of our newsletter the “Steeple” was reflec-

tive of the beautiful steeple that could be seen for miles

around the Toledo “Old West End” area. Now that we

have relocated, we have been considering a new name

for our newsletter. A name that would continue to re-

flect our current ministries and our new ministries

along with our continued efforts, of keeping all our

Braden family and neighboring communities informed

of our church activities.

Do you have a suggestion for a new name? Please sub-

mit your suggestions to any of the

Communication Team Members or

contact the church office with your

ideas!

Thank you for your support,

Communication Team


Remember our sick and shut in your da ily prayers.

A kind card or a simple note cou ld brighten a person’s day;

take moment and let our members know

that they a re in the Braden Family daily p rayers

Allen , George Jr. Whitehouse Country Manor

11239 Waterville St.

Whitehouse, OH 43571

Beene, Asia (Ronya): 3353 Parkwood Av.

Toledo, OH 43610

Bussey, Lincoln Sr. Lutheran Home-Assisted L iving

2519 Seaman St.

Toledo, OH 43605

Coleman, Mildred 2341 Old Stone Ct. #1

Toledo, OH 43614

Madave, Fred 2518 Lawrence Ave.

Toledo, OH 43606

Russell , Edna 2125 Parkwood Ave. #138

Toledo, OH 43620

Shoecraft, Velma 817 Onieda St.

Toledo, OH 43608

Sisson, Elizabeth 4604 Springbrook

Toledo, OH 43615

Steele, Lucille 830 N. Hawley S t.

Toledo, OH 43607

West, Wilbert 41 Carol Lane

Toledo, OH 43615

Young, Harold Heartland-Ho lly Glenn

4294 Monroe St.

Toledo, OH 43604

In Memory Of

Braden Deceased Members

And Family Members

Harold L. Davis -- July 09

Father of Vince Davis

***

Dorethea Tucker- -July 09

Aunt of Eva Tucker-Lingo

***

Ronald Ellis -- 08/09

***

Jeremy Mays -- September 09

Nephew of Laverene Enochs

***

Hazen Bishop -- October 09

Son of Arlene Bishop

***

Carol Brown-Lewis -- October 09

Daughter of Edna Brown

African American Churches Call to Buckle Up

Safety Tips for Seniors

Did you know there are times during the day that are safer than others, listed below are the times you

should avoid driving!

• Before 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. until approximately 11:00 a.m. the sunlight is extremely bright and at a level in the

sky than will impair your visibility.

• Extremely “Bad” Weather – During the winter months the streets can appear dry, but will be covered with a

very thin layer of ice, referred to as “black ice”. Drive at a reasonable speed to allow ample time to come to a safe stop. Rain can also created a very slipper road, be careful!

• Don’t Drive on the Highway – If you are not familiar with the “fast” speeds normally traveled on the highway

(55-75 m.p.h.) please refrain from using this method of traveling around the city.

• Prescriptions Medications - Several daily maintenance drugs may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Be sure

and read the labels and pay close attention to how you feel when you are taking your medications vs. when you do not. (By all means take your daily maintenance prescriptions!)

• Drinking and Driving – Don’t Drink and Drive!


Sunday School

It’s For Life!

Lifelong

Life-giving

About real life

Connect to the Source of Live

Exercise you faith, Stretch,

Grow and Build

Some of the benefits of Sunday School

Sunday school is “the glue that holds the church to-

gether and pivotal place we can make changes that

transform people and churches.”

You are learning and growing therefore you are

strengthening church.

You are forming friendships.

You are not judge but encouraged to be the person(s)

God has created you to be.

Studying the work helps you to apply it to your every-

day living.

Which intern your relationship with Christ grows.

'ext Quarter starting December

The classes will be studying from Ruth, Isaiah, Mat-

thew and Luke

The Promised birth fulfilled

Evidence of Jesus as Messiah

Testimonies to Jesus as Messiah

WHISPERS FROM THE PULPIT

Congratulations to the youth on their Youth Sunday Worship Service! Seeing so many young people participating in the Worship Service was uplifting. The confession by Allen Walker was especially inspiring. Everyone, including the choir, praise dancers,

worship leaders, scripture readers and acolytes did an excellent job.

The guest speaker for the day was Minister Raymond Farmer. Minister Farmer is an associate minister with Key to the Kingdom Church and works with the American Gifted Scholars Youth Program. He is a native of Rossford, Ohio and a friend of Roy and Yolanda Durden. He describes himself as an “out of the box preacher”, who likes to have fun in the pulpit. He was raised in the church and always held a job. He spoke about how his life went in the wrong direction in college where he began to live a life filled with women, partying and having fun. Although he never took drugs, he knew his life was not what he was taught. After a number of years, Minister Farmer began to hear a voice telling him to get right with God. For a while he ignored the voice, but it kept get-

ting louder and louder over the years until he could no longer ignore it. It was then he began to change his life.

Minister Farmer’s sermon topic, “Four “T”’s to Total Victory, was taken from 1 Timothy 4:16. The four key points of the message

focused on Transition, Transformation, Transportation and Triumphant Victory.

Written by Beth Matthews

My Church and I

MY Church is the place where the word of God is

preached. The power of God is felt, the Spirit of God is

manifested, the love of God is revealed and the Unity

of God is perceived.

It is the home of my soul, the altar of my devotion, the

hearth of my faith, the center of my affections and the

foretaste of heaven.

I have united with it in solemn covenant, pledging my-

self to attend its services, to pray for its members, to

give to its support and to obey its laws.

It claims the first place in my heart, the highest place in

my mind, the principal place in my activities, and its

unity, peace and progress concern my life in this world

and that which is to come.

I owe it my zeal, my benevolence and my prayers.

When I neglect its services, I injure its good name, I

lessen its power, I discourage its members and I chill

my own soul.

I have solemnly promised, in the sight of God and men,

to advance its interests by my faithful attendance, by

reading the Holy Bible, by never neglecting its ordi-

nances, by contributing to its support, by meeting with

its fellow members, by watching over their welfare, and

by joining with then in prayer and praise and service;

and that promise I this day renew, before God my Fa-

ther, Christ my Redeemer, and the Holy Spirit my

Sanctifier.


The word for this issue is ADVENT.

The beginning of the Christian year, the start of the

most powerful season of the year, it is rich with

symbolism.

Advent has been celebrated since the 6th century

when it appears to be made into the beginning of the

Christian year. Advent concentrates on the biblical

stories leading up to the birth of Jesus and the messi-

anic prophecies.

The announcement of Joseph impending birth of the Mes-

siah… Matthews 1:18-25

Mary’s visit to her cousin Elisabeth…Luke 1:39-56

The trip of Mary and Joseph to be registered in Bethle-

hem…Luke 2:1-7

We would like to thank Gloria Layson for five weeks of Bible Study. She did an ex-

cellent class on PRAYER.

We learned that prayer is more important than all other activities of the day. Through prayer, God gives us guidance, wisdom and discernment for fulfilling

his will and purposes.

Prayer begins with Scripture. The Book of Psalms teaches us how to pray. Gloria’s focus was on worship, intercession prayers, the 7 E’s to test if it’s a sin or not and

the 11 major hindrances to prayer.

Prayer is a Spiritual Discipline:

1. Practice Solitude 2. Practice Silence 3. Pray Unceasingly

In each session, scripture was read to give us better un-

derstanding of prayer.

(Ex: John 17, Jonah 2:1, 4:1-3, Job 42: 8-10)

Prayer is a skill that can be developed. Remember,

prayers can’t be answered unless they are prayed.

Braden get’s to know it’s family:

Kellie Tuggle-Jordan

Kellie, youngest child of Charles and Helen Tug-

gle was raised in Braden United Methodist Church

beginning her service as an acolyte under the direc-

tion of Mrs. Odessa Phillips. She was in the chil-

dren's and adult choirs and participated faithfully in

BUMYF. She was very active in the Sunday School

Administration under her mother’s tenure

and coordinated a large donation of office products

and supplies to the church during her employment

with OfficeMax.

Kellie graduated from Jesup W. Scott High School

with a full academic scholarship to the University of

Northern Iowa where she stud-

ied Communications. She later moved to Cleveland

where she landed a position with the Corporate

Headquarters of OfficeMax and was employed there

for 13 years until the company was purchased and

relocated to Chicago, IL.

From there, she was hired by Penn National Gaming,

the third largest racing and casino entity in the coun-

try which relocated her back to her hometown of

Toledo, OH nearly 3 years ago. She currently holds

the position of Director of Human Resources where

she manages all of the HR, Safety, Risk Manage-

ment and Training & Development func-

tions for Raceway Park (Toledo, OH) and Sanford

Orlando Kennel Club (Longwood, FL).

Kellie is the proud parent of two children Cody (14)

and Kasie (11). Outside of their busy schedules she

is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,

Inc., Society for Human Resources Management,

Professional Business Women, and BUMC Trustee

Board.

Kellie volunteers her time regularly offer-

ing Employment Readiness Workshops to various

organizations. She manages an after school tutoring

program offering free assistance to children in the

areas of reading and math.

Her scripture for maintaining balance in a busy life is

Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the thoughts that I think

toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and

not of evil, to give you an expected end."


Congratulations to all of Braden’s Family MembersCongratulations to all of Braden’s Family MembersCongratulations to all of Braden’s Family MembersCongratulations to all of Braden’s Family Members

On their accomplishments!On their accomplishments!On their accomplishments!On their accomplishments!

Hope Bland received her PHD in Human Services from Capilla University, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Hope, the daughter of James and Helen Cook is a

social worker in the Toledo Public School System. She, her husband William, and their four children reside in Toledo.

Jasmine Lawrence received her “White Jacket” signifying her acceptance into the University of Toledo Pharmacology Program. She is the grand-

daughter of James and Mary Lawrence.

Michael Bush - Arnold received his “White Lab Coat” to signify the beginning of his studies at the University of Toledo Medical School. Michael is the

son of Marie Bush.

James Matthews, son of Beth Matthews has published his 5th book. ”Saved But Stuck”, Your Situation Is Not Your Destination”, “I’ll Come When I Get

Myself Together”, “40 Day Devotion” and “The Law Of Prayer” are books written by James. He and his wife, Jenna reside in Keller, Texas with their

four children.

We welcome Justin Davis who was born July 31st at Toledo Hospital. He is the son of Patrice Davis, and grandson of Vince and Pathy Davis.

Congratulations to Judy Jackson who is planning to retire on October 30, 2009 after 30 years of service with the United States Postal Service.

Congratulations to Atty. Eddie M. Cole he was one of the 2009 Honorees of the African American Legacy “Legends”, these Honorees have attributed

above and beyond contributions to the History and foundation of Northwestern Ohio.

College School Parent (s)

Michael Arnold Bush Admitted to Medical School Dr. Marie Bush

DeQuaina L. Washington Kent State University Linda Hester

High School

Jeremiah Robinson &

Alexander Robinson

Edward Drummond Libbey Jackie Montgomery

Alice Montgomery (Grandmother)

Wynlita Dixon Passed all (5) Subjects of

Ohio Graduate Test (OGT)

on first sitting.

Rev. Wynston E. Dixon

Jasmine Fletcher Excepted in to the

Excel Program

Mandela Fletcher (Grandfather)

Students - Presented Grade Cards

Alaina Durden &

Alan Duren

Grove Patterson Roy & Yolanda Durden

Daeja C. Bumpus Marshall Elementary Danyale Hill

Vanessa Moran Great Lakes Academy Elayne Moran


Gifting and Evangelism

When mom or dad is in prison, it’s the

children who do hard time. But you

can let them know they aren’t forgot-

ten. You can give the child of a pris-

oner the joy of Christmas this year.

We need volunteers to Buy and wrap Christmas gifts.

Every child also receives an age-appropriate presentation of the

Gospel message-the true meaning of Christmas. And when

Christmas is over, you’ll enjoy opportunities to continue to min-

ister to these families year around.

Sharing the Gospel

Sharing the Gospel with any child requires special care and sen-

sitivity. As your church prepares for Christmas and for sharing

the Gospel with the children of prisoners, it is very important to

understand the following:

The way that a child of a prisoner sees life, and in turn the

way they may hear the Gospel presentation, can be

very different than what one might expect from a child.

The trauma they have experienced may have made it

difficult for them to focus, find meaning, or show their

feelings.

Challenges Prisoner’s Children Face

All too many children of prisoners experience real ostra-

cism, shunning, teasing or hostility at school or in their

neighborhoods. The sense of personal shame may

manifest itself in several behaviors. Some will turn

toward anti-social peers, finding comfort in other

“outcasts.” Some will turn shame into a badge of

honor, bragging about the parent’s whereabouts and

seeking to emulate those behaviors that may have got-

ten the parent arrested. Some may internalize the

shame, harboring deep resentment and hate toward

authority figures, desiring to get back or get even.

As with the children of divorce, many children of prisoners

feel misplaced guilt that they might in some way be

responsible for the parent leaving. Some even develop

guilt over the parent’s arrest. A child can amplify and

project the consequences of their own “bad” behavior,

inferring that they cause the parent to leave. Guilt that

has had no relief or forgiveness may cause the child’s

self esteem to plummet, contributing to fears of inade-

quacy. A child may not feel he or she can be forgiven.

These feelings can be a hindrance to receiving God’s

love that covers over all our sins.

Children of prisoners may be unaware of their parents’

whereabouts, knowing neither why they left nor when

they will return. Some children, when told where their

incarcerated parent is have difficulty accepting the

truth. In either case, confusion contributes to instabil-

ity, to doubting adult authority, to distrusting other peo-

ple, discounting little promises, and disbelieving sin-

cere praise or compliments. Your effort to share a mes-

sage about a God who can’t be seen or heard takes spe-

cials sensitivity to overcome the association with a dis-

tant parent.

Many children of prisoners lose, or are denied, contact with

their parent behind bars. The isolation may be due to a

court order, lack of money to travel, the imprisoned

parent’s own antisocial behavior or an indifferent or

overstressed caregiver. Such isolation can skew a

child’s appreciation for any authority, whether God’s

or a parent’s. It can mute exposure to healthy role mod-

eling, and stunt maturity. The child may turn inward

emotional, walling off their real feelings, and retreating

to hide their fears.

Braden’s Angel Tree gift cards will be available

Sunday, �ovember 15, 2009.

For more information or to receive your angle

see Sis. Eva Tucker-Lingo or give her a call

at 419-531-5901.

Shame

Guilt

Confusion

Isolation


YOUTH COR'ER

UT scholarship plan aimed at 8th graders

By MEGHA- GILBERT-CU--I-GHAM - BLADE

STAFF WRITER

(Excerpts from the article, The Toledo Blade

10/23/09)

The University of Toledo wants to give successful

high school students $10,000 to go to college there.

The new Scholarly Savings Account program will

encourage eighth graders to start thinking about col-

lege now and then will give them $2,000 a year as

they work toward that goal, said Larry Burns, UT's

vice president for external affairs.

"It allows students and family to realize the uni-

versity dream can be a reality if they work hard," Mr.

Burns said.

An initial deposit of $2,000 for completing

eighth grade and subsequent $2,000 deposits after

each successful year of high school would create a

maximum of $10,000 in the savings account, said

Kevin Kucera, associate vice president for enrollment

services at UT.

Mr. Kucera said UT wanted to give the dis-

tricts flexibility to include academics, attendance, be-

havior, or other factors.

The only UT criterion is that the student

graduates with a 3.0 grade point average and meets

the core curriculum requirements for admission to the

university.

For students to be eligible, their districts or

schools must sign a participation agreement with UT

that includes its requirements and tracking process.

John Foley, superintendent of Toledo Public

Schools, said he long has believed that reaching out

to students at younger ages will help encourage them

to be successful in school.

"If we start that conversation early, college

becomes a possibility and a real possibility," he said.

"If you start your senior year thinking about what

you'll do next year, in some cases, it's too late."

He said planning for college can influence the

courses students take, such as encouraging them to

pursue advanced science and math or a foreign lan-

guage.

Although a student must attend UT to cash in

a Scholarly Savings Account, Mr. Kucera said choos-

ing another school wouldn't necessarily be a bad

thing.

"If a student goes through this program in

high school and elects to pick another college, that's

fine too, because now they are better prepared for any

college," he said.

Unlike UT's other recent scholarship program,

the UT Guarantee, that offered free tuition for select

public school districts in the state, this program is

open to any school anywhere.

"The UT Guarantee program is helping us

reach those urban communities, but we have always

felt the parochial schools and suburban schools are

important," Mr. Burns said.

"It creates a goal-oriented focus for them so

they can realize their dreams," he said. "Sometimes

when they come to high school, they don't think

about going to college right away."

The first deposits will be made in June for

eighth graders who successfully complete this school

year.

Contact Meghan Gilbert-Cunningham at: mcun-

[email protected] or 419-724-6134.


Braden Youth attend

UT 2009 Homecoming

Football Game

Dear Braden Family,Dear Braden Family,Dear Braden Family,Dear Braden Family,

Thank you for your participation and your generous Thank you for your participation and your generous Thank you for your participation and your generous Thank you for your participation and your generous

donation of candy and helping to make our annual All donation of candy and helping to make our annual All donation of candy and helping to make our annual All donation of candy and helping to make our annual All

Saints ’ Day so special for the children in our church Saints ’ Day so special for the children in our church Saints ’ Day so special for the children in our church Saints ’ Day so special for the children in our church

and community.and community.and community.and community.

We had about 120 children who enjoyed the games, We had about 120 children who enjoyed the games, We had about 120 children who enjoyed the games, We had about 120 children who enjoyed the games,

food, prizes and just having fun. This would not have food, prizes and just having fun. This would not have food, prizes and just having fun. This would not have food, prizes and just having fun. This would not have

been possible without the generous giving of your time been possible without the generous giving of your time been possible without the generous giving of your time been possible without the generous giving of your time

and gifts of candy. Just by looking at their happy faces and gifts of candy. Just by looking at their happy faces and gifts of candy. Just by looking at their happy faces and gifts of candy. Just by looking at their happy faces

and the appreciation on their parent ’ s faces lets us and the appreciation on their parent ’ s faces lets us and the appreciation on their parent ’ s faces lets us and the appreciation on their parent ’ s faces lets us

know that it was a success. God bless you. We would know that it was a success. God bless you. We would know that it was a success. God bless you. We would know that it was a success. God bless you. We would

also like to thank the Andersons ’ , Kroger, Meijer and also like to thank the Andersons ’ , Kroger, Meijer and also like to thank the Andersons ’ , Kroger, Meijer and also like to thank the Andersons ’ , Kroger, Meijer and

WalMart for helping by donating candy for the event.WalMart for helping by donating candy for the event.WalMart for helping by donating candy for the event.WalMart for helping by donating candy for the event.

Gratefully yours,Gratefully yours,Gratefully yours,Gratefully yours,

Holly MatthewsHolly MatthewsHolly MatthewsHolly Matthews

Words of Wisdom

“Words are Windows to the Heart.”

Randall Jones, Jr.

Our Father we truly thank you for a new beginning,

by allowing us a new home of worship at no cost.

Now let us as a church family, do what God has

called us to do, to bring people to Christ.

With Love, Amen

Thanks Holly it was a great


The Steeple Braden’s newsletter is published on a quarterly basis. The purpose for our newsletter is impor-

tant for our congregation because it helps them:

To grow spiritually

To be uplifted

To feel a part of the church community

To be active in the life of the church

community

To make informed decisions about

giving

Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:

Pressing towards a higher mark through love and service to Jesus Christ

Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:

“….forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize

f he upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Love,

(Philippians 3:13b-14)

Communication Team

Helen Tuggle * Rosalyn Cooper * Linda Hester * Randall Jones * Kellie Jordan * Beth Matthews *

* Lois M. Lipkins *

Worship Services:

Sunday School – 9:30 am Worship Services – 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study 12:30 pm & 7:00 pm

Discipleship Prayer!

First Friday Prayer 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Sunday Morning Prayer

9:15 am

Church Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Office: 419-386-2700

Email: [email protected]

For regularly scheduled weekly events refer

to your weekly church bulletins.

Steeple Articles:

Our church newsletter is published January, March, May, July, Septem-ber, November & our special Holiday Issue in December. Please submit your ministry reports and upcoming event by the 20th of each month prior to our publish dates. The due dates

are listed below:

Steeple Published Information Due

• Dec. Issue 11/20/09

Submit to church via email

[email protected] or

Communications Team Member!

Documents

steeple_-_november_2009