September Newsletter

Dear Friends,
While the leaves haven’t started turning colors and the air isn’t quite as cool yet, the sounds of kids & teachers heading off to school is in the air and life is becoming more scheduled which means that fall is here! What an amazing summer we have had—kid’s club, 4th of July, Cincinnati Mission Trip, Vacation Bible School, worship, conversations…So many things happening and so many opportunities to see God’s grace all around us! And yes, although there have been these amazing opportunities, they have not all been easy or without difficulties. We have worked together in some incredible ways to help to show the love of God to our friends, family, community, and world at large.
In August we took a month of Sabbath as there was very little on the calendar outside of regularly scheduled meetings and worship. What did you hear from God as we rested as a community? Did you hear God calling you to something new or embracing you as God’s child? Did you look at where God has been active in our life as a church? Have you been refreshed to continue on the journey? I would love to hear what you have experienced during your Sabbath time and what you have discerned to be your legacy.
I know what I have heard…I have heard the same thing from God that I heard when I answered God’s call into ordained ministry. I have called you to be my servant. Go and do my work and I will be with you always. There is a wonderful mission field that we have here to continue to reach out into and share the Good News of the Gospel. All of the amazing events of this summer don’t magically end when September hits, but we strive to continue to build on top of those. As each committee meets to plan out our activities and events for the year, there will be an intentional effort to build upon what has begun. Maybe you’re not on a committee, but you know where you would like to serve or you know what ministry you’d like to work with. In the newsletter there is a nomination form for you to fill out for yourself or suggest someone to join a committee. If you have any questions about a particular committee or where you feel your gifts would fit the best, please contact me and I would love to talk with you where you can best serve. The Lay Leadership Committee (formerly known as Nominations) will begin meeting this month to put together our Lay Leadership list for 2009. Please have your nomination form turned into the office by September 30.
You will also notice a few other changes as you read through the newsletter. There are several Bible studies that are being offered—both short & long term. There are opportunities for service both in our community and throughout our United Methodist Connection. Another opportunity that you will have to talk about your legacy, your calling, your desire for the church, or something that’s on your heart & mind will happen every Tuesday in the month of September. I am suspending my normal Tuesday office hours to have some scheduled time of conversation with members of both congregations. We can meet for breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, at your home, at the church, at your work, in the park, with a group of several, individually, or with your family. Each conversation will last for about an hour and a half and sign up sheets are located in the back of the sanctuary at both Sheridan & Norway United Methodist Churches. I would like to be able to talk with every member of the congregations about your hopes and dreams both for yourself and for the church.
As we continue on this journey together to make and create disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, may we remember that God has called us to be God’s servants. As we go and do God’s work, God will be with us always!
Blessings,
Pastor Melissa