Nexus News- February 6, 2009

Image by hockadilly via Flickr

GOOD STUFF

The circle is wider!  Eleven new folk were welcomed last Sunday as covenant members of Nexus Church.  New members include:

• Marian Beauford-Martin -- baptized in the Catholic church; transfer from Lakeview UCC
• Donna Jean Beauford Martin -- baptized in the Baptist church; transfer from Lakeview UCC
• Andy Closson -- baptized in the Catholic church; transfer from Lord of Life Lutheran and Journey UCC
• Emily Closson -- baptized in the Lutheran church; transfer from Lord of Life Lutheran and Journey UCC
• Corinne Cross -- baptized in the Presbyterian church; profession of faith
• Dana Johnson - baptized in the Presbyterian church; profession of faith
• Suzanne Jarman -- baptized in the Catholic church; transfer from Journey UCC
• Kim Martin -- baptized in the Baptist church; profession of faith
• Beth McClary -- baptized in the Catholic Church; transfer from Lord of Life Lutheran
• Cheri Smiley -- baptized at Nexus; profession of faithMark Smith --baptized in the Church of Christ; transfer from Tri-County Baptist Church

The group includes 6 individuals who have "long" histories with Nexus and 5 individuals who have recently become active with Nexus.  When she returns to town, Janet Crawford plans to join, too.

Have you ever seen so many beautiful bugs?  - As part of our monthly potluck lunch, last Sunday Frank Wray shared his slides and stories about his experiences in Costa Rica this past fall.  Thanks, Frank!

Running with God?  -- Many Nexus folk report that running is an important time of spiritual reflection.  Emily Closson and others are organizing a Nexus running "team:" The first event may be a 5K Frog Job sponsored by the East Butler Y on April 25.

UPCOMING EVENTS

"Clear Priorities" - Sunday, Feb 8, 10:00 a.m.   Our gospel reading this Sunday is Mark 1:29-39.  It's a fascinating account of the rest of Jesus' day and night that didn't turn out exactly as the disciples had expected.

We will be inspired by -- and will especially acknowledge - the music of PS 150.  Krista Bramlage will lead the New Explorer program. Corinne Cross and Kim Martin will set-up our worship space and welcome newcomers.  Frank Wray will read scripture.

Open House- You are invited -- Sunday afternoon, Feb 8, 1:30-4:30 p.m. -- Mike Underhill and Vince Benabese cordially invite you to stop by anytime from 1:30 to 4:30 for their Open House. Mike and Vince live at 6983 Willowood Drive.

Nexus Governing Council - Monday, Feb 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the Panera Restaurant in Bridgewater Falls Shopping Center.  Please contact Karl Ulrich if you have ideas or concerns for the Council.

Hospitality for homeless families - Friday, Feb 13, is our Interfaith Hospitality Network host night at St. Patrick's Episcopal Church in Lebanon.  At least 6 volunteers are needed for supper, evening activities, and over-night care.  Please let Helen Ulrich know if you are interested.

Installation of Mike as Pastor - Sunday afternoon, Feb 22 at 3:00 p.m. at the East Butler YMCA.  It's a time for the folks at Nexus, the pastor, and other UCC churches in the area to make Mike's ministry "official."  Primarily, though, it will be time to make more public our call to be a voice of progressive Christianity in southwest Ohio.  Childcare will be available.

Sharing Soup  - Starting Wednesday, Feb 25 -- Due to overwhelming positive response from last year, Nexus Church will once again provide soup every Wednesday late afternoon/evening during Lent for anyone and everyone at the Y.  It's a great way for us to meet our neighbors and to do something that is really appreciated.  Leslie Baum is coordinating the event and soon will be asking for volunteer soup makers and soup servers.

Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, Feb 25 - Ash Wednesday is the first day of the 40 day period before Easter called Lent.  It's often a time of reflection and prayer.  If you are interested in helping plan a creative Ash Wednesday "event," please let Mike know.

Children's Clothing Sale - Saturday, March 28 - East Butler Y is holding a consignment sale of children's clothing (newborn to size 16) and maternity clothing.  It's a great way to clear out your closets of those clothes your kids will never again wear - and make it available to other families.  Sellers keep 80% of the selling price for their items,

FAITH & LIFE

Seriously: do you like to read and discuss?  - Several Nexus folk are eager to host book discussions, either at the Y or in their homes.  Does this sound interesting to you?  Please  let Mike know if you'd like an invitation to participate.

Have you shared your story?  Would you consider writing a paragraph or two about why you are at Nexus and what does faith mean to you?   Sharing your story is a powerful way to reach out to others and help them connect their faith and life.  If you are willing to write a paragraph or two, just let Brian Smith know.  Our newly refreshed website: www.nexusucc.org

GIVING

Electronic giving You can use your debit/credit card or a bank transfer to make on-line charitable contributions to Nexus Church. Contributions can be made via the Web Site or by sending funds directly to the Nexus Church PayPal account: paypal@nexusucc.org.

Open House at Mike's
Vince and I are certainly looking forward to greeting you in our home this Sunday afternoon, Feb. 8.

Please feel free to drop by anytime between 1:30 and 4:30 p.m.  We live at 6983 Willowood Drive.  (The post office considers us to be in Cincinnati, but we're "really" in West Chester off Dimmick Road.)

Children, of course, are very welcome!  The lower level of our house will be "devoted" to activities and games that younger children may enjoy.  There's also a pool table there for youth (and adults).

Around 3:00 p.m. those who are here will gather for a short house blessing and then a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday."   Would you believe, Vince turned 50 yesterday!

Bring an appetite, too.  There will be a variety of hot and cold appetizers, soft drinks, fruit drinks, coffee, beer, and wine.  Oh, yes, there will be birthday cake and sweets, too.

Many hands, of course, are involved in Sunday's Open House.

• Jay Mills, pianist extraordinaire and pianist at Bethany UCCand Bethel AME churches in Lebanon, will fill the house with music.
• Krista Bramlage will lead activities for children.
• Our very own, the Rev. Barb Hobe will lead the house blessing.
• Eric Middlebrook will oversee the kitchen.

You can see that Vince and I are putting our roots down in southwest Ohio.   What a joy and privilege it is to be pastor of Nexus Church!

Blessings,
Mike