Nexus News February 28, 2009

Image by neeZhom via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

You may expect me to be slightly biased in favor of good news from Nexus.  So this week I want to share with you excerpts from some e-mails I received this past week.

Here's the way one Nexus person described last Sunday's Installation Service:

That was such a beautiful, exhilarating service.  I especially was touched by the SONKA pastors and clergy friends that stood up to vow their support. What a wonderful visual way to show support for ours and Mike's ministry. Now we have faces to attach to the prayers we know are being said for us.  WOW!

And here's how another Nexus person describes what's going on in our common life:

There is an energy and electricity running through the congregation that is inspiring.  The new groups and activities that are beginning to pop-up are exciting.  ... I am so glad that I made the change and joined Nexus and to be a part of the new life of this congregation.  We are in such exciting times in our church as it is sprouting new life and growing!  The spirit is definitely moving among us!!

Amen and amen!

Blessings today and every day,
Mike

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, Mar 1 - 10:00 a.m. -- What a wonderfully full Sunday we hadd this week!

We'll received new members (the last of our January New Member Class), learned a very small bit of American Sign Language (in anticipation of both Sandi Lerman's daughter and a possible new ministry for deaf persons); and shared communion.  Mark 1:9-15 will invited us to go "into the wilderness" with Jesus.  In case you missed the sermon (or if you just want to listen to it again), it's posted at our website at http://www.nexusucc.org. Just click on "Listen In".  The morning ended with our monthly pot-luck lunch,

Where are the 20-Somethings? - March 2 -- Jeff Davis and Pastor Mike will participate in a special Webinar on the special challenges of reaching younger adults.

Sharing Soup - Starting Wednesday, March 4  - It's a simple and greatly appreciated Lenten service project - serving homemade soup to folks at the Y every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:00 (or until the soup runs out.)  Leslie Baum is coordinating the event and has sign-up sheets Sunday morning.

Music Visioning Group -- Saturday, March 7, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at Pastor Mike's home, 6983 Willowood Drive in West Chester.  Anyone interested in the musical program at Nexus is invited to participate in this second gathering.  We'll review the ideas and hopes voiced at the first meeting, examine the current situation with music at Nexus, and come to agreement about moving ahead.

Governing Council - Monday, Mar 9 - 7:00 p.m.   This month the Council will meet at the Panera restaurant just off I-75 at Union Center Road.

Sing Along Fellowship- Like to sing new and old inspirational music?  Like to eat dessert?  Starting the third week of March, Vince Benabese will host a monthly song circle. It's envisioned as a time to share and sing a wide variety of inspirational songs related to peace, earth, spirit, and justice.  It's strictly informal and open to all, regardless of your background in singing.  In between the songs, there'll be time for desserts..

Location is in the basement of Vince's and Mike's home in West Chester.  Possible dates are Sunday afternoon, March 15, or Friday evening, March 20.  If you're interested, let Vince know (vbenabese@gmail.com) which date works better for you.

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.  Sellers keep 80% of the selling price for their items,

Growing Bold in Grand Rapids, MI - June 22-29 -- The UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns is planning its 2009 National Gathering.  The theme for this year's gathering is "Growing Bold." It will be a celebration of what Open and Affirming can be in its fullest expression -- worship, fellowship, celebration and engagement.

According to Google, Grand Rapids is an easy 5.5 hour drive from the Y.  Dana Johnson will coordinate the trip for anyone interested in going from Nexus.

GOOD STUFF

Installation Service- It certainly was a full house last Sunday afternoon!.  Members and friends of Nexus joined with folks from other UCC churches in the area and with Mike to make promises about our ministry together.

Many hands made it all possible.  Pam Benjamin, Brian Smith, Karl Ulrich, Ruth Brandon, and Carol Bastin led the service of Installation.  Anna Ulrich read the scriptures. Guest speakers from Chicago and from Delaware, OH, challenged us to prepare for God's Realm here in southwest Ohio. Chip Bramlage and the Band provided music.  Krista Bramlage provided childcare.  Helen Ulrich organized a good group of Nexus folk who brought refreshments. Suzi Jarman helped get things set up.  Janet Crawford greeted visitors as they arrived.

Our first Ash Wednesday Service- Feb 25.  A group of 10 Nexus folk gathered in one of the rooms at the Y for our first Nexus Ash Wednesday service.  It was a simple, intimate time for reflection and meditation.  We shared communion and the imposition of ashes. Janet Crawford got things set up and assisted with communion.  If you would like a copy of the service, just let Mike know.

Summer camp?  From 2nd and 3rd grade to grandparent/grandchild, there's a variety of summer UCC camps available for your children.  The Closson family has had great experiences with these summer camps, and would be glad to share their experiences with you.

FAITH AND LIFE

Daily devotional for Lent?  The UCC offers a free devotional sent to your e-mail every day in Lent.  These devotionals are written by UCC folk from across the country.  To sign up, just go to

http://i.ucc.org/FeedYourSpirit/Subscribe/tabid/101/Default.aspx

Telling YOUR story -- Have you noticed that the Nexus blog now has faith stories from five individuals or couples:

• Barb and Reg Olsen
• Jeff Davis
• Chip Bramlage
• Frank Wray
• Brian Smith

There's plenty of opportunity for you to share YOUR faith journey, too.  Just let Brian Smith know.  Click on "Spotlight" at the right to see the list of the stories. 

GIVING

Offering basket - No, we don't pass the plate or make a "big deal:" of it.  But we do know that regular giving is part of spiritual growth.  Members and friends of Nexus are reminded that the offering basket is on the table as you enter the gym.  Please use an envelope, if you would like a year-end statement of your giving to Nexus.

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.

INCLEMENT WEATHER?

Yes, very occasionally the snow and ice are so bad that we have to cancel Sunday worship or a planned church activity.  If it is necessary to cancel Sunday worship, a decision will be made at least by 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Notice of any cancelled worship or cancelled activity will be given in three ways:

• An e-mail will be sent to all persons on the general Nexus distribution list
• A notice will be placed on the Nexus web-site: www.nexusucc.org
• A changed message will be put on the voice mail of the Nexus phone: 513-708-7803.