Nexus New-s June 5, 2009

Image by Terra Lynne via Flickr

Dear Friends of NexusChurch,

"God Throws a Curveball"-- this Sunday, June 7 at 10:00 a.m.

No, please don't come expecting a discussion of baseball.  Instead, we'll use the familiar story of Nicodemus and Jesus (John 3:1-17) as a starting point to think about one of the oldest Christian teachings, the Trinity. Is this an "antiquated" doctrine of the 4th century?  Is it something that is truly relevant to our lives in southwest Ohio in 2009?

As usual, many hands make our worship possible. Chip Bramlage and the singers and band will lead us in music; Pam Benjamin and Eric Middlebrook will set-up, make announcements, and read Scripture; Sandi Lerman will continue our education in ASL; Krista Bramlage will lead the children; Suzi Jarman will assist with communion; Andy Closson will prepare the print materials; and Vince Benabese will prepare the visuals. Plus, after worship Helen Ulrich is coordinating our monthly potluck lunch.  See you Sunday!

By Request-YOUR chance to pick the topics for my sermons
Later this summer I will preach a series of sermons on the topics which you  select.

Here's how it will work.  Starting this Sunday you may nominate the topics on which you'd like me to preach.  Maybe your topic is an issue.  Or maybe it's an ethical or political question. Or maybe it's a particular part of Scripture or a particular Christian doctrine.  I will then compile the nominations into a ballot.  On June 28 (while I'm out of town attending the UCC General Synod) everyone will vote.  In late July and August I will then do my best to preach on the four topics that got the most votes.

More opportunities for service and community

• Nexus Governing Council - Monday night, June 8, 7:00 p.m. at the Union Centre Panera Restaurant.  See Karl Ulrich for details.
• PB&J food drive - an ongoing drive to collect basic food supplies for summer-time sandwiches.  Contact Leslie Baum for details
• Chapters 13-17 of The Shack - discussion at the Y after church Sunday, June 14.  See Mark Smith for details.
• Men of Faith - our special Nexus' recognition of men who've been important in our faith development will take place on June 21st.

In this time of challenge and change ...

A Prayer for Southwest Ohio

We did not choose to be created in your image, God.
We did not choose to be related to the rest of your creation.
And yet, we are a part of one another.

Despite all of the things --
real or imagined,
understood or denied,
recognized or ignored --
that manage to set us apart from one another, 
stir us to recognize and celebrate our kinship to one another,
and to you, our Source. 

God of justice and hope,
give us wisdom and courage
to demand policies which meet the real needs
of all in our large community of southwest Ohio.

God of many names,
remind us daily that we all belong to you.
Let generosity, peace, and a forgiving spirit abound in all we do.

Amen.

Blessings to you today and every day,

Mike