Nexus News- June 18, 2009

Image by BrianWestChest via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

Do you have the "Courage to Sleep?"
(No, I am not encouraging you to "sleep in" this Sunday!)

Our focus this Sunday June 21st is what should we do when life turns "nasty" and threatens to overwhelm us. How can we move from panic to faith?  What actions demonstrate our faith?  Based on Mark's account of Jesus' sleeping in a violent storm (Mark 4:35-41), we'll explore "The courage to sleep."

Our music this week will be wonderfully led by Nancy Wheeler and Mike Kiely.

Also, this Sunday we'll lift up Men of Faith.  During the open mic time folks will be invited to share a few words about the men who've been important in their faith development.

By Request-ONE more week for your nominations
Later this summer I will preach a series of sermons on the topics which you have selected.  Here are just a few of the topics which have already been suggested:

• Forgiveness
• Opening one's heart to the truth
• How should Christians respond to people of other faiths?
• Hell
• Did God create everything?

Here's how it will work.  You nominate the topics on which you'd like me to preach.  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.

History is made in Ohio
Yesterday, House Bill 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act, passed out of State Government Committee in the Ohio House of Representatives.  The committee vote marks the first time in Ohio's history that a vote has occurred on legislation protecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Ohio in either chamber of the General Assembly. The bill now moves to consideration by the entire House of Representatives.

As your pastor, I lobbied in support of this bill in Columbus with all the ButlerCounty legislators.  It's a matter of justice in basic rights for housing and employment.  Without this bill, for example, a company in Ohio can legally fire someone simply because they are lesbian or gay.

More opportunities for service and community
PB&J food drive - an ongoing drive to collect basic food supplies for summer-time sandwiches.  Contact Leslie Baum for details.
Many thanks to Mark Smith for coordinating and leading our 4-session discussion of The Shack.  Over a dozen Nexus folk participated in one or more of the discussions.  Do you have a book you'd like to discuss?  Just let Mark know.

Bible is the "ultimate immigration handbook"
World Council of Churches general secretary Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia this week said the Bible was the "ultimate immigration handbook".

Kobia asked Christians to apply the parable of the "good Samaritan" to the current context in which they live.

"It speaks to us in this week after virulently anti-immigrant parties made unprecedented gains in European elections", he said. "This parable of Jesus calls us again to consider, 'Who is my neighbour' and how are we to live out that relationship? Christ calls us to be neighbours of immigrants, of oppressed minorities within our own nations, of all who are in need of a neighbour."

Blessings to you today and every day,
Mike

Nexus News- June 12, 2009

Image by ~Asturnut~ via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

The "greatest" or an invasive weed?

• This Sunday June 14th we'll take a fresh look at Jesus' parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4:26-34).  What does this simple story teach us about the realm of God?  What might the mustard bush teach us about living and working together here and now?  Hint: Is the mustard bush the greatest of bushes or an invasive weed?
  
  
• As usual, many hands make our worship possible. Chip Bramlage and the wonderful Nexus singers and band will lead us in music; Brian and Ty Smith  will do set-up, make announcements, and read Scripture; Sandi Lerman will continue our education in ASL; Krista Bramlage will lead the children; and Vince Benabese will prepare the visuals.
  
  
• Plus, after worship Mark Smith will lead the discussion of Chapters 13-17 of The Shack.  All are welcome to join in the discussion, whether or not you've been able to attend previous discussions. 

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 have selected.  Here are just some of the topics which have already been suggested:

• Should we try to convert people of other faiths to Christianity?
• Why did they decide to nail Jesus on the cross?
• Did God create everything?
• Is there a "bad place" (hell)?
• What are the issues between Muslims and Christians?

Here's how it will work.  You nominate any topic on which you'd like me to preach.  Maybe your topic is an issue, an ethical or political question, a particular part of Scripture, a particular Christian doctrine, or anything else on your mind.  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.

Bring your ideas this Sunday!

More opportunities for service and community

• PB&J food drive - an ongoing drive to collect basic food supplies for summer-time sandwiches.  Contact Leslie Baum 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.

Let your voice be heard
"The use of torture by the United States in recent years, and our refusal to renounce its use, has diminished us as a nation not only in the eyes of our own citizens, but in the eyes of the world... " - that's the opinion of the Rev. John Thomas, General Minister of the UCC.  To learn more about this critical issue, see http://www.ucc.org/justice/uccagainsttorture/urge-the-president-to-create.html?autologin=true

Let the White House hear YOUR voice about faith and politics
In this time of such great need, it's more important than ever to let elected officials know how your faith and values connect.  It's especially easy to send an e-mail to the White House. This web-site makes it easy: http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/


Blessings to you today and every day,

Mike

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

Women Of Faith Nexus News- May 8, 2009

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Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

It's a thought provoking celebration this Sunday!

In recognition of Mother's Day, we will focus on Women of Faith.
My sermon -- "No Matter What" -- will be based on the much loved Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi.
During the open mic time, you will have an opportunity to name any woman who has been important to your faith.  This may be a woman of your family -- mother, grandmother, aunt, etc. -- or a Biblical woman or a woman from history or a woman from literature or cinema or a woman from current events.

Would you be willing to talk on the phone for 15 minutes?
There's a new opportunity for a telephone ministry.  A retired woman is very interested in Nexus Church but is not able to attend worship services at the moment.  She would, though, love to have someone call her once a week or so to discuss what's going on in the church and in the community.  If you might be interested, just let me know.

There wasn't a dry eye in the gym last Sunday. Nexus Church was indeed blessed to hear Kris Royer Henninger share her reflections on "Blood is the Least of It: What Makes a Family."  Also distributed last week was a short brochure (attached) about the 40 different types of families which are mentioned in the Bible.

There's a lot yet to come in May.

• Monday, May 11 - Nexus Governing Council meets at the Union Center Panera at 7:00 p.m.  See Karl Ulrich for details.
• Sunday, May 17 - Monthly song circle at 1:30.  See Vince Benabese for details.
• Friday, May 22 - Our hosting of homeless families through the Interfaith Hospitality Network in Lebanon.  See Helen Ulrich to participate.
• Sunday, May 31 - Consecration Sunday - a celebration of our pledges and commitments to Nexus.
• Sunday, May 31 - Book discussion of chapters 5-12 of The Shack at 11:30.  See Mark Smith for details.

Blessings,
Mike

Nexus News- April 23, 2009

Image by BrianWestChest via Flickr

Dear Friends of NexusChurch,

It's a toe-tapping, thought provoking Sunday this week!

10:00 a.m.: A Morning of Song, Music, Story, and Poetry. 

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  A wide range of Nexus musicians and creative folk, young and older, will share their talents.  Featured guest artist will be Sunil Mungur, solo classical guitarist.

11:30 a.m. -- Book discussion of The Shack 

• 
  
  Group just forming and open to all. This week focuses on chapters 1-5.

There's a lot coming in May, too.

Sunday, May 3- local blogger and activist Kris Royer Henninger speaks on "Blood is the Least of It: What Makes a Family?

Sunday, May 3 - potluck after church, followed by the Governing Council's special presentation on our upcoming stewardship opportunities and needs.

Sunday, May 10 - Women of Faith - a Nexus' "reinterpretation" of Mother's Day.  It's time to honor any woman important to your faith.

Friday, May 22 - Our hosting of homeless families through the Interfaith Hospitality Network in Lebanon

Sunday, May 31 - Consecration Sunday - a celebration of our pledges and commitments to Nexus.

If you ever wonder about the label "progressive," you might be interested in a short posting by Diana Butler Bass at http://http://blog.sojo.net/2009/04/21/defining-progressive/?continue

Blessings to you today, and everyday,

Mike

Nexus News April 17, 2009

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Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

As we go into the second Sunday of our Month of Wonder, we are invited to celebrate and re-commit ourselves to our basic human relationships.

Sunday, April 19, at 10:00 a.m.: "By the grace of God, we are together."

• Any and all couples will be invited to a re-commitment of vows.
• Any and all families will be blessed.
• As symbols of the relationships that bind us all together as a congregation, roses will be given to all.
• Instead of a sermon, we will get a taste of the diversity of families and relationships at Nexus.  Katie Kool & Frank Wray, Sandi Lerner, Dana Johnson, and Dave Jarman will briefly share their points of view about families and relationships.
• Our celebration concludes with a "reception." We will have cake, sparkling fruit juice, and favors.

Also special this Sunday will be the debut of a new musical trio at Nexus: Nancy Wheeler (vocal, cello), Vince Benabese (keyboard, violin), and Mike Kiely (bass).


Upcoming events

Sunday, April 19 - 1:30 - 2:30  p.m. - Song Circle
All are invited to sing, hum, or tap your feet with new and old favorite inspirational music.  Dessert and beverages will be served. At Vince's and Mike's home in West Chester: 6983 Willowood Drive.

Monday, April 20 - 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Governing Council
At the Panera restaurant, near the Union Centre exit on I-75. If you have a question or concern that needs discussion, please see Karl Ulrich.

Saturday, April 25 - Spring gathering of UCC churches (SONKA)
At St. John's Westminster Union Church in Cincinnati.

Save the dates

• Sunday, April 26 - a special celebration of music, dance, storytelling, and more!
• Sunday, May 3 - local activist Kris Royer Henninger speaks on "Blood is the Least of It: What Makes a Family?

Blessings to you in this season of Easter,
Mike

Nexus News- April 3, 2009

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Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

This week

Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - "Which Parade Are We In?"

• With the assistance of a clip from a classic 1964 film by the Italian atheist Pier Paolo Pasolini, we will celebrate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and have a grand procession with palms around the gym. Our service will end with communion, using the traditional readings of the last supper Jesus had before his arrest and execution.
• Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - Monthly Pot Luck (Helen Ulrich) Dana Johnson will preview all the marketing materials for our Month of Wonder.
• Sharing Soup at the Y ends this Wednesday, April 8, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Good Friday, April 10

• Noon - 1:00 -- Mike joins 14 other clergy for a traditional stations of the cross service starting at the Courthouse in downtown Hamilton;
• 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. - An intimate, moving service of readings and candles. Mike will give a brief reflection, "Nothing But God." In a community room at the Y.

Easter Sunday, April 12

• 9:00 a.m., Hot Easter breakfast potluck, (Andy Closson and Dana Johnson)
• 9:20 a.m., Baptism of Shayna Smith (by immersion in the pool)
• 9:50 a.m., Special vocal music begins a wonderful Sunday of music
• 10:00 a.m., Easter Worship. Mike will preach on "The Garden of New Life"
• 11:15 a.m., Easter Egg Hunt (Krista Bramlage)

Blessings on you, today and every day,
Mike