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. 

• 
  
  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

Image via Wikipedia

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

Image by swperman via Flickr

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