Does the Bible Clobber Gay People?

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For Immediate Release

For more information:

Mike Underhill

513-708-7803

Does the Bible “Clobber” Gay People?

Accounts of creation in Genesis, the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, the first chapter of Romans – what do these passages all have in common?  One answer is that these Biblical passages (and others) have been used by some to “clobber” LGBTQ people.

If you’d like to learn about different scholarly interpretations of these passages plus explore passages about God’s unconditional love, then you might be interested in the 3-part workshop Homosexuality & the Bible on Saturday mornings Oct 9, Oct 23, and Oct 30.

The workshop will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Campus Ministry Center, 16 S. Campus Avenue in Oxford.  It is open to persons of any (or no) religious background.

Rev. Mike Underhill, formerly director of the LGBTQ Religious Studies Center at Chicago Theological Seminary in Chicago, will facilitate the workshop.   Mike is currently pastor of Nexus Church of Hamilton, Ohio, and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Campus Ministry Center.

Biblical topics covered include:

1. Genesis 1: 7-day account of creation)
2. Genesis 2:  Adam & Eve account of creation
3. Leviticus 18: “Abomination”
4. Genesis 19: Story of Sodom
5. Romans 1
6. 1 Corinthians & 1 Timothy
7. Isaiah’s and Jesus’ teachings about eunuchs
8. Story of Ruth and Naomi
9. Story of Jonathan and David

There is no charge for the workshop.  It is open to students, staff, and faculty of Miami University as well as community residents of Oxford.

What's Important About Nexus Church?

Image by BrianWestChest via FlickrFriends,

My workshop was inspiring.  Our vacation was refreshing. But it's good to be back with you in southwest Ohio. Let me share one thing I've learned in the past few weeks.

I learned that folks all across the country and across the state are counting on Nexus Church.

My learning started at the national workshop on church development outside of Atlanta. As part of the worship service one morning I was in conversation with a fellow pastor. We were asked to share with each other something about where our churches are located and what difference they are making. 

I told her about Nexus Church and our commitment to being a voice of progressive Christianity. I mentioned that we were one of only two Christian churches in the entire county which openly and fully welcomes gay and lesbian folk and their families.   I talked about our forthcoming new curriculum for younger children.  I described how progressive people were beginning to come out and stir up the local political party structure.

As for the location of Nexus Church, I simply said that Nexus Church and all this progressive Christianity were in the political center of John Boehner's 8th Congressional District.

She took a deep breath, and almost shouted,

"It's SO important, Mike, that you are  building a church there! So important!"

And then in today's mail, I got a letter addressed to the "Nexus UCC Church Family."  It's from a man and woman who visited Nexus Church once.  They live on the other side of Ohio, 250 miles away.  Their note said

"Your kindness is like sunshine-- warm and bright. Thank you. Please find our gift to be used anyway you may find effective to do your ministry in the name of Christ."

They enclosed a check for $200 which I will gratefully place in our offering basket this Sunday.

Friends, do you feel the love and attention from across the country?  what's important to YOU about Nexus Church? are YOU willing to be more and do more and give more for God's work in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky?

Blessings for our ministry together!

Mike

Nexus News- January 22, 2010

Image by Jon_Aquino via Flickr

Back home

When Vince and I came back late Wednesday, we definitely felt we were coming “home,” and that was a good feeling.  Our trip to Chicago was a wonderful, low-key time with our daughter and with many different friends there.  We talked, we cooked, we ate, we worshipped, we saw movies, we completed household projects, we played games, and we slept. 

And now we’re back again with all of you in southwest Ohio and northern Kentucky.  It’s good to be back! 

I especially want to thank the Nexus folk – Reg Olson, Michelle Wilkey, Leslie Baum, Mark Smith, Chip Bramlage, and the Nexus band & singers – who stepped up and made worship possible last Sunday.  If you missed the good sermon by the Rev. Henry Marksberry, you can still listen to it at our website.  Click “Listen In” at www.nexusucc.org

Was Jesus a socialist, a non-political community organizer, or…??

These are some of the questions that have come up lately in an on-going debate in the letter-to-the-editors section of the Hamilton Journal.  (Thanks to Judy Waldron, some of the links are

http://www.journal-news.com/opinion/nobody-is-blessed-under-socialism-494912.html and http://www.journal-news.com/opinion/jesus-was-a-non-political-community-organizer--471617.html and 

http://www.middletownjournal.com/opinion/columnists/cal-thomas-jesus-is-not-a-socialist-symbol-463621.html)

The rhetoric has been fiery, the comments less than polite, and the theology dubious. But I confess that I am (mostly) glad to see folks desperately trying to connect their faith with what’s going on in our country today.

In worship Sunday we won’t try to take on all these questions, but we will explore “What’s really important?”   The story of how Jesus began his ministry in his hometown (Luke 4:14-21) guides us today to focus our energies on what’s really important.

Opportunities to learn, to serve, and to follow Jesus

I’ve never seen more opportunities for us all to put our faith into action.  Some are one-time events, some are several weeks long.  Some are right here in southwest Ohio, some are elsewhere.

Below is yet another updated list of ministry opportunities that have recently come across my desk.  The new ones are at the top.  I kept the previous ones at the bottom so that you could have them all together in one place.  By the way, if you know of more opportunities, please let me know, and I will share them. 

May the fire of God’s Spirit warm you through and through,

Mike

Mike Underhill
Pastor, Nexus Church


513.708.7803
pastormike@nexusucc.org
www.nexusucc.org

A Potpourri of Opportunities

Life after Death – an eCourse with Bishop Spong

Do you wrestle with the big questions of life, death and life beyond death? Here’s an opportunity to soak up sixty years of scholarly study, wisdom and experience. Join with others in exploring Bishop Spong’s latest book Is There an Afterlife- A New Vision Beyond Religion, Beyond Theism, Beyond Heaven and Hell. 

The e-course will run from Monday to Friday over three weeks (January 25- February 12, 2010). You will receive an email each morning that you can study at your leisure.  In this e-course, you will receive summaries of each chapter, key quotes from the book plus searching questions for further reflection. You will be able to interact with other participants on the e-course discussion board. The cost is $17. 

For more details:

http://www.christ-community.net/spongecourse.htm

Healthy activity in Butler County

Great Miami Valley YMCA and Lakota YMCA are partnering with local health organizations to offer an exciting new program to encourage the community to get active and get healthy.

This is a FREEyear-round healthy living awareness program that challenges youth and adults to get active and get healthy. There is also a group challenge component. This can be a great way to get your office or work group motivated and excited about leading a healthier lifestyle…and it’s FREE!

The kick-off event is Feb 20 and they need a variety of volunteers.  If you are able to be a volunteer for part or all of Saturday, Feb 20, please see me for a registration form or contact Kim Harrison at the Y (harrison@gmvymca.org).

Essay Contest for Youth Advocates

SIECUS, Advocates for Youth and the Sierra Club are sponsoring an essay contest for advocates between the ages of 16 and 24 as part of the fifth annual One Voice: Reproductive Health and Population Summit.  Contestants are invited to submit 500-word essays on the roles youth play in advocating for a more just and sustainable world, where all have access to sexual and reproductive health services and a healthy environment.  The winner will receive a trip to the One Voice summit inWashington, D.C.(March 26-29, 2010).  Deadline for entries is Feb. 3, 2010.

For more information: http://www.onevoicesummit.org/

Grassroots work for LGBT rights

Equality Ohiois forming local action teams to build a grassroots movement for equality across Ohio.

The major activates of the local action teams include

- Speaking locally on behalf of equality in an organized, unified manner at a moment’s notice;
- Visiting with Senate District state elected officials in-district on a quarterly basis and on Lobby Day each year to discuss pro-equality issues;
- Visiting with Senate District local elected officials and media as needed to discuss pro-equality issues at the municipal level;
- Creating a record of legislator and media visits and outcomes over time;
- Working with Faith leaders in Ohio’s major cities to educate legislators, the community and media about LGBT equality. 

If you might be interested, contact Kim at kim@equalityohio.org

Spread the word about children, obesity, and advertising

A recent report by Children Now found that in ten hours of television programming, a child will see 55 commercials for the least nutritious food, compared with only one commercial for highly nutritious food. With the holiday season behind us, will you make a New Year's resolution to bring this problem into the national spotlight? You can start right now by using an easy on-line form to tell your friends about this campaign: http://act.ucc.org/site/Ecard?ecard_id=1181

Spare Kids the Ads is a national campaign sponsored in part by our contributions to the United Church of Christ.  For more details:

http://www.ucc.org/media-justice/sparekidstheads2009/index.html?autologin=true

Kenya, service, health

Nexus Churchand other UCC churches in the Southwest Ohio Northern Kentucky Association (SONKA) have a special relationship with Rubate, Kenya. 

Rubate is the location of the “the clinic that love built,” the medical facility which sits on the campus of the Presbyterian Teachers College/Rubate. It was entirely built by SONKA donations. More than two-thirds of the SONKA churches contributed to the construction of this modern medical clinic for the people of the Rubate neighborhood, who had no medical facility or personnel in their area to turn to in times of sickness or injury.  The Rubate clinic was dedicated in the fall of 2007.

This summer another group of volunteers will leave for a service/work trip to Rubate.  The tentative dates are June 21 – July 7. The cost for airfare, ledgering, meals, and work equipment is estimated to be $3,000.  This year’s trip will include, but is not limited to, people who have some experience in the medical, dental, physical therapy, educational and related fields.

Preliminary applications may be downloaded from the SONKA website:

http://www.sonkaucc.org/pages/ministries/rubate/Kenya%202010%20Application%20Adults.pdf

Digital media, worship, and Lent

United Theological Seminary in Daytonwill offer an all day workshop Saturday, Feb. 6, for individuals or media teams about how to use digital media to enhance the church’s journey through Lent.

Participants will be divided into teams and will write a script, storyboard ideas, and shoot and edit video. A DVDwill be created of each group’s work and provided to all workshop participants for use at their home churches during Lent. The cost is $50 per person, including lunch. Enrollment is limited to 50 participants.

One of the instructors will be Jim Eller (jeller@united.edu) who visited with us at Nexus at our Anniversary Luncheon in December. For more information:

http://www.united.edu/Latest-News-Events/Beyond-Words-Lent/menu-id-198.html

Summer camp, s’mores, and snow

The Ohio Conference of the UCC invites everyone to experience camp Jan.29-30 at Templed Hills campground near Bellville,Ohio 44813.

Campers can stay overnight Friday in one of the winterized cabins (slumber-party-style, with boys in one cabin and girls in another). Check in will be from 5 6:30 p.m.on Friday, Jan. 29, followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.and a campfire, complete with s'mores and camp songs. The next day, campers will enjoy some typical camp activities. Parents and grandparents are welcome. Saturday only campers are also welcome.

There is no charge for the rally, but freewill donations are always welcome

Register on-line at

http://www.ocucc.org/OutdoorMin/GOTCAMPRallyRegForm.htm 

New Orleans, homes, work

A trip to work on homes in New Orleanswhich were damaged by Hurricane Katrina is being planned by the Ohio Conference for May 1-9.  Housing will be in the St. Paul’s Fellowship Hall in the Uptown district of New Orleans, which is a pleasant, safe neighborhood. St. Paul’s is equipped with bunk beds, air mattresses and has generous bathrooms, with multiple showers, for each sex.

The individual cost will be about $300, which will cover transportation, housing and group meals at the church.  Meals while traveling and any New Orleansrestaurant meals will be each person’s responsibility. There will be opportunities for touring and sightseeing.

For details or to register, contact Jim Ditzler, Ohio Conference Disaster Response Team Co-Director, at 330/262-3242 orjditzler@sssnet.com.

Maternal mortality, reproductive health

The Religious Institute has launched the Rachel Sabbath Initiative to engage faith communities in educating their congregants about the crisis of maternal mortality worldwide.

According to the World Health Organization, maternal conditions are leading causes of death and disability; more than half-a-million women die from pregnancy-related conditions each year in the developing world.  Nearly all maternal deaths are preventable through timely prenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendance during delivery, and the availability of emergency care to deal with complications. 

A Rachel Sabbath project at Nexus might involve such activities as preaching on global women's health, holding an educational program on the crisis of maternal mortality, offering a prayer or responsive readings, or raising awareness through newsletter columns.

The initiative is named for the matriarch Rachel in the Hebrew Scriptures, who died in childbirth (Gen. 35: 16-19).

For more information:

http://www.religiousinstitute.org/the-ri

Hope Floats2

The second Hope Floats cruise tour of Alaska will embark from VancouverJune 18. The cruise will help benefit Hope Homes’ ministry to those with developmental disabilities.

For more information, visit hopehomes.org and follow the "Hope Floats 2" links. Telephone

inquiries and reservations may be made to travel agent Sue Ball at Benefit Cruise at 216/4599094

Nexus News- November 12, 2009

Image by ฿lαcĸouт14* via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

Anniversary, anniversary - the BIG picture
In a separate e-mail you have received an invitation to the Nexus Anniversary celebration on Sunday, Nov 22. Here's the "big" picture.

10:00-Church service with "specials"

• We'll receive new members.
• We hear a special guest preacher from the UCC headquarters in Cleveland.
• Immediately after worship - Anniversary luncheon
• There will be a wonderful multi-media program that includes song, video, and inspiring words by a variety of Nexus folk.  

Nexus will supply the entrée, bread, dessert, and drinks ($5 per person).  You are asked to bring a dish of vegetables, salad, or fruit to share.  We'll have the luncheon in the aerobics room across the hallway from the gym.

2:00(or earlier) -- Adjourn

What you can do...
Make your plans to attend on Nov. 22.
Let Dana Johnson know how many reservations you need for the  Luncheon.  E-mail: dana.johnson@thechristhospital.com
Let Frank Wray know if you can help with setup (at 9:00 a.m.) or take-down (at 2:00 p.m.) Email: almspark@yahoo.com
Let me know if you can help pick up the food on Saturday from City Barbecue on Tylersville Roadand from Costco.   

Bottoms Up!
Our very own Bottoms Up project is collecting diapers and wipes for homeless families in the Interfaith Hospitality Network.  Sizes 4, 5 & 6 are needed.  Just bring them to church on Nov 14 or Nov 22.  Leslie Baum will see that they get to the homeless families

Sunday Nov 15: What's Ahead?
Our focus this Sunday is "What's Ahead?"  As ordinary folk, we often want to know what's coming.  As people of faith, we may also ask God when will all the promises of a new world actually come to pass.

Just like the disciples two thousand years ago, we may ask, "Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?'"  (Mark 13:4)

This Sunday we'll explore what is REALLY ahead and how we should live here and now.

The Nexus Singers and Band will inspire us with music.  Krista Bramlage will lead the children.  Kim Martin and Corinne Cross will set up our worship space, make announcements, and read Scripture.

Serve, learn, and plan

• Nov 14 and 21- Homosexuality and the Bible - at Miami University, 10:30-12:30, at the Campus Ministry Center, 16 S. Campus Avenuein Oxford, OH
• Nov 15- New Member Classes - immediately after worship
• Nov 22 - Nexus Anniversary Celebration- a special luncheon celebration immediately after worship.
• Nov 26 -- Thanksgiving Day Luncheon, 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.- Nexus volunteers provide hospitality and music for needy persons in downtown Hamilton. If you are available, please let me know.
• Nov 29, Dec 6, 13, 20- special events to observe the Sundays of Advent.
• Dec 5 - Annual Congregational Meeting after worship and the potluck lunch
• Dec 14 - Governing Council meeting at 7 pm
• Dec 18 and 19 - Nexus volunteers help homeless families in the Interfaith Hospitality Network in Lebanon.
• Dec 24th- 5:00 p.m.  - a beautiful Candlelight Christmas Eve service in the historic sanctuary of First St Johns UCC in downtown Hamilton.

Summer 2010 Trip to Kenya
United Church of Christ churches in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky are planning an adult trip to Rubate Collegein Chuka, Kenya, for late June - early July 2010.

The trip is intended for educators and people in the health professions who are interested in learning more about their corresponding areas of interest in the Rubate area.

The trip will last approximately two weeks and the cost will be $3,000 to $3,500 depending on the price of airline tickets. Specific dates have not yet been determined. An application form may be requested from Karen Specter at kspecter@fuse.net or 5132320652.

For questions, contact Karen or Lolllie Kasulones at lollie@fuse.net.

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike

Nexus News- November 5, 2009

Image by Rickydavid via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

Do you ever come across something that says EXACTLY what you wish you had the wisdom and the skill to say?

That's what happened to me when I read a statement by Rachel Mikva, the newest faculty member at Chicago Theological Seminary.  It's pleasure to share her thoughts with you:

Simple truths
The most profound truths are not simple ones,
and they often live in dialectical tension with other truths.

Pursuit of justice is essential,
but the equally compelling call to mercy
sometimes (gently) pushes justice aside.

Freedom is a God-given right,
but freedom without commitment and purpose leaves us rootless.

Peace is our perpetual desire,
even as we sometimes decide we must fight.

We live with the breathtaking and terrifying knowledge that
religious passion is a catalyst for great good,
but all too often is wielded as a weapon.

Our ongoing search for meaning

Much of rabbinic literature is devoted to exploring these tensions, trying to sketch the limits of our ideas so they don't become dangerous absolutes.  There is a Divine standard, but it has always been mediated humanly.  The fact that the Hebrew Bible itself did not become Scripture before it had already begun to be multiply interpreted should help us see that it is the ongoing search for meaning that makes for a holy text.

Our community and redemption
We search together in community and help each other reach toward the Divine call. In this journey, there is religious inspiration and guidance. It marks a path to redemption."

Sunday Nov 8: living on the edge
When faith and values come up at work, do you ever feel like the "odd" person out?  Or maybe you're the proverbial "black sheep" in your family?  Then you know what it's like to live on the edge, with values, assumptions, and goals often different from the dominate groups around you.   Using Mark 12:38-44 as our point of departure, our focus Sunday will explore living as a faithful person on the edge.

The Nexus Singers and Band will inspire us with music.  Krista Bramlage will lead the children.  Helen and Karl Ulrich will set up our worship space, make announcements, and read Scripture.

Looking ahead

• Nov 7, 14, and 21- Homosexuality and the Bible - at Miami University, 10:30-12:30, at the Campus Ministry Center, 16 S. Campus Avenuein Oxford, OH
• Nov 8 and 15- New Member Classes - immediately after worship
• Nov 22 - Nexus Anniversary Celebration- a special luncheon celebration immediately after worship.
• Nov 26 -- Thanksgiving Day Luncheon, 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.- Nexus volunteers provide hospitality and music for needy persons in downtown Hamilton.
• Nov 29, Dec 6, 13, 20- special events to observe the Sundays of Advent.
• Dec 5 - Annual Congregational Meeting after worship and the potluck lunch
• Dec 14 - Governing Council meeting at 7 pm
• Dec 18 and 19 - Nexus volunteers help homeless families in the Interfaith Hospitality Network in Lebanon.
• Dec 24th- 5:00 p.m.  - a beautiful Candlelight Christmas Eve service in the historic sanctuary of First St Johns UCC in downtown Hamilton.

A closing reminder

As the poet Lala Winkley teaches us to pray,
we are yours, God,
endowed with your power
to make our world whole.

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike

Nexus News 10/17/09

Image by Martin Beek via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

It's a wonderfully active time at Nexus Church.  To help you plan ahead, below is first a summary of upcoming events.  Details follow.

• Sunday, Oct 18-- What must I do?  How do we live together in a new way, here and now?  What about respectability and wealth?  Our starting point will be the story of the "rich young ruler" and Jesus (Mark 10:17-31)
• Sunday, Oct 18  -- Last day to make a special donation to Neighbors in Need.
• Tuesday, Oct 20- Nexus Governing Council meets at Panera's Restaurant in West Chester.  If you have a topic for the Council, please see Karl Ulrich.
• Wednesday, Oct 21at 7:30 p.m.- The Islam-Christian dialogue series continues at St John Catholic Church in West Chester.   This week's topic is extremism and fundamentalism in Islam and Christianity.  Anyone is welcome to drop in.
• Wednesday, Oct 28 at 7:30 p.m.  The Islamic-Christian dialogue series concludes at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati, near I75 and Tylersville Road
• Nov 1, 8, and 15- New Member Class-- noon- 1:30 p.m.
• Nov 7, 14, and 21- Homosexuality and the Bible- I will teach a 3-part workshop at the Campus Ministry Center at Miami University in Oxford. 
• Nov 22 -- Anniversary Celebration- Sunday afternoon Nov 22 we'll have a special celebration of the third anniversary of Nexus and the first anniversary of my ministry with you. 
• Nov 26 -- Thanksgiving Day, 11:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.- Nexus folk are invited to help out with a Community Thanksgiving Luncheon at First St John's UCC in downtown Hamilton.
• Nov 29, Dec 6, 13, 20- We'll have special events to observe the Sundays of Advent
• Dec 24th- around 6:00 p.m.  - We'll have a beautiful Candlelight Christmas Eve service in the historic sanctuary of First St Johns UCC in downtown Hamilton.
  

More info
Neighbors in Need helps make another world possible. Neighbors in Need isa special mission offering of the United Church of Christ.  It supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States.  100% of your donation goes directly to help others.

To be sure it's properly credited, please place your offering in the special envelopes available on the welcome table. This Sunday Oct 18 is your last chance make a special donation

New Member Class
The New Member Class will be held after church at the Y on Nov 1, 8, and 15 from noonuntil 1:30 p.m.

Anyone considering membership is encouraged to participate in the three-week series.  We'll have a light lunch and friendly conversation. Our focus is how membership in Nexus might (or might not) be helpful to you.  Childcare can be arranged.

To "reserve" your spot, please let me know.  If you decide to join Nexus Church, new members will be received on Sunday, Nov 22.

Homosexuality and the Bible
The first three Saturday mornings in November I will facilitate a 3-part workshop on Homosexuality and the Bible.  The workshop is a close examination of the passages in the Bible that have traditionally been sued to "clobber" gay people.  In addition, we will examine how the Bible presents Ruth & Naomi and David & Jonathan.

Sponsored by the Campus Ministry Centerat Miami University in Oxford, the workshop will provide an opportunity for students to explore what progressive scholars are saying about the Bible.  Tentatively, it's scheduled from 10:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.

Nexus folk in Oxford are now beginning to plan the publicity and hospitality for the workshop.  If you'd like to help out, please contact Judy and Warren Waldron, Buffy Stohl, or Ed Shriver.

Celebrate our 3 years of worship at Nexus Church
Is your calendar marked for a special celebration Sunday afternoon, Nov 22?  We'll have special guests from regional and national ministries of the United Church of Christ.  How would YOU like to celebrate? If you have ideas or are interested in helping plan this, please let Frank Wray know.

Spend part of your Thanksgiving helping others
On Thanksgiving Day Nov 26 at 11:00 a.m.Nexus folk are invited to help out with a Community Thanksgiving Luncheon at First St John's UCC in downtown Hamilton.  The church doors are open to all the people in downtown Hamiltonwho may not have other possibilities for Thanksgiving.

You can be as active or "low-key" as you like. One of our roles is to welcome folks into the dining room and have conversation with them.  Another role is to provide background music for the luncheon.

Worship Comes from the Congregation: We Want You!
Our worship services at Nexus are enhanced by the many gifts that members and friends bring. Do you play a musical instrument, act, read, write, dance, arrange flowers, or prepare an altar? Are there other skills and talents that could be woven into our services to enrich the worship experience?

Beginning with our Advent services, we would like to find ways to incorporate your gifts into worship. See the themes below and then consider ways to meaningfully weave your talents into these sacred services.

November 29 .................... First Sunday of Advent: Hope
December 6 ...................... Second Sunday of Advent: Peace
December 13 .................... Third Sunday of Advent: Joy
December 20 .................... Fourth Sunday of Advent: Love

To offer your gift, please contact Suzi Jarman or Janet Crawford.

Candlelight, readings, and music on Christmas Eve
There's no better way to celebrate Christmas than to spend part of your Christmas Eve at the special service Nexus Church and First StJohn's UCC will hold.

This is an especially good opportunity to invite family and friends who might not normally be able to attend Nexus on Sunday mornings.

The family-friendly service will begin (tentatively) at 6:00 p.m.in First St John's beautiful sanctuary in downtown Hamilton.  We'll have an eclectic mix of old favorites and contemporary music.

Planning is just getting started.  If you have ideas or special requests, please let me know.

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike

What Do You Want Me To Do For You?- Nexus News 10/09/09

Image by independentman via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

Looking ahead
Want to learn more about Nexus Church?
The New Member Class will be held after church at the Y on Nov 1, 8, and 15 from noon until 1:30 p.m.

In the three-week series, anyone considering membership is invited to join with me and other special guests. We'll have a light lunch and friendly conversation. Childcare can be arranged.  To "reserve" your spot, please let me know.  If you decide to join Nexus Church, new members will be received on Sunday, Nov 22.

Celebrate our 3 years of service
Is your calendar marked for a special celebration Sunday afternoon, Nov 22?  We'll have special guests from regional and national ministries of the United Church of Christ.  If you're interested in helping plan this, please let me know.

Spend part of your Thanksgiving helping others
On Thanksgiving Day Nov 26 at 11:00 a.m. Nexus folk are invited to help out with a Community Thanksgiving Luncheon at First St John's UCC in downtown Hamilton.  The church doors are open to any and all of the people in downtown Hamilton who may not have other possibilities for Thanksgiving.

You can be as active or "low-key" as you like. One of our roles is to welcome folks into the dining room and have conversation with them.  Another role is to provide background music for the luncheon.

The coming week at Nexus
Sunday, Oct 11:  What do you want me to do for you?
Our focus this Sunday is about living with power and greatness.  In Mark's gospel (10:35-45) James and John ask Jesus if they could sit at his right and left hand. But Jesus will have none of this!  He teaches a new kind of greatness and power -- the power of being a servant to others.

It's a powerful teaching that goes right to the heart of how we today might live. I'll suggest that the first step is to ask a simple question, "What do you want me to do for you?"

The Nexus Band and Singers will inspire us with music.  We'll share our joys and concern in prayer.  Katie Kool will lead the children's program.  Vince Benabese will prepare the projected material.  Kim Martin and Corinne Cross will set up the worship space, make announcements, and read scriptures.  And --in the spirit of continuous improvement -- Reg Olson will help the congregation do a very quick assessment of the service.

Neighbors in Need helps make another world possible.
Continuing this Sunday Oct 11, you are invited to make a special donation to Neighbors in Need.

This is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States.

Giving to Neighbors in Need is an excellent opportunity for us to join with other UCC churches across the country and make another world possible.  To be sure it's properly credited, please place your offering in the special envelopes available on the welcome table.

Wednesday, Oct 14: Learn more about Islam
You are invited to join with Catholics and Muslims at St John the Evangelist Church in West Chester for a dialogue series on Islam and Christianity.  Each Wednesday night is independent of the others, so you can come to any session.

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike

Nexus News- 09/29/09

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Wednesday, Sept 30: Learn more about Islam
Nexus folk are invited to join with Catholics and Muslims at St Johnthe Evangelist Church in West Chester for a dialogue series on Islam and Christianity.

It begins Wednesday, Sept 30, with an Introduction to Islam from 7:30to 9:00 p.m.  The series continues on Wednesdays in October when participants will meet in small groups, Christian and Muslims together, to share their experience and faith on a variety of topics. 

St John the Evangelist Church is on Cincinnati-Dayton Road just north of West Chester Road.  The meetings will take place in the Pavilion, a older one-story building located near the old sanctuary.  The entrance is directly from Cin-Day Road.

Sunday, Oct 4:  Gender, marriage, divorce, and children
Now that the By-Request sermon series is over, our Sunday worship will once again be focused on the standard Scripture readings (called the Lectionary) used by many Protestant and Catholic churches around the world.

This Sunday in Mark 10:2-16 Jesus takes on a host of thorny topics.  What starts off with a “simple” question about interpreting religious law becomes a challenging discussion about gender, marriage, divorce, and children.

The Nexus Singers and Band will inspire us with music. We'll share in prayer our joys and concerns.

Our worship will close with a brief observance of World Communion Sunday and then adjourn for our monthly first-Sunday potluck lunch.  Stay tuned for more news about that.

Neighbors in Need helps make another world possible.
Starting this Sunday, you are invited to make a special contribution to Neighbors in Need.

This is a special mission offering of the United Church of Christ that supports ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States.

Two-thirds of the offering supports a variety of justice initiatives on issues such as the federal budget, voting rights, immigration, health care, hate crimes, civil liberties, and environmental justice.
One-third of the offering supports the UCC established churches with the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arickara, and Hocak in North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and northern Nebraska..

Giving to Neighbors in Need is an excellent opportunity for us to join with other UCC churches across the country and make another world possible.  To be sure it’s properly credited, please place your offering in the special envelopes available on the welcome table.

Report: Out in the community with Nexus

1. September was a busy month for Nexus folk to be active and visible in  communities throughout southwest Ohio.
2. In Oxford, Sept 10:  Judy and Warren Waldron invited Mike Underhilland Ed Shriver to join them for a special Ramadan dinner with Muslim students at the Campus Ministry at Miami University.  After the wonderful buffet meal, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish students talked about the ideas of fasting in each of their religions.
3. In West Chester, Sept 13: Nexus had its own table at the 6thAnnual Ramadan Iftar Dinner held at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati near I75 and Tylersville Road.  Nexus folk included Sandi Lerman; Ty, Brian, Kayla, and Shayna Smith; Vince Benabese; and Mike Underhill.  We were joined in our table discussion by Jamil Shehzadj and other members of the Islamic Center.
4. In Lebanon, Sept 18 and 19:  It was a wonderfully hectic time as a team of Nexus volunteers fed, provided activities, and took care of three homeless mothers and their very active eight children.  Nexus folk included Helen Ulrich; Todd, Alice, Tyler, and Caitlin Henry; Leslie Baum; Janet Crawford; Vince Benabese and Mike Underhill.
5. In Cincinnati, Sept 26:The rains held off long enough for the Nexus team to complete the beautiful 5-mile walk to end AIDS.  Our virtual team (some weren’t able to walk because of illness and work) included Danna Johnson, Kay Martin, Corinne Cross, DJ and Marion Beauford Martin, Ty Smith, Vince Benabese, and Mike Underhill.
6. In Centerville, Sept 26:  Six Nexus members and friends joined the sold-out audience for the Jason and deMarco concert at Cross Creek Community Church.  While the music was great, Cross Creek Church really showed how a full-fledged justice ministry can attract support from young, middle-aged, and older folk.
7. In Butler County, Sept 28:  Lisa Schare, chair of Ohio Catholic Democrats of America, took questions from Barbara and Reg Olson and Mike Underhill about how to organize progressive people of faith.

Please let me know about other activities that I missed.  Nexus is not (yet) a numerically large presence in Southwest Ohio but we certainly already are a hopeful witness for equality, fair treatment, tolerance, and deep Christian faith in Southwest Ohio.

I look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike

Spiritual Fruits- Not Religious Nuts

Image by Amarand Agasi via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

Is It True? God Wants Spiritual Fruit, not Religious Nuts 
The By-Request sermon series concludes this Sunday Sept 27 with an examination of Religion and Spirituality.   Using Matthew 9:10-13 as our starting point, we’ll see that the current issue of Religion and Spirituality has deep roots and a most “respectable” history in Christian thought. 

In worship Sunday we will be inspired by the Nexus band and singers. We'll share our joys and our concerns in prayer.  Pam Benjamin and Eric Middlebrook will set up our worship space, make announcements, and read scripture.

Have a good meal (and raise money for Nexus)
If you eat at the Applebee’s Restaurant on Princeton Road this Sunday and give them the special flyer, they will donate 10% of your bill to Nexus Church.  Copies of the flyer will be available at church.

You don’t have to be a member of Nexus; just give them the flyer.  So invite your friends, family, sports team, etc!

Learn more about Islam
Nexus folk are invited to join with Catholics at St John the Evangelist Church in West Chester for a dialogue series on Islam and Christianity.  It begins Wednesday, Sept 30, with an Introduction to Islam, at 7:30 p.m.  .

Urgent action needed against murders of church leaders in Colombia
As part of the United Church of Christ, we support missionary work around the world.  Our UCC missionaries always work in partnership with local churches and are on the leading edge in standing up for justice and peace.

I encourage you to consider a request received this week from
Rev. Michael Joseph. Global Ministries Missionary in Bogotá, Colombia:

So far in 2009 six Protestant church leaders from southern Córdoba have been murdered by paramilitary armed groups. Several attempted murders and dozens of death threats have caused the forced displacement of hundreds of people. Some churches have been literally caught in the crossfire. In one town six pastors were threatened to be killed if they failed to make extortion payments. A significant number of the victims were targeted for their community leadership in land-rights struggles and for opposing the violence affecting their communities.

Please read more and take action: www.colombiacalling.blogspot.com

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike


Mike Underhill
Pastor

Nexus Fundraiser- September 27th

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

After the service this coming Sunday (September 27th) some of will go out to lunch at Applebee's.  Applebee's will donate 10% of our total bill back to Nexus church.  In fact, all day long, anyone eating at Applebee's and presenting the attached flyer will help Nexus out because Applebee's will donate 10% of the total back to Nexus.  If you have friends, family, clubs or any other group or individual you can invite, please do.  You do not have to eat with our group to earn the credit for Nexus.

You MUST present the flyer for Nexus to get credit.  Please print it out and bring it with you.

http://tinyurl.com/ksgdlt

Nexus News- September 18, 2009

Image via Wikipedia

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

How many ways will you connect with Nexus Church?  Here are some ideas.

Connect with worship this Sunday
Heaven and Hell - Hope for Here and Now
When you voted on topics on which you'd like me to preach, "Heaven and Hell" was the second highest vote getter.  And that's our focus this coming Sunday, Sept 20.

I will preach Sunday morning on "Heaven and Hell - Hope for Here and Now."  We'll use John 5:21-29 as our starting point to consider your questions:  Is there a bad place (hell)?  Where did the idea of "hell" come from and how has it changed over time?  What is heaven like?  What about life after death?

In worship Sunday we will be inspired by the Nexus band and singers.  We'll share our joys and our concerns in prayer.  Corinne Cross and Kim Martin will set up our worship space, make announcements, and read scripture.

Connect with the community next Saturday, Sept 26
1. A river walk to help stop AIDS
Saturday Morning, Sept 26: The 20th Annual Walk to STOP AIDS! at Sawyer Point.  It's a 5-mile walk along the Ohio and Kentucky sides of the Ohio River.  For questions, ask Dana Johnson (513-461-3107). To join Team Nexus:
http://stopaids.kintera.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=320065&lis=1&kntae320065=2193256EF66C49D898491A77E44F11F6&supId=0&team=3504069&cj=Y

2. A Christian music concert
Saturday Evening, Sept 26: Recording artists Jason and deMarco are in concert at 8:00 p.m. at CrossCreekCommunityChurch on Miamisburg-Centerville Road, about 35 minutes north of Nexus.

The duo performed as part of "RiverCity Saturday" at the UCC General Synod in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in late June of this year.  The Dallas Voice says, "Jason & deMarco have developed a beautiful and highly unusual duet technique."  DNA Magazine declares, "The duo aims to mix a spiritual message with a strong mainstream aesthetic and their symbiotic approach is definitely working.

Tickets are $20 per person.  To reserve a ticket, please contact Vince Benabese (vbenabese@gmail.com) no later than this Sunday, .Sept 20.

Connect with those of other faiths

• Wish your Jewish friends Happy New Year
• Tonight, Friday the 18th, is the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.  The Yom Kippur observance begins Sunday evening, Sept 27.
• Learn more about Islam
• Nexus folk are invited to join with Catholics at St John the Evangelist Church in West Chester for a dialogue series on Islam and Christianity.  It begins Wednesday, Sept 30, with an Introduction to Islam, at 7:30 p.m.  See Sandi Lerman for more details.

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike

Christianity and World Religions

Image via Wikipedia

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

This week I invite you to be part of the wondrous ways that God is Still Speaking through Nexus in the world, Nexus in the community, and Nexus in our country.

Nexus in the world
Christianity and World Religions
When you voted on topics on which you'd like me to preach, Christianity and World Religions was the top vote getter.  And that's our focus this coming Sunday, Sept 13.

I will preach Sunday morning on "Commitment without Superiority." How do we acknowledge the legitimacy of other paths to God but understand Jesus' words "no one comes to the Father but by me"?  How should Christians respond to people of other faiths?  Should we try to convert them? We'll begin with a close look at John 14:1-11.

In worship Sunday we also welcome back Chip Bramlage and the Nexus band and singers.  We'll share our joys and our concerns in prayer.  Krista Bramlage will lead the children in New Explorers.  Leslie Baum and others will read scripture. Helen and Karl Ulrich will set up our worship space and make announcements.

And then in the evening many of us will go to the 6th Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the Islamic Center near I75 and Tylersville road. Thanks to Sandi Lerman for promoting and organizing our participation.

Nexus out in the community
1. A meal with homeless families

Friday evening and Saturday morning, Sept 18-19: As part of the Inter-faith Hospitality Network in Lebanon, Nexus folk prepare food and activities for homeless families. See Helen Ulrich for details.

2. A river walk to help stop AIDS

Saturday Morning, Sept 26: The 20th Annual Walk to STOP AIDS! at Sawyer Point.  It's a 5-mile walk along the Ohio and Kentucky sides of the Ohio River.  See Dana Johnson to join our Nexus team of walkers.

3. A Christian music concert

Saturday Evening, Sept 26: Recording artists Jason and deMarco are in concert at 8:00 p.m. at Cross Creek Community Church on Miamisburg-Centerville Road, about 35 minutes north of Nexus.  Tickets are $20 per person.  For more details, see Vince Benabese.

Nexus in our country
1. God is Still Speaking in ButlerCounty.

Yes, God is Still Speaking in the current debates over health care reform.  That's the message I took last week to one of the events in Butler County where many gathered to understand why reform is needed.  (The picture below was carried in the Hamilton Journal News)

 
2. A petition from 100,000 in UCC churches across the country

The United Church of Christ is continuing its historic support for health care for all persons by encouraging the signing of a petition that will be shared with legislative decision-makers, both Republican and Democrat.

The actual wording of the petition can be found on the link below, but the following points stand out:

• Coverage for all people
• Access regardless of ability to pay
• A full set of comprehensive benefits
• A choice of physicians and other providers
• Elimination of racial and ethnic and other health care disparities
• Waiver of pre-existing condition exclusions without age limits
• A robust public health insurance option.

I encourage you, as an issue of faith, to consider adding your signature to this petition and forwarding it as broadly as possible. I would think that, in the spirit of the Great Physician whose message we carry, universal health care is a critical moral issue.

The UCC is seeking 100 thousand signatures in ten days.  Will you add your voice?

To add your name to the petition, go to
https://secure3.convio.net/ucc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=443&JServSessionIdr002=h3ux8uvd87.app306b
 
Blessings for you today and every day,
Mike

Nexus News- September 5, 2009

Image by massysugarpants via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

By Request sermon series continues Sept 6
Forgive, forget, and move on - that's the advice of many helpful experts in human behavior.  But is that REALLY what Christian forgiveness is all about?  Do we forget about injustice?  Do we remain defined by the ways other have mis-treated us?  How might we "move on" with our lives?

These are some of the questions on my mind as I prepare for this Sunday's exploration of forgiveness.  You asked me to preach on "forgiveness," but, friends,  it was too big a topic for one sermon.  This Sunday Sept 6 I will conclude the sermon I started last week: Unconditional Forgiveness.

Our focus this Sunday will be on what I consider to be the hardest part of forgiveness:  forgiving others when they mistreat us and asking others to forgive us when we mistreat them.

This Sunday we will be inspired with the acoustic guitar and bass music of Nancy Wheeler and Mike Kiely.  We'll share our joys and our concerns in prayer.  Krista Bramlage will lead the children in New Explorers.  Our service will conclude with Holy Communion, assisted by Janet Crawford. Ty and Brian Smith will set up our worship space and make announcements.

No potluck this month
Because of the wonderful end-of-summer pool party that Kim Martin and Corinne Cross hosted last week, we will NOT have our usual first-Sunday potluck lunch after church this week.

Instead, I've been told that you may expect special muffins and other goodies to go along with your coffee, tea, and water.

Opportunities for service

• Share a meal with our Muslim friends -- Sunday evening, Sept 13 - The 6th Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinnerat the Islamic Center near I75 and Tylersville road.  The evening includes a tour of the mosque, a special program, and a sundown dinner that celebrates the end of daily fasting observed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan.  For more information, see Sandi Lerman.
• Share a meal with homeless families -- Friday evening and Saturday morning, Sept 18-19 - As part of the Inter-faith Hospitality Network in Lebanon, Nexus folk prepare food and activities for homeless families.  See Helen Ulrich for details.
• Talk a river walk to help stop AIDS -- Saturday Morning, Sept 26 - The 20th Annual Walk to STOP AIDS! at Sawyer Point.  It's a 5-mile walk along the Ohio and Kentucky sides of the Ohio River.  See Dana Johnson to join our Nexus team of walkers.

Ty and Brian Smith in the New York Times
In case you missed it, here's a link to last week's article in the New York Times based in large part on interviews with Ty and Brian Smith:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/fashion/27SKIN.html?_r=1

The article "Black Hair, Still Tangled in Politics" appeared in the August 28th edition of the international newspaper.  Featured in the Fashion and Style section, the article is a great example of what happens when you connect your faith and your life.

Just call me a nag - have you spoken up about health care?
Here's an easy way to connect your faith and life.  Go to this website and let President Obama know what you want done about health care:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

It will send an e-mail to the President.

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike

Related articles by Zemanta

• What Do You Do to Let Go? (chris.pirillo.com)
• Devotional - Forgiveness and Comfort (pastorpaulvbsblog.blogspot.com)

Unconditional Forgiveness

Image by OZinOH via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

By Request sermon series begins Aug 30
Early in the summer you voted on the four sermon topics on which you'd most like me to preach.  With fear and trepidation, I'll begin the series this coming Sunday, Aug. 30.

Our focus Sunday will be "Unconditional Forgiveness, Part 1."  The scripture will be the story of the prodigal son.  We'll explore if it's really true that God welcomes us with open arms whatever we've done and whenever we "return."

This Sunday is the first of a two-part sermon on forgiveness.  The following Sunday September 5 I will reflect on what I consider to be the hardest part of forgiveness:  forgiving others when they mistreat us and asking others to forgive us when we mistreat them.

This Sunday we have a special treat: Nancy Wheeler and her husband Brandon will inspire us with their acoustic guitar music.  We'll share our joys and our concerns in prayer.  Krista Bramlage will lead the children in New Explorers.  Pam Benjamin and Eric Middlebrook will set up our worship space and make announcements.

And don't forget after church
Kim Martin and Corinne Cross are hosting an end-of-summer pool party at their home immediately after church on Aug. 30.

Hop in the pool or stay dry and enjoy yourself in the yard. Have a wonderful meal.  Relax.  Find out what Nexus folk have been up to over the summer.  Make a new friend.

Just bring yourself (and family or friends) and a side dish.  Kim and Corinne are supplying everything else.

Their address: 6407 Sauterne Dr, Liberty Twp., OH 45011.  Questions: 513-863-0705

Opportunities for service

• Sunday evening, Sept 13 - The 6th Annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner at the Islamic Center near I-75 and Tylersville road.  The evening includes a tour of the mosque, a special program, and a sundown dinner that celebrates the end of daily fasting observed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan.  For more information, see Sandi Lerman.
• Saturday Morning, Sept 26 - The 20th Annual Walk to STOP AIDS! at Sawyer Point.  It's a 5-mile walk along the Ohio and Kentucky sides of the Ohio River.  See Dana Johnson to join our Nexus team of walkers.

Corn fields, wheat fields, mountains, and birthday cake
As you can tell, Vince, Xenia, and I are back from our 3,500 trip to Colorado. What a grand trip!

Most importantly, Vince's Mom had a joyous celebration of her 80th year.  His family does not have a tradition of "big" family celebrations, so taking his mom to visit with her 86 year-old sister for two days and then returning to Denver for a surprise party attended by 45 of her friends was a BIG event.

In that setting I was introduced as Mom's son-in-law of 18 years, and that was indeed a blessing, as I know you can appreciate.

This was my first vacation time since I came to Nexus last November.  I know you were well treated on Aug 16 and 23 with two top-notch guest preachers.  Thanks to the Rev. Jan Griesinger and the Rev. Reg Olson for preaching.  Thanks also to the Rev. Barb Hobe for being on call for pastoral emergencies.

Have you spoken up about health care?
At NexusChurch we emphasize that our faith should be connected with our lives.  At the moment there's no more important issue facing our collective life than the questions surrounding health care.

As your pastor I therefore ask: have you made your voice heard about health care?

In recent weeks it seemed to me that some were using the health care issue primarily as a means to "overturn" the results of last November's election.  But I read in today's newspaper that some prominent religious leaders are backing away from a 30-year commitment to adequate health-care for all.  (See, for example,  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/health/policy/28catholics.html?_r=1&hp )

Isn't it time for progressive religious folk to let our opinions be heard?

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike

Website Update-We're mobile baby!

Image via CrunchBase

If you've wanted to browser the Nexus from your mobile phone (or if you just didn't have Flash and couldn't view it properly), now you can.  Our site is now completely viewable from a mobile device.  Now you can listen to the sermons (just in case you slept in one Sunday morning or were out enjoying nature) streamed from our website on your iPhone or other mobile device.

Some other new features should be available in the coming months.  But, this is a pretty big one.  A lot of people who you might have steered to the site couldn't view it well on mobile devices.  And, now they can check out a sermon or two while they're on the go.  We don't have true Podcasting yet (should be coming soon). But, as long as you're connected, you can stream the sermons.

Our website is here:  www.nexusucc.org , pass it along.

Old Pride!

Image by Xavier Fargas via Flickr

Dear Friends of Nexus Church,

Corn fields, wheat fields, mountains, and birthday cake
Tomorrow morning Vince and I will pack up the car and head west on I70 across Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado until we come to Vince's Mom's in Denver.  There we'll help organize a week-long 80th birthday celebration for Mom (shhh - there's a secret party, too).

We're taking a driving vacation so that we can take along our little dog Xena.  It will be leisurely trip, since we stop at about every other rest stop and stretch our legs.  The scenery may not be "exotic" but isn't it a blessing just to be with those you love?

This is my first vacation time since I came to Nexus last November.  You'll see below that you will be treated on Aug 16 and 23 with top-notch guest preachers.  Be sure to come to church, and let me know what you think.

While we are out of town, please call me at the regular church cell number (513-708-7803) if you have any critical need of pastoral care.  I have found that often a telephone conversation can be very helpful.  If immediate face-to-face conversation is needed, I will contact our own the Rev. Barb Hobe to make arrangements to meet with you.

Old Pride: All Shall be Well Enough
This Sunday Aug 16 our guest preacher -- the Rev. Jan Griesinger from Athens, OH -- will reflect on "Old Pride: All Shall be Well."

I know that you will want to hear Jan's reflection.  I first heard her speak at the Ohio Conference of the UCC.  In a very few minutes she caught everyone's attention with her celebration of being "old."

Jan is a co-founder of  the Susan B. Anthony Memorial UnRest Home Womyn's Land Trust where she currently lives. She currently serves as national Co-Director of Old Lesbians Organizing for Change.  Jan is Director Emerita of UCM:  Center for Spiritual Growth and Social Justice at OhioUniversity (1976-2004).

Chip Bramlage and the Nexus Singers and Band will inspire us with music.  We'll share our joys and our concerns in prayer.  Krista Bramlage will give the Children's Message and then lead the children in New Explorers.  Sandi Lerman will teach us new sign language.  Helen and Karl Ulrich will set up our worship space,  make announcements, and read Scripture.

Reg Olson to preach Aug 23rd
What does it mean to have church in a gymnasium?  Come Aug 23rd to hear our very own the Rev. Reg Olson discuss "Surely the Lord is in this Place"

We know Reg as a faithful supporter of Nexus Church who almost always takes a front-row seat along with his wife Barb.   You may not know that Reg is a retired United Methodist clergy person.  He was born and raised in the Evangelical & Reformed Church (which joined with the Congregational Christian Church in 1957 to form the United Church of Christ).

By Request sermon series begins Aug 30
Early in the summer you voted on the four sermon topics on which you'd most like me to preach.  With fear and trepidation, I'll begin the series on Sunday, Aug. 30.  I don't (yet) have a "flashy" title, but the sermon topic will be forgiveness.  Do we "need" forgiveness?  If so, who? What? When? And how?

And don't forget after church on Aug 30
Kim Martin and Corinne Cross are hosting a pool party at their home immediately after church on Aug. 30.

Blessings for you today and every day,

Mike