The Steeple Bell
“Under the Green Steeple”
Shining God’s Light Since 1798
Making disciples…Building Christian community…Transforming lives!
From the Pastor
May 2015
This month we celebrate Pentecost, often referred to as the
birth of the Christian church. Among the Bible readings for
Pentecost Sunday is a passage from the Acts of the Apostles
that describes the scene when Peter and the other disciples
had gathered for worship and began speaking in various
languages as the Holy Spirit descended on them: “They saw
what seemed to be individual flames of fire alighting on each
one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began
to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to
speak.” (Acts 2:3-4; CEB) Through the action of the Holy Spirit
the kingdom of God could be known by all people of all
cultures for all time. The same Holy Spirit empowers the
ministry of the Christian church today as it offers the gospel to
the world.
But our mission goes deeper than simply proclaiming the
kingdom of God to a diverse audience. We are called to be
shepherds for all who seek Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the good
shepherd...I give up my life for the sheep. I have other sheep
that don't belong to this sheep pen. I must lead them
too...there will be one flock, with one shepherd.” (John 10:1416; CEB) This is the model for our ministry through Christ’s
church today. We are called to be good shepherds, willing to
make the sacrifices necessary to bring all people together as
one, caring for one another as a good shepherd would care for
his or her flock.
In our celebration of the beginning of Christ’s church, let’s not
forget that he calls us to be shepherds. Let’s strive to give
faithful witness to the unconditional, sacrificial love of Christ in
our interactions within the church and as we bring his good
news to those who are not yet part of – or who have strayed
from – his flock. And may God add his blessings to all we do.
Grace and peace.
May 2015
Lectionary Texts
May 3rd
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21;
John 15:1-8
May 10th
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Mother’s Day
Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17
May 14th
Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53
May 17th
Seventh Sunday of Easter
Ascension Sunday
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13;
John 17:6-19
May 24th
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:24-34, 35b; Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
May 31st
First Sunday after Pentecost
Trinity Sunday
Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17
A Reservoir of Love
Few roles afford someone the opportunity to shape and impact a human life quite like being a parent. Elizabeth Everest
never had that privilege. Born into humble means, Elizabeth became a nurse and nanny rather than a wife and mother.
She looked after the small daughter of a clergyman before accepting the role of caring for an infant named Winston.
Eventually, a little brother named Jack arrived.
Though she had a few material possessions to share with the boys, she gave them a priceless treasure: her love. She
poured her gift of storytelling on them. She painted wild imaginary pictures with words and told cliffhanging tales.
She cared for the boys during the trials of adolescence and the tribulation of puberty. She continually shared from her
reservoir of love, affection, and nurturing grace with wholehearted abandon.
Elizabeth Everest died in 1895. She never knew the impact she inadvertently had on the young man and on the course of
history. The child she nurtured eventually grew up to be Winston Churchill, the prime minister of England who bravely led
his nation through the turbulent years of World War II. One woman’s love helped shape one of the greatest leaders of all
time.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give!
Winston Churchill
A Mother’s Love
A Mother’s heart and a Mother’s faith
And a Mother’s steadfast love
Were fashioned by the Angels
And sent from God Above
Happy Mother’s Day
Church Life “Under the Green Steeple”
Worship Schedule
Sunday Worship
9:15 The Journey Christian Education for adults A Bible study
which includes reading the scriptures together and entering
into a discussion, sharing our thoughts on the meaning,
and discussing how we are to apply God’s word to our life today.
We’ll save a seat for you
9:30 Alleluia Gathering Christian Education for adults
The group, led by Charlotte Summer, is engaged in a series of
discussions giving a practical application of Scripture to daily life.
Each week will be a self-contained conversation about selected
Bible passages. The class concludes in plenty of time to
worship (e.g. choir).
10:45 Worship Service in the Sanctuary, includes a
congregational singing through prayer, praise and sermon
message.
June – Aug service is at 10:15 am.
Sept – May service is at 10:45 am
10:45 am Faith Walkers Class (Grades 4-6) will meet during
Sunday worship, leaving for their classroom after the praise songs
On Communion Sundays, they will remain in worship.
Join us for refreshments after the service, in the dining room
4:00 pm Adult Seekers Christian Education Class
The class format and topic discussed change according to the
wishes of the group. The topic may be the message given by
Pastor Bryan at that morning’s worship services, a special book
or a seasonal study.
The sacrament of Holy Communion is offered during worship
on the first Sunday of each month. In the United Methodist
Church, the Lord’s Table is open to all.
Parking and Accessibility
We are a fully accessible building. We have canes and a
wheelchair available. We also have an elevator and an electric
chairlift. There are reserved areas for loading and
unloading passengers. We have limited street parking, but there
are two banks across the street from us and you are more
than welcome to park in either of their lots.
Rehearsal Schedules
Monday Choir Rehearsals
(Sept-May)
Double Trio (1st and 4th Sundays after worship)
Wednesday Choir Rehearsals
(Sept - May)
6:50 pm: Chancel Choir
7:45: pm: Bell Choir
As our church family grows, we’re not always aware of the
musical gifts in our congregation. If you enjoy singing or playing
bells, please see the following ladies:
Monica Rhude
Tami Chamberlain
Groups & Meetings
FUMC has a number of small study and fellowship groups. The church
is also a meeting site for several community groups.
Sunday
Youth Meetings
First and Third Sundays at 6:30 pm
NA Meeting
7:00 pm Meets in the Dining Room
Franklin Aggies 4 H Group
Contact the church office for date and times
Monday
Women's Circle
6:30 pm 2nd Monday Meets Monthly Sept. – May Contact the
church office for location
Tuesday
Ladies Walking in Fellowship
6:30-7:30 pm Meets weekly in the Fellowship hall
Grief Support Group
1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 3:00 pm Led by Evelyn Morris
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Franklin-Carlisle Rotary
12:10pm Meets weekly in the Fellowship Hall
NA Meeting
7:00 pm Meets weekly in the Dining Room
Saturday
Men’s Group
Third Saturday of each month at 9:00 am. This is a breakfast meeting
held in our Church Dining Room.
Sowing Seeds of Ministry
Opportunities to Serve in the Church!
Nursery: If you know families with young children who
are hesitant about attending services, please let them
know that we have nursery available every Sunday.
Kroger Community Rewards Program. Kroger
shoppers, have you enrolled in the Community Rewards
program? Sign up online and designate our church as
beneficiary so that a portion of your purchase is donated
back to our church. All you have to do is shop and swipe
your rewards card! If you're already enrolled, you must
re-enroll each year. Our church's number is 84747.
Reminder! Any time you are using the church for an
activity, please remember to double check before you
leave to make sure all the doors are securely locked,
lights are all off and the coffee pots are turned off.
Thanks!
We Share: If you're unable to attend church, you may give
your tithes and offerings on line via We Share. We Share can
be used for recurring OR one-time offerings. No envelope, no
stamp, no hassle, no worries! See the link on our webpage. If
you have questions about how to use We Share, please see
Tami Chamberlain
Franklin First Family
Dear Friends,
I want to thank you for the wonderful send off
you gave me on my last Sunday.
The certificate, picture and special spoon trophy
will always remind me of the time spent with you in worship
and service. The years at Franklin First have been a joy in my
life journey.
Brenda and I came to the Church in 1988 and
made it our Church home. I can’t thank you enough for
accepting us into your midst and making us part of your
families. It is not easy leaving this loving place.
I just feel it’s time as I go into the final chapters
of my life journey to travel and explore a new area of the
country and spend more time with my children and
grandchildren.
Hope to visit in the future.
Love,
Carl Mitchell
Mark Your Calendars
Every Monday 4:30-6:00 pm Community Dinner
Every Tuesday 6:30 – 7:30 pm Women’s Walking in Faith
Exercise Fellowship
to everyone that helped with the Spring
Salad Luncheon. We made $1200 including the Historical
Dinner and lunch
May 4th
Women’s Circle Meeting at Sammy’s El Pueblo in
Springboro at 6:30 pm
May 11th
Mother/Child Banquet 6 pm
I truly don't know how to express fully my appreciation
and gratitude for all your efforts to provide the delicious
meals, setup and rearrange for tables, providing the A/V
support, music, and the printed materials, etc. for our
meeting.
May 16th Men Group Meeting: 9:00 am this is a breakfast
meeting. Please RSVP by 5/13 Teresa or John Lass.
I have heard only positive comments from the attendees.
I believe this was a very successful meeting for
everyone. I'm certain our guests will fondly remember
their experiences at Franklin First UMC. It is all due to
your contributions.
Again, many thanks.
Bob Bowman
UMHSO Past President
Music Sunday, May 17: Join us for our special music
presentation honoring God and Country! We'll be
honoring members of the Armed Services and veterans at the
service, with a small reception to follow. Music by the
Chancel Choir, Aspenleiter Bell Choir, One Voice Double Trio,
piano, organ, and more. All veterans and active
armed services are invited to celebrate our freedom!
Graduation Sunday: May 31. It's time to honor our graduates!
Please let the office know of church family members who are
graduating from high school, college, grad school, or other
programs.
Celebrating Our Church Family
Anniversary
May
22 Rick & Tami Chamberlain
Birthdays
1 Jessica Lucas
8 Bailey Alexander Robison
9 Pam Trout
10 Sherrie Myers
11 Jenny Chamberlain
15 Charlotte Summer
18 Steve Robison
20 Mark Johnson
27 Pam Bishop
31 JoAnn Achtermann
Potato Casserole
Jackie Messmore
2 lbs frozen hash browns
¼ c margarine, melted
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 cans soup (cream of mushroom or chicken)
1 pt sour cream
½ c onion chopped
10 or 12 oz cheddar cheese
Topping:
2 c cornflakes, crushed
1/4 c margarine, melted
Thaw potatoes. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix
and put in casserole dish. Sprinkle on topping. Bake for 1 hour
at 350 degrees.
Power Walking Class. The Tuesday night
exercise class is a power walking class that follows
a Jessica Smith DVD. Anyone, no matter what your
fitness level is, can do it. This class should provide
a good balance of increasing your activity level
while enjoying the company of a fun group of gals.
Our outreach project through the end of May is
Imagine No Malaria We’re collecting change each
week in response to our blessings. The class is
Tuesday nights, 6:30 to 7:15ish. Sorry guys, this is
a ladies-only class. If you need more information
please see Mary Lauzau. Public welcome!
Pam has been singing in the choirs at our church since she
was 4 years old. She has helped with our Nursery and taught
Sunday school. She has also been our youth group leader,
helped with Bible school and helped serve the Lions Club
dinners. Pam has also helped with the assembly of our
Salvation Army Christmas Food Boxes. She has been on a
number of committees for our church and a representative for
our Annual Church Conference.
Kaylee, who is currently in high school, has been singing in our
choirs, played in our childrens bell choir and helped with the
Nursery. Kaylee has also helped with the assembly of our
Salvation Army Christmas Food Boxes. During the summer,
she helps with the Rotary dinners. Kaylee has also been our
liturgist.
As you can see, this group of women has been an important
part in our church family. It all started with Sarah teaching
Pam to give to the cause of Christ and now Pam passing this
down to Kaylee. A mother’s wisdom is carried on through their
children and also their love of Christ.
Thank you Sarah, Pam and Kaylee for your faithfulness to our
church and continued love for this church family.
We appreciate all that you have done and continue to do.
Thumbs Up
Every month, we will give thumbs up to special groups or
people of the congregation that have served our
community or just to let someone know that they are
appreciated.
This Month, we are recognizing: Sarah Marie Myers, Pam
Bishop and Kaylee Bishop. Three generations
When you are listening to our Chancel Choir sing, you are
looking at three generations of women in this choir. Sarah
Myers, Pam Bishop and Kaylee Bishop.
Sarah has been a member of our church, along with her
husband, Jerry since 1969. Their daughter, Pam has been a
member of our church since 1978 and their Grandaughter,
Kaylee has been attending our church since 2000.
Sarah has been active in our church for many years. She
helped in preparing meals for the Lions Club for 20 years
when they had their meetings here. She also helped in
preparing the meals for the Rotary Group for their Friday
Meetings. She has helped with the youth when her children
were active and also assisted Nell Dicken with Bible School.
Sarah has been singing in our chancel choir in the front row for
over 20 years.
So then next time you see the chancel choir singing, look at
these women and say a special thank you to them in your
heart!
A child dies every minute from
malaria.
Most of us will never have the hands-on
experience of saving the life of a child. We’ll
never perform CPR, do the Heimlich
maneuver, or save a child from drowning.
We won’t appear on TV, or in the
newspaper, for a heroic life-saving deed.
In 2014, malaria claimed the lives of
453,000 children - 90% of those in Africa.
That’s 1,300 kids who lose their lives to a
mosquito bite every day. No one should die
because of a mosquito bite.
What we can do, and what we are called to
do as Christians, is simply this: “do
something.” So let’s do just that! Let’s save
our quarters, fill our containers, and show
the world around us that we care; that
children dying because of a mosquito bite do
matter.
We have empty containers available for
anyone who wants one. Each container when
full holds exactly $10 in quarters – the
amount needed for one bed net. This net will
provide a mosquito barrier and save lives.
We’re collecting quarters now through May
24th. Full containers may be brought in and
deposited in the designated area in the
sanctuary. Please sign the “I Helped Save a
Life” card at that time. Then take another
container. On May 24th the containers and
cards will be blessed. All the containers and
cards will be taken to Annual Conference in
June.
Let’s not be content as a congregation to
collect only what our church can do. There
are people in our community who will help if
given the opportunity. That was my ah-ha
moment. I asked the pharmacy manager at
CVS if he would donate some containers. He
was very open to my request and I returned
to the store to pick them up the next day.
He then asked if I’d bring in one of the
official mosquito topped containers because
some of the employees said that they’d like
to participate.
So here’s our challenge. The original goal
was $500. Let’s set a new goal of 200
containers, that’s $2,000.
We give a container to at least one friend or
family member. We get these in the hands
of our community. Give them to leaders,
business owners, groups, and clubs we
belong to. If we get the containers out
there, God will do the rest.
If you’d like to have a more active role in
this project, to help get the word out and
distribute the containers, please see
Charlotte Summer or Mary Lauzau. With
God’s help, we can do this!
Franklin First UMC
2015 Organization for Ministry
Church Council
Co-Chairs
Dick and LeeAnn Lee
937-748-3402
Secretary
Kay Marksberry
513-465-5311
Lay Leader
Charlotte Summer
937-746-1935
Lay Member of Annual Conference
Kim Chewning
937-232-8754
Annual Conference Mission Partnership Rep.
Mike Smith
937-470-6804
Treasurer
Tami Chamberlain
937-746-8051
Committee/Ministry Team Representatives:
Staff-Parish Relations Committee
TBD
Finance Committee
Ken Smith
937-748-1484
Trustees
Jim Martin
937-790-0698
Worship Ministry Team
Kathy Martin
Ministry Leadership Team Representative
*
Communications Coordinator
Peggy Darragh-Jeromos 937-746-6295
Church Historian
Robert Bowman
937-903-4350
Pastor
Bryan Lauzau
937-746-5562
*Participation in Church Council rotates quarterly among
Ministry Leadership Team members
Ministry Leadership Team (Also serves as the Committee
on Nominations and Leadership Development)
Chairperson: Bryan Lauzau (Committee on Nominations and
Leadership Development)
Lay Leader: Charlotte Summer
937-746-1935
Brian Graves; Linda Smith; Peggy Darragh-Jeromos
Tami Chamberlain; Kim Chewning; Mary Lauzau
Staff-Parish Relations Committee (Area Code 937 unless
otherwise noted)
Chairperson: TBD
Lay Leader: Charlotte Summer
Lay Member of Annual Conference: Kim Chewning (232-8754)
Julie Abell (321-6600); Patti Noland (746-9253);
Gene Howe (748-0989) Jack Mokry (746-0420);
Sally Fitzgerald (746-8479); Jessica Lucas (321-6683)
Cheryl Cyphers (743-1134)
Trustees
Chairperson: Jim Martin
John Lass; Jim Martin; Trisha Dicken Jerry Rhude
Finance Committee
Chairperson
Ken Smith
Treasurer
Tami Chamberlain
Financial Secretary
Brian Graves
Church Council Chairperson Dick Lee; LeeAnn Lee
(Co-chairs)
Trustees Representative Jim Martin
Staff-Parish Representative TBD
Lay Leader
Charlotte Summer
Lay Member of Annual Conference
Kim Chewning
Pastor
Bryan Lauzau
Worship Ministry Team
Choir Director
Monica Rhude
Bell Choir
Tami Chamberlain
Altar Design
Kathy Martin
Technical Support
Trisha Dicken
Lay Leader
Charlotte Summer
MLT Representative
Mary Lauzau
Pastor
Bryan Lauzau