1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Milford First United Methodist Church
Apr/May 2015
& Easter Week
MILFORD FIRST
Milford First…Where Something New Is Coming to Life
Come join us for our innovative and inspiring Easter gatherings!
King’s Kids Easter Musical Program: Sunday, March 29 at Milford First, at 9:30 and
11:00 AM in the Great Hall. Our children will present a wonderful Easter Musical and
drama entitled “Christ is Risen”. Come and share the joy!
Walk with Jesus/The Rest of the Story: Sunday, March 29 from 5:30-7:30 PM (come
any time within these two hours for our Lenten Dinner and Easter Walk Experience).
You’ve experienced the eggs and the candy, now come hear the rest of the story!
Come to this interactive, hands-on experience by walking station by station tracing
the steps of Jesus!
Maundy Thursday Service: at 7:00 PM, April 2 in the Sanctuary. Come experience the
Fellowship of the Towel and share in holy communion as we recapture the Last
Supper scene from the Upper Room.
Sunrise Service Sunday: at 7:00-7:30 AM “How Jesus Can Make Your Impossible
Possible” Come share the contagious joy of Easter morning with music, a witness of
faith, and a unique prayer experience. If you are seeking a lifeline of hope to turn
what seems like impossibilities into possibilities, then join us for a sunrise experience
on the front lawn of the church...pastries and drinks available following.
Easter Sunday at Milford First: Sunday, April 5 at 9:30 and 11:00 AM “The Grave
Robber”
> Contemporary Worship in the Great Hall at 9:30 AM
> Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary at 9:30 and 11:00 AM
Have you ever wanted to pray for your children on a
deeper level? Whether it’s for their salvation, issues in
school or social life, or standing firm in what they believe,
what better way than to pray with others. At our Praying
Mothers group, we will lift any child, any age, up in prayer.
We invite Mothers, Grandmothers, friends of mothers and
family members to join us on Wednesdays at 11:30 AM
(Changing after Easter to Tuesdays at 7:00 PM) in the Chapel. Please call either
Joyce Harmon (722-8266) or Mary Goodpastor (561-5191) for more information.
We are Milford First young adults and we are innovative...In order to
reach the needs of this age group, we have decided to start a new worship service
called Second Sunday. The Second Sunday of each month from 7-8pm, we will be
holding a new service focused on worship with music, testimonies for community
members and a time to break into small groups in order to go deeper. This service will
be geared to the youth (Jr. high and High school), college-aged people and twenty and
thirty somethings. The first Second Sunday will be held on April 12th from 7-8 pm in
the Great Hall. The theme of this first service will be Philippians 4:13 “I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me”. We hope to see all you youth, college,
and carrier aged people there. For more information, please contact Stephanie.
We are Milford First youth and we are focusing on community. During the Winter
Retreat held February 20-22, we really started to gel as a community. We hope to
keep this momentum going as we started having regular youth group every Sunday
night from 6:30-8:30pm. We have been using this time to focus on service to our
church (with preparing for the walk with Jesus), our spiritual timelines and lent. We
will continue into April with focusing on community directly, and on what Easter
means for us with a celebration from 6-7 pm on April 12th. We hope to see all the
youth in our church come and join in forming connections together.
In order to bring the newest members of the youth into the church community, we
have been holding confirmation. This year we have 15 confirmands. We will be
holding our last class on April 12th from 4-6 pm. Our confirmation retreat will be May
8th-9th. We are excited for these youth to join our church community on Confirmation
Sunday, May 17th.
Easter Extravaganza
Saturday, March 28th at Pattison School
Our third annual Easter Extravaganza will take place March 28 at Pattison
School, with registration starting at 3:30 PM. This reshaped event will be
taking the form of a Community Festival with music and displays and
interactive stations for children and families…including some stations for a
variety of snacks and drinks, along with the Easter Egg Helicopter Drop.
This is an opportunity to shower those from our community with love
and gifts, not only with Easter Eggs, but with other expressions for all ages.
We need a large contingent of Milford First attendees to show caring
and hospitality to our guests from the community. Please plan to join us
for this exciting event!
Walk with Jesus
Dramatic Experience
Sunday Evening, March 29, starting at 5:30—7:30 PM
Also offered following Maundy Thursday services
Once again this year, the Upper Level of the church will be turned into the life of
Jesus, as we celebrate the last week of Jesus’ life. This live drama will occur
on Sunday evening, March 29th starting at 5:30—7:30 PM. Participants are
encouraged to also attend our Lenten Dinner either before or after the
Dramatic Experience. The Dramatic Experience will be repeated immediately
after the Maundy Thursday Service, which is at 7:00 PM on April 2nd.
Come experience the rest of the story...not just the Easter bunny and the candy.
Milford Miami Ministry 5K Walk/Run
Register Now
April 11th at 9 am in beautiful Miami Meadows Park. Brochures are
available in the Welcome Center or register at GetMeRegistered.com.
Register as a group of 6 or more and save $5 per person. Not able to
make it that day? Choose the “Sleeping In” option or sponsor a
participant. Last year MMM raised $6,583.00 from this event to
provide food and financial assistance to families in our community.
Families of confirmands, here are important dates:
April 12th: The 3rd confirmation class
May 8—9th: Confirmation Retreat
DATA INFORMATION UPDATE TO DETERMINE IF WE ARE MILFORD FIRST!
We are Milford First, but over the years our database has become less useful,
because of outdated or incorrect information. Many constituents and some members
have not been involved in the church for multiple years, including several children who
have moved away and have families and churches of their own. Due to the fact the
apportionments to the District and Conference are based on membership and budget,
it is important that we get both as accurate and reasonable as possible.
For this reason over the next few months, we will be contacting everyone in our
data base to update information, including address; telephone numbers (cell, home,
work); email addresses; birthdates; anniversaries; et al. If you have any concerns over
providing this information over the phone, you may call the church office to provide this
information. Jim Eckels (260-7593) and Pastor Mark Weatherman (444-7031) are leading
this effort, so if you have any questions you can contact them.
Walk with us!!! May 3rd, 1:00 pm
Saving 1,000 Lives, One Step at a Time
The first annual WALK TO END MALARIA will be held on Sunday, May 3, at 1 pm.
This event will be a casual, family-friend stroll, and will start and end at the church.
The one mile route will take us to downtown Milford’s Riverside Park, along the
beautiful Little Miami, and back up Main Street. Cost is one life ($10), with Imagine
No Malaria shirts available for purchase at the walk. Participants are encouraged to
secure sponsorships. Registration materials will be available at the church shortly.
ALL money raised will go directly toward Milford First’s pledge of saving 1000 lives.
We are already close to 1/3 of the way towards reaching our goal.
IMAGINE NO MALARIA
SPRING is just around the corner, and
so is Spring cleaning. MFUMC can
help! We have the solution for your
unused or unwanted treasures:
clean, useful household items,
clothing, shoes, books, jewelry, toys,
tools, craft items, any holiday
decorations and working electronics.
Our annual RUMMAGE SALE is
scheduled for Friday and Saturday,
April 24 and 25. We will receive
donations from Monday, April 20 through Thursday afternoon, April 23, just a few
weeks away! Help us make this a good sale! Questions can be directed to anyone on
our steering committee: Sharon Rutter, Marsha Heller, Nisa Simons, Judy Moore, Joan
Griffie, Jenny Thompson and Darba Bowers.
HolyWeek
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Easter Sunrise Service - Join us for worship
on the front lawn of the church. Easter
Sunday, April 5th at 7:00 AM
Easter Celebration Services will be held in
the Sanctuary at 9:30 and 11:00 AM, and
in the Great Hall at 9:30 AM, on April 5th.
New 11:00 AM Adult Sunday School Class
HOLY SPIRIT—HERE AND NOW
This 10 week class will explore the work of Trevor Hudson, both his sermons at Soulfest 2013 and his book about the Holy Spirit. If you missed
this class last winter, or if you just want a second opportunity to hear the
words of this incredible pastor (and who wouldn’t!), then join us!! All are
welcome! Class starts April 12.
Facilitators: Billie Sue Jones & Amanda Prus
WE ARE PRIME TIMERS!
We are Milford First and we are Prime Timers, who are seeking to
enjoy God’s fellowship and love, as we join together over the next few
months. All are encouraged and invited to join us for bi-monthly meetings.
The second Tuesday, we have an outing into the community, whether to
see a special event in our area; a movie or just lunch together. Look at our
schedule and plan on joining us for a wonderful day of fellowship, good
food and fun.
Date
Activity
Time
Cost
April 12 Lunch at Belterra
Meet time TBD
April 26 Milford HS Show Choir – Spring
Show
May 12 Freedom Center – Auschwitz
Prison Camp Display
11 AM – Great
Hall
Meet time TBD
Transportation $5.
Lunch on
own.
Lunch - $7
May 26
Sharing of a Transplant Recipient
June 9
June 23
Historical Milford Library
United States Constitution
11 AM – Great
Hall
Meet time TBD
11 AM – Great
Hall
Ticket &
Transportation
$16.
Lunch on
own
Lunch - $7
TBD
Lunch - $7
MILFORD FIRST SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
2/28/15 (YTD)
Offerings
Christmas Offering
WAVE & WAVE Grant
Fundraisers
Other Income
Programmatic Expenses
Office Expenses
Staff Related Expenses
Building & Trustee
Apportionments
Other Expenses
Excess (Deficit)
$
75,556
$
1,250
$
1,140
$
332
$
194
$
78,472
$
5,232
$
1,862
$
62,319
$
28,828
$
16,576
$
466
$
115,282
$
(36,810)
12/31/14
2/28/14 (YTD)
$
85,316
$
-
$
1,391
$
240
$
294
$
87,241
$
6,979
$
2,126
$
55,980
$
18,980
$
17,704
$
(16)
$
101,753
$
(14,512)
2015 Budget
$
609,728
$
527,066
$
8,398
$
15,000
$
9,330
$
13,750
$
6,582
$
9,600
$
6,683
$
48,900
$
640,721
$
614,316
$
56,103
$
47,800
$
14,920
$
13,200
$
361,446
$
356,236
$
131,416
$
124,660
$
106,240
$
69,420
$
2,247
$
3,000
$
672,372
$
614,316
$
0
$ (31,651)
2014 year-end totals show a $31,651 loss due to anticipated giving that did not occur. The
additional giving to the Miracle Offering last year generated about $162,000 that may have
impacted the overall offering position. The 2014 year end expenses were $33 thousand less
than 2013, largely as a result of the reduction to 25% time for Pastor Miller.
The giving in January and February 2015 was down $9,000 compared to 2014 and expenses
reflects a major church maintenance issue related to the fire alarm system failure. Staffing
expenses increased compared to the same period in 2014 with the addition of two new staff
members (Stephanie Howes and Kimberly Heileman). Most of the other expense were about
the same or lower.
If you questions or wish more details on the financials, please contact either of our Finance
Chairs (Brenda Forrest or Rhonda Fox) or Pastor Weatherman.
As we continue to grow in fellowship and size the WAVE (Wednesdays Are Very
Extraordinary) is serving our neighborhood and faith community. Come join us as we start
the spring season with the following remaining meals:
April and May menus are as follows:
Apr. 1
Kroger fried and baked chicken, twice baked potatoes, green
beans, tossed salad and rolls (from Texas Roadhouse), fruit and
cookies/brownies
Apr. 8
Ham (from Pinebrook), potatoes, green beans, tossed salad and
rolls (from Texas Roadhouse), cranberry-orange salad and cake
Apr. 15
Pulled chicken sandwiches, French fries, chicken nuggets, cole
slaw, fruit salad and pie
Apr. 22
Pizza Hut pizza, tossed salad, carrot/celery sticks, grapes and
ice cream/sherbet (NOTE: DINNER TO BE HELD AT MILFORD ON
MAIN Cafeteria due to set-up for Rummage Sale in Great Hall)
Apr. 29
Lasagna, LaRosa’s ziti pasta, garlic bread, tossed salad, pears, and
cookies/brownies
May 6
Soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, carrots/celery sticks, sliced apples
and cake
May 13
Meatloaf, sliced potatoes, tossed salad and applesauce and rolls (all
from Texas Roadhouse), and cookies/brownies.
This is a great way to get to know other people in our church and community. If you have a
meeting (or not!) or your kids are a part of King’s Kids or Cherub Choir or you just don’t
want to cook (this meal is for young and old alike), then join us at 6:00 P.M. in the Great
Hall. Donations appreciated but not mandatory. Come, be a part of the food, fun and
fellowship!
Milford First UMC Prayer Shawl Ministry
Do you like to knit, crochet, sew? Would you like to learn?
The Prayer Shawl Ministry could use you!
We do not live in isolation in this world. We live in an interconnected
global community. When something difficult happens to someone
else, it hurts us. Prayer shawls are a way to heal others while healing
ourselves. When you make a prayer shawl you are intentionally
infusing each stitch with hope, warmth, love, compassion and care.
You emanate the hope that the person will be healed from pain. When the gift is
received, that warmth is felt, the connection is recalled and healing takes place.
For more information, please contact Sue Smith
[email protected] or 513-404-7811
27th Annual Community Benefit Auction
Proceeds Benefit: Milford Miami Ministry, New Life Furniture Bank,
The Clermont Chapter of Habitat for Humanity
April 19th—6:00 PM - Milford First United Methodist Church
541 Main Street, Milford, Ohio 45150
* * * * Doors Open at 5:30 PM * * * *
Items donated for Live and Silent Auction have Included:
Sporting & Musical Event Tickets, Art, Yard Work, Themed Baskets,
Gifts, Business Services and much more!!
Hands On Outreach Opportunity
Nast Trinity Community Dinner
April 28th
For the past fifteen years, our church has
partnered with other churches and
businesses to provide, and serve dinner
each Sunday to 300 neighbors that live
around the Nast Trinity Church in Over
The Rhine.
This April 28th, you have the opportunity
to be part of this very vital ministry!
There are several ways you can pitch in. We need:
25 servers (We leave MFUMC at 3:00 PM and return around 7:00 pm)
10 cooks to prepare casseroles (We provide the recipe and a
disposable pan)
30 bakers to provide brownies (your favorite recipe)
Any of these tasks are great ways for families with children to work
together serving those in need.
Contact Peggy Smith for more information
Phone 307-4509, or Email [email protected]
We Are Milford First!
During a recent Confirmation Class, in a discussion that arose after viewing an intriguing video clip, we began to list some of the ways the people of Milford First live out
being the church in our day. We catalogued a pretty amazing list of ways Milford First
faithfully lives out our call to be the body of Christ in Milford and beyond. As we did so,
a theme began to surface in my mind, “we are Milford First.”
We have a tendency to see only the parts of our church life with which we are actively
engaged. It provides an illuminating perspective to see the panoramic view of “We are
Milford First!” My guess is that it will heighten your awareness to see a glimpse of the
whole.
We are Milford First: We gather to worship our Lord each Sunday…making the choice
to center our lives on God and receive daily bread for the journey of the coming week.
We are a congregation full of folks who are passionate about music as they share their
gifts and graces.
We are Milford First: We realize differing age demographics resonate with different
styles of worship, so we offer differing expressions…contemporary worship and two
versions of traditional worship. Also, this coming month we will introduce a youth and
young adult worship experience—geared toward the unique needs and interests of this
age—that will meet monthly on Sunday evenings.
We are Milford First: We offer an amazing array of opportunities to grow in faith and
deepen our devotion to Christ as well as our relationships with one another. These
range from classes on Sunday morning to small groups throughout the week. Some are
on-going; some are short-term. Some are for those who are just beginning their faith
journey; some are for those who have traveled the path for some time. We constantly
have folks say something like: “In the relationships I experience in a class or group,
church comes alive!”
We are Milford First: We have fun together! All kinds of gatherings happen where
people enjoy one another’s company. Genuine bonds form amidst the laughter and
camaraderie. We meet people we had not previously known. We come away with a
sense we are not alone.
We are Milford First: We have numerous expressions of congregational care from the
staff care cards prayed over and sent out each Monday, to teams that reach out to
those unable to leave their homes, to an active Stephen Ministry Team that serves
those who need someone to come alongside them in a difficult season in life.
We are Milford First: We have a passion for making a difference in our community.
While we are very generous with our giving to ministries, the church we are becoming
is one that is not content to indirectly give without directly participating. The cutting
edge of Milford First is the astonishing variety of ways the people of our church are
actively engaged in making a difference in Milford and beyond. Here’s a sampling:
We have people actively engaged in our partnership with Pattison Elementary
We have people who devote their time and attention to tutoring students through
Whiz Kids
We have people who serve weekly at New Life Furniture, a ministry birthed here at
Milford First.
We have people who serve weekly at Milford Miami Ministry because they know
that is the front line of assisting people and families struggling on the edge
We have people serving breathe life into the WAVE by making it part of their
schedule to provide desserts, serve in the kitchen, or sit at the tables to engage
in conversation and hear the amazing life stories of folks from our community
We have people who, as part of Stitch-N-Sew, use their gifts and graces to create
all kinds of beautiful things…quilts and crafts…to support the church and its
many expressions of mission
We have people who are so passionate about ending the blight of malaria that they
are willing organize MF to action setting a goal to save 1,000 lives and
organizing such events like the Imagine No Malaria Walk this coming May
We have people who are so intent on making a difference for Christ that they are
willing to go to Nicaragua to show the love of Christ, some of them going
multiple times, some nearly every year
Milford First United Methodist Church
541 Main St., Milford, OH 45150-1172
Phone: (513) 831-5500
Fax (513) 831-5572
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
PLACE LABEL HERE
541 Main Street
Milford, OH 45150
Phone (513) 831-5500
Fax (513) 831-5572
www.milfordfirstumc.org
Sunday Celebrations:
9:30 & 11:00 am Sunday
School
Children & Adults All Ages
Sanctuary
Pathways Worship
9:30 AM
Traditions Worship
11:00 AM
Connections Worship
9:30 AM
Great Hall
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MilfordFirstUMC
Connect to our website: www.milfordfirstumc.org