The Steeple Bell “Under the Green Steeple” Shining God’s Light Since 1798 Making disciples…Building Christian community…Transforming lives! March 2015 Lectionary Texts From the Pastor March 2015 The season of Lent that began last month on Ash Wednesday is a time of preparation for the celebration of our rebirth through God’s grace given in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As with any birth, however, the joy of new life will occur only after we have experienced some labor pains along the way. The jubilation of Easter morning can be real for us only after we have known the despair of the crucifixion. We cannot claim the victory until we have first fought the battle. March 1stSecond Sunday in Lent Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38 To help set the tone for our continuing spiritual preparation during Lent, think about this verse from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew’s Gospel: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) If we are able to grasp just this one idea, I think we might have a deeper appreciation for the victory we claim on Easter Sunday. To become “poor in spirit,” we must be completely empty of self-serving personal motives and give all of who we are wholly to the way of Jesus. When we are poor in spirit, we lead lives that are rich in Christ, and we are able to be instruments of God’s kingdom in our world. It is in the becoming poor in spirit that we experience the labor pains of rebirth in Christ, but only through these pains can we fully receive the joy of Easter and the kingdom of heaven. March 15thFourth Sunday in Lent Numbers 21:4-9; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22; Ephesians 2:1-10; John 3:14-21 Let this be our shared goal in the season of Lent. Let us seek the emptying of self that will enable us, empowered by God’s Holy Spirit, to live the Easter promise as faithful witnesses to the miracle of new life in Jesus Christ. Grace and peace. March 8th (Daylight Savings Time Begins) Third Sunday in Lent Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22 March 22ndFifth Sunday in Lent Jeremiah 31:31-34; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33 March 29thPalm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms: Mark 11:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29 Liturgy of the Passion: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16 Philippians 2:5-11; Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39 (40-47) th March 30 Monday of Holy Week Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11 st March 31 Tuesday of Holy Week Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36 Disappointment By: Rhodes Logan There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love - Martin Luther King, Jr. I don’t have expectations. Expectations in your life just lead to giant disappointments. Michael Landon Disappointment, we all suffer from it in our lives. We have expectations, some naïve, some hard fought. When they don’t come true, disappointment follows very closely behind the dashed hope. It is often said that Jesus knew of His betrayer from the beginning. Jesus knew the one who would be most disappointed in Him. That disciple would not be able to overcome his disappointment and he would allow it to overcome him In New Testament times, Rome ruled over Palestine and Judah. Its puppet kings and other local leaders enforced the imperial and religious laws over the land, without mercy. It led to bands of robbers, thieves and assassins roaming the countryside. A group of Jewish rebels intent on driving out the Romans were known as the Sicarii. Judas of Iscariot was a member of one of these groups, hence his name – “of the Sicarii.” The Sicarri’s political victims were often fellow Jews who wished to reach compromise with the Romans imperialists and who did not support the overthrow of the Roman Empire from Jedea and Palestine. In Mark, the woman from Bethany anoints Jesus’ head with expensive perfume. She did not anoint Him as a future king, like the prophet Samuel did to Saul, but did so in preparation for Jesus’ burial. She is praised by Jesus. Judas has seen Jesus break rules and regulations set up by the ruling parties and the rich that took advantage of the poor, that marginalized the sick and the ones considered “impure” like women and the demon possessed. Judas had seen Jesus mock the authorities both in Jewish and the Gentile lands. Judas had probably cheered when Jesus spoke of the Temple falling in upon itself from the weight of its own corruption. Yet now, with this woman, for the 4th time, Jesus states again the inevitability of his death – before the ending of the corrupt rule of the Temple priests, teachers of the Law, King Herod and Caesar and the glorious return of the Davidic Kingdom. Jesus seemed to invite his death and the corruption and injustice saying exactly the same. Judas was Jesus betrayer. For Judas, Jesus was his betrayer. Jesus was supposed to be the One, the messiah who overcame all unrighteousness and returned the land to his people. He would rule over them with justice and protection. The poor would no longer be subjugated to hunger and misery. The sick would be healed and restored to their communities. The ones who had taken advantage of the widows would be brought to justice. Judas could hang up his affiliation with the Sacarfi and come in roam the wilderness. But when Jesus said ye again that he was going to die… and nothing had changed… “Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them” Judas’ disappointment in Jesus was in direct proportion to his most intimate of gestures – a kiss. Jesus referred to his betrayer several times as the time drew close. In Mark, he says, “But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” Was Jesus cursing Judas? Perhaps Jesus saw the regret Judas would bear because of his revenge and betrayal. Regret that was born out of the same place his betrayal came from – a deep love for Jesus, followed by just as deep a disappointment. Sometimes we might turn away from those that we feel betrayed us by not living up to our expectations of them. We might even choose to hurt them in some ways. It is important to remember that we will always live with people and we live with ourselves. We can choose to temper our expectations and choose to temper our disappointment. Maybe not be so naïve a little more realistic. We will always have expectations as a part of our nature as Christians, because we have faith and hope. Some may consider it naïve, but we know how hard it is to hope and that it is earned over time. Hope has weathered the many storms in our lives. Judas betrayed him; but Jesus never stopped loving Judas. This is an expectation that is hard for most to believe, but one we should all share 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 boo or a seasonal study. The sacrament of Holy Communion is offered during the on the first Sunday 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) 6:45 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, 2:00 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! Stained glass window History Project Historian Bob Bowman is looking for info on our stained glass windows. Do you have any personal memories, documents, family or church records on the history of these windows and the names on them? Also, if you are interested in working with him the project, he'd welcome your help. Prayer Coverlets: Do you know a member of our church family who should have a prayer coverlet? Please let Carl Mitchell know Mark Your Calendars Every Tuesday 6:30 – 7:30 pm Women’s Walking in Faith Fellowship Monday & Thursday 4:30-6:00 pm Community Dinner March 9th @ 6:30 pm Women’s Circle at the Church March 12th @ 6:30 pm Church Council Meeting March 13th 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm Croppin Good Time Scrapbooking March 14th 9 am – 8 pm Croppin Good Time Scrapbooking March 17th 6:30 pm SPRC Meeting March 19th MLT Meeting @ 6:30 pm Special prayers for church family members who've been dealing with health issues ... A number of our members/friends have been in the hospital, going through rehab/physical therapy, had surgery, or are otherwise dealing with health issues. Please keep them in your prayers. 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! March 21st Men Group Meeting: 9:00 am this is a breakfast meeting. March 29th Palm Sunday Around The Town 52nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner, Sun., March 15, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. St. Mary Church. Irish Beef Stew, biscuit, salad, and dessert; hot dogs and Mac-n-cheese (children). Take-out available. Tickets: $10/adults; $9/seniors, $5/children 12 and under. Family price: $25 for 2 adults, 2+ children. Enjoy music, silent auction, Irish Goodie Basket Raffle. Proceeds, less expenses, go to charity. Hosted by the St. Mary Ladies’ Society. Bingo, Carlisle Area Lions Club, 465 Park, Carlisle. Every Thursday. 7 p.m. Spring Flower Sale The Women’s Circle is selling spring flowers for the altar Easter Sunday. You can choose from Lilies, Hyacinths, Tulips or Daffodils for $10. each. An order form is enclosed. Last day to order is March 22nd. Any questions you can contact Monica Rhude. We Share: If you're unable to attend church, you may pay 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 Many thanks to everyone who.... faithfully serves on committees that tend to the business of the church, works on our beautiful landscaping, who serves at our community dinners, is involved in Christian Education, provides us with beautiful music each Sunday ... just to name a few of the areas where we share our time and talents. This month’s recipe is from our Soul Food Cook Book which is a variety of recopies from members of our congregation. This book was compiled by the Women’s Circle Group. If you are interested in purchasing a copy, see any member of the Women’s Circle. Sloppy Joes By: Patti Noland 1 med onion, chopped 2 lb ground chuck or ground round Volunteers needed: If you would like to help in the nursery during our worship service, please contact the church office. The rotation would be once a month. Celebrating Our Church Family March Anniversary 9 Joe Jeromos & Peggy Darragh-Jeromos 17 Phil & Cherie-Cooper Darragh 24 Thomas & Dorothy Rayburg Birthdays 2 Ruth Waske 4 Linda Stevens David Chamberlain 5 Dick Lee 7 Rick Chamberlain 8 Tom Proffitt 9 Charlene Sparks 11 Derek Rhude, Daran Bishop 12 Blake Rhude 14 Don Chamberlain, John Lass 15 Gib Woody, Rick Marksberry 21 Len Waske 23 Pauline Steadman 25 Callabria Watson 26 Rachel Sams 27 LeeAnn Lee 31 Kay Marksberry Sauce ¾ cup of brown sugar ½ tsp salt 1 tsp dry mustard (can use regular mustard) 1 cup ketchup 2 tsp vinegar Brown ground chuck or ground round and onion together. Sauce: Mix all ingredients together and warm until sugar dissolves. Put brown meat and onion in a slow cooker and pour sauce mix over it. Sir and cook on low for 3-4 hours to infuse the flavor. Serve on buns. Contact Persons for Our Groups and Ministries Monica Rhude Director of Music. Chancel Choir, Women’s Circle Margie Taylor/Sara Chasteen Rotary Ladies Nancy Osborne Community Dinners Open Doors Kim Chewning Youth Group Tami Chamberlain Bell Choir Jack Mokry Men’s Group Trish Dicken Bell Choir Evelyn Morris Grief Support Group Jackie Messmore Crafty Ladies Devotional Readings for Lent: It’s again the time of the year that Goshen College offers an online resource to help us make time and space in our hearts and minds to reflect on our place in God's plan of salvation during the season of Lent. Beginning February 18 (Ash Wednesday) and culminating on April 5 (Easter), Goshen College students, faculty and staff will provide weekday devotions based on the upcoming Sunday’s lectionary Scripture passages. The daily readings are available online at www.goshen.edu/devotions You can also subscribe to the Lenten devotionals to have them automatically delivered to you by E-mail each day. Lenten Devotionals will also be inserted each week in our worship bulletins. There will be extras to share on the tables by the Steeple Bell Hidden Words Puzzle F I G A N Z I S V I S W U U D S G S V A J A F I O G I U M F O I E Y Y F D U I P N N S B K I H T L A U D Y P L I D K R G S R I F D L B K T Z V Y Q E G W E K D S Q I A A K A X U L O D T A E L G R U X S S K J L H U S E S O A D Z W I T S M A C C A F U O T S D V D H H Q D R S E L G F N J L O Z G O X T A C Y O N L Q S I D E I W R K M J D W I I H V R Y D L E Q C L M B E R R D H P N L Y R N M U N V R P P X J A K F A S D A V C T S S A F R A I N D I Z Y I Spring April Seasons Rain April Fools Windy Flowers Easter March Birds Umbrella Daylight Savings Kite May Showers Not Quite Zumba has Morphed: The Tuesday night “Not Quite Zumba” class has morphed into a power walking class. It’s gentler on joints and one has the option of ramping up, or slowing down, their walk. We’re following Jessica Smith on a 40-minute DVD. She’s a personal trainer and easy to follow. Literally, all we’re doing is walking. Anyone, no matter what your fitness level is, can do it. Sometimes she adds a sideways step, or perhaps a toe tap, or a knee lift. She encourages you to only do what you’re comfortable with and stresses that it should be fun. I know that some tried the “Not Quite Zumba” class in the past and found it too vigorous. 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 April is Heifer International. We’re collecting change each week in response to our blessings. Example, one week we brought in 25 cents for each TV we owned. 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! The Men’s group has had their chili cook off and has their monthly breakfast meetings using our kitchen. 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: Our Church Kitchen Everyone knows how their own kitchen has created special memories in them through the years. Well, our church kitchen is just like our own kitchen. There are a lot of special memories that have been made there too! A little history about our church kitchen: It was moved to its current location when the 3-story educational unit was added back in 1954 Over the 60 years, since then, appliances have been repaired and replaced along with some remodeling. Many groups from the church have given money toward the replacement/repairs of the appliances and remodeling. This kitchen has been in use for many occasions. In talking with some of the ladies, I have been told that hotdogs were served there after the home football games for the youth during the 60’s. All the churches in town prepared meals here together for picnics that were held outside for all of the youth groups combined. Card/game night were held here twice a year and meals were served as a fund raiser. The quilting ladies would fix their meals here while they quilted. Once a year a fashion show was held here and desserts were served from our kitchen. The Lions Club had their luncheon prepared here for a number of years. Since 1967, the Franklin Rotary has had their weekly luncheon meetings here at the church and we have been preparing their lunch. We have been told that we are the best restaurant in town! The spring and fall bazaar has served lunches in our kitchen for a number of years. We even have open doors ministry daily and just serve coffee and snacks from our kitchen. A major outreach program of FUMC since 2008 has been the Community Dinners where meals are cooked in our kitchen and provided free of charge two or three times a week. Members from our congregation serve the dinners here When hurricane Ike struck Franklin causing the loss of electrical power for eight days, our kitchen came to the rescue with the assistance of other organizations to provide hot food that was cooked on our gas stoves and outdoor grills during this period. This kitchen is used for fellowship after our worship services every Sunday. So, just like in our homes, the kitchen plays a major part in the fellowship of our families. This church is a family of God’s word. A big thank you goes out to all the people past and present that have made and continue to make the memories and fellowship in our Church Kitchen Take time enough for your meals, and eat them in company whenever you can. There is no need for hurry in life—least of all when we are eating. ~Edward Everett Hale, "How to Get the Best of It," c.1892 The Franklin Chronicle Vol. XXXIV, No. 48 Published Dec. 1, 1910 IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD Forms That Beckon Us From Over the Way Pictured in Their Old Accustomed Places by Mrs. Charles F. Thirkield “The following interesting sketch of the early local Methodist church has been kindly prepared by Mrs. AdahTrimball Thirkield [1855-1930] from her notes used at the recent services celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of the church [which occurred on Sept. 18 & 19, 1860]. Our readers who knew the strong men of the Methodist Church of twenty-five years ago will read with tender reverence her references to these patriarchs.” For about three quarters of this newspaper article, which is preserved in the FUMC archives, Mrs. Thirkield summarized the history of the Franklin congregation from the first sermon given by the circuit rider John Kobler on Aug. 13, 1798 through the building of the three Methodist churches in Franklin, formation of the Sunday School and prayer classes, and naming some of the itinerant and assigned ministers. Regarding the construction of the church dedicated in 1860, Mrs. Thirkield writes: “J. W. Thomas named as one of the trustees was the architect and builder. Many times have I heard it said by one who was associated with him in the work, “He was an honest builder; no poor material ever went into his work. He was a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.” His daughter, who is with us tonight, coming from her home in the southland, may well be proud as she looks upon this building which still stands after fifty years as a monument of her father’s work.” The final portion of her article is quoted below: “Friends, much that I have given you is written history. But what of the innumerable chapters of unwritten history made by the influence of the men and women who have sat in these pews; who by their labor and their sacrifices; their tears and their prayers; their sympathy and love have touched the hearts of many here tonight.” “Can you see the picture I see in my mind as I stand here and look about me? Over there in that corner in front I see Mr. Dan Clutch, behind him is Uncle John Thirkield, back of him is Uncle John Chamberlain. On this side I see Layton Miltenberger; across the aisle sits Uncle Billy Stickleman; down here right in front, I see Seymour Tibbals; there is Father Bell and there is Richard Wilkerson. Over on that side I see David Deardoff; behind him is Henry Griftner and back there is William Miltenberger, and there is Uncle Tommy Van Dyke, and a host of others. Doubtless, you can see others I do not see. But I see two more. I am sure that every man or woman who ever looked into his face will join me in tribute I would pay to the memory of Robert Hovell. Humble in mind and heart, small in statute, quaint and homely in speech, yet with a great heart and a soul so filled with the power of the Holy Spirit that he stood a veritable Prince among men!” “One more I hesitate—but I am sure you will pardon me, if pardon be needed, as I speak of him whom I loved and honored, scarcely less than those who bear his name by right of birth as I bear it by right of marriage. I see him there in that corner. I hear his voice singing the dear old hymns he loved so well. I see him the room below in the prayer service; I hear him as he tells of his Heavenly Father’s goodness and love. I see him the Sunday School where for more than a quarter of a century he stood before our children telling the “old, old story of Jesus and His love”.” [This is certainly her father-in-law EdenB. Thirkield who had died in 1905] “Can the history of such lives as these be written? They gave us this building—a goodly heritage—but far better and more enduring is the heritage of their noble, Christian lives’ Mrs. AdahTrimball Thirkield (photo circa 1874) married C. F. Thirkield in 1873. 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 Carl Mitchell 937-748-9401 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: Carl Mitchell (748-9401) 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) 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 Carl Mitchell 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
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