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March 2018

OUR PURPOSE

COMMITTEE MEETINGS Mar. 5 6:30 pm Outreach

Mar. 5 7:00 pm Trustees

Mar. 12 7:00 pm Finance

Mar. 18 12:30 pm Worship Design

Mar. 19 7:00 pm Nurture

Mar. 22 7:00 pm Ad Council

Mar. 26 7:00 pm Personnel

If you put fleas in a jar without a lid, they will jump out. But put a lid on the jar for three days and the fleas will have learned not to jump higher than that lid. Remove the lid and they will never jump out. Their offspring will follow their example and also never jump out.

I've been thinking about this story in relation to our sermon series, Rehab. Conversion, or Justifying Grace, is like the lid being removed from our jar. God breaks the chains that would keep us bound. But, like the fleas, we've learned to do life with those limitations and chains. God wants to rehabili-tate us.

Sanctifying Grace was how John Wesley described God's nurturing work in us as believ-ers. God loves us just the way we are and God's not finished with us yet.

1. In what ways have you learned not to jump so high?

2. How might God be teaching you new ways to live?

3. God wants us to have abun-dant life now and for all eter-nity. Will we chose the easy path that keeps us inside the jar? Or will we choose to claim abundant life?

This season, I'm re-invigorating my prayer life.

What practices might you need to renew, refresh, or re-imagine so that God might rehabilitate your life?

Share with a strong Christian friend, so that we might nurture one another on this rehab journey.

Blessings,

Pastor Jennifer

By Pastor Jennifer

Prayer for Lent

Remind us often Lord, when we are feeling proud, arrogant, beyond reproach,

pleased with ourselves, self-sufficient in our ways, that it was for us, you

walked a road that took you to a cruel cross; And then you rose again to show us

where we should look for rescue. Our security is not in ourselves, but in your

complete and unearned Grace. AMEN

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Following the tragic high school shooting in Florida last week, Bishop Palmer is inviting The

West Ohio Conference to join him in praying for the people, churches, pastors, and leaders of

the Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. Bishop Ken Carter of the Florida Con-

ference issued this statement following the shooting:

"On this Ash Wednesday our services announced the biblical imperative to 'repent and believe

the gospel.' In light of today's shootings, we repent from our participation in a culture of death;

we acknowledge the harm we do to others, and we claim the power of the cross that breaks the

cycle of violence and retaliation. We also grieve with the communities of Parkland and Coral

Springs, Florida, in the deaths of seventeen persons and the wounding of many others on the

campus of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. A number of surrounding United Method-

ist Churches have students at this school, and our connection will support their healing minis-

try in the days ahead."

Bishop Palmer is also encouraging churches and individuals to take part in an offering of let-

ters to our government officials, state and national, to prioritize the safety and sanctuary of our

children amidst this repetitive and escalating violence.

Look on the bulletin board at the church for more information on the UMC Book of Resolu-

tions Call to End Gun Violence.

• Rep. Mike Turner - 120 West 3rd St, Ste. 305, Dayton, OH 45402 Phone: (937) 225-

2843

• Sen. Sharrod Brown - 200 North High St. Room 614, Columbus, OH 43215 tel (614)

469-2083

• Sen. Rob Portman - 37 West Broad Street Room 300, Columbus, OH 43215 Phone: 614-

469-6774

Invitation to Pray, Write Letters to Officials After Florida School Shooting

From West Ohio Conference

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First Responders

Appreciation Luncheon Wed. April 18, 2018 at MUMC

12:00—1:30 pm Volunteer to donate desserts, cook,

serve, or cleanup.

See Marilyn Harper

Mother and Daughter Banquet

Saturday, May 19, 2018

6:00—9:00 pm

Dinner and Entertainment

featuring “Centerstage Singers”

West Carrollton Lion’s Club

St Patrick’s Day Dinner

Saturday, March 17, 2018

4:30—7:00 pm

Memorial United Methodist Church

Corn Beef & Cabbage or Chicken & Noodles

Adults: $10, Children (10 & under) $5

March 30, 2018

6:00—7:00 pm

Annual Birthday Celebration

Sunday, March 25, 2018

Potluck after Worship Service

Please bring a dish or two to share!

Drinks will be provided.

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Finance &

Stewardship Updates

Stewardship Moment— ”Did You Get a Pay Raise?”

Because of the new tax law, many will see an increase in their paychecks. Or, per-

haps you have received a bonus or a raise in your salary recently. If so, Congratula-

tions! Now prayerfully consider, what portion of that “new” income will you share

with our Lord? The Bible says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first

fruits of all of your crops.” (Proverbs 3:9)

Should you decide to make a change in your 2018 Financial Pledge, please contact our Fi-

nancial Secretary, Carla Bryant.

As Finance Chair, I am pleased to report

to you that all 2017 bills and obligations

were paid in full at year’s end, including

Connectional Ministries. This was the

11th straight year that Memorial has paid

100% of its Apportionments

Besides our general budget, our congre-

gation generously provided the follow-

ing support in 2017. (second column)

With your backing, our programs and

outreach were once again made possi-

ble. On behalf of the Finance Commit-

tee, thank you for your support in 2017,

and we ask for your generous and con-

tinuing funding in 2018.

Blanket Sunday: $760 Benevolences: $541

Youth Ministries: $510 Apportionments: $1333 Christmas Eve: $170 Christmas: $606 Easter: $618 Thanksgiving: $215 World Communion Sunday: $65 One Great Hour of Sharing: $360 Native American Sunday: $40 Heifer Project: $785 Pirate Packs: $1189 Crop Walk: $20 Child Education Fund: $199 Peace With Justice: $220 Human Relations Day: $105 UM Student Day: $200 Pennies for Apportionments: $150 Stephen Ministries: $20 Children’s World Vision: $1097 Children’s Benevolences: $874 Food Pantry: $50 Teachers’ Gift Card: $140 Youth Room Redo: $3600 Mission Society: $700 Loud Sunday: $661

From Mark Berner

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OpportunitiesSecond Mile Giving

“Second Mile” giving in the UMC, refers to designated gifts over and above our normal tithe (which is encouraged to be 10% of our income.) The tithe goes the “first mile”, covering the operational and missional costs of the church both locally (Memorial UMC) and globally through apportionments. The “second mile” goes above and beyond, allowing you to choose what missions you wish to support according to the passion and gifts God has given you.

When disaster strikes around the

globe , the United Methodist Com-

mittee on Relief, UMCOR, is pre-

pared to act. Your generous giving

to UMCOR Sunday, formally

known as One Great Hour Of Shar-

ing, is what allows UMCOR to act as

the arms and legs of Christ’s church,

moving toward the most vulnerable

in their darkest days.

Your gifts to UMCOR Sunday lay

the foundation for the United Meth-

odist Committee on Relief

(UMCOR) to share God’s love with

communities everywhere. The spe-

cial offering underwrites UMCOR’s

“costs of doing business.” This

helps UMCOR to keep the promise

that 100% of any gift to a specific

UMCOR project will go toward that

project, not administrative costs.

Winters in Appalachia can be

long and brutal, especially if your

home has broken windows and

isn’t well insulated. Sandy Gun-

nell, leader of Sisters of Hope in

Prestonsburg, Kentucky sees this

scenario all the time. While visit-

ing vulnerable neighbors in her

community to distribute CWS

Blankets and other material

items, she realized how cold their

homes were in the winter.

The members of the Burchett

family had an idea to make their

house a little warmer. They hung

the thick wool blankets donated

to them three years ago in front

of their broken windows, “to keep

the heat in and the cold wind

out,” explained Sandy. She knows

that for many families, a CWS

Blanket is an important barrier

separating them from the cold.

“Every year the CWS Blanket is

the only thing they have to keep

them warm,” said Sandy.

Sandy recently provided the Bur-

chett family with additional blan-

kets to use in the various rooms

of their house. “They are so ap-

preciative of everything we

have given them. And they

go out of their way to tell you

how much these blankets

mean to them,” she says.

God has blessed us with so

much, and we have much to

share. Share this love by

providing CWS Blankets to

those in need. Each blanket

costs only $10, but these

blankets can be a vital re-

source for someone needing

a little support, warmth and

encouragement.

Our Blank Fund starts on

March 4th and ends March

18th. You can chose to do-

nate blankets in honor or

memory of someone.

Blanket Fund

Matthew 25: 35-36: I was hungry and you gave me food to eat. I was thirst and you gave me a

drink. I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you gave me clothes to wear. I was

sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me. (CEB)

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MARCH

BIRTHDAYS

2 CHAD JONES

5 BEVERLY FLEMING

8 KORA MATTINGLY

9 SARA DUNIFON

10 HENRY SCHAFFNER

11 ANDREA BURNS

12 CINDY SCHAFFNER

14 SHIRLEY GOODRICH

19 CHARLES TRUDELL

20 CATHY JAMISON

22 HUGH GINN

ERIKA MATTINGLY

25 MATTHEW SCHAFFNER

27 STEVE JAMISON

28 JIM LANG

JAMES RUDD

30 JOE KELLEY

MARCH

ANNIVERSARIES 5 DARRELL AND

SHIRLEY GOODRICH

9 KYLE AND JAISLINN KITTEL

11 BOB AND YVONNE BONTRAGER

20 BOB AND GAEL SPENCER

21 DAVE AND RUTH ROBERTS

28 ALLEN AND INDY SUMNER

Charlene Dever 450 N. Elm St. West Carrollton, OH 45449 (937)-353-3169

Wilma Fread 1010 Taywood Rd. Cottage 409 Englewood, OH 45322 (937) 832-9796

Phyllis Hoffman 631 Wilson Park Drive West Carrollton, OH 45449 (937) 859-7443

Joe Liffick 694 Isaac Pugh Way Kettering, OH 45459 (937) 297-4320

Mary Oldham 5302 Grouse Court Dayton, OH 45424 (937) 233-3202

Betty Passmore 3131 Gardenia Drive West Carrolton, OH 45449 (937) 438-3224

Betty Schaeff 7847 Lois Circle Apt. 304 Centerville, OH 45459 (937) 439-1928

Mary Alice Schaeff 3797 Summit Glen Rd Dayton, OH 45449

Gerri Jo Trudell 1920 Waterston Blvd. Unit 103 Miamisburg, OH 45342 (937) 433-7725

Nurture Team Updates

We welcome Emma Mattingly, a member of our

congregation, to the staff of Memorial

Church. Emma is employed as a Nursery At-

tendant. She is scheduled for the first and third

Sunday mornings of each month from approxi-

mately 9:15 - 11:45 (and possibly extra times, as

needed). Emma graduated from West Carrollton

High School and is currently a Junior at Wright

State University majoring in Urban Affairs. She is

the daughter of Christian and Erika Mattingly

(sister Kora and brother Sawyer). We are excited

to have her working with us.

The Nursery Attendant position will help our dedi-

cated Sunday School and Nursery volunteers an

opportunity to attend worship services at least two

Sundays per month.

Our Valentine Pizza / Movie Night was enjoyed

by all (25 people attended). The movie was

“Hidden Figures”. If you haven’t watched the

movie, it’s a must see! The first year for this an-

nual event was 2011! This year the Nurture

Team donated the proceeds of $142.09 to the

Youth Fund for the Mission u Program sched-

uled for this summer. We thank you for your

continued support.

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Children, Youth and MidPointE

Youth Sunday School has begun the Confirmation journey. The journey requires the youth to study vari-ous topics on Methodism and Christianity as a whole. The journey will be focused on helping each student develop a relationship with God and Jesus Christ. We are going to help the youth become responsible for their faith walk.

If you are interested in becoming a mentor for a cou-ple of the students, contact Gary Hardy or Pastor Jen-nifer.

The Youth have recently named

their group, “The Spark”, to go

along with the second point in our

MUMC purpose statement, Ignite

the spirit within. The Youth are still

working on developing a logo to go

with the name, so stay tuned!

MIDPOINTE Continues to Grow!

The first month of MidPointE has been fantastic. We

have averaged ten middle school students every week,

with peak attendance at 15 students. The Middle School

students have voiced how much fun they are having in

our facilities. Because of our Lord, we are able to soften

hearts and provide a place for our very special youth to

hang out. This ministry is proving to be needed with

every Tuesday that passes. Some of the students have

even started to ask about faith. With a little love, God

creates opportunities for disciples.

If you are wondering how to contribute, we are always

looking for snacks. Although snacks are great, we are

also looking for congregants who would love to prepare

a meal for the students. The youth have expressed the

need for sustenance and not just chips and cookies.

They have enjoyed pizza, subs, and hotdogs with mac &

cheese. Any monetary donations for MidPointE should

be put in an envelope and placed in the offering plate

with a note indicating MidPointE. Thank you for the

support. We are making a difference!

ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Continuing our 18 Ways to be More

Methodist in 2018

3. Ride a Horse – John Wesley, Fran-

cis Asbury and every circuit-riding

preacher in the early days of Method-

ism, traveled thousands of miles by

horseback. Many were skilled enough

to read and write while riding. Wesley

even had a “chamber horse” – a riding

simulator –in his London home to use

when the weather was bad.

You might want to try riding a horse

(or even a “simulator”). It’s a great

way to exercise, enjoy nature and re-

flect on all God has given us.

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Have you ever been to a boring museum? I

think we all have, but my experience on the

fifteenth of February was anything but bor-

ing. My whole youth group and a couple of

adults went to the Underground Railroad

Museum, a restaurant and a carousel, and

finally to Marilyn’s house for dinner.

First, we went to the Freedom Center/

Underground Railroad Museum in Cincin-

nati. The first floor had stories of people who

got enslaved. It also had a video about war

and its effect on slavery. The second floor

had lots of artwork and it also had a big

house to represent what the Safe Houses

used to look like. The second floor has a vid-

eo about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King

Jr. Finally, the third floor had a really cool

gift shop and a statue of two hands holding.

After the museum, we went to a restaurant

and a carousel. This was not any old restau-

rant though, it was a Belgian inspired cafe.

They had very good hot chocolate, coffee, and

Belgian waffles.

Next was the carousel. I went on a horse,

Aiden went on a cicada, Trinity went on a

bunny, Braydon went on a cardinal, Henry

went on a horse, and Nick went on a swan.

Lastly, we went to Marilyn’s house. Marilyn

made delicious sloppy joes and brownies. We

also ate ice cream because she is the best!

We played a game called Pass the Pigs and it

was very fun. Aiden and Gary were the win-

ners. We also played a game called Catch-

Phrase. Finally, everyone went home.

Marilyn graciously gave people the left over

food. I'm pretty sure by the end of the night

she was tired.

All in all, we learned a lot about slavery and

how people fought for what they thought was

right, and we had fun doing it.

A special thank you to Kathy Garrison, Gary

Hardy, and everyone who donated money so

we could have this experience.

Youth Commemorate

Black History Month

By Caitlin Smith

Caitlin sits on the

porch o f a replica Safe

House.

Nick shows another

young man how to

play with a Jacob’s

Ladder game.

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Trustees

Youth Room Taking Shape

The Men of the church have been working feverishly to

remodel the Youth Room. This past month, the room was

stripped down, the walls painted from top to bottom, in-

cluding the youth and children’s bathrooms. All of the

ceiling tiles were replaced, and electrical outlets added.

The notorious “black wall” was drywalled over, readying

the surface for an attractive graphic design.

In early March, the room will be re-carpeted ,after which

new furnishing and artwork will be delivered.

Most of the room refurbishment has been made possible

by second mile giving by congregants. Thanks for making

an investment in our youth!

Also many thanks to the Trustees for financing the paint-

ing materials, ceiling tiles, and electrical supplies.

Next month the Youth will host an Open House. We will

include before and after pictures of the room in the

newsletter.

Many thanks to all who have invested

sweat equity these past two months to re-

model the Youth Room and clean the So-

cial Hall floors. We so appreciate all that

you do for our Church!

• Mark Berner

• Bob Bontrager

• Bill Ferguson

• Daryl Garrison

• Kathy Garrison

• Gary Morton, Jr.

• Gary Morton, Sr.

• Richard Hamilton

• Don Ousley

• Bob Siebert

Shirley Garrison would like to express her

gratitude to all who sent cards and prayers

during her recent illness.

Tiffany Presgraves would like to thank

everyone who prayed and sent cards dur-

ing her father’s illness. A special thanks to

all who fixed the delicious food for the

funeral luncheon.

EASTER FLOWERS ORDER FORM When ordering, make your check payable to Memorial UMC and write Easter Flower on the memo line. Your order and payment must be received in the church office by Wednesday, March 21st. With your flower purchase, you will be able to honor or remember your loved one(s). Name_________________________________Phone_________________Offering Envelope #_______ Lily $8.00 Each Quantity____________ (Green Foil) Mum $8.00 Each Quantity____________ (Cannot Guarantee Color) Hydrangea $11.00 Each Quantity____________ (Cannot Guarantee Color In Honor Of ____________________________________________________________ In Memory Of___________________________________________________________

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United Methodist Connection

A Word from Bishop Palmer

I have been humbled by the

generosity you have extended

over this past year to people

affected by hurricanes through-

out the United States. Today, I

am inviting you to once again

extend the light of Jesus’ love--

to assist neighbors and commu-

nities in our own conference

who are affected by rising rivers

and the destructive force of

flooding water.

Over the weekend, many towns

along the Ohio River experi-

enced flooding. The situation is

expected to extend to other riv-

er communities in Southern

Ohio and Northwest Ohio as

heavy rain continues through-

out the week and over the

weekend. Pomeroy, the west

side of Marietta, Proctorville,

Athalia and Chesapeake are

some of the towns impacted

thus far. Our conference and

district disaster leaders along

with local congregations have

been engaged in offering hope,

leadership and supplies. I am

asking you to join me in sup-

porting our disaster response in

the following ways.

1. Pray for families and busi-

nesses affected by current

flooding and those re-

sponding.

2. Give a financial gift to sup-

port our work within the

conference.

• Make checks payable to

West Ohio Conference

• In the memo line, write

“West Ohio Disaster

Fund”

• Mail to West Ohio Con-

ference, 32 Wesley Blvd,

Worthington OH 43085

• At this time, we are ask-

ing for contributions to

assist West Ohio’s re-

sponse directly instead

of giving to UMCOR.

100% of your contribu-

tion will support disaster

response within The

West Ohio Conference.

3. Pray for communities brac-

ing for flooding later this

week and over the weekend.

Thank you for allowing your

light to shine so that our neigh-

bors know they are not alone in

the midst of heightened chaos

and anxiety.

In Ministry with You,

Fresh Expressions is an

international movement

of missionary disciples

cultivating new kinds of

church alongside existing

congregations to more

effectively engage our

growing post-Christian

society. A 'Fresh Expres-

sion' is a form of church

for our changing culture,

established primarily for

the benefit of those who

are not yet part of any

church.

Sound interesting? You

can learn more at four

West Ohio Vision Days,

which are a great way to

discover more about

what it means to be in-

volved in starting fresh

expressions of church.

Join us on May 18 at St.

James UMC in Miamis-

burg.

Cost is $35 per per-

son. For more infor-

mation or to register, see

Rosetta Schaffner.

By Rosetta Schaffner

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We Methodists are intentional about observing

the season of Lent. But how much do we really

know about this holy season?

Following is a quiz to test your knowledge.

1. What does the term ‘Lent,’ which comes

from ‘lencten,’ mean? a. Sacrifice b. Time c. Spring

d. March Madness

2. How were ashes imposed in the early

church? a. The shape of a cross was drawn on the forehead.

b. Ashes were smeared across closed eyelids.

c. Ashes were poured or sprinkled over the head.

3. Why do people give up things for Lent? a. To follow the example of Jesus’ 40-day fast in the

wilderness.

b. To help us focus on prayer and devotions.

c. To give the acquired savings to the poor.

d. All of the above.

4. What snack food has significance during

Lent? A. Chocolate b. Pretzels

c. Popcorn d. All of the above.

5. Many people fast during Lent. How often

did John Wesley fast? a. Twice a week

b. Twice a month

c. Twice a year

d. Rarely

e. He did not fast.

6. Why does Lent last 40 days? a. To represent the time Jesus spent in the wilder-

ness, tempted by Satan.

b. To recall the 40 days and nights the earth

was flooded in the Old Testament.

c. To remind us of the 40 years the Israelites

wandered in the desert.

7. What do some United Methodists not

sing at Lent? a. Doxologies

b. Alleluia

c. “In the Garden”

d. The communion liturgy

8. Which hymn, based on St. Patrick's

prayer, would be a good Lenten devo-

tion? a. “Jesus Walked This Lonely Valley”

b. “Christ Beside Me”

c. “O Happy Day, That Fixed My

Choice”

d. “Come and Find the Quiet Center”

8. True or false? Sundays are not counted

in the 40 days of Lent.

True___ False___

9. When early Methodists in America sat

in a church on a mourner's bench, they

would:

a. Repent of their sins

b. Experience a new birth

c. Rededicate themselves to Jesus

d. All of the above

How did you score?

The answers will be posted on the bulletin

board (or via email upon request) after

March 11th. Good Luck!

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Church Health Metrics

* Baptisms, Confessions of Faith, and Membership coming soon

8993

76

83

129

98

85

69

84

96

149

8781

85

103

7680 82

93

68

8884

73

8985

78

85

78

90

83 81

99

8278

86

7175 76

7973 75

72

8084

8187

108

99

52 52

97100

87

76

66

81

90

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8

Att

en

da

nce

Rolling 12 Month Worship Attendance

$0.00

$2,500.00

$5,000.00

$7,500.00

$10,000.00

$12,500.00

$15,000.00

$17,500.00

$20,000.00

Monthly Tithes vs. Church Budget

Actual General Fund Budget Gen Fund

13

Pastor’s Contact Info: Jennifer Burns Cell: (937) 823– 4370 Office: (937) 859-4444 Email: pastorjhb@gmail.com

OFFICE HOURS Monday thru

Thursday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Deadline for the next issue of Pathways is

March 23, 2018

The Mary Rebecca Circle will meet on

March 12th, Noon at Holly’s Restaurant in

West Carrollton. All Women are welcome.

Bring a friend!

We aren’t all old, but we are men who love

to make a difference. Join us for breakfast

and fellowship on the 4th Thursday of the

month at Holly’s Restaurant in West Car-

rollton from 10:00—11:00 am. We also get

together periodically to work on projects at

the church. We look forward to seeing you!

The Lunch Bunch gather for food and fel-

lowship at an area restaurant on the last

Monday of each Month. This month the

women will gather at Marion’s Pizza at

noon on March 26th. Bring a friend or

neighbor!

Join the weekly Lenten Bible Study on

Tuesday’s from 10:00—11:00 am. Rev.

Deb will be leading a study on the book

of Mark from the Immersion Study Se-

ries. This is a co-ed bible study. All are

welcome to attend.

Would you like to be part of the prayer

chain but you don’t have a computer?

Contact the church office to give them

your name, telephone number where you

can be contacted, and whether it is okay

to leave a message on an answering ma-

chine. Prayers are often confidential so

it’s important that all messages be treat-

ed with respect.