steeple_-september_2009

The Braden Steeple

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors, Official Publication of Braden United Methodist Church

Vol. V September, 2009 No. 22

The Braden Steeple will be printed and distributed to the membership of Braden United Methodist Church and the community during the months of January, March, May, July, September, November & a special Holiday issue in December. News articles are due by the 20th of the previous month the newsletter is printed. Send all material to: Communication Ministry Team, 4725 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43625 or contact the church office at 419-386-2700

BRADEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

MOVES TO NEW LOCATION.

After almost 50 years of ministry at 2013 Lawrence

Ave., on March 31, 2009 the Maumee Watershed

District’s proposal for the relocation of Braden

Methodist Church was presented at a Special

Charge Conference of the Braden Church. The

proposal stated its intent to gift the Asbury United

Methodist Church property located at 4725 Dorr

Street, Toledo to the Braden United Methodist

Church following the closure of Asbury UMC on

June 21, 2009 and therefore expedite the transfer

of the deed of said property to the Braden UMC.

This gift was offered contingent upon the West

Ohio Board of Trustees’ approval on April 21, 2009.

By a conference vote of 96 to accept the proposal

and one not to accept the proposal, it was ac-

cepted. All procedures were completed in a timely

manner and the property was deeded to Braden on

June 23, 2009 at approximate 10:00am. In atten-

dance were District Superintendent Marla Brown,

Attorney Chris Steiner, Asbury’s Pastor Phil Park-

Thomas, Keith Schlender, Chairperson Church

Council, Ralph Brunner, Trustee Chairperson,

Braden’s Pastor Wynston E. Dixon, Charles Tug-

gle, Chairperson Church Council, Marie Bush,

Treasurer, Arthur Hill, Trustee Chairperson and An-

nette M. Savage, Lay Leader.

As we accepted this generous gift, we wanted the con-

gregation of Asbury to know that they were certainly

welcome to worship with us and be a part of this new

beginning; and that we would cherish the works of their

hands and be good stewards of their labor. What a

blessing it would be if we could come together as a truly

diverse congregation.

Asbury had their final service on June 21st, to which

Pastor Dixon was invited to participate as a former pas-

tor. It was a great celebration with the Maumee Water-

shed District Superintendent in attendance, together

with other District officials and former pastors of Asbury.

Braden’s last service at the 2013 Lawrence Avenue lo-

cation was held on June 28th, beginning with the regular

morning worship service at 10:30 a.m. where many for-

mer members and persons who have not been in wor-

ship for some time were in attendance.

At 6:00 p.m. a special worship service was held with the

Interfaith Mass Choir, under the direction of Minister

Derrick Roberts providing the music for the evening.

The District Superintendent, Rev. Marla Brown and per-

sons who had gone into the ministry as a result of their

participation and influence during their time at Braden,

such as Pastor Kenneth Dantzler, Minister Emma

Collins, Pastor Waverly Earley, Minister Doris Abrams

and Minister Janet Orr were in attendance. Reflections

from the past were shared by various members and one

former Pastors, Reverend Albert L. Reed (read by his

wife, Roylene). As the service ended, the pulpit and (Continued on next page)

The Braden Steeple September 2009 Issue Page 2

BRADEN UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MOVES Continued...

As the service ended, the pulpit and altar were ”undressed” by the Acolytes and the Communion Stewards and as the lights dimmed in the sanctuary, Pastor Dixon gave the benediction and exited the sanctuary as the doxology was sung by the Interfaith Mass Choir. This closed the chapter of history at the 2013 Lawrence Avenue, Toledo, Ohio location.

Braden continued their life in the new area (4725 Dorr Street, Toledo, Ohio) by having a cookout on Saturday, July 4th to let the surrounding community know that they are welcome to fellowship and worship with them as they become a permanent fixture in this new community. The evening climaxed with fireworks with an attendance of about 200 persons including former members of Asbury.

Braden’s first Sunday worship service at the 4725 Dorr Street location began on July 5th at 10:30 a.m. with Holy Communion and an attendance of 227 per-sons. All choirs sang on this first Sunday and set the standard for every first Sunday to follow. The official rededication was at 5:00 p.m. with our own Bishop Bruce Ough as guest speaker. At that time the keys to the facility were officially turned over to our Lay Leader, Annette M. Savage by District Superinten-dent, Marla Brown.

Special thanks to Charles Tuggle and members of the Church Council, Clyde Calhoun and the transition team and to all the praying warriors who kept us in prayer during this transition. Special thanks to all the dedicated members of Braden for all of their coopera-tion and hard work during this transition and move.

Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Bishop Bruce Ough, our District Superintendent, Rev. Marla Brown, Mike Denman, Assistant DS, Pastor Phil Park-Thomas, Pastor of Asbury, Lisa Gleason, Secretary of Asbury and Ralph Brunner, Trustee Chair at Asbury, Art Hill, Trustee Chair at Braden, Cerssandra McPher-son, move organizer and trustee at Braden and all of the Braden members for making this transition as smooth as possible. We could not have accom-plished this transitional move without the help of many

of the Braden members who gracefully gave of their time and energy to make it happen.

Everyone worked very hard to see that the Sanctuary and other rooms would be ready for worship on Sun-day morning. God has blessed us with a great har-vest and He also provided the laborers to get the tasks done.

We are depending on God to carry us through to do His will as we look forward to the future.

With God all things are possible.

“We Have Come This Far By Faith!”

Messages of Congratulations & Best Wishes Messages of Congratulations & Best Wishes Messages of Congratulations & Best Wishes Messages of Congratulations & Best Wishes

that were received!that were received!that were received!that were received!

Nice letter to the community and congregation, I am looking for-

ward to continued worship and support of all of our ministries and

the new ministries.

We all were truly blessed, even Asbury; we must too enforce the

reputation and upkeep of the property we have been blessed with!

- Linda F HesterLinda F HesterLinda F HesterLinda F Hester----

************

Hi Uncle Wynston, I hope all is well and congratulations!

Best Wishes, -Oneka DixonOneka DixonOneka DixonOneka Dixon----

************

Congratulations, -Larry SykesLarry SykesLarry SykesLarry Sykes----

************

Congratulations to you. I am not at all surprised. You are a great

preacher and leader, May God continues to bless you.

-Latanya CunninghamLatanya CunninghamLatanya CunninghamLatanya Cunningham----

************

I am sorry I cannot be in attendance but I will encourage some of

the members from Wesley Church of Hope to share in your cele-

bration. The decision to move must have been hard on most of the

members but the location will offer so much more to the ministry of

Braden.

Stay blessed. Stay blessed. Stay blessed. Stay blessed. ----Rev. Richard DunbarRev. Richard DunbarRev. Richard DunbarRev. Richard Dunbar----

************

Congratulations, sorry I am unable to attend. I will be out of state.-

Jocelyn Roper Jocelyn Roper Jocelyn Roper Jocelyn Roper ––––

************

I wish for you and Braden a smooth transition into your new place

of worship. May God bless you and your daughter. Grace and

Peace!-Rev. Bill DavisRev. Bill DavisRev. Bill DavisRev. Bill Davis----


Messages of Congratulations continued...Messages of Congratulations continued...Messages of Congratulations continued...Messages of Congratulations continued...

Dear Wynston - congratulations on this outstanding accom-plishment on the part of your congregation - I know it has not been easy moving a congregation from a beloved building to a new facility - so I offer my congratulations. Your congregation will be blessed to be in a smaller building with lower utility bills and less upkeep and will be able to do more of the work of the

church - outreach to the “unchurched”.

We will not be able to be with you, but know that we celebrate with you and your congregation. God's blessings to you, yours

and your congregation. -Carolyn JohnsonCarolyn JohnsonCarolyn JohnsonCarolyn Johnson----

SUMMARY A�D UPDATES OF

COMMITTEE REPORTS FROM CHURCH

COU�CIL MEETI�G

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Present: Charles Tuggle, Pastor Dixon, Colette Crosby, Carol Robinson, Robin Rushe, Yolanda Durden, Marie L. Bush, Art Hill, S. Lamb, Eva Tucker Lingo, Marion Stokes, Morell Fonfield, Helen Tuggle, Kellie Jordan, Gracye Sturdivant, (excused: Yolanda Robinson, Vicky Forrest)

REPORTS

The Pastor: The Deed for the Dorr property was handed over to the Pastor on June 23, 2009. The first worship service was held at the new location, 4725 Dorr Street on July 5th with 227 in attendance. Effec-tive July 1, 2009, the new name of the Braden Schol-arship fund is the Theresa Brister Scholarship Fund. Also, the following rooms have been named: Rev. Albert Reed Conference Room, Texanna McFarland Parlor, Yolanda Robinson Blue Room, Helen Tuggle

Youth Room, and Pastor Dixon Fellowship Hall.

The contract with the Daycare has been signed. The monthly utility payment for the Daycare is $3500 and payment is made on the 28th of each month. The church’s new phone number is 419-386-2700 and the new fax number is 419-386-2702. The new phone system has private voice boxes for: Christian Educa-tion, Youth, Trustees, Secretary and Pastor. Follow the prompts as directed. The monthly telephone bill will be $70.53 a month and this includes unlimited long distance, caller I.D., call forwarding, etc. The parsonage phone bill has been reduced to $45 monthly. The new parsonage number is 419-386-

2690, effective Aug.1, 2009. Our new service is with VOIP, which saves the church about 45% of what

was paid to our former carrier.

Council approved $3500 for moving expenses, some capital improvement expenses, celebration events,

and refreshments. Braden spent a total of $3334.78.

(Continued on next page)

God has given us a wonderful opportunity to

worship in this new building. How do you feel

about this fortunate blessing?

Yolanda Robinson Durden “I believe we have an obligation to our youth to give them memories they will one day cherish, at the Dorr Street location. Many mem-bers worked so hard to have a church home that they could be proud of; at one time it was on Lawrence Avenue. We should be good stewards of the resources the Lord has pro-vided us individually and as a church family. If we all work together, we will be in a position to outgrow the cur-rent Dorr Street building very soon. In my opinion, God's will is that we do outgrow it. He has afforded us with a location that gives us the opportunity to grow without hav-

ing to move again. It is truly a blessing!!”

John R. McPherson Jr. “I feel relieved and excited about our new home this was a great opportunity for our church family to jump on to. The energy is different, the building itself is wonderful, GOD is good. This church is a wonder-ful blessing from GOD and it shows that if you’re patient

he will answer your prayers.”

Sabrina �abor “It’s an honor and a privilege that God has given us this building and those who are able to come out and worship should do so with gratitude because there are

so many unfortunately unable to do so.”

Barbara Colbert “I fell that the Lord has blessed us abun-dantly with a beautiful building which is handicapped ac-cessible. This makes it more convenient for the elderly and physically challenged to attend church service and other

activities.

Another blessing is seeing the increase in youth attendance and their participation in church service. This is very im-portant since they are the future leaders in the United

Methodist Church.”


Summer Ministry Report: Kellie Jordan reports the programs have been successful. Art has been available to help out with building issues. There are five ministries from Sunday through Saturday. The DIVA program is for young girls 7-12. It is a self-esteem group and rap session. They have had over 30 girls attend these sessions. Jamal Lewis is leading the Art Around Town project. For Him Ministries is conducting a Basketball Program. A Board member of For Him Ministries is conduct-ing a Personal Fitness Program. There have been some inquiries about use of a facility after August

at Asbury.

Coordinator of Youth Ministries: Four youth attended MRI Camp. One adult (Carla Steele) and seven youth (Anthony Hines, Chandler Hill, Devin Hill, Stanley Hill, Jasmine Fletcher, Jeremiah Fletcher and Nathaniel Edwards) at-tended the Urban Mission Trip in Southwestern Ohio July 30-August 2. The youth registration of

$630.00 was paid from the youth budget.

The Cedar Point trip was Aug. 8th. There were 28 kids in attendance. Tickets were $27.00 per child. Each child paid $10.00 and the church paid

$17.00.

Trustees: There was an informal meeting on 9-9-09. All moving has been completed. Charles Cohen provided a crew to clean the old Braden. Keys are being collected and all keys to the old Braden need to be turned in before new keys are issued. All rooms at 4725 need to be cleaned and

unused things discarded.

After each activity: please clean area, empty trash, and put everything back in place; clean kitchen thoroughly; use the refrigerator on the Right side. Daycare uses the Left side; the custo-dian comes in at 4:00PM; do not leave any food around. Each chair will get a memo and informa-tion will be in the church bulletin on some new

policies.

The following committees had no reports: Coordina-

tor of Outreach Ministries, Pres. of UM Women, Pres.

of UM Men, Lay Leader, S.P.R.C, and Lay Delegate.

The Buckle Up Program will pay for the new sign in

front of the church at a cost of $1,400.

Finance Committee: The Finance meeting was held on 6-23-09. Efforts are being made to merge the remaining budget for Lawrence Street with the acquired Dorr Street budget. The congregation should be informed of the im-portance in making a sacrificial effort to meet our appor-tionment for 2009. An announcement was made at the

Sunday Service on 6-28-09.

Braden has applied for a grant to hire a youth minis-ter.Treasurer Report: It should be noted that Braden now has expenses for two properties at this time and there is not a lot of money for all the expenses. Taxes have been paid for the Lawrence property. Steve Halli-burton ended as custodian on 6-30-09 but he was picked up as custodian for special the programs in July and Au-gust. For all accounts the total is 47,193.22. It should be noted that payroll and property taxes will be deducted

from that amount.

A meeting is scheduled with Marie and Lisa. On August 1st, Lisa Gleason began her secretarial duties for Braden and on September 1st will begin her treasurer responsi-

bilities.

Our safe deposit box at Key Bank has been transferred from downtown to the Holland-Sylvania branch. Charles

Tuggle and Marie Bush have keys to the box.

Centennial Book: The committee received three new quotes from local companies plus the quotes already on hand. The companies they are considering are Becker Impressions and Minuteman Press. The committee has the authority to move forward with a company, based on their research. The committee will get together and make

their recommendation and move forward.

The Senior Usher Board has requested to have its 87th

Anniversary celebration on 10-18-09 (3rd Sunday).






Lisa Gleason

Lisa Gleason our new Secretary/Treasurer was raised in the small town of McClure, Ohio, which is southwest of Toledo and was the youngest of six children. She enjoys being part of a large family and they are very important to her. She attended Napoleon High School in Napoleon, Ohio. She came to Toledo to work at her brother’s business and while there, met her husband, Jim. They will be celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in October. She has two children, Matt, 20, a sophomore at UT and Tara, 16, a junior in High

School.

Lisa has an associate’s degree from Stautzenberger College and over 25 years experience working as a secretary & book-

keeper, with 17 years at Asbury church.

She is a life-long Methodist and always enjoyed working with children’s ministry in teaching Sunday School, Junior Church, Bible School and other various children’s programs over the years and volunteering in other areas of ministry. She has served on many boards and committees and is very familiar with the structure and business of working in church

ministry.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping and spending time with family. Lisa is also an Independent Mary Kay Beauty

Consultant. A business she recently started.

She feels very blessed with wonderful family and friends.

Ron Boose

Our custodian, Ron Boose worked for Asbury Church & As-bury Daycare for 12 years. His main duties are cleaning the daycare classrooms, office and kitchen daily and cleaning the church offices, sanctuary and restrooms weekly. In addition, Ron does many other jobs around the building like changing light bulbs, changing the sign, painting, small repairs, waxing floors and more. Ron also opens and closes for the building

rentals. Ron is always willing to offer his help when asked.

Ron grew up in Toledo, has five children and four grandchil-dren. He also works for the Clarion Inn on Secor during the day. He enjoys doing various home improvement projects

and working on cars. Ron is a very dedicated worker.

Braden Welcomes our newest employees !

Remember the following members

And friends in your prayer

George Allen, Jr. Whitehouse Country Manor 11239 Waterville St.

Lincoln Bussey, Sr. Lutheran Home Assisted Living 2519 Seaman Rd.

Harold Young Heartland – Holy Glen 4294 Monroe Street

Josephine Harper Laurels of Toledo 1011 N. Byrne

Sick and Shut-In Prayer Request

Asia Beene Carlton H. Allen Josephine Harper

Mildred Coleman Richard Allen Saundrea J. Owens

Edna Russell Ronya Beene Odessa M. Phillips

Velma Shoecraft Carol Brown-Lewis Loretta & Roosevelt Simmons

Elizabeth Sisson Lucy Davis Josephine Sneed

Lucille Steele Anijah Graves Gwen Lathum-White

Wilbert West Mr. & Mrs. Leroy Hadley William Mandella

To the Braden Family,

I would like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to

serve in the ministry here at Braden Church as Secretary/

Treasurer. I look forward to meeting all of you and work-

ing with you. I would also like to thank Pastor Dixon for

his recommendation of me. I am very thankful for this op-

portunity. My office hours will be from 9:00-4:00 Monday-

Friday. I am here to serve and work with you. Don’t hesi-

tate to stop in or call if you need anything.

Blessings,

Lisa Gleason


YOUTH COR�ER

Braden YMYF Announcements!

The youth meet every 2nd, 3rd & 4th Sunday at Braden from 4-6pm. All youth 8 years and up are welcome.

Youth, there is a special field trip scheduled for (today) Sunday, September 13th during our regularly scheduled meeting. Permissions slips must be complete and returned to the church. See Mr. or Mrs. Durden for your permis-sions slip today.

The Youth is having a Tupperware fundraiser which started August 30th and will end Sept 6th. The proceeds will assist the Smile Train Foundation that provides sur-gery for children who have facila deformities and also to provide Bibles to U.S. Military personnel.

Certified Lay Speaking Training for Youth at Braden October 16-17, 2009 needs participants! For more infor-mation contact Marcella Pryor Brown or Gloria Layson.

Meet and Greet Pool Party at The Durden's August

All Saints Day

Friday, October 30, 2009

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

We will be having our traditional All Saints celebration here

at Braden, 4725 Dorr Street. We need volunteers! We need

candy, please bring your candy to the church by October

28th. For more information see or contact Holly Matthews at 419-242-1690.

The month of September

Is Sunday School month

We like to invite you to attend one of our classes. Try it for the month. See if you don't leave with a better understanding or application that you can use in your life.

Ms. Carol Robinson - Adult Class Mrs. Carla Steele - Youth Class

Mrs. Yolanda Robinson - Adult Class

Sunday School is a part of your spiritual growth. If you are not "growing in the Lord”, Why not add Sunday school to your Sunday. Here is where you come together to study the scriptures see how they apply to your life. Learn-ing what the bible has to say helps you to commu-nicate with God.

Our classes start at 9:30 am Sunday morning.


Word for this issue is:

Singing And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even

praise unto our God; many shall see it, and fear, and

shall trust in the Lord. –Psalm 40:3

The Power of Singing...Singing in difficult times is

an expression of faith. Singing expresses that all is well between us and God, even though circum-stances are not well. Godly singing invites the power of God into our difficult situations. Singing is an exercise of the spirit, not just of the body. We can choose to sing even when we don’t feel like it. This is not hypocritical. Singing helps to bring our thoughts and feelings in line with the truth that God is good and that He will bring good out of this situa-tion.

It is important that we learn meaningful

hymns that express foundational truths, not just light

praise and worship songs that stir our emotions.

God is magnified and His people are blessed when

they sing in good times and in bad.

Praying and singing are two powerful weap-

ons for Christians.

2009 Fall EXTRAVAGA�ZA

Hosted by Braden United Methodist Women

WHO’S AT THE TABLE?

Strengthened for work and faith

Braden United Methodist Church 4725 Dorr Street Toledo, Oh 43615

September 27, 2009 4:00 pm

Love Offering for Mission

fellowship and refreshments immediately following

the program EVERYONE is invited

**Attention**

Church Officers & Leaders

The Committee/Group mailboxes are now up. The boxes are located on the wall next to the stairs to the gym (and courtyard door) and are marked appropriately. Please re-member to check your mailbox often. Thank you.

October 16th and 17th Braden will be hosting the

District Lay Speaker Training for Leadership. Reg-

istration forms will be in the secretary’s office.

For more information please contact Gloria Layson at

419-243-1449 or Marcella Brown at 419-242-7382.


The Steeple Braden’s newsletter is published on a quarterly basis. The purpose for our newsletter is impor-

tant for our congregation because it helps them:

To grow spiritually

To be uplifted

To feel a part of the church community

To be active in the life of the church

community

Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:

Pressing towards a higher mark through love and service to Jesus Christ

Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:

“….forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize

f he upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Love,

(Philippians 3:13b-14)

Communication Team

Helen Tuggle * Rosalyn Cooper * Linda Hester *

Randall Jones * Kellie Jordan * Beth Matthews *

* Lois M. Lipkins *

Worship Services:

Sunday School – 9:30 am Worship Services – 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study 12:30 pm & 7:00 pm

Discipleship Prayer!

First Friday Prayer 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Sunday Morning Prayer

9:15 am

Church Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Office: 419-386-2700

Email: [email protected]

For regularly scheduled weekly events refer

to your weekly church bulletins.

Steeple Articles:

Our church newsletter is published January, March, May, July, Sep-tember, November & our special Holiday Issue in December. Please submit your ministry reports and upcoming event by the 20th of each month prior to our publish dates.

The due dates are listed below:

Steeple Published Information Due

• Nov. Issue 10/20/09 • Dec. Issue 11/20/09

Submit to church via email

[email protected] or

Communications Team Member!

Documents

steeple_-september_2009