Grace News

Grace United Methodist Church

1401 West Main Street, Springfield Ohio 45504

“Growing in Grace, Serving in Faith,

Reaching out with God’s Love to Bring All to Christ”

Volume XXII Issue 6 Published Monthly June 2017

Come Holy Spirit! What it means to be a Spirit-filled church?

Pentecost Prayer:

God of wind, word, and fire, we bless your name this day for sending the light and strength of your Holy Spirit. We give you thanks for all the gifts, great and small, that you have poured out upon your children. Accept us with our gifts to be living praise and witness to your love throughout all the earth; through Jesus Christ, who lives with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever. Amen.

June 4, 2017 is Pentecost this year. Each year we celebrate Pentecost as the birthday of the Chris-tian Church. The Pentecost story is found in Acts 2:1-21; it relates how the disciples were together when the Spirit of God filled them. According to this scripture account everyone was affected by the Holy Spirit and each person was filled with the Holy Spirit. It is important for us to remember, that each person who finds a relationship with God is given at least one spiritual gift to be used for the mutual benefit of the church, the “Body of Christ, for building the Kingdom of God in the world, and for the believers edification and blessing.

With that in mind I will attempt to answer my own question: what does it mean to be a Spirit-filled church? First of all, a Spirit-filled church has members who are in relationship with God as a result of accepting Jesus Christ as one’s personal Savior and Lord. That means at some point in each member’s life each member has decided to embrace the theology of the Apostle’s Creed accepting Jesus as the only begotten Son of God. When a person accepts Jesus as Savior and Lord the scriptures tell us that the Holy Spirit comes and makes a home within the believer’s heart and goes to work transforming the believer into a person more like Jesus. Toward that goal, the Holy Spirit equips the believer with at least one spiritual gift to be used for the good of fellowship of God and to bring glory to God.

Some people insist that they do not have spiritual gifts to be used in ministry; to which I say poppy-cock. If we believe the scriptures we must accept that each believer has at least one spiritual gift to use for God’s glory. If a believer has not yet identified their gift and been helped to utilize that gift it is a situation that needs immediate remedy. A more complete expression of St. Paul’s discourse on this subject is found in 1 Corinthians 12:4-13, my preaching text for Pentecost this year.

We know a Spirit–filled church as a congregation where a very high percentage of the membership has identified their Spiritual gifts and is in the business of actively using their gifts to bring glory to God. (continued on page 2)

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The obvious follow up question is whether Grace Church is a Spirit-filled church? An even more

important question is whether we as Grace Church are taking steps to be even fuller of the Spirit of

God. What signs can we point to of our having the Holy Spirit? In the 1 Corinthians 12:4-13 pas-

sages I sited, St. Paul identifies different categories of spiritual service. I will identify manifestations

of the Spirit by task, we feed the hungry, IHN; we clothe the naked, Open Hands Free Store; we

help the little children come to Jesus, Eagle and Dove, we supply basic needs of the poor, Laundry

Soap ministry; and we meet with and directly help people in crisis. Grace Church is a Holy Spirit

filled church. Can we do more? Of course, we can do much more and want to do more and be

much more effective as we seek to represent Jesus Christ in our world and community. The best

news is, the same Holy Spirit that came on Pentecost is alive and working in the world today and

will equip us to be and do more for God as we ask. Come Holy Spirit and Make it so! Amen!

Pastor Vicki

Sevenfold Flame

Tongues of fire are a common symbol of the Holy Spirit, based on the

Pentecost events of Acts 2. However, when seven flames are depicted to-

gether, they also represent the seven gifts of the Spirit as named in Isaiah

11:2-3: wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord

and delight in the fear of the Lord (sometimes paraphrased "joy in the Lord's

presence").

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Scriptures

for June

June 1 1 Peter 1:3-5

June 2 John 10:27-29

June 3 Romans 8:38-39

June 4 Philippians 1:6

June 5 2 Thessalonians 3:3

June 6 John 6:37

June 7 Isaiah 40:26

June 8 Psalm 23:6

June 9 2 Corinthians 1:22

June 10 Ephesians 1:13

June 11 Ephesians 4:30

June 12 Hebrews 6:11-12, 18-20

June 13 2 Corinthians 9:8

June 14 Philippians 4:19

June 15 Mark 11:24

June 16 2 Corinthians 3:5

June 17 Philippians 4:13

June 18 Ephesians 1:19

June 19 2 Corinthians 12:9

June 20 Romans 8:37

June 21 Ephesians 1:3

June 22 John 15:7

June 23 John 14:13

June 24 John 16:23-24

June 25 Matthew 21:22

June 26 Romans 8:2

June 27 2 Peter 1:3-4

June 28 Psalm 103:2-4

June 29 Matthew 5:6

June 30 John 6:35

Prayers Needed:

Mike & Cathy Amos

Alexia Blackburn

Jim & Barbara Cornelius

Larry & Phyllis Garber

Lois Gram

Phyllis Greetham Bill Poole

Jerry Grindle Margie Rumery

Gina Monroe Barbara Sheehan

Paulette Pinkerton Bette Stephens

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Ongoing Prayers for:

Daniel Bowman Audrey De Shetler

Chuck Freund Rev. Sherry Gale

“Shower of Blessings”

Recipient for June is

Cathy McCreary

6591 Mechanicsburg Rd.

Springfield OH 45502

937-360-8230

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ALL CHURCH MEETING, 11 MAY 2017

John Ahlborn opened the meeting with a devotional reading and prayer (see devotion below). Minutes were approved for filing. Belinda Montgomery presented the monthly church calendar (see in June newsletter). Connection Blueprint: Pastor Vicki made a motion for the church to participate in “ Connection Blue-print,” which is a program designed to build teams for urban ministry. Classes will be conducted within the West OH Conference area to help members learn how to engage in urban ministry formulated for specific ar-eas of need within their cities. Volunteers: Pastor Vicki, Dan Downing, Marilyn Martin, Mary Ahlborn, Roxanne Combs, Lynda Applegate, and Dave Speas. Miami Valley District Proposal: Pastor Vicki led a discussion regarding how we would like to proceed as a church regarding our sanctuary roof/ceiling situation (since we’ve been out of the sanctuary for 14 months and our roof repair contributions currently total $66,414.59). The Miami Valley District Superinten-dent, Rev. Dr. Jocelyn Roper, talked with Springfield Clergy at a recent meeting concerning the need for an urban ministry center in Springfield. Should the urban center materialize, she said it may be possible that the Grace family could be offered an opportunity to move to the urban center locale. The question before Grace Church is whether we are interested and willing to enter into a dialogue about relocating the Grace church congregation within an urban center. Many questions followed and other proposals were discussed including the possibility of building a new church facility; continuing as we are, worshipping in the Wesley Room; con-tinue to seek volunteered help in repairs; or using Grace as the urban center after being repaired, etc. Pastor Vicki assured the group that all avenues will be explored and legalities will be pursued with any decision. However, all we needed to do at this point was to decide whether we wanted to discuss the proposal present-ed by the Miami Valley District. Dave Speas moved that we continue in dialogue with the District regarding a move. Seconded by Dan Downing. So moved, one abstention. Pastor Vicki assured the group that current volunteer repairs on the roof/ceiling will continue to include an asbestos inspection. Respectfully submitted, Mary F. Ahlborn, Secretary Attendees: Pastor Vicki and Dan Downing, John and Mary Ahlborn, Donna Layne, Marilyn Martin, Mike Amos, Paul and Millie Luttrull, Belinda and Lynn Montgomery, Mary Beth Cheeseman, Dave Speas, Gail and Bruce Eckler, Roger Frock, Mardella Hesson, Chalta Hillock, Mary Collins, Jane Shough, Matt Monroe, Betty Stanley, Marjorie Jones, Kim and Joe Stehle, Roxanne Combs, Bill Pinkerton, Pattie Mumma, Lynda Apple-gate, and Becky Frantz.

Devotion: WE ARE THE CHURCH ---excerpts from Kairos’ Manual, 1993

One of the primary needs of people is security from a threatening and sometimes

alien world. Many people mistake happiness for security, such as: material possessions;

or superiority to others; such as, physical appearance, intellectual abilities, emotion-

al stability, and spiritual outreach. None of these is really successful in providing

security. The only real security in the world is friendship with God and that place in

God’s family offered to us by Jesus Christ. Church offers us our place in God’s family

through His church; and in this family called “the church.” We are to extend God’s

love to others drawing them into the community of the church. In John 13:34-35, Je-

sus is quoted as saying, “A new command I give you; Love one another as I have

loved you, so you must love one another.” The church established by Jesus consists of

people of all colors, ages, and races. It is not a building, or an organization, or a

specific denomination. Those things are manmade. The church is spiritual. We de-

pend upon the power of God working through us to bring people into the Kingdom of

God. Who is the church? We are the church!!

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Congratulations to our Graduates

Stacey Eckler (Daughter of Bruce & Gail Eckler,

Mother of Kendra, Alexis, & Deja)

Stacey has graduated from a two year program at Sinclair College.

She now has an Associates Degree and a Paralegal Certification.

She was also on the Dean’s List last quarter with a 3.5 GPA.

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Drew Smith (Grandson of Horace & Betty Smith)

Drew has graduated from the University of South Carolina with a

B. S. in Computer Science.

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Sidney Warren Western (Granddaughter of Betty Smith, Daughter of Dan & Cheryl Warren)

Sidney has graduated from the University of Dayton with a B. S. in Chemical Engineering

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Morgan Mumma (Granddaughter of Pattie Mumma)

Morgan graduated Cum Laude from Ohio University on May 29. She was awarded a Fellowship at

the University and will teach part time for one year while acquiring her Masters Degree.

Dear Friends,

Jim & I have been overwhelmed by the

love and support of our Grace Family.

Thank you cannot begin to express our

gratitude. The prayers, cards, and visits,

each one was uplifting and encouraging. We are blessed

to be a part of the beautiful Grace Christian family.

Jim & Barbara Cornelius

Karen To was awarded the degree of Doctor of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio, on Friday, May 12, 2017. Karen is shown with her husband, Ut, and John Ahlborn. Karen and Ut are the United Methodist missionaries in Vietnam, sponsored by the West Ohio Conference. Grace UMC financially supports Ut and Karen’s mission work. The churches Grace sponsors in the area of Kom Tum have grown from two to six congregations. Ut and Karen have returned to their home in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Cards Please!

I will be collecting all kinds of cards.

Christmas, Birthday, Thank You, Mother’s Day, & Kids.

I will be sending them to the St. Jude’s Ranch for Children

the last of July.

Thanks to all the people who have helped with

this. God Bless, Chalta Hillock

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Reminders:

June 4 Day of Pentecost (wear red)

June 4-7 West Ohio Annual Conference @ Lakeside OH

June 11 Peace with Justice Sunday (offering)

June 24 Laundry Soap Give a Way (see article)

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Every Sunday 12 Step Program @ Wesley Room, 8:00 PM Every Monday Weekly Men's Bible Study @ Wesley room, 7:00 PM (Sept - June ) First Monday Soap Making for Free Store @ Wesley Room & Kitchen, 12:00 PM Second Tuesday Free Store Volunteer Day First Wednesday West End Neighborhood Meeting,6:30 PM (Mar - Nov.) Every Wednesday Clergy Meeting, 12:00 PM (Vicki & Mary Beth) Chancel Choir Practice @ Wesley Room, 7:00 PM (Sept. - May) Third Wednesday Rachel Circle, 9:30 AM (Sept. - June) Third Thursday Miriam Circle @ Masonic Home, 12:00 PM (Sep. - June) Fourth Thursday Free Store Meeting @ Free Store, 7:00 PM Second Saturday Free Store Volunteer Day, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

United Methodist Women

I look forward to sharing the history of the United Methodist Women, and the many different ways we are following the mission set forth by Jesus, as expressed in the "PURPOSE" and lived out through our vision. RoxAnne

The "PURPOSE" of the United Methodist Women states that the UMW shall be a community of women who's purpose is to know God and experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ, to develop a creative a supportive fellowship, and to expand concepts of Mission through participation in the global missions of the church.

In an effort to invigorate our UMW group throughout the month of July we will be exploring the many different ways that the UMW work around the world on behalf of women, children and youth.

******A Gift from God Thru Grace******

Our Soap Ministry team is doing a community activity.

On Saturday, June 24 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, or earlier if we

run out, we are giving a gift of a gallon of laundry soap to each family

who stops by our church parking lot.

We will also have a table of Children’s Christian books. Each child will be able to choose a

book. If you would like to add to this event, please call the church to coordinate.

A donation box will be available if anyone visiting our activity

wants to make a donation to our church.

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The “Trinitarian formula” occurs only once in the Bible. In which New Testa-

ment book do we read “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

Holy Spirit,” and who said these words?

A. Romans; Paul B. 1 Peter; Simon Peter

C. The Acts of the Apostles; Luke D. Matthew; Jesus

Answer: (See Matthew 28:19.)

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Grace United Methodist Church

1401 West Main Street

Springfield OH 45504

937-323-9078