OUR PURPOSE - memorialunitedmethodist.com€¦ · Florida School Shooting From West Ohio...
Transcript of OUR PURPOSE - memorialunitedmethodist.com€¦ · Florida School Shooting From West Ohio...
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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
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83 81
99
8278
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72
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108
99
52 52
97100
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66
81
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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
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Pastor’s Contact Info: Jennifer Burns Cell: (937) 823– 4370 Office: (937) 859-4444 Email: [email protected]
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.