Elders serve communion in worship this July. Communion is now being served by tray on odd months and by intinction on even months.

Dear friends,

At a recent Session meeting, we watched a clip of Singing in the Rain. (You can watch it here.) We watched as actor Gene Kelly walks into the street and closes his umbrella in the rain. He dances and taps. The umbrella becomes a prop, and he gives it away in the end.

The question I asked was: How is this like congregation ministry in a time like ours? Your elders shared splendid responses. He chose to be exuberantly joyful in the midst of a deluge. It is important to let rain roll off your back and not avoid the rain. Playfulness is essential and should not be overlooked in trying times. We noticed how we are called to give our shelter away to a grateful world.

Because we find our refuge and shelter in God, we have nothing to fear in the rain. This can be an invitation to us to let our guard down and joyfully commit our lives to the hope of Jesus Christ. In order to serve the world with the freedom we have been given, maybe it is essential that we close our umbrella and give it to others in generosity.

May this be the work of our church, and I am confident that we can all dance in the rain.

Gratefully,

Michael Isaacs

Sunday Mornings

Upcoming Worship schedule

• August 7 - Communion; Luke 12:32-40; Tina Newlin, soprano

• August 14 - Guest Preacher Jackie Nowak; Micah 6:1-8; Tom Sobieski, violin

• August 21 - Luke 13:10-17; Lara Moon, alto & Vivien Fields, soprano; Ice Cream Social following worship

• August 28 - Luke 14:1, 7-14; Tara Downie, soprano & Cyndi Zopff, alto

Fellowship Hour

Fellowship Hour is back in full swing. Join us for Fellowship Hour in the Gathering Area before or after the worship service on Sunday, stop by for fellowship and refreshments and snacks.

Worship & Music Notes

Note from Director of Music Ministries Joyce Zigler

We hope that you are enjoying all the wonderful special music this summer! It is time that you give serious consideration to which empty choir chair in the chancel has your name on it or which station at the handbell table is waiting for you to fill it. There can never be too many singers or too many ringers making glorious music for God!

Sanctuary Choir & Renaissance Ringers Rehearsals

The Sanctuary Choir will have its first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 7, at 7:30 p.m. The Renaissance Ringers will have their first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 14, at 6:00 p.m.

Sound Techs Needed

We would love to add another sound tech or two to our roster. Please call Joyce Zigler (513-422-6365) if you are interested or have questions about being a sound tech.

Christian Education Notes

In-person Nursery Care and Sunday School

The Christian Education Committee continues to prayerfully consider and implement safe practices to support the full participation of all ages, especially since some children still do not have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. We continue to require universal indoor masking in these classrooms by all individuals (age 2 and older), regardless of vaccination status.   

• Nursery Care is available for infants and children up to 5 years old every Sunday, located next to Room 110. Two childcare workers, Monique Watkins and Ingrid Cuadra, provide exceptional care for which we are grateful.

• Sunday School (children ages 6-12) will resume in September.

Forever Grateful! On August 21, we look forward to hosting an extra special after-worship event on the front lawn. We’ll enjoy an Ice Cream Sundae Bar and Christian Education will host a variety of play-filled activities including a special opportunity to express gratitude for the staff at Atrium Medical Center for the many ways they provide care for many ways they provide care for our community. In this important work, their dedicated team experiences hard cases, long shifts, extra shifts, and the effects of staffing shortages during the ongoing pandemic. Consider writing a note of thanks or drawing a cheer-filled picture that we can give to the staff Respite Room where team members are able to take a break and rest. Bring your note or drawing to the church office anytime during the month of August, or use the supplies provided following worship on August 21.

Playology: Experiencing God through the art of play

Playology is a play-filled retreat for individuals, families, and ministry leaders. All are welcome on Saturday, September 24 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kirkmont Center in Zanesfield, Ohio. For more information or to register, contact Lisa Kaufer at lisa@fpcmiddletown.com.

Also, save the dates for these opportunities sponsored by the Presbytery of the Miami Valley

• PYC Retreat at Kirkmont: April 14-16, 2023

• Women’s Spiritual Nurture Retreat at Kirkmont: April 21-23, 2023.

Odds & Ends

Stewardship Notes

The Finance Committee would like to offer an update for our 2022 Program Budget. For the first half of the year, we had $164,901 of income (55% of anticipated income for the year) and $169,550 of expenses (about 46% of the budget). The budgeted deficit for the year is about $66,000. We have had deficit budgets for the last several years and have yet to run a deficit. This is because of everyone's faithful, sustained giving and our careful, prudent oversight of expenses. During the second half of the year, we ask for the same diligence and generosity in giving to ensure the financial vitality of our ministry.

Men’s Monthly Meeting

Men’s Monthly Meeting is an opportunity for the men of the church to get together and socialize over dinner. On Tuesday, August 9, the meeting will be at Wildwood Golf Club, 601 Aberdeen, at 5:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Save the date!

• On August 21 - Ice Cream Social

• September 11 - Beginning of the Program year

• October 23 - Kirkin’ of the Tartans

• November 11 - Organ Concert

• November 13 - Central State Choir in the Worship Service

COVID-19 Response

Please review these COVID-19 provisions from Session and keep them in mind as we gather for our worship and ministry:

• Masks are optional in the Sanctuary and Gathering Area.

• Social distancing is enforced in the sanctuary by the use of alternating pews.

• Worship does not include the passing of any materials.

We give thanks to God for the life of. . .

. . . Dick Dempster, who died on July 3.

Online Calendar

The church calendar is now online! Go to https://www.fpcmiddletown.com/calendar.