A Note from the Pastor

One year, while I was in seminary, I had the idea of wanting to plant a vegetable garden. I knew Spring would come around soon, and I thought it would be great to have fresh vegetables to use. I was anticipating fresh cucumber, some tomatoes, and jalapeños to make salsa. The only problem was that I was renting a townhouse from the school, and I’m pretty sure we weren’t allowed to start digging flower beds in the ground. During this time, I was working at a church in town on the maintenance staff, and one day, I noticed several scrap pieces of wood. When I saw those, I thought I could take these and make a raised flower bed. So I started to prepare this vegetable garden by making this very unprofessional open-bottom flower bed. I then got the soil and seeds and planted everything. Then I began watering and waiting to see how everything would grow. 

In the Liturgical calendar, we will begin the season called ‘Ordinary Time’ on the first Sunday in June. This title for a season is a bit misleading. There are 2 sections of ordinary time during the church calendar year. Fewer weeks of ordinary time are between the seasons of Christmas and leading to Lent. Then the long stretch of ordinary time comes after Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. This stretch will go all the way until the next Advent season, in either late November or early December. Looking at this season broadly, rather than focusing on the word ‘ordinary,’ it is really a season about reflection and growth. In the Liturgical year, there are seasons where we learn, anticipate, repent, and reflect. The church calendar begins with Advent, and the church enters into this season with anticipation and expectation of the coming Messiah. Then, Christmas is the time of celebrating the coming of Christ. A short period of ‘ordinary’ time allows us to reflect on the anticipation and coming of Jesus, and soon after this, we go into a preparatory season of Lent, which leads to Easter. In this season, we reflect on how we are being transformed and can turn ourselves toward God and away from the distractions of the world. Easter is the time we celebrate the greatest gift of all, Christ’s victory over sin and death. We reflect on the resurrection while waiting for the coming of the Holy Spirit. This marks the beginning of the church. Many of you may know all of that already. I think it is important to be reminded of this before the long stretch of ordinary time because all of those major holidays are condensed into one part of the year. The other part of the year is meant to reflect on what all of those major holidays and seasons taught us and to lead us into a season of growth before the cycle starts up again at Advent. Take a minute to reflect on this past year from Christmas through Lent and Easter, and after Pentecost. What did you learn? 

I encourage everyone during this upcoming ordinary time to not think of it as uneventful, but rather to put what we learned into practice for the purpose of growing. It’s just like preparing to plant flowers or vegetables. You anticipate, prepare, and plant, and now is the time for growth. During this season, may you all grow well and continue learning more about God’s transformative power. 

Grace & Peace

-Justin Miller

From your Pastor Affiliate

“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.’” (Jeremiah 33:2-3 from “The Message”)

Ever since I retired back in July of 2024 – and since I’ve moved to Ohio to be close to family – I’ve always questioned where God wanted me to be and what God wanted me to do. And like a lot of God’s conversations with Jeremiah, I’m reminded that I can ‘never figure it out on my own’, even though God’s promise is that he will always be present with us! That’s how I pray a lot too – especially at the hospitals and with people who are struggling – often saying in my prayers: “God, you never promised us it would be easy, but you did promise us that you would never leave or forsake us!” Those are words I need to hold onto often in my faith life!

So when I arrived in Ohio I worshipped in most of the Presbyterian Churches in the area – got invited to preach a few times at Blue Ball and St. Luke’s, and eventually made a connection with First Presbyterian in Middletown. And after some conversations with Justin, and meeting the Personnel Committee, I was graciously invited to become a ‘Parish Affiliate’ in this wonderful congregation! The whole church has truly made me feel welcome and a part of the church family here – and it was a blessing to be with you as we shared in the birth of Justin & Marifer’s baby – Lucas! Through visitation I have met some amazing folks who have such a strong faith – and wonderful memories of this church – even though they can’t come to worship as often or anymore! What a blessing for me!

God often leads us into new paths on the journey – and such is the case for me now. Just before I retired I took classes for Interim/Transitional Ministry at Union Seminary in Richmond – hoping that an Interim position might open up for me that was close to where I was living. That has happened, and I will begin my Transitional Ministry with the folks at First Presbyterian Church in Troy, Ohio beginning on July 1. I will still be with you and doing visitations through Monday, June 15!

A huge word of THANKS to all of you for what you have passed onto me these past 7 months. The staff is amazing! Your elders and deacons are top notch! The members are warm and loving and supportive. Justin is an amazing leader, and I truly appreciate him giving me the opportunity to serve with you all. And you never know – down the road our paths may cross again! Thanks for being YOU!

In Jesus’ Love, Dan

Pastor’s Report May 2026

Over the last month, it seems as if all things are leading to summer vacation. The school years are coming to a close, and as we’ve gone through this Easter season, leading to Pentecost, soon Ordinary time will be among us. It feels like a season where many are hoping to take a breather and rest.

I have continued the normal worship duties, planning services, liturgies, and helping with music. As well as receiving helpful information for communion. It seems like each time we administer the sacrament, there are minor tweaks needed that I hope will eventually all come together in harmony.

Our Whiz Kids program has come to an end for this school year, and what a delight it was to see all of the volunteers and students each week. It truly is a great program, and I am grateful for how this congregation (and a few from other congregations) have helped make this program successful.

I was able to attend the scheduled Presbytery meeting this past month, which was hosted at Bellbrook Presbyterian, and also asked to give a short memorial of the ‘Middletown Nancy Peterson. At each presbytery meeting, all of the ruling elders from congregations that have passed away are honored. Nancy served as the moderator of the Presbytery in the year 2000, if I remember correctly, and they wanted to have a special section to remember and honor her. I was privileged to give that memorial.

I’ve continued to be involved in committee meetings when able. We are also continuing our Tuesday and Wednesday Bible studies into the Summer.

On a personal note, in the last Pastor’s report, I mentioned how my father’s health had declined quickly, and we expected him to pass soon. He did indeed pass away in April. My family is still trying to figure out a lot of the estate logistics and when the best time would be for me to come to Virginia. I anticipate taking vacation time in June or July to be with them and help in any way that I can. Please continue to keep my family in prayer, as this has been a challenging time.

Grace & Peace

-Justin Miller

Christian Education Notes

Bible Studies

Tuesday Morning Bible Study "If you are interested in diving deeper into God's Word in a different, more casual, setting as compared to Sunday morning, join us for the Tuesday Morning Bible Study. It is a time to gather, discuss, and learn from one another how God's Word is speaking to and through each of us. We will be hosting Bible studies at the church, meeting each Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth Room. We look forward to seeing you there!"

Wednesday Evening Bible Study If you are not able to attend Tuesday Morning Bible Study we will also meet on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the Youth Room.

Mission Notes

Letter from Matthew 25

Dear Pastor Justin!

On behalf of Matthew 25: Ministries, thank you for partnering with us through our Community Partner Program. Your support is helping to strengthen connection in your community, provide vital resources to those in need, and protect the environment.

Your donation of gently used or new products has a profound impact on the physical and emotional well-being of those in need. Access to quality products helps recipients build confidence, pursue opportunities, and improve their daily lives. For many, receiving these donations serves as a beacon of hope, offering support when it's needed most. The difference you're making is truly transformative, and we are so grateful for your role in this important work.

Thanks to your help, Matthew 25: Ministries is able to assist over 30 million people each year and ship more than 25 million pounds of much-needed supplies globally. Your partnership has a meaningful and lasting impact in Greater Cincinnati, across the United States, and around the world.

Below is a summary of the impact your product donations made in 2025. Thank you for being an essential part of this important work!

You have contributed 58 Pallets, helped 53,650 people, and repurposed 40,600 pounds.

Sincerely,

Pam Leonard

Tribute to Nancy Peterson

This past April we lost a dear friend and member of the Mission Committee and even more so a faithful member and servant to our church and the whole community.

To show how much Nancy Peterson contributed to just this committee we wanted to share some of her thoughts she sent to our chairman, Dianne Gerber, after the last meeting she was able to attend.

1.       In regard to a concert:

a)      Janet is a great resource so it would be wise to sit down with her to share our ideas and ask if she might have some recommendations.

b)      An afternoon with Brian and Davis.

2.       Looking for themes for potential catered meals I went thru the calendar and randomly picked out some possible themes to stretch our minds a little beyond the predictable.

3.       Maybe if the Rice’s are still in the states, they could come, they are both excellent presenters – maybe Justin would invite Bob to preach. Christy is passionate about her work on reconciliation.

I’m going to check the Mission Yearbook of Prayer also for ideas.

Hope maybe one or two of these may actually become a reality!

What this brought to my mind was, as a tribute to Nancy, why not ask members of our congregation to send us some of their ideas on how we might bring opportunities for the congregation to get together to have some fun, laugh, learn, or share a meal together.

Fellowship and sharing go hand and hand, so let’s put our hearts and heads together to bring us all some joy. 

Please feel free to send whatever ideas you may have to the Mission Committee via email at sandy@fpcmiddletown.com, a handwritten note, or simply call the church office.

Announcements

Are You Graduating?

Is someone in your household graduating? We’d like to lift up all graduates in a time of prayer during worship on Sunday, June 14. At that time, we will also present gift Bibles to students graduating from high school. By June 7, please call the church office or email sandy@fpcmiddletown.com with any names to include.

M & M (Men & More) Monthly Outing

Everyone is invited to join this group for dinner and fellowship at Wildwood Golf Club, 601 Aberdeen Dr. on Tuesday, June 9. Fellowship begins approximately at 5:00, and we usually order dinner around 5:30. We hope to see you there.

Betsy Ross Tea

Let’s Celebrate our Country’s 250th Anniversary!

Your Deacons are hosting a Betsy Ross Tea

Tea date & Time:  June 12 @ 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

in Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church

Invite friends & family for a Special time to

Celebrate with Tea, Cookies, & More!

In Case of an Emergency

If you have an emergency after hours or on the weekend, please email Justin at justin@fpcmiddletown.com.

• Online Calendar

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