Pictured above: Representatives from our Mission Committee, Sugar Creek Presbyterian Church, and the Presbytery of the Miami Valley, recently attended the Open House for the Fearn House. This rehabbed house is a part of the tornado recovery and was a collaborative effort with the Presbytery of Miami Valley, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Pathways to Housing.

Dear friends,

Over the last couple of years, we have been living in a season where it feels like everything has closed down at some point. In-class instruction. Travel. In-person worship. Restaurants. Offices. Sports leagues.

We have become used to a more closed up way of being. While we have come a long way, this Sunday Allan Smillie will be preaching the sermon I prepared because I am in quarantine. 

But it is not just things and places that have closed down. There is something in us that has closed down as well. It might be attributed to fear. Maybe, we have simply adapted to new routines. Perhaps, it is the cost of a deserving cautiousness. 

People report feeling closed off to the world. Certain relationships seem shuttered and harder to maintain. Across the country, worship attendance is down 20%. Some people generally feel less adventurous. Others are carrying around trauma that cannot always be seen.

Regardless, there is something in ourselves that is making life harder to re-engage. We need something not to open up the places and things in our world; rather we need something that re-engages our deepest selves. We are people who look for connection and vulnerability. My prayer, as that as the world continues to adapt our new realities, is that we don’t forget to open ourselves up as well. 

Blessings,

Michael Isaacs

Sunday Mornings

Upcoming Worship schedule

• June 5 – Pentecost & Phil DeGreg Jazz Trio

• June 12 – Communion - Romans 5:1-5 and John 16:12-15

• June 19 – Lisa Kaufer preaching

• June 26 – Luke 9:51-62

Communion has been rescheduled from June 5 to June 12.

Pentecost

We are eager to welcome the Phil DeGreg Trio to worship on Pentecost, June 5. Following worship, we will gather on the front lawn for hot dogs and ice cream. Games and activities will be available for all ages as we celebrate Pentecost. Hopefully, we'll have good weather for flying kites—we'll have some available to share or bring your own! Please wear red, if you wish to.

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.

Worship & Music Notes

Note from Director of Music Ministries Joyce Zigler

We are very excited to celebrate Pentecost with the Phil DeGreg Trio. We are doubly excited because the Sanctuary Choir is collaborating with the Phil DeGreg Trio on our Pentecost anthem. You will not want to miss this wonderful Sunday of word and music. Spirit’s Comin’.

On June 12, Choir Recognition Sunday, we will celebrate the wonderful contributions of music that the Sanctuary Choir, Renaissance Ringers, and Sanctuary Youth have given each Sunday.  The Sanctuary Choir invites you to fellowship with us after worship and enjoy a yummy cup cake.  Perhaps you would like to share a favorite anthem or handbell piece with one of the singers or ringers. We would love to hear from you.

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.

Odds & Ends

COVID-19 Update for June

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

• Masks are optional in the Sanctuary and Gathering Area

• Masks are required in the Nursery and Sunday School spaces

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

• Worship does not include the passing of any materials.

Communion

Session has approved alternating monthly between communion served on trays and intinction beginning in June.

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, June 14, the meeting will be at Wildwood Golf Club, 601 Aberdeen, at 5:30 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Congratulations to Our graduates!

Johanna Grace Cooke is graduating from North Carolina State University. Her grandparents are John and Nancy Peterson.

Alhmad Paul Jernigan is graduating from Sinclair Community College with a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. His grandmother is Bonnie Saunders.

Hazel Moon is graduating from Monroe High School.  She will be Studying Education at MUM.  Her parents are Steve and Lara Moon.

Scott Riley Newlin is graduating from Monroe High School.  He will continue his education at the University of Cincinnati. His parents are John and Susan Newlin and grandparents are Joe and Tina Newlin.

Emily Lane O’Brien is graduating with her Doctorate in Musicology from Northwestern University. Her parents are Steve and Susie Lane and her grandmother is Nancy Strait.

Savannah Ryan is graduating from Edgewood High School.  She will be pursuing certification to become a school para-professional. Her father is Sam Ryan.  Her mother is Opal Ryan.

Kyrstien Michelle Saunders is graduating from the Hondros College of Nursing. Her grandmother is Bonnie Saunders.

McKenzi Renae Saunders is graduating from the Hondros College of Nursing. Her grandmother is Bonnie Saunders.

Seth Elijah Saunders is graduating from Madison High School and Butler Tech with a Construction Certificate. His grandmother is Bonnie Saunders.

Shawn Allen Saunders is graduating from Madison High School and Butler Tech with an Auto Collision Certificate. His grandmother is Bonnie Saunders.

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

. . . Reva Dempster, who died on May 14

. . .Vonnie Root, who died on May 16.

. . .Will Campbell, who died on May 16.

Online Calendar

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