September - Epistle Newsletter

The Braden Epistle

Vol. VIIVol. VIIVol. VIIVol. VII SEPTEMBER, 2011SEPTEMBER, 2011SEPTEMBER, 2011SEPTEMBER, 2011 No. 33 No. 33 No. 33 No. 33

The Four Areas of Focus

The Four Areas of Focus express the vision and yearnings of the people of The United Methodist Church. Over this quad-rennium, the church will seek to focus the work of making disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world around these areas of ministry:

• Combating the diseases of poverty by improving health globally.

• Engaging in ministry with the poor.

• Creating new places for new people and revitalizing existing congregations.

• Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.

Pastor’s Message

My beloved Parishioners,

Another Summer has come and gone, the kids are back in school and the church continues to be involved in

ministry.

As I mature as a Christian leader, one truth that I have learned is that when two or more people get together, not only is Jesus in our midst, but also conflict can happen. Conflict occurs between husbands and wives, parents and children, employers and employees, pastors and laypeople. It can result from a variety of reasons including ridicule, criti-cism, gossip and misunderstanding. Conflict causes hurt,

frustration and separation,

How do you deal with conflict? Let me give you one tip – what’s your attitude like? Check your attitude toward

the person and the reason for the feelings.

A little boy was overheard talking to himself as he strutted through the backyard, wearing his baseball cap and toting a ball and bat. “I’m the greatest hitter in the world,” he announced. Then he tossed the ball into the air, swung at it, and missed. “Strike one!” he yelled. Undaunted, he picked up the ball and said again, “I’m the greatest hitter in the world!” He tossed the ball into the air. When it came down, he swung again and missed. “Strike two!” he cried. The little guy then paused a moment to examine his bat and ball

carefully. He spit on his hands and rubbed them together. He straightened his cap and said once more, “I’m the great-est hitter in the world!” Again he tossed the ball into the air and swung at it. He missed. “Strike Three! Wow!” the boy

cried. “I’m the greatest pitcher in the world!”

Beloved, your attitude determines how circum-stances impact your life. The little boy’s circumstances ha not changed, but his optimistic attitude gave him an encour-

aging meaning to what had happened.

Think of the conflict that you are dealing with right now. Can you do something to change it? If you can, don’t

wait another day, begin today to make the needed changes.

If you can’t change the circumstance, you can change your attitude. You’ll discover that the circumstances

won’t have the last word.

We are now in the process of developing our min-istry plan. The attendance at worship has been very good. We are experiencing more visitors in our worship. The Mis-sion/Outreach and Youth Ministries continue to excel. We had a record attendance in our Vacation Bible School this summer. Our Lay Speakers are actively involved in daily ministry. We give God Almighty all the praise for using us as

vessels to do His work.

Be Blessed,

Pastor Dixon

The Braden Epistle SEPTEMBER, 2011 Page The Braden Epistle SEPTEMBER, 2011 Page The Braden Epistle SEPTEMBER, 2011 Page The Braden Epistle SEPTEMBER, 2011 222

Father, creator of the universe and seasons.

We thank you for allowing us to see, feel, and ex-

perience the wonders of summer!

We look forward to the many blessings of

autumn that you have created. The harvest is plente-

ous, but the labors are few {Matthews 9;97}

In this scripture we think of Naomi and Ruth

during the barely harvest time.

We are in the season of Ordinary Time or

Kingdom tide. The color is green. This is the season

after Pentecost. We look forward to Advent, which

is the beginning of the Christian year. It is the most

powerful season of the year. It is rich with symbol-

ism. It begins November 28th. Remember we all do

fade as a leaf {Isaiah 4;6} look forward to fall Sep-

tember 23 2011.

Keeping you informed:

Highlights from

Church Council Meetings

The following Action Items were approved by the

Council on 6-23-11

1. Braden will tithe 10% of the Inverness gift to

help some individuals or groups as part of our Chris-

tian mission. This will be chaired by Vince Davis,

Willa Johnson and Pastor.

2. That $10,000 of the Inverness gift is put into a

reserve fund for a rainy day to be overseen by the

finance committee.

3. Braden support the African American Festival with

a half page ad in the souvenir book at a cost of $100

and we buy a brick for the Toledo Urban Credit Union

at a cost of $100 for their construction project. The

finance committee will oversee these expenditures to

be taken out of the Inverness gift as well.

4. That $1,500 is approved from the capital improve-

ment fund to furnish the Yolanda Robinson Room

with 4 round tables and 32 chairs made of hard plastic.

The trustees will oversee this project.

5. That $800 from the capital improvement fund is

used to purchase a 42” LCD HDTV and a Nintendo

Wii console as requested by our youth director for our

youth and church ministry.

6. A search committee to begin looking for a new par-

sonage. The dwelling must meet parsonage standards

and be in a price range of $150,000 - $160,000. The

search committee will be Marcella Pryor-Brown,

Paula Stewart and Pastor.

7. To cash the CD in the amount of $5,446.42 and

place that money in the savings account as undesig-

nated gifts.

Yolanda Durden and the grant committee submitted a

church revitalization grant proposal for $30,000 to the

West Ohio Conference for the year 2012. We should

hear a response by September, 2011.

Coordinator of Youth Ministries: Youth and adults

participated in the following outings, 10 youth and 8

adults toured the Islamic Temple of NW Ohio, there

was a tour of the Mayor’s office and attendance at

the Home Plate 2011 Christian Testimony sharing and

baseball game at Comerica Park, Detroit, Mi.

Continued on Page 3...


Highlights from

Church Council Meetings continued..

UM Women: There were 15 in attendance at the meeting

held on 2-27-11. The “Call to Prayer and Self-Denial” ser-

vice was held on 3-27-11 with more than 30 people in at-

tendance and $135 collected in offering. The theme was

“Give the gift of Love.” Sunday meetings generate higher

attendance. At the 5-22-11 meeting, Lois Murray, the UM

Women Shepherdess attended. She has offered assistance

with meetings/events. On 7-4-11 the UM Women will

provide the popcorn machine for the picnic at their cost.

The Fall Extravaganza will be Saturday, 9-24-11 at

10:00AM.

Lay Leader: King Davis has taken the course to become

a lay speaker. He will also work with the UM Men to

serve the congregation.

One of the proposals in the grant application is how

Braden will “Make New Disciples for Christ.” The proto

type will include quarterly orientation classes for new

members, mentoring by lay speakers, involvement on

committees and a quarterly dinner. These activities will

be for all new members and it will be implemented in

July,2011.

On 6-3-11, Marie met with the chairs of church commit-

tees that are not represented at council. Committees rep-

resented were Congregational Care, Shepherds, Youth

Ministries, and Communications. Communion Stewards

sent their minutes. The organizational chart from 2006

was discussed. It was agreed that all should have the

same information and follow the procedure from the

Methodist Discipline as well as policies established by

council. Each chair is to submit a roster of officers, meet-

ing dates and purpose.

At the June 21, 2011 meeting, it was discussed that in the

month of October, 2011, there will be an initiation of a

study of stewardship that will be implemented in Sunday

school, Bible Study and Worship Services.

It was suggested that anyone buying for the church get the

exempt # from Lisa before buying.

Have we missed your -birthday or anniversary?

Just give the church office a call at (419)386-2700 with the information, and we’ll see your name is added. We don’t want to miss or forget anyone. Thanks.

Congratulations!

to Kellie Jordan Kellie Jordan Kellie Jordan Kellie Jordan on her new position!

HR Business Partner Hollywood Casino, Toledo, OH

September 7 Eva Tucker-Lingo 8 Carol Westmoreland

9 Larry Sloan

16 Destiny Bailey

18 Alaina Durden

20 Yvonne Mitcham

27 Jeremiah Robinson

27 Lafayette Tolliver

Happy Birthday!

October

1 Eddie M. Cole

1 Renee Jones

1 Faye Clark

2 Malcolm Martens

5 Tennyson Lingo

7 Michael Bush 10 Delores Gray

11 Delence Sheares

12 Roye Durden

12 Cynthia Gaynor

14 Beatrice Easterly

14 Mozell Hill

16 Laverne Enochs

21 Robin Rush

21 Elijah Kenneth Mitcham

24 Rachel Tolliver

27 Reba Young

28 Ernest Baggett

30 Ruth A. Walton

31 Garland Bohannon


Hospital Visits:

Please call the church office at 419-386-2700 if you or

family members are in the hospital and wish a visit.

The local hospitals do not always let us know if one of

our members is a patient.

Remember our sick and shut in your daily prayers. A kind card or a simple

note could brighten a person’s day; take a moment and let our member

know that they are in the Braden Family prayers.

Words of Wisdom

All Christians work for the same employer.

Randall Jones, Jr.

George Allen, Jr. Whitehouse Country

Manor

11239 Waterville St. Waterville,

43566

Lincoln Bussey, Sr. Lutheran Home-Assisted

Living

2519 Seaman St.- 43605

Harold Young Heartland-Holly Glenn 4294 Monroe St. - 43606

Loretta Simmons Fairview Nursing Home 4420 South Ave. -43615

Norvelle Gross Laurels of Toledo 1011 Byrne Rd. #206 -43607

Edna Russell Fairview Nursing Home 4420 South Ave. - 43615

Roosevelt Powell Kingston Rehab 4121 King Rd.- -Sylvania-43560

Naomi Powell The Laurels of Toledo 1101 Byrne R.-43607

Lula Green Toledo Hospital 2142 N. Cove Blvd. –43606

Sick & Shut-Ins Prayer Requests

Beene, Asia Stewart, Rebecca Stewart, Naomi

Coleman, Mildred Allen, Florene King, Edith

Shoecraft, Velma Phillips, Odessa M. Keyes, Mattie

West, Wilbert Davis, Lucy Taylor, Nettie

Powell, Lewis Knowles, Betty

Allen, Carleton Allen, Daniel


Finances at a Glance

We would like to thank every-one for their continued sup-port of Braden Church and its many ministries this year. We are thankful for our faithful members who give of them-selves with their tithes, gifts and offerings.

July 2011

Year to date Income/Receipts:

$137,923.78 - 58.57%

(*includes building fund)

Year to date Expenses/Distributions

-$136,221.58 – 56.88%

Apportionments

Paid to date: Conference-$19,098.60-47% District-$4634.00-66%

Special Fund Balances:

Scholarship- $12,382.36

Missions- $1525.20

A/C- $8372.50

Account Balances as of 07/31/2011:

Finance CommitteeFinance CommitteeFinance CommitteeFinance Committee

Weekly Attendance Average:

135

Year to Date Average Attendance:

142

General Fund 250.84$

Capital Impr Fund 9,995.52$

Savings 59,630.01$

Total 69,876.37$

Congratulations to newly elected

Usher Board Officers

Effective September 1st 2011

President, Ronya Beene

Vice President, Willie Reams

Secretary, Vicky Forrest

Asst. Secretary, Linda Reese

Treasurer, Judy Jackson

Chaplain, Mary Lawrence

ICUA Representative, Elsie Seay

Don’t forget to buy your ticket for the

Usher Board Sponsored

Shopping Trip

September 10th, 2011

See any member of the Usher Board

for tickets and information!

Parents 0ight Out

Friday, October 14, 2011

6-9 PM

Volunteers 0eeded!


My Brother’s Keeper (MBK)

Community Garden

“A Message from the Garden”

Lois Mathis, Yvonne Mitcham and

Min. Gloria Layson

The Garden is more than nourishment to the physical body. This garden provides nourishment to the

soul.

Along with the wide variety of food that is available from the Garden, there are unseen benefits. This

garden grows fond memories of past times when most homes had both flower & vegetable gardens. and

everyone shared in the harvest.

This Garden grows relationships with neighbors in the area of the 100 Block of Islington Street.

This Garden grows knowledge of seed time and harvest time. The children learn stages of life maturity.

They learn that hard work pays back abundantly; and they have gained friends at the Garden.

The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.

Matthew 9:36-38.

Come to the Garden, help out and share the harvest. There are blessings; grow in Spirit; God is Awe-

some! Call the church to get the schedule; make a commitment to the Garden.

We are our Brother’s Keeper.

Genesis 4:9

Epiphany Lutheran Church is host-

ing a “Hot Dog Sunday Afternoon”

for the surrounding neighbor-

hoods !

Sunday, September 18, 2011

2-4pm (in their parking lot)

Come out and join in the fun

and support the community

Rick Cozza

Evangelism Group

Get Fit Solutions

1st Annual

Stop the Violence & Diabetes Awareness

Community Walk

Guest Speaker:

Dr. Sonia M. Jajjar, Ph.d,

Director Center for Diabetes & Endocrine Research (CeDAR)

UT College of Medicine

September 11, 2011

8:30am Registration

Additional Sponsors: 0utri Health

Mahogany Salon (Chandra McCant)

Royal Cuts Barber Shop (“G The Barber”)

For more information contact: Kellie: 419.736.0796


Upcoming Events and Important Dates!

United Methodist Women

are planning a great event for

this year’s

Fall Extravaganza

“Body, Mind, & Spirit”

(Healthy lunch provided)

Come out and support our

Annual Fall Fundraiser

Saturday, September 24, 2011

10:00am

Guest Speaker

Linda Whittington-Clark PhD.

Sew N So sewing club is offering a free lesson on basic sewing techniques to youth and young adults:

Saturday, September 10, 2011 Braden Church

2-4pm

Machines and sewing packages will be provided. Please contact Marie L. Bush by Sept. 7, for more information, if interested.

Annual Church Conference Meeting

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

6:00 PM6:00 PM6:00 PM6:00 PM

Adult Choir Rehearsal

Starts September 8

From John Wesley’s Directions for Singing: “Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleas-ing him more than yourself, or any other creature.” Choir will begin a new season on Thursday Septem-ber 8 at 6:00 p.m. We look forward to good friends, new music and being part of worship. Come join us!

Laity Sunday is October 16

Laity Sunday focuses on the celebration of the minis-try of all lay Christians. United Methodist lay speak-ers, lay leaders and congregational members will lead us in worship. Laity Sunday is observed by having lay persons lead all parts of the worship service to remind us that all are ministers empowered by the Holy Spirit for ministry.


The word for this issue is FAMILY

Referencing Hebrews 10:25

When we see the familiar V-Formation of a

flock of geese flying north for the summer or south

for the winter we are reminded of the changing sea-

sons. The often untold story of geese, however,

teaches us the value of fellowship of family devo-

tion.

What many don’t know is that when one

goose becomes sick or wounded, it never drops out

of formation alone. Two other geese also fall out

and follow the suffrage goose. Once on the ground,

the healthy birds protect and care for the sick

goose. Even to the point of throwing themselves

between the weakened bird and possibly predators.

They stay with him until he is either able to fly, or is

dead. Then, and only then, do they launch out. In

most cases they wait for another group of geese to

fly overhead and join them. This adds to their

safety and flying efficiency. When they do this, the

flock becomes strong, they prosper and all of the

flock benefits.

We as a biological family can learn much

from a flock of geese. We should care for one an-

other well. God wants us to fellowship together as

Christians, to flock together as family when we do

this we become strong, we prosper, we grow, and

we become more efficient Christians. When we as

Christians separate ourselves from the church, or

we isolate ourselves from the family flock we be-

come sickly and weak. However, when we reunite

with the church and fellowship with one another, we

are strong, prosperous, and efficient, everyone

benefits. We as a biological family can learn much

from a flock of geese. We should care for one an-

other well. God wants us to fellowship together as

Christians, to flock together as family when we do

this we become strong, we prosper, we grow, and

we become more efficient Christians. When we as

Christians separate ourselves from the church, or

we isolate ourselves from the family flock we be-

come sickly and weak. However, when we reunite

with the church and fellowship with one another, we

are strong, prosperous, and efficient, everyone

benefits.

During these days we are seeing a separa-

tion in the church and family. It is at these times

that we must fellowship together as a family.

Website News...Church Calendar Reminders-Emailed Directly to You...Don’t miss another meeting! Let our church

website at www.Bradenumc.org email you with easy reminders. Example: You want an email reminder for the “Finance” meeting on September 13.

1. Go to www.Bradenumc.org 2. On the right side of our home page is a church calendar. Click on the square box above calendar. 3. At the top of the calendar pick “September”. 4. Click on Finance Meeting in the September 13 square. 5. Next, type in your email address and validation code (provided). Click Submit.

Now you will get an email reminder one or two days before the finance meeting. If the reminder is for a recurring meeting, then each month an email will be sent to your email address each time the meeting occurs. If you do the above steps, you won’t forget a meeting or activity again. Call or email me if you have any questions or comments. I’m happy to help. Linda Hester— Cell: 419-290-4434 - Email: [email protected]


SU0DAY SCHOOL COURSE OUTLI0E

TRADITIO0 A0D WISDOM

___________________________________________

Unit 1 - Teaching and Learning

September 4 Righteousness and Wisdom

Proverbs 3:1-12

September 11 From Generation to Generation

Proverbs 4:10-15, 20-27

September 18 Teaching Values

Proverbs 15:21-33

September 25 Wisdom and Discernment

Proverbs 25:1-10

October 2 An Ordered Life

Proverbs 29:16-27

October 9 The Superiority of Wisdom

Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

October 16 Wisdom for Aging

Ecclesiastes 11:9-10; 12:1-7, 13

October 23 Tradition and Love

Song of Solomon 4:8; 5:1a

Unit 2 - Jesus Teaches Wisdom

October 30 Living as God’s People

Matthew 5:1-12

0ovember 6 Forgiving as God’s People

Matthew 5:17-26

0ovember 13 Loving as God’s People

Matthew 5:43-48

0ovember 20 Praying as God’s People

Matthew 6:5-15

0ovember 27 Facing Life Without Worry

Matthew 6:25-34

Leaders:

Carla Hines

Carol Robinson

Yolanda Robinson

Sunday School Classes

for Your Family

Sunday School is continuing, but there is still room for your family. We have dedicated teachers and wonderful curriculums for pre-school age children through adults Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

PRESCHOOL THROUGH

ELEME0TARY SCHOOL is presenting exciting Bible stories, kitchen activities, crafts and games all designed in engaging and fun ways to teach your chil-dren about the Bible.

*** JU0IOR HIGH is using the en-gaging series. These fun and ef-fective lessons will help you grow fully as disciples of Jesus Christ.

***

HIGH SCHOOL SU0DAY

SCHOOL is using the engaging series TRADITIO0

A0D WISDOM: focus on

teaching and learning that revolves around key words or phrases form Bible Scripture. These fun and effective lessons will help you respond to God’s call in your life.

***

ADULT SU0DAY SCHOOL

offers two classes that are interesting, enriching and truth-ful.

He who kneels before God, can stand before anyone!


Black History

Where there is no vision a people will perish.

Proverbs 29:18.

A dream fulfilled; on August 28th the Martin

Luther King Jr. memorial was dedicated in Wash-

ington D.C, West Potomac Park. Thousands of

people attended. There are 3 main pieces of the

monument: Mountain of Despair, Stone of Hope

(30ft statue of MLK), and a 450 ft. description wall

with King quotes engraved in the granite. The

memorial is situated between the statues of presi-

dents Jefferson and Lincoln.

This memorial is the first on the National Mall for

a person of color, also for a person that’s not a

president and a person of peace.

We hope you had a chance to view this dedication

Sunday, August 28th.

*****************************************

Black History Reflections

Do you know who these accomplished

Black Americans are?

Harriet Ann Jacobs 1813-1897

Arthur Ash 1943- 1993

Josiah Henderson 1789-1883

Ella Fitzgerald 1917- 1996

Fannie Lou Homer 1917-1977

Member Highlight

Mother Morell Fonfield

Congratulations to Ms. Morell Fonfield on

her 80th birthday. She is such an inspira-

tion to us all and is still involved in the

community. Here is a look at the life of

this wonderful woman.

When she came to Toledo at the

age of 3 she joined Braden United Meth-

odist Church. She attended Westfield Ele-

mentary School, Jones Jr. High School,

and Libbey High School. Louis Allen her

uncle was a founding member of Braden

and Ms. Fonfield and her brothers were

always involved in church and community

events. Her father then sent her to Bos-

ton to attend college and that's where she

became good friends with Dr. Martin Lu-

ther King Jr. and became politically active.

Ed Brooks the first black senator got her

into college where she became an engi-

neer and worked for the government for

16 years. Then she went back to school

and obtained a degree in Social Work.

She was politically involved in Boston and

became an elected official in Boston's

South End. She was involved in the de-

segregation of Boston schools. During

that time she became good friends with

the Kennedys. She became an Ordained

Minister in Toledo under Bishop Margie

Holt. Together they started Mothers Out-

raged Against Drugs. They still go around

to schools and pray each school year.

By:

Roslayn Cooper


Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:Purpose Statement:

Pressing towards a higher mark through love and service to Jesus Christ

Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:Purpose Scripture:

“….forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God

in Christ Jesus” Love,

(Philippians 3:13b-14)

Worship Services:

Sunday School – 9:30 am Worship Services – 10:30 am

Wednesday Bible Study 12:30 pm & 7:00 pm

Discipleship Prayer!

First Friday Prayer 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Church Office Hours:

Monday-Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Office: 419-386-2700

Email: [email protected]

For regularly scheduled weekly events refer to your weekly church bulletins.

The Braden Epistle will be printed and distributed to the membership of Braden United Methodist Church and the community during the months of January, March, May, July, September, November.

News articles are due by the 20th of the previous month the newsletter is printed. Send all material to: Communication Ministry Team, 4725 Dorr Street, Toledo, OH 43615 or contact the church office at 419-386-2700

From the communication team our next issue is in No-

vember, until then, renew your Spirit and enrich your

life by these daily words:

Forgiveness- as I forgive I begin anew .

Healing- I am healthy, whole and vitally alive.

Guidance- God guides my way.

Prosperity- God fills my life with abundance

Comfort- God soothes me with a tender touch

Renewal– The spirit of God fuses me with life and

renewal.

Harmony- I am an ambassador of peace and harmony

in the world.

Inner Peace- God’s spirit within me is my constant

source OF peace and serenity.

Divine Order– Divine order surrounds me and is in me.

I am calm and collected.

Helen Tuggle, Linda Hester, Beth Matthews, Randall Jones, Roslayn Cooper, (Cody Jordan),

Kellie Jordan, Annette Savage

September - Epistle Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of September - Epistle Newsletter