“The passing over the coming back is the greatest spiritual adventure of our time.” John S. Dunne

A small, but mighty team left their Homeland to pass over to the wonderland of Johns Island, South Carolina in the middle of June. They were commissioned to serve alongside Rural Mission as they continued Kingdom work in the Sea Islands. While many people visit this area for vacation, there is a rich history with a diverse group of people. With the boom in the economy due to tourism, many are unable to keep up with the rise of prices of living costs and find themselves in need of assistance. Rural Mission has been active in the community since the 1960’s providing support and relief to their island neighbors.

The team was able to not only serve in the community, but support Rural Mission as well with a variety of work projects. One group helped with laying flooring and finishing up drywall for dorms on the grounds in order for more people to visit Rural Mission and serve. Other projects included installing a handrail outside a home so the neighbor can go up and down the stairs himself rather than being carried; building benches, and doing finishing touches on a roof for homeowners of the Johns Island community.

Work was only part of the trip. The team also spent plenty of time getting to know each other through team building activities and games. This very shy group transformed by the end of the week and laughter and conversation could be heard regularly. The teaching focus for the week was on Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount as a way to deepen their relationship and understanding of God. The group reflected on the Kingdom of God in their work, study, and play in the Wonderland.

The team came back to their Newfoundland in Cincinnati ready to continue with the momentum they had in building their relationship with God, each other, and serving in their community.

Peace,

Pastor Kate

Hyde Park Community is steeped in tradition. One of the most celebrated traditions in the life of the church is Confirmation Sunday. Not only is it a celebration for the youth and their families, it is a joyous occasion for the church family as well. We have the opportunity to welcome new members in the life of the church and affirm their profession of faith in Jesus for themselves.

The word “confirmation” literally means “to make firm.” Confirmation seeks to make firm that which has gone before. It is closely linked to, and dependent on, what has taken place in the youth’s life already, including God’s prevenient grace, the sacrament of baptism, and the Christian nurture of the family with the support of the faith community. It is also an anticipatory occasion of what is to come-acting as an important marker (not graduation) along their spiritual journeys as the Holy Spirit strengthens the youth in his or her lifelong discipleship of Jesus.

Our journey in the Christian faith is not intended to be a solo venture and the youth did not travel this part of the journey alone. Faithful leaders walked alongside them this year to encourage and challenge each student. Please join me in thanking co-leader Chuck Brandt and small group leaders Mackenzie Fahey, Gretchen and Paul Lisi, Al Painter, and Abby Warren.

Confirmation Sunday is not just for the youth and their families! Church family, this Sunday we have the privilege to honor and encourage the young people’s commitment to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ and to renew our commitment to do the same!

Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2018!

Veronica Grace Bigger

Cara Elizabeth Coy

Samantha Ellen Ellis

Sam Gneuhs

Ryan Meador

Aimee Joy Payling

Audrey Elizabeth Potter

Trevor Benjamin Stith

Bennett Taylor Turan

Noah John Vanags

Amanda M. Yeung

Emily M. Yeung