Our full staff meets twice a month, first and third Wednesdays. We have chosen to step out in mission on “Fifth Wednesdays.” This week we served lunch to people at the Center for Respite Care, one of our mission partners. Their ministry offers a place for persons without a residence to recover after a major hospital stay.
One man once told me after a powerful concert of a large youth choir: “We need to focus on children and youth ministry; they are the future!” While he was well-intentioned, I gently want to lift up another lens. Children and youth of any age are a valued part of our community today. Their contributions bless us now and we are thankful! We are a richer, stronger church family because they are an integral part of who we are.
I invite you to pray for and encourage all members of the church staff. Please remember those who faithfully serve our children and youth:
Sara O’Connor, our new Director of Children’s and Family Ministry. She officially became a part of the Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church staff on August 1. Please extend a warm welcome to Sara and her family. We are thankful for her leadership and passion to serve Christ with excellence.
Rebecca Homan, who has faithfully served as our Interim Director, will continue to serve on the staff as the Assistant to Children’s and Family Ministry. Under her leadership a record number of families will be attending Family Camp at the Aldersgate United Methodist Camp in Kentucky this week.
Ken Miller, our Director of Student Ministry, brought leadership to a powerful youth mission trip in late July. The group served as the hands and feet of Christ at mission sites, worshipped and prayed together, and built friendships. Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, through their efforts, even made the local television news in Lima Ohio!
We are thankful for the contributions of the church staff. This Sunday’s message, “Facing Stress,” is based on Philippians 4:4-8. Pastor Cathy Johns will preach at the Grace Campus and Pastor Doug Johns will preach at our Nast Trinity Campus. May God richly bless you and your loved ones this week!
Peace,
Pastor Cathy