Brecon Connection

The mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
February/March 2014 Volume 16, Issue 1

BRECON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Inside this issue:

Pastors Message
1 2 2 2 3 3 3

Pastors Message February Sermons Church Conference Mitten Tree Christian Sympathy The Journey March Sermons

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, "Take and eat. This is my body. Matthew 26:26 The scripture from Matthew 26:26 is the framework for our Holy Communion liturgy and also for themes for Annual Conference 2013 and the next three years in the West Ohio Conference. The four primary action verbs in the scripture are took, blessed, broke, and gave. The Annual Conference theme for 2014 is blessed. Henri Nouwen, a Dutch priest, focused on these four verbs as metaphors for our lives serving Christ. We are all chosen (taken), blessed, broken, and given to the world for service and ministry in the name of Jesus, sharing Gods healing love with others. One of my seminary assignments was to write about my own life in light of the themes of chosen, blessed, broken, and given, reflecting on how God has chosen me, blessed me, broken me, and given me in ministry to the world. As I thought about my life in light of these themes, I recognized the ways in which I was chosen, blessed, broken, and givenknowing that I was chosen and loved in my family as a child, blessed" by ongoing love, support, and opportunities growing up, broken" sometimes at the hands of others, and shaped to be given" to the world in service and ministry. Brecon United Methodist Church also has a life story that can be viewed through this same lens. Founded in 1875 in the community that was then called Bethel, Brecon was chosen" by God for ministry to the growing farming community in this area. The local church was a place of worship and also a community center. Brecon was "blessed for many years of fruitful ministry in this area, continuing to be a beacon of Gods light for the local and global community. Many children were baptized here, families have been served through Samaritans Closet, rummage sales, Christmas plays, Whiz Kids, Vacation Bible Camps, Live Free, and other ministries too numerous to count. As we move into this season of diminishing finances and preparing for a congregational vote on merging, we might consider this to be a season of being broken." Just as Jesus broke the bread and allowed his body to be broken in order to be given for others, so we, too, can take heart that even though a time of brokenness does not feel good right now, God can use this brokenness for good God can use this brokenness in new ways to serve the local community. Merging with a larger, healthier church will allow Brecon UMC to once again be a beacon of Gods light for the local and global community. New ministries and outreach activities for serving the community can be born so that Brecon UMC can be given for others. What ways can you think of the lifecycle and ministries of Brecon UMC in the context of chosen, blessed, broken, and given? Lets be sure to celebrate what God has done and what God will do through the future of Brecon UMC. Soft bread in Gods hands with you,

Ohio River 3 Valley Training Finance Update UMW&Men Brecon Crafters Brecon Group Samaritans Closet Boy Scouts Mark Your Calendar Prayer Concerns Birthdays Anniversaries February Calendar March Calendar 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 6 7

Pastor Linda

February Sermon Topics

February 2Sin Is Real February 9Saving Grace February 16Can We Know Our Sins Are Forgiven? February 21Perfecting Grace

Church Conference on March 2

Recent snowy weather has emphasized the seasonal changes of life. Whether it is our own lives, the life cycle of creation, or the life of the church, change is inevitable. This past fall many of us gathered to hear Rev. Doug Johns, the Assistant to the District Superintendent, speak to us about Brecon UMCs future. One of the things he discussed was the life cycle of a church. This cycle is similar to that of a human life cycle. A poll was taken of those present, and most agreed that Brecon is in the empty nester, retirement or death phase of life. What does this mean about attributes of Brecon? According to one of Rev. Johns handouts, when a church is at this stage of life, the vision or mission of the church is lost or gone completely. Relationships are not growing or adding new people. Ministries are losing members and growing smaller. Usually there are a few who control everything in the church, and unfortunately the common emotions are despair, disappointment, fear and perhaps bitterness. The pastor is expected to be a chaplain rather than a visionary, and the focus is on the current members. Any change is met with significant resistance. All of this sounds really negative and hard to hear. There is, however, good news! For those who follow Jesus, death is not the end! As Christians, we believe in the Resurrection! We believe in life after death! Remembering this, we can withstand the depressing and

painful, knowing that God is with us throughout the changes and cycles of life. Right now we are caught in the midst of winters cold grasp, but we know with certainty that spring will arrive, to be followed by summer. On Sunday, March 2 at 11:30 am, we have a Church Conference. At this meeting, Rev. Doug Johns will lead the members of Brecon UMC in a vote about the desire or possibility of merging with a larger, healthier church. Merger does mean a death to what we know now, but it is not the end. It is a resurrection into new life. We will be taking a vote from the members who are present at the meeting. A 2/3 majority vote of members who are present at the Church Conference will take Brecon into the next phase of seeking to merge. If the vote is to merge, our District Superintendent will seek a church for us to merge with. Both churches will then vote about merging with each other. If you have any questions regarding the report from Rev. Johns or about the Church Conference, please see Pastor Linda or Pastor Beth Anne. As always, please be in prayer for the lay and pastoral leadership of Brecon UMC as we seek to follow Gods will for this time and season of life.

The Mitten Tree

Extravagant Generosity was on display again this year with the wonderful success of the Mitten Tree. Thank you to the Crafters for heading up this outreach. The 16 hats, 28 pairs of gloves/mittens and 20 scarves were delivered to a local school and the school was very thankful. In the recent weeks of very cold weather, we can be assured that the hats, gloves and scarves are being used and keeping the children warm.

March Sermon Topics

March 2John Wesleys "Means of Grace March 5Ash WednesdayWhats Lent Got to do with It? March 9Creeds of FaithCreeds in the Bible March 16Creeds of FaithNicene Creed March 23Creeds of FaithApostles Creed March 30Creeds of FaithAthanasian and Chalcedonian Creeds

Christian Sympathies
We extend our sympathies to Debbie Berta, Shannon and Emre Clark in the loss of Debbies father Richard Freeman. Cards can be sent to: 30 Jamestown Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45241.

United Methodist Women & Men

Eight women and two men gathered for lunch and fellowship on January 14, 2014. Pat Thomas and Ruth Sies were hostesses, serving ham and sweet potatoes. Lawanda Rodgers prepared a veggie dish and Jack Fitzgerald brought a pumpkin pie. It was all delicious. The minutes from the September 2013 meeting were read reporting on the various mission projects the United Methodist Women and Men have supported during the year. For a program, Ruth shared New Years traditions from various countries. Wishes for a Happy New Year were extended to all! In February, the United Methodist Women and Men will meet February 11, at noon with hostesses being Betty Lutterbei and Mickey Guiliani. The program, headed by Mary Zielinski, will be Pledging of Offerings. People with names A L please bring a vegetable; M R Dessert and; S Z Salad. Looking ahead to March: the United Methodist Women and Men will meet March 11, at noon with hostesses being Mary Zielinski and Paul Gray. People with names A L please bring a dessert; M R Salad and; S Z Vegetable. Everyone is welcome to attend!

The Journey Continues...

The Journey bible study has dived into the book of Ephesians. We are looking not only at our identity in Christ, but also going deep into the history and context of the letter. Constantly asking why? Please join us for this fun 7 week study. After we finish this study, we will begin a study on the book of Job one of the more interesting characters and books in the Bible. We'd love for you to join us. We meet in the Journey room upstairs on Thursday nights at 6:30pm for Food, Fellowship and Study. It's always a yummy potluck dinner and discussion. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Beth Anne at 513.444.6566 or just come on in and join us!

Ohio River Valley District Training Day

The 6th annual ORV District Training Day that was scheduled for Saturday, January 25th, was postponed due to inclement weather. It has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 15. If you can no longer attend on February 15, or would now be available to attend, please contact Pastor Beth Anne at 513.444.6566.

Brecon Crafters
A welcoming group who meet on the 4th Monday of every month: sewing, painting, making blankets for the sick and having lunch together.

Finance Committee Update

The Christmas Joy Offering raised $339 all of which was sent to UMCOR in support of disaster relief efforts around the world. Thank you for your generous support.

Brecon Group
A lunch group, open to all who like to try different restaurants and enjoy good fellowship. We meet once every month except Nov./Dec.

Samaritans Closet Activities

To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)

School. Proceeds from the twice-yearly Rummage Sales have also been added to the mission of the Samaritans Closet. We wish to offer Thanks for generous donations from our Boy Scout Troop 803 which held a food drive at the Sharonville Kroger store in the spring and they collected and presented food to us at their Court of Honor this Christmas. The Panera Bread Company continues to donate their overages on Wednesday night. Thanks to Abby, Melody, Kelley and Paul for transporting the bread. We are grateful for contributions from the Brecon Crafters, as well as donations from our church family, local businesses, Montgomery Community Church, relatives and friends. Also, we could not keep going without the help of our dedicated volunteers who serve at the Closet. Thank you, volunteers! Thank you to all who have given time and talents to the Samaritans Closet. We begin the New Year 2014 with gratitude to God for our many blessings!

Welcome to the New Year, 2014. Approximately 50 years ago, the women of Brecon felt a need to open up a closet to help make clothing available to the neighborhood. In the early days it was located upstairs in the church with Roberta Sies and Pauline Clutts as co-workers. It was later moved to the present building next door. Mary Long moved into the house, lived in it and kept a close eye on what went on. Mary was assisted by Betty Vandeveer and others. At some point in time, food was offered to folks who were on assistance and lived in the immediate area. When my husband died, Betty Vandeveer decided I needed something to keep me busy and signed me up as a worker. That was 15 years ago and Im still working. A wonderful group of volunteers has made this all possible! However, much has changed at the Closet as we provide for the next generation. We seek Gods will and guidance as we begin the New Year. Following is an accounting of last years activities: * 628 grocery bags of food were given to our registered clients * 579 bags of clothing sold at $2.00 per grocery bag * $61.85 worth of toys, books, games and puzzles were sold * $70.50 worth of household items found new homes * 65 pairs of shoes, at $0.50 a pair, were sold * 24 adult coats sold for $2.00 per coat * 7 children found warm coats at $0.50 per coat * $51.10 resulted from miscellaneous items * $101.32 represents donations These statistics are from the everyday activities at the Samaritans Closet. In addition, the Sharonville Womans Club adopted 2 families at Easter and provided complete meals for them. In December, 23 Christmas Baskets were provided for our regular clients and the Brecon Crafters provided baskets for 2 adopted families from Stewart Elementary

Boy Scouts
February camping will include a trip to Perfect North for skiing and tubing. Camping will depend on reasonable weather temperatures. We have 2 Scout Sunday activities scheduled. We will be here at Brecon on the 16th. We have been invited to participate with Pack 96 sponsored by St Michaels in Sharonville on the 15th. We will be receiving some new Boy Scouts transferring from Cub Scouting from both Pack 485 and Pack 96 both in Sharonville. We are looking forward to providing the Scouting experience with these youth. Camping in March will include a practice hike for those who will be going to Philmont Scout Ranch in June and July. The rest of the troop will also have a camping experience sharpening our outdoor skills. The Scouts are arranging a visit to the Sharonville Municipal Court during one of our weekly meeting in March also.

Mark Your Calendars

February 15 March 2 March 5 March 9 April 13 April 20 ORV Training Day

February Birthdays
2/4 Anne Stewart Jane Carson Betty Lutterbei Katie Loomis Lucille Coleman Ronald Zielinski Geneva Bradford Dorothy Robertson Betty Wise 2/7 2/10 2/12 2/16 2/16 2/19 2/20 2/27

Church Conference Ash Wednesday Daylight Savings Palm Sunday Easter Sunday

February Anniversaries
2/2 Herbert and Joellen Sies

Prayers & Concerns

Joyce Berry Evelyn Besco Keith Brosky Chuck Cowan James Favor Peggy Fountain Bill Gilbert Michael Gilbert Jennifer Parry Bill Robertson Kevin Schmidt Dick Schroder Harry Schueschner III Joellen Sies Phyllis Strizak Patricia Troy Owen Vonderhaar

March Birthdays
3/1 3/1 3/11 3/12 3/13 3/16 3/22 3/23 3/26 3/27 Elaine Henline Abby Moonitz George Roush Paul Gray Bob Moak Marilyn Roush Pastor Linda Troy Harry Schueschner Kevin Berry Len Troy

Brenda Bradford Donna Moak

Amy Schottmiller Mrs. Wren

** Please update the church office as prayer concerns change**

If you have someone you would like to add to the Prayer List, please email Tonya Oriol, breconumc@fuse.net.

Military Deployed to a War Zone

We are trying to keep this list as current as possible, so if you have a family member that is currently deployed please contact the church office and we will add them to the list. Thank you.

March Anniversaries
3/14 Bernard and Tonya Oriol

February 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 10am Samaritans Closet

2 3 3:45pm Whiz 9:45am Worship Kids 9:45am Childrens Sunday School 11:00 am Adult Sunday School 9 10 9:45am Worship 3:45pm Whiz 9:45am Childrens Kids Sunday School 11:00 am Adult Sunday School

4 5 10am Bowlers 7pm Choir 10am Samaritans Closet 7pm Boy Scouts

6 10am Samaritans Closet 6:30 pm Journey

7 8 11:30am Let Live 10am Samaritans meeting Closet

11 10am Bowlers 10am Samaritans Closet Noon UMW and Men 7 pm Finance 7pm Boy Scouts 18 10am Samaritans Closet 7 pm Ad Board

12 7pm Choir

13 10am Samaritans Closet 6:30 pm Journey

14 15 11:30am Let Live 10am Samaritans meeting Closet

17 16 9:45am Worship 9:45am Childrens Sunday School Presidents Day 11:00 am Adult Sunday School 24 23 9:45am Worship 3:45pm Whiz 9:45am Childrens Kids Sunday School 10 am Crafters 11:00 am Adult Sunday School

19 20 6 pm Worship 10am Samaritans Committee Closet Meeting 6:30 pm Journey 7pm Choir

21 22 11:30am Let Live 10am Samaritans meeting Closet

25 10am Samaritans

26 6 pm Visitation Meeting 7pm Choir

27 10am Samaritans Closet 6:30 pm Journey

28 11:30am Let Live meeting

March 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 10am Samaritans Closet

2 3 3:45pm Whiz 9:45am Worship Kids 9:45am Childrens Sunday School 11:00 am Adult Sunday School Church Conference 9 10 9:45am Worship 3:45pm Whiz 9:45am Childrens Kids Sunday School 11:00 am Adult Sunday School Daylight Savings 17 16 3:45pm Whiz 9:45am Worship Kids 9:45am Childrens 7 pm SPRC Sunday School 11:00 am Adult Sunday School 24 23 9:45am Worship 10 am Crafters 9:45am Childrens Sunday School 11:00 am Adult Sunday School 31 30 9:45am Worship 3:45pm Whiz 9:45am Childrens Kids Sunday School 11:00 am Adult Sunday School

4 5 10am Bowlers 7pm Ash 10am Samaritans Wednesday Closet Worship 7pm Boy Scouts

6 10am Samaritans Closet 6:30 pm Journey

7 8 11:30am Let Live 10am Samaritans meeting Closet

11 10am Bowlers 10am Samaritans Closet Noon UMW and Men 7 pm Finance 7pm Boy Scouts 18 10am Samaritans Closet 7 pm Ad Board

12 13 6 pm Worship 10am Samaritans Committee Closet Meeting 6:30 pm Journey 7pm Choir

14 15 11:30am Let Live 10am Samaritans meeting Closet

19 7pm Choir

20 10am Samaritans Closet 6:30 pm Journey

21 22 11:30am Let Live 10am Samaritans meeting Closet

25 10am Samaritans

26 6 pm Visitation Meeting 7pm Choir

27 10am Samaritans Closet 6:30 pm Journey

28 29 11:30am Let Live 10am Samaritans meeting Closet

Brecon UMC Ministry Team

Office Phone: (513) 489-7021, Fax: 489-3139 Office Email: breconumc@fuse.net Web site: www.breconumc.org Checkout Brecon UMC on Facebook Ministers: All people in the congregation. Pastor: Rev. Linda B. Troy (pastorlinda@breconumc.org) Associate Pastor: Pastor Beth Anne Crego (pastorbethanne@gmail.com) Office Administrator: Tonya Oriol (breconumc@fuse.net) Director of Music: Sunny Kim Media Team: Donna Moak, Len Troy Nursery Staff: Jeanette Byrne Administrative Board Chair: Mary Zielinksi Staff Parish Relations Chair: Abby Moonitz Trustees Chair: Finance Chair: John Crego Treasurer: Donna Moak Samaritan's Closet Chair: Ruth Sies Trustee of the Month: Bud Schottmiller (Please take any trustee/building issues to the trustee of the month)

You are invited to worship with us! Worship Service: 9:45 am Childrens Sunday School: 9:45 am Adult Sunday School: 11:00 am Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Brecon United Methodist

Phone: (513) 489-7021 E-mail: Breconumc@fuse.net Rev. Troy: pastorlinda@breconumc.org

7388 East Kemper Road Cincinnati, OH 45249

Brecon United Methodist Church Open hearts, Open minds, Open doors

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February/March 2014