Encouragement (Page 6)
Giving Back
September 6, 2023A Note from Stephanie Dailey Dear Friends, Pastor Jon approached me a couple of months ago and asked if I would be willing to write a Letter of Encouragement for HUMC, more specifically a letter explaining why I felt called to offer my estate planning services to HUMC’s members and church-goers at a discounted rate and then donate 100% of the fees paid to the church. I was very happy to assist, but I will warn you in…
There is Enough
August 30, 2023A Note from Pastor Jon Dear Friends, This Thursday night and into Friday morning it will be time to turn the page. Like it or not, we will acknowledge that we are two-thirds of the way through this calendar year of 2023. The page turn to September, however, is an exciting one for me. The excitement is not just because my kids are all back in school either. I have always loved this time of the year. There’s…
Introducing New Director of Contemporary Music
August 16, 2023A Note from Jeff Rone Hello, HUMC family! My name is Jeff Rone (he/him), and I am the new Director of Contemporary Music. I will be working with Jody Hepp and Tony Hagood (our new accompanist!) to provide music for the 10:30 service, as well as serving as the worship leader and a member of the strategy team to help us move to weekly worship in Warehouse 839 at 11:15. I already feel incredibly honored, blessed, and downright…
Fear Not
August 9, 2023A Note from Max Andrick Hello Friends! Lakeside Institute is the name of the camp we attend as a youth group every summer. I have had the opportunity to be on staff for over ten years. This year I was given the privilege of being the chaplain for the week. The scripture of the week was Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you, I have called you by name, you are mine.” In the months preceding…
Introducing Our New Seminary Intern
August 2, 2023A Note from Rae Guthrie Hello, friends! My name is Rae Guthrie (they/she) — some of you may have seen me or met me in worship over the last few weeks, and if you haven’t, I look forward to meeting you! At the end of August, I will begin my third year of theological studies at Methodist Theological School in Ohio (MTSO), pursuing both a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Social Justice. This semester…
Fast Forward, In Reverse
July 26, 2023A Note from John Hoffman Dear Friends, Pastor Jon asked me to share some information about myself. He said it would be good for you to know a little about me while I attempt to fill the gaps during Pastor April’s Renewal Leave. The first thing to know is that I am not comfortable sharing things about myself. I’m not an introvert, just private… avoiding attention, working behind the curtain rather than under the spotlight. What follows is…
Every Little Thing Gonna Be Alright
July 19, 2023A Note from Pastor Jon Dear Friends, Every little thing’s gonna be alright… As I write this Letter of Encouragement, it’s been just a little over 72 hours since Pastor April has headed off for her 16 weeks of renewal leave from Hilliard UMC. As the days drew closer to her departure, I could feel the tension building in my body as I was acknowledging to myself that I was about to take the reins for this 16-week…
Space
July 5, 2023A Note from Pastor April Dear Friends, Space. As I listen to people talk about what they are going through, I hear this consistent longing. More space. They may not always use this word, but it’s there under the surface. “I can’t wait for some time away from work.” “I’m waking up exhausted each day.” “I haven’t had time to myself in weeks.” “I just wish I had more time with the people I care about most.” More…
Look Lovingly
June 28, 2023A Note from Stephanie HarrellLook Lovingly Dear Friends, As one of your delegates to Annual Conference, I attended my first conference in early June. I didn’t have expectations, though I’d previously seen part of worship and music from other conferences. How would voting be done? What speeches and questions would surface before a vote? Who would speak and what would be their topics? Who would preach? I’m happy to chat with anyone about my Annual Conference experience and…
Pride, Prejudice, & Pronouns
June 21, 2023A Note from Pastor April Dear Friends, I remember the first few times I heard people introduce themselves and include their gender-related pronouns. “My name is Greg and I use he/him pronouns.” I was confused. Why was he stating something that (in my mind) appeared to be obvious? Shortly after, I began to see friends introducing themselves with pronouns I was less familiar with. “I’m Jane and I use they/them pronouns.” Now, my English grammar lessons from school…
Releasing the Outcome
Releasing the Outcome June 14, 2023A Note from Pastor April Dear Friends, I might have preached a sermon on Releasing the Outcome on Sunday, but this doesn’t mean that I’m good at it. A couple of years ago, we introduced you to the Palms Up Path, through my good friend and colleague the Rev. Jenny Smith. It’s four easy-to-understand steps around how we seek to live our lives with God. Show UpPay AttentionCooperate with GodRelease the Outcome I’m not suggesting…
Grief & Hope
June 7, 2023A Note from Pastor April Dear Friends, When I walked into the main hall of the Dayton Convention Center last week, I could feel the heaviness in the room. People were milling about the room trying to find a table where they could sit. Some were greeting old friends that they hadn’t seen in years. Others were sitting at the corners of the room with arms crossed, avoiding eye contact. I immediately wanted to leave. As the morning…