OCTOBER 2015

www.highlandsucc.org
[email protected]
937-399-7493

1910 Saint Paris Pike

Springfield, Ohio 45504-1206

From the Pastor

As you know, one of my favorite theologians is Rev. Fred McFeely Rogers, Presbyterian minister. I have
quoted him from time to time in sermons or in meetings. I find his theology straightforward and easy enough
for children to understand without discounting the feelings or intelligence of children. Yet, there is something
in his theology that speaks to adults. I became acquainted with him, not during my childhood, but during my
college years at the University of Georgia in the 1970s.
In the confusion of young adulthood as a college student living away from home, there was something comforting about watching his showeven if occasionally we made disparaging comments about the sweater, the
puppets or the voices. But in looking back, the one thing that remains are some of the relationships we
formed. Mr. Rogers said of relationships, [they are] something we all need in order to feel the fullness of life:
Its not only a sense that we belong on our planet, but also that we belong in other peoples livesthat we are
loved, loveable, and capable of loving.

Over and over, on this long strange journey Ive named life, I have found this to be true. Homeless persons
long for relationship, hungry folk long for relationship, children whatever their circumstance long for
relationship. All to often, we substitute stuffgoods or money, for relationship. While the stuff has a
place, it is no substitute. A relationship does not necessarily mean a lifetime commitment. A relationship with
another human being means to engage the person as a child of God.
Mr. Rogers also asks the following questions. Have you had people who have touched younot moved you in
order to manipulate youbut touched you inside-to-inside? To which I add, have you reached out and
touched anothernot in order to manipulate thembut really touched them inside-to-inside?
As I mentioned before the congregational meeting to call a pastor last month, in your own ways, each of you
has touched me and I am forever changed. I thank you for your calling me to be your pastor. As we continue
the pilgrimage together, let us continue to reach out to our communityGods community to show our
love for all Gods people.
Finally, Id like to invite us this month to deeply reflect on these two questions. Who has touched you in your
lifetime? Who have you touched? You may be surprised at the answers.
Peace and blessings,

Highlands Leadership
Pastors Office Hours
Monday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.12:00 noon
Rev. Avery Sledge
Wednesday
12:00 noon3:00 p.m. Pastor:
Pam Dixon, Moderator
You can reach Pastor Avery in the church office Church
Officers: Jan Kushmaul, Vice Moderator
during these hours or at 937.429.1536.
Linda Owens, Treasurer
A Safe Zone
Outside the pastors office is a sign that says,
Office Hours are Monday, Wednesday,
This is a SAFE ZONE.
You can talk about anything here. Check it out! Thursday, Friday, 9:00 a.m.12:00 noon.

Worship Helpers for OCTOBER

Greeter
Barb Korn4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Liturgist Pam Dixon...4th, 25th
Dixie Jenkins...11th
Linda Owens18th
Ushers
Judy Rude.4th, 18th, 25th
Pam Dixon...11th
Acolytes Noah Wooten...4th
Sound
Kathy Howard..4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Fellowship Lynda King...4th
Pam Dixon.11th
Barb Romaca.18th
Alta Lou Miller...25th
Serving during worship is one way of giving glory
to God and to enrich the experience of worship
for everyone. See where you can be of service.
You will be blessed!

Dont Forget the Food Cart!!

We collect food and non-perishable items for
Open Hands Free Stores food pantry. You can
help feed the hungry by dropping off items to
Highlands Church, 1910 St. Paris Pike, from
6:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Come through the front door under the covered
walkway. The grocery cart is right inside!
Community Rewards Program
For those of you who shop at Meijers, you can
help Highlands by enrolling in the
Meijers Community Rewards Program.
Applications and information are on the table in
the narthex. Applications can be made on line at
Meijer.com/rewards.
Share with family and friends!

Kids World of Springfield

KIDS WORLD of Springfield is a Christian Pre-School/Day Care with a mission of developing the whole child,
keeping the love and nurturing of children as our top priority. KIDS WORLD creates a caring, value-based
environment while providing safe boundaries and opportunities for children to grow developmentally with
structured learning activities.
Opening in 2005, ten years later, our mission is still going strong while also reaching out to the community. We have
developed a relationship with Wittenberg University and our center is a site for Psychology and Education students
who are able to observe children in all different developmental stages and conduct their Pre-School teaching
practicum in our classrooms. We also enjoy working in collaboration with Highlands United Church of Christ to
provide a Harvest Festival in the fall to our students and the community alike.
KIDS WORLD is your family away from home so give us a call and check out our wonderful pre-school/day care
program.
Krista Yost, Admin/Owner & Kelly Stewart, Owner 399-2444
*****************************************
Highlands United Church of Christ is pleased to have this high-quality pre-school/day care program in our facility.
We hear high praise from parents whose children attend.
Trustees of Highlands

Justice and Peace Wall

The wall in the narthex under the picture is being made into a Justice and
Peace Wall. The justice and peace activities that Highlands is involved in
will be displayed on a table where those entering the church can see them.

Attention! Sign-out sheet now in effect

People have needed to borrow items from the church (i.e. tables, chairs, etc.) and, until now, there
has been no way to keep track of those items. It is possible that some of our chairs have been
borrowed and not yet returned. If anyone finds they have white folding chairs at home, please
bring them back. When you need to borrow items from the church, please sign the form in the
secretarys office so we know where church items are located. We wish to continue to help out and
appreciate your help in keeping track of church property! Thank you!
Board of Trustees

Box Tops & Labels collected for Oesterlen Services for Youth
A number of organizations collect BOX TOPS and food labels to raise funds for their non-profit
agencies. Highlands received a plea from Oesterlen and we have responded. If you would like to
help, a list of the items that are being collected is on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall
outside the kitchen window. A can is located on the table in the narthex to place the box tops and
labels. When we have collected a number of them, we will take them to Oesterlen.

Items for Interfaith Hospitality Network are being collected

Some of the members of Highlands Church are collecting items for Interfaith Hospitality
Network. We have a box in the narthex if you wish to join us in this effort.
Once we have several items, we will take them to IHN.
Here are a few things needed:
Hygiene products, household products, health care products, such as band-aids, over the counter
pain relievers etc. A complete list is located on the Community News bulletin board.

Your Help Is Still Needed

Rest Rooms Upgraded!! Take a little time to visit the lower level and see the transformation in the rest rooms! Thank you to all who have contributed to the cost.
With the grant of $799 and contributions of over $1,000, we have just under $1,000
to go. Your donations help. Just note For the restrooms on your envelope.
Recycle at Highlands!
Paper, plastic, metal, cardboard all are collected and taken to the recycling centers
1602 W. Main St.
and between the Project Woman building and the Clark County Combined Health
District building on East Home Road.
Household hazardous waste is collected for a fee of $1.00 per pound
at the West Main Street location on the First Saturday of
April, June, August and October.
More information is posted outside the kitchen door.

We ran this article a year ago and it bears repeating from time-to-time, to remind us that there
are many items that arent foods that are STILL needed by food pantries, food banks, free stores
over and above food items. Typically the items in this area that are high demand are toiletry
items and proteins. Items that are most appreciated by homeless folks as well as folks
struggling to make ends meet include socks. When working a ministry to the homeless in
Denver, the folks who we met and talked with were most appreciative of the two pairs of plain
white athletic socks they received. Socks will become even more important as colder weather
approaches. Some items are in high demand at the food bank and you may not realize it. But,
because they arent essentials, food bank staffs dont usually ask for them. A recent survey on
Reddit.com asked volunteers what items people would be most appreciative of and the top 10
are listed below. Having worked with folks who rely on food banks in several states and in
Appalachia, I can vouch for these items which are sorely needed and greatly appreciated. ~
Pastor Avery
Items that Food Banks Need but Dont Usually Ask For

The following is reprinted from an article that appeared on Facebook recently.

1. Spices. Think about it. People who r ely on the food bank eat a lot of canned food, r ice,
oatmeal, white bread, etc. They love spices. Seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, chili powder,
cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, oregano, basil and so on.
2. Feminine Products. Can you imagine being wor r ied about affor ding these? Pads,
tampons, panty liners, etc. Recommended: Buy in bulk at Costco for donating.
3. Chocolate. People dont need it, but think about being in their shoes and how nice it would
be to be given a chocolate bar or brownie mix along with your essentials.
4. Toiletries. Gr ocer y stor es ar e gr eat about donating sur plus or unsold food, but they
have no reason to donate toilet paper, tooth paste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc. Food
stamps often dont cover these.
5. Canned meats and jerky. This isnt true of all food banks, but many struggle to give
users enough protein.
6. Crackers and tortillas. They dont spoil and everybody likes them.
7. Baby toiletries. Diaper s, baby wipes, baby for mula, baby shampoo, baby soap,
baby food, bottles, etc.
8. Soup packets. Sometimes you look at r ice, beans, instant potatoes, and cans of
vegetable and think, What do I make with this? Hearty soup is a complete meal.

9. Socks. Fr om a for mer homeless per son: Socks mean the world to you. They keep
you warm, make you feel like you have something new, and just comfort you.
10. Canned fruit other than pineapple. Food banks get a lot of pineapple donated.
Their clients love it when other kinds of fruit are available.
Of the items listed, the most commonly needed items are protein items (canned meats or
peanut butter), feminine products, baby toiletries, socks, and toiletries. All are not usually as
readily available as canned beans or pasta or cereal. If youre looking for an easy way to help
out with some of these appreciated items, pick some of these up while shopping and drop
them off in the food cart in the narthex.

Highlands Fall Sale a Big Success!!

A really big thank you to everyone who helped with the Fall Sale.
We brought in $768 in cash and contributed many items to the
Salvation Army, The Literacy Center, Goodwill, The Nearly New
Shop, and Habitat for Humanitys ReStore. We had quite a bit of
clean, quality merchandise to sell.

Thanks to all who donated, sorted, priced or otherwise

helped!

Wood Available for Free!

Wood from a tree that was cut down a number of years ago is
available at no cost to anyone who can take it away. It will need to
be split and is already well seasoned.
Call Trustees at 206 -1005 for information.

Semper Fidelis Womens Group

Its that time again!
Mark your calendars for the following dates:

Also coming up (We are serving meals):

Tuesday,
Monday,

October 27,
November 2

ABW
DKG

7:00 pm
6:00pm

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call 937-399-7493 and ask to have
your name removed from the Outreach newsletter mailing list.

.Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 3 at 10:30 am

Pastor Avery will offer Blessing of the Animals for our furry,
spiky, slimy, feathery, great and small pets, in the picnic shelter behind the church. Please ensure your furry baby is safely secured by
a leash or other means. All are welcomeeven if you are not currently owned by a pet!

Open House
Pastor Avery cordially invites you to an open house
to celebrate the next chapter of our journey together.
October 10, 2015
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
829 Vernis Drive
Beavercreek Ohio
Come when you can, leave when you must.
Taize Prayer Service for Hope and Justice in the World
October 11, 2015 5:00 p.m.
Taize worship is a participatory prayer service to achieve a contemplative state
through song, prayer and silence. The songs are short and are repeated to give a
meditative character. Using few words, the songs express a basic reality of
faith. Taize worship also includes communion, which is open to all.

FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2015
12:30 PM2:30 PM
Hot dogs, chips, beverages, cookie decorating, picture taking with
costumes, pumpkin decorating, games, candy, and crafts!!

Children of all ages from Springfield and Clark county are welcome!

LGBTQ Youth Information

An LGBTQ youth group has been formed which meets at First UCC
Springfield. This group provides a safe place for LGBTQ youth.
Contact Sheryl Witt at 937.926.6826 for meeting times or to volunteer.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and bisexual, transgender,
questioning, and allies, meet the 4th Tuesday of every month at 7pm at Messiah
Lutheran Church, 1013 E. Lawn Avenue, Urbana.
The Dayton PFLAG Chapter meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at
7:00 p.m. at Harmony Creek Church, 5280 Bigger Road, Kettering.

Mon

27

25
Adult Discussion 9:30 am
10:30 am
Worship
10:45 am
Children
11:30 am
Fellowship
8:00 pm
AA

26

20

18
19
Adult Discussion 9:30 am
10:30 am
Worship
10:45 am
Children
11:30 am
Fellowship
12:00 pm
Council
8:00 pm
AA

11Adult Disc
Worship
Children
Trustees
Fellowship
TAIZE
AA
13

Tue

9:30 am 12
10:30 am
10:45 am
12:00 pm
11:30 am
5:00 pm
8:00 pm

4
5
Adult Discussion 9:30 am
10:30 am
Worship
10:45 am
Children
11:30 am
Fellowship
12:00 pm
Diaconate
8:00 pm
AA

Sun

2015

28

21

14

Wed

29

22

15

30

23

16

Fri

Thu

31
Fall Harvest
Festival
12:30-2:30

24

17

10
Open House at
Pastor Averys
2-4

3
Blessing of the
Animals
1030 am

Sat

Highlands United Church of Christ

1910 Saint Paris Pike
Springfield, Ohio 45504
www.highlandsucc.org

Return Service Requested

Highlands Open and Affirming Statement

The worshipping family within the faith community of Highlands United Church of Christ believes in
Christ's gospel of unconditional love. We joyfully welcome into full participation, membership, and
leadership of this congregation persons of every race, language, age, gender identity and expression,
sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, economic or marital status, and faith background. We
affirm and celebrate all loving, committed relationships affirming that all families defined by love are
blessed."
Adopted by the congregation January 13, 2013

Mission Statement
Our Mission is to be the loving heart and healing hands of God in the world;
we are a welcoming community of faith, seeking to accompany and support all
on their journey to Christ, and bearing authentic witness of Gods inclusive love
as proclaimed through Jesus.

Highlands United Church of Christ, is called by God

To open doors for all who seek a safe place for their spiritual journey
To extend extravagant hospitality
To set an open table for all who hunger
To provide sanctuary for all who seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing
To do justice and pursue peace