August 2026 G.I.F.T.

Great Inspiration for Thought

A message from the Pastor

A Community Coming Together for Cadiz

United Methodist churches across the East Ohio conference are collecting funds and supplies to support Cadiz, Ohio, during its drinking water crisis caused by excess manganese.

The response to the need for clean water in Cadiz has been overwhelming. Joy Snyder shared that United Methodist churches, other faith communities, businesses, and individuals have all stepped forward to help provide water for our neighbors in need. Even a Vacation Bible School chose collecting water bottles as their mission project!

Because donations have been so generous, Scott Memorial UMC’s storage space is nearly full, and they are asking supporters to consider making financial gifts instead. These donations will allow their trustees to purchase water as space becomes available and the need continues.

If you would like to help, please make checks payable to:

Scott Memorial UMC

Memo: Cadiz Water

Mail to:

Scott Memorial UMC

PO Box 155

Cadiz, OH 43907

Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Through your support, God’s love is being shared with our neighbors during a time of great need.

Bishop Jung's Visit to Hudson UMC

We are delighted to share that Bishop Hee-Soo Jung will be visiting Hudson United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 19, at approximately 9:00 a.m. as part of his tour of churches throughout the Northern Waters District.



Bishop Jung will begin his visit with a time of prayer at the altar, followed by a brief opportunity to greet and converse with members of our congregation. This is a meaningful opportunity to welcome our bishop, hear from him, and share in this special moment together.

We hope you'll join us in extending a warm Hudson UMC welcome! Whether you're able to stay for just a few minutes or longer, we'd love to have you there.

Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 19, at 9:00 a.m. We look forward to seeing you as we welcome Bishop Jung to our church.

Acme Community Cash Back

The Acme Community Cash Back program is starting again. It will run from 8/1/26 until 2/15/27. Save your Acme receipts from between those dates and put them in the green bin by the pastor's office. We will get back 5% of the cash back total to use toward missions! It's simple and it's free! For any questions please contact s1bernert@aol.com. 

From Elizabeth Goodin, Director of Family Ministries

contact: familyministries@hudsonumc.com

What Happens in a Faith Lab?



As some of you may know, in my previous life B.C. (before children), I worked as a laboratory technologist specializing in clinical chemistry. In many ways, that work did not suit me – hence the change in career. However, I did love the precise and analytical character of my work that uncovered mysteries and told a bigger story. I still love that.

So, when I began searching for a name that captured a new vision for Confirmation—a journey where students could explore, question, and grow toward a deeper understanding of the foundations of Christian belief—one name immediately caught my attention: Faith Lab.

I took some time to list what happens in an analytical lab and identify the parallels that could shape this new Confirmation experience.

· Active investigation

· Testing ideas

· Observing

· Developing new theories/conclusions

· Searching for answers/understanding/clarity

· Learning

This list described perfectly a class experience based on embracing and welcoming questions and doubts, examination and interpretation, and thoughtful exploration – all habits of faithful curiosity and discovery that we have encouraged here at Hudson UMC.

What, then, are the foundational questions of Christianity that we wish all our confirmands to explore together in this newly conceived Faith Lab. Here is our list: Who is God? Who is Jesus? What does the Bible say? What is the Church? and finally, What does Faith look like as a Way of Life?

It’s a simple list, but these are the questions that lead us to the heart of what it means to know, trust, and follow Jesus and grow as his disciples.

For this reason, we would also like to offer Faith Lab as an option for anyone who would like to explore these questions alongside our young people. Have you ever wished for a Faith 101-type class to wrestle with questions you’ve carried and rediscover the foundations of your faith? Faith Lab is designed for you, too.

Ultimately, Faith Lab is more than a Confirmation experience—it is a reflection of the culture we are continuing to cultivate at Hudson UMC. We are becoming a community where people of all ages learn from one another, ask honest questions, build meaningful relationships, engage in thoughtful conversations, and encounter faith through shared experiences. We believe that growing as followers of Jesus happens not only through what we know, but through how we

live—being formed by God’s Word and putting that faith into practice through our words, our actions, and our love for others. Faith Lab is one expression of our ongoing journey to become a more intergenerational, welcoming, and disciple-making church.

God Bless,

Elizabeth

Watch email and the Hudson UMC website for upcoming Faith Lab details and fall start date.

Prayer Partners

For Ages 3 through 103!

Bearing each other’s burdens, celebrating each other’s wins, and growing in faith and friendship.

We are forming a network of pairs who will pray for each other throughout the year. Being a prayer partner offers a meaningful way to support someone through consistent encouragement, care, and connection with God. It deepens your own faith while building a relationship rooted in trust, compassion, and shared hope.

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything that they may ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” Matthew 18:19-20

CLICK BELOW for more information and to let us know that you’d like to participate. You’re welcome to sign up with a partner, or we’ll gladly pair you with someone!

Join Our Prayer Ministry Team!

Do you feel called to lift others up in prayer? Hudson UMC is looking for compassionate, faith-filled volunteers to join our Prayer Ministry Team!

As a team member, you will:

• Contact church members weekly by phone, text, or email to ask for their prayer requests.
• Pray throughout the week over their needs and concerns.
• Be a source of hope, support, and spiritual connection.
• Strengthen our church community through the power of prayer.

No experience needed—just a willing heart and a desire to serve! Training and guidance will be provided.

Interested? Reach out to Elizabeth or CLICK BELOW to sign up.

As students and teachers return to school and others continue in all types of “work”, we will take the time during the worship service to offer a blessing over the tools of their trade. ALL ages are invited to bring anything that is symbolic of their work and participate in a special blessing ceremony that will honor the work they do and bless the time they spend living the call on their lives.

NOTE: Backpack tags will be created as part of a Messy Church activity at the Brave Like Joshua Messy Church taking place on September 27.

Calling on the power of praying parents and grandparents! Pick up a set of these scripture-based prayer prompts to guide you in praying God’s wisdom and guidance over your children or grandchildren as they head back to school. These individual cards invite specific prayers for learning, growth, and good choices each day of their coming year. Look for sets on the cart in the hallway.

Church-Wide Prayer Support: Take a card. Pray all year!



As a new school year begins, we invite everyone to be part of a meaningful way to support the children and students of our church.

Also on the cart in the hallway, you’ll find individual Back-to-School Prayer cards, each with the name of a child or student of Hudson UMC. Take one card and commit to praying for that child throughout the school year. You can use the prayer provided or pray in your own words. Keep the card somewhere visible—by your bedside, in your Bible, or on your fridge—as a simple reminder to lift them up regularly.

This small act of faith can make a lasting impact. Together, we can surround our next generation with encouragement, love, and prayer.

Breakfast and Labyrinth Walk

Saturday, August 22 at 9:00am



Meet at Panera Bread (8480 E Washington St, Auburn Corners) before proceeding to the labyrinth (16349 Chillicothe Road, Bainbridge).

ALL are welcome to walk this ancient path—an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and encounter God along the way

FALL Sunday school begins on September 20

for children and adults.

Sunday Morning Schedule:

9:30-10:30am Worship/Preschool-Gr. 5 Sunday school & choir

10:30-10:50am Coffee/Fellowship

10:50-11:50am Adult/Youth Sunday School

10:50 - 11:05a Youth Music Combo (Gr. 6-12)

11:05 - 11:50am Youth Sunday School (Gr. 6-12)

Our back-to-school theme is Brave Like Joshua, based on Joshua 1:1-9.

New school years bring new adventures—new classrooms, new teachers, new friends, and sometimes new worries. It’s normal to feel a little nervous when we don’t know what’s ahead.

Joshua knew that feeling too. After Moses, the leader the Israelites had always known, was gone, Joshua was asked to lead God’s people into a brand-new chapter. That was a big job!

But God reminded Joshua of something important: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)

God didn’t expect Joshua to have every answer or a perfect plan. God simply promised to go with him. And that promise is true for us, too. We can be brave because we never face new challenges alone—God is always with us!

OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY. INVITE A FRIEND!

The Fourth Quarter of Your Life

A 6-Week Study on Living with Purpose, Faith, and Legacy

Led by Kathy Sandberg

October 11 – November 15

7:00 – 8:30pm

Room 109

What does it mean to live the rest of your life well?

Whether you’re approaching retirement, already there, or simply looking to thoughtfully and faithfully embrace the next season of life —this group is for you. Together, we’ll explore how to live with greater intention, deepen our faith, strengthen relationships, and leave a meaningful legacy.

Based on the book, The Fourth Quarter of Your Life: Embracing What Matters Most by Allen Hunt and Matthew Kelly

In this study, you will:

• Clarify what matters most

• Grow in your relationship with God

• Strengthen important relationships

• Discover purpose for your next season

• Reflect on the legacy you want to leave

Books are available to order through Hudson UMC for $25.00. Kindle copies are also available for $9.99. To preview the book and register for the class, CLICK BELOW.

Come be part of a meaningful conversation about faith, purpose, and legacy.

Get ready to move, groove, and have some fun at our next Drum Fit class on Wednesday, August 26 at 6:30 p.m.! Drum Fit combines music, movement, and fitness for a fun workout experience that’s perfect for all ages and fitness levels.

Grab your drumsticks and join us for an evening of laughter, energy, and community.

Bring a friend and come be part of the fun! Registration and detailed information is available through the link provided below.

Continued opportunities to Join in Ministry:

Please consider prayerfully how your gifts may enhance the ministries below, and contact Elizabeth with your questions or interests in becoming involved in any of these ministry teams.  

Children’s and Youth Sunday School Leaders and Substitutes

• Build meaningful relationships with children.
• Help kids explore Bible stories and grow in faith,
• Create a welcoming place where children feel they belong.
• Make a lasting impact that reaches far beyond Sunday morning!

Whether you love teaching, playing games, creating crafts, telling stories, or simply encouraging children—you have a gift God can use. No experience necessary. Training, curriculum, and support provided.

The Hospitality Ministry Team focuses on creating a warm, welcoming experience for guests—both in person and online—by improving first impressions, accessibility, and follow-up. Our goal is to remove barriers that discourage guests and to help them take their next step, with empathy, clarity, and a spirit of welcome.

Messy Church is an all-age, inclusive worship experience focused on creativity, celebration, and hospitality—held outside traditional Sunday mornings. It engages all through crafts, games, music, storytelling, and a shared meal. The Messy Church Ministry Team continues to plan seasonal Messy Church sessions throughout the year. To learn more about Messy Church, read Embracing the Mess by Stephanie Martin.

At Hudson UMC, we value relationships that uplift and support—where discipleship grows as we journey together in faith. The Fellowship Ministry Team creates opportunities for connection, friendship, and community through a variety of gatherings.

FELLOWSHIP EVENTS:

Hudson United Women in Faith board meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 3, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. at the church. Bring your own brown bag dinner to enjoy.

SAVE THE DATE:

Attention All Ladies

The Hudson unit of the United Women in Faith (UWF) will be hosting the Northern Waters District Fall Gathering on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at HUMC. We will offer a Continental Breakfast in the Christian Activity Center (CAC) at 8:30 am and the program will begin at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary and will end by Noon. Registration is $10 and the deadline to register is September 5, 2026.



We are all women united in our desire to make a difference. Through the United Women in Faith, you will find many ways to get involved and make a positive impact. If you are curious about what is involved at the Gatherings of UWF, this would be a great opportunity to join us at the Fall Gathering. Following the Continental Breakfast, we will gather in the Sanctuary for devotions, a short business meeting, music and a program led by the UWF officers of the Northern Waters District.

Communion will also be served by Rev. Bruce Hartley.



If you are interested in attending, please contact Cheryl Gamble: cgamble1114@yahoo.com or Marcia Rais: mltorch@hotmail.com

Update on Parking Lot Repair

In March on behalf of the Leadership Board, I reported on plans to partially repave the worst 25% the full 63,000 sq ft asphalt and drive area of our parking with repair and sealing of the remainder area. To launch that work we made a funding appeal to raise the major portion of the $40,000 cost. Generous donations of $20,500 were received in the Care and Repair Fund. Before we proceed several former Trustees urged that work first be done to mitigate ground water seepage under the pavement which deteriorates the asphalt.

Since March, our Caretaker Gary Beckley lined up consultations and proposals from three contractors to address the water infiltration under pavement. Our parking lot is downhill from both the grass slope from the High School lot and an old farm pond on the neighboring residential rear lot. We concluded the need to eliminate ponding and reestablish drainage along the south and west edges of the parking pavement by a combination of French drain piping and ditching. A contractor will be doing this work scheduled in August at a cost of $10,690. We can then observe the result of that work before proceeding next year with the repaving and resealing the previously planned work. Relatedly, the week of July 20 Gary and 5 volunteers will be patching holes in parking and driveways. The Leadership Board is endeavoring the best stewardship to balance longevity and cost, managing the pavement along with other property needs.

Submitted by Tom King on behalf of the Leadership Board

HUMC Mission Ministry Team Update

The March G.I.F.T. contained an article from the HUMC Mission group thanking the congregation for their generous donations of time and money supporting the many missions we support as a church. It also described that we have renamed our group to be the “HUMC Mission Ministry Team” as we began 2026.

This article provides information on a recent change to a local mission that HUMC has supported for many years, “Feed My Sheep”. The Feed My Sheep program is an outreach in the North Hill area of Akron that has been distributing food and clothing amongst other items to area residents through Redeemer United Methodist Church (UMC). Unfortunately, Redeemer UMC was facing a significant building repair expense that was beyond the financial resources of the congregation and the District made the difficult decision to close this church. The last day of operation at Redeemer UMC was May 31, 2026.

With the closure of Redeemer, the Feed My Sheep program has been discontinued. The Mission Ministry Team met on 6/2/26 to determine how we might continue supporting our outreach efforts in the North Hill community after the closing of Redeemer. Fortunately, there is another church within a few blocks of Redeemer that serves this same community, Trinity United Church of Christ (UCC). Trinity UCC has a similar distribution program as Feed My Sheep which means we can continue to collect the same types of items for distribution to the North Hill Community through Trinity. We had already started providing the Toilet Paper needed for the Trinity distribution program in February 2026, so we will now expand the items that we donate.

The “Feed My Sheep” Mission account has been renamed “North Hill Outreach” so the designated dollars in this account continue to be used for outreach to the North Hill community of Akron. We have many different designated Mission accounts (OPEN M, Habitat, etc.), and when donations are made to a specific mission those dollars can only be used for that purpose. There is also a “General Mission” account which the Mission Ministry Team can move to any of our designated missions but which we also have flexibility to use to address an unforeseen outreach need. The group determines at our regular meetings how to disburse funds to the various missions. From a Mission Ministry Team perspective, our preference is to have larger donations made to the “General Mission” account for flexibility and speed of processing to the missional need.

We sincerely appreciate all your donations of time, talent, and treasure at HUMC. The Mission Ministry Team is grateful for your generosity and your outreach! With much appreciation.

The HUMC Mission Ministry Team

Linda Arnold, Sandy Bernert, Linda Brown, Paul Brown, Marty Hannah, John Kralik, Nancy Kralik, Colleen Padgett

Thank you, Bob Johnson, Libby and Chris Bolinger, Gordon Mann, and Tom King for volunteering May 16th. We were able to complete the garage headers and sheathing before the afternoon rain.

HUMC’s remaining three volunteer days are approaching, and we need volunteers to help build the final house in the Silver Maple Ridge Development of North Akron.

Our remaining build dates are:

· Saturday August 15th

· Thursday September 3rd

· and September 12th

If you are 18 and older and would like to volunteer from 9:00am to 3:30pm on any of the dates, please contact John Kralik at jpkralik@gmail.com. No construction skills are required.

On September 13, Hudson UMC will join hundreds of volunteers for First Serve, an annual interfaith day of service in the North Hill neighborhood of Akron. First Serve is more than a day of projects—it is an opportunity to build relationships, share God’s love, and remind one another that we are stronger when we serve together. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate as we put our faith into action and bless the North Hill community.

The annual First Serve Day of Service will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, bringing over 500 volunteers to the North Hill community in Akron.

Registration opens on August 1, 2026, via First Serve.