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“To God Be the Glory — The Burning of Our Church Mortgage”
Beloved Church Family,
With hearts full of gratitude and praise, I am delighted to announce that our church mortgage has been paid in full. On Sunday, November 9th, during our Church Conference, we gathered to commemorate this momentous occasion with a Mortgage Burning Ceremony, a visible testimony to God’s faithfulness and the steadfast commitment of His people.
Through the sale of the church parsonage, and by God’s gracious provision, we were able to retire the remaining mortgage balance in its entirety. This achievement represents far more than the clearing of a financial obligation; it is a spiritual milestone, reflecting years of prayer, sacrifice, and faithful service from this congregation.
I extend my sincere appreciation to every member, family, and friend who has contributed through giving, prayer, and participation. Your faithfulness and love for God have made this day possible. Together, you have demonstrated what it means to labor for the Kingdom with unity of spirit and generosity of heart.
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As we celebrate this historic accomplishment, we also honor the memory of those saints who have gone on to glory. Many of them prayed earnestly and gave faithfully toward this vision, believing that one day the church would be free from debt. Though they are no longer with us, their faith continues to bear fruit, and their legacy endures in the life of this church.
The burning of the mortgage marks not an end, but a new beginning, a renewed opportunity to expand our ministries, strengthen our outreach, and serve our community in even greater ways. As we step into this new season, may we remain steadfast in our mission and ever mindful that all we accomplish is through the power and grace of God.
Indeed, we echo the words of the Psalmist:
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” — Psalm 126:3
With thanksgiving and joy,
Pastor Kilumba
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A Prayer Minister will be available at the
back corner of Dunlap Hall, for at least
15 minutes after the benediction.
Masks will be worn when requested.
Prayer Minister this week is Carol Walters
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“My sin oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
my sin, not in part, but the whole,
is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;
praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
-Horatio G. Spatford 1873
Most of you probably know these words from the hymn, “It is Well with My Soul.” You may even know the story behind them. Mr. Spatford and his family were to travel to Europe from the US but pressing business kept him from going at the last minute. He decided to send his wife and daughters ahead and would join them later.
Tragically, the ship they were on collided with another ocean liner and sank within 12 minutes. His wife was saved, but his daughters perished in the sea. Receiving the news he immediately headed for England by ship.
When he neared the scene of this tragic event, he penned these words as a faith confession that even when we don’t understand the “whys” of life, we can trust in the goodness of God to hold us, to comfort us, and to give us the strength to weather the storms of life.
“It Is Well with my Soul,” is often sung following tragic events, particularly at funerals. Today as we sang it again at Bob Traylor’s funeral service, these words from the 3rd verse especially resonated with me; My sin…not in part…but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more.”
What a glorious thought that is! To know, to have the assurance that Christ didn’t just make a partial payment for my sin, he paid my debt in full! You might even say he “paid off the mortgage” and then “burned it” freeing me from sin. Like Horatio Spatford, I too can sing, “It Is Well with My Soul.”
What about you? Do you know that assurance? Can you say with confidence, “It is well with my soul?” Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock. If you will hear my voice and open the door, I will come in. When Christ dwells within, then no matter what trials we face, we have peace that passes understanding, and joy overflowing. I hope it is so in your life.
Have a blessed week,
Dave
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We would like to invite everyone for muffins, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate in the cafe this Sunday
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The next Carry-In Fellowship Dinner
is Wednesday, November 19th
from 5:30 to 6:45 PM.
Hope to see
you there!
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Get Ready to Deck the Halls
It’s time to “deck the halls” of JWUMC! Hanging of the Greens 2025 will be on Saturday, November 29th from 10:00 a.m. till about noon.
We will be putting up Christmas trees, garland and wreaths, as well as the Christmas clings. We will also wrap the boxes to put under the Hat and Mitten Tree. New this year: we will decorate foam gingerbread men ornaments to place on some of the trees. Therefore, there are plenty of jobs for folks who prefer to sit as they work.
Following our time of decorating, we will hold our annual Chili Cook-off. Get those Crockpots ready and bring your favorite recipe to share. Remember to bring your quarters (or dollars) to vote on your favorite chili. All money collected will go to December’s Sharing Our Blessings donation.
Questions—contact Kim Hutchison
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Attention JWUMC Family,
Helena has been given the opportunity to travel with her college choir class to London, United Kingdom, and Cardiff, United Kingdom and Paris, France. They will be gone about 2 weeks. Singing in three to four cathedrals and touring the many beautiful places. Helena has over $3,800 left to raise. The school is also trying to do fundraising. We have attached how you can donate if you would like to help support her in attending a possible once-in-a-lifetime trip. Music has been an outlet of support for her and this will give her the opportunity to continue to grow. Please feel free to ask me any questions or her when she is home. She will also be willing to work to help raise her money when she is home. If you prefer Venmo, check, cash, rather than the fundraising link you may also do that.
Thank you for your time and support,
Cheryl and Helena Borden.
Questions? Contact Cheryl Borden at c.myers@fuse.net
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MTE Time
Do you like to Meet up with friends? Are you interested in Talking and getting to know others better? And last, do you like to Eat good food? If you answered, “yes” to any of these questions, then MTEs (Meet, Talk, and Eat) are for you.
We will form small groups of six to eight people who will meet for lunch or dinner three or four times in 2026 for food and fellowship. MTE groups are for couples and singles. Each group will decide whether they want to host the group in their homes or arrange to meet at a local restaurant.
Sign-up to be included in a group will begin in December. Once groups are formed, each group will schedule their first meal in January, February, or March. Going forward, groups will schedule their remaining meals in April, May, or June; July, August, or September; and October, November, or December.
Questions—contact Kim Hutchison
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November Collection for SOUL Pantry
Fruit Juice
Who doesn’t like a little fruit juice with their breakfast – tasty and healthy. Lately, the pantry has been totally out of this. Orange, apple, cranberry, grape… Please help us restock our juice section and add a little pleasure (and good health) for our clients.
Thank you for the many ways you support SOUL (Serving Others Unto the Lord.)
Who doesn’t like a little fruit juice with their breakfast – tasty and healthy. Lately, the pantry has been totally out of this. Orange, apple, cranberry, grape… Please help us restock our juice section and add a little pleasure (and good health) for our clients.
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Upcoming Duhaime Girls Concerts
Show Our Girls Some Love & Support!
On Dec. 7th, both girls have CSYO concerts back-to-back. Bella's at 2pm, Lilly's at 7pm, both will be held at Music Hall. Pick one. :) Here is the link with info on each group and what they'll be performing, tickets are $10/adult - https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/education-and-community/youth-programs/cincinnati-symphony-youth-orchestras/csyo-concerts/
Also, on Dec 6th, the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra will be collaborating once again with the West Chester Academy Ballet program presenting a mini-Nutcracker show/concert. This will be held at the Fairfield HS Performing Arts Center at 7pm. This concert is free, but they do take donations at the door to try and offset some of the cost of renting the PAC.
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Room Use and Calendar Update
If you have any questions about meetings, scheduling, or room use, please always direct them to me, christie@jwumc.com or call me at 513-825-0733.
| | Keep in mind that all of our classrooms and meeting spaces are used by a variety of people throughout the week. No one group "owns" a certain room or meeting space so we all need to remember be kind and gracious as we work together to go about the business of being the hands and feet of Jesus. | |
Reoccurring Monthly Meetings
Boy Scouts - Every Monday @ 7:00 PM - Youth Rooms
Missions - First Monday @ 1:30 PM - Rm. 8
C3* - First Monday @ 7:00 PM - Rm. 9
Creative Needles - Every Tuesday @ 9:30 AM - Rms. 11/12
Finance - First Tuesday @ 7:00 PM - Rm. 9
UWF - First Wednesday @ 10:00 AM - Rm. 9
Handbells Practice - Every Wednesday @ 6:30 PM - Rm 7
Choir Practice - Every Wednesday @ 7:30 PM - Sanctuary
JW Men’s Group - First Saturday @ 8:00 AM - Rm. 9
Wednesday Wizards Fix-It Group - Every Wednesday @10:00 AM
Stephen Ministry - 2nd and 3rd Sundays @ 6:30 PM Rms. 11/12
Staff/Parish Team - Second Tuesday @ 7:00 PM - Rm. 8
Church Council - Third Tuesday @ 7:30 PM - Rm. 8
Hospitality* - Fourth Tuesday @ 7:00 PM - Rm. 8
Pickleball - Thursdays @ 4:00 PM & Saturdays @ 10:00 AM - Gym
ELC Board - Second Monday @ 7:00 PM - Rm.9
*Meetings Vary - Check with Teams Leaders or Church Office
Thank you,
Christie Riggsby, Office Manager
"Be A Rainbow In Someone's Cloud"
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Transportation Team
We now have a group of volunteers who are willing to take our members to doctor appointments or medical procedures. If you need a ride to a medical appointment, Christie has the list of the volunteers. She would be glad to email the list to you or put a paper copy in your hanging file folder. Please try to arrange the transportation several days ahead of your appointment.
If you would be willing to be on this team, please let Christie know; and she will add you to the list of volunteers. We hope the Transportation Team will be able to assist our members who need assistance in getting to medical appointments.
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The 9:00 Sunday school class has converted half of Wesley Hall into two pickleball courts.
We have three times reserved weekly for those of you who would like to join us. We're set up for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 and Saturdays from 10:00 to noon. You need to enter by the back Wesley Hall door, and ring the doorbell if you do not have a key.
Contact Lu Anne Gerard if you have questions.
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If you have any questions about the Prayer Chain,
please contact the church office at info@jwumc.com
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