OCTOBER 2025

937-426-3988 / www.aleyumc.org

A Message from

Pastor Abby Lightle

From the Pastor…

Hopefully you’ve seen the letter sent by Aley’s SPRC sharing the news with you that I will be transitioning into the new role of Camp Director for Wesley Camp & Retreat Center of the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church. First, let me note that there is nothing wrong; there are no problems between myself and Pastor Laurie, or Aley UMC leadership, or elsewhere. Actually, things are so good, and there are so many good things happening at Aley UMC that it makes this transition all the more difficult. But, God. God has been moving and persistently calling me to this new thing, which will require my role at Aley UMC to change.

There have been many changes in the past 6.5 years that I’ve been at Aley: changes in the world, changes in the church, changes in my life, and changes in your lives. There have been some high highs and some low lows, but one thing I never doubted was that I was loved by Aley UMC. Whether we’ve been in a relationship for a short time or for several years, it has truly been a privilege to journey with you in this season of life. My heart overflows with thanks for each one of you and the ways we’ve journeyed in ministry together. Thank you for the grace offered, the hope inspired, and the lessons I’ve learned throughout these years. Transitions can be hard; please offer grace and patience through the upcoming months, and please lean further into the community of support here at Aley UMC.

One thing that has always stood out to me about Aley is the community and love available for those who are open to receive it. That last part is important: “for those who are open receive it.” Feeling isolated? Reach out and embrace. Frustrated? Reach out and talk. Concerned? Reach out and be open. Have questions? Reach out and ask. When we stay in our bubble, complain without asking questions or seeking solutions, don’t voice our concerns, and keep our questions to parking lot conversations, it hurts the whole (and unfortunately, I’ve seen this happen too many times at churches - and yes, a few times at Aley). I believe with my whole heart that Aley UMC can be among the best at embodying God’s community and love and help in bringing God’s kingdom to be more fully realized here on earth if the people of Aley are open to receive it. So, lean in. Talk it out. Ask the questions. Participate. Lead. Be gracious. Stay curious. Lean in to each other and lean on God.

As an ordained deacon in the UMC who will now be primarily serving outside the local church, I still must maintain a relationship with a local congregation as my charge conference (a local congregation that I am connected to and assist in leading in mission to the world when I am able); I plan on keeping Aley as my local congregation. I will still be here from time to time and occasionally participate in mission and ministry, as my schedule allows. Navigating what this new relationship with Aley UMC looks like will be a growing and learning experience for all of us. Although different, I look forward to continuing in relationship and journeying together.

For now, I leave you with these words from the Apostle Paul in what is my favorite passage of Scripture. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, so do I echo my favorite verses in my own Spirit while giving great thanks for you…

“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to [God], the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.” - Ephesians 3:14-21 (NLT)

I will continue praying for you and covet your prayers as we journey through the upcoming transitions. Regardless of my official role, my love and care for you does not change. Let’s make the most of these next few weeks together!

You Are Loved,

Pastor Abby

HAPPENING

Pastor Appreciation Month

& Farewell to Pastor Abby

October is United Methodist Pastor Appreciation Month, and Sunday, October 12, is Pastor Appreciation Day. We have the opportunity to let Pastor Laurie and Pastor Abby know how much we appreciate them and all they do for us. As a suggestion, cards and notes to them would be a nice thing to do. Maybe drawings from children in the congregation. Those are always a hit.

Hopefully, as you know by now, Pastor Abby is leaving Aley for a new ministry as the director of the Wesley Camp and Retreat Center. Her last day is October 15. We’ll be able to say farewell to her on Sunday, October 12, which is Pastor Appreciation Day, and also honor the ministry of Pastor Laurie. There will be a reception after the first service in the Hospitality Center with a basket for you to leave cards for them. Let’s overflow the basket (we won’t skimp on its size.)

Staff-Parish Relations Committee

OCTOBER SERMONS

SERMON SERIES: "FUNNIEST STORIES OF THE BIBLE"

October 5 - "That One Time Paul Preached for so Long a

Guy fell asleep..." - Pastor Laurie

October 12 - "That One Time Elijah Mocked the Prophets

of Baal" - Pastor Abby

October 21 - "That One Time Peter Knocked and No

One Answered" - Pastor Laurie

October 26 - "That One Time King Uzziah Got Leprosy"

- Pastor Laurie

Mark your calendars for St Paul's Breakfast for Saturday, October 11 at 7:30 am. It is Aley's turn once again to feed the less fortunate in the Dayton area. Please check Aley's Sign-up Genius under 'Get Involved' page for what is needed. Call/Text Susan Lehneis at 937-901-4398 or Bonnie Essex at 937-657-6279.

One Mission; Two Opportunities to Serve

Let’s continue the spirit of Aley’s recent partnering with Red Bird Mission, this time even closer to home. We will reconnect with Habitat for Humanity, this time in Dayton at the ReStore, and in New Carlisle at a new home build. Aley will be at ReStore on October 1 and October 2. Hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, with a break for lunch. On October 3 and October 4, Aley will be in New Carlisle working on a house for Charlotte, a local restaurant manager, and her 3 children, Makayla, Christopher, and Aliya. Hours are 8:30 am to 3:30 pm, with a break for lunch.

Reserve your time to serve God and serve people while enjoying the company of your fellow Aleyans at https://vhub.at/AleyUnitedMethodistChurchvolunteers. You must sign up through this site in order to sign the volunteer waivers. If you tried to sign up and had trouble, please try again! Habitat had some trouble with their sign-up page, but it should be fixed now. Thank you for your patience!

If you have any questions, please contact Beth Collins at bcollohioregn@yahoo.com.

Charitable Gifts to Aley

Do you know with the new tax bill all taxpayers can take charitable deductions even if they file using the standard deduction?

Single taxpayers filing can get a deduction of $1,000, while married taxpayers can get a deduction of $2,000. This means you can donate cash and/or appreciated securities to Aley and get a deduction. This change takes effect in 2026, NOT this year. There is no change for people who file using itemized deduction. Charitable deductions can be made in their case as in the past.

As always, consult with a tax professional if you have any questions.

Cookie Jars of Hope

Please mark your calendars for Saturday, October 25, from 10:00 am to noon to fill up 100 "Cookie Jars of Hope" for a fundraiser to support Family Promise of Greene County, providing temporary housing for displaced families as well as a number of counseling and other services for families.

Please sign up on Aley's 'Get Involved' page to volunteer to be part of an assembly-line team to fill the jars on October 25! Contact Susan Lehneis at 937-426-6255 with any questions.

Help Wanted

Would you be willing to provide meals for a meal train when needed? Can you assist with small jobs around the yard or house? Please let Dena know (caringministries@aleyumc.org) if you would be willing to help!

All Saint's Day

During worship on November 2 we will be remembering and celebrating the lives of those who have passed on this year. Please email our Administrative Assistant at aley@aleyumc.org with the names of any Aley family that have passed since October 28, 2024 to present. Please submit this information no later than October 27.

Veterans Day

In honor of Veterans Day, we would like to honor those who have served in our Military, on November 11. Please email our Administrative Assistant, at aley@aleyumc.org with pictures and names of any Aley family that has served our country in the past, not currently active duty. Please submit this information no later than November 3. Include the persons name, rank, military branch and dates of service.

Kemp Rd Clean-up Team

The Lord blessed us with a warm and dry Saturday morning on September 13 to clean up our section of Kemp Rd between the church and I-675. We were done in just under two hours, which was pretty quick since there were only six of us.

I want to thank Beth and Mike Collins, Evie and Dick Ennis, and Pam Rauch for helping me with this task. If you're sorry that you missed out on the fun, don't worry - we'll be doing this again next year with our spring clean-up, probably in April.

For more info, please contact Bill Noble at nobledesoto@ameritech.net or 937-681-8601.

Serve Sunday Recap

For Serve Sunday on August 31, we assembled 72 backpacks with supplies for St. Paul, packed 82 meals for Feeding Dayton, assembled 3 bird feeders for The Indigo in Beavercreek (memory care facility), and made 54 pocket hugs for Crayons to Classrooms for students experiencing anxiety and stress.

Serve Sundays started in November 2024 as a way to bring missions, prayer, and worship more closely together in one space and time and have continued quarterly on the 5th Sundays. In one year, we have helped 15 organizations and provided 1,172 acts of love, mission, and outreach and offered up countless prayers through the prayer stations! What a big impact we make when we come together for one purpose, thank you!

Family Ministries at Aley

Youth Ministry

YAA Wednesday’s 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm (enter door 2 and head upstairs)

YAA Sunday’s 9:40 am - 10:20 am (enter from the Narthex)

To kick off the year, YAA spent some time diving into what it means to be a sacred, authentic, and shared community of love, value, and belonging. We took a look at what “sacred,” “authentic,” and “shared” mean as well as what it feels like to experience love, value, and belonging.

“Sacred” is anything God-given, “Authentic” means genuine, not fake, and “Shared” means selfless community. When building this community, Sacred tells us where it comes from (God), Authentic tells us how to show up, and Shared reminds us who it’s for and who’s responsible. Love tells us who we are (loved by God), value tells us that we matter, and belonging tells us where we fit.

Together this is the community we’re intentionally building at YAA, and we invite all students in grades 6-12 to come experience and help build it with us.

Save the Date

YAA prepare meal for

Family Promise, Sunday November 2 at 9:40 am.

Kids' Ministry

KidsClub

Don't forget that Kidsclub is happening the 1st Sunday of the month from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Kids can bring their friends and have a good time while we participate in some themed activities.

October 5 will be Paper Bag People!

Fall Family Fun Day

Bring your family and come have fun at Tom's Maze on Sunday, October 12, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm (4881 Germantown-Liberty Rd., Germantown, OH). Fun includes conquering the corn maze, petting animals, choosing a pumpkin for our decorating contest, and supper over the fire! $5.00/person (place in the offering with family name and "Fall Family Fun Day"). Sign up here or on the ‘Get Involved’ page to join in all the fun.

Night In Bethlehem, December 14,

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm.

Family Promise Empty Bowl

Come to a heartwarming event celebrating 30 years of supporting families experiencing homelessness in our community. Receive a handcrafted bowl and sample several of the area businesses' delicious soups, breads, and desserts.

A silent auction, fellowship, and personal stories of overcoming homelessness are a wonderful part of the evening. The event is on Thursday, October 16, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Schindler Banquet Center, 1183 Tyndale Dr, Xenia, OH. $30/person; children under 5 are free.

Registration is encouraged but not required at familypromisegreeneco.org/events. Your participation directly supports the vital work of FPGC – providing shelter, resources, and hope to families striving to rebuild their lives.

Invitation to Kairos

Closing Ceremony for

CCI Weekend #12

On Sunday, October 5, Kairos weekend #12 will have its Closing Ceremony. Twenty-four residents of Chillicothe Correctional Institution will receive a Certificate of Completion for their Kairos Weekend.

More importantly, these residents will be introduced, or re-introduced to God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. They’ll hear how God continues to love them despite them being behind prison walls. They’ll hear how Jesus Christ died on the cross as a sacrifice for their sins and those of all mankind. They’ll hear that God wants them to forgive their enemies and show them love. They’ll learn God wants them to tear down those imaginary walls they’ve built to protect and isolate themselves from others.

At the closing ceremony some of the 24 residents will be selected to speak about what the Kairos Weekend meant to them. They’ll do this in front of fellow Kairos Weekend participants, volunteers, previous Kairos Weekend graduates, and others like you from outside the walls.

If you’d like to attend the Closing Ceremony, please contact any of the following for information: