We are now worshipping in person! Join us at 11:00am if you are able. Due to recent CDC recommendations, we are requiring masks.
This week we continue the Season of Creation, a global, ecumenical series focused on care for the Earth and all the creatures who live here. On Sept. 9 the topic is "Peacemaking as Homebuilding." Local college students from UKirk Campus Ministries will join us for a conversational sermon on creation care, peacemaking with the earth, and building for a hopeful future. Worship services continue to be available by livestream on our Youtube channel or Facebook page at 11:00 am on Sunday and anytime afterward.
Join us before the service outside in the courtyard (weather permitting) or on Zoom for Encounters. We'll be experiencing an ecology-centered contemplative practice called the Earth Examen. If you're joining us from home, you may want to be outdoors using a phone or tablet for extra mobility.
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ONLINE SUNDAY LITURGY
We are offering the congregation an online order of worship each Sunday so you can follow along with ease at home, or print the bulletin in advance to have a contact-free experience of in-person worship. You can view the Bulletin here.
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A FEW WORDS FROM THE PASTOR
Dear Friends,
Some of you might be aware that I’ve been struggling for the last couple of weeks with a severe sciatica flare that has ranged from nagging discomfort to immobilizing me for several days. Pain isn’t something we like to talk about much. Why draw attention to something you’re trying to forget? Most people you talk to can’t really do anything about it. It feels like a burden on the conversation and the people around you.
And yet, when you’re in pain, it’s difficult to really focus on anything else. Your body is constantly signalling you to move - or stop moving - in particular ways. It interrupts your ability to have your full attention on whatever else is happening around you.
To some degree, I haven’t been able to avoid telling people that I’m in pain, because my body isn’t allowing me to do all the things I would normally do in the ways I would normally do them. I’ve been making calls lying on my office floor and connecting to Zoom from my couch - sorry about that unflattering angle, by the way. I’ve had to dial down on some of my work because there’s only so much you can do flat on your back. Now that I’m starting to gain a bit more mobility I still have to explain that I can’t sit through hours of meetings; I’ll be the awkward one stretching and wandering around the room every 20 minutes.
One of the things I’ve appreciated is how graciously people have accommodated my sudden limitations. It turns out that although I feel awkward and overly needy, other people don’t seem to feel that way at all. They just take it in stride and let the things that need to happen, happen.
The other thing I’ve noticed in this is how many other people have come out of the woodwork to talk about their issues with severe, recurring, and chronic pain. So many of us are dealing with pain - with continual need to consider our limitations and necessary accommodations, with constant interruptions to our focus and attention - and we seldom talk about it. But this is what it means to live in community. We are all in varying degrees of pain most of the time, whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual. We live all the time with the range of abilities and limitations of all the people around us, some of which we know, and many we don’t. The health of a community lies in how we adapt to the accommodations we know, hold gracious space for the limitations we don’t always know, and receive the support of those around us.
This is a particularly anxious time, but it’s always the right time to be gentle with one another and ourselves. As we consider how to live in community together, I invite you to reflect this week on these questions:
- What support or accommodation do you have to offer to balance someone else’s limitation?
- How might you nurture gracious space for those who are hurting but haven’t expressed it?
- What pains and limitations are part of your current reality?
- How might you receive the gracious support of others within this community?
As always, I welcome your reflections, either by email at [email protected], or anytime you’d like to make an appointment to talk, so we can hold these burdens and also make room for joy together.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Stacey
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ENCOUNTERS IS BACK!
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SEPTEMBER
During September we will complement our Season of Creation series with education sessions before worship at 9:30am. These will be available in person or on Zoom (password mapc).
Sept. 19 - An Earth Examen: together we will experience a contemplative practice focused on appreciating, praying for, and acting toward justice for a particular part of God's creation. We will meet in person in the courtyard; if you're joining from home you may want to be outdoors.
Sept. 26 - Earth Care Storytelling: we'll engage with the editors and authors from our excellent Earth care e-newsletter and learn more about how they're tending to the Earth - and how the Earth is tending to them!
Oct. 3 - Global Earth Justice Advocacy: on this final Season of Creation Sunday, which is also World Communion Sunday, we will participate with our global partners in an Earth justice advocacy campaign.
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WEEKLY PRAYER GROUP
30 OF MINUTES MEDTITATIVE PRAYER
Join friends to pray together during the week. We’re planning a time when we will meet via Zoom to have 30 minutes of quiet, reflective prayer. The focus is on thankfulness and peaceful hearts; we encourage deep breathing, silent time, ritual response and other techniques to invite contemplation. If you are interested, please indicate if one of the times listed on the Doodle Poll works for you. Want more information? Contact JoAnn Morse [email protected].
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CHURCH WORKDAY
September 25TH AND October 23
9am-Noon, please come!
We will be planting bulbs for next Spring!
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WOMAN OF THE YEAR: ELLEN MUSE-LINDEMAN
MAPC's very own Ellen Muse-Lindeman has been recognized by the Cincinnati Enquirer as one of the Women of the Year who have supported philanthropic efforts and who have improved civic life through their investment of time, energy and their belief in helping others. She is being honored for her creative and dedicated work in keeping the Kennedy Heights Arts Center open during the pandemic, allowing artists and teachers to keep working and keeping the community connected. She will be honored at The Enquirer Women of the Year luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 21, noon-1:30pm at Music Hall Ballroom.
If you want to purchase tickets ($65.00 each) at the MAPC table, please email Marlene Muse. Congratulations Ellen!!
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OPEN STACKS BOOK CLUB
The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig is the book up for discussion on October 1. Have you ever wondered what your life would have been like if you made choices other than those you made? Well, come along to the Midnight Library and discover what our protagonist learned when this very opportunity came from a life changing choice she made. Stay tuned for details of where we will meet, but definitely on Zoom. We gather at 7P.M. with discussion beginning at 7:30. If you would like to join us please contact Bill Bogdan or Nan Costello to be added to the email list. Everyone is welcome.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! - CINCINNATI SCHOLAR HOUSE
Cincinnati Scholar House and the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation have joined
forces for a delicious celebration of neighbors, creativity, & strength! There will be live music, food truck eats, and plenty of revelry. MAPC has been asked to help with set up and greeting as well as joining in the celebration. Linda Ford is looking for 6 to 8 volunteers. She already has a team of four fun folks: Bill Bogdan, Yana Keck, an Deb Carle will join Linda from 2 to 4 pm. Send Linda an email to tell her that you want to join in this fun and also support the fantastic work of the scholar House. The event itself runs from 3 to 7 pm on Saturday, October 9. Come with a full heart and an empty belly. This is an outdoor event along the 900 block of McMillan Avenue in Walnut Hills. Oh, yes! Volunteers get a free t-shirt!
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CINCINNATI RECYCLING AND REUSE HUB NEWS
There is a new one-stop recycling center in town called, The Cincinnati Recycling and Reuse Hub. They recycle all of the items that the Church currently recycles in our social hall, plus a lot more! Bill will be shutting down most of our recycling efforts and is advising folks to take most of their recyclables there. For more information about who they are and what you can recycle, visit their website.
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RINGING, SINGING, RINGING, SINGING
We have begun!
Yay, Woo Hoo! The plan is to have Handbells meet in the Social Hall from 6:15-7:15 and (at least through September, weather permitting) the Chancel Choir will meet outdoors in the Church Courtyard from 7:30-8:30 (if the weather is stormy, we'll have to mask up and come inside to the Choir room). Although the Delta Variant of the Covid Virus has thrown us a curve, at least we can get together this year and make music with cautious exuberance. So, want to have some fun making music together?! I do!! Contact Chris Miller, Director of Music Ministry at MAPC and/or just show up on Thursday nights. All singers and ringers are welcome!
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CONNECTOR ART GALLERY NEWS
Craig Britton, Painting Exhibit September - December
“Flowers are a jumping off point for me and a perfect vehicle for pushing paint toward a new point of departure. I don’t want to replicate the tried and true, I want to discover somewhere new.” Craig Britton, Cincinnati Artist
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BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
On Oct. 2 at 2pm we will be blessing our furry, finned, and feathered friends in the courtyard behind the church. Bring your animal companion, or if they don't travel so well, a picture or other memento. We will also have photographers on hand to capture special moments with our pets. Stay tuned for more details forthcoming!
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Upcoming Dates and Activities on the
Road to Abolishing the Death Penalty in Ohio
October 5 and 12: Lobby Training Days; October 8-17: Designated as Death Penalty Abolition Week; October 10: Abolition Sunday; October 12: Special public event to be held at Xavier University promoting Abolition Week; October 19: Virtual Lobby Day: Folks will be lobbying members of the State Legislature telling them why they believe the death penalty should be repealed in Ohio. This day marks 40 years since Ohio enacted the current death penalty statute. Members of the State Legislature returned to work following their summer recess. The Senate Judiciary Committee held 2 hearings on SB 103, calling for the repeal of the death penalty in Ohio, before they adjourned. The House Criminal Justice Committee held the first hearing on HB 183, calling for the repeal of the death penalty in Ohio, before they adjourned. That hearing was from the Sponsors of the bill. There will be 2 more hearings, as has been done in the Senate. A recent poll in Ohio by the Tarrance Group found that 59% of those surveyed support replacing the death penalty with life without the possibility of parole. If you have questions or would like more information on any of these events contact Patty Muhleman.
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MAPC SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES |
11 – Ray & Madelynn Matlock
12 – Bill Stiver & Kathy Downey
14- Sara & Dan Bick
17 – Sequoia & Sandy Powers-Griffin
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1 Michael Harper
2 Robert Guaderrama
Stacey Midge
5 Mikaela Elliott
Linda Ford
Seneca Steinert
7 Jane Hopewell
12 Stuart Bick
15 Stephanie Marston
16 Paul Gibby
Jean Snyder
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17 Brian Tansey
19 Martin Collins
Mark Ernst
20 Quinn Ernst
22 Susan Thomas
23 Adeline Conner
Teegan Ernst
25 Tom Wetzel
26 Randy Bailey
27 Bo Miller
30 Gina Armstrong
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Ohio Death Row Inmates with September Birthdays
Cards have been sent to the following inmates. (Remembering Jesus’ words, “I was in prison and you visited me”, please, take time to read the list and offer a prayer for each of them.) David Braden, Charles, Maxwell, Ashford Thompson, Anthony Kirkland, John Stumpf, Osraye Jones, Hersie Wesson, Melvin Bonnell, Lawrence Landrum, Shawn Ford, David Martin, Jonathan Monroe
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If you want to see something on the prayer list,
and note how long it should remain on the list.
- MAPC acknowledges the death of Jan Gallagher on Sept. 19, 2020, and Ruth Rosevear on September 27, 2013.
- Debbie Ramey asks for prayers and healing for niece Melinda Higgins whose partner Scott Hand, passed away recently.
- Daniel Addai asks for prayers for healing.
- Prayer's for Susan Ingmire's mother, Marlene, and for her brother, Steve. Also prayers for Susan and Lynn as they travel on an extended vacation.
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Prayers for the family of Mary and John Pennycuff. Mary (former MAPC music staff) passed away in September. Her husband, John, passed away on July 31, 2021
- Prayers for Frank Burdick who has been diagnosed with cancer and is in treatment. Emails, texts, and cards are most appreciated at this time rather than calls.
- Diane Myers’ mother, Jeanette Longworth, recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer. Requesting prayers for healing and a gentle path.
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MAPC OFFICERS
The Session is: Sara Bick, Eric Burgmann, Sandee Ernst, Amy Grady, Jeanna Lawson, Julia Malkin, Marlene Muse, Sequoia Powers-Griffin, Sara Renner, Dave Simon, Pete Tuff, and Susan Thomas. Faye Burdick, stated clerk.
The Deacons Board is: Elizabeth Marsh Singh and Mark Schuller, co-moderators, Linda Vaccariello, Earl Apel, Heather Graden, Bonnie Bohn, Rick Sowash, Patty Muhlemann, Rob Biddinger, Deb Carle, and Dale Didier.
The committees of the church (and their chairs/Session liaisons) are:
Operations - Eric Burgman
Finance and Stewardship - Sara Bick, Susan Ingmire
Worship - Van Ackerman, Julie Malkin
Education and Spiritual Nurture - Sara Renner
Justice-Seeking - Linda Ford, Sequoia Powers-Griffin
Congregational Engagement - Elizabeth Marsh-Singh, Sandee Ernst
Outreach - Lynn Hailey, Marlene Muse
Personnel - Jeana Lawson, David Simon
Nominations - Pete Tuff, Amy Grady
Earth Care Leadership Team
Please contact any of these people or Stacey or Rebekah if you have questions about the Session, Deacons, or Committees of MAPC!
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MAPC HAPPENINGS!
All gatherings and worship services are virtual unless otherwise noted.
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Sunday, September 19
9:30 Encounters, Zoom
12:00 Personnel Committee, Conf Room
2-6 BPI Programming, Geier Room
6-8:30 Brass Fellowship Rehearsal, Sanctuary
Tuesday, September 21
9:30 AM Preacher Bible Study, Geier Room
Wednesday, September 22
11:00 Staff Meeting
7:00 Session, Zoom
Thursday, September 23
6:15-7:15 Handbells, Social Hall
7:30-8:30 Choir, Courtyard
Saturday, September 25
9-12 Workday, Outside
Sunday, September 26
9:30 Encounters, Zoom
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DONATE ONLINE
Now you can participate in the mission and ministry of Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church through convenient online giving! Scan the QR code with the camera on your phone and it will bring you directly to our donation website. Thank you for your generous support.
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MAPC ONLINE DIRECTORY
Updated as of July 2021
You can find the online version here. Please pass any updates on to Nori!
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OFFICE AND PASTORAL COVERAGE
At least one of the pastors is normally "on call" every day. Stacey is off on Mondays and can be reached the rest of the week at 518-533-8000 or [email protected]. Rebekah is off on Fridays and can be reached at other times at 717-476-6297 or [email protected]
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IMPORTANT CONTACT INFO UPDATE
Please take note! Dan Davidson has new contact info. Should you need him for anything Church related after hours, please note the changes to his contact info. Cell is (513) 808-6010 and his email is [email protected].
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If you would like to add anything to this weekly e-newsletter, please email Nori [email protected] by Thursday morning. This includes ALL events, prayer requests, and other items of interest. If you want to see it in the e-newsletter, email it to Nori!
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