Please join us this Sunday, May 2 at 10 am for our monthly VC worship gathering. We’ll sing, hear Scripture and teaching, and fellowship as a body. Once again, childcare will be provided for kids up to age 8, with a potluck immediately afterward.
Don’t forget to Sign Up for the potluck!
The following is a message from Jeremy Eyre:
VC Family,
We have a been blessed with a wonderful old building in St. Elizabeth’s…
…and caring for this building is a huge task. There is much that needs doin’. Everything from menial jobs of taking out the garbage, to larger tasks of regularly cleaning the gutters and crawling through the ceiling to replace light bulbs.
The Building Stewardship Team will be meeting to identify the immediate and future needs of the building and discuss how to best implement these needs. If you are interested in taking a more active role in caring for the building, please come.
We will be gathering at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, May 6th at St. Elizabeth’s.
If you have any questions, please contact me at facilities@vineyardcentral.com.
The following is a message from Marissa Havens:
The Wheelock family welcomed beautiful Ruby June on Friday, April 23rd. Congratulations Matthew, Amanda, Noah & Jonah! In an effort to help them during this time of transition, I would like to organize a meal schedule for them. We’ll try to cover Monday-Friday for as long as we can. If you are willing and able to help out providing a meal (or two), please email me with your available days.
Thank you for loving on their family in this way!
Marissa Havens
fh1@hotmail.com
More than four months ago, the VC congregation nominated and confirmed certain people as members of the Pastoral Council, an internally recognized group of leaders charged with stewardship of various responsibilities and visions. The community has been so patient and supportive during that time as we have tried to better define what these stewardship roles involve and how each member personally fits into those roles.
The members of the PC have each written a description of their position, with nice bulleted lists of duties, so that each role is more explicitly defined in everyone’s minds. We’d also like to use this list as a way to stay accountable to the body that we are serving, but limit a single person from taking on too many responsibilities.
You can view the descriptions on the “About” page.
If you have any questions, you could get in touch with a particular PC member, leave a comment below, or send general feedback to the communications team.
It is important to note that, while we as the VC body have managed to fill most of the originally identified areas of stewardship, we have not found a person to take leadership of St. Elizabeth’s preservation. Jeremy is doing a fantastic job with maintenance and the managerial aspects of renting the space for weddings etc., but we still need a person or persons to champion the proactive preservation that our old lady desperately needs. Get in touch if you think this is you.
As a body, we’ve long had conversations about the need (or non-need) for a formal definition of membership. Do we really need to have requirements for membership? What does that even mean? Who’s asking?? Regardless of how you answer those questions, or how you avoid answering them, it may be helpful to start somewhere. There have been so many folks involved with VC in the past, and so many different versions of contact lists, that we just don’t have any way to keep track of everyone. Please take 10 seconds and fill in this simple survey. Use your own definition of what you think “member” means for now, and we’ll deal with the rest later.
Please understand that in filling out this form, you are NOT subscribing to the email newsletter. You can do that over here – it’s a different system entirely.
Peace.
If you are new to VC or have been around a while but would like to learn more about the history of VC, our values, and get more connected to this community – we want to hear from YOU! In just a few weeks VC will host a Newcomer Orientation for anyone who would like to attend. Please email us at newcomer@vineyardcentral.com and we’ll send you the details.
Here’s a quick heads-up on some great upcoming events in and around VC:
Sacred Seasons: An Art Show (link)
at the Speckled Bird Cafe
Friday, April 23, 6:00-9:30pm
This weekend only – Come view the artwork of Laura McNeel and fellowship with folks from the neighborhood. All pieces will be for sale with proceeds going to benefit Laura’s upcoming trip to the Northeast to live and learn the art of organic farming. All are welcome!
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Poetry + Art: A Gathering (link)
at the Speckled Bird Cafe
Sunday, April 25, 7:30-9:30pm
Come and listen to poets Joanna Vance and Nathan Swartzendruber read from their work. Please join us! Superb coffee and other delectables will be provided.
(This event is co-sponsored by the Speckled Bird and 1801 Mills.)
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Let’s Meet Snoopy: June 5th, 3pm-5pm
We are excited to have a special guest with us. Arrangements have been made for the world’s most popular beagle, Snoopy, to visit our church and spend time with families in the community. Admission is free, but there will face painting, games, food and drinks available with proceeds going to the restoration of St. E’s.
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VC Block Party: June 22nd, 1:30 – 3:30pm
You are cordially invited to an afternoon of FREE entertainment and fun activities for the entire family. 500 hotdogs to be given away! FREE popcorn, snow cones, bottled water, and several games with cool prizes. Kids can jump in the MoonBounce and a DJ will be playing great music. Parents can even register to win a FREE microwave.
We’re looking for a few more volunteers. If you are interested in helping with either of these last two events, please contact Christiane at Cantwait2surf@hotmail.com
Original Post Here. To get these discounted slots, we had to pay the YMCA for all of them upfront, and we have to resell all of the slots to our members just to break even. Please consider taking advantage of this discount!
The local Norwood YMCA has been offering discounted memberships to 30 VC members for several years. There are still at least 6 openings left for 2010. The cost is $150 per person for the year. This is only $12.50 per month. (As opposed to the usual $56/ month plus $125 joining fee).
Membership includes:
Payment can be made in full right away (the sooner the better since it’s already March April) or in two payments of $75.
If you are interested in one or several memberships, please email Beth Reed ASAP. For other ways to get in touch, email the communications team.
You can also check out the YMCA website.
PASTORAL COUNCIL MEETING
March 28, 2010
Present: Jeremy Eyre, Dave Nixon, Mandy McLaughlin, Sarah Ross, Janet McNeel, Christiane Sears, Owen Brock, and Josh Hanauer.
Meeting led by Josh Hanauer.
Brief updates shared by each member.
Mandy (Communications) – Reports 172 people are on the VC email list (about 50% regularly open the message). Recent addition of the PC minutes on website was most popular page. Plan to encourage joining email list.
Christiane (Orientation) – Kenny Havens has stepped down from co-leadership of this area. Christiane is in the process of setting specific dates when the orientation group will be offered.
Dave (Pastor – Internal Focus) – Has been working on House Church Handbook. Also plans to offer opportunity for 15 weeks of discipleship teaching on Sunday evenings – venue will be either Speckled Bird (or possibly 1801 Mills). To start this on April 25 and continue until early August, then break for few weeks, resuming next 15 weeks (repeated topics) in late August and run until December.
Sarah (Finance) – Stewardship Committee is going to meet in next 1-2 weeks, looking at ways to strengthen financial status.
Jeremy (Facilities) – Two house churches have taken on room remodeling/improvement Projects. Mills HC is doing children’s room; Hearth has selected room at front left (formerly S. Brock’s area). Planning to set up yearly maintenance schedule for St. E’s.
Considering fundraising concert with local group for the fall.
Janet (Admin/Support) – Assisting Dave in reviewing HC Handbook and planning for discipleship group meetings. Has reviewed bylaws and will assist Bd. of Trustees with revisions. Trying to be informed in all areas and available to help as needed.
Josh (Pastor – External Focus) – Shared that he has recently sold his home in Cheviot and will soon relocate to Norwood. Will involve two moves due to timing—first move to Speckled Bird apartment on April 30 and second move into newly acquired home on Spencer Ave. on May 27. (Side note: Jill and Jonathan Hicks have recently moved to Red River Gorge area). Josh has attended meetings of the Cincinnati Faith and Justice Group. There will be a workshop/conference soon on April 30 and May 1st at the First Christian Assembly Church. Topic is Re:Discovering Biblical Justice with special speaker coming to present. More information will be shared soon.
Easter update – Hispanic mass will not be happening. Attempts to reconnect with individual at Su Casa have largely been difficult, not as warmly received. Decision has been made to look for other ways to extend outreach to our Hispanic neighbors.
Josh has been working on a mission idea/project which will involve selecting a school in South America that does not have a library. Plan will be to fill a large shipping container with books and sent this to the school (e.g. children’s books available in Spanish to be purchased — available fairly inexpensively).
AGENDA (Reviewed by group, all but one selected by voting)
1) Way to Present Items to PC in the Future
Josh has recommended book Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott, will start using format suggested there, members complete form beforehand and share via email or bring to next meeting with information filled in. Josh will put this form on Google Wave.
2) Who is a Member/Who is a Friend of VC
Owen explained how this issue arose a few months ago when this PC model was implemented. Discussion followed regarding how various other churches address the matter of membership and what if any of those elements would be valuable to consider. General consensus is that this is a very important topic and that membership needs to be delineated in some manner. Owen volunteered to complete form referenced above as a way to capitalize on important aspects. He will bring this to next PC meeting.
3) Hospitality Committee
Unable to discuss due to PC member not present today.
4) Building Issues
—Maintenance
—Renovation
—Need to remove this from responsibility of either pastor
—There had been a committee looking at options. Options such as selling, retaining ownership but involving another entity (leasing?), tearing down bldg. and rebuilding.
—Wedding business and how this would be related to building needs to be clarified (This item generated discussion as to status—Owen and Dave and Greg will discuss this as Board of Trustees, will meet soon).
Mention was made of need to catalog what is going on at VC. Mandy will explore and together with Sam determine how to present this on the website with brief sentences and photos.
Josh gave an update about Norwood Rugby and his goal to have volunteers (at least 6-10) involved in tutoring (Rugby players must maintain 3.0 grade point average). This rugby will be co-ed. It will be primarily through Norwood Middle School. Will be 6 week long program probably in the summer. The tutoring relationship will continue throughout the year. This is flag rugby (noncontact). PC gave support to Josh to continue his involvement as a outreach ministry for VC.
Dave mentioned that the Regional Conference for Vineyard Churches will take place in Columbus, Ohio, May 11-14 if anyone is interested in attending.
Next meeting of Pastoral Council will be Sunday, May 2 from 1:00 – 4:00 (at Tilden Ave. – Brocks’ home).
To whom and to what have we actually committed when we say yes to following Jesus? What are the non-negotiables of allegiance to Christ and how do we express our faith? What are the attitudes of mind and concrete behaviors that distinguish Christian community other communities?
If you wrestle with these questions or simply want to understand better what discipleship is all about, please join us for a 15-week series beginning May 2nd, from 6-8pm, that will cover the following themes among others:
simplicity: the radical root
community: the new and prophetic society
prayer: the primary grammar
forgiveness & reconciliation: living in the generosity of God
servanthood: the level playing field
non-violence: the War of the Lamb
the least and the last: minding the margins of life
This 15-week series would be especially ideal for those who are newer Christians, but we’re not checking I.D. at the door. Come one, come all. If you have any specific questions you’d like answered before committing, please contact me (Dave Nixon) at: dave.vineyardcentral@gmail.com
Peace to you,
Dave Nixon
VC Kids and adults trip to the Sawyer Point Earth Day *Admission is FREE
April 17 11:30 a – 3 p (half hour drive each way, caravan from St E’s starting at 11:30 a.m. Departing from Sawyer Point whenever you like.)
Bring a bagged lunch and drinks or some will be available for purchase at the ED celebration.
Earth Day Celebration activities this year will include: exhibitors with hands-on displays representing environmental groups, government agencies and businesses; Rock-Climbing Wall, Kayak Paddle Safety Pool, ORSANCO’s aquarium; baby animals from Farmer Frank’s Sunrock Farms; Mother Earth and story telling; an environmental puppet show; a children’s fashion show with creations made with recycled material; entertainment from local bands throughout the day, and the 1st annual Planet Protector Parade where young ones can create their very own 40th Earth Day flag, and much, much more.
Please RSVP to Steve Novotni at stevenovotni@yahoo.com. This is for families or adults without kids. I think it would be nice to bring kids whose parents cannot attend if possible. Beck and I have room for one such well-behaved passenger.
A message from Mills House Church:
Our house church is finishing our project of sprucing up the kid’s room in the next couple weeks, and we would love to add to the current toy collection. We’ll be putting together a large shelf on Wednesday, April 28 and hopefully filling it with toys. We wanted to put the call out to the community to see if anyone had any new or gently used toys or books on hand they’d like to donate to help make the space extra fun for our little ones.
This probably goes without saying, but if you have toys to share, please make sure that they are non choke-able, don’t have lead paint, fleas, bed bugs (no donations from a thrift store without sterilization), nothing plush, like stuffed animals.
Ideal toys would have few parts and be easy to clean, hard plastic or wood and have few or no removable parts. Think about what you might find at a pre-school or children’s museum. Examples might be stack and nest blocks, dump trucks, a telephone that is all one piece, a cash register without removable parts, musical instruments, moving gear sets that are attached to a base, baby dolls that are solid plastic, a play cube/ bead maze, a magna doodle, puzzles with only 4 or five large pieces.
Please email Elizabeth to make arrangements for donated toys before April 25.
Your input is desired! The team that plans the monthly Sunday gatherings will be meeting Monday the 19th at 7pm in the classroom building. If you would like to help with these services, please join us. If you would like to help but can’t make the meeting, please email gatherings@vineyardcentral.com. Thanks!