MAY 2015

www.highlandsucc.org 1910 Saint Paris Pike

highlandsucc@sbcglobal.net Springfield, Ohio 45504-1206

937-399-7493

From the Pastor Have you ever wondered about the banner hanging outside our building? What do the colors mean? What is the significance of the banner being placed next to the sign that says sanctuary entrance? Why do we even have a banner at all? Rainbow flags have been used by many cultures and have a long tradition with many meanings. Many rainbow flags are based on the traditional rainbow color scheme. In many cul-tures they are symbols of diversity and inclusivenessof hope

and yearning. During the American Revolution, Thomas Paine, proposed using the rainbow flag as a symbol of neutrality, I have seen several different rainbow flags.

When I visited Cuban churches in 2012, I noticed a rainbow flag with the word PACE on it in the offices of the Fraternity of Baptists. Upon asking questions, I learned it represents the hope for peace. Since then, I also learned of the Inter-national Cooperative Alliance Movement which is a non-government movement from over 100 countries to foster cooperation through cooperatives. Additional-ly, I discovered a rainbow flag which is used by folks living in the Andes region to represent their ties to the Inca ancestors and movements that represent the in-terests of the Andean people. Finally, due to my long connection with PFLAG (the

nation's largest organization uniting people who are LGBTQ with parents, families, friends, and allies), I learned of the pride flag which is a symbol of LGBT diversity and acceptance. The colors of the flag symbolize: red (life); or-ange (healing); yellow (sunlight); green (nature); turquoise (art); blue (harmony); and violet (spirit). The flag on the church wall shows that we welcome all persons, created in Gods image, including LGBT persons. When this con-gregation voted to become Open and Affirming and to welcome and minister to all of Gods folks, the decision was made to be a visible witness in the community. I had not noticed until seeing the photo I took a year or so ago again, that the placement is perfect. Next to the sanctuary signfor that is what weare a safe space for all who may have been hurt by church; not accepted for their brokenness; or rejected because of who God created them to be. Our witness is an unpopular stand among some. Yet, I am reminded that Jesus also took unpopular stands, often associating with marginalized persons of his daythe unclean, the unholy in accordance with the law. But he came to show a new waya way of communitya way of caring for our neighborof lifting one another uprather than tearing one another down. Jesus reminds us to care for the least of these. And this is why we display the rainbow flag.

Pastors Office Hours

Monday and Thursday 9:00 a.m.12:00 noon Wednesday 12:00 noon3:00 p.m.

You can reach Pastor Avery in the church office during

those hours or at 937-429-1536.

A Safe Zone Outside the pastors office is a sign that says, This is a SAFE ZONE. You can talk

about anything here. The sign lists some of the many things you can discuss. Check it out.

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please call 937-399-7493 and ask to have your name removed from the

Outreach newsletter mailing list.

Highlands Leadership

Pastor: Rev. Avery Sledge Assistant to the Pastor: Ebony Speakes-Hall Church Officers: Pam DixonModerator Jan KushmaulVice Moderator Linda OwensTreasurer Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00 a.m.12:00 noon

Boards Change Meeting Times

The governing boards of Highlands United Church of Christ are holding their meetings on Sundays following the fellowship hour.

Diaconate meets the first Sunday Trustees meet the second Sunday Council meets the third Sunday

Worship Helpers for May Greeter Barbara Romaca 5/3 Alta Lou Miller 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31

Liturgist Dixie Jenkins 5/3 Cindy Bowen 5/10 Linda Owens 5/17 Barbara Romaca 5/24

Ushers Geneva Falkner 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31 Alta Lou Miller 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31

Sound System Kathy Howard

The sign-up sheet for worship helpers is on the table in the narthex. See where you can help; you will be glad you did. Greeting people as they enter

the church, helping them during worship, and sharing food during fellowship time makes us a

member of the body of Christ sharing Gods love with one another.

Recycle at Highlands! Paper, plastic, metal, cardboard all are collected and taken to the recycling centers 1602 W. Main St. and between the Project Woman building and the Clark County Combined

Health District building on East Home Road.

Household hazardous waste is collected for a fee of $1.00 per pound at the W. Main St. location on the first

Saturday. of April, June, August, and October. More in-formation is posted outside the kitchen door.

Dont Forget the Food Cart!!

We collect food and non-perishable items for Open Hands Free Stores food pantry.

You can help feed the hungry by dropping off

items to Highlands Church, 1910 St. Paris

Pike, between the hours of 6:00 am and 5:30 pm. Come through the front door under the covered walkway

and the grocery cart is outside the office doors

before you reach the sanctuary and the stairs

to the lower level.

LIVING THE QUESTIONS The Adult Discussion Group meets most every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Currently we have a continuing study of the Living the Questions series which explores Christianity through looking at how the Bible and our Christian life applies in the modern world. This is a video series and

each week stands on its own so no advance reading is required. Please grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa, and join us!

On May 24th, Pentecost Sunday, we will be collecting the Strengthen the Church special offering. This offering helps congregations to be church in new and exciting ways to develop new ministries. Our gifts help plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches and help to develop ministries that awaken and develop the spiritual life in youth and young adultsto help the world hear the good news that God is still speaking

On April 20th, we met with our friends from Harmony Creek Church in Kettering and with Pastors Beatriz and Gustavo, (pastors of Shema Church in Havana, Cuba). I met and became friends with them when I travelled to Cuba in 2012. The Shema congregation, like Harmony Creek and Highlands feels called to be a witness in the world, particularly with those who are pushed to the margins. We talked about many things such as Gods radical love for all persons, including LGBT persons; hunger and feeding the poor; and faith. While at Highlands, they toured our facilities and the daycare.

We provided them with a box of 76 over the counter medical items (including antacids, pain relievers, bandages, and the like) which will be much appreciated in Cuba as Shema ministers to their community. Thank you all so much for your sharing your love with other Christians!

Pastor Avery

Semper Fidelis Womens Group

Semper Fidelis served a meal in April and had a profit of $310.00 to add to church budget. We will serve another meal on April 28th.

There will be a meeting at 7:00 p.m. on May 13th in the Fellowship Hall and

lounge. Plan to attend for some conversation and fellowship. Hostess: Betty Mougey

Devotions: Cathy Vlcek

Mark your Calendars! Cancer Relay for Life

June 25h 6:00 p.m.12:00 a.m. Clark County Fairgrounds

Highlands has a team registered Luminaries can be purchased in honor or memory of someone

who has/had cancer. Forms are available on the table in the vestibule. You can give them to Betty to turn in so our team gets credit for them. We are also selling walking tacos at the

event. One more good thing Highlands is doing In our community.!

What does Highlands Stand For? One of the sentences in our Vision Statement reads Highlands United Church of Christ is called by God to provide sanctuary for all who seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing. What do we mean by that? There is so much pain in the world. Everywhere you look, people are hurting. There are many physical illnesses, injuries, diseases that afflict our bodies. We seek help from those trained to heal (doctors, nurses, therapists), but when you get right down to it, it is the body that heals and it is the power of the spirit of life that knits together the broken bone, the torn flesh, the ravished body. Science has finally come to the realization that prayer helps healing. So Highlands Church prays every Sunday and Highlands people pray every day. Pain is not limited to the physical. There is much mental and emotional pain. When a loved one dies, we grieve. When we lose a job or get turned down for the one we really wanted, we get upset. We are human beings who are still learning how to be in the world and we make mistakes. We hurt one another. We hurt ourselves. We break the bonds that tie us together in so many ways. We feel ashamed. The message Highlands broadcasts to the Springfield community is that God loves us no matter what. God created us as we are and God knows our hearts. So Highlands provides sanctuary for all, period. The picture below shows a focal point of the church sanctuary. The worship table where Holy Communion is provided, candles to bring the light of Christ into the world, the open chancel, all speak of sanctuary. The passing of the Peace of Christ, the singing of Let There Be Peace on Earth, the sharing of food and drink following worship, all add to the sense of serenity each Sunday. If you or someone you know has been hurt, is feeling lost, doesnt know where to turn, come and invite them to come with you to Highlands. If you wish to have more information about Highlands, call us at 937-399-7493.

Semper Fidelis Class Sunday May 3, 2015

Womens May Morning Breakfast 8:00 a.m. Golden Corral

1740 Bechtle Avenue

Females of all ages are invited to join in this annual event. What a wonderful

way to celebrate together the beginning of this wonderful season

that God has given us!

Ma

y 2

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The April 2015 Childrens Noisy

Collection totaled $19.00

As determined by the children of Highlands, donations have already been made to On the Rise in Clark County and The Heifer Project through Heifer International. A check has been made out to the Blanket Project through Church World Service and another will be sent to Project Jericho in Springfield. Noisy Collection is the second Sunday of each month. Next noisy collection will be May10

Box Tops & Labels collected for Oesterlen Services for Youth

A number of organizations collect BOX TOPS and food labels to raise funds for

their non-profit agencies. Highlands received a plea from Oesterlen and we have responded. If you would like to help, a list of the items that are being

collected is on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall outside the kitchen

window. A can is located on the table in the

narthex to place the box tops and labels. When we have collected a number of them, we will take them to Oesterlen.

Items for Interfaith Hospitality Network are being collected Some of the members of Highlands Church are collecting items for Interfaith Hospitality Network. We have a box in the narthex if you wish to join us in this effort. Once we have several items, we

will take them to IHN. Here are a few things needed: Hygiene, such as bath, hair, and body products. Household, such as cleaning, storage, paper,

products. Health care, such as ointment, band-aids, baby items, pain relievers, over the counter medications. A complete list is located on the Community News bulletin board in the fellowship

hall outside the kitchen window.

Clark County Fair

Save these dates!

July 2431

These are very important dates to put on your calendar! We will need all of your help to get this big job accomplished. In the next newsletter

we will be able to let you know the clean up and meat preparation dates. What a wonderful way to serve the community and help the

church with its one big money making activity, not to mention we will enjoy some wonderful fellowship time!!

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Highlands United Church of Christ 1910 Saint Paris Pike Springfield, Ohio 45504

www.highlandsucc.org

Mission Statement

Our Mission is to be the loving heart and healing hands of God in the world; we are a welcoming community of faith, seeking to accompany and support all

on their journey to Christ, and bearing authentic witness of Gods inclusive love as proclaimed through Jesus.

Highlands United Church of Christ, is called by God

To open doors for all who seek a safe place for their spiritual journey To extend extravagant hospitality To set an open table for all who hunger To provide sanctuary for all who seek forgiveness, reconciliation, and healing To do justice and pursue peace

Highlands Open and Affirming Statement

The worshipping family within the faith community of Highlands United Church of Christ believes in Christ's gospel of unconditional love. We joyfully welcome into full participation, membership, and leadership of this congregation persons of every race, language, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, economic or marital status, and faith background. We affirm and celebrate all loving, committed relationships affirming that all families defined by love are blessed." Adopted by the congregation January 13, 2013

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