“Making disciples of Jesus who transform the world.” Inside This Issue:

Pastor’s Letter……….front cover

Operation Christmas Child….2

Advent Happenings…………...4

Note from Choir Director…....5

Worship Design Letter………..7

Ministries for Children………..9

Because We Are Family……..10

Calendar…………….…………...11

415 W. Greene Street,

Piqua, Ohio 45356

(937) 773-5313

Fax (937) 773-5397

office@greenestreetumc.org

www.greenestreetumc.org

Rev. Kenneth A. Stewart

For

Electronic

Giving

The Renewing of Our Minds

During our October 11 worship gatherings I provided some research from Kelly McGonigal, a Stanford lecturer and health psychologist, who believes “stress can be our friend.” She dives into the science behind our physiological responses to stressful situations, uncovering a beautiful, God-ordained natural process with which we are born. When humans are stressed, our brains release oxytocin (the “love hormone”) which actually strengthens blood functions in and around the heart while pushing us to seek social support.

This groundbreaking science is changing the way counselors, therapists, psychologists, and other health professionals are treating clients. Rather than draft an immediate plan for stress-avoidance, many in the field are attempting to harness the body’s natural stress response, and celebrate it for the miracle it is. Stress causes your heart to pound, shortness of breath, maybe breaking out into a sweat. And normally, we interpret these physical changes as anxiety or signs that we aren't coping very well with the pressure.

But what if we viewed these responses as signs that our bodies are energized, preparing us to meet whatever challenges we are facing? This science gives new meaning to a passage of Scripture which I’ve always perceived as troubling from James 1:2-4 “My brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”

In a literal and metaphorical sense, stress gives us access to our hearts. And when we choose to view stress in this way, we're not just getting better at stress, we're actually making a profound statement. We're saying we can trust that God has given us the potential to handle life's challenges. And…we're remembering that we don't have to face them alone. How we think about stress determines the effects of stress on our lives. Could this be part of what it means to be “transformed by the renewing of our minds, so we may discern what is the will of God” (Romans 12:2)?

Again, from the words of Kelly McGonigal: “One thing we know for certain is that chasing meaning is better for our health than trying to avoid discomfort. The best way to make decisions is to go after what it is that creates meaning in life (i.e. whatever it means for us to fully love God and our neighbors), and then trust God to provide whatever we need to handle the stress that follows.”

This Thanksgiving, dare we thank God for “stress?” James seems to think so, and now we know it will actually be…good for our health!

Together with you in Christ,

Rev. Kenneth A. Stewart

Operation Christmas Child

More than 124 million children in 150 countries have received an Operation Christmas Shoebox gift from Samaritan’s Purse since 1993. Caring people around the world pack boxes with a “wow” toy (such as a doll, soccer ball with pump, or stuffed animal), school supplies, and hygiene items and send them off with prayer that God would bless a boy or girl in need. So while what goes into the box is fun, what comes out is eternal. Every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship—transforming the lives of children and their families through the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Story of Hope

Madagascar—In the island nation of Madagascar, off the southeast coast of Africa, 13 year old Jeanico lives in a broken home. His father works in a mine and is rarely around, so he and his siblings spend most of their time with a foster mother. The family has never heard of Jesus until a neighbor invited Jeanico to an Operation Christmas Child event. There he heard the Gospel, received a shoebox gift, and was invited to attend the Greatest Journey, our follow-up discipleship program for shoebox recipients.

“As I went to The Greatest Journey classes, my life was turned upside down. I am now full of joy. I became a new creature because I received a new life in Jesus,” said Jeanico.

The Shoebox collection date is November 16-23. Please pray for God to bring in more than 10 million shoeboxes this year and grant favor with authorities as they are distributed around the world.

(Information taken from Prayer Point, a prayer ministry of Samantha’s Purse.)

From Kim Smith—Word Sowers International

The Church of Vleyee Town - Vleyee Town was churchless before Victor Cole arrived. Victor is one of our trained leaders. He is unschooled,

barely able to read, and his leg is badly deformed from polio. He spent over 6 months going to them evangelizing, discipling, and rising up leaders. With Victor they have been able to start a church. We recently sent a team into the town to daub their new church building (that is packing mud into the walls of sticks and bamboo). This is their report: We arrived in Vleyee safe. We all celebrated together for the rice and supplies provided by WSL. The next morning our team, united with the church, went to work. By noon the daubing work had been completed. The church thanked WSL for making them powerful to combat against Satan. While we were resting, eating, and celebrating a hunter arrived and reported that people in the bush were arguing and making plenty of noise saying that the church in Vleyee was too strong and that they must continue to fight against it. The pastor said, “We will continue to fight against them in Jesus’ name.” The total cost for this church building was less than $75.

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Small Groups, Ministry Teams, and Committee News

From the Pantry

Thank you to all who participated in the Olde Kitchen Shoppe at this year's Christmas Market. A special thank you to Diane Collette who went above and beyond to make sure our booth was ready and a success!

Announcements will be made in the coming weeks for a special food drive around Thanksgiving. We would appreciate everyone's help in filling the pantry shelves so that we can provide for families in need during the holiday season.

Donation needs: Warm food options (i.e. soups, stews, mac n cheese, etc.). Cereal (hot or cold) is always in demand and welcomed.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Theme Basket Thank You

I would like to express a big “Theme Basket” Thank You to each and every individual who participated in many different ways to make the theme basket project this year a great success.

And also a special thank you to a group of loyal ladies who worked diligently to finish the lovely baskets. We also enjoyed great fellowship and lots of laughter.

This project takes place over many months and lots of preparation. If I were to explain all of the steps we go through to reach the end result, it would take another full page. We completed 48 baskets this year. It is so exciting to see the completion of each one.

Also if you would like to join us next year please notify the church office or myself; we would welcome you. Thank you all!

Rita Ash

P.S. Next year has already begun for items for Theme Baskets. If you have a gift that needs to be regifted, a large basket that needs a new home, or a new idea for a basket please contact Rita Ash (773-5157).

Women’s Well

Thursday, November 12, 6:30 p.m.

United Methodist Men

UMM will meet November 21th at 8:00 a.m.

Christmas is coming!

I don’t know how you feel about 2015, but for me the year is flying by. For those of us in the planning of future ministry, we are already talking about Advent and Christmas.

I have a particular project moving forward and need your help. This year we’re going to decorate the upstairs entry windows in the education wing. This will be a warm and inviting look for those passing by our church.

Here is what I need:

2 people to help put Christmas trees up and string lights. I plan to do this, Friday, Nov. 20th starting about 1:00 p.m.

9-12 Christmas trees. These should be NO TALLER than 4.’

Christmas cotton snow sheets, preferably with sparkles on them. I am estimating I’ll need around 20 packages.

White Christmas lights: some blinking and some not. I am estimating around 15 strands, total. Strands of 50 should be fine.

If you have the talent of painting or stenciling letters onto glass, I could use your help.

3 cans of spray snow.

If you could have items to me by Sunday, Nov. 15th, I will be most appreciative. Feel free to bring items to the library/chapel room. And if you would like your items back, please be sure to note that on your item.

Thank you all for serving on this project. I hope this is a good way to give a warm welcome to the city.

Questions? Contact Mary Haldeman at haldemanmary@yahoo.com or call the church office and I will return your call.

LOVE CAME DOWN

In The Gospel of Mark, 5: 21-34, we see the words, “A great crowd followed him.” The Crowd was following Jesus. Why were they following? What were they seeking? Did they only want to see the miracles Jesus was performing or were people looking for

something much deeper and lasting? I think if we ask these questions today, we would receive very similar answers to what people would have said in Jesus time. “I want to know if He is really of God.” “I want peace in my life. I want my troubles to vanish.” If the truth is known; if we pause to think about recent history, people are still crowding around looking for that leader to follow. Sometimes people find themselves in great trouble because they have crowded around a cult leader. The experience can be a dead end and often hurtful. All of us are looking for a God who loves us, forgives us, walks with us, shows us how to live and promises eternal life. The people crowded around because they wanted to fit in and know the truth. Friends, here in Piqua, Ohio, 85% of the city is unchurched. Many believe God would not want them because of a past life. Many in the crowd are looking in but don’t see what they need to see: Jesus. Many are simply lost and have never had the opportunity to talk about God or their own salvation. On December 12th we, Greene Street Church, are providing an opportunity for all people to become part of a great crowd and see Jesus in song and Scripture. Our gift to our community as believers is to invite anyone and everyone to LOVE CAME DOWN. We want the crowd to gather around, look in, and experience the love of God. This night of scripture, song and refreshments is not just a Christmas program. This night is an invitational night to others to experience, maybe for the first time, the unending love God offers. Next month you will see more in this newsletter about where you can serve. We’ll make this a night of gathering the crowd so they can look in and meet the one God who sent us Jesus. Yes, Love came down. Stay tuned. In the meantime, please pray for the following:

Carol Palmer, all the voices and musicians as she assembles this outreach ministry.

That people who are unchurched and do not know Jesus will come and be part of the crowd.

For hospitality: that we will be a gracious church.

For all hearts of this congregation to be compelled to help others experience the love of God, when asked to participate.

In thanksgiving for our wonderful building to hold such an outreach, and for our loving congregation.

Thank you for beginning to pray for God’s leading in this outreach.

Mary Haldeman

Advent Happenings

As we look to the fall, I would like to share a little with you regarding the choir. We are a group of fun-loving group of Christians who share our love for Christ by giving back some of the talents that he has blessed us with. That doesn’t make us so different from many church

choirs nationwide, but here are a few things that do:

1) You don’t have to read music to join us. You just need to love to sing.

2) On average, we sing only twice a month so that those who wish to also worship during the Unveiled service may do so.

3) We rarely wear robes. Come as you are.

4) There is no commitment. Sing when you can…there will be no pressure or guilt trip to do more than you are comfortable doing.

5) You don’t have to abandon your family or friends during the service.

Once you are finished singing, you are welcome to return to your seat with the rest of the congregation.

6) We sing many styles of music…we are not your grandmother’s choir.

If you would like to give us a try, our schedule for November is:

November 9 (Monday) 6:30-7:30 p.m. Rehearsal in the sanctuary

November 22 (Sunday) 9:00 a.m. Worship service

If you have questions, you may call me at 937-206-6163 (I also receive texts) or email me at weimerrd@woh.rr.com. You may also contact Pastor Kenneth ( a cherished choir member ) at 773-5313.

I hope to see or hear from you soon,

David Weimer

Director of Liturgical Music

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Christmas Market final results will be available

after we finish selling the remaing hamloaves

and baskets.

Christmas Market Ham Loaves for sale

$10/4 loaves.

2 Theme baskets still available Guy Col-

lege—$90, Girl College—$90

Contact church office (773-5313)

Worship Design – A New Way to Engage the Greene Street Congregation

Since October 2013, it has been my honor and privilege to lead the Greene Street Worship Design Team. Over the past 24 months, the team, and our design methods have evolved into what Greene Street knows as the “Unveiled” service – thank you to Tanya Stewart who invented this perfect mantra.

If you haven’t had the chance to worship with us at 10:30, consider this your invitation! You never know what might be afoot…whether an appearance at the Greene Street Diner, pledge cards in frying pans, a trip to Mt. Everest, unexpected songs, hilarious and inspiring videos, family style Communion or super cool comi-con style bulletins, our vision as a team is to create an intimate, exciting place for you to connect with the Maker of All (2014) AND connect to one another (2015). It is our team’s hope we’ve been able to bring you design that helps you do both of

these things at Greene Street UMC.

Leading a team of amazing, highly talented, creative, passionate designers has been an amazing task. We started with training by Jason Moore, which Pastor Kenneth and I attended. Today, our team sessions are filled with lots of prayer, ideas, laughter, food, introspection, hard work, and most of all friendship and service. In fact, we had so much fun in year one, that we were able to seed two teams in year two, splitting out music as its own element – a vital element -- and one that requires buckets of work behind the scenes. So now we have a Worship Design Team and a Music Design Team at Greene Street. The Music Team is led by Beth Reimer, and members are Phil Reimer, Kara and Ray Hare, Nicole and Seth Heckaman, Kenneth Stewart and Steve Teale.

The 2015 Worship Design Team is Shaun Castle, Chloe and Kenneth Stewart, Eric Sweetman, Kristy Rochon, and myself. Nicole Heckaman will join us in 2016.

I would like to publicly thank and recognize both our 2014 and 2015 Design Teams. Together we’ve donated hundreds of hours in designing

engaging worship from scene décor to music to graphics to research to creative service elements. We are super geeked when we see you, the congregation, walk up and place a pledge card in a frying pan, or place a card on a timeline, or wear a nametag on Fifth Sunday, because it’s the culmination of hours of design preparation, anticipation, planning and service.

Seeing smiling faces as people come together in community for a very special hour every Sunday is what makes us catch our breath in anticipation. If you see any of us walking around breathing into paper bags it’s only because we hope our pastor doesn’t get fired for enacting one of our crazy new ideas on how to do things.

Most of all, we hope that you, Greene Street, find new ways to fall in love all over again with the One we are designed to love and serve with all our hearts, souls and minds! Thank you for joining in the journey. Designing your worship experience to be more meaningful, inspiring you to reach out to the community, and helping you feel at home is our mission…….and we hope you are good to walk with us a few more miles down the road.

Until next time!

Rachel Castle

We welcome your thoughts, ideas and comments, both of past themes and future things you’d like to see to: rachelscastle@gmail.com

The year is quickly coming to a close. From today through the beginning of 2016 we can look forward to coming together as the Body of Christ.

Here is what’s coming up:

LOVE CAME DOWN. Dec. 12th will prove to be a joyous night here at Greene St. Through music, song, and readings with refreshments to follow, we hope to invite our community once again to hear the greatest story ever told. This night is God’s gift to Piqua. We are God’s messengers telling His story: The Christmas story. I will be contacting many of you to help with making cookies, greeting, servers, etc. Yes, we are the messengers. Stand ready to serve in delivering His message!

JAN. 10th, 2016 Last year we had a wonderful start to 2015. Pastor Kenneth, on the second Sunday of January, preached on the state of the church and we gathered for lunch and heard 2015 goals. It was a great day. This coming year, January 10th will be quite the same. Pastor Kenneth will take a look back at 2015 and move us into 2016. Friends, this is a most important day in the life of the church. Each of us is an ambassa-dor for Christ and together we are the Body of Christ. We are the only place in society that offers hope and grace when all seems lost. Your presence, participation and moving forward all together are most impor-tant. Start your new year in ministry. More to come about this day.

Our mitten tree for this year is being replaced by another mission for 2015 (The school system has an abundance of mittens, hats, gloves). We will partner with Angel Tree ministries, which provides gifts for children with incarcerated par-ents. Our goal is to sponsor 20 families. More information will be provided during worship or contact Pastor Kenneth. Thank you for all the support with mittens, hats, and gloves in the past!

"The basement Sunday School class would appreciate donations of either 5 pound or 10 pound bags of Idaho potatoes for the church Thanksgiving meal on November 22nd. We would need these before November 21st. If you wish to contribute to this effort, PLEASE contact Sherry Heath in the church office BEFORE buying potatoes to see if we are reaching our goal - 773-5313. We want potatoes, just not hundreds of pounds of them!! The Sunday School class will prepare the turkeys, mashed potatoes, dressing, and gravy."

Ministries for Children From Barb Hudson

Attention all children, parents and grandparents: in preparation for changes to the Narthex, a large assortment of Christian books for children was rescued from the former library area. These books have been placed on the cart which is located in the southwest corner of the Sanctuary and are available to all of you! Even if you don’t have children at home, perhaps some will be visiting during the holidays. Or you may want to preview some books before selecting one to buy as a gift. Please browse through the books and borrow one or two for a week at a time. These books will hopefully be enjoyed for many years to come!

Our children in Sunday morning Kidz Worship classes, age 5 through sixth grade, are enjoying the Bible stories they’ve been learning! In September and October we began our study in the book of Genesis, learning about the Creation and about how God promised to be with Abraham. This month we will continue in Genesis, learning about how God blesses us.

Wednesday Night Alive began October 14th and will continue to meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30, for children age 5-6th grade. The hour includes practicing the Christmas musical and lessons on Superheroes of the Bible! Each week, please bring your children into the Narthex to sign them in and again sign them out. This year’s children’s musical Christmas Around the World will be performed Sunday, December 13th during the 10:30 Worship Gathering. (Please note: there will be no Wednesday Night Alive on November 25th.)

The children who attend either Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings are challenged to learn a Bible verse of the month. November’s memory verse is: The Lord bless you and keep you. (Numbers 6:24)

On November 22nd, during Hanging of the Greens, the children in pre-school through 2nd grade are invited to the ABC room to make a special ornament for the Angel Tree.

KidzWorship Volunteers

Nov 1: Erin Monnier, Michelle Underwood Nov 8: Linda Harbison, Seth & Nicole Heckaman Nov 15: Natalee Heath, Laura Jackson Nov 22: Amberly Tauber, Barb Hudson Nov 29: Lindsay Lambert, Joe Thompson

Daycare/Preschool News

During the month of November the children will be learning about all the

things we are thankful for. The food drive will start November 2 and end November 25st. Each classroom will race to see who can bring the most food in for the food pantry. We will be having a center wide feast on Thursday, November 19th. If you would like to serve food or help us set up we will welcome any help you might have to offer. We are so thankful to have a safe and loving church to support us. May your Thanksgiving be filled with lots of joy!

Because We Are Family . . .

CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED TO:

Megan and Joel Lusk with the birth of their daughter, Kenzie Lusk, on Thursday, October 1. Kenzie is welcomed by Big Brother Wynston.

Katie and Steven Farris with the birth of their daughter, Moriah Farris, on Monday, October 12, 2015.

Page 10

Brookdale Howard Reed Maxine Zimmerman Piqua Manor Dick Callison Caldwell House Virginia Gross

Garbry Ridge Barbara Minton Spring Meade Martha Fraley Lincoln Park Manor Margie Trimmer

Dorothy Love Ruth Brush John Phillips Gladys Mullen

Hospitalized Since Last Month: Jim Brogden, Irene Clark, Robyn Cooper

Greene Street Church Family -Jim Whetstone, Hubert Bateman, Ron Cooper, Jean Heath, Kim Calland, Martha

Fraley, Jim Brogden, Robyn Cooper, Irene Clark

Friends and Family of Greene Street- Carol and Mike Jess, Joanne Kress, Janet Hartley (Stilwell), Bud Runner, Nicole Bailey (Pettit), Carol Wick (Harbison), Jeni Alderman (Hardman), Rick Mowery (Community),

Military - Ron Cooper, Jed Cooper, Andy Pearson (Carter), Brian Pummill, Dasch Underwood, Clark Cripe (Elliott), Joseph Sherman (Shellenberg), Brent Efaw (Frazier), Ben Datu (Mullikin)

OUR SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO:

Linda and Jeff Price and family upon the death of her father on Sunday, October 4, 2015.

Family and friends of Rachel Kinninger, who passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2015. Rachel is a cousin to Pat Helman.

Family and friends of Mitch Petty, who passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2015.

Family and friends of Shirley Antonetti, who passed away on Monday, October 12, 2015. Shirley is the step-sister of Loverna Dilbone.

1 Jed Cooper 2 Tina Elliott Cathy Oliver Sammy Ruiz 3 Blair Elliott Rachael Teale

4 Ashlee Larger 7 Tanya Stewart 8 Jim Christy 9 Haylee Meckstroth 10 Megan Kline 11 Hillary Fry 13 Marge Trimmer 14 Cecily Stewart Grady Stewart

Allison Wagner 15 Dick Callison Roger Hale 16 Sally Ellis Carol Hepler 17 Samantha Slusher 18 Cortney Henry Jackson Trombley 20 Chris Vosler 21 Miranda Sweetman 22 Pam Brown Jason Jones Jim Otey 24 George Sweetman 26 Carol Cain

27 Molly Hudson Cecil Stewart 29 Linda Carter 30 Jackson Lambert

3 Don and Ruthanne Ruffner 4 Doug and Marj Stilwell 21 Dan and Kathy Califf 23 Darrell and Lisa Seas

Dear Greene Street Church, Thank you for taking our family in and making us a part of something special while living in Ohio. Our family continues to think of Greene Street often, pray for you, and miss the relationships that mean so much to us. We know that God is working through you all in Piqua in powerful and observable ways. In Christ Together, Scott, Kaley, Brecken, Saela, & Tucker Little Greene Street Church, Thank you so much for allowing us to use your kitchen to bake cookies. Our shop ended up being closed for 3 wks for restoration from our water damage. You find out who your friends are and aren’t! Thank you again Susie & Wayne Pope Susie’s Big Dipper

Thank You’s

Sunday Schedules 9 a.m. Liturgical Worship 10:30 a.m. Unveiled Worship 6 p.m. Ch. 5 Rebroadcast

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

5 p—TEEM

2

7 p—Love Came Down

Practice 7 p—Ad Board

Meeting

3 4 2 p—Disciple

Group 6:30 p—Praise

Team 6:30 p—Wed. Night Alive!

6:30 p—Adult Discussion

5 6 7

8

5 p—TEEM

9

6:30 p—Choir Practice

7:15p—Love Came Down

Practice

10 11 2 p—Disciple

Group 6:30 p—Praise

Team 6:30 p—Wed. Night Alive!

6:30 p—Adult Discussion

12

6:30 p—Women’s Well

13 14

15

5 p—TEEM

16

6:30 p—Child Care

Committee 7 p—Love

Came Down Practice

17 18 2 p—Disciple

Group 6:30 p—Praise

Team 6:30 p—Wed. Night Alive!

6:30 p—Adult Discussion

19

12:30 p—Staff Meeting 6:30 p—Building

Improvement Project

20 21 8 a—UMM Breakfast

7 p—Youth Overnight

22 4 p—Hanging of the Greens

5:15 p—Thanksgiving

Meal No—TEEM

6:30 p—Love Came Down

23

6 p—Child Care Staff Meeting

7 p—Love Came Down

Practice

24 9 a—

Newsletter Folding

25 2 p—Disciple

Group 6:30 p—Praise

Team No—Wed.

Night Alive! No—Adult Discussion

26 27 28

29

3 p—Love Came Down

Practice 5 p—TEEM

30

7 p—Love Came Down

Practice

Unless otherwise stated . . .

Office Closed

Greene Street

United Methodist Church 415 W. Greene Street

Piqua, Ohio 45356-2198

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Piqua, Ohio Permit No. 268

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED