And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV

FAITH,  HOPE  and  LOVE  The  Ross  Community  United  Methodist  Church  2943  Hamilton  Cleves  Road,  Hamilton,  Ohio  45013  Pastor  Grant  Montgomery  

June  /  July    2012  

To our beloved Church Family, This is my last letter to you. I want you to know what an honor and privilege it has been serving as your Pastor for the past twelve years. You have been such a wonderful blessing to Ann and me. You will always be in our hearts. We will never forget you. We will miss your hugs and smiles and your love and support. We have had many "God-Moments" together. Any good, by God's grace, we have done is because of your prayers, affection and goodwill. We have had a blessed journey together. While in prison, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Philippians Church -- a church he founded and loved. His words of affection that he expressed in Chapter one reflect the feelings and thoughts Ann and I have for our beloved church. Here are a few of his words. "When I pray for you and remember you my heart is full of joy, because of all your wonderful help in making known the Good News about Christ." "I am sure that God who began the good work within you will complete that work." "How natural it is that I should feel as I do about you, for you have a very special place in my heart." "With the tenderness of Christ - only God knows how deep is my love and longing for you." "My prayer for you is that you will overflow more and more with love for each other, and at the same time keep on growing in spiritual knowledge." "May you always be doing good and kind things which show you are a child of God" I say "Amen" to God's words! On February 15, 1860, President elect Abraham Lincoln was boarding a train for Washington, D.C. He had spent over a quarter of a century in Springfield, Illinois. It was his home. It was a chilly rainy day. He gave a short speech of goodbye. He spoke of that "Divine Being" who attended George Washington, and concluded with these words: "Without the assistance of that Divine Being I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him, who will go with me, and remain with you - let us all confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell." Ann and I are not leaving town! We will always be your friends, but we are saying goodbye to pasturing a church we will always love. We sing two choruses of parting after worship: "Go in Love" and "Shalom." Ann and I go in love and peace. We know likewise that God will continue to bless you with his love and peace. Sincerely, Grant and Ann  

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 How  Lucky  We  Are    How  lucky  we  are  to  have  someone  in  our  life  that  makes  saying  goodbye  so  hard.    In  just  a  few  short  weeks  Pastor  Montgomery  will  turn  his  robe  over  to  his  successor,  take  a  right  turn  on  Route  128,  and  for  the  first  time  in  12  years,  drive  away  from  Ross  Community  UMC  as  the  “former  Pastor”,  replete  with  his  name  on  bronze,  on  a  plaque  hanging  somewhere  on  a  wall  to  mark  his  time  as  Pastor.        But   as  he   takes   the   inevitable   last   glance   in  his   rear   view  mirror,   he   shouldn’t   see   a  building  with   a  plaque  marking  his  time,  but  instead,  he  should  see  scores  of  people  who  entered  that  church  who  were  touched  by  God.    Some  will  be  there  in  spirit  only,  having  moved  away  or  moved  on  to  a  Heaven  that  awaits  all  believers.    Some  will  be  there  to  say  God  Speed!    Some  will  be  there  to  say  God  Bless  You!    But  all  of  them  will  be  there  to  say  Thank  You!    Thank  you  for  making  the  decision  so  many  years  ago  to  answer  the  call  to  be  a  proud  disciple  for  the  Lord!    Thank  you  for  sharing  your  family  and  the  sacrifices  they  made  so  you  could  be  our  Pastor!    Thank  you  for  providing  comforting  words  in  our  time  of  need!    Thank  you  for  providing  guidance  and  direction  to  lost  souls!    Thank  you  for  encouraging  relationships  with  God  on  a  personal  level.    Thank  you  for  being  a  mentor  to  our  youth!    Thank  you  for  being  our  Pastor!      Most  of  all,  thank  you  for  making  saying  “Goodbye”  so  hard.  

!

-­‐submitted  by  Jim  Rechel  

   

           

   

 

ANNIVERSARIES June  

 2   Bill  &  Linda  Wright  2   Phil  &  Brenda  Brown  10   Leroy  &  Millie  Singleton  13   Denzil  &  Helen  Burch  15   Wayne  &  Linda  Estep  19   Bill  &  Mae  Prentice  23   Lonnie  &  Kae  Parrott    

July        4   Lloyd  &  Bev  Papet  16   Paul  &  Debbie  Gilman  19   Don  &  Barb  Rechel  

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TRUSTEES  REPORT    This   is   the   last   time   to   write   about   the  renovation   of   our   lobby   area.     As   of   this  writing   the   baseboard   and   lighting   is   being  installed.  It  was  Grant’s  wish  to  redecorate  the  church   and   we   have   completed   it   to  perfection.   I   cannot   tell   you   all   the   accolades  we   have   received.   “The   floor   is   beautiful”,  “The   colors   blend   very  well”,   “It   doesn’t   look  like   the  same  place,   it   looks  so  much  bigger”,  “I   feel   a   very   warm   presence   upon   entering  the  church”.      Grant,   I   feel   our   committee   has   done   you  proud.   This   project   pulled   us   together   as   a  church   family   and   we   enjoyed   each   other’s  company  in  completing  the  project.  Because  of  this   working   togetherness,   when   I   asked   for  people   to   sign-­‐up   to   clean   the   church   the  response  was  overwhelming.        The   yard   sale   was   a   great   success.   Church  members   arrived   at   7:00   a.m.   to   set-­‐up   and  direct  vendors  to  their  spots.  As  the  day  went  on,  hundreds  of  people  enjoyed  a  great  day  of  shopping  and  were  able  to  see  a  great  church  family  at  work.  This  is  an  example  to  passers-­‐by  that  our  church  is  alive  and  well.  I  sincerely  hope   and   pray   our   new   pastor   will   bring  continued  support  as  we  grow  our  church  for  the   next   generation.     Nothing   else   is  acceptable.    Bud  Kottman,  Chairman  Trustee’s  

June  2012    

               Well,   another  year   is   winding  down   for  UMW.    We  do   not   meet   during  the  summer  months,  so   our   next   meeting  will  be  in  September.  

                    We  have  had  a  successful  year  with  highlights  of  a  big  jewelry  /  bake  sale  in  November  2011,  when  we  made  $471.82   for   our   scholarship   fund.     At   the   same   time   we  sold   wristbands   to   the   Tri-­‐County   Mall’s   Evening   of  Magical  Giving  and  made  $115.    We  sold   the   jewelry  and  cookbooks   at   the   yard   sale   the   church   had   on   May   12,  2012   and   made   $112.00   more!     (This   was   selling   the  jewelry  for  $.50  each  and  the  cookbooks  for  $1.00!)    Again,  we  want   to   thank  everyone  who  contributed   jewelry  and  baked  goods.    In  December  2011,  we  had  a  fun  Christmas  Dinner  and  a  very  nice  Mother/Daughter  Banquet   in  May  2012.                       This   year   we   have   one   scholarship   winner,   Alex  Creighton.    We  will   be   pleased   to   honor   Alex   and   award  her  the  scholarship  on  June  3,  2012.                         Our  next  meeting  will  be  Sept.  11,  2012  at  10:00am  at  the  church.    We  would  like  to  see  many  of  you  there.    We  enjoy   refreshments   and   interesting  discussions,   but  most  of  all  the  companionship  of  each  other.    Won’t  you  plan  to  join  us?    Submitted  by:    Beth  Casbeer  

Marcus   and   Beth   Casbeer   will   take  communion   to   anyone   who   wishes   to  receive  it.    Just  let  them  know  at  church  or  call  them  at  756-­‐0115.  

Sermons  on  Tape    

Sunday   service   tapes   are   on   the   table  in   the   narthex   and   are   free   of   charge.    If   anyone   would   like   a   tape   of   a  particular   service,   just   let   Marcus   or  Beth   Casbeer   know   and   they   will   be  glad   to   make   you   one.  

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Treasurer's Report Financial Status as of 05/08/12 Cash Assets: General Operating Fund $39,755 Building Fund 5,289 Choir Robe Fund 637 Heifer Fund 1,233 Savings 23,191 Memorial Fund 695 Missions Fund 3,734 Inner City Children's Fund 1,010 Youth Fund 3,176 Total Assets $78,721 General Operating Fund: Average monthly offering $10,040 Average monthly expenses $7,691 Building Fund - Renovation Update

Initial Fund

Balance $4,200 Donations 2011 & 2012 33,843 Transfer from Memorial Fund 10,000

Renovation

Expenses (42,754) Volunteer Labor Priceless! Remaining Fund Balance $5,289 - Debbie Gilman, Treasurer  

 INFORMATION  CORNER  

 Pastor:  Grant  Montgomery        867-­‐9284  Lay  Leader:  Marcus  Casbeer  Assistant  Lay  Leader:  Leroy  Singleton  Pianists:  Lori  Campbell  &  Craig  Eppich  Praise  and  Worship  Leader:  Joan  Daugherty  Choir  Director:  Sally  Rechel  Nursery  Attendant:  Robin  Montgomery                                        (Ages  birth  through  four  years  old)  Prayer  Chain:  Beth  Casbeer        756-­‐0115  Newsletter:    (interim)  Phil  Brown      868-­‐2338                                                                              prbrown719@gmail.com  

NOTICE  HEARING  ASSITANCE  

Auditory  assistance  devices  are  available  for  

worship  services.    Contact  Assistant  Lay  Leader  LeRoy  Singleton  for  more  

information.  

June    7   Steve  Jacobs  8   Bill  Wright  9   Barb  Winsted  10   Paul  Gilman  11   Lonnie  Parrott  16   Earl  Winsted  18   Jena  Botting  20   Earl  Whirls  22   Michael  Ratliff  28   Trudy  Schreiner  

July    2   Sherri  Dykes  2   Mae  Prentice  2   Leroy  Singleton  5   Leslie  Fisher  7   DJ  Creighton  7   Nicole  Edington  9   Luke  Botting  10   Bud  Kottman      

July    10   Rose  Ann  Ratliff  13   Preston  Bressler  14   Maggie  Schoepf  17   Sara  Winsted  19   Phil  Brown  20   Jeremy  Winsted  29   Brenda  Oliver  31   Don  Hegner        

SUNDAY  MORNING  SCHEDULE  

 9:30  –  10:15  

Sunday  School  for  Adults  

 10:15  –  10:30  Fellowship  

 10:30  

Church  Service    

Children’s  Sunday  School  during  Church  Service  

 Monthly  Meetings  

 U.M.  Women:  

Second  Tuesday  of  the  month  @  10:00  am  

 Trustees,  Nurture  

&  Missions  Committees:  

Second  Wednesday  of  the  month  @  6:30  pm  

 Administrative  

Council:  Second  Thursday  of  the  month  @  6:30  pm  

 U.M.  Men  

Last  Saturday  of  the  month  @  8:00  am  

 

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       Missions  continue  to  assist  four  families  monthly  with  food  items.        Additional  families  are  assisted  with  food  and   clothing   from   the   Sharing   Closet   on   an   as   needed   basis.       The   Sharing   Closet   has   undergone       Spring  Cleaning  with  items  no  longer  appealing  sold  at  the  Yard/Craft  Sale  to  make  room  for  new  ones.    A  huge  “Thank  You”  to  everyone  who  volunteered  their  time,  donations  and  support  to  make  our  first  yard  sale  a   success.    We   also   thank   those  who  worked   selling   hamburgers,   hot   dogs,   bagged   snacks   and   drinks.    We  cannot  forget  our  neighboring  church,  McGonigle/Millville  United  Methodist  Church  who  sent  donations  from  their   yard   sale,   offered   information   and   suggestions.    We  were   joined   by   30   plus   vendors.     Scout   Pack   923  supported   the   event   selling   lemonade   and   baked   goods.     Other   vendors   represented   Thirty-­‐one,   Pampered  Chef,  Tupperware,  Tastefully  Simple,  Candles,  Jewelry,  Baseball  Collector  Items  and  the  usual  yard  sale  items.    Vendors  came  from  Greater  Cincinnati  and  Indiana.    Many  expressed  a  desire  to  join  us  again  next  year  and  the  customers   expressed   how   pleased   they   were   with   the   set   up.     It   cannot   go   without   mentioning   the  overwhelming  support  of  so  many  from  our  own  church  family.        I   believe   the   following   statement,   which   graced  McGonigle/Millville   United  Methodist   Church   Sign,   says   so  much:  

“Progress  involves  risk.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      You  cannot  steal  second  if  you  leave  your  foot  on  first.”  

 We’ve   taken   the   step   and   removed   our   foot   from   first   base.    We   opened   our   grounds   to   others.     We  may  experience  some  errors  and  bulks;  but  the  game  continues,  and  in  the  end  we  certainly  can  make  a  difference  in  our  community  and  Ross  Community  UMC.    Only  the  Lord  knows  when  we’ll  be  “Rounding  third  and  heading  for  home”  but  hopefully  with  each  new  risk,  we’ll  make  a  difference  in  His  world.    Dates  to  Remember:    June  3      Bonnet  Sunday    &  Graduation  Sunday  

We  need   to  make   this   a   day   to   remember   for  Grant.     This   is   one  of   his  wishes   and   I’m  certain  the  ladies  can  find  a  hat  of  some  sort  to  wear  on  this  day.            

We  will  recognize  our  High  School  and  College  Graduates.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  June  10      New  Members  and  Baptism  Sunday    June  17      Grant’s  last  sermon  

“Father’s  Day”  No  Nursery  or  Children’s  Church.    June  23      Saturday  -­  4:30  p.m.      

Grant’s  Retirement  Banquet  and  Recognition.      Reservations  need  to  be  made  by           June  9.    Please  sign  up  on  Sunday  morning  or  phone  Beth  Casbeer  at  756-­0115.             No  Nursery.    June  24      Sunday    

Pastor  Mark  Montgomery  will  conduct  the  Retirement  Service.      We  ask  for  additional  items  for  Coffee  Hour  on  this  day  to  accommodate  the  anticipated  attendance.      

      No  Nursery  or  Children’s  Church.        

Submitted  by  Judy  Kottman  

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 Continuing   prayers   for  the   vision   of   Ross  Community   United  Methodist   Church,   Pastor  Grant   and   Ann,   Bev   and  Lloyd   Papet,   our  President,   our  nation  and  our   military   personnel,  Gary   Brown   (due   to  

ongoing   heart   problems),   Vicki   Hilton,  Mary   Bliton,   Dorothy   Gard,   Steve   and  Linda   Jacobs,  Donna  Montang   (who  has  a   brain   tumor),   Jake   Phelps   and   family,  Jo  and  Randy  Anderson’s  great  grandson  Tyson   and   family,   Zack   Brockman   (7  year   old   son   of   a   co-­‐worker   of   Brenda  Brown’s),   Peggy   and  Carl   Nauman,   Annette  Hegner   (ongoing  health  issues),   Jason   Johnson  (Reba   and   Bob  Burnette’s  nephew  who  has  a  brain  tumor).  

Visit  RCUMC  web  page  for  a  color  version  of  this  newsletter.      http://www.rosscommunitymethodistchurch.org  

The Choir season is winding down and we are all looking forward to a break for the summer. Our final Sunday for singing will be June 3, Graduate Recognition and Bonnet Sunday. We will return one additional Sunday, June 24, as we celebrate Grant's service at Ross. I would like to thank everyone for your support this year with our annual nut sale. We raised over $680.00! We intend to use the funds for enhancements to the audio equipment. The Trustees are currently evaluating those needs. We will be selling nuts again in the fall. We will be adding a few more selections to our order as many of you asked about items we did not have available. We are still trying to get a feel for what sells the best and what you would like to have for yourself and for gifts. Overall we are pleased with your participation in and enjoyment from the Nut Sale. :) I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you, the congregation, for your support and appreciation. I can't tell you what it means to have you come up and thank me or one of the choir members for the music. Many times we have not been able to sing due to members being out of town or illness, and you have mentioned that you miss having us sing. That means so much! We all put a lot of time into preparing for each Sunday and those words of appreciation are a blessing. We have also been blessed with Dori, playing her guitar, Karen, playing her coronet, and Chip on the drums. It has made such a difference in what we have been able to bring to the service! One last thank you to Joan, Craig, and Chip for the Praise and Worship music. Their dedication and commitment to their music ministry at Ross is steadfast. We are so blessed to have the talents and gifts of so many that bring music to the ears and the hearts of our congregation.

                     Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord    Eph:5   Sally Rechel  

 June  3     Wayne  &  Linda  Estep    June  10     Steve  &  Linda  Jacobs  June  17     Jerry  &  Betty  Merz  June  24     Dick  &  Anita  Massey    July  1     Don  &  Barb  Rechel  July  8     Steve  &  Carol  Skinner  July  15     Butch  Foster  &  Trey  Foster  July  22     Debbie  Gilman  &  Lois  Lynch  July  29     Bill  &  Brenda  Oliver    August  5   Phil  &  Brenda  Brown  August  12   Roger  &  Judy  Creasy  August  19   Glen  Renner  &  Jim  Rechel