MAY 2015

www.highlandsucc.org
highlandsucc@sbcglobal.net
937-399-7493

1910 Saint Paris Pike

Springfield, Ohio 45504-1206

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 cultures 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 International Cooperative Alliance Movement which is a non-government movement
from over 100 countries to foster cooperation through cooperatives. Additionally, 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 interests 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); orange (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 congregation 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.

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
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.

Highlands Leadership
Pastor:
Assistant to the Pastor:

Rev. Avery Sledge

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

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.

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!
Worship Helpers for May
Greeter
Barbara Romaca
Alta Lou Miller

5/3
5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31

Dont Forget the

Food Cart!!

Liturgist
Dixie Jenkins
Cindy Bowen
Linda Owens
Barbara Romaca

5/3
5/10
5/17
5/24

Ushers
Geneva Falkner
Alta Lou Miller

5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/24, 5/31

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 information is posted outside the kitchen door.

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.

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
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

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

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

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
Females of all ages are invited to join
in this annual event. What a wonderful vestibule. You can give them to Betty to turn in so our team
way to celebrate together the
gets credit for them. We are also selling walking tacos at the
beginning of this wonderful season
event. One more good thing Highlands is doing
that God has given us!
In our community.!

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!!

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.

9:30 am
10:30 am
10:45 am
11:30 am
12:00 pm
8:00 pm

9:30 am
10:30 am
10:45 am
11:30 am
8:00 pm

9:30 am
10:30 am
10:45 am
11:30 am
12:00 pm
8:00 pm

24 Adult Class
Worship
Children
Fellowship
AA

31Adult Class
Worship
Children
Fellowship
Diaconate
AA

17 Adult Class 9:30 am

10:30 am
Worship
10:45 am
Children
11:30 am
Fellowship
12:00 p.m.
Council
8:00:pm
AA

10 Adult Class 9:30 am

10:30 am
Worship
10:45 am
Children
11:30 am
Fellowship
12:00 pm
Trustees
8:00 pm
AA

3 Adult Class
Worship
Children
Fellowship
Diaconate
AA

Sun

Springfield Zen
Group 7:00 pm

25

Springfield Zen
Group 7:00 pm

18

Springfield Zen
Group 7:00 pm

11

Springfield Zen
Group 7:00 pm

Mon

May 2015

26

19
Relay for Life
6:00 p.m.

12

Tue

27

20

13 Semper Fidelis
7:00 p.m.

Wed

28

21

14

Thu

29

22

15

30

23

16

1
8

Sat

Fri

Highlands United Church of Christ

1910 Saint Paris Pike
Springfield, Ohio 45504
www.highlandsucc.org

Return Service Requested

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

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