Bellbrook UMC To Dedicate New Building Addition

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The Big day is approaching! 

Bellbrook church is dedicating their new building addition on Sunday, October 18^th.

Mary Frantz sent an invitation  (Click Here) to the occasion to all the Common Cup folks, giving the details.

They will be expecting a nice crowd (including Bishop Ough) -so you will need to RVVP (which can be easily done by responding at office@bellbrookumc.org by Oct. 13^th.

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John Fristoe (Newsletter Editor)
Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org
To Photo Galleries of Common Cup Activities Click Here

Common Cup Members Celebrate Xenia Area CROP Walk

Rev. Rick Tettau, Deacon from Faith Community UMC gives this report on today's CROP Walk:

"Common Cup celebrated the Xenia area CROP Walk today (Sept 27). 

Several members of New Jasper UMC, Old Town UMC, and Faith Community UM walked for 2+ miles along the bike path in Xenia to fight hunger in our community. 

It was a great time for fellowship. 

The weather was perfect."

For a little background, the past Faith Community  Faith Community UMC September Newsletter talks about the Walk (see below) .

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John Fristoe (Newsletter Editor)

Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org

To Photo Galleries of Common Cup Activities Click Here

Port William UMC Hosting Church Supper

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It's been too many weeks since we had a good ole church supper. But never fear - Port William is having one next Saturday from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.

They will be serving a choice of Chicken & Noodles or Beef Tips & Noodles along with all the other good stuff at $6 per plate.
It's going to be held at the Port Wm-Lumberton Senior Citizen Building (right as you go into Port William).

Click Here to read the promotional flyer. And while you are at it, print out copies and post them for others to read about it.

And one other thing - all those characters who play cards at the Senior Center there, be sure you show up on Saturday evening!

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John Fristoe (Newsletter Editor)
Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org
To Photo Galleries of Common Cup Activities Click Here

Newsletter Archive - A New Feature

We want to let you know of a new feature to our Common Cup communications.

We have added a webblog to archive past Common Cup newsletters.

You may want to look back over the past year to remember all of the good things you have done or the newer subscribers may want to know what we've been up to over the past months.  Well, this archive blog will do it.

The latest newsletter is listed first in the archive and continues to the earliest one.

All the newsletters have their embedded links which appeared when first issued.  So you can link to all the photos and other references.

The newsletter archive is located at: http://www.commoncupnews.blogspot.com/

All our subsequent newsletters (for instance: this one) will carry a link to the archive at the bottom part.

Some archive features are:

a)     You may add comments to any of the archived newsletters. You have the option of identifying yourself or to submit it anonymously. (All comments will be monitored for suitable substance before publishing, of course)

b)     All the newsletters are searchable, using the search entry located in the Side Bar. For instance, to find any newsletter references to the CC softball team, enter "softball" or to find any references to Pastor Rex Robinson, enter "Robinson" or to find anything on Bellbrook UMC, enter "Bellbrook", etc, etc.

c)      All the archived newsletters are listed in the sidebar, allowing you to click on one of your choice.

d)     There are direct links listed for those CC churches with websites.

So, try it out and let us know.

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John Fristoe (Newsletter Editor)
Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org
To Photo Galleries of Common Cup Activities Click Here

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Esther Hofferbert Enters GC Hall of Fame

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Sep. 25, 2009 We just never know what the good Lord has in store for us.

Just a few short months ago, Esther Hofferbert was seriously injured in an automobile accident marking a low point in her life.

Today, she has fully recovered and Ann Ledbetter informs us that tomorrow (Saturday) she will mark a high point in her life.

Ann reports:

"Esther Hofferbert of Paintersville/Eleazer church will be inducted into the Greene County Hall of Fame Saturday 26 at the Walnut Creek Country Club on the Dayton-Xenia Road. The awards program follows lunch"

Esther was a long time member of Paintersville UMC before it closed and merged with Eleazer UMC, where she now spends her Sunday mornings.

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John Fristoe (Interim Newsletter Editor)

Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org

Common Cup Room at IHN Receives a Paint Job

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Sep. 25, 2009 As the IHN (Interfaith) facility progresses toward completion, we take note that the Common Cup room, located on the second level, received finish paint on its walls & ceiling last week.

John Sherer, one member of the faithful volunteer group, shares a few photos of the finished job.

Click Here to view shots of the handiwork.

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John Fristoe (Interim Newsletter Editor)

Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org

Bellbrook UMC Has Folding Chairs Available

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Sep. 23, 2009 As you know, Bellbrook UM church is in the process of moving to and furnishing their new building wing, working toward the big Dedication date..

Mary Frantz wants you to know that they have approx. 100 folding chairs available for $3 each (where else could you buy folding chairs for $3) Here is Mary's message:

"We have some extra folding chairs available at the church. They are in a pile in the new Community room at the church. If you would like to buy some for those big family dinners or neighborhood parties, they are available for $3.00 a chair. We have approximately 100.'

"Stop in during the day, 9-12 on Monday and Wednesday or 9-3 on Tuesday and Thursday and check them out. If you would like to come at another time, call Ken McDaniel at 477-1773 and make arrangements.
Mary"

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John Fristoe (Interim Newsletter Editor)

Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org

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Some Wednesday Night Conversation

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Sep. 21, 2009 Well, the month of September is over half gone and the Common Cup Food Court has served 2 Wednesday night meals already.

Last Wednesday some 215 people attended, indicating the Food Court's continued popularity. Click Here to view a few random photos taken last Wednesday night.

We should remind you that the next Wednesday night menus are always posted on the Home page of our Common Cup website (at least as soon as Virginia figures out the menu).

Also, on our website's home page, you can find a link to this year's Common Cup handbook. The handbook has been distributed as a hard copy to all the churches, but in case you didn't pick up a copy (or would like to download particular pages) you can find it on the website.

We continue to get more subscribers to this newsletter and we are aware that there may be some coming to the Food Court/ Growth Group sessions for the first time. For that we are attaching a floor plan of Faith Community indicating how to enter the Food Court.

Also, if you plan to attend any of the Growth Group sessions, the Room numbers are on the attached floor plan (See the handbook for designated room numbers).

John Fristoe (Interim Newsletter Editor)

Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org

Small Counrty Church Hosts Big MusicFestival

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Sep. 15, 2009 Richland Crumley UMC hosted their Southern Gospel Music Festival on Saturday. It was free and every bit as good as advertised.

The weather was perfect and the bands entertained continuously from 11am to 5pm.

The musicians came from as far as Newport TN and as close as Spring Valley.

The overflow parking was accommodated in a field several hundred feet down the road- but no long walk - golf carts carried guests back and forth.

It was quite impressive how well organized the event was.

But the diadem of the day was the serving of free refreshments and a free lunch to everyone. The men were grilling; the women were serving hamburgers, sausage sandwiches, chips, drinks - all for free!

Is that radical hospitality ?????

They also provided several games, face painting and the like.

We captured several photos of the event and posted them in our website Photo Gallery. Click Here to view.

If they made any money, over and above contributions, it would be the silent auction. There were a dozen or so baskets chocked full of goodies which we presume were donated.

All in all, a great day for seeing friends and enjoying a good old country music festival.

Way to go- Richland!!

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John Fristoe (Interim Newsletter Editor)

Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org

Disciple Bible Study Offered on Sep 29

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Sep 14, 2009 Of interest to all Common Cup subscribers, Jamestown UMC is hosting a Disciple I Bible Study on Tuesday nights.

Pastor Sandy and Mary Thevenin are teaching the class.

Classes begin on Sept. 29 at 7 pm.

For more information contact Jamestown UMC at 675-3581, Mon-Fri 9am -Noon.

This has been an extremely popular Bible study in the United Methodist church. We know of no one who hasn't been enthusiastic about it (I didn't just use a double negative, did I?).

And don't think Jamestown is too far - you can get from Xenia to Jamestown on the new Route 35 about as fast as navigating some cross town routes in Xenia.

You can view a map and driving directions on our website.

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John Fristoe (Interim Newsletter Editor)

Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org

Common Cup Clergy Cluster Meeting

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Sep. 13, 2009 Last Thursday (Sep. 10) the Common Cup Clergy Cluster held their monthly meeting at Evangelical UMC. For those not familiar with the Clergy Cluster group, it is the pastors of the Common Cup churches which meet on a monthly basis to share ideas with each other and personally obligate themselves to a Clergy Cluster covenant. (The covenant is posted at our website. To take you to its location, Click Here. )

They share ideas, involve themselves in accountable partnerships, have lunch together and end their meeting in Holy Communion.

The group meets at a different church each month.

At last Thursday's meeting, the new district superintendent (or fairly new anyway) was in attendance.

To view photos of the Thursday meeting Click Here.

To view our District Superintendent's web blog, Click Here.

In the pastors' photo, you will see these pastors: Brad Olson, Scott Jenkins, Damon Martin, Rick Tettau, Rex Robinson, Chris Heckaman, DS, Kay Hatch, Terry Heck & Sandra Linger Santos

In the kitchen photo, you'll see two super ladies: Ruth Anderson & Sherry Newcomer.

In our eyes, this is just another example of how uplifting the Common Cup has become. Thank you, Lord, for such a ministry......

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John Fristoe (Interim Newsletter Editor)

Visit us on the web at www.commoncupchurches.org

Opening Night For Common Cup Food Court

Sep. 10, 2009

The Wednesday night Food Court and Growth Group sessions are off to a great start in last night's "season opener".

It marks the seventh year for Common Cup's Food Court and there seems no slow down to its attendance. Phyllis Williams estimated 190 showed up to another great meal.

And the same goes for the worker volunteers; they seem to enjoy the working fellowship as much as they do eating.

To view a few photos of what went on in the kitchen, Click Here.

We want to remind you that next week's menu will be posted on our Common Cup website several days in advance.

(For those who may have difficulty with the links above, we are listed them as attachments below. Please let us know if you are having any difficulties with links)

The photos: http://commoncupchurches.org/photos/galleries/pg_2009_SEP_FC_Kickoff.htm

Common Cup menu page: http://commoncupchurches.org/

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

Big Music Festival is This Saturday

Sep. 07, 2009
Saturday is the big day for Richland Crumley church!

The talent packed Southern Gospel Music Festival will be held on the grounds from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

This is a FREE event and everyone is invited. Please bring your lawn chairs because this will be like those old fashioned lawn fetes with lunch on the grounds. Yes, there will be food and beverages available.

And the entertainment - there will be (would you believe) as many as 8 bands playing and singing that foot stomping Southern Gospel!

There will be events for the kids and a silent auction

Here are the bands;

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Willow Creek

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The Fishermen

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Peaceful Mountain

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The Williams Family (who will also handle the sound equipment)

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The Kindred Faith - from New Port Tennessee

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And these are scheduled - but we had no photos:

Living Water Singers

The Turners

Firm Foundation

The best driving directions from Xenia would be to take Route 42 south from Xenia to Richland Rd. Turn left and it takes you to the church.

(Coming from the south, take route 42 from Spring Valley and turn right on Richland)

There will be plenty of parking space.

I think you will really enjoy the country atmosphere (even if it's not your favorite type of music) - I think a lot of your Common Cup friends will be there.

And lastly, a donation to the Richland Crumley Building Fund would be much appreciated.

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

Listing & Descriptions of the Wednesday Night Growth Groups

Aug. 29, 2009

Common Cup Growth Groups, Descriptions, and Dates
Welcome to Common Cup!

This year we have a variety of classes, workshops, and informational meetings designed to help you grow in your Christian life. If you are seeking to grow in discipleship and mature in your spiritual life, then please consider a growth group to help you on your journey. See the Common Cup handbook for more information or contact Pastor Rick at Faith Community.

Many thanks to our growth group leaders.

Prayer Chapel
Every Wednesday night
The chapel is open every Wednesday night for fellowship, prayer, and Holy Communion.

Lydia Circle
Second Tuesday of each month
Lydia Circle is a growth, support and social group for women. Each meeting time includes a program, devotions and sharing.

Women's Bible Study-Discerning the Voice of God
September 9 - October 21
Studying the Word of God heightens our spiritual senses to hear the still small voice of God and helps us recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirit. From the Old Testament prophets to modern day believers, noted author and speaker Priscilla Shirer walks the reader through Scripture that captures the method and tone of God's communication and teaches the reader to beware of counterfeit voices, how in each encounter God's voice may differ, but the nature of it does not.

CROP Walk Recruiters Orientation
September 9
Walk Date: September 27 at 2 pm, starts from Shawnee Park in Xenia
The CROP Walk Leadership Team, recruiters, and walkers are invited to attend this meeting to learn about the ministry of Church World Service and this year's CROP Walk.

Recreation and Basketball
Every Wednesday night
The Community Center is open every Wednesday evening for recreation and basketball. All ages welcome.

Parables from the Back Side
September 9 - December 16
Written by J. Ellsworth Kalas, a professor from Asbury Theological Seminary, this book gives insightful and brilliant insight into some of Jesus' parables.

World Diakonia Conference Debriefing
September 16
Deacon Rick will give highlights from the World Diakonia Conference in Atlanta, GA.

Care giving in Difficult Economic Times
September 23
While there is always a need for good caregiving, tough economic times call for even more targeted and specific kinds of care. Almost all of us know someone who has lost a job or been downsized, often with loss of benefits. Home foreclosures and related housing displacement present another huge issue. Even those who have not lost a job or a home may be facing additional stress in their lives. Relationships may fray as tensions increase. How can caregivers be prepared to help others deal with these and related issues? This workshop will provide opportunities for discussion and answers.

Giving our Hearts Away: Native American Survival
September 30 & October 7
Native American tradition teaches that all that comes from the heart and mind of God is sacred. This study will look at culturally sensitive ways to be in ministry with Native Americans.

Leadership Conference Debriefing
October 14
Pastor Brad will share thoughts and insights from the Leadership Institute that he attended at Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS.

Henderson Settlement Mission Trip Meeting
October 21
We will discuss the possibility of a spring mission trip to Henderson in the spring 2010.

Ginghamsburg UMC Change the World Conference
October 28
Follow-up discussion led by Common Cup Clergy. Join us as we look seriously at our call to be in ministry with the poor.

Within My Reach
October 28 - November 18
This class is a program of the Marriage Resource Center in Springfield. This class is a relationship skills and decision making program for helping women achieve their goals in relationships, family, and marriage. More information at www.marriageresourcecenter.org

Henderson Settlement Ministry Opportunities
November 4
We will learn about ministry opportunities at Henderson Settlement in southeast Kentucky. Henderson is a part of the Red Bird Missionary Conference. Henderson has a strong agricultural and work camp program. We will discuss the spring mission trip to Henderson in more detail.

Psalms of the Season
November 4 - December 16
Psalms of the Season is a Bible study on the lectionary psalms in November and December. The class will enrich your Sunday morning worship experience through a deeper knowledge and experience of the Psalms. Outside class reading and meditation on the Psalms encouraged.

Brazilian Ministry Orientation
December 2
Pastor Sandy will discuss the new Brazilian ministry at Jamestown UMC. This is an exciting ministry reaching out to the Brazilian community of Southwest Ohio.

Rev. Rick Tettau
Deacon
Faith Community UM

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

2009-2010 Common Cup Booklet Available

Aug. 25, 2009

The Common Cup Informational Booklet for the upcoming Food Court and Growth Group sessions is now available.

You may pick up copies at Faith Community UMC office (hours are 9am - 4pm).

We realize that some churches have already picked up copies for handouts at their locations and we encourage the rest of the churches to do the same.

Starting September 9^th, they will be available at the Food Court and at the Pastors' Cluster meeting on September 10^th.

And- if you just want to pick up an individual copy, you may do so at these stated locations.

The booklet covers general information about the Food Court, description & schedules for the Growth Group sessions along with Sign-Up sheets, Youth & Children Growth Group schedules, and listing of ministries going on at the individual churches.

The suggested donation for the Food Court is still $6, and the Common Cup council has suggested a graduated donation for larger families.

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

Community Center Kitchen Gets a New Look

Aug. 22, 2009

The kitchen from which the Wednesday night Food Court Meals are served is looking spic & span.

It's been a couple of weeks now since the kitchen cabinet project was completed, but we wanted to show you what a really professional job a bunch of volunteers can do.

Just in time for the opening of this fall's Common Cup Food Court, the cabinets in FCUM's kitchen have received a lighter, brighter, all new look. But just as important, all drawers now have the metal glides which should put an end to sticky drawers.

If you have been in the kitchen lately, then you have seen the professional (I can't think of a better word) look of the project..

I know that Dick Strous spearheaded the project and am sure there were others in leadership roles.

Dick supplied photos of the work as it progressed and they are posted on our CC website.

To view the photos, Click Here.

The most unanticipated photo was that of Mr. Hendricks of Faith Community - (at least to me, because I only see him when he's trying to challenge Bob Geyer to a Walking Cane duel!)

I've included his photo below. And, he didn't come to watch, he came to work.

And, by the way, the ladies came back after completion and washed every dish, pot and pan. So, on September 9^th, you'll have a clean plate to eat from.....

To see previously published photos Click Here

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

Baptism in the River

Aug. 22, 2009
It was a great day at Richland Crumley UMC as the congregation celebrated an old fashioned Campground type baptism in the river.

Joan Baxter gives this report, along with some snapshots she took of the occasion:

"On August 16, members and friends of the Richland-Crumley UMC gathered to witness a baptism of several of the members who, though they had been baptised, wanted to be baptised in a river. '

There were 24 in attendence, while 10 were baptised on that day.'

Joan Baxter "

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

Food Court Work Schedules Thru December

Aug. 21, 2009

With this newsletter, we are sending the September-October Work Schedule and the November-December Work schedule.

Each of the schedules will be on 2 pages for a total of 4 pages

To view and print the Sep/Oct schedule Click Here

To view and print the Nov/Dec schedule Click Here

Note: If the schedule does not come up when you click on "Click Here" , make sure you have "Links" turned on. (Some accounts allowed you to turn them off). If you still have trouble let us know by replying to this message (we don't want to lose a single volunteer!)

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

A New Preacher Comes To Faith Community

Aug. 03, 2009

Faith Community UMC welcomed its new pastor and his wife, Brad & Dawn Olson, this past Sunday (Aug. 02)

During the worship service, both Brad and Dawn introduced themselves.

Brad has previously served at two other churches which we now call Common Cup churches - Old Town UMC & Union UMC.

Dawn is a Xenia native, graduating from XHS.

Brad met his wife (believe it or not) at the Greene County Fair. She being a Xenia girl is remembered by many of you.

And, of course, many of you know Brad from former days.

So it's a homecoming of sorts.

The Common Cup camera slipped in and captured a couple of photos which are posted on our website. Click Here.

(BTW, we think we may have solved the problem of our newsletter being bounced by Road Runner subscribers - we hope, we hope)

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

A Roasting Luncheon For Pastor Robert

Aug. 02,2009

As promised, we have posted some photos of the July 26^th luncheon for Pastor Robert and his family. The occasion was to poke a little fun at Robert and then to present some farewell mementos

Those photos can be seen on our website. Click Here

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

Pastor Robert Delivers His Last Semon At Faith Comunity

July 28, 2009

Pastor Robert McDowell preached his last sermon yesterday (Sunday) as senior pastor of Faith Community United Methodist Church.

True to the itinerate nature of UM preachers, he transfers to First United Methodist Church in Lancaster, OH (Will he ever get used to FUM instead of FCUM?).

In his eight years at Faith Community he was very instrumental in the founding, the Leadership and the Support of the Common Cup churches. He should feel good that he is leaving the Common Cup in such a healthy and vigorous condition.

Robert's last sermon at Faith Community was rather light hearted (which helped to stem the congregational tears) to a crowd who were challenged to find a parking place.

One of the chuckles came when he was recounting things people say just before something horrible happens to them.

The attached photo captures him asking, "What does this button do??"

Most of his approximately 2700 word sermon ( yes, he tries to keep his messages to a ear pleasing length) was devoted to heaping praise on the work and workers of the church- then at the same time, giving the uninformed stranger the idea that he was being pulled along by those workers. Actually, the opposite is true.

We captured a few shots taken during the aforementioned last sermon and are posted at the Common Cup website. Click here:

http://commoncupchurches.org/photos/galleries/pg_2009_Jul_Robt_Farewell.htm

One puzzlement in the photo shown above is a multi colored band seem on Robert's wrist

(See the adjacent enlargement). It doesn't look like a watch, so I ask you, is it:

1. A Guatemalan emergency room band
2. A reminder to not forget his Penn State cuddly cub.
3. Some sort of secret Wesleyan code.
4. A crib band with directions to Lancaster.
5. A wrist support for his overworked ditch shoveling arm.
6. A new electronic gadget which he doesn't know how it works but he just had to have one.

If you know, let us in on it....

Yesterday, Faith Community also held a luncheon for Robert following the 11am service. It was a fun affair where Robert sorta got "roasted"

Our friend, Pastor Mark Putman came up from Cincinnati to act as MC. He was nice to Robert's wife, Penny, but showed little mercy to Robert.

A number of other people got their digs in, including Rex Robinson (Port William UMC) and Terry Heck (Bellbrook UMC).

We will have photos of that event in a couple of days,

Pastor Robert's Sunday sermon title was "The Last Word"

So we decided to capture his very last words as pastor at Faith Community:

Now to him who by the power at work among us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever, Amen (Ephesians 3: 20-21)

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/

Common Cup Pastors - Gifts, Provisional Appointments & Farewells

July 11, 2009

Perhaps you have never seen pictures of some of the Common Cup pastors - so we are taking the opportunity to post a photograph of their recent luncheon gathering .

http://commoncupchurches.org/photos/galleries/pg_2009_Jul_CC_Pastors.htm

The Clergy Cluster met to celebrate the commissioning of two pastors and bid farewell to three of their group who are completing their appointments.

Here is a list of the pastors:

Sandy Linger Santos (Union & Jamestown)

Terry Heck (Bellbrook)

John Beers (Eleazer)

Rex Robinson (Evangelical & Port William)

Scott Jenkins (Zoar & Sharon)

Rick Tettau ( Associate Pastor @ Faith Community)

Peggy Cromer (New Jasper & Assoc @ Bellbrook)

Kay Hatch (Spring Valley)

Tim Holly (Cedarville)

Robert McDowell (Faith Community)

Not appearing in the photo:

Charles Hemming (Old Town)

Harland Dailey ( Richland-Crumley & Lumberton)

Then last Thursday, during their regular meeting, Robert McDowell's Bible Study group presented him with a framed picture of the group. That moment is also posted.

http://commoncupchurches.org/photos/galleries/pg_2009_Jul_CC_Pastors.htm

All this information was provided by Robert McDowell in his blog. That and additional information can be found at:

http://pastorrobert-nikos.blogspot.com/

Then we have an update on Esther Hofferbert.

She was moved to the Friends Extended Care Center in Yellow Springs, Ohio

The address is: Friends Extended Care Center, 150 East Herman Street
Yellow Springs, OH 45387

(turn right on E. Herman St just as you approach downtown, coming in on R.68 from Xenia).

John Fristoe (Interim eNews Editor)

Visit us at http://commoncupchurches.org/