We strive to embody the hope and love of Jesus through service, worship, and companionship.
Our Values
Curious
We invite and celebrate questions. We bravely embrace the mystery of God and remain open to how that transforms us and our relationships.
Courageous
Our faith makes us bold, compelling us to do hard things. We honor our word, relentlessly advocate for justice, and remain thoughtful and compassionate, even in the face of adversity.
Connected
True belonging begins with an experience of God’s grace. We extend God’s generous welcome to all, upholding integrity, practicing authenticity, and celebrating diversity across generations and cultures.
FromtheEditor
Welcome to the re-launch of From the Corner of Grace magazine. Now a quarterly publication, From the Corner of Grace will bring you the stories of all the great happenings throughout both campuses of Hyde Park Community UMC, as well as within our local and global partnerships
The ways in which HPCUMC cares for our congregation and our community are many. So many, in fact, it can be hard to keep up with them all. Through this publication, we’ve committed to sharing with you not just activities and outreach, but also the many ways in which we strive to be all that we profess, “a vibrant and caring congregation committed to sharing the love of Jesus.”
On a personal note, I have to mention what a privilege it is for me to be in the role of HPCUMC Director of Communications and to share our church’s good works. One year ago, I thought I had retired from a long and varied career in strategic communications and PR. It soon became evident to me that I was not going to be able to stop doing what I loved – promoting great organizations. To return to working full-time, however, I knew that whatever I did had to be purposeful and deeply meaningful to me personally. Then, as if by divine intervention, my own church home needed a director of communications. Suddenly after 44 years of membership, I am so happy to find myself a staff member of our incredible church.
In fewer than six months, I have not only seen but also had the joyous task of sharing, the many ways God’s work is happening through HPCUMC: the community breakfasts in OTR; Super Serve Saturdays; generous support of our capital campaign A Faithful History, A Hopeful Future; incredible musical programs; gatherings and educational opportunities for those of all ages to grow in faith; and, genuine care for those in need. Please enjoy the good news of Hyde Park Community UMC .
Stephanie A. Creech
Stephanie A Creech Communications Director Hyde Park Community UMC
Stephanie Creech, Director of Communications
AFaithfulHistory, AHopefulFuture
Our capital campaign, A Faithful History, A Hopeful Future, provided an opportunity for us as a congregation to pledge our gifts to ensure the spaces – on two campuses – entrusted to us are capable of supporting the ministry to which God is calling us not only today, but also for future generations
Not surprisingly, the congregation of Hyde Park Community UMC has demonstrated tremendous support. To date, the total raised, including the endowment funds, has reached $8,778,702.
On Sunday, May 24, the First Fruits (first payments toward individual pledges) were offered during all three worship services. This congregational giving of First Fruits is keeping with what God asks of us in Deuteronomy 26:2, “You shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket . . . ”
We are grateful for the $1,821,048 from a generous congregation, as these funds can now be used to begin our initial projects.
In fact, on June 1, boiler removal began at the Hyde Park Campus Workers are dismantling the existing boilers and cutting them into smaller pieces. Once the boilers are removed, the boiler room will receive a fresh coat of paint
This commitment will enable HPCUMC to continue doing what Christ calls us to do – to share generously, for serving those in need is the equivalent of serving God directly and new lighting in anticipation of delivery of the new boilers. And by this fall, the new heating system will be good to go
While the boilers are #3 on the capital campaign priority Llst, it was important to consider current rising costs, especially on items such as copper and boilers. The purchase of these items sooner rather than later is good stewardship of church finances. Beginning this project now also allows for the work to take place while the preschool is on summer vacation
The Big Dig to shore up the foundation of the Hyde Park Campus building will follow just behind the removal of the old boilers and the installation of the new ones.
Hyde Park Campus, Grace Avenue
OTR Campus, Grace on Race Street
FirstFruitsOffering
The offering of "first fruits" is the practice of giving to God the very first and best portion of one’s crops, livestock, or income. It is a tangible act of faith, trusting that by putting God first, God will provide for and bless the rest of one’s resources.
After generous pledges to the capital campaign, our HPCUMC congregation was invited on Sunday, May 24 to offer their first –to make the first payment toward pledges. This offering provided $1,358,499, allowing us to begin our initial capital campaign projects without the need for a bank loan. We are so very thankful to all who generously offered their first fruits.
WithGratitudetoOurCapital CampaignTeam
Volunteer committee members are the driving force behind any successful capital campaign They provide the essential network, social proof, and peer-to-peer influence required to hit ambitious fundraising goals.
As is always the case with the good works of Hyde Park Community UMC, our membership stepped forward and gave generously of their time and many talents
First and foremost, we want to give our heartfelt thanks to our campaign co-chairs Victoria Kuhlman and Al Painter for their strength in leadership throughout the campaign
Throughout the capital campaign, a large team of incredible HPCUMC volunteers and staff members put their all into ensuring a successful outcome Many thanks to all who served:
Affinity Groups
Kristin Earnest
Dave Harpring
Prayer
Christine McHenry
Teddy Meyers
Mary Wheeler
Communications
Nick Pearson
Patrick Wantz
Pastors
Todd Anderson
Kate Smith
Lead Gifts
Bill Mattingly
Holly Mattingly
Jill McGruder
Larry McGruder
Students & Children
Charlotte Kuhlman
Laura Tuzun
REACH & Celebration
Rick Edwards
Nick Pearson
Advance Commitments
Andrea Slone
Laura Warren
Dave Warren
Coordinator
Meredith Menius
Gratitude & Ministry
Liz Gosnell
Will Gosnell
HPCUMCAwarded
WestOhioConference“GoGrant”
The Fresh Starts Committee of the West Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church has awarded HPCUMC a 2026 Go Grant for our Grace on Race St. laundry ministry.
The grant received is in the category of “Go into the Community!”, which HPCUMC is certainly doing This grant is for churches that are going “outside the walls of the church to build meaningful relationships in their community This grant supports efforts that meet people where they are – at work, at school, in neighborhoods, and in gathering places – with the
purpose of embodying Christ’s love through presence, service, and justice. Community engagement means listening well, showing up consistently, and walking alongside others to foster transformation and belonging ”
After conducting a needs assessment, the Over-the-Rhine community identified access to affordable laundry services as a top priority, as the OTR neighborhood is presently considered a “laundromat desert.” Our laundromat is committed to offering pricing at 2550% less than conventional laundromats so that everyone can access it regardless of ability to pay While waiting, neighbors will be invited to participate in community programming hosted in the church building next door. By meeting tangible needs in the neighborhood, we embody Jesus’ love in a way that is visible and accessible to those who may never step inside a sanctuary
This Go Grant will support the purchase of commercial-grade, ADA-compliant washers and dryers, along with one FasCard Add-Value Kiosk and 500 reusable loyalty cards.
BoilerReplacementUnderWay
Five boilers (installed in the 1990s for the 1966 west wing) and nine miniboilers (installed in 2008 for the 1927 original building) are now being dismantled and removed from our boiler room These old boilers will soon be replaced with four state-of-the-art, high-efficiency boilers designed to conserve energy and save money.
While the boilers are #3 on the Capital Campaign Priority List, it was important for us to consider current rising costs, especially on items such as copper and boilers. Purchasing these items sooner rather than later is good stewardship of church finances. Beginning this project now also allows us to do the work while our preschool is on summer vacation
Attending the February 1, 2026 celebration in Columbus, OH were (from left to right): Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson, Rev. Kate Smith, West Ohio Conference Bishop Hee-Soo Jung, Mission & Outreach Coordinator Christina Cotrone & Church Member/Volunteer Mary Wheeler
VoicesofOurChurch
Throughout our capital campaign, our Prayer Team shared weekly videos in which members of our church answered specific questions about their memories and hopes for Hyde Park Community UMC.
INGREDIENT SPOTLIGHT
While the rest of his family shared their vision for our church in a Voices of Our Church video, 11-year-old Micah Jankovsky chose to share written responses and an illustration. Here are Micah’s thoughts on the Hopeful Future of Hyde Park Community UMC.
What do you think our church will look like in ten years?
Micah says he thinks our church will be, “What it is, but better!”
What’s exciting to you about the capital campaign?
“The church does a lot of service . . . This gives the church more ways to help people,” says Micah. Specifically, he’s looking forward to, “Updates to the youth area; helping more people in OTR; and, being more environmentally friendly longterm.” Clearly, Micah appreciates that projects such as new and improved heating and air conditioning systems and window replacements will not only reduce cost, but will also improve the carbon footprint of our church. And, as Micah says so well:
“Becoming more environmentally friendly is cool!”
Micah’s rendering of what our church will look like in ten years: “It’s a better version of our church, updated.”
Our sincere thanks to Micah for sharing his thoughts and his artistic rendering with us through Voices of Our Church.
THE CORNER OF GRACE
Samara,RussiaMinistry
Rev. Katya Brodbeck Visits HPCUMC
In February, Hyde Park Community UMC was honored to welcome the Rev Katya Brodbeck to preach at our Annual Combined Samara, Russia, Worship Service
Having grown up in the First Methodist Church of Samara, Russia, one of our global ministry partners, Pastor Katya now serves at Church of the Master United Methodist Church in Westerville, Ohio.
Pastor Katya delivered the morning’s sermon, offering a powerful message of faith, unity, and what “being blessed” might actually mean All were inspired by her words
The United Methodist Church in Samara, Russia is the largest Methodist congregation in the country Our global partners at Samara UMC are in many ways a first century church, as Methodism is only in its third decade in Russia Their bravery in boldly sharing with their neighbors their faith stories and how to become a follower of Jesus is truly inspirational
HydeParkChurchCollectiveChoirs
On April 30, the Church of the Redeemer hosted a concert of the collective choirs from the Hyde Park Church Collective (Church of the Redeemer, Hyde Park Community UMC, and Knox Presbyterian Church).
The choirs from all three churches came together in a celebration of liturgical music from different denominations. The evening concluded with anthems sung by the combined choirs.
Rev. Katya Brodbeck
MusicMinistry
MOZART’S REQUIEM
In April, the Cathedral Choir of Hyde Park Community UMC and the Walnut Hills High School Vocal Ensemble combined their musical talents to deliver a beautiful performance of Mozart’s Requiem to a very enthusiastic audience in our sanctuary.
This concert was directed by HPCUMC Director of Music Ministries Ben Owen and Walnut Hills High School vocal music teachers Anthony Nims and Bret Albright
The vocal groups were accompanied by HPCUMC Resident Organist Dr Brenda Portman and the Hyde Park Festival Orchestra under Concert Master Manami White. Featured soloists included soprano Victoria Okafor, mezzo-soprano Lauren McAllister, tenor Carlos Ahrens, and baritone Eric Heatley
This concert is just one example of the many special events created through HPCUMC’s engagement with other musical organizations throughout the Greater Cincinnati Community
HPCUMC TO HOST HANDBELL MUSICIANS OF AMERICA
The Handbell Musicians of America 2026 National Seminar will take place July 14–18 at the Sharonville Convention Center This premier national event, featuring massed ringing and performances by group, including Queen City Bronze, Ring Sarasota, and our own HPCUMC Handbell Choir will offer free concerts and events throughout the city – including here at HPCUMC.
The HPCUMC Music Ministry is grateful to host and present a Hymn Festival in our own sanctuary to kick off the National Seminar on Monday, July 13 at 7:00 pm The Carillon Choir, Cathedral Choir, Wesley Choir, and Praise Team will unite to glorify God and demonstrate creative uses of handbells in worship All seminar attendees, the congregation, and the public are invited to come, sing, and ring
All musical events of the National Seminar will be free and livestreamed
Mozart’s Requiem, April 16, 2026
2025--2026OrganConcertSeries
This year marked the 22 season of our HPCUMC Organ Concert Series and yet another tremendously successful series, thanks to our Executive Director & Resident Organist Brenda Portman and Director of Music Ministries Ben Owen. As always, the series featured three remarkable organists. nd
November’s concert featured Richard Elliott, the Principal Organist for The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. For the past 34 years Elliot has accompanied the choir on its weekly radio and TV broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word, and in general conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has performed on dozens of the choir’s CDs and DVDs, and in the choir’s annual Christmas concerts, which are broadcast each year on PBS.
Titular organist at Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris France Karol Mossakowski was the featured muscian for February’s concert. Mossakowski is renowned for both his interpretation and improvisation skills. Our audience was especially wowed by the latter. He has received First Prizes at important performance competitions (Prague and Chartres), and leads an expansive international concert career. He also serves as professor of improvisation at the Higher School of Music, San Sebastián, Spain (Musikene) and is Artist in Residence at the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra in Katowice, Poland. Mossakowski’s performances have taken him to distinguished venues across Europe, Russia, Canada, and the USA.
The third and final of this year’s series was held in April and featured Thomas Sheehan, Director of Music at Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal, Canada. Prior to his service at Christ Church Cathedral, Sheehan was the Cathedral Organist and Interim Director of Music at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC. His work in DC included leading all aspects of a rich and complex music program both liturgical and concert-based—as well as playing for major national services, including the state funeral of President Jimmy Carter. Prior to his time at the National Cathedral, Sheehan held positions at the Memorial Church, Harvard University; Saint Mark’s Church, Philadelphia; and Trinity Episcopal Church, Princeton.
Richard Elliott
Karol Mossakowski
Thomas Sheehan
EarlCrossland: TinyHomeVillageforVeterans
The Need for Veteran Housing
According to Strategies to End Homelessness, there were more than 6,000 unhoused people in Hamilton County in 2025, an increase of 7 5 percent in the past two years Of this group, some 500 are U S military veterans Now, a local nonprofit, Tiny Homes for Humanity, is working to create homes and a sense of stability for this vulnerable group And HPCUMC’s Earl Crossland, a retired architect, is helping to lead this effort
Permanent, Supportive Housing Needed
“There is a tremendous need – well beyond temporary or emergency housing – for permanent housing,” Earl says. “This is called permanent supportive housing.”
Village Location Secured
Crossland has spent years searching for a central, walkable location close to public transportation in Hamilton County. “Just as we were nearly ready to give up, we found out not only that Gaines United Methodist Church in Madisonville had three quarters of an acre of land, but that they were also interested in building affordable housing,” Crossland said. The donation of this acreage has allowed the project to move forward with the plan to build on the land owned by the Madisonville church. Pastor Paula Stewart of Gaines United Methodist Church says, “This partnership sets an example of how churches can use land they own to help improve the living conditions of our most vulnerable residents.”
A Community Designed to Meet Veterans’ Needs
The planned Veterans Village will include 14 rental tiny homes, community gathering spaces, gardens, and a dog park. All these amenities are designed to provide a stable environment and a sense of community for our veterans What’s more, services at the Veterans Village will also include assistance in applying for and securing a tiny home, furnishing the home, case management, health services, and crisis intervention Classes in essential life skills will also be available for the Village’s residents.
Community & Camaraderie
Gaines United Methodist Church will also serve as a community gathering space for veterans living in the village. “If there are case managers who need a place to meet with veterans, then our building is open to them. If there’s a cause to celebrate or to host a gathering, the building is also open. We are committed to providing space and engaging with resident veterans,” Stewart said.
Earl Crossland on Fox
News
Organizers aim to create not just housing, but also a sense of stability, camaraderie, and community for veterans. “We wanted this small village to be as life-enhancing as possible,” Crossland says “Spaces such as a community garden and a place for pets will make it seem more like home.”
“One of the things that this community will do is bring veterans together,” says Glenn Welling, Executive Director of the Hamilton County Veterans Service Commission. “Not only would this project enhance the lives of those who live here; it would also allow word to spread throughout our veteran community that there is a place in which their camaraderie can grow ”
$750k Needed to Unlock $1 Million Grant
Tiny Homes for Humanity, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit behind the project, says it needs to raise $750,000 by June 30 to unlock a $1 million Hamilton County Grant and move the development forward.
Matching Grant to Double Your Donation
The Bernard & Pamela Barbash Family Foundation (of Cincinnati) has very generously offered to match donations to Tiny Homes for Humanity’s Veterans Village project up to $200,000. This essentially doubles new contributions and will help close the more than $300,000 gap in meeting the $750,000 goal needed to secure a $1Million Hamilton County Grant by June 30.
How to Donate
To help Tiny Homes for Humanity’s Veterans Village meet their fundraising goal by June 30 and bring this project to fruition – and to double your donation – simply click here or scan the QR code to the right.
View Tiny Homes Village Video
To view the video and learn more about the Tiny Homes for Humanity Veterans Village, you can click here or scan the QR code to the left.
TO VIEW VIDEO
Contact Tiny Homes for Veterans Village 854 Hutchins Avenue Cincinnati, Ohio 45229
Site Plan for Tiny Home Village
Opportunities&Events
Church Retreat 2026
A time of renewal for all ages. August 7 – 10, 2026
This year’s HPCUMC Church Retreat will take place Friday, Aug 7 (2:00 pm) to Monday, Aug 10 (1:00 p.m.), 2026 at the Aldersgate Camp & Retreat Center located at 125 Aldersgate Camp Road, Ravenna, KY 40472.
All ages are invited to join in this new retreat experience There’s something for everyone here! Rejoice in the beauty of God’s creation while hiking, swimming, fishing, exploring, playing games, and sharing time together. Renew your spirit and reflect on the Greatest Commandment: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and love your neighbor as yourself.
Lodging in air-conditioned cabins is $70 per person for the weekend. The cost includes three meals a day, Friday dinner through Monday lunch. Please pay this $70 as a deposit when registering.
Pricing for the weekend varies by age. Please pay before camp:
Adults/Youth (10+): $100
Kids (ages 3-9): $50
Infants/toddlers: no charge
Attire is comfy casual and the memories last a lifetime!
Reach out to Sara Pease at spease@hpcumc org with any questions or if you need to adjust the payment plan.
FirstSaturdayCommunityBreakfasts OTRCampus
The First Saturday Community Breakfast began in October 2024 as the first Emerging Ministry at Grace on Race St, the Over-the-Rhine campus of Hyde Park Community United Methodist. It was created with a bold hope: to build a vibrant, connected space where we can all come together neighbors, friends, and new faces alike.
Each month, the breakfast brings together more than 150 people for a free, hot meal served with warmth and welcome It’s more than breakfast – it’s a place where
stories are shared, friendships are formed, and the bonds within our community continue to grow.
We’re looking for volunteers to assist with cooking breakfast, as well as providing hospitality, serving as greeters, and helping host the event. You can click here or scan the QR code to registeer to volunteer.
Faith Formation: Baptisms
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
– Proverbs 22:6
FaithFormation
Our 2026 Confirmation Class
May the Holy Spirit be with you to renew, guide, and strengthen you in your faith. May you always walk righteously in the light of Christ.
During the 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday, May 24, we had the privilege of welcoming our 2026 Confirmands. We are thrilled to officially welcome them as members of our HPCUMC family. As they embark on this next chapter of their faith journey, we want to remind them they are loved, valued, and uniquely purposed by God. We are so blessed to walk alongside them.
Ainsley Parchman
Liam Calhoun
Harper Burgess
Zoey Gibson
Annie Kaylor
Congratulationstothe GraduatingClassof2026
Our Hyde Park Community UMC congregation offers a heartfelt congratulations to our graduating seniors This is a very accomplished group of young adults, all of whom will soon be off on new adventures and further successes We wish them all well and offer our prayers as they begin this important new chapter of life
Ayla Frances Brandt School for Creative & Performing Arts
The Ohio State University Zoology / Pre-Veterinary
Sara Brooke Ehrhorn Walnut Hills High School University of Cincinnati Psychology
Milo William Hickerson
Walnut Hills High School
Miami University Music Performance / Voice
Morgan Jean Hunter Anderson High School University of Cincinnati Education
Caroline Elizabeth Lovelace Walnut Hills High School
New York University Drama
Camryn Sylvia Martin Mariemont High School University of Cincinnati Medical Science / Pre-Med
Cooper J. Mataresse
Mariemont High School
Auburn University
Olivia McHenry Holy Cross High School University of Kentucky Psychology
Rachel Caroline Nguyen
Lakota West High School
Miami University Zoology
Micah Joel Portman Live Oaks Career Campus & Turpin High School Xavier University Business
Miles Russell Potter Archbishop Moeller High School Miami University Finance
Ays Riley Riggs
Walnut Hills High School
Shawnee State University Video Game Design
Laura Kathryn Schap Mount Notre Dame High School
Miami University Finance
Pictured [left to right]: Ayla, Laura, Micah, Rachel, Miles, Ays, Cooper, Sara, Camryn, and Caroline
CongratulationstotheClassof 2026
CongratulationstotheClassof 2026
NewestMembers
Hyde Park Community UMC welcomes our newest members, who joined our congregation on Sunday, February 22 We’re so happy to have them as part of our church family
Members of the household of God, I commend these persons to your love and care Do all in your power to increase their faith, confirm their hope, and perfect them in love.
NewMembers
February 22, 2026
Children&FamilyMinistry
HelptheKidsCoolOffthisSummer
July 7, 14, 21 & 28
HPCUMCPreschoolSummerFUNCamp
August 10-14 and 17-21
Please consider registering your preschooler or future kindergartner for one of our camps. Friends and neighbors ages 3-5 are welcome too!
Simply click here or scan the QR code to register.
SummerSermonSeries
June 7 – 21
In June, we continue with our worship series “Because of Jesus, I am ”
June 7 – I am Forgiven, Luke 23: 32-45
June 14 – I am Renewed, John 21: 15-19
June 21 – I am Sent, Acts 2:42-47
June 28 – July 12
We will begin a new 3-week worship series in June entitled: A New Vision: Perfecting Us in Love. This series will focus on the new vision statement of The United Methodist Church: “The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections.”
June 28 – Love Boldly
July 5 – Serve Joyfully
July 12 – Lead Courageously
July 19 – August 9
Hope for Hard Times by Rev. Dr. Magrey deVega, is the focus of our worship series that begins in July. deVega is the Senior Pastor at the Hyde Park United Methodist Church in Tampa, Florida. In Hope for Hard Times, the author examines the lives of the great biblical prophets Elijah and Elisha and reveals a consistent message in their stories: Don’t give up, and don’t lose hope. Trust that God will help you find a way.
July 19 – When the Odds Seem Against You, 1 Kings 18:1-15
July 26 – When You Feel Down and Out ,1 Kings 18:41 – 19:18
August 2 – When Life Takes a Turn, 2 Kings 2:1 – 12
August 9 – When All Seems Lost, 2 Kings 4: 1-7
BESTILL...AREFLECTIVEMOMENT
Christine McHenry
We certainly are living in tumultuous times when everything seems to be changing at warp speed, and not all for the good. There are times when I feel as if I’m in the outer whirlwinds of a tornado or a hurricane, being tossed around and pressured into conforming But then I remember that inside a tornado, inside a hurricane, there is an “eye” that is calm and still
In Romans 12, we hear Paul say, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect . . . Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers. . . Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all . . . Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good ”
“Do not be conformed to this age . . . ” How can we resist the pressures to conform? When there is normalization of attitudes, speech, and behaviors that are demoralizing, dehumanizing, and cruel, how can we let our love be genuine? Henri Nouwen, in his book entitled Discernment: Reading the Signs of Daily Life, says the following: “The first and most important spiritual task is to claim God’s unconditional love for ourselves To remember who we truly are in the memory of God ” And, “God does not require our success, popularity, or power in order to love us. Once we discern our identity and accept God’s unconditional love, we are free to live in the world without being owned by the world (emphasis is mine) We can forgive those who hurt or disappoint us without letting bitterness, jealousy, or resentment enter our hearts. The most beautiful fruit of claiming your belovedness is a joy that allows us to share God’s unconditional love with others ”
As you reflect on the passage from Romans and the quotes from Henri Nouwen, ask yourself:
What helps me to “not be conformed to this age”? Is my love “genuine”? What does that look like?
Is God calling me to a specific spiritual practice to help me stay anchored in my belovedness?
How might I live in this tumultuous world from the center of my being (my essence, my True Self, my soul)?
Lord, you have called us to be in the world and not of the world. Show us how to stay anchored in you and give us the courage to live in this world from the center of our being which is you Through your name, Jesus Christ, we pray AMEN
HydeParkChurchCollective
By Sara Pease
Last year, a few months after I assumed the newly-created role of Director of Faith Formation, I was invited to meet with colleagues from our neighboring churches Rev Tina Hubert, Director of Faith Formation at Knox Presbyterian Church, and Rev. Dr. Herschel Wade, Associate Pastor for Discipleship at Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, had begun preliminary conversations about pooling resources and collaborating on events. We quickly realized that our congregations have many commonalities and share a deep commitment to creating inclusive faith communities.
Pastors and other leaders from our communities had met and teamed up for various projects, events, and idea-sharing in the past, but we saw an opportunity to develop a whole new level of connection. Thus the Hyde Park Church Collective was born.
Redeemer had already been planning for a visit from Dan McClellan in September, and Knox’s York Lecture Committee had invited Cole Arthur Riley to speak in October As our own Colaw Lecture Committee brainstormed speakers for this year and next, we focused our selection on an author who would complement the messages of the other speakers We were thrilled to find that April Ajoy, author of Star-Spangled Jesus, had availability to visit in November. With the help of the media teams at all three churches, we created the Fall Lecture Circuit to cross-promote these speakers and extend the invitation to our congregations
Over the summer, we continued to develop ideas for connection. Tina, Herschel, and I met with our counterpart from St. Mary’s to share ideas. We brought together parents from our churches and larger community for a workshop on digital media and its effects on children. Knox hosted our first coffee meetup for all members of our staffs. Gathering the majority of our teams together in one room created dozens of connection points and new ideas for collaboration
Youth from Knox, Redeemer, and HPCUMC joined together for pizza and a photo scavenger hunt around Hyde Park Square. Because the friendly competition took place on the same day as the Hyde Park Square Art Show, the possibilities were endless and the laughter was contagious!
There is much more to come as collaborations evolve and invitations are extended to other churches and ministry areas. Rev. Tina Hubert best summarizes our mission, “If we can come together across denominations and experience unity in Christ, it will be a beacon of hope for our people and, perhaps, the larger Hyde Park and Cincinnati community.”
All who gathered offered their thanks to God for the life of Marietta, who was a light to many in her service, presence, and actions. The kitchen was blessed as a place of service and action in the world, a place where we will welcome the guests in our midst and where old friends might meet again.
Lord, bless this room where people will serve others through hospitality and care like your faithful servant Marietta Kelley Garber.
Rev. Kate Smith with members of Marietta’s family.
WhoWasMariettaKelleyGarber?
Our beloved Marietta was described as a “revered community member, a spark of joy, a faithful Christian ” What better could be said of a life well lived?
For 30 years, Marietta served as Parish Visitor for HPCUMC. During her service to our church, and well into her retirement, Marietta was a solid fixture of our church community. Marietta seemed to have an endless well of kindness She poured herself into her calling She visited the sick, comforted the grieving, encouraged the lonely and celebrated with those who rejoiced. If a member or relative of a member was scheduled for surgery, Marietta was there in the early morning hours to sit with the family, pray with them, and to remain by their side until their loved one was out of surgery. She understood that presence is one of the greatest gifts a person can give. And she was a fervent believer in the power of joy.
If there is any one trait that Christians should promote and try to remember – if we really believe in the Gospel message, if we are really determined to align ourselves with the teachings of Christ and the story of salvation – we should be consistently joyful.
Marietta Kelley Garber
Marietta and her twin sister Ruth, the daughters of a Methodist minister, grew up in a parsonage in Kentucky. Marietta earned her degree in Christian Education from Asbury College. She was endlessly curious and deeply literate, a woman who loved learning.
Those who were part of our HPCUMC family during Marietta’s years of service know well what an incredible woman she was. And to everyone she met, she gave the best gift anyone can give – her time, her attention, and her love.
Marietta exemplified hospitality, never hesitating to invite someone she had just met to visit our church. And when visitors came, she had a gift for making them feel welcomed, seen, and wanted. As one of our church historians, Marietta seemed to know the stories of everyone who had ever been a part of HPCUMC. She connected with people of all generations, reminding us all that our lives and our faith are part of a much larger story.
Marietta wasn’t extraordinary because she did one great thing - she was extraordinary because she filled thousands of small moments with love, kindness, and presence. That's why so many of us can say, “I have a story about Marietta." Each story is different, of course Collectively, however, they describe a woman who lived her life with intention, with grace, with love, with open hands, open heart, and joy overflowing. In the end, she left us with this challenge: to follow her example and to carry forward her good works –to love as she loved, and to remember that just one person can touch countless lives.
Marietta Kelley Garber May 25, 1937 - October 6, 2024
UWF&theCenterforRespiteCare
In Partnership with UWF for 20+ Years
For more than 20 years, the HPCUMC UWF (formerly United Methodist Women) have been volunteering to serve the needs of Cincinnati’s Center for Respite Care. Founded in 2003, the Center has offered adults experiencing homelessness a safe place to recover after illness or hospitalization.
This fall, the nonprofit will take a major step forward, closing on the former Uptown Arts Building in Overthe-Rhine. This new 20-bed facility on East Liberty Street will let the Center extend recuperative stays, care for clients with complex medical needs, and expand programming in a space designed with trauma-informed principles. This $2.1 million all-cash purchase gives the city’s only medical respite program a permanent home.
UWF began their volunteerism for the Center by decorating for the Christmas holiday, knitting hats and scarves, and providing a weekend meal (to offset the Center’s need for weekend meal provisions.) Different members have donated items such as clothing, linens, cleaning supplies, and household items to help clients at the Center and to help furnish the clients’ new apartments when they move out.
Serving the needs of the Center for Respite Care became a project of and open to all UWF members when the UWF made a commitment to provide one weekend meal per month.
Today, UWF continue to provide dinner on the second Sunday of each month and now also provides Saturday dinner several times throughout the year. A sign-up genius is sent to UWF members at the beginning of each month so they can volunteer and choose what item(s) they would like to provide. Food items are brought to the church and then delivered to the Center for Respite Care. When these meals are served, our volunteers are invited to stay, serve the meal, and interact with the clients. Our UWF volunteer activities will continue and expand as the Center moves into its new building in late 2026.
All are welcome to join in this UWF volunteer service and find new opportunities to volunteer as clients transition into permanent housing. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Pastor Kate ksmith@hpcumc.org; or Mary Sheldon at msheldon@zoomtown.com.
The site of the Center for Respite Care’s new facility on East Liberty Street.
Opportunitiesto Serve&Connect
At Hyde Park Community UMC, there are many opportunities to join with others in faith to serve, engage, and connect. Here’s a little about some of these opportunities and how you can become involved
Flower Bud Ministry ~ Mondays 9:30-11:30am
Join the Flower Buds in the Refectory for a morning filled with gorgeous flowers and great conversation. Our mission is to spread joy through the use of repurposed flowers to share with hospice patients, children and family ministry groups, nursing homes, and those who might not usually receive flowers. For more information on how you can help this ministry, please send an email to info@flowerbudscincinnati.org.
Receptions Ministry
The receptions team is looking for volunteers to help with this very important ministry of the church. Volunteers make punch, plate cookies and prepare the table for a gathering of family and friends before or after a funeral service, memorial service, organ concert, wedding or other special event. Responsibilities also include cleaning up afterward, washing dishes, and washing linens. The time commitment is 1-2 hours depending on the length of the event. The job also requires some standing and the ability to walk from the reception area to the storage area. For more details or to put your name on the list to be called please contact Chyrl Brandt at chyrl brandt@yahoo.com.
Blanket Ministry
Virtual Resale Shop
Do you have an item you want to get rid of but don’t want the hassle of selling online? Welcome to the UWF Marketplace Virtual Resale Shop! Let us do all the work for you. All funds will be used to support our missions projects! Reach out to Mary Wheeler for more details at mews1971@gmail.com.
Is your Sunday school class or group of church friends looking for a fun activity to do together? Do you like to have something to do while you relax at home watching TV or listening to your favorite music? Have a teen who needs volunteer hours? Consider helping UWF knot blankets! The fleece blanket material is pre-cut and ready to go. All we need are volunteers to tie knots in the fringe. These blankets are then shared with the clients of Cincinnati’s Center for Respite Care, our HPCUMC preschool, and other area agencies in need. What better way to wrap some love around our community than with a warm blanket?! Contact Mary Wheeler at 513-919-7587 or mews1971@gmail.com for more information!
Although Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, it was not immediately enforced in areas outside of Union control. It was an additional two and a half years before all slaves were liberated.
On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Texas. Only after Granger’s arrival in Galveston were the last 250,000 enslaved people in the United States freed.
Often referred to as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth
serves as a profound milestone for Black Americans. It symbolizes independence, the survival of the human spirit, and the ultimate triumph of freedom over bondage.
How is Juneteenth Relevant Today?
Commemorating Progress: Juneteenth is a time to reflect on the immense cultural, political, and social contributions Black Americans have made to the United States since the end of the Civil War.
A Continuing Legacy: While it marks the end of chattel slavery, Juneteenth also represents an ongoing commitment to civil rights, equity, and dismantling systemic inequalities today. It’s a vital day to celebrate emancipation, honor resilience, and recognize the ongoing pursuit of equality
What Will the Celebration Include:
Great food.
Live music throughout both days.
Shopping for art.
Historical exhibits.
Pony rides, books, games, and crafts for the kids!
VolunteerasaTutor/Mentor
TUTORS/MENTORS NEEDED:
While local schools may be on summer break, it’s not too soon to think about joining fellow HPCUMC members as a tutor/mentor to a young student. Our tutors/mentors help children become the best versions of themselves.
Tutors/mentors at Rothenberg Preparatory Academy commit to going to the school once a week (Tuesday or Thursday) to work on reading and math skills with a student with whom they have been paired. Additionally, they play a supportive role in their student’s life.
If you would like more information about how you can serve at Rothenberg, please contact Rev. Kate Smith at ksmith@hpcumc.org or Karen Bruner at 513-787-3549 or chatbru82@gmail.com.
HPCUMC has successfully partnered with Rothenberg Preparatory Academy for more than 14 years. Please consider joining us.
ThisSummer’sDrop-InBookDiscussions
Braving the Truth by Rachel Held Evans
Sundays at 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
This summer, we welcome you to drop in as you are able and take part in our discussions of Rachel Held Evans’ Braving the Truth. Questions? Reach out to Sara Pease at spease@hpcumc.org.
Dates & Readings for Discussion
June 7 Foreword/Biography/Introduction & Part One “An Evolving Faith: Essays on Doubt, Asking Questions, and the Cost of It All” through page 39
June 14 Part One, pages 40-65
June 21 Part Two “That Unholy American Trinity: Essays on Patriarchy, White Supremacy, and Religious Nationalism, pages 69-131
June 28 Part Two, pages 132-172
July 5 Holiday break/catch up week
July 12 Part Three “Casseroles, Evangelicalism, and the Kingdom of the Hungry: Essays on the Church”, pages 175-195
July 19 Part Three, pages 196-218
July 26 Part Four “All Right, Then, I’ll Go to Hell: Essays on Gender and Sexuality”, pages 221-251
August 2 Part Four, pages 252-274
August 9 Part Five “Still a Bible Nerd: Essays on Scripture”, pages 277-296
August 16 Part Five, pages 297-311
August 23 Part Six “Telling the Truth: Essays on Life in the Midst of It All”, pages 315-344
August 30 Part Six & Afterword, pages 345-374
SeniorAdults:FieldTripswithFriends
Questions? Contact Pastor Kevin at kbuckley@hpcumc.org or 513-312-8655
JoinHPCUMCinthe2026CincinnatiPrideParade
Cincinnati is hosting the Pride Parade on Saturday, June 27 and our church will be part of it for the 4th year in a row! Show your support for our LGBTQ+ siblings by being in the family-friendly parade representing Hyde Park Community UMC or by coming out and watching the parade and/or going to the Festival at Sawyer Point
The purpose of Cincinnati Pride is to provide the Greater Cincinnati LGBTQ+ community and allies
a forum that promotes inclusion and acceptance while affirming individuality Being part of Cincinnati Pride offers us a chance to strengthen our community and celebrate the inclusive love of Christ. As a church, it’s an opportunity for us to stand with our LGBTQ+ siblings and strive to be a safer space where all people can belong
Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival is a family-friendly fun event with activities and entertainment for people of all ages, including a Family Fun Zone at the festival!
Details for the parade:
There will be an option to sign up to carpool from the church to the parade
We will be passing out snacks and cooling towelsfeel free to bring a favorite bag you like to carry or we'll provide shopping bags
It was HOT last year. Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes
You may also want to bring a rain jacket or poncho as rain is possible.
HPCUMC will provide water for the event
Where & When to Arrive:
For more info about HPCUMC Pride, you may scan the QR code or click the link below
Or click here
Please arrive between 9:45-10:00 am to 7th St and Central Ave (Jedson Engineering is at the intersection - 705 Central Ave. and might be best to put into your GPS)
Contact Sara Pease 513-673-5789 or Dana Calhoun 513-515-1370 if you need help locating the group
The parade route is just under 2 miles - starting at 7th and Plum, travels down Vine St. past Fountain Square and ends at the Cincinnati Pride Festival at Sawyer Point and Yeatman's Cove
Strollers/wagons/wheelchairs are welcome!
Parking - if you want to park near the start of the parade consider going to the Parking Garage at at 222 West 7th St If you want to park near the end of the parade/where the festival is there are many parking areas/lots/garages along Pete Rose Way.
Questions?
Contact Sara Pease at spease@hpcumc.org.
STAFFMEMBERSPOTLIGHT
ChristinaCotrone, CoordinatorofMiss ltMinistries
Christina Cotrone
Join Us in Celebrating Christina: A Candidate for Ordained Ministry
On Monday, June 8, our Servant Leadership Board, members of our church, special guests, and a representative from the West Ohio Conference of the UMC took parta called in called Charge Conference. The purpose of this called Charge Conference, led by David Meredith, retired elder from the West Ohio Conference, was to recommend our own Christina Cotrone as a candidate for ordained ministry. Those present unanimously, and wholeheartedly, voted to recommend Christina.
About Christina
As Coordinator of Mission & Outreach, Young Adult Ministries, and our OTR Campus for the past two years, Christina has played a vital role in the life of our church Christina has helped support emerging ministries, including
our First Saturday Community Breakfasts, retreats, classes, and the Grace on Race St Market She has contributed significantly to our initital efforts in developing a community laundromat and partnering with Found House to become their permanent emergency shelter for families. Christina was also responsible for our first grant – a Go Grant awarded by the West Ohio Conference for the development of thecommunity laundromat.
Serving as Coordinator of our Young Adults Ministry, Christina has been instrumental in meaningful, weekly get-togethers and discussions of faith. She has also worked with and supported our United Women in Faith, our pastors and staff, our local and global mission partners (helping lead teams serving in Cartagena, Colombia and Tijuana, Mexico), Love Thy Neighbor Project, Super Serve Saturdays, and so much more. In speaking of these experiences, Christina says, “I have learned and grown so much through my time at Hyde Park Community UMC This church truly shows up and embodies what it means to be servants of God.”
Christina has also worked with and supported our UWF, our pastors and staff, our local and global mission partners, Love Thy Neighbor Project, Super Serve Saturdays, and so much more Through these experiences, Christina says, “I have learned and grown so much through my time at Hyde Park Community UMC. This church truly shows up and embodies what it means to be servants of God.”
Since starting at HPCUMC, Christina has completed one year of serminary at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, pursuing a Master's degree in Social Justice and Public Theology This fall, she will begin medical school at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. In combining medicine and theology, Christina seeks to ensure that all of God's people will receive compassionate care steeped in the love of Christ Christina says she is called "not only to understand illness at a molecular level, but also to respond to suffering with compassion, presence, and moral imagination "
Deeply rooted in faith and in the United Methodist Church in Southwest Ohio, Christina says faith and service were a “way of life woven into [her] family identity. From an early age,” says Christina, “ministry and service were modeled for me daily through family ” She says her formative years were shaped by United Methodist retreats, mission trips, Vacation Bible School first as a participant and later as a counselor and by learning what it meant to belong to a community grounded in worship, service, and accountability.
Alongside her faith formation, Christina developed an early fascination with science, “Especially,” she explains, “in the complexity of the human body and the systems that shape health and illness.” This curiosity has led to her earning a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with a minor in Public Health at The Ohio State University
During her undergraduate studies, Christina joined a research laboratory and completed a senior thesis examining the relationship between maternal HIV infection and adverse pregnancy outcomes. This research focused on a cohort of women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. “While the scientific rigor of the work was deeply fulfilling, the human reality behind the data transformed me,” Christina explains She says it forced her to “confront the intersection of disease, injustice, and human dignity.” She says she felt a calling “not only to understand illness at a molecular or clinical level, but also to respond to suffering with compassion, presence, and moral imagination.”
The Black Lives Matter movement of 2020 also has compelled Christina, she says, “to examine my own complicity within unjust systems and to ask what faithful response looked like in such a moment.” All of her experiences have combined to clarify Christina’s calling and her “commitment to the radical love of Christ, a love that refuses to draw lines around who is worthy of care, dignity, and belonging.”
Presently pursing a Master’s degree in Social Justice and Public Theology, Christina is now also a certified candidate (pending the June 8 Charge Conference) This fall, she will enter The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
While we as a congregation will certainly be sad to see Christina leave our church on July 27, we stand in support as she embarks on a journey that will allow her to combine a medical career with the meaningful mission outreach to which Christ has called her.
Members of HPCUMC volunteered for Super Serve Saturday by taking part in a Spring 2026 Habitat for Humanity Rock the Block event. Rock the Block is a community-centered program that brings together volunteers, residents, and local sponsors to revitalize specific neighborhoods.
HPCUMC volunteers spent Saturday, April 25, in Hamilton, Ohio’s Jefferson Neighborhood. Jefferson, also known as Hamilton’s 4th Ward, was once a highly industrial neighborhood of Italian immigrants. Today, Jefferson has seen little city investment; although, it is home to several small family-owned businesses and is Hamilton’s most ethnically diverse neighborhood. The volunteers from HPCUMC assistedChassidy, a neighborhood homeowner who has
health issues that prevent her from keeping up with all the maintenance of her home Chassidy has been responsible for maintaining this home since her mother’s death four years ago. Her mother had lived in the home for 30 years and, in her later years, had not been able to care for the property.
HPCUMC volunteers cleaned up the overgrowth in the backyard, removed an accumulation of debris from the side yard, painted the porches and exterior doors, mulched, and did some minor repairs to the exterior.
Thanks to the help from Rock the Block volunteers, Chassidy now looks forward to hopes making the home more maintainable and enjoyable for her family. She envisions using the back yard for family gatherings cookouts.
Home improvement wasn’t the only service our HPCUMC volunteers provided during Rock the Block in Hamilton. There was also a very impressive kitten rescue! While cleaning up Chassidy’s backyard, the group discovered a kitten all alone in a corner of the yard. Of course, immediate action was taken. One person went to find a box, a blanket, and a syringe. Someone else ran to the closest pet store to get formula. And in no time, the sweet little kitten was being passed around the group and happily snuggling with each person who held her
Emily Easley, who serves on the Personnel Committee of our Servant Leader Board, not only was one of the day’s volunteers, but also has experience with neonatal kittens Emily estimated the kitten to be just 2 – 3 weeks old. She knew that, even if the mama cat came back, this kitten’s best chance of survival was adoption. Nor surprisingly, Emily did the adopting. Maple the Kitten, so named because she was found in the yard of the Maple Avenue home where Emily and others were volunteering, has a new home and family Emily reports that Maple has steadily grown into an “adorable, snuggly, heatedblanket-stealing fluff ball.” She is thriving, gaining confidence, and showing more personality with each passing day.
Maple the Kitten
HPCUMC Rocks the Block
Mission&Outreach
HPCUMC Honored by Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio & Northern Kentucky honored Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church with its Community Partner Award at their Third Annual Meals Madness Gala. The event took place on March 18, 2026, at the Cintas Center
Our church was celebrated for its decades-long partnership and its shared mission with Meals on Wheels Member Tammy Attinger was aspeaker at the event, which raised nearly $260,000 to benefit Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels has a long and historic connection with The United Methodist Church In 1937, Meals on Wheels originated as Wesley House, an organization that provided housing for local seniors It was in 2020 that Wesley House became what we now recognize as Meals on Wheels. In the 1980s, the organization expanded from Wesley House to Wesley Community Services to meet growing community needs, adding a home-delivered meals service. With no kitchen to produce meals in these early years, HPCUMC opened the doors to our commercial kitchen for their use.
Since first sharing our kitchen, Hyde Park Community UMC has helped drive the Meals on Wheels mission in many ways. Volunteers have helped assemble snack boxes, prepare meals for distribution, package pet food, create birthday cards for seniors, and more. The church has also sponsored Meals on Wheels initiatives and has donated space, time and people power for the annual Bust-A-Crust fundraiser an event that draws hundreds of community volunteers, many of whom are Hyde Park Community UMC congregants
Speaking of the partnership between the two organizations, HPCUMC Pastor Kate Smith says, “We align on the fundamental belief that a meal is more than just food it is a vehicle for dignity and social connection, and an essential wellness check to combat the isolation and hunger seniors face.”
Meals on Wheels CEO Mike Dunn agrees stating, “Hyde Park Community UMC has always recognized and embraced the core of our mission We deliver meals and other essential services that promote seniors’ independence and well-being. All of these services provide an important reminder to seniors: you are not alone ”
Mike Dunn says, “Meals on Wheels is so fortunate to have such a close history with Hyde Park Community UMC. Their steadfast support and passion for service helps us to serve our elderly neighbors We are very, very grateful and proud to reflect on our decadeslong relationship with Hyde Park Community UMC and to honor them with the 2026 Community Partner Award.“
Rev. Kate Smith, Tammy Attinger , & Lisa Attinger
Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson, Kate Warren & Janice Kummer
Mission&Outreach
Love Thy Neighbor Project
Since 1991, Hyde Park Community UMC has come together to share God’s grace through the gift of food As food insecurity is a year-round issue, our Love They Neighbor Project has moved away from Thanksgiving and become an Eastercentered ministry, inviting us to live as Resurrection People continuing to offer nourishment, dignity, and hope to those in need
Our Love They Neighbor Project is powered by the generosity of time, hands, and resources. This project is a hands-on way to put our faith into action, to live out our call to love our neighbors, and to celebrate the resurrection by serving others. To find out how you can help, simply click the button below.
This year’s Love They Neighbor Project was held on Palm Sunday. Following our 9:30 worship service, church members and attendees each grabbed a box to fill. As they exited the church building, all walked the table station tables that were set up, collecting the necessary items to fill their boxes At the end of the day"assembly-style” line, each box was placed in a clearly marked area, designated for pick-up and delivery to the various organizations.
A very big WELL DONE to all who gave of themselves to make this incredibly important event such a well organized and successful disttribution of greatly needed food items.
Our Love Thy Neighbor Project this year provided food boxes for more than 600 families throughout the Greater Cincinnati community.
Rev. Dr. Todd Anderson with Mission & Outreach / Young Adults Coordinator Christina Cotrone
Members moving through the line & filling their boxes.
Members of our HPCUCMC Boy Scout Troop 114 were especially helpful.
Mission&Outreach
As we strive to embody the hope and love of Jesus for all through service, worship, and companionship, we also hope that those in our church can find a meaningful way to serve by sharing their passions and gifts with the needs of the community. We have partnerships throughout the Cincinnati community and around the world
Tijuana Christian Mission &Women with Purpose in Mexico
Hyde Park Community UMC is in partnership with Tijuana Christian Mission, an orphanage with campuses in Tijuana and Rosarito; and, with Women with Tijuana’s first Women’s Shelter In July, members of HPCUMC will travel to Mexico to serve these two organizations
Tijuana Christian Mission (TCM) is committed to serving God through serving the most vulnerable children of Mexico – children who come from broken homes or from no home at all TCM is able to provide a loving family environment for children who have seen and experienced abuse, neglect and extreme poverty. Our family currently consists of about 70 children and 20 “parents,” otherwise known as staff members, who work together to meet not only the physical needs of the children, but their emotional and spiritual needs as well.
Women With Purpose is a faith-based women’s shelter located in Tijuana, Mexico. The non-profit organization exists to provide shelter, restore hope, and facilitate healing for women in Mexico who have experienced extreme abuse.
Through our partnership and financial support, Women with Purpose went from renting places to serve as the shelter to building a permanent shelter in Tijuana. One of the ways our church provides financial support is to help fund two psychologists to meet with the children and teens at TCM. So many of the children have experienced unexplainable trauma before coming to our home. The psychologists are a huge piece of their process of healing
Volunteers hard at work on the 2025 Tijuana Mission Trip
HPCUMC Members Attending the July 2026 Mission to Tijuana
Kate Smith*
Christina Cotrone*
Kate Warren*
Mary Wheeler*
Scottie Schap* Clay Heap*
Henry Patterson
Brennan Riggs*
Morgan Hunter*
Zoe Hams*
Sam Gneuhs* Caroline Gneuhs*
* Indicates returning member.
HPCUMC
Enneagram: Discovery Workshop
In this introductory workshop, we’ll explore the Enneagram - a powerful map of nine distinct personality types that reveal the deeper "why" behind our thoughts, feelings, and actions Through the Enneagram’s lens, we can begin to understand the layers of personality we’ve developed throughout our lives Like a mirror, it reflects hidden truths about our strengths, struggles, and the unique paths we walk
Over the course of two days, Katie Whitlock, an Enneagram practitioner and facilitator, will walk through the structure of the Enneagram as well as each personality type Whether you’re new to the Enneagram and need help figuring out your number or just need a recap of each type, the Enneagram Type Discovery Workshop will set you up with a strong foundational knowledge and a hunger for more
August Session
When: Saturday, August 29 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 30 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Welcome Center
The cost includes a workbook, lunch on Saturday, and other refreshments throughout the workshop. Childcare is available if requested by for an additional cost of $15 Deadline to request childcare is Monday, August 24.
* Register with a friend and you both receive a discount!
**Reach out to Sara Pease at spease@hpcumc.org if the cost of the weekend is a barrier to your attendance.
To Register, you may scan the QR code or click the link below
SeniorAdults:SummerFilmSeries
Text or Call: 513-312-8655
YoungAdults
Young Adult Group featured on The Progressive Christians Podcast
From July through December 2025, our HPCUMC young adult group spent time engaging in episodes from The Progressive Christians Podcast, diving into thoughtful conversations around faith, doubt, and what it means to follow Jesus today.
As a reflection of that journey, members of our group submitted questions – and the podcast team responded in a special bonus episode: “The Questions That Linger After Deconstruction.”
This episode highlights the honest, meaningful questions our young adults are asking and creates space for deeper reflection around faith and identity.
We invite you to listen and join the conversation by scanning any of the QR codes below:
This Summer for Young Adults
June 1 – August 31
A Faithful History, A Hopeful Future: Exploring the United Methodist Church
Young Adults are invited to participate in a 14-week study exploring the history, theology, structure, and future of Christianity and The United Methodist Church Whether you grew up Methodist, are new to the denomincation, or are simply curious about faith and church history, this series is desgined to create space for learning, conversation, and thoughtful engagement
Monday nights 7:00 – 8:30pm, June 1 – August 31, at Bean & Barley in O’Bryonville. Come as you are and enjoy your favorite beverage. This study is designed especially for young adults and is open to anyone – no theology background, Bible expertise, or certainty required. Doubt, curiosity, and different perspectives are always welcome.
Spotify: Apple Instagram
SoulBuilders
Scanning the QR code will take you to Amazon where you can easily select purchases to help those in need
ElevateCincinnationAugust22
Restorative Yoga, Finding Gobi & Sound Bath
Grace on Race Street (1310 Race St. (Over-the-Rhine)
Feeling stretched thin or stuck in overdrive?
Join us for a soul-nourishing day of rest, release, and elevation Through yoga, breathwork, reflection, and guided rest, you’ll reconnect with your truth and create space for what’s next Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or simply a moment to pause – this retreat is your reset.
Enjoy a refreshing day of reflection, connection, and renewal led by Heather Muhlhauser of Elevate Excursions
Enjoy a refreshing day of reflection, connection, and renewal led by Heather Muhlhauser of Elevate Excursions.
For more information, you can click here or scan the QR code.
CopingwithLossandGrief
Julie Foster, LISW-S, RN
Grief is associated with all kinds of loss While generally we associate grief with losing someone to death, grief shows up after most any loss: loss of a relationship, loss of an ability, loss of an identity, loss of a marriage, loss of a job, loss of independence, loss of a dream. And some of these losses overlap. Divorce is a loss of a relationship as well as of a dream of that “perfect” partnership and family. Loss of partner relationships may also come with loss of that person’s family/children/friends. Loss of an ability such as through injury or illness can also come with the loss of a dream or of independence
Probably the most important thing to know about grief is that there is no right way to go through it. Yes, there are the classic stages of grief: shock, anger, denial, bargaining, depression, acceptance. But most of us do not go through them on a straight trajectory. We go in and out of each stage, over and over, for varying lengths of time. How to help someone who is grieving-don’t ask what they need or say “let me know if there is anything I can do”; just do something. Decision fatigue is often associated with grief, so suggest something
“I’ll stop by after work and bring some dinner; I can stay and eat with you or just drop it off depending on how you feel."
-OR-
“I’m going to call you every Monday on my way home from work; it’s ok if you don’t pick up-I’ll just try again next week in case you want to talk.”
-OR-
“You don’t have to be ok right now.”
Many of us are uncomfortable with others’ grief and emotions, which leads us to say things that, well, really are not helpful. Have you ever said “Everything happens for a reason” or “They’re in a better place” or “You’re better off without them” or “You just have to focus on the positive”. Actually, sometimes bad or hard things just happen and are devastating. You don’t have to hide your pain in order to make others more comfortable.
Here is what some folks who have experienced grief offer as advice: “Words aren't really needed. Hugs, shoulders, rides, meals, cleaning up, helping, taking the carpool for a day those things are needed ”
“I knew some people meant well when my sister passed, but the thing sometimes that got me is ‘She wouldn’t want you to cry, you will see her again.’ Don’t get me wrong, I’m so THANKFUL for that reassurance; it’s just we know we will see them again, but we mourn down here because we miss them . And sometimes we just need to let people cry and put an arm around them and keep them lifted in Prayer But I truly am thankful for the reassurance of Heaven !”
CopingwithLossandGrief
(continued)
“Just be with the one who's hurting Let them talk about the one they've just lost Share stories about the one they've just lost.”
In the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People (notice the first word of the title is When, not Why), Harold Kushner notes that God is not causing bad things to happen, but God is nudging us to be in fellowship and community to help each other navigate through the bad things and to celebrate the good things Our church community is hopefully a place where you feel supported and seen, where you don’t have to mask your sadness nor your joy.
How to help yourself cope with loss-don’t assume there is a “right way” to grieve your loss. Don’t assume that your loss “isn’t as bad as other people have it” and therefore stifle your grief Let yourself feel your feelings, cry your tears, be angry, be sad, talk about it. While perhaps not every loss is created equal, this is your loss to grieve. Connect with people who don’t minimize your feelings, who can sit with you in your pain without trying to fix it. To have people who can truly provide empathy is a gift.
Just because you did more today than you did yesterday does not mean you are “fine” now There is no “right” amount of time in which to complete your grieving process. And there is no “right” amount of time until it is ok to laugh again, have fun, move on, do things for which the loss has made space. Get some sleep and be gentle with yourself.
@andthatsgrief @girl meets grief
In Loving Memory
Name
Gary Bates
Rod Cober
Ginny Halbauer
Ginny Kordons
Fred Lucas
Ann Reed
Jennifer Russell
Ron Spice
Dennis Sullivan
John Toepfer
Their memories are keepsakes with which we'll never part. God has them in his keeping, we have them in our hearts.
Date Deceased
01/09/2026
03/17/2026
02/01/2026
05/04/2026
04/01/2026
01/17/2026
01/08/2026
05/28/2026
02/14/2026
01/07/2026
Michael Wardrep
Jim Zavisin
01/24/2026
04/01/2026
Church Calendar: June
Finance Meeting, Welcome Center, 5:00
Servant Leadership Board (SLB) Meeting, Welcome Center 6:00
Buechner Men's Group, Library, 10:00 - Noon
Equipping Team, Library, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Yoga Class,, Little Theater, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Pearce Book Club, Social Hall, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Traditional Worship Services: 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
Contemporary Worship Service: 11:00 a.m.
New Member Sunday, 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Braving the Truth Summer Drop-in Class, Library, 9:30 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
