John

Beersheba Unexpected

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An overview of most of the remains of ancient Beersheba

Beersheba Unexpected

Each day, as we rode on our tour bus toward a new destination, our class took turns preparing a short biblical history lesson of what had happened in that place. Sometimes these were recorded in the Old or New Testaments but sometimes the events of interest to us were to be found in the writings of Josephus, or in rediscovered texts from Egypt, Mesopotamia, or other archeological explorations. And so, on our way to Be’er Sheva (biblical Beersheba) we were reminded of the many biblical references, which are entirely in the Old Testament for reasons that I will explain shortly.

The first reference to Beersheba comes as early Genesis 21 when Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away and they “wandered in the Desert of Beersheba.” Just a few verses later, Abraham makes an oath (which amounts to a modern treaty) with Abimelech and exchange seven lambs as a part of the agreement. The name “Beersheba” therefore is said to stem from that event either because the word Beersheba is similar to the Hebrew root of “made an oath,” or because it is similar to the root word of “seven” (or possibly both).

The well at Beersheba

Later, in Genesis 46, Jacob stops in Beersheba to offer sacrifices to God on his way to Egypt, Elijah stops there while running for his life in 1 Kings 19, and almost all of the other occurrences simply use Beersheba as an expression to say all of Israel from north to south as we see in Judges 20:1 when it says, “Then all Israel from Dan to Beersheba and from the land of Gilead came together as one and assembled before the Lord in Mizpah.” This expression is used simply because Dan was, for the most part, the farthest north that Israel grew, and Beersheba was its farthest southern extent.  To the north of Dan was the nation of Aram (which is modern day Syria) and to the south was… well, sand.  Beersheba was, and is, at the northern edge of the Negev desert, which scripture often describes as “wilderness” and the Sinai Peninsula. Continuing south brings you to the borders of Egypt. When the Jews returned to Israel after the Babylonian captivity, Nehemiah records that some returned to Beersheba, but, perhaps because there were so few, and because that territory is no longer controlled by Israel, there is no other mention of that place in scripture.

Looking down into the (deep) well

And so, while Beersheba is well attested in the Bible, compared to many of the other places that we visited, not a lot happened there. And yet, I was struck by the presence of the place in a way that I wasn’t in many of the others. Beersheba may not have had a central role in the stories of scripture, but it was present. The reason that Beersheba was important to Abraham and Isaac was because of the well that was there. Here, at the northern edge of the desert, there isn’t much water other that what flows down the wadi (dry riverbed) during the infrequent rains. And so, this well is very likely the same well that Abraham knew. Moreover, even though it may not often be mentioned by name, anyone who traveled through this region was almost certain to have stopped here.

A model of the Horned Altar found at Beersheba

It is also believed that Beersheba was one of the places of worship that had been built so that people wouldn’t have to travel the many miles north to Jerusalem. If so, this is one of the temples that King Hezekiah ordered torn down in 1 Kings 18. During archaeological digs here, a four-horned altar, often described in scripture, and typically used for sacrifice, was discovered here in secondary use. “Secondary use” means that after the temple here had been torn down, someone reused the stones as a part of wall. The stones from that wall have been moved to the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and reassembled into an altar.

Finally, during those times that Israel controlled Beersheba, it was a military outpost. This was the border between Israel and the wilderness, and between Israel and any enemies, such as Egypt, that might come from the south. Duty here was probably far from home, and certainly hot, unforgiving, and generally miserable.

A city street

Still, what is it about Be’er Sheva that unexpectedly struck me? Why does it have a presence that I could feel? For me, it’s because, like just a few other places, this is where it happened. In other places, over the last two thousand years, the places described in scripture have moved, walls have been torn down and rebuilt, whole cities have been destroyed, rebuilt, destroyed again, over and over until the places that we read about are tens of meters below the surface. But wells don’t move. While the stones surrounding this well at the surface may have been replaced many times, this is the place where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Elijah, invading Pharaohs, Mesopotamian generals, Roman armies, Israelite kings, and so many others have stood, draw water, and had a moment of rest.

It was unexpected.  I was surprised.

Beersheba city gate

But here, on a smallish hill on the edge of the desert, I felt as if I was in the presence of history.

And, having done so, it is so much easier to imagine what those people were feeling. The panic of Hagar as she is cast out to almost certain death in the desert, the relief of Israeli merchants returning home from Egypt, the apprehension of outpost soldiers knowing that Egypt’s army was on its way towards them, the anticipation of Pharoah as he moved north towards larger, more well-defended outposts and cities, and the courage of those settlers who dared to make this remote place their home.

It is that insight, out ability to imagine what it must have been like, that allows us to better understand, explain, teach, and preach the stories of scripture. Because understanding those people, and their feelings transforms dry words into real people.

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Five Thousand Years of Megiddo

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Five Thousand Years of Megiddo

(and counting)

by John Partridge

A panoramic view from the top of Mount Megiddo

Whether you have read the New or the Old Testaments, you are likely to have encountered a story about the fortress of Megiddo. Its strategic location has already made it a place of importance in 3000 BCE, and long before the arrival of Joshua and the Israelites in 1400 BCE. As most ancient fortresses were, even into the Medieval period, Megiddo lies at the top of a rise that might be a big hill or a small mountain. That alone might not have made Megiddo a good location for a fortress, but its geographic location certainly did.

Iron Age City Gate (built under Solomon or Ahab)

The fortress, or more properly the historic succession of fortresses, overlooks the Jezreel valley, which is not only one of the most fertile plains in the Ancient Near East, but has within it, the Via Maris, the road that connected Egypt, Syria, Anatolia, and Mesopotamia which was important to many ancient empires including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Hittites, Assyrians, Israelites, Canaanites, and many others. And not only did Megiddo overlook this important highway, but it did also so in the place where the Via Maris narrowed through the pass at Mount Carmel on its way to the coastal plain along the Mediterranean Sea.

Granary

The archeological digs at Megiddo have unearthed a temple that was built by the early Canaanites, one of the largest structures in the entire Ancient Near East, as early as 3000 BCE. This was the place where Egyptian soldiers of Thutmose III fought between 1450 and 1400 BCE, and then Joshua and the Israelites between 1400 and 1375 BCE as seen in Joshua 12:21. Here, Solomon established one of his great chariot cities to stable his horses (1 Kings 4:12), and it was here that both King Ahaziah (2 Kings 9:27) and King Josiah (2 Kings 23:29) met their deaths. Much more recently, this was the place where British troops fought the Ottoman army during World War I and where the apostle John envisioned the great battle of Armageddon in Revelation 16:16 (Armageddon is a mistranslation of what John almost certainly wrote as “Har Megiddo,” meaning mountain, of Megiddo).

“Solomon’s stables”

In my recent trip to Israel, we walked through the ruins of Megiddo and saw the layers of the cities that had been built there over the course of thousands of years.  We saw the monumental city gates built in the Bronze Age by the Egyptians and in the Iron Age by either King Solomon or by King Ahab, the ancient temples, the buildings where Solomon’s horses were stabled (or which might have been warehouses), a granary silo that once stored the city’s supply of wheat, barley, or other grains, a monumental southern palace (once again dating to either Solomon or Ahab), and an amazing tunnel that connected the city to it’s spring outside the gates of city which protected it from invading armies.

Stairs to the spring tunnel
Tunnel to the spring outside the walls

The impressive views of the Jezreel Valley from the walls of Megiddo are amazing. Looking out over the valley, it is easy to imagine the battles that were fought here. One can easily picture invading armies marching along the valley toward this fortress and feel the quiet anticipation, or outright dread, of the soldiers watching from those walls. It is in these places that we not only learn history, but that history comes alive as you touch it and feel it with your hands as well as with your imagination and with your soul. And, having been in this place, having walked the paths of so many biblical figures, seen the walls and buildings where they lived and worked, and easily imagined what they might have looked like so many years ago, my understanding and appreciation of scripture has changed. No longer is Megiddo just a set piece in a story of long ago, but a real and tangible place that will forever change the way that I read history, and how I understand, interpret, and preach the stories of the Bible.

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Where in the World is Pastor John?

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If you haven’t already, some of you will certainly be wondering what’s going on by the end of May. I didn’t preach for two Sundays in April and missed (or will miss) three more in May.  

I’m fine… Really.

In April, I was in church for United Women in Faith Sunday, as well as the following week when I asked Pastor Christ to preach so that I could finish my research paper and other work that was due at the end of spring semester. Then, in May, I participated in the Great Day of Music Sunday (but didn’t preach) followed by two more Sundays in which Pastor Chris preached again. On the first of these, I was on a summer semester study trip as our entire class was in Israel to see all the places that we’ve been studying and writing about for the last 30 plus weeks. I returned on a Friday (if I was on schedule) but, again, Pastor Chris was kind enough to preach so that I didn’t have to worry about writing a sermon while I was traveling.

Of course, I’m writing this before I leave for Israel so that Dolores can put it in the newsletter, but by the time you read this, I should be back. I plan to be here through June, but I’ll miss a week or two in July when I will once again be serving as chaplain for the 2023 National Scout Jamboree. After that, I think I will be around for a while. There is a chance that I’ll be out again later in the year to perform a church wedding for our son Jonah and his wife Kylie after their private back yard service this past January.

Other than that, I don’t have any definite plans, but at some point, Patti and I might like to go somewhere… together.

I want to say thank you to all of you for allowing me the flexibility to go to school and serve in ministry in other capacities such as scouting and missions.  I also want to say thank you to Pastor Chris and Susan Haddox who almost always say ‘yes” when I need to be somewhere else. And of course, I want to say thank you to my wife, Patti, for putting up with all my travel (and other shenanigans).

Blessings,

Pastor John

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Few. Many. You.

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Few. Many. You.

April 09, 2023*

(Easter Sunday)

By Pastor John Partridge

John 20:1-18              Acts 10:34-43             Colossians 3:1-4

In 1984, the Faberge company hired popular actress and model, Heather Locklear to star in a commercial for their new line of Faberge Organics shampoo.  In that commercial, Heather Locklear says that she was so impressed by the results of using this new shampoo, that she told two friends, and they told two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on.  And with each repletion of those words, the image of Heather Locklear doubles, and continues to multiply.  Many of us remember that commercial. 

But whether we remember seeing it or not, it is a good representation of what happens when we learn of new products that excite us, or hear juicy gossip, or any other kind of news that gets us excited.  And this is the way that the news of the resurrection happened.  There wasn’t a mobile television news crew from channel eight broadcasting live from Jesus’ tomb, nor were there any newspaper reporters or internet bloggers skulking around looking for a scoop that would sell newspapers or make their blog go viral.  News, even incredibly exciting news, traveled the old fashioned way, one person told their friends, and they told their friends, and so on, and so on, and so on.  And that’s exactly what we see in the story of the resurrection recorded for us by the Apostle John in John 20:1-18.

20:1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!”

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying.

11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

First, I want to notice that everyone is running.  This isn’t the kind of news that is merely interesting and you think to yourself that you’ll need to tell someone the next time you see them.  This is earth-shaking, life or death, call 911 and start CPR, kind of news.  First, Mary Magdalene finds the empty tomb, then Simon Peter and John run to join her and see for themselves.  Then the disciples leave and Mary is left alone, only to be joined buy two angels, and then by Jesus.  But, after Jesus leaves, Mary runs to the place where the disciples are staying so that she can tell as many people as possible. 

The message of the resurrection began with only one, and then to only a few, but it didn’t end there or none of us would be here this morning.  Not too long after the resurrection of Jesus, on the day of Pentecost, Peter and the disciples were still in Jerusalem.  But now, instead of hiding, they shared the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with a crowd of many people as we hear in the story of Acts 10:34-43.

34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Rather than sharing the news with two friends, who can share with two more friends, Peter speaks to a crowd of people from every nation to which Jews had migrated.  Being one of the required feasts, pilgrims from everywhere had come to Jerusalem and there, Peter and the disciples shared with them the story of Jesus and the news of his crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection.  The reason that this story is good news is that it is not limited to one group of friends, to one group of people, or to one nation.  Peter preaches that he now knows that “God does not show favoritism” so the people who had come there from Africa, and Asia, and everywhere, are just as known, and just as loved, by God as the people who live in Jerusalem.  God’s love, grace, and forgiveness are not limited by ethnicity or geography, but are now available to everyone who believes.

But that wasn’t the end of the story either.  Decades later, when Paul wrote his letter to the church that he had founded in the city of Colossae, in what is now the nation of Turkey, he says this in Colossians 3:1-4:

3:1 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

On Easter morning, Mary Magdalene discovered that she was the only one who knew the truth, but then she told two friends, and those friends told more friends, and eventually announced the good news to many, and soon that news was traveling all over the known world.  And here, in the worlds of Paul, we find God’s call to us. “Since you” (that’s us) “have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above.  Set your minds on things above and not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden in Christ with God.  When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”  Like Mary Magdalene on Easter morning, and like the disciples at Pentecost, we are witnesses.  We have received, and we are the carriers of the greatest pieces of good news ever shared from one human to another.  Like Mary, and the disciples, and legions of people since then, we are still called to share the good news that we have received.  Although millennia have passed, this news is so good, far better than the discovery of a new organic shampoo, that we are still called to tell our friends and our neighbors what we have seen, and what we have heard.  And, like always, when we tell two friends, and they tell two friends, and so on, and so on, and so on, then our good news will find its way… to everyone.

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*You have been reading a message presented at Christ United Methodist Church on the date noted at the top of the first page.  Rev. John Partridge is the pastor at Christ UMC in Alliance, Ohio.  Duplication of this message is a part of our Media ministry, if you have received a blessing in this way, we would love to hear from you.  Letters and donations in support of the Media ministry or any of our other projects may be sent to Christ United Methodist Church, 470 East Broadway Street, Alliance, Ohio 44601.  These messages are available to any interested persons regardless of membership.  You may subscribe to these messages, in print or electronic formats, by writing to the address noted, or by contacting us at secretary@CUMCAlliance.org.  These messages can also be found online at https://pastorpartridge.com .  All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.comThe “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™

Eulogy and Obituary for Paul R. Cope

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Eulogy for Paul Cope

March 31, 2023

by John Partridge

(Note: You can find the live stream of this memorial service here: https://youtube.com/live/X8K5O0xwOwY?feature=share )

Paul Cope was born in Alliance, Ohio on August 31st, 1926, to Paul and Mabel Cope.  He graduated from Alliance High School, and although he was not mechanically inclined, started driving a city bus in Alliance when he was only 16 years old.  Paul served in the Navy for two and a half years during World War II, first at the Great Lakes Naval Station, our nation’s largest Navy base, and the basic training facility for every sailor we’ve trained since 1911 and then was stationed not far away at the Glenview Naval Air Station outside Chicago, which, until 1995 was a naval aircraft training facility. Paul eventually rose to the rank of Seaman First Class.  After the war, Paul got back to work.  He was married to Kathryn and then widowed with two children when she died suddenly at the age of 24.  Not long after that, Paul met Shirley at her place of employment, which was possibly the electric company.  Shirley said that her first impression of Paul, was that his ears made him look “like a taxicab with both doors open.”  That may not be the most positive first impression, but they were married in September of 1951.  Shirley immediately took over the care of Paul’s children, who were then 3 and 5, and eight or nine months later, added Cindi. 

Paul was always busy.  As the president of Cope Furniture, Paul consistently worked 12 hours a day, every day, except Sunday, where you can be sure that you’d find him at Christ Church.  And, after church, you would find him having a Sunday lunch with his grandparents followed by a game of UNO.  That tradition of making Sunday a family day still runs in the family because of Paul’s inspiration and guidance, but with everyone’s busy schedules, it’s gotten harder to do.

In the few years that I’ve known him, I knew that Paul was kind of quiet guy, but his family told me that he’s never really talked much because Shirley always did it for him.  One day last year, Paul surprised Cindi and Andy when the normally quiet Paul suddenly announced from the backseat, “You know, men and women don’t think alike.”  No one is sure what inspired such an announcement, but clearly, he was thinking about something profound.  Paul was always a bit of a ladies’ man, and although he settled down and was faithful to one woman, he still liked to look at pretty girls and did not apologize for it. 

As a family, they often went camping in the summer or they went to Florida together.  Amy remembers spending Spring Break with her grandparents at Jensen Beach in Florida and Paul could almost always be found relaxing during the popular neighborhood cocktail hour holding a martini with one green olive.  At home, despite Shirley being unable to swim, Paul had a boat and  often took the whole family water-skiing on Berlin Lake.  At one time, Paul also had an automatic shift motorcycle with matching gold helmets for he and Shirley.  I’m told that, whenever Paul wanted something, he would pursue it, relentlessly, until Shirley, or Cindi, or whomever, gave in and he got it.  This is how he got his motorcycle, his motor-home, his boat, new cars, assorted toys, and even a leaf blower when he already lived at Copeland Oaks that has its own groundskeepers.

There is also the story of Paul’s riding lawn mower.  Paul liked mowing his yard, I think, but one day, before the advent of safety interlocks, he got off of his mower to pick up some sticks, with the mower still running, and managed to mow a toe or two.  With blood streaming from his foot, Paul calmly walked into the kitchen and, Cindi tells me, this image of her father is why, to this day, that she does not care for the sight of blood.

Paul was always a part of his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s lives.  When Shirley worked at Cutty’s Paul changed diapers and babysat his great-grandchildren.  The funny thing is, that before his grandchildren were born, and maybe before his great-grandchildren were born, Paul had never one changed a diaper.  And so, on his first try, and Cindi never quite figured out how, while he got it on, it was on completely backwards.  Paul was supportive of his family at every activity that he could and he had season tickets to their football games just so that he could watch the band at half-time at all the home games.

In the last few months there were many changes to Paul’s life.  He wasn’t too happy about giving up his car and despite the explicit orders of his doctor, he complained about it and insisted that we go ask Bobbi Wright because, Paul said, “She will tell you that I’m a good driver.”  And, shortly before this most recent decline, Craig asked Paul if he was okay with moving from his villa to an apartment in the assisted living building.  Paul answered that he knew that it was coming, and probably should have happened sooner.

In the end, Paul was a man who loved his life, who lived it well, and had fun doing it.  He loved his family and would do almost anything for them.  He knew what he wanted, he worked hard at whatever he did, and was faithful to his wife, to his family, to his friends, to his Jesus, and to his church.  The old joke is that you should live your life so that the preacher doesn’t have to lie at your funeral, and Paul Cope did that and more.  We often say that the mission of the church is to change the world, and if those of us who remember Paul can live our lives as faithfully as he lived his, we will do exactly that.  Paul Cope was just one man, he could not change the world by himself, but he definitely changed his corner of it and made the world a better place for everyone who knew him.

Memories of my Dad

(by Marsha Miller)

My Dad was one of a kind! Without him and Mom, I would be what I am today. 

They took very good care of me, Cindi, and Howard.  They taught us how to be obedient to everyone, no matter what.  They taught us how to respect and treat everyone as we wanted to be treated!

We always had food on the table to eat and you had better eat it or go hungry!  Mom always made sure we not only had clean clothes to wear and that we had clothes to wear.

Dad was a great grandfather and a great great-grandfather. The all loved him very much.

Paul R. Cope

“A Sweet and Gentle Spirit”

March 31, 2023

by Rev. L. Chris Martin

Dear friends in Christ:

We gather here in this sacred and familiar place to worship the God of the ages in loving memory of Paul R. Cope. As I have thought about Paul’s life since his passing into eternal life a little over two weeks ago, I realize that what stands out as most memorable about this kindhearted and considerate man, over the fourteen years I have known him, was his sweet and gentle spirit. Paul was almost always the first person to arrive for the Searcher’s Class, the adult class I have been privileged to teach for the past twelve years. Paul was a man of few words so that when he did have something to say, we all listened. It was a true delight to share the classroom with him.

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Paul was a reliable and predictable sort of guy, the kind of person one could count on to do whatever he agreed to do and to follow through on whatever responsibility he knew was his. Having served as a Seaman First Class in the United States Navy in World War II surely helped to teach Paul the need of completing the tasks before him in an efficient and reliable manner. It was a lesson that he never forgot through his long and fruitful life.

Paul had been married to the love of his life, Shirley, for 59 years at the time of her passing in March of two-thousand eleven. Shirley was so full of life, living each moment of each day fully, and loving and caring for every member of her family in ways that cause the precious memories they have of her to this day. Paul’s memories of the years of their married life sustained him through the last twelve years of his life where Paul lived each day remembering the happiness of the years he spent with his beloved Shirley. Paul thoroughly enjoyed his two daughters and their extended families, and his son, Paul Howard, who preceded him into eternal life.

In addition to what I have shared to this point about Paul and the life he lived, Paul was also a treasured child of God, loved by God with an unconditional love. Just a few days before he passed into eternal life, Paul said to me while he was hospitalized in Alliance, “I really don’t understand why I am here, I’m not sick.” That was a day that Paul seemed to rally, after which his health began to fail. I am convinced beyond any doubt that Paul realized in those last few days of his life that it was time to go home to God, where he could be reunited with his treasured Shirley and the others that preceded him into eternal life.

One of the songs that sustained Paul and the members of his family in recent days was a song first written by John Newton in 1779. The song is “Amazing Grace.”  In 2006, Chris Tomlin wrote an addition to the original song. After the second verse, that reads: “Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved. How precious did that grace appear, the hour I first believed.”  Tomlin added these words: “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free, My God, My Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood his mercy reigns. Unending love, amazing grace.”

The last verse reads: “The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine. But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine.”  To this verse, Paul would add: “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood his mercy reigns. Unending love, amazing grace.” Paul now lives for all eternity, wrapped in unending love and amazing grace. But his sweet and gentle spirit lives on in our memories.

Amen.

Obituary for Paul R. Cope

August 31, 1926 – March 15, 2023 (age 96)

Paul R. Cope, age 96, passed away on March 15, 2023.

He was born on August 31, 1926, in Alliance, to Paul W. and Mabel (Roath) Cope.

Paul graduated from Alliance High School in 1944. He was the owner and President of the former Cope Furniture. Paul served honorably in the United States Navy as a Seaman First Class in WWII.

Paul was a member of Christ United Methodist Church where he was in the Hallelujah Bell Choir, the church choir and was a member of Searchers Sunday School Class. He also helped make peanut brittle at the church for many years and was a Boy Scout Master of Troop 50 for three years. Paul was a former member of Alliance Rotary Club, Washington Ruritans and BPOE #467.

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Marsha Miller of Arizona, and Cindy (Andy) Magda of Alliance; nine grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Ludwig; and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Shirley G. Cope, whom he married September 16, 1951, and who passed on March 12, 2011; and his son, Paul Howard.

A celebration of life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church on Friday, March 31st at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior. The service will be co-officiated by Pastors John Partridge and Chris Martin.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church Music Department, 470 E Broadway St. Alliance, Ohio 44601, or the Copeland Oaks Foundation, 715 S. Johnson Rd., Sebring, Ohio 44672.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home 75 South Union Ave Alliance, Ohio 44601.

How Will God Change You?

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Ancient Meaning – Modern Application

Easter 2023

For the last several years, I have mentioned in this letter, that “this is an unusual time.”  But, for the most part, we are putting the unusual-ness of the pandemic behind us and accepting what’s left as a new normal.  We are going out to eat, holding church dinners, attending plays and concerts, and doing almost all of the things that we were doing before we first heard the acronym COVID-19.

But why does it matter that we are returning to normal?

It matters because a return to normal means that we can be done focusing only on surviving for the next few months or even for the next year.  Returning to normal means that our focus once again shifts to look farther into the future.  How do we envision Christ Church five years from now, a decade from now, or fifty years from now?  Shifting our focus requires that we imagine how Christ Church might be different and how it might change.  And imagining how Christ Church might change means that we must consider how we might change.  And considering how we might change must include both the plural and the singular, both we collectively, and each of us individually.

But those things are also a part of the message of Lent and Easter.  As we hear the familiar stories from scripture, as we read and listen to the story of Lazarus’ resurrection and his unprecedented second chance, as we hear the wonder in the voices of the crowd of witnesses, of the women who find an empty tomb, of the men walking to Emmaus with Jesus, of Thomas as he puts his hand in the Jesus’s wounds, and of the disciples who witness Jesus appear in a locked room, we must imagine with them, how our lives will be changed.

The resurrection of Jesus changed everything.  It changed the direction of the lives of everyone who knew him.  Peter and the others would never go back to their fishing boats because God had a different future planned for them.  And twenty-one centuries later, the resurrection of Jesus is still transforming lives.  As we celebrate Easter and move into the season of Eastertide, let us once again consider where God is leading us, how God intends to change us and transform us so that we are fit to do the work and the mission of the future that he has planned for us.

We are the disciples of Jesus Christ.

And God is still calling us to do his work.

Let us listen to his voice, consider what we must do, and how we might need to change in order to receive his blessings and arrive at the future that he has planned for us… for our children… for our grandchildren… and beyond.

Blessings,

Pastor John

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Eulogy and Obituary for Judge James H. Williams

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Eulogy for James H. Williams

February 18, 2023

By Rev. Chris Martin

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ: we gather in this sacred space to worship the all-powerful and compassionate Creator of the universe and his only begotten Son, our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ, in loving memory of James H. Williams.

There is no other place on the face of the earth more appropriate for us to gather than in this House of Worship, where Jim and his beloved wife of 67 years Peg, first came to worship in 1961. A celebration of Peg’s life was held in this room on the twenty-sixth of August last year. Jim continued to be active in both the Sunday School and worship of this congregation through Sunday, February fifth – just two weeks ago tomorrow.

Jim served in every lay leadership capacity that this church had to offer, including over 40 years as an adult Sunday School teacher, a position he entrusted to me about twelve years ago. On several occasions since his retirement from teaching, I asked him back to teach when I had to be away. He never once said “no” and taught the class as recently as eight weeks ago. Jim Williams was, without exception, one of the godliest, righteous, friendly, intelligent, noble, dignified, strong (in a gentle way), serious (in a fun-loving way), faithful, and committed Christian gentleman I have ever met in 52 years in ministry and 75 years of living in this world. Jim was as “genuine” a person as God ever created. There was nothing timid about Jim’s faith or Christian witness. Jim knew clearly what he believed and modeled his faith daily in the life he lived.

Each of the scripture passages you have heard read today speak eloquently about Jim Williams and the profound faith in Jesus Christ he lived each day of his life. The depth of Jim’s faith was universal – it showed through every aspect of his life, not just those parts of his life related to the church. The list of his accomplishments related to his legal profession and the list of his many activities and leadership positions within the community of Alliance both before and after his formal retirement in the year 2000 indicate that Jim was a person willing to invest his time, energy, expertise, strength and leadership capabilities in a wide variety of activities and organizations that sought to make life better for large numbers of people.

There is another passage of scripture that eloquently describes a man of God like Jim Williams. In the first chapter of the book of Psalms it reads: “Happy indeed is the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked; nor lingers in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers, whose delight is in the law of the Lord and who ponders that law both day and night.” Not only did Jim fulfill the words of this passage of scripture in his professional life as a highly esteemed member of the legal profession, where his colleagues in the law respected his opinions and valued his wisdom; he lived his life following a code of ethics that reached far beyond the law of the land. Jim lived his life according to the rule of God, giving himself and his expertise to those in need.

In the one hundred and twenty-first chapter of Psalms, the psalmist writes: “I will lift my eyes to the hills: from where shall my help come? My help shall come from the Lord who made both heaven and earth. He will not allow me to stumble. He will guard me from all evil; he will protect my soul. The Lord will guard my going and coming both now and forever.” This psalm offers comfort to each of us for a variety of reasons. It was especially a comfort for Jim and Peg after Peg’s diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Jim and Peg took such sweet and loving care of each other when times of sickness came. When Jim underwent procedures with his heart and when Peg underwent chemotherapy – they leaned into one another and cared for one another, along with the ever-vigilant care of their children, Jim Jr., and his wife Lynda, and Sue, and her husband Steve, and the words of encouragement they received from their grandsons.

Let me stop right here to say: your parents and grandparents deeply loved each of you and took pride in every one of your accomplishments.  They also knew and felt keenly the love and support of a compassionate and healing God, who would protect them, walk with them, and love them every step of the journey. They also felt deeply the support of their church and the always caring members of the Searcher’s Class. The folks in the class have been together for decades and genuinely feel the loss of their dear friends. Through the times of illness and the struggles that come with aging, Jim and Peg knew that God was always with them. When I was serving a recent three-month interim for a pastor on renewal leave, my wife taught the class. She reminded me that, in a discussion of the afterlife, Jim asked: “What kind of a job will God have for me in heaven?” Given all of Jim’s many talents and abilities, I am certain there will be a job for him in heaven. I am equally certain that if God doesn’t have an immediate job for Jim, I bet Peg will think of one.

In the apostle Paul’s second letter to his youthful friend Timothy, Paul writes: “Timothy, my son, I am nearly at the point of my departure from this life. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. There is awaiting me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me. Not only will that crown be mine; it is reserved for all who love God without measure.” Well, dear friends, I can tell you with complete certainty that Jim and Peg Williams have received those crowns of righteousness in the Kingdom of God because I know that both “fought bravely, and without complaint, the good fight; that they both finished the race with God’s grace and peace; and that they both kept the faith in genuine and concrete ways.”

Before we consider the lesson from John’s gospel, permit me a moment to lift up a brief passage of scripture that reflects the beauty and strength of the life we celebrate here today. In the Old Testament prophetic book that bears his name, Micah makes the following inquiry: “What does the Lord require of us?” Having asked the question, Micah provides the answer, saying: “To do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” I cannot think of anyone I have ever known that more honestly fulfills the requirements of the God of our Fathers than Judge James Williams. His personal and professional life demonstrated his intense concern for justice. The way he related to individuals on a day-to-day basis revealed his kindness to all people. Walking humbly with his God was how Jim lived his days on this earth.

Finally, what does Jesus have to say to us today from the gospel of John? He says this: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, you may be also.” I submit to you that Jim believed and lived those words throughout his life and the truth of the Lord’s Word sustained him, and those surrounding him, at the moment of his death and passage into eternal life.

In the final moments of his life, Jim was embraced by his loving daughter Sue, his son Jim Jr. and his daughter-in-law Lynda. What more needs to be said? Only this: the greatest memorial, the greatest tribute any one of us can give to the life of this wise and strong man will not be achieved by engraving his name on a bronze plaque, although that may well be done. The greatest memorial and tribute we can make to his life is to live our lives, to the very best of our abilities, the way Jim Williams lived his life: “Seeking justice, loving kindness, and doing everything in our power, to WALK HUMBLY WITH GOD.”

Judge James H. Williams – “Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the Kingdom of your Father forever and forever” – where there is no suffering, no sickness, no pain – only unutterable JOY in the presence of a loving God and your beloved wife, Peg, who was waiting for you at the gates of Paradise. Amen!

Alleluia! Amen!

L. Chris Martin

Christ United Methodist Church

Alliance, Ohio

February 18, 2023

Remembrances of Jim Williams from Family and Friends

Jim Williams, Jr. (Son)

Dad’s Lesson

We heard through the years of Dad’s career as a judge that in his quiet and stern way he ran a very smooth and efficient Bankruptcy Court. It was well known, if you were a lawyer, and you appeared in front of Judge Williams unprepared, you only did it once!

I too was the recipient of these quiet lessons, but one story in particular defines Dad’s style:

As a teenager with a new driver’s license, I had a midnight curfew. Our folks usually retired early, but Dad had an ingenious way of getting me home on time. He had an alarm clock, set for midnight, on the night stand next to the bed. I was to return home on time and shut off that alarm clock before it woke him up. One Saturday night I was out with friends and got home in time to turn off the alarm. Feeling safe, as if I beat the system, I sneaked back out to join my friends again, and returned home a second time well after 2AM.

Tiptoeing quietly in the back door, I thought I’d pulled off my little caper, only to come face to face with Dad standing in the dark hallway, arms folded with that terrifying stare. He only said these words: “Sunrise service at church starts at 6:30 … you’re going.” He turned and walked away. I went to church. Lesson learned.

Stern but fair…dignified and persistent…loving, generous, faithful, and devoted: These are the qualities that shaped Dad’s life. He was my most impactful example of how to live – and love – and to be remembered as a good man. He is my hero.

Sue Zempke (Daughter)

“Our dad…faithful, honest, compassionate, generous, loving, always present. All these words describe who he was. He was a man who carved his name on the hearts of all who knew him.

And he was so funny…a new restaurant came to town and all the city dignitaries were going to the grand opening. I asked him if he was going, and he said he didn’t even get an invitation because he was pretty sure new businesses weren’t likely to invite the local bankruptcy judge!

And speaking of that, I admit I used his title to my advantage as a young girl whenever the need arose. If I was in a situation where someone wasn’t in agreement with a point I was trying to make I had no problem saying, “I’ll ask my dad. He’s a judge!” Funny how that remark settled many arguments for me!

I will sure miss his wit, his charm, his unwavering faith, and most importantly the fierce love he had for his family. I love you, Dad. You will live on in our hearts forever.”

David Williams (Grandson)

“Never has a man been more deserving of the title “honorable.” Granddad was the epitome of honor, integrity, and stability. He was a man of few words, but those words were always poignant, always considerate, and sometimes, downright hilarious. That sharp wit has permeated through the generations, and any time my dad, my brother or I make a smart remark, we all know where we got it. As the patriarch of the family, I could not think of a better example of work ethic, fairness, and of course, great comic timing. I love you, Granddad.”

Matthew Williams (Grandson)

Granddad was a man I admired. Not only because he was my granddad, but because he was a man worthy of admiration. His and Grandma’s life together was an inspirational love story. He was generous. He was a man of outstanding principles. A man full of love for his career, his community, and above all, his family.

As a kid I used to challenge Granddad to staring contests because “The Judge” was unbreakable. He was intimidating, if you didn’t know he was as nice and gentle as a man could be. As I grew older, I became astounded at his quick wit. He was hilarious, with a dry delivery that frequently offered a sarcasm that I’m told is hereditary.

Our time together was special. Our annual family vacations are something I will not only remember for the rest of my life, but something I would love to carry on in the future. Granddad showed us the things that truly matter, and he lived a life anyone would be proud of. A man to be admired.

Grandsons Andrew and Kevin Zempke

“Never in our lives have we met someone who is more steadfast and devoted as our grandfather. He was a very serious man but also very family-oriented and cherished the finer things in life. He made sure we all got together for a big family vacation every year and some of our fondest memories came from those trips. Regardless of where we were, he made sure everyone was having a good time. As long as we were having fun, he was having fun.

Seeing him speed off in his brand-new Porsche Boxster was a sight to behold. He was such a cool dude. It’s hard to not admire someone like that. I, Andrew, remember looking over at him sitting on a couch at my cousin Matthew’s wedding in a nice suit, drinking his drink, and thinking to myself, ‘I aspire to be that cool one day!’ I, Kevin, often look back on all the family vacations we would go on, none of which would have been possible without him. Whether we spent our vacations on the Outer Banks, or in the Rocky Mountains, the time spent with Granddad and the rest of the family are moments I will remember for the rest of my life.

We will miss you deeply.”

With love,

Andrew and Kevin

The Honorable Ann Womer Benjamin

Mayor of Aurora, Ohio

“I was a new lawyer at Black McCuskey in Canton in 1978. My expertise was probate law, and I had no bankruptcy experience, nor was I admitted to practice before the Federal Court. Nevertheless, as a young associate at the firm, I remember being sent to Judge Williams’ court at the last minute on a matter. I was quite terrified because I had to ask the court’s permission to appear, then had to present on behalf of my firm’s client before a room full of people. Judge Williams couldn’t have been more gracious and helped this amateur navigate the proceeding successfully. I will never forget Judge Williams’ patience and understanding during that challenging first experience for me in Federal Bankruptcy Court.”

Obituary for Judge James H. Williams

Judge James H. Williams, age 88, passed away on February 12, 2023 surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 20, 1934, in Salem, to Howard H. and Lucy Williams.

Jim was raised in Berlin Center, Ohio and graduated from Berlin Center High School in 1952. He earned his B.A. degree in pre-law studies at Kent State University followed by a Juris Doctor Degree from The Ohio State University Law School in 1957. Jim began working as a Staff Attorney with the Ohio Depart of Highways and as an Assistant US Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio in Columbus. In 1961 he joined what became the law firm of Blumenstiel, Williams and Blumenstiel in Alliance. He was appointed one of eight United States Bankruptcy Judges for the Northern District of Ohio in 1972. He remained in that position until his retirement in April 2000. Judge Williams served the Court as its Chief Judge from 1988-1997.

Active in his community, Judge Williams was a past President of the Alliance Jaycees, a past National Director of the US Jaycees, a JCI Senator, a member and past director of the Alliance Rotary Club, a Paul Harris Fellow,  campaign chairman and past president of the Alliance Area United Way, chairman of the Republican Party in Alliance, member of the Stark County Board of Elections, past president of the Stark County Bar Association, and was  a life member of the Ohio State Bar Association and Fellow of Ohio Bar Association.

Following his retirement, he served as board president of Copeland Oaks Retirement Community, to which he and his wife relocated in 2013, board member of the Alliance-Minerva Chapter of the American Red Cross, president of the Alliance Family YMCA and a founding trustee of the Greater Alliance Foundation. He was also formerly active on the District level of the Buckeye Council, Boy Scouts of America and was a former member of Fillibusters and the Alliance Country Club. Judge Williams became a member of First Methodist Church in Alliance, now Christ United Methodist, in 1961 and served in most of the lay leadership roles of the church. For more than 40 years he was an adult Sunday School teacher.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, James H., Jr. (Lynda) of Franklin, PA and Susan M. Zempke (Steve) of Mt. Vernon, TX; and four grandsons,  Matthew J. Williams (Kelsey) of North Hollywood, CA,  David Edwin Williams (Racheal Kimeu) of Jersey City, NJ,  Andrew S. Zempke (Kimberley) of Arlington, TX, and Kevin W. Zempke of Plano, TX. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Margaret Williams, whom he married August 27, 1955 and who passed on August 21, 2022.

A celebration of life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 18th at 11:30 a.m. with a visitation from 10:00-11:30 a.m. Pastors John Partridge and Chris Martin will officiate. A private family committal service and entombment will be held at Highland Memorial Park later that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church, 470 E. Broadway, Alliance, Ohio 44601 or The Oaks Foundation, 715 S. Johnson Rd, Sebring, Ohio 44672.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home 75 South Union Ave Alliance, Ohio 44601. 

Lent, John the Baptist, and the Asbury Revival

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Lent, John the Baptist, and the Asbury Revival

February 22, 2023

by John Partridge

Regardless of whether you watched the unfolding events at the chapel on the campus of Asbury University, particularly during this season of Lent, I have been struck by the similarities between the events unfolding at Asbury and the ministry of John the Baptist. As the weekly chapel worship service at Asbury continued well beyond its scheduled ending, the students stayed because, whether they could put a name to it or not, they didn’t want to leave the presence that they felt in that place.  In Christian circles, we would say that they felt the presence of God.  Reports say that they were called to a closeness with God, they felt the call of God upon their lives, and they felt a call and a need for repentance. 

That chapel service continued for the rest of that day, on into the night, and for more than a week beyond its scheduled time.  Students arranged to lead worship in shifts of sorts, not with an official schedule, but by choosing small groups of worship leaders from among those present as the Spirit led them.  The names of the worship leaders weren’t given to the press because they wanted God to get the credit.  If you knew who they were, you could find PhD’s bringing water to thirsty people in line, pushing wheelchairs, and guiding visitors to the nearest restroom.

Students and adults from nearby towns came first, then folks from out of state, and brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world.  They came to see, and to feel, this thing that God was doing and, by the accounts that I have read, they were deeply moved and came away changed, even if their visit was brief.  But of course, they weren’t the only ones that came.  Asbury’s campus was also visited by the media, the curious, by academics who had written about an earlier Asbury revival in the 1970’s, by “ministry professionals” with decades of experience, and some who were openly skeptical.

Within days, the academics, the skeptics, and the “ministry professionals” could be found online, critiquing Asbury, its students, the worship leaders, and everything about that event.  Whether you want to call it a revival or something else, it reminded me a lot of Jesus’ baptism.  John was admittedly more than a little odd.  He dressed in camel hair, ate locusts and wild honey, and wandered the countryside preaching a message of repentance.  But as odd as he was, people felt something in his presence.  People from across the entire region flocked to hear him, to repent of their sin, recommit their lives to following God, and be baptized as an outward sign of their repentance.

But mixed in among those whose lives were changed were the curious, the academics, the skeptics, and the “ministry professionals.”  The Pharisees then, as the modern equivalents are doing even now, insisted that this isn’t how God works, that John was doing it wrong, that the people were being deceived, and that certainly, as professionals, they knew better.  And yet, God didn’t choose to work through them.  God has always chosen unexpected, under-prepared, and often unqualified people, in unexpected places, to do unexpected things, and following paths that surprise us.

So, what was really happening at Asbury University?  I won’t pretend to have all the answers, but it seems safe to say that God was doing something, even if we can’t put a name to it, or explain exactly what it was.  After all, scholars and skeptics are still trying to explain what John the Baptist’s ministry was about, what he accomplished, and what God was doing through him.  I’m certain that books and countless internet articles will debate what happened at Asbury for decades to come.  But from my perspective, I think that we can all find comfort, reassurance, and a timely message for Ash Wednesday and the season of Lent. 

We are both comforted and reassured as we see God engaged in human affairs.  God has not abandoned us.  God still walks the earth and is still calling us to follow him.  But particularly in this season of Lent, just as we heard from the ministry of John the Baptist, we are reminded that God is calling us to repent of our sins and to recommit our lives to following God.  I’m certain that as you read about what happened in Kentucky on the campus of Asbury University, that you will hear the voices of the skeptics, the critics, and the “ministry professionals” proclaiming that they know better.  But I also hope that you will hear the quiet voice of God in these remarkable events as he says, “Follow me, and I will give you rest.”

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Eulogy for Judith A. (Judy) Kingan

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Eulogy for Judith A. (Judy) Kingan

February 14, 2023

by Rev. John Partridge

In 1947, was only two years after the end of the hostilities known as World War Two and automobiles, for the first time since the war began, were once again rolling off the assembly line for the average consumer.  At the same time, India and Pakistan proclaimed their independence from Great Britain, the United States launched the rebuilding of Europe with its Marshall Plan, Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier for the first time, the transistor was developed at Bell Labs, Jackie Robinson played his first major league baseball game, and “The Miracle on 34th Street” was released to theaters.  And in the midst of these auspicious events, Judy Kingan was born to David and Mildred Hostetler.  She became a “Preacher’s Kid” with all of the expectations and baggage that go with that.

As a freshman in high school in 1962 or 1963, Judy asked Don to go with her to the “Gold Digger’s Dance” and having chosen wisely, they dated throughout the rest of their high school years.  After graduation, Judy went to Goshen College in Indiana to get a four-year degree in home economics, while Don stayed closer to home pursuing an associate degree, and joining ROTC, at The University of Akron and Don tells me that a great deal of mail passed between the two of them. After finishing his two-year degree, Don joined the Air Force, they were married, and then Don shipped out for Thailand during the conflict in Vietnam. 

Upon his return home, Don found a new job in Galion, Ohio, they moved, and eventually had three children.  Somewhere around 1980 they moved to Canton, and Don’s new job at Mercy Hospital, and then to Alliance where they spent the last 30 years together.  For her part, Judy worked at a pet store for a while, as a Mary Kay consultant, taught at the Alliance Christian Center School for 10 years, taught job training courses for adults for three or four years, and then took a job at the hospital in food service and, after several promotions, eventually retired.  It’s also worth noting, in light of her time at the pet store, that Judy really liked dogs, but she loved cats.

Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, fought it, and two years later was told that they “got it all.” And they did… for a while.  Until it came back in 2015.  And, when it came back, they said it was aggressive and it progressed rapidly.  But even so, she fought like the warrior that she was for seven years and, according to her family, never once complained.  No matter what Judy was going through, she always thought about everyone else.

And that was Judy’s trademark.  Her family told me that Judy’s love was felt every day in everything that she did.  Friends were always welcome, bread or cookies would be made at the drop of a hat, and the friends of her children often said that if they had a problem, they needed to “talk to Mrs. Kingan.”  She was everyone’s “substitute Mom.”  One of the hardest things that she did was being isolated by the pandemic.  Being immune suppressed while fighting cancer, her doctors told her to stay in, stay home, avoid crowds indoors or outdoors, and even recommended that the grandchildren stay away.  Judy dearly loved playing in the bell choir where she stood, and shared stories, next to Lynn Goldrick.  But she had to quit because of her battle with cancer and even when she was feeling better, and though she might be able to go back for a while, she just didn’t have the strength to stand behind the bell tables long enough.

Anyone who knew her knew that Judy was a crafter.  She loved sewing, calligraphy, scrap-booking, making greeting cards, gardening, animals, flowers, and almost any other craft.  One winter the family was snowed in, school was cancelled, and she and Annie sewed in the basement for an entire week.  They made school clothes, pajamas, stuffed animals, doll clothes, and anything else they could think of.  At one point, Judy entered her doll clothes and some of her homemade bread into for judging at the Stark County Fair and came away with blue ribbons for both.  What’s more, Judy’s grandchildren always looked forward to visiting because they said that grandma always had crafts and “fun stuff” to do together.  Judy also loved making cloth banners, and many of the banners and other decorations that we enjoy each year at Christ Church were the fruit of her labor, passion, and skill.

Judy loved her family and everyone around her, she loved her church, she loved her Jesus, loved cats and crafts of all kinds, and she was a warrior who was not to be trifled with.  She did battle with one of humanity’s greatest enemies and did so for ten years of her life while still doing the things that she loved, loving the people in her life, and living, and loving, as normally as possible and with all the fun and style that she could muster.  We know where Judy has gone.  If she has gotten her way, by now Jesus has a new pair of pajamas to go with the warm cookies that she made, and there are some new banners in the works for the God’s throne room or wherever she’s allowed to put them.

Those of us who have put our faith in Jesus know that when our day comes, Judy will be there to welcome us.  And I am sure that she will and remind you all that she never stopped praying for you, bugging God on your behalf, and you know that she will never stop loving you.  Because she loves you even more than cats.

From Jackson Tittle

(Don and Judy’s son-in-law/Annie’s husband)

To know Judy is to see Christ truly alive in a person.  Judy understood what it is to be Christ to people.  She understood what it is to love.  Those who knew her know of her joy and of her love and compassion for others.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 ESV)

Judy got Christianity right, she knew how to receive the love of God and then share it with all, unreservedly.  She kept no record and laid down expectations, she simply loved.

Those who know Judy, knew that she lived out the following:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

(Ephesians 4:32 ESV)

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

(Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)

For believers, to live here should be to love but to also have a longing to be home with our savior…Judy is home! We know with all confidence that she received the greeting we believers all long to hear… “Well done, good and faithful servant…Come and share your master’s happiness!” (Matt 25:23)

“So, we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. For we live by believing and not by seeing. Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:6-8 NLT)

From Annie Tittle

(Don & Judy’s daughter)

“Mama’s Hands” (written by Annie Tittle)

My Mama’s hands were beautiful,

I’ll always remember them well.

There was always something for them to do, And what a story they’d tell.

Mama’s hands were busy,

But never too busy for me.

No matter what project she had to do,

She could always stop for a cup of tea.

Mama’s hands were nice and strong,

To stitch, or write, or bake.

She could lift a person up to God,

With the thoughtful cards she’d make.

Mama’s hands were teachers,

And taught me things I needed to know.

Like how to be a mother,

To cook, be kind, and sew.

But most of all, I tell you true,

My Mama’s hands were from God.

Every touch, every hug, every card, every word, Told me how much I was loved.

I pray that God will take my hands,

And make them just as well,

A blessing like my Mama’s hands,

And give them a story to tell.

Judith A. Kingan

by Rev. L. Chris Martin

February 14, 2023

Dear Friends:

If someone were to describe you and your attributes in a few words, what would they say? Would they highlight your personality, your distinct features, or maybe your interests or family? Perhaps they would focus on your unique talents or abilities that make you stand out in a crowd. The scriptures are full of snapshots of characters that were important to the spread of the good news of the gospel. Sometimes we get more details than others. In other cases, we listen in on dialogs that give us glimpses into their lives. It is in these studies, as we lean in, look, and listen, that we find truths that can transform the way we live.

Such is the case with a woman named Lydia in the New Testament. Lydia was well known because of her work with precious fabrics, especially the much sought-after rich purple fabric. I introduce you to Lydia in the New Testament because many of the qualities and unique characteristics that she possessed were also acquired by Judy Kingan – at least the qualities and characteristics that I admired the most in Judy.

Growing up Judy was lovingly nurtured in the Christian faith by her parents the Reverend David and Mildred Hostetler, two of the most dedicated and spiritual people I have ever known. Judy learned early on what it means to be and become a committed follower of Jesus Christ. The light of Christ burned brightly in everything Judy did as she shared her faith and the talents bestowed upon her by the eternal God of the ages.

Judy was a very special person to each of us here this morning. Her infectious smile could light up a room. Like Lydia in the early church, Judy always focused on priorities that made life better for those who crossed her path each day. Again, like Lydia, Judy had a depth of creativity that she shared with everyone she met. In the church, Judy loved playing in one of the hand bell choirs, and designed and fashioned worship banners for the Chancel that are among the most creative and stunning banners this Pastor has ever seen. All of Judy’s banners are still in use at Christ United Methodist Church in the appropriate season for each. Judy also invested much time in creating unique greeting cards and in reviving the ancient art of calligraphy.

Far more important than all other attributes, Judy, like Lydia before her, shared the hospitality of her hearth and home with others. Judy profoundly believed that the lives we live in this world determine how others view our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And because of that belief, Judy did everything humanly possible to share her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ with everyone she met in life. As a woman of influence and reputation, Judy served as an encouraging example of how our lives can be a testimony to God and his love.

Thank you, Judy, for being such a delightful mirror of God’s unconditional love for each of us.

Indeed, thank you!

L. Chris Martin

Cassaday, Turkle, Christian Funeral Home

February 14, 2023

Obituary for Judy Kingan

Judith A. Kingan, age 75, passed away on February 9, 2023.

She was born on November 1, 1947, in Wooster, to David and Mildred (Warner) Hostetler.

A Photo of Judy Kingan laughingJudith graduated from Goshen College in Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in home economics. She taught K-12 at Alliance Christian Center School for 10 years and then taught adult education in Alliance for several years. Judith was also the breakfast supervisor at Alliance Community Hospital for many years until her retirement in 2014. She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church where she was active in the bell choir and making banners. Judith was also active in the Alliance Calligraphers Club. She enjoyed making greeting cards and sewing.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband, Donald; her sons, Jason (Kathy) Kingan and Zachary (Shawna) Kingan; her daughter, Annie (Jackson) Tittle; thirteen grandchildren; and two sisters, Sue Hostetler, and Becky Christner.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A visitation while be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Monday, February 13th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 14th at 11:00 a.m. The funeral service will be live-streamed and can be viewed at the bottom of her obituary on the funeral home’s website.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home 75 South Union Ave Alliance, Ohio 44601. 

An Update on Scouting

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An Update on Scouting

Christ Church and our relationship with the post-lawsuit BSA

I occurs to me that many of you probably know very little about what has been happening at Christ Church in our scouting ministry.  Please notice how I said that.  I specifically said, “our scouting ministry” rather than saying “our scout troop” or even just “at Troop 50.”  I hope that we will all begin to speak, and think, about scouting this way, as ministry, and I will explain that shortly.

First, you may have heard national news stories about the lengthy year-long lawsuit against the Boy Scouts of America and their ensuing bankruptcy.  It is a long story, about which I could bore you for hours, but here are a few important things to note.  At the very beginning, the BSA decided that its goal, as much as possible, was justice for those persons who were harmed by abuse under their watch.  Toward that end, they included in their negotiations anyone with a claim, and did not ever seek to exclude anyone for whom the statute of limitations would have expired.  Therefore, many of the plaintiffs admitted to the lawsuit have claims that would have legally expired decades ago but the BSA included them anyway because it was the right thing to do.  This is a part of the reason that the settlement that has been reached is the largest legal settlement in the history of the United States.

During the negotiations of this settlement, many of the organizations that charter scout troops, such as the Catholic Church, the Mormon church, the United Methodist church, and others, worked with the BSA so that they would be included in the settlement so that they could not be sued later for the same thing.  Toward that end, these organizations, and their insurance carriers, contributed large sums of money toward the final settlement. 

Because the United Methodist Church paid out something like ten million dollars, they changed their instructions and advice on how we, as a local church, should treat our scout troops, and thus limit our legal liability.  Their advice was to stop signing the charters with Troop 50 that we have signed for over a hundred years, and instead allow some other organization in town sign a charter instead, and then our only involvement would be to have the troop sign a “facilities use agreement” as we would if they were only renting space from us.  

That didn’t sound right.  After 100 years of our relationship between Christ Church and Troop 50, it didn’t seem right to make them feel a if they needed to “belong” somewhere else.  And so, I talked to our district superintendent, our Annual Conference lawyer, and the folks in Nashville, TN that are the UMC liaison with the BSA.  It turns out that there is another option, but it’s an option they aren’t even talking about.  That option is to treat our scouts as if they were, as they should be, a youth ministry, or an outreach ministry, of the church.  And so, our trustees increased our insurance coverage, and we signed a regular charter just like we have for the last 100 years.  Oddly, our new charter included many additional protections (for us) that the UMC had asked for during their earlier negotiations.

So, I hope that you will join me in thinking about our scout troops and cub pack as “Our scouting ministry” or simply as an extension of our existing youth ministry (because it always has been).  I believe that thinking about scouting in this way will lead us to new membership participation in scouting and the way that our church and troop relate to one another.

It’s also important for you to know that our troops have continued to grow.  Our Girls’ Troop 50 has recently added a second patrol, so that we now have four fully equipped patrols, two girls and two boys.  And that means that they need more equipment, more adult leaders, and more space.  Currently, our troops store many of their belongings in their scout trailers, but that means that whenever they go anywhere, they take with them a great many things that they don’t need simply because those things “live” in the trailer.  But, with Men’s Challenge moving to the Neighborhood Center this month, our trustees have given the first-floor corner room (next to the elevator) to our scout troops to use for storage.  That will allow some of our troop equipment to be stored indoors rather than in the trailer, and it will also allow many shelves, cabinets, klondike sleds, and other things to be moved out of the Scout Room and give them enough meeting space to accommodate our growing troops.\

I’m sure that I will have more to say about this on Scout Sunday, February 12th, but please prayerfully consider how you can be a part of this exciting and growing youth outreach ministry of our church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness.

Blessings,

Pastor John

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