Multigenerational Ministry

While gathered for life group, we began to talk about the importance of multigenerational ministry.  Ministry that incorporates people of all ages.  Perhaps more than anytime in our recent  cultural history, our kids and teens are less and less exposed to the wisdom of their elders.  Although we could come up with a few places where children and adults work together, the place that maximizes multigenerational ministry is the church.  We are it!  What an opportunity!  What a challenge!  Just because we have people of a variety of ages in the same building, doesn't mean we can claim multigenerational ministry.  There is intentionality inherent in thriving multigenerational ministry!  Over the course of the next few months we are going to see some of these opprotunities:

Price Hill- Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, October 30, at 6pm.  This is an incredible way for us to meet our neighbors and build relationships with people of all ages.  Contact Pastor Dorian Daniels for more information: dorian@shilohumc.com or 451-3600 #200.

Delhi- Upward Basketball starting January 2014.  Upward is sports, but sports with a message.  Basketball and the relationships built through teaching this team sport create an opportunity for us to share the gospel to kids and their families.  It takes the entire church to put on this program-prayer servants, coaches, referees, and many more.  If you are interested contact Kathy Shea at kathy@shilohumc.com or 451-3600 #102. 

These are just a couple of the ways we like to build relationships.  There are many more!  Building relationship is what the church is all about!  Why?  Because we were created to be in relationship with God and relationship with one another-no matter what our age.   We are in this together!

Blessings, 

Pastor Rachel 

Do you see what God sees?

Over the weekend we asked ourselves the questions, “Do I have a vision for my life?  Can I see what God sees?”  It’s not always easy to see what God sees.  God doesn’t post God’s visions on You Tube or mail us a DVD.  Visions can’t be conjured up and we can’t manipulate God into giving us a vision.  We have to pray and actively wait for God’s vision for our future.  And so that’s what I am doing this week, praying and actively waiting for God’s vision for my life and the life of Shiloh.  But sometimes in order to pray, listen and actively wait, I have to change locations.  I’m writing this blog in the mountain community of Candler, just outside of Asheville, North Carolina.  It may sound odd but when I am in the mountains, especially in the woods I feel closer to God.  One of the active prayers that I am praying is “Lord, break my heart for the things that break yours.”  You may remember this prayer from Bob Pierce, founder of the World Vision Organization.  We prayed this prayer when we read Richard Stearn’s book Hole in Our Gospel.  It’s a visionary prayer that reminds us that God is the Lord of all-the whole earth-the entire globe.  There are things that are happening in our communities, city, nation, and world that break God’s heart-and that should break our hearts as well.  This is not a plea to God to make us weepy all the time.  No!  This is a prayer that asks God to change our vision-open our eyes-and to focus on the purpose and plan God has for our lives.  

We want to stay focused on the vision that God has placed on Shiloh to claim our community and the city of Cincinnati for Jesus Christ!   Next week we will be gathering for our annual Kingdom Investor’s Meeting: Sunday, October 6 after 11am worship at the Delhi Campus. This meeting is a great opportunity for us to ask ourselves the question, “Do we see what God sees?  Are we living out God’s vision?”  We need your input, your voice matters, and we ask that you participate in shaping the future vision of Shiloh United Methodist Church by attending this meeting.  

God’s vision isn’t just planted in the heart of one person, it’s ignited in the hearts of many.  So come let’s see what God is doing together!

Blessings, 

Pastor Rachel 

What's Happening in Price Hill?

It was only a year ago that the boarded-up church that sat on the corner of Elberon and Phillips Avenue become a campus of Shiloh United Methodist Church.  We are one church in two locations.  But even though we are one church, there are times when people wonder, “What is happening at Price Hill?”  We are claiming our community and city through the incredible things that are happening at Price Hill.  It all begins with worship. Numerous people gather both on Wednesday Nights for Meal, Message and Music at 6pm and Sunday Worship Celebration at 11am to praise God and be fueled for the week.  The first annual Harvest Festival was held last Sunday after church-not only did 70 people gather for worship, but 150 people participated in the family festivities and fun!  Just last month the staff gathered at Price Hill for a prayer walk inside church and outside into the community.  As we viewed the city from Mt. Echo Park and prayed in strategic places, we realized God’s incredible vision for rebuilding, restoring, and renewing this city!  

In terms of service- the second Saturday of every month, church folks are gathering to collect trash in the neighborhood; but picking up trash is not just about taking pride in the neighborhood. It’s also about meeting our neighbors.  One of the greatest needs in the Price Hill community is education.   Dorian, the members of the Price Hill core team, and our Preschool Director, Aimee McBride, are working to start a Preschool and Day Care Program in Price Hill.  We are also looking into GED programs for adults.  BLOC ministries continues to offer an after school program and we are frequently being approached by the community and even other churches to form partnerships to claim the community for Jesus Christ!  

Some of the up-and-coming events at Price Hill include Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, October 30, at 6pm  and a Thanksgiving Holiday meal on Sunday, November 24.  

God is on the move in Price Hill, and as the ministry grows so does the need.  We are always in need of people to serve in ministry at Price Hill, so if you have felt the Holy Spirit calling you to serve in ministry at Price Hill please don’t hesitate to contact me or Pastor Dorian, dorian@shilohumc.com.       

Blessings 

Pastor Rachel 

Fall Kick-Off

I love this time of year!  Kids are back to school, the college football season has started, and every time I feel the hot dry air of September I am reminded of cross country races!   There is just something almost spiritual about the fall in the Billups’ household.  Of course when a cross country runner marries a football player, the fall is bound to have significance in our lives.  But there is more than one kick-off we can anticipate in the fall.  Beyond our love for football, the fall is a time to kick-off ministry here at Shiloh.  There are all kinds of ministries being kicked off this week.  

Saturday Night Worship- This Saturday Night, September 14, following the Saturday Night Service  (5:30pm), we will be having a cookout!  It’s a great opportunity to get a free meal and connect with one another!  
Price Hill Kick-Off- Sunday following the 11am service at Price Hill there will be a Harvest Celebration.  Come to the Price Hill campus and check it out!  

Parent Orientation- Sunday, September 15, at 5pm, our Student and Children’s Ministry is hosting a free dinner orientation for parents who have students in 3rd through 12th grade.  

SURGE/DRIVE Youth Group- Grades 6th-12th will gather September 15 from 6-7:30pm for fun, study, and fellowship.

SEEKERS Kick-Off also begins September 15 at 6-7:30pm and includes students 3rd-5th grade.  

Mid-Week Bible Study is back on Thursday, September 19 at 7pm in the Sanctuary.  If you want to know more about the Bible, come and check out Mid-week.  

So whether you’re a student or parent, new to Shiloh or been here a while, I encourage you to kick the fall off right and participate in these fall discipleship opportunities!  

Blessings, 

Pastor Rachel