Thursday, March 27, 2014

Transition


Dear Shiloh Church Family, 

God is moving!  The Holy Spirit’s movement always brings life and change in our lives and the life of the church.  I am writing this letter to inform you of the changes that are happening here at Shiloh.  With this new appointive season, our Campus Pastor, Rev. Dorian Daniels, has requested a change of appointment.  Dorian’s request was granted and on Thursday, March 20, he was introduced to the Pastor Parish Relations Committee of Mt. Washington United Methodist Church as their new Senior Pastor effective July 1, 2014.  In preparation for that appointment, Dorian has also requested time off so that his last Sunday as Campus Pastor of Shiloh @ Price Hill will be Sunday, April 27, 2014.  The whole of Shiloh will celebrate Dorian’s ministry with a luncheon following the 11am service in the Fellowship Hall at Shiloh @ Price Hill.  If you would like to participate in the celebration by attending the luncheon please RSVP to Sandy at 513-451-3600 #101 or sandy@shilohumc.com.
God has made it possible for our incoming Senior Pastor, Rev. David Hood,  to join us and to step into Dorian’s role at Price Hill on May 1, 2014.  This is an opportunity for Dave to develop a hands-on understanding of the context, ministry, and mission of the Price Hill Campus so that he can maximize his leadership at the Delhi Campus when he arrives in July.  During the months of May and June, Rev. Hood will spend one hundred percent of his time and energy focused on the Price Hill Campus.  What an opportunity to maximize the impact that we can have in both the Price Hill and Delhi communities!   
Attached is a list of possible questions that you may have concerning this new transition.  If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me at 513-451-3600 #105 or rachel@shilohumc.com or the Chair of our SPPRC (Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee) Tana Casper at tanajean@aol.com.   We will have Question and Answer sessions at Price Hill during Music, Meal and Message at 6:30pm on April 2 and at the Delhi Campus following the 11am April 6, to address any confusions or concerns.   

God is moving and we are anticipating all that God will do in us and through us!   


Christ’s Peace, 



Rev. Rachel Billups
Lead Pastor 
Shiloh United Methodist Church 

Questions that you may have......

  • Why is all this happening?
After prayerful consideration, Dorian requested a move and the Conference (Cabinet) honored that request.  We celebrate with Dorian as he continues to follow his call into ministry.  

  • Is Dave coming early to be the new Senior Pastor? 
No.  Pastor Dave will focus 100 percent of his energy on learning and developing the Price Hill Campus until June 29 when he arrives in Delhi.  Dave’s official introduction will happen on Sunday, June 29, 2014.  Dave and his family will be enthusiastically welcomed at that time.  Pastor Rachel will continue to serve as Senior Pastor until that time.   

  • Will Dave move to Price Hill?
No. Pastor Dave will be commuting from Dayton until he moves into the parsonage in Delhi.  

  • Should we expect more surprises from the rest of our pastoral staff?  
Short answer, no.  Brent and Danny have expressed a clear commitment to God’s call here at Shiloh Church.  

  • What happens to Shiloh @ Price Hill in July?
Effective immediately, the leadership of Shiloh Church and the Cabinet are prayerfully searching for a New Campus Pastor to lead Shiloh @ Price Hill to start Sunday, June 29, 2014.  


Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Thank God for Basketball!

I’m thankful for basketball!  Not only because it’s March Madness and the NCAA tournament is well under way, but also because of ministries like Upward.  For the last three months, our church has been bursting at the seams from the growing numbers of Upward families who participated in this incredible ministry.  Every Saturday, over 730 people gathered for basketball games that taught the fundamentals of basketball and the fundamentals of faith.  This year, 172 boys and girls participated as basketball players and cheerleaders, 66 different people served as coaches, coordinators, half-time speakers, and referees.  All of this orchestrated by the passion and leadership of the Upward’s core team Luanne Thorman, Sissy Galbraith, Sandy Brannon, and Kathy Shea!    
This ministry is incredible!  But the focus of Upward isn’t basketball and learning cheers, the focus of Upward is Jesus.  This is an opportunity for us to teach our kids and the kids of others what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  During every practice, the kids are engaged in conversations about how their faith affects their lives.  What does it mean to be patient?  How can we be kind to friends, family, and even siblings?   As athletes, what does it mean to be honest on the court?  We here at Shiloh know that God has called us to invest in the next generation.  Upward is just one of the incredible ways that make a Kingdom investment in our kids and their families.  
I want to encourage you to continue to pray for these kids and families and pray for Upward ministry.  If you would like to be involved with our next Upward opportunity, call Children’s Ministry Director, Kathy Shea, at 513-451-3600 #102 or email kathy@shilohumc.com.  
Thank God for basketball and thank God for Upward!



Blessings, 




Pastor Rachel