Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child’s life come into him again.” The Lord listened to the voice of Elijah; the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. - 1 Kings 17:20-22 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus[a] gave him to his mother. - Luke 7:13-15 When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” - John 11:43-44 There are numerous stories in the bible where the dead have been resurrected. Here is some great information from an article sent to me by one of our QAC members. The article is by Thom Rainer and was in the Christian Post: The Resuscitated Church What about churches? Can a church experience a similar miraculous recovery? ...I have seen a sufficient enough number to make some concise observations. These obser- vations are among the most encouraging events I have ever witnessed. How did these few churches go from near death to vibrant life? Here are six steps on how they did it. 1. A prolonged period of prayer. The members knew that only a miracle of God could save their church. So they decided to set aside a period of prayer, usually a few weeks or a couple of months. Members would gather after the worship service. Some would gather in homes. They would admit their total dependence on God. And they would place everything about their churches at His mercy and in His will. 2. A covenant to forsake self. When a church dies, there is the predictable prologue of self-centered, self-serving March 2017 membership. Church members argue about the style of music, the length of the sermon, the types of ministries and programs, and even the type of furniture in the church. Membership becomes about me, myself, and I. In the resuscitated church, the members covenant to put self last. They agree they will not demand their way, but seek to put others first. Some of the churches even create a written covenant. 3. A willingness to kill sacred cows. This process is of- ten an extension of the previous commitment. As the members covenant to forsake self, they commit to doing away with programs, ministries, events, rooms, furniture, or anything that has become a sacred cow. They often don’t see those sacred cows until their eyes have been opened in the prolonged period of prayer. 4. A commitment to see through the eyes of the outsid- er. As the members continue to forsake self, they begin to ask how the church is viewed from the perspective of the outsider. They may actually engage a person to visit their church and share their experience. It is amazing to see how this process transforms facilities, worship, greeters’ ministry, and children’s ministries, to name a few. 5. An agreement to connect and invite. Members com- mit to be intentional about developing relationships with people outside the church. They set prayer goals of how many people they will invite to church each month. The church begins moving from an inward focus to an outward focus. 6. A decision to move beyond the negative naysayers. This core of members realizes that not everyone will be on board. There will always be those who view church as a spiritual country club with perks and privileges. Indeed, in most of these resuscitated churches, there was stiff re- sistance, adamant opposition, and financial threats. But the members were loving but firm. No longer would their church be controlled by the naysayers, critics, and bullies. They would stand together and stand with others who were attacked and maligned. Is church resuscitation common? No. Is church resuscitation possible? Yes. In God’s power, yes. Are you willing to be a part of the resuscitation of your church?
10
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Transcript
Then he stretched himself upon the child three times, and
cried out to the Lord, “O Lord my God, let this child’s life
come into him again.” The Lord listened to the voice of
Elijah; the life of the child came into him again, and he
revived. - 1 Kings 17:20-22
When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and
said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came forward and
touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said,
“Young man, I say to you, rise!” The dead man sat up and
began to speak, and Jesus[a] gave him to his mother. -
Luke 7:13-15
When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice,
“Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands
and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped
in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him
go.” - John 11:43-44
There are numerous stories in the bible where the dead
have been resurrected.
Here is some great information from an article sent to me
by one of our QAC members. The article is by Thom
Rainer and was in the Christian Post:
The Resuscitated Church
What about churches? Can a church experience a similar
miraculous recovery? ...I have seen a sufficient enough
number to make some concise observations. These obser-
vations are among the most encouraging events I have
ever witnessed.
How did these few churches go from near death to vibrant
life? Here are six steps on how they did it.
1. A prolonged period of prayer. The members knew
that only a miracle of God could save their church. So
they decided to set aside a period of prayer, usually a few
weeks or a couple of months. Members would gather after
the worship service. Some would gather in homes. They
would admit their total dependence on God. And they
would place everything about their churches at His mercy
and in His will.
2. A covenant to forsake self. When a church dies, there
is the predictable prologue of self-centered, self-serving
March 2017 membership. Church members argue about the style of
music, the length of the sermon, the types of ministries
and programs, and even the type of furniture in the
church. Membership becomes about me, myself, and I. In
the resuscitated church, the members covenant to put self
last. They agree they will not demand their way, but seek
to put others first. Some of the churches even create a
written covenant.
3. A willingness to kill sacred cows. This process is of-
ten an extension of the previous commitment. As the
members covenant to forsake self, they commit to doing
away with programs, ministries, events, rooms, furniture,
or anything that has become a sacred cow. They often
don’t see those sacred cows until their eyes have been
opened in the prolonged period of prayer.
4. A commitment to see through the eyes of the outsid-
er. As the members continue to forsake self, they begin to
ask how the church is viewed from the perspective of the
outsider. They may actually engage a person to visit their
church and share their experience. It is amazing to see
how this process transforms facilities, worship, greeters’
ministry, and children’s ministries, to name a few.
5. An agreement to connect and invite. Members com-
mit to be intentional about developing relationships with
people outside the church. They set prayer goals of how
many people they will invite to church each month. The
church begins moving from an inward focus to an outward
focus.
6. A decision to move beyond the negative naysayers.
This core of members realizes that not everyone will be on
board. There will always be those who view church as a
spiritual country club with perks and privileges. Indeed, in
most of these resuscitated churches, there was stiff re-
sistance, adamant opposition, and financial threats. But
the members were loving but firm. No longer would their
church be controlled by the naysayers, critics, and bullies.
They would stand together and stand with others who
were attacked and maligned.
Is church resuscitation common? No.
Is church resuscitation possible? Yes.
In God’s power, yes.
Are you willing to be a part of the resuscitation of your
church?
Paul Weisbecker has formerly been a member of Queen of
Apostles as part of his parents' household. Now, he and
Lindsey and their sons, Will & Sam, are members them-
selves. (Will is the shy one in this photo.) We are very hap-
py to welcome this lovely family into the QAC community.
Matt Hughes will be baptized, confirmed and receive first Eu-
charist at the Easter Vigil. He resides in Bellbrook with his
wife Molly. They are expecting their first child in May. He is
in his 12th year as an educator and teaches business courses at
Kettering Fairmont High School. Matt is a DECA advisor for
his career technical business program.
Matt also is the head coach of the boys’ and girls’ tennis pro-
gram at Fairmont. He is actively involved in the Miami Valley
Tennis Coaches Association and the Ohio Tennis Coaches As-
sociation.
Sue Davis will be confirmed and receive first Eucharist as
she is received into full communion at the Easter Vigil.
She lives in Belmont with her husband Jim. They are for-
tunate to have Sue’s daughter and son-in-law living next
door with grandsons Sebastian (age 4) and Mateo (15
months).
Sue is a retired adult probation officer from Greene Coun-
ty and a full-time Granny.
Social Justice
Martin Luther King Vision
Through the Prism of Judaism,
Christianity and Islam – An In-
terfaith Gathering
QAC members including Fr. Thom-
as Schroer joined approximately one hundred attendees of the Inter-
faith Gathering at Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Mosque on Janu-
ary 31, 2017. Three representatives from different faith that include
Rabbi Karen Bodney, Reverend Dr. Barbara Battin and Dr. Abdul
Shahid were asked how their faith interprets and puts into action the
following teaching of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King:
“We must all learn to live together as brothers or we will all
perish together as fools. We are tied together in the single
garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutu-
ality. And whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.
For some strange reason I can never be what I ought to be until
you are what you ought to be. This is the way God’s universe
is made; this is the way it is structured.”
Judge Walter Rice moderated the interactive discussion of Dr. King’s
call for unity and action and how different faiths interpret it. Rabbi
Bodney emphasized that whenever one is at risk, all of us are at risk
so that we cannot afford to only be by-standers in situations that call
for action. Rev. Dr. Barbara Battin added that we are all in life to-
gether and in all creation that is why it is important to cultivate rela-
tionships and evaluate who sits at our tables and try to include as
many people as possible. She urged us to confront stereotypes in a
peaceful and calm manner, drawing from our positive and peaceful
experience. Dr. Abdul Shahid stated that Dr. King believed in some-
thing bigger and urged us to be the voice of justice and peace. He
emphasized that the Muslim faith is a peaceful religion that advocates
for peaceful action to social reform.
QAC members who attended had the following take away from the
gathering:
Thomas Schroer
I was also glad I went and impressed with Judge Rice and the woman
Protestant minister.... their remarks and answers to the questions I
found particularly helpful. Great turnout!
Patricia Acker
I feel a power in the goodness of all people of all faiths. We have an
opportunity to make a difference simply by modeling acceptance,
love, respect and our faith in a loving God. We must take a stand
against injustice, bigotry, hatred, persecution, and negativity. We are
the branches of God's love and we can show the joy in unity, peace,
positive dialog and mercy. Martin Luther King died for his faith. We
can at least carry on his legacy. Human beings are more alike than
they are different. God will deal with those who hurt others with in-
difference or aggressiveness. We are responsible for our own actions
and reactions. As we unite, we can make significant changes. Prayer,
faith and compassion can't fail! God can take any situation and create
something beautiful and meaningful as long as we are doing the best
we can do for Him.
Dan Nagle
KUDOS to all who were present and especially to the Honorable
Judge Walter Rice, a "REAL JUDGE", who very adroitly moderated
the impressions of the three great religions on the turmoil in today's
society. It is unfortunate that our governmental leaders did not attend
this inspiring gathering and learn "that justice runs down like water
and righteousness like a mighty stream" and "that we shall overcome
because the arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards jus-
tice" (MLK) Looking forward to a follow-up session.
Chris Sitko
I was impressed by their courage to open their doors. This face-to-face
dialogue is the most peaceful approach to understanding others that
'are not like me', just as MLK would have done. Most of those in at-
tendance were from the east side of the river that divides the city of
Dayton. We got out of our comfort zone to travel west and I'm sure
that our Muslim friends felt the same by inviting strangers into their
holy space. I'm so glad that I didn't pass up the chance for the gather-
ing.
Marilyn Nagle
It was my first visit to a Mosque. Our hosts warmly welcomed us. I
was amazed but not surprised at the number of people that came to
hear the message and to let our Muslim brothers and sisters know that
we care and are with them in this latest struggle. The Mosque was full
to overflowing with Christians, Jews and Muslims, and the message
from the speakers was an inspiration to me. They used the words of
Martin Luther King to remind us that we are all equal in the eyes of
God.
Bill Meers
I thought it was a very positive and confirming experience with so
many good folk there to inspire us. Wonderful to have eight of us
from QAC there; I think our presence revealed much about the special
nature of our community and the ideals that so many of us care about.
I was a bit distressed that I had not visited the Mosque previously to
develop friendships there. I had met members of that community at
the MLK March last month and at the Peace Heroes Walk in Septem-
ber, so was looking forward to following up with a visit. I thought the
program was excellent, but a little too long. (I was ready for it to end
at the published time of 7:30PM.) I picked up one of their brochures
on their beliefs about Jesus and found it very interesting. (They honor
Jesus as an important prophet and advocate for justice.)
Nimfa Simpson
I got a lot from listening to the leaders from the three represented
faiths. Their messages were in unison about how to address social
justice issues in the world when you see it. All agree that to live your
faith is to act in a just and peaceful way to make life of people in this
world better. I will resolve to attend at least one of regularly sched-
uled Wednesday open Coffee With Islam Conversation at the commu-
nity Mosque. Islam appears to be a feared religion and it is advisable
to learn more about this religion and gain better understanding of it.
Jack Simpson
We often seemed to be surrounded by people who are afraid and other
people who seek to promote fear. It was encouraging to hear from
leaders in the different faiths who are not afraid and do not want oth-
ers to live in fear.
It was very encouraging and inspiring to listen to representatives of
three faith traditions - Islam, Christianity and the Jewish faith - articu-
lately discuss their faiths, addressing similarities and differences.
The discussion was done in a respectful and enlightening manner
with each member of the panel addressing important issues of faith,
politics and everyday life with an emphasis on how to bring people
together and conquer fear and distrust.
It was encouraging to see so many people from various communities,
including so many folks from QAC, there to show that understanding
of and respect among different faiths is alive and well.
(Continued on next page)
Dr. Abdul Shahid welcoming attendees to the Interfaith Forum
Upcoming Events
March 15, 2017; “Justice That Heals” sponsored by Peace Circle
and Social Justice Ministry; gather at 6:30 p.m. for coffee; Showing
of the one-hour documentary and discussion starts at 7 p.m.; Si-
lounge.
Special Collection
Collection of hygiene products like bath and face towels and toilet-
ries for Good Shepherd Ministry, a transitional house for men com-
ing out of drug and alcohol treatment. This offers alms giving during
the season of lent.
Clark Boarding Home Residents Gift Collection
We would like to thank those who purchased presents for the resi-
dents of Clark Boarding Homes through Amazon that Chris
Aristedes set up to facilitate the purchasing of needed personal items.
The gifts were delivered on Sunday, February 12, 2017 and the resi-
dents were delighted and grateful for their presents. Thanks to those
who helped in the delivery of the presents: Chris Heider, Jack and
Nimfa Simpson, Chris Aristedes and Chris Sitko.
Chris Heider helping a resident with
his new shoes
Social Justice Continued
QAC Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, March 18
Don’t forget to sign up for the Spaghetti Dinner!
Watch the bulletin for sign-up details. We need
people to help and people to eat!!
Ma
rch
Birth
da
ys
Seniors’ Corner
March ushers in Spring (the 21st) and of
course Saint Patrick's Day (the 17th), when
we are all Irish. I for one, who is of good
Germanic stock, converted to the Celtic
Society many years ago. Ireland brought
us many good things. At the top of the list
is Irish whisky To get a complete list of
this Irish delight check out CelticWiskeyShop.com. One of
the best being Jameson JJ12. But for the working class
Guinness is more to our liking along with corned beef and
cabbage and soda bread. Of course I cannot forget the music
that the Emerald Isle brought us. That takes me to the center
week of March and the Irish entertainment in town that I will
attend.
Lets get together for St Pats Day
Free -- Saturday March 11th Carroll High School 4524 Lin-
don Av. St Pats Fest presents The Dulahan's 8:15-11:15
PM. This is a great group with lots of energy. Come and
join me; see you there. Last year there was not a large group
50 to 75 people. The price is right and the entertainment is
great.
Friday March 17th Harrigans Pub 4070 Marshall Rd ($10
cover charge) presents The Father Son and Friends 9:00 -
11:00 AM. Classic Irish Music. This is a morning set and
therefore not a large crowd. This is the way that several of
us at QAC start St Patrick's Day. Of course I will be there
with some soda bread along with butter and preserves.
1 TERESA BLANKEN
1 VINCENT COBB
1 AMANDA LYNN GALE
1 MICHELLE PETRIE
6 BARBARA MORGAN
8 SOPHIA COBB
8 JERRY WIESBECKER
12 PATRICIA ROONEY
13 QUINTON EVANS
13 RUSS POTYRALA
16 PAT CHMIEL
16 JESSICA JENNINGS
17 IAN MEASURES
17 CAITLIN WORTHINGTON
20 BETSY YOUNG
22 PAT HERMAN
24 DENNIS HERNIT
25 MARTI QUAKENBUSH
25 VALERIE WIESBECKER
27 CHLOE NEER
27 LINDA PITZER
28 JOSEPH CANTZ
29 DAN HUSER
30 LARISSA JENNINGS
30 DAVE ULRING
31 CAROL BOURNE
Let Your Light Shine
Many people don’t realize
that the candle by the taber-
nacle that signifies that the Body of Christ is
present, lasts exacting 7 days. Every Sunday,
when I get to the chapel for choir practice, I re-
place the candle with a new one. It also reminds
me that we are the Body of Christ and that the
light from that candle only shines if we make
sure it is lit. It also means that the light of QAC
is burning bright. The question we need to ask
ourselves is, who will light the candle in the fu-
ture?
Jesus is the light of the world and we are asked
to let our light shine before others. Just like dur-
ing the Easter Vigil, we start in darkness and as
we enter the chapel, our candles begin to light the
way, sharing the light with others.
“This little Light of Mine, I’m gonna let it Shine”
As Stewards of QAC, we share our gifts not as
passive recipients, but active participants in con-
tinuing the mission of Jesus Christ. This means
that we share in the responsibility of proclaiming,
teaching, and serving. Our Stewardship commit-
ment is to be Disciples of Christ allowing the work
of the Spirit as instruments in spreading the Gos-
pel. It is our personal responsibility to play a role
in the future of our faith and QAC by going forth
to “build a community of love and to be the holy
people God calls us to be”.
Liturgy News WALKING with our CATECHUMEN and
CANDIDATE this Lent
Prepared for the Liturgy Committee by Bob Buescher
This Lenten Season we are again blessed to accompa-
ny two people preparing for sacraments of initiation at
the Easter Vigil. Matt Hughes will be baptized, con-
firmed and receive first Eucharist on April 15. Sue
Davis will be confirmed and receive first Eucharist as
she is welcomed into full communion with the Catho-
lic Church.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) calls
for the baptism of adults to take place at the Easter
Vigil whenever possible. The objective is that their
symbolic passage from death to new life through the
waters of baptism coincides with the celebration of the
dying and rising of Christ that is the culmination of
the liturgical year.
The RCIA presumes that the entire community joins
with and supports the Elect and Candidates for full
communion throughout the Lenten season. We are
invited to walk with Matt and Sue for what is like a 40
-day retreat. “Return to me with your whole heart,”
our God says through the words of the prophet Joel
proclaimed on Ash Wednesday. “Return to Your God,
who is gracious and merciful, and ready to forgive.”
The Sunday readings of Lent offer a rich guide to this
inward journey of illumination. A strong baptismal
theme emerges as the season continues. Spending time
with these scripture passages during the weeks of Lent
can be very fruitful. We can re-connect with our per-
sonal call to faith regardless of when our baptism oc-
curred. By stopping to rest in the arms of our loving
God, we can open our hearts to see how to live out our
baptismal promises more clearly.
This year’s Lenten liturgies will include specific ac-
tions marking the progress of Matt and Sue’s journey
toward the Easter sacraments.
On the first Sunday of Lent, Rites of Sending take
place. The assembly will hear testimony of Matt
Hughes’ readiness for baptism and witness his enroll-
ment in the “Book of the Elect” before sending him
for presentation to Archbishop Schnurr at the diocesan
Rite of Election. In a similar way, Sue Davis will be sent for
recognition by the bishop as a Candidate for full communion.
From this day forward, Matt is no longer called a catechumen;
he is one of the Elect.
On the third, fourth and fifth Sundays, brief ceremonies called
“scrutinies” will occur at mass. These are keyed to pivotal en-
counters from the gospel of John:
• Third Sunday – Jesus’ promise of “living water” to the
woman at the well
• Fourth Sunday – the cure of the man born blind and a new
way of seeing through faith
• Fifth Sunday – the raising of Lazarus and Jesus’ com-
mand to “come out” and be freed from death
The term scrutinies requires some explanation. It is not the
community or the church scrutinizing the Elect. Rather, it is
our loving God searching the hearts of the Elect – and each of
the baptized. In the scrutinies we pray that whatever is weak,
defective or sinful can be uncovered and healed…and that
what is upright, strong and good be strengthened and brought
forth for the life of the world.
Walking with those preparing for the Easter sacraments, in
both the community’s liturgical action and our individual Len-
ten practices, builds up our appreciation for the gift of Christ’s
presence in the One Body. May our common bond in this
year’s Lenten journey be a source of strength for Matt and Sue
and “a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
March Calendar
1 Eucharist and distribution of ashes at 7pm in Chapel
5 First Sunday of Lent
Liturgy Planning after Mass in Si Lounge. Join us for a light
lunch and planning for the Sundays of Easter Season (Apr
22—Jun 4)
12 Second Sunday of Lent—Anointing of the Sick
19 Third Sunday of Lent
26 Fourth Sunday of Lent
29 Lenten Reconciliation Service at 7pm in Chapel—individual
confession will be available.
Maururu Nui
By Steve Guilfoos
COMMUNITY MINISTRY
Within our community we have wonderful individuals who
volunteer support for our members on a short term basis.
This includes the following:
Provide meals for members who are ill or to allow care-
giver relief
Provide respite care to allow caregiver relief or visits to
homebound members
Share Eucharist
Light housework
Transportation to appointments
Grocery shopping
Errands
The lagoon’s waters
Shimmering in the sunlight
A gentle breeze
Dancing with the palm leaves
Clouds passing by
In their own sweet time
Gentle waves kissing the sand
Almost silently, time was no more
Papaya and mango
Pineapple and banana
Washed deliciously down
With fresh sweet coconut water
Far away from our every day
Life was at peace
My soul praying with maururu nui*
* Maururu means thanks in Tahitian and Nui means large or great
Photo from a motu (small islet) near island of Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia
Snow removal and yard work
Handyman tasks
Simple computer issues
Notary, Living Will, HPOA, Advance Directives
Ministry of Consoling (dealing with grief over loss)
Spiritual care
Referrals for long term care support
Please allow ample time for scheduling
If you need our support, or know of a community member who