Point TOUCH point Into the Unknown - Knox Church
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TOUCHpoint
Week of July 4, 2021
sermons, prayers & more from
Knox Presbyterian Church
Into the Unknown
being the church
Letter from the Editor
Earth Care Corner
Protecting Native Plants/ Welcome to this week’s
Taking on Ohio Invaders TOUCHpoint!
Invasive species damage the lands and waters In the Buckeye State, approximately 700- Stay up-to-date with Knox news.
Visit us online at knox.org, or
that native plants and animals need to survive. 800 species of plants are not native to the state. subscribe to our weekly enounce-
They have contributed directly to the decline of Here, several non-native plants are invading How often have there been "first times" in your ments by contacting GlennWilliams,
42% of the threatened and endangered species woodlands and displacing native spring travels? Times when you've had an opportunity to go Director of Communications at
in the United States. The annual cost to the wildflowers. Others are impacting wetlands, somewhere new and excitedly prepared for it. Generally,
United States economy is estimated at $120 bil- grasslands and prairies. when going somewhere we've never gone before, we tend
lion a year, with over 100 million acres (an area On the ground, the Conservancy has for to over prepare, right? We bring all sorts of "extras." An
roughly the size of California) suffering from decades worked to combat invasive species in extra set of shoes. An extra sweater. And sometimes even
an extra toothbrush! So, it would be hard to imagine
invasive plant infestations. Ohio through restoration work, with the help
what it would be like to not be allowed to prepare for a
TOUCHpoint
point!!
On their home turf, plant and animal popu- of hundreds of volunteers.
journey into the unknown.
lations are kept in check by natural controls like Many invasive plant species are sold com- In this week's Touchpoint, you'll read a sermon by
predators and food supply. However, when a mercially throughout the state. Choosing a Karen Geiger-Behm that shares the journey of two differ- Week of July 4, 2021
species is introduced into a new landscape that native species instead can help stop the spread ent kinds of people. One, a family who gave away every-
is not used to its presence, the consequences of dangerous invaders. thing to come into an unknown country to save the life of EARTH CARE CORNER
can be devastating. The Nature Conservancy's Ohio staff par- their child. And the other story of Christ's disciples as he 2 Native vs. Invasive Plants
Most of these “non-native” species do not ticipate in the Ohio Invasive Plants Council. sends them out into unknown territory with nothing but by The Nature Conservancy
misbehave. But some spread unchecked by the The Council along with other partners, pro- a staff and the shoes on their feet—literally! SCRIPTURE
lack of natural competitors and predators. They duced a brochure that is a guide for landscap- As you read, consider what it would be like for you to 5 Mark 6:1-13
push out native species and cause ecological ing and habitat restoration. You may contact not have any of the things that bring you comfort when New Standard Revised Version
chaos. All habitats are vulnerable to these them at The Nature Conservancy, 4245 North you are somewhere new—somewhere unfamiliar. And SERMON
then, consider what it would mean to give it all over to 8 Into the Unknown
invasions, from grasslands and forests to lakes, Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, Virginia,
God and trust he will bring along your journey every- by Karen Geiger-Behm
rivers and oceans. 22203-1606, (703) 841-5300. thing you'll need. 14 PRAYER LIST
God Our Creator,
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knox Presbyterian Church 3
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PRAYERS FOR EVERYONE (a ministry of Knox Deacons) This Week's Scripture
First of all, I ask you to pray for everyone. Ask God to help and bless Mark 6:1-13 NRSV
them all and tell God how thankful you are for each of them.
(1 Timothy 2:1, Contemporary English Version) He left that place and came to his hometown,
At their June meeting, the Knox Deacons prayed for these Knox friends, that they would and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sab-
know God’s peace, calmness and security. We invite you to join us in prayer this month. bath he began to teach in the synagogue, and
You, the people of the Holy One, will live in peace, calm and secure. many who heard him were astounded. They
(Isaiah 32:18)
said, “Where did this man get all this? What is
this wisdom that has been given to him? What
Merchant, Toby, Jennifer, Brenna and Pyper deeds of power are being done by his hands!
Merrill, Tom, Theresa and Regina
Metzger, Hope and Jim 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary[a]
God’s peace, calm and security. and brother of James and Joses and Judas and
Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?”
Meyer, Roger and Alan Whisman
Mickelson, Judy, Bill, William and Timothy Eschenbacher And they took offense[b] at him. 4 Then Jesus
Middlekauff, Jean and Buck said to them, “Prophets are not without honor,
God’s peace, calm and security. except in their hometown, and among their
Middlemas, Margo and Steven own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he
Middlemas, Katie could do no deed of power there, except that
Mikita, Jacqueline and James Ginocchio he laid his hands on a few sick people and
God’s peace, calm and security.
cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their un-
Mileham, Don and Marty belief. Then he went about among the villages
Minton, Teresa teaching. 7 He called the twelve and began to
Mitchell, Adam and Liz
God’s peace, calm and security. send them out two by two, and gave them au-
thority over the unclean spirits. 8 He ordered
Mooney, Cece them to take nothing for their journey except
Moore, Brian
Moormann, Jill a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their
God’s peace, calm and security. belts; 9 but to wear sandals and not to put on
two tunics. 10 He said to them, “Wherever
Moormann, Steve and Maureen
Morgan, Greg, Julie, Michael, Eli, William and Amber you enter a house, stay there until you leave
Morgan, Sarah the place. 11 If any place will not welcome
God’s peace, calm and security. you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave,
Morgan, Tom and Luanne shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testi-
Morrison, Jean mony against them.” 12 So they went out and
God’s peace, calm and security. proclaimed that all should repent. 13 They
cast out many demons, and anointed with oil
many who were sick and cured them.
4 knox Presbyterian Church knox Presbyterian Church 5
Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you.
1 Corinthians 6:19
Becky Bosarge
Congregation Care Coordinator Vindicate me, O God,
and defend my cause against an ungodly people;
How would your body respond to these words? Do you raise your arms
Body and Soul in supplication? Do you cross your arms over your breast in a posture of
defense? Let your body be your guide through this beautiful prayer.
Honoring our Bodies— from those who are deceitful and unjust, deliver me!
Tending our Spirits
Does your position change? Does one movement flow into another?
For you are God in whom I take refuge; why have you cast me off?
We are “embodied spirits, inspirited bodies.” Why must I walk about mournfully because of the oppression of the enemy?
Margaret Farley, Just Love
How does your body express grief? How does your body mourn?
W hen you pray, what do you do with
your body? Do you sit quietly?
Kneel? Fold your hands in your lap, put
O send out your light and your truth; let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling.
them in a “prayer position,” or do you How does your body shift when God’s light and truth
open them, palms up? Do you bow your are there to lead you?
head and close your eyes or look up to Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy;
the heavens? Do you maintain silence and I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.
and focus on breathing? Do you sing?
Shout? Shake your fist? All of the above? Where do you feel joy in your body? How might your arms and hands and
As “embodied spirits and inspirit- head and face express this joy?
ed bodies”, I invite you to intentionally
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
unite your body, mind, and spirit when and why are you disquieted within me?
you pray. Try this way of praying Psalm Hope in God; for I shall again praise the Holy One,
43 offered by Jane Vennard in her book, my help and my God.
Praying with Body and Soul: A Way to In-
timacy with God. How does your body end this prayer? How does it rest after pouring out its
fear and grief, its relief and gratitude?
Try this prayer a few times, maybe over the next week until it feels more
natural and notice any changes in the way you move your body in response
to these words. What might God be saying to you through your body?
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O
Karen Geiger-Behm ne of my best days ever at work was when I walked down
the hallway on the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Cin-
cinnati Children’s Hospital and realized I was surround-
ed by the most amazing religious and cultural diversity. I always
thought I’d have to save a lot of money and vacation time to travel
to faraway places to experience the vastness of humanity. But here
I was, in Cincinnati, Ohio walking down the hall, taking note of
each room. Hindu, Muslim, Catholic, Buddhist, Amish, Jewish,
Atheist and even a Presbyterian!
They come from all over the world and the United State. On
my unit in particular, we have a large population of patients that
come from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabic. I’m been
so grateful to learn from them about Islam and even a few greet-
ings in Arabic.
into
Of course, my joy in meeting all these families is tempered
by the fact that I know they come because their children are sick.
They come to us because some of most sought after doctors in the
UNKNOWN
world reside in our city and work at our Children’s hospital.
the
Many times parents share their journey to Cincinnati Chil-
dren’s with me. Some of their stories sound more like Hollywood
movies in what they have endured to come. Some have been in
other hospitals before, sometimes multiple hospitals. Even as they
share their gratitude with me, I know that for many, they’ve had to
make the agonizing decision to leave their other children behind.
Even our families from the United States, even families from Ohio,
have to do this as the Bone Marrow Unit is usually closed to sib-
lings due to infection risk, even pre-COVID.
Our patients have to stay in their rooms for weeks and some-
times months as they wait and pray for their new stem cells to
grow and build a new immune system. And this is where we as
staff meet them. I believe along with all the expert medical care
we offer, the foundation of offering our best care is grounded in
generous hospitality.
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"She was alone with her very must have surprised them, as he may have sur- ilar to God’s instructions to the Israelites when "They would not be buffered by the
sick son, after having sold all prised you, by what he told them. It reminded they were in the wilderness. God provides the comforts of this world that can so easily
that she had . . ." me of a camp list. Maybe some of you who went manna, but commanded them to gather only a fool us into believing that we don’t
to Montreat or grew up coming to summer certain amount of it per person each day, and need each other, and we don’t need
camps will relate. Jesus basically gave them a “to not keep any overnight. to rely on God."
pack” list and a “don’t pack” list. The requirement to carry no money reminds
I can imagine them preparing. Pack sandals— us of the Israelites' experience when they took
check. Pack a staff for protection and walking— gold from the Egyptians in preparation for their
check. Don’t pack money—what? Don’t pack journey. They used it to adorn their temple, but
bread—what ? Don’t pack a bag or even an extra melted it into a golden calf when they started to
shirt! What was Jesus thinking? lose trust in God. They literally began worship-
Professor Clifford Black one of my semi- ping their money.
nary professors at Princeton writes, “Even some The third requirement for the disciples was
first-century street preachers carried at least a not to move from house to house. They were
In our lectionary text this morning from the pair of shirts, a staff and a beggar’s bag. In Mark, to stay put and not move homes if someone
gospel of Mark, we read how Jesus sends his the twelve are forbidden the bag and change of with a bigger bed just happened to offer. Could
disciples out into the world with very specific tunics. They must live hand-to-mouth while on you imagine the hurt feelings if they did? The
instructions on how to remain open and ready the road. In a way, their paltry resources echo division it would sow in the community would
to receive the care and hospitality of others. It Jesus’ own, which so astounded his listeners in be tremendous. Also, they might always have adult could ride with him. He was barely hang-
seems Jesus wants to make sure that the disciples a nagging thought that things might be better ing onto life in our pediatric intensive care unit
don’t have any reason to lose their God-reliance elsewhere. It would take them out of being pres- when I entered. Over the course of the night, I
and slip into thinking that they can be totally ent to the gift of the hospitality before them. talked to his mom on a two way interpreter
self-reliant and disconnected from God’s people. We have a real problem with this in our cul- phone. Through tears, she told me their story.
?!
Jesus knew that it was in relationship with the ture. Social media can be a culprit as it stirs us They had been told by doctors in her country
at
wh
other, that true transformation takes place. This up to compare and despair. It seems Jesus knew that her son would probably not survive. They
ck
was his radical plan to send his message of love what he was doing when he gave the disciples couldn’t figure out what was going on with him.
pa
and redemption, out into the world. specific instructions for their journey. They The only thing the doctors thought it could be
n't
It’s interesting to me that in this story after Je- Do would not be buffered by the comforts of this was a very rare diagnosis in which a few of our
sus was rejected in his hometown, he didn’t with- world that can so easily fool us into believing doctors here in Cincinnati specialize. That was
draw or go home hurt like I might do. Instead of that we don’t need each other, and we don’t enough for these parents. They sold their house,
shrinking back, he moved forward. We read that Galilee.” The disciples are allowed means of trav- need to rely on God. cars and most of their belongings to finance a
he decided to share his authority with his disci- el, but not means of day-to-day nourishment. It was just a few months after I started my trip to take their son across the world with the
ples. He gave them the same healing powers that They were entirely dependent on the hospitality position as a chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s hope of finding treatment for his survival.
he had. By sending them out into the world, two of those they encountered. Hospital when I met a little boy I’ll call Dion. I That night Mom seemed so vulnerable. She
by two, he multiplied his reach. And if this wasn’t Have you heard something like this before was told Dion and his mother were flown here was alone with her very sick son, after having
bold enough, Jesus says, “Hey wait guys. Before in Scripture? I found that the requirement that on a medical plane from Germany. His father sold all that she had, in a country where she
you leave I have some instructions for you.” He the disciples received to not carry bread is sim- had to take a commercial jet because only one couldn't speak the language. I didn’t even know
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I wish I could say that Dion’s story ended with vulnerability and compassion, authentic connec- Doesn’t that say something? In choosing this
"God’s love is present when we the discharge parade and the physical healing we tion takes place making a way for the God of all way in instructing the disciples to first practice
welcome the stranger and love all prayed and longed for. Unfortunately, as joy- love to heal, support and transform us. Of course, vulnerability and to begin with hospitality, Jesus
our neighbor." ous were the highs of his medical journey and it’s not just in the hospital this happens, through wants us to understand that there is power in
witnessing his recovery, so were the lows of those major life transitions, spiritual retreats, service asking for help, and in giving it! This is the place
devastating blows of infections and symptoms with others, in nature, at the sacred beginnings where God can transform us!
that we just could not fix. of life and when it ends. In all these moments In high stakes situations like a very sick child,
Dion’s memorial service was held at our hos- and many more. half a world from home, it is clear that we should
pital with his friends and extended family from For many of us, it may seem easier to picture do all we can to help them. The way they touch
overseas participating through a video connec- ourselves on the giving side of hospitality—like and transform us in the process is often so palpa-
tion. The staff surrounded his parents that day. us with Dion and his family. We are used to be- ble. But when the stakes are low, and life is more
We felt the grief as deep as we felt the love. Even ing the ones providing the support, care, shelter, predictable and normal, there are still ways we
if she had eaten or if she knew how to get to the experiencing the pain of loss, the staff and his food and money to those in need. And this is in- can reach out to one another. We can share a pre-
cafeteria. Thankfully, the teams I work with at parents verbalized that Dion’s time with us and deed is what we are called to. viously unspoken need or offer a small kindness.
the hospital are amazing in supporting families. our hospitality to open our hearts to them trans- God’s love is present when we welcome the We can allow ourselves to be present to someone
Some of my most meaningful work hap- formed us all. stranger and love our neighbor. The Indian writ- very different from us—to receive from them, to
pened with Dion when he got a little stronger. Spiritual leader Roshi Joan Halifax wrote in er Tagore tells us that when people left his hut, he listen, to learn and to be surprised by God’s Spirit
He asked really challenging questions about her book, Being with the Dying, “Life-threaten- found ‘God’s footsteps on the floor.’ But the other at work in our midst.
God. Sometimes his voice echoed the Psalmists ing illness calls us to a place—metaphorically a side of hospitality is receiving it. Jesus reminds us In today's Scripture, Jesus is showing us that
“How long, O, God?", and “Out of the depths desert or mountain peak—where, as we sit, the through the story from Mark, that God’s love is it’s not a bad thing to need each other, and that in
I cry to you, O Lord.” Other times he offered hard wind of reality strips away all the trappings equally manifest when we open ourselves to re- fact, God works within our mutual needing and
praise and shouts of joy for the great things God of life, like so much clothing, makeup, and acces- ceive the hospitality from another. By accepting caring for one another if only we allow it.
had done. sories.” This is the place where we meet people the hospitality of others, whoever they may be, Let's go forth today mindful that how Jesus
We surrounded this family with all the love, as a hospital chaplains. Where they, in their state the disciples are demonstrating that the message sent his disciples, might just be how Jesus wants
support and care we could muster. In the pro- of openness and vulnerability, with all the buf- of Jesus goes beyond social and religious barriers. to send us forth into the world—open, unbur-
cess, we were so very blessed by Dion and his fers of life that protected them before and all the Jesus wanted his disciples to open and form rela- dened, humble and ready to be to be fully pres-
parents. Over a year, they became a part of our things that numbed them from what was most tionships with all different kinds of people. The ent to those we encounter.
unit. We celebrated every milestone, every step important are stripped away. The veil between disciples had to learn how to be guests of hospi- May it be so.
and high five. The staff grew to love him and his the spiritual world and our earthly world thins. tality. I’m sure it wasn’t always comfortable. How
Amen.
family, as they grew to love us. It’s just what hap- I know in a church this size, some of you hard it is to let go of our control?
pens even with the healthiest boundaries. Our understand this on a personal level. You have When was the last time you allowed someone
hearts still connect with deep care for those we stepped out into that great unknown with your to offer you hospitality? What luggage do you
support. There is a process of transformation child or loved one, or you yourself have been on carry that gets in the way of you experiencing
that happens when these families come through a medical journey. There is nothing like a health it? How can we ask God to allow us to be open
our doors; often with very little to sustain them crisis to remind us that we don’t have as much and vulnerable to one another? That is the fertile
on the journey of hospitalization they are about control or understanding of our lives as we once ground for transformation that Jesus chose to
to endure. thought. Yet, when hospitality is offered through spread and incubate his earthly ministry.
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prayer list
Week of July11, 2021
Invitation to Pray
Devote yourselves to prayer,
being watchful and thankful. ~ Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
New Prayer Requests ~ Colossians 4:2
Nelson, Thom
Ooten, Janice, mother of Julie Morgan Vickie, friend of Karen Grout
Knox Members and Friends Owen and family, friends of Jenn Pavelka Wilson, Andrew, son of Anne Wilson
Allgood, Sheree Griffin, Nancy Pack, Amelia, daughter of Woody Pack
Bellamy, Caroline, Mike and Ashley Hall, Regina Pechulonis, Annette, friend of Deland Basora Our Global Outreach Partners
Craft, Patty Harms family, friends of Emily Shimskey Peterson, Stephen Boyd, Jeff and Christi and family,
Boerger, Karin and daughter, friends of Harper, Karen Pfeiffer, Lisa PC(USA) Mission, Co-workers in Congo
Jenn Pavelka High, Rachel Perkins, Talon, nephew of Jim Elkin Jr. and Seitz, Jonathan and Emily and family,
Bruno, Adele, friend of Deland Basora IHN and the homeless families they serve Brooke Elkin PC(USA) Mission Co-workers in Taiwan
Bunge, Janet Jellison, Nancy, daughter of Lil Dartnall Peters, Marilyn
Bunn, Nancy, friend of Foster and Johnson, Kathleen Pursen, Dick Men and Women in Military Active Duty
Kathleen Winter Kersey, Katlyn, and family, niece of Jeff and Qualley, Steve, cousin of Karen Grout Matt Anderson, Matt Buchert, Joseph Elkin, Will
Cole Pam Kersey Preston, Dennis husband of Fay Preston Farrar, Cody Ison, Martin Davis (nephew of Craig
Crossen, Ann, friend of Jan and Blair Battistini Kersey, Lynne, sister-in-law of Jeff Kersey Raju, Sue, Family of friend of Cathy Rector and Susan Davis), Jack Graham, Blake Lyon,
Dartnall, Lillian Koenig, Joe, friend of Heidi Perry Ritchie, Frank and Carole Nick Robinson, Adam Smith, Timothy Sowder,
DeJah and Karen, cousin and aunt of Kuhlman, Art, father-in-law of Elisabeth Kuhlman Shields, Jillian and her mom, Megan- Joe Sheedy (great nephew of Jim Nurre)
Julie Morgan Lachniet, Grace friends of Deland Basora
Eiler, Artie LeNeveu, Michael, fiance of Emily Shimskey Smith, Myrna With Thanksgiving for Prayers Offered,
Fiorelli, Linda, sister-in-law of Liz Haradon Lowry, Janet, daughter of David Lowry Stallsworth, Abby, daughter of Becky Stallsworth Removed From the List
Fleish, Kara Kruger, friend of Lyon, Mary Stearns, Sally Lance, Beth, friend of Karen Wirthlin
Beverly Maisenhalter Mark, uncle of Luke Burton Stefanik, Mim
Ford, Starr Martin, Gina, friend of Sheree Allgood Steiner, Ace, friend of Kathy Wall Births
Griffey, Keishna, friend of Mary Lou Krohn McCullough, Nancy Stewart, Mary Mullen, Isaac Edward, 7/5/21, son of Ashley and
McDonough, Marj, aunt to Mary Nurre Stewart, Randy, cousin of Linda Barlett Nate Mullen, grandson of Pam and
McPherson, Don, nephew of Foster and Stikeleather, Donald and Staci, son and Don Dillion
Kathleen Winter daughter-in-law of Phil Stikeleather
Melson, Jim, nephew of Barry Cors, cousin of Stith, Bette For Those Experiencing Loss
Ann Gimbert Stith, Jack The loved ones of Andrea Singer (d. 6/26/21)
Morgan Family Talmon, Reba, friend of Kathleen and Foster Winter Warwick, Betsy, her brother-in-law John Wells
Mooney, Cece Tipton, Terri, spouse of Darb Dewar and their loved ones, grieving the death of
Nichols, Tori, granddaughter of Darb Dewar Turner, Lorie, friend of Maria Anderson Betsy's sister, Mary Lou Wells (d. 7/3/21)
Nurre, Bob and Doris, brother and sister-in-law Wolfgang, Rex, grieving the death of his sister
of Jim Nurre Vickie Whitehill (d. 6/20/21)
Something to think and pray about this week
Jesus, I am not here aimlessly; you have sent me
on your mission of grace and mercy. By your
Spirit, keep me on task. Amen.
~ Steve Garnaas-Holmes
14 knox Presbyterian Church knox Presbyterian Church 15
Adam Fronczek Jana Reister David Annett Tina Hubert
Senior Pastor Associate Pastor Dir. of Youth Ministries Dir. of Faith Formation
Becky Bosarge Cindy Hamad Rènché leRoux Pete Tuff
Congregation Care Coor. Faith Community Nurse Finance Manager Dir. of Operations
Contact Us
(513) 321-2573
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