Just One Word:  Reside & Desire

Lora Parsons

The Ashland Beacon

For the last few months, this column has focused on--as the title suggests--just one word.  We’ve dug deep, deconstructed, and delved into various definitions.  So, I figured maybe it was time to switch it up just a little bit.  We’re going to focus this time around on just one single GROUP of LETTERS…which can be scrambled into two distinct words:  reside and desire.

My first thought when I hear the word “desire” is the phrase:  do what your heart desires.  Do what makes you happy.  Live your best life.  Be your best self.  All of those phrases flood forward in my mind at once when thinking about satisfying what we individually want.  As we’ve done before, though, we can deconstruct this word into de-sire (like we did de-serve last month).  The definition of “sire” is to cause the birth of, to bring into existence, in a sense.  Specifically and literally, it’s the male parent of an offspring.  We know that the prefix “-de'' means to undo or move away from.  When the prefix and root word come together, they make new meaning, though.  They somehow go from meaning literally “to undo the existence of,” to instead, the meaning we’re familiar with: “my wants.”  That’s thought number one about this particular array of letters, spelling out “desire.”  It should mean “to eliminate, to kill.”

But, then we mix up those letters and rearrange them, and they yield the word “reside,” which we can also break into word parts.  “Side” has to do with which location you’ve taken physically, as in left or right of the sidewalk, for example, but it also means the location of one’s thinking or beliefs, as in whether we’re for or against repainting our car, let’s say.  “Side” in these senses connects to our position in the world or the position of our thinking based on our worldview.  The prefix “re-” means to do again or to change over.  To “re-” side, then, doesn’t mean to exist in a particular place or in a certain state as we know it to mean.  Rather, when you lump the individual meanings side by side, it seems like the word might mean something more like “ to choose a position over again.”  To re-make-up one’s mind about something.  It no longer means sitting in one’s thoughts or beliefs, but to reposition one’s thoughts or beliefs.

When we look at these new meanings side by side, I think something pretty cool happens.  These two words, made up of the same six letters, in two different orders, and with different deconstructed parts, change things so that “desire” no longer means “what I want” but instead means “to eliminate or kill what I want” and to “reside” no longer means “to continue in a particular state” but instead “to reposition my thought state.”  When I reside in my own desires, it’s really easy to fall into the trap of thinking this world is all about me.  I can identify what I want.  I can identify where I can go to get it.  I can identify what I need in order to get what I want.  And, I can easily fixate on making that happen…because that makes me happy.  It satisfies my desires.  I can focus on me, me, me, and I can reside in that happy place of deciding I want something and getting that something.

But, at this time of year, with Easter just barely in our rearview mirror, when we look closely at the life of Jesus and how He taught us to live, we don’t have to look far to see that the example before us didn’t focus on “me, me, me.”  Jesus’ life wasn’t about how He could satisfy His own desires.  He didn’t walk away from sacrificing His own life, because His purpose was glorifying His Father.  He re-sided his wants and desires--repositioned them--and traded them out in exchange for His Father’s will.  He put the will of God before His own.  He willingly chose to walk away from the satisfaction of His own wants, and instead repositioned His desires to be beneath those of the Father.  We see this play out in action and in word when He’s praying in the garden just before being crucified.  In Luke 22:42, He, in agony, prayed, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me.  Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.”  There was no humanly part of Jesus that was looking forward to experiencing the cross; but, there was the divine part of Him, the holy part of Him, that was singularly focused on following the will of God.  He didn’t reside in His own desires.  He humbly positioned Himself to be in line with His Father’s will.  He first laid down his divine nature to enter into humanity, and then He walked willingly into death on a cross in order to save that humanity.  Because that was the will of His Father.  We’re called to do the very same--to lay aside our desire and reside instead in the Father’s will.  What I want has to be repositioned beneath what He wants.  I have to de-sire or “eliminate…kill” my own satisfaction and instead re-side or “reposition myself” to satisfy the Father’s will.  And, what is His will for each of us?  The same as was His will for Jesus--for us to bring others to Him.  To serve others, as Jesus did.  To share the Father’s love with those around us, as Jesus did.  To show the world God in us, as Jesus did when He stepped into humanity.  To speak Biblical Truth in love as we live out that Truth.  Our job is to reflect the Father in all we do.  There’s no need to ask, then, “What is Your will for my life?”  We already know it.  The better question is:  “How can I fulfill Your will today in whatever I do?”  Father, help me to put aside my DESIRE and instead RESIDE in Yours so that the world can see more of Jesus.  One little set of six letters, making up this month’s two little words.

Be The Change You Want to See:

 Volunteer with Repair Affair to Transform Lives and Homes

By: Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

In communities across the nation, an organization called Repair Affair is making a profound difference in the lives of low-income homeowners, the elderly and the disabled. Repair Affair is a nationwide program that was started back in the early 2000s. This organization mobilizes resources and volunteers to make repairs to homes that are owned by those with low income, the elderly and those with disabilities. The primary focus of Repair Affair is on home safety, security, weatherization and neighborhood stability.

One of the remarkable aspects of Repair Affair is its ability to unite people from all walks of life in service to others. Volunteers, ranging from seasoned contractors to enthusiastic community members, come together with a shared purpose to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families. Through their collective efforts, homes are transformed and lives are uplifted.

For low-income homeowners, the impact of Repair Affair goes beyond mere repairs; it offers a lifeline of support and hope. Many recipients of the organization's services are faced with limited resources and are unable to afford essential repairs on their own. Without assistance, these individuals would continue to live in unsafe and deteriorating conditions, trapped in a cycle of hardship and despair. Repair Affair breaks this cycle by providing much-needed repairs and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

The elderly and disabled members of society also benefit greatly from Repair Affair's compassionate initiatives. For many older adults and individuals with disabilities, maintaining their homes can be physically and financially challenging. Repair Affair steps in to alleviate these burdens, ensuring that these vulnerable populations can age in place with dignity and independence. Whether it's installing handrails for added safety or repairing broken fixtures for improved functionality, the organization's interventions enhance the quality of life for those in need.

DJ Rymer, the Coordinator for Repair Affair, has been a longtime supporter of this program and knows the impact that it can have on the lives of those that the program touches. Rymer shared, “My heart has always been in Repair Affair. As the coordinator for Repair Affair over the past few years and a volunteer since my youth, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact we can make. Repair Affair brings together volunteers from all across our region to help repair homes of low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, focusing on safety, security, weatherizing, and neighborhood stability.”

By harnessing the power of volunteerism and collective action, the organization proves that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome when communities come together in service to others. Programs like Repair Affair are crucial for our community because they provide a tangible way for individuals to come together and make a direct impact on the lives of those in need. By participating in events like Repair Affair, volunteers can help repair and improve the homes of low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, focusing on essential aspects such as safety, security, weatherizing and neighborhood stability.

Rymer explained, “Repair Affair goes beyond just fixing homes - it builds connections, fosters a sense of community, and creates a safer and more stable environment for everyone involved. By volunteering with Repair Affair, you are not only improving someone's living conditions but also showing them that they are not alone and that their community cares. Whether you are a skilled tradesperson or someone with a willingness to lend a hand, every volunteer is valued and essential to the success of Repair Affair. Together, we can make a real and immediate impact on the lives of those who need our help the most. Join us in building a stronger, more supportive community for all.”

This year’s Repair Affair event is just right around the corner. Rymer noted, “This year we are excited to announce the event date is Saturday, May 18. Volunteers are asked to meet in the center of Central Park at the location of the old concession stand around 7:30 a.m. Volunteers are asked to bring small hand tools, yard tools, etc. We provide all other project materials. Volunteers typically work until noon. We provide breakfast snacks and lunch.”

Now is the best time to get started if you have been looking for a way to become more involved in your local community and want to make a difference in the lives of others. Repair Affair is looking for volunteers to help repair homes. Rymer stated, “No matter your skill level or team size, we welcome and need your help. Volunteers are matched with projects that fit their skill set. Whether you're a team of 20 or a team of one, your contribution matters. Join us in creating safer, more secure homes for those in need. Together, we can make a difference! Individuals interested in volunteering can reach out to me at 606.385.3317 or by email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..”

Message from the Past Brings Hope

100-Year-Old Time Capsule Opened at Christ Methodist Church 

Lora Parsons

The Ashland Beacon

Somewhere around 1890, when the population of Ashland was around 14,700, the 50 founding members of Christ Methodist Church met for worship services in the Pollard School House. They used that space for about a year until the first dedicated building was erected. Following several years of growth, a new space was needed. Construction began in 1924, on the building that currently stands as the church’s 100-year-old home. The leaders at the time met a current need of their present congregation, while also looking forward, toward the legacy of believers they knew would follow, when they planted behind the cornerstone a time capsule that was opened on Sunday, March 17 by the church’s elders.

The full story of the time capsule’s discovery was printed in the March 11th edition of The Beacon, but the short version finds that Steven Wheeler researched time capsule locations on YouTube, finding that behind the cornerstone was the customary location for them in buildings the age of their church. His suspicion proved true when he located the wooden box while Pastor Michael McAlister recorded. After a sneak peek to verify that it contained something worth sharing, they decided to wait so the elders of the church could do the honors. Following their regular morning worship service and a soup and salad luncheon, past and present church members gathered for the reveal. The propped-open doors of the sanctuary welcomed more than 80 interested community members. Sharing a song and prayer of thanksgiving, it was evident that those in attendance were grateful for God’s faithfulness, the source of their rich church history. And, it was exactly that rich legacy that was illustrated by the contents of the century-old box and by those hands that carefully opened it.

Pastor Michael McAlister gathered together, Charlie McDowell, Sandy Kovar, Joye King, Thursa Keathley, and Bertha Warnock (five elders of the church), who carefully lifted the lid and pulled a fragile, dust-covered Bible, yearbook, newspaper, and book of Methodist ideology from the small crate. McAlister reacted with a sense of pride that a Bible had been among the findings, sharing that the church’s founders likely wanted to show that “our foundation is God’s Word. This encourages us to stand on [it] today." Quoting a portion of the church’s historical documents, he also mentioned that it has been the church’s “spirit of loyalty and obedience to the Holy Spirit'' that has led the church to endure for so long. It doesn’t take long to see that this church’s foundation and faith in Jesus are what has led to its success. Finding a Bible in the time capsule was confirmation that their forefathers were squarely focused on leaving a Biblically-sound trail for those following behind.

The second book pulled from the box was also a logical find:  a Methodist yearbook from 1918, likely the most recent copy when construction began. The historical documents that were displayed as part of the church’s centennial celebration illustrated the lengths that had to be taken to keep accurate records during a time when paper and pen were the primary tools for such tasks. Including the yearbook was perhaps the best method of preserving information about the clerical statistics of the broader Methodist church.

While the Bible and yearbook might be expected items in a church’s time capsule, the final two items brought with them a certain degree of curiosity. The first of these lesser-known items (at least to those outside the Methodist Church) was The Book of Discipline. The introduction of this text explains that it is “an instrument for setting forth the laws, plan, policy, and process by which United Methodists govern themselves." In short, it explains how to live in harmony with the Methodist Church, as it is “a document suitable to [its] heritage and [is] an expression of a future with hope." A clear picture of what life as a Methodist Christian looked like would have been preserved by adding this text to the time capsule.

The second of the less-familiar items was a newspaper called the Western Christian Advocate which was published between 1834 and 1929 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Francis Asbury, one of the first two Bishops of the Methodist Church in the United States once said:  “The propagation of religion by means of the press is next in importance to the preaching of the Gospel." To this end, early newspapers in the United States were often dually focused on current events and religion; they were used for spreading Christianity and sharing how to respond to news through the lens of one’s religious beliefs and practices. Including the July 17, 1924, edition of this newspaper served as a reminder to the Church that it is the world that should be influenced by the presence of Christianity, not Christianity that should be influenced by the world.

The excitement of the initial finding of the time capsule was certainly something to be celebrated, but it is the contents of the time capsule that should prompt all believers--not just the members of Christ Methodist Church--to reflect on the message that the time capsule speaks. The Bible provides knowledge about how to live one’s life as a Christian; The Book of Discipline provides details for how to live one’s life as a Methodist; the yearbook provides context for the church as compared to other Methodist churches; and the newspaper offers evidence for how the Christian worldview would prompt one to respond to the social issues of the day. Those who placed each of these items in this box seem to be calling to us from the past with a clear message:  Is the trail we leave behind in line with Biblical teaching? Does it leave a path worthy of being followed? All churches today may be standing now on the shoulders of giants, but we're simultaneously called to be the giants whose shoulders others can stand on 100 years further down the line. The time capsule provides us all with a unique opportunity to look both forward and backward at once. Who have we followed? And, who will we lead?

Inclusion in Action

Mayor of Ashland Honors Young Adults with Down Syndrome by Appointing Them as Ambassadors to the City

By: Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

World Down Syndrome Day has been celebrated annually on March 21 since 2012 when it was first officially observed by the United Nations. This great day of awareness brings communities around the globe together to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome.

In a heartwarming display of inclusivity and support, Mayor Matt Perkins of Ashland took a significant step by signing a proclamation to honor some very special individuals with Down syndrome and appointed them as Ambassadors for their community. “Raising awareness for events like World Down syndrome Day is crucial because it helps promote inclusivity and understanding in our communities. By celebrating and acknowledging the achievements and contributions of individuals with Down syndrome, we foster a more accepting and supportive environment for everyone. It's about promoting diversity, breaking down stereotypes, and advocating for equal rights and opportunities for people of all abilities,” shared Mayor Perkins.

Cade Potter, Katina McBride, Nick Zambos, and Luke Maze were all named as City of Ashland Ambassadors. These amazing individuals are truly shining examples of what being an asset to our community is all about. Despite any medical adversities that these young ambitious adults may have to face, they all have jobs that contribute to our community and volunteer every chance they get. They make a difference in the lives of others. Everyone who encounters them feels and shares in their joy.

It was with great admiration that the City of Ashland and Mayor Matt Perkins made the special abilities of these amazing members of our community known to all. Mayor Perkins shared, “I wanted to make them ambassadors so others may see how awesome these folks are. I expect you will see them at almost every event with a big smile and hug for anyone who needs it. Isn’t that the way we should be living our lives? Lifting others up and promoting the good. That’s who these people are, and I’m proud of them.”

            The proclamation not only recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of individuals with Down syndrome but also highlights their unique abilities and talents. By appointing them as Ambassadors, Perkins affirmed their role as valued members of the community and championed their right to full participation in all aspects of society. Mayor Perkins provided a platform for individuals with Down syndrome to advocate for themselves and others, promoting greater awareness and understanding within the community. Through their stories, achievements, and contributions, these Ambassadors challenge stereotypes, breakdown barriers, and inspire others to see beyond disability to the person within.

As we commemorate World Down Syndrome Day and reflect on Mayor Perkins' proclamation, let us reaffirm our dedication to building a world where every individual, regardless of ability or disability, is valued, respected, and given the opportunity to thrive. Mayor Perkins noted, “Spreading awareness helps educate the public about Down syndrome and encourages empathy and compassion toward those affected by it. Ultimately, it's about building a more inclusive society where everyone is valued and respected.”

 Together we can continue to work toward a more inclusive and equitable society, where diversity is celebrated, and all people are embraced for who they are. The appointment of these young adults as ambassadors marks a significant milestone in the city of Ashland’s journey toward greater inclusivity and acceptance and stands as a true testament that will undoubtedly foster a new beginning in bringing awareness to the special abilities that we all possess.

“We are trying to construct a more inclusive society. We are going to make a country in which no is left out.”

- Franklin D. Roosevelt