Gethsemane Lutheran Church

Transcription

1 May 2018 Volume 51,, Issue 5 The Leaf a monthly publication of GLC Gethsemane Lutheran Church The Leaf 35 East Stanton Avenue Columbus OH Pastor Rev. June A. Wilkins pastorjune@gethsemane.org Music Ministries Dr. Timothy E. Guenther tguenther@gethsemane.org Mission Developer Rev. Ipyana Mwakabonga ipibonga@hotmail.com Child Care Center Brenda Weilbacher bweilbacher@gethsemane.org Children s Ministry Assistant Joel Wildermuth jwildermuth@gethsemane.org LIC Student Debbie Pinnegar dpinnegar@tlsohio.edu Parish Secretary Diane Gutgesell glcoffice@gethsemane.org Custodian Brian McLean In this Issue From the Pastor P. 2 New Members P. 3-4 Adult Education P. 5 This & That P. 6 Small Groups P. 7 Prayer Concerns P. 8 Council Highlights P Serving Schedule P.11 Calendar P.12 Pentecost Sunday, May 20 Worship 10:45 AM Congregation Meeting, International Potluck & Program

2 FROM THE PASTOR living at a high price tag. There is little draw for developers to build housing for people with lower incomes, so they don t get built. A study found that housing inequality is at the root of income inequality in cities. Columbus is the city with the second widest income gap between wealthy and poor (second only to Austin, TX.) We do not want to be known for that statistic! He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8 Families First... Housing Now! Over the last couple of years, we have seen many of our friends at Broad Meadows be moved out of their apartments and struggle to find other accommodations as rents in apartments go up and the amount of subsidized housing drops. This is just one symptom of a larger problem in our city: people who are working full time, or even more, cannot afford a place to live. In Columbus over 54,000 low income families spend over half of their paycheck on housing leaving little for food, medical care, utilities and other expenses. Rents are too high, even in a modest city such as Columbus. Working families can often find themselves living at friends or families homes or living on the streets. This is unacceptable. This year, our justice focus with B.R.E.A.D. is Youth and Families and the specific issue is Affordable Housing. All around the city, we can see high rises and apartment complexes being built. Almost all of these buildings promise luxury and the convenience of city At the Nehemiah Action on May 7 th, we will take a stand for a solution that will help people afford housing for themselves and their families. There will be officials for this and other issues that B.R.E.A.D. has confronted including Juvenile Justice, Crime, Municipal ID, and Jobs. As people of faith, we have an obligation to stand up for those who are poor and most oppressed in our communities. We have a responsibility to share God s vision for this world where all people are cared for. If we leave the work of justice only to politicians and public servants, the past has shown us that the most vulnerable are often left behind. Let us, as a congregation, do the work that God has called us to and DO JUSTICE! Rev. June Wilkins Nehemiah Action Monday, May 7, 2018, 7:00PM Celeste Center at State Fairgrounds 717 E. 17th Ave, Columbus, OH Carpool Leaves Gethsemane at 6:00pm 2

3 NEW MEMBERS Lindalee Brownstein (Barry) 73 W. Royal Forest Boulevard Columbus, OH Gethsemane is my first home church since I left for college at age 17. I had already left the Catholic church and had been going to a conservative Methodist church during my teens. After that, I no longer believed their conservative philosophy, and did not expect to join a church again. A few years ago, I saw an item in the newspaper about a leaf-raking day and showed up to help a bit. There I struck up an acquaintance with Joy McLemore, who continued to invite me to services until I finally gave in and came. I loved the progressive approach, the sense of community, the welcoming vibe, and its determination to do some good in the community, and I slowly started to see myself as a Christian again. I am retired from a career as a technical writer and trainer for a software company. I also did stints with Chase, Battelle, a weekly newspaper, and Wright State University. I now have time for some volunteer activities, including serving as outreach and education chair for Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed, as arbor committee chairman for Old Beechwold, and as a Master Gardener Volunteer. As you can tell, I love plants. I have been a volunteer guardian for elderly people for the past 20 years, and am now a CRC volunteer for an elderly gentleman who is trying to stay in his apartment rather than going to an assisted living facility. My husband, Barry, and I help to look after his father, who will be 98 this year. My mother, who still lives on a farm in Maryland, will be 96 this year, and so we make frequent trips to Maryland. Barry and I have been married for 50 years, and we have two sons, one daughter, and six grandchildren. We are lucky enough to have two of our children and their families living near us in Clintonville. Our dog and cat complete the family. I am happy to be an official part of the congregation. It feels more like it is really my church now, compared to when I was a visitor. continued 3

4 NEW MEMBERS -- continued Sam Gibson (Mary) 1385 Fahlander Drive S. Columbus, OH My name is Samuel T. Gibson III. I m a Vietnam Era veteran, and I m presently working at Boeing Guidance Repair Center in Heath, Ohio, as a Metrology Engineering Laboratory Technician. I love the sport of golf, though I m considered the poster child of Ugly Golf Playing. I ve recently remarried to the loveliest lady I could have ever known, Mary Moore Gibson. I have five children, four step-children, 12 grandchildren, and two greatgrandchildren. Besides my time in the military, I ve always lived in or around central Ohio. My wife and I found Gethsemane Lutheran Church when we were looking for a church to get married in. Gethsemane s website seemed very welcoming. After meeting Pastor June Wilkins for the first time Mary and I thought that if the congregation was half as friendly as Pastor June was, we were willing to visit the church during Sunday service. What we found was a congregation that mirrored Pastor June. A congregation that is truly warm and friendly, willing to share their love of God with everyone, no matter who you are or from where you came. We also noticed that some of our friends we ve known in the past were attending Gethsemane, as well as one of my best friends, my sister Sylvia Bowers. Gethsemane is where I want to grow my faith, to love and serve God, and to help serve the community. Don Mazza (Kathleen) 436 N. Selby Boulevard Worthington, OH

5 LEARN Meets in the library at 12:00 noon every Wednesday for lunch and study. The group is currently studying the Lord s Prayer. LIFETIME LEARNING HOUR Christian Education about life, for life, and for a lifetime SUNDAYS at 10:45 AM May 6 Care Packages Deliver to our neighbors and homebound. May 13 Muffins and Moms Invite a mom or other special person. Meets in the library the last Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm to discuss a book. A new list of readings have been chosen for the year. All are welcome. May 20 Congregation Meeting Learn about the Capital Campaign, approve the Fiscal Budget, and hear Pastor June s report. May 27 No Class Memorial Day Holiday Meets every Monday at 8:00am at La Chatelaine-Worthington to discuss the lessons for the coming Sunday. 5

6 THIS & THAT Kroger Community Rewards It is time to update your enrollment All you need to do is visit the log-in page on the Kroger website: Log into your account, then scroll down to the Community Rewards section. Click on the Edit button, then search for Gethsemane Lutheran OR use our organization number Click on the button to highlight, then click on enroll. A percentage of your Kroger purchases will be donated to our church! This past year we receive $ (Please note that there is a Gethsemane United Methodist Church.) If you need assistance contact Wendy Luedke at or jluedke@columbus.rr.com. Volunteers Needed To Mow Church Lawn You can sign up for the week(s) of your choice on the sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board across from the church office. A self-propelled lawn mower, gas, and a battery operated trimmer are stored in the garage for your use. It will take about 2 hours to complete. If possible, cut grass on Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Questions: Contact Jim Sauer ( ) or Bill Darlage ( ). Needed: To fulfill God s mission here at Gethsemane March, 2018 Fiscal Year to Date (9 months) $166,029 $510,202 Contributions received: $131,157 $403,747 Other income: $11,598 $105,843 Surplus (Shortfall) ($23,274) ($612) Contributions needed for the remainder of the fiscal year to pay for budgeted costs Total: $68,342 Average per Month: $22,781 Complete financial details are available in Atrium Way. 6

7 SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES Small Group Ministries First Reflections Monday Bible Study Paula Sauer Every Monday at 8:00am at La Chatelaine-Worthington Second Saturday of the month at 8:00am at TeeJaye s Brown Bag Bible Bunch Dick Lyndes rhlyndes32@outlook.com Connections: Faith at Work Judy Reuning jreuning@lifecrossings.com Every Wednesday at 12:00pm in the church library Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8-3:00pm. Book Group Sharon Walton skrwalton@gmail.com Barbara Ford bandbford@columbus.rr.com Men s Breakfast Bob Davis rjdjr@wowway.com Thrivent Builds Bill Darlage darlage_bill@hotmail.com First Friday of the month at 7:00am at Bob Evans on Olentangy River Road Quilting Saturdays to be announced from 9-12:00pm in Trinity Hall LWR Quilts Terri Siebert tsiebert@columbus.rr.com Prayer Shawls Emilie Hagerdorn rdhekh@att.net Last Wednesday of the month at 7:30pm in the church library. Third Monday of the month at 7:30pm in the church library. 7

8 PEOPLE NEWS May Birthdays 1 Brian Burdette Arlene Hendrickson Pastor June Wilkins 3 Brian McLean 9 Dianne Nelson Rosa Prigan 14 Lillie Bogan 21 Cathy Jung 26 Brian Murphy 27 Mark Geary Katlin Hiller 28 Jimmy James Msema Ford Walker 30 Don Huiner Brian Sieberth 31 David Perin Our Prayers and Concern Are With... Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 New Concerns: Dick Reuning Pastor Fred Wiese Our love and compassion to the families of Donald Partsch (father of Jonathan Partsch) and Jan Berkhof (cousin of Don Huiner) who passed away. Members with ongoing concerns: Donna Baer Janice Dunham Alice Gerken Bob Hagerdorn Tyler Hagerdorn Elaine Haines Arlene Hendrickson David Kibble David Lagerberg Gary Rader Eric Walton. Friends and family with concerns: Barbara Christel (cousin of Doug Sand) Monica McLean (daughter of Brian McLean) Khloe Pekar (granddaughter of Brian McLean). Homebound: Marie Cooper Beryl Cumberland Carolyn Fergus (Wesley Glen) Alice Gerken (Mayfair Village) Sue Jones (Mayfair Village) Phyllis Nelson Becky Oldaker (Bennington Glen) Joanne Vollrath (Worthington Christian Village) Phyllis Wei Reva Woodruff (Columbus Colony). Would you like to add a name to the Sunday prayers? Contact the church office at or glcoffice@gethsemane.org before 10:00 am on Thursday to have the name printed in the bulletin. After that time, you will have the opportunity in worship to name those silently or aloud during the prayers. You may also have the name sent out to the congregation via our E-Prayers ( ). 8

9 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Congregation Council Highlights of Council Meeting April 16, 2018 Copies of the Council Minutes and Financial Report are posted in Atrium Way. PLEASE READ BUT LEAVE POSTED. OFFICERS: President Mike Siddall Vice-President Paul Feldman Secretary Jane Sieberth Treasurer Jeff Luedke MEMBERS: Pam Hagerdorn Hono Lyatuu Jim Siebert Celia Conlon Bill Darlage Pastor s Report Pr. June enjoyed sunshine and warm weather during her vacation this past week. The Nehemiah Action is scheduled for May 7. Several outreach events are planned for later this month. Officers Reports President s report Mike thanked all involved in planning and executing the meaningful worship services during Holy Week. A proposal has been made to discount the fee the Chamber Music Connection pays for holding their concert at Gethsemane on May 18 in exchange for in-kind service of a musician/musicians at Gethsemane later this year. Jeff moved, seconded by Paul, that this proposal be accepted. Motion passed. Vice President s report No report. Secretary s report The March minutes were approved via responses. Treasurer s report IYK will inquire about the status of the funding expected from ELCA to support IYK. No financial support has been received since February 1. Jeff commented on and answered several questions regarding the March financial statements distributed to Council. Although it is not possible to know for sure until June 30, there is a chance that we will end the fiscal year on budget. Liaisons Reports Jane reported that Brenda was not aware that minutes of Play and Learn meetings had not been distributed recently and will see that future minutes are shared with Council. Jeff confirmed with Brenda Weilbacher and Joyce Geary that they are on board with the Play and Learn contributions outlined in the 2018 Appeal plan. continued 9

10 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS -- continued Unfinished Business Lay delegates are needed for the Southern Ohio Synod Assembly, June 1 and 2 Several items related to the 2018 Appeal were addressed: o Initial discussions with donors are going well. o Bill asked for direction as to who makes decisions about how much is to be spent on each item. Council expects the Properties Managers to take the lead in getting cost estimates and planning the schedule. The information would then be shared with Council, which has the final decisionmaking authority/responsibility. The President or Treasurer will sign contracts. o Bill moved, seconded by Jim, that GLC Church Council submit to Congregation for vote at the May 2018 Congregation meeting the following motion: MOTION: Gethsemane Lutheran Church Council moves that the Congregation approve a facility upgrade and mission enhancement project to be funded by proceeds from (1) a fund raising campaign, (2) a bequest, and (3) Play and Learn. The funds available will be (1) Campaign; $140,000 (est.); (2) Bequest; $107,000; and (3) Play and Learn; $103,000. Uses of the funds will be approximately as follows: (1) Infrastructure Improvements; $180,000; (2) Facility Enhancements; $125,000; and (3) Mission Projects; $45,000. No contracts will be approved nor money spent unless and until sufficient funds are in possession of Gethsemane Lutheran Church to pay the complete costs of such contracts. Further, Church Council unanimously and enthusiastically recommends approval of this project to prepare Gethsemane expand our impact in the coming years. The motion failed. Some members felt that such a vote is not required and is inconsistent with longestablished precedent. It will be important to give clear and complete information to the congregation so that members will feel comfortable and enthusiastic about this campaign. New Business Jeff distributed a draft of the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget, and several entries were discussed. He requested that each Council member look at this draft carefully to help identify areas where expenses can be reduced or income can be increased. The budget needs to be finalized at the May Council meeting so that it can be voted on at the Congregation Meeting on May 20. Announcements The next meeting will be Monday, May 14. Jim moved, seconded by Celia, to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned. Respectfully submitted, Jane Sieberth, Secretary 10

11 SERVING THIS MONTH MAY 2018 May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 June 3 Assisting Minister Don Dell Don Dell Don Dell Don Dell Barbara Ford Projectionist Kreig Spahn Mark Geary Jim Sauer Kate Lutz Paul Siebert Sound Monitor Readers Ushers (*Captain) Brian McLean Mike Siddall Eric Walton Paul Siebert Kreig Spahn Don Seidelmann Pam Seidelmann Jim Siebert* Brian McLean GottfriedMaeffert Mike Siddall Jim Siebert Tim Mayer* Andrea Mayer* Mike Siddall Judy Reuning Kreig Spahn Bonnie Spring Mark Hagerdorn* Eric Walton Jeff Luedke Wendy Luedke Lisa Whitesell Imma Lyatuu* Paul Siebert Joe Reilly Dave Whitesell Nursery Jill Woods Paula Sauer Kelly Seifert Diane Langner Sharon Walton Eric Walton Bob Abdou* Kreig Spahn Jim Driver Barb Driver Communion Bread Joyce Geary Joanne Leussing Carole Wilkins Brian Lutz Joyce Geary Communion Care Paula Sauer Jane Sieberth Paula Sauer Diane Langner Bonnie Reilly Counters Celia Conlon Scott Conlon Joyce Davis Joanne Leussing Hugh Geary Imma Lyatuu Kreig Spahn Dave Reutter Brian McLean Vision Statement To empower a servant community that overflows with God's grace, justice, and welcome. 11

12 MAY 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 P&L Chapel 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 6:45 PM Swahili Choir 2 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Bunch 6:30-8:00 PM Food Pantry 3 6:00 PM Handbell Choir 7:15 PM Vocal Choir 4 7:00 AM Connections: Faith at Work 5 2-8:00 PM Swahili Baby Shower 6 Worship 10:45 AM Care Package Delivery 4:00 PM IbadaYaKiswahili 13 Worship 10:45 AM Muffins & Moms 4:00 PM IbadaYaKiswahili NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 20 PENTECOST 8:30 AM Health Ministry Worship 10:45 AM Congregation Meeting, International Potluck & Program 4:00 PM IbadaYaKiswahili 27 Worship 10:45 AM No Education 4:00 PM IbadaYaKiswahili 9 th Anniversary Dinner 7 8:00 AM Reflections 7:00 AM Nehemiah Action A.A.&Al Anon 14 8:00 AM Reflections A.A.&Al Anon 21 8:00 AM Reflections 6:00 PM Day Care 7:00 PM Council Prayer Shawl A.A.&Al Anon 28 DAY CARE & CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED A.A.&Al Anon 8 P&L Chapel 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM P&L Staff Mtg. 6:45 PM Swahili Choir 15 P&L Chapel 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 6:45 PM Swahili Choir 7:00 PM CAC District 9 22 P&L Chapel 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 6:45 PM Swahili Choir 7:00 PM Worship Ministry Team 7:00 PM B.R.E.A.D. Youth & Family 29 P&L Chapel 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 6:45 PM Swahili Choir 9 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Bunch 6:30-8:00 PM Food Pantry 16 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Bunch 6:30-8:00 PM Food Pantry 23 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Bunch 6:30-8:00 PM Food Pantry 30 12:00 PM Brown Bag Bible Bunch 6:30-8:00 PM Food Pantry Book Group 10 NO Handbell Choir NO Vocal Choir 17 6:00 PM Handbell Choir 7:15 PM Vocal Choir 24 7:15 PM Vocal Choir 31 6:30 PM P&L Graduation Vocal Choir :00 AM Men s Breakfast 18 4:30-10:00 PM Chamber Music Connection :00 AM Swahili Ministry Team 12

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