Approaching the half way point, I am finding the season of Lent to be a meaningful spiritual journey; and I hope you are finding it meaningful too.

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Traditional Worship Service - 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service - 10:30 AM MARCH 2018 Words of Life By Charles Martindell Approaching the half way point, I am finding the season of Lent to be a

1 Traditional Worship Service - 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service - 10:30 AM MARCH 2018 Words of Life By Charles Martindell Approaching the half way point, I am finding the season of Lent to be a meaningful spiritual journey; and I hope you are finding it meaningful too. Those who truly engage in Lent, are experiencing a journey of prayer that invites us to pay attention toward God so that we grow spiritually as followers of Jesus. One of the ironies of the season is that a season meant to help us grow spiritually leads to our re-connection to a terrible death on the cross of Calvary. And yet the message of hope in Lent is that death is not the end. I'm often amazed at how the gospels seem to invite us to a certain kind of ending or death as a way to the greatest spiritual growth and life (even eternal life). I can almost hear Jesus' friends talking together (maybe whispering) on the day between Good Friday and Easter morning. Remember the things he used to say over and over again? 'I am telling you the truth: a grain of wheat remains no more than a single grain unless it is dropped into the ground and dies. If it does die, then it produces many grains.' 'For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it... ' 'tear down this temple, and in three days I will build it again... ' Words of life. From the reactions of the disciples on Easter morning, even after their fear and hopelessness during the preceding days, I have to believe that a spark of hope still glowed in their hearts. I have to believe they remembered Jesus' words of life. Ironic words. Invitational words. As soon as these earliest visitors to Jesus' grave came back and started telling about the resurrection, Jesus' friends also made their way to the tomb, hoping for more than anyone should have hoped for. And finding life instead of death. And finding that eternal hope lived also in them. My prayer for all of us is that we connect to the eternal hope of Easter. Let us be a church family who looks to the future with hope. Let us be a people who respond to the living Christ by living hope-filled lives in his name. Life in this world is full of its ups and downs. Death touches us all, along with the loss and grief that comes with it. Everyone knows what it means to live a life of human vulnerability. The message of Easter is that death is not the end! Hope is eternal. Lent is a meaningful season about getting real, becoming vulnerable, growing spiritually. Soon we'll be saying: He is risen! See you in church.

2 at Lithopolis UMC March 25 th Palm Sunday Traditional worship at 9 a.m. and Contemporary worship at 10:30 a.m. We ll remember the beginning of Holy Week as Jesus entered Jerusalem for the final time as Palm Branches waved and we ll also join the shouting throngs as we lift our voices and remember how a week that begins with celebration that sounds like a parade, moves also a betrayal, arrest, a mock-trial, and the Cross. March 29 th Maundy Thursday Join us at 7 p.m. as we gather together in the Sanctuary on the night when Jesus and his disciples gathered in the Upper Room for their last supper together. We ll share in Communion and listen for Jesus words about his body and his blood. This is a service about remembering and about being re-membered among Jesus friends. March 30 th Good Friday Good Friday will be observed at 7 p.m. as we Journey to the Cross. This prayerful and interactive service will invite our worshipful moving through different stations for reading, drawing, nailing, picking up and letting go-- all to help us reflect on the events of Jesus crucifixion in unique and meaningful ways. Join us in the Sanctuary, stations will be spread throughout the church. April 1 st Easter Sunrise 7 a.m. at Wagnall s Memorial Garden. Bring a lawn chair and join us for these moments of worship that announces the good news of Jesus resurrection even as the sun begins to rise on Easter morning! April 1 st Easter Worship Join us at 9:00 a.m. (Traditional) and 10:30 a.m. (Contemporary). We ll lift our voices to sing the songs of resurrection and life. Our Easter sermon will remind us of some of the biggest questions asked in the whole Bible:...why are you weeping? For whom are you looking? Questions like that, especially when they come from Jesus, are the kinds of things that lead us to life! Child care will be available for all services (except the Sunrise Service at Wagnall s Memorial).

Family Ministry Happenings Vacation Bible School Saturday, March 31 st at 10am In the Student Ministry Center s Backyard For Toddlers to 5 th Grade If you want to help hide the eggs, contact Kris C.

Kids move up to their next class level Merge House - Sunday, May 20 th right after both worship services Monthly Faith Formation Focus: FASTING Fasting is giving up something on purpose so we can

Discuss one thing your family needs to give up for good, or for a period of time, to hear God better. Perhaps you are already doing this as a participation in the season of Lent.

3 Family Ministry Happenings Vacation Bible School Saturday, March 31 st at 10am In the Student Ministry Center s Backyard For Toddlers to 5 th Grade If you want to help hide the eggs, contact Kris C. at kris@lithopolisumc.org or :00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Move Up Sunday- Sunday, May 20 th. Kids move up to their next class level Merge House - Sunday, May 20 th right after both worship services Monthly Faith Formation Focus: FASTING Fasting is giving up something on purpose so we can hear God. It also helps us to grow in our empathy for those who do not have some of the things that we do. Discuss one thing your family needs to give up for good, or for a period of time, to hear God better. Perhaps you are already doing this as a participation in the season of Lent. Fasting totally from food is not advisable for children; instead perhaps consider eating only oatmeal at all meals today as a way of remembering those that eat this every day. Consider fasting your time by volunteering at a soup kitchen as a family or some other act of service, such as Second Saturday Serve. Adapted from Good Dirt by Lacy Finn Borgo & Ben Barczi Alex Feldman Kris Creviston Christina Albrecht Steve Stanford Associate Pastor Children & Families Youth & Families Groups & Connection of Community & Families Ministry Coordinator Ministry Coordinator Coordinator

And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5 All children are welcome in Rock City!

together in partnership with families. Nursery: Birth - preschool are welcome at both our 9AM & 10:30AM worship services.

oriented to their specific roles. New volunteers are welcomed at any time! If you re interested in joining our team, please call or email me.

High School- Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm. to 9th-12th graders. Meet in the Student Ministry Center (SMC) next door at 57 E. North Street.

Both nights begin with a half hour of hanging out and games, followed by a lesson and small groups. Move Up Sunday- Sunday, May 20th.

4 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5 All children are welcome in Rock City! Rock City provides a warm, welcoming, safe environment that is Christ centered, child friendly, inclusive and relational where children grow in their faith as we collaborate together in partnership with families. Nursery: Birth - preschool are welcome at both our 9AM & 10:30AM worship services. 9AM Rock City: Preschool-5th grade 10:30AM Rock City: Preschool-1st grade 10:30 AM Rock City: 2nd-5th grade All Children s Ministry volunteers are Safe Sanctuary trained and oriented to their specific roles. New volunteers are welcomed at any time! If you re interested in joining our team, please call or me. Children & Families Ministry Coordinator Kris Creviston, kris@lithopolisumc.org (614) A fun, safe place where students can draw closer to Jesus & each other. High School- Sundays, 6:30-8:30pm. to 9th-12th graders. Meet in the Student Ministry Center (SMC) next door at 57 E. North Street. Middle School Youth Group- Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 pm. to 6th-8th graders. Meet in the Student Ministry Center (SMC) next door at 57 E. North Street. Both nights begin with a half hour of hanging out and games, followed by a lesson and small groups. Move Up Sunday- Sunday, May 20th. Kids move up to their next class level Merge House - Sunday, May 20th right after both worship services 5th Grade Cook Out - Parents & students are welcome to join us at the SMC for the Cook Out - 6pm Alive Festival - July 19th - 22nd Youth Music Festival Light The Night- Friday, August 10th, 7pm Community Student Night of Worship & Prayer Youth & Families Ministry Coordinator Christina Albrecht christina@lithopolisumc.org cell:

5 Serving Jennifer Loeffler Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you. Mother Theresa 2 nd SATURDAY SERVE Saturday, March 10 th Jessie s World is a restorative housing program that serves women in reentry or recovery, with and without children by providing gender-responsive supportive housing and care management, while allowing them the opportunity to rebuild their family structure. When we connected with them and asked what we could help with, they asked for a dinner to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and positive changes the women have made. Some of the women have been selected to share their stories, and we looking forward to breaking bread with them, and creating relationships and memories. If you are willing, please look at the tasks below, and choose one. We will be transporting, cooking for, and serving 48 women, children, and program directors. Jessie's World Dinner Volunteers 4:00pm - 6:00pm Volunteers are needed to cook a dinner to celebrate the success of residents and program directors. Jessie's World Driver (4:00-6:00 pm and 8:00-?pm) The women of Jessie's world are in reentry or recovery. Most of the families do not have cars. Please help pick up the women from their housing, and transport them to the dinner at LUMC and back home again. Jessie's World childcare helpers (6) 5:00pm - 8:30pm The women of Jessie's world are celebrating their success. Many of them live with their children and will be bringing them to share in this night. Please help entertain little ones with a craft table, reading, and quiet games. Serve dinner to Jessie's World women and children The women of Jessie's World, their children, and the program directors have all put in a lot of hard work, and are celebrating their success. Please help and demonstrate Christ's love by serving them. To Sign up, go to Lithopolisumc.org then click on the Serve tab. Look under 2 nd Saturday Serve or Sign up on your Sunday morning Connection Card.

Groups Reflections is an opportunity to explore in a deeper way the bible passages used in the Sunday sermon each week.

Reflections will meet in the Living Room each Sunday at 11:45 am and will last for no more than an hour.

This is a drop in discussion, you are welcome to attend anytime your schedule permits and you want to dig deeper into what the teachings of the bible have in store for you.

The group will get some light exercise walking around the inside of the MMC while discussing the daily entry from the devotional book, Jesus Calling. Copies of the book will be available at the study.

6 Groups Reflections is an opportunity to explore in a deeper way the bible passages used in the Sunday sermon each week. We will be using study materials developed for the Narrative Lectionary in conjunction with those being used in Rock City, Merge, and in some of the Life and Growth Groups. Reflections will meet in the Living Room each Sunday at 11:45 am and will last for no more than an hour. We will use the time to reflect on the morning's bible reading and to discuss how we can apply the teaching in our lives. This is a drop in discussion, you are welcome to attend anytime your schedule permits and you want to dig deeper into what the teachings of the bible have in store for you. Everyone is welcome to join us. Feel free to bring a sandwich or a snack for yourself or to share! Friday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in the Multi Ministry Center. The group will get some light exercise walking around the inside of the MMC while discussing the daily entry from the devotional book, Jesus Calling. Copies of the book will be available at the study. Please just stop in & walk with us. Come to walk, come to talk, and its okay to just listen. Do you or someone you know live with chronic illness or chronic pain? If you do, please prayerfully consider attending Hopekeepers, Monday, March 19 th at 6:30 p.m. at the Student Ministry Center (SMC). This group meets the first and third Mondays of the month. Hopekeepers is a Christian Chronic illness and Chronic pain support group that gives people the opportunity to openly discuss their faith, illness and areas of their lives affected by these. The meetings will include: Prayer and Praise, Bible study, fellowship, and opportunities to not only gain support and encouragement but also to share it. Handicap parking accessible in back. If you would like more information, please contact, Emily Miller at or Linda Plummer at

THURSDAY MORNING BEGINNING EXERCISE GROUP Instructor Cindy Coakley 11:00 11:45 AM LUMC s MMC Come and Join Us! $5.00 per class COMING SOON! This is an 8-session small group conversation about faith.

It s a place where your opinions and beliefs are valued, and no question is off limits. This group is open to all no matter where you are in your faith. All materials will be provided.

7 THURSDAY MORNING BEGINNING EXERCISE GROUP Instructor Cindy Coakley 11:00 11:45 AM LUMC s MMC Come and Join Us! $5.00 per class COMING SOON! This is an 8-session small group conversation about faith. Whether you re new to faith, curious about God, or returning to the church after some time away, this could be for you. It s a place where your opinions and beliefs are valued, and no question is off limits. This group is open to all no matter where you are in your faith. All materials will be provided. Watch for starting point in the Sunday morning Announcement Insert or contact Steve Stanford, Groups and Connections Coordinator at (248) or steve@lithopolisumc.org LIFEgroups, a way of life Then and now! Did you know the history of LUMC goes all the way back to 1822 when a group of people starting meeting in area homes for prayer and study!? Even before there was an organized Methodist church in Lithopolis, there were small groups of people who would gather to worship, eat together, and experience life together. Today we call these small groups LIFEgroups, and we have a number of them meeting regularly here at the church and in member homes. LIFEgroups are a vital part of our church and offer a place of meaningful community through service, prayer, and learning opportunities. Perhaps one of the most important aspects of LIFEgroups is that they provide a community of mutual support every time they gather and throughout the year. LIFEgroups become a kind of extended family in close relationship with each other and with God. Coming this April will be an opportunity to sample what a LIFEgroup is like! We will use Pastor Andy Stanley s Starting Point A conversation about faith as our study guide. There are eight parts to the program and all materials will be provided by the church. We'll meet in the church (times and startup date to be determined). Watch for the opportunity to express your interest on future connection cards on Sunday mornings or let Steve Stanford, Groups and Connections Coordinator, know of your interest. steve@lithopolisumc.org or

8 What is Safe Sanctuaries? According to the United Methodist Church website, Safe Sanctuaries is an overt expression in making congregations safe places where children, youth, and elders may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. According to data collected in 2014, there were more than 702,000 cases of child maltreatment in the United States. That number would fill Ohio Stadium nearly seven times over. Another way to look at this is that a report of child abuse is filed with authorities every 10 seconds in this country! Safe Sanctuaries is more than a church policy. It is more than required training for people in the church who volunteer in programs involving children. While these are important elements of what Safe Sanctuaries is all about, there is more behind the name. The reality is that Safe Sanctuaries is a program developed by the national church in response to the realities of the modern world. It is a program supported by our annual conference and developed to support the local church in creating a safe environment for all participating in the ministries of the church. It is the policy of Lithopolis United Methodist Church that our staff and every volunteer working in ministry with children, youth, and vulnerable adults be Safe Sanctuaries certified. Certification includes an individual background check, annual training, and a working knowledge of the policy statement and procedures of the church s Safe Sanctuaries practices. Safe Sanctuaries not only protects our children, youth, and vulnerable adults, but also protects our workers and volunteers from unfounded acquisitions. Further it protects the church itself from unwarranted litigation. Safe Sanctuaries then is one of the ways that we, as followers of Jesus, continue to be diligent in today s world to protect those entrusted to us so that they do not become one of the statistics cited above. It is how we all can experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within our community of faith. During 2018, everyone involved in the ministries of the Lithopolis United Methodist Church that serves children, youth, and vulnerable adults will be taking the in-person one hour Safe Sanctuaries training offered by the church. The next session will be offered on March 18 th at 11:45 am in the chapel. Additional dates and times will be offered throughout the year. If you are currently Safe Sanctuaries certified you will receive an invitation to attend one of these sessions prior to the anniversary date of your last training. If you are planning to serve in one of the ministries of the church serving children, youth, and vulnerable adults, please sign up for an upcoming Safe Sanctuaries training. WEDNESDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY DINNER Here at LUMC 6:00 PM, March 21 st in the Multi Ministry Center Donations are accepted but not expected. ON THE MENU: Lasagna, Garlic Toast, Vegetables & Apple Crisp Come, enjoy and invite your neighbors and friends for food, fellowship & fun activities for the kids!

9 Notes Thank you to my church family for your well wishes, cards calls and food during my recovery. You made the journey much easier! Thank you, Marlys Fergus Thank you for doing a wonderful job of having the food (funeral luncheon) for all the family we greatly appreciate it. Sandi Johnson & Children Dear Pastor Charles and members of Lithopolis UMC, We thank God for your generous check to Lost and Found Transitional Ministry for our HavenHope House, a ministry dedicated for women in recovery from various kinds of trauma including drug addiction, abuse and sex-trafficking. We currently have four women at Haven Hope who are doing well in their recovery process. We are very pleased with their progress and your investment in the lives of those who are often forgotten or ignored. Jesus never forgets us and loves all those who are marginalized. Blessings, Pastor John Whitaker. Chair of the Board HavenHope Dear LUMC, Thank you so much for your recent gift to Gracehaven. We are very thankful to God for your partnership in this mission. At 14, Angie was kidnapped and trafficked by a man who injected her with heroin so she would not resist the men who came to force themselves on her. This went on for several months before she was able to escape. But her resulting addiction to narcotics and the long-lasting impact of her trauma have proven very difficult for her. The support and counsel she s received from Gracehaven s social workers has helped her become stronger and more willing to overcome her past. She says she now knows that Jesus loves her no matter what, and she know the ream at Gracehaven loves her as well. What a privilege to watch a young woman begin to understand God s grace and the transformational power of His love. Thanks again for being a vital part of this. In Him, Scott Arnold, Executive Director Gracehaven

10 SCHEDULES FOR MARCH /4 3/11 3/18 3/25 Acolytes 9am Anna or Allen Cline Anna or Allen Cline Anna or Allen Cline Anna or Allen Cline Good Shepherd 9:00am Good Shepherd 10:15am Greeters 9am Linda Milless Gail Murry Bob Tennant Anna Beller Larry Kahle Tim Waibel Mike Taylor Christina Fetherolf Carla Jacobs, Richard Beller, Barbara Morrison, Ken Lysinger Charles & Patty Black John Cline David Karr Jessie & Betty Mills, Susan Williams Dennis Click Richard & Anna Beller, Bud Culp David Karr Greeters 10:30am Well-Wishers 11:30am Connections 8:30am Aaron Farley Samuel Farley Aaron Farley Samuel Farley Susan Williams Terry Martin The Gregory Family Samuel Farley Todd Lilley Dianne Myers Kathy Spencer The Coffman Family Lauren Schell Ty Hart Bunny Palmer Sandy Tootle Christina Fetherolf Cathy Burden Brian Malinowski Barb Wood Emily Miller Connections 10:00am Elizabeth Jones Amy Mills, Sandy Tootle, Marvis Eshler Karen Tennant Gail Murry Sandy Tootle Susan Williams Ushers 9:00am Kyle Waibel Doug Osborn Randy Fergus Charlie Morrison Kyle Waibel Doug Osborn Randy Fergus Charlie Morrison Kyle Waibel Doug Osborn Randy Fergus Charlie Morrison Kyle Waibel Doug Osborn Randy Fergus Charlie Morrison Ushers 10:30am Deanna & Corinne Somers, Deanna & Corinne Somers, Deanna & Corinne Somers, Deanna & Corinne Somers, Refresh David Greene David Greene David Greene David Greene Sunday Close-Up Chuck Miller Mike Loeffler Bud Culp Mike Smith NURSERY SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 3/4 3/ /25 1 st Service Lisa Lyndsey Brenda Stacia Sienna Kathleen Lyndsey Brenda 2 nd Service Christina Lynn Tammie Toby Jan Stacia Ellie

LUMC Attendance & Financial Giving Information for FEB 2018 Combined Attendance 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 Worship 285

11 LUMC Attendance & Financial Giving Information for FEB 2018 Combined Attendance 2/4 2/11 2/18 2/25 Worship Our Gifts Capital Funds $743 $1631 $515 $734 General Contributions $9,155 $13, $5, $9,529.50

12 THE LITHOPOLIS LINK Linking Church and Home MARCH 2018 Find us on Facebook: Lithopolis United Methodist Church Website: Lithopolis United Methodist Church 80 N. Market St., P.O. Box 42 Lithopolis, OH Phone: Fax: OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM PASTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Charles Martindell Pastor Charles@lithopolisumc.org Alex Feldman Associate Pastor of Community & Family Alex@lithopolisumc.org Carl Spencer Administrative Pastor Carl@lithopolisumc.org Eric Anderson Leadership Board Chair Stacia Nepa Nursery Coordinator Stacia@lithopolisumc.org Collins Cranmer Contemporary Service Worship Leader Collins.Cranmer@igelco.ocm Amy Bratton Treasurer Amy@lithopolisumc.org Shelly Horn Administrative Assistant Shelly@lithopolisumc.org Karen Martindell Tech. Coordinator & Visitation Assistant Karen@lithopolisumc.org Christina Albrecht Youth & Families Ministry Coordinator Christina@lithopolisumc.org Kris Creviston Children & Families Ministry Coordinator Kris@lithopolisumc.org Steve Stanford Group & Connections Coordinator Steve@lithopolisumc.org Pastoral Care & Counseling Needs Pastor Charles Martindell, charles@lithopolisumc.org Alex Feldman, alex@lithopolisumc.org Karen Martindell, karen@lithopolisumc.org Licensed Professional Christian Counseling Always Hope Counseling, LLC Kathy Spencer, MA, PC * alwayshopecounseling123@gmail.com (Fee based on ability to pay)

APRIL 2018 LUMC ENDOWMENT BEGINS RECEIVING GIFTS. The Lithopolis United Methodist Church Endowment has become a reality.

Traditional Worship Service - 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service - 10:30 AM APRIL 2018 LUMC ENDOWMENT BEGINS RECEIVING GIFTS The Lithopolis United Methodist Church Endowment has become a reality. A church