Grace News. Volume XXI Issue 11 Published Monthly November 2016

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1 Grace News Grace United Methodist Church 1401 West Main Street, Springfield Ohio Growing in Grace, Serving in Faith, Reaching out with God s Love to Bring All to Christ Volume XXI Issue 11 Published Monthly November 2016 Walking Together for the Glory of God Ephesians 4:1-3, I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. This scripture that begs us to lead lives worthy of our calling reminds us that thinking, speaking, and behaving in ways that honor God is our highest priority. This living into our calling has many applications in each individual life. In 1994, when I became sure that God was calling me to full-time set- apart ministry as a pastor I began a process with the United Methodist Church that spanned thirteen years. During that time I finished an associate degree, undergraduate degree, master of divinity degree, and the candidacy process with the United Methodist Church including a three year period as a probationary elder. I began the process in 1994 and was commissioned as a Probationary Elder in 2004 and ordained as a full elder in During this time period God brought many people into my life that helped me to fulfill the requirements of the educational and candidacy process. I thank God for every single person who helped me in any way. Many of you will fondly remember Mary Beth and Jeff Cheeseman who were long-time faithful members of Grace Church. Mary Beth was exploring her call to ministry with Pastor Bob Scott when I came to Grace Church in Mary Beth and Jeff have been attending Nation Chapel United Methodist Church while Mary Beth completed her undergraduate degree at Wittenberg University. Mary Beth is now attending United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio where she is pursuing her Master of Divinity degree. As part of her seminary training Mary Beth needs a contextual education placement and a mentor. It is my great pleasure to serve as her mentor and to have Mary Beth and Jeff back in the Grace Church family. Mary Beth is now a United Methodist licensed local pastor working toward ordination as an Elder. Mary Beth has agreed to help with our youth group, which has been faithfully led for a number of years by Megan Tatro. Mary Beth and Jeff will be attending Grace Church for worship and we will be blessed to have them both sharing their gifts and talents with the church. Mary Beth brings gifts to preach, teach, shepherd, and to encourage in her gentle style. Jeff always active and devoted to being a disciple will find his ways to serve as God leads him. Please, extend a hardy welcome to Jeff and Pastor Mary Beth Cheeseman as they rejoin the Grace Church Family. Pastor Vicki Downing

2 October 11, 2016 Leadership Team Minutes John Ahlborn opened the meeting with prayer and a reading dedicated to Pastor Vicki in honor of her birthday. Minutes of the September meeting were approved for filing. Finance Report: Mary Ahlborn, Chair, said she had passed out budget estimates to each ministry leader to review for their proposals for the 2017 budget. A budget preparation meeting is scheduled for Oct 25 th at 6:00 p.m. Roof Update: Pastor Vicki said that a wood-master (expert of wood age ) had inspected the roof trusses and observed that they had obviously been damaged when the roof was shingled about three years ago. It seemed to the wood-master that a roof truss had been cracked then, possibly when the shingles were unloaded onto the roof. It appeared that short-term repairs had been made by the age of the wood used for repairs seemingly made by the roofing company. However, in so doing the repairs, stress had been forced upon the remaining trusses which then caused them to bend. Repairs were made that had not been authorized by the Church or reported as needed. The roofing company had an obligation to report the roof and truss damage to the Church. A seven-year warranty of the roof contract is still in effect. A consensus of the Leadership Team was that a lawyer should be contacted to pursue legal proceedings against the roofing company s insurance. Funding for the lawyer s fee is to come from the roofing fund. Pastor Vicki will contact a member of the Turner Foundation for a possible name of a lawyer who handles these matters. Action Item Pastor Vicki advised the team that Pastor Mary Beth Cheeseman will be mentored by her for her contextual education as required by the UMC elder process. The Leadership Team wholeheartedly approved. (Repeat) Worship: Pastor Vicki met with the Worship Committee to begin planning an outdoor revival for Ben and Jennifer Webster agreed to work on the project. Action Item - The Websters Dan Downing reported that the Creamed Chicken Dinner will be held on Thursday, November 3 rd. Lunch will be served from 11:00 am to 1:00 p m and dinner servings will be from 4:00 p m to 7:30 p m Please sign-up to donate needed items or to serve on the designated poster. A love offering for the meals will be collected and dedicated to support the ministries of the church. Marilyn Martin said more volunteers are needed for the Free Store. A future meeting of their Board will decide whether they will move to a bigger area. A notable conflict as in so doing their current rent will double. Belinda Montgomery announced the date for Church Conference Sunday, Nov 13 th after the Worship Service. Pastor Woode of Northridge UMC will preside. Decorating the church for this Christmas season will be as space permits since we are worshipping in the Wesley Room. Date of decorating to be announced. Respectfully submitted, Mary F. Ahlborn, Secretary NEXT MEETING November 8, 2016 Dinner at 6:00 PM ALL CHURCH MEETING AT 6:30 pm ALL ARE WELCOME PLEASE COME & SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS Attendees: Pastor Vicki & Dan Downing, Bill Pinkerton, Cindy & Jack Yeager, Mary and John Ahlborn, Belinda Montgomery, Paul Luttrull, Marilyn Martin, Larry Garber, Barbara Cornelius, and Donna Layne. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I Corinthians 4: 2 2

3 November Scriptures Date Scripture Nov. 1 Galatians 3:27 Nov. 2 Psalms 13:6 Nov.3 Job 10:12 Nov. 4 1 Peter 4:8 Nov. 5 Romans 13:8 Nov. 6 Matthew 6:21 Nov. 7 Isaiah 43:18-19 Nov. 8 1 Corinthians 13:4 Nov. 9 Ephesians 5:2 Nov. 10 Matthew 11:28-30 Nov. 11 Psalms 121:8 Nov. 12 Romans 12:8 Nov Corinthians 13:4-5 Nov. 14 Matthew 16:19 Nov Timothy 3:4-5 Nov. 16 Isaiah 40:11 Nov. 17 Matthew 6:10 Nov. 18 Isaiah 30:21 Nov. 19 Isaiah 48:17 Nov. 20 Psalm 31:19 Nov. 21 Acts 2:42 Nov Corinthians 3:16 Nov. 23 Luke 12:27 Nov. 24 Matthew 12:34 Nov Corinthians 2:13 Nov. 26 Mark 12:44 Nov Corinthians 2:9-10 Nov.28 2 Corinthians 10:5 Nov. 29 Psalm 51:15 Nov. 30 Ephesians 5:1 Prayers Needed John Ahlborn, Becky Frantz, Lois Gram, Jerry Grindle, Paul Luttrull, Charyl Ryman, Bette Stephens, Jean Ann Stephens, Jack Yeager Ongoing Prayers: Paula Althouse, Dorothy Ball, Daniel Bowman, Brenda Collins, Audrey DeShetler, Danny Downing, Joan Fisher, Dennis Fugate, Rev. Sherry Gale, Jean Nagle, Bill Poole, Bonnie Ramsey, Brandon Shotts, Jennifer Wright Fueled by thankfulness Grace Church sends our deepest sympathy to Dave & Barbara Sheehan & Family on the death of their Grandson. Thankfulness is not a minor virtue. It is not one of the elementary virtues [that] may be left behind as we become more mature. I believe that thankfulness is essential to the strength of every virtue, and that without it every other branch is starved and lean. Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion. Hope without thankfulness is lacking in fine perception. Faith without thankfulness lacks strength and fortitude. Every virtue divorced from thankfulness is maimed and limps along the spiritual road. - John Henry Jowett The meaning of life The greatest thing is to give thanks for everything. He who has learned this knows what it means to live. He has penetrated the whole mystery of life: giving thanks for everything. Albert Schweitzer 3

4 Shower of Blessings Recipient for November is Andrea Mc Clellen (290 N Commons Blvd., Rm 102, Mayfield OH, 44143) November Birthday Cathie Mc Creary - Nov. 1 (6591 Mechanicsburg Rd., , ) IHN Needs Gently Used or Brand New Purse Donations For An Event Coming Up In December! Bring Donations to IHN at: 501 W. High Street Springfield, OH Please call (937) If you have any questions. Eagle & Dove Christmas Boxes For the month of November, please bring in small toys. Suggestions: Toy cars, yoyo s, jump ropes, stuffed animals, cards (Go Fish, Old Maid). Thank you for your generosity. November Reminders Nov. 3 Creamed Chicken n Biscuit Dinner (NO Bible Study) Nov. 6 Daylight Saving Time ends Nov. 7 Soap Making, 12:00 PM (Note Time Change) Nov. 8 Election Day Lt. Supper, 6:00 PM All Church Meeting, 6:30 PM Nov. 13 Church Conference immediately following the 10:45 AM Service Nov. 25 Dec. 3 Pastor Vicki on vacation Nov. 27 United Methodist Student Day (offering) 4

5 Fill in the blank to complete this verse from a psalm of thanksgiving: Bless the LORD, O my, and forget not all his benefits. A. people B. soul C. heart D. children Answer: (See Psalm 103:2, ESV.) 5

6 Grace United Methodist Church 1401 W. Main Street Springfield OH