The Cottage Meeting Trilogy

Transcription

1 S T. A N D R E W U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H Volume 16 Issue 5 The Cottage Meeting Trilogy The Final Installment words from Pastor John May 2016 We live in a time of uncertainty. Many are feeling as Jesus described, harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Global unrest commands a hefty portion in the daily news. The threat of terrorism lurks. The headline on the front page of the Dayton Daily News on Saturday, April 23, 2016 read, Suicide Rate Highest in 30 Years. The drug epidemic, especially heroin usage, is claiming lives at an unprecedented rate. Despite the uncertainty, we know this for certain: We have something to offer others that the world cannot - HOPE. And, our hope is found in the Lord. Jesus said in John 4:14, Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life. Beavercreek now has more than 46,000 residents. Gallup polls show an average of 40% of the population attending worship on any given Sunday. That means that right here in Beavercreek, there are approximately 27,600 people without a church home. I am reminded of what Jesus said to his disciples in Matthew 9:35-38: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. It is without question that St. Andrew is poised to grow, and grow dramatically. I believe with a renewed sense of purpose and passion that our desire to grow is not about church survival or simply adding to our numbers. It s all about inviting people to know Jesus. We must initiate conversation and extend invitations, because their hearts need Jesus, and not because the church needs their gifts. For several months now we have been working our way through a season of discernment, visioning and dreaming together for the future kingdom work and ministry of St. Andrew. The invitation began in January when I called you into a season of prayer for the church, as we live into the future that God holds for us. Everything we have done in this process has been bathed in prayer, and we are continuing to pray for breakthroughs in every area of our life together. Thank you for your prayers, for your participation, encouragement and support at every step. The entire Cottage Meetings process exceeded our hopes and dreams in the level of participation and in the renewed sense of direction and focus. Three priorities were identified from the rich and diverse ideas shared at the individual Cottage Meetings: 1. Youth Ministry 2. Young Adult & Family Ministries and 3. Caring for Our Membership. While the recommendations have not yet been adopted, and a formal document not yet perfected, this is where we are. Our purpose as a church is to Make Disciples for Jesus Christ, for the Transformation of the World. It aligns with what Jesus said in Matthew 28:18-20, The Great Commission, And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. " The Discipleship Process at St. Andrew unfolds in three primary movements: Connect, Grow, & Serve. CONNECT people with God and one another, GROW in our knowledge and understanding of God, and finally, SERVE in the church and the world. What we do matters. It has eternal consequences. What you do makes a difference. Your church needs you now like never before. There are so many ways to lead and to serve. Experience heart softening and transformation by following the Holy Spirit s lead to get involved in new ways. There are numerous ideas and ministry opportunities, but without willing servants to serve, they will just remain ideas on a sheet of paper. I cannot wait to see what God does in and through the people of St. Andrew in the coming year and beyond. May we come together with a renewed passion to reach the lost, strengthen the church, and further the very Kingdom of God. It is a joy and blessing to be in ministry with you. Thank you for all that you do. In Ministry With You, Pastor John The people of St. Andrew have been called by God to embrace, equip and encourage persons of all ages to live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. e 3

2 Happy May Birthday! Edward Baker 5/2 Elda Fitzsimmons 5/2 Rod Berner 5/3 Marshall Caudill 5/3 Becky Dihrkop 5/3 Donna Kirk 5/4 Emily Fox 5/6 Emily Lias 5/7 Lauren Miller 5/7 Seth Doebereiner 5/8 Radu Burja 5/11 Emily Duncan 5/11 Alia Powell 5/11 Cloe Pippin 5/12 Ruby Geist 5/13 Betty Bracken 5/14 Don Hill 5/15 JoAnn Barnett 5/16 Jason Brun 5/17 Rusty Duncan 5/21 Julie Vann 5/22 Michelle Brown 5/23 Sarah Smith 5/23 Laura Smith 5/24 Bonnie Neidhart 5/26 Chris Watters 5/26 John Muller 5/27 John Slate 5/29 If your birthday is in May and is not here, please let the office know. Sermon Topics & Scriptures May 1, 2016 Communion Sunday God s Garden Revelation 21:10,22 & 22:1-5 May 8, 2016 Mother s Day The Chain of Love John 17:20-26 May 15, 2016 Pentecost Sunday Happy Birthday Church! Acts 2:1-21 May 22, 2016 Peace with Justice Sunday Finding God Everywhere Proverbs 8:1-4, May 29, 2016 Combined Service Where s the Fire? 1 Kings 18:20-21, 22-29, Looking Ahead MAY ~Sunday, 8 Mother s Day ~Saturday, 14 Trustee Clean Up Day ~Sunday, 15 Pentecost Sunday ~Sunday, 29 Combined Service Scot Woolley, Special Music ~ Monday, 30 Memorial Day - Office Closed JUNE ~ Sunday, 5 Eric Knorr, Special Music~ ~ Sunday, 12 Jim McCutcheon, Special Music Phone: Fax: standrewumc@ameritech.net Website: Office Hours: 9:00 3:00pm Monday Thursday 9:00 Noon Friday Sunday Worship Times 8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00am 9:30am Sunday School Child Care at Sunday Services St. Andrew UMC is a Safe Sanctuary Congregation Staff of St. Andrew Rev. John Schlicher - Senior Pastor pastorjohnschlicher@yahoo.com Debbie Caudill - Director of Spiritual Formation dsfcaudill@gmail.com Cameron Voorhees, Music Director Ed Baker, Organist Laura K. Smith, Administrative Assistant standrewumc@ameritech.net The Personal Touch - Custodians Congregation - Ministers of St. Andrew ~ Monday, 13 Vacation Bible School Begins ~ Sunday, 19 Father s Day - Joseph Glenn, Special Music ~ Sunday, 26 Ed Baker, Special Music JULY ~ Sunday, 3 Eric Loy, Special Music ~ Monday, 4 Fourth of July - Office Closed ~ Friday-Sunday, Red Bird Craft Show V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 5 Page 2

3 Please pray for these people who have been in the hospital, ill, recuperating in the past month or are simply in need of our prayers and support. Ann Shelton Julie and Stan Erk Diane Hutton Edith Leonard Betty Bracken Jack Darst Kara Sandberg Nancy Schlicher Margaret Griffin Vera Kercher Chuck Lauersdorf Marilyn Hackett Ilene Schultz Alex Reed, grandson of Art & Kathy Bauer Care and Prayer The St. Andrew prayer chain is always available to pray for you. Contact Jan Garrett Prayer requests can be made at the Atrium prayer box, or by contacting the church office. Every week, a group of people pray for the needs of our members, our church, our community, our country and world. - remember where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them - Matthew 18:20 ~ From Independent Scholars Network (ISN) at Wright State University The Esther Circle has been involved with the ISN since its inception in We have had the opportunity to work with the Esther Circle under the leadership of both Lynn Moad and now, Karen Muller, since that time. Believe me, the efforts of this group do not go unnoticed! The ISN was initiated to support the on-boarding of youth from foster care into and through their college experience at Wright State. Often times these youth have few resources, and more importantly, do not have the family support that many traditional college students have. At our recent ISN Awards & Recognition Ceremony, seven continuing students and six graduating seniors were recognized for their academic excellence and accomplishments. The Esther Circle was recognized for their unwavering support of our students. I am sharing this with you just to let you know how wonderful, giving, thoughtful and supportive the women of the St. Andrew UMC - Esther Circle are and how much we appreciate each and every one of them! They are truly a blessing! Thank you. Simone G. Polk, J.D., MPA, B.A. Assistant Vice President for Student Services, OVPSA Wright State University One of our better kept secrets is our clothing collection for the Wesley Community Center. Little-used clothes, and clothes in good condition which are no longer needed, can be donated to the Wesley Center by leaving them in Martha's Closet by the restrooms near the Sanctuary. If the closet is full, clothes can be left by the red wagon used to collect food for the Wesley Center. As usual we'll be collecting food for the Wesley Center on the second Sunday in May. The need remains great so please continue the be generous with your food donations in May. The red wagon will be placed in the Atrium on Sunday, 5/1, as a reminder of our collection on Mother's Day, 5/8. The St. Andrew UMC church-wide work day is Saturday, May 14th, beginning at 9AM. All help will be greatly appreciated by the Trustees. "Many hands make light work!" Page 3 F OOTPRI NTS

4 For the Love: Fighting for Grace in a World of Impossible Standards By Jen Hatmaker Reviewed by Pat Reynolds Grace is the theme of this book. While the demographic seems geared to women under 40, much can still be gleaned from Hatmaker. Humor and wit rule the style of writing found in this book. Jen Hatmaker is an author, blogger and television personality, who with her style, takes the reader on a journey to learn about Jesus extravagant grace in understanding and dealing with life s biggest challenge: people. Along the way, Hatmaker reminds readers how to become the voice of Good News in a hurting, polarized world. Some of my favorite quotes: Folks who thrive in God s grace give grace easily, but the self-critical person becomes others-critical. We need to quit trying to be awesome and instead be wise. Lean honestly into every hard place, each tender spot, because truthfulness hurts for a minute, but silence is the kill shot. Loneliness can be a prison, but we have keys. You needn t wait for someone to open the bars. In the end, I enjoyed this light-hearted book, but whenever I found something I questioned, I compared it to what was written in the Bible. The Bible always wins. Vacation Bible School 2016 Date: June 13-16, 2016 Time: 6-8:30 PM Welcome to Deep Sea Discovery! Get ready for a life-changing adventure taking place right here at St. Andrew UMC, as the church becomes the E.C.H.O. Sea Sub for a week. The children will learn each day that God Is With Me Wherever I Go, even to the bottom of the ocean! They will meet Noah and Jonah and Jesus while discovering that God knows them, hears them, strengthens them, and loves them. Each day begins at Celebration Reef, where kids will sing, shout, praise, and pray. Then, they will experience the theme of the day through crafts, Bible stories, recreation, snacks, science, music, and acts of service. We will once again be supporting Hannah s Treasure Chest by collecting diapers and children s socks. We will also be making stuffed toys and small blankets to donate. The entire congregation will be invited June 15 th and 16 th to participate in making these loveys for Hannah s Treasure Chest. For more information on the organization, please go to We are waiting for some brave deep-sea divers to join us in serving and having fun! Register at Additional questions or if you would like to serve as a crew member, contact Debbie Caudill at (937) or dsfcaudill@gmail.com Jackson Area Ministry Thank you to all who purchased seeds for the Jackson Area Ministry. They will be deeply appreciated by the families who live in this part of Southeast Ohio. ~God Bless, Chris W. V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 5 Page 4

5 Red Bird Mission Appalachian Craft Fair Returns to St. Andrew Saturday, July 30, & Sunday, July 31 Three years ago Lydia Circle invited Red Bird Mission in Beverly, KY, to bring their Appalachian Craft Fair to St. Andrew. Because the sale was such a great success, we have been asked to host it each year since. This is the year we decided to say yes. We are asking you to save the above dates to shop for Red Bird's beautiful items. We will also need help in several ways placement of posters, overnight housing for Friday and Saturday, setting up tables and unloading the sale items on Friday evening and reloading the unsold items on Sunday after the sale. The Red Bird Mission has been serving the people in this isolated community in southeast Kentucky in significant ways since This particular ministry is aimed at alleviating the nearly 50% unemployment rate in the area. Having recognized the art and craft talents of the people, they are providing a way for us to share in their mission by bringing the products to us. In the summer of 2014 a team of 12 from our church was made aware of the tremendous needs of the community as they worked on several projects at homes and within the mission complex. This sale in July is your opportunity to join us in supporting this vital United Methodist mission. STaRS St. Andrew Retirees The May outing will take us to the beautiful, historic Grotto and Gardens at the Dayton V.A. Medical Center. The date is Wednesday, May 18, and we will meet and carpool from the church departing at 9:15 AM. The guided tour will take about an hour and is wheelchair-accessible. Afterward, we will travel to West Carrollton to lunch at the El Meson Restaurante. The sign-up sheet is posted on the STaRS board. Any questions, please call or Edie Keast at ; ediekeast@aol.com. TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME! CINCINNATI REDS vs. ATLANTA BRAVES GREAT AMERICAN BALL PARK Wednesday, July 20, :35 pm The STARs have an additional outing scheduled for July! Baseball season has started, and we are able to reserve seats at a Group Discount rate of $18 (need approx. 20 attendees). Handicap and wheelchair seating can be reserved as well as handicap parking. We may also be able to get "reserved" general parking. Parking cost is approximately $ Last season, Ken Hutton was able to secure great seats for us, under roof/shade and in the Field Box/ Terrace Line section. We're trying for the same seating this year! We plan to carpool from St. Andrew and stop for an early dinner on the way back. The deadline to join in the fun is Sunday, May 15th. A sign-up sheet is posted on our bulletin board. Any questions, please me at ivyspray@yahoo.com or call me at Page 5 F OOTPRI NTS

6 SPRING INTO HAPPY! All women of St. Andrew and their friends are invited to an evening of laughter and de-stressing at the UMW SPRING BANQUET THURSDAY, MAY 12TH AT 6:30 Sign-up sheets are in the Atrium and on the UMW bulletin board. Esther Circle will provide a salad dinner followed by Donna Shoup s presentation on the importance of laughter. There will also be several stations to encourage us to appreciate the joy around us, including complimentary chair, neck, and back massages by a licensed medical masseuse. Invite your friends to this fun evening of fellowship SUMMER MANNA BAG MINISTRY With the arrival of spring comes the time to collect items and/or donations for the summer Manna Bag Ministry. Through your generosity, these items will be collected in the Atrium on both Sunday, May 8th and Sunday, May 15. The date to organize and pack the manna bags will be Sunday afternoon, May 15. On Sunday, May 22 and May 29, the prepared bags will be available in the Atrium for congregants who wish to distribute them to the needy in our communities. Remaining manna bags will be distributed to New Hope UMC. ~Karyle McMannama Ways to participate: Donate items from the list below Make a monetary donation (place in envelope marked Outreach Manna Bags Carry a bag in your car and distribute to a person in need Pray for the homeless and hungry Summer Manna Bag Materials List Food/Beverage Items (Individual serving sizes) Peanut butter or cheese sandwich crackers Tuna, chicken or Spam (can with ring-top lid) Canned fruits / applesauce Raisins, fruit snacks or nuts Granola bars, health bars, protein bars or breakfast bars Canned meats: Beanie Weenie, beef stew or ravioli, etc. with ring-top lid Packaged cookies or Rice Krispy treats Bottled water or boxed fruit drinks Other items White socks (coveted by the homeless) Small containers of antibacterial hand sanitizer Band-aids Sunscreen (small bottle or tube) The Kroger family of stores is committed to bringing hope and help to local communities. They do this through a variety of activities, including charitable giving and the unique Community Rewards Program. It s simple to sign up so that a percentage of your shopping dollars come back to St. Andrew UMC every quarter. Currently, less than 20 of our church families participate in this program. All you do is sign up and shop at Kroger as you normally would. That s it! You will need to set up an account within Kroger.com if you haven t already. You use your Kroger Plus Card to do this. Next, go to krogercommunityrewards.com and follow the prompts. First, locate our church in the list of participating organizations. The assigned number is Enter that number or the church name, and click on search. St. Andrew UMC will pop up, and just click on the round radio button and hit enroll. It s that easy! If you are already enrolled in the program, it is necessary to re-enroll each year, and April is the month to do so. Please consider joining us. If you need help, please see Laura in the church office. She is happy to help you set up your own Kroger Community Rewards account. Just bring your Kroger Plus card number. Thank you for your consideration. Congratulations Class of 2016 Graduates! Andrew Robert Bennett, Miami University, Oxford Corey Ostendorf, Wright State University Cloe Pippin, Indiana University Amy Fenning, Indiana Wesleyan University Leanna Scolastico, friend of St. Andrew, West Carrollton High School V OLU ME 1 6 I SSU E 5 Page 6

7 May 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Worship 9:30 Sunday School- All Ages 11:00 Adult Bible Study 2 3 7:00 Boy Scouts FH, 116 9:30 Sew & Sow 121 6:00 Oak Tree Corner 7:00 Scouts 116 7:00 Ad Council CR FH, EDU 4 6:30 Small Groups meet 7:00 Choir Practice 5 6 7:00 Ascent Practice 8:00 NA FH 2:00 GS FH 7 8 Mother s Day 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Worship 9:30 Sunday School- All Ages 11:00 Adult Bible Study 9 7:00 Boy Scouts FH 7:00 Lions Club CR 10 9:30 Sew & Sow 121 7:00 SPRC CR 11 6:30 Small Groups meet 7:00 Choir Practice 1:30 Staff Meeting 12 6:30 UMW Spring Banquet 7:00 Ascent Practice 13 8:00 NA FH 2:00 GS FH 14 Trustee clean-up day 9:00 AM 15 Day of Pentecost-Wear Red 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Worship 9:30 Sunday School- All Ages 11:00 Adult Bible Study 16 7:00 Boy Scouts FH, 116 7:00 Finance CR 17 9:30 Sew & Sow 121 6:00 Oak Tree Corner 7:00 Missions CR FH, EDU 18 10:00 STARS VA Center Grotto 6:30 Small Groups meet 7:00 Choir Practice 19 7:00 Ascent Practice 20 8:00 NA FH 2:00 GS FH 21 9:00 Esther Circle CR 22 Peace with Justice Sunday 8:15, 9:30, 11:00 Worship 9:30 Sunday School- All Ages 11:00 Adult Bible Study :00 Boy Scouts FH, 116 9:30 Sew & Sow :00 Koinonia Circle 105 6:30 Small Groups meet 26 7:00 Ascent Practice 7:00 Lydia Circle 105 7:00 Naomi Circle OS 27 8:00 NA FH 2:00 GS FH :30 Sunday School-Adults 10:30 Combined Worship Blessing of the Giving Garden followed by PotLuck Recognition of Graduates 30 Office Closed Memorial Day 31 9:30 Sew & Sow 121 Page 7 F OOTPRI NTS

8 non profit organization us postage paid Xenia Ohio permit # N. Fairfield Rd. Beavercreek, OH standrewumchurch.org RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 1 St. Andrew United Methodist Church 2016 Vacation Bible School Date: June 13-16, 2016 Time: 6-8:30 PM Register at Contact: Debbie Caudill (937) or dsfcaudill@gmail.com Please see the VBS article on page 4 for further details.