Inviting people to be in relationship with Jesus

Transcription

1 Traditional Worship Service - 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service - 10:30 AM AUGUST 2017 Inviting people to be in relationship with Jesus Discipleship Pathway By Charles Martindell For everyone's consideration, our church website includes a page we call Discipleship Pathway. It's found under the I'm New tab by way of a link on the What We Believe page. One of the things we might have been discovering about our faith is that everyone who seeks God is on a sort of pathway (a spiritual journey, so to speak). We may sometimes wonder if we are very far along this journey, but what can help us most of all is when we realize that God is meeting us where we are. Our Discipleship Pathway describes how it can work to grow in relationship with God as we connect to the faith community of Lithopolis United Methodist Church. What's described in our Discipleship Pathway is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of what a life of faith and connection to a church looks like. Hopefully it gives us an idea and some helpful information as we try to pay attention toward God. For me, it s when a person senses spiritual growth on the inside that lives are most likely to transform on the outside. A Discipleship Pathway helps us with that process. In case you do not have access to the church's website, here is the Discipleship Pathway page: Discipleship Pathway Exploring: One of the things we often say at LUMC is that God meets us where we are. This is God s Prevenient Grace that makes us curious about a relationship with Jesus, which causes a spiritual hunger that leads us to check things out at Church. We might begin to attend Sunday worship. We might accept an invitation to join for a service (volunteer) project. We might have a friend who includes us in an invitation to their Small Group study. We are listening and considering; pondering about how what we ve been curious about is also what this church is about. Getting Started: We consider we are connected to LUMC in some ways. If someone were to ask if we have a church of our own, we d say yes. We ve met some people and might sign up for a small group study or attend INSIDE LUMC (offered every 2nd Sunday) to learn more about what this church is all about. Being present for one of the weekly worship services is becoming an important ordering of our lives that helps us begin to be spiritually transformed. Going Deeper: God s grace meets us where we are, but God s love continues to re -make us into the likeness of Christ. As we begin to go deeper, we sense that something spiritual is happening in our own lives. In some ways we would describe ourselves as growing and becoming more spirit -filled as in the fruit of the Spirit (IE: Love, joy, patience ). Our heartfelt regard for the needs of others opens our eyes to how we can give, serve, pray for the ones we understand and accept in the same ways that we are feeling accepted by God through Jesus. We might decide to sign up for a New Members Study group (a 3 week experience) and maybe even take the step of membership. We might also join a New Members group and take the step of connection to Christ through the church although without formal members hip.

2 Centering: One of the actions of God s grace is referred to as Sanctifying Grace. This is the grace that continues to change us from the inside to the outside. It is the action of God on our behalf, but we have a part in it too. Being open to God s transformational love means we continue to point our attention toward God. Small groups, various studies, personal devotions and prayer are some of the ways we remain open to God s grace. Becoming aware of the Spiritual gifts and abilities God has given eac h of us can be part of centering our whole lives on Christ. Considering ways to serve often calls us out of our comfort zones. Perhaps a connection to a Mission project or even a hands -on Mission trip becomes part of our response to God. Worshiping with the church at one of the weekly worship services continues to be a key for ordering our lives and centering our hearts and lives in Christ The Pathway to Discipleship: What does it mean to truly be a disciple of Jesus? It means that our whole lifestyle is lived in response to Jesus our Lord. It means taking Christ and putting Him into our life, in all aspects and at every stage. At LUMC, we continually consider how what we do relates to our mission: inviting people to be in relationship with Jesus and each other so lives and communities are changed. Student Ministry Center (SMC) LOAN PAID IN FULL Thank you to everyone who has so generously helped the church pay for the SMC! We are now DEBT FREE and celebrating the many ways that this facility continues to make a difference in people's lives. 1. Youth Studies and Fellowship 2. Youth Ministries and Service Projects 3. Small groups and Bible studies 4. Additional Church meeting space 5. Vacation Bible School study group 6. Scout meetings and functions 7. Special Craft events 8. Community organizations (who come to the church seeking space to meet) 9. Addiction Recovery group meetings These are SOME of the ways God is using the generous support given by the church over the past two (plus) years it has taken to purchase this property. With the repayment of the Multi Ministry Center (MMC) Mortgage in 2016, and now the repayment of the SMC Loan, our Building Fund transitions to a Building Initiatives Fund. Contributions to this fund can be considered our above-and-beyond-our-regular-giving to God through the church. These gifts will continue to provide for the necessary and on-going building related projects undertaken by the church as well as serving as a seed fund for future Building Projects. Currently underway is a major Roofing project to replace the roof area that has been leaking for some time. Other projects are also in the works! As we continue to respond with generous giving and grateful hearts, God's work in and through LUMC will continue to bless the lives of the many who are reached!

3 GROUPS & CONNECTIONS COORDINATOR Job Description / Job Posting Lithopolis United Methodist Church (LUMC) This position is responsible for helping connect people to LUMC through worship, groups, and serving opportunities. The ideal candidate will be responsible for helping people take their next steps beyond the weekend or event they attend. It is a position that requires both leadership and development along with the ability to train and teach. Primary responsibilities will include: 1. Developing a warm rapport with others through all of our service times on Sunday morning and throughout the week as you work for the win of seeing persons connected with Jesus and others. 2. Establishing processes and systems to help people move deeper in their faith and their connections at LUMC. 3. Support the Sunday morning Connection Center Team with the informal Sunday morning connection point for new visitors and others who want to learn more about getting involved with groups or serving. 4. Creating other connection points that will help move people deeper into the life of LUMC. These might include things like inside LUMC, Pizza with the Pastor, New Members Classes, etc. 5. Working with the Practice Leaders to ensure good communication between the Practices and guests. 6. Support the Connection Center Team Leaders and volunteers. 7. Training church leadership on ways to connect others to worship, group and serving opportunities. 8. Overseeing and maintaining the church data base for visitors and regular attenders: a. Overseeing process of data entry and information dissemination of information on the Sunday morning Connection Cards. b. Coordinate following up with first time visitors to LUMC. c. Maintaining data on those who might connect more fully to LUMC. 9. Identifying and developing leaders who can provide leadership to the ministries of LUMC. 10. Help implement a system of surveys to gauge success of connecting to LUMC ministries. 11. Participation in opportunities like training, conferences, etc. to further develop our LUMC groups ministry. Additional information: This job is a salaried position at 15 hours per week. Salary will be negotiated and based on background and experience. The position is currently open and available. Send resume or request information: Charles Martindell at charles@lithopolisumc.org Connections and Groups It is with deep gratitude that we thank Lisa Smith for her service in the life of the church over these past 6 plus months. Lisa has been serving as Interim Children's Coordinator as LUMC shared a prayerful journey of envisioning God's future for this important area of ministry. Her ministry in this area concluded with our recent Vacation Bible School! We had planned on Lisa's continued service as part of the staff team at LUMC in the area of Connections and Groups Coordinator. Upon further reflections on the many demands of her full time work at Bloom Carroll Middle School, Lisa decided to pass on this new area of ministry. Several years ago, Terri Colbert served as Groups and Connections Coordinator and she is volunteering her service to help us while we seek a permanent Coordinator for this important area of ministry in the church. Thank you Terri for your faithful service!

4 Jennifer Loeffler 2 nd SATURDAY SERVE Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest you. Mother Theresa Second Saturdays will resume the normal schedule in September. Exciting new serving opportunities have been scheduled for the fall and winter. You are welcome to join us as we impact the world one person at a time! Questions, contact Jennifer Loeffler at Or at j_and _m@sbcgolbal.net SERVICE OPPORTUNITY HELP US TAKE A MEAL TO ATHENS Friday, Aug. 18 th. We provide an evening meal to those in need in Athens, OH. This is a wonderful ministry for individuals or families who have a desire to serve others (no age limit). We are in need of 6+ people to: Help prep food 9am, Fri., Aug. 18 th in the Multi Ministry Center Drivers Help in Athens setting up the food line and serving the food. Volunteers going to Athens will leave the Multi-Ministry Center at 2:45 p.m. sharp and return at 9 p.m. Additional help needed Sat., Aug. 19 th in the MMC to clean/wash the dishes from the previous food prep day. If you would like to help or have questions, contact Frank Ventresca at (614)

5 Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace Sunday, September 10 th to November 5 th 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Dave Ramsey s money course, Financial Peace, will again be offered at LUMC on Sunday nights September 10th through November 5th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. We will share a meal weekly at 5:00 pm before beginning the coursework. Childcare is available upon request. In his entertaining video presentations, Dave explains ways to use your assets to meet the financial objectives that you desire. Some topics include: paying off debt money for emergencies increasing assets for retirement how to fund college extravagance in honoring & giving back to God teaching kids about money insurance: types and how much how to become a millionaire couples agreement on finances buying and selling homes living paycheck to paycheck savvy buying Living paycheck to paycheck? Buried in debt? Saving for large expenses? Wish you could give more? Dave Ramsey offers solid biblical answers for these and more. Sign up online: or by checking ( ) the box on the Connection Card inside your Sunday bulletin starting Aug. 20 th.

6 AUGUST 2017 Youth Coordinator Info Christina Hess office: cell: Summer Programming: The Gathering - Sunday s 6:30-8:30 p.m., Easy invite game night. Open to 6 th - 12 th graders. Bible Study - Wednesday s 6:30-8:30 p.m. A night of Bible study designed for students to grow in their faith & develop a sense of community with each other. A large group lesson designed to help students develop a faith of their own followed by High School & Middle School small groups. Upcoming events! Light The Night August 11 Pickerington Nazarene. A FREE worship night for middle school and high school students all over the Columbus area. Our vision is to bring together students from all the schools, churches, backgrounds, and neighborhoods in our community to connect with one another, worship together, and be encouraged to be the light of Christ in all their places. There will also be free concession stands, our church is bringing bottled water. If you are interested in donating you can drop them off in the church office. Family Ministry Town Hall Gathering You are invited to join Kris Creviston and I as we meet to listen, learn, and share suggestions regarding LUMC youth & children's ministries! If you're unable to make it to one of the meetings, I would still love to hear from you. Please , call, or let me know what works for you. Town Hall Gathering dates include: Sunday, Aug. 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 10:00 a.m. or Thursday, Aug. 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel. PARENTS We invite you to sign up to receive a weekly sharing what we are teaching each week, what questions you can ask your child each week, and what will be taught the following week. To be put on this list, please send an to christina@lithopolisumc.org and put in the subject list and then in the body part of the your name(s) and your child(ren) s name.

7 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5 Rock City - ALL children age 3 & 4 through 5th grades are welcome in Rock City. Rock City kids church is offered every Sunday in two Sessions: 9:00 for all ages located inside our church building in the lower level. 10:30 session for children Pre-K through 1st grade is located inside our church building in the lower level and for children 2 nd through 5th grade in our Multi-Ministry Center building. Nursery is also provided during both the 9:00 and 10:30 session in our church building. Volunteers are always appreciated, if interested contact kris@lithopolisumc.org CHILDREN S COORDINATOR Kris Creviston kris@lithopolisumc.org (614) All volunteers are Safe Sanctuary trained. August 13th N RSERY NEWS We have an Infant Nursery (birth - walking) and a Toddler Nursery (walking-potty trained). At age 3 or 4 if they are ready to move to Rock City they are welcome to. Three-year-old children who are potty-trained may join Rock City if they are ready for a little more structured lesson. Please see your Nursery care providers with any questions. If you would like to donate snacks to our nursery, they can use animal crackers, pretzels, Cheerios and graham crackers. THANK YOU to all of you who have donated. Children will move up to their new grade level in Rock City Kid s th 9:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. classes on Aug :00 a.m. Free Community Family Movie Night Saturday, August 12th Showtime: 7:00 p.m. Viewing: Disney Pixar s, FREE Popcorn & Bottled Water th 4 years old through 5 grades meet in the Lower Level. 10:30 a.m. 4 years through 1st grades meet in in the Lower Level. 10:30 a.m. 2nd through 5th grades meet in the Multi Ministry Center. In the Multi-Ministry Center Tools for School LUMC partnering with CW Human Services to collect (new) school supplies now through Sunday, Aug. 13th. Please place your donations in the Connection Café marked container. Thanks! Family Ministry Town Hall Gathering We would love to meet with you to listen, learn, and share suggestions regarding LUMC youth & children's ministries! Please join us at church for one of the dates listed below. If you're unable to make it to a meeting, please know you're always welcome to , call, or "chat" with me at church too! Sunday, Aug. 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 10:00 a.m. or Thursday, Aug. 1:00 p.m. In the Chapel August 16th at 5:30 p.m. We will have crafts & games for children. If you would like to help with this please let me know. We look forward to seeing you there!

8 The United Methodist Women News August 5th

9 WEDNESDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY DINNER Here at LUMC 5:30 PM, August 16 th in the Multi Ministry Center Donations are accepted but not expected. ON THE MENU: T Taco Bar, Rice, Black Bean Salad, Tres Leche Cake Come, enjoy and invite your neighbors and friends for food, fellowship & fun activities for the kids! If you have questions or would like to help please contact the Church Office at or shelly@lithopolisumc.org

10 Notes I want to thank my church family for all the prayers, visits, calls and food. Thank you & God Bless, Betty Plummer Thank you to everyone who prayed for us and helped move boxes and furniture (and who also helped in many other ways) as we re-located from the parsonage to a private residence. Our new address is 2480 Pickerington Road, Carroll, OH It feels good to put down roots in this community! -Charles & Karen Martindell Thank you so much for the graduation gift. I have loved looking through the book. Thank you also for all the support you have given me throughout the years. Thank you again. Love, Melissa Sommers Thank you all so much for the opportunity to play for Music in the Village. It was a pleasure to sing in your beautiful sanctuary. I loved meeting you all! Thanks for the welcome kindness. - Megan Bee Trustee Chair, Charles Kennedy would like to thank all the adults & youth that came out to help move Pastor Charles & Karen into their new home. If you would like to help Alex & Michelle move into the Parsonage in a few weeks (around Aug. 16 th ) please contact Charles Kennedy or the office. Thank you!

11 SCHEDULES FOR AUGUST /6 8/13 8/20 8/27 Acolytes 9am Allen Cline Zach Warner Eli Rickly Kimberly & Sarah Burk Good Shepherd 9:00am Good Shepherd 10:15am Greeters 9am David Plummer Sandi Ritchey Bunny Palmer Sharon Murphy Gene Sprang Bob Jones Tyler Hart Karen Tennant Charles & Barbara Morrison, Bud Culp Larry Kahle Roy & Mary Ann Laird David Smith Mike Lehman Jessie & Betty Mills David Smith Mike Lehman Bud & Jenny Culp David Smith Susan Williams Greeters 10:30am Well-Wishers 11:30am Connections 8:30am The Coffman Family Cathy Burden Lauren Schell Terry Martin Anna Beller Ty Hart Todd Lilley Mike Loeffler Lauren Schell Bunny Palmer Susie Williams The Coffman Family Brian Malinowski Ty Hart Emily Miller Open Aaron Farley Sam Farley Brian Malinowski Aaron Farley Barb Wood Marlys Fergus Connections 10:00am Elizabeth Jones Open Holly Mattei Open Open Marvis Eshler Ruth Blauser Gail Murry Shelley Gallion Open Open Noreen Mattei Ushers 9:00am Frank Ventresca Roger Adams David Karr Roger Burchett Frank Ventresca Roger Adams David Karr Roger Burchett Frank Ventresca Roger Adams David Karr Roger Burchett Frank Ventresca Roger Adams David Karr Roger Burchett Ushers 10:30am Mike Loeffler Brian Hertlein Mike Loeffler Brian Hertlein Mike Loeffler Brian Hertlein Mike Loeffler Brian Hertlein ROCK CITY SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST 5/7 5/14 5/21 5/28 9am P-1 st Leaders 10:30am 2 nd -5 th Leaders 10:30am MMC Good Shepherd Tyler Hart David Smith Larry Kahle Michael Smith

12 NURSERY SCHEDULE FOR JULY 8/6 8/13 8/20 8/27 1 st Service Lisa, Kathleen & Brenda Jessica, Stacia & Kendall Lyndsey, Jenni & Kathleen Jenni, Brenda & Stacia 2 nd Service Ellie Tammie & Tiffany Jan & Tiffany Toby & Lynn LUMC Attendance & Financial Giving Information for June 2017 Combined Attendance 7/2 7/9 7/16 7/23 7/30 Worship Our Gifts Capital Funds $3,410 $2,692 $910 $1,371 $1,363 General Contributions $12, $10, $8, $5, $6, LITHOPOLIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM PASTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Charles Martindell Pastor Charles@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 Hess Youth & Families Ministry Coordinator Christina@lithopolisumc.org Kris Creviston Children & Families Ministry Coordinator Kris@lithopolisumc.org Pastoral Care & Counseling Needs Pastor Charles Martindell, charles@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)

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14 Inviting people to be in relationship with Jesus and each other so lives and communities are changed Lithopolis United Methodist Church 80 N. Market St., P.O. Box 42 Lithopolis, OH Phone: Fax: Find us on Facebook: Lithopolis United Methodist Church Rock City Kids Ministry on Facebook: Lumc s Rock City Kids Church Website: THE LITHOPOLIS LINK Linking Church and Home AUGUST 2017