Circuit Writer. From the Pastor. Erlanger United Methodist Church June 2014

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1 Circuit Writer Erlanger United Methodist Church June 2014 From the Pastor It s time for Annual Conference again! June 9-11 we will be gathering at the Northern KY Convention Center for worship and worshipful work about building God s Kingdom. Assignments of pastors are always an important part of that meeting although the appointments are almost all made long before this meeting. (Yes, I am returning to Erlanger for another year as requested by the Staff-Parish Relations Committee.) We will be blessed on the Sunday before Conference (here at our church) to hear from Michael and Sherri Morrissey missionaries from our conference to Thailand. We will hear from one of the leading pastors of United Methodism Rev. Adam Hamilton as he preaches God s Word to us. We are also looking at some significant proposals at Annual Conference this year. There is a plan to reduce the number of districts across the state from Continued on page 2

2 Article Continued... the current 12 to 9. If this passes, it will go into effect in June of The name of our district has already been changed from the Covington District to the Northern KY District. Changes are also proposed to our conference missional giving (often referred to as apportionments ). There will certainly be a lot of discussion on this! Sometimes it is tedious and frustrating to be a part of a denominational structure, but it is certainly amazing to see what we can do for God when we bind together and each do our part. Our little church on Commonwealth Ave. literally reaches all across the world with the message of the Gospel, and in tangible ways of helping the least and the lost of our world. It really is incredible. Just like with the story of the fish and bread, God takes what we have and does miraculous multiplication that exceeds our wildest dreams. I m very glad to be a United Methodist. I hope you are too. Many great things happen as we pull together as a world-wide church of love and grace. Watch for news of Annual Conference. It will be interesting to see what happens! See you in church! Pastor Mark PRAYER CORNER Pat Barbour Do you ever find prayer difficult because of tiredness or dryness? When that is so, it is an immense help to let the psalms and hymns we know by heart say themselves or sing themselves inside us. This is possible anywhere and at any time. We can't be mistaken in using this easy, open way to prayer, for our Lord Jesus used it. His very last prayer, when He was far too tired to pray as He usually did, was Psalm 31:5,..."Into Thine hand I commit my spirit; Thou has redeemed me, O Lord God of truth." Every Jewish mother used to teach her child to say those words as a good-night prayer. Hymns, little prayer-songs of our own, even the simplest of them, can sing us into His love. Or more`truly, into the consciousness of His love, for we are never for one moment out of it.... Amy Carmichael 's

3 June 2014 BIRTHDAY S 1 ST - Brianna Herbers Anna Love 4 th - Kelley Wurtz 5 th - Ken Maynard 6 th - Joy Hamilton 8 th - Bill Howard 12 th - Jim Muegel 13 th - Barbara Wilson Andrew Sullivan 15 th - Pat Barbour 18 th - Carlie Roark 20 th - Sande Shepherd 22 nd - Gerry Mellott 23 rd - Charles Keifer Ryan Hill 26 th - Jerry Abney 28 th - Kermit Ballmer 29 - Woody Robinson ANNIVERSARIES 2 nd - Rick & Jill Townsend 17 th - Todd & Kelly Lusk 18 th Jeff & Megan Aiken 23 rd Bill & Cindy Slaven 28 th Ron & Barb Burgan Welcome to our New Members Ronda Brown & John and Cheryl Palmer (Transferred from Sardis United Methodist Church) Blessed are they who make the Lord their Trust. Psalm 40:4

4 June 14 Flag Day SYMBOLS FOR THE FOLDS OF THE FLAG Submitted by Joy Hamilton The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks, and who gave a portion of his or her life for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature; as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace, as well as in times of war, for His divine guidance. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right, but it is still our country, right or wrong. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The seventh fold is a tribute to our armed forces, for it is through the armed forces that we protect our country and our flag against all enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor our mother, for whom it flies on Mother s Day. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood, for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since he or she was first born. The 11th fold, in the eyes of Hebrew citizens, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The 12th fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost. When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, In God We Trust. After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it has the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under Gen. George Washington and the sailors and Marines who served under Capt. John Paul Jones and were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the U.S. Armed Forces, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

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7 MAY 2014 OFFERING REPORT THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORD S WORK Tithes $16, Sunday School $73.00 Loose Plate $ GECDC $10, Upper Room $8.00 Miscellaneous $30.86 GENERAL FUND TOTAL $27, Emmaus Emergency $65.00 Emmaus Various Proj. $72.00 Emmaus Zimmerman $58.00 Good Samaritan Fund $20.00 Laws $10.00 Manna Mission $55.00 Methodist Men $50.00 Memorials $ Miscellaneous $30.00 Reimbursements $ UMCOR $10.00 UCV $10.00 Women in Mission $20.00 Youth $20.00 Building Fund $1, SPECIAL GIFTS TOTAL $1, GRAND TOTAL $29, Cast all your care upon the Lord. 1 Peter 5:7

8 ABOUT THE VIRGINIA BEVARLY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FUND. The Virginia Bevarly Educational Opportunity Fund has been in existence for 35 years now. It was started in 1979 with a $5,000 bequest from Virginia Bevarly, a retired teacher, who requested the money be used to help further the education of students who are members of Erlanger United Methodist Church. Oren and Jane Long, long-time EUMC members, gave the church a $100,000 CD to be held for five years with the 5% annual interest income equally divided between Missions and the Virginia Bevarly Fund. That interest income helped the Fund grow considerably. During the ensuing years, $38,000 was given in loans to 27 students. In 2004, the Committee voted to stop giving loans and use the remaining amount in the Fund for scholarships for high school graduates, to purchase Vacation Bible School educational materials and to pay for other educational materials used within EUMC, as deemed worthy by the Committee. At the recent graduation ceremony for children in Grace Edgett Child Development Center, 32 students moving from Preschool into Kindergarten were given A Child s Bible from members of Erlanger United Methodist Church, funded by VBEOF. As of this date, $6,200 has been offered to high school graduates in scholarships. Scholarships do not have to be repaid; however, each student must present a valid document indicating he/she is enrolled in some institution of higher education for the Fall Term of that year before the money is granted. The scholarship amount began at $100 per student, with gradual increases in the amount until 2012 when the Committee voted to give each student $500. An additional gift is given to each high school and college graduate from you, the members of Erlanger United Methodist Church, and those gifts are funded by VBEOF as well. Members of the VBEOF Committee are Mike Fletcher, Jennie Robinson, Tina Royalty, Ralph Wolfe, Pastor Mark Shepherd, and Sue Lambert, Chair. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV CONGRADULATIONS CLASS OF 2014 Summer Lane Robinson Summer Lane Robinson, daughter of Eric Robinson and the late Cindy Robinson, granddaughter of Woody and Jennie Robinson, is a 2014 graduate of Lloyd Memorial High School, Erlanger, Kentucky. Summer was born on January 3, 1996 and has lived in Erlanger all her life. She attended Lindeman Elementary School and Tichenor Middle School. While at Lloyd, Summer played on the Volleyball team from her Freshman through Junior years, on the Basketball team from her Freshman through Junior years, and on the Softball team from her Sophomore through Senior years. Summer was a member of Lloyd s Gold Rush Club all four years of high school. These Club members were involved in activities to promote both school spirit and civic spirit; among those efforts were collecting canned goods, providing books for elementary students, and providing warm clothing for the homeless. For as long as I can remember, Summer has been a member of Erlanger United Methodist Church Youth Group. She has been employed at Cinemark in Florence, KY since June, Summer has been accepted at Thomas More College and will begin classes in the Fall term, She has been awarded a $10,000/year scholarship from Thomas More, as well as a $1,000 scholarship from I Have Wings Breast Cancer Foundation. In addition, Summer has received an Honorable Mention recognition from Northern Kentucky Coaches Association and the Juggernaut Award for Softball from Lloyd in recognition of her leadership skills and overcoming adversity both on and off the field. At the present, Summer s college major is undeclared; however, she is entertaining the idea of entering the field of Psychology and hopes to eventually transfer to the University of Kentucky in pursuit of that goal. When asked if there was something she would like to share with her EUMC family, Summer responded: I have been attending EUMC for quite some time, and my church family means the world to me. You all have been here through the good and bad, and that s what being a Christian is about. Being a part of the Youth Group has meant a lot to me as well. From participation in 30-Year-Famine to going to King s Island, it has always been a great time being involved with the youth. I just want to thank my church family for everything.for helping me grow as a better person and a better Christian.

9 June Activity 4 th - 7:00 pm Manna Mission 5 th - 11:00 am Women In Mission 7 th - 8:30 am Methodist Men Meeting 9 th - All Day Annual Conference 11 th - 6:30 pm SPRC meeting 14 th - Flag Day 15 th - Father s Day 17 th - 7:30 am Mountain Mission Pick Up 1:00pm GECDC Board Mtg 23 rd 27 th 6:30 pm God s Backyard Bible Camp 28 th - 5:00 pm Manna Mission Meal Mike and Sherri Morrissey Sunday, June 8 th, 2014 Greetings from Thailand! Mike and Sherri have been now serving as missionaries to Thailand for 7 years. For the past three+ years they have been appointed by the Bishop to serve under Thailand Methodist Mission [TMM]. TMM has two ministries: 1) planting sustainable churches in unreached areas of Thailand, and 2) protecting children from human trafficking. Every Sunday 9:00 am Communion / Chapel 9:15 am Sunday School Tone Chyme 10:30 am Worship 4:40 pm Devotions 5:30 pm Youth On Going Every Tuesday 7:00 pm Bible Study Every Wednesday 7:00 pm Choir Practice 1 st & 3 rd Wednesday 10 am Bible Study

10 Dishes, Pots Pans, Small appliances Methodist Mountain Mission URGENT NEEDS LIST Uniforms - Scrubs Men s Clothes and Shoes To use at the Plant: * Rubber bands * Safety pins * Hand soap * Toilet Paper * Pledge or other furniture polish * Garbage bags 13 gallon and 33 gallon sizes Children s Clothes Shoes, including underwear and socks Pick up Day June 17 th 7:00 am And, of course, all of the other wonderful good and usable items you donate to the Mission! Blessings, Karen Bunn

11 Lay Leader News With Emily Markey A big thank you to everyone who donated to the 2014 Freestore Foodbank Hunger Walk on Memorial Day. A special offering of $ was taken up on May 25th for this worthy cause. Also many thanks to Chuck Lambert, Mike Markey and Mike Nolan who joined me in the walk along with others from United Christian Volunteers. Upcoming dates: Sunday August 10 after morning worship we will celebrate in Fellowship Hall the upcoming marriage of Susanna Shepherd and Garret Vance with a couples shower. A light lunch will be served. The couple is registered at Bed Bath and Beyond and Amazon.com. Be looking for your invitation! Sunday August 17 at 10am we will have our morning worship service at Lincoln Woods Park in Florence followed by a catered lunch, games and activities. Note: there will be no 10:30 service at the church on that date. Watch for more information! Erlanger United Methodist Church Cornhole League Standing as of 6/1/14 Team Name Standing Team Name Standing Team 1 Trigger & 1-2 Team 2 Old Geezers 2-1 Bullets Team 3 Handy Cappers 3-0 Team 4 R-N-R 1-2 Team 5 3 to Get Ready 0-3 Team 6 Buck Stops Here 2-1 Team Handy Cappers are the only undefeated team left in the standing. Roger Wilson continued his hot hand. Full Schedule this coming Sunday! STAFF-PARISH RELATIONS NEWS It is my pleasure to announce to the congregation that Pastor Mark will be returning to us for another year. We are very lucky to have Mark and his family with us and please tell him how happy you are that he is returning.

12 Our vision for Impact Kentucky is that every church in the Kentucky Conference will make an impact in their community. We believe that hosting an Impact Kentucky event will help accomplish this vision. We hope that you will decide to join us as we seek to leverage our connection and empower our churches to serve in your communities. On the Impact Kentucky page we will provide tools to help facilitate your Impact event. We will have links to the Impact Kentucky Handbook, an instructional guide to set up your local Impactevent, as well as links to art work, bulletin inserts, and a sample press release that you can download for promotional usage. Keep checking back as we add more elements that you can download to help make your Impact Kentucky event successful! If you need assistance or have questions, please contact the Office of Connectional Ministries at This year Impact for Covington District is August 23, Keep checking back to sign up for various projects for these Impact Kentucky events! More information coming soon! From the Erlanger United Methodist Men!!

13 From the Erlanger United Methodist Men Hi Folks. Mark your calendars. The Ice Cream Social will be Sunday, July 6, 2014 after the church service. Tickets are available from any UM Man or from the church office. Tickets are $7.00 and you get the ice cream with toppings, BBQ sandwich, cole slaw, chips and drinks. Thank you The Kentucky Annual Conference is June 9, 10, 11, 2014 in Covington. If you would like to be an usher please contact Mark Burns at Thank you. Come to Gold Star Chili at 10 Kenton Lands in Erlanger, KY. Stay tuned for the next date coming soon. We made $75.00 for missions at our first event in April. Thank you. Canned goods update for the United Christian Volunteers. Thru May 26, 2014, 1392 food items have been delivered. Emphasis in June 2014 is on toiletries/food items. Our goal for 2014 is 3,850 food items. There are many folks in the local area that can t afford enough food for their families. Your support has gone a long way in helping this cause. Thank you. Whatever you bring will be greatly appreciated. We would like to invite all men to join the Erlanger United Methodist Men. Our next meeting is June 7, 2014, Saturday, 8:30 am at Erlanger UMC in the Asbury Room. Thank you and GOD Bless you all. The mission of the General Commission on United Methodist Men is to assist men to know Jesus Christ, to serve Him, to grow spiritually and seek daily to do His will.

14 interactive ways and then apply the story by completing the It s Your Serve! challenges; Backyard Food & Fun, where kids have time to move around, have fun, and fill up; Clothesline Creations, where kids have fun creating crafts that are service-oriented; and Community Corner, where kids hear stories about community servants and will get motivated to be involved in community projects! And all these fun activities connect to the Bible story, Bible Memory, and the life focus of serving! The staff is waiting for some backyard crews to join them in serving and having a blast! Welcome to God s Backyard Bible Camp! Get ready for an outdoor adventure that starts in your own backyard and gets bigger as kids take the love of Jesus into their neighborhoods and communities! This backyard adventure will take place right here at Each day begins at Backyard Bash with largegroup music and fun, where kids will be introduced to a Bible story and a life focus. Then after kids experience the other activities of the day, kids gather back to Backyard Bash to review, to be encouraged, and to be motivated to serve others. Other sites include Backyard Bible Club, where kids will explore the Bible story in a variety of Date: June 23 rd 27 th 2014 Place: Erlanger United Methodist Church 31 Commonwealth Erlanger, KY Time: 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Contact: Church Office (859) Or Register online atwwwbackyardvacationbibleschool.com/erlanger2014 Come join the fun at God s Backyard Bible Camp! Hey Kids make you own poster on Next Page! Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22; 6

15 Date: June 23 rd 27 th 2014 Place: Erlanger United Methodist Church 31 Commonwealth Erlanger, KY Time: 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Contact: Church Office (859) Or Register online at wwwbackyardvacationbibleschool.com/erlanger2014