Inviting people to be in relationship with Jesus

Transcription

1 Traditional Worship Service - 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service - 10:30 AM SEPTEMBER 2016 Inviting people to be in relationship with Jesus Sharing God's Love By Charles Martindell I love how it looks when a church finds ways to share God's love! That's happening around here in all kinds of ways. Some of that happens on Sunday mornings during our Worship Celebrations and Rock City kid's ministries. Some of that happens through the Youth gatherings on Sunday evenings and Wednesday evenings. It's dangerous to start listing the things that share God's love through and in a church because the list will always be ONLY a partial listing of the many ways that's happening. But think about it: the Stone City Sobriety group (Alcoholics Anonymous group meeting Saturdays at 7); United Methodist Women's Circle groups; monthly community meals; many other small group gatherings for study, friendship, fun, growth; serving groups; music ministries (including Choir, the Praise Team, and other special gifts); The whole Worship Leadership Team; Sunday Hospitality and Connection ministries; Trunk Or Treat (coming in late October); a little thing we like to call Trash & Treasure... whew! Soon we'll be focusing on the special holiday season events that celebrate Thanksgiving and the birth of Christ. Along with the traditional observances, candles and other signs of the season that will be here before we know it, there's a gathering called Blue Christmas that happens in December. That's a time to reflect and remember our loved ones who have died, even as we reflect on God's gift of a savior (watch for upcoming information about that and other special gatherings in the coming weeks). Here's the thing. Not every one of us will be able to fit a small group experience into their regular schedules. Not everyone will connect up with this year's Trunk or Treat event. A monthly Community Meal is not going to be everybody's thing. My invitation to us at this time is that we prayerfully consider how God is calling each of us to share the gift of love we are coming to know through Jesus. Being present and involved in some of the things I've mentioned (as well as the many other possibilities I left off this list) is where it starts. Call the church or contact any of the staff if you have questions or ideas! I love it when churches continue to find ways to share God's love. Not just with or for each other, but maybe with the greater community all around us. (John 3:16-17) For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

2 Minda Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Isn't it amazing how scripture is always fresh? How there seems to be no end to how the Word can relate to you and new circumstances in your life? I started thinking about ways to interpret the scripture above as it relates to changes in my own life. The thoughts I had were about how, when we are in Christ, we are in a continual cycle of old and new. As we encounter life, we adapt, learn, and change. I had the insight that maybe this new creation is not just a onetime conversion, but rather an on-going growth. Oprah Winfrey's magazine always ends with a page titled What I Know for Sure. On that page Oprah shares some of her personal insights about what it means to be human. I'm going to follow that format as I write this serving segment. What I know for sure: Lithopolis Methodist Church is a place where hearts and souls are changed through the very real presence of the Holy Spirit. I know for sure that our church offers many ways to serve in His kingdom. The people in this church are amazing children of God who seek to know Him through worship and service. I know for sure that LUMC is always in the process of change, as new people come and go, new ministries and classes become available, and lives and relationships are in a continual process of becoming. I know for sure that I have worn a wide variety of hats in service at the church, ranging from Sunday school teacher, to at-home communion server, to bell ringer, etc. I know for sure that every new way I serve I meet wonderful people and am affirmed of the great power of love that is at work here. I know for sure that many times when I change ministries, it opens the door for someone new to come in and pick up the ministry in new and fresh ways. I know that as people try new ministries they become new creations and the church continues to grow. I know for sure that my time serving as the practice leader for risktaking mission has made me aware of the great need there is for serving, not only at church, but also in our community and in our world. I know that mission work requires a leader who is passionate about mission, and that passion is not one of my spiritual gifts. Having said that, I know for sure that new leadership in that role will move LUMC forward into exciting opportunities for mission work and new programs. And lastly, I know for sure that God has opened the door for this to happen. With great confidence, I am handing over the reins of risk-taking mission to Jennifer Loeffler. It has been a privilege to serve in this position and I cherish the people I have come to know and how it has afforded me new insights about the kingdom. Meet Jennifer Loeffler Many of you may already know Jennifer, as she and her family have been attending LUMC since Jennifer and her husband Mike have four daughters: Caitlyn, Samantha, Maggie, and Claire. Jennifer is the District Manager for Colonial Life. She has a passion for mission and has both participated in and organized mission trips both locally and abroad. Jennifer shares my feelings that God has opened this door of opportunity for her as she shared one of her favorite quotes, Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again into instant flame by an encounter with another human being, (Albert Schweitzer). Her heart is full of compassion and a desire to bring hope and love into the world. She welcomes this chance to let her gift of mission to be more fully realized. Jennifer is anxious to hear about your ideas. She can be contacted by cell phone or cell: jennifer.loeffler95@yahoo.com

3 Opportunities to Serve 9/4/16 Random Acts of Kindness 1:00-4:00 p.m. Doing random acts in Lancaster to show people the love Christ has for them. Each month will be something new whether its buying out a coffee shop, washing peoples vehicle at a car wash, providing lunches and drinks to people in parks, mulching flower beds and so on. The event leader will let you know what random act will be performed for each event. This is a family fun event! Contact: Ashlee Homman /8/16 9/11 Flag Tribute 5:00-7:00 p.m. Help place nearly 3000 flags on the Statehouse lawn to honor and remember the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Sign up: adavis@handsoncentralohio.org 9/17/16 OSU Star House 6:00-8:00 Star House is a drop-in center for homeless youth. At the House, they are to enable them to do their laundry, eat, bathe, rest, and to connect to community services. Volunteers are needed to socialize with the youth, organize donations, clean/cook, and help in the art and computer labs Corrugated Way, Columbus Sign up: Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace Sunday, September 11 th to November 6 th 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. 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 We will be sharing the evening meal at 5:00 p.m. in room 104. Free childcare is available when desired. The cost is $93.00 per couple or individual. It is payable anytime during class. Sign up online: or by checking ( ) the box on the Connection Card inside your Sunday bulletin.

4 Ministry Newsletter Effectively inspire and equip students to develop a faith of their own Youth Pastor Info Bill Weaver bill@lithopolisumc.org office: cell: SEPTEMBER 2016 High School Youth Sundays 6:30-8:30pm Meet at the Youth House Open to 9 th 12 th grades *Every Sunday* Middle School Youth Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm Meet at the Youth House Open to 6 th 8 th grades *Every Wednesday* :00pm Meet at the Church s Gym Open to 6 th 12 th grades Time of Open Gym *September 9 th * Week of September 18 th The Bible 5 week series begins Week of October 9 th No Youth Group Meetings Week of October 30 th Spiritual Disciplines 3 week series begins Week of November 20 th No Youth Group Meetings Week of November 27 th Miracles 4 week series begins Week of December 25 th No Youth Group Meetings Week of January 1 st No Youth Group Meetings January 13 th -16 th Youth Winter Retreat at Oasis Christian Center in Franklin, KY July 18 th -23 rd Alive Festival at Atwood Lake Park in Mineral City, OH 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 bill@lithopolisumc.org and put in the subject line list and then in the body part of the your name(s) and your child(ren) s name..

5 Rock City - ALL children age 3/4 through 5 th grades are welcome in Rock City. CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES DIRECTOR Christy Arnett christy@lithopolisumc.org (614) Since Rock City is growing every week we are in need of volunteers. Any one 6 th grade and up is welcome to help on Sunday mornings. We have many jobs and helping an hour or so a month is a great way to interact with these children. If you are interested or want more information contact Christy Arnett at or christy@lithopolisumc.org. It is never too late to volunteer!! You will get a really nice t-shirt too. Below are some areas of need: 1. Sign up to rock/hold babies in the nursery. 2. Sign up to become a small group assistant. 3. Sign up to be a Good Shepherd for Rock City. 4. Donate Snacks 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. ***REMINDER*** September 21 st, at 5:30 p.m. We will be doing some crafts with all ages of children. If you would like to help with this please let me know. Please Join Us!! christy@lithopolisumc.org Vacation Bible School Kids On FM Friday, September 9 th 8:20 a.m. Saying the Pledge of Allegiance

6 Reading Buddies Starting on Wednesday, September 14 th 6:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. Children Kindergarten - 3 rd grade. Reading Buddies is designed to encourage children and build confidence with their reading skills. Participants can bring a book they are reading for school or choose from a selection of books we provide. Your child will have 30 minutes with a Reading Buddy volunteer. Most of that time will be reading. Other activities can include word games, writing activities, sight word practice, and more. To sign up or if you are interested in volunteering (High school adults) with Reading Buddies please mark the Connection Card inside your Sunday bulletin or contact Cathy Burden at cjburden@wowway.com.

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8 Lithopolis United Methodist Women News Thanks to everyone who helped with this year s Trash & Treasure sale! Thank you for all of your donations and especially for all of those who worked so hard preparing for the sale, during the sale, and cleaning up afterwards. A special thank you to all of the men who so graciously helped us throughout the sale week, providing much of the heavy lifting that is always required. It was also very gratifying to have several of our youth volunteer their time throughout the week. While the sale is sponsored by the Lithopolis United Methodist Women, it truly takes the entire church community. This year we raised over $10,000 from the sale! The Trash & Treasure sale is the main fundraiser used to support the LUMW s mission projects, which is the purpose of the UMW organization. We made a commitment to donate $8,000 to the Community Food Pantry Building Fund this year, which will bring LUMW s total donations in the past three years to this very important effort to $20,000! Plans are to break ground for the new building later this year, and LUMW is proud to have done their part in making that happen. LUMW has two other upcoming fundraisers this year that we hope everyone will support. The first one is our new LUMW cookbook, which will feature recipes from our members and friends. If anyone has more recipes they would like to submit, they can be dropped off at the Connection Center, or entered on the church website under the Info 2 tab. The cookbooks will make great Christmas gifts! The second fund raiser is our annual silent auction, which will be held as part of our Unit Meeting on Saturday, November 5 th at 9 AM in the MMC. The auction features handcrafted items, baked goods, theme baskets, and other great things made by our talented UMW members. Breakfast is served before the sale. Anybody is welcome to attend. Expect to see more details about both of these in the October newsletter. Montana de Luz Providing hope for children affected by HIV/AIDS in Honduras Walk4Education Sunday, September 18 th, :30pm Registration 5pm Walk 6pm Dinner & Trivia Little Turtle Golf Club 5400 Little Turtle Way Westerville, Ohio Registration Fee (includes t-shirt and dinner) $30 for adults / $15 for youth under 18 we encourage a minimum of $100 in sponsorships Encourage sponsors to give generously... it s for the children! Not able to participate in the walk? Be a virtual walker for $20 and receive a t-shirt. Sign up online at Questions? Contact info@montanadeluz.org or Join a team (Dianne Myers team: Lithopolis Myers) or walk as an individual! 100% of the sponsorship dollars raised will go towards paying the educational and vocational training expenses for the children of Montaña de Luz!

9 QUARTERLY September 2016 STAFF BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS Pastor Charles: Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott The master teacher of positive change through powerful communication, Susan Scott, wants her readers to succeed. To do that, she explains, one must transform everyday conversations employing effective ways to get the message across. In this guide, which includes exercises and tools to take you step by step through the Seven Principles of Fierce Conversations, Scott teaches readers how to: Overcome barriers to meaningful communication Expand and enrich conversations with colleagues, friends, and family Increase clarity and improve understanding Handle strong emotions-on both sides of the table Bill: Prayer: Finding the Heart's True Home by Richard Foster Best-selling author Richard J. Foster offers a warm, compelling, and sensitive primer on prayer, helping us to understand, experience, and practice it in its many forms-from the simple prayer of beginning again to unceasing prayer. He clarifies the prayer process, answers common misconceptions, and shows the way into prayers of contemplation, healing, blessing, forgiveness, and rest. Coming to prayer is like coming home, Foster says. "Nothing feels more right, more like what we are created to be and to do. Yet at the same time we are confronted with great mysteries. Who hasn't struggled with the puzzle of unanswered prayer? Who hasn't wondered how a finite person can commune with the infinite Creator of the universe? Who hasn't questioned whether prayer isn't merely psychological manipulation after all? We do our best, of course, to answer these knotty questions but when all is said and done, there is a sense in which these mysteries remain unanswered and unanswerable... At such times we must learn to become comfortable with the mystery." Foster shows how prayer can move us inward into personal transformation, upward toward intimacy with God, and outward to minister to others. He leads us beyond questions to a deeper understanding and practice of prayer, bringing us closer to God, to ourselves, and to our community.

10 Carl: Good to Great by Jim Collins Jim Collins asked the question, "Can a good company become a great company and if so, how?" In Good to Great Collins, the author of Built to Last concludes that it is possible, but finds there are no silver bullets. Collins and his team of researchers began their quest by sorting through a list of 1,435 companies, looking for those that made substantial improvements in their performance over time. They finally settled on 11--including Fannie Mae, Gillette, Walgreens, and Wells Fargo--and discovered common traits that challenged many of the conventional notions of corporate success. Making the transition from good to great doesn't require a highprofile CEO, the latest technology, innovative change management, or even a fine-tuned business strategy. At the heart of those rare and truly great companies was a corporate culture that rigorously found and promoted disciplined people to think and act in a disciplined manner. Peppered with dozens of stories and examples from the great and not so great, the book offers a well-reasoned road map to excellence that any organization would do well to consider. Like Built to Last, Good to Great is one of those books that managers and CEOs will be reading and rereading for years to come. --Harry C. Edwards Shelly: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young Jesus Calling is a devotional filled with uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year. After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her. It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue. She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God. Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages. They are written from Jesus' point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling. It is Sarah's fervent prayer that our Savior may bless readers with His presence and His peace in ever deeper measure. Kimberly: Interrupted: When Jesus Wrecks Your Comfortable Christianity by Jen Hatmaker Interrupted follows the author s messy journey through life and church and into living on mission. Snatching Jen from the grip of her consumer life, God began asking her questions like, What is really the point of My Church? What have I really asked of you? She was far too busy doing church than being church, even as a pastor s wife, an author of five Christian books, and a committed believer for 26 years. She discovered she had missed the point. Christ brought Jen and her family to a place of living on mission by asking them tough questions, leading them through Scripture, and walking together with them on the path. Interrupted invites readers to take a similar journey.

11 Come, enjoy and invite your neighbors and friends for food, fellowship & fun activities for the kids! Donations are accepted but not expected. ON THE MENU: Spaghetti & Meatballs WEDNESDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY DINNER Here at LUMC 5:30 PM, September 21 st in the Multi Ministry Center If you have questions or would like to help please contact the Church Office at or Notes Thank You! Your support does make a difference in the lives of those we serve. We can t even begin to thank you enough for everything that your church family does for the CW Community Food Pantry. Thank you for being so generous! Malinda, Aletha & Penny Canal Winchester Human Services

12 SCHEDULES FOR SEPTEMBER /4 9/11 9/18 9/25 Acolytes 9am Anna Cline Allen Cline Good Shepherd 9:00am Good Shepherd 10:15am Greeters 9am Kimberly & Sarah Burk Ben Warner Bunny Palmer Anna Beller David Smith David Plummer Karen Tennant Judy Ferrone Carol Marteney Norah Mattei Marlys & Randy Fergus David Karr Susan Williams Jeffrey, Sharon, Sarah Clark, David Karr, Randy Fergus Laura Fritz, Susan Williams, Bud Culp, Carla Jacobs Sue & Tom Inghram Mary Ann & Roy Laird Greeters 10:30am Well-Wishers 11:30am Connections 8:30am Sam & Aaron Farley Ty Hart Lauren Schell Barb Morrison Barb Wood Brian Malinowski Muriel Beers Rachel Swisher Cathy Burden Marlys Fergus Zan Petrie Brian Malinowski Muriel Beers Rachel Swisher Cathy Burden Dianne Myers Anna Beller The Coffman Family Cory & Cody Gregory Brenda Thacker Emily Miller Connections 10:00am Ellie Schneider Bunny Palmer Marvis Eshler Marilyn & Ken Lysinger Ruth Blauser Noreen Mattei Janell Coffman Elizabeth Jones Sherry Baughman Ushers 9:00am Tim Waibel Don Matheney Dwayne Spence Dave Plummer Tim Waibel Don Matheney Dwayne Spence Dave Plummer Tim Waibel Don Matheney Dwayne Spence Dave Plummer Tim Waibel Don Matheney Dwayne Spence Dave Plummer Ushers 10:30am Kyle & Lyndsey Waibel Mike Loeffler Brian Hertlein Kyle & Lyndsey Waibel Mike Loeffler Brian Hertlein Kyle & Lyndsey Waibel Mike Loeffler Brian Hertlein Kyle & Lyndsey Waibel Mike Loeffler Brian Hertlein NURSERY ATTENDANTS - Lisa Hovendick, Jan Jones, Stephanie Lysinger, Brenda Perry, April Totten, Kris Creviston, Kristy Lilley, Mary West and Brenda Fisher are our regular Nursery Attendants. Stacia Nepa is our Nursery Coordinator. They rotate Sundays and special events so that our children always recognize a face in the nursery.

13 LUMC Attendance & Financial Giving Information for AUGUST 2016 Combined Attendance 8/7 8/14 8/21 8/28 Worship Our Gifts Capital Funds $2,426 $2,433 $3,318 $1,354 General Contributions $12, $7, $10, $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 Bill Weaver Associate Pastor Bill@lithopoilsumc.org Christy Arnett Director of Children and Family Ministries christyarnett@ymail.com 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 Kimberly Weaver Connections Coordinator Kimberly@lithopolisumc.org Karen Martindell Minister of Visitation Karen@lithopolisumc.org Worship Co-Tech Coordinator Karen@lithopolisumc.org Michael Whetstone Worship Co-Tech Coordinator Toolandtime@yahoo.com Pastoral Care & Counseling Needs Pastor Charles Martindell, Bill Weaver or Karen Martindell * charles@lithopolisumc.org * bill@lithopolisumc.org * 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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15 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 Follow us on Twitter: LithopolisUMC Website: THE LITHOPOLIS LINK Linking Church and Home SEPTEMBER 2016