Neal Avenue United Methodist Church. Messenger

Transcription

1 Neal Avenue United Methodist Church May 2018 Messenger We are a people of the resurrection! Isn t that good news! Like the early disciples, we live with the joy of knowing that our Lord is alive and that death cannot declare the final victory over us! But sometimes we wonder what that means in terms of the practical application to our daily lives. After all, we still have bills to pay, we still argue with our spouses and our kids, we still get sick, we still get embroiled in politics and discrimination, and we still have chores and jobs that have to be done, like it or not. Sometimes, life seems so harsh that we are just trying to get through the day without a nervous breakdown. That joy of the eternal seems like a far-off victory, not a victory for today. Mission Statement L.O.V.E. G.O.D. Lead Others to spiritual Victory; to Encourage, to Give of Ourselves and Demonstrate the love of Jesus But if the message of the resurrection was meant only for the end of time, or for after our deaths, Jesus would not have come back to the disciples before he ascended into heaven. He would not have given them instructions for teaching and preaching to people both near and far. He would not have breathed his Spirit on them to empower them. The good news is that resurrection gives life to us in every moment, giving us hope right now and stretching into eternity. This same Spirit of God that Jesus gave to the disciples is in the world today. We seek to hear and understand the truth of the Spirit among the noise of a world that gives out its own version of the truth, a world that tries to tell us that there are many truths, each equally acceptable. But, as John wrote, those people who believe in many truths speak from the world s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. We who belong to God listen to the Spirit of God, and that empowers us to share the only real truth (1 John 4:5-6). The idea that Christianity is the ultimate truth absolutely matters. C.S. Lewis said that people always think you are recommending Christianity not because it is true, but because it is good One must keep on pointing out that Christianity if false, is of no importance, and if true, [is] of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important. Why is Christianity so important? Because everything about life is done differently in light of the life, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ. We love one another differently because God first loved us and showed us how to love. And if we love one another in Christ, God lives in us, and God s love is brought to full expression in us. If we have such love, we have no fear, because perfect love drives out fear (1 John 5:18). As people of the resurrection, we live with truth and love and confidence. Difficult circumstances don t affect us nearly as much, and neither do negative feelings, because both of these are relatively fleeting. It makes knowing the end result all that much sweeter to have a present in which we support each other with love. It is this message of hope in the journey, summed up in that one word, risen, that makes Christianity stand out among other religions and allows our truth claim to take its rightful place. So rejoice always because life is ours in Christ, full of peace and joy, now and always. Shalom, Pastor Em

2 May 6 Liturgist ~ Jess Willard Children s Sermon ~ Dave Rauch Communion Assistants ~ Bill & Sharon Miller and Jess Willard & Doug Stout May 13 Mother s Day Prelude & Offertory~ Handbell Choir Liturgist ~ Doug Stout Children s Sermon ~ Pastor Em May 20 Liturgist ~ Laura Atherton Children s Sermon ~ Randy Spiker May 27 Liturgist ~ Don Urban Children s Sermon ~ Doug Stout Ushers: Bob Howell, Dick Hayden, Tracey Gentry, Bill & Sharon Miller, Vaughn Klingler, Craig Sessor, and Doug Stout Graduating? Graduate recognition Sunday is May 20th! If you will be graduating from any school this spring, please notify the church by May 6. Include your name, name of school, major, future plans, and if possible a photo. Digital photos are best, you can the office at: office@nealavenue.com Paul & Hazel Butt Memorial Scholarship Applications (available in the church office and on the church website) are due into the church office by May 6, You may your completed form to: office@nealavenue.com. Pentecost Celebration! Sunday, May 20th Handbell and chancel choirs are hosting a luncheon after the worship service on May 20. All are invited. We will be celebrating everyone s birthday at this lunch as falls on Pentecost Sunday, which is the birthday of the church! Luncheon ~ Birthday Party ~ Pentecost ~ Graduate Recognition If you can wear RED!

3 Ice Cream Social 4-H Band Concert Sunday, June 10 Young At Heart Monday, May 14 at Noon Old Bag of Nails Hosts: Phyllis Laughlin, Carl & Betty Bell We hope to see you then! noon to 2 NOTE: please do not park in Main St. parking lot for worship that morning! Happy Anniversary! Harry & Charlene Broseus May 5th Joe & Lori Graham May 16th Lynn & Lisa Lehman May 21st Dick & Carol Hayden May 27th Vacation Bible School Rolling River Rampage Begins June 24 (through 28) 5:15 p.m. Light meal 6-8:00 p.m. Program Neal Avenue Christian Women Thursday, May 6 p.m. The next meeting of Neal Avenue Christian Women will be Thursday May 17 at 6 PM in the lounge. Everyone is welcome. Becky Lawrence will present devotions. Nancy Swigeart will present a program honoring the members who passed in 2017 and honoring mothers. If you have a cute story about your mother or about yourself as a mother, bring it to share. Refreshments will be served by Charlene Broseus and Liz Hayden. Watch for the next Messenger when we will give details about a trip to The Living Word outdoor drama July 20.

4 Visit the Holy Land June 15-27, 2020 An interest sign up sheet is located on the bulletin board (north entry, across from nursery window). Please add your name and contact information if you are interested.

5 Christian Love and Sympathy to... the family of Norma Clouston upon her death, March 31, Memorials A gift has been made to the Boiler Fund of Neal Avenue United Methodist Church in loving memory of: Norma Clouston By: Gary & Becky Lawrence A gift has been made to the Boiler Fund of Neal Avenue United Methodist Church in loving memory of: Karen Cairns By: Lisa Ford A gift has been made to the Boiler Fund of Neal Avenue United Methodist Church in loving memory of: Martha L. Wilson By: Christin Home SS Class Gifts have been made to the Organ Replacement Fund of Neal Avenue United Methodist Church in loving memory of: Mary Mullenix By: Lisa Ford, Bell Choir, and Christian Home SS Class Many Thanks... I ve waited to writhe our thanks for all your cards, visits, and prayers after our terrible accident on Christmas Day. Because Joe was so seriously hurt, and I wanted to give better news, but it wasn t to be. Mary Lou and I are recovering, slowly. But God was merciful and took him out of his misery after over 25 days. Your prayers helped him get his relief, and we knew that s what he wanted. Thanks again for trying. We love you all. Kitty (Whaley), Mary Lou and the D Andrea Family I want to thank all the folks who covered the office while I was on leave. Nancy Swigeart, Betty Logan, Sue Kreager, Judy Liston, Liz Hayden, and Dave Rauch. I appreciate everyone s prayers and concerns as I continue to navigate through recovery. Thank you for your continued patience. As part of my recovery, the office hours have been reduced to four days a week (closed on Fridays) until further notice, please forgive the inconvenience. With Christian Love, Diane Frye A gift has been made to the Memorial Fund of Neal Avenue United Methodist Church in loving memory of: Karen Cairns By: Christian Home SS Clas A gift has been made to the Memorial Fund of Neal Avenue United Methodist Church in loving memory of: Mary Mullenix By: Betty & Lynne Meridith Gifts have been made to the Memorial Fund of Neal Avenue United Methodist Church in loving memory of: Norma Clouston By: Frank & Judy Schonauer, Joyce Channey Annual Conference June 3-6

6 Attendance & Income Attendance Date Worship SS Jr Church 3/ / / / / Holy Week Maundy Thursday: 38 Good Friday: 45 Sunrise: 39 Operating Date Offering YTD 3/25 $ 2, $ 49, /01 4, , /08 4, , /15 3, , /22 2, , Special Offerings from 3/25to4/22 (totals) UMCOR ~ $ Operation Feed ~ $ 210 Memorial Fund ~ $ 105 Boiler Fund ~ $ 495 Organ Replacement Fund - $ 1, Nurture $110 Food Pantry $ Operation Feed $ Lent/Easter $ Three Nails Youth $10.00 Missions $ Free Community Dinner $ Dear Members of Neal Avenue UMC, Please accept this sincere thank you for your generous support of the Food Pantry Network of Licking County. Your donation of $945 and 40 pounds of food is very much appreciated. In addition to our twenty food pantries, baby pantry, weekly free produce markets and daily soup kitchen, the Food Pantry Network of LC also provides resources to many other LC feeding programs such as shelters, after school programs, and free community meals. Your support greatly helps us in our efforts to fulfill our mission of assuring that no one in Licking County goes hungry. Sincerely, Charles S. Moore Ex. Dir. FPNLC I Said a Prayer for You Today I said a prayer for you today and know God must have heard I felt the answer in my heart although He spoke no word I didn t ask for wealth or fame (I knew you wouldn t mind) I asked that He d be near you at the start of each new day To grant you health and blessings and friends to send your way! I asked for happiness for you in all things great and small But it was for His loving care I prayed for most of all! May 28 Author unknown Submitted by Patty Adams

7 1 PJ Bush, Abigail Doran Jer 32:16-25 Rom 12:1-12 Luke 8: Quilters Jer 32:36-44 Rom 13:1-14 Luke 8: Rev. John Harra Jer 33:1-13 Rom 14:1-12 Luke 8: Rachelle Brown, Jason Hodges, Jer 33:14-26 Rom 14:13-23 Luke 8:40-56 Lynn Lehman, 5 Ginny Berens, Gladys Gerlach Duet 31:30-32:14 Rom 15:1-13 Luke 9: Licking County Jail Ministry Acts 10: John 5:1-16 John 15: Diane Watson Deut 8:1-10 James 1:1-15 Luke 8: Tasha Geer Deut 8:11-20 James 1:16-27 Luke 11: Dave Rauch Deut 19:1-17 James 5:13-18 Luke 12: Homebound Ezek 1:1-14,24-28b Heb 2:5-18 Matt 28: Lori Graham Ezek 1:28-3:3 Heb 4:14-5:6 Luke 9: Betty Hoskinson Ezek 3:4-17 Heb 5:7-14 Luke 9: Syndey Peck Acts 1:15-17, John 5:9-13 John 17: Sue Eagle Ezek 4:1-17 Heb 6:1-12 Luke 9: Victims of Natural Disasters Ezek 7:10-15,23b-27 Heb 6:13-20 Luke 10: Hospice of Licking County Ezek 11:14-25 Heb 7:1-17 Luke 10: Nurture Committee Ezek 18:1-4,19-32 Heb 7:18-28 Luke 10: Mardi Rye, Candy Stout Ezek 34:17-31 Heb 8:1-13 Luke 10: Emily Comisford Ezek 43:1-12 Heb 9:1-14 Luke 11: Vacation Bible School Acts 2:1-21 Rom 8:22-27 John 15:26,27,16:4b Brent Scott Ruth 1: Tim 1:1-17 Luke 13: Cole Howe, Madeline Wait Ruth 1:19-2:13 1 Tim 1:18-2:18 Luke 13: Abigail Eagle, Chris Franga, Ruth 2: Tim 3:1-16 Luke 13:18-30 Vicki Moore 24 Neighbors Ruth 3: Tim 4:1-16 Luke 13: Nurses Ruth 4: Tim 5:17-22 Luke 14: Jeff Freeland, Mark Pratt, Deut 1: Tim 6:6-21 Luke 14:12-24 Daniel Bricker 27 Kimberly Howe, Nikohl Kennedy Isa 6:1-8 Rom 8:12-17 John 3:1-17 Trinity Largent, Sharon Lewis 28 Victims of Abuse Deut 4: Cor 1:1-11 Luke 14: Amanda Ferry Deut 4: Cor 1:12-22 Luke 15: Those in Recovery Deut 4: Cor 1:23-2:17 Luke 15: Deborah Ewing, Veneva Glover, Deut 4: Cor 3:1-18 Luke 16:1-9 Brandon Hurst, June Wymer, Alex Matteson Scripture, prayer and birthday calendar. Please pray daily for the names and ministries listed on the prayer calendar. If your birthday has been omitted, please accept our apology and notify the church office. Have a Prayer Request? Call the church office or Charlene Broseus ( ).

8 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 p.m. Cub Scouts, (sanctuary) 5:15 p Chair Aerobics 5:30 p.m. Girl Scouts, FH/102 6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir Practice Office closed 6:45 p N/A Group Food Pantry/ Missions Sunday Memorial Scholarship apps due 7 p Trustees Mtg. 6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts, (FH, 101, 104, 202,302) 6 p Finance Mtg. 7 p Ad Council Mtg. 5:30 p.m. Girl Scouts, FH/102 6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir Practice 6 p Girl Scouts, FH, 101 Office closed 11 a Cub Scouts, Sanctuary/FH (Crossover Ceremony) 6:45 p p N/A Group Mother s Day 12 p Young At Heart, Old Bag of Nails 6 p Witness/ Outreach & Missions 5:15 p Chair Aerobics 6 p Nurture Mtg. 5:30 p.m. Girl Scouts, FH/102 6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir Practice 6 p Girl Scouts, FH, p.m. NACW Office closed 6:45 p p N/A Group 6:30 p Charlie Circle 6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts, (FH, 101, 104, 202,302) Pentecost Celebration Luncheon/Party/ Graduate 6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts, (FH, 101, 104, 202,302) 6 p SPRC Mtg. 5:30 p.m. Girl Scouts, FH/102 6:00 p.m. Handbell Choir Practice 6 p Girl Scouts, FH, 101 Office closed 6:45 p p N/A Group Deadline for June Messenger June 1 June 2 Memorial Day 5 p FREE Community Dinner, FH. 6 p Girl Scouts, FH, 101 Office closed 6:45 p p N/A Group Sundays 9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Coffee Fellowship 10:00 a.m. Blood Pressure Checks 10:30 a.m. Worship Service 6:30 p.m. 3 Nails Youth Ministry

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10 Neal Avenue United Methodist Church 12 Neal Avenue Newark, OH Return Service Requested Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Newark, OH Permit No. 88 Pastor s Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. Noon Church Office Hours: Monday: 8:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday: 8:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:00-3:00 p.m. Office is closed Fridays May 2018 The Neal Avenue Messenger is published once a month (with the exception of July/August being combined) for the enjoyment of friends and members of Neal Avenue Church. *June Messenger deadline is May 20 Please report any address changes to the office immediately. (740) or (740) office@nealavenue.com Web: Staff: Rev. Eva Marie Wofle, Senior Pastor Rev. John Harra, Pastor Emeritus Randy Spiker, CLM Doug Stout, Dir. Of Youth Ministries Sue Spiker, Pianist Mary Ellen Strahm, Organist Rodney Harris, Music Director Laura Atherton, Bell Choir Director Elward Smith, Custodian Diane Frye, Secretary