Newsletter. March From Pastor Jon Wilterdink

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Chloe Norman
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For Shoregate this season has been an exciting break from the ordinary, with worship services through Lent that feature original organ music inspired by the Last Words of Christ on the cross and

1 Newsletter From Pastor Jon Wilterdink Where We Are March 2016 I hope that as you have entered the season of Lent you have found opportunities to draw closer to God and others. This is a special season when we break from the ordinary routines in order to discover what God can do through us. For Shoregate this season has been an exciting break from the ordinary, with worship services through Lent that feature original organ music inspired by the Last Words of Christ on the cross and composed by congregation member Matt Saunders. If you have not heard these pieces in worship I highly recommend coming! In this special season of breaking away from the ordinary and routine it is worth stepping back from the daily work of the church to ask Where are we? Where has the church come in this year of reduction, reappointments, and reorganization? It is a big question that is worth praying over personally and discussing in more detail as a church community (more about that later). A very helpful book with a very boring title Leadership& Organization for Fruitful Congregations by Stephen W. Ross has been immensely helpful for to start process the above questions. Like every organizational book, Ross starts out with how important vision is to any organization. What I found refreshing was his take on what a vision should do for a group of people like the church. He states; A vision does not need to be short memorable statement. It does need to sketch a memorable picture [1] For Ross, rather than trying to memorize a phrase that you can share when someone asks you about Shoregate UMC, you should be prepared to paint a March 2016 vivid picture of what the church is doing. When someone asks you about your church what is the picture you paint? Is it like Picasso s somber Blue Man or Old Guitarist? Is it like Salvador Dali s eccentric Persistence of Memory? Is your picture like the Michelangelo s classic and expansive Sistine Chapel or The Last Judgement? Is it filled with subtle detail like Monet s Waterlilies? Ross elaborates on the inspiration used to paint this picture; A vision answers the important questions around how the congregation embodies and fulfills the mission (which does not change) in its place and time (which is constantly changing). [2] The picture each of us paints with these two inspirations. Since that start of the church over two thousand years ago the mission has been to Make disciples, this from Jesus words at the end of Matthew s gospel commonly called The Great Commission. Where in the picture of the church are you, me, and we working to make disciple who know and live like Christ? This is the mission regardless of the pastor, the budget, the structure, the process, the ministries, or anything else! Where we are starts with asking where are each of us spending time investing in another person so that they can know Christ. The second inspiration for your picture of the church comes from the place and time the church currently inhabits. As noted these factors are constantly changing. The church moves through different seasons such as Lent. We gather on Sundays but then each of then go out into different places bringing God to where we are. Communities change over time. People come into and leave our lives, sometimes for many seasons and sometimes for brief encounters. The nature of change (Continued on Page 3) Newsletter 1

Altar Flowers March 6 OPEN 13 OPEN 20 OPEN 27 - Easter Plants Greeters March 6 Arlene Foy & Teresa Green 13 Cheryl Hall & Dick Mozak 20 - Maureen Everett 27 Arlene & David Lockard Liturgist Michele

Upchurch. We are so blessed and thankful to be able to hear the music composed by Matthew Saunders and performed on the organ by Rob Shuss each Sunday in Lent!

Be sure to visit http://martiandances.com /blog to discover the inspiration and composing details of these musical pieces! Bravo Matt and Rob!!!! Prayer Shawl Gathering March 8 th Tues.

Thank You Notes Thank you so much for the lap robe. Your kindness in my time of sorrow is appreciated!

The prayer shawl has been wrapped many times and has given a sense of peace and comfort. Please express my gratitude to the Methodist Church as well.

2 Altar Flowers March 6 OPEN 13 OPEN 20 OPEN 27 - Easter Plants Greeters March 6 Arlene Foy & Teresa Green 13 Cheryl Hall & Dick Mozak 20 - Maureen Everett 27 Arlene & David Lockard Liturgist Michele Crotser-Bosau Ushers Jim Cain Dean Cawrse Larry Hall Jamie Mansfield Pat Stevens Bill Staska, Head Usher Also, keep in your prayers Lollie Ark, Marie Kaufmann, Norma Klug, Audrey Spence and Louise Upchurch. We are so blessed and thankful to be able to hear the music composed by Matthew Saunders and performed on the organ by Rob Shuss each Sunday in Lent! What a joy for us to have such talented members of our church. We have been privileged to be astounded by Matt s original works composed around the seven last words of Christ. Be sure to visit /blog to discover the inspiration and composing details of these musical pieces! Bravo Matt and Rob!!!! Prayer Shawl Gathering March 8 th Tues.-11:00-12:00 am March 22 nd Tues. 7:00-8:00 pm (Maundy Thursday service on meeting day) *Please turn in names of students (of any age) graduating this year, to Barb Shannon or Karyn Futchi. Thank you. Thank You Notes Thank you so much for the lap robe. Your kindness in my time of sorrow is appreciated! Bryan Richert (son of Mary Richert who passed away on 12/14/16) Thank you so much for each blessing you have shared with me and my family. The prayer shawl has been wrapped many times and has given a sense of peace and comfort. Please express my gratitude to the Methodist Church as well. We will always keep these blessings and continue to pass forward your unselfish kindness. Michelle Price and family (friend of Diane Coffman) Thank you so much for the lovely prayer squares and the adorable angel. I love them all! God bless you and keep you in His loving care! Ellen M. Wright (She requested squares for her friends) A special thank you to and your prayer group for thinking and praying for me! My deepest thanks! The shawl is beautiful! It s laying on my hope chest and remains a constant reminder that prayer works! Diana (friend of Pat Stevens) Norma Klug would like to thank the church, the Saturday morning bible study group, and all those who sent cards and well wishes to her while she has been rehabbing at Breckenridge. Newsletter 2

3 (Pastor s message continued from Page 1) always brings a degree of anxiety simply because we cannot predict the future. While we do know the mission, we don t know how that mission will be lived out as the church and community continue to change. This is an opportunity to pray and discuss how the church is transforming the world and what could be for Shoregate UMC in the near future. I want you to be informed about Where we are and where we are going, which is why I am strongly encouraging everyone connected with Shoregate UMC to attend an all-church gathering on April 10th, 11:30am-1:30pm. This will be a time to learn, listen, and ask questions. Below is a brief outline of what the event will entail; 11:30am: Lunch with inspirational sharing about the ministry of Shoregate UMC. You will hear stories from NET Team leaders and others about how Shoregate UMC is making disciples right now. 12:00pm: Teaching on the church's mission & what we have learned through the congregational survey. 12:30pm: Update on church finance. In brief this will cover; how the reduction to a part-time pastor has helped Shoregate UMC, that the church is celebrating having a balance budget, and how the current budget affects the short-term future of Shoregate UMC. 1:00pm: Update on restructuring: Where the restructuring of teams has benefitted the ministry of the church and where there is still need for improvement. I hope to see you there. Please contact the church office to RSVP so that we can effectively coordinate lunch. Blessings in this Lenten season. [1] Ross, Stephen W. Leadership & Organization for Fruitful Congregations pg. 13 [2] Ross, Stephen W. Leadership & Organization for Fruitful Congregations pg. 11 Missions Living Water Report The 200 students of Ecole National-Morne Pele struggled to find safe water after their hand pump broke down. Left without a local water point, the students and the 40 local families lost many hours to walking to the nearest borehole. Cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and malaria were all regular reminders of the community's precarious water situation. However, across the water, miles away, the Lord was moving in the hearts of the people of Shoregate United Methodist Church to sacrifice of their own resources to restore the water source for a community in Haiti. Through this church's answer to the call to love the thirsty, the students of Ecole National-Mome Pele received the water they so desperately needed. The Living Water team was able to address the issues with the pump head, pump handle, pump base, pump rod-sucker rods, pump reservoir-water tank, rising main-drop pipe, cylinder, and chain to see the India Mark II hand pump begin working again. However, the repaired pump was only part of the ministry completed in the community. The team also shared foundational hygiene and sanitation lessons with the students and their families. Although the students were on break, many of them came with their parents to learn about how to practice safe hygiene and sanitation. The local community also assembled a four-person water committee to oversee the care and maintenance of their rehabilitated pump. Throughout the hygiene and sanitation lessons, the team was able to share the gospel of Jesus in this predominately Protestant and Catholic community. Thank you, Shoregate United Methodist Church, for setting aside your own comforts to allow the students of Haiti to have a human right-safe water. You have fulfilled the command of Hebrews 13:16, "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God" (ESV). Newsletter 3

Teens Teach Tech Social Media Class Coffee Hour Host Saturday Morning Bible Study Group

Worship March 7th 7:00 pm March 6 th 6:00 8:00 pm Not feeling so smart when it comes to

Bring your Ipads, Ipods, etc. for hands-on learning!

chips and a soda Support our Youth Ministry!

Faith March 15 th at 7:00 pm Palm Sunday Service March 20 th at 10:00 am Maundy Thursday

Sunday Service March 27 th at 10:00 am FOOD BANK COLLECTION!

love, and is greatly appreciated by the St. Vincent DePaul/St. Mary Magdalene Food Bank.

and the egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will be hopping by to say hello and join the fun!

4 Teens Teach Tech Social Media Class Coffee Hour Host Saturday Morning Bible Study Group Communion Stewards Cheryl Roberts & Sue Mastromonaco Communion March 13 th Passionate Worship March 7th 7:00 pm March 6 th 6:00 8:00 pm Not feeling so smart when it comes to using your Social Media gadgets? SUMC Youth will show you how on Sunday, March 6 th. Bring your Ipads, Ipods, etc. for hands-on learning! Corned Beef Sandwich Sale Sunday, March 13 th 11:15 in Fellowship Hall $8 for sandwich, chips and a soda Support our Youth Ministry! Challenge Team March 14 th at 6:00 pm Leadership Board March 14 th at 7:00 pm Intentional Faith March 15 th at 7:00 pm Palm Sunday Service March 20 th at 10:00 am Maundy Thursday Service March 24 th at 7:30 pm Good Friday Tenebrae Service March 25 th at 7:30 pm Easter Sunday Service March 27 th at 10:00 am FOOD BANK COLLECTION! Our monthly food collection for the Willowick Food Bank will be on March 4th, the first Sunday of the month. Our contributions make a real difference in giving to our community and help show God s love, and is greatly appreciated by the St. Vincent DePaul/St. Mary Magdalene Food Bank. Saturday, March 19 th 11:00 am Come on over for a fun-filled morning with snacks, crafts, and the egg hunt. The Easter Bunny will be hopping by to say hello and join the fun! Bring your own basket! All ages welcome!! Snacks and refreshments provided If you would like to help, contact Connie Herczak at connie.herczak@opivision.com or call ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE!! Saturday, May 7 th 9:00 3:00 We can start collecting your treasurers after Easter. One man s trash is another man s treasurers. Newsletter 4

Youth meetings are from 6:00 8:00 pm on: March 6th and 13th Youth Corned Beef Sandwich Sale on March 13 th in Fellowship Hall at 11:15 am. $8 for a sandwich, chips & soda.

5 Youth meetings are from 6:00 8:00 pm on: March 6th and 13th Youth Corned Beef Sandwich Sale on March 13 th in Fellowship Hall at 11:15 am. $8 for a sandwich, chips & soda. Sign-up sheet is located in the foyer!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY March 16 - Myla Corbett Ashton Gibney March 20 - Molly Delaney The Children's Choir will be singing in church on Easter Sunday, March 27th. After this we will no longer have practices, but we will sing again at the Youth Sunday service on May 15 th. Remember that all children in grades K-5 are welcome to join the Children s Choir at any time. Practices are on Sundays right after church from 11:15 to 11:45 in the Sunday school classroom. If you have any questions, please contact the Children s Choir Director, Beth McKeown at (evenings). SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 2016: March 6 11:15 am Practice March 13 11:15 am Practice March 20 11:15 am Practice March 27 Easter Sunday 10:00 am - Sing in church (rehearse at 9:10) May 15 Youth Sunday 10:00 am - Sing in church (rehearse at 9:10) Newsletter 5

6 NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID Willoughby OH PERMIT NO. 9 Welcome to Shoregate United Methodist Church Worship Service: 10 a.m. Every Sunday Lead Pastor: Jon Wilterdink*** Church Secretary: Karyn Futchi** Organist: Robert Shuss Music Director: Ryan Delaney** Praise Band Handbell Director: Lynn Braun**Children's Choir Director: Beth McKeown Website: Office Phones: ; Fax: Church office@shoregateumc.org Pastor: pastorjon@shoregateumc.org Pastor's phone: Preschool Office: Newsletter 6

7 CALLING ALL HELPERS AND VOLUNTEERS!!! Thank you so much for your willingness to serve! Teresa Green, chairman Newsletter 7

St. Paul s News APRIL 2017

St. Paul s News APRIL 2017 St. Paul s, Happy Spring! As we welcome the month of April we are also getting close to our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus on Easter. Easter Sunday in April 16 th and