Church Council Meeting. Electronic Funds Transfer

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1 Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church January 2015 Vol. 10 No. 01 Sunday, January 4th at 3pm at Willoughby Hills UMC! Tickets are $15, and are available by calling the Church office at Check out L&F s music at speedwood.com Children s Ministry Sunday school is in full swing! Join us at 10am every Sunday! What s Happened: December 6 Angel Breakfast December 14 Children s Christmas Pageant December 24 Christmas Eve Services Our Kids Choir sang: He is Born Church Council Meeting There is a Church Council meeting set for Monday, January 5th at 7pm. The Council will be continuing our conversation on the 2015 Budget. All team leaders, please be sure to send your revised budget requests to Bill Hines. Thank you. Electronic Funds Transfer If you changed the amount of your giving, or you want to change the frequency of your gift (monthly to weekly, for instance), please be sure you have filed an EFT form with the new information! They are available on the Information and Activities Table in the Welcome Hall of the Church. Or if you would prefer, one can be ed to you to be printed out and sent in. If you don t yet give by EFT and you d like to begin, please fill out one of the forms, and attach a cancelled check from the account you d like to give from. Then just submit it to the office, and we ll get it set up for you! Thanks! This is a club for people who would be willing to donate $1 a week to the youth ministry for activities, supplies, and mission work. You will be honored with a special dinner at the end of the year. You can make your donation weekly, monthly, or all at once, it s up to you. Simply fill out a registration form (these are available on the Information and Activities Table) and return to Anne Horvath or the church office to sign-up to support the youth ministry in this way. Thank you! Super Bowl Sub Sales Fundraiser The youth will be selling sub sandwiches for Super Bowl Sunday as a fundraiser for our mission trip. The subs will cost $6 and orders will be taken from January 1 to 28. Order forms will be near the Information and Activities table or available from any youth. Orders will be available for pick up on Sunday, February 1. Jane Carle reads a story at Angel Breakfast What s Coming: Sunday School: 10am every Sunday January: Piggy bank University (The kids will learn about money: Earning Money, Giving Money, Saving Money and Spending Money) February: Diary of a Godly Kid Sometimes we say: I m not big enough or I m not strong enough. But God says: You can do BIG things, if you have a heart that seeks after ME. Support Our Youth Ministry 52 Club Fundraiser Now is your opportunity to join the 52 CLUB for What is the 52 CLUB? Celebrating Our Membership! Congratulations to the following members of our congregation who will reach milestone years of membership this month! Celebrating 54 years Elaine Hale Celebrating 21 years Betty Braun Celebrating 5 years Thomas Flanagan Youth and Mentor Christmas Party! We hope you enjoy this monthly feature in our Newsletter. We will recognize those reaching 5, 10, 15 and 20+ years of membership. Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church Eddy Road Willoughby Hills, OH page 1

2 Tea Party Donations Needed Don t feel like you have the energy or time to devote to any of our volunteer opportunities? We would welcome any donations that you would like to contribute our Ticket Auction. Here are some suggestions. Items may be dropped off in Pastor Hazel s office of on the tables in the hallway after January 4th. If you want credit for your donation, please market it with your name. Tax receipts will available. Care Cards make great donations. You help the preschool and benefit the church. Re-gift those gifts you will never use. Baskets and wide ribbon or bows for assembling our auction baskets. If you have questions, please contact Jane Carle at Tea Party 2015 Don your tea party finery, come in out of the cod, and join us for a fun filled afternoon of tea, savories, entertainment and more Where: Willoughby His United Methodist Church, Eddy Road Willoughby, Hills When: Saturday February 7, 2015 Cost: $30.00 for adults; $10 for children under 12. Reservations: Contact Jane Carle, Seating is limited please respond early Our Day will feature: Tea Sampling: Earn the proper way to brew tea as a wide variety of exotic bends are sampled. Lunch: a delectable section of savories and pastries Hat Contest: Do you have an outlandish, elegant, glamorous or otherwise noteworthy hat? Enter it in our hat contest. Ticket Auction: Tickets $1:00 each or 6 for $5.00. Choose from items designed to delight, pamper and indulge. Entertainment: The Beach Quartet All proceeds benefit The Little Light Learning Center Christian preschool. Pastor s Pen Martha, Chelsea and I just went to see the last in the Hobbit movies The Battle of the Five Armies. I ve been a devotee of the book s author, J.R.R. Tolkien, since my college days. I ve read the 4 books, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy at least 6 times. Director Peter Jackson has done a worthy job in translating the whole series to the screen. The story revolves around 2 little people from a race called Hobbits. Bilbo Baggins is uncle to Frodo Baggins it s Bilbo who is the title character of the first book. Hobbits are quiet, traditional folk, tending the land and having fun, but almost never doing anything out of the ordinary. Except for Bilbo and Frodo, as circumstances lead them on a very unexpected, unpredictable, and at times even perilous journey. The episode titled The Return of the King closes the whole epic series. Near its end, the now-aged Biblo meets with Frodo to take their last trip across the sea to the eternal lands with the elves and their guide and guardian, Gandalf. As Frodo and Bilbo stand at the shore, the elder Hobbit looks at the waiting boat, the sea, and the sun beyond it and says, I think I m quite ready for another adventure. Then he steps out, smiling and invigorated, toward the boat that will take him where he s never been, and that he only knows through the witness and promises of others. It s quite frankly one of the most moving moments I ve ever seen on film. As we are now at the leading edge of 2015, I wonder -- what adventures might be in store for us? For us as a congregation, but also for the movement of the Christian faith worldwide. I find myself hoping for something unexpected something that doesn t just maintain the status quo. And yes, I realize the old caveat applies: be careful what you ask for you might get it. But we have an assurance that trumps that old saying the assurance of the personal presence and guidance of God. That s why, with all the uncertainty in the world, I trust that we can choose to follow Him wherever He leads even if it challenges what we do or how we do it. Yes, at times, we look to God to comfort us. But there are also times, when we follow Him to inconvenient places we wouldn t have chosen to go. I think that s part of what Paul meant in 2 Corinthians 5 when he said, we live by faith, and not by sight. In his book, The Barbarian Way1, pastor Erwin McManus writes of a primal longing that waits to be unleashed within everyone who is a follower of Jesus Christ. To belong to God is to belong to His heart. If we have responded to the call of Jesus to leave everything and follow Him, then there is a voice within us crying out, Fight for the heart of your King! What is your primal longing? What is it that God has put into you that, if you let Him use it, will energize, encourage, and excite you as a follower of Jesus? Is there a desire to be involved with people so their basic needs are met? Is there a hope within you that you ll be able to share the Good News of Jesus with someone? You may be surprised at where it takes you. In fact, it s likely you will be. But you ll go there knowing that you re not alone. So perhaps it is time. As we look to 2015, I hope we do so saying, I think I m quite ready for another adventure. Happy New Year 1 The Monday Men s Group has recently begun a study of this book. We are finding it very energizing and challenging. Any men who would wish to join us are welcome at 7pm on most Mondays. Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church Eddy Road Willoughby Hills, OH page 2

3 The Daniel Plan Let s learn together! I have been reading a lot about nutrition, have followed various diets, and am ready to move into a plan I can stay with for a lifetime. I read the Daniel Plan this year and appreciated how it works, in fellowship, in the reality zone, allowing for real life, teaching solid nutrition information, including some of the latest findings. It has a track record that shows it works. The key is doing this together. We will meet at my home so we can cook or eat together sometimes. The time is late, so your other responsibilities of the day can be tucked in, and you can take an hour to concentrate on you. Please put the Daniel Plan book on your Christmas list, and perhaps the journal, too. In preparation, you can google The Daniel Plan and read for hours on that site. No reading is required before the class, however. We will meet on Tuesday nights, beginning on Jan 13. I will be out of town the 20th, so that gives you two weeks to begin the reading for the class, and then we will meet again 27th, 8-9 pm at my house. Feel free to me with questions at Terrihazen007@aol.com, or call me at Scenes from Royal Family Kids Camp time not wasted Fishing is a daily activity at Royal Family KIDS Camp and one that often challenges our boys and girls who struggle with frustration and impatience if the fish aren t biting. Fortunately our staff is well trained and, even more important, loves our KIDS and wants to help them succeed in all of the challenges they face. One camper was disappointed when his round red and white bobber continued to float on the surface of the water, never bouncing to indicate that a fish was nibbling at the worm floating just a few inches below the surface. He would move from one spot on the bank to another every few minutes, sure that he only needed to find the right location to snag his catch. He studied the water, studied the bobber, studied the shadows he could see gliding by ignoring his bait, and reached a conclusion. Quietly and seriously he said to our fishing coach, Nemo, I think I have the wrong kind of bobber on my line. I think I need to use one of those long ones. Do you think that s the problem? asked Nemo. When the boy nodded, Nemo said, Well then, let s just make the change. He deftly pulled in the boy s line, replaced the round bobber with the elongated float bobber, and together they walked back to the edge of the pond and cast the line back into the water. Nemo sat down next to the boy and for the next few minutes they talked quietly while hoping for a bite. Unfortunately they waited in vain and never got a nibble. When fishing time was up and everyone was packing up and preparing to head back to camp, Nemo said, Well, I m sorry you didn t catch any fish. That s just how fishing is sometimes. You showed good initiative in swapping out the bobber, though, and trying something new. That s OK, said the boy. At least the time wasn t wasted because you gave me a good fishing lesson. A good fishing lesson isn t all he received that afternoon. He was heard, he was respected, he was encouraged and applauded for using his initiative, and he was given the gift of undivided attention and time by someone who truly cares for him. And that s what Royal Family KIDS is all about. Moments From Minutes January is often a time of resolutions, and many of us probably are cleaning out old files and getting ready for the New Year. In the spirit of that endeavor, we decided to take a look through some of the dusty, old records in the Willoughby Hills UMC archive and shake out some memorable moments. So here goes! Served cake, punch, and coffee out on lawn near the woods. It was very warm this day, and having the reception out in the shade was very pleasant. 9 September 1961, 2 pm Wedding Diary of the Women s Society of Christian Service (WSCS). Several children have been using the Ridge Acres bus. He was advised to return the children to their home in the bus instead of his own auto. In the interest of economy he had been using his car for the return trip. There is advertising value in using the bus for this trip. 6 March 1962, He requested that after a child misses two successive Sundays, the family be called by telephone by his church school teacher. If the child should miss three successive Sundays, the teacher should make a home call to try to ascertain why the child has been absent April 1962, Rev. Griffith suggested tiny flash lights for small children instead of candles at Candle light service on Christmas Eve. 6 November 1962, Worker s Conference The Men s Club has our bus situation under discussion. There is a possibility of trading in the old bus. Two used buses are being considered. 4 December 1962,. Secretary of attendance, reported attendance is holding steady. There is an average of 230 in attendance in both sessions per Sunday. Some children attend both sessions. 8 January 1963, Adult education is growing in our church. There are 5 small groups meeting for Bible study. Then there is the group studying other religions. The WSCS study classes have been well attended. 5 March 1963 Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church Eddy Road Willoughby Hills, OH page 3

4 There was a discussion of the senior high material. The Senior High s are dissatisfied. So are the teachers. The work is too shallow. --1 October 1963, There was a discussion of the recommendation of the Commission on Membership & Evangelism that there be two worship services starting March 28 one at 9:30 A.M. and one at 11 A.M. - 2 March 1965, The Mission Commission reported that on May 16, Miss Jessie Jack, a missionary who worked in China, will speak to the church school. On June 20 at 7 P.M. the Edwards family who are missionaries in Nigeria will be here. 4 May 1965, Workers Conference The church school children have earned and saved enough money to buy 12 more chairs. These have been ordered. 2 September 1965, There will be no bus route until after Route 91 is completed. 2 September 1965, The Church School Christmas gift committee reported a comb with a Bible verse on it will be given to each child on Dec. 19 at the close of the Church School Christmas program December 1965, After the worship service on Feb. 20, there will be a coffee hour in honor of the Brice family the Cuban family we sponsored and who have been American Citizens since December 31, February 1966, Church School Workers Conference Served canapés, cookies, cake, punch, and coffee. Served 130 guests. Made 500 canapés and 10 lb. cookies. 1 July 1967, 3 pm Wedding Diary of the Women s Society of Christian Service It was suggested that we make an effort to welcome anyone entering church. 19 October 1967, October Executive Board meeting, WSCS Chicken Barbeque will be June 8th and you are asked to save cottage cheese cartons and other cartons. 28 March 1968, Executive Board Meeting, WSCS There was a discussion of the church school situation attendance is down, especially at the 10 o clock hour; teachers are needed; teachers are absent without providing a substitute or telling anyone that they will be absent; teachers are not arriving on time, etc. 13 October 1968, Commission on Education Each circle may sell no more than two items per year as money making projects in accordance with church policy. Standing Rules, Women s Society of Christian Service, Spring 1969 Each group who uses tea towels is responsible for laundering them. --Spring 1969 Standing Rules of the Women s Society of Christian Service Pastor Ed Griffith led in prayer. Said he wished there was some way of getting more people involved in activities of church. 29 May 1969, Executive Board Meeting, WSCS There s Another Way To Do That! If you didn t get your own way and you want to scream and shout here is something to consider, something else to think about. There s another way to do that! You can think it through again. You can take a big deep breath and very slowly count to ten. If you re feeling scared or nervous and you d really like to run; If you do not know what s happening or what s going to be done There s another way to do that! You can jump or skip or hop, you can sing a song or say a prayer until those feelings stop. If your friend has turned her back on you and left you all alone, you can pout and you can holler, you can cry and you can moan. There s another way to do that! You can try to understand what it was that made her act like that, and offer her your hand. If your buddy breaks your favorite toy and lies about his deed you can call him a big liar; say he s not a friend you need. There s another way to do that! You can measure up the cost. Is there really any toy that s worth the friendship you have lost? If you re never asked to join the fun or chosen for a team Do you wish that you could disappear or wake up from that bad dream? There s another way to do that! God has made you as you are! You are wonderful, unique, and in His eyes you are a star! Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church Eddy Road Willoughby Hills, OH page 4

5 He [Rev. Biery] then spoke of his work in the Inner City. When we help people we must know they are children of God and treat them with dignity, respect, and integrity. 16 October 1969, Executive Board Meeting, WSCS Each woman was given a bag containing a black paper symbolizing sins, a white paper containing Bible verses from Deuteronomy, an orange sheet to write things we are thankful for, a pledge card for WSCS, and a blue paper with service men s names on so Christmas cards could be sent to them. 13 November 1969, Executive Board meeting, WSCS Said it would be good for each person working in kitchen to be sent to have chest x-ray. Free x-ray given at Willoughby City Hall each Tuesday from 4 7 pm. 13 November 1969, Executive Board Meeting, WSCS Did some of these bring back memories? Make you smile? Make you want to know more? Well, we want to know more, too! If you have church records, memorabilia, or copies of old directories or newsletters, we would be thrilled to add them to our church archives. Contact Roxanne Wozniak or Meg Sondey if you have items to donate. Eldercare, Come Join Us! A HUGE mission field is at the Assisted Living Facilities and Nursing Homes in our community. I invite you to come and join me as we sing, pray, talk and read Scripture with these people in a time of fellowship. We need people to help turn pages between songs and to visit with them another way of sharing God s love!! Here is the schedule for January: Emeritus of Mentor: 1/9 & 1/23 at 3 pm, (2 nd & 4 th Fridays) Govenor s Village: 1/8 & 1/22 at 10 am, (2 nd & 4 th Thursdays) Hilltop Village: 1/14 & 1/28 at 10 am, (2 nd & 4 th Wednesdays) Pine Hill Country Care: 1/7 & 1/21 at 10 am, (1 st & 3 rd Wednesdays) Precious Care Assisted Living: 1/15 at 10 am, (1 st & 3 rd Wednesdays) Residence of Chardon: 1/2 & 1/16 at 10 am, (1 st & 3 rd Fridays) Meet me there or many days we could ride together! I would encourage you to give it a try maybe pick on of the facilities or more! Please call me with any questions Rev. Dr. Mary Blank: mobile ZOE in 2015 Thank you for your generous gifts to ZOE during Advent - and from many people, throughout the year! Children s loves ARE being saved and transformed thanks to these gifts. valens Receiving a goat was the beginning of a new life for Valens. He and his 14-year-old brother were orphans living in a rundown house with no one to visit or help them. They had resorted to begging for their meager meals when they were invited to join ZOE s empowerment program. Then, thanks to donors like you, their life began to change. Valens and his brother were alone and isolated following the death of their parents. When they joined ZOE s Working Group i, they discovered children who had similar stories with whom they could share their challenges. Through the training he received from ZOE, Valens learned how to plant a garden of vegetables, and he received a goat which provided milk and fertilizer for his garden. The goat, and no longer being hungry, accounts for the smile on Valens face. Another gift from ZOE is that he and his brother can attend school. Connection to his classmates and to his working group has resolved the isolation he felt. He participates in devotions and prayer with his working group. Through ZOE, Valens has learned to give and receive support from his group members as they work together to overcome poverty. Although Valens is still working towards self-reliance, his big dream has been achieved. Recently he received a pig, which he will breed for a second source of income for himself and his brother. Thanks to your support, orphans like Valens are changing their lives every day! Willoughby Hills United Methodist Church Eddy Road Willoughby Hills, OH page 5