The Messenger. First Worship Service! Pastor Hugh Bowland Sunday September 2, Dear family of God at Mt. Blanchard:

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1 The Messenger A Publication of Mt. Blanchard United Methodist Church Mt. Blanchard, Ohio September 2007 First Worship Service! Dear family of God at Mt. Blanchard: First, let me say that I am looking forward to being with you as your pastor. Here is a little bit about me to help us get better acquainted. I was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio where I attended and graduated from Morrison R. Waite High School. I attended The Ohio State University for two years and then transferred to Bowling Green University, from which I earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree. I taught elementary music in the Clear Fork School System and History at Old Fort High School, Old Fort, Ohio prior to enrolling in seminary. I began my seminary experience at Winebrenner Seminary in Findlay and then transferred to the Methodist Theological Seminary in Ohio where I graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. In 1982 I received a Doctor of Divinity degree from METHESCO. During this time my wife, Mary Jane, and I raised 3 children.terrie (Cortez), Robin (Chapin) and William. We now have 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Mary Jane and I have known each other since the third grade. We were married in 1957 (in case you haven't figured it out, this year is our 50th anniversary. We have been under appointment in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church since I retired for the first time in 2000 but have served in many churches as guest speaker; I have also served three interim pastorates since then. I know this is just a brief sketch. We will get to know each other better as time goes by. Pastor Hugh Bowland Sunday September 2, 2007 Yours in Christ, Hugh W. Bowland, D.Min.

2 Boy Scout News.... As I said in last month's Messenger, the Scout Troop did very well during Summer Camp. The group earned 30 merit badges and there were two Scouts that advanced in rank. Brad Deeter earned his Star Rank and David Hoy earned his Bronze Palm for the Eagle Rank. There will be more advancements in the next couple of months after some of Scouts finish up on their requirements. David Hoy's Eagle Ceremony was held on July 29, 2007 at the Central Church of Christ in Findlay. David and his family (his father Ray, mother Vicki, sister Debra and brother Dan) held a reception after the ceremony. During David's acceptance speech, David said he learned a lot and he thanked everyone for sticking with him during his journey. David's dad, Ray, was also an Eagle Scout. On the morning of July 29, 2007, Scout Ben Williams (Pastor Jim Williams' son), gave the sermon during church. This was at the Mt. Blanchard Church of the Nazarene and Ben took his father's place for the sermon part of the Church Service. From what I understand, Ben spoke for about 15 minutes and he did very well. The Troop had to cancel the canoe trip planned for the Blanchard River due to the lack of water in the river. We also had to move the Troop's Court of Honor Ceremony date due to conflicts with school schedules. We are trying to schedule the ceremony on September 22, 2007 if the Fellowship Hall is open on that evening. September 7 through 9, 2007: Campout at the Hocking Hills State Park in Southeastern Ohio September 22, 2007: Possible date for the Troop's Court of Honor at the Mt. Blanchard Methodist Church. October 7, 2007: Trip to Fort Meigs in Maumee, Ohio October 19 through 21, 2007: Campout at the 7 Ranges Scout Reservation in Eastern Ohio. Jesus and the mud puddle JESUS & THE MUD PUDDLE (You gotta believe a 6 year old) Howard County Sheriff Jerry Marr got a disturbing call one Saturday afternoon a few months ago. His 6-year-old grandson Mikey had been hit by a car while fishing in Greentown with his dad. The father and son were near a bridge by the Kokomo Reservoir when a woman lost control of her car, slid off the bridge and hit Mikey at a rate of about 50 mph. Sheriff Marr had seen the results of accidents like this and feared the worst. When he got to Saint Joseph Hospital, he rushed through the emergency room to find Mikey conscious and in fairly good spirits. "Mikey, what happened?" Sheriff Marr asked. Mikey replied, "Well, Papaw, I was fishin' with Dad, and some lady runned me over. I flew into a mud puddle and broke my fishin' pole and I didn't get to catch no fish!" As it turned out, the impact propelled Mikey about 500 feet, over a few trees and an embankmentand in the middle of a mud puddle. His only injuries were to his right femur bone which had broken in two places. Mikey had surgery to place pins in his leg; otherwise the boy is fine. Since all the boy could talk about was that his fishing pole was broken, the Sheriff went out to Wal-mart and bought him a new one while he was in surgery so he could have it when he came out. The next day the Sheriff sat with Mikey to keep him company in the hospital. Mikey was enjoying his new fishing pole and talked about when he could go fishing again as he cast into the trash can. When they were alone, Mikey, just as matter-of-factly, said, "Papaw, did you know Jesus is real? Well," the Sheriff replied, a little startled. "Yes, Jesus is real to all who believe in him and love him in their hearts." "No," said Mikey. "I mean Jesus is REALLY real." "What do you mean?" asked the Sheriff. "I know he's real 'cause I saw him." said Mikey, still casting into the trash can. "You did?" said the Sheriff. "Yep," said Mikey. "When that lady runned me over and broke my fishing pole, Jesus caught me in his arms and laid me down in the mud puddle." GIVES YOU GLORY BUMPS DOESN'T IT! GOD WILL DO THE REST I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today to guide you and protect you as you go along your way His love is always with you His promises are true and when we give Him all our cares you know He will see us through. So when the roads you're traveling on Seems difficult at best just remember I'm here praying And GOD WILL DO THE REST. We find rest in those we love, and we provide a resting place for those who love us.

3 Eleanor Rachel Haas, daughter of Dan and Rachel, was baptized at Church in the Park (held indoors this year) on August 26. Welcome to the family of God, Ellie! SILENT CAMPAIGN ACTS 4:32-37; ECC. 3:3b By now, you should have received a letter announcing the start of the Silent Campaign. Please consider the letter and the capital project needs of our Church carefully. One item of instruction missed in the letter, all donations to the Silent Campaign (and its associated capital projects) should be designated or marked as SILENT or CAPITAL. This way, the offering counters and church office will know the donation is for the capital projects. Finally, a thought or two on capital giving: Day to day, month to month, the MBUMC depends upon the general fund offerings. Each of us gives as we see fit or, hopefully, as we feel God would like us to do. This is not too different than our personal finances there is a basic need to pay the mortgage/rent, the electric bill, the phone bill, etc. However, when something goes wrong at home like a major appliance quits working or the car needs repaired, those large capital expenses place a strain on our personal budget. However, we still have to pay the monthly bills, so we work diligently to find a way to afford both the monthly bills and the capital project. It is not much different with the Church except for one catch. When the congregation begins giving to capital improvements, there can be a tendency to decrease what is given to the general fund. We have seen this most recently as our Church solicited donations for the sign fund, the media project, mission trips, etc. There is a noticeable dip in regular giving. So, permit me to suggest a different way of looking at capital giving. When the Church asks for help with capital projects, try to apply the same diligence that you would with your personal finances. Look for ways to continue your general offering, but also to free up funds for giving to the capital projects. It will require sacrifice, so be prepared.

4 Amber Johnson McKenzie Miller Patty Ellis Andy Qualley Cody Allen Maidens Alvie Williams Sr. Pete and Bev Rodabaugh Betty Burnett Brenda Ritzhaupt Ada Wasson Pastor Karen and Tom Ruth Greenlee Roy Kimmel Our Church in transition Tom Fox Merv Alexander Our Service Personnel Dean Willson Larry Beagle Youth Ministries Lawrence Porcello Darnell Kirschner Our nation and world Eloise Dunbar Deb Young (VB) Lindsey Sapp Alice Bibler Sally Inbody Brent Sampson Lila Buxton Kenny Alge Pam Messmer Lori Myers Liz Myers Randy Snyder Mary Ellen Walters Eloise Dunbar Heidi Jolliff Dave Craig Bob Mauger Dale Buxton Lori Ring Jerry Hosterman Jack Cramer Plates Bowls Pans - Platters Casserole Dishes! Please help cleaning up the kitchen! There are several of these items that need to find there way back into their homes! Please take the time today and see if any of these are yours! and all others silently lifted up in private prayers of our hearts. SUNDAY SCHEDULE Sunday School 9am Worship 10:30am Pastor Pastor Hugh Bowland Special Ministries Children & Youth Director, Jessica Cavinee Office Manager, Tammy Dunbar Noah s Ark Preschool Director, Tina Thomas Financial Secretary, Tammy Dunbar Treasurer, Julie Miller Office Hours Mon Fri, 9am 2pm Phone: mbumcoffice@wcoil.com Website: Fall Features in the Library CHANGED LIVES - Celebrities reveal their personal stories of divine intervention, including Lorne Greene, Perry Como, Bob Hope and many others, in the Biography section. The entire LEFT BEHIND series, both in the Fiction section, and as Audio books, in the Audio/Video section STORM WARNING by Billy Graham - What Is The World Coming To? - in the Study section Kids - Did you know we have many Beverly Lewis books including? THE CREEPY SLEEP-OVER TREE HOUSE TROUBLE BACKYARD BANDIT MYSTERY GREEN GRAVY PICKLE PIZZA BIG BAD BEANS and many more These are only some samples of the many resources available in your own Mt. Blanchard UMC library. Check it out and HAPPY READING!!!

5 (Silent Campaign cont.) A few practical suggestions: Consider selling possessions or property (an extra car, an old motorcycle, stock investments, etc.). Consider reducing your spending on wants and luxury items (fewer dinners out, give up cable or premium channel packages for a while, don t buy the latest and greatest electronics or DVD movies, etc.) Consider giving a portion of your savings as long as it will not endanger your well-being (good stewards will keep some emergency fund in case of job transitions and medical problems). A practical example: My wife and I have talked about the Silent Campaign already. We operate on a budget and have been faithfully making monthly payments to savings for a future vehicle (to replace her minivan eventually). In an effort to give to the Silent Campaign, she is willing to commit to keeping the van a year longer so that we can give up the savings for the capital projects. She is making a sacrifice and being content with what God has given us. One last note: the Bible is very clear that being good stewards with even a little money is looked on with favor by God. Even if you can give only small amounts in the eyes of humans, it is a gift fit for a king in God s eyes. Giving is between you and God. Watch for more silent updates in the near future! Doug Borkosky Chair, Finance Ministry Team PS If you didn t notice the scripture references in the logo, take time to check them out.

6 Congratulations on the Wedding of Emily (Wilkins) & Nathan Spieth They shared their vows here on August 11, 2007! May God bless their life together! Their new address: CR26 Findlay, OH Roofing & Project Work Days! At the Mt. Blanchard UMC & Parsonage! Labor Day Weekend!!! Friday (8/31) 6 pm 9 pm Parsonage Roof Saturday (9-1) 8 am 8 pm Parsonage Roof 9 am 2 pm Maintenance Project (ground base) Monday (9/3) 8 am -??? Parsonage Roof (if needed) We need help on the roof and on the ground! Come and join in this project! For detail, call Doug Borkosky ( ) or John Edie ( ). Social Concerns We continue to serve persons in our area from our food pantry and assisting them with gasoline, health, and other needs. The next Food Pantry Sunday will be September 23rd. Items needed are canned meats, (chicken, tuna, ham, etc.) and canned fruit. Thanks to your many contributions we have been able to fulfill the needs of our community. God Bless! Education Pot Luck Luncheon... On September 9, 2007 following the worship service we will be having a carry-in pot luck dinner! Please bring a hot or cold dish! Table service and drinks will be provided by the Education Committee! Dessert will be provided by the Silent Campaign in celebration of meeting their first goal they are supplying the Ice Cream!!!!! Fall Men s Retreat 2007 Show Up! September 22 nd 9:00 am 3:30 pm Dunkirk Campground Rangeline Rd, Dunkirk Food Fellowship Worship Cost: FREE! For more information call: Gregg King Office has 5 tickets already! You need a ticket to attend! Just stop by the office to get your ticket! Hank Leland Walters Born lbs 15 oz Proud Parents: Mike & Holly Walters Grandparents: Dick & Pam Kuenzli, Don & Pat Walters

7 Bible Study The Prayer That Changes Everything The Hidden Power of Praising God By Stormie Omartian We will be continuing our Bible Study from last year, starting with chapter 13. We welcome anyone who would like to join us. It's a study you can jump in at any point. We are going to make some changes, after getting some appreciated great feed-back; Everyone should have read the chapter when we meet. We will be discussing the sections in the back of the chapters. If there are prayer concerns, we ask that you write them down and we will exchange these written concerns. We will have an outing every 3 months for fellowship. Our focus will be on scripture and how to apply it to our lives. KFC Coming Soon! Do you know a Kindergartener this year? We are looking for as many Kindergarteners as we can find for this year s Kindergarteners For Christ! We hope you will join us September 11th, 2007 there after it will be the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at The Beck House from 10 a.m. to noon. We look forward to what God will teach us this year! We will be meeting the last Sunday of every month right after church until 1:30. The program will run October thru April this year. If you know of a Kindergartener that you think would like to receive an invitation to participate in the program, please contact the church with their information! TR 57 Rawson, OH We will greatly miss them!

8 UMYF News Who: 7 th 12 th grade girls, their moms are also welcome! Where: Nationwide Area, Columbus, OH! When: September 14th-15 th! Lodging: Hawthorn Suites! Cost: $ per person due when you sign up! Includes: Hotel Conference Meals Travel If you have any questions please call Jessica or the church office. Only 12 spots are available! So please act quickly! You can visit their website at revolvetour.com to see who all the speakers and performing artists that will be at this conference! 7-12 graders Kick-off is Sunday September 23 from 2:45-5pm! This year watch for. Fear Factor Camp Fires Movie Nights Scavenger Hunts Duct Tape Wars And more!!!

9 FROG LEGS 2007/2008 Schedule September 19- The Bush Baby (growing up in Christ) Please come and welcome Pastor Hugh and his wife Mary Jane to our congregation! October 3- The Coatimundi (being teachable) 17- The Dog (following Jesus) 31- The Killer Whale (discipline) November 14- The Tasmanian Devil (controlling temper) 28- The Ostrich (arguing) December 12- Christmas Party January 9- The Peacock (pride) 23- The Koala (influences) February 6- The Lion (patience) 20- The Camel (purity) March 5- The King Snake (victory) April 2- The Cat (worship) 16- The Elephant (sharing) 30- The Rabbit (growing God s family) May 14- End of the Year Party Liturgist: Lester Moser Acolytes: Savannah Karhoff & Taylor Kuenzli Greeters: Steve & Tammy Dunbar Ushers: Nicole Alge, Julie Breitigam, Rosalee Horn & Judy Eatherton