THE CORNERSTONE Newsletter NOVEMBER 4-DECEMBER 1, 2018 The Cornerstone is your guide to ministry opportunities at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Look inside for ways to take next steps in your faith journey, grow deeper through service opportunities, and be encouraged through stories of God at work! If you d like more information about our church, please stop by the Connect Center in the lobby. Upper Arlington Lutheran Church web www.ualc.org email ualc@ualc.org phone 614-451-3736
WELCOME TO UPPER ARLINGTON LUTHERAN CHURCH A couple months into my freshman year at Miami University I made a phone call to my parents that I never expected I d make. Mom, I think I m going to pledge a fraternity. It was one of the last things I thought I would do at college since it really wasn t my scene. However, I explained to my mom how God was opening a door. You see at one fraternity s open house, I met a couple upperclassmen who explained they were Christian and living out their faith in the house. A future mentor, Dave Healing, then took me and another potential pledge out to breakfast. He wisely paired Mike with me as Christians and told us about the way a few others were living side by side with people who didn t know Christ. They even led a house Bible study. By the end of that year, Mike and I had joined the fraternity while the graduating seniors handed the Bible study down to us. What we experienced over the next three years was a series of huge ups and downs. We faithfully held the weekly Bible study. We experienced our first real taste of persecution. We had super honest conversations with people at parties and over grilled sandwiches made by house mom Rita. One brother asked for help in receiving Christ after God kept pursuing him. The number of people attending the study never really rose but different people cycled through. Oftentimes I wondered if we were making an impact at all. Coming up this month: It wasn t until we were graduating that the picture started to become clear. A number of younger fellas expressed what it meant for us to openly live for God. On top of that, the number of Christians in line behind us had grown. We handed down leadership of the ministry and the study with confidence. Years later, I found out that those gentlemen took ownership in a big way. Over time the number of Christ followers grew and they began turning Christian freshmen away. They encouraged them to go into other fraternity houses and minister there. The main leader of that effort was Brad Snyder who now pastors at Veritas Church Tri-Village. Incredible how God works, isn t it? Our long-term commitment to God and a vision paid off. He was faithful to pass along the ministry from one class to another. It echoes church life in so many ways as we pass the faith and ministry leadership along from one generation to another. I personally invite you to celebrate this kind of faithfulness as witnessed by 50 years of UALC s preschool ministry. No matter your age, UALC s mission and emerging focus is one worth committing to as I believe God will be faithful again as we pursue it together. So where is God at work around you and what is He calling you to step into? We ve been asking students these questions on a regular basis and we re seeing some exciting stories of real-life impact. Similarly, the ideas from last year s O2 Conference have taken off and we re pursuing more interactions with the community through this tool right now. Be inspired my brothers and sisters! May God continue to use us to be and to make disciples of Jesus while we engage the real needs of our community. For His Glory and the Sake of the Kingdom, David A. White IV Pastor of Family, Youth & Children
COMING UP UALC Preschool And Kindergarten Celebrates 50 Years! UALC congregation, current and former students, families and staff are all invited to attend a special service that is sure to bring a smile to your face! Sunday, Nov. 11, 10:30 am, reception to follow, LR Contact: Jodi Coleman, jcoleman@ualc.org A Closer Look Do you attend UALC regularly, but have not yet joined the church? A Closer Look is an opportunity to meet staff and other members and hear more about the church. Monday, Nov. 5, 6:30-8:00 pm, MR Judy Webb, jwebb@ualc.org, 614-451-3736 Advent Devotionals and Wreaths UALC is once again producing an Advent Devotional to help us prepare our hearts for the Christmas season. Wreaths and replacement candles will also be available Available Dates: Nov. 18, 25 and Dec. 2, MR and LR. Devotionals $5, various prices for wreaths. Parent to Parent HS and MS This is an opportunity for parents to get together and discuss the joys and challenges of parenting at this stage of life. Participate in a discussion with parents who ve been there. A variety of topics will be covered based on parent input. More standalone meetings will be held throughout the year. Middle School: Nov. 4, 4:30-5:30 pm, MR High School: Nov. 18, 4:00-5:00 pm, MR Details and registration: ualc.org/smallgroups Contact: Jennifer Jerrome, jjerrome@ualc.org Do You Worry? Worry, it s universal. Yet Jesus said, Don t worry. Join Women of the Word (WOW) as we listen to Andy Stanley and learn where worry comes from, why it is so difficult to overcome, and what you can do to conquer worry in your life. Sessions start the week of Nov. 6. No registration required, just come, $2 fee. Tuesdays, 6:45-8:45 pm, LR Thursdays, 9:15-11:15 am, LR, nursery available Thursdays, 12:30-2:30 pm, MR Saturdays, 9:15-11:15 am,lr Contact: Christie Masheter, wow@ualc.org WORSHIP SCHEDULE Mill Run Sunday Services 9:00 am Sanctuary 10:30 am Xalt Lytham Road Sunday Services 9:00 am Traditional 10:30 am Xalt and Celebration
MORE OPPORTUNITIES Ladies of the Club Enjoy lunch and fellowship with other mature single women. Friday, Nov. 9, 11:30 am-1:00 pm Scrambler s, 3939 Britton Pkwy, in the Giant Eagle plaza RSVP: Charlene, 614-226-8480 Advent Devotions and Lunch Join us for a brief worship service of the Word and Holy Communion focused on Advent Scriptures, followed by lunch. Thursdays, Dec. 2-20, 12:00-12:45 pm, LR Contact: Jeff Morlock, adults@ualc.org Library Open House Visit the Lytham Road library and check out the Christmas Collection. There will be treats for kids and a book giveaway. All ages will find something to celebrate Christ s birth. Sunday, Dec. 2, 9:00 am-12:00 pm, LR Grands Welcomes New Members If you are a grandparent and would like to meet with others, you are invited to join the Grands (formerly Grandparent Group) to encourage one another in our role as grandparents striving to leave a legacy of faith. First Wednesday of month, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, 9:30-11:00 am, LR Contact: Chris Thompson, christinejthomp@ gmail.com, 614-488-4634 SERVING In-town Mission Trips Help sort and pack clothing and other items for an orphanage in Haiti through Eyes Wide Open International. Learn about and pray for the kids through their adopted mother, Nichole. Nov. 28, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd (entrance in back of building) Fill Christmas stockings for needy kids in Southeast Ohio, to be distributed by HARP (Helping Appalachian Rural People) and Children s Services. Toys or other gifts may be donated at either Mill Run or Lytham Road by November 10. Monday, Nov. 12, 9:30-11:30 am, LR Jeff Morlock, adults@ualc.org, 614-451-3736 God s Hygiene Help Center Would you become a monthly dignity donor or volunteer for dignity? We are currently collecting hats, gloves, scarves and socks for all ages. Details: www.godshygiene.wordpress.com. Quilting Ministry for Missions All skill levels are welcome to join the Beacons quilting ministry. Second Thursday of each month, 11:30 am, LR Clothes Closet Folding Clothes to the Glory of God to people in need everywhere! What we take? Gently used, clean clothes, coats, shoes, accessories, and linens. Donate items or volunteer to sort clothes. Contact: Cathy Shaw, ceshaw59@gmail.com
A Season for Giving It might seem early to be thinking about Christmas, but many UALC mission partners are hard at work planning for needed services during the holiday season. Details: ualc.org/seasongiving Please consider volunteering your time or donating items to the following: Helping Appalachian Rural People H.A.R.P. helps to reestablish victims of natural disasters, poverty, and domestic violence/child abuse in Southeast Ohio and beyond. Needs: Volunteers, winter accessories and toys for infants to 18-year olds for annual Christmas Store. Help to fill nearly 400 Christmas stockings, with small items. Dates: Small items are being collected now for Nov. 11 packing party. The Christmas Store is Dec. 8. Contacts: Becky Armstrong, barmstrong3911@gmail.com and Becky Harrass, rlharrass@gmail.com Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries - The Good Tidings Christmas Store Parents facing suburban poverty purchase new Christmas toys for their children at a reduced cost in a dignity-filled model. New this year-new, winter coats will be available at the Christmas Store. Needs: New, unwrapped gifts for all ages under 18, gift wrapping materials and winter accessories (hats, scarves and gloves). Volunteers to work at the store. Dates: The Good Tidings Christmas Store will be open Dec. 3-8, please make donations prior to this Details and contact: son-ministries.org, info@son-ministries.org, 614-586-7939 Lutheran Social Services - The LSS Food Pantries serve people in need by offering a source of nourishment to families who are food insecure. Needs: Volunteers at food pantries, Thanksgiving food drive. Dates: Volunteers and food are needed year-round. Non-perishable food and monetary donations collected in the lobbies on Nov. 18. Food donations placed on the altar during Thanksgiving services Contact: Tom Andres, tom.andres@att.net, 614-332-5917 Operation Christmas Child OCC delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children affected by war, poverty, natural disasters, and other crises in more than 150 countries and territories. Needs: Volunteers for collection week and donated packed shoeboxes. Dates: National collection week is Nov. 12-19. Details and contact: samaritanspurse.org, Keri Sutter, 614-209-1277, fredkeri@ee.net Angel Tree This program of Prison Fellowship connects parents in prison with their childrenthrough the delivery of Christmas gifts. Needs: Volunteers to purchase and deliver gifts and the Gospel to children in the name of their prisoner-parent. Dates: Names of children and gift ideas will be available in the lobbies on Nov. 18 and 25 and Dec. 2. Please deliver the gifts you purchase by Christmas. Contact: Erika Mitiska, erikamitska@hotmail.com, 614-309-2426 Christmas for Internationals An event designed specifically for internationals and their friends to hear the Christmas story, many will hear it for the first time. Needs: Join us for fellowship and bring finger foods to share. Date: Friday, Nov. 30, 6:30-9:00 pm, MR Contact: Pastor Dave Mann, dmann@ualc.org, 614-451-3736 Additional hats, gloves, scarves and socks are delivered through God s Hygiene Help Center and Hilltop Preschool.
The Gift of Creativity The gift of creativity is the ability to use artistic skills for the glory of God and the edification of the church. -David Ewart The UALC Visual Arts Ministry (VAM) exists to help our congregation and the community celebrate God-inspired creativity in the visual arts. VAM began in 2000, with the concept to curate and create art objects within our buildings. After Mill Run opened, we realized the hallways could be used to display artwork from the broader community, so as an outreach we started hosting art shows from guest artists and artist associations. Our Upper Room gallery space, located on the second floor or MR, has become a sought-after destination for artists and art lovers. We hope you take the time to visit the gallery space for one of VAM s upcoming shows: 7 Day Bible Art Challenge Artists are given a week to prepare artwork based on an assigned Bible verse. For both artists and exhibition viewers, it s an encounter with the Word of God. Visit ualc.org/7dayart for an application and dates of the show. Now on display at both campuses, the art of the late Gordon Keith, a long time member of UALC. A prolific artist his entire life, Gordon s sculptures have been viewed by thousands, including the Lazarus Talking Tree, State Auto s Nativity figures and the bell tower cross at LR. All artwork will be for sale with a portion of proceeds going to UALC. In Advent we ll be inaugurating the Mill Run Sacred Art Corner in Library Lane. In collaboration with scared art collector John Kohan, the first exhibit will feature works by artists from 14 nationalities depicting the birth of Christ. VAM welcomes anyone interested in being part of this ministry to contact Bob Bruce, 614-326-0461, njbruce@columbus.rr.com. LR Sanctuary with the original cross created by Gordon Keith and the LR bell tower where the cross currently hangs.
O2 Conference Applications Open Do you have a new idea to breathe life into Columbus? Are you in grades 6-12? Apply to present at the O 2 conference where youth propose ideas for monetary awards and mentor support from community leaders. Attendee tickets are on sale now. Application deadline: Dec. 31 Event: Feb. 23, 5:02-8:00 pm, MR Details: o2conference.org Contact: David White, dwhite@ualc.org FAMILY, YOUTH & CHILDREN Children s Ministry Following Jesus with your Preschooler Parenting a 3-5 year-old is full of unique challenges and opportunities. At this workshop, preschool and children s ministry staff will share practical insight and useful tips for discipling your child through this phase. Sunday, Nov. 4, 9:00 am, LR Sunday, Nov. 18, 9:00 or 10:30 am, MR Following Jesus with Your Baby For parents and children newborn to two years old. You ll find this workshop to be both encouraging and useful to think through parenting and spiritual growth. It s not too early for your baby to know they are loved by Jesus. Three Sunday morning options: Dec. 2, 9:00 am, LR; Dec. 9, 9:00 am or 10:30 am, MR Details and registration: ualc.org/prek Contact: Andrea Taphorn, ataphorn@ualc.org Middle School Ministry (MSM) MSM Winter Late Nighter Come hang out at the MSM Winter Late Nighter for friends, fellowship, crazy fun and games, and ice cream! Bring friends and neighbors to this awesome event made just for middle schoolers. Friday, Nov. 16, 6:30-11:00 pm, MR MSM details and registration: ualc.org/middleschool Contact: Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org High School Ministry (HSM) HS Fall Retreat When high school students step out of their weekly routine to focus on faith, something big can happen! We ll leave town for an amazing weekend together with friends, nature and God. Heartland Retreat Center Nov. 30-Dec. 2, $99 Tetélestai This original musical was created for UALC youth ministries and has impacted lives across the country for the last 40 years. Tetélestai vividly depicts Christ s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His trial, execution and His resurrection. Invite a friend and join us for this amazing performance opportunity. All singing abilities welcome. Auditions: Feb. 10, 12:30-5:00 pm, LR Rehearsals: Sun., Feb.-April, 12:30-5:00 pm, LR Performances: tbd HSM details and registration: ualc.org/highschool Contact: Aaron Thompson, athompson@ualc.org or Jon Zawodny, jzawodny@ualc.org
Sermon Series The Psalms are full of incredible examples of thanksgiving. There are songs of praise for abundance, hymns of trust in the midst of turmoil, invitations to worship and expressions of quiet and resolute faith in a mighty God. In this series, we ll learn from the Psalms about how the practice of giving thanks simultaneously pleases God and renews our minds. Through the saving work of Jesus we have been given more than we can ask or imagine. This November we ll spend the month giving thanks to God and exploring what God can do with a thankful heart. SERMON SERIES TOPICS FOR NOVEMBER 4-25: A Thankfull Life is a Courageous Life Scripture: Psalm 138 A Thankfull Life is a Resilient Life Scripture: Psalm 107 A Thankfull Life is a Godly Life Scripture: Psalm 37 A Thankfull Life is a Contagious Life Scripture: Psalm 34 Find the worship schedule and topics at ualc.org/stylesandtimes.