Christians around the world will share in Communion on October 1^st. As is our tradition, we will serve communion at both worship services that Sunday. If you or someone you know cannot be here for worship but would like to receive communion, please contact the church office (440-238-6135) and a time will be scheduled for the Sacrament to be administered.

New Sunday adult classes offered

"Multiplying God's Love: Scriptural Principles of Stewardship" will be offered beginning on Sunday, September 24 to October 29. This class will be held at 9:30 and 11 am, so anyone who attends will be able to be in worship as well each Sunday. The 9:30 session will led by Bob Koszkalda and the 11 am session by Dave Thomas.

We hope you will take the opportunity to be a participant in one of these 6-week small group classes. If you plan on attending, please call the church office so we will have enough materials available, but if you forget, come join one of the groups and you can get your material at the first class session. This is a great opportunity to meet some others in the church family and dig into the scriptures!

Acolyte Training

To all 4^th graders and older: if you are interested in becoming an acolyte, or would just like to find out if you might like to be a part of this group, please come to our class on Saturday, October 21 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. We will meet in the sanctuary. Please call Barb Ringle (440-238-9344) or Michelle Hartman (238-1291) if you will be able to attend, or if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!

Join the Women's Bible Study

Any women, any age. . . you are invited to be a part of a study time at the home of Pastor Paula on the 1st and 3^rd Tuesday evenings of the month. We will be meeting from 7:15 - 8:45 pm. If you can't come to both meetings each month, you are welcome to come and join us at any time.

If you are interested, we will be studying a book called Deborah: Daring to Be Different for God. You can pick up a copy of the book from Pastor Paula at the September 19th meeting or before October 3rd. The cost of the book is $ 7.00. Come join us at every meeting or whenever your schedule permits!

From Pastor Paula’s Desk

How many of you in your every day driving around had to take a detour this week, due to construction? In one day I had to negotiate my way through two different detours.

I am here to tell you the very obvious: some days, life throws you a major detour. You begin your day with a course of action then, suddenly without warning, standing large and orange before you is a DETOUR SIGN What should you do now?!

As I see it you have two options:

1. Find your way around on your own.

2. Follow the detour.

God doesn’t leave us struggling to find our way around. In the book of Isaiah 30:21, God says through the prophet, “Whether you turn to the right or left you will hear a voice behind you saying, This is the way; walk in it.” Our God is always ready to speak to us when life places a detour before us; whether it is through the Word, in the whisper to our hearts, or through other people. We never have to wander around lost or trying to find our own way. Our God has already made a way, if we will listen for his leading.

Following God’s Way with you,

Pastor Paula

Friday Fellowship

Friday Fellowship will see you at the Strongsville Senior Center on October 20. We will meet at noon for lunch. Please see Betty Smith for reservations. Remember to jot this date on your calendar.

Our speaker will be Naturalist Peggy Jarrett from the Cuyahoga Metro Parks out of the Brecksville Reservation. We know you will want to hear her many experiences and learn what the region has to offer.

October Birthdays

Oct. 4 Jeannette Olds, 83 yrs.

Oct. 5 Mildred Benzinger, 82 yrs.

Oct. 6 Marge Hill, 82 yrs.

Oct. 17 Jean Schartner, 81 yrs.

Oct. 19 Ethel Wagner, 90 yrs.

Oct. 24 Howard Barkfelt

Oct. 30 Lou Szabo

Oct. 31 Twila Deal

Anniversaries

Oct. 4 Victor & Gladys Grieco, 55 years

Oct. 9 Charles & Twila Deal, 46 years

Oct. 28 Newt & Joan Chalfant, 56 years

Thought for the Day

Giving your blessings as much thought as you give your worries will make you happier.

M-in-M’s

On Saturday, October 28 the M-in-M’s will take a trip to Amish country for dinner at the home of the Yutzy’s. We will be taking the Strongsville bus.

Cost will be $15.00 per person. Watch the bulletin for the time of departure and for reservation deadlines. We hope you’ll join us for this delicious meal!

Sometimers

Our annual Steak Roast will be October 27 at 6 pm at Albion Woods in Metroparks. Note: This is a Friday. Cost will be $8.00. Money and reservations must be in to Betty Smith no later than October 22.

Plan to join us, and remember to bring your own table service. See you then! – Friday, October 27 at 6 pm.

United Methodist Women

Annual Holiday Boutique

Saturday, November 11

10 am – 8 pm

Craft items are needed for our boutique! We need your donations of homemade or re-saleable items that will be of interest to our customers.

Proceeds from the boutique will go to mission work.

Don’t miss the

Annual Turkey Dinner

Do you look forward each November to a mouth-watering turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, and all the trimmings? Then save Saturday, November 11 for this year’s UMW Turkey Dinner. Tickets will go on sale starting October 22. Gobble gobble!!

Elizabeth Circle

Elizabeth Circle will meet on Monday, October 9 at 7:30 pm at the church. Sue Parris will speak about her trip and experiences at the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.

All women of the church are welcome. Please call Debbie Miller at 572-4967 or Sylvia Gerkin at 572-2339 for more information.

Lydia Circle

The ladies of Lydia Circle will meet October 5 in Tiber Hall at 12:30 pm. This will be a “brown bag” lunch. Our program will be presented by Joyce Quigley from the Strongsville Library reviewing the book Rockhard Lizzie. All ladies of the church are welcome. For more information, call Betty Berry, 238-6495 or Grace Kellner, 234-0938.

United Methodist Men

Last month I made an error in the time of the month that the UMM meet. It is not the second Sunday or Monday of the month; it is the third Sunday or Monday of the month. Please make a note on your calendars.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 16 at 6:30 pm. We hope to see you there, and we encourage you to bring another male who you feel would like to be in fellowship with other brothers in Christ. So for some good food and fellowship, please sign up on the UMM bulletin board in the hall outside the nursery.

As always. . .pass the word. For more information, contact Mark Milia at 572-0602.

Responding to God’s Love. . .

What is COM?

The initials COM stand for Council on Ministries. As council would infer, COM is made up of several committees in the church.

Once a month a chairperson from each committee meets. The chairperson shares what their committee has done recently as well as what will be coming up. They can also state areas in which they need assistance. The other committees can brainstorm and provide ideas on whom to contact for help, manpower, and/or monetary help.

COM includes committees such as evangelism, stewardship, Stephen’s Ministry, Reception and Hospitality as well as conferences and laity training.

Mary Hagedorn

COM Chairperson

Notes from the Nurses

October is “Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” Breast cancer affects an estimated 1 in 8 American women. Breast cancer kills more women than any other cancer except lung cancer and is the leading cause of death for American women in their 40’s. The outcome of this common disease can vary widely, but when treatment begins following early detection, the result is a cure in most cases.

Recommendations are for breast self-exams monthly. A clinical exam by your doctor should occur at least once every three years if you are between 20 and 40 years old. If you’re older than 40, have an examination and mammogram once a year.

More information will be available during our monthly Blood Pressure Screening on Sunday, October 22 after each service. (Information on Breast Cancer taken from “Mayo Clinic Health Information”)

Be healthy!

Betsy Mowry & Gail Spence

Joys and Concerns

of the congregation

Our apologies for two typographical errors in the September issue. The corrections are as follows:

Congratulations to Tracy Carroll & Kevin Joniak, who were married on July 29 by Rev. Mowry. Tracy is the daughter of Betty and Don Rahm.

Congratulations to Michael & Julie Ballas on the birth of Margaret Elizabeth Ballas on August 8. Proud grandmother is Martha Ballas.

Weddings

Our best wishes to the following couples who were married within the past month:

Lisa Dargai & James Demkowicz were married on August 26 by Pastor Paula;

Stacey Bistricky & Kevin Boycik were married on September 2 by Pastor Paula;

Kelly Turnbull & Jay Rueschhoff were married on September 2. Kelly is the daughter of Doug & Joyce Turnbull.

Mary Ehrnfelt & Jesse Canonico were married by Rev. Mowry on September 9. Mary is the daughter of Walter and Annette Ehrnfelt.

Becky Shaw & John Tarka were married on September 9 by Rev. Mowry;

Erika McDowell & Chad Kemp were married on September 16 by Rev. Mowry. Erika is the daughter of Bill & Sharon McDowell.

Births

Congratulations to two families in our congregation who have been blessed with the birth of a child:

Jose & Katie Castrillo welcomed a daughter, Madison Nicole Castrillo, on August 25. Proud grandparents are Bob & Nancy Jirik.

Brian & Kelly Novak welcomed a son, Justin Michael Novak, on September 5. Proud grandmother is Karen Ransbury.

Stephen Ministry

As I held the door open, I wasn’t sure I heard correctly. “You mean to say you have a Stephen Minister?”

As we walked toward his office, Joe said, “Yeah, you heard me right. When we finally got Mike off to school in August, Molly and I suddenly realized that our house seemed too empty. I’m telling you, we were at odds with each other almost all the time we were together!”

“What? You and Molly have been married for 24 years; have already sent all three of your kids off to school. I thought that things around your house would’ve been like another honeymoon!”

“Well,” said Joe, “I also thought that we’d be spending more time together, eating more meals out, seeing some movies and just basically enjoying the freedom of being ‘empty nesters.’”

“But, apparently, it didn’t work out that way?” I said, as I sat down in front of his desk.

“It sure didn’t. We just didn’t seem to click like we used to when we were in college before we got married and we were at a loss about what to do,” Joe explained as he emptied his brief case. “I was afraid that the next thing I knew, I’d come home to an empty house or something equally scary.”

I was flabbergasted and asked, “So what did you do?”

“Well, last week as I was helping Pastor Steve move those broken tree limbs at church, I mentioned my concern about our marriage to him. We talked about what might’ve led to this crossroad in our marriage and he suggested that we both consider talking to Stephen Ministers.”

“I thought that Stephen Ministers were only for those dying of cancer or experiencing a death in the family or something equally serious,” I said. “Steve suggested them for something a simple as Molly and your new ‘empty nest’ situation?”

“He sure did,” stated Joe as he pulled up to his desk, “And am I ever glad he did. I’ve been meeting with my Stephen Minister every week for the last three weeks, while Molly began with hers two weeks ago. Things have certainly been much brighter around the house lately.”

“Sounds like I have something to learn about when you should talk to a Stephen Minister,” I exclaimed. “Where can I read about what Stephen Ministers do?”

As Joe opened the folder for my IRA, he said “I’ll bring one of the brochures that we have in the pews at church. I know that I am sure glad Steve mentioned the Ministers to me and I’d be glad to help you with your interest. Now, let’s get to work on your investments, so you can retire when Molly’s ready!”

If you wonder about what Stephen Ministers do, why don’t you glance at one of the brochures in the pews? SUMC’s Stephen Ministers are ready to talk with you about anything that might be troubling you right now. As Joe said, it doesn’t necessarily take a crisis for you to consider talking to a Stephen Minister. A small “bump” in the road which has you temporarily concerned such as expecting a first child, approaching retirement, receiving or not receiving a promotion; something major like hospitalization, unemployment, divorce; or a long- term problem such as a physical disability, chronic pain like arthritis or life in a nursing home are all things which may warrant speaking with a Stephen Minister. If you would like to explore this possibility, please call Rev. Ron or any of the Stephen Leaders (Bev Wells, Mark and Karen Milia, Hildi Fitzpatrick, Jim Boyer); they’re all ready to share what SMs can offer!

From our church’s mailbox

Dear Brother Mowry,

Thank you for your kind and enthusiastic hospitality for our Chapel Choir when they came through a few weeks ago. We received enthusiastic thank-you letters from three of your members – something that does not often occur.

Thank you for making the arrangements and for welcoming our group with extraordinarily fine hospitality. May God bless and guide you through the remaining summer weeks and into a good and uplifting fall season.

Gratefully,

Brian K. Bauknight, Senior Minister

Christ UMC, Bethel Park, PA

***************

Dear Friends,

Thank you for the flowers. We were surprised and pleased to get them.

It is wonderful to have so many friends to pray for us and because Bob was in the hospital we felt the love and caring of the people of the church.

It is nice being here in the new apartment. There are a great many friends here, and we are adjusting to a new life.

Thanks to Rev. Ron, Barb, and Dorothy Richards for their calls and prayers, and also to Dolores Huhn for bring flowers and calling on us.

Bob & Caroline Buschman

***************

Dear Congregation,

Thank you to Rev. Mowry and Pastor Paula for their kindness and visits.

Thank you for the many cards I received while I was in the hospital and while I’m home.

Love,

Martha Ballas

***************

Dear Congregation,

Thank you for your gift of $850. As a result of your wonderful gift, we are all richly blessed. The staff of the Special Program on Substance Abuse and Related Violence (SPSARV) of the United Methodist Church graciously and humbly thanks you for your gift through the Advance for Christ and His Church.

Yours in Ministry,

Stephen F. Brimigion, General Treasurer

General Board of Global Ministries

Join us for a night at the circus

SUMC has reserved 40 $18.75 seats to Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus (a.k.a. The Greatest Show on Earth) for Friday night, October 20th! For only $16, those reserving a ticket with Jim Boyer (572-4976) will have the convenience of a bus leaving the church at 5:45, delivering those lucky enough to have called Jim, to Tower City for your choice of the many restaurants for supper, followed by a short walk to The Gund to see the 130th Edition of TGSoE, ending with a relaxing bus ride back to the church! Seem too good to be true? Well, if you are blessed to be less of a procrastinator than some other church member, you may still find tickets available when you call. If you have time to read this, then you have time to make your family happy beyond belief; give a call for your viewing pleasure!

Newsworthy Notes

St. Malachi’s Samaritan Ministry will present a 4-session educational series on alcoholism/drug addiction. Dates/times are Fridays, 1 to 4:30 pm, October 6, 13, 20, and 27.

This is of special value to persons and families affected by addiction. Sessions are free. No pre-registration required. For more information, call 216-861-5343.

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Berea Children’s Home and Family Services is looking for role models. Dedicated, enthusiastic individuals are needed to mentor emotionally disturbed children and adults. Flexible schedules! Full and part-time paid positions are available throughout Cuyahoga and Medina counties.

The role models will help provide support and respite to families or care givers who have an emotionally challenged child or special needs person living in their home.

Applicants must be 21 years of age with reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and minimum high school diploma. Training in CPR, first aid, crisis intervention and more will be provided. Call Kirsten Handler if you are interested. 1-216-431-8118, ext. 110.

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Alzheimer’s Awareness Week is October 8 through 14. The Cleveland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association wants the community to know that there is a place to go for help if you or someone you love suffers from memory loss. There is a Helpline available which can provide you with information about Alzheimer’s, tips and advice for caregivers, ongoing support and reassurance, referral to community services, and many other helpful resources. There is also a registry to help families find in-home caregivers. Call the Helpline at 440-974-7785 or 1-800-441-3322.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Week will kick off with the annual Memory Walk at the Metroparks Zoo on October 8. The same day there will be a Memory Walk in Vermilion in conjunction with Dick Goddard’s Woolybear Festival. Please call 1-800-441-3322 for more information on these or other programs.

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Westlake United Methodist Church is celebrating its 175^th anniversary. One of their special events will be a Wesley Workshop on Saturday, November 4 from 9 am to noon conducted by Dr. Eugene Lowry of the St. Paul School of Theology. The public is invited. Those who have heard his narrative and piano concert presentations in the past know that this will be a special opportunity. The church is asking for a $5.00 donation. Call 440-871-3088 for information and directions.

Christian Education Page

Sunday

October 1-8-15-22-29

9:30 AM

Infant Room through Fifth Grade Classes

Middle School and High School Classes

11:00 AM

Infant and Toddler Rooms

Preschool Class

Elementary Class (Kindergarten through 3^rd Grade)

Please remember to sign-in and sign-out your children in the Infant through Third Grade classes. Fourth and Fifth Graders, remember to wait in your classrooms till a parent or older sibling comes for you. NOTE: A variance in these procedures will be utilized on the Sundays that the Rainbow Express and Joyful Noise Angels sing.

September 24 – October 1-8-15-22-29

9:30 AM and 11:00 AM

A six week study entitled “Multiplying God’s Love, Spiritual Disciplines of Tithing” is being offered to all interested adults. The study is being led by Mr. Bob Koszkalda and Mr. Dave Thomas. This group is meeting in the classroom adjacent to Tiber Hall.

October 29 The Birthday Bank will circulate at 9:30 AM from the three year olds through the fifth grade. The 11:00 AM class will also participate.

October 1-8-22-29

10:45 AM-12:00 PM CONFIRMATION CLASS

The Confirmation Class of 2001 will begin Sunday morning classes on October 1. We will meet in rooms 1-4 in the old education wing.

October 15 NO CONFIRMATION CLASS

Monday

October 9 & 23 9:30 AM-11:00 AM ParentGrowth

Tuesday

October 3 7:00 PM

Committee on Education Room 7

October 3-10-17-24-31

10:00 AM-11:30 AM Crosstalks

7:00 PM-9:30 PM Disciple I

Wednesday

October 4-11-18-25

9:30 AM-12:00 PM Disciple I

October 4

7:00 PM Safe Sanctuary Task Group Room 7

Thursday

October 5-12-19-26

5:30 PM-8:30 PM LOGOS

Bethel Bible Studies I and II

From Alys’ Desk

In January I attended a national convention that focused on children’s ministry. The pre-convention workshop was entitled “Are You on the Right P.A.T.H.?” Our leader was Craig Jutila, Pastor of Children’s Ministry, at Saddleback Community Church in California. He was sharing with us their scriptural-based model for working together as a team in the area of educational ministry. Their focal point is a mission statement based on two vital teachings of Jesus Christ—The Great Commandment and The Great Commission.

“Sir, which is the most important command in the laws of Moses? Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.”’ This is the first and greatest commandment. The second most important is similar: ‘Love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.’” Matthew 22:36-39

“He told his disciples, ‘Therefore go and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.’” Matthew 28:18-20

Our Committee on Education has been working together on a mission statement for our Education Work Area. We feel it can serve two purposes. The first is to let the church family know what the foundation of our educational ministry is at Strongsville United Methodist Church. The second is a rallying point and guideline for the members of our Education Work Area. It is so easy for us to get side-tracked by our busyness in serving God. The prayer is that our version will serve as a course-corrector and a source of strength as we strive to relate the life-saving message of the love of Christ and eternal salvation found only in Him.

Mission Statement of the Education Work Area at Strongsville United Methodist Church

Our educational ministry exists to Show the love of God to all who enter our doors and Share the “Good News” of salvation through Jesus Christ. We Help them to become a part of our church family by Instructing them in God’s Word and Nurturing their gifts and talents through helping others. We Encourage them to Express their New Life in Christ through faithful worship.

The letters that are underlined spell the word SHINE. So love Jesus and let your life ”shine” for Him!!!!!

From the Pastor's study

"Dealing with Impossibilities"

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you

as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.

Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:33-34

A number of years ago there was a popular song that expounded the message, "Don't worry, be happy." Although we don't hear that song on the radio anymore, it is still used within the Mowry household...

When someone gets too uptight,

When someone is far too anxious for the moment,

When someone acts quite worried.

Quickly, the tension level is broken as this song is sung, "Don't worry, be happy." The anxiety is lessened.

There are times when we view a task before us and we think that it is impossible. As we try to picture the future or struggle with the past, things can become daunting. With looming impossibilities, we are bound to become anxious, uptight or worried.

In our scripture above, Jesus is speaking to the multitude that has gathered to hear the Sermon on the Mount. He is speaking to them about life itself, about how so often we go on worrying about our need for food or clothing. He reminds us that even these basic needs of life are taken care of by God.

IF we first seek God's kingdom and a right relationship with him, God is higher than impossibilities. God will watch over us and care for us.

Jesus then says that we are not to be anxious about tomorrow. In essence we are being advised:

Don't worry
Relax
Allow the possibility of God to work within your life
Open yourself to God's action

CAUTION: The scripture does not say that everything will be just as we planned. The final outcome of God's work may not be as we decide it should be. The scripture means that we turn the events of life over to God; that we allow God's work and will to be done. With God's action, things may not be as we planned, but they will be as God desires. God's loving hand will be upon us.

Therefore, let us relax and place our lives in God, for the Almighty looks upon us in love and hope. Let us allow the power of God to work within and about us. Let us remember that those things which seem impossible are turned into the possible through the work of the Divine. Let us rest in the promise that God will care for us as we seek to be faithful to the Lord.

Precious Lord, enable me to trust in you so that my anxieties about life can be erased and I may see the possibilities of your loving will. Amen.

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Prize Winners!!

These lucky people were winners of $25 gift certificates from Olan Mills for being early to sign-up to have their pictures taken for the Pictorial Directory. Congratulations to Bev Bogacki, Nancy Dawson, Cathy Dewyre, Keith Williams, John Henkels, Mary Kawecki, Claudia Semelsberger & Mark Hotz.

We Couldn't Have Done It Without You

Special thanks to all the wonderful people who helped the office staff with the special mailings that have gone out in the last month. They are; Chuck & Lita Staley, Dave & Pat Crandall, Dale & Hildi Fitzpatrick, Elaine Cairns, Marie Stands, Debbie Miller, Betsy Mowry, Louise Bedford, Don Saylor, Pat Boyette, Jan Vojt (Pat's friend), Pam Johnson, Russ & Ginny McKee. Your generous help is greatly appreciated.

There's still time to sign up for Adult New Member Classes. The first class is on Sunday, October 1^st from 2:00-6:00pm at the church. Other classes are on Sunday, October 8^th from 2:00-6:00pm at the church and Sunday, October 15^th from 6:30-9:30pm at the No. Inlet parsonage. New members will be received into the fellowship of the church on Sunday, October 22^nd during both services. If you have questions or would like to register for the classes, call the church office (238-6135) right away. Child care will be provided if there is a need.

Something to Think About by Greg

"...so on the seventh day, he rested from all his work." Genesis 2:2

Allow me to make it perfectly clear: I am by NO MEANS comparing God's infinite wisdom in creating the universe with my humble attempts at ministry. But one thing I do have in common with our Savior in heaven is the appreciation for the seventh day, the day of rest. My day of rest just happens to be on Tuesday.

It's not that my Tuesdays are particularly interesting. It seems to be somewhat of a mystery for many people in the church. There are many rumors floating around as to what I do on my day off, so allow me to clear things up a bit. Here is a list of thing I DON"T do on my Tuesdays off:

Raise emus
Build miniature cabins out of popsicle sticks
Yodel
Work a second job as an Elvis impersonator

The fact is that most of my days off are spent writing, reading, or just hanging out with my family. Nothing life-changing, nothing world-shaking, just some good old fashioned rest and relaxation. I guess the point of this article is not just to amuse you (those of you who appreciate my weird sense of humor), but to ask you to respect Tuesday as my day off. So, please don't get offended...frustrated...hurt or annoyed if I keep that day clear on my calendar.

Thank you and God bless!!!

»»»»»»»»»»»»»»»

Don't Forget...

Youth Group is for all youth (grades 7-12). Invite your friends.

Check the youth board in the atrium to keep up with what's happening.

Watch for RSVP dates. Sometimes we really have to know how many to plan for.

God Loves You!!

Youth Ministry Mission Statement

Our mission is to equip youth with a solid foundation in Jesus Christ, with excitement for spiritual growth, that they may be alive in their faith and make a difference for Christ in the World.

Sundays, October 1^st, 8^th, 15^th & 22^nd

Regular Youth Group Meeting

6:00-8:00pm at the church

BYOBag Supper & Invite your friends

»»»

Friday, October 13^th

5^th Quarter Dance

Starts after the football game and lasts till midnight!

D.J. ~ Snacks

Open to High School Youth (9-12th grades)

Invite your friends from school!!

Admission - $2.00

»»»

Tuesday, October 24^th

Serve at Cory Kitchen

Leave SUMC at 4:30pm

Return to your homes by 7:30pm

Call Mrs. Peck (572-6008) if you want to go

»»»

Sunday, October 29^th

3^rd Annual Bonfire

at the Richard's Grove

Time to be announced

Food, games, fellowship around the bonfire

A Time for Change

"For everything there is a season and a time for every

matter under heaven..." Ecclesiastes 3

The August 20, 2000 edition of "East Ohio Today" marked the end of an era. That was the date of the final issue of the paper as you have come to know it. The Board of Communications has decided to publish a different version of "East Ohio Today" on a monthly basis beginning September 1^st.

The new "East Ohio Today" is being referred to as a magazette; a combination of a magazine and a newspaper. The writing style will be more like that of a magazine and it will be printed on thicker, brighter paper which can be easily duplicated. The heart of the magazette will still be news of the East Ohio Conference.

In addition, a weekly news update will be available through the conference website and email list. These weekly updates may include timely conference news, upcoming events, death announcements and prayer requests. Anyone listed in the conference journal will be automatically included on the ititial email list. Instructions to subscribe to the list will be available through the website at http://www.eocumc.com/ The first weekly new update will be on September 1^st.

The hope is that these changes will allow "more news to get to the folks in the pews." Additionally, there should be a drop in the number of apportionment paid copies of the "East Ohio Today." The staff of the magazette ask for your patience and suggestions as they develop these new ways of communicating. They also ask for your prayers as they continue to do the work of the Lord.

A checkbook is a theological document! It tells you who and what you worship.-Billy Graham

World Wide Communion Sunday

October 1^st

Christians around the world will share in Communion on October 1^st. As is our tradition, we will serve communion at both worship services that Sunday. If you or someone you know cannot be here for worship but would like to receive communion, please contact the church office (238-6135) and a time will be scheduled for the Sacrament to be administered.

Annual Church Conference Scheduled

Our regular annual Church Conference will be held on Monday, October 30^th at 7:30pm. The Conference will be conducted by District Superintendent Julius Trimble, or his representative, and is open to all members of the church. Please plan to be in attendance at this important meeting.

Capital Campaign Underway

You will soon be receiving your first newsletter with all the information and details about our Capital Campaign, "Multiplying God's Love." There will be many interesting and exciting events happening in conjunction with this campaign. Please mark the following dates on your calendar and watch for more information about each one:

Sunday, October 22^nd

Vision Awareness Sunday

Friday & Saturday, October 27^th & 28^th

24 Hour Prayer Vigil

Noon Friday to Noon Saturday

Sunday, October 29^th

Ministry Fair

Please be in prayer for the Capital Campaign, that God would bless our efforts.

Marriage Encounter Weekend

Reservations are being accepted for a Marriage Encounter United Methodist Weekend to be held at the Medina Best Western on October 27^th - 29^th. Marriage Encounter is a private weekend experience that helps married couples overcome the common tendency to take each other for granted. The goal is to raise the level of communication between husband and wife. For more information or to register, call Otie & Barb Mekoleske (330/264-2841) or e-mail: mekoleske.1@osu.edu.