November, 2000   Wesley News of the Strongsville United Methodist Church


Congregation Decides to Proceed with Plans for Relocation!

 

By a majority vote, the members of Strongsville United Methodist Church have chosen to begin the process of relocating the church. As money becomes available, we will:


v        Purchase property,

v        Obtain Architectural plans,

v        Develop the site,

v        Construct the facility.

 

The estimated time for completion of all phases of the project is 10 years. A total of 460 votes were cast. 264 people voted to begin the process of relocation; 173 people voted to remain at our present location; and 23 people voted to do nothing or wrote in options that were not listed on the ballot.

 

At its meeting on September 25th the Administrative Board voted to appoint the present members of the “Facilities for Ministry Task Force” to a newly formed “Property Search Task Force.” Those appointed are: Rev. Mowry & Rev. Koch, Bob Berendsen, Ken Brand, Ruth Brickley, Brian Casey, Fred DeNoble, Chris Greenwalt, Bob Jirik, Martha Keene, Dan LaRocco, Don McKee, and Karen Ransbury. This Task Force is now working with area real estate agents to determine what properties in Strongsville are available.

 

The hope is that property can be found on either Royalton Road or Pearl Road so that the church remains highly visible in the community and the address is readily recognized.

 

 

Annual Boutique & Turkey Dinner usher in Holiday Season

The United Methodist Women are sponsoring two traditional events on Saturday, November 11 to usher in the holiday season.  Start the day off with some Christmas shopping at the boutique, and end your day with a sumptuous meal in Tiber Hall!  We hope you will join us at both these events. Proceeds go towards UMW mission projects.

 

Holiday Boutique & Craft Sale

Saturday, November 11th -- 12 noon to 8 pm in the atrium

Our annual boutique offers shoppers a variety of handmade gifts, crafts, decorations, and food items. In addition, the UMW will have its traditional Christmas Shoppe in the parlor.  Craft items, bake sale items, jams, jellies, and candy are still needed for our boutique! Craft table rentals are also available. For more information on tables, donations, tickets, or volunteering, contact Sandy Ogle, UMW Ways & Means Chairperson, at 238-8337.

 

Turkey Dinner

Saturday, November 11th -- Seatings at 5 pm and 6:30 pm, Tiber Hall

The menu for our dinner features roast turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, homemade applesauce and squash, and a variety of delicious pies and desserts.  Cost is $7.50 for adults; $3.50 for children ages 6 to 12; and $1.00 for preschoolers.  Tickets will be available on Sunday, October 29 and Sunday, November 5 in the atrium between services.  You may also contact Barb Krivos in the church office (238-6135) for tickets or for more information.

 

 

Begin the Advent Season with your church family

On Sunday, November 26th, we will have our annual Advent Family Gathering.  The evening begins at 5:30 pm with a pot-luck dinner.  After-dinner activities include crafts and decorating the church building (inside and out) for the holiday season. Then we all gather around the tree in the atrium to sing Christmas carols.  Mark your calendars now so that you can be a part of this special time together.  Watch the Sunday bulletin for details.


 


 


From the Pastor's Study

 

“Family Gathering”

“Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.”

I Corinthians 12:27

 

The following thoughts were shared by Rev. Mowry at the Administrative Board meeting on September 25, 2000.

 

Recently the surviving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren of Arthur and Bertha Clever Mowry (my grandparents) gathered at the farm where they raised their children. Recently, as a family, we have been gathering more often, but what hastened this gathering was the fact that, within the past year, three of my grandparent’s seven children died. Only three sons remain (my father being one).

 

Part of the afternoon was spent with the three brothers sharing their stories about being raised on the property. The machinery had been moved out of one of the large sheds and now about 80 of us listened to our family heritage. Video cameras and tape recorders captured the words and expressions. Sometimes we laughed. Other times there was hushed silence at the amazement of what we heard. Younger family members couldn’t even imagine that what they were being told was true (how could there be a 4-hole outhouse) while older family members shook their heads in agreement (Grandma’s always-filled cookie jar on the basement steps).

 

After the reminiscing, we were invited to take a tour of the farm house. I admit that I didn’t go there first. Instead, I walked through the barn, its several stories reminding me of many childhood experiences. Even though my cousins, Dick and Carol, own the farm and I have returned to it many times, I have never gone into the farm house since Grandma left it twenty-some years ago for residence in a nursing home. Maybe I didn’t want my memory bank updated or maybe I knew that things would never be quite the same. Now, I went back into the house...and I was right. Things had changed. A wall had been knocked out. The kitchen had a totally different configuration. The bedrooms had a completely new look (although I was pleased to learn that there is still no heat on the second floor where the bedrooms are located). Sure enough, things had changed.

 

After I made an exit from the house to the outside to be among the milling family gathering of aunts, uncles, cousins, second cousins, and family members that I did not recognize or have any idea how they are related, I realized that being a part of a family was not returning to a farm house. Being part of a family is being connected to one another. It is not a location. It is relationships.

 

I reflect upon that family gathering as we, the Body of Christ in Strongsville, have made a decision that being the family of God is not about a particular location; it is instead about relationships. Being the body of Christ means that we are not identified by a specific structure or street address. Instead, we are a people committed to taking the word of God out into the world...that world being our local community as well as a global community.

 

May we remember that being the fellowship of believers is not defined by a piece of property or a square foot facility. We are family, the people of God, called to live as family. We are of differing ages, with divergent opinions, from a variety of backgrounds. Yet, all deserve respect. We share a common heritage but we are also constantly changing, moving into the future, seeking to do God’s will, longing to be faithful to our Father. My identity is not my grandparent’s farm house (as dear as that may be to me). I am the result of generations that have gone before me; influenced by my generation; and called to give of myself to the generations that will follow.

 

I am a part of the family of God. I am not 13354 Pearl Road. I am the result of generations of saints who have gone before me in this church who have witnessed to the power and love of God; I am influenced by the church as it is today, struggling to be faithful to God; and I am called to give to the generations that are yet to come by faithfully serving my Lord.

 

O Lord, I rejoice that I am a part of the family of God. Amen.

      

Rev. Ron Mowry

 

 


The Strongsville Community Thanksgiving Service will be held this year at the United Church of Christ (the church on the corner of Pearl and Royalton Rds.) on Sunday, November 19th at 7:00pm.

 


 


From Pastor Paula’s Desk

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  -- Jeremiah 29:11

I found something recently.  It wasn't really lost, but I am glad I found it. It is my certificate of confirmation, dated May 27,1979 and signed by the pastor of my home church, Rev. John K. Smith.  It is hard to believe that 21 years ago I made a commitment to be a part of the United Methodist Church.  And it is just as amazing to me that 21 years later the same pastor would sign mine and David's marriage license.

As I consider the time which has passed since my confirmation, I am reminded of all the events which have taken place in my home church. The building has been renovated, the pastoral leadership has changed and some of the people who were a significant part of my life are now with the Lord.  As I stood waiting to be escorted down the aisle by my Dad on my wedding day, I remembered the people and events within those four walls which changed my life. I thought about the people who were present in the sanctuary and the ones who would have been there.  And I gave thanks.

Why?

In the midst of the events of the day, I looked around and saw the people who have touched my life.  Some a part of my home church, some who I have met along the way in these last 21 years and others who I grow to care about and love with each passing day.  These are the people whom God has given to me as gifts, these are the people who love me even on my bad days, these are the people who hold my hand when I feel lost.  This is the body of Christ!  And now as I anticipate celebrating Thanksgiving, I GIVE THANKS for the plan of God being worked  out in my life and for the people who are a part of the plan!

With a heart of  thanksgiving,

Paula J. L. Koch

 


 

Friday Fellowship

Friday Fellowship will meet November 17 at the Senior Center. Lunch will be served at noon.  A representative from the Cleveland Zoo will be our guest speaker. She will be bringing some animals for viewing.  Don’t miss this interesting program.  Reservations can be made with Betty Smith.

 

Thought for the day

Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world!

 

November Birthdays

       Nov. 12    Walter Wilson

       Nov. 14    Ruth Guzzo

       Nov. 15    Anne Riggs

       Nov. 24    Darlene Wilson

       Nov. 26    Chuck Deal

 

Anniversary

Nov. 12    Bill & Corrine Witham, 56 years

 

A correction:  Arthur Kara’s birthday is June 6, not September 7 as previously printed. 

 

Rustad Library

       The church library has received an inspirational gift for children.  Friday Fellowship has given the book Jeremy: the Tale of an Honest Bunny by Jan Karon in memory of Mary Jo Willcocks.  The author, Jan Karon, is a favorite of our readers, and we welcome this new addition.  Jeremy, a handsome English bunny with honesty sewn inside his being, sets out on a journey to North Carolina to meet his new owner. As he leaves, his creator blesses him with the words:  “For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.”  Jeremy: The Tale of an Honest Bunny is the story of a journey, an adventure full of humor, inspiration, and joy.  “It is the story of any child who is away from home – and the miracles found on the way to being safe at last.”

 

M-in-M’s

       M-in-M’s invite all couples of the church to join them in service on Saturday, November 11. Once again we will be offering help to the UMWomen for the Turkey Dinner.  How can you help? There’s preparation, cooking, serving, and (of course) cleanup.  This is our service project for the year, so we hope everyone will volunteer to do something!  Call Karen Muskoff (572-1084) to let her know what you can do.

 

       Plan now to join us on Saturday, December 16 for an evening of Christmas caroling around the community followed by fun, food, and fellowship at either the Ringle’s or Wells’ house.  Watch for details in the next Wesley News.

 

Crosstalks

Cross Talks will begin a new study on the Gospel of Luke beginning Tuesday November 7th.  If you are interested contact Ruby Gormsen (238-4052) or Pastor Paula (238-6135).  We meet together each Tuesday morning from 10-11:30 am.  Come join us as we study the Word of God together!


United Methodist Women

The UMW will again be collecting Christmas gifts for the Flat Rock Homes and Care Center.  Flat Rock is a Methodist facility in Ohio that cares for children and adults with developmental disabilities, and it is one of the missions supported by the UMW.  Flat Rock’s Vice President, Nancy Hull, wrote her thanks for past financial support given by United Methodist churches. “Your gifts do make a difference.  Today I learned that the financial gifts which were given and used to purchase a new type of leg pump for Lynnette have already taken inches off the swelling in her legs, and for the first time she is able to bend her knees to stand up.  Medicaid had denied our request and our appeal for this pump, but your gifts made it possible to offer Lynnette a higher quality of care, and we pray, a fuller life.” A few of the items on the “wish list” are printed below, and a complete list is posted on the UMW bulletin board by the back door of the church.   If you would like to donate a financial gift or a Christmas gift, please see Eve Hill (440-243-2770).

 

Flat Rock Wish List for Christmas 2000

Children’s videos, twin size sheets or blankets, sleeping bags, music CD’s and cassettes, easy craft kits, 60-piece or smaller puzzles, baseball gloves, Nerf toys, finger paints, educational toys with letters or numbers, gift certificates to McDonalds, Pizza Hut, etc.  For the adults, clothing such as sweatshirts, pajamas, robes, sweaters, and sweat suits would be appreciated (new only, please).

 

Elizabeth Circle

Monday, November 20th  7:30 pm

       We'll meet in the church atrium. Dynda Thomas will speak about the Angel Tree and Prison Ministry.

Monday, December 11th  6:30 pm

       A Christmas party and ornament exchange will be held at the home of Nancy Dawson. All women of the church are invited for an evening of fun and fellowship. Call Debbie Miller, 572-4967 or Sylvia Gerkin, 572-2339 for more information.

 

Lydia Circle

       The ladies of Lydia Circle will meet November 2 in Tiber Hall at 12:30 pm.  This will be a “brown bag” lunch. Our program will be assembling boxes for “Operation Christmas Child.” Please bring shoe boxes, wrapping paper, tape, articles for boxes and $5.00 for shipping.        All ladies of the church are welcome.  If you have any questions, call Betty Berry, 238-6495 or Grace Kellner, 234-0938.

 

 

Pictorial Directory Update

       The pictorial directory is well on its way to being published. The picture layouts and the updating of the membership list are now in process. Once these are completed they will be given to Olan Mills who will create a draft of our directory.  It will then be returned to us for proof reading. We expect that our pictorial directories will be available for distribution in January.

       I thank each family that participated in having their pictures taken, which helped to make this pictorial directory a success.  Also a special “thank you” to the committee members who were very instrumental in making things run smoothly:  Pat Boyette, Ruth Brickley, Larry Capuder, Linda DeWitt, Myrna Nored, Rosey Pamer, Darleen Price and Bev. Wells.  Thanks also to Barb Krivos and to Jim Duane for all of their help and to all who helped with the signups, food, special articles, and cover design.

 

            Marge Turek, Pictorial Directory Coordinator

 

 

Notes from the Nurses

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Diabetes is a chronic disease of elevated blood glucose. It affects 14 million people in the U.S. alone and causes heart, kidney, nerve and eye damage. It is the 4th leading cause of death and the leading cause of new cases of blindness in our country.  Common symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, weight loss, thirst and blurred vision. Your risk factor for diabetes is greater if it is in your family medical history.  You can receive more information on diabetes at the November 19 blood pressure screening conducted in the parlor by our nurses.  Stop by after either service for your monthly blood pressure check.

 

       Betsy Mowry & Gail Spence

 


Stephen Ministry

We All Know Someone…

Someone in crisis who doesn’t know where to turn.

Someone who is tense, upset, worn-out – needing someone to talk with, someone to care.

You’d like to help, but how?

There are three easy  steps:

1.      Listen and care for your friend in your own relationship together.

2.      Ask your friend for permission to share his or her need with someone who can help. Be sure to tell your friend that all information will be kept confidential.

3.      Once permission is given, report his or her need as promptly as possible. You can do this by talking to Rev. Ron or Pastor Paula or any of our Stephen Leaders:  Jim Boyer (572-4976); Hildi Fitzpatrick (572-5004); Mark or Karen Milia (572-0602); and Bev. Wells (572-1415).

A Stephen Minister will be there for your friend, and for you, also, should you need someone to care for you.

 


Christian Education Page


Sunday

Nov. 5-12-19-26

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 3rd 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. 

 

November 5 &12     

Multiplying God’s Love        

Special stewardship activities in the Sunday School classes

Remember to keep bringing in the Coins from Kids!!

Pounds of Pennies-Yards of Dimes-Quarts of Quarters

 

November 26 

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.

 

Monday

November 6 & 20     9:30 AM-11:00 AM 

Parent Growth

Tuesday

November 7-14-21-28    

10:00 AM-11:30 AM     Crosstalks

November 7-14-21

7:00 PM-9:30 PM    Disciple I  and  Disciple III

November 7    7:00 PM  

Committee on Education  Room 7

Wednesday

November 1-8-15-29      

9:30 AM-12:00 PM    Disciple I  and  Disciple II

November 1                    

7:00 PM  Safe Sanctuary Task Group  Room 7                            

Thursday                

November 2-9-16           

5:30 PM-8:30 PM    LOGOS

Bethel Bible Studies I and II


From Alys’ Desk

Thanksgiving is not only one special day celebrated each year.  It is also a daily facet of a Christian’s life.  The major emphasis of our thanksgiving is for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.  Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-10 that “Because of his kindness you have been saved through trusting Christ.  And even trusting is not of yourselves; it too is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good we have done, so none of us can take any credit for it.  It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others.”  Life Application Bible

 

“We become Christians through God’s unmerited gift to us (called ‘grace’ in Ephesians 1:8), not as the result of any effort, ability intelligent choice, or act of service to others on our part.  However out of gratitude for this free gift, we will seek to help and serve others with kindness, charity and goodness, and not merely please ourselves.  While no action or ‘work’ we do can help us obtain salvation, God’s intention is that our salvation will result in works of service.  We are not saved merely for our own benefit but for his—to glorify him and build up the church) Ephesians 4:12).”  Life Application Bible

 

Demonstrating thankfulness for their gift of salvation through service to others are all the members of the Education Work Area who strive to bring the saving message of Jesus Christ in a myriad of ways. These include nurturing of infants and toddlers, teaching of all age groups, guiding Confirmands, enhancing the faith through LOGOS, providing devotional and informative resource material in the library, and promoting camping fun.

 

My thanksgiving is for these devoted people who contribute to this vital and on–going work of faith. 

 

HAPPY DAYS OF THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

 

      


 

Souled Out

 

Something to Think About

by Greg

 

I don’t know about you, but sometimes it’s hard for me to pray. I mean, I know this is extremely important. God Wants to hear from us and we should want to hear from him; but, sometimes, forcing myself to pray (like when I first wake up in the morning) is like pulling teeth. What do I do? I halfheartedly spew out a few words to God over a bowl of Wheaties.

 

One of the things I do to help me remember and appreciate the importance of prayer is keep a prayer journal. Somehow, this forces me to really stop and take time to talk to God. Following is an excerpt from Thursday, October 5, 2000:

 

Father, alone in this room I kneel humbly before you. I have never seen your hands, but I have seen the works of them. I have spent countless nights wondering how someone as human as me could be used in your kingdom, and you have answered faithfully in spite of my unbelief. Thank you, Father, for turning the shades of gray in my heart to all the colors of glory. If there should ever be a time that I must stand alone, I shall do it. But I shall do it with all confidence in knowing that I am not truly alone, for you are with me always. Teach me what it is to truly love, to truly serve. In Jesus’ name I pray. I’ll talk to you later...Greg.

 

††††††††††††††††††††

 

Don’t Forget...

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

OCheck the youth board in the atrium to keep up with what’s happening.

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

 

God Loves You!!

 

ùùùùù

For Your Information:

From Thursday, November 9th through Sunday, November 12th, Greg will be in St. Louis for the Tentmakers Annual Convention.

 

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.

 

What’s Happening In November???

 

Saturday, November 4th

Bryan Duncan Concert

7:30pm

Check Bulletin Board for Details

Sunday, November 5th

Regular Meeting

6:00-8:00pm

BYO Bag Supper

Friday, November 10th-Sunday, November 12th

Youth Jam - Akron, Ohio

“A Chosen Generation”

Cost: $100.00 plus money for meals

Deadline to pay: October 29th

Bands...Dynamic Worship...Inspirational Speakers...More!!

Sunday, November 19th

Regular Meeting

6:00-8:00pm

BYOBag Supper

Sunday, November 26th

Advent Family Gathering

5:30pm

Youth will be decorating the outside of the

church for the Christmas season.

Tuesday, November 28th

Serve at Cory Kitchen

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

 

      


 


Nursery Parents...

       The Crib and Toddler Rooms are provided so that you can enjoy a peaceful hour in church. It is, however, a volunteer effort so everyone who uses them is expected to take their turn supervising one of the rooms on a rotating basis. This may work out to be once a month or once every two or three months, depending on how many families use them. New guidelines suggest that we have two adults in each room at each service.

       The Nursery Coordinator in some churches that I have visited schedule parents and let them know when it is their turn. Let me or Becky know if you think this is an idea worth considering in our church.

       Please check your calendars now so you are ready to sign up on the sheets posted outside of each room on Sunday morning. ALSO NOTE that the holiday services are approaching and need to be staffed.

 

All adults & Confirmation members

       The nursery welcomes any adult member of our congregation to sign up for a Sunday or two in the Crib or Toddler Room.  Confirmation members are also welcome to assist the adults. Please see the sign-up sheets for the regular and holiday services outside of each room.

 

       Thank you,

               Joan Thwaite (440-238-5043)

               Becky Murphy (440-572-4287) home,  (440-243-4600) work

 

 

Looking toward 2001

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

The fall semester of Logos is winding down and we need to prepare for the second semester.  The session will begin on January 11, 2001 and run through March 29, 2001. 

       Early registration will be held the Sundays of November 12th and 19th, in the atrium after services, with a $10.00 discount per child.  We will also have registration on December 3rd and 10th.

       We are already looking ahead to the 2001-2002 sessions of Logos.  We are in need of 2 co-directors; if you feel God's calling to take on this task, please let us know and we can begin to show you in this next session what is involved.  We also are in need of a cook and a family time coordinator(s).  Please prayerfully consider where God wants you to fit in this wonderful ministry.

       If you have any questions or are interested in being a part of Logos, please call Carol Perri (238-1041) or Lynne Koszkalda (238-0883).  Thank you and please continue to pray for our Logos ministry.

 

 

Be an Angel this Christmas

       Christmas is often a bleak time for a family with a parent in prison.  The guardian often works long hours to try to make ends meet, but it’s still hard to keep up with paying for the rent, the electric, the heat, the food¼Last year’s thin coat may have to do again this year.  And what about Christmas gifts???  Where will the money come from for those?  Where will any joy come from this Christmas?

       Most of us have a hard time imagining these situations.  But, unfortunately, they are real.  In the past two Angel Tree campaigns, we have encountered evictions, wind-breakers used in the cold of December and the spoken need for underwear and socks.  Yet God has given the Logos Upper Grades Class the privilege of delivering toys, clothing and greetings to the children on behalf of their incarcerated parent and in the name of Jesus Christ! The congregation of SUMC, through support of our fundraisers and Angel Tree Gift Tags, made these gifts possible.

       Your personal involvement makes this work for Jesus very special!  In Matthew 25:35-45, Jesus calls us to minister to the last, the least and the lost of this world.  The Logos Upper Class has again taken up this call.  With your help, we can make a difference in the lives of Angel Tree kids.  Jesus loves us and he loves them too.  We can show them Christ’s love by showing them we care.  And as we care for the children, their guardians and the incarcerated parents are touched too.  Lives have been changed as participating churches demonstrate to the imprisoned that God’s people are real and are active in caring for the children and family they’ve left behind! 

       We are thankful for your past support of Project Angel Tree and we ask for your continuing support this year!  We will be selling cinnamon buns on November 5th and the Angel Tree gift tags will go up on the Gift Tree on December 10th (for return to the church on December 17th).  To find out more about Angel Tree or explore other ways you can help, contact a Logos Upper Class Member or Dave or Dynda Thomas (572-3501).  Angel Tree – what a wonderful way to show the love of Christ and be a positive influence to hurting people!

 

 

Responding To God’s Love

 

       Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 32:48 – 33:29

       Each person’s abilities can make a contribution. Note the different blessings God gave to each tribe. To one he gave the best land, to another strength, to another safety. Too often we see someone with a particular gift and think that God must love that person more than others. Remember that God draws upon the unique talents of all his people. All these gifts are needed to complete his plan. Don’t be envious of the gifts others have.  Instead, look for the gifts God has given you, and resolve to do the tasks he has uniquely qualified you to do.

               From “The Handbook of Bible Application,”

               Neil S. Wilson, editor

Joys and Concerns of the congregation

Weddings

       Our best wishes to Erik Allwood & Sherrie Edwards, who were married on September 23 by Rev. Joseph Santomen. Eric is the son of Bob & Linda Allwood.

       Congratulations also to Megan Edwards & Jonathan Walker, who were married on October 7 by Pastor Paula Koch.

 

Births

       Congratulations to James Smith & Charissa Musselman on the birth of their daughter Madison Alexis Smith on September 28;

       to Albert & Milita Matousek on the birth of their son Albert Joseph Matousek on September 30;

       to Tony & Patty Mendenhall on the birth of their daughter Ashleigh Camille Mendenhall on Oct. 9;

       and to Vince & Lynn Tinnirello on the birth of their daughter Mallory Kaitlyn Tinnirello on Oct. 15.   Proud grandparents are Chuck & Lita Staley.

Baptisms

       We rejoice with the families of the following children who joined the family of faith through the Sacrament of Baptism on Sunday, October 8:

       Morgan Lee Ann James & Hunter Bartley James, children of Bartley & Amy Cashin James;

       John James Sara, son of James & Jessica Morrison Sara;

       Spencer Clay Short, son of Blair & Joy Robertson Short;

       and Emma Grace Zamrzla, daughter of Adam Gajewski & Beth Ann Zamrzla.

 

Deaths

       Mildred Buttolph, a former member of our church, entered the church triumphant on September 20.  Services were held on September 23. The prayers and sympathy of the church are extended to her family and friends. 

       The prayers and sympathy of the congregation are also extended to the following members who have lost a loved one in the past weeks:

       to Grace Heddesheimer and family upon the death of her sister, Doris Gilpin;

       to Marjorie & Bill Westbrook and family upon the death of Marjorie’s mother, Marguerite Althen;

       to John & Patty Domino upon the death of Patty’s father, Thad Sosnick;

       to Howard & Sue Barkfelt and family upon the death of Howard’s mother, Mary White;

       and to Gary & Karen Burgund and family upon the death of Gary’s mother, Reba Rice.

 

 

From our church’s mailbox

 

Dear SUMC staff and members,

       Thank you very much for helping to make Andrew’s baptism day so   special.  Everything from the meeting with Rev. Ron to the special guide in the bulletin to the personalized blanket were just perfect. We appreciate your welcoming Drew into the Christian faith and for making us feel so special and at home at SUMC.

                      Thanks again!

                      Diane & Michael Chesney

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

Dear Church  Family,

       I want to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and well wishes.  I especially want to thank Pastor Paula for taking time out of her busy schedule to visit and pray with me before surgery.

                      God Bless,

                      Marj Szabo

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

Dear Congregation,

       I have moved from where I was living over to my other granddaughter and husband’s home.  My new address is:       Mary H. Lawson

                      5519 Eula Avenue

                      Cincinnati, OH 45248

       I miss all of you folks.  There is nothing at church here like there was at the church in Strongsville.

                      Sincerely,

                      Mary Lawson

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

Dear Rev. Ron, Pastor Paula and all our friends in the Strongsville United Methodist Church,

       My family and I want you to know how much your prayers helped in making my recovery from surgery as fast and painless as it was.

       It’s a wonderful feeling to be a small part of a “caring” Christian congregation.

                      Love,

                      Evelyn Hank

Newsworthy Notes

Sara Berendsen reigns at B.W.

Congratulations to Sara Berendsen, who was elected Homecoming Queen at Baldwin-Wallace College. Sara coordinates a program which gives students an alternative to bars or off-campus parties.  Sara is one of our Chapman Scholars, and she is the daughter of Bob & Laurie Berendsen.

Habitat for Humanity

Last month three Habitat for Humanity homes were completed and dedicated, but the mission continues.  Two new homes have been started on E. 63rd Street in Cleveland.  Anyone interested in working on one of these houses should call Chris Keller at 216-429-1299, ext. 226.  Both houses are currently under roof.

Adoptive Parents Needed

Parent(s are  needed to adopt orphaned Asian-born infants and toddlers. You are cordially invited to attend a free information meeting to be held locally in the Cleveland area on November 15.  For further information, please call toll free to Joanie or Lisa, (866) 254-5092.  This is sponsored by Adoption Home Study Services of Ohio, an Ohio licensed adoption agency located in Alliance.

 

Seen on a church sign. . .

“God promised us a smooth landing,

not smooth sailing.”

 

 

We welcome new members

       The receiving of new members into our faith community is a time of joyous celebration. We are happy to receive those listed below as our new brothers and sisters in Christ. We hope that you will make an effort to know them, to welcome them to the groups and activities in the church in which you participate, and to bind yourselves together with them to serve the Lord.

 

David & Joyce Anderson

19628 Overland Park Dr.

Strongsville, OH 44149  (440) 572-4127

 

Mark & Holly Hotz

3752 Sandlewood Dr.

Brunswick, OH 44212  (330) 225-2632

 

John & Julie Huie

14534 Settlers Run

Strongsville, OH 44136  (440) 878-0798

 

Deborah Smith

18619 Admiralty Dr.

Strongsville, OH 44136  (440) 878-5147

 

Holly Shurin

18566 Royalton Rd. #301

Strongsville, OH 44136  (440) 238-2863

 

Tom & Jan Kuklo

18588 Glen Cairn Way

Strongsville, OH 44149  (440) 846-8806

 

Evelyn Belgrave

14501 Settlers Way

Strongsville, OH 44149  (440) 846-5911

 

Jennifer Hartwick

17599 Whitney Rd.

Strongsville, OH 44136

 

Laura Kotlin

636 Richie Dr.

Brunswick, OH 44212  (330) 220-7933

 

Russell Ruebensaal

18532 Heritage Trail

Strongsville, OH 44136  (440) 238-3383

 


Bryan Duncan

contemporary Christian singer

in concert

Saturday, November 4, 7:30 pm

Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church

 

·        Bryan Duncan, winner of the Dove Award (the Gospel Music Association’s highest honor) has had 12 #1 hits on the Gospel charts, including his signature song, Love Takes Time.

 

·        Tickets are $10 for groups of 10 or more, $12 general admission, and $15 for preferred seating.

     

·        They may be purchased in advance at Rainbow Family Books in Maple Hts. or charged by phone at 1-800-965-9324.  Tickets at the door will be $15.

 

·        Garfield Memorial is located on Lander Circle in Pepper Pike.  For more information call 216-831-1942, or log on to christianhappenings.com.

 

 

Hello!  I am “R.B. McCoal.”  Perch me up on your monitor, pillow, or anywhere, as a reminder to pray every day for the ministries in the churches, outreach ministries, and agencies of the Red Bird Missionary Conference ... AND ... so that you can remember to take a mission web trip, I’m the helper on the “Kid’s Nest.”

 

Order Today!!

 

Please send me _______ R.B. McCoal (7” plush cardinal) @ $10.00 each + shipping & handling.  (S&H = 8% or $2.50 minimum). 

 

Make checks payable (memo: “R.B. McCoal”) and mail to:

 

Red Bird Missionary Conference

6 Queendale Center

Beverly, KY 40913

 

 

 


The Wesley News is published monthly by the Strongsville United Methodist Church. Deadline for articles is the 15th of every month for the following month’s newsletter. Articles can be mailed or dropped off in the church office or e-mailed to either Steller5@AOL.com or BevW@StrongsvilleUMC.org

 


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