From Pastor Paula’s desk
Hi
Friends!
Recently,
I obtained a goldfish for my office. After she (Miss Joyful) arrived I
went and purchased the necessary supplies of a bowl, some stones, a plant, and
a rock for her to hide behind. Now Miss Joyful has a lovely home on my desk.
Twice a day she makes her way to the top to eat her food and then she contently
swims around in her home. However, over the last several days I have
noticed her spending a lot of time swimming up and down the side of her glass
bowl trying to get the attention of the “other fish” she sees darting around
with her. As I watch her, I am speculating she needs a friend. So, this
weekend, I believe Miss Joyful will be joined by a friend.
In
John 1:40-42 we read, “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who
heard what John has said and who followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew
did was to find his brother Simon and tell him,’We have found the Messiah’
(that is the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.”
Andrew
had heard a very important message. He could have easily returned home
knowing the message of Christ’s love for him and kept it to himself.
Instead he shared with his closest friend and family member what he knew. It
was the message proclaiming Jesus the Son of God.
We,
like Andrew, are called to share the message of Jesus. In a few weeks we
will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. We will celebrate the message
of Jesus’ love and forgiveness – a message of hope…a message which calls us to
move out of our fish bowls and share what we know with a friend.
Miss
Joyful will be sharing her home with a new friend. Who is the friend with
whom you will share your eternal home?
Friday Fellowship
It’s time for Chicken‘n
Biscuits
An
important anniversary!
This
April marks the 25th year of Friday Fellow-ship’s annual “Chicken ‘n
Biscuit” dinners. Please circle Friday, April 27th on your calendar
and plan to enjoy, once again, this traditional dinner with your family and
friends. Tickets for either the 5:00 pm or 6:30 pm seating will soon be on sale
in the atrium before and after services. Ticket prices remain the same at $6.50
for adults and $3.50 for children under 12. Watch for further announcements in
the bulletin.
Thought for the Day
Don’t go through life
with a catcher’s mitt on both hands – you need to throw something back.
April Birthdays
April
1 Lily Jackson, 91 years
April
5 Lita Staley
April
7 Harriet Cleland
April
14 Marian Craig, 90 years
April
19 Barbara Lee
April
28 Gladys Grieco
Anniversaries
April
17 Don & Harriet Cleland, 48
years
April
23 Tom & Marilyn Verbsky, 49
years
United Methodist Women
Under Construction
Attic to
Cellar Sale postponed until June
The Attic to Cellar
Sale is being revamped and will take place on June 14 and 15 instead of in
April. Watch for the new format and
details in the next issue. In the
meantime, keep saving those unused clothes, toys, tools, exercise equipment,
televisions, bikes, etc. until our new date.
Lydia
Circle
The
ladies of Lydia Circle will meet April 5th in Tiber Hall at 12:30
pm. Bring your “brown bag” lunch.
Beverage will be provided. Our
program will be on Jackson Area Ministries where we send vegetable seeds every
spring. When you’re out shopping, don’t forget to get seeds to send for the
circle collection on April 5th.
All ladies of the church are
welcome. Any questions, call Grace Kellner, 234-0938, or Betty Berry, 238-6495.
Cleveland District UM Women Annual Spring Meeting
Ridgewood
United Methodist Church
Ridgewood
Road, Parma
Monday, May 7 - $7.50
5:30
pm Registration 6 PM Dinner (Lasagne)
Registration to Nancy Dawson by April 20.
Child of Africa:
Volunteers
from Lakewood, both youth and adults, visited Africa University and a United
Methodist-sponsored mission last summer and will entertain and educate us with
their new knowledge! Come, meet your Sisters in Christ from Cuyahoga
County.
Stephen Ministry
Bear One Another's
Burdens...
In Galations 6, Paul tells
us to “carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ.”
Our Stephen Ministers have
been trained and organized to do just that. They provide one-to-one care,
prayer, and support to those who are going through a difficult time. If
you know someone who could benefit from this ministry, or would just like more information,
please contact Rev. Ron, Pastor Paula, Bev. Wells (572-1415), Mark or Karen
Milia (572-0602), Hildi Fitzpatrick (572-5004) or Jim Boyer (572-4976).
It’s Pancake Breakfast time…mark
your calendars for Sunday, April 1 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm in Tiber Hall. Let the United Methodist Men cook you up
some hot pancakes and syrup, sausages, and beverages, all for $4.00 for adults
and $2.00 for children 10 and under.
Join our book discussion group
Do
you enjoy reading? If so, you are invited to a Book Discussion Group on Wednesday,
April 18th from 12:30-2:00 pm. Check a local bookstore or the library for the
book Traveling Mercies by Anne LaMotte and join the group on the
18th to share your thoughts about this true story of Anne's faith journey. Bring
your lunch if you wish. Dessert and beverages will be available.
Notes from the Nurses
CPR Training offered on April 28
Let’s
learn to save a life! On Saturday, April 28, the American Red Cross will
offer an Adult CPR class in Tiber Hall.
The class will be from 9 am to 1 pm and with successful completion
of the class, you will receive a one year certification. Cost is only $10. If
interested, please call the church office (238-6135) with your name, address,
and phone number. You must register and bring in a check for the American Red
Cross by April 20. Hopefully you will never be in a situation that requires you
to use CPR, but imagine your helplessness if those skills are needed and you
never learned. Do your family and friends a favor and learn CPR!
April,
2001 is the 25th anniversary of National Humor Month. Scientific
research now indicates that the curative power of laughter may be one of the
great medical discoveries of our times. Laughter is an effective tool for
promoting the healing process. It can improve health, boost morale, and enrich
the quality of one’s life. The quickest, most effective way to beat stress is
literally to laugh it off. The next time you’re feeling down or stressed, pull
out a good joke book and chuckle that stress away. Here’s one to get you
started:
One
Sunday in a midwest city, a young child was “acting up” during the morning worship hour. The
parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were
losing the battle. Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked
sternly up the aisle on his way out.
Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called
loudly to the congregation, “Pray for me! Pray for me!”
Monthly
blood pressure check will be April 22 after each service.
Keep smiling!
Betsy Mowry & Gail Spence
Have you ever wondered…?
...how
the soft-drink machine outside of Tiber Hall remains full? This soda dispenser is operated by the
United Methodist Men and all profits go to their outreach programs. The machine
is faithfully filled by Jeff Dettmer.
Jeff keeps many people in the church happy (including Rev. Ron). Thanks, Jeff!!
Nursery volunteers needed for Holy Week Services
We
need adult member volunteers for the following Easter services:
Palm
Sunday, April 8 at 7:00 pm
Maundy
Thursday, April 12 at 7:30 pm
Good
Friday, April 13 at 7:30 pm
Easter morning, April
15 at 8:15 am, 9:30 am, and 11:00 am
We
would like to staff both the Nursery (the little people who do not walk yet)
and the Toddler Room (children 2 years of age and younger who are walking) and
would like to have two volunteers in each room at each
service. This seems like a tall order,
but with the size of our congregation we should be able to accomplish it! Please see the sign-up sheets posted outside
of the door to each room, or call one of the names listed below.
Thank you,
Joan Thwaite, (440) 238-5043
Becky Murphy, (440) 572-4287
(home) (440) 243-4600 (work)
Thank
you from the Ekars
To all members and friends:
Words
cannot express our sincere appreciation for the farewell reception. The memory book is a treasure which will be
read many times along with the pictorial directory. Your generous gifts and kind expressions and sentiments were
over-whelming.
It
was a privilege and an honor to have served as your organist for the last 24
years. God bless each of you as you continue to proclaim the Good News and
expand Christ’s ministry in Strongsville.
Sincerely
in Christ,
Al
& Lenore Ekar
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A heartfelt thank you goes to the
following individuals who helped make Al and Lenore Ekar’s reception so
special: Sue Barkfelt, Eileen Bambam,
Gail Fader, Dolores Huhn, Grace Kellner, Sharon Konkoly, Barb Krivos, Betty
Pierce, Alice Waltz, Bev. Wells, Carol Williams, and the Youth Group. Many
thanks, too, for the wonderful contributions for the Memory Book and Love
Offering. Over $1300 was given to Al and Lenore.
Diane
Nickle, Worship Committee
Elaine
Byrd, SPR Committee
Kindness is difficult to give away because
it keeps coming back.
Joys & Concerns of the Congregation
Graduation
Congratulations
to Stephen Butwinski upon his recent graduation from Ohio State
University.
Births
We rejoice with Dave
and Heather (Muskoff) McEnulty upon the birth of their daughter, Abigail
Louese McEnulty, on March 9. Proud
grandparents are Terry & Karen Muskoff.
Baptisms
We
rejoice with the families of those children who have joined the family of faith
through the Sacrament of Baptism.
The
following were baptized on Sunday, March 11:
Mallory Kaitlyn Tinnirello,
daughter of Vincent & Lynn (Staley) Tinnirello;
and David Allen Hamilton, son of
David & Kimberlie (Pasket) Hamilton.
The
prayers and sympathy of the congregation are extended to the families and friends
of members of our church family who have entered the church triumphant during
the past month.
to
Shirley Rutherford and family upon the death of her husband, Charles
Rutherford, or February 28;
to
Caroline Buschman and Jean Brinkman and family upon the death of husband and
father Clarence (Bob) Buschman on March 2;
to
the family of Ruth Ineman, who passed away on March 15;
and
to Olive Nixon and family upon the death of her husband, Dan Nixon, on March
16.
Our
deepest sympathy is also extended to the following members of our church family
who have recently lost a loved one:
to
Jim & Brenda Soja and family upon the death of Brenda’s grandfather, Edward
Williams;
to
Chuck & Lita Staley and family upon the death of Chuck’s brother-in-law,
Chuck Herre;
to
Myrna Nored and family upon the death of her brother, Howard Sanders;
to
Vic & Carol Perri and family upon the death of Vic’s mother, Marilyn
Spevak;
to
Tim & Deb Oblisk and family upon the death of Deb’s aunt, Rosemary Swab;
to
Mark & Holly Hotz and family upon the death of Mark’s grandmother, Helen
Goertz;
to
Faye & James Habart and family upon the death of James’ sister, Eleanor
Scheimann
to
Marian & Oren Youngstein and family upon the death of Marian’s niece,
Shelley Kitcko;
and
to Karen & Dave Ransbury and family upon the death of Karen’s aunt, Hazel
Lubinski.
From our church’s mailbox
Dear
Church Family,
I want to thank you all for the prayers, meals,
cards, flowers, visits and concern while I was in the hospital and at home
recovering from surgery. It has been a “unique” experience and one that has
served to strengthen my faith and help me realize that I am indeed blessed to
be part of the body of Christ.
Although the surgery has not greatly
improved my health status thus far, we are hopeful that the progression of the
disease has stopped. I pray that God will continue to use me to provide
encouragement to others and to bring glory to him.
Thank you all again!
In Christian Love,
Mary Bradigan
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Dear
Congregation,
We have been so blessed. Thanks be to God for Bob’s life. Thanks to Rev. Mowry and Pastor Paula. Thanks to friends at church. We are so blessed.
Sincerely,
Caroline Buschman
Ed and Jean Brinkman
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Dear
Friends,
I wish to express my deep appreciation
for all the wonderful people of SUMC.
Thank you so much for your prayers, visits, calls and dinners that you
gave while I was recovering from a broken ankle and surgery.
I’m doing well. I should start rehab later this month. Hopefully, I’ll be walking
on my own soon.
SUMC means a lot to my family and me. I
thank God for all the love you have shown us.
Sincerely,
Mary Gravley
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Dear
United Methodist Family,
How could our family ever begin to thank
Rev. Ron and Pastor Paula (who made endless trips to the Clinic) and the church
family for the prayers and support during our dear husband and father’s illness
and death. Thank you to the caring ladies who provided the wonderful lunch
after the services.
Your blessed hands made our loss much
easier for us to bear.
God Bless each one of you,
Shirley Rutherford
The Lange Family
The Knopf Family
Opal Russell
Please
make a note!
An incorrect phone number was listed for
Alice Waltz in the pictorial directory.
Please make a note of the correct number: (440) 239-1970.
Where did all the money go?
Treasurer’s Report
Current
expenses for 2000: $529,854.98
Contributions
towards these expenses: $531,571.03
Balance
at year-end: $ 1716.05
(was transferred to the
Copious Fund)
Breakdown
of Expenses:
Salaries,
heating, lighting, curriculum and all other overhead items of running this church
(This
figure includes Capital Campaign Fund expenses which were not included in the
original budget):
$408,381
Mortgages
on the church and N. Inlet parsonage:
$ 36,128
United
Methodist obligations including World Benevolences:
$ 85,336
Money
given in addition to Pledged items for various mission projects through the
East Ohio Conference:
$
19,968
Amount
given to local projects Including Strongsville Food Bank and Cleveland District
In-Gathering:
$ 19,582
Thank
you for your generous giving last year!
Paula Dragovich, Treasurer
Thanks to all the souper
volunteers!
Dear
Congregation,
A big thank you for your support of the
UMW Souper Luncheon on March 4. Once
again the many talented cooks and bakers of the church provided a wide variety
of soups and muffins for a tasty meal, while the soup sippers provided the
wonderful fellowship.
Also, a great big thanks to all those who
helped behind the scenes in the kitchen, especially Ethel and Gordon Evans
for their tireless dedication.
Your generosity helps UMW supports its many
missions, both locally and globally, throughout the year. We couldn’t do it without you.
Once again, many thanks and we hope to
see you again next year.
Wende Bakeman
Newsworthy Notes
Promise Keepers is coming to Ohio
Promise
Keepers will be at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on Friday, July 13,
6:30 – 9:30 and Saturday, July 14, 8:30 – 4:30. Anyone interested in attending
this LIFE CHANGING event, contact Phil Weisbrod, (330) 220-7556.
Spring Ahead
You’ll
find yourself late for church if you forget to set your clocks ahead! Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday,
April 1st.
The
privilege of placing Easter Lilies on the altar at Easter in Honor
or in Memory of loved ones can again be yours. Orders will be taken until April 8th.
Please return the form below to the church office or to a member of the United
Methodist Men. Cost is $7.50 per
plant. All proceeds go to UMM outreach
programs throughout our church and community.
Please contact Mark Milia, 572-0602 or 243-6330, if you have any
questions.
Please make checks payable to Strongsville United
Methodist Men and return to the church office by April 8.
Name______________________________________________ Phone________________________
I would like ________ Easter plants @ $7.50 each.
In Memory
of:______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
(please print clearly)
In Honor of:________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
(please print clearly)
All plants are to be picked up on a first-come
basis, on Easter, April 15, 2001 after the 11:00 service.
Please check one:
_____Yes, I will be picking
up my plant
_____No,
I will not be picking up my plant
(Those plants not being picked up will be taken to
area shut-ins)
From the Pastor's study
Lessons of Lent -
Listening to Nature=s Lyrics
AFor I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord,
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.@ Jeremiah
29:11
As
I arise from bed, the early mornings seem much the same as several months ago.
The dark still makes it necessary for me to turn on a light and forces me to
journey to the window so that the yard light can tell me if snow lies on the
ground. Closed doors and windows muffle sounds which could sweep in from
outside. Occasionally the hand of the forceful wind can be felt pressing
against the frame of the house.
Yet
in other ways, the days are very different from months ago. Even in the dark,
as I journey out get the paper, if I pause and intently listen, I hear the
lyrics of birds. Possibly they sing in the dark because they too are excited
about the change of season. The predawn light pushes aside darkness earlier
allowing me to perform chores without turning on the light. How joyous when, as
in recent days, the sun blazing upon me eases my concern as to whether I will
ever be warm again, and daffodils pushing their heads through the ground share
a testimony of change. As I listen with ear and see with eye, the lyrics of
nature inform me of the arrival of spring. AWinter is passing,@ the earth sings. The
furnace does not come on as often; the layers of clothing to protect the body
begin to diminish; the anxiety over driving conditions due to weather receive
less attention.
So
too it is with the winters and springs of life. The moments of darkness can appear
unending; troublesome despair looks to be in control; good is perceived as
pushed aside by evil; doubts and questions press us...the winter of life.
Yet,
at differing speeds, spring begins to arrive. Through a word of encouragement,
a reconciled relationship, a day of renewed strength, or the comfort of an
uplifted prayer, light returns to a segment of life. We sense the excitement
which slowly seeps upon us with one sign of hope. Here is spring.
Currently,
we are journeying through the bleakness of Lent, yet we do so with the full
knowledge of Easter. It is impossible for us to forget the powerful witness of
the Resurrection. The remembrance of renewed life after a time of trial and
despair brings hope to our lives. As our Lord broke the bondage of death, we
are encouraged to break the bondage which has kept us from abundant life.
As
I listen to the lyrics with which spring serenades me, I am reminded of a
lesson of Lent. The lesson is that out of the darkness can come the light given
through hope.
Lord,
enable me to know the hope which you want to bestow upon me. Amen.
Invitation:
Reverend and Mrs. Ronald A. Mowry and Mr. and Mrs. Gale W. Fisk request the
honour of your presence at the ceremony uniting their children Jennifer Marie
Mowry to Justin Douglas Fisk On Saturday, the nineteenth of May, two thousand
one at three o’clock in the afternoon First United Methodist Church Ravenna,
Ohio -- Music begins at half past two
Pampered
Chef Party
Pampered
Chef is “the kitchen store that comes to your door.” Many have attended
Pampered Chef parties in homes, but a unique opportunity to purchase the high
quality kitchen utensils and tools (that range from simple vegetable peelers to
professional grade cookware) will be available at the church on Sundays, March
11th and 18th.
Through
an arrangement with Pampered Chef, the Capital Funds Campaign will receive a
part of the profits from the total sales. A table will be in the atrium on
those two Sundays, where items can be ordered. This is another way in which
people are creatively aiding the Capital Funds Campaign. We give thanks to Joan
Koenig, Kitchen Consultant, who has arranged this agreement with Pampered Chef.
If you need a kitchen item, stop by and see what is available.