June, 2001   Wesley News of the Strongsville United Methodist Church

 

 

Summer Worship Schedule

Our summer worship schedule will begin on Sunday, June 3rd when our Sunday morning services will be at 8:15 am and 9:30 am.  This schedule will be in effect for the months of June, July, and August. Remember that “On THE WAY” (our Contemporary Worship Service) will be every Saturday at 5:00 pm throughout the summer.

 

 

Come to the Lawn Fete . . . Stay for the Mission Trip Auction!!

A full day of fellowship, food, and fun is planned for Sunday, June 10th.  The annual Lawn Fete will begin at noon with an old-fashioned church family picnic.  Hamburgers and hot dogs will be grilled to perfection and accompanied by every kind of salad, side dish, and dessert you can think of.  You will need to bring a blanket or lawn chairs, your own plates, cups, and eating utensils, you own beverage, and a large side dish, salad, or dessert for the buffet.  There will be games for children of all ages and, if you are lucky, someone may cool you off by slipping a piece of ice down your back!

Be sure to stick around for the first-ever Youth Mission Trip Auction.  The auction will begin at 2:30 in Tiber Hall and last until the final item is sold. There are some fantastic items to bid on:  Tickets for various Indians games, tickets to the N’Sync concert, a stay in a Florida vacation condo, handyman services, and lots of other interesting things.  Proceeds from the auction will be used for this year’s Youth Mission Trip to Mountain Top, Tennessee in July.  Donations of items to the auction can still be made by calling Greg (238-6135) or Paul Wells (572-1415).  For a list of creative ideas for donations, check out the Youth Bulletin Board in the atrium.  The auction is open to everyone in the community, so invite your friends and neighbors to join you (they are welcome at the Lawn Fete also).

 

UMW

Attic to Cellar

Sale

Thurs., June 14   9 am to 4 pm

Fri., June 15           9 am to 1 pm

Tiber Hall

(for more details, see article in this issue)


 

Thank you, Alys!

Alys Herrick, who has served as our Christian Education Coordinator for the past ten years, has resigned her position in order to take more full time employment. Alys’ resignation is effective June 30th.

Alys is deeply committed to her faith and has provided dedicated leadership to our education department, especially working with our children’s ministries. Most recently she has been integral to the institution of our Safe Sanctuaries Policy which ensures the safety of our children and youth.

The congregation will have the opportunity to express its deep gratitude for Alys’ service to the church. We will affirm Alys on June 10th at 12:00 noon, prior to the Lawn Fete. You are asked to gather in the Sanctuary so that we can appropriately express our gratitude to Alys for her diligence and devotion.

If you would like to make some personal comments to Alys (in writing) or share some pictures, you are invited to do so. Please bring them to the church office by June 3rd for collection by the Staff/Parish Relations Committee.

Alys plans to remain in the church as a dedicated disciple of the Lord. We appreciate the time that she has given to her staff position.

 

 

Confirmation Class of 2001

Congratulations to the twenty-three youth of our congregation who were confirmed on Sunday, May 13:

 

Elizabeth Blank

Michael Border

Brennan Dickinson

Scott Diller

Chelsea Dobbs

Kristen Domino

Brody Fiesler

Charles Hawk

Alanna Kawiecki

Kenneth Likavec

Tess Lockhart

Kyle Lucke

Grayson Michalski

Daniel Muller

William Murphy

Victor Perri, Jr.

Lauren Puzzitiello

Jacob Sermak

Nathaniel Slany

Lauren Spence

Paul Spitzig

John Voll

Felicia Weisbrod

 

 

 

Contemporary Worship Service

Life Management Series Begins

 “On THE WAY” our Saturday evening contemporary worship experience (5-6pm)  is in full swing.  Over the course of the next several weeks we will be hearing from the Word of God on a variety of topics which impact each of us. 

Listed here you will find what will be happening at “On THE WAY” as we begin a series called “LIFE MANAGEMENT”!        

·         June 2nd            PENTECOST CELEBRATION -- The Birthday of the Church

·         June 9th             “LIFE MANAGEMENT SERIES BEGINS”  --  Setting Priorities 

·         June 16th        Family Life

·         June 23rd        Rev. Ron will share the message

·         June 30th        How to be a Christian in the Work Place

·         July 7th            God’s Gifts to Us (Part 1)

·         July 14th          God’s Gifts to Us (Part 2)

·         July 21st          Coping with Loss (job, divorce, death)

·         July 28th          Rev. Ron will share the message

 

From The Pastor's Study

"Rush Hour Interruption"

One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. Psalm 27:4

Recently during the morning rush hour I was journeying to an area hospital, proceeding north on Pearl Road. Suddenly the car in front of me came to a halt; cars in the lane next to me did the same; cars approaching made the jerking of a rapid stop. As I too pressed the brake and found myself immobile (along with many others that morning), I saw the reason for our delay. Proceeding across this heavily used road during rush hour was a goose and three yellow fluffy goslings.

Traffic waited for several minutes while mom and the young ones trekked the asphalt. Suburbanites, in a hurry on their way to work, paused. Parents transporting children to school were at checkmate. A delivery truck came to a dead stop. Rush hour on Pearl Road was in abeyance.

When the feathered creatures reached the safety of the sidewalk a few feet from the roadway, the traffic slowly resumed movement. However, I proceeded with a different frame of mind. I want to believe that others were affected as well that morning. In the groggy, full-speed ahead, beginning of the day, our lives had been interrupted by the wonder and beauty of nature.

Before me had marched new life. Goslings, in trust, had followed their mother across the pavement in regimented order. The sharp colors of goose and offspring had been placed against the black of roadway and yellow of stripes. Natural life boldly stepped through a mechanical world. Nature had interrupted human hurry.

I reflected that day on how God tries to break into my hurry so that I might behold the beauty around me. Beauty which comes...

 

All around me is the beauty of God's wonderful world. I can be in a rush, not just during certain hours, but in life itself. But God is there to bring me joy.

 

Such a moment has just occurred in our family with our daughter, Jen's, and son, Justin's, wedding. In the mad rush that preceded the wedding day, everything seemed to be turmoil. I have officiated at many weddings. This is the first where I have been the father of the bride. Then came the time and there was a beauty and deep joy in the day as bride and groom expressed their love for one another and there was a new sense of peace.

 

Shhhh..... If I take time, pause, look, and reflect, I see the wonder of God's creation surrounding me. Abounding are signs of God's grace and beauty. Here is creation; not only natural but spiritual as well, that wants to interrupt my hurried life and help me reflect upon the deep love of God. About me is the wonder of God's creation which is seen, not only in animal life or plant life, but in human life. Love which is expressed in the beauty even of a wedding day.

 

O Lord, I ask that I might continually be reminded of the beauty which you have granted to this world and therefore to me. Amen


Rev. Ron Mowry


From Pastor Paula’s Desk

Recently, I have been spending time out in the yard digging up soil, trimming back bushes, and planting new perennials and annuals.  While doing this I have been watching the changes which take place from day to day in the yard.  These changes seem to happen overnight, but they are changes  which occur due to the work and time I am willing to put into the project.

Over the course of this spring as I have been taking on the yard, I have also been reading throughout the Old Testament book of Proverbs.  This book, tucked into the Old Testament after the much-loved book of Psalms, has given me daily insights which are applicable to my life. 

One of the nuggets of truth from God given to me was Proverbs 16:23 (NIV), which reads, “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.”    I began to meditate on these words and I found myself asking the question: “Who is a wise person?” 

Immediately as I considered the question, I thought, well that is easy, a person with knowledge.  Then, I began to reconsider my answer.  As I searched out other Scriptures I recognized something important:  the person who is wise is the one who has his/her heart filled with the things of God. The one who is willing to work the soil of the heart through prayer and Scripture, who is willing to listen for the direction of God, and who is willing to consider the wisdom of Godly counsel is guided by a heart filled up with God.

When we are willing to fill our hearts with the things of God, then people will listen.  They will see by our example and hear by our instruction the things of God. And we will see our lives changing as we seek the heart of God and fill up our hearts with Him.

Lord, help us to let our hearts be the soil in which you can work.  As we seek to fill our hearts with your ways, may we share Godly instruction with those around us.  In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Seeking the heart of God,
Paula J. L. Koch



Friday Fellowship

Friday Fellowship will not be meeting during the summer months.  Look for us in September.

 

Thank  You

We would like to thank everyone who helped make our Chicken ‘n Biscuit Dinner a success. Special thanks go to those of you who helped by preparing, serving, setting up and cleaning up.  You know who you are, and you have our gratitude! 

And, of course, a big thank you to all who bought tickets and patronized Friday Fellowship’s only fundraiser. Those of you who didn’t missed out on what we’ve been told was our best dinner ever!  Thank you all!

 

Thought  for the Day

Thoughtfulness is to friendship as sunshine is to a garden.

 

June Birthdays

June 8       Corinne Jackson

June 10     Mary Howe

June 14     Dorothy Kane

June 18     Betty Smith

June 20     Dick Coleman, 84 years

 

Rustad Library

The Rustad Library is honored to accept three new memorial books given by the Friday Fellowship.  These inspiring additions will provide hours of enriching and enjoyable reading for our members.

 

Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott, given in memory of Ruth Ineman, is the stirring faith journey of a woman confused and almost destroyed by a troubled past.  The author’s honesty, wit, and passion shine clearly as she takes her readers through her search for illumination.  Her California church does become her home, and you will understand her love for her new church family. Filled with laughter and tears, this novel was one of our church book club selections.

 

Presented in memory of Clarence Buschman, the book The Power of a Praying Parent  by Stormie Omartian, is a favorite of many church parents.  Filled with easy-to-read chapters and prayers, this powerful aid for parents will help guide them through all ages and stages of their children. “Being a perfect parent doesn’t matter.  Being a praying parent does.”

 

Yes, the latest Jan Karon novel in the Mitford series has arrived. Donated in memory of Daniel Nixon, A Common Life is the touching narrative of the wedding of Father Tim and Cynthia Coppersmith. Jan Karon retraces Father Tims joys and concerns as he, and all of Mitford, prepare for the glorious occasion.  This sixth book in the series is an inspiring journey and a tender story of the very special love between two people and the love of their church community.





Pentecost Sunday

As a congregation, we will celebrate the birth of the church on Sunday, June 3rd. We will recognize our high school seniors at the 9:30 service on that day. What a wonderful time to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and the beginning of a wonderful adventure in life for our graduates.



East Ohio Annual Conference takes place from June 18-22, 2001. Representatives of the Conference churches will gather at Lakeside. Carol Williams and Hildi Fitzpatrick are the official lay members to Annual Conference from our church. Rev. Ron and Pastor Paula will also be in attendance. If you have an emergency during this time, please contact the church office. Please lift Bishop Keaton and the members of Annual Conference in your prayers.

 

Property Search Update

The Property Search Committee continues to diligently pursue the procurement of property to relocate the church. Options have been extended for several pieces of property between Lunn Rd. and Drake Rd. Please continue to hold this important endeavor in your prayers and ask for the work of the Spirit in finding property.

 

Summer Musicians

Musicians of all types are needed for our summer worship services. If you would like to share your musical gifts with our congregation, please call Don Shearer (846-1916) as soon as possible. Dates are available from June 17th through September 2nd. Please consider sharing your talent in praise of the Lord.

 

United Methodist Women

Doing your own Garage Sale leaving you moaning?

Then gather up your un-needed household items and bring them to the church for the ANNUAL ATTIC TO CELLAR SALE June 14 and 15 in Tiber Hall.

Ø      We will be collecting items in the back stairwell or in the enclosed classroom in Tiber Hall starting June 1st.

Ø      We have moved this sale from early spring to summer when we hope you are really ready to clean out the house and garage. 

Ø      What all are you hiding in your basement. . . outgrown toys, a stroller no longer used, one too many televisions, garden tools?

Ø      Not only are we looking for clothing (baby, youngsters and adult), but we would love your no-longer-used exercise equipment, kids’ or adult bikes, or other swappable items.

Ø      Secondly, we want you to come and browse Tiber Hall and sift through what your church friends have donated and take home a “something you have been wishing for.”

Ø      Thirdly, we are always in need of help:  setting up, crowd control and cleaning up.  Please contact Sandy Ogle at 238- 8837 with the hours you can work.

Ø      Please help us earn funds to provide monies for the women’s and children’s activities that the United Methodist Women support. 

 

Lydia Circle

The ladies of Lydia Circle are planning a trip to Petitti’s for lunch on Thursday, June 7.  We will meet at church at 12:30 and carpool. The cost will be about $7.50.

Betty Berry - 238-6495 & Grace Kellner - 234-0938

 

Sometimers

On Sunday, June 24, the Strongsville bus will take us to Portside Theatre at Blossom Center for a matinee performance of Fantasticks.  Please watch the Sunday bulletins for time and cost.  Note, this is a Sunday.

 

 

 

Calling All Graduates!!

In the next issue of the Wesley News  we will honor all our high school and college graduates. If you have a graduate in your family from college or from a high school other than Strongsville High School, please pass their names on to us.  Either give a note to the church office, or place in the Wesley News mailbox across from the Sunday School office.  (Deadline is June 15).

 

 

 

Notes from the Nurses

The week leading up to and including Father’s Day (June 11-17) is National Men’s Health Week. The goal of the week is to raise national awareness among society, and especially among men, of the importance of preventative health behavior in the early detection and treatment of health problems affecting men and their families.

Men need to take an active role in regularly visiting their physicians for basic treatment and examination. The rate of male mortality could significantly be reduced if men would seek treatment before symptoms have reached a critical stage.

Men have many vital health issues. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in men. An estimated 2.5 million men have diabetes and don’t know it. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Men represent 84% of all AIDS cases in the U.S.  Women still outlive men by about six years but they also visit their physicians three times as often as men do!  See any correlation there?

So listen up, guys, and do yourselves and your loved ones a favor.  Exercise more, cut fat from your diet, drink less, don’t smoke, keep track of your blood pressure and SEE YOUR DOCTOR REGULARLY!!!

Monthly blood pressure checks will be

after each service on June 17.

 Hear that, guys?

 

For all you dads out there – have a Happy Father’s Day.

 

Betsy Mowry & Gail Spence

 

It’s almost time for the Polar Expedition

This year’s Vacation Bible School, Polar Expediton…where kids discover Jesus’ love is cool, will be held from June 18 -22.  If you haven’t registered, there is still time.  The registration deadline is June 3.  Registration forms are available in the Sunday bulletins and can be placed in the offering plate, or contact the church office.  Children who are potty-trained and have turned 3 by December 31, 2000 through children who have just completed 5th grade are welcome.  Spread the word to your neighbors and friends.  You do not have to be a church member to attend.  All are welcome!

Crew Leaders are needed...We are looking for several teens or adults to supervise groups of 5-6 children (a crew) as they travel to the stations at VBS.  Whether you are a mom, a dad, a teen, a senior or in between, lots of volunteers are still needed.  Please call Brenda Soja at 572-3401 or Sharon Casey at 740-0888 with any questions, or to let us know that you can help out!

Thank you to everyone who has taken a snowflake from the giving tree.  We truly appreciate the donations.  There is a box located next to the tree in the Chapman hallway where you may drop off your items.  Continue to watch for more snowflakes (items to be donated for VBS) falling onto the tree.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone as we go on our Polar Expedition!

 

Logos Staff Needed!

There are many positions available with Logos starting in the fall.  Logos is an intergenerational program, so people of all ages…young and old, with or without kids…are all welcome and needed.  We currently have positions available for Family Time Coordinator(s), Bible Hour Coordinator(s), Play Time Coordinator(s), teachers, and table parents.

We recently met with this year's staff and decided to use the Faithweaver Curriculum starting in the fall.  The same people who do our Vacation Bible School programs produce Faithweaver.  There are many pieces available for the Faithweaver program, but they are all built around the same message.  We are going to use Faithweaver to bring one message to all four parts of the LOGOS evening.    We want to fill the LOGOS positions early this year so we can get a good jump on implementing our exciting new concept. 

Please prayerfully consider one of these positions.  The Lord will bless you many times over.  If you need more information, please contact Tracy McCort at 846-8410 (tagohio2@cs.com).

 

Stephen Ministry

“This just isn't important enough to bother Ron or Paula with, I can just take care of this little matter myself...”  Ever feel that way?  Well, you needn't.  Even though you have your own relationship with God, a STEPHEN MINISTER can and will stand or kneel with you, offering your needs or praise to our Lord.

That's right, a Stephen Minister is a trained lay volunteer who's ready to confidentially listen to YOUR issues.  Through the use of regular supervision, you will come to find comfort and know God's love as the result of your one-to-one quality caring relationship.

For more information and/or to get help (or if you know someone who might need help), contact Rev. Ron, Pastor Paula, Bev. Wells (572-1415), Mark or Karen Milia (572-0602), Hildi Fitzpatrick (572-5004) or Jim Boyer (572-4976).

 

Engaged Encounter to be held locally

This summer, for the first time, an Engaged Encounter retreat weekend will be held in the Cleveland Area.  The North Olmsted United Methodist Church will host this event on Friday and Saturday, June 22 and 23.  Lodging is available at extra cost if needed.  Engaged Encounter has been helping couples prepare for marriage for more than 20 years.  If you would like to attend, contact Alice & Andy Walsh at 440-331-3505 for more information.

 

Name Tags Coming in June

Because of the large and continually changing makeup of our congregation, the Evangelism & Membership Committee is initiating a name tag project.  The participation of everyone is critical to the success of this project.  The goal is to help all of us be able to identify others in our church family and welcome visitors.

The committee extends an open invitation to all attendees, age 12 and older, to have a name tag made.  On May 27th and June 3rd, forms will be included in the Sunday bulletins for you to complete, showing exactly how you would like your name shown on your name tag (the same form is included below).  Completed forms can be placed in the collection plates on Sundays, dropped off in the church office, or placed in the Evangelism mailbox across from the Sunday School office.  We will begin using our name tags on Sunday, June 24th.

Thank you for your support of this project!

 

Missionary Update

Beth Ferrell returns from Mozambique

Beth Ferrell, one of the three missionaries for whom our church provides direct financial support, has returned to the United States and is waiting for reassignment. 

Beth is a native Ohioan born in Belmont County.  She is a trained nurse who worked for 29 years in Dennison, Ohio.  Following the deaths of her parents and husband between 1981 and 1986, Beth investigated the possibility of mission work through the United Methodist Church.  She was commissioned in 1988 and spent time in language preparation in Portugal prior to leaving for Mozambique, Africa in 1989.

Beth spent 10 years in Mozambique working as a nursing supervisor and educator.  She was also Project Director for the Community Development and Health Project, a countrywide program for Mozambique United Methodist Women. 

Beth left  Mozambique in June of 1999 and visited churches all over the U.S.A. She entered the University of Arizona studying Community-based Interventions for Minority, Vulnerable, and Underserved Populations.  Beth will not be returning to Mozambique but is awaiting reassignment to one of the Sub-Saharan countries in Africa.

 

We welcome new members

We are happy to receive those listed below as our new brothers and sisters in Christ.  They were received into membership on May 6th.

 

Rebecca Marusek                                Shepherding Family

13592 Ruth Drive                                    Terrie Mizerik

Strongsville 44136  (440) 238-7355

Dana Thomas                                        Paul Ziman

12919 Dell Ridge Ct.                             

Strongsville 44149  (440) 572-3327

Gregory & Amy Vance                        Steve & Teresa Marohn

3378 James Blvd.

Brunswick 44212   (330) 220-2450

William Specht                                      Bill Fiesler

13064 Long Boat Circle

Strongsville 44136  (216) 218-1427

Robert & Laurel Tomek                     Bill & Cyndee Brooks

10413 E. Ravine View Ct.

North Royalton 44133  (440) 230-1078

Barbara Ballas                                      Beth Baldine

20749 Lunn Rd.

Strongsville, OH 44149  (440) 238-1217

Patricia Mentzer                                   Jodi Hausmann

20567 Wildwood Lane

Strongsville 44149  (440) 238-2798

Robert & Rosane Schepis                Ron & Cris Shreve

17919 Prospect Rd.

Strongsville 44149  (440) 572-6583

 

 

Joys & Concerns

Weddings

Best wishes to the following couples who were united in marriage this past month:

Heather Mittelmeier & Joel Suudin were married on May 12 in our sanctuary by Rev. Santomen.   Heather is the daughter of Steve & Judy Mittelmeier.

Brian Richards & Lori Bolton  were married on May 12 in Columbus, Ohio.  Brian is the son of Jerry & Karen Richards and the grandson of Dorothy Richards.

Jennifer Mowry & Justin Fisk  were married on May 19 at the First United Methodist Church of Ravenna.  Jennifer is the daughter of Ron & Sue Mowry.  Rev. Ron co-officiated at his daughter’s ceremony along with Rev. Dan Wallick. 

 

Births

Congratulations. . .

to Jayson & Stephanie Madison on the birth of Lily Ann Madison on April 23. Proud great-grandmother is Alice Waltz;

to Jeff & Lisa Pew on the birth of Carter Paul Pew on April 25.  Proud grandparents are Ken & Judy Pew;

to Heidi & Robert Edwards on the birth of Robert Houston Edwards on May 12.  Proud grandparents are Don & Sue Paris;

to Lisa & Michael Murray on the birth of  Lauren Wright Murray  on May 15.  Harold & Mary Lou Wright are the proud grandparents;

and to Lora & Cliff Balka on the birth of Jacob Wayne Balka on May 16.  Proud grandparents are Don & Judy McKee, and proud great-grandparents are Russell & Ginny McKee.

 

Deaths

The prayers and sympathy of the congregation are extended to the family of Charlie Ward, a former member of our church who recently passed away;

to Marc & Lisa Albert and family upon the death of Marc’s grandmother, Teresa Albert, on April 16;

to Paula & Greg Dragovich and family upon the death of Paula’s mother, Mary Wagoner, on April 19;

to George & Barb Ringle and family upon the death of George’s mother, Phyllis, on April 29;

to Vic & Carol Perri and family upon the death of Vic’s grandmother, Reba Hemlock, on May 6;

and to John & Patti Domino and family upon the death of John’s father, Lewis Domino on May 15.

 

From our church’s mailbox

To my church family and friends,

Just want to say thanks for the prayers and for the offers of help as well as rescues with transportation as I've struggled with my illnesses this past year. I especially want to thank the young child who put a prayer request in for me at our last prayer vigil. That really touched my heart!!!

God bless,  Bonnie Harris

 

ššššššššš

 

Dear Friends,

I need your help!  In addition to bone cancer I am now dealing with “Neuropathy.”

Since there is not much information available and it is very painful I am wondering if you or somebody you know can commiserate with me.

Thank you and God bless, Helga Morrison

 

ššššššššš

 

Dear Laity of Strongsville UMC,

It is with deep gratitude that I write to express my thanksgiving to you for your $2847.21 donation to the Secondary School in Dendera, Zimbabwe Scholarship Fund at Africa University. We set an ambitious goal of $400,000 for the East Ohio Conference and you have helped us fulfill our vision. You can be sure that your gift will make a significant difference in the lives of the children/young adults who come to Dendera School/Africa University.

                   Sincerely, Jonathan D. Keaton, Resident Bishop

(Ed. Note:  This money came from part of the Christmas offering).

ššššššššš

Heartfelt thanks go out to everyone who helped to make our spaghetti dinner a success!  We could not have done it without the wonderful adults and youth who volunteered to help in so many ways. We deeply appreciate the delicious desserts that were donated for this event.  We love the children who blessed us with their talent and enthusiasm for dish drying!

We are truly grateful for the donations received from Giant Eagle and Tops, which helped to reduce some of our expenses.

And, last but not least, thanks to everyone who attended!

                   The Youth Mission Trip Committee

 

Thank you, thank you to the person who found the house key at church last Sunday and turned it in.  If you’re going to lose something, church is a good place to leave it; it’s safe there!



 

Christian Education Page


 

Sunday

June 3, 10, 17, 24

9:30 AM  SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS!!

Infant and Toddler care will be combined in the Toddler Room (11). Parents, we appreciate your continued cooperation with the established sign-in/sign-out procedures.

Age-level classes will be provided for children 2 years old through 5th grade.  Children are to go to their classrooms on arrival at church.  Sign-in/sign-out procedures will continue through 3rd grade.  After children’s moments we will gather as a large group for music and story, then the children will return to their classrooms.  Some age levels will be combined.

Teacher rosters are posted by the classroom doors.  Please take the opportunity to give our regular teachers a summer break by taking a turn or two in one of the classes.  Curriculum and teacher guides are available in the Sunday School Office.

June 3      

Attendance Awards will be distributed in the classrooms today.  Recipients will be listed in the bulletin.  Congratulations to all who have missed three or fewer Sundays from September through May!


EDUCATION WORK AREA APPRECIATION SUNDAY

All members of the EWA are being recognized and gratefully thanked for their commitment to the Christian Education ministry of SUMC during the 9:30 AM service.  Following the service at 10:45 AM they and their immediate families will share in a fellowship meal.

 

June 23     Birthday Bank Sunday

 

Monday – Friday                   

June 18 – 22     POLAR EXPEDITION!                   

JESUS’ LOVE IS “COOL”!!

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  Vacation Bible School

Thanks to Brenda Soja and Sharon Casey for their leadership. Thanks to all the members of the planning committee, learning station directors, and crew leaders.  Have a great week!

Tuesday

June 5       6:30 PM    Committee on Education, Room 7

                   7:30 PM    VBS meeting, Loft

Wednesday

June 20     7:00 PM    Safe Sanctuary Task Group

                   All members are encouraged to attend!


From Alys’ Journal

July 1, 1991-The new position of Education Coordinator is launched!

Where to begin?  Organize the associate’s office! Dianne Powell is in charge of VBS. Thank you, Lord!  Fall quarter for Sunday School is coming soon.  Teachers, we need teachers. Along come Carol Williams and Jean Brinkman.  Thank you, Lord! 

Confirmation?! I need help.  Along comes Bonnie Harris.  Thank you Lord!  Confirmands, classes, mini-retreats, Weekend Retreat (chaperones, discussion leaders, cooks); we have help!  Thank you, Lord!   Confirmation Sunday-More children for your kingdom, Lord!

Fall Quarter begins!  Teachers, we have teachers!

Merry Christmas!  Psalty helps us celebrate.  Along come Kay diLauro and Marian Spitzig!  Thank you, Lord!

The Christian Education ministry expounds!

Wesley News articles-meetings-phone calls, meetings, Charge Conference report, meetings, workshops, meetings!!

The calendar is full.  My family is supportive.  Thank you, Lord!

The Christian Education ministry expands!

LOGOS, Committee on Education, and the children’s Easter program develop.  Along come volunteers. Thank you, Lord! 

Safe Sanctuaries!

Administrative Board appoints! Safe Sanctuaries Task Group meets! Training workshops are held!  Applications-we need applications!  We will provide safe and secure surroundings and events for our children, youth, and adults through an extra measure of responsibility.  Applications-we have applications!  Thank you, Lord!

The Christian Education office moves!

A new associate arrives.  Time to change offices.  Move over, Carol!  Sunday School office is cozy, crowded, recently “computerized” and “cooled”.  Sunday mornings are never the same -- choirs, special projects, children’s moments, Sunday School Superintendent and Secretary are the managers.

Teachers, we have teachers!  Thank you, Lord!

June 30, 2001-The position of Education Coordinator is in transition!

It is time for me to move on to serve God in another capacity at SUMC.  God will bless the educational ministry with a new leader.  Teachers, you will have teachers!

Loving thanks to ALL who have participated in the Education Work Area for the past 10 years.  You are the reason that our children, youth and adults are continuing to be nurtured and taught in the ways of God’s Love and Truth for every day of their lives.

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and hide them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”  Deuteronomy 6:4-9  The Living Bible

“The Hebrews were extremely successful at making religion an integral part of life. The reason for their success was that religious education was life-oriented, not information-oriented. They used the context of daily life to teach about God.  The key to teaching our children to love God is stated simply and clearly in these verses. If you want your children to follow God, you must make God a part of your everyday experiences. You must teach your children diligently to see God in all aspects of life, not just those that are church related.”  Commentary from The Living Bible

 



Souled Out 

 


 

Something to Think About

by Greg



Sometimes we need to be reminded who the Bible says we are after we have accepted Christ as our Savior:

 

I am the salt of the earth.

I am the light of the world.

I am Christ's friend.

I am a temple of the Holy Spirit.

I am a saint.

I am a holy person.

I am a citizen of heaven.

I am a member of a holy priesthood.

I am only a visitor to this world in which I temporarily live.

I am an enemy of the devil.

I am free from the punishment my sin deserves.

I have been given the mind of Christ.

I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing.

I may approach God with boldness, freedom and confidence.

I have been given a spirit of power, love, and self-control.

I am a new person.

I am a child of God.

Who are you?

 

From Victory Over Darkness, Neil T. Anderson, Regal Books, 1990



Remember

·        The Youth Bulletin Board is located in the atrium and has lots of information about who, what, where, when and why!!

·        Youth Group is open to ALL youth in grades 7-12 (you can invite your friends)!!

·        RSVP dates are important (sometimes we really do need to know how many people to plan for)!!

·        You can ask Mr. Hotz or Mr. Koch about the Youth Praise Band!!

·        You are a Child of God!

 

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.

 

June Youth Calendar

 

Sunday, June 3rd

Souled Out

6:30 - 8:00pm

 

Wednesday, June 6th

Youth Mission Team Meeting

7:00pm in Room 5

 

Sunday, June 10th

Auction for Youth Mission Trip

2:30pm in Tiber Hall

 

Friday, June 15th

Cedar Point Day

Meet at the church at 8:15am

Return around midnight

Money & Medical Form due by

Tuesday, June 5th

 

Friday - Sunday, June 15th - 17th

Youth Annual Conference

Lakeside

 

Sunday, June 17th

Souled Out

6:30 - 8:00pm


Thursday, June 21st

Alive Festival at Clay's Park

Meet at the church at 8:00am

Return around midnight

RSVP - June 18th

 

Sunday, June 24th

Souled Out

6:30 - 8:00pm

 

Introducing... Something New for Summer

Souled Out Sports Night

Every Wednesday, Beginning June 6th

at 5:00pm

Hang Out, Throw Frisbee,

Play Baseball, Basketball, Volleyball

Question, request, or comments??

Call Greg @ 238-6135

              

 

 


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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