August,
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.
Parent Involvement Needed in Sunday School Program
The Education Work Area has two important
updates to share with you at this time.
As fall quickly approaches, we’re sure you
would like to see the Sunday School program continue to provide excellent
Christian education to your children.
To make the upcoming year a success, parents need to return intention
cards communicating your plans for participation in the fall quarter.
Also, sign up sheets must be
complete to create the essential needs for each Sunday School room.
Please remember – at least two
adults are needed per room, including the nursery.
Safe Sanctuaries
Also, for those who attended
a Safe Sanctuary workshop but haven’t turned in your application, please do so ASAP. If you haven’t attended a Safe
Sanctuary workshop, you have the final two opportunities during the month of
August. Check the church bulletin for
the exact dates and times.
Remember parents, we need your
involvement to make this work…isn’t your child’s Sunday School opportunities
and safety worth your participation?!?!
Logos Gets Set For Fall Session
Logos will be starting on August
30, and will take place every Thursday night until November 15 from 5:30 to
8:30 pm. Here is the latest
information.
Registration
If you have not already registered your child for Logos,
registration will be held in the Atrium after services on August 5 and August
12. You can also pick up a registration
form in the office, and drop it off there when completed. If you have any questions or special needs,
please call Deb Oblisk at 846-2648 or Tracy McCort at 846-9410
Safe
Sanctuary
Like all programs in the Church that include children, the
Safe Sanctuary program will start this year.
All teachers and area coordinators and regular nursery help must have
level 2 clearance. This basically
includes coming to a safe sanctuaries meeting and filling out paperwork that
provides references and important information.
Table parents, area helpers, and teacher helpers need a level 1
clearance. This means coming to a safe
sanctuaries meeting and filling out a simple form. All parent helpers should have at least a level 1 clearance. For your convenience, safe sanctuaries
meetings will be scheduled in late August.
Parent
Meeting
An essential part of the Logos program is the parent
meeting. This is where we review the
importance of the Logos program, let you know about changes, give you
information for the current year, and renew our commitment to Logos. This year
we have LOTS of new things to talk about, including safe sanctuaries, new
additions to the discipline policy, and new curriculum, to mention a few! We are offering two options for the parent
meeting. One is Sunday, August 19 in
Tiber Hall after the 9:30 service, and the other is Thursday, August 23 at 6:30
pm. You only need to attend ONE. There will be babysitting available for both
meetings.
Positions
Available
We still have several positions that need to be
filled. You don’t need to have a child
in the Logos program. Logos is an
intergenerational program. We have from
young singles to senior citizens teaching and helping in many ways. Please prayerfully consider one of the
following:
Teacher
Table Parent
Playtime Coordinator
Comforter
Prayer Team Coordinator
Prayer Team members
For more information, please contact Tracy McCort at
846-9410, or Deb Oblisk at 846-2648.
IMPORTANT
LOGOS DATES
Sunday, August 5—Registration
Sunday, August 12—Registration
Sunday, August 19—Parent Meeting after 9:30 service
Thursday, August 23—Parent Meeting (2nd chance)
6:30 pm à Safe sanctuaries meeting after
parent meeting.
Thursday, August 30—Logos starts at 5:30 pm
On The Way
Special Outside Service
September 1, 2001
5:00 pm
Invite your friends and neighbors to join us!
Watch for location in the bulletin!
You won’t want to miss this!
From
the Pastor's study
“The Waves and the Music”
“If you continue in my word, you are truly my
disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” John
8:31b-32
Reflections
from vacation:
One day at
the beach, I decided to put on the earphones of my radio. I sat on the shore
tuning in to a pleasurable radio station. Beautiful music came to me in stereophonic
sound. My world was engulfed by that which was pleasant and relaxing. I found
peace through the music that invaded my senses.
Yet the
earphones could not completely block out the noise around me. They waves
continued to roll onto the shore. Sometimes the waves were synchronized to the
music. Other times, they overpowered the tunes from the radio. At still other
times, the waves worked against the smooth melody line or bombarded well-set
harmony.
God, using
words of faith, wants to supply beautiful music for our lives. Through the Good
News, God shares the beautiful music of life; music that speaks of forgiving
love, everlasting life, deep truth, abiding peace. God speaks to us with
promises of grace, strength, and comfort.
Sometimes
we have trouble hearing the beautiful music because the waves of the world
overpower it, or work against it, or bombard its harmony. The promises of God
are lost in the noise around us.
Even though
we do not hear the music, the beautiful words of life from God are there for us
to hear. Sometimes they are muffled, distorted, distinct, or powerful.
Hymn
writer, Philip Bliss, reminds us:
Christ, the
blessed one, gives to all, wonderful words of life;
Sinner,
list to the loving call, wonderful words of life.
All so freely
given, wooing us to heaven;
Beautiful
words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.
When the
waves of conflict or pain, discouragement or desire, achievement or power roll
across us, let us be reminded that, as we continue in the word of God, we know
the truth. And the truth, indeed, makes us free.
O Lord,
help us to stay attuned to your word within our lives. Amen.
Rev. Ron Mowry
From Pastor Paula’s
desk
I John 4:16 -- And so we know and rely on the love
God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God
in him.
As I was sitting at the table eating my breakfast of Grape Nut
Oh’s, it suddenly struck me how many of the things around me every day are circular
in shape. My cereal, the fruit bowl on the counter, the burners on the
stove, the pots of many of my flowers, a donut, a hula hoop, and my wedding
band. So many of the things around us are round.
As I pondered this shape, I realized that something
round has no beginning and no end. It is continual in nature. Many
of the things created by the hands of people and the hands of God are round
with no beginning and no end. It is the same with the love of God. You
see, God’s love for us has no beginning and no end. God's love for us is
continuous. It is available to all of us no matter what sins we have committed,
what concerns we may have, how bad we may think we are. Reach out to God and
accept his love for you!
Every time you see something round, let it remind
you of God’s unending love for you!
Circled in His love,
Pastor Paula
Stewardship
The theme for this year’s
Stewardship campaign is “Our Three Gifts.” The Stewardship Committee is
already hard at work putting together the materials for this campaign. Soon you
will be hearing about our Gold Sunday, Frankincense Sunday, & Myrrh
Sunday. Watch for details in next month’s Wesley News.
Join Bishop Keaton on a Mission Bus
Tour!
From Friday, October 19th
- Sunday, October 21st, Bishop Jonathan Keaton will be leading a bus
tour of the East Ohio Conference to experience first hand the mission work of
the Conference. One bus will head to the Cleveland area and the other to the
Steubenville area. The trip begins and ends in Wooster. The cost is $150 and
includes transportation, accommodations, and meals. The tour is limited to the
first 94 people who register. The registration deadline is September 14th
See Bev. in the church office for a registration form.
The Book Discussion
Group continues to
meet throughout the summer months. The next meeting will be Wednesday, August
15th at 12:30pm in the parlor.
We will be talking about “The Amethyst Heart” by Penelope Stokes.
All are invited to join the group for a time of interesting conversation and
fellowship.
Noah’s Ark Outdoor Drama
The Hillside
Baptist Church in Pomeroy, Ohio presents the 4th Annual Noah’s Ark
Outdoor Drama from August 13th - 17th at 7:00pm at the
church located at 39211 State Route 143 in Pomeroy. This free performance shows
the work of the Lord through Noah and his family. Come expecting to have a good
time!! All are welcome. For more information call 740/992-6768 or e-mail:
A Note of
Thanks from Willow Hill UMC in East Peoria, IL...
I wanted to
thank you, your church, and all the wonderful craft people who gave us the
items from your VBS this year. We are so excited to put up the snow flakes
& use the poles. You have wonderful ideas that can help us finish building
our VBS. Thank you again. This is the work of our Lord with all of us working
together.
Kari Moses
Friday
Fellowship
Friday Fellowship has
received a letter from Rev. Roberta Fuller, whom we have supported in
her study for the ministry. She has been appointed as Pastor at Olivesburg
United Methodist Church, which is located south of Ashland. It is a wonderful
little country church, over 120 years old, with a cemetery out back. Amish folk clip-clop past every day.
We are happy to have
been a part of her life in this exciting time.
August Birthdays
10 Elizabeth
Karman, 89 years
12 Isabelle
Bruggers
13 Marie
Stands
14 Churck
Staley & Donald Schultz
19 Norma
Myers
27 June
Pascual, 88 years
28 Mildred
Delau
29 Vi
Chaff, 85 years
31 Alice
Waltz
Anniversaries
19 John
& Ruby Gormsen, 51 years
31 Walter
& Darlene Wilson, 55 years
Thought for the Day
The
King James version of the Bible contains 3,566,488 letters, 773,693 words,
31,102 verses, 1189 chapters, and 66 books!
The Bible is God’s gift to us.
Rustad Library
United Methodist Women
Coming Event – Save the Date!
“Journey to Joy”
Guest Speaker: Robin Svoboda
Monday, September 24, 2001
7:00 pm
Strongsville United
Methodist Church Sanctuary
Donation:
$5.00
Dessert & Coffee Following
It’s time to sign up for
Confirmation Class
Calling all students of the
congregation who will be in the sixth grade (or older, if not yet confirmed):
You are invited to be part of the 2001-2002 Confirmation Class which
begins this fall. Confirmation is a time to grow in your relationship with
Jesus, learn about the church and its history, and have the opportunity to
become full members of the Strongsville United Methodist Church! If you
are interested or need more information, please contact Pastor Paula (who will
be teaching the class this year) or the church office (238-6135) NO LATER
THAN AUGUST 25th!
Stephen Ministry
Two weeks’ notice. . .
For years you were the wage earner.
Now each morning is the same.
It’s harder to get out of bed, tie your tie, shine your
shoes.
Coffee…scan the want ads…make a few phone calls…the
search goes on.
While you look, you need someone to listen. A Stephen Minister can be that person.
If you would like to know more about
how a Stephen Minister might help you or someone you are concerned about,
please talk it over with one of the pastors or with one of the Stephen
leaders: Jim Boyer (572-4976), Karen or
Mark Milia (572-0602), Hildi Fitzpatrick (572-5004), or Bev. Wells (572-1415).
All inquiries and caring relationships are strictly confidential.
Crossroads Ringers
It’s that time again! Rehearsals for the Crossroads Ringers begin
on Wednesday, August 29 at 6:30 pm. We
are always looking for ringers willing to substitute during the year. If you are
interested in substituting or ringing please contact Jennifer Dettmer at 440-887-3993.
Hope to see
you at our monthly blood pressure checks after each service on Sunday, August
26!
Volunteer opportunity
Have you ever considered volunteering
at the City Mission? A Volunteer
Introductory Session will be held on Saturday, August 11 at 10 am. If you would like more information about
joining the Mission’s volunteer team, contact Craig Vincent at 216-431-3510.
You can also find more information about the City
Mission on their website at www.TheCityMission.org.
Joys & Concerns
Weddings
Congratulations to a member of our
congregation, Jennifer Hartwick, who was united in marriage to Jamie
Fleming by Pastor Paula on July 14;
Congratulations also to the following
couples who were united in marriage by Pastor Paula in our sanctuary: Terri
Jo Akers & Robert Paulin, who were married on July 14; Jennifer
Perko & Mark Wardell, who were married on July 14; and Adria Redmon & Randy Dudinsky, who
were married on July 21.
Births
Congratulations to Brian & Susan Graziano on
the birth of Salvatore John Graziano on June 28;
to Chris & Chrisi Greenwalt on the birth of Emmeline
Grace Greenwalt on June 28. Proud
grandparents are Ken & Suellen Greenwalt;
and to Bill & Chrissy Stuart on the birth of Katelyn
Elizabeth Stuart on July 9. Proud
grandparents are Len & Bev Bogacki, and proud great-grandmother is Isabel
Dublo.
From Our Church’s Mailbox
Dear
Rev. Ron,
Thank
you for choosing me as one of the Chapman Scholarship recipients. I appreciate it, and that will help out
starting me in the right direction to reach my goals. I am glad I grew up in this church and it was a wonderful
experience.
Andy
Lash
ššššššššš
Dear
Congregation,
Thank
you, thank you! Thanks to Rev. Paula
and Rev. Ron and the rest of my church family for your prayers, visits, cards,
flowers and food.
In
Christian Love,
Marilyn Verbsky
ššššššššš
To
the SUMC Committee on Education:
On
behalf of the Sharon Center United Methodist Church congregation and especially
the children of the church, I would like to thank you for your donation over
the past year of Sunday School curriculum and Vacation Bible School supplies.
Your generosity and thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated and will be
remembered for years to come, especially by the children that reap the rewards
of your giving nature.
In
particular the Sharon Center UMC’s Christian Education Committee would also
like to thank you for helping supply materials to provide the children with a
complete and rewarding Christian education.
We
thank you and look forward to working with you in the future toward our mutual
commitment to the Christian education of children.
Yours
truly,
Sandy
Papp
Dear Friends and Partners in HABITAT,
We are very grateful for your support of this
ministry with your generous gift of $200 on June 26, 2001.
It’s no secret that poverty housing is
detrimental to physical, mental and spiritual well-being. As Habitat builds we
seek to minister to families on various levels. What may surprise you is that
Habitat affects those who don’t need a house just as much as those who do. In
working with others to change the “outside,” something happens on the “inside”
as well.
You are one of the important reasons Habitat
works. We need you and appreciate your
support.
Sincerely,
Stephen
A. Frye
Executive
Director, Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity
When
you thought I wasn’t looking
(by a child)
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang
my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint
another one.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you feed a
stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make
my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special
things in life.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there
is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a
friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each
other.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to
help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should
give to those who don’t.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I felt you kiss me goodnight and I felt
loved and safe.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and
everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities,
even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be
responsible when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I
learned that sometimes things hurt, but it’s all right to cry.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be
everything that I could be.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I learned most of life’s lessons that I need
to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
When you thought I wasn’t looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, “Thanks
for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn’t looking.”
(Reprinted
from the NEOEA newsletter)
Souled
Out
Something to Think
About
by Greg
“Woe
is me! I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips,
and
I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the
King, the Lord of hosts.” Isaiah 6:5
I think sometimes
when God decides it’s time to really get us serious about this ministry deal,
he reveals himself to us. Sometimes he does this in a very subtle manner,
sometimes in a whirlwind of fireworks. We live in a society that thinks that
the greatest form of holiness is to become “at one” with the universe through
warped forms of meditation. We look for answers in tarot cards instead of the
pages of the Bible. We believe that our future can be read by the lines in the
palms of our hands, instead of the holes in the palms of his hands. We are
listening to music, and allowing our children to listen to music that talks
about murder, drugs, sex (in very vivid and disgusting detail), and lyrics that
glorify the most grotesque acts of violence, such as raping a minor then
mutilating her body (the rapper who sings these lyrics is one of the most
popular in the country right now among youth).
Do you realize why
Isaiah said, “Woe is me! I am undone...?” In every sense of the word, he
realized just how filthy he was. Seeing God face to face tends to do that to a
person. In fact, look through the Bible sometime, and see just how often God
shows his face to humans. I’ll save you the time; it just doesn’t happen. Why?
Because it’s too much for us in our current state of sin. But sometimes God
allows us to stand in the cleft of a rock and watch him walk by us. That’s when
the convictions start to roll. That’s when we see how filthy we are. But that’s
also when we realize that it just might be time to make a few changes, starting
in our own lives. Maybe we should stop listening to some of the garbage that
seems to be so popular on the radio. Maybe we should be a little more selective
with our movie selections, or television shows, or even some of the
commercials. Maybe we should stop compromising so much, get rid of our own
will, and be filled with God’s.
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
are a Child of God!
August Calendar
Thursday, August
2nd
Youth Bible Study @ 7:00 in the parlor
Sunday, August 5th
Souled Out
6:30 - 8:00pm in Tiber Hall
Thursday, August
9th
Youth Bible Study @ 7:00 in the parlor
Sunday, August 12th
Souled Out
6:30 - 8:00pm in Tiber Hall
Sunday, August 19th
Souled Out
6:30 - 8:00pm in Tiber Hall
Sunday, August 26th
Souled Out
6:30 - 8:00pm in Tiber Hall
From August 11th
- 18th, Greg and three of our youth, Rebecca Spitzig, Alison
Zamrzla, and Devon diLauro, will be attending the Leadership Quest
Camp in Northern Minnesota. Please keep this group in prayer as they travel and
work to build and use new skills in service to God.
Leadership Quest Campaign
Put it on your calendar!!
5th Quarter
Dance - Friday, Sept. 14th
After the football
game till ???
More info in next
month’s
Wesley News
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.
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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