December, 2001 Wesley News of the Strongsville
United Methodist Church
Christmas Eve Services Schedule
3:00 pm Communion Service
5:00 pm X-Alt Band and Commitments
7:00 pm Rainbow Express and Joyful Noise Angels
9:00 pm Sanctuary Choir and Crossroads Ringers
11:00 pm Sanctuary Choir
and Crossroads Ringers
(The 5:00, 7:00, 9:00 and 11:00 pm services will be candlelight
services.)
Christmas is a time for giving
One of
the greatest joys of Christmas is giving.
Our congregation has many ways for you to help those less fortunate
during the holiday season.
Gifts Tags will be placed on tree December 9th
The
“gift tree” in our atrium has been a tradition in our church since 1986, in
conjunction with the Strongsville Food Bank.
On December 9th,
gift request tags from needy youngsters will be placed on our tree. Those who choose to participate should pick
out a tag, and during the next week purchase your gift, wrap it, and securely
attach the tag to the outside. Return
the wrapped gift to the tree on Sunday,
December 16th.
Please
do not put money in the gift boxes.
Monetary contributions can be put in the collection plate marked
“Strongsville Food Bank.” All the
families will receive food staples and grocery store gift certificates in
addition to the presents.
Attached
to the tag on the tree will be an ornament.
You are to remove the ornament and place it on your tree as a
reminder of the gift of love that you have given.
Angel Tree gift tags available December 9th
Angel
Tree gift tags will also be on our atrium tree on Sunday, December 9th. Gifts are to be returned to the tree on December 16th. Project Angel Tree is an effort undertaken
by Prison Fellowship Ministries to link children of incarcerated parents with
loving Christian people who want to share God’s love with them. The gifts you purchase for Angel Tree kids
will be delivered by our junior and senior high Logos students on behalf of the
incarcerated parent and in the name of Jesus Christ. Our Logos students appreciate the generous support that our
congregation gives to their Angel Tree project.
Gifts are still being collected for West Side
Community House
The
basket for unwrapped Christmas gifts for WSCH is in the back hall until
December 9th. We hope that
SUMC, along with other Methodist churches, will make it a great Christmas for
the 60 families involved. There is also
a box for gifts for the Seniors. New
Christmas cards and calendars are appreciated by the Seniors, as well as other
gifts. Thank you for what you have
given so far!
On
Monday, December 10th the gifts will be delivered to WSCH. Volunteers are needed Monday and Tuesday to
unpack the gifts, sort, and display them on tables so that on Wednesday the
children can choose presents for their families. Call Eleanor Bohlander at 572-0946 if you are able to help. (We will carpool).
Thank you again for your support. The gifts the families receive at West Side
Community House will probably be their only Christmas presents!
Choir to present Gloria in D
On Sunday, December 16th, the
Sanctuary Choir, accompanied by organ, strings, oboe and trumpet, under the
direction of Don Shearer, will present Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria in D during the morning worship services.
The Gloria in D is by far the best known
and loved of Vivaldi’s sacred works. None of his sacred pieces is dated, and we
do not know where or for whom any were written. The Gloria in D may have been written for the Ospitale della Pieta,
the orphanage and school for foundling girls in Venice, where Vivaldi was music
master for 37 years. Vivaldi, a sickly man all of his life, certainly saw
enough of life’s tragedies at the Pieta, but no trace of anguish can be found
in this Gloria, first sung by
angels celebrating the birth of the Messiah.
Brass Choir
Please
don’t miss the debut of our Brass Choir under the direction of Randy Border.
They will be playing on Sunday,
December 23rd at our worship services. What a joy to have
this ministry within the congregation.
New
Year Resolution?
Looking for that New Year Resolution you can keep?
Instead of resolving to... [lose weight,
tell my significant other I love them more, quit smoking, etc.,
etc.] Consider including God in your 2002 resolution. Watch the
bulletins as the first year of the third millennium winds to a close for an
easy resolution you can keep!
From the
Pastor’s Study
“Christmas and Harvest”
“...the harvest is
the close of the age, and the reapers are angels.” Matthew 13:39b
In the Mowry household we attempt to retain some firm rules
in regards to the beginning of the celebration of Advent and Christmas. We try
not to play Christmas music until after Thanksgiving nor to look at the
placement of Christmas decorations until that time as well. This is hard
because Christmas is one of the great traditions and spiritual highlights of
our family. So we have been known, the early morning after Thanksgiving Day, to
start putting out a few Christmas decorations. As a matter of fact, there have
been times when Sue and I have awakened to find that our children had already
managed to put up a small Christmas tree and decorate it before any of the
Thanksgiving and harvest symbols were removed. Often Christmas trees and lights
might be visible through the windows of the parsonage; however I have not yet
managed to get outside and take care of the front so you might see corn stalks,
pumpkins, and chrysanthemums in their final stages of bloom on the outside.
I have since reflected upon our decorating—the signs of
Christmas and the signs of harvest co-mingled. I guess the strange mixture of
candles and corn stalks, trees and tassels, partridges and pumpkins is not
really as out of place as I first thought. As we begin the Advent season, we do
so with an understanding that we prepare not only for Christmas but also for
that time when Christ will wondrously return to this earth and the reign of the
Divine will be made full.
In our scripture above, Jesus is interpreting the Parable of
the Weeds. He has been speaking on the kingdom of God and how, at the time of
harvest, the weeds will be gathered along with the wheat. The deeper meaning to
the Parable, Jesus says, is the fact that at the time of the harvest at the end
of the age, God will come in power and destroy that which is evil. The weeds
will be tossed aside. However, the wheat (the righteous) will be gathered into
eternity.
In Christmas we celebrate the arrival of the message of hope
through Jesus Christ. It is our Lord who leads us to God’s truth. Christmas is,
in essence, the planting of the visible word of God in the world through Jesus
Christ. The fall, the harvest, reminds us that this planting will bear fruit.
The candle which celebrates the birth of Christ acknowledges
the entrance of the light of God into a dark world. The candle reminds us that
the presence of God in Christ illumines and changes lives. But eventually the
candle turns into the corn stalk. The harvest will be realized. The grain, the
fruit of God’s work, will bear its results. The final triumph of God will take
place. The earthly span of time as we know it will come to a close. God will
reign. This is the promise of Christmas.
How wondrous is the work of God, for we not only celebrate
the birth of Christ into this world, but we also celebrate the power of God.
That power of God promises us that Christ will come again and then we will be
able to celebrate the ultimate destruction of evil and the victory of truth. We
rejoice in the hope of this message.
O Lord, in this season, may we
not only prepare for Christmas Day, but may we also prepare ourselves for the
final arrival of Christ to a hurting and confused world. Amen.
Rev. Ron Mowry
From Pastor Paula’s desk
…“just as the Son of Man
did not come to be served, but to serve…”
Matthew 20:28
Over 2000 years ago
a young virgin named Mary gave birth to a baby boy. His name?
Jesus.
Jesus, the child
born into a common family, never wrote anything, yet some of the greatest
works of literature were inspired by his life. He never painted a picture, yet
some of the finest paintings from Michelangelo and de Vinci were inspired by
him. He composed no music, yet Handel, Beethoven, and Bach reached their
highest perfection in music they wrote in praise of Jesus. Although Jesus
taught for only three years, his influence looms larger than the combined
influence of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, who taught for a combined 140 years.
And his method of teaching through parables is influential in how we teach
today.
Jesus, the one who
would be called the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, demanded no service from
anyone, but served many. Many lives were changed: blind eyes could see, deaf
ears could hear and the lame could walk.
WHY?
Because a baby boy
named Jesus, the Son of God, came to serve. And in serving He demonstrated His
Father’s love for all! May you find
yourself demonstrating His Love in this Advent and Christmas season.
Have a Joy filled
Advent and Christmas!
Pastor Paula Koch
Our Three
Gifts
The
Stewardship Committee wishes to thank all those persons who shared in Gold Weekend by returning their
estimate cards for the 2002 year. If you have not done so, you may mail it to
the church office. If somehow you have misplaced your card, one can be sent to
you upon request.
Also: A
huge thank you to Candy Michalski and the marvelous crew of workers who hosted
our Celebration of the Church.
What a joy to see the middle school gymnasium turned into a festival giving
thanks to God for the Strongsville United Methodist Church (I wonder how many
days it took before those final balloons came down from the ceiling).
Also, a
huge thank you to the congregation for their overwhelming response to Myrrh Weekend. Literally hundreds of
grocery items were delivered to the Strongsville Food Bank on November 19th.
A Very Special “Thank You”
By now everyone in the church should have a Devotional
Booklet and be reading a devotion each day. If you have not received a booklet,
please call the church office to get your copy. I would like to thank the
people who contributed to the book. For some, the task of writing was easy; for
others it was uncomfortable. We cannot always be in our comfort zones, but you
stepped up to the plate and took on the challenge. Thank you!!
Karen Ransbury,
Devotion Book Chair
2001 Stewardship Committee
Congratulations
to...
The youth from our church family who were inducted into the
National Honor Society at Strongsville High School on November 18th.
We are proud of Sean Armstrong, Katie
Bradigan, Brandon DiGuilio, Michelle Hartman, Kaitlin Herald, Caroline Keenan,
Brad McDowell, & Scott Slavik, Jr.
They were welcomed into the NHS by fellow members from our
church, Sarah Barnaby, Nicole Burgund,
Mandy Carolla, Laura Fegan, Robert Hall, Katie Jasko, Amy Krukemeyer, Matt
Milia, Stephanie Shear, Ryan Spence, Justin Wade, & Bradley White.
What makes Christmas Happen?
What makes Christmas “happen” for you? Where does the joy of
the season come alive in you? Is it in the carols? The celebrations? The
candlelight services? The music of the Advent season? Perhaps you find it in
the shopping or gift-giving. Maybe you see the love of the season in the
sparkling eyes of a child or feel it in a loved one’s hug.
Whatever it is, during this holiday season with all its
frenzied festivities, stop and remember that night in the stable, those mingled
smells of animals and hay, that pain and subsequent joy in the birth of one
small child. Breathe deep and feel with Mary, with Joseph, the shepherds, the
angels. Feel the birth of Jesus. What is it to experience such joy, such peace?
Verbally express to someone close you what the birth of Christ means to you at
this point in your life. Be joyful! Experience God’s love and peace.
-Anonymous
Friday Fellowship
Friday Fellowship will meet
December 7th (please note change of date). Plans have been made to have lunch at “The Grand Market Grille” in Medina. Those attending will have their choice among three menu
items. The bus will leave the church at
11 am. After lunch we will journey to
Donzell’s Garden Center in Akron. You will be able to enjoy their many
Christmas displays and swing into the holiday mood. Be sure to mark your calendar for this pleasant day trip. We hope your Christmas season will be filled
with joy and we look forward to seeing you in January.
December
Birthdays
Dec. 11 Margaret Jinn
Dec. 14 Dolores Huhn
Dec. 19 Tom Verbsky
Dec. 25 Newton Chalfant
Dec. 28 Caroline Buschman
Dec. 31 Ray Richards
Anniversaries
Dec. 8 Bob & Betty Smith, 56 years
Dec. 9 Chuck & Lita Staley, 45 years
Thought for the Day
God gives us the ingredients, but He doesn’t give us the
recipe.
Rustad Library
Friday Fellowship has generously donated memorial books in the
names of Elaine Cain and Jean Karoli. Precious One Do You Know... and Dana's Valley
are available in the new books section of the library. There are new
reference books available as well. The Rustad Library is located in the
church parlor.
M & M’s
Join the M & M’s
for Christmas Caroling on Saturday, December 15th at 6:30 pm. We
will meet at the home of Jim & Sharon Anderson (16657 Walnut Creek Dr.,
Strongsville) and travel by car to several Strongsville locations to spread
Christmas cheer to nursing home residents and shut-ins.
After caroling, we will return
to the Anderson’s for refreshments, fellowship and a Christmas gift exchange
(one gift per couple costing no more than $10...doesn’t have to be an
ornament).
All couples of the church are
invited to join the fun. If you’ve never been to M & M’s before, this is a
good time to check it out. Please call Jim & Sharon (572-0746) to let them
know you are coming.
United Methodist Women
The United Methodist Women would like to thank the congregation for the
wonderful support of our “woman and child” mission collection in October.
Because of your generous support, we are able to send the following
amounts to these organizations:
Berea Children’s Home $200
Elyria Retirement Home $150
Henderson Settlement $150
Flat Rock Children’s Home $150
West Side Community House $400
Strongsville Food Bank $150
Additionally, through your support of our fundraising projects earlier
this year, we are able to pay the Women’s Division our promised pledge of $3200
for a total of $4,400.
Please continue to support our activities in the future so that we may
help provide the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves.
Karen Muskoff, President
Elizabeth Circle
Elizabeth Circle will
meet on Monday, December 3 for their annual Christmas dinner and ornament
exchange. Members are asked to bring a wrapped ornament to exchange, 3
dozen cookies to exchange and an item for Flat Rock Children's Home. We
will meet at Debbie Miller's home at 6:30 p.m. Anyone interested in joining
us may do so by calling 572-4967.
Lydia Circle
The ladies of Lydia
Circle will celebrate the Christmas season with a luncheon at Fran’s Restaurant
on Thursday, December 6 at 12:30 pm. Please call in your reservation by
December 3 to Betty Berry (238-6495) or Grace Kellner (234-0938).
For unto us a child is born.
Unto us a Son is given.
Strongsville
United Methodist Women
Invite you
to the Annual Ecumenical
Christmas
Tea
Wednesday,
December 5, 12:00 pm
Strongsville
United Methodist Church
Program –
The Story of the Chrismon Tree
A light
lunch will be served
RSVP by
November 28
238-6135
All are
welcome!
Christian Education News
“Remember these commands and cherish
them…Teach them to your children. Talk
about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and
when you are working.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19
Have you read a good
pioneer story lately? Those were the
good old days. On a cold winter’s
night, the fireplace would be burning brightly. Ma or Pa would read from the family Bible. Pa would later pull
out his fiddle and lead the family in a lively dance or two. Much was shared by this brave little family,
and many memories were made. God was
the central focus of their lives.
In our
busy lives today, we sometimes forget how important family times are. For
children this is especially important. Family time is an opportunity to seek
and understand God together. It can be
a time of adventure, reverence, and learning – a time to get to know the
Creator of the universe. How awesome it is to share that knowledge
with those you love.
Cokesbury has a new book called Family Time With God. It’s more than a
devotional. It’s full of scripture
stories and activities you can do as a family.
This book will be on display in the narthex the first two Sundays in
December. If you’re interested in purchasing a copy, please fill out an order
form. The cost is $11.00.
In addition, if you’d like to share some special ways you
and your family get to know God together, please jot those ideas down and drop
them off at my office. I’ll put as many as I can in the next newsletter. Who knows, maybe we can write our own book!
A special thanks to all who
participated in and collected for the UNICEF and Operation Christmas Child
(Samaritan’s Purse) projects. You did
an awesome job!
In Christ,
Debbie
Burd
Director
of Christian Education
“The Christmas
Lamb”
Written
and Arranged by
Anna
Laura Page and Jean Anne Shafferman
will be presented by
the children of the church
Sunday, December 16 at 7:00 pm
Refreshments will be served following the program.
Nursery
help needed!
It’s time for my annual appeal for nursery attendants for
the Christmas services. Volunteers are
need during the following times:
Sunday, December 16 –
7:00 pm
Monday, December 24 –
5:00 pm and 7:00 pm
For each time period we need at least two adults who are
members of the church and who have received the Safe Sanctuaries training. If you need this training (which takes
about one hour), call me and I’ll arrange a session for you.
Please call if you can help at any of these services!
Joan Thwaite
(238-5043)
Do I Really Need a
Stephen Minister?
Ø
Am I confused about
events in my life?
Ø
Do I feel like I have
lost control of my life and my problems?
Ø
Do I doubt God's
presence and love for me?
Ø
Am I hurting?
Ø
Do my job worries
seem too great to handle? Are they getting me down?
Ø
Am I feeling lonely?
Do I often wish I had someone to share my thoughts with?
Ø
Have there been
changes in my life that have caused readjustments in my lifestyle?
Ø
Am I having
difficulty making decisions and finding answers?
Ø
Have I recently
suffered a loss?
Ø
Do I ever feel like I
just want someone to listen?
-From First
Presbyterian Church, Klamath Falls, OR
If you answered
"yes" to any of these questions, a Stephen Minister can help. A
Stephen Minister is a trained lay person who will visit with you, listen, pray
with and for you, and offer distinctive Christian love and support. Call Mark
or Karen Milia (572-0602), Jim Boyer (572-4976), Hildi Fitzpatrick (572-5004),
Bev. Wells (572-1415), or one of the
pastors for more information.
"Cast your
burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.”
Psalm 55:22
Logos
gets ready for 2002
Welcome to new co-director, Jennie
DeNoble! Many thanks also to Jody Domann for teaching 1st grade next
semester! I'm so grateful to everyone who has participated in Logos this
semester.
We still have several
opportunities for adult vol-unteers beginning January 3, 2002.
·
Second grade teacher
·
Playtime co-coordinator
·
Additional table parents
·
Substitute teachers and table parents
Please prayerfully consider how to
offer your talents to benefit the children of our church.
Deb Oblisk (846-2648)
Moms and Dads, Grandmas and Grandpas…
Could you use an
afternoon of peaceful Christmas shopping? The Youth Mission Team is offering babysitting
on Sunday, December 2nd from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at the church. All children (ages infant to 12 years) are
welcome. Donations will be accepted to
help the youth earn money for next summer’s Youth Mission Trip. To ensure adequate staffing, make your
reservations with Brenda Soja (572-3401).
Don't know what to do with that Christmas gift that
isn't quite you?
It's never too early to start thinking about the Youth Auction for
Mission, which will occur on April 14, 2002 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at the church.
We are thankful for the support we received last year, and would once again ask
the congregation to consider donating new goods or services that we can auction
to support the mission work of our youth.
Some of the best sellers last year included Indians tickets and services
such as handyman work, haircuts, and food preparation, but anything you can
donate would be greatly appreciated. Watch for more details in upcoming
issues of Wesley
News, or contact Debbie Smith at 878-5147 for more information.
Notes from our
Nurses
As we
enter the holiday season, we also enter the season of stress. Stress is the body’s response
to the combination of demands placed on a person’s money, time, emotions, and
energy. A poll has shown that 41% of
people feel Christmas is a stressful as asking the boss for a raise. 36% say that shopping for gifts is the most
stressful activity, followed by holiday travel and entertaining family and
friends.
If stress is not dealt with, it can cause the
body to become over-tense, which may lead to headaches, stiff necks, high blood
pressure, upset stomach or other illnesses.
Here
are some hints for reducing holiday stress:
·
Spend
time with friends.
·
Be
realistic – don’t expect to get along with people you don’t usually get along
with.
·
Set a
spending budget and stick to it.
·
Recognize
that you don’t have to accept every party invitation.
·
Try to
keep your routine – exercise, eat right (though you can splurge at times).
·
Take
time out for you.
·
Ask for
help.
·
Stick
to the word “No” if you usually say “Yes.”
·
Have a
positive attitude.
·
Remember
that laughter is still the best medicine.
·
Get
plenty of sleep.
·
Most of
all, remember the true meaning of Christmas! Make time for personal prayer and
Bible study. Christmas is not supposed
to be about gifts and stress. Christmas
is to remember the time when God gave us his son, Jesus. Take time to enjoy the true meaning of the
holiday.
The
nurses would like to thank everyone who helped with the blood drive.
Blood pressures will
be taken ONLY after the 9:30 service on December 16. Those who attend the 11:00 service and want their B.P. taken must
come a little early to church.
Gail Spence & Betsy Mowry
Servant
Evangelism
An opportunity that allows any believer, regardless of personal
gifts, to reach out to the community with the love of God. This ministry “empowers” the “common” person
in the body of Christ. We would like to have the leadership team in place
by the end of
November in order to have a sufficient amount of time to
initiate our first project in January. The good news is that it doesn’t take an
amazing skill to do significant works of outreach ministry. In fact, it only
takes small things – faithful acts of outreach done again and again – to begin
to make a difference. As a servant
evangelist you Love them into a relationship with Christ.
Our Mission Statement: We exist
to love our city into a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Servant Evangelism projects used in other churches include:
Totally Free Car Wash, Soft Drink Giveaway, Christmas Gift-Wrapping, Leaf
Raking or General Yard Work, Newspaper Giveaway, Donut Giveaway, Coffee/Hot
Chocolate Giveaway, Grocery Cart Escort Service, Car Drying at Self-Serve
Washes, and of course, the possibilities are endless. The Evangelism Committee will approve all projects that are
proposed.
After the leadership team has been established, there will
be additional information in bulletins for individuals and families to become
involved in the Servant Evangelism Team to carry out these projects. We will need a wide variety of individuals
to share their talents such as those with artistic ability to design the
“Connect Cards” that are distributed at each of our projects.
Please pray about this.
If you are interested in being a part of the leadership team of this
exciting ministry, please contact Randy Border at 440-572-0503 or e-mail him at
rb9553@aol.com.
Attention
all girls, grades K-12!
I am a senior Girl
Scout working on my Gold Award, and also a youth of SUMC. My project involves assisting Methodist
girls obtain the religious awards offered by the United Methodist Church. You don’t have to be a Girl Scout, but just
have to have a willingness to strengthen your faith and HAVE FUN along the
way! Please call me by December 1st
for more information on these very worthwhile awards.
Shelly Hartman
(238-1291)
Thanks
for packing shoe boxes!!
THANK YOU to the children of our Sunday School and Vacation
Bible School, along with the ladies of Lydia Circle and Elizabeth Circle, who prepared boxes for Operation Christmas
Child. Our 112 boxes are on their way,
along with many more from across the nation, to bring smiles to many children
this Christmas.
Grace Kellner,
Mission Committee
Joys & Concerns of the Congregation
Weddings
Best wishes to Lindsay Radtke & Edward Philliips,
who were united in marriage by Pastor Paula on October 27th.
Births
Kristopher Dwain Watkins was born
October 18th to Dwain & Michelle Watkins. Proud grandparents are Phyllis & Bob
Schurk.
Reese Emmett Crawford was born
October 23rd to Robert & Rebecca Crawford.
Jacob James Gottfried was born
October 24th to John & Michelle Gottfried. Proud grandparents are Dwight & Shirley
Oltman.
Nathan David Nored was born
October 26th to David & Anne Nored. Proud grandmother is Myrna Nored.
Nathan Bradley Phillips was born
November 19th to Brad & Mary Phillips.
Congratulations to all!
Baptisms
We celebrate the
baptisms of Robert Houston Edwards
and Jacob Robert Doerge on
Sunday, November 11. Robert is the son
of Robert & Heidi Edwards, and Jacob is the son of William & Mary
Doerge.
The prayers and
sympathy of the congregation are extended to Sue Hamilton and family upon the
death of her husband, Jack, on October 23rd; to Deb Oblisk and
family upon the death of her uncle, Robert Sherrod, on October 23rd,
to Joe & Betsey Santomen and family upon the death of Joe’s sister, Frances
Pasek, on October 29th, to Holly & Mark Hotz and family upon the death of Holly’s grandfather, John
Crawford, on October 31st, and to Janet & Tom Doak and family
upon the death of Janet’s stepfather, Robert Brehm, on November 7th.
From our church’s mailbox
To My Church Family,
I want to express my gratitude for the many prayers offered for me as
well as the cards, calls and visits which I’m receiving. They have contributed
greatly to the peace which I’ve experienced and are helping immensely in
reminding me of His healing power. I am
especially indebted to those who donated blood, are providing meals, staying
with me, and to those who performed the surgery. I couldn’t successfully go through this experience without any
one of you! To be given the ability to
walk again pain free is truly a miracle and a reminder of how thankful I am for
each of you who have shared this part of my life’s journey.
Love
& praise,
Bonnie
Harris
Dear SUMC Softball Team,
On behalf of Gail and myself, I would like to thank you all for the
wonderful gifts. They were unexpected and greatly appreciated.
During the past season, we got to know a lot of great guys and their
families. Though we did not have a winning season as far as the standings
were concerned, we had a winning season as far as coming together in
fellowship. The support from our fans in the "bleachers" and
our support of each other was outstanding and made everything worthwhile.
I am looking forward to playing with you all next season.
Ronald Spence
Greetings from London
Kelly Brand, a
member of SUMC and a recent college graduate, is doing mission work in
England. Following are excerpts from a
recent letter:
Dear Friends,
Hello from rainy London, England!
I have settled in nicely at my new home and have finally adjusted to the
culture. During my first week here, I
attended a Time for God training conference with the other 120 volunteers. It was a wonderful experience to talk to
other people who were experiencing the same anxieties and fears that I
was. There are 18 other Americans here
spread out all over England.
A typical week starts out at St. Paul’s church, where I run the 9 to
13-year-old Sunday School. Mondays I usually spend planning all the activities
for the rest of the week. Tuesday, we host a program for students who are close
to dropping out. It is designed to teach them in a more appealing and less
traditional atmosphere.
Wednesdays are really enjoyable because my supervisor and I get to take
the alternative curriculum students into London to various museums, galleries,
or landmarks for their schoolwork. It is a great way for me to do my own
touring of London as well! Thursday
nights we host the “Web,” a youth center for all kids of the community. Kids
come in to play pool, Playstation, and hang out in a safe environment. I find
this a great opportunity to just provide a Christian witness to these teens,
even though it can be difficult to get through to them.
Friday mornings I spend mentoring three girls who seem to be slipping
from the grasps of their parents and teachers, and I hope that over time they
will be able to open up for me and sort out their issues. “The Place 2B” is the youth group which I
run for middle-school aged kids each Friday night.
I would love to hear from you and am greatly appreciative of those who
have kept in touch.
Yours in Christ,
Kelly Brand
kkbrand@hotmail.com
185 Bulstrode Avenue
Hounslow, Middx
TW3 3AF
Souled Out
Something
to Think About
by Greg
“So Jesus grew
both in height and in wisdom, and He was loved by God
and by all who
knew Him.” Luke 2:52, New Living
Translation
Jesus
grew in wisdom.
Stop
reading this article for 30 seconds to ponder that thought.
Jesus
grew in wisdom.
If
I had a nickel for every time someone asked my why it’s important to study
God’s Word on a daily basis...well...let’s just say I’d be making more than
your average youth director. When Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians, his
prayer was that they would “...keep on growing in your knowledge and
understanding.” Growing in knowledge and understanding isn’t something that
occurs naturally. I love the story of the 83 year old woman who attended a
Sunday School convention at the Moody Memorial church in Chicago. They asked
her why on earth an 83 year old person needed to attend a Sunday School
convention.
“To
learn something that would make me a better teacher,” she said.
Now
that’s a teachable heart. We must always be willing to learn, always wanting to
grow. There’s a quote in the front of my Bible that says, “We forget what we
read once, but we remember what we ponder.” Part of our daily Bible study time
should be “digesting” what we read, then applying it to our lives. The mark of
a great teacher is not his/her ability to convince someone of the validity of a
truth, but to convince them to adjust their life to that truth. The same mark
is true of a great learner. That is the challenge I leave you with: “Keep on
growing in your knowledge and understanding.”
Sunday, December 2nd
6:30 - 8:00pm
Souled Out - Regular Meeting
Sunday, December 9th
6:00 - 8:00pm
Souled Out - Movie Night or
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, December 16th
6:30 - 8:00pm
Souled Out - Attend Christmas Program
Sunday, December 23rd
No Meeting
Sunday, December 30th
6:30 - 8:00pm
Souled Out
Coffee House
You Still Have Time
Winter Retreat at Camp Wanake
December 7th - 9th
Open to all youth (grades 7-12)
Invite Your Friends!!!
Leave the church at 5:45pm on Friday
Return about 10:45am on Sunday
Absolutely, positively must have your money and
release form in to Greg by Tuesday, December 4th.
Senior High Ski Trip
January 19-21,
2002
Hidden Valley,
PA
Open to all
youth (grades 9-12) and their friends.
Deadline to
sign up and pay is Sunday, December 2nd.
Tickets are still available for The Passage at Nationwide
Arena in Columbus on Saturday, December 15th. Talk to Greg for more
information.
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 (Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm) or
e-mailed to either Steller5@AOL.com or BevW@StrongsvilleUMC.org
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