June, 2002 Wesley News of the Strongsville United Methodist Church

Summer Worship Schedule

Sunday, June 2 is the date we begin our summer worship schedule. Sunday worship services will be at 8:15 am and 9:30 am, with Sunday School at 9:30 am only. The Saturday worship service will continue to be at 5:00 pm.

On the Way

Worship Saturdays under the big top!

Join us for worship on the front lawn of the church on Saturday, June 22 and June 29 at 5:00 pm. The services will be held "under the big top" (literally a large tent). You’re invited to bring a picnic for your family and stay around after worship for a time of fellowship. What a great way to spend a summer Saturday with your family!

Register now for fall semester of Logos

Once again, the time is upon us for early registration for the Logos 2002 Fall Semester!  Registration dates will be June 9, 16, and 23 in the atrium following the 9:30 church service.  Please be sure to stop by and register your child as well as volunteer your time and talents within the Logos program. 

We will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of Logos at SUMC this fall!  In order to continue our successful children's ministry, we need your help!  Many positions need to be filled in each of the four parts of Logos -- Family Time, Bible Hour, Worship Skills, and Playtime.  Please give prayerful consideration to contributing to the Logos team!!

Nametag Reminder

The Committee on Evangelism would like to remind everyone to wear your nametags to church! There are some nametags on the table in the narthex that have not yet been picked up. Please do so if you haven’t picked yours up already!

 

Musicians Needed!

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 16th through Labor Day weekend, September 1st. Please consider sharing your talent in praise of the Lord.

 

Plant seeds of God’s love with Servant Evangelism

Servant Evangelism is off and running at Strongsville UMC. The next chance for you to be part of this exciting new mission opportunity will be Saturday, June 15. On that day we will head to the Metro Park in Strongsville and hand out water bottles. Talk to Mark Hotz (330-225-2632) if you would like to help plant the seeds of God’s love in our community

In honor of Father’s Day, we will do Baptisms on Sunday, June 16th at the 9:30 service. If you need more information, call the church office (238-6135) as soon as possible.

Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2002

 Front Row (L-R): Maegan Perri, Kevin Doak, Eric White, Matt McIntyre, Robby Koszkalda, Kevin Herb, Mark DeNoble; 2nd Row: Sara Thwaite, Betsy Boyer, Bob Grebenc, Allie Swan, Emma Stroemple, Grant Vanco, Jordan Biagini, John Karpinsky; 3rd Row: Jen Greenham, Larry Capuder, Greg Shearer, Kirsten Cook, Holly Honroth, Rachel Wynn, Ben Parish, Amanda Smith; Not pictured: Brian Kuch, Matthew Glass

From the Pastor’s Study

"Personal Reflection"

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all; making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." -- Philippians 1:3-5

Because of the personal events which have occurred in the Mowry family since our last newsletter, I wish to vary from my usual format and share with you some words which come deeply from my heart. The above text that Paul writes to the beloved church at Philippi is one that I echo. In the past weeks I have, in my prayer time, again and again returned to this congregation with statements of deepest gratitude to God for who you are and the way in which you have ministered to my family.

The deaths of both Sue’s father and mother within eight days of each other caught us emotionally unprepared. Even though we have a deep faith and know that they live with God and are freed from any kind of physical limitations, our missing of them is so great. During that most difficult succession of days which included two funerals and my surgery, you, as a congregation, enfolded us. Thank you for the flowers that you sent at both deaths. They reminded us of your emotional presence with us and your spiritual undergirding of us. We were comforted to know that you cared so deeply for our own needs and sensed the depth of our loss. Your personal words that have been conveyed through visits, cards and phone calls have touched us and we feel greatly ministered to through your caring actions.

An additional great thanksgiving is offered to you as you have nurtured me through my surgery. You have shared many expressions of kindness and grace beginning with your prayers, which I have deeply cherished. The cards have been overwhelming. Please know that I am taking time, not only to read each one, but also to re-read them. I have hung on your words and found encouragement through your expressions. In many other ways you have cared for us as well and I am so deeply grateful that words cannot express the full extent of my gratitude.

Even though I am recovering and returning to work, I am doing so on a limited basis. I am not yet back to full power and the doctor informs me that it will not take place yet for a while. Therefore, my schedule is abbreviated and I trust that you will understand that I just do not have the physical strength to do all that my heart and mind desire.

I want to publicly, via this media, give my thanks to the staff of the church who have taken upon themselves an extra burden and have performed their tasks in wondrous ways. Also a deep thanksgiving to Rev. Joe Santomen who covered the parish during the absence of myself and Pastor Paula. The great gifts of ministry that he possesses were once again made evident within this congregation. I give thanks for those who supplied food and cared for our physical needs. I thank those men who came to help in the minor emergency at the parsonage. For those people who have had their own schedules disrupted because of my inability to teach or counsel, the strong leadership gifts of persons in this congregation has again been made very evident.

Thus, I return to the Apostle Paul’s statement and repeat that I give great thanks to God in all my remembrances of you the people of the Strongsville United Methodist Church. You have cared in such wondrous ways and ministered with such tenderness. Thanks be to God for you.

In Peace,

Rev. Ron Mowry

From Pastor Paula’s desk

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. "Woe to me!" I cried. "I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty." Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. With it he touched my mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for." Then I heard a voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I . Send me!" Isaiah 6:3-8

On Saturday May 11th, I stood with my husband in a small room about 6ft x 6ft. The contents: a small
wooden table, a chair and a kneeling stool. On the table was an open Bible and a single candlestick.  The sun peeked through the window, casting light across the open Word as a tour guide reflected on the use of the room.  You see, this room was the place where John Wesley would begin his day, often at 4 am, when he was staying in his London home. I was standing in the "powerhouse of Methodism," as some have named it. This was Wesley’s prayer closet. Wesley was a man called by God. Because of the time he spent, not just preaching, but praying and reading the Scriptures, lives were changed. His ministry has impacted generations.

It was here he would place himself in the presence of God.  Daily he went there to seek the face of the God he loved and faithfully served. Mere words cannot reflect the awesomeness of the moment as I stood there. I felt the presence of God in that room.  And I realized something. God used John Wesley and He desires to use me, if I will simply seek after Him! God doesn’t want me to be like anyone else, He just wants me to be who I am with all the gifts and abilities I have been given.  And HE wants to use you! Will you let God use you???

Blessings as you Seek His Face,

Pastor Paula Koch

Friday Fellowship

Summer is vacation time! Friday Fellowship is taking a vacation also. We will resume our monthly meetings in September. We hope you have a pleasant summer and enjoy all your gardens.

June Birthdays

June 6

Arthur Kara

June 8

Corrine Jackson

June 10

Mary Howe

June 14

Dorothy Kane

June 18

Betty Smith

June 20

Dick Coleman

Rustad Library

Friday Fellowship has purchased a memorial book in the name of Caroline BuschmanIt Must Have Been Moonglow by Phyllis Greene is a reflection on the first years of widowhood.  It chronicles the emotional roller coaster of her first year alone in a collection of brief essays.  This book is beautifully written and quite an enjoyable read.  You can find this and other new books in the New Book section of the library.  Thank you, Friday Fellowship for donating  this and all other memorial books in our library.

Is there anything YOU would like to see in the library?  If so, please give your requests to Debbie Miller or Fern Black.  We are always looking for new book ideas!

United Methodist Women

Our Purpose: The organized unit of the United Methodist Women shall be a community of women whose purpose is to know God and to experience freedom as whole persons through Jesus Christ; to develop a creative, supportive fellowship; and to expand concepts of mission through participation in the global ministries of the church.

The Executive Board of the Strongsville United Methodist Women would like to thank several ladies who have gone the extra step to "serve Christ" through participation in ministries.

Thank you to the following women:

So far this year, we have earned $3,000 for mission outreach and we hope to earn another $2000 before year's end to meet our pledge to the Women's Division as well as providing for local missions. We have also held several opportunities for the ladies of our church to "know God" and see the fruits of our fund-raising working in mission.

We invite all the ladies of the church to watch for future events and come and participate as "whole persons experiencing freedom through Jesus Christ" and reaching out to expand the concepts of mission, whether through fellowship or activity events!

Note: There will not be any UMW Board meetings for June and July. Have a nice summer!

All three women’s circles will be dining out in the month of June. All ladies of the church are invited to join any of our circles.  

Elizabeth Circle: On Monday, June 3rd, we will be having dinner out at Pacino's Restaurant (14952 Pearl Road) at 5:30 pm. RSVP to Karen Muskoff,  572 -1084,  by June 3rd.

Lydia Circle: A spring luncheon at Palmer’s Restaurant (17100 Royalton Rd.) is planned by the ladies of Lydia Circle. The date is Thursday, June 6 at 12:30 pm. To make your reservation, contact Betty Berry (238-6495) or Grace Kellner (234-0938).

Hannah Circle: Hannah Circle is also going out for dinner on Monday, June 3rd at 6:30 pm. The place has yet to be decided…watch your Sunday bulletin for more details. Reserve your spot by May 30th with either Jennifer Dettmer (887-3993), Jennifer Hedinger (846-0390) or Chris Sheetz (427-9656).

Lawn Fete

Everyone is invited to the church family picnic on Sunday, June 16 at 12:00 pm on the church lawn. Join in the fun of this historic church tradition. This family event is a great place to make new friends and renew old acquaintances. There will be plenty of good food, games, and fellowship. Hamburgers and hot dogs are provided.

Please bring:

If the weather is uncooperative, we will gather in Tiber Hall.

$2400 raised at Youth Mission Auction

A huge and overdue thanks to all who participated by donating items or purchasing items at the Youth Auction for Missions on April 14th.  A great time was had by all as we tallied silent auction bids and enjoyed the antics of our two auctioneers, Andrew Kinnen and Brian DeNoble.  Nearly $2400 was raised to support our youth mission trip and other activities throughout the year. 

Please keep in prayer the 13 youth and adults who will travel to West Virginia in June to help with flood clean up with the Berea UMC Youth Mission Trip.

Thanks again for your generous support.

Debbie Smith & the Youth Mission Team

 Don’t forget the Food Bank this summer!

Many times we think of organizations like the Strongsville Food Bank only during the winter holidays. We often do not remember that food donations are needed year-round, just as much as they are needed during the holidays.

Some facts about the Food Bank:

Items that are especially needed at this time:

Please look in your cupboards and pantries and see if there are any food items that you can donate to the food bank, now and throughout the summer. Donations can be placed on the table downstairs across from Greg’s office. If you want more information or would like to volunteer, you can call the Food Bank at 440-846-0197 between 9:30 am and 11:30 am. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Ë Notes from the Nurses Ë

Ahh, summertime--a time for picnics, swimming, walks in the park, and mosquitoes!  Unfortunately we’ve been warned that this summer may be especially bad for those pesky little critters because of our very wet spring.  The West Nile virus is expected to be in the area.  This is a new form of encephalitis that was introduced into North America in 1999.

Actually it is less harmful to humans than the Eastern Equine or St. Louis varieties that are already here.  Encephalitis, along with several other diseases, are passed to humans through mosquitoes. 

There are some simple measures you can take to minimize contact with mosquitoes and reduce the risk of being infected with mosquito-borne disease. Minimize outdoor activity around dusk and dawn when most mosquitoes are active.  Wear long, loose-fitting clothes, preferably light in color. Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors and also to perfumes and aftershave lotions. Use an effective mosquito repellent on exposed skin and spray some repellent onto clothes.  Repellents containing DEET are especially effective. Always follow label directions as any insecticides can be dangerous if not used properly.

Your home and environment can be a potential breeding site for mosquitoes. Remove all potential sources of stagnant water in which mosquitoes might breed. Mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than four days.  Water buckets, wading pools, bird baths, wheelbarrows, clogged gutters, discarded tires, or any water-holding container should be cleaned or emptied on a weekly basis. Check and repair any screens with holes in them.  Females mosquitoes can lay 100-300 eggs at a time and as many as 3000 during her lifetime! 

So, enjoy all those summer activities but do your best not to encourage the company of mosquitoes. 

Blood pressure checks this month will be on Sunday, June 16 between services in the parlor.

Happy Fathers Day to all you dads and congrats to all the grads!

Betsy Mowry and Gail Spence

Congratulations to the following members of our church family who have recently received college degrees:

Graduating on May 12 from Baldwin-Wallace College were Brent Painter and Anita Butwinski, who both received degrees in Business Administration.

Jason Lange graduated from Ohio Northern University with a degree in Engineering on May 18.

Jodie Hausmann received her Master of Arts in Education degree from Baldwin-Wallace College in May.

Please submit additional college graduation announcements to the church office, or e-mail steller5@adelphia.net. We will honor additional graduates in our July issue, when we will also be recognizing our high school graduates.

Conference is collecting quarters & school supplies for mission projects

Bishop Keaton has challenged the districts of the East Ohio Conference to collect quarters for the Hope for the Children of Africa: The Dendera Project. You can help the Cleveland District be the winning district by depositing your quarters in the jars located in the church office and in Pastor Paula’s office. The quarters collected will be taken by our Pastors to Annual Conference in June.

We are also collecting school supplies for our East Ohio Conference related children’s agencies. Please place your scissors, pencils, markers and rulers in the box in the atrium.

Do you have a Bible to donate?

The "God and Church" Girl Scout group, led by one of our own youth, Shelly Hartman, is collecting new and slightly-used Bibles to donate to a prison ministry organization. The girls will be collecting the Bibles throughout the summer. More details will be forthcoming in the bulletin!

Christian Education News

A big thank you to Alys & Dick Herrick for the excellent job they did preparing the Education Work Area appreciation lunch.  It was wonderful!  Also, a special thanks to Pam Johnson and the Reception and Hospitality Committee for the great job they did serving this special meal.  You are all greatly appreciated!

Attention Volunteers:  If you were not able to attend the appreciation meal, please stop by the church office.  We have a small gift of appreciation for you.

Summer Schedule

Summer is approaching!  Don't forget that there will not be an 11:00 am children's program during the summer months due to the change in the worship schedule.

Vacation Bible School - June 24th - 28th

There is still room for more helpers!  Please prayerfully consider being a part of this very important ministry!    If you can help, please contact Patty Mendenhall (440) 846-6152 or Debbie Burd (440) 238-6135.

"Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray: and the disciples rebuked them.  But Jesus said, ‘Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.’  And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence."  Matthew 19:13-15  NKJV

The Vacation Bible School Giving Tree is located just outside of the sanctuary.  Please check it to see if there is something you can donate to this special week.

Vacation Bible School scholarships are available this year.   Please contact Debbie Burd for more information.  (440) 238-6135.

Nursery Help Needed

We are still in need of some help in the nursery on Sunday morning.  If you can help, please call Joan Thwaite at (440) 238-5043 or Debbie Burd at (440) 238-6135.

Chapman Scholarships Awarded

Six members of the Strongsville High School Class of 2002 have been awarded scholarships from the Chapman Endowment Fund.

Howard and Velda Chapman were long-time members of this church who had a history of service not only to the church but also to the community of Strongsville and to education. The purpose of the Chapman Endowment Fund is to provide scholarships to deserving students who intend to continue their education on a full-time basis beyond high school. Applicants are expected to excel in scholastics, participate in outside activities, be active in the church and demonstrate a need for financial assistance.

Receiving Chapman Scholarships this year are:

Katie Bradigan, daughter of Larry & Mary Bradigan. Katie will be attending Ohio State University majoring in Communications.

Nicole Burgund, daughter of Gary & Karen Burgund. Nicole is enrolled at John Carroll University and plans to major in Business Marketing & Management.

Katie Jasko, daughter of Tom & Janie Jasko. Katie plans to attend Mount Union College and major in Middle Childhood Education.

Matt Milia, son of Mark & Karen Milia. Matt will be at Wright State University this fall and is majoring in Education.

Ryan Spence, son of Ron & Gail Spence. Ryan will be attending Kent State University and plans to major in Secondary Education.

Justin Wade, son of Tol & Dana Wade is attending Ohio University in the fall and will major in Telecommunications.

We are proud of our 2002 Chapman Scholars and wish them well as they begin their college careers.

Joys & Concerns

Weddings

Congratulations to the following couples who were united in marriage in our sanctuary within the past month:

Scott Gelo & Jennifer Bickford were married on May 26. Scott is the son of Carl & Janel Gelo.

Danielle Graf & David Laughlin were married on May 4.

Hallie Demer & William Coughanour were married on April 27.

Best wishes to all the newlyweds!

Baptisms

We rejoice with the families of those who have joined the family of faith through the sacrament of baptism. Baptized on Sunday, May 12 were Nathan Bradley Phillips, son of Bradley & Mary Cristina Phillips; and Erin Nicole Novak, daughter of Brian & Kelly Castner Novak.

Deaths

The prayers and sympathy of the congregation are extended to Rev. Ron & Sue Mowry and family upon the death of Sue’s father, Henry Simmons, on April 21, and her mother, Ruth Simmons, on April 29; to Jane Albert and family upon the death of Jane’s mother, Myra Mittenholzer on April 23; to Bob & Kim MacDonald and family upon the death of Bob’s father, Don MacDonald on April 25; and to Larry & Beverly Wynn and family upon the death of Larry’s mother, Peg Wynn, on May 7.

From our church’s mailbox

Dear Congregation,

My family and I would like to thank everyone for their care and concern during Jennifer’s two-week stay at the hospital in March. We truly appreciate all of your prayers and the wonderful cards that were sent. But most of all, we would like to say a very special thank you to Rev. Ron and Pastor Paula for their phone calls and visits. Your support helped us to get through this difficult time.

Shari Kane & family

Dear Congregation,

We would like to thank everyone for your prayers, cards and calls that we received upon the death of Bob’s father. We truly appreciate your thoughtfulness!

Sincerely,

The MacDonald Family

Bob, Kim, Dan & Alison

Dear Friends,

My family and I would like to thank you for your concerns, prayers and cards during my hospitalizations. We would also extend a special thank you to Rev. Mowry and Pastor Paula for their encouragement, prayers and visits.

I feel so blessed to be a member of such a loving and caring church.

In Christian Love,

Alice Waltz

Dear Friends in Christ,

Thank you for your cards, phone calls and prayers these past two weeks. The phone calls from Pastor Paula and Rev. Santomen and the lovely note from Rev. Ron were comforting. The love and support our church has shown to our family during my mother’s short illness and death is overwhelming.

God Bless,

Larry, Beverly, Elizabeth & Rachel Wynn

A very big THANK YOU from Friday Fellowship to all who helped at our Chicken ‘n Biscuit Dinner. We can’t list you all by name, but you know who you are. Thank you, too, to all who bought tickets. Without you, there would be no need for the dinner.

This is Friday Fellowship’s only fundraiser and we appreciate your help and patronage. It helps us to be able to continue making contributions to the needs of our church.

Sincerely,

The Friday Fellowship Cabinet

Newsworthy Notes…

Camp Wanake Needs You!

We will be having a work day at Camp Wanake on Saturday, June 8 to erect tents and put cots together. The camp will provide lunch and swimming, weather permitting. You are welcome to bring your kids with you to introduce them to our United Methodist camps and to help as they are able. We leave the church at 7:30 am. If you are interested, please contact Brian Sheetz at 427-9656 or bsheetz@raex.com

Souled Out

Something to Think About

by Greg

 

"On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding." John 2:1-2


I'm going to my best friend Joe's wedding this weekend. I'm looking forward to the fellowship time and just kicking loose with some old friends. I thought and prayed about this weekend for a long time. I wanted to be an example for whatever unbelievers may be in attendance. One of the scripture passages that I meditated on was Jesus going to the wedding of a friend in Cana.

It's very interesting to me that today we often think that Christians need to be "sticks in the mud". It is important that we don't compromise our standards as Christians, but at the same time, that doesn't call us to a life of boredom. In fact, the Bible tells us that the "joy of the Lord is our strength". If we are to go out into all the world and make disciples, we have to know how people think. What is it about a dull and boring lifestyle that seems attractive to you.

Jesus was a people person. He guarded very carefully His time praying and in solitude, but He seemed to enjoy crowds. Weddings were a big deal in His culture; the celebration and feasts would often last an entire week. This was a perfect opportunity to show Himself to others. Christians are men and women of joy, men and women who know the importance of having fun. We also know that it is not our job to condemn and judge non-believers (if this interests you, try to find one spot in the Bible where Jesus condemns a sinner, He saves His condemnation for the "religious people"). We must not compromise the message of salvation. When we are given the opportunity to speak God's Word, we must speak it with all accuracy and honesty, not removing the things that might offend someone. But, we must use everyday situations to bring people to salvation through love, not condemnation.

I really enjoy what C.H. Spurgeon said in his book Lectures to my Students: "An individual who has no geniality about him had better be an undertaker, and bury the dead, for he will never succeed in influencing the living."

 

 Souled Out (UMYF)

Sundays, 6:30 - 8:00pm

At the church

June 2nd - If God Made Marijuana...

June 9th - How to Listen to God

June 16th - No meeting on Father’s Day

June 23rd - The Occult

June 30th - What Does Anointing Mean?

 

Youth Bible Study

Monday, June 10th & 24th

7:00 - 8:00pm

At the church

Open to all youth and their friends. Come whenever you can!

 

Cedar Point Day

Friday, June 14th

$26.00 - Money must be in Greg’s hands by Wednesday, June 5th. Bus will leave the church early on the 14th.

Invite your friends!!

 

Friday Fest

June 21st - 9:00 - 11:00pm

Open to all youth and their friends.

Come and hang out!

 

Cory Kitchen

Tuesday, June 25th Call Mrs. Peck (572-6008) if you want to go. We leave the church at 4:30pm.

 

Alive Fest

June 19 - 22nd

What is it??? Talk to Rebecca Spitzig (572-4962) to find out!

 

The Youth Mission Trip to West Virginia is from June 23rd - 29th. Please keep the youth and their adult helpers in your prayers during this week.

 

Talk to Greg (238-6135) to find out more about any of the activities or check the Youth Bulletin Board in the atrium.


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.

Habitat For Humanity

During the month of May we have emphasized our important ministry with Habitat for Humanity. Even as we continue to work on the Habitat project, we are also supporting this important outreach in other ways. Our special thanks to the United Methodist Men of this church who are taking a strong leadership role in this ministry. Additional thanks to all those who worked during the Blitz Week and to those who supported our special Habitat offering.

Our church goal for this offering was $2,000. To date we have received $1,351. Obviously this is less than we had hoped to contribute to help in the building of this home.

The house under construction at 4235 Newark Ave. will be occupied by Leslie Santiago and her three children, Arianna (8), Albert (7), and D’Angelo (5), when it is completed in November 2002. Leslie works in the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority office as an Eligibility Analyst. She and her children have been living in a very small apartment on the near west side. Leslie and her family will provide 500 hours of "sweat equity" in building their home.

It is not too late for you to share in this important ministry. If you wish to make a contribution to be used in the construction of this house, just mark your offering "Habitat." God calls us to care for those around us. Supporting Habitat for Humanity is one way that we can respond to his call.

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@Adelphia.net or BevW@StrongsvilleUMC.org

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