July, 2002 Wesley News of the Strongsville United Methodist Church

Confirmation 2002-2003

Even as you enjoy your summer vacation, preparations are under way for the 2003 Confirmation Class. If you are entering the 6th grade this fall (or older and not yet confirmed), you are invited to participate in this class. If you have not received a letter and would like to be in the class, please contact the church office (238-6135) and we will add you to our list. Once you are on the list you will receive additional information concerning the confirmation schedule and requirements. Hope to see you in the fall.

Pastor Paula

Logos 10th Anniversary -- Join the Celebration!!

On September 5th we begin the tenth year of Logos at the Strongsville United Methodist Church. For twelve weeks in the fall and another twelve weeks in the winter, we offer the opportunity for your children and youth to grow in their faith and develop their relationships with other children, youth and adults.

Logos is open to all children and youth from Kindergarten through High School. Dinner is served to all participants from 5:30– 6:30 pm, followed by an hour of Bible study. The final hour is divided between learning worship skills (children’s & youth choirs) and playtime. As part of our Anniversary Celebration, we have developed a new concept for our youth (grades 6-12) in worship skills and playtime. In all parts of Logos we work to help our children and youth see God’s love in action. Our most important rule is: Everyone is a child of God and must be treated that way.

This type of ministry requires the help of many people. You can…help prepare the meal…wash dishes (believe it or not – this is a great job)…be a table parent…teach or help in a classroom…help with our nursery and preschool…play a game…sing a song…hold a hand. We are looking for people from all parts of our church family…even those who do not have children in Logos. You will be showered with blessings as you work with those who love God, love children and have a gift to share.

Please contact Lynne Koszkalda (238-0883), Carol Perri (238-1041) or Bev. Wells (572-1415) for more information.

SUMC to Sponsor Ukrainian Family!

The Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS) is a non-profit, multi-denominational support agency for immigrants living in central Ohio. The Administrative Board has voted to accept the responsibility for assisting a family from the Ukraine that is relocating to Strongsville. Peter & Oksana Grabyak and their children, Vita, Vadim & Lillya will be arriving before the end of summer.

We will be involved in finding suitable furnishings for an apartment, including furniture (beds, sofa, tables, etc.), appliances, dishes, pots & pans, toys, school supplies, clothing and other necessities to help the family get on its feet. We may also be asked to help with transportation to various governmental agencies and for health care, etc. This type of support typically lasts for 2-3 months.

A list has been posted on the Missions Bulletin Board showing what is needed with a space to sign up to furnish specific items. There is also additional information about CRIS and its work with refugees and immigrants.

Please prayerfully consider how you can be part of welcoming this family to Strongsville. If you can help in any way or would like more information, contact Missions Chairperson John Huie (878-0798 or johnjulieh@peoplepc.com).

Property Update

The church continues to move forward in the process of re-zoning for the property on Royalton Road.

On Monday, July 15th our request for re-zoning will come before the City Council. It needs to be approved on that date because Council will adjourn for the month of August and, in order to meet the filing deadline for the November election, approval must take place before adjournment.

Please be prayerfully lifting up that session of Council. We remind you that it may be watched on Public Access. Church leaders have been asked to be present at the Council meeting. There will be several zoning issues before Council that night.

We believe in the power of prayer and of God’s faithful working towards the purchase of this property. So please be before the Lord and ask for God’s direction of decision making in preparation for the July 15th Council meeting.

From the Pastor’s Study

"Protection"

"...for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared." Proverbs 3:26

Recently, as I was trimming some bushes along our patio, I was suddenly aware of a loud noise near me. The squawking was coming from a robin sitting close by in a tree. The noise was unmistakable; I was being scolded.

Then I watched the display that came from the bird. She flopped around in the tree looking wounded, then would fly off. When I didn’t follow, she came back, lit on the ground, rolled, laid for a while, then again made a quick exit to the back of the yard. I realized what she was telling me. I was obviously far too close to her nest and she was trying to protect her young brood. Slowly I began parting the branches on the shrub I was trimming. Sure enough, there lay the intricately woven grasses filled with bodies without hair, newly hatched birds, under the gentle protection of a loving parent who would do all to see that they were kept in safety.

As I reflected upon the past months, I realized the great protecting presence of the Lord. The writer of Proverbs reminds us that we are to realize that the Lord is our confidence. We will not stumble; we will lie under the caring hand of the Almighty. There need be no fear of sudden disaster or ruin, for God is with us and, because of that, we will be helped by the Lord. Even our foot will not be snared.

I must admit that I’ve had my personal moments in these past days of questioning whether God has given the Mowry family more than is needed. I have wondered if, indeed, we may have stumbled and been snared. But then I look to the mighty promises of God. Those whom we love are held in his hands and those of faith are assured of eternity. Even though our bodies may not respond as we desire and we might be afflicted, we are assured that we are held by God, known by God, cared for by God and, ultimately, healed by God.

The robin, of course, was ultimately powerless if I had decided to go ahead and trim those bushes and take out the nest. Even though it tried to dive-bomb me and distract me, I was larger than it. But there is nothing greater than God. No power mightier. No strength more ultimate. No will more complete.

At times of our greatest need, God comes to us in mercy. In the midst of despair, God provides for us hope. That mercy and hope are demonstrated through kind words, loving actions and prayerful support. Yet, even further, that mercy and hope is demonstrated in God’s gift of Jesus Christ, his only Son, who came so that we might know the love of God for us.

Therefore, we can look to the Lord in confidence for we know that, as God’s children, we will not be overwhelmed or overtaken. We need not be afraid for in the Almighty is our final safety and security. How thankful I am for the Lord of life.

O God, I come to you in confidence knowing that you are the eternal source of protection. Watch over me. Amen.

Rev. Ron Mowry

From Pastor Paula’s Desk

"I'm thirsty!" "I'm hungry!" "I'm tired!" Sound familiar? These are cries my sisters and I expressed when we came through the door after school; when we were in the car on a trip, or when we were outside at the pool.

How often do you use these expressions? How often do you hear these expressions? We can articulate our physical needs so that everyone is aware of them because we know that those needs will be met. Think about this in the context of your relationship with Jesus.

"I'm thirsty!" On hot days in the summer we are told to drink lots of water. We know water will quench our need. But do we drink of the living water Jesus offers us? Maybe you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Do the people around you? Are they thirsty for more out of life than what it offers them now? People, young and old, are thirsty. Will you offer them a drink from the well of living water? (John 4)

"I'm hungry!" Be honest with yourself. How many times today have you said, "I am hungry"? Have you really been hungry? If you are hungry, you have to decide what you want to eat. The options are endless; fast food, salad, a juicy steak, a milkshake, a slice of pizza. These give you the sustenance needed to live. What about the Word of God? It gives food that sustains all of life. In the Bible, we find a feast! Have you tasted it? Have you offered a taste to the people you love and care about? We offer the food for physical life, but do we offer the food for eternal life? This food is sweeter than honey. (Psalm 119)

"I'm tired!" Are there days you just can't drag yourself out of bed? Are your intentions good but…? Even Jesus grew tired of the crowds, worn out by the questions and wanted some alone time, with God. Are you running in too many directions? Are your children running in too many directions? The fact is that our weariness may mean we need to set some things aside in our over extended lives. Maybe it is time to look at what we are doing. Are we tired because we are running and accomplishing nothing? What we really need to do is to SLOW DOWN! A time for examination of our lives is something we do not often do. Because you think something is good doesn't mean it is what Gods wants you to do. Sometimes we need to ask our kids, if all these activities are what they want. Often, when I get restless in my spirit, it is because I'm doing what I think I should be doing but not what God wants me to do. (Exodus 20, Mark 2)

God wants to meet ALL your needs, will you allow Him?

Pastor Paula Koch

Friday Fellowship

Although we are not meeting in July or August, we hope you will keep us in mind for September.

Our committee is hard at work making plans for our fall agenda.

 

July Birthdays

Bobby Mezzulo

7th

Ruby Gormsen

8th

Lee Sprague

8th

Rev. Ron

24th

Bob Erwine

28th

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day – If you can attend a church meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture or death --- you are fortunate. More than three billion people in the world cannot.

Rustad Library

Friday Fellowship has graciously donated a book in the name of Anne Claire Riggs. In This Mountain is the seventh novel in the Mitford series by Jan Karon. It can be found in the New Books section of the library. 

Help!!!  The library is looking for a hard-back copy of Jan Karon's These High, Green Hills. If you have one to donate, please leave it in the church office or call Debbie Miller (572-4967).

United Methodist Women

Begin your summer reading now. Individual bookmarks are on the UMW bookshelf. Each circle member should take one home!

UMW Reading Program

Name_________________

Circle_________________

Read one book from each category. Write book title under each heading.

UMW reading program books are on the top left shelf of the church library.

 

Education for Mission _________________________________________

Nurturing for Community ________________________________________

Social Action ________________________________________________

Spiritual Growth ______________________________________________

 

Labels translate into ministry support!

Since 1989, Red Bird Mission has acquired 14 full size vans and two minivans through the Campbell Label Program. All of the vehicles are still in operation helping in ministry. Enough labels have been collected to order two more minivans in 2002.

These vehicles represent 23,200,000 labels and well over a million gallons of soup. Because of the connectional church, Red Bird Mission has one of the highest redemption levels in the Campbell Label program.

Red Bird Mission Executive Director, Fred Haggard states, "The effort of our supporter is shown with this fleet of vans. I would like to say thanks to each donor who has sent us Campbells’ Labels for Education in support of this mission of the United Methodist Church."

The article above appeared in The Cardinal Newsletter. Betty Berry wanted the congregation to see what Red Bird Mission has accomplished over the years with our help.

Betty also wants to thank everyone who has sent in labels for her to prepare for Red Bird Mission and she asks that you continue to save your labels and put them in the basket on the bulletin board by the church’s back door. You can also check out the bulletin board to see what kinds of labels are needed and how to clip them. Call Betty (238-6495) if you have questions.

Leslie Bennett graduated with honors from Bradley University in Peoria, IL. Leslie has accepted a teaching position with the East Peoria School District. She is the daughter of Ralph & Barb Bennett.

Gwynne Powell graduated on June 16th from Otterbein College with a degree in Public Relations. Gwynne is the daughter of Dave & Dianne Powell.

 

Our High School Graduates

Nicole Bakker

Amy Krukemeyer+

Daniel Barton

Adam LaRocco

Chris Benko

Eric Lehman

Katie Bradigan +

Mark Lindsey

Nicole Burgund #+

Dan MacDonald+

Katherine Byrd

Matt Milia #+

Tiffany Cain

Erin O’Callahan

Amanda Carolla+

Corey Ringle

Kim Cook

Stephanie Shear+

Joe Dickinson

Chad Slany

Brandon DiGuilio+

Ryan Spence #

Laura Fegan+

Ryan Steller

Rob Hall+

Zachary Teuscher

Tom Hall

Katie Thwaite

Katie Jasko #+

Tiffany Turner

Brett Jones+

Tom Versteeg

Jarrod Katon

Justin Wade #+

Steve Keirn

Bradley White+

Danny Konkoly

Sarah Barnaby+

# Chapman Scholarship Recipients

+ Strongsville High School Honors Diploma

In addition to the Chapman Scholarships noted above, many of our students received additional scholarships: Sarah Barnaby was given the Southwest Health Center Scholarship; Katie Bradigan received the Strongsville PTA and the VFW Scholarships; Nicole Burgund received the American Values Scholarship from John Carroll University and a Presidential Award; Amanda Carolla was awarded an Academic Scholarship from Bowling Green State University and the Alma Beshera Memorial Scholarship; Brandon DiGuilio also received the American Values Scholarship from John Carroll University and a Presidential Award; Laura Fegan received the Ohio State University Trustees Scholarship, the Albion PTA and the Papa Johns Scholarships; Robert Hall received the Mercyhurst College Egan Scholarship and a PPG Industries Scholarship; Katie Jasko was awarded the Mount Union College Trustees Award and the Mayor Ehrnfelt Scholarship; Amy Krukemeyer received the University of Michigan Rogel Award of Excellence and the SHS Council of PTAs Scholarships; Stephanie Shear received the Ashland University Presidential Scholarship; Bradley White was given the SHS Education Association and the Mustang Wrestling Scholarships.

We congratulate these students on their achievements and wish them all God’s blessings in whatever the future holds for them.

A special note of congratulations to Carolyn Hennon, who was awarded the Strongsville High School Phi Beta Kappa Outstanding Educator Award at Senior Salute.

Each year the most outstanding high school senior is chosen as the Phi Beta Kappa winner by the faculty. That student is then asked to recognize the teacher who has most influenced him or her. This year’s winner, Joe Kardamis, named his 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Hennon.

Carolyn said the award was completely unexpected, especially since elementary teachers are rarely chosen, and called the moment the highlight of her teaching career.

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. Watch your Sunday bulletin for information.

Don’t forget the Food Bank!!

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.

Items that are especially needed at this time:

Please look in your cupboards and pantries to see if there are food items 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 at the Food Bank, call 440-846-0197 between 9:30 & 11:30 am. Thank you for your continued generosity.

Ë Notes from the Nurses Ë

Food borne illnesses happen year round but during the summer, heat and packing food to be eaten later increase the risk. Food borne pathogens require a food source, moisture and heat to grow. Once a food is infected, the bacteria multiply rapidly under these conditions. These pathogens can’t be tasted or smelled so your best chance of protecting yourself from them is practicing safe food handling methods.

When handling raw foods, always work on a clean surface. Use clean utensils and never go from cutting up one food to cutting up another without washing the knife and the cutting board. Don’t mix raw and cooked foods.

Between the temperatures of 45 degrees and 140 degrees, bacteria will grow rampantly. Keep hot foods at 160 degrees or higher and cold foods at 40 degrees or lower.

Storing foods safely to travel is difficult. Use shallow containers no deeper than two inches. Surround cold foods with ice and keep hot foods in thermal bags made especially for transporting hot food. Use the foods quickly and store leftovers immediately after serving.

Most people get sick within 4-48 hours after eating bad food. The most common symptoms of food borne illness are like those of the flu; fever, stomach cramps and diarrhea. Most people will recover quickly but elderly or sickly adults are at higher risk for complications. Children are at very high risk because their small bodies cannot fight off the amount of bacteria our larger bodies can. If your child or a sick or elderly person contracts illness you suspect to be food borne, get them to a doctor right away. (Adapted from web site www.allsands.com)

Blood pressure checks are July 28th after the 9:30 service. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Joys & Concerns

Weddings

Congratulations to the following:

Erin Canon & George Schroeder were married on June 15th by Pastor Paula.

Ruth Russell & David Hlad were also married on June 15th by Pastor Paula.

Dana Albert & Mark Grebey were married on June 22nd by Rev. Ron.

Gerilyn Gregg & Brian Kiggins were also married on June 22nd. Gerilyn is the daughter of Gerry & Jerry Hawk.

Births

Congratulations to Greg & Melinda (Dragovich) Miller upon the birth of Nicholas Donald Miller on June 5th. Proud grandparents are Paula & Greg Dragovich.

We rejoice with the Turek family upon the birth of Hailey Ann Marie Turek to Kevin & Jeanne Turek on June 15th. Proud grandparents are Al & Marge Turek.

Baptisms

We celebrate with the families of those who have joined the family of faith through the Sacrament of Baptism. Baptized on Sunday, June 16th were: Cooper James Hawk, son of Robert & Diane Lindesmith Hawk; Coral Elizabeth Kocsis, daughter of Todd & Cristyn Pew Kocsis; Aidan Cole Short, son of Blair & Joy Robertson Short; Samuel Cary Moreland, son of Geoffrey & Lori Sprankle Moreland; and Reese Emmett Crawford, son of Robert & Rebecca Price Crawford.

Deaths

The prayers and sympathy of the congregation are extended to the family of Anne Riggs, a long-time member of our congregation, upon her death on June 1st.

Our prayers and sympathy are also extended to Dan & Sharon Konkoly & family upon the death of Dan’s aunt, Isabelle Spring, on June 8th; to Chuck & Debbie Hawk and family upon the death of Debbie’s aunt, Marcella Olson, on June 2nd; and to Bill & Corrine Witham and family upon the death of Bill’s brother, Jim Witham, on June 6th.

 

From our Church’s Mailbox

To my church family,

Again, I must say a grateful thank you from the heart for all that you have done for me. Life has been made somewhat easier due to your many kindnesses and generosity. God’s blessings to each of you–especially those who were strangers that reached out. I will always treasure the memory of how you touched my life.

Bonnie Harris

 

Dear SUMC family:

Thanks so much to all of you for your prayers and cards during my hospitalization and recovery. A special thanks to Rev. Mowry and Pastor Paula for your concerns, prayers, and phone calls. It is so nice to have such a close Church Family.  I pray that all will safeguard against driving when tired or sleepy.  

Gene  Naylor

 

To Our Friends at SUMC,

Thanks so much for your prayers and calls during John’s recent surgery and ongoing recovery. We’re really enjoying the cards too!!

Special thanks to Rev. Santomen, Dynda Thomas, Deb Oblisk, Sharon Casey, Andrew Kinnen, Bev Wells & Lori Karpinsky for sitting with me at the hospital on surgery day. Thanks also to John Karpinsky for sitting with John the next evening so Sue could get home to the girls.

To all the drivers who have helped us with family visits and radiation treatments – THANK YOU SO MUCH. What a huge relief this is for Sue as it helps her to be able to be with the girls.

Many times over the last 4 years, we have wondered how we could have survived without you all, and this has been no exception.

You are, as usual, ready and willing not only with your prayers but also with your presence, your gifts and your service. We will be eternally grateful.

The Wells; John, Sue, Rachel & Rebecca

 

Dear Rev. Ron, Pastor Paula, Chapman Scholarship Committee,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for granting me one of the Chapman Scholarships. It is an honor to be selected among a great group of Strongsville United Methodist seniors. I plan to use the scholarship as I work toward a degree in Telecommunications and Music at Ohio University.

Again, thank you.

Justin Wade

 

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for awarding me the Chapman Scholarship. SUMC has been a large part of my life, and I thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support. I will always be grateful to all the teachers, preachers and leaders who have helped me grow in faith, and to all the friends I have made along the way. I will take a part of SUMC with me as I go to Mount Union in the fall and start the next phase of my life. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you once again.

Katie Jasko

 

Dear Rev. Ron,

I want to take this opportunity to thank you, the congregation and all those involved with the Chapman Scholarship for the generous award given to me. I feel honored to have been chosen to represent our church and will work hard next year at Ohio State to live up to that honor.

During my last vist to Columbus I located a Methodist Church very close to campus and hope to become involved during the school year. I’m very excited to begin this next step in my life and hope that I meet people as great as those at our Strongsville church. Thank you again!

Katie Bradigan

 

Dear United Methodist Congregation,

Thank you for the special gifts of thoughtfulness that you provided for me, and for your support for my being confirmed on Pentecost Sunday. I have great appreciation for your support. I will show my appreciation for your thoughtfulness by trying to participate in most Saturday and Sunday worship services, giving offerings, and participating in church activities.

Thank you for your support and gifts.

John Karpinsky, Jr.

 

Dear Congregation,

Thank you so much for the beautiful painted crosses and bookmarks. They were wonderful and thoughtful gifts. I will always look at them and remember how I was confirmed!

Betsy Boyer

 

Dear Congregation,

On behalf of CATscan 2000, thank you for hosting our mobile CT medical screening program. The CT images were evaluated by our board-certified radiologist and sent to each individual with a complete report.

Of the 49 screening CT exams performed at your site, there was 1 "severe abnormal" heart scan and no "severe abnormal" body scans. Without question, you helped individuals obtain potentially life-saving information about their health.

We look forward to bringing our mobile service back to Strongsville United Methodist Church at a later date.

Sincerely yours,

Gladys Underwood

 

Christian Education News

From June 24th to 28th over 110 children and over 50 adults gathered each morning at the church for a Bug Safari (Where kids catch the buzz about God’s love).

A huge thank you to everyone who helped with, donated to, and prayed for Vacation Bible School. Everyone and everything was greatly appreciated. What a wonderful opportunity God gave us to reach out to children in a special way for Jesus Christ!

Special thanks to Maria Gardens for lending us plants to decorate the atrium for our Bug Safari.

 

Thank you for serving, Vacation Bible School Crew! You’re the best!

Rev. Ron & Pastor Paula

Directors: Patty Mendenhall & Debbie Burd

Station Leaders: Vickie Eicher, Brenda Soja, Sue Abraham, Liz Dean, Amy Robertson, Alys Herrick, Carol Perri, Lynne Koszkalda, Arthur Kraatz, Laurel Tomek, Lynn Tinnirello, Pam McGregor, Gail Fader, Brandy Buxton, Heidi Edwards.

Picnic Place Helpers: Marie Stands, Cathy Wells, Betsy Boyer, Marge Turek.

Decorations: Barb Krivos, Rosie Pamer

Crew Leader Coordinator: Mary Phillips

Lady Bug Landing Crew Leader Coordinator: Mary Kawecki

Lady Bug Landing Directors (Preschool): Jen Weisbrod, Holly Hotz

Preschool Helpers: Felicia Weisbrod, Maegan Perri, Anne Petrich

Crew Leaders: Russ Smith, Shelly Hartman, Julie Huie, Becky Marusek, Jennifer Erdelac, William Kraatz, Katrina Diller, Lisa Johnson, Karen Ransbury, Jeff Eicher, Bath Ann Zamrzla, Jim Boyer, Marcie Boyer, Beth Ferrante, Elaine Cairns, Kim Altsman, Kelly Bakeman, Amy Vance, Leisa Diller, Katie Janiga, Scott Diller, Jessica VanLehn, Kristen Koszkalda.

Security: Tony Mendenhall, Phil Burd, Greg Grimwood

There is a need for help in our Summer Sunday School program. Please talk to Debbie Burd or Carol Williams to find out what you can do.

 

Brookside Center Theater Benefit

Thursday, August 1, 2002

"Footloose"

at the Huntington Playhouse

28601 Lake Rd., Bay Village

Reception & Refreshments 7:00pm

Show starts 8:00pm

Tickets $15.00

Call Grace Kellner for tickets

440/234-0938

Brookside Center is a program of the West Side Ecumenical Ministry. Your support helps provide emergency food, outreach, and educational opportunities for people living in poverty and crisis.

 

Promise Keepers

You can still register for the Promise Keepers event at Gund Arena in Cleveland on Friday, July 26th from 6:30-9:30pm and Saturday, July 27th from 8:30am-6:00pm. Cost for adults is $69 and for youth (18 and under) is $49. To find out more or to register, call 1-800-888-7595 or visit the Promise Keepers website (www.promisekeepers.org).

 

A Stephen Minister can help if you…have recently lost a loved one…have a serious or chronic illness…just lost your job or retired…are having trouble with a child or spouse…or in any other type of personal crisis situation.

It isn’t always easy to ask for or accept help from others when your world seems to be falling apart, but that is the time when you most need a caring friend to talk to. A Stephen Minister cannot change or control your situation, but can walk with you and share your burden.

Strongsville United Methodist Church has a group of caring men and women who have been trained to care for those who are experiencing a life crisis. If you or someone you know is in need of this kind of care, please call Jim Boyer (572-4976), Mark or Karen Milia (572-0602), Hildi Fitzpatrick (572-5004) or Bev. Wells (572-1415). All inquiries and caring relationships are strictly confidential.

 

 

 

Something to Think About

by Greg

 "Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart." Ephesians 6:5-6


Who is your master according to the flesh? If you're still in school, this could be your teacher. If you are at work, it's your boss or supervisor. The question you have to ask yourself after reading this passage is, "Who am I really working for?"

Playing college basketball at a mid-major university, I saw how this verse played out in a very practical way. On game day you could see the difference between the guys who were just pleasing the coach with eye service, and the guys who worked out of the sincerity of their hearts.

The men-pleasers were the ones who would come into the weight room while the coaches were in their offices across the hall. They made sure to grunt extra loud so the coaches could hear how hard they were working. When they'd go work on their jump-shot in the gym, they'd be sure to walk by the coach's offices on their way to the drinking fountain. They never wanted to do anything unnoticed. They made sure the coach knew how hard they were working.

The players who worked out of the sincerity of their hearts had much different attitudes. They paid no attention to the office hours of the coaches. They would workout in the weight room when nobody else was around. They'd find their way to the gym in the early hours of the morning, sometimes beating the janitor to the building. They were the one's who were focused on the results of their labors, and not the work leading up to the results. They offered no excuses when they didn’t perform. They found their weakness and attacked them with a tenacious attitude, turning them into their strengths. They had the mind-frame of doing whatever it took to get the job done. But they were never satisfied in just getting the job done, it had to be done better than anyone else.

The difference is in the question, "Who do I work for?" If you work for man, your rewards will be from man. In that case, it makes sense to want to show off your work ethic. If you work for your Father in heaven, you play by a different set of rules. It no longer matters who sees you in the gym or weight room. All that matters is that God is watching. He not only sees your actions, He sees much deeper. He sees your intentions, He sees your heart. If you are doing something to bring attention to yourself, or impress man, He knows it. We should work out of the sincerity of our hearts, to do the very best in all that we do. But we should not do what we do for man, we should do it for God.

Youth Jam - November 15-27, 2002

John S. Knight Convention Center, Akron

If you are in grades 7-12 and are interested in getting together with a couple thousand other youth to see how God is moving among youth in Ohio, contact Greg at the church. Watch for information about cost, housing and meals in next month’s Wesley News. Find out more about Youth Jam at (go to the Youth section, and click on Youth Jam under Youth Events 2002).

 

We MUST have adult helpers to go with our youth to Youth Jam. Call Greg if you want more information.

Souled Out (UMYF)

Sundays, 6:30 - 8:00pm July 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th At the church

Cory Kitchen

Tuesday, July 30th Call Mrs. Peck (572-6008) if you want to go.

We leave the church at 4:30pm.

Youth Bible Study

Monday, July 8th & 22nd 7:00 - 8:00pm

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

Friday Fest

July 12th & 26th, 9:00 - 11:00pm

Open to all youth and their friends.

Come and hang out!

Bible Quiz

The prophet Jeremiah felt that God called him to be "a prophet to the nations" (Jeremiah 1:5).

What did Jeremiah say to God when the call came?

A: "It will be a privilege to serve You, Lord."

B: "I do not know how to speak; I am only a child."

C: "Ask me later, Lord, when I am more mature."

The answer is in Jeremiah 1:6.

What kind of bone are you?

It’s been said that the "body" of a church has four kinds of bones:

 

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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