Pastoral Reflections Small Group Study with Pastor


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January 2016

WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastoral Reflections NEW BEGINNINGS The New Year is about to begin! The calendar is filled with a year’s worth of new days stretching out before us like a blank canvas ready for the colors of life to fill in each moment. There is a certain excitement that comes with the beginning of each New Year. Perhaps you will make some resolutions for 2016. Sometimes we resolve to stop doing certain things; other times we may make resolutions to begin new activities. This can be a year of new beginnings in our relationships. Imagine the peace that can come from seeking reconciliation with family or friends. As this New Year begins, we will be spending some time focusing on forgiveness. On four Sunday evenings during January, Ellie Peiffer and I will be leading a discussion on the book, Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go by Rev. Adam Hamilton. In this book, readers will learn ways to receive the freedom that comes with forgiving. Sometimes in life we need to forgive others, and sometimes the person that needs to be forgiven is ourselves. There is nothing more crippling than holding on to an-

ger. Anger, perhaps more than any other emotion, has the power to consume all aspects of our lives, distort our sense of purpose, and destroy our relationships. It is my prayer that through this study each person can come to a place of knowing that forgiveness is a gift that can truly change their lives forever. During this season of new beginnings, let us find the peace that comes through letting go of past hurts and anger. Allow the love of God to fill you with peace. Know the power of the words, “I am sorry” and “I forgive you.” Let this New Year be the beginning of a new way of life.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Mollie A Note of Thanks I would like to thank each of you for the many acts of compassion that you have bestowed upon Doug, Greg, and me since we joined the Westlake UMC family in July. You have wrapped us in the love of God. Words cannot fully express my thanks for the beautiful cards, the delicious treats, and the many acts of kindness with which you have blessed us. Thank you and may God bless you always. ~Pastor Mollie

Small Group Study with Pastor Mollie Now more than ever our world needs the power of forgiveness SUNDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. , BEGINS JANUARY 10TH FOR 4 WEEKS Join Pastor Mollie for a discussion on the book Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go by Rev. Adam Hamilton. Through this study, readers will learn ways to receive the freedom that comes with forgiving. Sometimes in life we need to forgive others, and sometimes the person that needs to be forgiven is ourselves. All are welcome! See the weekly bulletin for additional opportunities to join a small group for discussion, faith development, service, and Christian friendship.

WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 27650 Center Ridge Road * Westlake, Ohio 44145 * (440) 871-3088 * westlakeumc.org Sunday Worship at 8:15, 10:00 and 11:28 a.m.

THE MESSENGER

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP SPONSORS JANUARY Currently all Sundays in January are OPEN for sponsorship! Sponsorships are available for our weekly coffee hours following Worship on Sundays. If you would be interested in sponsoring coffee hour, please submit an envelope with the sponsorship amount included ($35 per Sunday) at the office in the offering plate. You may also indicate a remembrance or celebration for a certain date if desired (though not necessary). Checks made payable to WUMC. You can find Sponsorship forms on the table near the coffee at Fellowship Hour and in the lobby or on page 5 of this newsletter.

Christmas Eve Visitor Outreach Many thanks to all those that helped us welcome the community to celebrate Christ’s birth in worship on Christmas Eve. It takes the entire church to be welcoming as well as some special people who helped by serving as ushers and greeters, putting yard signs out and delivering follow up gifts to our local visitors.

Handbell Choir Openings! Need a new year's resolution? Learn to ring handbells! The bell choir meets each Thursday from 6:15— 7:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. No experience necessary! Youth are welcome! More info or questions? Please contact Annie Kaschube either via email at: [email protected] or call her at (216) 862-1232 if you are interested in joining this group.

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New Member Classes BEGIN FEBRUARY 2ND COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR All those interested in more information about membership at Westlake United Methodist Church are invited to attend “Coffee with the Pastor” on Tuesday, February 2nd from 7—8 p.m. In this session Pastor Mollie reviews the mission and vision of the church, what it means to be a United Methodist, and has a time for questions and answers. Let the office know if you are interested in attending these classes. Call (440) 871-3088 or email [email protected]. Childcare is available as needed.

Office Help MEMORIAL THANK YOU’S Do you have time to hand-write a simple note to those who contribute to the church in memory of a loved one? The church supplies the wording, notecards, and postage; we need someone to add the personal touch of the note to the generous donors. Please contact Stephanie to help via [email protected] or call her at (440) 871-3088.

Children’s Choir The children's choir is always open to new singers grades K-6. We'd love to have you for the new year! We rehearse on Sundays from 11:30 a.m.—12:00 p.m. in Room 104. For more information, contact Annie Kaschube at [email protected] or (216) 862-1232.

Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org

JANUARY 2016

Recording/Distributing Copies of Church Services that Include Music

Recording/Distributing Copies of Church Services that Include Music AND Video Clips

After the wonderful Cantata that was performed on December 13th, there were a number of requests made for copies of the service. Unfortunately, due to copyrighting and licensing restrictions, Westlake UMC is not able to distribute a recording of the performance. You will find here an explanation from Rick Wolcott, Director of Communications for EOCUMC. This explanation also applies to special music and anthems sung during regular Sunday services.

Churches can record their worship services and post and/or live-stream them online if all of the following are met: 1. The church has purchased a Streaming and Podcasting License from Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) a. This is an additional license to the CCLI that each church has through the conference 2. Numbers 1-3 above are ALL met 3. The church has written permission – either by the producers being part of the CVLI license, or the producer has been contacted and agreed to allow use – to include in the service AND rebroadcast online ALL video clips used as sermon/worship/children’s chat enhancers.

Churches can record their worship services and distribute copies via tape/CD/DVD for personal use (to shut-ins, those in hospitals, etc.) if all of the following are met: 1. ALL songs used in the service (hymns, anthems, bell music, children’s choir, etc.) have been verified by the church to be part of the Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) copyright catalog; AND 2. The church has written permission – via a different copyright license, or from the copyright holder of the song/hymn – to record each song not covered through CCLI; AND 3. ALL music (hymns, anthems, bell music, children’s choir, etc.) is performed live during the service a. Pre-recorded audio tracks (instrumental and/or vocals) used to enhance the live performance CAN NEVER be recorded for distribution, OR posted to the internet, OR live-streamed online

Parish Nurse News Kathy Tafuri, our WUMC Volunteer Parish Nurse, offers free blood pressure screenings most Sundays after coffee hour. Kathy is also available most Wednesday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. to address your health concerns, plus offer free blood pressure screenings. You can reach her by calling the church office (440) 871-3088 x17, or email [email protected].

Based upon the review by Mr. Wolcott, these conditions were not all met for our cantata on December 13th, therefore, we cannot distribute recordings.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29TH STARTS AT 6:00 P.M. IN

FELLOWSHIP HALL

Bring your favorite game & pizza to share! We'll gather in Fellowship Hall to sample a variety of yummy "za" and play games! Salad, drinks & dessert are provided by the Hospitality Team! Questions? Contact Leslie Kubancik at [email protected]

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—See you there!—

Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org

THE MESSENGER

Evidence of the Gospel Ministries Jamaica (EGMJ) DONATIONS REQUESTED The mission committee is assisting Evidence of the Gospel Ministries Jamaica (EGMJ), which runs a tutoring program for youth. EGMJ has asked for donations of the following items:

 A used and working laptop computer (Please delete

all personal information.)  Thesauruses, dictionaries, binder paper, and books to start a library for ages 3 to 16 years old. To donate items, please sign-up on the "Mission" bulletin board in the lobby, and place donations in the box by the office by January 30th. Monetary donations can also be made to buy the items in Jamaica and for shipping expenses. Please contact the mission committee with any questions, and thank you for your support.

Recycling NEW RECYCLING RECEPTACLE Please look for the new recycling container down in Fellowship Hall, to recycle your empty plastic cups, etc. during fellowship time and other events. Girl Scout Troop 70692 has placed it there in order to take action and encourage more recycling in the community. Samantha Goerlich is a member of this troop and will be emptying the container each week. Thank you for recycling!

MALAWI PROJECT: EMPTY PRESCRIPTION BOTTLES Girl Scout Troop 70692 is working toward their Bronze Award, while helping the earth and those less fortunate at the same time. Please bring in your empty prescription bottles, any size, and place them in the green box in the lobby. Instead of throwing them in the trash, the troop will wash them out, remove and labels, and send them to the Malawi Project, who will forward them to Malawi for the doctors there reuse! Please see the flyer on the box for more information. They will be collecting until January 10th.

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2 hours + 50 volunteers = 10, 000 meals!

Stop Hunger Now Meal Packing Event SUNDAY, JANUARY 10TH, 2—4 P.M. We need your help to pack nutritional meals that can be shipped to the neediest places in the world. The more volunteers we have the more meals we can pack and the bigger difference we can make in the lives of starving children. There are two ways to help:  Give.

Just 29¢ purchases a meal! We need your financial support to pay for all the meals we pack. (Last year we packed 12,000 meals, let’s break that record! But we need $3,480 to pay for this many)

 Serve. ▪ 10—15 strong people to help unload and set-up

at 12:30 p.m. ▪ Two hours of your time working with others packs 10,000—20,000 meals! ▪ 10—15 people to load the truck with all the meals we packed, and clean up at 4:00

Join us on Sunday, January 10th at 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP your attendance on the Mission section of the main lobby bulletin board or online at STOP (or via our website). For more info, check out: stophungernow.org

Community Corner DONATIONS WELCOME! Thank you for your patience as we sorted all of the wonderful donations for Community Corner before Christmas. We are now ready to take your winter/ spring donations in the box in Fellowship Hall. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Questions? Please contact Judy Lawless at (440) 3277304.

Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org

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JANUARY 2016 WE ARE LOOKING FOR SPONSORS FOR COFFEE HOURS FOR JANUARY THROUGH MAY. PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW AND DROP AT THE OFFICE OR IN THE OFFERING PLATE ON SUNDAY WITH YOUR SPONSORSHIP DONATION.

Life Events WITH SYMPATHY Otis Underwood, father of Robin Carreon, passed away December 18th. A memorial service was officiated by Pastor Mollie Brown, and Pastor Gary Bennett from United Fellowship Church in Lorain, on December 23rd at Westlake UMC. Richard Bechtel, father of Jeff Bechtel, passed away December 1st.

$35.00 WILL SPONSOR A SUNDAY COFFEE FELLOWSHIP TIME*!

THANK YOU Thank you to Larry and Tricia Bowersox for the memorial donation in honor of her parents, Merle and Glendine Jeffery, which largely funded the new carpet in the lobby and office areas.

Encourage fellowship! Welcome the WUMC Church family by funding a Sunday Coffee Fellowship Time. You don’t have to do anything! All work will be done by the Hospitality Team. Enjoy fellowship with your church family! *Fellowship Time encompasses the entirety of Sunday morning, with coffee and pastries available for all Worship participants.

Oberlin Choristers present: CANTERRA CABARET FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 AT 7:00 P.M. IN WUMC FELLOWSHIP HALL Join members of the Oberlin Choristers for a fun evening of music, entertainment, and food. All proceeds go to support Canterra Musica’s trip to this year! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from Stephanie in the church office after January 1st. Reserve your spot today as space is limited for this incredible event.

Unless you request a specific date, we will assign a Sunday that is open on the calendar. Your name will be displayed on table signage and listing in the weekly bulletin. Name: _____________________________________________ (sponsoring individual, family or group) Requested date? (opt.) _____________________________ In celebration or remembrance? _____Yes _____ No ____________________________________________________

**Please leave this form and payment in the collection basket or at the church office**

We look forward to seeing you there!

Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org

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THE MESSENGER

Reminder from the Financial Manager’s Office: Donations intended to be credited to 2015 MUST be received in the church office by Wednesday, December 30th, 2015 at 12 noon. Thank you! Any questions, please contact Sharon Parks at (440) 871-3088 x12 or [email protected]

Year End Giving WUMC Legacy Gifts While we are in the season of giving and receiving gifts in recognition of God's goodness and blessings, you may want to consider an above and beyond gift to the church. The WUMC Legacy Gifts are managed by the experts at the East Ohio Foundation until such time as they are needed to support building, mission, scholarship, or library expenditures that are in excess of our operating budget. Over the years, people who have given legacy gifts have played an important role in establishing, sustaining, and growing the physical infrastructure and missional outreach of the church. If you have questions about how to give a Legacy Gift, please contact John Rife, Legacy Giving Team Chair, or Sharon Parks, Finance Manager.

Income Statement—November 2015 November 2015

YTD 2015

2014

YTD 2014

YTD Budget

Annual Budget 2015

INCOME CONTRIBUTION INCOME

$49,123.69

$473,721.42

$44,823.06

$484,674.90

$526,780.13

$580,000.00

$49,123.69

$473,721.42

$44,823.06

$484,674.90

$526,780.13

$580,000.00

$26,646.74

$287,653.58

$26,088.13

$284,360.14

$303,511.84

$331,229.22

2,238.78

21,700.86

2,210.16

22,796.57

21,358.26

23,300.00

89.50

2,915.60

252.26

2,214.49

1,746.63

1,880.00

8,723.13

68,941.36

7,644.51

73,284.36

94,117.30

102,998.60

37,698.15

381,211.40

36,195.06

382,655.56

420,734.03

459,407.82

MUSIC EXP.

694.94

1,938.53

241.43

1,076.88

3,858.26

4,100.00

WORSHIP EXP.

808.42

7,108.84

1,450.93

8,725.28

8,226.13

8,974.00

EDUCATION EXP.

2,088.96

16,240.99

1,155.90

12,279.43

14,324.89

15,500.00

OUTREACH EXP.

1,704.22

4,021.60

388.70

6,050.25

6,600.00

7,200.00

MISSION EXP.

5,432.09

65,472.41

6,135.67

67,960.21

59,830.98

65,270.00

Subtotal Ministry Expense

10,728.63

94,782.37

9,372.63

96,092.05

92,840.26

101,044.00

TOTAL EXPENSES

48,426.78

475,993.77

45,567.69

478,747.61

513,574.29

560,451.82

$ 696.91

-$ 2,272.35

-$ 744.63

$ 5,927.29

$ 13,205.84

$19,548.18

TOTAL INCOME EXPENSES ADMINISTRATIVE EXP. STAFF PARISH EXP. OFFICE EXP. FINANCE TEAM EXP. FACILITIES EXP. Subtotal Expenses MINISTRY EXPENSE

EXCESS INCOME/EXPENSES

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Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org

Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org

7 pm Stephen Ministry (107) 7 pm Trustees (105)

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12:30pm ChristCare-EP (100) 7pm ChristCare-G/J.L (107) 7 pm Leadership Council (205)

5pm Forgiveness Study (104)

Youth Group 5—8 pm (FH)

5pm Forgiveness Study (104)

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Youth Group 5—8 pm (FH)

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

12:30pm ChristCare-EP (100) 7pm ChristCare-G/J.L (205) 7 pm Finance Cmmte (107)

Office Closed

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Youth Group 5—8 pm (FH)

5pm Forgiveness Study (104)

NO Youth Group

STOP HUNGER NOW 12:30pm Games ’N Such (FH) PACKING EVENT 12:30pm ChristCare-EP (100) 2—4 p.m. 7pm ChristCare-G/J.L (205)

5pm Forgiveness Study (104)

12:30pm ChristCare-EP (100) 7pm ChristCare-G/J.L (205)

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—NO YOUTH GROUP—

SUNDAY

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Mon

10

3

Sun

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12pm 1 pm 1:30pm 7:30pm

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20

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Purl Girls (100) Parish Nurse Available Arthritis Exer. (103) ChristCare-GM (205) 11:28 Rehearsal

Staff Meeting (107) Purl Girls (100) Parish Nurse Available Arthritis Exer. (103) ChristCare-GM (205) 11:28 Rehearsal

Purl Girls (100) Parish Nurse Available Arthritis Exer. (103) 11:28 Rehearsal

Wed

12pm Purl Girls (100) 1 pm Parish Nurse Available 1:30pm Arthritis Exer. (103) 5:00 pm Oberlin Choristers (FH) 5:30pm Community Meal 7 pm ChristCare-GM (107) 7:30pm 11:28 Rehearsal

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12pm 1 pm 1:30pm 7 pm 5:00 pm Oberlin Choristers (FH) 7:30pm

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9:30am 12pm 1 pm 1:30pm 5:00 pm Oberlin Choristers (FH) 7 pm 7:30pm

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5:00 pm Oberlin Choristers (FH)

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Tue

Bible Study (205) CWRU (107) Marijuana Anon (100) Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal

Bible Study (205) UMW Gen. Mtg (F.H.) Marijuana Anon(100) Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal

Bible Study (205) UMW Bd. Mtg (104) Marijuana Anon (100) Handbell Choir Choir Rehearsal

10 am CWRU (107) 10 am UMW Mission Outreach (FHall) 5:30pm Marijuana Anon (100) 6:15pm Handbell Choir 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

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9 am 10 am 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:30pm

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9 am 10:30am 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:30pm

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9 am 10 am 5:30pm 6:15pm 7:30pm

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Thu

7:00 pm Oberlin Choristers

3:30—6pm Theater Group (107)

All Church Potluck and Game Night 6 p.m.

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3:30—6pm Theater Group (FH)

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M ESSENGER D EADLINE

Canterra Cabaret (F.H.)

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3:30—6pm Theater Group (FH)

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Church Office Closed

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Fri

January 2016

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9

2

Sat

JANUARY 2016

WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH STAFF Rev. Mollie Brown Annie Kaschube Carol Ryan Ellie Peiffer Gretty Myers Jeanne Halaby Jessica Proctor Jill Farkas Kathy Tafuri Marshall Haning Morgan Lux Patti Barnes Rachael Haning Rich Gallo Sharon Parks Stephanie Fries

Senior Pastor: [email protected] Organist, Director of Children’s Choir and Handbell Choir Christian Education Director Small Group & Welcoming Ministries Stephen Ministry Coordinator Childcare Assistant Childcare Assistant Custodian Volunteer Parish Nurse Director of Music & Adult Choir Childcare Assistant Nursery Coordinator Youth Coordinator 11:28 Service Music Leader Finance Manager Manager of Church Operations

WUMC Librarians: Nanci Danburg & Judy McDonald OTHER PASTORS CONNECTED TO THIS CONGREGATION: Dr. Richard Parks Rev. Don Lefelar Rev. Diana Guyette

Rev. Ron Dietrich Rev. Bob Remington Dr. Richard Lehto

Rev. Tom Taylor

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Church Office Closed

1/10 Stop Hunger Now (p. 4) Join us to help pack food to send to those in need! Be part of the set-up crew at 12:30 p.m.; join the packing crew at 2 p.m.; or be part of the loading and clean-up crew at 4:00 p.m. See inside for RSVP info! 1/10-17-24-31

Forgiveness Study (p.1)

1/18 Church Office Closed 1/29 All Church Pizza Potluck and Games Night! (p. 3) Bring a pizza, play some games, be ready for fun!

* M ESSENGER A RTICLES FOR F EBRUARY : D UE F RIDAY , J ANUARY 15 *

Mailed December 24, 2015 DATED MATERIAL—DO NOT DELAY

Sunday Worship at 8:15 a.m. (Reflective) 10:00 a.m. (Traditional) 11:28 a.m. (Contemporary) 27650 Center Ridge Road Westlake, Ohio 44145 (440) 871-3088 www.westlakeumc.org [email protected]

WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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