Pastoral Reflections


Jan 1, 2015 - ...

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January 2015

WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Pastoral Reflections To the Church: This is a different start of the year request. 2014 had its moments in all aspects of life. There are projects and opportunities that go forward with a new year. One of the clearest opportunities that the people who follow Jesus have is to be generous. This request is from me but not me alone. It is not for me but for the entire church community. On January 25th I ask you to give a tenth of your weekly income to the church. You know the math, whatever your weekly income is, give a tenth. If we participate in this together, it will give us an indication of what our possibilities as a congregation could be.

The "Did You Know?" communication piece will be a monthly feature in the messenger. It is in response to Focus Group requests for more information about the amazing things that happen at the church. If you are wondering about a ministry or initiative, chances are others are curious too! Please contact the church office and we will include your question and answer in a future "Did You Know" feature.

I know some give on the first Sunday of the month and others give a set amount electronically. For some this will not be the right time, but if most of us will try we will be blessed. As has been reported, there are a wide variety of maintenance issues that will be coming up in the next few years. Past generosity has allowed some to be covered relatively painlessly. Present generosity allows the next projects to be handled in an effective manner. Thanks for your consideration and may God do great things in each of us this year. Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. John

The new TV Screens* in the lobby and fellowship hall are a first step in improving the church's technology communication capabilities. The screens will be used to tell the story of the church: announcing upcoming events, ministry and spiritual formation opportunities, plus sharing the photos and results of events after they happen. We can run memorial slide shows and special presentations on the screens. As we advance in technology, we will be able to show the worship service on these screens to overflow crowds at special services or as a "cry room" alternative to parents with young children as needed. Many thanks to Harry Askin, Chris Tilton, and the Trustees for installing and networking the screens.

*The flat screen TVs are a gift from Tricia & Larry Bowersox in loving memory of Tricia’s parents, Merle and Glendine Jeffery.

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

Hospitality January Coffee Time Sponsors : January 4 January 11 January 18 January 25

John and Carol Thaler Carole & Russ Miller Janet & Mel Hanacek William R. Miller Jr. In remembrance of my father, William R. Miller, Sr.

SPONSOR COFFEE FELLOWSHIP! For just $35, you can sponsor a Sunday morning Fellowship time! Please look for sponsorship forms at the kitchen window in Fellowship Hall or in the lobby. Many dates from March through June are available! Thank you!

Our Christmas Eve Visitor Outreach Was Amazing!!! Many in our church took on extra responsibilities so we could invite and welcome the community to experience Emmanuel, God with us on Christmas Eve. Thanks to our greeters, ushers, and youth for their welcoming work at the services. Thanks to our yard sign crew: Gail & Jim Schmitz, Harry & Carol Askin, Gail & Russ Wearsch, and Lynne & Matt Wolf. Thanks to those that hand delivered mugs to the houses of our first time visitors inviting them to return again! And many thanks to our office volunteers, Carol Hartman, Mary Toye, and Pamela Walker, for tracking down addresses and sending out welcome letters! Please do your part by including a prayer for our visitors, that God will continue to draw them to know Him more deeply through the ministries of our church.

Worldwide Candle Lighting Offered Hope and Comfort On December 14th the church held a deeply moving candle lighting service to honor the memory of children that have died too soon. The event was organized by Jennifer Howell with the support of many people at WUMC. She wrote this of the evening: Many new people from the community came searching for comfort. There was profound meaning in being able to share the love and grief of a lost child with others that understand. There were so many hugs and tears with complete strangers! I believe everyone felt a connectedness like no other. And I hope a sense of peace. I am overwhelming thankful for Kevin Foster (so deeply wanting his family to join him in giving their gift of music to those present, but was still able to offer his beautiful piano playing); for Rich Gallo (oh my, what a Godsend he was!)—glory to God for His offering of Rich and his beautiful music; for Chris Tilton, in helping us novice AV people navigate the technology; for Rev. Jared Littleton in his heartfelt message and angelic voice; for Ellie Peiffer and Nickie Miller handling the video (and helping me on my journey); for Dan Heberlein with his guitar; for Ann Henkelman and her ability to build a fire and warm people's soul; for Tony DiBiasio and his compassionate words of wisdom; for Gretty Myers and all those from the Wednesday evening ChristCare group; for the Stephen Ministers for their love, support, hospitality and deep commitment for reaching out to others; for the Youth Group cutting hearts and preparing the luminaries; and for Don Parker for lighting the luminaries to illuminate the way. A big thanks for Rev. John, our heart of Westlake United Methodist Church, for his desire and support of community outreach that glorifies God. What a gift our church and people are! I feel blessed to be a part of it. My thanks to all for an incredibly beautiful evening of memory and love. God is good.

Picture Directory Updates Needed! Last call for pictures! Don't be left out! You can still send the office a digital photo to be included in the new directory addition. Email your family photo: [email protected]

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January 2015

Bible Study

Weekday Mom’s Group

Wednesdays, Beginning January 7th at 10:00 a.m. in Room 107

GRACE BASED PARENTING

Please join Rev. John for this Bible study as he continues to discuss the Gospel of John. All are welcome! We’ll have the coffee on for you!

ChristCare Groups Welcoming New Members! Would you like to be part of a small group of people encouraging each other in our journey to follow Jesus? The following groups are welcoming new members: Mondays at 12:45pm with childcare provided, starts January 12th. Join this women only group for the DVD Study: One Thousand Gifts; A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. Tuesdays at 7pm beginning January 27th. All are welcome to this new group discussing the video study, Making Sense of the Bible, facilitated by Rev. John. Wednesdays at 7pm (start date TBA) Join this all women's group for the DVD study, Making Sense of the Bible Please email [email protected] for more information, or call the office (440) 871-3088.

United Methodist Women GENERAL MEETING Thursday, January 8th at 10:30 a.m. All women of our church, you are encouraged to join our friendly group. It will be a great way to begin the new year. The meeting starts at 10:30 with lunch at 12:00 noon. Remember to bring your sandwich -- dessert and beverage will be provided. Our 1:00 program will be a book review by a staff member from Porter Library. We wish to thank the congregation for their Christmas response of socks and underwear for needy children connected with West Side Community House. They were very much appreciated.

Tuesday, January 6th & 20th, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Looking for that mom-spirit connection as you seek to raise your little ones in the faith? Join us every other Tuesday morning for inspiration, laughter and some creative time while your little ones are safely cared for in an age appropriate setting. Moms will be discussing building secure love and significant purpose for our children. Reserve your free childcare spot by calling the office at (440) 871-3088 or email: [email protected].

New Member Info CLASSES BEGIN FEBRUARY 1ST If you are interested in joining with Westlake UMC, the new member process includes 3 classes that you can complete in any order. These sessions are open to visitors as well as members seeking more information:

 SUPPER WITH THE PASTOR:

Sunday, February 1st, 6—7:30 p.m. In this session, Rev John talks about his vision for the church, what it means to be United Methodist and has a time for questions and answers.

 SPIRITUAL GIFTS DISCOVERY:

Saturday, February 21st, 9—11:30 a.m. Discover how God has made you uniquely and how you might use these gifts in new ways.

 STEWARDSHIP & YOUR MONEY AUTOBIOGRAPHY: Sunday, March 1st at 9 a.m.

Let the church office know if you are interested in attending these classes. Childcare is available as needed. RSVP to the church office at (440) 871-3088 or email [email protected].

For more details about events listed in this month’s Messenger, and to view the church calendar, please visit us at www.westlakeumc.org

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The Messenger

Attention Youth! Have you heard…. CALLING ALL YOUNG ADULTS (9TH GRADE THROUGH COLLEGE!) We are going to be studying the book of Exodus in Sunday School in January. To help us start thinking about this amazing book of the Bible, we are going to go see the movie on January 4th. Time TBD, so stay tuned! Please block out the afternoon to come watch this movie with us!!

FRIDAY, JANUARY 30TH 6:00 - 8:30 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]

Hope to see you there!

Oberlin Choristers present: CANTERRA CABARET Friday, January 16 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 Toronto and Niagara Falls! Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from Stephanie in the church office. Reserve your spot today as space is limited for this incredible event.

We look forward to seeing you there! 4

WINTER MISSIONS PROJECT Youth are going to be doing the 30 HOUR FAMINE as a missions project this winter. We will be raising money in January and February. All money raised will go to World Vision. $35 will feed a child for a month, and $420 will feed one child for a year. Stay tuned for some exciting events, and ways to get involved. On March 6th-7th, all participating youth will be having a weekend retreat, and fasting for 30 hours. Check out our website for more information on this amazing missions event: http://youth.worldvision.org/team/Youth

YOUTH MISSIONS OVERNIGHT Calling all youth to signup for 30 Hour Famine, and plan to join us March 6 (after school) to Saturday the 7th (Time TBD). We will have some great introspection about our culture, and the culture of poverty in the world. There will be fun, games, and Gatorade… but NO FOOD! (Actually, we will break our fast in a meal together.) Mark these dates on your calendar now! REGULAR YOUTH STARTS BACK JANUARY 11TH. WE ARE GOING TO BE ROCKING THIS WINTER. JOIN US FROM 5-7 P.M. (T2T) AND 6-8 P.M. (HS). A note about YOUTH SUNDAY: Youth Sunday will be moved to Spring, in order to also properly recognize the Seniors who are graduating this year. We look forward to having a fantastic Sunday for you!

FEED THE YOUTH! Please click here to sign up to feed the youth dinner one Sunday in January or February. Thank you in advance for your help; they are hungry teenagers! :) QUESTIONS? CONTACT RACHAEL HANING, YOUTH COORDINATOR AT [email protected]

Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org

January 2015 BAPTISM June Olivia Sabo, daughter of Jason and Julina Sabo, was baptized December 7th by Rev. John Butchko. Her godparents are Jon Sabo and Jen Eismon, and Chelsea Seeley and Rhett Seeley

WITH SYMPATHY 2 hours + 50 volunteers = 10, 000 meals!

Stop Hunger Now Meal Packing Event Sunday, January 25th, 1—3 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 25¢ purchases a meal!  Serve. Two hours of your time working

with others packs 10,000 meals! Join us on Sunday, January 25th at 1:00 p.m. Please RSVP your attendance to the church office at [email protected] or call (440) 871 -3088. For more information, check out: stophungernow.org

Donations Needed SHIRTS, SWEATERS, SWEATSHIRTS Ongoing throughout the winter! The Wednesday afternoon Christ Care class is collecting items for the Toni Morrison Elementary School. They may be gently used and clean or new. These are for boys and girls, pre-school through 6th grade and 5-13 years old. There is box for your donations by the front office. CREW NECK SWEATSHIRTS OR SWEATERS - gray, black or navy blue. LONG SLEEVE SHIRTS (dress, turtleneck or plain polo) white, gray, navy blue or black. USED BELTS.

COMMUNITY CORNER Ongoing throughout the year! Clothing, household goods, etc. Please bring to large wooden box in Fellowship Hall.

Gwen Griffith, longtime WUMC member, passed away December 26th after a long illness. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Westlake UMC. Catherine Pankratz, sister of Jim Gramlich, passed away December 14th. Nancy Manning, mother of Kim Kuenzer, passed away December 4th. Bonnie McNamara, mother of Mickey McNamara, passed away November 30th. Marjorie Lindenfeld, mother of Katie Salis, passed away November 26th. A memorial service was held on November 29th at Westlake UMC officiated by Rev. John Butchko.

THANK YOU Thanks to all the moms of Westlake United Methodist Church! I received one of the Christmas tins filled with goodies. Judy brought it over to me one evening when I was down and out, feeling sorry for myself. I know I am not the only one who has lost their husband, but I know the pain of his death is still here. God bless all of you and thank you! It helped me to get up and keep moving. I keep the tin on my table and think of you often. God bless you, Arlene Johnson Thank you so much to the Westlake UMC congregation! You all are such a tremendous blessing to the individuals here at Flat Rock! I cannot even begin to describe to you the joy that filled the room and all the excitement at the Westlake House Christmas party! One young lady could not stop smiling and wanted to show everyone the toy pony she received. The smile that

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The Messenger (“CHURCH FAMILY NEWS” CONTINUED

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was on her face throughout the party is what sharing the love and joy of Christmas is all about. Thank you all so much! Your love and care for the individuals that Flat Rock serves truly changes their lives. Thank you!! Sincerely, Becky Machovec Campaign & Marketing Coordinator Flat Rock Homes & Care Center Moms of Westlake Church, Thank you very much for the delicious Christmas cookies Christmas Blessings to all! Val Dickerson Dear Weekday Moms Group, Thank you for the beautiful box of delicious cookies. I am enjoying them. Happy Holidays & Blessings, Grace Homany

Dear Mom’s Group, Thank you so much for your Christmas tin of homemade (church made) cookies. They were delicious and came at a low time in our lives. They really gave us joy! Merry Christmas to you all! Love, Bob & Shirley Peritch

CONGRATULATIONS & AN INVITATION Boy Scout Troop 178 extends a cordial invitation to the members of Westlake United Methodist Church to attend a special Court of Honor where the badge of Eagle Scout will be bestowed upon Benjamin R. Kirkpatrick on Sunday, January 25th at 4:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Christ United Methodist Church. Following the presentation there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church. Christ United Methodist is located at 3625 West 138th Street, Cleveland OH 44111

Income Statement— November 2014 November 2014

YTD 2014

2013

YTD 2013

YTD Budget

Annual Budget 2014

INCOME CONTRIBUTION INCOME

$44,823.06

$484,674.90

$44,659.31

$493,345.73

$510,921.63

$560,000.00

$44,823.06

$484,674.90

$44,659.31

$493,345.73

$510,921.63

$560,000.00

$26,088.13

$284,360.14

$34,490.22

$277,826.16

$295,106.02

$321,934.00

2,210.16

22,796.57

2,189.74

21,608.81

21,608.37

23,300.00

252.26

2,214.49

251.98

2,130.21

1,746.63

1,880.00

7,644.51

73,284.36

4,915.73

61,864.05

75,829.01

82,459.00

36,195.06

382,655.56

41,847.67

363,429.23

394,290.03

429,573.00

241.43

1,076.88

56.30

$2,442.63

3,758.26

4,100.00

WORSHIP EXP.

1,450.93

8,725.28

1,084.92

4,051.96

4,400.00

4,800.00

EDUCATION EXP.

1,155.90

12,279.43

1,055.36

10,838.98

11,916.52

13,000.00

OUTREACH EXP.

388.70

6,050.25

501.73

7,609.51

6,600.00

7,200.00

6,135.67

67,960.21

7,496.81

77,075.06

79,149.62

86,345.00

9,372.63

96,092.05

10,195.12

102,018.14

105,824.40

115,445.00

TOTAL EXPENSES

45,567.69

478,747.616

52,042.79

465,447.37

500,114.43

545,018.00

EXCESS INCOME/EXPENSES

-$ 744.63

$5,927.29

-$ 7,383.48

$27,898.36

$ 10,807.20

$14,982.00

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

MISSION EXP. Subtotal Ministry Expense

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—NO YOUTH GROUP—

SUNDAY

Stop Hunger Now Meal Packaging 1-3 p.m. (FH)

10:00 am

Kinch Baptism

Youth Group 5—8 pm (FH)

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Youth Group 5—8 pm (FH)

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Youth Group 5—8 pm (FH)

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Sun

Office Closed

10am MM Handbells (Sanct) 12:45pm ChristCare—EP (205) 7 pm ChristCare—GL/JL (205) 7pm Leadership Council (107)

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

10am MM Handbells (Sanct) 7 pm ChristCare—GL/JL (205)

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10am MM Handbells 12:30pm Games ’N Such (FH) 12:45pm ChristCare—EP (205) 7 pm Stephen Ministry (107) 7 pm Trustees (106) 7 pm ChristCare—GL/JL (205) 7 pm Legacy Comm. (Library)

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9:30am 12pm 1 pm 1:30pm 7pm 7:30pm

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9:30am 12pm 1 pm 1:30pm 7pm 7:30pm

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Bible Study (107) Parish Nurse Available PACE (103) ChristCare—GM (205) 11:28 Rehearsal

Bible Study (107) Purl Girls (205) Parish Nurse Available PACE (103) ChristCare—GM (205) 11:28 Rehearsal

Bible Study (107) Purl Girls (205) Parish Nurse Available PACE (103) ChristCare—GM (205) 11:28 Rehearsal

9:30am 1 pm 1:30pm 7pm 7:30pm

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Wed

9:30am Bible Study (107) 12pm Purl Girls (205) 1 pm Parish Nurse Available 5 pm Oberlin Choristers (FH) 1:30pm PACE (103) 5:30pm Community Meal 7pm Making Sense of the ChristCare—GM (205) Bible—Bible Study (107) 7pm 7:30pm 11:28 Rehearsal

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9:30am MOMs Group (106) 5 pm Oberlin Choristers (FH) 7 pm Finance Comm. (107)

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5 pm Oberlin Choristers (FH)

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9:30am MOMs Group (106) 5 pm Oberlin Choristers (FH) 7pm SPRC (205)

10am MM Handbells (Sanct) 12pm All-Staff Meeting (107) 12:45pm ChristCare—EP (205) 7 pm ChristCare—GL/JL (205)

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Tue

5

Mon

CWRU (107) UMW Circle (FH) Marijuana Anon(100) Choir Rehearsal

10:00am CWRU (107) 5:30pm Marijuana Anon(100) 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

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10:00am 10:30am 5:30pm 7:30pm

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M ESSENGER D EADLINE

10:00am CWRU (107) 5:30pm Marijuana Anon (100) 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

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10:30am UMW Gen Mtg (FH) 5:30pm Marijuana Anon(100) 7:30pm Choir Rehearsal

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Church Office Closed

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Thu

30

23

16

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6:00-8:30 p.m. All Church Potluck and Game Night!

(F.Hall)

Canterra Cabaret

Oberlin Choristers

7:00 pm

Church Office Closed

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Fri

January 2015

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6:30pm ChristCare—JK/LK

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6:30pm ChristCare—JK/LK

10

3

Sat

January 2015

WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH STAFF Rev. John Butchko Patti Barnes Jeanne Halaby Marshall Haning Rachael Haning Rich Gallo Annie Kaschube Alexandra Kellatis Sean Conroy Ardith McCloy Gretty Myers Ellie Peiffer Jill Farkas Carol Ryan Stephanie Fries Sharon Parks-Stickler Kathy Tafuri Morgan Lux

Senior Pastor: [email protected] Nursery Coordinator Nursery Assistant Director of Music & Adult Choir Youth Coordinator 11:28 Band & Music Leader Organist Childcare Assistant Coordinator Building Manager Director of Handbells Stephen Ministry Coordinator Small Group & Welcoming Ministries Sunday Custodian Christian Education Associate Office Manager Finance Manager Volunteer Parish Nurse Nursery Assistant

WUMC Librarians: Nanci Danburg & Judy McDonald OTHER PASTORS CONNECTED TO THIS CONGREGATION: Rev. Jim Cake Rev. Ron Dietrich Rev. Diana Guyette

Rev. Nancy Hull Rev. Don Lefelar Dr. Richard Lehto

Dr. Richard Parks Rev. Bob Remington Rev. Tom Taylor

* * M ESSENGER A RTICLES FOR F EBRUARY : D UE T HURS . J ANUARY 15 TH * *

Mailed December 31, 2014 DATED MATERIAL—DO NOT DELAY

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

WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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