F EBRUARY 2014
WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Pastoral Reflections What is the love song that you sing to God? There are a lot of love songs. It is February and we think of valentines and love and romance. It is easy to think that God is supposed to love us, but it is different to think in terms of how do we express our deep love (not romance) to God. One hymn for me is “My Jesus I Love Thee.” (It used to be “Lord Jesus I Love Thee”). The refrain throughout the song is, “if ever I loved thee, my Jesus ‘tis now.” The total song/hymn is far from perfect theologically but there is something about saying, “Jesus I love you now.” A second song for me that I now think of in wishful relationship of how I would be with God is the Eagles’ “Take It to the Limit.”
Stop Hunger Now Event: Rewarding ...and Exceeded Goals! th
On January 12 , 66 people gathered in Fellowship Hall to pack individual meals that were then sent to the neediest places in the world. Packing the meals was fun; we danced to upbeat music and celebrated every time another 1,000 meals was packed! There were jobs for all ages, and the little kids enjoyed running the meals between stations and hitting the gong to signal the 1,000 meal celebrations. Before we knew it we had packed our goal of 10,000 meals, so Rev. John gave the green light to pack 2,000 more! WUMC members, visitors and new friends from the community joined together for an afternoon of service and fellowship that we hope to repeat again soon. Is anyone up for 20,000 meals? Each meal costs just 25¢, so keep donating those quarters, and we’ll gather again soon!
I would like to think that in response to God’s mercy I am willing to give my best, to take it to the limit, I would paraphrase the song and say, “You put me on the highway you gave me a sign, I want to take it to the limit one more time.” I can imagine daring to do good and great things for God because God has declared mercy and love to me so clearly and completely. It is not earned. He has decided that he can’t stop loving us, He has made up his mind. Thanks be to God. Let us live in his friendship. Pastor John
SAVE THE DATE(S)! Hope College Wind Ensemble Friday, March 14th at 7:30 p.m. This premier wind group on campus from Holland, MI will perform for us. Our very own Carly Parker plays in this ensemble... don’t miss this!
Progressive Dinner Saturday, May 10th Please join us for a Progressive Dinner! It is a great way to get to know our fellow church attendees! We will meet at WUMC for appetizers and then travel to nearby member homes for salad and dinner, then back to WUMC for dessert. More details to follow over the coming months. If you want to be part of the planning team please contact Sharon Rennard at
[email protected] or (440) 899-2998.
WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 27650 Center Ridge Road * Westlake, Ohio 44145 * (440) 871-3088 * westlakeumc.org Sunday Worship at 8:15, 10:00 and 11:21 a.m.
The Messenger
New Member Info
If you are interested in joining with Westlake UMC, the new member process includes three classes that you can complete in any order. These sessions are open to visitors as well as members seeking more information: STEWARDSHIP & YOUR MONEY AUTOBIOGRAPHY: Sunday, February 2nd at 9 a.m. SPIRITUAL GIFTS DISCOVERY: To be scheduled in the spring. Discover how God has made you uniquely and how you might use these gifts in new ways. COFFEE WITH THE PASTOR: To be scheduled in the spring. 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. 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 send an email to:
[email protected].
HOSPITALITY February Coffee Time Sponsors : February 2
The Rennard Family
February 9
Barbara Deeds
February 16
Duane & Nickie Miller
February 25
Jim & Linda Rocco
SPONSOR A TIME FOR COFFEE FELLOWSHIP!
For just $35, you can sponsor a Sunday morning Fellowship time! Please look for sponsorship forms at the office window in the lobby. Many dates through June are available! Thank you!
Coffee Host Training has been rescheduled. Please see the weekly FYI for more information.
United Methodist Women GENERAL MEETING — REV. MICHAEL HOWARD PRESENTS “TODAY AT GUIDESTONE”
Weekday Mom’s Group
Thursday, February 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, February 4th & 18th, from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Hi ladies! Please consider joining this friendly group at its monthly meetings, which are held in Fellowship Hall at 10:30. We enjoy lunch together at 12:00. Remember to bring your sandwich! Beverage and dessert will be provided. The 1:00 program will be presented by Reverend Michael Howard who will be speaking on “Today at Guidestone.” Included in our morning will be the annual prayer and self-denial service. If you have questions, please call Mary Klag at (440) 934-8084.
LET. IT. GO.
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. We are concluding our study of Let. It. Go. How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking in Faith by Karen Ehman. Reserve your free childcare spot by calling the office or email:
[email protected].
A Big Thank You to Our Kitchen Task Force For Reorganizing the Kitchen! Thanks to Diana Stacho, Suzanne D’Ettorre, Debby Patterson, Karla Lux, Arlene Johnson and Sharon Spieth. This team of volunteers has worked diligently to create more space in cabinets and to free up counter space. The kitchen is on the way to being more functional. Please help us keep it that way by leaving the kitchen neater than when you found it! There is a need... for ongoing help with laundering kitchen towels weekly and other small organizational jobs that can be done monthly. If you are available to help, please contact Ellie Peiffer at
[email protected].
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Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org
February 2014 WUMC PERFORMING ARTS SERIES SEASON
Performing Arts Series Presents:
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH 5:00 P.M. The Performing Arts Series will be holding their annual Valentine Concert on Sunday, February 9th at 5:00 p.m. in the WUMC sanctuary. This variety-style program will feature showtunes, classic love songs, a few surprises, and a lot of laughs. Members of the church, Chancel Choir, and community will delight you with their musical talents as we celebrate this holiday of love. Admission is free, so bring your family and friends! Professional childcare is provided and a complimentary reception will follow the concert. We hope to see you there!
Housing Needed for Hope College Wind Ensemble! Housing is needed for Hope College students presenting a wind ensemble concert at the church. Housing is needed for one night, Friday, March 14th. 22 homes are need to accommodate two students each. For more information or to house students, please contact Don Parker at
[email protected] or (440) 617-9979.
CONTINUES WITH MORE EXCITING CONCERTS! The 2013-2014 season of the WUMC Performing Arts Series began with two huge crowd pleasers! In October, organist William Porter presented an electrifying recital in celebration of our newly refurbished pipe organ. In November, the Amethyst String Quartet led by everyone’s favorite violinist Mary Beth Ions, presented music inspired by the PBS hit series Downton Abbey. Both concerts drew larger than anticipated audiences, and they’re still talking about these wonderful events. There’s more in store as the series continues into 2014. Here’s a rundown of what’s in store. Mark your calendars! Sunday, March 16, 3:00 p.m. – Ensemble Belvedere, a Cleveland-based early music group performing on authentic 18th century instruments. Sunday, April 6, 4:00 p.m. – To be announced. Watch The Messenger for the latest update. Saturday, May 3, 7:00 p.m. – Three Rivers Ringers handbell ensemble from Pittsburgh. Lisa Falcione is a ringer in this group and will appear in this concert. We’re also considering the Baldwin Wallace University Voices of Praise choir to perform in the series depending on their availability.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE: Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. – Hope College Wind Ensemble, the premier wind group on campus from Holland, MI. Our very own Carly Parker plays in this ensemble so you don’t want to miss this! Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. – The Chardon Polka Band performs on Dyngus Day, the historic Polish -American tradition that celebrates the end of Lent and the joy of Easter.
VALENTINE'S DAY BAKE SALE! Sunday, February 9th after the 10:00 a.m. Service Do you need a sweet treat for someone thoughtful in your life? On Sunday, February 9th, our 3rd and 4th Graders are hosting a bake sale. Stop by and buy a baked good, or make a donation. This compassionate class is soliciting your support for a mission project that they sought out. Thank you for your support!
Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org
The Messenger
Christian Ed News TWEEN 2 TEEN A new series of programs for fifth grade thru middle school kids, and any adults hoping to grow in understanding of the tween-teen perspectives on faith, religion, and being Christian.
Upcoming & Important
Youth Jam Overnight & Concert Friday, February 1st; 7:00 PM @ Rockport UMC
Youth Leadership Academy
Sundays from 5:15 pm – 6:30 pm* Each Sunday night, we welcome kids from our confirmation class and our 5th-6th grade Sunday school class along with their friends to join us. Come for the snacks, the games, the mission project, the worship, and discussion. They may need that “ride” to church but we’ll handle the rest. Rachael Haning and Carol Ryan are your hosts! (*Not meeting Sunday, February 9th due to Valentine’s Concert that evening.)
ALMOST CHRISTIAN: (for ANYONE with or without kids) SIX WEEK BOOK STUDY Starting Sunday, February 16th at 11:15 a.m. in Room 107 Join Carol Ryan for a fascinating and engaging discussion of Rev. Dr. Kenda Creasy Dean’s book: Almost Christian: What the Faith of our Teenagers is Telling the American Church which investigates why American teenagers are at once so positive about Christianity and at the same time so apathetic about genuine religious practice. For a preview, please follow this link: http://kendadean.com/ almost-christian/ To receive a copy of the book in advance, please contact Carol Ryan via church office or
[email protected]. Get rid of that landline? Move? Please let the office know of any updates to mailing address, email, and/or phone. Accurate information appreciated!
[email protected] or (440) 871-3088
Opportunities in Generosity! HATS, GLOVES, & MITTENS NEEDED! The Wednesday afternoon Christ Care Group is again collecting new winter hats, gloves, and mittens for the Toni Morrison Elementary School in Lorain throughout the winter. There is a donation box in the lobby of the church.
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Saturday, February 2; 9AM – 3PM @ Rocky River United Methodist Church All youth grades 7-12 are welcome to participate Youth Leadership Team ENCOURAGED to attend! We will meet as a team at this event. Permission and Registration Forms outside the Youth Room on Bulletin Board
CONTACT ANNA TODAY!
YOUTH ON SUNDAYS CONFIRMATION 7 - 8: 10:10—11:10 a.m.,
Stage Classroom after Children’s Message Old Testament Ancestors & Questions of Faith Parents are welcome also!
SENIOR HIGH FAITH FORUM: New time! 10:00 a.m.
New Series: Discussions on Hot Topics (March & April) All are welcome! Grades 9—12 in Room 205
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH YOUTH LED WORSHIP PREP
Confirmation & Youth Room @ 10 a.m.
YOUTH MISSION TEAM ORIENTATION Youth Room @ 11:15 a.m.
Youth, grades 8-12 are invited to this first mission team meeting highlighting the 2014 mission trip to Bethesda, Ohio. Forms will be offered and information given. Parents are EXPECTED! Deposit & registration due February ($60).
YOUTH LED WORSHIP: Sunday, February 23rd
All youth, grades 7-12 are invited to participate in this sacred experience! Options include: liturgist (reader), preaching, special music offerings (solo or group), prayers (writing or speaking), communion server, usher, greeter, scripture readings, PowerPoint presentation, Children's Message, or other unique offerings. Final Rehearsals: Saturday, February 22nd: 6-9 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Details to follow. SIGN UP ONLINE! Contact Anna Magill to get connected!
[email protected] or (216) 650-8290
Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org
February 2014
Church Family Focus WITH SYMPATHY Robert Stanley Curtis , uncle of Nanci Danburg, passed away January 8th.
THANK YOU To the United Methodist Church, What a beautiful service you provided for my mother, Dorothy Austin, as she is home-bound due to her illness. She was so touched by the homemade cookies and Christmas carolers! She thoroughly enjoyed the kindness that you provided her! We were planning to come to the Christmas Eve service, but due to the cold, she wasn’t able to make it, so the “house” call made it even more special. Thank you so much for showing the love of Jesus in the most loving way! Sincerely, ~Laura Hall (daughter) & Dorothy Austin Dear Westlake UMC, I want to thank the church members who kept my daughter-in-law, Karen Griffith, in their prayers. After 3 1/2 years, she lost her battle with ovarian cancer, passing away on December 4th. Her birthday was January 1st, and she would have been 59. Also, thank you to the carolers and the cute little boy with the teddy bear who gave me a box of cookies. ~Gwen Griffith Dear Westlake UMC, Thank you so much for your generous donation of space for our Canterra Cabaret. With your help we are closer to our goal that sends us to France and Spain! Thank you for supporting us and our music! Sincerely, ~Canterra Musica (Oberlin Choristers) Dear Westlake UMC, Thank you for fulfilling your commitment to paying your shared ministry funds in full for 2013. Programs and ministries continue to be blessed because of your generosity and commitment. Thank you again for making a difference in East Ohio and the World. ~Jessica Vargo, EOC Treasurer
CARE PACKAGES FOR COLLEGE-AGED STUDENTS If you have a college-aged student that you would like us to send a care package to, please contact Anna Magill via email at:
[email protected]. We need their current address! Thank you!
I
WOULD LIKE TO SAY “THANK YOU” TO MY WUMC FAMILY. Your pledges to support my
polar bear plunge on New Year’s Day helped me to raise $520. Through the “Rescuing the Perishing” organization, the money I raised will go to help feed the homeless on the streets of Cleveland. If you would like to read more about their organization, please see their website at http://rtp.vpweb.com ~Matthew Wolf
2014 COFFEE TIME SPONSORSHIP $35.00 will
sponsor a Sunday Coffee Fellowship Time! Encourage fellowship! Welcome the WUMC Church family by funding a Sunday coffee fellowship time. No work involved! Enjoy fellowship with your church family Unless you request a specific date*, we will assign a Sunday that is open on the calendar.
Name: ______________________ __________________________
(sponsoring individual, family or group)
** Please mail this form with payment to the office, or leave this form and payment in the collection basket or in the Financial Manager’s mailbox ** Thank you for supporting this Hospitality ministry. *Requested date (if applicable): _____________________
Want to read more? Go to westlakeumc.org
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The Messenger
SPICE: SPECIAL PEOPLE IN
From the Parish Nurse...
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Kathy Tafuri, our WUMC Volunteer Parish Nurse, is available on Wednesdays at WUMC from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. She may be reached at (440) 871-3088 x17, or send an email to
[email protected] with health-related concerns. Free blood pressure screening on Sunday, February 9th after each service.
Children with special needs, and their
families, may need a pinch to a pound of extra support to engage in worship and/or Sunday school programs
offered at WUMC. Some of our children benefit from the support of a “shadow” that supports them in a Sunday
school classroom. Others may benefit from opportunities
PACE
(People with Arthritis Can Exercise) What is PACE class? PACE is an exercise class taught by a retired physical therapist for people who have arthritis. The class is approved by the Arthritis Foundation. Participants can do as much as they are able. Exercises are done sitting or standing. Join us if you have arthritis and want to keep those joints moving. Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. in Rm. 103 on the lower level.
to engage and be cared for outside of a classroom while parents feed their spirit in the sanctuary. Let’s talk if this speaks to you. Together, with the calm and caring support of SPICE Coordinator, Matthew Wolf, we can explore options to help your Sundays rise to feed you throughout the week. Contact Carol Ryan via the church office or
[email protected].
Income Statement— December 2013 December 2013
YTD 2013
2012
YTD 2012
YTD Budget
Annual Budget 2013
INCOME CONTRIBUTION INCOME
$79,601.90
$568,691.46
$78,170.18
$573,489.05
$559,795.00
$559,795.00
$79,601.90
$568,691.46
$78,170.18
$573,489.05
$559,795.00
$559,795.00
$21,067.97
$298,894.13
$23,688.18
$298,924.09
$312,617.00
$312,617.00
2,068.53
23,677.34
1,681.13
24,141.99
28,650.00
28,650.00
651.85
2,782.06
197.11
2,756.62
2,030.00
2,030.00
8,399.28
70,263.33
7,841.67
69,925.96
89,000.00
89,200.00
32,187.63
395,616.86
33,408.09
395,748.66
432,297.00
432,497.00
834.52
3,277.15
100.00
2,557.20
4,100.00
4,100.00
WORSHIP EXP.
1,487.95
5,539.91
616.89
6,238.02
4,300.00
4,300.00
EDUCATION EXP.
2,016.48
12,855.46
1,190.42
9,319.03
17,000.00
17,000.00
OUTREACH EXP.
1,455.99
9,065.50
1,873.16
7,300.17
9,865.00
9,865.00
21,304.13
98,379.19
17,582.26
86,087.74
92,033.00
92,033.00
Subtotal Ministry Expense
27,099.07
129,117.21
21,362.73
111,502.16
127,298.00
127,298.00
TOTAL EXPENSES
59,286.70
524,734.07
54,770.82
507,250.82
559,795.00
559,795.00
EXCESS INCOME/EXPENSES
$ 20,315.20
$43,957.39
$ 23,399.36
$66,238.23
$ 200.00
$200.00
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TOTAL INCOME EXPENSES ADMINISTRATIVE EXP. STAFF PARISH EXP. OFFICE EXP. FINANCE TEAM EXP. FACILITIES EXP. Subtotal Expenses MINISTRY EXPENSE MUSIC EXP.
MISSION EXP.
Sun
12
10 am 1 pm 7 pm
11:15am “Almost Christian” Book Discussion (107)
T2T @ 5:15 p.m. (205)
24
10 am 1 pm 7 pm
17
23
T2T @ 5:15 p.m. (205)
Valentine’s Bake Sale
25
26
7:00pm
10 am 10 am 12pm MM Bell Choir (Sanct) 5pm Oberlin Choristers 1:30pm ChristCare —EP (205) (102-3-4; Sanct) ChristCare —G/J.L (205) 7:30pm 11:21 Rehearsal (FH) 2:00pm 5:30pm
President’s Day
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Parish Nurse Available Bible Study (107) Purl Girls (205) ChristCare—GM (205)
Parish Nurse Available Bible Study (107) Purl Girls (205) ChristCare—JMc (205) ChristCare—GM (205)
13
Thu
Parish Nurse Available Bible Study (107) Purl Girls (205) PACE (103) ChristCare—JMc (205) Community Meal (FH) ChristCare—GM (205)
UMW Gen. Mtg (FH) Marijuana Anon(100) ChristCare—DL (107) Chancel Choir
5:30pm Marijuana Anon (100) 7pm ChristCare—DL (107) 7:30pm Chancel Choir
20
10:30am 5:30pm 7pm 7:30pm
10am UMW Mission Outreach Circle (FH) 5:30pm Marijuana Anon (100) 7pm ChristCare—DL (107) 7:30pm Chancel Choir
27
Kitchen Cleaning (Kitchen/F. Hall Closed)
MM Bell Choir (Sanct) 9:30am MOMs (205) 10 am ChristCare —EP (205) 5pm Oberlin Choristers (102-3-4) 10 am ChristCare —G/J.L (205) 7:30pm 11:21 Rehearsal (FH) 12pm 7:00pm
19
18
11
16 Kaschube Baptsim 10am Stephen Ministry Commissioning 11:15am “Almost Christian” Book Discussion (107) 1—3 pm Kitchen clean-out
MM Bell Choir All-Staff Meeting (107) ChristCare —EP (205) ChristCare —G/J.L (205)
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Wed
10 am Parish Nurse Available 9:30am MOMs Group (106) 10 am UMW Bd. Mtg (104) 10 am Bible Study (107) 5pm Oberlin Choristers (FH) 10-12 Flat Rock Exec. Mtg (Lib) 5:30pm Marijuana Anon (100) 7pm Steph. Min. Train (107) 12pm 7pm ChristCare—DL (107) Purl Girls (205) 7pm ChristCare — RE (205) 1:30pm PACE (103) 7:30pm 11:21 Rehearsal (FH) 6:30pm Compassionate Friends (107) 7:00pm ChristCare—GM (205)
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Tue
10 am MM Bell Choir (Sanct) 12:30pm Games ’N Such (FH) 1 pm ChristCare —EP (205) 7 pm Finance Comm. (104) 11:15 am Youth Mission Info Mtg 7 pm Stephen Ministry (107) 7 pm Trustees (106) 5pm PAS: Valentine’s Concert 7 pm ChristCare —G/J.L (205)
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10 am 12pm 1 pm 7 pm
3
Mon
28
21
14
7
Fri
Valentine’s Day
February 2014
10 am 5pm Oberlin Choristers (FH) 10 am 7pm ChristCare — RE (205) 12pm 7pm Steph. Min. Train (107) 2:00pm 7:30pm 11:21 Rehearsal (FH) 7:00pm
9
Bells Play Free Blood Pressure Screenings
T2T @ 5:15 p.m. (205)
9:00 am Stewardship & Your Money Autobiography (103)
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9am—12pm Kitchen Work Day
6:30pm ChristCare—JK (205)
6—9pm Youth Worship Prep (Sanctuary)
22
M ESSENGER D EADLINE
15
6:30pm ChristCare—JK (205)
8
North Coast UMC Leadership Academy @ Rocky River UMC 8:30 a.m.—3:05 p.m.
1
Sat
February 2014
WESTLAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH STAFF Rev. John Butchko Patti Barnes Jeanne Halaby Marshall Haning Rich Gallo Annie Kaschube Alexandra Kellatis Tom Linger Ardith McCloy Anna Magill Gretty Myers Ellie Peiffer Carol Ryan Stephanie Fries Sharon Parks-Stickler Kathy Tafuri Janie Zell
Senior Pastor:
[email protected] Nursery Coordinator Nursery Assistant Director of Music & Adult Choir 11:21 Band & Music Leader Organist Childcare Assistant Coordinator Building Manager Director of Handbells Youth Associate Stephen Ministry Coordinator Small Group & Welcoming Ministries Christian Education Associate Office Manager Finance Manager Volunteer Parish Nurse Nursery Assistant
The WUMC library wishes to extend a big THANK YOU to Dale and Beth Garrett for providing a new computer and monitor for use in the library. Not only did they provide the hardware, but they also reprogrammed and installed it. We are extremely grateful.
WUMC Librarians: Nanci Danburg & Judy McDonald OTHER PASTORS CONNECTED TO THIS CONGREGATION: Rev. Jim Cake Rev. Nancy Hull Dr. Richard Parks Rev. Ron Dietrich Rev. Don Lefelar Rev. Bob Remington Rev. Diana Guyette Dr. Richard Lehto Rev. Tom Taylor
☺ Judy McDonald and Nanci Danburg, WUMC Librarians
* * M ESSENGER A RTICLES FOR M ARCH : D UE F EBRUARY 15 TH * *
Mailed January 28, 2014 DATED MATERIAL—DO NOT DELAY
Sunday Worship at 8:15 a.m. (Reflective) 10:00 a.m. (Classic) 11:21 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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