Columbia United Methodist Church
Columbia Station, Ohio USA
440-236-8822

Sunday Worship - 10:30 AM Sunday School - 9:15 AM

Our Mission
: "To reveal the light of Jesus Christ in Columbia and the world."


 

November 2004 Newsletter

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From the Pastor's Desk


Dear Friends -

As I write this I am reminded of the children's song that begins "count your blessings one by one...." This is a time of year in which we often pause to give thanks for the countless ways we are blessed. God is so good!

In the worship service on October 24, I shared with you that I will need to undergo back surgery in November. For many years I have known that someday I would need this surgery. One of the things for which I am grateful is that I've been able to do the things I have been, up to this point. However, I have come to a point where I can no longer do some of these things without difficulty. As many of you know, for some months I have had a stool to sit on while preaching, because of the difficulty to stand while preaching. All of this means that I will be on sick leave for six weeks, from November 4 through December 15. I will be in the hospital for a few days and then home recuperating. My hope is that after December 15, I will be cleared by the doctor to return to work.

On Sundays there will be guest speakers filling the pulpit, and there will be area pastors help in covering other pastoral emergencies. If you need to reach me or one of the pastors on-call, please call Pat either at home (236- 3691 or at the church office. (236-8822).

I ask for your prayers during surgery and afterwards. God is so good, and I look forward to being back together.

Pastor Bob


Men's Breakfast

Sunday, Nov. 7th at 8:15

Please plan on joining us for food and fellowship.


Christmas Decorating

This year we are breaking from tradition in order to give more people a chance to join the fun. So plan on joining us in decoratiog our church immediately following worship, Sunday, November 21. Snacks & drinks will be provided. No age restrictions. Young and not so young are welcome to join in helping make the church festive.

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WHO! Group

The WHO! Group would like to invite all that supported our Christmas in August project to attend the Blessing House Preview. Becky Keane was asked to decorate a room, so if you go to Blessing House make sure and check out the small upstairs bedroom.


Worship Committee

Looking ahead to Advent and Christmas.
Advent begins November 28 and special Advent calendars for the children and teens will be distributed on that Sunday.

Christmas Eve worship
services will be 7:30 and 11:00 PM.

2005 Lenten BOOKLET
Submission can be offered anytime between now and January 16, which must be our cutoff date in order to prepare the booklet for distribution on Feb. 6. The box for submissions is in the church vestibule along with a letter of explanation concerning the format to use. This is a booKlet for everyone; child, as well as adult. Articles, photos, or drawings are welcome!

The adult choir is ordering a memorial plaque on which the names of all church members who were a part of our music ministry over the years will be engraved. A number of names have already been compiled: however, we are aware that there may be some that we are missing. If you have the name of someone you know that was in the choir, or perhaps accompanied or directed any choirs in our church, we would appreciate knowing uho it is. Names will be added as the years go by.

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From the Youth Corner...

Officers for the coming year are:

President Alicia Fabrizi
Vice-President Rich Bewley
Secretary Sarah Davis
Treasurer Jessica Merrill
Publicity Aric Gordon, Amber Gordon
Ad. Council Rep Mike Byme

Congratulations to our youth-for their academic and athletic accomplishments!


Alicia Fabrizi
Katie Garland
National Honor Society


Jessica Merrill

Lorain County Volleyball Player of the Year
Lorain County All-Star Team
Plain Dealer Player of the Week

Rich Bewley
Plain Dealer Football Player of the Week
Elyria Chronicle Player of the Week

Katie Garland
Plain Dealer Soccer Player of the Week

2005 Youth Mission Trip Kick-Off
Join us on November 14 at 5:00 at Strongsville UMC for pizza and information about this year's mission trip. This summer's trip will be July 26-July 2 and we will be going to Indianapolis, Indiana. All (youth and adults) are welcome to come and find out about becoming involved in serving Christ in mission.

Candles and Christmas CD'S for mission
Working in partnership with Home Interiors, the youth will be selling candles and a Christmas CD. Part of the proceeds from the profits benefit Habitat for Humanity and our youth mission team. Candles are $7.50 and CD'S are available for $10. Candles are available at Soup-n-Things and at church.


Election Day - Soup 'n Things

Tuesday, Nov 2nd
11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Columbia United Methodist Church

Before and after voting,
come by and have lunch or dinner with us.

The menu includes:
3 kinds of Soup
Sandwiches
Salads
Beverages
Many Homemade Deserts

Many Things will be available
at Our
Mini-Bazaar

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The Giving Tree

Join us November 14 - for Celebration Sunday!

Help the Giving Tree Grow!

In order for any tree to grow, it must be watered, nurtured, and cared for. In so doing it can take root, grow, and bear fruit.

Your church is much like a living tree. It must be nurtured, tended, and cared for in order to grow and thrive. By now you should have received information inviting you to support your church through the Giving Tree. If not, please call the church office for information. The fruit that we see are in the programs, ministries, and lives committed to Jesus Christ.

You are invited to help the Giving Tree grow. Begin by prayerfully considering how God has blessed you in calling you to share with others through the church. You support helps us "bear fruit" through the programs and ministries of your church. On Sundays you will hear from others share their own witness to how the church has blessed them and helped them grow in faith and love. Then, join us on November 14, for a Celebration Sunday. Bring your commitment card, a dish to share, and your own table service. Beverages will be provided.

We hope you will be able to join us in celebration of the gifts for which we all are so thankful.


Did you update your church records?

We need to keep our church records and mailing list current. You can help by filling out the form on the table in the lobby, and dropping it off in the church office.



Newsletter pages have been visited

times since February 12, 2003

Youth Club

Since we began September 8, we have seen our membership grow each week. We started our first session with five tables during Family Time, but quickly added a sixth table for the next session. Currently, there are 37 members and we expect more to join after the football and soccer season. Membership is open to all youth in grades K-8 and it can happen anytime. If you think your children may be interested in joining the program, please contact Lillie Merrill at 330-483-4609.

Our themes for November include:

November 3 - Mickey Mouse
November 10 - Marine Boot Camp
November 17 - Count Your Blessings

We encourage our church family to join us for the dinner hour which starts at 5:25 p.m. Guest meals are $2.50. All you need to do is contact Lillie by at least the Monday prior to the session you would like to attend so that we can make the necessary arrangements. Please continue to pray for our ministry.


Men's Prayer Group

Attention men:

Are you interested in meeting one morning a week with other men for prayer? We are going to be starting a Men's Prayer Group to meet for prayers and support. It should last about 30 minutes, so that those who need to get to their places of work can do so. If interested - contact Pastor Bob.

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Babyland

Care for children ages birth to age 4 during worship has been available every Sunday since September 14th. All your families are invited to utilize this service.

Jessica Merrill is the coordinator. She needs responsible adults and teens to help staff Babyland so that there is one adult and one teen in Babyland each week. If you would like to serve God in this capacity, please contact Jessica at 330-843-4069.


Prayer Ministry

The power of prayer is truly amazing! Our church has an active prayer chain.

If you have a concern that you would like to have others pray for you or a special need, please call Gail Knopf at 440-236-5712. You may also like to become part of our church's prayer chain. Amazing things can happen when people pray together!


Outreach Committee

During the month of November we will be collecting needed supplies for Genesis House. Items needed will be posted on the bulletin board. We have been very successful in our collections in the past and we thank you for your support of this project.

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Service of Remembrance

November 7

The first Sunday of November is a time for us to celebrate All Saints' Day. We will celebrate the saints of our church in our Service of Remembrance. During the service, a candle will be lit in memory of each one who has died in the past year. This is extended to any family member or dear friend whose death has impacted in our church family. Please contact Pastor Bob or Marcia Wonnacott (440-236-5824) by Sunday, October 31, with the name of your loved one plus the names of those who will be lighting the memorial candles.


Bell Ringer-Acolyte-Greeter Schedule
NOVEMBER
BELL RINGERS
ACOLYTES
7 Anthony Fabrizi 7 Danielle Lanning
14 Anthony Fabrizi 14 Aric Gordon
21 Kelsey Johnson 21 Megan Johnson
28 Nicole Miller 28 Ali Miller
NOVEMBER GREETERS
7 Mr. & Mrs. Gordon Forsmark
14 Mr. & Mrs. Terry Byrne
21 Mr. & Mrs. Jim Rader
28 Mr. & Mrs. Robert Eichenberg



Blessing House Preview

We cordially invite our Special Friends and their Guests
To Visit Blessing House for a Tour of our Facility and Introduction to our Program

Thursday Nov. 4, 2004
3:00-6:00 p.m.

Blessing House is located at 5440 Grove Ave. near the intersection of R. 254 & Rt. 57 in Sheffield Twp. Limited parking is available on Grove Ave. or look for signs on Rt. 254 to access additional parking behind the house.

Blessing House, God's Project of Hope, is a Temporary Respite Care Facility for Lorain County Children and Families in Crisis. We are scheduled to open our doors in mid-November. Please come to meet us and learn what we are about! Together, we can help our children. For additional information, contact Sr. Mary Berigan, Program Director, at 440-670-0552.

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Please Remember in Your Prayers...

Recent hospitalization: Esther Truelson

Sympathies to the family and friends of Warren Goodman who died October 1st.

Sympathies to Denise Stands at the death of her father, Glen Strasser, who died October 20th.

Continued prayers for our service personnel.

Please check the Sunday bulletin for weekly prayer concerns.

Remember to contact the church office to help us update this list.


United Methodist Women News

United Methodist Women
135 years in Mission

As United Methodist Women we are involved with our families, with our neighbors, involved in our communities, and our country, yes, involved in the world.

The October 6 meeting. Gratitude and Service, educated our unit about the deacon ess movement in the United Methodist Church and its predecessor organizations. These ministries are in isolated rural areas and in inner cities. We give to these persons through our World Thank Offering, as Christians we too are called to service. World Thank Offering Banks were given to those attending.

Members attended our first invitation to attend and be part of our new Cuyahoga District. They will report at our next meeting.

The Caring Correspondence Mission is on going. Do you know someone who would enjoy receiving mail? Call Shirley 236-5326.

Reading Program, Your Window to the World, ends February 2004. Books for 2005 are on order. Response and World Outlook and books are in the courtyard room, available to all. Questions call Pam 236-8050.

LOOKING AHEAD

November 2 - Election Day-Soup and Things
November 10 - 10:00 am in the Courtyard Room
Planning for 2005, Calendar Programs, programs and more. Officers are urged to attend. All are welcome. See you there.

"A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart." C. G. Finney

-Elane Martin

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Please remember to call the church office when...
  • there is a change in your address or telephone
  • you are planning to move out of town
  • you have a new baby in the family
  • Someone in your family is hospitalized or ill
  • any pastoral needs arise for you or a family member, or for a friend

This will help us stay in touch with you and your family, and help us keep our records current.

You are part of the church family!