Columbia
United Methodist Church
Columbia Station, Ohio USA
440-236-8822
Sunday Worship - 10:30 AM Sunday School - resumes in the
Fall
Our Mission: "To reveal the light of Jesus
Christ in Columbia and the world."
June 2005 Newsletter
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From the Study
As June approaches, filled with commencements and graduations, it's a time of looking back over the past year - but also looking forward to days ahead.
A famous artist was once asked to name his greatest painting. Surprisingly, he did not name any work that he had painted in some distant year in the past, nor did he name one that he had painted in some recent year. Instead, looking forward to the future, he responded By saying, "My greatest painting is the next one." He was an individual who refused to be satisfied with his past successes. In stead he was looking forward, always, to improve upon whatever he had done in the past.
Likewise, as the people of God, we can never afford the luxury of being satisfied with ourselves as we are. Show me the individuals who are satisfied with themselves as they are, and I will show you individuals who are failing. Show me the institution, the nation, or even the church, that is satisfied with itself as it is and I will show you one mat has short circuited its own future.
The words of Paul are worth remembering,
"This one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind
and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on."May our song echo me song of the saints of old: "I'm marching on me upward way, new heights I'm gaining every day, still praying as I'm upward bound. Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."
Be blessed in your continuing journey.
Pastor Bob
Men's BreakfastSunday, June 5th at 8:15 a.m.
Join us for breakfast, and a chance to celebrate with the Graduating Senior Class of 2005.
June 5th - Graduate Recognition SundayCollege Graduates
Steve Butcher
David Merrill
Andrea Vallejo
Rose Kneen (Masters Degree)High School Graduates
Rich Bewley
Trevor Brooks
Becky Bentley
Ian Goodnight
Jessica Merrill
Amber Gordon
Alicia Fabrizi
Sara Davis
Promise Keepers 2005Promise Keepers will be coming to Cleveland July 22-23, For fifteen years, Promise Keepers has been helping churches develop vital men's ministries. The Promise Keepers conference is a motivational, worship, and fellowship experience which over the years has invigorated thousands of men to service, leadership, and a new dedication to Christ. For more information, see Pastor Bob.
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Vacation Bible SchoolMark your calendars now for Vacation Bible School -
July 18-22
We are going on a journey! Plan to join us for the fun! A sign-up sheet for helpers is posted on the bulletin board.
Choir Plaque DedicationA special choir plaque dedication
was made on April 10, 2005.In the last issue of the church newsletter, due to an oversight in printing, the list of names that are inscribed on the music memorial plaque was incomplete. We apologize for this error and would like to reprint the list in full.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF THOSE
WHO MADE MUSIC FOR GOD'S GLORYGlen Butler
Mary Butler
Dawn Centers
Nick Crowell
Hattie Dennington
John Gell
Janice Goodman
Delores Hales
Virginia Hammon
Edna Hitchock
Ed Hubbard
Marian Baker Jasper
Gordon Jones
Doris King
Elwood King
Nonie King
Bettie Livengood
Henry Metzner
Juanita Metzner
Mildred Bartter Poling
Martha Price
John Sacash
Pete Schaffer
Joyce Smith
Alice Whitmeyer
Vi ZelaskiTop of Page | Home | Calendar
Remember Our Service PersonnelAs part of our worship we plan once again to send greetings to our servicemen and women; Your help is needed to update our mailing list. Won't you take a moment and jot down the current address of your service personnel so they can be included.
A box has been placed on the front hall table for you to place your addresses in. They are needed by the end of May. On June 12, you will be invited to write a brief note to those in the service.
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A Tribute to Freda WilsonThis past April, Freda Wilson died. About a year ago we received this e-mail from her and share it as a tribute to her:
If I Were the Devil
I would gain control of the most powerful nation in the world.
I would delude their minds into thinking that they had come from man's effort, Instead of God's blessings.
I would promote an attitude of loving things and using people, instead of the other way around.
I would dupe entire states into relying on gambling for their state revenue.
I would convince people that character is not an issue when it comes to leadership.
I would take God out of the schools, where even the mention of His name was grounds for a lawsuit.
I would attack the family, the backbone of any nation.
I would convince the people that right and wrong are determined by a few who call themselves authorities.
I would persuade people that the church is irrelevant and out of date, and the Bible is for the naive.
I would dull the minds of Christians, and make them believe that prayer is not important, and that faithfulness and obedience are optional.
Hmmmm.... I (guess if I were the devil, I'd leave things pretty much the way they are. Will you?
(Originally by Paul Harvey)
Please Remember in Your Prayers...
Sympathies to the family of Burton Bowman, who died April 30, 2005.
Continued prayers for our service personnel.
Notify the church office of your requests so that we can pass them on to our members in Christ.
Please notify the office when prayers have been answered and names can be removed.We will offer
Ten Tips for Inviting People to Church
1. Invite someone you know Ñ it's personal, it's most effective.
2. Pray about your inviting - the Holy Spirit wants to work through you.
3. invite persons in time of need Ñ such persons may be open to an invitation.
4. Invite persons to special services.
5. Invite persons who don't have a church home Ñaim at non-churched.
6. Invite people because we are proud of our parish family.
7. Invite people in your own way Ñ there's no single "right way."
8. Don't give up. Be gentle, but make sure the welcome mat is out.
9. Invite people to worship with you. Arrange to bring them.
10. Ask your pastor for help, The pastor sets aside time to contact persons by home visits, over the phone, by a mailed note.
Choir NotesAfter June 5th worship service the choir members will have a bit of a break for several weeks through the summer. As always, our church family enjoys having special music on summer Sundays. Should you or someone you know be willing to provide special music, please contact Ruth Vallejo or Marcia Wonnacott. If the music requires accompaniment by Ruth, she asks to be informed at least two weeks in advance. Thank you and have a great summer.
Flood Buckets Needed for Annual Conference
The East Ohio Conference Mission Awareness committee is sponsoring a Flood Bucket Drive at Annual Conference this year. The Mission Awareness Committee is issuing a challenge that every member of Annual Conference bring at least one flood bucket with them. The Midwest Distribution Center will have a truck to carry the buckets back to the distribution center to be used whenever needed. Pastor Bob. Marcia Wonnacott, and Lillie Merrill will be attending this year's conference.
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Hit a Home Run for Habitat For HumanityWon't you step up to the plate and help Habitat for Humanity? Millard Fuller. founder of Habitat for Humanity, often speaks about "the Theology of the Hammer." He believes that one way to express our Christian calling is to help build affordable housing for those who have no home. Habitat for Humanity now reaches around the world!
The Outreach Committee invites you to support Habitat for Humanity. Our goal is to raise $400 by July 11th! Your contributions are greatly appreciated!
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, 2003Top of Page | Home | Calendar
Youth Mission Trip
"Indy Spirit of the Lord"
The countdown has begun and the youth are making final preparations for the mission trip to Indianapolis, Indiana and working with "Helping Hand Indy." It hardly seems possible that it's almost here! Among the work we will be doing will include minor home repairs, working with the Bible school, the Spanish Community Center and helping with Baseball teams.
On Sunday, June 26 we will commission our team at our worship service, and then they will leave to meet with the rest of the mission team from Strongsville. At noon we will have a final commission service of the entire work team just before leaving for Indiana. Participating in this year's work camp are: Sarah Bentley, Alyssa Gordon, Amber Gordon, Aric Gordon, Alicia Fabrizi, Anthony Fabrizi, Steve Machovec, Becky Maehovec, Mason Butler, Jackie Danchuk, Bob Machovec, Pat & David Balcziunas.
You can help support the youth by your prayers throughout the week they are at camp and as they are traveling. Contributions of the following items will help control food expenses: (needed by June 19)
(in plastic jars & bottles)18 oz. Jars Peanut Butter Taco/Burrito Seasoning mix Jelly or Jam, any flavor Powdered Drink Mix Kool-Aid. Iced Tea, etc. (sugar sweetened canisters), Coffee, sugar, sweetener Ice Cream Toppings Salad Dressing Brownie Mix (9x13 size) Pancake-Waffle Syrup Strawberry Jam
Worship Committee NotesSummer services will be held at our regular worship time, 10:30 AM.
The "Covenant Players" have asked to return for a special worship service in the fall; we are looking at November 20th to welcome their return.
The planning committee for the contemporary service is seeking musicians for special music. There is also a need to purchase certain equipment to help facilitate the worship service. If anyone is interested in helping with any particular aspect of this service, please see Pastor Bob.
BabylandCare 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.
Attention: Congregation!
Unfortunately, It is now time for me to step down as Babyland and Childcare Coordinator dute to my leaving for college. Because of my leaving in August, July will be my last month. Volunteers for the position are needed, please keep this ministry going! Thanks.
Sincerely,
Jessica Merrill
Prayer MinistryThe 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 236-5712. You may also like to become part of our church's prayer chain. Amazing things can happen when people pray together!
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Men's Prayer Group meets Thursday morningsMen: Interested in joining with other men in prayer just before going to work? Join us on Thursdays at 7:00 am. Anyone is invited to join us--working or retired. The coffee is on so join us at the church for prayer.
From the Finance Committee...
Our commitment to the church is to support the mission and ministry of not only our local church, but to a global church which seeks to serve our Lord around the world. Locally we continue to meet our bills. However, our East Ohio Conference apportionments have not been met. This is one of the areas in which your contributions to the church have a huge impact. Because your gifts are used to support ministries around the world. Recently many of these ministries have had to make very tough decisions, because funds are not as available as in the past. You can help but your continued support of your church, and in turn, your church in mission. As the summer approaches, your continuing support is greatly needed.
-Your Finance Committee
Christmas in August ProjectThe WHO! Group is pleased to announce its 2005 Christmas in August Project. This year we have chosen the Lorain County Branch of me Salvation Army. When we spoke with them, they said one of their greatest unfulfilled ongoing needs was for baby necessities:
Formula (any type)
Diapers
Baby food
Diaper wipesThey requested we limit our collection to these items as they have limited storage space for other things. The collection will begin around the middle of June and the end the 21st of August with our Christmas coffee hour of celebration on August 28th. Watch for the specially decorated box in the lobby. Thanks in advance for your aid in helping Lorain Counties youngest residents.
Bell Ringer-Acolyte-Greeter Schedule
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JUNE
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BELL
RINGERS
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ACOLYTES
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| 5 Chuckie Sinnamond | 5 Danielle Lanning |
| 12 JR Fetchet | 12 Chrystal Fetchet |
| 19 Danielle Lanning | 19 Megan Johnson |
| 26 Chuckie Sinnamond | 26 Ali Miller |
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JUNE
GREETERS
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5
Mr. & Mrs. David Balcziunas
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12
Mr. & Mrs. Roy Smith
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19
Mr. & Mrs. Jim Wonnacott
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26
Mr. & Mrs. Brett Cunin
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United Methodist WomenUMW Summer Luncheon/outing
The UMW summer luncheon/outing will be on June 8 at 12:00 at the Main Street Cafe on the square in Medina. We will meet at the church at 11:00 A. M to carpool. Call 236-8711 (Mary Alice Lewis) for reservations by June 6. All ladies in the church are invited.UMW Rummage Sale
Thank you to everyone who donated items (especially the preschool), helped set up, cashiered, packed up, and cleaned up. All your help was appreciated and helped us to make our pledge to UMW Mission. We made over $900.00 Thanks to all.UMW Monthly Meeting
June 1 at 7:30 pm
"Pledge Service-Then and Now: 136 Years in Mission"
program: Marilyn Zoller
Hostess: Pat BalcziunasLooking Ahead:
June 23 EOC Women's Breakfast-Lakeside
July 1 New Cuyahoga District Begins
July 22 EOC Mount Union School of Christian Mission for adults, Youth and Children
Sept. 7 UMW Meeting 10:00 am
Sept. 9-21 EOC LaKeside School of Christian Mission for more information caii Brenda Butler at 236-5685
"Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests." Ephesians 5:18 (NIV)
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Blessed to be a blessingThe church movie is still available. If you have not seen it, you may BORROW a copy, either DVD or VHS. Stop in or call the church office to reserve your copy. Proceeds benefit the youth mission trip to Indianapolis this summer.
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!
What's The 411?
Can You Help the Church Office With Some Information?One of the most challenging tasks is keeping church records up to date and as accurate as possible. We have several persons or families where we no longer have current addresses. As we attempt to update our records, if anyone has information for any of the following persons, please call the church office:
Jeffrey Austin
Jodie Austin
Julie Ann Cottom
Herb Cuevas
Megan Cuevas
Andiana DeAngelis
Elizabeth Fitch
Richard Hansen
Jennifer Hezouchy
Stacie Kraft
Dianna Kraft
Clint Johnson
Beth Johnson
Jan Manuguerra
Margaret Nemeth
Jackie Sacash
Robert Schroeder
Garrett Schroeder
Susan Schroder
Ken Selleck
Judith Slebodnik
Frederick Truffin
Elizabeth Trufffin
Barbara Vermilize
Laura Westburg
Buddy YoungPlease call the church office if you know of the addresses of any of these persons. Thank you for any Information that you can provide in helping us keep our church records current!
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