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

Sunday Worship - 10:30 AM Sunday School - 9:30 AM for Adult & 5-12 10:30 for preschool through Grade 4

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

 

March-April 2009 Newsletter

From the Pastor's Study...

Reflecting on the pace of our busy lives, Philip Yancey, in his recent book on prayer, offers a gentle word of caution.

The common danger we face, though, is getting so absorbed in daily life that we simply fail to show up. Any visitor to a Muslim country can see the difference. Five times a day, when the call to prayer goes out, all work and commerce stops, buses and trains empty, and faithful Muslims roll out prayer rugs, bowing low to say their prayers. Christians have no such ritual to stop and remember God. It’s up to us.

There was a day when people in towns and villages might hear the sound of church bells tolling news of a death in the community, ringing with an alarm, or pealing out that it was time to assemble for worship. But that day is long past. Today we are more than ever on our own.

In our day we have digital clocks and watches accurate to incredibly small fractions of a second so that we’ll know what time it is with great precision. Not only are they in our homes and on our wrists but there are clocks in our cars, in our cell phones, in the corner of the TV and on the computer desktop, in the coffee maker and microwave…

On March 8th we’ll change to Daylight Saving Time and, if we remember, we’ll go scouring for all the clocks that need to be synchronized forward by one hour. If we’re successful we’ll all be on the same page when it comes to making appointments, keeping schedules, and generally just knowing what time it is.
But we’re still on our own when it comes to synchronizing not just with the “chronos” of time but with it’s “kairos”. Those are two Greek works found in the Bible for very different experiences of time. One is what we might call surface time and is all about the seconds, minutes, hours and days as they tick by. The latter is all about what is going on below the surface, inside those hours and days.

More than knowing just the time, believers are called to know the moment. There is a weight to time, an urgency about God’s invitation to climb on board with what’s happening. It’s the call of the Psalmist to number our days in a certain way so that we’ll have a heart of wisdom at the core of our being. It’s that fullness of time when promises are kept, the Kingdom time of Jesus’ parables and preaching.

Prayer and worship should be seen as an opportunity to synchronize our lives with the good news of God’s grace happening around us. The season of Lent is a call to mindfully and soulfully prepare ourselves for that hour for which Jesus came, the hour of our salvation. As Philip Yancey puts it, it’s up to us to show up. To show up not just on time but in the time that it truly is, time for prayer, time for repentance, time to stop and remember God.

Pastor Dave

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Administrative Council

Administrative Council met on January 20, 2009. January was a difficult month. The weather really hurt attendance and therefore our finances.

The Trustees' Turkey Roast was very successful. Several repairs (furnace and refrigerator) have been made. The trustees continue with projects-upgrades to sanctuary lighting (by Tim Gerbick) and repair of bell tower walls (by Bob Eichenberg).

Preschool representative, Lisa Cassidy, gave a report about their current situation. We appreciate the communication with them.

The cross from Deaconess Hospital's chapel will be cleaned and mounted on the west wall of Fellowship Hall.

The meetings for Administrative Council for 2009 are scheduled as follows: March 17, June 30, September 15, and December 15. All meetings are at 7:30 PM in the courtyard room.

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Columbia United Methodist Co-Op Nursery School

The Columbia United Methodist Co-op Nursery School is now enrolling for the 2009-2010 school year! We will be offering 2 classes. Our 3 year old class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9-11:30 AM with tuition of $65/month (9 months-$585 for the year). Our 4 year old class will meet on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9A-Noon with tuition of $80 per month ($720 for the year). We are a cooperative nursery school which gives parents the opportunity to be highly involved in their child's education!! Any questions, or to enroll, please contact Diane Collins at 440-236-3003 or Amy Riley at 216-701-3119.

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Blueberry Brunch

There will be a Blueberry Brunch sometime this spring. The exact date will be announced at a later date. Watch for more information in newsletters, Sunday bulletins, and other communications from the church.

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Men's Breakfast

Please join us the first Sunday of every month at 8:15 AM. Please call Bob Keane at 236-5647 if you’ve not yet signed up on the sheet posted on the bulletin board in the narthex.

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Choir's New Look

Have you noticed that the choir is proudly sporting new stoles? The stoles are reversible Green/purple and closely match the vestments on the altar. Kudos to Kriste Mott who did all the groundwork with the
manufacturer and Lillie Merrill who arranged the financing for the project. A big thanks to the families of Alice Whitmyer and Virginia Hammon who generously allowed the choir to use monies from their memorial funds to pay for the stoles.

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STEWARDSHIP
A Lenten Disciplne Challenge

Lent is a period of reflection, repentance, and growing in faith. Many people approach Lent by "giving up" something as a reminder to them that Jesus "gave up" His earthly life so that we all may have everlasting life. Although this "giving up" process can be challenging, it is a small price when considering what we have received in return.

Another approach people often take is to participate in positive lifestyle activities. These activities may include, but are not limited to, dieting, exercising, participating in a Bible Study or Sunday School class, attending church on a regular basis, writing letters to family and friends, volunteering at a soup kitchen or other charitable organization, reading, or spending more time with family and friends.

A third approach is the Lenten Discipline Challenge which has its roots in the other two programs. Participants are invited to "give up" something for Lent and then donate the cost of the forgone item to glorify God's Kingdom. In doing so, participants become more faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. They allow the "light of Jesus Christ" to shine through them. Some items that may be "given up" are chocolate, potato chips, ice cream, meat, a cup of coffee at Starbuck's, vending machine items, pop, pizza, or a weekly movie. It may even mean ordering one scoop of ice cream instead of two, redeeming coupons at the grocery store, or
brown-bagging your lunch one day of the week. The list of possible items to "give up" is as long as your imagination and it doesn't matter what it is. The important thing is that you use the cost of the forgone items to glorify God's Kingdom.

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Financial Notes

In The General Fund balance as of February 25 is $3,102. In less than a week, we will have to pay utility and payroll expenses totaling $3,300. Our apportioned operating mission giving is in arrears by $1,785. To date, we are current with the pastor's pension and hospitalization.

Being on the budget plan for the church's gas bill has helped our cash flow. The monthly budget payment is $600. The actual gas bill for January was $2,187.

The current balance in the World Service and Conference Benevolence Fund is $639. Of that amount, $629 will to be applied to our outstanding mission giving balance of $843 and $10 will go for Human Relations Day.

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Youth Club News

This is a winter of records, and Youth Club is no exception. We set the record for the most session cancellations in a year. In the past, we have only had to cancel, at most, one session in a year due to weather, but this year, we have had three cancellations so far. We will not be rescheduling those missed sessions.

Most of the children who were in Youth Club the fall semester have returned for the winter session. Those who didn't return had scheduling conflicts. We welcome Allison Pekrul and her family to our program.

March is the last month for Youth Club until we resume in September for a new year. We will end our 2008/2009 year with a celebration banquet the evening of Wednesday, April 1. In keeping with past tradition, we are soliciting volunteers from our church family to help with the cooking and clean-up. Cooking will be done the day of the banquet. As a token of appreciation, we will share our meal with all those who volunteer. Please contact Lillie Merrill (330-483-4609) if you are able to help.

The themes for March include the following:
March 4, "Iditarod" (Everyone is encouraged to wear warm clothing.)
March 11, "Beach Party" (dress in shorts, sandals, shades.)
March 18, "Great American Meat Out" (It's no meat night).
March 25, "Wannabe Night."

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2008 Leadership Directory

Admimistrative Council
Chairperson	Jim Wonnacott
Vice-Chairperson	Roger Boris
Recording Secretary	Sally Stone
Lay Leader	Connie Walkden
Lay Member to An. Conf.	Marcia Wonnacott
Church Treasurer	Lillie Merrill
Financial Secretary	Cindy Gerbick
Church Historian	Marcia Adamczyk
Board of Trustees, Chair	Brenda Butler- elected by Trustees
Finance Committee, Chair	Don Hagen
Pastor-Parish Committee, Chair	Andy Fabrizi
Education Committee, Chair	Carol Roginsky
Worship Committee, Chair	Marcia Wonnacott
Outreach, Chair	Pat Balczuinas
Membership	Sandy Eichenberg
UMW President	Elane Martin - elected by UMW
Youth Fellowship Coordinators	Pastor Dave Ross Diane Morlock
Music Director	Marcia Wonnacott
Camp Contact Person	George Heideloff
Members - at large	Pat Schaffer, Martin Lodge, Walter & Lillie Merrill, Pam Andrews

Thanks to these persons who serve on the Administrative Council for their willingness to serve the church.

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Newsletter pages have been visited

times since February 12, 2003

 

 

Adult Bible Studies

The Adult Bible Study on Monday nights with Bob Keane continues. Do you want to be a better motivated more effective servant of God? When we understand why we believe and behave the way we do we can achieve this higher level of service. Let Paul guide you to a better understanding through his letter to the Romans. Starting Monday Night, September 8th at 7:30 PM. No experience necessary come and help us grow together.

The Brown Bag Bible Study on Tuesday Mornings with Pastor Dave will continue with an Advent study, “Rjoicing in Hope”, for the next two classes on December 9th and 16th. Both sessions will meet at 10:00 AM instead of the regular time of 11:00.

The Adult Sunday School Class is studying Max Lucado’s book,
“3:16 - The Numbers of Hope”. It’s not too late to join in. It meets at 9:30 in the courtyard room on Sunday mornings, and all adults are welcome.

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A Lenten Gift for You...

will be waiting to be picked up on the first Sunday in Lent, March 1st, at the morning communion service. It's something to serve as a reminder to keep Lent as a holy time for prayer and reflection and was prepared by
members of the church UMYF who will help in distributing them that day. If you can't be with us that day be sure to check about it later.
Those on our shut-in list will receive their gift later that week.

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Thank You

"Our thanks to our church family for holding our dear Genny in your thoughts and prayers during her journey with cancer. We could not have gone along without your strength."

God Bless all of you,
The Rick Mott Family

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"Prayer" by Phillip Yancey

Anyone interested in the full edition of the book that the Brown Bag study group has been using, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference, please let us know in the church office. By combining orders we can get a good price and no shipping charge-just $14.00 for the hardbound edition. A copy will be available in the church library after the study group concludes.

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Greeter-Acolyte Schedule

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United Methodist Women

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!!!
Choose longer-life, energy-efficient, solar powered, and rechargeable products. Try out low-energy light bulbs. Give up burning trash. Use proper cups, plates, and cutlery rather than plastic or paper disposable items.

The rescheduled Columbia United Methodist Women met February 11. Program, The Potluck was presented by Sally Stone. The idea of
a potluck, comes from the Native American tradition. In the tradition of Native Americans, we are all relatives-part of a sacred circle, in which
Creator God has placed each of us. Hostess: Pat Schaffer.

Calendar Books Who's at the table? were available, thank you Lillie and helpers. Reports were given by Sally and Marylin, they attended district training session. Donna reported work of Caring Mission, sending
correspondence to others. Question 236-5688

Plans were finalized for Ash Wednesday Meditation Breakfast.

The Reading Program Books for 2009 are available.
Suggested reading -
Recovering The Sacred: The power for Naming and Claiming. This book documents some of the Native American Community's work to recover
the sacred and to heal.

Looking Ahead

March 9, 16,23,30 9AM-11:30 Lenten Study-Native American Survival
March 28 9:OOAM-3:00 PM
East Ohio Conference Church/Society Event
Grace UMC North, Canton
April 1 10:00 AM UMW
Fellowship Hall "Lent: This is the Fast I Choose"
May 6 10:00AM-Regular UMW meeting, Program: Madlyn Berger
Hostess: Sally Stone
May 20 Rummage Sale set up day
May 21 &22 Rummage Sale

Start saving all your rummage for the May Rummage Sale.

Native American Wisdom
The ground says, "The Great Spirit has placed me here to produce all that grows on me, trees and fruit." -Young Chief Cayuse

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Worship Committee

At the last Worship Committee meeting, the following items were discussed:

*Purchasing a new Christmas tree for the Sanctuary for 2009.

* Seeking Ad Council approval to hang the Deaconess Zane Hospital cross in the Fellowship Hall.

* Communion Sundays will be March 1, April 9 (Maundy Thursday), April 12 (Easter Sunday), and May 31, Pentecost Sunday.

*Palm branches will be distributed on Palm Sunday.

*Song of the Shadows Tenebrae Service on Good Friday, April 10, at 8:15PM.

*Only one Easter Sunday service at our usual 10:30 AM time. Easter flower order forms will be available.

Next Worship Committee meeting is Sunday, March 8, following the morning service.

Respectfully submitted,
M. Wonnacott

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A Little Reminder

Would you like to donate flowers (in memory of or in celebration of) or have a coffee hour on a Sunday Morning?
Just sign up on the sign up sheets that are on the bulletin board. Any questions call church office 236-8822.

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Please Help Us Know...when people are in the hospital. Over the last several years, it has become increasingly more difficult for churches to obtain information about their members who are patients in the hospital. This has become even more difficult as all hospitals have begun implementing the regulations of HIPPA (Health Information Portability and Protection Act). This was enacted by Congress to protect the confidentiality and privacy of patients.

This has changed things for the Spiritual Care of patients. Even if someone from the hospital asks about your church affiliation, or asks if you would like the pastor notified - it does not mean that the church will be contacted. If you would like the pastor or church to know that you are in the hospital; you MUST contact the church yourself, even before you are admitted. This is the only way the church can offer help and support.

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In Our Prayers...

The Machovec family, on the death of Pastor Bob's father, Robert Sr, in early February. Their new parsonage address in Sandusky is...
1222 Waverly Road, Sandusky, OH 44870-4284

The Ross family, on the death of Pastor Barb's father, Paul Srock. Formerly ofWooster, Paul had been living with the Ross' the last four
years until entering hospice care with a family friend in N. Canton less than two weeks before his passing.

Mr. Richard Herron, recuperating at Falling Waters in Strongsville after a series of setbacks this winter including pneumonia and two falls which led to back and hip surgeries. His wife Mildred reports that he seems to be making slow but steady progress...

Lyn Denington, Harold Kerley, Pete Schaffer, Diane Morlock, John Kiley, Mitzie Kneen, Helen French and Pat Richards (aunt and sister of Jane Squires), Elaine Valentin (aunt of Lillie Merrill), the Adloff family on the birth of two new granddaughters (Clara Borus in Boston and Katherine Hunter in Aurora), Doug Mix who had a recent hip surgery and is recuperating at home...

Service persons overseas...

Andy Prewitt, nephew of Rick and Christy Mott, who is back serving in Afghanistan... David Sorrell, grandson of John Kiley also in Afghanistan, Nic Denington, set to return to Iraq soon... Nancy Westbrook, sister of Terry Byrne, serving in Iraq...

Please notify the church office of your requests so that we can pass them on to our members in Christ.

Please let us know when prayers have been answered and names can be removed.

We will offer our thanks and praise to God for each answer to prayer.

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