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."

 

October 2009 Newsletter

From the Pastor's Study...

Thank you to the 20 some people who turned out for our “New Beginning Leadership Retreat” last month! It was a great morning of sharing and we had some good discussion toward organizing ourselves for this fall’s stewardship process. You’ll be hearing more about this over the coming weeks so enough on that for now, except to say what a great job members of the Finance Committee did in carefully selecting a program that has spiritual depth and that promises to be a resource for a long time to come.

This year’s visit with Dust and Ashes was outstanding! Although Tom and Mary Lou murmur about retirement being somewhere out there ahead of them, we’re so glad the Lord has not spoken that word to them just yet! Their ministry continues to enlighten and inspire. Our sincere thanks to them for adding a special touch to the memorial service for Lyn Denington. I hoped it would be something Lyn’s sons would appreciate and fondly remember, especially Nic who had to return to duty in Iraq the following Sunday. Our thanks to Barb Hennis and the ladies of the UMW for hosting the fellowship time that followed. None of us were prepared for the turn out that night but things were handled so graciously, as always.

Those who were in on the “Galileoscope” class learned that it took a while to come up with a name for the long tube thingy he started looking at the moon with. Just what do you call it?! One early name was the “optic cannon” because it sort of shoots the eye out closer to what you want to see. Wouldn’t that be great to be able to shoot our eye forward heavenward, in a spiritual sense. Would that a little tube could increase the power of our vision! But wait! That’s what our prayers are for!

Pastor Dave

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Administrative Council

Next regularly scheduled meeting of Administrative Council will be Tuesday, October 20, 2009 at 7:30 PM.

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Service of Remembrance

As All Saints Sunday, November 1st, and our Service of Remembrance approaches, we ask that you submit any names of family or friends who have died this past year and for whom you would want a candle to be lit. This has become a meaningful worship service for us, and we want to include all names, member or non-member, important to our church family. Please inform Pastor Dave or Marcia Wonnacott by filling out a special form and placing in designated box on the table in the foyer by October 25, or by calling the church office at 236-8822.

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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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"By Jove!"

We had seven people signed up for the telescope workshop held on September 14th at the church. You probably recognize some of our friends in the picture above. That’s Phil Butler at the back aiming his scope, and John Lehr was on hand as well.
Pastor Dave gave a brief talk on the history involved in the 400th anniversary of Galileo’s first use of the telescope to study the heavens, beginning in the fall of 1609. It began a revolution in our world view and posed the challenged of how to reconcile these new discoveries with Scripture. Galileo tried to argue that the Bible teaches us how to go to heaven, not how the heavens go. But, it took a long time for that to sink in with church authorities, let alone the rest of us!
After the talk participants helped each other assemble their “Galileoscopes” and go outside for a peek at Jupiter, the bright golden star shining to the south this fall. Pastor Dave is also set to meet with a number of scout groups in Columbia that have signed up for the project.

(So, what else can you see in the skies this Fall? A handy web site that offers monthly maps and calendars of things to look for, with or without a telescope, can be found at www.skymaps.com.)

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New Beginnings

Watch your mail for information on how you can help make New Beginnings happen for your church this fall! Please plan now to keep Sunday, October 25th open on your calendar!

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The World - according to Mr. Rogers

The purpose of life is to listen – to yourself, to your neighbor, to your world, and to God and, when the time comes, to respond in as helpful a way as you can find…from within and without. -Fred Rogers

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Financial Notes

The current balance in our General Fund is $958. However, $1,322 is needed to cover bills that are due the first week of October. We are currently $5,960 behind in paying our connectional operating apportionments to the Conference and District.

In looking at the World Service and Conference Benevolence Fund, the balance on hand of $447 will be used to help offset the $2,163 unpaid benevolent apportionments that are currently due.

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Youth Club News

The first month of Youth Club is almost behind us, and we are looking forward to more evenings of fun, fellowship, food, and faith. Themes for October include:

October 7 “Harvest Hoe Down” (Let’s wear our farm clothes)
October 14 “Fire Ant Festival” (Everyone should wear red.)
October 21 “Galileo’s 400th Anniversary” (Wear something “sky” blue) October 28 “King Tut’s Tomb” (all are encouraged to dress Egyptian).

If anyone would like to join us for dinner, please feel free to come. We eat at 5:25 p.m., and guest meals are $2.50. Please contact Lillie Merrill (330-236-3806) by the Monday prior to the date you wish to attend so that we can plan for your coming.

There are currently 22 youth enrolled in the program. More are expected to join after the fall sports season. We welcome new-to-the-program members Kevin Wilson, Emma Seitz, Caitlin Wilkins, Alyssa Wilkins, Natalie Wilkins, Nadia Slyman, and Meredith Slyman. We also welcome back Daniel Lowrie who has been away for three years. It’s also great to have our returning members from last year: Allison Bouscher, Kelsey Johnson, Tommy Cassidy, Shannon Cassidy, Jaymie Pekrul, Bethany Dixon, Matthew Dixon, Eric Schaef, Kevin Schaef, Savannah Ives, Jackson Ives, Hannah Primozic, Danielle DeMaria, and Alison Pekrul.

Finally, our program would not be complete without our dedicated staff. We welcome our new staff members Leann Pekrul, Alicia Fabrizi, and Lisa Cassidy. Leann has volunteered to be our Craft Coordinator and Alicia is a Table Parent. Alicia is a former member of Youth Club. Lisa is our Attendance Coordinator. Also returning as table parents after leaves of absences are Andy Fabrizi, Lois Mix, and Doug Mix. We are also blessed to have many staff members returning this year: Martin Lodge, Dinner Dean; Cecil Kerley, Dinner Dean; Deanna Kerley, Bible Study Teacher; Bob Kean, Table Parent; Rick and Kriste Mott, Table Parents; Jenny Schaef, Table Parent and Choir Assistant; Carol Roginsky, Choir Director; Carol Dixon, Bible Study Teacher; Mary Hall, Substitute; Pastor Dave Ross, Worship Leader; Laura Pekrul, Cooking Coordinator and Lillie Merrill, Director and Bible Study Leader.

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Life On The Streets

observes Laura Pressley, is particularly hard on women. "Women dealing with addiction don't have the safety net and support many men have." she says. "They're uneducated. They're poor. They are usually single mothers. And they are addicts." The faces and stories of the women she met while volunteering on a first-aid squad have stayed with her as she pursues a master's degree in counseling and addiction ministry at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She hopes to create an inner-city residential treatment program for women of color. "Being able to merge my passion for psychology and women's studies with my interest in addiction really clicked," she adds. "I know it's God's will for my life because I've never felt so much at peace with myself."

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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 started September 14, at 7:30 PM. We are studying the book of Revelation. Many people shy away from reading this book with its frightening images and symbolism. But, this is a book meant to comfort and console Christians. All are welcome to join the study and conversation as we explore God’s Word. The Monday night study is lead by Bob Keane.

The Brown Bag Bible Study on Tuesday Mornings with Pastor Dave meets at 11 AM and began September 15th. We are using another study written by Philip Yancey, “The Jesus I Never Knew.” You’ll find it an interesting angle for studying the life of Christ. See Pastor Dave about ordering books for this fall’s study.

The Adult Sunday School Class has started studying J. Ellsworth Kalas’ book What I Learned When I Was Ten: Lessons That Shaped My Life and Faith. However, it’s not too late to join in. We meet at 9:30 in the courtyard room on Sunday mornings, and all adults are welcome. Come explore with us the importance of connecting with your past, experiencing salvation, hearing God’s call, living life with urgency, learning self-worth, investing and giving wisely, discovering the richness of the Bible, having confidence in God’s promise, and looking back over our lives to make sense of all the lessons we have learned as Kalas shares stories about what it was like growing up in Iowa during the days of the Great Depression.

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Welcome Arlene!

She’s been one of our regulars for a while now but we want to officially recognize receipt of her letter of transfer to our church. Arlene Lennerth has been part of our Columbia fellowship for many years, is a talented organist who has served several area churches, is a member of our church choir, attends the Brown Bag study group, is pictured with the Galileoscope gang on the next page, and has just finished her canning chores for this season!

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Sandwich & Ice Cream Social-October 11th

Our teens from the Mission Trip invite you to come to a Sandwich & Ice Cream Social after worship on October 11th as part of their thank you to the church and their “stock holders” who invested in their efforts this year. Their week of work for the Nehemiah Mission was possible only because of your generous support and prayers. Come and see some of their pictures and hear the story of this year’s trip!

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World Communion Sunday

WITHOUT SCHOLARSHIP HELP FROM FUNDS RAISED ON WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY,
STUDENTS LIKE LAURA WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO SIGN UP FOR CLASSES THIS YEAR.

"I'm up to my ears in school debt," Laura says. "It's only because of United Methodists who have given on World Communion Sunday that I am free to pursue the rest of my education without fear or anxiety."gifts make a difference!

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Confirmation Class

Pastor Dave is planning to begin confirmation classes for teens in the church beginning October 11th. If you’re 6th grade or older and haven’t been in confirmation yet, it’s time! The classes will be held during the Sunday School hour, with additional sessions as announced. Please be sure to let Pastor Dave know about your intention to be part of the class.

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Strongsville Theatre Fundraiser

The Finance Committee is in the process of planning two small fundraisers for Strongsville Community Theatre’s productions Nuncrackers in December and Honk in May.

Nuncrackers tells the story of a holiday TV special being taped in the basement of a convent for a local cable access channel. Uproarious antics follow as the cast and members of the convent learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Honk, preformed by the Youth Theatre, is a musical retelling of the Ugly Duckling story. Look for details in next month’s newsletter for Nuncrackers.

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Greeter Schedule

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United Methodist Women

You can do a world of good for the planet just by bringing your own bags to the grocery store.

“Whom Am I at the Table,” program presented by Pam at June 2 meeting of the United Methodist Women. Guided meditation and opportunity for members to reflect on their gifts and talents and what it means to be in community with women in today’s world.

Sept. 11-13 - Five UMW members attended Lakeside School of Christian Mission and will report at October 7th meeting.
Sept. 16 - Eleven UMW members attended the annual Salad Supper at Fields United Methodist Church, a program of chamber music followed.

The purpose of the Reading Program is to encourage you to expand understanding and participation in God's mission-to encourage critical thinking about issues facing humanity today.
On 2009 Reading List
Confronting the Controversies: by Adam Hamilton. A thought provoking book. Biblical perspective on tough issues.

Looking Ahead...

October 7 UMW Meeting
10:00 AM Courtyard Room
Program: Pat Schaffer
Hostess: Thelma Ball
October 9-10 EOC UMW Annual Celebration.
Sunbury, Ohio
October 24 North Coast UMW Meeting
9AM-Noon-Chagrin Falls.
Registration by Oct. 18, Sewing kits for Haiti
November 3 Election Day-Soup & Things

“Serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
I Peter 4:10

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Choir Rehearsals

Choir rehearsals are on Thursdays at 7:15 PM. If you like to sing and are interested in joining us please contact Marcia Wonnacott at
440-236-5824.

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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...

Those recently ill or hospitalized: Mary Bentley, Judy Dengler, Ed Lennerth (Arlene’s husband)...

Those recovering from accidents: Donna Lanning (auto), Diane Morlock (fall at home), Nikki Schaef...

With sympathies for those who have lost loved ones: The family of Lyn Denington (Bob’s daughter, mother of Nic D. from our servicemen’s list…); the Bentley family on the loss of Mary’s father, Jim Painter, while she was hospitalized for surgery; The Mattox family, on the loss of Don’s mother, Ollie Mattox, just days after celebrating her 100th birthday…

For the newly weds from church: Charlie and Sarah Keane, Amber (Stands) and Edward Jones...

Those among our shut-ins:
Richard and Gladys Herron, Esther Truelson, Wilma Trende...

Service persons overseas...

Nick Rundle, Nicolas Denington, Jeff Hagen, Andy Prewitt, Jordan Kinal, Jonathan Hunt, Ryan Schaffer, T. J. Campbell, Nancy Westbrook, David Sorrell, Adam Ray, Tim Boris…

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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