Worthington United Methodist Church
The Messenger
March 2017
Volume 61, Number 3
Building a more diverse and open community
of committed Christian servants.
Welcome Lenten Travelers,
Next Wednesday the month of March begins and so does
the Season of Lent as Ash Wednesday is March 1, 2017.
On that day, we will gather at noon in the Potter Chapel and
at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary to begin our Journey. In the
evening service we will be joined by our brothers and
sisters from St. John’s A.M.E. Church who will begin the
journey with us. We will rejoin them on April 13 at
St. John’s to share in remembering Jesus’ last meal before his arrest and
crucifixion.
Often when we begin a journey we take with us some assistance or guides
to use along the way. This Lenten Season, our theme is “Rooted in the
Seeds of Lent” and we begin with prayer, meditation, study and worship.
Please remember the Upper Room devotional booklet is available just
outside the sanctuary for those who might find it helpful.
Our Lenten Study this year will be The Way, Walking in the Footsteps of
Jesus, by Adam Hamilton. This will be an opportunity to explore the
ministry of Jesus as we view the geography of the Holy Land. Our
children and youth, as well as adults, will have this experience available.
In addition, a new 6-week video- and discussion-based adult class on Faith
in the 21st Century, facilitated by Tim Moats will be featured.
Contemporary authors and preachers are featured.
Inside
Prayers & Concerns…….…...2
Emerge service ……………….2
Elder event ………..…… ….....3
New Members …………..….....4
Outreach update …...………...5
Finance update ……...………..6
Calendar
…………………7
Join us Sunday,
March 12 at both
services (9:30 &
11:15) for a special
presentation by
our Children’s
Choir of the
musical:
100% Chance
of Rain!
Be sure to utilize our church library for meditative and reflective readings
during this season, and check out the attached program booklet for
additional worship, outreach and community opportunities available.
Plan now to be present on Friday, April 14 for our Choir’s sharing of the
Rutter Requiem, and then return for Easter Sunday as we together
celebrate Christ’s Resurrection.
The Lenten journey can be one of risk as we pause and reflect on our lives.
It can be one of risk as we ponder the journey Jesus walked. It can be one
of risk as we try something new in our own faith journey. This Lent, will
you consider a risk – the risk of inviting a friend, a relative, a neighbor, a
co-worker to come with you to celebrate the love of God unleashed in the
world. Will you risk planting a seed in the life of another, and maybe in
so doing making a difference in this community and world? Give it a try
and see how the seed grows.
Looking forward to the Lenten Journey with you.
Cyndy
The Messenger is published
monthly by Worthington
United Methodist Church, P.O.
Box 307, Worthington, OH
43085 (614-885-5365).
Wednesday, March 15 is the
deadline for the April
Messenger. To submit your
article, drop it off or email it to
Jessica Sapp at
[email protected].
Parish Concerns and Joys
We express love and sympathy to:




To family & friends at the death of Carole Hume, on February 7.
To family & friends at the death of Vivian Brey,
on February 11.
To family & friends at the death of Jenny
Schroeder, on February 12.
To family & friends at the death of Wendell
Smith, on February 16.
Elizabeth Circle will be meeting on Tuesday March 28 at 7:00 p.m. for a
"Charity Work" at My Very Own Blanket on 175 E Broadway Ave, Westerville,
OH 43086. So I encourage everyone to come. If you have any question and to
RSVP please contact Margaret Tyler at 614-736-1152 or via email
[email protected] with any questions.
Deborah Circle will meet in Dixon Lounge at 1:00 p.m. on March 9 for a
program focused on Liberia covering Ganta UM Hospital supported by Miller
funds, leader Ruth Perry, and leader Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Changes for Emerge service stay through Easter
Last fall, a church-wide survey was conducted asking members about the Sunday
morning schedule. After reviewing all the results and comments, the decision was
made to run a 6-week trial with the Emerge service by changing the time to 11:15
a.m., and the place to Potter Chapel. On February 12, we completed that trial.
During the trial, individuals who attended the Emerge service were given the
opportunity to comment on the changes. Based on those comments, the Emerge
service will continue to begin at 11:15 a.m. in the Potter Chapel through Easter, April
23. This will give us the opportunity to observe changes in lighting (one of concerns
expressed) as the seasons change, as well as experiment with changes in the set-up of
the chapel.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact Ann Wheat at
[email protected]
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The Messenger, March 2017 - Worthington UMC
Addressing Elder Abuse
Sunday, March 26, 2017
6:30 PM
Dixon Lounge
Elder abuse is a devastating reality for many
older Americans. It results in physical injury,
pain, violation of rights, financial loss, mental anguish, and even death. It crosses
all racial, ethnic, religious, and economic backgrounds and affects families
everywhere. But unfortunately, for various reasons, elder abuse too often goes
unreported.
Please join us for coffee and a conversation about elder abuse, neglect, and
exploitation—how to recognize it, and what to do to protect your loved ones.
Leading the discussion will be Sara Junk, Social Services Supervisor, Pike
County Department of Job & Family Services.
Join us for a
Women’s Retreat in April
Furniture Lifts Available
A time to meet new friends and reconnect with cherished
friends. A time to rest and to be refreshed. A time to learn and
grow. A time to retreat!
Hiking, yoga, swimming, reading, napping, crafting, and more
are on our agendas for the 2017 Women’s Retreat at beautiful
Salt Fork Lodge. All sisters, daughters, wives, mothers, and
friends are invited to join us for this weekend away. Sister Carol
Ann Spencer will lead us in exploring how our faith calls us to
interact with the communities around us. Cost ranges from
$170 - $310, depending on rooming arrangement.
Grants available.
Friday, April 21 @ 7 PM - Sunday, April 23 @ 12 noon
Salt Fork State Park Lodge (Lore City, Ohio)
Register online: http://bit.ly/2jSwBXe
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/
events/216946228759130/
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Ivan Dangler is a member of the
Woodworkers of Central Ohio,
and makes furniture lifts by
gluing 2 x 6 inch pine lumber in
2 and 3 piece stacks with a
depression in the top for
furniture legs to sit in place.
They raise furniture to a more
comfortable level for getting in
to and out of chairs, sofas, beds,
and other pieces of furniture
with legs. The lifts are free and
can be picked up at the church.
Contact Ivan Dangler to order
furniture lifts, 740-657-3224.
The Messenger, March 2017 - Worthington UMC
Welcome to all our New Members!
Sarah & Nathan Niese: Wor thington (740-391-0870 – Sarah; 614-2964669 – Nathan). Sarah is a dental hygienist at Lewis Center Family
Dentistry. Nathan is the Sr. Manager of Cybersecurity for Gap. They have
two sons: Jackson (age 9) and Everett (age 1). Welcome to the Nieses!
Joree & Ryan Novotny: Dublin (216-387-0222). Joree is in
Communications & Grants for the Ohio Association of Foodbanks. Ryan is
a pharmacist at Walgreens. In their spare time, they enjoy reading, sports,
and playing board games. Welcome Joree & Ryan!
Lindsey & Anthony Palmer, Jr.: Columbus (614-208-6122). Anthony is an
attorney with the Franklin County Sherriff. Lindsey is a homemaker. They have
two children: Annie (age 4) and Grant (age 2). Welcome to the Palmers!
Alissa & Todd Reigle: Columbus (614-546-9111 – Alissa; 614-420-5370 –
Todd). Alissa works in education in Westerville schools. Todd is the
Director of Marketing for Goodwill. They have one daughter, Lilly (age 10).
They enjoy volunteering, sports, and spending time with family. . Welcome
to the Reigles!
Linda Wacker: Powell (770-908-8445). Linda is retired, and enjoys spending
time with family & friends, exercising, cooking, and going to church!
Welcome Linda!
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The Messenger, March 2017 - Worthington UMC
Outreach mission giving helps many in 2016
2016 Made a Difference!
2016 was a remarkable year of serving others through Outreach mission giving. WUMC has
generous hearts, and shared time and talent with a number of projects recommended through the
Outreach Committee that touch lives locally, regionally, nationally, and globally. Your commitment
as a congregation to take action and serve others in need made a difference in the lives of many
near and far.
Last year we recorded 9718 hours of time donated to a variety of mission projects; 1809 volunteers
participating in a variety of mission projects; and $27,491.37 worth of materials, supplies, and
goods donated to support a variety of mission projects.
While we had a 6% decrease in the number of hours donated over the previous year, and a 4%
decrease in materials, supplies, and goods donated, we saw a remarkable 24% increase in the
number of people who participated in missing giving projects last year.
More and more people at WUMC are making a difference!
Some of the ministries benefitting from your participation in mission giving projects include: shortand long-term adult mission trips, American Red Cross blood drives, Bags of Blessing, Bethlehem on
Broad, Carpenter’s Helping Hands, Church For All People UMC, Clintonville Community Resource
Center summer lunch program, WUMC Friendship Dinners, Gates Fourth UMC breakfast program,
Imagine No Malaria, Sleeping Mat Ministry, New Life UMC, NNEMAP Food Pantry, Open Shelter,
Operation Sandwich, Project MORE, UMCH Family Services, UMCOR, Worthington Resource Pantry,
YWCA Family Life Center dinners, and the Worthington CROP Walk.
If you participated in any of these ministries or others unnamed, you made a difference for
someone else. If you gave your time, you made a difference. If you gave 2nd mile money or goods,
you made a difference. If you made, gave, or served food you made a difference. If you made a
sleeping mat, gave a unit of blood, brought in a bag of blessing, or partnered with a student to
practice reading, you made a difference. If you walked, worked, sorted, cleaned, or built, you made
a difference. Making a difference can take as much or as little time as you want.
If you haven’t gotten involved in a mission giving project and you want to make a difference, check
out the Outreach bulletin board next to the library for ideas and opportunities.
Anything you do can make a difference in 2017!
Spring New Member Class
The next New Member Class series begins April 23! Mark your calendars now
and plan to join us Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour (10:4011:15am) for the 5-session class April 23 through May 28.
Can’t attend all 5 classes? No problem. Indicate the Sundays you will be absent
when you register, and we’ll be sure to get the corresponding
class information to you.
Classes are designed to help you meet other new members,
discover ways you can get involved in the life of the church, and
become familiar with some of the history and core beliefs of the
United Methodist Church. Classes run concurrent with
Children’s Sunday School and Nursery childcare.
For questions or registration, call the church office (614)8855365, or email Pastor John Girard, [email protected]
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The Messenger, March 2017 - Worthington UMC
A tithe is not a debt we owe, it is a fertile seed we sow.
Plant the seed –and the harvest will astound you.
-Robert H. Schuller
The gifts and support of the entire congregation throughout 2016 put WUMC in a very strong financial
position at year’s end. Saying it plainly, together we met all our debts and financial obligations for the
church, but the significance of this cannot be understated. With financial stability going into 2017, we’re
able to continue to do great things and grow in our service to God.
This year’s budget –already approved by Administrative Council –is, as always, a reflection and extension
of our congregation’s values and established goals: a welcoming, diverse atmosphere; deeper outreach,
social justice, and witness; and grow in our stewardship and discipleship, together and individually. Gifts
bestowed by us together let WUMC maintain and grow the ministries that serve God, ourselves, and so
many in our community.
I invite you to maintain our strong foundation in 2017 and continue planting seeds for new growth. We
can do that by honoring the commitments of time and gifts that we pledge through Every Member in
Ministry –throughout the year. With the events and travel of hectic summer months, attendance typically
slows and accordingly so does giving to the church. Our ministries and church operate year-round, so it’s
important that we fulfill our pledges consistently so the work we do in service to God is funded every day
of the year.
With that in mind, there are a number of ways to contribute financially:
 Automatic withdrawal from your checking or savings account. Typically your bank can help you with
this and most often it’s something you can easily set up on their website. If you need help though, feel
free to contact Lynn Ebright at [email protected].
 In-person, by check or cash, during Sunday service or at the church office during regular hours
 Online via the church website, WorthingtonUMC.com. Start by clicking “Donate to Worthington UMC”
and fill in your info for a secure transaction
 Through the Joyfully2UMC app (available on the App Store and Google Play). Search for “Worthington
United” and start by clicking “Give.”
Thank you for the successes of 2016. Looking forward to another strong year.
Rob Kidder
Chairman, Finance Committee
Don’t forget to sign up for E-giving online!
Get started today!
Go to www.worthingtonumc.com and click on
“Donate to Worthington UMC”.
Create a profile for faster and easier future donations.
Or scan this QR code with your smartphone to be taken directly
to the donation page!
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The Messenger, March 2017 - Worthington UMC
Sunday Schedule at Worthington UMC
9:30 a.m. Worship &
11:15 a.m. Emerge Worship, in the Potter Chapel;
Sunday School at 10:40 a.m. for children, youth & adults
Childcare for infants & toddlers at 9:30 & 11:30 a.m.;
Children’s Church at both services
Fellowship Time is 10:30-11:15 a.m. in the Dixon Lounge;
Youth Impact is 6:00-8:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
9:30 a.m.—Riverside
Sewing Guild
12:00—Ash
Wednesday Service
7:30 p.m.—Ash
Wednesday Service
5
See Sunday
Schedule
11:30 p.m.—Jubilee
Ringers
3:00 p.m.—Ohio Health
Memorial Service
6
10:30 a.m.—Prayer Group
6:00 p.m.—Emerge
Planning
7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Troop 365
7:00 p.m.—SPRC
7
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
7:00 p.m. - Welcoming
& Inviting
8
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
7:30 p.m.—Taize
7:15 p.m.—Devotions
7:30 p.m.—Trustees
8:00 p.m.—Sr High
Devos
12
13
See Sunday
Schedule
Children’s Musical
at services
10:30 a.m.—Prayer Group
7:00 p.m.—CPC Board
7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Troop 365
See Sunday
Schedule
11:30 p.m.—Jubilee
Ringers
26
See Sunday
Schedule
11:30 p.m.—Jubilee
Ringers
6:00 p.m.—Elder Abuse
Event
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
9:30 a.m.—Ruth Circle
7:00 p.m.—Open Hearts
8:00 p.m.—Sr High
Devos
11:30 p.m.—Jubilee
Ringers
19
14
20
10:30 a.m.—Prayer Group
7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Troop 365
21
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
1:00 p.m.—
Immunization Clinic
7:00 p.m.—Finance
Committee
8:00 p.m.—Sr High
Devos
27
28
10:30 a.m.—Prayer Group
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
9:00 a.m.—Worthington
Women’s Club
6:30 p.m.—WUMC
Singles
7:00 p.m.—Elizabeth
Circle
8:00 p.m.—Sr High
Devos
7:00 p.m.—Boy Scouts
Troop 365
7:00 p.m.—Memorial
Committee
15
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
1:00 p.m.– PLARN
Party
7:00 p.m.—Naomi
Circle
22
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
6:30 p.m.—Hannah
Circle
29
9:00 a.m.—New Life
Clothing
7
Thu
2
4:30 p.m.—UMW
Executive Board
4:30 p.m.—Children’s
Bells
5:00 p.m.—Children’s
Choir
5:00 p.m.—Rainbow
Singers
7:00 p.m.—Chancel
Choir
9
10:00 a.m.—CANDO
Board Meeting
1:00 p.m. –Deborah
Circle
4:30 p.m.—Children’s
Bells
5:00 p.m.—Children’s
Choir Rehearsal
5:00 p.m.—Rainbow
Singers
7:00—Martha Circle
7:00—Chancel Choir
Rehearsal
16
4:30 p.m.—Children’s
Bells
5:00 p.m.—Children’s
Choir Rehearsal
5:00 p.m.—Rainbow
Singers
6:30 p.m.—Friendship
Dinner
7:00 p.m.— Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
23
9:00 a.m.—Messenger
Assembly
4:30 p.m.—Children’s
Bells
5:00 p.m.—Children’s
Choir Rehearsal
5:00 p.m.—Rainbow
Singers
7:00 p.m.— Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
30
CPC Art Gala
4:30 p.m.—Children’s
Bells
5:00 p.m.—Children’s
Choir Rehearsal
5:00 p.m.—Rainbow
Singers
7:00 p.m.— Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
Fri
3
9:00 a.m.—Bulletin
Assembly
11:30 a.m.—Alzheimer’s
First Friday Meeting
10
7:00 a.m.—Breakfast
Conversation Group
9:00 a.m.—Bulletin
Assembly
Sat
4
5:30 p.m.—ProMusica
Concert
11
7:30 a.m.—Men’s
Breakfast
6:00 p.m.—WUMC
Singles
17
18
9:00 a.m.—Bulletin
Assembly
10:00 p.m.—Prayer Shawl
Ministry
24
9:00 a.m.—Bulletin
Assembly
31
9:00 a.m.—Bulletin
Assembly
25
10:00 a.m.—Library
Work Day
The Messenger
Worthington United Methodist Church
600 High Street, P.O. Box 307
Worthington, OH 43085-0307
Volume 61, No. 3
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Dated material:
Please deliver by March 1, 2017
This Month’s Happenings
Ash Wednesday - Wednesday, March 1
ProMusica Concert - Saturday, March 4
Ohio Health Memorial Service - Sunday, March 5
Children’s Musical - Sunday, March 12
CPC Art Gala - Thursday, March 30
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