A newsletter for the Amlin United Methodist Church community
C OUNTRY T ALK AmlinUMC.org The Word “Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask for or imagine by God’s power at work within us.’” Ephesians 3:20
MARK YOUR
Calendar
Sundays @ 4:00 Moms Bible Study at the NLC
(starting on 1/18) Sundays @ 6:00 Covenant Bible Study at the Ellis’s home
Mondays @ 7:00 Women’s Bible Study at Elkins’ Tuesdays @ 7:00 Tavern Theology
January 2015
Help continue to support the West Side Free Store through Amlin service ministries Many service opportunities at Amlin arise from our relationship with the West Side Free Store. Here’s a little background information. The Free Store is part of the Westside Free Store Ministries (WSFM), an ecumenical, faithbased, charitable organization designed to share resources, build relationship and create community on Columbus’ west side. Through the volunteer effort and generosity of many people, churches and organizations,
Amlin Community Preschool
Photo courtesy of The Dispatch
thousands of people in need each year are served. Since opening its doors in August, 2004, the WSFM have provided a safe haven within
the community, a place where needs are met, hospitality is offered and meaningful relationships are formed in the name of Jesus. The simple prem-
ise of the Westside Free Store is those in need can shop for free as a result of the generosity of others. Material donations (clothing continued on pg. 3
Dearest Amlin Friends, Our January will begin with making snowmen. We will be learning snowmen songs and reading all my favorite snowmen books. I get so excited for snow! We love to talk about how God choose white to color the snow. Just imagine it pink or blue?? I think God knew the very best color for Snow! White! God is so good. We will begin learning alphabet sounds and letter recognition. We will also be learning about Arctic animals. I love to teach the children about penguins. They are such silly little birds. This month we will be talking about hibernation. We will be hibernating our bear friend Buddy. He loves to sleep his winter away. He will be in a very comfy shoe box with newspapers and a cozy blanket and pillow. Lucky guy! We still have an opening for January and will begin enrolling for fall 2015 class soon. Please spread the word! Have a wonderful January. Stay warm my friends! Love, Your Preschool Gal, Marybeth
Thanks sent to all at Amlin The following note is from our friends Tim and Liz Ridenour, who have shared nativity animals with us in the past years. They have been ill, so we sent them a financial gift. Thank you so much for remembering us during the season, and your financial gift. It was and is greatly appreciated and needed. May God bless each of you an extra special ways this coming year! With Jesus' love, Tim & Liz Ridenour
These Amlin friends will celebrate birthdays during the month of January. Christopher Spencer Sam Putka Curtis Thompson Julia Leonard Kristin Hollinger Marla Raffield Gail Campbell
Cassidy Walker Jeff Smith Verna Baldridge Ken Frazer Alyssa Wisecup Cameron Green Larry Stovall
Tyler Hollinger James Gedeon David Wisner Laura Kuligowski Georganne Wisner Pam Ellis Taylor Holstein
PRAYER CORNER Please keep the following persons in your prayers. If you have a prayer request, you are invited to write it on a prayer card, located in the pew, and drop it in the offering plate or contact the email prayer ministry at wing1@sbcglobal.net. We will list prayer requests in the bulletin and newsletter for one month, unless you prefer not to have them printed.
Family of Bill Long Greg Gaines Dasrath Family Linda Long Jim Waldo Sallie & friends Cindy Smith Gary Ellis Lynn Yoho Jason Kent Baby Audrinna Carmen Fisher Steve & Julie Ruland Lisa Hart Taylor Cullen Jonas & family Jen Bevington Walker Family Jackie Cook
The Buck Family Kosta & family Kristen & Ryan Fox Hope Family of Bert Blocher The Mathias Family Paul Michael Tom Rodgers Aaliyah Brtetic Holly & Dolores Blevins Dasrath Family Loved ones of Jean Pullins Michael Rubini Beth Brenda Gear Bill McFadin James Gedeon Peacock Family Mathias Family
Steve Mortach & family Noah Wisner & his Great Grandpa Josh & Sarah Good Josh & Sarah Jones Robin Thompson Carolyn Thompson Parenthood Gerry Lasson Pam
Country Talk is a monthly publication of Amlin United Methodist Church, issued at the beginning of each month. The deadline for articles is the 20th of each month for the next month’s issue. Articles and photos should be put in the church’s DropBox account. If you need access to the DropBox account, please contact the office at AmlinUMC@aol.com. If you have other questions about or suggestions for the newsletter, please email Jennifer Sayre at JenniferSayre7@gmail.com.
Regular Sunday Morning Schedule 9:30–10:30 Traditional Worship* & Sunday School in the Chapel 10:30–11:00 Fellowship Time for Both Services in the New Life Center 11:00–12:00 Contemporary Worship* & Sunday School in the New Life Center 12:00 p.m. – Fellowship Time in the New Life Center *Nursery care (birth through 3 years) is provided in the New Life Center throughout the morning. Sunday School is for ages 3 through grade 6 is held during both services. Children start in the worship service and are dismissed following “Children’s Moments.” They move to the Fellowship Hall, where they participate in lessons including songs, prayer, bible study, etc.
CONTACT INFORMATION Amlin United Methodist Church 5441 Cosgray Road Dublin, Ohio 43016 Phone: (614) 771-1904 Email: AmlinUMC@aol.com Website: www.amlinumc.org Church Office Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Or by appointment Rev. Steve Putka, Pastor Email: sputka@me.com Phone: (614) 668-5001 Pastor of Administration Jennifer Gedeon Email: AmlinUMC@aol.com Phone: (614) 562-2868 Worship & Music Coordinator Christian Mateos Treasurer Chuck Brinda (614) 563-8364 Financial Secretary Mike McFadin Michael.McFadin@sedgwickcms.com
Reading this brief passage, and comparing it with my understanding of Jesus’ message and the actions of the early church, it’s clear these goals are From Pastor Steve Putka absolutely Bible-based and in line with the Holy Accountability & Renewal Spirit’s desire for you as part of our church. Would you take a moment and imagine what our Amlin Church community would be like if every person in our fellowship (members and non-members) Truth be told, sometimes I am were actively living out these promises? What tempted to be a “fire and brimstone strongholds could we conquer through prayer? What preacher.” Let me explain. First, I’ll admit that these hurts would God heal through our ministries? How folks generally don’t have much appeal for me. But I might the world be a more loving and have always admired their direct statecompassionate place? How might you ments. In my life, I lean toward gentle enIt is time for me be more Christ-like, focused, and joycouragement, but sometimes the profilled? to encourage phetic, blunt, and passionate message is Dear reader, it begins with you and some significant the best method for encouraging accountGod! Take a moment (or two or three) ability. And we all need accountability. introspection and to ask for The Holy Spirit to direct you in It’s time we reviewed some basics toself-assessment this! Reread those words and make a gether. While I am aware that some folks on your part. commitment! In the month of January, who receive this newsletter are not memwe will be getting very practical about bers of our church, our language for receivhow we can make this happen through ing new members communicates what we believe God’s power. And it’s because God is calling you, about being part of the Body of Christ, something upon and inviting you to share in the joyful world of active which we are all called to focus and share. discipleship, an experience that leads to joy and Let’s read the language of the promises many of us new life. have made to new members as we receive them at our Are you willing to make the commitment to worchurch: “With God’s help we will proclaim the Good ship with us every Sunday in January? In the new News and live according to the example of Christ. We year, there’s no better time to start. will surround these persons with a community of love I promise strong and clear words, but no fire and and forgiveness, that they may grow in their service to brimstone. With God’s help, we will experience pasothers. We will pray for them, that they may be true sion and renewed commitment to Christ, together. disciples who walk in the way that leads to life.” See you on Sunday! It is time for me to encourage some significant introPastor Steve spection and self-assessment on your part.
The Pastor’s Message
Bible study group seeks new members Covenant Bible Study will be accepting new people. Our first class in the new series begins on January 11 from 6-7:30 and will continue for eight weeks. All are welcome to participate. The book is $20, and can be ordered through the church office if you prefer. You can also find the “Covenant Bible Study” app available on most tablets. Please contact Pastor Steve if you’d like to join us at sputka@me.com or 668-5001
United Methodist Men to meet Jan. 10 The next meeting of the United Methodist Men will be on Saturday, Jan. 10 from 8:00-9:30 a.m. in the New Life Center. Our discussion will include potential ministries and projects both within the church and in the community, and a calendar of dates for these events. A continental breakfast will be provided. We welcome all men of the church to attend including youth. If you have any questions, contact Bob Meyer or Dick Moore.
West Side Free Store ministries Continued from page 1 and small household items) are organized and made available to all who visit the Free Store. There are no income or residency requirements. For many years Amlin has been providing some of the Saturday lunches served at the Free Store. If you would like to participate in this service opportunity, mark your calendars for our dates of service in 2015: January 31, June 6, August 29, October 3. Helping with the lunch could involve shopping and food preparation prior to Saturday or set-up and serving from 10:15 am-1:00 pm on Saturday. In addition to lunches, Amlin members donate used clothing and household items to the store. The United Methodist Women have also organized the donation of health and hygiene items according to a monthly schedule. January’s item is toilet paper There are plastic tubs near the entrances to our worship centers to receive these articles. The spirit of giving and service is not limited to the holiday season. We are always asked to be the hands, feet, and heart of Christ in a needy world.
New Bible study for moms starts soon Have you ever wanted to meet with other moms to determine what God’s plan for you is during this season of life? Have you ever thought, I’m all alone on this journey of motherhood? If so, we have the bible study for you. As much as women desire to become mothers, sometimes the challenges are circumstances are not what we expected. Being a mom is wonderful, and challenging. We are looking to start a moms bible study in January to help discover or remember that God chose us to be mothers. He is working in our lives, even though sometimes it is a beautiful mess. If you would be interested in this 8 week study, please contact Mindi Fisher at Mindi.k.fisher@gmail.com by Jan. 2. Study will meet on Sundays from 4:00 -5:30pm starting Jan. 18.
The Details: Who: Moms! What: 8-week Bible study When: Sundays, 4:00 - 5:30, starting Jan. 18 Where: New Life Center Contact: Mindi Fisher
This column starts with a quote of a 12/20 Facebook post by Jen Bevington: “Awesome job Amlin! In just a few Written by Mary Vulic weeks we packed a Rav4 FULL of groceries to help the Hilliard Food Pantry get through the Christmas season! Special thanks to Doreen Cole, Mindi Fisher and Jason Bevington for loading up the car and Doreen and Mindi for dropping off on this cold Saturday morning. The Holy Spirit is definitely moving among the Amlin UMW and congregation!” And that’s not half of the giving that’s been going on at Amlin throughout December. Gaily wrapped toys for children of West Side Free Store clients were donated by Amlinites and then were delivered to the WSFS by Sue Sankoe. Also, the congregation fulfilled the Christmas wish lists of two Hilliard area families through the Hilliard Community Assistance Council. Cyndee Thomas and Mindi Fisher organized the effort for us and the Fink family facilitated the pick up the gifts. In addition to these, numerous individuals and families within the congregation continue to generously donate time and gifts in programs which are not affiliated with our church, but which demonstrate Christ’s love. Another apparent gift, this given to the church by an un-identified person, was discovered by Jim Oldham when he stayed to clean the NLC after worship on December 21st. It’s a lovely new vacuum sweeper to make our volunteer cleaners’ job easier and our NLC
cleaner. Many thanks to the thoughtful donor! Wonderful happenings within our church recently include: the reception of Sue Sankoe as a church member, the marriage of Brad Kropp and Jennifer Kirk, and the baptism of Carmen Elizabeth Fisher. Carmen is the daughter of Nick and Mindi Fisher and the little sister of Kennedy. Then a little ways away, in Albany, Georgia, Gail Cox and Vance Musgrove were reunited in marriage. Blessings on them all! There are a couple of new faces in our midst. Brad Arnold has become a regular attendee of the early service. He lives nearby. Carlos Philpot, a coworker of Jason Hissong, lent his voice and guitar accompaniment to the second service on the Sunday before Christmas. A warm welcome to both these gentlemen. We hope to see you often. On December 4th a lovely group of ladies, joined by Pastor Steve, celebrated the season with dinner at the Olive Garden restaurant. It was an annual outing for the Amlin United Methodist Women, who continued their giving tradition by taking a collection for our Imagine No Malaria Campaign. Looking ahead to a future fun outing that is open to anyone in the church, Sue Sankoe is organizing an evening at the theatre, the Little Theatre Off Broadway in Grove City, on Saturday, February 7 at 8:00 pm. The play, The 39 Steps, is based on a spy novel set in 1935. Those interested in ordering tickets can phone Sue at 614-787-2193. Best wishes to Linda and Dick Keller who recently moved to Bellefontaine.
Service Ministries Schedule
We have changed what is served for hospitality between the 9:30 and 11:00 services. Donuts or donut holes will be served and provided by the Church. There will also be coffee and juice. If you would be willing to make the coffee, set up the donuts and provide the juice please contact me at 614-570-8706 or sepauley@aol.com.
4 hours a week. Highly qualified teachers. Small classes! No more than 6 students w/ 2 teachers. Register Today! Your child will thank you for it!
Now Registering for Fall 2015!
FIND US ON Facebook! AmlinCommunityPreschool.com AmlinCommunityPreschool@gmail.com Marybeth Walters, Director & Lead Teacher Amlin United Methodist Church, 5441 Cosgray Road, 614.771.1904
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4 New Sermon Series Begins!
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8 7 pm Team Meetings 815 Ad Board Meeting
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10 8 am Men’s Group Meeting
5 7pm Women’s Bible Study@ Elkins’
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11 6 pm First Covenant 2 @ Ellis’
12 7pm Women’s Bible Study@ Elkins’
13 14 7 pm Tavern Theology
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18 4 pm Mom’s Group @ NLC 6 pm Covenant 2 @ Ellis’
19 7pm Women’s Bible Study@ Elkins’
20 21 7 pm Tavern Theology
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25 4 pm Mom’s Group @ NLC 6 pm Covenant 2 @ Ellis’
26 7pm Women’s Bible Study@ Elkins’
27 28 7 pm Tavern Theology
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The newsletter is green! Amlin United Methodist Church believes in being good stewards of the earth and the resources of our congregation. We send a print newsletter only upon request. If you'd like a print copy mailed to you, please contact Pastor Jennifer at 771-1904. If you'd like to begin receiving an email copy of our newsletter, please contact Pastor Jennifer at amilinumc@aol.com.