A newsletter for the Amlin United Methodist Church community
C OUNTRY T ALK AmlinUMC.org
July 2014
The Word “Desire first and foremost God’s kingdom and God’s righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” -Jesus, from Matthew 6:33
MARK YOUR
Calendar
June 29 Noisy Sunday July 6 Patriotic Sunday July 20 Christmas in July July 20-24 Vacation Bible School “Workshop of Wonders” Aug. 17 @ 11:00 “Blessing of the Animals” service
Amlin welcomed Cardinal Chorale On Sunday, June 22, Amlin welcomed the Cardinal Chorale during one combined service, and followed with a cookout and potluck lunch. The Cardinal Chorale, under the direction of Charles R Snyder, is the premiere youth chorus in the state of Ohio. Founded in 1995 from the select voices from the All-Ohio Sate Fair Youth Choir, the group has toured annually at large venues and has also has been honored to sing at occasions including three gubernatorial inauguration ceremonies. The group has been honored with receiving original compositions from such gifted arrangers as Len Thomas. The chorus provided moving sacred music during a traditional worship service. Following the service, the youth choir joined our Amlin family for an impressive spread of hot dogs, hamburgers and pot-luck side dishes.
The performance by the Cardinal Chorale was incredible. All in attendance were moved by their talent as the youth singers shared their blessings. See more photos of the day inside this issue of the newsletter!
Written by Mary Vulic
Our church was well represented at the Annual Meeting of the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church held at Lakeside, Ohio on June 8-12. In addition to Pastor Steve and our official lay delegate, Jim
Oldham, Christian Mateos served as an at-large adult delegate while Alex Mateos, Matthew Wilson, and Conrad Kent attended as at-large youth delegates. Thank them for their service and ask them for feedback. Money matters, and our congregation’s financial matters are in new hands. Chuck Brinda has
accepted the call to be our treasurer while Mike McFadin has agreed to be the financial secretary. They join Todd Hanes, who in a midyear swapping of responsibilities took over as finance chair, relinquishing his mission chair post to Keith Justus. We are grateful to these gentlemen for their new commitments and give heart-felt thanks to Dee Elkins and Becky Kent for
their service over the past months and years. As members of the Amlin community, let’s all remember our own financial commitments to our church, a true treasure for each of us. Bible study groups may be taking summer breaks, but for many who have enjoyed the hospitality and study leadership of Dee Elkins this past year, Dee’s husband Larry is planning a cookout get-
Please keep the following persons in your prayers. If you have a prayer request, you are invited to write it on a prayer card, loqcated 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.
Good court outcomes Lee Anne Drew Praise for motherhood Bruce Kerr’s mother Barbara & Carmen Alan Carol Paul Lisa & family Duane Randall Flood Victims Orville Cruea Sarah Kennedy Duane Randall Rick Urchyk Kids out of school Vance Musgrove
Kyle Nathan & USMC friends Chyana Pope & meeting A father & daughter Mary Vulic Kim Wisecup Adkins family Joe & family Families & alcoholism Family & friends of Maya Angelou Brooke Slaughter Oldham family Amy Hissong James Gedeon Government Verna Baldridge
Sarah DeLong Mirands Hammond Shirley Sollman Duane Randall Alyssa Wisecup Astrologis family Joe Mildred Todd Sherrie and her family Youth Jack Andrick Sharry Justice
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.
together. Small study groups are great for fostering relationships as well as deepening the understanding of our faith. Keep this in mind when new groups form in the fall. Get involved. On the topic of relationships, this long-term one comes to mind. Carl and Ruth Littterst, parents of Tammy Kaiser, recently celebrated 70 years of marriage. Congratulations! Read more on pg. 5!
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 Summer Office Hours: Wednesdays 9:00-1:00 Fridays: 9:00-1:00 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 Dee Elkins (614) 771-1904 Financial Secretary Becky Kent (614) 446-2359
Focusing on the second word, this year we heard and unpacked the message of blessedness. Bishop Greg Palmer delivered an insightful message on our first day on this topic. While many see the bishop as From Pastor Steve Putka an administrative leader in our local churches, his primary role is that of spiritual leader. His message on blessedBlessed ness was spiritually powerful. “We have gotten caught up in the commodity and materials of blessings instead of the spirituality of blessing.” Last month, United Methodists gathered Bishop Palmer spoke. “We need to chase the Blessor, not 2,500 strong for our annual conference, held the blessing.” He reminded us of our blessings simply by at Lakeside on the shores of Lake Erie. We being claimed as children of God. met for worship, discussion, fellowship, learning, and conDo you connect with this wisdom? When you refer to ducting business. We United Methodists are a church that blessings, is it about things in your life, or even believes in group discernment of the body of believyour health? Yes, material needs when met are ers, rather than solely receiving guidance from blessings, and of course our health is a blessing Bishop Greg clergy. Thus, we discern the Spirit and make big as well. But how do these compare with the truth Palmer decisions as a group. that God chose us, loves us, sustains us, died for reminds us, This year we had a big delegation from Amlin to us, invites and equips us to build His kingdom by vote, and some came to observe. All were there to “We need to loving others, and intends for us to be with him worship, learn, and connect. All ordained clergy chase the forever without tears or suffering in heaven? attend, along with one lay member from each Blessor, not I am a blessing guy. I often close my email and church. Additional district and youth delegates parthe blessing.” letters with “Blessings!” This is an invitation for ticipate as well. God to bless the recipient deeply, and also a This year, Amlin had a big crew, including Jim charge to be a blessing to others. But no addiOldham (who represented our church members at the confertional blessing can compare to what we have already ence), district representatives Christian Mateos and Andy been offered, God making us in God’s image, calling us Clingman, as well as youth members Conrad Kent, Alex by name, forgiving and transforming us through Christ, Mateos, and Matthew Wilson. Steve Mortach and his chilinstilling us with God’s Spirit, and inviting us into a life of dren, Tori Mateos, and Jennifer Gedeon also participated, joyful service. along with me in my role as Elder. See you on Sunday! Last year’s Annual Conference began the theme Becoming Pastor Steve the Beloved Community: Taken, Blessed, Broken, and Given.
The Pastor’s Message
We are here to
SERVE Christ calls each of us to be his hands and feet, to step out of our comfort zone in mission to others, and to take his message of God’s love beyond the walls of our church.
You can…
Participate in Vacation Bible School! It is scheduled for July 20-24. Plan to attend and volunteer! Contact Pastor Jennifer for more information!
Donate to or serve at the West Side Free Store. The free store is having its 3rd annual Fashion Show and Silent Auction on August 13 at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 1100 S. Hague Ave., Columbus, 43204. The auction starts at 6pm with the fashion show at 7pm. If you or anyone you know would like to make a donation of new items, gift cards, services, etc. for the silent auction, please contact Barb Rice at rice@westsidefreestore.org. The free store is in need of volunteers on Saturdays, both in their office and shopping area. If able to help, contact Frank or Barb at 614-351-5480 or Barb by email for further information.
To present your mission ideas to the Risk-Taking Mission Team, use the form available on the table outside the chapel or on the mission table in the NLC.
Marybeth Walters, director il.co m AmlinCommunityPreschool@gma 1904 771) (614 AmlinUMC.org
Dearest Amlin Friends, fall! ly! We’re already looking forward to the Our Preschool year wrapped up very nice s as we begin recruiting A Few Openings for the Fall p us in your good thoughts and prayer kee se Plea fall. the for ts spo n ope e please pass We still have som fantastic little preschool for their child, a for ing look are who ents par one new students. If you know any me and I’ll contact them! along our information or share theirs with know they taste with Our Last Month We learned many butterfly facts. Did you ies. erfl butt ut abo ned lear we ool sch ds in ice Our last month of feet!!! We also planted sunflowers see our with ck sna our e tast to ny fun be grow tall and bloom. their feet? We thought it would looking very happy. I'm waiting for it to den gar my in is e Min ly. nice y ver w gre cream cones. They also skipped rocks. I'm Best Morning Ever! We sailed boats (plastic bowls) and we d. Pon lin Am the in ing play ning mor We had a wonderful ember for a long time.! :) thinking that is one morning they will rem r always Thank You! your prayers, your donations, and you for you nk Tha r. yea ful der won a for I want to personally thank you all ful and safe summer. willingness to help us. Have a wonder Sincerely, Your Preschool Gal, Marybeth
Amlin Community Preschool
NOW ENROLLING for fall 2014 classes Contact Director Marybeth Walters to secure your child’s seat in a class today! AmlinCommunityPreschool@gmail.com (614) 771-1904
Amlin will be hosting VBS from July 20-24 this year! Vacation Bible School is an exciting time for our children to learn about God and the funt hat comes from worshipping and learning together. Registration is now open for children ages 4 through 5th grade. Go to Amlin’s Cokesbury site to learn more and reserve your spot! Volunteers are also needed. Please contact Pastor Jennifer at 614.562.2868 or AmlinUMC@aol.org to help in this wonderful children’s ministry!
It was another successful year at the London Cobra Show on June 21st in beautiful London Ohio. More than 230 Cobra Cars were expected at the show. As part of the event, friends of the Kerr family give charity burnout rides, with all proceeds benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Most of the Kerr family was there to help load cars, count rides and take money. The Cook family joined in the fun for another year, too. It was a hugely successful event for all!
Written by Mary Vulic
Continued from pg 2. The Sayres have a new home. Jennifer, Troy, Abby and Carson are all set to enjoy the summer on Vinton Park Place, right next to the Finks. Maybe a street party is in order. Here are two new visitors to Amlin to watch for in the coming weeks. Steve Ruland’s young nephew from Virginia worshiped with us recently. He and his family may be moving to the area. At the early service on the same day a guest mentioned that she was not a
Baptism of Alyssa Wisecup
Baptism of Carter Holstein
first-timer; she had worshiped with us on occasion but retained a service commitment to a church way up near Canton. That long-distance service has become too difficult, and she hopes to find a place with us. Be warm and welcoming to new folks; they too are a treasure. On June 15th when Carter Holstein was welcomed into our congregation, it was his great-grandfather, Orville Cruea, who baptized him. Orville has had that joyful job for each of his 8 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and grandson-in-law. Other family members present to share the joy included great-grandma Millie; grandparents, Bruce and Lynn Kerr; Bruce’s brother, his wife and daughter; Carter’s parents, Jennifer and Jimmy Holstein; and also Uncle Matt and Auntie Em, and, of course, big sister Taylor. Wow! That was 2 pew-ti-fuls. How beautiful!
Vision Team completes survey and compiles “Roadmap to Renewal” On Sunday June 8 Eugene Pauley and Tony Ganim gave an update (9:30 and 11:00 services, respectively) about the 20/20 VISION TEAM’S progress. Many hours have been and will be spent to develop Amlin’s vision and goals. Ultimately these goals will set the direction for our leadership teams and our congregation. In early spring the team: Mary Vulic, Christian Mateos, Eugene Pauley, Keith Justus, Sallie Johnson, Judy Stolar, Pastor Steve, and Jim Waugh (retired pastor and the Guided Process Servant), came together to achieve these goals. (You will note the committee is purposely comprised of long time members, newer members, and male and female representation.) The recent survey completed by you, a “guide book” entitled Roadmap to Renewal, prior experiences of Amlin UMC, and input from all team members comprise the core informational data. Team member input often speaks to your own valuable comments and concerns. Thus far we have surveyed, by knocking on doors, some of our local community to determine their spiritual, personal, and community needs/desires. Team members have attended other churches to see how they are growing and learning what worked well for them as well as what didn’t. Jim Waugh has given us invaluable insight into his personal experiences and also those of other local pastors of United Methodist Churches. We have worked prayerfully and diligently to combine this
information/data to develop Core Values to guide our congregation’s direction over the next several years. As you can imagine, this was no easy task and many hours and emails later, we are pleased to propose these Core Values: CONNECTING GROWING SERVING Many values were considered and discussed at great length. However it was decided that these three values encompass who we are and where God is calling Amlin United Methodist Church. More definitive information will be forthcoming to help us all know and live these values as well as how we ensure we ARE living them. With the Church Conference scheduled for September 7 this year, we are looking forward to your input and comments. Also, if you would like to provide any feedback prior to September 7, please do so by contacting Tony Gamin, our team leader. We’d like to think the surveys hold all important feedback, but just in case…… Our immediate next steps are to develop Amlin’s VISION and the goals to guide us within our VISION going forward. We will provide you timely updates and information as our team continues this process. Please keep us in your prayers.
Service Ministries Schedule
If you would like to provide Hospitality refreshments between the early service and the late service, or if you are interesting in Service Ministries as a Lay Reader, Usher or Greeter please contact Eugene Pauley @ 614-570-8706 or e-mail @ sepauley@aol.com. Thank you!
Sun
Mon
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UMW– 7:00 pm
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10 Team Mtgs.– 7:00 pm Ad.Board– 8:15pm
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20 Christmas in July! VBS 6:30-8:30 pm
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VBS 6:30-8:30 pm
VBS 6:30-8:30 pm
VBS 6:30-8:30 pm
VBS 6:30-8:30 pm
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Patriotic Sunday Worship Services
VBS Celebration Sunday
The newsletter is going green! In our continuing efforts to be good stewards of the earth and of the resources that the congregation of Amlin UMC has entrusted to us, the newsletter team has decided to reevaluate its distribution. In the beginning, God asked us to be good stewards, taking care of the gifts God had created, which we can see in Genesis 2:15. After much prayer and careful consideration, we have decided that we will no longer print and mail issues of Country Talk. If you do not receive the newsletter by email, please call the church office at (614) 771-1904 or email us amlinumc@aol.com. Prayerfully Yours, Sally Pauley, Nancy Chattoraj, Verna Baldridge, Jennifer Sayre, and Jennifer Gedeon.