A newsletter for the Amlin United Methodist Church community
C OUNTRY T ALK AmlinUMC.org
May 2012
The Message Wear red to church on Pentecost, May 27! Pentecost is the day we celebrate the arrival of the Holy Spirit, which marks the birthday of the entire church. Join us for our potluck celebration and birthday party. See you there!
The Panda has left the building, but not our hearts The last PandaMania VBS Revival Night was a dancing & singing success!
In My Own Words
It has been ten months since the joy of PandaMania entered Amlin United Methodist Church last summer. The 2011 Vacation Bible School was a huge success and left children (and adult volunteers) wanting more! It seemed a shame to say goodbye to the PandaMania after only one week. God called us to begin something new: VBS Revival Nights. The first Revival Night was held in October and was an
months! overwhelming success. Each Revival Night As fundraiser, it helped served as a wonderto get be prepared for ful way to the 2012 give our Vacation young parBible School. ents a night But, as a off and bring spiritual and fun-filled Save the Date! our children together for night, it was SKY! VBS a spiritual much more. July 24-28 and fun time Many of the 6:30-8:30 of food and children and Register Online fellowship volunteers returned and at AmlinUMC.org! with their peers. the singing, dancing, Bible advenFor more informatures, crafts and games tion, contact Jennifer Sayre or Elizabeth were back, too! It was Creek at as if we had never left, VBS@amlinumc.org. even after three
Welcome to New Members! Amlin United Methodist Church welcomed new members during the month of April! Angela Adkins Keith Adkins Tyna Agee Lyn Blevins Dolores Blevins Helen Bonham Gail Campbell Renee Clements Todd Hanes William Hanes
Amy Hissong Jason Hissong Sallie Johnson Cindy Moore Jennifer Sayre Mary Spencer Rick Spencer Al Stutz Sue Stutz
Our hearts are heavy as we said goodbye to our Sweet Mary Spencer on April 20. May God keep you close to His heart, as we will forever keep you close to ours. Our love and prayers go to your family in this sad time.
The story of how Amlin UMC has changed one person’s life A few years ago I found myself looking for a place to worship. But, make no mistake about it, I did not find Amlin UMC. God led me here. As I sat down to write this article I had determined that I wanted it to be about my relationship with God and how Amlin has influenced me and
not about the social connections that I have made at Amlin. But, as I prayed about what I should say it has become clear to me that Amlin UMC is the compilation of the people. Those relationships and my journey with God are inseparable. I have formed relationships
with others that share my love for music, serving the less fortunate and other aspects of my Christian journey. I continue to search for the balance between being a servant of our Lord and being purely a servant of the church. My journey with God is a work in progress. I know
that I will have ups and downs but the one thing that Amlin UMC has shown me is that I am not on the journey alone. There is a Hebrew word meaning peace, completeness, and welfare. As it does in English, it can refer to either peace between two entities (especially between man
and God), or to the wellbe- Gary Ellis ing, welfare or safety of an individual or a group of individuals. To all my friends at Amlin ‌Shalom
Kerr family led “Emily’s Garden” at annual CFF Walk In cities all across the United States, tens of thousands of people just like you are showing their commitment to "adding tomorrows every day" to the lives of those with cystic fibrosis through the simple act of walking. Year after year, volunteers make every Great Strides walk site both fun and successful. Their dedication has helped Great Strides become
one of the country's most effective and efficient fund-raising efforts. In 2010 nearly $35.5 million was raised to support the vital research and care programs of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). At Amlin United Methodist Church, we walk in honor and support of our own Emily Kerr. You may contribute to this worthwhile cause by writing a check to Amlin United Methodist Church. Write on the
memo line: “CFF/ Emily’s Garden.”
To find out more information, visit
CFF.org or contact Bruce or Lynn Kerr.
PRAYER CORNER Please keep the following persons and situations in your prayers. If you have a prayer request, you are invited to share it during worship, write it in the Friendship Pad, or contact Pastor Steve or the church office. We will list prayer requests in the bulletin and newsletter, unless you prefer not to have them printed. Names will remain on the list for one month, unless otherwise directed. Becky Ansley Janice Bailey Helen Bayles Sonny Bayles Scott Blair & Family Travis Bowling Barb Bradley Jacob Ciampa The Creek Family Sandra Dickinson Pam Ellis The Espinosa Family Family of Irene Foulk Gwen Fuller Stephen Gussler
Trent Hammer Brittany Heath Joe Hissong The Hoffman Family Mark Howell Josh Huffman Jill Johnson Bernie Keller Dick Keller Eric Keller Linda Keller Richie Keller Emily Kerr Pearl Kirby Terry & Betty Litterist
Hayley Marfurt Chelsea Matz Sue McCary Cristine Negomodzianova Lynn Nicoles Peggy James Palsgroves Emily Rader Zach Ruppel Troy & Jennifer Sayre Teresa Schutt Doreen Scurlock Family of Maurine Shaver Lewis & Marjorie Shultz
The Slaughter Family Christopher Spencer Courtney Spencer Family of Mary Spencer The Spiert Family Rylee Stillion Mary Kay Withrow John Woerner Logan Yoder Bobi & John Zeek Janet, Lisa, Robert, Billy, John, Jim
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, in the “Newsletter” folder. If you need access to the DropBox account, please contact the office at AmlinUMC@aol.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 2 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.
Those searching for jobs The people, ministries, finances & growth of our church Our world, our leaders, and our troops
Contact Information: Phone: 614-771-1904 Email: AmlinUMC@aol.com Website: www.amlinumc.org Pastor Steve Putka Email: sputka@me.com Church Office: Interim Hours by Appointment with Pastor Steve Putka Treasurer: Pam Ellis By appointment, call 761-1371 Financial Secretary: Becky Kent By appointment, call 446-2359
The Pastor’s Message
* Success with our first operational stewardship campaign * Leadership turnover in key positions, and new administrative structures From Pastor Steve Putka * Significant expense reduction leading to being able to pay bills on time “Those Amazing Amlinites” * Over twenty new members in the past several months Some of these changes have been joyful, while some ave you ever read those Bible pashave been very painful and difficult. But we have continued to step out on faith in very big ways lately, steps that I sages that include some of those names deeply believe God is leading us to take. These changes that are nearly impossible to pronounce? have been important, some by choice and some by necesNames like Jebusites, Hittites, Perrizites, and Canaanites. sity. But make no mistake: God’s Spirit is moving! We are You get the picture. boldly reaching out and remaining faithful to the call of Each of these groups had a story. These small nations all Christ! had characteristics and their own organizational As we change, however, it becomes even DNA that led them to success or failure. What can we do more critical to determine: What are the marks of How would you describe those amazing Amlinthat will stretch healthy Christian community? Not what’s comites? You know, us! Like all those other groups, fortable, but what is Christlike and faithful? As us to be faithful, we have our own unique chemistry, strengths, we continue to faithfully make new disciples and but still permit and identity. How would you describe us? live into our church’s vision, we will grow. But Many months ago, I shared my first impresus to keep what how do we keep what we love while still embracsions with you. But there was one aspect that I makes us the ing the future that God calls us to? What can we overlooked. We are tenacious and resilient! And people we are? do that will stretch us to be faithful, but still perthese qualities are essential in a faithful church! mit us to keep what makes us the people we In less than one year, let’s reflect on the major are? changes we have experienced together as a church family: These are the critical questions that shape who we are as * A new pastor Amlinites. We are the people of God following our call. And I * New music leadership see a community of amazing, tenacious, resilient, passion* The death of two beloved friends and staff members, ate followers of Jesus! Irene and Mary
H
W! Support UM Cut this out on and post it ! your fridge
This year the UMW will continue collecting donations for the Westside Free Store with a monthly theme. The overall focus is collecting the small, mostly consumable items that are seldom covered by usual donations. We will take the items to the Westside Free Store at the end of each month. We appreciate everything you are able to do to help the growing number of individuals needing assistance in these economic rough times. As you do your own shopping please keep in mind the themes for each month and consider contributing to the program. May: hand/bath soap June: deodorant July: shaving supplies August: new underwear September: new socks October: hats, scarves, gloves November: first aid (no medicines) December: shampoo For more information, please contact Mary Vulic & Jane Fink, Mission Projects Coordinators
UMW supports variety of missions From cookies to combs and clippers, there are many ways to support the United Methodist Women’s mission projects. Health Kits The UMW will be helping with a church-wide project sponsored by the West Ohio Conference. The WOC sponsors a special project each year. This year’s project is making health kits. These kits will contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, nail clippers, plastic bandages, a hand towel and wash cloth. Each kit requires $2.00 for postage. These will be distributed to areas in the WOC and some will be given to UMCOR for disaster relief. The kits will be presented to the WOC in June. Watch for more information on how you can help with this worthwhile project. Fair Trade Coffee/Tea A reminder that our group continues to have coffee and tea for sell through the Fair Trade Coffee Project. These are available in the NLC each Sunday.
West Side Free Store Our contributions to the West Side Free Store recently consisted of 6 sun screen lotions, 3 sets of baby silverware, 2 personal care items, and 20 bags of clothes and household linens. Thank you for your donations. New plastic bins are now in the New Life Center and the Fellowship Hall for collections. Cookies for Piano Recital We will be providing cookies for Mary Richardson's piano recital on May 4. If you would like to contribute 1 or 2 dozen homemade cookies please contact Nancy Chattoraj or the church office. Monthly Meeting Our next meeting will by May 10 at 7:00 pm. in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited to attend monthly or occasionally, when schedules permit. All are welcome! For more information, please contact Nancy Chattoraj
Service Ministry Schedule May Lay Reader
Acolyte
Worship Service
Nursery Attendants
Children’s Sunday School Hospitality Coffee & Juice, Light Refreshments
June Lay Reader
Acolyte
May 13 Mother’s Day
May 20
May 27
9:30
Sonny Bayles
Amy Scarfpin
Barb Frazer
Eugene Pauley
11:00
Eric Grant
Pam Ellis
Becki Spiert
Keith Justus
9:30
Rylan Kent
Conrad Kent
Ushers
Ushers
11:00
Emily Buckley
Gabrielle Lafon
Libby Thompson
Madison Justus
9:30
Jen & Jason Bevington
Margy Johnson Cheryl Frazier
Sherry Erwin Aaron Stratton
Eugene & Sally Pauley
11:00
Bob Meyer Roger Shaw Rick & Mary Spencer
Bruce & Lynn Kerr
Rob Fink Robbie Fink
Kim & Tim Wisecup
9:30
Helen Bayles
Verna Baldridge
Cindy Moore
Sally Pauley
11:00
Sam Putka Diana Walker
Mychal Ellis Amy Pompeii
Christian Mateos Alex Mateos
Mari Justus Jackie Cook
9:30
Jenna Walker Volunteer
Jenna Walker Volunteer
Jenna Walker Volunteer
Jenna Walker Volunteer
Jenna Walker Laura Ganim
Jenna Walker Diana Walker
Jenna Walker Robin Thompson
Jenna Walker Brooke Slaughter
9:30
Becky Kent Heather Walker
Mary Vulic Vickie Ferguson
Jane Fink Grace Putka
Curtis & Robin Thompson
11:00
Jennifer Sayre Sheila Buckley
Jennifer Holstein Emily Kerr
Hoffman Family
Pam Ellis Mychal Ellis
10:30 11:00 NLC
Becki & Mike Spiert
Sue & Dave Adair
Jennifer Sayre
Sarah & John Hoffman
Ushers
Greeters
May 06 Communion
11:00
Worship Service
June 3 Communion
June 10
June 17 Father’s Day
June 24
9:30
Lyn Blevins
Mike McFadin
Sonny Bayles
Amy Scarfpiin
11:00
Heather Stovall
Rob Fink
Josh Slaughter
Curtis Thompson
9:30
Arlena Allen
McKenna Walker
Conrad Kent
Rylan Kent
11:00
Madison Justus
Katie Wisecup
Victoria Mateos
Emily Kerr
9:30
Jason & Jennifer Bevington
Eugene & Sally Pauley
Sherry Erwin Aaron Stratton
Terry & Angie Bigham
11:00
Roger & Pam Shaw
Walter & Bev Hart
Pam & Mychal Ellis
Bruce & Lynn Kerr
9:30
Delores Blevins
Kathy McFadin
Helen Bayles
Nancy Chattoraj
11:00
Sue & Dave Adair
Tim & Kim Wisecup
Orville & Millie Cruea
Tyna Agee Sallie Johnson
9:30
Jenna Walker Volunteer
Jenna Walker Volunteer
Jenna Walker Volunteer
Jenna Walker Volunteer
Jenna Walker Stacy Rumpf
Jenna Walker Jennifer Holstein
Jenna Walker Brooke Slaughter
9:30
Jackie Cook Cathi Allen
Becky Kent Heather Walker
Mary Vulic Vicky Ferguson
Jane Fink Sam Putka
11:00
Keith & Mari Justus
Amy Pompeii Sarah Grant
Elizabeth Creek Sam Putka
Jennifer Sayre Sheila Buckley
10:30 11:00 NLC
Jane & Rob Fink
Jackie & Bob Cook
Josh & Brooke Slaughter
Sherry Erwin & Becky Kent
Ushers
Greeters
Nursery Attendants
Children’s Sunday School Hospitality Coffee & Juice, Light Refreshments
11:00
Jenna Walker Sarah Grant
Run, walk or cheer! Getting involved is motivating and easy We are now officially halfway done with our Run for God program and still going strong! Participants are running for longer stretches each week, and we have grown together as a group. We have moved Monday evening
meetings down to Homestead so that we can have a quick Bible study and then hit the trail together. Please feel free to join us Monday evenings at 7:00 or Saturday mornings at 10:00 by the blue caboose. We have walkers
Take a break from cooking and raise funds for new refrigerator We would like to thank all of you who participated in the Wendy’s fund raiser. This was a very successful event. We raised a little over $200. This money will go a long way toward buying a new refrigerator for the Chapel. Wendy’s has agreed to allow us another fund raiser. Watch your bulletin for a date in June. We still have Donato’s coupon books for sale. If you have not
turned in your money for the books, please do so as soon as possible. A new contest will begin May 1. The money raised will be donated to the refrigerator fund. The April winner of the Giant Eagle gift card will be announced in the June newsletter. For more information, please contact Special Events Team members Margy Johnson & Sally Pauley.
as well as runners, so there is sure to be someone for you to join. Our group will be running the “Be a Hero” 5k on Thursday, June 14 at 7:00 p.m. It is at the
Franklin County Fairgrounds. Everyone in the church is invited to participate. Go to http:// www.ultrafit-usa.com/ Beahero5K.html for more info or to go
ahead and sign up! The cost is $25 per person. We would also love to have a cheering section waiting for us at the finish line. The more the merrier! For more information, contact Becky Kent at Becky.Kent@me.com
Remember: take attendance at church meetings, events We are recording attendance at all Amlin UMC meetings/events for reporting to the UMC. We will be using attendance sheets at all church functions. If you are in charge of the meeting or, even just attending, please be sure these sheets are completed. The sheets will be available on the Welcome Desk in the New Life Center and on the table in Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your cooperation!
“Upper Room” daily devotional books for May/June are available on the foyer table in the Chapel and on the welcome desk in the New Life Center. Large print copies are also available. For those of you who like to do
your reading on a computer, you can access the Upper Room Daily Devotional online very easily. Simply go to www.UpperRoom.org and look for “Today’s Devotional: the day’s topic”. It is the same as what appears in the magazine.
Throughout March, the preschool children learned about whales, marigolds, birds, and the good news that Christ Has Risen.
Children learn about Spring’s rebirth in nature and in life Spring is upon us! We have caterpillars in our room that will soon be turning into Painted Lady Butterflies. We are learning the life cycle of a butterfly and many butterfly facts. We are also learning all about whales. We have measured a beluga whale and a blue whale so far. A beluga whale would fit nicely in God's House but a blue whale grows to be 100 feet long and it would not fit so nicely....it needed about 25 more feet to fit. We all loved learning this fact and how wonderful God is to make such an amazing and huge animal. We also learned the story of Jonah and the whale and decided we should all be obedient to avoid being swallowed by a whale.
Preschool opens Mon/Wed class for younger children Are you looking for a small preschool for your 2 ½ - 3 years old? Amlin Community Preschool just opened a new session on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9:30 – 11:30 just for 2 ½ - 3 year olds. With no more than 6 students in the class, it’s perfect for
first time preschools! Spots will fill up fast! So, don’t wait to sign up! The preschool also has classes in the morning and afternoon classes on Tuesday and Thursdays for 2 ½ - 5 year old. Visit AmlinCommunityPreschool.com for more information.
Thank you to Francesca Lehman, ACP Assistant! We wish you the best of luck in Michigan! Our prayers will follow you! Welcome to Lisa Burns, who will be joining ACP this fall! We are excited to have you join our Amlin family!
We have marigold seeds trying to sprout in our room. We had wonderful success with grass for Easter so we thought we would try our green thumbs with flowers. Stop in to see our flowers grow. We wrapped up our units on space and Easter. Pastor Steve stopped in to pray with us and share the good news that Christ Has Risen. We also had our friend Jen stop in from the Metro Parks. We learned about Ohio birds, we learned what they like to eat and how they build their nests. We have some bird nest material hanging from our little tree. We hope to help some of our bird friends make a cozy nest. Marybeth Walters & Francesca Lehman “The Preschool Gals”
Would you be willing to help with a Service Ministry on Sunday mornings? We are looking for new people willing to commit to serving as Lay Reader, Usher, Greeter, or Nursery Volunteer. Our hope is to get enough people not already serving so the rotation will be one time every two or three months. This is a very easy but very important way to help! Please contact Eugene Pauley at sepauley@aol.com or 614-570-8706 and he will get you signed up! Thank you for your consideration!
Would you be willing to help clean God’s house? Our church is seeking God’s servants willing to rotate weekly cleaning/ custodial duties in the NLC and Chapel/fellowship hall. You will share a turn no more often than once a month. This will be light to moderate cleaning, restocking of bathroom supplies, and other miscellaneous duties that can be performed at your convenience. Checklist provided. For interest in helping with the NLC please contact Bev Hart at bhart@worly.com or 614-519-3971, and interest in helping with the Chapel/Fellowship Hall please contact Jason Bevington at buckeyedeere@sbcglobal.net or 614-638-6556. Thank you for your consideration!
NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE AMLIN UMC AMLIN OH 43002 PERMIT NO. 2 ALL youth ages 7-12 grades are welcome! Our meetings will be after church from 12-2 pm on: May 20, June 24, July 22 The Cystic Fibrosis Walk is on Sunday May 6. We invite all youth and other members of the church to come walk with us at Alum Creek Park at 2pm. During the Church's "Spring CleanUp" on May 19, any youth who would like to help clean out our space behind the dividers would be greatly appreciated. We will be working from approximately 9am-12pm. We will also be going on a trip to Cedar Point on July 18. The deadline to signup is May 20. Any youth and their friends ages 7-12 grade are welcome to join us! On August 18, we will be having our Youth Group Kick-Off Party at Mychal Ellis's house from 12-4 pm. For this event, we invite all incoming 7th graders to join us to help start planning a new year of youth group and get to know one another. For more information, please contact Emily Kerr at emonkee.usa@gmail.com.
Amlin United Methodist Church 5441 Cosgray Rd. Dublin, OH 43016
Youth group makes big plans for fun, fellowship
Sun
Mon
MAY 2012 6
7
2:00 CF Walk at Alum Creek Park
7:00-8:00 Run for God
13
14
12:00-2:00 Youth Group
7:00-8:00 Run for God
20
21
Tue
1
8
Wed
2
9
28
12:00-1:30 Potluck Lunch 12:00-2:00 Youth Group
7:00-8:00 Run for God
3
10
Fri
15
16
17
Sat
4
5
7:30 –9:00 Piano Recital
10:00 - Run for God @ Homestead Park
11
12
7:00-8:30 UMW Meeting
9:00-10:30 UMM Meeting 10:00 - Run for God @ Homestead Park
18
19 9:00-12:00 - All Church Work Day 10:00 - Run for God @ Homestead Park
22
23
7:00-8:00 Run for God
27
Thu
24 2:00-8:00 Red Cross Blood Drive
29
30
31
25
26 9:00-10:30 UMM Meeting 10:00 - Run for God @ Homestead Park