The United Church of Christ, Congregational (Medina, OH) » Messenger

May 20, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:40:36 +0000

Worship Highlights: 8:15 am & 10:30 am

John 6:41-51

“The Bread of Life”

Rev.Neal Sadler

9:00 am – Barb Hubal

“WYGD Nightly News”

Altar Flowers: The flowers on the altar are given by Don & Marilyn Canfield in honor of their 8 grandchildren.

May 20, 2012 thru May 27, 2012

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sun CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND

MUSIC APPRECIATION

8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ County Home

2:00 pm JMM @ Medina Meadows

3:00 pm New Member Class

3:30 pm Parent Meeting – HighSchool Mission Trip

5:00 pm Youth Group Parties @JUMP

Mon 1:00 pm Breadmakers

5:30pm Bible School Work Day

Tues 7:00 pm Gathering Band

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

5:00 pm Bible School Work Day

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

7:00 pm Congregational Council

Fri

Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

9:00 am Gathering Band

Sun PENTECOST SUNDAY

8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ Medina Meadows

Sing-a-Long

4:00 pm High School Youth Group

7:00 pm JMM WRMC

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

THE CHURCH OFFICE

WILL BE CLOSED ON

MONDAY, MAY 28

IN OBSERVANCE OF

MEMORIAL DAY

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL WORK DAYS

I am sure you have heard the saying, “Many hands make light work.” When it comes to painting doing the scenery for VBS it is so true. On Monday, May 21 from 5:30-8:00 and Wednesday, May 23 from 5:00-8:00. Stacie will be at the church working on the scenery. If you like to trace and/or paint and would be willing to come help for a couple of hours it would be greatly appreciated. There will be more work dates set a later time. Keep looking in the messenger for the latest updates.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SONRISE NATIONAL PARK

JUNE 11-15

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Discover the best destination of the summer – SonRise National Park! Kids will enjoy the thrills of daily treks where they can face extreme challenges and learn to depend on the promises of Jesus. They will discover the true measure described in Philippians 4:19, “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. We will hear great Bible stories, eat yummy snacks, play fun games, sing cool songs and make awesome crafts. Registration begins today.

There are registration forms available outside of fellowship hall. Or you can register on line by going to the church website: www.uccmedina.org Questions? Please contact Stacie Yates.

ICE CREAM & CONCERTS!!!

It’s time again for the Annual Ice Cream Social. Every year our church sponsors one night for the Ice Cream Social on the Square. The date we have this year is Friday, June 22. Please see the insert for information and updates on how you can help, contribute or just come and enjoy!

ALL YOUTH GROUP FAMILIES!

Please plan to join us for our end-of-the-year All Youth Group Party today.

On Sunday, May 20, we will meet at the pavilion in Memorial (JUMP) Park from 5:00-7:00 pm for a potluck-style BBQ. All youth and families are encouraged to participate in this time of fellowship and celebration.

This event offers a special opportunity for second grade youth and families to get to know the Elementary Youth Group.

Questions? See Pastor Mariah.

GRADUATES OF ALL AGES!

Young or Old…if you have someone graduating from high school, college or tech school this year, please call the Church Office at 330-725-4559 no later than May 29 and give us the detailed information. We will be honoring graduates on Sunday, June 3.

SUMMER MUSICIANS WANTED

Do you have a musical talent?

Can you sing, play an instrument, or perform liturgical dance?

If the answer is yes, would you be willing to help glorify God during our 10:30 worship service by putting these talents to use during the summer?

If you are comfortable performing a solo, great! If you would prefer to do a group number, that would also be great!

I’m hoping to fill up all of the Sunday morning services from June 3 through August 26. Cathy and I are willing to work with you in any way we can. If you want to play the piano or organ, I know Cathy will gladly let you take over during your performance.

There will be a sign-up sheet in the East Room. If you have any questions please call or email Jim Kiser at 330-241-5531 / jhkiser@zoominternet.net. I encourage you to take this opportunity to enrich our church services during the summer.

LOCAL MISSION PROJECT

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Your Mission Team needs volunteers, at least 18 years old, interested in working on local mission projects here in Medina. If you would be interested in volunteering your time to do small home improvement type work for families in need in this area, please sign up outside Fellowship Hall or in the East Room.

There will be a planning meeting to explain the process after the volunteer list is compiled.

If you have questions, please talk to Lynn Leckie or any Mission Team member.

This is your opportunity to serve without having to travel far.

WANT TO HEAR MORE . . .

about our February Trip to Costa Rica?

Interested in a Mission Trip to Costa Rica in the Future?

Come to a cookout at 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 2, at the home of the Sadlers, 4878 Summerwind Drive, to learn more!

Participants from this year’s trip and previous years’ trips will be sharing stories and photos. Learn about the work and mission. We will begin talking about next year’s trip.

Please email Pastor Neal at nealsadler@yahoo.com or call him at 330-725-4559(office) or 330-952-0912 (home) to let him know you are interested. Meats and drinks are provided. Please bring a dish to share.

Baccalaureate 2012

You are cordially invited to the Medina Senior High School Baccalaureate Service. The service will be held on

Thursday, May 31^st – 7 p.m.

Cornerstone Chapel

3939 Granger Rd, Medina, OH

Everyone is welcome and no tickets are necessary.

MEDINA UCC TO MARCH IN FOURTH OF JULY PARADE

Shopping Cart Brigade to

Collect for Food Pantries

Medina UCC is assembling a shopping cart drill team to march in the Medina July 4^th Parade. The marchers will collect non-perishable food items to benefit the local food pantries. It is a great way to serve our community and country on this patriotic day. We need lots of volunteers to make this happen: 20-25 marchers during the parade to push shopping carts and carry banners; persons to help with publicity by putting flyers up around town; someone with a truck to transport shopping carts from Buehlers; someone to buy decorations to deck out the shopping carts in red, white and blue. Want to help? Call the church office or sign up on the Fourth of July Parade sheet.

STRENGTHEN

THE CHURCH OFFERING

The special offering for Strengthen the Church will be held on May 27^th. This is a special mission offering of UCC that engages all members in faithfully building the body of Christ by funding the Stillspeaking Ministry, new and renewing churches, youth and young adult ministries and lay and pastoral leadership formation – especially among women and people of color.

50% of your gifts is retained by our Conference to use within our Conference to Spread the Love. The Ohio Conference has called Jim Oates as Coach for Church Development and Congregational Renewal to work directly with congregations, identify and train more coaches, and support leaders.

Please help us “Spread the Love” of the Lord by giving generously!

GOOD LUCK!

Ohio Conference minister to compete in aquatics disability meet in tune-up for Paralympics Trials

In preparation for the Paralympics Trials, the Rev. Bob Molsberry, Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ’s Ohio Conference, will compete May 19-20 in Cincinnati at the Greater Toledo Aquatic Club’s Disability Open.

The event, expected to draw top disabled athletes from across the country, is the final meet recognized by the International Paralympics Committee before the Paralympics Trials, to be held in Bismarck, N.D., in June. Based on their Trials times, swimmers will be selected for the U.S. team competing in the London Paralympics Games later this year.

While the times Molsberry posts in Cincinnati will determine his seeding at the Paralympics Trials, he already has qualified for the Trials.

If selected for the U.S. team, Molsberry, who turns 58 this summer, will be the oldest American ever to compete in the Paralympics, according to his own research. “The oldest American I can find mentioned was 56,” he said.

In the Cincinnati meet, Molsberry plans to swim the 200-meter breaststroke, the 50-meter breaststroke and the 100-meter breaststroke. The meet will be held at the University of Cincinnati Keating Aquatic Center. Admission is free.

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP

The Women’s Book Group will meet 7 pm on Tuesday, June 12, to discuss Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. All are welcome. Questions? Call Stephanie Manhoff at 723-1883.

Stewart Jones Returning to Washington for Can Do. . .TBI

Stewart returns to D.C. again this year to advocate for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Stewart, a TBI survivor, will visit Congressional offices, the Veterans Affairs Office, and other agencies in the D.C. area, June 10-16, to share his story and to lobby for compassionate, comprehensive care for veterans and other survivors of TBI.

If you would like to support Stewart in this ministry of Medina UCC, please make checks payable to “Medina UCC” and in the memo put ‘Can Do…TBI.’

MEMORIAL DAY PANCAKE BREAKFAST ON THE SQUARE!

TO BENEFIT MEDINA BOY SCOUT TROOP 501

A delicious pancake breakfast with sausage served by the Boy Scouts of Medina Troop 501. Come out before the Memorial Day parade and enjoy breakfast with friends and family.

WHEN: MONDAY, MAY 28, 2012

TIME: 7:30AM – 10:00AM

WHERE: UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST,

CONGREGATIONAL

217 E. LIBERTY ST.

TICKETS: $5.00 PER PERSON

Veterans and children under 4 eat for free. Make checks payable to Troop 501

Tickets can be purchased from scout families,

at the door that morning, or by contacting Lisa Burke 330-722-0576 or lisa.jane.burke@gmail.com

NEW OFFICE VOLUNTEER

If you happen to see a new friendly face in the church office, she is Nancy Bater-Isenbarger. Nancy has decided to help us out in the office a couple days a week. Thank you Nancy, and welcome!

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND MUSIC MEDITATION

“Teachers are called to serve the church in a variety of roles – ordained and lay, volunteer and paid. The Medina United Church of Christ, Congregational recognizes and affirms with deep appreciation the outstanding, faithful, and dedicated commitment to the teaching task.

“Today we honor all those dedicated teachers in the UCC. Through the ministry of teaching we learn about God, the creation of humankind, God’s trust in us to be God’s people, and God’s expectation that we will be responsible stewards of creation. We also learn, from the Holy Spirit and from our spiritual ancestors, that we have room to grow in faith. Priests, prophets, and wise counselors teach us through the Hebrew scriptures. Evangelists, apostles, and letter-writers in the Christian scriptures teach us of God’s love and forgiveness.

“Most of all, we learn from Jesus, the teacher. We thank you now and offer you praise for the educational ministry of our church. Help us to affirm and support them in the ministry of teaching.” (Paraphrased and adapted from the 1999 Excellence in Teaching Awards. Originally from the Committee on Certification for Church Educators in the United Church of Christ.)

“There is an inner connection between music and the spirit. When language aspires to the transcendent and the soul longs to break free of the gravitational pull of the earth, it modulates into song. Music, said Arnold Bennett is ‘a language which the soul alone understands but which the soul can never translate.’ It is, . . .‘the poetry of the air.’ Tolstoy called it ‘the shorthand of emotion.’ Goethe said, ‘Religious worship cannot do without music. It is one of the foremost means to work upon man with an effect of marvel.’ Words are the language of the mind. Music is the language of the soul.”

(excerpt from Judaism: Music, Language of the Soul by Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks on http://www.israelnationalnews.com)

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org

May 13, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:51:59 +0000

Worship Highlights: 8:15 am & 10:30 am

John 15:1-8 & 1 John 4:7-21

“I am the Vine”

Rev. Neal Sadler

9:00 am – Vicki Marty

“The Donna/Julia/Carol/Rosanne Show”

Altar Flowers: The flowers on the altar are given by Jill & Jim Graber in honor of their wedding yesterday, May 12^th.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

May 13, 2012

thru May 20, 2012

Sun MOTHER’S DAY

AMANDA FUND

8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am JMM @ The Inn

10:30 am Traditional Worship

Mon GIFT CARD ORDERS DUE

Tues 6:45 pm Alive Now Book Study

7:00 pm Gathering Band

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

6:30 pm Bell Choir

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

12:00 pm Esther Circle Spring Luncheon

6:45 pm 50’s Couples Bible Study

7:00 pm Discipleship & Education Team

7:00 pm Reconciliation Team

Fri

Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Band

9:00 am Women’s Ministry Gathering

11:00 am Gathering Leadership Team

Sun CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND

MUSIC APPRECIATION

8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ County Home

2:00 pm JMM @ Medina Meadows

3:00 pm New Member Class

3:30 pm Parent Meeting – High

School Mission Trip

5:00 pm Youth Group Parties @

JUMP Park

AMANDA FUND OFFERING

The Mother’s Day offering today will once again be collected for the Amanda Fund. This fund gives financial assistance to families of Medina County whose children (birth to 18 years) have a chronic or life threatening illness. Medical bills often cause extreme financial pressure on families already struggling with the heart break of an ill child. The Amanda Fund can help ease some of the financial burden.

Families in need may apply for grants from the Mission Leadership Team. Please give generously to help replenish dispersed funds.

ESTHER CIRCLE

Esther Circle will meet at 12:00 Noon on May 17^th for a pot-luck luncheon. For a little fun, please bring a baby picture, or a picture as a young child of yourself. We will display these and try to guess who they are. All women are welcome, please come and enjoy fellowship.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SONRISE NATIONAL PARK

JUNE 11-15

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Please contact Stacie Yates.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

I have the kit and have been busy looking at things and planning the week. The theme this year is Son Rise National Park. If you are interested in helping with VBS, please see Stacie Yates. There are also volunteer forms available on the website: www.uccmedina.org

There are so many ways in which you can help.

LL YOUTH GROUP FAMILIES!

Please plan to join us for our end-of-the-year All Youth Group Party.

This event offers a special opportunity for second grade youth and families to get to know the Elementary Youth Group.

Mark your calendars now, and watch for a letter in the mail with information on what to bring. Questions? See Pastor Mariah.

GIFT CARD ORDERS

It’s time for Graduations,

Baby Showers and Weddings! Please consider supporting the youth and purchase gift cards. Many vendors and denominations are available. Please see the Yellow Retailer List on the table near Fellowship Hall or visit www.glscrip.com and click on the Retailer List on the left side to view or print your own list. Complete a Green Order Form, also available on the table near fellowship hall and return to Kelly or Stacie with payment.

The next order date is May 14^th by 10 am.

Contact Kelly if you have any questions.

AN EVENING OF SPAGHETTI PIE AND SONG

On Sunday April 29^th, our church family enjoyed a meal of homemade spaghetti pie provided by members of the former gourmet club and our middle school youth group families. Thank you to everyone who made this event a magnificent success! To all who donated spaghetti pies, desserts, and floral centerpieces, thank you! To the youth and parents who set up and cleaned up, to our talented musicians and production crew, to the Mission Leadership Team, and to our youth leaders Beth and Kevin, thank you! This dinner raised over $500 for the middle school mission trip to Hiram Farm. We thank you for your generosity in giving. We thank you for supporting our youth and sharing a meal with our sisters and brothers in Christ.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES

Would you like to become a member of our church family? Join us for our new member classes that began Sun., May 6. The second class will be held on May 20, from 3:00 – 5:00pm in the East Room. New members will join the church on Sunday, June 3. Childcare is provided for each class if needed. Please call the Church Office at 330-725-4559 if you are interested and missed the first class.

CIRCLE OF CARING MEMBERS

If you were unable to come to our meeting on April 25, please pick up an updated Circle of Caring list and handouts from our hospice speakers which are available on the table in the East Room.

FRIENDLY VISITORS NEEDED

Spread some cheer to our older members and friends of the Medina UCC by making a visit and delivering a spring shelf sitter made by the craft group.

Each craft has the name, address and phone number of the person to visit on the back. Please call the person to make visiting arrangements. Shelf sitters are displayed in the East Room. If you have any questions, call Syd Benson.

LOCAL MISSION PROJECT

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There will be a planning meeting to explain the process after the volunteer list is compiled.

If you have questions, please talk to Lynn Leckie or any Mission Team member.

This is your opportunity to serve without having to travel far.

ICE CREAM & CONCERTS!!!

It’s time again for the Annual Ice Cream Social. Every year our church sponsors one night for the Ice Cream Social on the Square. The date we have this year is Friday, June 22^nd. Mark you calendars now!

Please watch future bulletins for information and updates on how you can help, contribute or just come and enjoy!

WANT TO HEAR MORE . . .

about our February Trip to Costa Rica?

Interested in a Mission Trip to Costa Rica in the Future?

Come to a cookout at 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 2nd, at the home of the Sadlers, 4878 Summerwind Drive, to learn more!

Participants from this year’s trip and previous years’ trips will be sharing stories and photos. Learn about the work and mission. We will begin talking about next year’s trip.

Stewart Jones Returning to Washington for Can Do. . .TBI

Stewart returns to D.C. again this year to advocate for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

If you would like to support Stewart in this ministry of Medina UCC, please make checks payable to “Medina UCC” and in the memo put ‘Can Do…TBI.’

HELP NEEDED!

The Evangelism team is seeking helping hands for May 28 from 9am until 11:30 am. We are setting up a table during the Memorial Day parade and passing out free lemonade and popcorn. if you are interested in helping please contact Don Canfield, Pastor Neal, or call the church office. There is also a sign up sheet in the East Room.

A GIFT FOR MOM…. ( from: www.newsletternewsletter.com )

The three young children told their mother that she wasn’t to lift a finger on Mother’s Day. They were going to do all the cooking. So, they got out three pots, two frying pans, six measuring spoons, three mixing bowls, a double boiler, a chopping board and eight serving dishes. Mom said it was the best Jell-O she had ever tasted!

Happy Mother’s Day!

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org

May 6, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Thu, 03 May 2012 16:42:44 +0000

We are called to live our Christian faith daily, loving God, growing spiritually and serving others. Matthew 22:36-39

May 6, 2012 thru May 13, 2012

Worship Highlights:

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY

1 Samuel 3: 1-10 & Luke 22: 14-20

Altar Flowers: The flowers on the altar are given by the members of United Church of Christ, Congregational in honor of the

2012 Confirmands.

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Ghandi

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sun CONFIRMATION SUNDAY

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

10:00 am BLENDED WORSHIP

SERVICE

2:00 pm JMM @ MMR Village

3:00 pm New Members Class

5:00 pm Youth Group

Mon 6:45 pm 50’s Couples Bible Study

Tues 8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

@ Marie’s Cafe

9:00 am Women’s Breakfast Group

@ Eat-n-Park

7:00 pm Book Club

7:00 pm Gathering Band

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

6:30 pm Bell Choir

7:00 pm Caring Team

7:00 pm Finance Team

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

Fri ELEMENTARY YOUTH GROUP LOCK-IN Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

9:00 am Gathering Band

4:00 pm Zion UCC – Serve-a-meal

Sun MOTHER’S DAY

AMANDA FUND

8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am JMM @ The Inn

10:30 am Traditional Worship

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

COMMUNION

The bread being served during Communion today was baked by the loving hands of our Breadmakers’ Ministry.

“And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.” Corinthians 10:17

FOOD GATHERING

There is a constant need for canned goods, non-perishable foods and paper products.

Please remember to bring items to the church as often as possible and place them in the wooden boxes just inside the north doors. Thanks for your help.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SONRISE NATIONAL PARK

JUNE 11-15

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

Questions? Please contact Stacie Yates.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JUNE 11-15 9:00 AM-12:00 PM

I can’t believe that it is time to start thinking about Vacation Bible School already!

I have the kit and have been busy looking at things and planning the week. The theme this year is Son Rise National Park. If you are interested in helping with VBS, please see Stacie Yates. There are so many ways in which you can help. Keep checking the messenger for the latest information.

SAVE THE DATE!

Those who have been members of our church for 50 years or more, please save Saturday, September 29, from 11:30 am – 2:00 pm for a special celebration luncheon. Invitations will be mailed out in August.

Those who would like to help us with this special occasion please put this date on your calendar and contact the office or Deb Waldron (330-416-1820) or Barb Rosen (330-725-0902).

ELEMENTARY YOUTH GROUP

LOCK-IN MAY 11-12

All Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders are encouraged to participate in our spring Elementary Youth Group Lock-In. This event will feature movies, art projects, and games –including Sardines.

Come join us for a night of Christian friendship and fun!

The Lock-In will begin at 8:00 pm on Friday, May 11, and it will conclude at 9:00 am on Saturday, May 12. Please bring some chocolate chip cookies (for ice cream sandwiches), either a snack or drink to share, sleeping bag / pillow, pajamas, toiletries, and clothes for Saturday. Also, bring your creativity and your sparkling energy!

Friends are welcome!

Questions? Please contact Maureen Walker or Kelly DeSario.

CALLING ALL YOUTH GROUP FAMILIES!

Please plan to join us for our end-of-the-year All Youth Group Party.

This event offers a special opportunity for second grade youth and families to get to know the Elementary Youth Group.

Mark your calendars now, and watch for a letter in the mail with information on what to bring. Questions?

THERE WILL BE NO

F.I.S.H. TODAY

3RD Graders and younger are invited downstairs for a movie.

***********************

NEW MEMBER CLASSES

Would you like to become a member of our church family? Join us for our new member classes that begin Sunday, May 6. The second class will be held on May 20, and both classes will be from 3:00-5:00 pm. New members will join the church on Sunday, June 3. Childcare is provided for each class if needed.Please contact the Church Office at 330-725-4559 if you are interested.

FRIENDLY VISITORS NEEDED

Spread some cheer to our older members and friends of the Medina UCC by making a visit and delivering a spring shelf sitter made by the craft group.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB

The Women’s Book Group will meet 7 pm on Tuesday, May 8, to discuss A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.

ALL ARE WELCOME. Questions? Call Stephanie Manhoff at 723-1883

LOCAL MISSION PROJECT

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

There will be a planning meeting to explain the process after the volunteer list is compiled.

If you have questions, please talk to Lynn Leckie or any Mission Team member.

This is your opportunity to serve without having to travel far.

WANT TO HEAR MORE . . .

about our February Trip to Costa Rica?

Interested in a Mission Trip to Costa Rica in the Future?

Come to a cookout at 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 2nd, at the home of the Sadlers, 4878 Summerwind Drive, to learn more!

Participants from this year’s trip and previous years’ trips will be sharing stories and photos. Learn about the work and mission. We will begin talking about next year’s trip.

CIRCLE OF CARING MEMBERS

If you were unable to come to our April 25th meeting, please pick up updated Circle of Caring lists and handouts from out hospice speakers which are available on the table in the East Room.

AMANDA FUND

The Mother’s Day offering on May 13th

will once again be collected for the Amanda Fund. This fund gives financial assistance to families of Medina County whose children (birth to 18 years) have a chronic or life threatening illness. Medical bills often cause extreme financial pressure on families already struggling with the heart break of an ill child. The Amanda Fund can help ease some of the financial burden.

Families in need may apply for grants from the Mission Leadership Team. Please give generously to help replenish dispersed funds.

GIFT CARD ORDERS

It’s time for Graduations,

Baby Showers and Weddings!

Please consider supporting the youth and purchase gift cards. Many vendors and denominations are available. Please see the Yellow Retailer List on the table near Fellowship Hall or visit www.glscrip.com and click on the Retailer List on the left side to view or print your own list. Complete a Green Order Form, also available on the table near fellowship hall and return to Kelly or Stacie with payment.

The next order date is

May 14^th by 10 am.

Contact Kelly if you have any questions.

************************

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND:

Organ Dedication Recital

ST. Paul United Church of Christ

7507 York Road

Parma, OH 44130

440-843-8039

Performed by Internationally Renowned Organist

Joseph Ripka

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

7:00 pm.

Stewart Jones Returning to Washington for Can Do. . .TBI

Stewart returns to D.C. again this year to advocate for persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Stewart, a TBI survivor, will visit Congressional offices, the Veterans Affairs Office, and other agencies in the D.C. area, June 10^th-16^th, to share his story and to lobby for compassionate, comprehensive care for veterans and other survivors of TBI.

If you would like to support Stewart in this ministry of Medina UCC, please make checks payable to “Medina UCC” and in the memo put ‘Can Do…TBI.’

CAR WASH SAT. MAY 12

Cars washed for a donation to the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. 10:30 – 1:30, church parking lot. Volunteers welcome, too. Call Carolyn Sadler 330-952-0912.

HELP NEEDED!

The Evangelism team is seeking helping hands for May 28th from 9am until 11:30am. We are setting up a table during the Memorial Day parade and passing out free lemonade and popcorn. if you are interested in helping please contact Don Canfield, Pastor Neal, or call the church office.

MEDITATION Rev. Neal Sadler

Today we confirm ten young people into the faith and family of Jesus Christ. The old Evangelical Catechism (which is part of our UCC heritage) summarizes Confirmation as follows:

“Confirmation is the renewal of the baptismal covenant. The baptized youth, having been instructed in the Christian faith, publicly confess their faith in their Savior Jesus Christ, promise obedience until death, and are received by the church into active membership.”

Confirmation is an important step for all of us in our journey with God. In Confirmation we express our desire to serve the risen Christ, to walk with God’s people in love, and to grow as Jesus’ disciples. May the Confirmands all know that today is not the end of a course of study but the beginning of a relationship with our God and Savior. May we all keep them in prayers and re-confirm our own faith as the Confirmands confirm their faith.

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org

April 15, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:38:21 +0000

Worship Highlights: 8:15 am & 10:30 am

Psalm 1; – Luke 24: 36b-48

“Through the Bible”

Rev. Neal Sadler

9:00 am – Stories from the Lenten Book Studies

“Jesus We Never Knew” – Barb Hubal

“Family Set Free” – Paul DeSario

“Cow in the Parking Lot” – Joe Behler

Altar Flowers: are given by Jerry and Marilyn Brown in honor of God’s gifts and blessings – daily.

April 15, 2012 thru April 22, 2012

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sun BIBLE SUNDAY

8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

11:30 am Justice & Witness Team Meeting

11:45 am Mission Team Meeting

2:00 pm JMM Medina Meadows

3:30 pm Confirmation

5:00 pm Elementary Youth Group

Mon 1:00 pm Breadmakers

Tues 6:45 pm Alive Now Book Study

7:00 pm Gathering Band

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

6:30 pm Bell Choir

7:00 pm Pastoral Relations Meeting

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

1:00 pm Esther Circle

7:00 pm Disciplship & Education Team

Fri

Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

9:00 am Gathering Band

10:00 am Women’s Ministry Gathering

Sun 8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Confirmation Make-up Class

10:30 am Traditional Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ Medina Meadows

Sing-a-long

3:00 pm Earth Day Celebration &

Annimal Blessing

7:00 pm JMM @ WRMC

BIBLE SUNDAY

TODAY

Today twelve very special young people receive their Bible. They have been working very hard learning about the Bible and how to use it. They have been looking forward to this day all year.

The Discipleship and Education Leadership Team will be hosting coffee hour in honor of our third graders. Please stop by and congratulate them on this wonderful event in their faith journey.

ONE BLENDED SERVICE

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Our Confirmands will be making their Confirmation on May 6^th,

@ 10:00 am.

THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE WORSHIP SERVICE ON MAY 6^TH.

THANK YOU FOR EASTER CANDY

Thank you to everyone who donated candy for our annual Easter Egg Hunt with First Christian church. We had 115 children come to the egg hunt ,and they all had a great time. The children loved finding all of the candy filled eggs. Thank you again for your generosity and support.

ALL CHURCH DINNER

On Sunday April 29 join us for an All Church Dinner at 6:00 pm!

This dinner will be hosted by the Middle School Youth in grateful partnership with members of the Mission Leadership Team and former Gourmet Club. Highlights of this event include: homemade spaghetti pie, musical entertainment, and the opportunity to share fellowship as a church family.

Please plan to purchase your tickets at church on Sunday April 15, April 22,^,or by calling Mariah at 330-725-4559. Tickets are free, but a free will offering will be collected to benefit the Middle School Youth mission trip to Hiram Farm.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

JUNE 11-15

9:00 AM-12:00 PM

I can’t believe that it is time to start thinking about Vacation Bible School already!

I have the kit and have been busy looking at things and planning the week. The theme this year is Son Rise National Park. Registration will begin soon and I am starting the process of looking for volunteers to help. If you are interested in helping with VBS, please see Stacie Yates. There are so many ways in which you can help. Keep checking the messenger for the latest information.

MOWING CREW

To keep our church neat and attractive we need a mowing crew. The time commitment is about two hours once a month. If you can assist in this season’s effort please call Carl Skorepa at 330-421-3189 or the Church Office to sign up. Thanks you, Property and Grounds Team

CELEBRATION OF CREATION

Come join the youth of our church

Sunday April 22 at 3:30 pm

For our first Celebration of Creation!

This is a family event celebrating Earth Day and our call as Christians to honor God’s creation by caring for the earth. From 3:30 pm until 4:30 pm we will share earth-friendly games and crafts.

But that’s not all! This is a whole family event. At 4:30 pm bring your parakeets and giraffes, bring your cats and your three-toed sloths for our Blessing of the Animals led by our Elementary Youth. Families are welcome to bring photographs of pets who are deceased or who are not able to attend the service.

A special offering will be collected to benefit Heifer International, an organization that sends animals around the world to reduce hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.

ALL WOMAN’S EVENT

SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY, MAY 5

9 am – 12 pm

On Saturday morning, May 5, the Discipleship and Education Leadership Team will be hosting an all woman’s event in Fellowship Hall. More details will soon be available, but for now mark the date and time and plan to join us for a wonderful morning of wonderful food, great fellowship and mission.

GIFT CARD ORDERS

Please support the youth and purchase gift cards. Many vendors and denominations are available. Please see the Yellow Retailer List on the table near Fellowship Hall or visit www.glscrip.com and click on the Retailer List on the left side to view or print your own list. Complete a Green Order Form, also available on the table near fellowship hall and return to Kelly or Stacie with payment.

The next order date is April 16^th by 10 am.

Contact Kelly if you have any questions.

COME HEAR OUR HMC HOSPICE SPEAKER

Wednesday, April 25 at 1:30 pm

There will be a Circle of Caring Meeting in The East Room with a speaker from HMC Hospice of Medina County who will be talking about visitations with very sick people and other end of life issues.

All church members and their friends are invited

ESTHER CIRCLE

Esther Circle will meet Thursday, April 19^th, at 1:00 pm in the East Room.

Cheri Ingraham will be sharing with us about a trip to Cuba. All women of the church are welcome. Please come and enjoy fellowship.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES

Would you like to become a member of our church family? Join us for our new member classes that begin Sunday,

May 6^th. The second class will be held on May 20^th and both classes will be from 3:00-5:00 pm.

New members will join the church on Sunday, June 3^rd. Childcare is provided for each class if needed.

Please contact the Church Office at 330-725-4559 if you are interested.

GOOD NEIGHBORS

The Good Neighbors program is a wonderful program offered by Medina UCC to offer meals to church members who are in need of assistance with a meal for a variety of reasons. Amanda Hover is looking for any church members who would like to be placed on a list of volunteers that might be able to cook a meal - infrequently - if the need arises. Please contact her at 330-635-3714 of at thehovers@hotmail.com if you can volunteer to help with this great service.

Second Annual Medina UCC Men’s Retreat
Brucken Family Cottage– Lakeside, Ohio

April 27, 28, 29

“FAITH, FEARLESSNESS, FOOLISHNESS, FAILURE, AND FORGIVENESS:

A Look at the Life and Ministry of David for Men Today”

When: Arrive Friday evening, April 27th, between 6:00 and 7:00

(we can share rides)

Leave Sunday morning, April 29th, about 11:00 am

Where: Gil Brucken’s Family Cottage in Lakeside, Ohio

(near Marblehead, about 1 ½ hr drive)

What: Recreation and hanging out with other men;

Fun, lively and serious discussion;

Building healthy relationships

Food: Friday and Saturday evening meals out;

Breakfasts and lunches in the cottage

Cost: $40; (includes meals and all expenses)

Scholarships available, see Pastor Neal

Bring: Bible; Bedding, Towel, and open heart

Signup: East Room and Outside Fellowship Hall

Questions: Ask Pastor Neal

MARCH FINANCIAL REPORT:

March YTD Annual YTD as a

Budget % of Budget

Income $32,963 $ 96,675 $393,939 24.5%

Expense $35,284 $106,537 $428,675 24.9%

Net Income (Loss)

($2,321) ($9,862) ($34,735)

Total Sunday School Offerings thru March 31 are $313.00

One Great Hour of Sharing Offering $684.00
Additional 2012 Offering Envelopes are available if you would like a set contact Kelly in the office
Electronic Funds Transfers can be processed for your donations, contact Kelly in the office by phone 330-725-4559 or

email financial@uccmedina.org

MEDITATION

In the earliest days of the church -– after Jesus’ death and resurrection – some of the followers were worried and afraid. Working against those who would stifle the Word must have been a daunting task; yet, that is exactly what those early believers did.

The story of God at work in the world continues to unfold today. The Spirit works through persons and communities whose words and deeds bear witness to the God who raised Jesus to life. What might people in our community learn of the “God who will be God” from the witness of your life and the life of this church?

Scripture: Acts 5: 27-32

“What can I do this week for God?”

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org

April 8, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:35:50 +0000

We are called to live our Christian faith daily, loving God, growingspiritually, and serving others. Matthew 22:36-39

Worship Highlights: 7:00 am & 9:00 am

Luke 24: 1-12 – “God of Plans and Promise”

Rev. Mariah Marlin-Warfield

8:15 am & 10:30 am

Isaiah 25:6-9

“Trembling Before God”

Rev. Neal Sadler

April 8, 2012 thru April 15, 2012

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sun EASTER SUNDAY

7:00 am SUNRISE SERVICE @

SPRING GROVE CHAPEL

8:15 am Chapel Easter Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Easter Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Easter Worship

10:30 am JMM @ The Inn

Mon

Tues 6:45 pm Men’s Fellowship @

Marie’s Cafe

9:00 am Women’s Breakfast

@ Eat-n-Park

7:00 pm Book Club

7:00 pm Gathering Band

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

6:30 pm Bell Choir

7:00 pm Caring Team

7:00 pm Finance Team

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

Fri 7:30 pm Middle Youth Group

Parent Meeting & Lock-In

Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

9:00 am Gathering Band

4:00 pm Zion UCC – Serve-a-Meal

Sun BIBLE SUNDAY

8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

11:30 am Justice & Witness Team Meeting

11:45 am Mission Team Meeting

2:00 pm JMM Medina Meadows

3:30 pm Confirmation

5:00 pm Elementary Youth Group

⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘

EASTER OFFERING

The Easter Offering will once again be divided between The Wolff Scholarship and the Friends in Need Fund. The Wolff Fund for Theological Education provides assistance to persons preparing for the ministry in the United Church of Christ by helping with financial obligations. Our “Friends in Need” Fund was established in 2003 by the Medina UCC World Friendship Board to assist members of our church with basic living expenses such as rent, mortgage payments and utilities. The Friends in Need Fund grants requests monthly.

In the spirit of Easter, please give generously to these important funds.

SWEETNESS + SERVICE FROM OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH

Looking for some chocolaty treats to fill your Easter baskets?

Our Middle School Youth made their own chocolate to add sweetness to your Easter celebration. Be sure to stop by our table in the hall at the church beginning on March 25 until supplies run out.

Even better, all proceeds go toward the Middle School mission trip to Hiram Farm.

Come help us turn our sweetness into service!

CELEBRATION OF CREATION

Come join the youth of our church

Sunday April 22 at 3:30 pm

or our first Celebration of Creation!

But that’s not all! This is a whole family event. At 4:30 pm bring your parakeets and giraffes, bring your cats and your three-toed sloths for our Blessing of the Animals led by our Elementary Youth. Families are welcome to bring photographs of pets who are deceased or who are not able to attend the service.

A special offering will be collected to benefit Heifer International, an organization that sends animals around the world to reduce hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.

ALL CHURCH DINNER!

On Sunday, April 29^th the Middle School Youth are holding a church-wide dinner to raise funds for the Middle School mission trip to Hiram Farm.

Mark this date on your calendar and be sure to join us for a wonderful evening of food, fellowship, and fun.  Details to follow!

Middle School Mission Trip Meeting + Spring Lock In

Calling all Middle School Youth and Parents!

Come join us for our final informational meeting in preparation for our mission trip to Hiram Farm. We will meet on Friday April 13^th from 7:30pm until 8:30pm. Trip participants and parents should plan to attend.

Then, all middle school youth are invited to a night of fun and fellowship at our spring Lock-In. This event will begin at 8:30pm on Friday April 13^th and conclude at 9:00am on Saturday April 14^th. Please bring a sleeping bag, clothes, toiletries, $4 for pizza, and a snack & drink to share. Friends are welcome! Questions? See Beth Starling, Kevin Swantek, or Mariah Marlin-Warfield.

GOOD NEIGHBORS

The Good Neighbors program is a wonderful program offered by Medina UCC to offer meals to church members who are in need of assistance with a meal for a variety of reasons.

Amanda Hover is looking for any church members who would like to be placed on a list of volunteers that might be able to cook a meal - infrequently - if the need arises. Please contact her at 330-635-3714 of at thehovers@hotmail.com if you can volunteer to help with this great service.

SAVE THE DATE!

Wednesday, April 25, at 1:30

There will be a Circle of Caring Meeting in the East Room with a a speaker from

HMC Hospice of Medina County who will be talking about visitations with very sick

people and other end of life issues. All church members and their friends are invited.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB

The Women’s Book Group will meet 7 pm on Tuesday, April 10, at the Sadler’s (4878 Summerwind Drive) to discuss West With the Night by Beryl Markham. All are welcome. Questions? Call Stephanie Manhoff at 723-1883.

THANK YOU!

I am sure, by now, you have noticed that the name tag boxes near the church entrances have all been cleaned up and the nametags have been moved around a little, but the process is now complete! Thank you for your patience as they got moved from week to week! Thank you Dorie Christy for taking on this big task. It looks great! If you need or would like a new name tag, please let the church office know.

JOIN IN

THE HALLELUIA CHORUS

I would like to invite anyone interested in joining the choir at the end of the 10:30 am Easter Service to come up and sing Handel’s Hallelujah chorus from Messiah. We did this last year and would like an even bigger group of people to participate. As we did last year, I would ask all singers joining the choir or instrumentalists to come forward during the singing of the last hymn. Cathy will provide a tuning note for any instrumentalists before we begin. At approximately 10:00 am on Easter Sunday we will run through this chorus so if you want to do a “dress rehearsal” with the choir (vocal or instrumental) please join us in the Sanctuary.

We had a lot of fun singing this chorus last year and I hope to have even more fun this year as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. I hope you will join us Easter Sunday.

Mowing Crew:

Thank you,

Property and Grounds Team

Second Annual Medina UCC Men’s Retreat
Brucken Family Cottage– Lakeside, Ohio

April 27, 28, 29

“FAITH, FEARLESSNESS, FOOLISHNESS, FAILURE, AND FORGIVENESS:

A Look at the Life and Ministry of David for Men Today”

When: Arrive Friday evening, April 27th, between 6:00 and 7:00;(we can share rides)

Leave Sunday morning, April 29th, about 11:00 am

Where: Gil Brucken’s Family Cottage in Lakeside, Ohio

(near Marblehead, about 1 ½ hr drive)

What: Recreation and hanging out with other men;

Fun, lively and serious discussion;

Building healthy relationships

Food: Friday and Saturday evening meals out;

Breakfasts and lunches in the cottage

Cost: $40; (includes meals and all expenses)

Scholarships available, see Pastor Neal

Bring: Bible; Bedding, Towel, and open heart

Signup: East Room and Outside Fellowship Hall

Questions: Ask Pastor Neal

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org

March 25, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:45:16 +0000

Worship Highlights: 8:15 am & 10:30 am

Jeremiah 31: 31-34; John 12: 20-26

“The Timeless Promises of God — Jeremiah”

Rev.Neal Sadler

9:00 am –“Hope is Coming” - Chris Marlin-Warfield

Altar Flowers: are given by Don and Hope Wilder in praise and thanksgiving to God for our three precious sons: Robert, born March 27; John, born March 26; and Paul, born March 24, 1956, who died in Christ August 25, 1972.

March 25, 2012 thru April 1, 2012

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sun 8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ Medina Meadows

Sing-a-long

3:30 pm 3^rd Grade Bible Class

5:00 pm High School Youth Group

7:00 pm JMM @ WRMC

Mon 1:00 pm Bannermakers

Tues 7:00 pm Gathering Band

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

6:30 pm Bell Choir

6:45 pm Lenten Studies/Desserts

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

Fri

Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

9:00 am Gathering Band

4:00 pm Zion UCC – Serve-a-Meal

Sun PALM SUNDAY

Palm Sunday Parade 9 & 10:30 am

8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ MR Village

3:30 pm Confirmation meeting

5:00 pm Youth Group

Parking Lot Greeters for Easter

The Evangelism Team is looking for persons who will serve as parking lot greeters on Easter morning, April 8^th. The greeters will be in our parking lot directing visitors to parking areas and our entrance doors. Would you like to help with this ministry? Please contact Don Canfield 330-725-8140.

THE YOUTH SAY THANKS

The theme for this year’s Youth Sunday was “And the youth say, ‘I got this!’” Well now, the youth say, “Thank you!”

To everyone who worked to make our Youth Sunday worship service possible – the Chancel Choir, the Church Staff, the Youth Group advisors, the parents of the youth, and the members of all three youth groups, thank you!

To everyone who provided a dessert for our silent auction and to everyone who bid and purchased desserts, thank you!

To everyone who contributed a basket to the basket raffle and to everyone who purchased raffle tickets, thank you!

These events raised $1564 for our youth group mission trips.

To our whole church family, thank you for participating in this celebration, and thank you for your energizing support of our youth. Your love and your partnership make it possible for our youth to keep on seeing the challenge and saying, “I got this!”

EASTER LILIES

It’s time to order your Easter Lily! You may donate a lily to be placed on the altar for Easter and claim it afterward, or you may donate a plant to be delivered by the Flower Committee to a shut-in to be enjoyed before the holiday.

Please fill out the insert in your bulletin and place it in the offering plate, or call the office and place your order. Checks are accepted with “Lily” written in the memo line. The cost for one plant is $8.00.

Deadline for ordering is March 26

EASTER CANDY NEEDED

We need candy to fill our eggs for the Easter egg hunt. If you are willing to donate a bag of candy it would be greatly appreciated.

There is a box outside of the office where you can put your donation. The only requirements are that the candy must be individually wrapped (no jellybeans), that the candy is able to fit into an egg and no chocolate candy that could melt if it gets warm enough the day of the hunt.

Thank you for your help.

EASTER EGG HUNT

1 pm Saturday, April 7

at First Christian Church

It’s almost time for our annual Easter egg hunt at First Christian Church! Come and see the sea of colors as the grounds of First Christian Church are covered with plastic eggs filled with goodies.

The egg hunt is for 1 year olds through the fifth grade. We have different egg hunts for different age groups.

Bring your own baskets to collect all your eggs. Mark this date on the calendar and join the fun.

SWEETNESS + SERVICE FROM OUR MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH

Looking for some chocolaty treats to fill your Easter baskets?

Even better, all proceeds go toward the Middle School mission trip to Hiram Farm.

Come help us turn our sweetness into service!

GOOD NEIGHBORS

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB

JOIN IN THE HALLELUIA CHORUS

I would like to invite anyone interested in joining the choir at the end of the 10:30 am Easter Service to come up and sing Handel’s Hallelujah chorus from Messiah. We did this last year and would like an even bigger group of people to participate. With this in mind, I have instrumental parts for this wonderful chorus and would invite anyone who would like to join us on one of the following instruments to participate:

Violin 1 & 2 Trumpets 1& 2

Viola Horns 1& 2

Cello/Bass/Bassoon Trombones 1 & 2

Flutes 1 & 2 Clarinets 1 & 2

I will have the parts with me during the services leading up to Easter. If you prefer, you can email me and I’ll send you a copy of the part in a PDF file. I will try to have some stands up near the piano for you to use or you can bring your own.

As we did last year, I would ask all singers joining the choir or instrumentalists to come forward during the singing of the last hymn. Cathy will provide a tuning note for any instrumentalists before we begin. At approximately 10:00 am on Easter Sunday we will run through this chorus so if you want to do a “dress rehearsal” with the choir (vocal or instrumental) please join us in the Sanctuary.

We had a lot of fun singing this chorus last year and I hope to have even more fun this year as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. If you have questions, let me know. I hope you will join us Easter Sunday.

EASTER OFFERING

In the spirit of Easter, please give generously to these important funds.

CELEBRATION OF CREATION

Come join the youth of our church

Sunday April 22 at 3:30 pm

or our first Celebration of Creation!

But that’s not all! This is a whole family event.

At 4:30 pm bring your parakeets and giraffes, bring your cats and your three-toed sloths for our Blessing of the Animals led by our Elementary Youth. Families are welcome to bring photographs of pets who are deceased or who are not able to attend the service.

A special offering will be collected to benefit Heifer International, an organization that sends animals around the world to reduce hunger and promote sustainable agriculture.

CHILDREN OF INMATES

Easter Bag Project

Sunday, March 11 – April 1

You are invited to participate in our church effort to share encouragement and comfort to children whose parents are incarcerated in Medina County Jail.

Beginning on Sunday, March 11^th and ending with a blessing of the filled Easter Bags on Palm Sunday, April 1^st you can help reach out to a hurting young person by providing an Easter Bag which will be delivered during Easter weekend. We are also looking for volunteers to help deliver the bags to families on Saturday April 7^th. Please see the displays in the East Room and outside Fellowship Hall to sign up to help with these efforts.

During this season of re-birth and hope, let us share the good news of new life with an outpouring of love and kindness to Medina County children.

VOLUNTEER IN 2012

***Volunteer Greeters ***Golf Cart Drivers ***Parking Lot Shuttle Drivers

… are needed for Southwest General Health Center. Southwest General is looking for caring, compassionate, and customer service oriented volunteers who are interested in helping patients and guests navigate the parking lot and halls of the hospital. Volunteers work one 4-hour shift per week. Flexible schedule.

Call Shawna Gorchek, Volunteer Coordinator at (440) 816-8950.

MEDITATION Mary G. Keck

HAND IN HAND

We had gone down the back steps slowly and carefully, because they were high for a little tyke. I wasn’t afraid, though, because Papa was right beside me. When we reached the large stone slab which was the bottom step of the five, he took my small hand in his large, calloused one and we began the walk down to the barn.

As we passed the grove of cherry trees which we kids called the “official beginning” to the walk to the barn the thought popped into my head that I was completely happy and that I must remember this moment of total happiness all my life.

So I have. Ever now and again I delve into my mind and pull out that shinning moment of my father and me walking down the path, hand in hand. There is plenty to giggle about on a family farm that has cows and sheep and ducks and horses. There are plenty of worries, too, for a large family in the 1930’s. Mom wasn’t kidding when I’d hear her softly singing, “Be not dismayed what e’er betide. God will take care of you.” That was our survival line many timesl. And somehow, amazingly and blessedly, holding my father’s hand has translated into holding my Heavenly Father’s hand. There lies complete happiness, no matter what is going on in the world.

Now I must explain something. This story was written last summer, but somehow it wasn’t ready to “finish up.” I put it away for later. Now it is ready to be shared. Perhaps that’s because someone is in need of a moment of complete happiness. You may have this story of a little child holding her Heavenly Father’s hand. Take it and make it your own.

Thou shall keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee.” — Isiah 26:3

“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the ends of the earth.” — Matthew 28:20

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org

March 18, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:15:52 +0000

We are called to live our Christian faith daily, loving God, growing

spiritually, and serving others. Matthew 22:36-39

Worship Highlights: 8:15 am & 10:30 am

Exodus 20:1-17; John 3:14-21

“The Timeless Promises of God — Moses”

Rev. Neal Sadler

9:00 am – “Joe talks about Amazing Grace”

Joe Behler

Altar Flowers: in the Chapel are given by the Fodor family in loving memory of Sherry Fodor.

Altar Flowers: in the Sanctuary are given by Pete and Sydney Benson in celebration of the 4^th birthday of Sam & Julian Benson, their twin grandsons.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sun 8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

11:45 am Mission Team Meeting

2:00 pm JMM @ County Home

2:00 pm JMM @ Medina Meadows

3:30 pm 3rd Grade Bible Class

5:00 pm Elementary Youth Group

Talent Show

5:00 pm Middle School Youth Group

Mon 1:00 pm Breadmakers

GIFT CARD ORDERS DUE

Tues 6:45 pm Alive Now Book Study

7:00 pm Gathering Band

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

6:30 pm Bell Choir

6:45 pm Lenten Studies/Desserts

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

7:00 pm Congregational Council

Fri

Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

9:00 am Gathering Band

Sun 8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ Medina Meadows

Sing-a-long

3:30 pm 3^rd Grade Bible Class

5:00 pm High School Youth Group

7:00 pm JMM @ WRMC

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

April 1st – Palm Sunday

8:15am, 9:00am & 10:30am

Palm Parade at the 9:00 & 10:30 services

April 5^th - Maundy Thursday

7:00pm – UCC, Congregational

April 6^th – Good Friday service

7:00pm – UCC, Congregational

EASTER SERVICES: April 8, 2012

7:00 am Sunrise – Spring Grove Cemetery Chapel

8:15 am – UCC Chapel

9:00 am – UCC Fellowship Hall

10:30 am –UCC Sanctuary

⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘ ⌘

EASTER LILIES

Deadline for ordering is March 26

EASTER CANDY NEEDED

We need candy to fill our eggs for the Easter egg hunt. If you are willing to donate a bag of candy it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your help.

FILL YOUR EASTER BASKETS!

Complete a Green Order Form, also available on the table near Fellowship Hall and return to Kelly or Stacie with payment.

The next order date March 19^th

by 10:00 am.

Contact Kelly if you have any questions.

EASTER EGG HUNT

1 pm Saturday, April 7

at First Christian Church

It’s almost time for our annual Easter egg hunt at First Christian Church! Come and see the sea of colors as the grounds of First Christian Church are covered with plastic eggs filled with goodies.

The egg hunt is for 1 year olds through the fifth grade. We have different egg hunts for different age groups.

Bring your own baskets to collect all your eggs. Mark this date on the calendar and join the fun.

SUMMMER CAMP

Are you looking to find something fun and educational for your children to do this summer?

Are you looking for something your family can do together?

You should look into the UCC Summer Camp programs. There are camps for everyone.

Pick up a Summer Camp Catalog outside Fellowship Hall or in the East Room.

Sign up by March 31 for the lowest fees.

CELEBRATION OF TALENT

“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

Gifts and talents abound in our Elementary Youth Group! You are invited to attend our third annual Celebration of Talent which will be held today, Sunday March 18^th at 5:45 pm in the Community Room. (If you would like to join us for dinner at 5:00 pm, please rsvp to Pastor Mariah.) Come enjoy fellowship, experience the athletic and artistic expression of our youth, and join us in giving thanks to God.

“Sharing Brings Joy to Others”

2 Corinthians 9:7-15

One Great Hour of Sharing, the refugee, relief and development offering of the United Church of Christ, transforms lives through health, education, agricultural, and emergency relief initiatives in 138 countries.

One Great Hour of Sharing funds enable the United Church of Christ to respond quickly to disasters and other urgent and unexpected needs as they arise. In addition to the OGHS offering funds, the UCC also receives designated gifts for specific disasters and crisis situations that further enhance our capacity to respond.

We will be collecting this year’s OGHS Offering on Sunday, March 18. In 2011 our church collected $882.00 for OGHS. Let’s make 2012’s collection even greater!

ALTAR FLOWERS

Looking ahead, we still have several opportunities to sponsor the altar flowers. This is a wonderful way to honor or remember loved ones.

If you are interested in donating the flowers, please call the Church Office at 330-725-4559.

We have openings in April, as well as throughout the year. The cost for the flowers through the Church Office is $22.50.

CHILDREN OF INMATES

Easter Bag Project

Sunday, March 11 – April 1

You are invited to participate in our church effort to share encouragement and comfort to children whose parents are incarcerated in Medina County Jail.

Beginning on Sunday, March 11, and ending with a blessing of the filled Easter Bags on Palm Sunday, April 1, you can help reach out to a hurting young person by providing an Easter Bag which will be delivered during Easter weekend.

Look in Fellowship Hall and the East Room for the display of plastic Easter eggs which hold the name and age of a young person. Nearby you’ll find a sheet of instructions & small gift suggestions, and a brown bag to fill and return for distribution. Last year’s Easter bags were received with surprise and gratitude by families and their children.

We are also looking for volunteers to help deliver the bags to families on Saturday, April 7. Please sign up to help with this effort.

Sadly, it’s a fact that children of inmates experience a host of unimaginably dark emotions. They are three times more likely to have antisocial behaviors and are twice as likely to have mental health issues (Source: Shellie Solomon, CEO, Justice & Securities Strategies, NPR interview 1/4/2010).

So, during this season of re-birth and hope, let us share the good news of new life with an outpouring of love and kindness to the children of Medina County.

AN IRISH BLESSING

May God grant you always
A sunbeam to warm you.
A moonbeam to charm you,
A sheltering angel
So nothing can harm you,
Laughter to cheer you,
Faithful friends near you —
And whenever you pray,
Heaven to hear you.

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org

MEDITATION Mary G. Keck

The Forgiveness Flowers

The brilliant sweet peas climbed merrily right up

to our window, throwing fragrance willy-nilly to the winds.

“They blossom better if they are shared,” he smiled,

handing me a bouquet of rainbows.

“The Japanese-American gardener showed me how.

Dig deep, rich soil. Cool March weather.”

The university students strode the campus,

sharing ideas, languages, and laughter

among so many beds of flowers planted

by a Japanese-American, interned during

World War II — he who had done no wrong.

The small ground-cover mat lies tucked among

vintage quilts in the old trunk,

the Japanese-American’s name slashed across it.

All those flowers the gardener planted — he must

have been sowing forgiveness. How else

could he have survived?

In our world of unrelenting wars,

perhaps the little gardener of years ago, can show us

how to “dig deep, sow forgiveness, reap understanding

and share rainbows of peace.”

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.” — Mark 5:9

March 11, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:42:08 +0000

We are called to live our Christian faith daily, loving God, growing

spiritually, and serving others. Matthew 22:36-39

Worship Highlights: YOUTH SUNDAY

ONE WORSHIP SERVICE 10:30 am

“And the Youth Say: “I Got This!”

Flowers: on the altar are given in honor of our Youth as they prepare us for worship this Sunday.

March 11, 2012 thru March 18, 2012

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sun DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS

ONE UNIFIED WORSHIP SERVICE

March 11th – 10:30 am

YOUTH SUNDAY, BASKET RAFFLE & DESSERT AUCTION

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

10:30 am JMM @ The Inn

3:30 pm 3rd Grade Bible Class

HOLY WEEK SERVICES

April 1st – Palm Sunday

April 5^th - Maundy Thursday - 7:00pm – UCC, Congregational

April 6^th – Good Friday service – 7:00pm – UCC, Congregational

EASTER SERVICES: April 8, 2012

7:00 am Sunrise – Spring Grove Cemetery Chapel

8:15 am – UCC Chapel

9:00 am – UCC Fellowship Hall

10:30 am –UCC Sanctuary

LENTEN STUDIES

Wednesdays, March 14, 21, 28

6:45 pm – Dessert

7 pm – Small Group Study

The Studies for Lent continue and include 3 unique and different small groups: “Families Set Free” focus on parenting and families, “The Cow in the Parking Lot” focusing on communication and relationships, or “The Jesus I Never Knew” a Bible Study and reflection on the person of Jesus.

We begin with dessert and opening prayer at 6:45 pm in Fellowship Hall and then break out into our groups. There are activities for children.

RAFFLE WINNER

Congratulations to Becky Weber, the winner of the Quilt Raffle!

And a special thank you to baby Matthew Pilarski, who drew the winning ticket with the help of his sister, Claire!

NEW BIBLE STUDY FORMS

“50’S COUPLES”

Are you in that in between age? The kids have left home and retirement is a ways off…Maybe you are in your 50’s…

A new Bible Study is forming just for you. We will be meeting on the first Monday and third Thursday each month through May, in the homes of participants, gathering around 6:45 pm and concluding about 8:15 pm.

Our initial study is Parables from the Back Side (Bible Stories with a Twist) by J. Ellsworth Kalas. Would you like more information? Contact Judy Gorsek at judygorsek@zoominternet.net or 330-723-6726.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Looking ahead, we still have several opportunities to sponsor the altar flowers. This is a wonderful way to honor or remember loved ones. If you are interested in donating the flowers, please call the church Office at 330-725-4559. We have openings in April, as well as throughout the year. The cost for the flowers through the Church Office is $22.50.

EASTER LILIES

Deadline for ordering is March 26th.

SUMMMER CAMP

Are you looking to find something fun and educational for your children to do this summer? Are you looking for something your family can do together?

You should look into the UCC Summer Camp programs. There are camps for everyone.

Pick up a Summer Camp Catalog outside Fellowship Hall or in the East Room.

CELEBRATION OF TALENT

“There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:4).

Gifts and talents abound in our Elementary Youth Group! You are invited to attend our third annual Celebration of Talent which will be held on Sunday March 18 at 5:45 pm in the Community Room. (If you would like to join us for dinner at 5:00, please rsvp to Mariah.) Come enjoy fellowship, experience the athletic and artistic expression of our youth, and join us in giving thanks to God.

FILL YOUR EASTER BASKETS!

The next order date April 19th by 10:00 am.

Contact Kelly if you have any questions.

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP

The Women’s Book Group will meet 7 pm on Tuesday, March 13, to discuss “Messenger: The Legacy of Matttie J. T. Stepanek” by Jeni Stepanek.

All women are welcome. Questions? Call Stephanie Manhoff at 723-1883.

FEBRUARY FINANCIAL REPORT:

Feb YTD Annual YTD as a

Budget % of Budget

Income $30,879 $63,712 $393,824 16.2%

Expense $37,380 $71,253 $428,675 16.6%

Net Income (Loss)

($6,501) ($7,541) ($34,851)

Total Sunday School Offerings thru February 29^th are $282.00

Blanket Sunday Special Offering $815.00
Additional 2012 Offering Envelopes are

available.If you would like a set contact Kelly in the office

Electronic Funds Transfers can be processed

for your donations. Contact Kelly in the office:phone 330-725-4559 or email:

financial@uccmedina.org

“Sharing Brings Joy to Others” 2 Corinthians 9:7-15

We will be collecting this year’s OGHS Offering on Sunday, March 18. In 2011 our church collected $882.00 for OGHS. Let’s make 2012’s collection even greater!

“BEAR WITH US…..”

You may have noticed we are in the middle of trying to get our name tag boxes up do date and clean! If you need a box, or a new name tag, please notify the church office, and we will take care of it. This is an on-going process, but we will get it completed soon.

LENTEN LUNCHEON

On Thursday, March 15^th at 12:00 noon, Esther Circle will host a Lenten Luncheon and program. All women are welcome to attend. Please sign-up on the list near the kitchen or in the East Room, so we will know how many are attending.

CHILDREN OF INMATES

Easter Bag Project

Sun., March 11^th – April 1^st

You are invited to participate in our church effort to share encouragement and comfort to children whose parents are incarcerated in Medina County Jail.

Beginning on Sunday, March 11th and ending with a blessing of the filled Easter Bags on Palm Sunday, April 1st you can help reach out to a hurting young person by providing an Easter Bag which will be delivered during Easter weekend.

We are also looking for volunteers to help deliver the bags to families on Saturday April 7th. Please sign up to help with this effort.

So during this season of re-birth and hope, let us share the good news of new life with an outpouring of love and kindness to the children of Medina County.

MEDITATION Mary G. Keck

GOOD NEWS!

“I bring you good news straight from heaven!” Johnny Appleseed pointed dramatically skyward.

The pioneer family settled down around the fireplace with John Chapman as he opened his little Bible, laid out some of the Swedenborgian tracts (leaflets), which he had brought along with the apple tree seedlings, and began to read from Galatians, or the Gospel of Mark or maybe Psalms.

It’s one of the stories that has come down through the years about this traveling nurseryman who revered all life and lived at peace with all men. I’ve no reason to doubt it, since we grew up in the area where American Forestry took graftings from documented, last-living apple trees planted by Johnny Appleseed. They grew new seedlings and have thus grown and made available genuine descendants of John Chapman’s sturdy Rambo apple.

Now Urbana University (the fountainhead of John Chapman information) is replanting Johnny Appleseed’s trails with some of these Rambo apple trees. Now the robins swoop merrily to their new nests, the pinkish-white blossoms are nearly ready to burst, and the central branch of every tree grows ever taller, pointing (like Johnny) straight to Heaven. Listen closely. Perhaps you can even hear “good news straight from Heaven” like these:

“He made my feet like the feet of deer, and set them securely upon the high places.” 2 Samuel 22.

“Eager to give and receive fully from the spirit within me, I live with courage and conviction.” Galatians 6:8

“Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

PEACE BE WITH YOU

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org

March 4, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:42:35 +0000

We are called to live our Christian faith daily, loving God, growingspiritually, and serving others. Matthew 22:36-39

Worship Highlights: 8:15 am & 10:30 am

Genesis 17:1-7, 5-16; Mark 9:2-9

“The Timeless Promises of God: Abraham” Rev. Neal Sadler

9:00 am – “Wrestling with a Wild Angel”

Rev. Neal Sadler

Flowers: on the altar are given by the members of Medina UCC, Congregational, in honor of the Installation of Rev. C. P. Carter of Second Baptist Church.

March 4, 2012 thru March 11, 2012

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Sun 8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Traditional Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ MR Village

3:30 pm 3^rd Grade Bible Class

3:30 pm Confirmation Meeting

5:00 pm Senior High Youth Group

5:00 pm Youth Group

Mon 6:45 pm 50’s Couples Bible Study

Tues ELECTION DAY

6:45 pm Alive Now Book Study

7:00 pm Evangelism Team

7:00 pm Gathering Band

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

6:30 pm Bell Choir

6:45 pm Lenten Studies/Desserts

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

7:00 pm Finance Team

Fri

Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 am Men’s Fellowship

9:00 am Gathering Band

10:00 am Rehearsal for Youth Sunday

4:00 pm Zion UCC – Serve-a-Meal

Sun DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS

YOUTH SUNDAY

ONE UNIFIED WORSHIP SERVICE

@ 10:30 am

RAFFLE & AUCTION

2:00 pm JMM @ MR Village

3:30 pm 3^rd Grade Bible Class

QUILT RAFFLE DRAWING

IS NOW!

Be sure to circle Sunday, March 4^th on your calendar as the day of the AMISH QUILT DRAWING! Tickets will be available up until the time of the drawing—so it is not too late to get in on the fun. The drawing will be held in the East Room following the 10:30 am service.

Baby Matthew Pilarski, son of Mike and Kris Pilarski, a one year old, will pull the winning ticket. He represents the future generations of our church. The winner need not be present to win! The Endowment Fund is grateful to all who supported our Fundraiser by buying a ticket or sending in a donation. See you there!

DON’T FORGET!!! SRPING AHEAD

Change your clocks before you go to bed Saturday night,

or you will miss church!

LENTEN GROUP STUDIES

Continuing on Wednesdays

March 7, 14, 21, 28 - 6:45 pm – Dessert

7 pm – Small Group Study

The Lenten Studies continue on Wednesday evenings during Lent: “Families Set Free” focus on parenting and families, “The Cow in the Parking Lot” focusing on communication and relationships, or “The Jesus I Never Knew” a Bible Study and reflection on the person of Jesus.

We begin with dessert and opening prayer at 6:45 pm in Fellowship Hall and then break out into our groups.

Activities are provided for children,

so please let us know the

names and ages of your children.

NEW BIBLE STUDY FORMS

“50’S COUPLES”

Are you in that in between age? The kids have left home and retirement is a ways off…Maybe you are in your 50’s…

EASTER LILIES

YOUTH SUNDAY: WORSHIP AND AUCTION-RAFFLE CELEBRATION

Join us in celebrating Youth Sunday on March 11^th. This service is one of the year’s most memorable worship experiences, as the youth and children of the church lead us in giving glory to God. March 11^th we will have one, unified service at 10:30 am.

Immediately following the service, plan to come to our Silent Dessert Auction and Basket Raffle. (Raffle tickets may be purchased from the youth on March 4^th and March 11^th.) Proceeds from this event will benefit the high school youth group’s summer mission trip to Overlook Farm in Massachusetts.

Youth Sunday is a celebration not to be missed! Thank you for supporting the children and youth of our congregation.

SUMMMER CAMP INFO IS HERE!!!

Are you looking to find something fun and educational for your children to do this summer?

Are you looking for something your family can do together?

What about you and your grandchildren?

You should look into the UCC Summer Camp programs. There are camps for everyone.

Pick up a Summer Camp Catalog outside

Fellowship Hall or in the East Room.

Sign up by March 31 for the lowest fees.

These camps offer great opportunities for everyone. There is scholarship money available to help with the cost of the camps just talk to Stacie for more information.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Stacie Yates. If you send a child to camp, please let Stacie know. Thank you.

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP

The Women’s Book Group will meet 7 pm on Tuesday, March 13, to discuss “Messenger: The Legacy of Matttie J. T. Stepanek” by Jeni Stepanek.

All women are welcome. Questions? Call Stephanie Manhoff at 723-1883.

ALTAR FLOWERS

Looking ahead, we still have several opportunities to sponsor the altar flowers. This is a wonderful way to honor or remember loved ones. If you are interested in donating the flowers, please call the church Office at 330-725-4559. We have immediate openings in March and April, as well as throughout the year. (See the chart in the East Room hallway.) The cost for the flowers through the Church Office is $22.50.

“Sharing Brings Joy to Others”

2 Corinthians 9:7-15

One Great Hour of Sharing, the refugee, relief and development offering of the United Church of Christ, transforms lives through health, education, agricultural and emergency relief initiatives in 138 countries.

We will be collecting this year’s OGHS Offering on Sunday, March 18. In 2011 our church collected $882.00 for OGHS. Let’s make 2012’s collection even greater!

LENTEN FISH FRY

Second Baptist Church of Medina will once again sponsor its Lenten Fish Fry beginning Friday, February 24 and continuing every Friday until March 30. This year we will feature flounder and whiting. Both are available as a sandwich or dinner. Dinners include two side dishes (scalloped potatoes, California vegetable medley, french fries, green beans, or Cole slaw), and a roll. Soft drinks are also available.

Dinners – $7

Fish Sandwich – $4

Fish Sandwich & Fries – $5.50

Side Dishes – $1.50

Beverages – $1

Orders can be placed in person at the church or by phone at 330-722-0073. Free delivery is available for orders of two or more dinners. For more information, please feel free to contact the church at 330-722-0073.

ALL ARE INVITED!

Please plan to attend the Pastoral Installation Service for Reverend Cornell P. Carter at Second Baptist Church TODAY, Sunday, March 4, at 4 pm. Rev. Carter will be installed as the ninth Pastor and Teacher of Second Baptist Church located at 451 Bronson Street, Medina, Ohio. Reception will follow the service.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Second Baptist Church at ministercpcarter@sbcmedina.org

“BEAR WITH US…..”

You may have noticed we are in the middle of trying to get our name tag boxes up do date and clean!

You will notice some changes in the name tag boxes, so if you need a box, or a new name tag, please notify the church office, and we will take care of it. This is an on-going process, but we will get it completed soon.

FROM THE OFFICE

“Something that has always puzzled me all my life is why, when I am in special need of help, the good deed is usually done by somebody on whom I have no claim.” ~William Feather

Never has a statement more true, been spoken of all the wonderful volunteers we have had the pleasure of working with over the years ….

We would like to thank Carolee Rafn, for without whose help; we would not have had such wonderful bulletins and office coverage while we took any much needed time off. Carolee has helped us in the office since before I started here. She has covered me in the office for time off, made up bulletins and several other tasks. What a wonderful giving of time and talents. Jean Thornburg, has also helped in the office with any task given her, since before I started, and given selflessly of her time and talents every week. Ruth Dunn, who has given several years of her time and talents weekly, with anything thrown her way, and Marilyn Brown, who was willing to step in and learn computer tasks to help us out, and greet people with a smile on the phone and in the office, giving of her time and talents. All of these women have stepped down for a break, and we would like to thank them for their many years of help and selfless giving, and hope that they might return to help out again some day, very soon! (We are saving your spots!)

We would also like to thank all of the other weekly and occasional volunteers; Elise Simons, Pete Benson, Julie Kraus (Pilgrim Messenger Editor), Ruth Gifford, Marilyn Koehler, Betty Riegger, Betty Zarney, Shirley Swartz, Alice Metzloff (back on bulletin boards), Dorie Christy Jan Holt, Eleanor Gerspacher, Mary Ann Andrews, Bastian Diaz, Rocklyn Campbell, and we now welcome Jane Anderson, who has decided to tackle the job of doing the weekly bulletins.

What a wonderful team of volunteers we have, and we appreciate you all! Thank you!!!

“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.”

~William Shakespeare

MEDITATION Mary G. Keck

THE DIFFERENT DRUMMER

The drummer beat a fast cadence. The bands marched past in perfect step. The little girl, enthralled, watched the parade from the vantage point of her Uncle Jim’s shoulders. and the marching line went on forever.

One day, at the much more grown-up age of ten, the girl asked her mother why the neighbors prepared their fields differently for planting than the rest of the neighbors. Yes, the yields seemed very good, but still she wondered about it.

“Probably they are just ‘marching to a different drummer,’” her mother replied, quoting from Thoreau of whose writings she was quite fond.

“Oh!” exclaimed the ten-year-old, and she immediately envisioned a persistent drummer and a long line of people marching in strict lock-step. Well, not all of them were. Some of them meandered off to wander among the flowers in the gardens. Some were gazing intently up at star-studded skies. One little boy was simply sitting on a rock humming odd little tunes while an older girl not too far away was practicing her flute.

“Hmmm,” thought the girl. “Now I know where Galileo and Beethoven and Pasteur came from.”

Through the years, as she added Abraham Lincoln or Luther Burbank or John Chapman to her list, she could hear her mother’s voice reciting from Walden, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.”

She went back to counting: Chief Seattle, Marian Anderson, Pastor Bill, Uncle Jim. . . .The list went on forever. Thank you, Lord, for “the different drummer.”

********

“My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27

February 26, 2012

Cindy Korecky — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:27:41 +0000

Worship Highlights: 8:15 am & 10:30 am

Genesis 9:8-17; Mark 1:9-15

“The Timeless Promises of God — Noah”

Rev. Neal Sadler

9:00 am – “Do Not Be Afraid” – Vicki Marty

Flowers: on the altar are given by Richard & Sally Eaken in honor of their wedding anniversary.

WEEK AT A GLANCE

February 26, 2012 thru March 4, 2012

                     FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT

Sun             FAIR TRADE FUNDRAISER

            8:15 am   Chapel Worship

            9:00 am   Choir Rehearsal

            9:00 am   Gathering Worship

           10:30 am   Worship

            2:00 pm   JMM @ Medina Meadows

                                SING-A-LONG

            4:00 pm   Senior High Youth Group

            7:00 pm   JMM @ WRMC

Mon 1:00 pm Bannermakers

Tues 7:00 pm Gathering Band

7:00 pm Confirmation Makeup Class

Wed 7:15 am Chapel Prayer Time

10:30 am Quilters

2:00 pm Bible Study @ Tollafield’s

6:30 pm Bell Choir

6:45 pm Lenten Studies/Desserts

Thurs 9:15 am Women’s Bible Study

7:00 pm Chain Breaking Faith Mtg

Fri WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Sat 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

8:00 pm

9:00 am Gathering Band

11:00 am Gathering Leadership Team

Sun 8:15 am Chapel Worship

9:00 am Choir Rehearsal

9:00 am Gathering Worship

10:30 am Worship

2:00 pm JMM @ MR Village

3:30 pm 3rd Grade Bible Class

3:30 pm Confirmation Meeting

5:00 pm Senior High Youth Group

5:00 pm Youth Group

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FAIR TRADE COFFEE & TEA SALE

Want to support our youth and act for justice?

Have a cup of coffee!

The Middle School Youth Group invites you to support the UCC Coffee Project and help us raise money for our summer trip to the Hiram Living and Learning Community.

Beginning on February 26, be sure to stop by the table in the hallway to meet our middle school youth and to purchase fair trade coffee, tea, and chocolate.

Fair-trade coffee supports farmer co-ops in developing nations making it more possible for these farmers to earn a living; for this reason, fair trade coffee often costs more than other coffee. Information about the UCC Coffee Project will be available at the sale.

Thank you for your support!

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SMALL GROUP LENTEN STUDIES

Wednesdays

February 29, March 7, 14, 21, 28

6:45 pm – Dessert

7 pm – Small Group Study

The Lenten Studies for Lent will include 3 unique and different small group studies on Wednesday evenings during Lent: “Families Set Free” focus on parenting and families, “The Cow in the Parking Lot” focusing on communication and relationships, or “The Jesus I Never Knew” a Bible Study and reflection on the person of Jesus.

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BE THERE OR BE SQUARE

We begin with dessert and opening prayer at 6:45 pm in Fellowship Hall and then break out into our groups.

Activities are provided for children,

so please let us know the

names and ages of your children.

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FOR PROPER BOOK DISTRIBUTION:

Please sign up in East Room, outside kitchen

or call the Church Office 330-725-4559

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Chain-Breaking Faith Easter Project

In celebration of the promise of resurrection, once again this year, the group Both Sides of Prison: Do You Have Chain Breaking Faith? will sponsor an Easter Bag collection for local children whose parents are incarcerated. Come join us on Thursday March 1 at 7 pm in the East Room as we meet to coordinate this outreach effort. All are welcome! Questions? Please contact Jeannine Murray (330-421-5629 or jmw597b@yahoo.com) or Mariah Marlin-Warfield (330-725-4559 or youthpastor@uccmedina.org).

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NEW BIBLE STUDY FORMS

“50’S COUPLES”

Are you in that in between age? The kids have left home and retirement is a ways off…Maybe you are in your 50’s…

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How Cupcakes or a Gift Basket Will Send Our Youth

to the Farm…

This summer, our High School Youth will spend a week at Heifer International’s Overlook Farm in Massachusetts. In addition to working on the farm, we will learn strategies for reducing global hunger. To make this trip possible, we need your help! After the worship service on Youth Sunday, March 11, the High School Youth will hold a Silent Dessert Auction (so only quiet desserts — no loud pies!) and a Basket Raffle. We hope our whole church family will join in this celebration!

*If you can donate a gift basket for the raffle, please sign up on the tables outside Fellowship Hall or in the East Room.

*If you can donate a dessert, please complete the insert and return in the offering plate or to the church office.

Thank you for considering this opportunity! Questions? See Mariah Marlin-Warfield, Kelly & Josh Olin, or Stacie Yates.

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PASTORAL RELATIONS

COMMITTEE

Do you have joy, concern, or a new idea to share about our church? The Pastoral Relations Committee would like to hear from you!

The function of this committee is to enhance communication between the congregation and the ministers, but we need your input to be effective. Feel free to contact any of the PRC members listed below. We would be happy to talk to you. We also welcome letters, but we do ask that you sign any written communication so that we can respond appropriately. All communication with the PRC is confidential.

The PRC members are: Sandy Behler, Cheri Ingraham, and Matt Yates.

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YOUTH SUNDAY: WORSHIP AND AUCTION-RAFFLE CELEBRATION

Join us in celebrating Youth Sunday on March 11! This service is one of the year’s most memorable worship experiences, as the youth and children of the church lead us in giving glory to God. On this Sunday we will have one, unified service at 10:30 am.

Immediately following the service, plan to come to our Silent Dessert Auction and Basket Raffle. (Raffle tickets may be purchased from the youth on March 4 and March 11) Proceeds from this event will benefit the high school youth group’s summer mission trip to Overlook Farm in Massachusetts.

Youth Sunday is a celebration not to be missed! Thank you for supporting the children and youth of our congregation.

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MISSION TEAM NEWS

Mission Leadership Team is excited to welcome Rachel White to our team! This is a fun group that has the pleasure of giving money away to worthy causes and we’d love more members. We meet in the Library downstairs after the 10:30 a.m. service on the third Sunday of the month (with summers off). Current projects include working with the Evangelism Team on outreach to the church’s neighbors in need of handy man/woman projects. Look for more info to come!

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THE TIME IS NEAR…

AMISH QUILT RAFFLE

The Endowment Fund is sponsoring the Queen-size Amish Quilt raffle.

The Quilt Raffle will support the growth of the Fund for the future of our church.

There are still plenty of tickets available! They are $1.00 each. The drawing will be held on March 4, 2012, and the winner need not be present to win.

This beautiful quilt, available for viewing in the East Room, was made by the women of the Amish community of Cory, NY, The name of the pattern is LONE STAR, and it measures 102” x 110.”

Please support this worthy effort to continue the future life of our church.

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SUMMMER CAMP INFO IS HERE!!!

Are you looking to find something fun and educational for your children to do this summer?

Are you looking for something your family can do together?

What about you and your grandchildren?

You should look into the UCC Summer Camp programs. There are camps for everyone.

Pick up a Summer Camp Catalog outside

Fellowship Hall or in the East Room.

Sign up by March 31 for the lowest fees.

These camps offer great opportunities for everyone. There is scholarship money available to help with the cost of the camps just talk to Stacie for more information.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Stacie Yates. If you send a child to camp, please let Stacie know. Thank you.

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MEDITATION Cynthia Hankins

IS PRAYER GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Prayer is of compelling interest to Americans. Oprah talks about it on her TV show. Half a dozen books on the value of prayer and meditation have made the best-seller lists. It’s good for the soul, but is it good for your health?

In a report published in the July 2000 issue of “Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences,” researchers from Duke University Medical Center studied the survival rates of older adults. The researchers found that healthy older adults who participate in private religious activity – prayer, meditation or bible study – “appear to have a survival advantage over those who do not.”

Much scientific research points to the health benefits of certain forms of meditation that involve repetitive prayers or mantras. When meditating, subjects sit quietly, clear their minds and repeatedly utter a silent phrase or prayer. It could be, “May the best possible outcome prevail,” “May God bless my family” or “Peace.”

Studies show that such meditation can reduce oxygen use, increase blood flow, decrease blood pressure, relax muscles, lower secretion of stress hormones, improve brain functioning and help remedy insomnia. These health benefits often persist for several hours after meditating.

“To reap the health benefits of meditative prayer, practice it regularly,” says Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D., a Tucson-based physician and author of “Meditation as Medicine.” “Instead of praying just once a day at a special time,” he says, “pray throughout the day when you’re in a traffic jam, playing with your children or working at the office.”

Source: Kyle Roderick, Third Age Media

The deadline for submission of articles for NEXT Sunday’s Messenger is this Sunday at 11:30am

Submit articles to: athena42@mac.com Or: messenger@uccmedina.org