June 2016

The Circuit Writer

The monthly newsletter of the

The Pataskala United M

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The Pataskala United M

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Pataskala United Methodist Church

Pataskala United M

ethodist Church of the

There’s an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:

A right time for birth and another for death, A right time to plant and another to reap, A right time to kill and another to heal, A right time to destroy and another to construct, A right time to cry and another to laugh, A right time to lament and another to cheer, A right time to make love and another to abstain, A right time to embrace and another to part, A right time to search and another to count your losses, A right time to hold on and another to let go, A right time to rip out and another to mend, A right time to shut up and another to speak up, A right time to love and another to hate, A right time to wage war and another to make peace…

(Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, The Message)

This scripture has been rolling around in my head and heart quite a bit lately. We’ve heard it said, especially in business and diplomatic endeavors, that “timing is everything.” Our scriptures are full of instances pointing to timing—showing us examples of good timing, bad timing, and God’s timing. As I think about our first two years in ministry together, I am in awe of God’s prefect timing again and again. I am excited to announce that our Bishop has appointed me to serve alongside this faith family for at least another year. I am so humbled and honored to begin our third year of ministry together. God has a bright future in store for Pataskala and its people, and we get to shine the light of Jesus to help show folks the way. As the scripture above reminds us, there is an opportune time to do things. It seems pretty clear to me that God is nudging and poking and reminding us that the time is now. June was a bustling month for our church family. Annual Conference, the kick-off of our fifth year of the Kids Eat Free ministry, Vacation Bible School preparations…these are just some of the mission and ministry events that we poured our hearts into in the past month. Now we are heading into July and even more opportunities to share the love and grace and truth of Jesus are spread before us. continued next page

Family Camp is almost here!!! Now’s the time, friends. Family Camp is set for July 22-24 and is almost full. If you want to join us down at Camp Otterbein in Logan, Ohio, please register ASAP. Our own Pastor Angie is the Pastor of the week and will be leading us in worship in-between all the fun stuff: earth ball, swimming, night hikes, mud pit games, adventure initiatives, ninja, family time, S’mores… the list could go on forever! You can register for this camp (or any of our awesome West Ohio Camps) by going to the West Ohio Conference website: www.westohioumc.org then click on the Camps tab at the bottom of the home page.

SPECIAL THANKS As many of you know, Gary Marks was a relatively new member of our church family who passed away in May. His gracious way of teaching and welcoming others is missed tremendously. Kids Eat Free was a ministry of our church that was dear to his heart, so his family asked that all memorial donations be directed to support our Kids Eat Free mission. Donations in his memory have topped $2000. We are thankful for the Marks family remembering this ministry, and are grateful for the generosity of those who knew and loved Gary.

http://www.westohioumc.org/conference/missional-church-consultation-initiative

Please join our leaders in prayerful discernment about our engagement in this process. Bill Scott, our Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Chairperson will give a brief presentation at the July Council/Board meeting of what we learned, heard, and thought about the MCCI. Board/Council meetings are always open, and the church family is always encouraged to join us as we care for the business of the church.

Missional Church Consultation Initiative (MCCI) At the end of June, Bishop Gregory Palmer invited a small group of our church officers to a dinner at the West Ohio Conference office to hear about a program that will help move our church forward into God’s preferred future for us. You’ll be hearing more about the MCCI opportunity in the coming weeks, from the pulpit and from our

Inside this newsletter are tons of opportunities for any and all of us to jump in with both feet. Now is the time. God is calling us to be His agents of transformation at work—in our families, in our church, in our neighborhoods, in our town, in our world. The opportune time is here—we just need to trust in God’s perfect timing.

Blessed to serve beside you—

Pastor Angie

We are less than 2 weeks away from vacation Bible School. Join us for Surf Shack and Catch the wave of God's Amazing Love! As the saying goes, it takes a village. Church friends, YOU are the village! We have had several folks step up to volunteer. Thank you so much for helping teach our children, provide dinner for them, and leading them throughout the week. However, we still have several volunteer positions available. Can you help with setup or tear down? Can you teach one Bible story a night to our preschoolers? Can you help register and sign kids in? Can you help corral the troops by serving as a "lifeguard?" If your heart is leading you to serve, please consider one of these roles. (I'll let you in on a little secret... Kids will never judge you, they will only love you for helping them make memories!) Join me Tuesday, June 28th or Tuesday, July 1st at 6:30 p.m. as we continue to prepare our decorations that will transform our church into Surf Shack! Pizza will be provided. VBS runs from Sunday, July 10th through Thursday, July 14th. A free meal will be served for the kids and their families at 5:30 p.m. Programming will run from 6-8:30 each evening. Classes offered for ages 3 through 133! Register today at cokesburyvbs.com/pataskalaumc

To volunteer, or ask questions, please contact Susan Conley at 614-419-4409 (mobile - text away!) or via email at sconley302@gmail.com.

2016 VBS

KIDS EAT FREE The Kids Eat Free ministry continues to grow—more kids, more families, more meals. This is also means, more volunteers, more outreach, more people learning that we are a safe center for caring and sharing—and not just food! We are so proud of the volunteers and leaders of this ministry. Please keep praying for them as they are the bearers of Christ in our midst, even as they stir the spaghetti, share a story, pack a to-go lunch, and just spend some time in conversation with these kiddos and neighbors. Two weeks in and we have already served close to 400 meals and have had over 50 different people volunteer from our church family, neighboring churches, local business, and community civic groups. Jerry gives us updates every Sunday, and we are trying to track the number of neighbors served and volunteer hours as well.

Safe Sanctuary Training A gentle reminder that safe sanctuary training is a requirement for those who work directly with children in our church programming. Pastor Angie is leading two more trainings this summer (just in time for Vacation Bible School!) on Wednesday, July 6. We will meet in the Library, 1-3pm and 6-8pm. You only need to attend one session—they cover the same material around keeping our kids and workers safe. An RSVP is helpful, but not required, we just want you there! If you have questions, please connect with Pastor Angie. Our current Safe Sanctuary policy is under review, but is available in hard copy through the office.

As you can see, the Circuit Writer has undergone some format changes. This is in an effort to make editing easier and to make each issue more magazine - like. I looked at many other newsletters concerning a variety of subjects and decided this format best suited our needs. Let me know what you think. Due to some changes at the post office, our Circuit Writer mailing costs have been cut nearly in half. I am going to use the extra funds to produce the mailed version in color. The flower dedication list is now in the office. If you have a flower dedication you can call the office or leave a note in the office box if the office is locked. Please remember to fill in the attendance for your group or class in the orange attendance folder outside the office door. As always, check before you come to the office for business. My schedule changes from time to time and at the last minute. Thanks JayH

West Virginia Flood Alert June 28, 2016

"Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”—Lamentations 3:21-23 Beloved in Christ Jesus: West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin called the flooding that began June 23 “among the worst in a century”. President Obama signed a major disaster declaration for three of the hardest hit counties- Greenbrier, Kanawha and Nicholas. Twenty five people are now confirmed dead, with people still missing in Greenbrier County. The small town of Rainelle is grieving the death of 15 people, with others still missing. Mayor Andrea Pendleton poignantly said, “I weep for my people, I weep for the businesses.” (USA Today) As followers of Jesus, we know that Jesus also weeps.

As flood waters continue to recede, whole communities are facing the devastation left covered in mud and debris. Homes destroyed. Businesses gone. Memories swept away. Loved ones no longer alive. Into this reality the United Methodist Church brings the healing presence of Jesus’ love. We will stay with the people and the communities long after the media spotlight has vanished, because we follow the prompting of God’s Spirit, not the media spotlight.

We have invited you to extend extravagant generosity of heart, time and treasure in many ways over these past few years, and you have been faithful. You have shown the power of Christian compassion that cares for those we do not know. We come to you once again asking you to pour out your compassion to those in West Virginia. Below are specific ways you can do this.

Pray for those living through this terror, the National Guard still engaged in search and rescue, the thousands of people providing care and presence. Pray that we will be able to come together to offer the gifts of presence and resources needed to build hope for the future.

Give from your compassionate heart. The work of recovery is long and it costs money. There are two different ways in which you can financially support the United Methodist response in West Virginia.

Two Mary Ellen Beeson Memorial Scholarships Awarded

Mary Ellen Beeson was remembered by the congregation at the 9am service on Sunday, June 26th as memorial scholarships of $1,000.00 were awarded to Cassidy Carey and to Rachel Daw.

Cassidy, a 2015 graduate of Granville High School, will be a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati this Fall, majoring in chemical engineering.

Rachel, a graduate of Watkins Memorial High School will attend the Central Ohio Technical College Electrical Trades program with the goal of becoming an electrician.

Thank you to the members of the congregation for helping the Susannah United Methodist Women of the church raise funds for Mary Ellen Beeson memorial scholarships awarded each year since 2005.

Support the work of UMCOR through Advance Special # 901670.

Congregations may send offerings to the West Ohio Conference Office, 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Indicate Advance Special # 901670 on the check.

Thank you for being Easter people committed to the hope of resurrection in the midst of chaos and despair. It is a sacred privilege to lead in your midst.

Individuals may give gifts on line. Please go to Disaster Response to make a donation. Complete the information on the form and select United States Disaster Response Advance #901670 on the drop down box. Support the Work of the West Ohio Disaster Response Team. Our conference and district disaster leaders are already working with people in West Virginia. Plans are being made to send in disaster teams to assist communities and families. Your support will allow West Ohio to assist with needs in our neighboring annual conference.

Congregations may send offerings to the West Ohio Conference Office, 32 Wesley Blvd, Worthington, OH 43085. Indicate West Ohio Disaster on the memo.

Individuals may give gifts on line. Please go to West Ohio Disaster Relief to make a donation. Complete the information on the page and select West Ohio Disaster Response on the drop down box. Wait to Serve This is not the time to go to West Virginia. Professional responders are still securing areas, and communities need to build capacity to host volunteers from outside. West Ohio will provide information when volunteer needs will be known and systems created on the ground.

Gregory Vaughn Palmer Resident Bishop, Ohio West Area

Many thanks to Jack Pendleton who trimmed the boxwood bushes in the front of the church. Nicely done Jack! SUMW made a generous donation to “the flowers round the church fund.” It is looking fantastic around our grand old church. Many thanks to the all-volunteer watering team. With a little help from Mother Nature these generous brothers and sisters will keep our gardens thriving! Our very own team member, Lynn Meadows, donated the funds for the new chock cheery tree just east of Fellowship Hall and she bought us two new hose carts. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Spring has been a very busy and productive time for your Trustee Team.

The hall bath at the parsonage has been renovated and the mold and mildew smell (originally smelled by Pastor Jim) has been eradicated! There was mold in and around the plumbing of the old bath tub.

We had the chain link fence on the south side of the parsonage extended. We are hoping that this will serve as friendly persuasion for those folks cutting through the yard too close to the house for comfort.

The exterior ramp and rail have been replaced and look fabulous!

The sidewalk in the front of the church has been repaired; with our many thanks to the city.

Work has begun on new sound systems in both the sanctuary and in Fellowship Hall… Thank you Dennis Beckman and committee!

We have temporarily addressed the sagging grate in the court yard. While it is 100 times sturdier, it is not the permanent fix we are seeking Please do not walk on that grate for any reason.

In the fall when the weather is a bit cooler we will address the replacement of the front doors. We are praying for a hedge of protection around the old doors until then.

Your Trustee Team will meet again on August 8th at 7:30 PM all are welcome to attend.

Monthly Report

Your Trustee Team

Gary Lott, Charlie Parsons, Don Lewis, Rob Schott, Jason Sherer, Russ Hupp,

Lynn Meadows and Chris Hatton

2016 West Ohio Annual Conference Report by Tammy Hoovler

What an amazing experience I had as the PUMC lay delegate to the West Ohio Annual Conference! What stands out the most is the realization that we are truly in capable hands. We have both a Pastor and a Bishop who are both filled with the fire of The Holy Spirit to share the Good News. Bishop Palmer writes in his welcome, “I have been praying for our time together by the lake…we will focus our energies anew for the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” He also states that the gospel is to be taken to all.

We were blessed by a message from Rev. Dr. David F. Watson who is an ordained elder in the West Ohio Conference. He and his wife have an autistic son and he shared the joys and trials of raising a child with disabilities. We were asked how readily does our church accept the disabled, and we were reminded that the attitude of the people in our congregation is most important.

On the last day we had the privilege of hearing from Bishop Peggy A. Johnson who serves the Philadelphia Area of the U.M.C. She served several years as Pastor of an all deaf congregation. She also served deaf and deaf-blind communities and those who have mobility, intellectual and mental health challenges. She reminded us that we must provide accessibility to all God’s people. The love of Christ was evident in her life as she shared her experience.

A very special guest was Bishop Nkula Ntanda Ntambo, Resident Bishop of North Katanga Conference UMC. He brought greetings from Africa and many thanks for the $3.6 M raised for the Imagine No Malaria campaign. This amount was raised and committed from 710 churches. Our conference also supported the purchase of the airplane that his son pilots on its medical missions to areas that are difficult to reach by land. He was also grateful for our help in that purchase. On a lighter note, the W.O.C. gave him an OSU football jersey which he wore and shouted out a loud, “O-H!” Of course we responded, “I-O!”

Attendance for 2016: 956 Clergy 892 Lay Members 190 Spouses 240 Visitors 2,278 Total continued on next page

At the transfiguration, who appeared and talked to Christ? See bottom of page for answer

Quiz Answer - Elijah and Moses (Mark 17:3, 9:4 and Luke 9:30)

Pictured Left: Tammy Hoovler with Gregory Vaughn Palmer Resident Bishop, Ohio West Area

1 Marc Stoffel 3 Abbie Sherer 4 Mike King 7 Ernie Moorhead 7 Marty Stought 8 Cam Hoovler 8 Linda Ashcraft 8 Lisa Ashcraft 10 Dean Ramsey 12 Janet White 16 Evelyn Reynolds 17 Shirley Hill 19 Kevin Belt 20 Mary Jo Zeune 21 Zola Murphy 23 Brenda Carey 25 Ethan Harvey 26 Cheryl Marks 27 Zach DeHart 30 Lester Kahrig 31 Cody Foor

1 Terry & Sandi Sager 13 Bill & Susie Scott 14 Jay & Jenny Hatton 25 Pat & Keri Helgerman

July BIRTHDAYS

July ANNIVERSARIES

If you have a birthday or anniversary that needs added to the list please drop a note in the office box or call the office.

Information we learned from the 2015 missions report was:

1) New Church Start and Satellite Grants – the goal of this grant is to resource the efforts of new worshipping communities to more effectively make fully committed, mission minded, world-changing disciples of Jesus Christ. (One such church is Hocking Hills UMC/ New Church Start)

2) Revitalization and Capacity Building Grants- Church Revitalization Grants are awarded by West Ohio to qualifying churches that are in the process (unique to each congregation) of strategizing specific plans for increasing fruitfulness and transformation. (A church receiving this grant is Summit Station UMC, our neighbor!)

3) All In Community- This group of people was recognized at the conference. There are 28 congregations engaged in Prison and Reentry Ministry. The W.O.C. supports local congregations in this mission by mobilizing their existing resources. As one church leader said, “Any church can do this; every church should do this.”

4) Missionaries from West Ohio- We have missionaries serving in: Nepal, Zambia, Dakotas, Florida, Horizon Prison Initiative in Chillicothe, and at Esperanza Viva in Hamilton, Ohio.

5) Global Partnership- The W.O.C. is in a covenantal partnership in the four corners of the world: Volga District in Russia; North Katanga Conference in the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Oriental Conference in Mexico; Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia in Southeast Asia.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the 5 recommendations that were voted on:

Council on Finance and Administration Recommendations

1) 2017 Recommendation Commission on Equitable Compensation 2) 2017 Board of Pension and Health Benefits 3) Resolutions for the Sale of Camp Asbury to the Friends of Camp Asbury 4) Recommendation Requesting a Study Regarding the Benefits and Costs of

the Missional Church Consultation Initiative

After hearing pros and cons, questions, and amendments, all 5 recommendations were accepted. There is a copy of the Book of Reports in the office if you wish to review them.

The highlight of my time at annual conference was getting to see Benjamin Paul Wallick receive his commissioning as a Provisional Elder. He is serving the Fremont Trinity U.M.C. Ben was just about 3 years old when he was attending our church and directing the chancel choir form one of the back pews. Guess he thought that I needed help! It was quite an honor for me to be there for him.

Thank You, P.U.M.C. , for selecting me to serve as our delegate to the W.O. Annual Conference. I will close this report with a statement from Bishop Palmer: “Pray for each other that we may know what really matters.”

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2 Pataskala

Fireworks @ Foundation Park

3 9am Traditional Worship 10am Sunday School 11am 3:16 Worship

4 Office Closed No KEF 7pm AA (BH)

5 11:30am KEF 8pm Al-Anon (BH) 7pm Worship Committee

6 11:30am KEF Safe Sanctuary Training 1pm-3pm 6pm - 8pm

7 11:30am KEF 6:30pm Praise Team

8 11:30am KEF

9

10 9am Traditional Worship 10am Sunday School 11am 3:16 Worship

11 11:30am KEF 6:30pm Finance Cmte 7:30pm Trustees 7pm AA (BH)

12 11:30am KEF 8pm Al-Anon (BH)

13 9am Prayer Bead 10am Quilters 11:30am KEF

14 11:30am KEF 6:30pm Praise Team

15 11:30am KEF

16 WLHS Scenic Garden Tour 1pm - 5pm See office bulletin board for more info

17 9am Traditional Worship VBS Celebration Day 10am Sunday School 11am 3:16 Worship

18 11:30am KEF 7pm Church Board 7pm AA (BH)

19 11:30am KEF 8pm Al-Anon (BH)

20 11:30am KEF

21 11:30am KEF 6:30pm Praise Team

22 11:30am KEF

23

24 9am Traditional Worship 10am Sunday School 11am 3:16 Worship

25 11:30am KEF 7pm SPRC 7pm AA (BH)

26 11:30am KEF 8pm Al-Anon (BH)

27 11:30am KEF

28 11:30am KEF 6:30pm Praise Team

29 30

JULY 2016 PUMC MONTHLY PLANNING CALENDAR BH = Beeson Hall - L = Library - S = Sanctuary - CR# = Classroom

31 $5 on the 5th 9am Traditional Worship 10am Sunday School 11am 3:16 Worship

VBS 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Family Camp

Family Camp Pastor Angie Vacation

Vacation