News for December 22. 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church, 

Christmas Eve services will take place at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Thursday evening.  The early service will feature carols, scripture, Pastor Mike’s message and special music.  There will be a nursery available for babies and toddlers.  Our late service will begin with a 20 minute piano concert by Olga, followed by carols, scripture, special music, the message and holy communion.  Both services will feature candles as we pass the light of Christ and we join together in singing Silent Night.   

A big Church Mouse thank you to Melva and Jerry Robinson for picking up all of the beautiful poinsettia plants this morning at Strains Nursery and arranging them around the altar in the sanctuary.  Thank you to all who ordered flowers this year.  You may take your poinsettia home following the worship services on Christmas Eve.  (You will find protective sleeves for your plant’s ride home in between the organ and the piano.) 

Our mission emphasis for the month of December will be Imagine No Malaria.  Malaria is a disease of poverty that strikes hardest at the most vulnerable members of society:  pregnant women and children under the age of five.  A child dies every minute from this preventable disease.  Five dollars provides a lifesaving course of medication, and ten dollars protects an entire family with a bed net.  Our Christmas Offering will also be given to Imagine No Malaria.  In response to Christ’s saving grace, how many lives will you help save this month? 

There will not be any children’s Sunday School this Sunday morning during the worship service. 

Worship Service for Sunday, December 27   

              Hymns -  Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and  Joy to the                               World

              Children’s Moment - Mission Jar collection

              Olga’s selections -

                   Prelude:  Go Tell It on the Mountain

                   Offertory:  Sing We Now of Christmas

                   Postlude:    He Is Born          

             Anthem - Now the Holly Bears a Berry

             Scripture-  Romans 14: 14-19

             Pastor Mike’s sermon – Living in the Kingdom Brings Glory                                                  to God

             Liturgist - Dave Landis             

Please join us for light refreshments following Sunday’s worship service in our Fellowship Hall.  Nancy O. Stafford has been your host for the month of December.  

Are you running a little behind on your financial giving this year?  Want to give a few extra dollars this year?  In order to have your giving count on your 2015 financial statement, all monies need to be deposited by Tom Wiggins by noon on Thursday, December 31.  You may contact him either at home or by email at financialsec@watervilleumc.org.  

If you have not had the opportunity to submit your Estimate of Giving Cards, we will gladly accept them at any time.  You may place them in the offering, send them via the mail, or send an email to Tom Wiggins at financialsec@watervilleumc.org.  If needed, additional Estimate of Giving Cards are located on the hallway shelf outside the Church Office marked as “2016 Stewardship Campaign.” 

Just a reminder that the church office will be closed this Thursday and Friday and also next Thursday and Friday.         

Merry Christmas,

Church Cathy

News for December 18, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church, 

The final lesson of A Savior Is Born will be held this Sunday.   Adults, please feel free to join us this week for a video (it will be working this week!) and some discussion.  We meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Childcare is provided.  

Our mission emphasis for the month of December will be Imagine No Malaria.  Malaria is a disease of poverty that strikes hardest at the most vulnerable members of society:  pregnant women and children under the age of five.  A child dies every minute from this preventable disease.  Five dollars provides a lifesaving course of medication, and ten dollars protects an entire family with a bed net.  Our Christmas Offering will also be given to Imagine No Malaria.  In response to Christ’s saving grace, how many lives will you help save this month?   

Worship Service for Sunday, December 20   

             Advent Wreath Lighting -

             Hymns -  Angels We Have Heard on High and  Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

              Olga’s selections -

                   Prelude:  I Saw Three Ships

                   Offertory:  God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

                   Postlude:  Herbei, Oh Ihr Glaubigen(O Come, All Ye Faithful)

              Anthem - Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

             Scripture-  Mark 8:31-9:1

             Pastor Mike’s sermon - The Kingdom of God is Powerful

             Liturgist - Dave Landis             

Please join us for light refreshments following the worship service in our Fellowship Hall.  Nancy O. Stafford will be your host for the month of December.  

Inside each bulletin this Sunday, you will find an invitation to attend one of our Christmas Eve services on December 24.  Our 7:00 pm service will be the traditional candle light service with carols and readings.  A nursery will be available at the early service.  The 11:00 pm service will begin with a 20 minute piano concert by Olga and will be followed by carols, readings and communion.  Please take these cards and share them with a neighbor, a family member, or a friend.   

We have 10 Welcome a Neighbor Bags this Sunday that will need to be distributed to new residents in our community. 

Monday, December 21, is the deadline for all articles and items to be included in the January 2016 issue of our church newsletter, The Ambassador.  Please send your items to Janet at wumcjanet@watervilleumc.org.  

Are you running a little behind on your financial giving this year?  Want to give a few extra dollars this year?  In order to have your giving count on your 2015 financial statement, all monies need to be deposited by Tom Wiggins by noon on Thursday, December 31.  You may contact him either at home (now that he’s retired!!) or by email at financialsec@watervilleumc.org.

 

If you have not had the opportunity to submit your Estimate of Giving Cards, we will gladly accept them at any time.  You may place them in the offering, send them via the mail, or send an email to Tom Wiggins at financialsec@watervilleumc.org.  If needed, additional Estimate of Giving Cards are located on the hallway shelf outside the Church Office marked as “2016 Stewardship Campaign.” 

A big Thank You to those of you who have already picked up your new 2016 Giving Envelopes.  We are down to only 19 sets of them on the shelf outside the church office!  Since they cost close to $5.00 each to mail, we would really appreciate your help in getting them picked up by the end of the year. 

Two important items to put on your new 2016 calendar…

There will be a Celebration Service for the appointment to District Superintendent for Rev. Scot Ocke on Sunday, January 10 at 3:30 p.m. at the Monroe Street United Methodist Church  located at 3616 Monroe Street in Toledo.  Our Bishop, Gregory V. Palmer, will be preaching at that service.

Theatre-for-the-World dates have been announced for 2016.  Their first show will be, Harmony Romances, a small-cast comedy by local playwright, Ron Hill.  Performances are slated for March 4, 5 and 6.  The show is a humorous look at how a church funeral committee reacts as one of their own rekindles a romance with her long lost high school sweetheart over the internet.   Gossip is not encouraged, but these folks can't resist sharing their crazy thoughts on this relationship.   Look for more details in the January 2016 issue of The Ambassador! 

And finally, a BIG Church Mouse Thank You to Ted Myers.  During this past week, Ted has installed new, updated, faster computers in the church office.  It feels like we are now operating at almost Star Wars warp-speed!!   Thank you so much for all the time you spend making sure that we are “up and running” in the office and around the church.  You are a huge blessing to Waterville United Methodist Church!!!           

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News for December 11, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church, 

Our adult Advent Bible Study, “A Savior Is Born,” continued last Sunday with 24 in attendance.  There are two lessons left.   Please feel free to join us this week for a video and some discussion.  We meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Childcare is provided.   

Our mission emphasis for the month of December will be Imagine No Malaria.  Malaria is a disease of poverty that strikes hardest at the most vulnerable members of society:  pregnant women and children under the age of five.  A child dies every minute from this preventable disease.  Five dollars provides a lifesaving course of medication, and ten dollars protects an entire family with a bed net.  Our Christmas Offering will also be given to Imagine No Malaria.  In response to Christ’s saving grace, how many lives will you help save this month?   

Worship Service for Sunday, December 13   

             Advent Wreath Lighting -

             Hymns -  Away in a Manger and  O Little Town of Bethlehem

              Olga’s selections –

                   Prelude:  Medley of Angels, from the Realms of Glory and Hark! the Herald Angels Sing

                   Offertory:  The First Noel

                   Postlude:  Deck the Halls

             Scripture -  Luke 2:1-18

             Children’s Christmas Program – The Christmas Lizard            

Please join us for light refreshments following the worship service in our Fellowship Hall.  Nancy O. Stafford will be your host for the month of December.  

Inside each bulletin this Sunday, you will find an invitation to attend one of our Christmas Eve services on December 24.  Our 7:00 pm service will be the traditional candle light service with carols and readings.  The 11:00 pm service will begin with a mini-concert by Olga and will be followed by carols, readings and communion.  Please take these cards and share them with a neighbor, a family member, or a friend.   

If you would like to order a poinsettia for Christmas Eve, you will find ordering envelopes in the rack with the offering envelopes in each pew or on the table in the entryway.  The deadline for orders will be Sunday, December 13.  The cost remains at $7.00 per plant.  Donations to the church’s new building fund will also be accepted on these forms.  Your name and your dedications will be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletins.  As of Friday at noon, we have 10 red plants and 7 white plants that are still available.   

If you have not had the opportunity to submit your Estimate of Giving Cards, we will gladly accept them at any time.  You may place them in the offering, send them via the mail, or send an email to Tom Wiggins at financialsec@watervilleumc.org.  If needed, additional Estimate of Giving Cards are located on the hallway shelf outside the Church Office marked as “2016 Stewardship Campaign.” 

Your 2016 Giving Envelopes are now available on the hallway shelf outside the Church Office.  Please make every effort to pick them us, as it is quite expensive to mail them.  In addition, the Counting Team appreciates your using these envelopes for your contributions as they help streamline the processing of the weekly offerings.  

Please bring your family and friends to our Caravan Christmas Caroling event!  We will meet at the church on Sunday, December 13 and depart at 6:30 p.m.  Our members that are unable to get to church, or have difficulty doing so, love to have us bring His glory to their doorstep at this time of the year.  Children may bring bells to rind as we sing “Jingle Bells.”  We will conclude the evening with hot chocolate and cookies in Fellowship Hall.  If you enjoy baking this time of year, extra cookies are welcome!!! 

The Friendly Center serves Toledo’s inner city children and is a ministry of The United Methodist Church.  During the cold winter months, they have extra need for NEW hats, gloves/mittens and socks.  If you would like to support this ministry, there will be a basket in the Fireside Room for collecting these items.  Our Women’s Ministry will deliver them to the Friendly Center in mid-January.

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News for December 4, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,

 Our adult Advent Bible Study, “A Savior Is Born,” kicked off last week with 24 in attendance.  If you missed it, please feel free to join us this week for a video and some discussion.  We meet at 9:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. Childcare is provided.   

Our mission emphasis for the month of December will be Imagine No Malaria.  Malaria is a disease of poverty that strikes hardest at the most vulnerable members of society:  pregnant women and children under the age of five.  A child dies every minute from this preventable disease.  Five dollars provides a lifesaving course of medication, and ten dollars protects an entire family with a bed net.  Our Christmas Offering will also be given to Imagine No Malaria.  In response to Christ’s saving grace, how many lives will you help save this month?   

Worship Service for Sunday, December 6

             Prelude - Handbell Choir playing Carol of the Bells in the balcony

             Advent Wreath Lighting - Christie & Kyle Wielgopolski

             Children’s Moment -

             Hymns -  Angels from the Realms of Glory and  O Come, All Ye Faithful

             Sanctuary Choir anthem - A Father’s Love, A Perfect Rose with a solo by Ted Myers

             Olga’s selections -

                   Offertory: Angels We Have Heard on High

                   Postlude:  Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

             Scripture -  Mark 10:13-27

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon - Entering the Kingdom of God

             Stewardship Update - Tom Wiggins

             Celebration of Holy Communion - served by intinction

             Liturgist – Tom Quinn

Inside each bulletin this Sunday, you will find an invitation to attend one of our Christmas Eve services on December 24.  Our 7:00 pm service will be the traditional candle light service with carols and readings.  The 11:00 pm service will begin with a mini-concert by Olga and will be followed by carols, readings and communion.  Please take these cards and share them with a neighbor, a family member, or a friend.   

Please join us for light refreshments following the worship service in our Fellowship Hall.  Nancy O. Stafford will be your host for the month of December.  

Our church will be ringing the bell at the Salvation Army Kettle at the Waterville Kroger Store on Saturday, December 12.  We have one hour time slots available beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m.  There is a signup sheet on the bulletin board in the main hallway.  If you have any questions about this project, please contact Karen Wiggins. 

If you would like to order a poinsettia for Christmas Eve, you will find ordering envelopes in the rack with the offering envelopes in each pew or on the table in the entryway.  The deadline for orders will be Sunday, December 13.  The cost remains at $7.00 per plant.  Donations to the church’s new building fund will also be accepted on these forms.  Your name and your dedications will be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletins. 

If you have not had the opportunity to submit your Estimate of Giving Cards, we will gladly accept them at any time.  You may place them in the offering, send them via the mail, or send an email to Tom Wiggins at financialsec@watervilleumc.org.  If needed, additional Estimate of Giving Cards are located on the hallway shelf outside the Church Office marked as “2016 Stewardship Campaign.” 

Your 2016 Giving Envelopes are now available on the hallway shelf outside the Church Office.  Please make every effort to pick them us, as it is quite expensive to mail them.  In addition, the Counting Team appreciates your using these envelopes for your contributions as they help streamline the processing of the weekly offerings.            

The children continue to practice for their annual Sunday School Christmas Program.  It will be presented on Sunday, December 13th during the worship service.   Following the program, we will be having a special Fellowship Time which will include lots of yummy Christmas cookies.  If you would like to provide a plate of cookies, please place your name and phone number on the signup sheet in the main hallway.  

Please bring your family and friends to our Caravan Christmas Caroling event!  We will meet at the church on Sunday, December 13 and depart at 6:30 p.m.  Our members that are unable to get to church, or have difficulty doing so, love to have us bring His glory to their doorstep at this time of the year.  Children may bring bells to rind as we sing “Jingle Bells.”  We will conclude the evening with hot chocolate and cookies in Fellowship Hall.  If you enjoy baking this time of year, extra cookies are welcome!!! 

The Friendly Center serves Toledo’s inner city children and is a ministry of The United Methodist Church.  During the cold winter months, they have extra need for NEW hats, gloves/mittens and socks.  If you would like to support this ministry, there will be a basket in the Fireside Room for collecting these items.  Our Women’s Ministry will deliver them to the Friendly Center in mid-January.

The Church Mouse reports that the boiler heating system in the Education Wing has been fixed and everything is nice and warm again.                                                                                                                                                                                          Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News for November 24, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,

Here is the final Operation Christmas Child Shoebox count from our
congregation:

235 boxes

18 + volunteers

68.25 volunteer hours

The Relay Center in the Community Room received 920 boxes which were packed into 53 shipping cartons and then transported to Day Spring Church in Bowling Green on Monday afternoon.

Thanks so much to EVERYONE who made this such a success!  Special thanks to Anne Stevens who so graciously leads us through this adventure every year, for Pastor Mike who moved all of the shoeboxes from the Fireside Room to the sanctuary for last Sunday's service, for those many volunteers who moved the boxes from the sanctuary to the Community Room following worship last Sunday, and to Jim Page for driving the boxes down to Bowling Green on Monday.  There are 3 volunteers from our congregation who will be traveling with four others from the Whitehouse area next week to work at the Processing Center.  Please keep Karen Longnecker, Yvonne Lammon and Sherry Hill in your prayers as they see the shoeboxes through their next steps.

Our Thanksgiving Offering will be given to Operation Christmas Child this
year.

Have you ever thought about the intricate details of the first Christmas? How Mary handled the startling message from the angel Gabriel?  Why God sought fit to first appear to the lowly shepherds, and choose a manger in Bethlehem?  Or what it would have been like to stand before a multitude of angels?  Join us, beginning this Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m. in
Fellowship Hall for a four week adult Bible study entitled "A Savior Is
Born" by Pete Briscoe.  We will look at the topics of hope, peace, love and
joy. Childcare will be provided. 

Worship Service for Sunday, November 29

            Advent Wreath Lighting - Bill & Sue Gregory

            Children's Moment - Mission Jar

            Hymns -  It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and What Child Is This

            Sanctuary Choir anthem - A Christmas Thanksgiving

            Olga's selections -

                    Prelude:  O Come, All Ye Faithful

                  Offertory: O Little Town of Bethlehem

                  Postlude:  In the Bleak Midwinter

            Scripture -  Matthew 6:31-34

            Pastor Mike's Sermon - Seek First the Kingdom of God

            Liturgist - Priscilla Berseé

Please join us for light refreshments following the worship service in our
Fellowship Hall.  Jan Sheridan and Dawn Buskey have been your hosts for the month of November.

If you would like to order a poinsettia for Christmas Eve, you will find
ordering envelopes in the rack with the offering envelopes in each pew or on
the shelf by the office door.  The deadline for orders will be Sunday,
December 13.  The cost remains at $7.00 per plant.  Donations to the
church's new building fund will also be accepted on these forms.  Your name
and your dedications will be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletins.          

On December 1, 2015, people from around the world are coming together to
promote giving.  Be part of the magic of the season and join in with a
donation to The Friendly Center.  Your support connects nearly 12,000 people in the poorest neighborhood of Toledo with resources such as food, hygiene items, educational and nutrition programs, and much more.  Giving is easy! Give online, stop by their office, or mail in a check.  Just make sure it's received by December 1 to be part of Giving Tuesday.  The Friendly Center is located at 1324 North Superior Street, Toledo, OH 43604.  Forms with additional information are located on the shelf in the main hallway.

The children have begun to practice for their annual Sunday School Christmas Program.  It will be presented on Sunday, December 13th during the worship service.  Following the program, we will be having a special Fellowship Time which will include lots of yummy Christmas cookies.  If you would like to provide a plate of cookies, please place your name and phone number on the signup sheet in the main hallway. 

And finally, the Church Mouse would like to thank all those "elves" who
stayed after church last Sunday to "hang the greens", trim the trees and
string up the Christmas lights.  Not only has the sanctuary been "decked"
out for Advent, but also the Fireside Room, the Fellowship Hall and the main
hallway. 

Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving!  (The church office will be closed on
Thursday and Friday.)

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News for November 20, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church, 

Today is the deadline for all articles for the December edition of The Ambassador.  Please send your items to Janet at janetumc@watervilleumc.org 

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox collections continue this weekend in the Community Room.  We will be accepting boxes on Friday, November 20 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 21 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  

Our Thanksgiving Offering will be given to Operation Christmas Child this year. 

Worship Service for Sunday, November 22 - Thanksgiving Sunday

             Kinder Choir –I Will Give Thanks and Never Forget to Be Thankful

             Children’s Moment – Dedication of the OCC Shoeboxes

             Hymns -  We Gather Together and  For the Beauty of the Earth

             Sanctuary Choir anthem - Thank You

             Olga’s selections -

                    Prelude:  This Is the Day

                   Offertory: Thanksgiving and Praise

                   Postlude:  All Creatures of Our God and King

             Scripture -  1 Thessalonians 5:12-19

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon – Thankful In All Circumstances, You’ve got to Be Kidding

             Stewardship Moment – Tom Wiggins

            Liturgist – Dave Landis

Charlotte Pritchett has requested a Prayer Quilt this Sunday for her friend, Emily Vernon.  Please stop by the quilt, tie a knot and say a prayer for Emily this Sunday

This Sunday is Welcome A Neighbor Sunday.  We will have 14 gift bags that will need to be distributed to new residents of our community.  Please check and see if any of these new neighbors live near you. 

There will be poinsettia flower order forms in your worship bulletin this Sunday.  The deadline for orders will be Sunday, December 13.  The cost remains at $7.00 per plant.  Donations to the church’s new building fund will also be accepted on these forms.  Your name and your dedications will be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletins.           

November’sMission Focus will be Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. We will be dedicating all of our shoeboxes during the Children’s Moment in our Worship Service this week.  If you still don’t have your boxes finished, you may still bring them to church on Sunday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. or on Monday, November 23 from 10:00 a.m. until Noon.  Please remember to include your $7.00 for each box to help with the shipping. 

Our church will once again serve as a drop off / collection site for the area’s OCC Shoeboxes through Monday, November 23.  We are in need of one more volunteer on Monday morning, November 23 from 10-Noon.  Please contact Anne Stevens if you are available to help. 

Have you ever thought about the intricate details of the first Christmas?  How Mary handled the startling message from the angel Gabriel?  Why God sought fit to first appear to the lowly shepherds, and choose a manger in Bethlehem?  Or what it would have been like to stand before a multitude of angels?  Join us, beginning on Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall for a four week adult Bible study entitled “A Savior Is Born” by Pete Briscoe.  We will look at the topics of hope, peace, love and joy. Childcare will be provided.  Watch for a signup sheet on the bulletin board Sunday and an insert in your bulletin with additional information. 

The children have begun to practice for their annual Sunday School Christmas Program.  It will be presented on Sunday, December 13th during the worship service.   Following the program, we will be having a special Fellowship Time which will include lots of yummy Christmas cookies.  If you would like to provide a plate of cookies, please place your name and phone number on the signup sheet in the main hallway.  

Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the church office will be closed on Thursday and Friday next week.  Janet and I will both be in the office on Monday and Tuesday.  The bulletin will be printed on Tuesday morning…please make sure you have any items to be included in it turned into the office by Monday!                                                                                                        

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News for November 13, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church, 

Parents Night Out is tomorrow!  We still have capacity to take more children for PNO tomorrow!  We have 13 volunteers & are so thankful to the congregation for their excitement about this event!  Parents Night Out is tomorrow night, Saturday the 14th, from 5pm-7:30pm.  Treat yourself to a night out while your children are cared for in a fun, safe environment!  This is free childcare for children ages 1 year to 6th grade.  Your children will have a blast with crafts, games, an indoor bounce house, a Toledo Zoo live animal presentation, & dinner (pizza & snacks).  Please register by contacting Cara or Brian McMillan.  Registration required via above contact info, but we are happy to take registrations all the way up until the event starts!  Max registration is approx. 30 children (10+ spots left).  Please remind any friends  you've invited that they can take advantage of the fun for their children! 

The worship service this Sunday will be held at Waterville Primary School (457 Sycamore Lane) at 10:30 a.m.  Both children’s Sunday School (Christmas Play practice) and the Nursery will be available at the school location.  Alight luncheon will be held following the service at the school with six different croissant  sandwich options, four different salads and beverages. 

Worship Service for Sunday, November 15

             There will be no Children’s Moment this Sunday. 

             Hymns -  We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise, Take My Life, and Let It Be and  Great Is Thy Faithfulness

             Sanctuary Choir anthem - Thank You For the Song

             Olga’s selections -

                    Prelude:  Mighty Is Our God

                   Offertory: Sweet Hour of Prayer

                   Postlude:  Great Is the Lord

             Scripture -  Luke 18:18-23

             Guest Speaker - Rev. Rae Lynn Schleif

             Sermon Title - Extravagant Generosity

             Stewardship Moment - Turning in our estimate of giving cards            

November’sMission Focus will be Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes. Time is running out to pack a box for this year!  We still have plenty of boxes available.  Last Sunday following worship, the children and youth were able to pack 67 boxes with the items that you had donated throughout the year.  Now, we need to come up with the $7.00 shipping for those boxes!!  Please consider making an additional contribution to the Mission Jar to help with this expense on Sunday, November 29. 

Our church will once again serve as a drop off/ collection site for the area’s OCC Shoeboxes from Monday, November 16 through Monday, November 23.  We are in need of volunteers on Tuesday evening, November 17 from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday evening, November 18 from 4-7 p.m., Sunday evening, November 22 from 5-8 p.m., Monday morning, November 23 from 10-Noon and drivers/trucks to deliver the boxes at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23 to Day Spring Church in Bowling Green.  Please contact Anne Stevens if you are available to help. 

Our church will be dedicating our shoeboxes on Sunday, November 22 during the Thanksgiving worship service. 

Have you ever thought about the intricate details of the first Christmas?  How Mary handled the startling message from the angel Gabriel?  Why God sought fit to first appear to the lowly shepherds, and choose a manger in Bethlehem?  Or what it would have been like to stand before a multitude of angels?  Join us, beginning on Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 a.m. for a four week adult Bible study entitled “A Savior Is Born” by Pete Briscoe.  We will look at the topics of hope, peace, love and joy.  Watch for a signup sheet on the bulletin board next Sunday. 

The children have begun to practice for their annual Sunday School Christmas Program.  It will be presented on Sunday, December 13th during the worship service.   Following the program, we will be having a special Fellowship Time which will include lots of yummy Christmas cookies.  If you would like to provide a plate of cookies, please place your name and phone number on the signup sheet in the main hallway.                                                                                         

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News for November 6. 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church, 

The reservation deadline for the Consecration Luncheon on Sunday, November 15 at Waterville Primary School has been extended.  There will be forms in your bulletin on Sunday for you to fill out if you haven’t already made your reservations.  The church office will be accepting reservations on Monday by phone or e-mail  until 3:30 p.m. also. 

If you receive a printed copy of your giving statement, they are available for you to pick up on Sunday morning on the shelf outside the church office.  (There are 21 statements still in the box.)  Please help us save money on postage by picking up your statement this week. 

Worship Service for Sunday, November 8

              Prelude -We Gather Together by the Handbell Choir

             Children’s Moment - 

             Hymns -  America and  America the Beautiful

             Recognition of Veterans

             Sanctuary Choir anthem - Battle Hymn of the Republic

             Olga’s selections -

                   Offertory: Give Thanks

                   Postlude:  We Will Glorify

             Scripture -  Joshua 24:14-18(NLT)

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon Title - Serving God

             Stewardship Moment

             Liturgist - Tom Quinn

Jo Ann Lucas has requested a Prayer Quilt for Ruth Wade of the Browning Community.  Ruth is in rehab after a fall resulting in a broken hip.  Please take a few minutes to tie a knot on the quilt and say a prayer for Ruth this Sunday. 

Join us for a time of light refreshments and conversation following worship in our Fellowship Hall.  Jan Sheridan& Dawn Buskey will be your hosts during the rest of the month of November. 

November’sMission Focus will be Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.  There are empty shoeboxes in the Community Room, by the front door and on the cupboard in the Fireside Room.  The assembled boxes in the Fireside Room already have a few items placed in them.  Please take them home and fill them up!  If you missed hearing Karen Longnecker speak about the boxes, she suggested that you remove any excess packaging from items to be placed in the box.  She also suggested that instead of cardboard shoeboxes, you may use tool boxes or fishing tackle boxes of about the same size. 

The Youth Group will be available to do their annual Leaf Raking Fundraiser on Sunday, November 8.  All money earned from this activity will go towards their mission trip in 2016.  If you need some help with your yardwork, please let Adam know and he will put you on their schedule or put your name on the signup sheet in the main hallway and he will be in touch with you. 

The OCC Shoebox Packing Party will be held in Fellowship Hall following worship this Sunday.  We would like to have children/youth come downstairs after church and fill shoeboxes with the items that the congregation has donated throughout the year.  We are definitely in need of more toiletry type items – soap, washcloths, hairbrushes, combs, etc.   

Our church will once again serve as a drop off/ collection site for the area’s OCC Shoeboxes from Monday, November 16 through Monday, November 23.  We are in need of volunteers to staff the collection room (Community Room) during that week.  There are morning, afternoon and evening times available during that week.  Please stop by the signup sheet on the bulletin board in the main hallway and see where you can lend a hand.  Our church will be dedicating our shoeboxes on Sunday, November 22 during the Thanksgiving worship service. 

Parents Night Out Returns

Volunteers needed: WUMC Outreach Committee is planning a Parents Night Out for Saturday, November 14th from 5pm-7:30pm.  This is an event WUMC has hosted in the past with much success, and we are looking forward to bringing it back to reach out to our community & have a fun evening filling our church with kids!  We are in need of volunteers (ages 14+ are welcome!).  We promise you will have as much fun as the kids will!  Volunteers will be given activities to lead such as games, crafts, dinner, etc.  The Toledo Zoo is also coming with a live animal presentation.  Your time commitment will be from 4:45pm-7:30pm.  If you want to join the fun, but can't attend or can only come for part of it, please reach out to us.  We are so excited to restart this popular event!  Please contact Cara or Brian McMillan

For parents: WUMC is planning a Parents Night Out for Saturday, November 14th from 5pm-7:30pm.  Treat yourself to a night out while your children are cared for in a fun, safe environment!  This is free child care for children ages 1 year to 6th grade.  We would love for you to invite friends & neighbors to experience our church by having a night out together!  Your children will have a blast with crafts, games, an indoor bounce house, a Toledo Zoo live animal presentation, & dinner (pizza & snacks).   Registration required, space is limited to 25 children.  Please spread the word to friends/neighbors to register!  There are fliers at the entrances of the sanctuary and on the shelf by the church office to give to any neighbors or friends who might be interested in bringing their children to this event. 

The children have begun to practice for their annual Sunday School Christmas Program.  It will be presented on Sunday, December 13th during the worship service.   Following the program, we will be having a special Fellowship Time which will include lots of yummy Christmas cookies.  If you would like to provide a plate of cookies, please place your name and phone number on the signup sheet in the main hallway.  

I will be leaving the office today at 2:30 to go over to the Maumee Watershed District offices to submit some background checks.                                                                                                                                                                     

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News For October 30, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church, 

Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.  This is the weekend we “Fall back” to standard time. 

If you receive a printed copy of your giving statement, they are available for you to pick up on Sunday morning on the shelf outside the church office.  (There are 24 statements still in the box.)  Please help us save money on postage by picking up your statement this week. 

Worship Service for Sunday, November 1 –  All Saints Day

             Children’s Moment - 

             Honoring the Saints - Remembering all those who have gone to their eternal home in the last year from our congregation

             Hymns -  For All the Saints and  I Sing the Almighty Power of God

             Sanctuary Choir anthem - This Do In Remembrance of Me

             Olga’s selections -

                   Prelude:  O How He Loves You and Me

                   Offertory: Holy Ground

                   Postlude:  Spirit Song

             Scripture -  Mark 12:28-34(NLT)

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon Title - Everything Except Love

             Stewardship Moment - A short skit entitled The Offering with Anna Emahiser, Tom & Karen Wiggins and David Stafford

            Communion by intinction

             Liturgist - Priscilla Berseé

 

We have two Prayer Quilts on the walls for this Sunday:

            Rev. Joel Schutte has requested a quilt for his Father-in-law Jim Milbach.  Jim was recently diagnosed with cancer.

            Christie Wielgopolski has requested a quilt for a co-worker named Cheryl Henke.  She will have a brain tumor removed in November. 

The following individuals will be on our “Roll of the Victorious” this Sunday:

Rebecca Jo Agee

Lawrence Russell

Mary Ann Parker

Leona Ellen Sherer

Katherine R. Smith

Donnel M. Doblinger Sr.

Rev. Robert VerSteeg

Nancy Carr Taylor

Steven James Bell

As Pastor Mike reads each name, a bell will be rung and a candle on the altar will be lit. 

There will be a “Grazing Pot Luck” this Sunday for Fellowship Time following the service.  We ask that everyone bring their favorite appetizers to share to help us celebrate our love for our Pastor and staff.  The Staff/Parish Relations Committee will be your hosts for November 1.  Jan Sheridan& Dawn Buskey will be your hosts during the rest of the month of November. 

This Sunday, you will be handed a “Reservation Card”  for the Consecration Sunday Luncheon on Sunday, November 15 as you enter the sanctuary before worship.  Please complete the forms and place them in the Offering Plates as they are passed in the pews.  If you will not be in church for worship this Sunday and intend to attend the luncheon, please call the church office and make your reservations by Friday, November 6.   

Our church congregation will be holding their annual Church Conference on Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. at Sylvania First United Methodist Church.  The church is located at 7000 Erie Street in Sylvania.   Please plan to attend. 

November’sMission Focus will be Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.  There are empty shoeboxes in the community room, by the front door and on the cupboard in the Fireside Room.  The assembled boxes in the Fireside Room already have a few items placed in them.  Please take them home and fill them up!  If you missed hearing Karen Longnecker speak about the boxes, she suggested that you remove any excess packaging from items to be placed in the box.  She also suggested that instead of cardboard shoeboxes, you may use tool boxes or fishing tackle boxes of about the same size. 

The Youth Group will be available to do their annual Leaf Raking Fundraiser on Sunday, November 1 and Sunday, November 8.  All money earned from this activity will go towards their mission trip in 2016.  If you need some help with your yardwork, please let Adam know and he will put you on their schedule or put your name on the signup sheet in the main hallway and he will be in touch with you. 

Once again our church will offer a Free Election Day Lunch to our church and our community on Tuesday, November 3rd from 11:00 till 1:00.  Dust off your favorite soup, sloppy joe or dessert recipe and go directly to the bulletin board and sign up.  If cooking is not your gift, we need people to set-up, serve and clean up afterwards.  We also need to spread the word, invite your neighbors and your friends to meet you for lunch at WUMC.  If you know of somewhere that we can hang a flyer, pick up a flyer on the table at the bottom of the stairs, we want to get the word out.   We on the sharing team thank you for all your help in making this outreach ministry a success.  Please talk to Charlotte Pritchett if you have any questions. 

The next day of Prayer and Fasting, as called for by our Bishop, will be Friday, November 6.  The theme for November is Gratitude.  There are special yellow bulletins on the Prayer Table in the sanctuary that have scriptures, prayers, quotes and songs to help you to center your thoughts for this day. 

The OCC Shoebox Packing Party will be held in Fellowship Hall following worship on Sunday, November 8.  We would like to have children/youth come downstairs after church and fill shoeboxes with the items that the congregation has donated throughout the year.  We are definitely in need of more toiletry type items – soap, washcloths, hairbrushes, combs, etc.   

Our church will once again serve as a drop off/ collection site for the area’s OCC Shoeboxes from Monday, November 16 through Monday, November 23.  We are in need of volunteers to staff the collection room (Community Room) during that week.  There are morning, afternoon and evening times available during that week.  Please stop by the signup sheet on the bulletin board in the main hallway and see where you can lend a hand.  Our church will be dedicating our shoeboxes on Sunday, November 22 during the worship service. 

Parents Night Out Returns

Volunteers needed: WUMC Outreach Committee is planning a Parents Night Out for Saturday, November 14th from 5pm-7:30pm.  This is an event WUMC has hosted in the past with much success, and we are looking forward to bringing it back to reach out to our community & have a fun evening filling our church with kids!  We are in need of volunteers (ages 14+ are welcome!).  We promise you will have as much fun as the kids will!  Volunteers will be given activities to lead such as games, crafts, dinner, etc.  The Toledo Zoo is also coming with a live animal presentation.  Your time commitment will be from 4:45pm-7:30pm.  If you want to join the fun, but can't attend or can only come for part of it, please reach out to us.  We are so excited to restart this popular event!  Please contact Cara or Brian McMillan at 419-344-2171 (text or call) or cara.m.mcmillan@gmail.com.

For parents: WUMC is planning a Parents Night Out for Saturday, November 14th from 5pm-7:30pm.  Treat yourself to a night out while your children are cared for in a fun, safe environment!  This is free child care for children ages 1 year to 6th grade.  We would love for you to invite friends & neighbors to experience our church by having a night out together!  Your children will have a blast with crafts, games, an indoor bounce house, a Toledo Zoo live animal presentation, & dinner (pizza & snacks).  Please register by contacting Cara or Brian McMillan at 419-344-2171 (text or call) or cara.m.mcmillan@gmail.com.  Registration required, space is limited to 25 children.  Please spread the word to friends/neighbors to register! 

Stephanie Shelton is looking for someone to make around 40 “cinnamon applesauce” Christmas ornaments for the Children’s Christmas Program.  The recipe, cookie cutter, and ingredients would be provided for you.  The ornaments would need to be completed by November 28 in order for the kids to paint them on Sunday, November 29.  You can contact Stephanie at 567-202-5035  or sshelton171@gmail.com

                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News For October 23, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,  

If you receive a printed copy of your giving statement, they are available for you to pick up on Sunday morning on the shelf outside the church office.  Please help us save money on postage by picking up your statement this week.

 Worship Service for Sunday, October 25 –  

             Children’s Moment -  Mission Jar collection for Operation Christmas Child

             Hymns -  Come, Now is the Time to Worship and  Open My Eyes, That I May See

             Sanctuary Choir anthem - I Worship You, Almighty God

             Olga’s selections – 

                   Prelude:  Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus

                   Offertory: What A Friend We Have in Jesus

                   Postlude:  Lord, Be Glorified

             Scripture -  1 Corinthians 9: 19-26  (NLT)

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon Title - Discovering the Blessing of Self-Control

             Liturgist - Aaron Berseé

  

There is a Prayer Quilt on the sanctuary wall this Sunday for Fran Rowe.  Fran, a relative of Elaine Colyer,  has heart issues and blood clots in her legs and lungs.  

Please join us for a time of light refreshments following the worship service.  Terry Myers and Anne Stevens will be your hosts during the month of October.                      

October and November’s  Mission Focus will be Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.  There are empty shoeboxes in the community room, by the front door and on the table in the Fireside Room.  

During the month of October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra shoeboxes.   The collection basket is under the table in the foyer.   

Let’s Show Them Our Love!

It’s not just a job.  For Pastor Mike and the Staff here at WUMC, it’s also a labor of love.  Love for our Creator/Redeemer God and His church here at WUMC are also important reasons they serve.

SPRC invites everyone, young and ... eh, not so young any more, and everyone in-between, to reflect some love back to them as we celebrate Pastor/Staff Appreciation Month.  Here are two ways you can show your love and appreciation:

1)  Over the next week or two, take a few moments to hand-write a short note of thanks and appreciation for all they do for us and the Lord.  Then, mail it to the church, attention “Staff”, or drop it in the specially prepared box which will be located on the shelves in the office corridor.  SPRC will compile and deliver them.

2)  Fellowship together at the “Grazing Pot Luck” which SPRC is sponsoring after worship on November 1st.  Please bring your favorite appetizers to share to help us celebrate our love for Pastor and our Staff.

These are our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who we are lifting up in love:

Pastor Mike Denman                      Quen Doyle                          Amy Plassmann

Olga Meade                                      Barb Page                             Cathy Landis

Adam Sheldon                                 Claire Long                           Joel Schutte

Janet Poling                                     Stephanie Sheldon             Jenny Bollinger 

  

The Youth Group will be available to do their annual Leaf Raking Fundraiser on Sunday, November 1 and Sunday, November 8.  All money earned from this activity will go towards their mission trip in 2016.  If you need some help with your yardwork, please let Adam know and he will put you on their schedule or put your name on the signup sheet in the main hallway and he will be in touch with you.

Once again our church will offer a Free Election Day Lunch to our church and our community on Tuesday, November 3rd from 11:00 till 1:00.  Dust off your favorite soup, sloppy joe or dessert recipe and go directly to the bulletin board and sign up.  If cooking is not your gift, we need people to set-up, serve and clean up afterwards.  We also need to spread the word, invite your neighbors and your friends to meet you for lunch at WUMC.  If you know of somewhere that we can hang a flyer, pick up a flyer on the table at the bottom of the stairs, we want to get the word out.   We on the sharing team thank you for all your help in making this outreach ministry a success.  Please talk to Charlotte Pritchett if you have any questions.  

The next day of Prayer and Fasting, as called for by our Bishop, will be Friday, November 6.  The theme for November is Gratitude.  There are special yellow bulletins on the Prayer Table in the sanctuary that have scriptures, prayers, quotes and songs to help you to center your thoughts for this day.  

Parents Night Out Returns

Volunteers needed: WUMC Outreach Committee is planning a Parents Night Out for Saturday, November 14th from 5pm-7:30pm.  This is an event WUMC has hosted in the past with much success, and we are looking forward to bringing it back to reach out to our community & have a fun-filled evening filling our church with kids!  We are in need of many volunteers for the evening (ages 14+ are welcome!).  We promise you will have as much fun as the kids will!  Volunteers will be given activities to lead such as games, Thanksgiving crafts, dinner, etc.  Your time commitment will be from 4:50pm-7:30pm.  If want to join the fun, but can't attend the entire time, or not that evening, please reach out and let us know.  We are so excited to restart this popular event!  Please contact Cara or Brian McMillan at 419-344-2171 (text or call) or cara.m.mcmillan@gmail.com.

For parents: WUMC is planning a Parents Night Out for Saturday, November 14th from 5pm-7:30pm.  Treat yourself to a night out while your children are cared for in a fun, safe environment!  This is a free child care evening for children ages 1 to 11.  We would love for you to invite friends & neighbors to experience our church by having a night out together!!  We think this is a perfect way to introduce friends to our church & meet us.  Your children will have a blast playing games & doing crafts, dinner will be provided too.  Please register by contacting Cara or Brian McMillan at 419-344-2171 (text or call) or cara.m.mcmillan@gmail.com.  Registration required, space is limited to 25 children.  Please spread the word to friends/neighbors to register!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             And finally, the water well in Africa was completed on Wednesday!!!  The Water Project just posted some new pictures of some of the construction and the finished well. The community will now wait for the newly constructed sand dam, which can be seen in the background of some of the pictures, to mature, raising the water table in the area, and filling this well with safe, clean water. (You may visit thewaterproject.org and type in #4377 to view the photos.)  I will be posting some of the new photos in the announcement slides before the church service on Sunday.  

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News For October 16, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,  

Third quarter giving statements were emailed on Thursday, October 8.  If you receive a printed copy of your statement, they will be available for you to pick up on Sunday morning on the shelf outside the church office.  Please help us save money on postage by picking up your statement this week.  

The current topics Adult Bible Fellowship Sunday School class (The Wired Word) has come to a close.  New study opportunities may arise, but there are no specific plans at present.  Dave would like to thank the class for many thought provoking discussions.  

Worship Service for Sunday, October 18 –  

             Children’s Moment -  There will be a Memory Verse check today in Sunday School.  “Never Stop Praying!” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

             Hymns -  Open the Eyes of My Heart and  How Great Thou Art

             Sanctuary Choir anthem - As the Deer

             Olga’s selections – 

                   Prelude:  We Bring the Sacrifice of Praise

                   Offertory: Come, Thou Fount

                   Postlude:  Our God Reigns

             Scripture -  1 Timothy 6:1-16  (NLT)

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon Title - Pursuing Gentleness

             Liturgist - Tom Quinn  

There will be a Prayer Quilt hanging on the sanctuary wall this Sunday.  Sue Gregory has requested one for her cousin, Cheryl King, who had throat cancer and still can’t swallow, speak or eat.  She also has asked for prayers of healing.             

This Sunday is Welcome A Neighbor Sunday.  Please take a look at the addresses on the 9 gift bags in the entryway to see if any of these new residents to the Waterville area live near you.  If so, please take a few minutes to drop off the bag on your way home after worship.  

Please join us for a time of light refreshments following the worship service.  Terry Myers and Anne Stevens will be your hosts during the month of October.                       

October and November’s  Mission Focus will be Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.  There are empty shoeboxes in the community room, by the front door and on the table in the Fireside Room.  

During the month of October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra shoeboxes.  Anne Stevens would also like to suggest you consider buying some flip-flops – most stores have them discounted to under $1.00 now.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer.   

Let’s Show Them Our Love!

It’s not just a job.  For Pastor Mike and the Staff here at WUMC, it’s also a labor of love.  Love for our Creator/Redeemer God and His church here at WUMC are also important reasons they serve.

SPRC invites everyone, young and ... eh, not so young any more, and everyone in-between, to reflect some love back to them as we celebrate Pastor/Staff Appreciation Month.  Here are two ways you can show your love and appreciation:

1)  Over the next week or two, take a few moments to hand-write a short note of thanks and appreciation for all they do for us and the Lord.  Then, mail it to the church, attention “Staff”, or drop it in the specially prepared box which will be located on the shelves in the office corridor.  SPRC will compile and deliver them.

2)  Fellowship together at the “Grazing Pot Luck” which SPRC is sponsoring after worship on November 1st.  Please bring your favorite appetizers to share to help us celebrate our love for Pastor and our Staff.

These are our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who we are lifting up in love:

Pastor Mike Denman               Quen Doyle                   Amy Plassmann

Olga Meade                               Barb Page                     Cathy Landis

Adam Sheldon                          Claire Long                    Joel Schutte

Janet Poling                           Stephanie Sheldon             Jenny Bollinger  

  

Parents with kids in Youth Group - the deadline to sign your child up for this summer’s Mission Trip is this Sunday.  A $50.00 deposit is needed.  If you have any questions, please contact Adam Shelton.  

And speaking of the Youth Group, they will be available to do their annual Leaf Raking Fundraiser on Sunday, November 1 and Sunday, November 8.  All money earned from this activity will go towards their mission trip in 2016.  If you need some help with your yardwork, please let Adam know and he will put you on their schedule or put your name on the signup sheet in the main hallway and he will be in touch with you.  

Once again our church will offer a Free Election Day Lunch to our church and our community on Tuesday, November 3rd from 11:00 till 1:00.  Dust off your favorite soup, sloppy joe or dessert recipe and go directly to the bulletin board and sign up.  If cooking is not your gift, we need people to set-up, serve and clean up afterwards.  We also need to spread the word, invite your neighbors and your friends to meet you for lunch at WUMC.  If you know of somewhere that we can hang a flyer, pick up a flyer on the table at the bottom of the stairs, we want to get the word out.   We on the sharing team thank you for all your help in making this outreach ministry a success.  Please talk to Charlotte Pritchett if you have any questions.  

The next day of Prayer and Fasting, as called for by our Bishop, will be Friday, November 6.  The theme for November is Gratitude.  There are special yellow bulletins on the Prayer Table in the sanctuary that have scriptures, prayers, quotes and songs to help you to center your thoughts for this day.  

Parents Night Out Returns

Volunteers needed: WUMC Outreach Committee is planning a Parents Night Out for Saturday, November 14th from 5pm-7:30pm.  This is an event WUMC has hosted in the past with much success, and we are looking forward to bringing it back to reach out to our community & have a fun-filled evening filling our church with kids!  We are in need of many volunteers for the evening (ages 14+ are welcome!).  We promise you will have as much fun as the kids will!  Volunteers will be given activities to lead such as games, Thanksgiving crafts, dinner, etc.  Your time commitment will be from 4:50pm-7:30pm.  If want to join the fun, but can't attend the entire time, or not that evening, please reach out and let us know.  We are so excited to restart this popular event!  Please contact Cara or Brian McMillan at 419-344-2171 (text or call) or cara.m.mcmillan@gmail.com.

For parents: WUMC is planning a Parents Night Out for Saturday, November 14th from 5pm-7:30pm.  Treat yourself to a night out while your children are cared for in a fun, safe environment!  This is a free child care evening for children ages 1 to 11.  We would love for you to invite friends & neighbors to experience our church by having a night out together!!  We think this is a perfect way to introduce friends to our church & meet us.  Your children will have a blast playing games & doing crafts, dinner will be provided too.  Please register by contacting Cara or Brian McMillan at 419-344-2171 (text or call) or cara.m.mcmillan@gmail.com.  Registration required, space is limited to 25 children.  Please spread the word to friends/neighbors to register!  

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News for October 9, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,  

Third quarter giving statements were emailed on Thursday, October 8.  If you receive a printed copy of your statement, they will be available for you to pick up on Sunday morning on the shelf outside the church office.  If you would like to start receiving your statement via email or have any questions about your statement, please contact Tom Wiggins at financialsec@watervilleumc.org   

When asked about the mass shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon, last week, presidential candidate Jeb Bush said, among other things, that “stuff happens.”  Taken out of context by some of his political opponents, the remark was characterized as callous; in context, however, he was commenting on whether certain  laws, particularly relating to guns, should be changed.  While the writers of this week’s lesson has no interest in jumping into the political fray, the candidate’s comment, which echoes one view of life found in the Bible (specifically, in Ecclesiastes), gives us an opportunity to consider the range of biblical viewpoints and how they give us various ways to think about how to address life’s pains and problems.  So, that will be the topic of this week’s Wired Word Adult Sunday School Class.  Join us in Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m. for coffee, fellowship and discussion.  

Worship Service for Sunday, October 11 –  

             Handbell Choir Prelude - Give Me That Old Time Religion

             Kinder Choir - The Good Lord Made It All! and He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands with the congregation

             Children’s Moment -  

             Hymns -  Precious Lord, Take My Hand and  Lord, I Want to Be a Christian

             Olga’s selections - 

                   Offertory: Great Is Thy Faithfulness

                   Postlude:  I’ll Praise Your Name, Lord

             Scripture -  Colossians 1:1-12  

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon Title - Living Faithfully as God is Faithful

             Liturgist - Priscilla Berseé

             Worship Leader - Keith Colyer

Please join us for a time of light refreshments following the worship service.  Terry Myers and Anne Stevens will be your hosts during the month of October.                       

October and November’s  Mission Focus will be Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.  There are empty shoeboxes in the community room, by the front door and on the table in the Fireside Room.  

During the month of October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra shoeboxes.  Anne Stevens would also like to suggest you consider buying some flip-flops – most stores have them discounted to under $1.00 now.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer.   

Let’s Show Them Our Love!

It’s not just a job.  For Pastor Mike and the Staff here at WUMC, it’s also a labor of love.  Love for our Creator/Redeemer God and His church here at WUMC are also important reasons they serve.

SPRC invites everyone, young and ... eh, not so young any more, and everyone in-between, to reflect some love back to them as we celebrate Pastor/Staff Appreciation Month.  Here are two ways you can show your love and appreciation:

1)  Over the next week or two, take a few moments to hand-write a short note of thanks and appreciation for all they do for us and the Lord.  Then, mail it to the church, attention “Staff”, or drop it in the specially prepared box which will be located on the shelves in the office corridor.  SPRC will compile and deliver them.

2)  Fellowship together at the “Grazing Pot Luck” which SPRC is sponsoring after worship on November 1st.  Please bring your favorite appetizers to share to help us celebrate our love for Pastor and our Staff.

These are our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who we are lifting up in love:

Pastor Mike Denman   Quen Doyle                 Amy Plassmann

Olga Meade                  Barb Page                    Cathy Landis

Adam Sheldon             Claire Long                  Joel Schutte

Janet Poling                 Stephanie Sheldon     Jenny Bollinger

Parents with kids in Youth Group - the deadline to sign your child up for this summer’s Mission Trip is Sunday, October 18.  A $50.00 deposit is needed.  If you have any questions, please contact Adam Shelton.

And speaking of the Youth Group, they will be available to do their annual Leaf Raking Fundraiser on Sunday, November 1 and Sunday, November 8.  All money earned from this activity will go towards their mission trip in 2016.  If you need some help with your yardwork, please let Adam know and he will put you on their schedule or put your name on the signup sheet in the main hallway and he will be in touch with you.  

Once again our church will offer a Free Election Day Lunch to our church and our community on Tuesday, November 3rd from 11:00 till 1:00.  Dust off your favorite soup, sloppy joe or dessert recipe and go directly to the bulletin board and sign up.  If cooking is not your gift, we need people to set-up, serve and clean up afterwards.  We also need to spread the word, invite your neighbors and your friends to meet you for lunch at WUMC.  If you know of somewhere that we can hang a flyer, pick up a flyer on the table at the bottom of the stairs, we want to get the word out.   We on the sharing team thank you for all your help in making this outreach ministry a success.  Please talk to Charlotte Pritchett if you have any questions.  

For many years, we have had a business relationship with Cooper’s Flowers in downtown Waterville.  Unfortunately, because of the owner’s health issues and his intent to sell the building, those ties were cut last week and our church key has been returned.  From last Sunday forward, we will be getting our flowers for the altar from Anthony Wayne Floral on Providence Street in Whitehouse.  The cost for the altar arrangements will remain the same…$30.00…and they are willing to make the delivery each week for free.  Altar flowers have always been a line item in our budget that is, more often than not, in the red….folks order altar arrangements and then forget to pay for them.  Now would be a good time for you to check your 2015 financial statement that Tom Wiggins has just prepared to see if you are “paid up.”  Thank you!  

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News For September 29, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,  

There will not be a Wired Word Adult Sunday School Class this Sunday.

Worship Service for Sunday, October 4 –  World Communion Sunday

             Children’s Moment -  

             Hymns -  Let Us Break Bread Together and  There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood

             Sanctuary Choir Anthem -  A Table Set by God and Given For You

             Olga’s selections - 

                   Prelude: To God Be the Glory

                   Offertory: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

                   Postlude:  Bind Us Together

             Scripture -  2 Peter 1:1-11  

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon Title - Living the Good Life

             Sacrament of Holy Communion - passed in the pews

             Liturgist - Aaron Berseé

Please join us for a time of light refreshments following the worship service.  Terry Myers and Anne Stevens will be your hosts during the month of October.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  Please let Pastor Mike know how much we appreciate his ministry here at Waterville United Methodist Church by sending him a card, taking him out to lunch, gift cards to restaurants,  buying him a pickup truck….well, you get the idea!

October and November’s  Mission Focus will be Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.  There are shoeboxes in the community room, by the front door and on the table in the Fireside Room.

During the month of October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra shoeboxes.  Anne Stevens would also like to suggest you consider buying some flip-flops – most stores have them discounted to under $1.00 now.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer. 

The next day of Prayer and Fasting, as called for by our Bishop, will take place this Friday, October 2.  Our focus in October will be on The Mission of the Church. Conference-wide we are embracing a shared opportunity to join our hearts and bend our knees in some regular times of fasting and prayer on the first Friday of each month.  You will find a bulletin in the Prayer Corner at the front of the sanctuary with suggested prayers and centering Bible scriptures to help you focus your thoughts on October 2. 

We’ve just made it easier for you to add someone/something to our Prayer Chain.  Using your computer, phone or tablet, just end a message to prayers@watervilleumc.org.  This will send your request to Mary Williams and Pam Plassmann and they will send it out to our prayer warriors here at Waterville United Methodist Church.  This information is also included on the back page of your bulletin cover.

Parents with kids in Youth Group – the deadline to sign your child up for this summer’s Mission Trip is Sunday, October 18.  A $50.00 deposit is needed.  If you have any questions, please contact Adam Shelton.

And speaking of the Youth Group, they will be available to do their annual Leaf Raking Fundraiser on Sunday, November 1 and Sunday, November 8.  All money earned from this activity will go towards their mission trip in 2016.  If you need some help with your yardwork, please let Adam know and he will put you on their schedule.

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

New From September 25, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,

Saturday is the annual Roche de Boeuf Day in downtown Waterville from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. with our own Karen Wiggins serving as the Grand Marshall.  (Sure hope that she has been practicing her “parade wave”!!)  Be sure to stop by the Operation Christmas Child booth that our church is hosting and get yourself some shoeboxes and a candy cane.  Thank you to Anne Stevens and all the volunteers who will be staffing the booth on Saturday.

Compared to the big stories that news media bring us day after day, the story that is highlighted in this week’s The Wired Word adult Sunday School class seems quite minor.  A daycare facility took 17 children to a park, but when they left, the workers miscounted and one 2-year-old child was left behind.  Thankfully, he was later found, unharmed, by a goodhearted passerby, who called the police, and they were able to reunite the child with his mother.   From the view of Christian theology, however, it’s not a minor story, for in our various doctrinal or social statements, most Christian denominations insist that every person is precious to God and thus should be precious to us.  So for this week, we are going to use this story to look at the biblical basis for such an assertion, and consider its implications in our lives today.  Adults, please join us for scripture, coffee and discussion at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning in Fellowship Hall.

Worship Service for Sunday, September 27 –  

             Children’s Moment -  Mission Jar

             Hymns -  Rescue the Perishing and  What a Friend We Have in Jesus

             Sanctuary Choir Anthem -  Be Thou My Vision

             Olga’s selections - 

                   Prelude: O Worship the King

                   Offertory: Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

                   Postlude:  Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

             Scripture -  Colossians 3:1-17  

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon Title - Showing Kindness to All

             Liturgist - Tom Quinn

             

Anna Emahiser has requested a Prayer Quilt for her sister-in-law, Teena Scheub from Rockford, IL.  Teen was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and will be having surgery on Tuesday, September 29.

Please join us for a time of light refreshments following the worship service.  This week, Cindy Box and Connie Kirkman will be your hosts.

September’s Mission Focus will be to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s operating budget.   None of the funds they collect for other mission projects through this agency (school kits, health kits, disaster response efforts, etc.) covers any of their operational costs, so 100% of the gifts they receive for mission projects goes directly to the projects themselves.  And, unlike the rest of Global Ministries in the United Methodist Church, UMCOR does not receive apportionment funds to cover its administrative costs.   So, in order to keep this wonderful world-wide blessing going we felt the need to support their behind-the-scene efforts that keep all the “balls rolling” for UMCOR.   

During the months of September and October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra Shoeboxes.  Anne Stevens would also like to suggest you consider buying some flip-flops – most stores have them discounted to under $1.00 now.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer. 

The next day of Prayer and Fasting, as called for by our Bishop, will take place on Friday, October 2.  Our focus in October will be on The Mission of the Church. Conference-wide we are embracing a shared opportunity to join our hearts and bend our knees in some regular times of fasting and prayer on the first Friday of each month.  You will find a bulletin in the Prayer Corner at the front of the sanctuary with suggested prayers and centering Bible scriptures to help you focus your thoughts on October 2. 

The Church Mouse wants to you know that all the old cabinets in the nursery have “left the building” and the new ones are now in place.  Thanks to all of you who helped with their removal and with “re-homing” them.  Also thanks to those who carried the new cabinets up the stairway and into the nursery.  Special thanks to Penn, who moved the wooden shipping pallets to the trash area on Thursday morning.  (They had disappeared when I arrived at work on Friday morning!)  Also thanks to Penn for cleaning all the windows (inside and outside) in the hallway between the sanctuary and the education wing and cleaning all of the new glass doors on Thursday.

And finally, Janet and I will be switching our work days next week to accommodate a few days back in Nebraska for Dave and I.  I will be printing the bulletin for October 4 on Tuesday morning.  Please make sure that you have all items that need to be included in the bulletin or the announcements turned in to the church office by 9:00 a.m. that morning.

 Enjoy this beautiful weekend!

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News For September 18. 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,

Sunday’s lesson is a “part 2” of a news story The Wired Word looked at last January, regarding a church bishop, very drunk and texting while driving, who hit and killed a cyclist and then fled the scene.  The new development is that she has pled guilty to manslaughter and other charges and will be incarcerated for 10 years.  We are not going back over the original story, but are looking at what the new developments say to us about what’s been called “cheap grace,” and how its opposite, “costly grace,” relates to second chances and accountability.   Adults, please join us for scripture, coffee and discussion at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning in Fellowship Hall.  

Worship Service for Sunday, September 20 – 

             Presentation of Bibles to our Third Grade Class 

             Children’s Moment -  

             Hymns -  Come, Christians, Join to Sing and  Blessed Assurance

             Sanctuary Choir Anthem -  He Is Exalted

             Olga’s selections - 

                   Prelude: Shine, Jesus Shine

                   Offertory: Day By Day

                   Postlude:  We Will Glorify

             Scripture -  James 5:7-11  

             Pastor Mike’s Sermon Title - Becoming Patient in All Circumstances

             Liturgist - Priscilla Berseé

 Please join us for a reception to welcome Pastor Joel Schutte as our Worship Leader / Minister of Music in Fellowship Hall following the worship service this Sunday.   We are blessed to have Joel on our worship staff.  Please take some time to join in fellowship this morning.  The Staff / Parish Relations Committee will be hosting this event.

 This Sunday is a Welcome A Neighbor Sunday.  There are 18 gift bags on the table in the entryway that will need to be delivered to new residents in the Waterville area.  Please check the addresses on the bags to see if any of these new neighbors live near you.

September’s Mission Focus will be to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s operating budget.   None of the funds they collect for other mission projects through this agency (school kits, health kits, disaster response efforts, etc.) covers any of their operational costs, so 100% of the gifts they receive for mission projects goes directly to the projects themselves.  And, unlike the rest of Global Ministries in the United Methodist Church, UMCOR does not receive apportionment funds to cover its administrative costs.   So, in order to keep this wonderful world-wide blessing going we felt the need to support their behind-the-scene efforts that keep all the “balls rolling” for UMCOR.   

During the months of September and October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra Shoeboxes.  Anne Stevens would also like to suggest you consider buying some flip-flops – most stores have them discounted to under $1.00 now.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer. 

The Roche de Bout (or Roche de Boeuf) Parade is fast approaching next weekend.  Anne Stevens still needs volunteers to staff our OOC booth during the day of Saturday, September 26.  Anne will arrive at the booth and get it set up that morning, but we have four 2-hour shifts (9-11 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.) that will need to be filled with at least 2-3 people per shift.  The signup sheet is on the bulletin board in the hallway by Pastor Mike’s door.

The freight company has called the church and the new cabinets for the nursery will be arriving by truck either today or Monday.  So, that means that the current shelving in the nursery needs to be gone!  If you are thinking about taking them to your house, please contact Stephanie Shelton.  Otherwise, they may meet an unfriendly sledge hammer…. 

If you haven’t checked your listing in one of the three printed church directories (located in the hallway on the shelf, in the church office, or downstairs in Fellowship Hall), please do so.  If all the information is correct, please put your initials by your listing.  If there are corrections that need to be made, please indicate the changes.

Our Bishop has called the church to Prayer and Fasting the first Friday of each month until our next Annual Conference in June 2016.  Our next Prayer and Fasting date is Friday, October 2.  You will find salmon colored bulletins on the table in the Prayer Corner of the sanctuary with prayers and scriptures for that day.

And finally, we extend our Christian love and sympathy to Charlotte and Penn Pritchett upon the death of Char’s brother, Frank Fischer, on Monday, September 15 in St. Louis, Missouri.

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News For September 18, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,  

Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who went to jail rather than issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, has been all over the news this week.  So for this week’s The Wired Word, we are going to use that news to consider acts of conscience, including noncompliance or resistance, when we think God’s will directs a course of action different from what our job or another situation requires.  This is an important issue, because as Christians, we all struggle with the question of when to take a stand because of our faith.   Adults, please join us for scripture, coffee and discussion at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning in Fellowship Hall.

Worship Service for Sunday, September 13 - Youth Sunday:  

             Children’s Moment -  led by Delores Young

             Songs -  Come, Now is the Time to Worship;  Open the Eyes of My Heart; Heart of Worship and Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

             Special Music -  Caitlin May will sing Who Am I?

             Olga’s selections - 

                   Prelude: How Majestic Is Your Name

                   Offertory: Sasha Meade will be singing Child of God while Olga plays the piano

                   Postlude:  He Is Exalted

             Scripture -  James 1:22  - read by Maddie Lockyer

            The Youth will be sharing their Mission Trip experiences with the congregation followed by a slideshow

             Liturgist - Adam Shelton 

There will be no Sunday School on Sunday so the children can stay in the worship service to hear about the youth mission trip experience.  The Nursery will be available for preschool, kindergarten, and first graders today.

Please join us for light refreshments in Fellowship Hall following the worship service.  Ann Nightingale and Melva Robinson will be your hosts on September 13.

September’s Mission Focus will be to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s operating budget.   None of the funds they collect for other mission projects through this agency (school kits, health kits, disaster response efforts, etc.) covers any of their operational costs, so 100% of the gifts they receive for mission projects goes directly to the projects themselves.  And, unlike the rest of Global Ministries in the United Methodist Church, UMCOR does not receive apportionment funds to cover its administrative costs.   So, in order to keep this wonderful world-wide blessing going we felt the need to support their behind-the-scene efforts that keep all the “balls rolling” for UMCOR.   

During the months of September and October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra Shoeboxes.  Anne Stevens would also like to suggest you consider buying some flip-flops – most stores have them discounted to under $1.00 now.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer. 

The Roche de Bout (or Roche de Boeuf) Parade is fast approaching.  Anne Stevens now has two signup sheets on the bulletin board:  the first one is to walk in the parade that day with shoeboxes and to pass out information about OCC and our collection center; the second sheet is for volunteers to staff our OOC booth during the day of Saturday, September 26.  Anne will arrive at the booth and get it set up that morning, but we have four 2-hour shifts (9-11 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.) that will need to be filled with at least 2-3 people per shift.  She will also need someone to clean up and tear down the booth from 5-6 p.m. and return the items to church.

We have 2 large storage unit cabinets in the nursery that still need to find a home.  If anyone is interested in them, please let the nursery staff or Stephanie Shelton know.  We need to have them out of the nursery as soon as possible to make way for some new cabinets that have been ordered.

The paving on Fifth Street was completed earlier this week with the addition of the second coat of asphalt.  Enjoy the new street!

Please keep Pastor Mike and Pam in your prayers this weekend as their son, Steven, will be getting married on Saturday evening.

And finally, please remember the family of Rev. Bob VerSteeg who died on Sunday, September 6 in Bowling Green, Ohio, at age 85.  He was a minister, actor, writer and teacher.  Rev. VerSteeg was a United Methodist minister in Peebles, Toledo, Ada, Cincinnati, Bowling Green and Waterville.  He served our church as pastor in 2003.  A Memorial service will be held at a later date.  To share an online condolence with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com   

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News For September 11, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,  

Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who went to jail rather than issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, has been all over the news this week.  So for this week’s The Wired Word, we are going to use that news to consider acts of conscience, including noncompliance or resistance, when we think God’s will directs a course of action different from what our job or another situation requires.  This is an important issue, because as Christians, we all struggle with the question of when to take a stand because of our faith.   Adults, please join us for scripture, coffee and discussion at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning in Fellowship Hall.

  Worship Service for Sunday, September 13 - Youth Sunday:  

             Children’s Moment -  led by Delores Young

             Songs -  Come, Now is the Time to Worship;  Open the Eyes of My Heart; Heart of Worship and Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

             Special Music -  Caitlin May will sing Who Am I?

             Olga’s selections - 

                   Prelude: How Majestic Is Your Name

                   Offertory: Sasha Meade will be singing Child of God while Olga plays the piano

                   Postlude:  He Is Exalted

             Scripture -  James 1:22  - read by Maddie Lockyer

            The Youth will be sharing their Mission Trip experiences with the congregation followed by a slideshow

             Liturgist - Adam Shelton

  

There will be no Sunday School on Sunday so the children can stay in the worship service to hear about the youth mission trip experience.  The Nursery will be available for preschool, kindergarten, and first graders today.  

Please join us for light refreshments in Fellowship Hall following the worship service.  Ann Nightingale and Melva Robinson will be your hosts on September 13.                       

September’s Mission Focus will be to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s operating budget.   None of the funds they collect for other mission projects through this agency (school kits, health kits, disaster response efforts, etc.) covers any of their operational costs, so 100% of the gifts they receive for mission projects goes directly to the projects themselves.  And, unlike the rest of Global Ministries in the United Methodist Church, UMCOR does not receive apportionment funds to cover its administrative costs.   So, in order to keep this wonderful world-wide blessing going we felt the need to support their behind-the-scene efforts that keep all the “balls rolling” for UMCOR.

During the months of September and October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra Shoeboxes.  Anne Stevens would also like to suggest you consider buying some flip-flops – most stores have them discounted to under $1.00 now.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer.   

The Roche de Bout (or Roche de Boeuf) Parade is fast approaching.  Anne Stevens now has two signup sheets on the bulletin board:  the first one is to walk in the parade that day with shoeboxes and to pass out information about OCC and our collection center; the second sheet is for volunteers to staff our OOC booth during the day of Saturday, September 26.  Anne will arrive at the booth and get it set up that morning, but we have four 2-hour shifts (9-11 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.) that will need to be filled with at least 2-3 people per shift.  She will also need someone to clean up and tear down the booth from 5-6 p.m. and return the items to church.  

We have 2 large storage unit cabinets in the nursery that still need to find a home.  If anyone is interested in them, please let the nursery staff or Stephanie Shelton know.  We need to have them out of the nursery as soon as possible to make way for some new cabinets that have been ordered.  

The paving on Fifth Street was completed earlier this week with the addition of the second coat of asphalt.  Enjoy the new street!  

Please keep Pastor Mike and Pam in your prayers this weekend as their son, Steven, will be getting married on Saturday evening.

And finally, please remember the family of Rev. Bob VerSteeg who died on Sunday, September 6 in Bowling Green, Ohio, at age 85.  He was a minister, actor, writer and teacher.  Rev. VerSteeg was a United Methodist minister in Peebles, Toledo, Ada, Cincinnati, Bowling Green and Waterville.  He served our church as pastor in 2003.  A Memorial service will be held at a later date.  To share an online condolence with the family please visit www.dunnfuneralhome.com   

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

News For September 4, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,  

Today is the first Friday for Prayer and Fasting as requested by our Bishop, Gregory V. Palmer

There are many prayers and ways to be in prayer in the spirit of humility, confession or repentance. The prayers below are a start. Feel free to use other time- honored prayers of the church. Please pray the prayers that spring from your heart and life.

Centering Scripture:

Psalm 51 and 1 John 1:8-9

A Prayer of Confession:

Merciful God, we confess that we have not loved you with our whole heart. We have failed to be an obedient church. We have not done your will, we have broken your law, we have rebelled against your love, we have not loved our neighbors, and we have not heard the cry of the needy. Forgive us, we pray. Free us for joyful obedience, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Prayer for  Cleansing and Perfect Love:

Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hidden. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.2

Words of Pardon and Forgiveness:

Hear the good news: Christ died for us while we were yet sinners; that proves God's love toward us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

  

This week, on the 10th anniversary of the devastation caused to the Gulf Coast by Hurricane  Katrina, the writers of The Wired Word heard the story of a congregation that gathered its flock and fled the storm, and now has a thriving ministry hundreds of miles away in the hill country of Texas.  The news gives us an opportunity to think about how God is present in our relocations, even when those moves are not of our own choosing.   Adults, please join us for scripture, coffee and discussion at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning in Fellowship Hall.

  

Worship Service for Sunday, September 6:  

             Children’s Moment -  

             Hymns -  A Mighty Fortress Is Our God;  I Surrender All and He Lives

             Special Music -  Keith Colyer will sing Magnificent by John G. Elliott

             Olga’s selections - 

                   Prelude: All Creatures of Our God and King 

                   Offertory:  I Stand Amazed in the Presence (My Savior’s Love)

                   Postlude:  Praise the Lord

             Scripture -  Philippians 4:1-9  (New Living Translation)

             Pastor Mike’s sermon title - Receiving the Peace that Only God Can Give

            Sacrament of Holy Communion served at the altar

             Liturgist - Dave Landis

  

Please join us for light refreshments in Fellowship Hall following the worship service.  Delores Young and Nancy O. Stafford will be your hosts on September 6.

  

The Upper Room, a daily devotional guide for September and October will be available at both entrances of the sanctuary this Sunday.  The cost is $1.00.

                       

September’s Mission Focus will be to support the United Methodist Committee on Relief’s operating budget.   None of the funds they collect for other mission projects through this agency (school kits, health kits, disaster response efforts, etc.) covers any of their operational costs, so 100% of the gifts they receive for mission projects goes directly to the projects themselves.  And, unlike the rest of Global Ministries in the United Methodist Church, UMCOR does not receive apportionment funds to cover its administrative costs.   So, in order to keep this wonderful world-wide blessing going we felt the need to support their behind-the-scene efforts that keep all the “balls rolling” for UMCOR.   

  

During the months of September and October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  for our Operation Christmas Child extra Shoeboxes.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer. 

  

The Roche de Bout (or Roche de Boeuf) Parade is fast approaching.  Anne Stevens now has two signup sheets on the bulletin board:  the first one is to walk in the parade that day with shoeboxes and to pass out information about OCC and our collection center; the second sheet is for volunteers to staff our OOC booth during the day of Saturday, September 26.  Anne will arrive at the booth and get it set up that morning, but we have four 2-hour shifts (9-11 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.) that will need to be filled with at least 2-3 people per shift.  She will also need someone to clean up and tear down the booth from 5-6 p.m. and return the items to church.

  

We have 2 large storage unit cabinets in the nursery that need to find a home.  If anyone is interested in them, please let the nursery staff or Stephanie Shelton know.  We need to have them out of the nursery as soon as possible to make way for some new cabinets that have been ordered.

  

We were notified two weeks ago that the City of Waterville has contracted with Gerken Paving to resurface North Fifth Street.  Work  began on Tuesday, August 25 and will continue for three weeks.  However, the work will be intermittent with some days with no work occurring on North Fifth Street.  Access to our driveways will be maintained with minimal delay.  We are requested to not park on North Fifth Street when the “No Parking” signs are placed by the curbs. The schedule is subject to good weather or any unforeseen delay.   For those using walkers to get around, please be careful as there will be about a 2” lip from the street to the sidewalk until the second layer of asphalt is installed.   

Have a safe holiday weekend!  

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy

Visit to a Church in Jenera, Ohio

Several of our members have visited the Lutheren Church in Jenera, Ohio a couple times in the last year.  In 2013 they built a basic, but larger, facility very similar to the latest layout developed for our new property.

Here are some of the ouside pictures.  Click on any picture to enlarge it

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Here are some pictures of the Narthex area:

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Pictures of the Sanctuary:

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Pictures of the "Warming" Kitchen:

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Pictures of the Fellowship area:

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Classrooms and Nursery:

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Office areas:

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Utilities:

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News For August 29, 2015

Dear Members and Friends of Waterville United Methodist Church,  

If you missed worship last Sunday, it was announced that Joel Schutte (pronounced Scutty) has been hired as the new Minister of Music/Worship Leader at Waterville United Methodist Church.  Some of you have already had the pleasure of meeting Joel as he filled in at the pulpit for Pastor Mike while our Pastor enjoyed some vacation and family time recently.  You will find an insert in this week’s bulletin with Joel’s background and education.  The same information will appear in the September issue of The Ambassador.  He will officially begin working at the church on Tuesday, September 1.  Welcome to Waterville UMC Joel!!!  

This week’s lesson from The Wired Word will focus on the news that former president Jimmy Carter has announced that the cancer discovered in his liver in May has spread.   We will explore what it means to be a Christian serving in a leadership position, as well as how a Christian finds peace in the face of adversity, particularly when one receives what feels like a death sentence.  Adults, please join us for scripture, coffee and discussion at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning in Fellowship Hall.  

Worship Service for Sunday, August 30  

             Children’s Moment -  Mission Jar

            The Celebration of Holy Baptism - Kensie Anne Fellhauer, daughter of Steven & Nicole (Westfall) Fellhauer

             Hymns -  Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee;  He Touched Me and Joy to the World

             Special Music -  Pam Denman will sing Who Will Go?

             Olga’s selections - 

                   Prelude: Praise Him!  Praise Him! Medley (with Let There Be Praise and Praise Him, Praise Him) 

                   Offertory:  In the Name of the Lord

                   Postlude:  I Sing the Mighty Power of God

             Scripture -  Matthew 28:1-8  (New Living Translation)

             Pastor Mike’s sermon title - The Joy of the Lord is Our Strength

             Liturgist - Dave Landis  

Please join us for light refreshments in Fellowship Hall following the worship service.  The sister team of Lisa Galton and Sara Kirby have been your hosts for the month of August.  

The Upper Room, a daily devotional guide for September and October will be available at both entrances of the sanctuary this Sunday.  The cost is $1.00.                       

Our mission emphasis for August is UMCOR School Kits.  You will find information on the kits in the August issue of The Ambassador and in the envelopes on the side of each of the three collection boxes located at the church entrances.  We have a good supply of cloth bags if you still need them.   

During the month of August we would like to collect school supplies for our Operation Christmas Child extra shoebox collection.  The collection basket is under the table in the foyer.  During the months of September and October, we will be collecting small clothing items such as socks, underwear, hats, scarves, etc.  Earlier this week, a lady from our community brought in a big plastic bag of boy “Super Hero” socks that she had found marked down at a store – there were four pairs of socks in each package and they had a price of 37 cents.  She also was shopping at Meijer the next day and found black nylon fold up tote bags marked down to 19 cents each.  Be on the lookout for good deals like these to add to our collection baskets!!  

The Roche de Bout (or Roche de Boeuf) Parade is fast approaching.  Anne Stevens now has two signup sheets on the bulletin board:  the first one is to walk in the parade that day with dressed up as a OCC Shoebox or to pass out information about OCC and our collection center; the second sheet is for volunteers to staff our OOC booth during the day of Saturday, September 26.  Anne will arrive at the booth and get it set up that morning, but we have four 2-hour shifts (9-11 a.m., 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 1-3 p.m. and 3-5 p.m.) that will need to be filled with at least 2-3 people per shift.  She will also need someone to clean up and tear down the booth from 5-6 p.m. and return the items to church.  

We have 2 large storage unit cabinets in the nursery that need to find a home.  If anyone is interested in them, please let the nursery staff or Stephanie Shelton know.  We need to have them out of the nursery as soon as possible to make way for some new cabinets that have been ordered.  

We were notified last Friday that the City of Waterville has contracted with Gerken Paving to resurface North Fifth Street.  Work  began on Tuesday, August 25 and will continue for three weeks.  However, the work will be intermittent with some days with no work occurring on North Fifth Street.  Access to our driveways will be maintained with minimal delay.  We are requested to not park on North Fifth Street when the “No Parking” signs are placed by the curbs. The schedule is subject to good weather or any unforeseen delay.  On Tuesday, the crew was able to tear out the old asphalt and put down the first of two layers of new asphalt.  For those using walkers to get around, please be careful as there will be about a 2” lip from the street to the sidewalk until the second layer of asphalt is installed.   

Our choir robes were in need of cleaning and several firms in the area were contacted about that the cost would be for cleaning both the robes and the stoles.  Many of the vendors wanted $20 for each robe and an additional amount for each stole.  Charlene Hansen suggested that Barb Page talk to Arrowhead Cleaners at 471 W. Dussel in Maumee.  The lady that owns the business said that she would only charge us $10 for each robe!  So, if any of you are looking for a dry cleaner who has a heart for God, please consider using this business.  There are some of her business cards on the shelf outside the office door.  

Be a Blessing,

Church Cathy