A PUBLICATION OF REYNOLDSBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

WINTER 2012

ContraCt or Covenant?
His Heart beats on WHen God Happens in Haiti GraCe Wins 4 alabama

WORSHIP SERVICES
Monday 5:459pm - Celebrate Recovery Wednesday 6:30pm - Pastors Bible Study Saturday 6:00pm - Chapel Service Sunday 8:00am - Traditional 9:15am - Contemporary 11:00am - Traditional Church Online Sunday 9:15 & 11:00 rumc.org click on Church Family then Live Stream Childrens Worship at 9:15am Preschool Worship (Room 103) K4 Kindergarten through 4th Grade (Student Ministries Room) Children are welcome at all our weekend gatherings. Childcare & childrens programming are provided at the 9:15 and 11am services. Communion is offered the first weekend of each month DURING all services, and the remaining weekends immediately FOLLOWING each service in the Worship Center. (Gluten-free communion elements are available by calling the church office.)

The Messenger
A PUBLICATION OF

REYNOLDSBURG
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

THE MESSENGER quarterly publication WINTER 2012 Check out weekly news, sermons, and features at rumc.org EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dennis Franko DESIGN/LAYOUT Matt Holley

PASTORAL/MINISTRY LEAD STAFF

LEAD PASTOR Jeff Greenway PASTOR OF ADMINISTRATION Kevin Kellogg SENIOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR Brian Sweeney PASTOR OF YOUTH Tim Levert PASTOR OF VISITATION Maxine Smith-Pierce COUNSELOR IN RESIDENCE Dr. Carl Wiley, BCCC DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP ARTS & MESSAGING Dennis Franko DIRECTOR OF CHILDRENS MINISTRIES Tracy Holstein DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Phil Wallace

ADDRESS CHANGE: Send address change to membership@rumc.org or 614-866-5864, ext. 110

ARTICLE SUBMISSION: Send articles via e-mail to messenger@rumc.org. Deadline for the SPRING quarterly is Monday, April 2.

CONTENTS
WINTER 2012 FEATURES

His Heart Beats On

When God Happens In Haiti

Kindway: Change the Heart, Change the Person

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Grace Wins 4 Alabama

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Contract or Covenant? .. 2 My God Story . 4 An FYI From Pastor Jeff 5 Sharing Christs Love at School .. 9 S.E.N.I.O.R. Trip to Pennsylvania 10 The Mask 11 Chili Festival 14 The Shepherds Place: Celebrating Service to Others .. 15 Breaking The Cycle of Poverty . 17 An Exciting Year for The Partnership in 2011 . 18 Initial College Scholarships Are Awarded ... 18 Crossroads Church: Reaching Out At Christmas Reynoldsburg UMC Foundation Celebrates Successful 2011 .. Childrens Ministries Summer Church Camp .. Preschool Students Learn Giving .. Lighting of The House at Amber Park .. UMW Christmas Unit Meeting ... UMW News . UMW Year-End Giving 19 19 20 21 21 21 22 22 22

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE

In Appreciation ......... 23 New Members ...... 24 Calendar 25
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he story of Odysseus and the Sirens is found in Greek mythology. Odysseus was the legendary King of Ithaca and the hero of Homers Odyssey. The Sirens were mermaid-like creatures who lived on a rocky outcrop near a dangerous shore. Their song was so seductive that sailors found its melody irresistible; when they heard the song of the Sirens, they would run their ships into the rocks and die. Odysseus was so curious about the Sirens song that, one day, while sailing toward the rocks where the Sirens could be found, he told his first mate that he wanted to personally hear the song. He instructed all the crew to fill their ears with melted beeswax and had them tie him to the mast with the instructions that, no matter what he said or did, they were not to untie him until after they were well past earshot of the Sirens song.

When Odysseus could first hear the Sirens beautiful song, he ordered the sailors to untie him; but, instead, they bound him tighter. He threatened to kill them when released; but, following his orders, they refused to yield. They did not release him until he was far away from dangerand they were saved. In a real way, the story of Odysseus is a story of covenant-making and covenantkeeping. He bound himself to his men and the mast in a moment of strengthso that in a moment of weakness, he would not become unbound. The Bible reveals a God who is always offering us a covenant relationship. The word COVENANT is used 334 times in the Bible; and each time, God is the covenantmaker and covenant-keeper, while we tend to be contract-makers and contractbreakers. Jesus did not come to give us a legal CONTRACT with God. We tend to view our relationship with God in legal termswe do this and He does that, we promise this and He will do thatwhether we keep our promises or not. We act as if we can choose to break the contract at any time. We all know that contracts are made to be broken. We see this regularly with coaches, athletes, employment contracts and sales agreements. Sometimes, however, that mindset begins to affect and infect areas of our lives that are designed by God to be covenantalrelationships such as marriage, family, parenting, and being a part of the community of faith. If we dont like it, we break it. If were not happy, we look for a new relationship. If they disappoint us, we write them off. When we view covenantal relationships as we do contracts, it cheapens them to the point of relationships of convenience. I have a friend who recently told me, I keep doing all of these good things for Godand I do not think that I am getting the same return on my investment. He views his relationship with God as a contractand he walked away when life became difficult. Life that is lived on a contract-basisor quid pro quo is a shell of what God dreams for us. God desires for us to be known and loved deeply in our livesby

A covenant is a choice to be bound to another in a moment of strength so that in moments of weakness, we do not become unbound.
Him and with one another. If we look at our relationships with God and one another as social contracts, we will end up broken and disappointed. The Old Testament word for covenant is shackle or fetter. This understanding of covenant symbolizes how we are bound to God in relationship. Shackles are not easily broken. Fetters keep us bound to each other. A covenant is a choice to be bound to another in a moment of strengthso that in moments of weakness we do not become unbound. Jesus came to give us a covenant relationship with God. The Bible portrays covenants in an extremely serious nature. The early blood-covenants demonstrated this severity. As a visible sign of the covenant, an animal carcass was cut in two; and the parties making the covenant walked between the two halves as if to say, May the same thing happen to us (that happened to this animal) if we break this covenant with each other. A blood-covenant is a twoway relationshipa total commitment unto death. Each time the Israelites would circumcise a child or sacrifice a lamb, it was a reminder of their blood-covenant with the God who had promised to love them to death. And that is exactly what He did in Jesus. God sacrificed His own Son, the Lamb of God, and offers us a covenant relationshipone that He will never break, one that forgives our deepest and darkest sin, one that will mend our greatest heartache and brokenness, and one that will make it possible for us to live His life now. He has offered to bind Himself to uswill we respond with a covenant or contract? The unique thing about a covenant with God is that it is not lived aloneit is lived in relationship with other Christ-followers. We are connected with God and one another. Sometimes, the Body of Christ becomes God with skin on. We need the Body of Christ. We need the community of faith in our covenant. I need you. You need me. We need each other. When Odysseus asked to be tethered to the mast, he could not do it alone. When his will was wavering as the Sirens sang, it was the members of his crew who pulled the ropes tighter. When his demand to be unbound would have been self-destructive and possibly destroyed the entire ship and crew, it was the community around him who held him fast and kept him from harming them all. The same is true for the churchwe cannot do this alone. When our will is wavering, we need others who will pull the ropes of accountability tighter. When our decisions are self-destructive or could bring destruction on us all, we need the Body of Christ to hold us fast and keep us from harming one another. When we enter into a relationship with Jesus and the Church, Gods best is that we treat it as a covenantrelationshipnot a contractwhere we bind ourselves together in a time of strength, so that in a time of weakness, we will not become unbound. We do not need to offer animal sacrifices anymore because God loved us to death in Jesus and brought to fulfillment what He promised in Jeremiah 31:31-34that the day would come when we would write His covenant on our hearts and remind us that we were His people and He was our God. Sometimes, we forgetsometimes we treat it as a contractbut God dreams so much more for us and calls us to renew our covenant with Him and one another. So this year, we invite you to join usI invite you to join mein renewing my covenant with Godand this congregationas we leave one year and enter another. I cannot do this alone. You cannot do this alone. We cannot do this alone. We need each other. I invite you to choose to be bound together in a moment of strengthso that in a moment of weakness, we are do not become unbound. I am honored to be your pastor.

Life that is lived on a contract basis or quid pro quo is a shell of what God dreams for us.

LEAD PASTOR, JEFF GREENWAY

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MY GOD STORY
by Jim Hintz

Those who remember the television show, Leave it to Beaver, probably recall the home lifestyle of the Cleaver family. Their relatively trouble-free environment was similar to what I experienced during my formative yearsnot perfect, but no serious problems. In public school, I took studies seriously; but I also took time out to play sports.
ike many American families, we attended a mainline denominational church. I was there every Sunday for both Sunday School and worship service. During my junior high years, I attended a two-year catechism program required by our church. Since I had always been regular in my attendance at Sunday School, I knew the answers to questions which came up during catechism. One day, my parents asked me if I ever thought of becoming a minister. Not for one minute, I replied. The pastor of our church, who taught the Saturday morning catechism class, even thought that ordained ministry might be a good fit for me someday. In high school, I tried to do my best in everything in which I was involved. Memorizing the Ten Commandments for catechism had been a struggle; however, trying to obey Gods Word saved me from some of the trouble others experienced. I stayed virtuous, avoided alcohol and drugs, and basically avoided trouble. When I compared myself to other classmates, I perceived myself as doing pretty well. During this time, professional tennis became popular. Chris Everts backcourt game became the standard by which aspiring
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tennis players measured their game. I, too, spent long hours on the court, trying to improve my skills. Little did I know this racquet sport would impact my spiritual life. There is a phrase that says, Some have just enough religion to bug them but not enough to bless them. The more tennis I played, the more this expression applied to me. When I missed a shot, my tongue behaved like that of a foul-mouthed sailor. Before long, a part of me became bored with profanity. I started throwing my racquet or simply smashing it against the hard court. The temporary release of anger felt great; but later, I experienced guilt. For the first time in my life, I wasnt measuring up to my peers. I knew someday there would be a day of reckoning. And for the first time in my life, I was apprehensive regarding the future. I had no idea where I would spend eternity. I had previously thought that, with my good grades and decent morals (relatively speaking), I had a pretty good shot of getting selected for heaven. Now, however, with my anger issue, all bets were off. What I knew for sure was that my short temper would not earn any guest time in heaven. I might be headed the other way. I was uncomfortable since God was perfect, and I was not.

During my senior year in high school, I started to attend a different church than the one I in which had grown upwhere no one even brought a Bible to church, and few, if anyone, spent time reading the Good Book. After all, that was what we paid the pastor to do! As the trained professional, if there was anything worth knowing in The Book, he would tell us about it. Now the sermons were at least twice as long as I was accustomed; however, they were much more interestingexcept at the end, when the Pastor said anyone with unforgiven sin would spend eternity in hell. I began to think how good I was compared to other people. I was an honor-roll student, went to church every Sunday, and on and on. I knew my temper was not a good thingbut to throw me in hell because I was not perfect, when I was otherwise a fairly good guy? It did not seem fair. My home church pastor was so pleased with me he thought I would make a good pastor myself. At this new church, however, despite the people being nice and even fun to be around, they said I was lost and could not get to heaven. That really stewed me. I was told Christ died for my sins; and if I trusted in Him that He died the death I deserved to die, I would go to heaven.

Although thankful for what Jesus did for me, I still thought I deserved some credit for the good things I did. While the teaching of this new church upset me, I kept going back because I sensed they had the answer. I would rally around my good works and avoidance of sin, trying to defend myself. At this time, I was not familiar with the verse that taught all of our righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6), or that one is as guilty if he breaks one commandment as if he had broken them all (James 2:10). After months of resisting, the power of Gods Word started to knock down my walls of pride. As the pride went down, my understanding went up. The Bible was starting to make sense, and I was shocked at what I was discovering. I found out that one can know where he or she will spend eternity. A not-so-pleasant truth was that any and all sin deserved punishment. Gods standard was perfection. That meant I was in trouble, headed for eternal punishment.

The cure for my apprehension about where I would spend eternity was found in Ephesians 2:8-9. I was saved by Gods grace, His unearned favor, through faith. All along, I had been trying to earn Gods 5 favor, trying to please Him so Hed forgive me when I needed it to get to heaven. When I discovered Gods punishment of my sin was satisfied when Jesus took my sins on the Cross and died in my place, it was like starting a new life. No wonder it was called being born again. My concern for the future was replaced with peace. As I read the Bible and grew in my faith, my anger came under control. While it may still rear its ugly head from time to time, making Spirit-directed choices brings a peace beyond comprehensionsuperior to caving in to the sin-nature. Although I never did become a minister, I developed an interest in theology that led to course work at a couple of evangelical schools. Some time passed before I came to rely solely on Christ for my salvation; and with that background, Ive written a faithbased book of historical fiction, set during

World War II with characters who face some of the spiritual challenges and issues encountered in my life. I still play tennis; although, by Gods grace, it is the anger-free variety. And renewing my mind through Scripture in order to know Christ and make Him known is more satisfying than the countless hours of court time formerly spent.

AN FYI FROM PASTOR JEFF

Being your pastor is a great privilege and responsibility. With that being said, I want you to know that I read, pray over and consider every communication you share with me. If you hear a message in worship that touches your heart, I am blessed. I thought Id share with you the highlights from one such church family members letter: I was cleaning off my desk when I came across notes I took from a sermon on November 12Yes, God owns the cattle on...but He seems to have put them in an IRA (Individual Response Account). All IRAs have their rules for withdrawal. Our IRA on Gods wealth requires our willingness to share. Like in Hello Dolly, spreading the manure to keep the wealth flowing... Maybe it comes from having served in stewardship in a Lutheran church, but I have the idea that our wealth is a symbol of who we are, since we trade in our time and selves for the wealth we geta means of exchangemaking how we share it a very spiritual exercise. Maybe we could try sharing the Stewardship Message all year long We continue to feel blest to be part of Reynoldsburg UMC. Please feel free to e-mail me at jgreenway@rumc.org, or send me a message on Facebook. Youre important to me. Blessings, Pastor Jeff

by Meg Brown

As water reflects a face, so a mans heart reflects the man. Proverbs 27:19 Even from a young age, you know that your heart is important. You put your hand on it when you say the Pledge of Allegiance; your parents tell you they love you with their whole heart; and on Valentines Day, you cut out bright, red paper hearts to give to your best friends. When you are waiting for a heart transplant, you discover how important your heart truly isjust ask Russ Guthrie.
In 2003, Sue and Mike Murphys life changed when their 19-year-old son, Jason, passed away following a tragic car accident. Longtime members of Reynoldsburg UMC, it was the church that baptized Jason, confirmed him, watched him grow up, and it was the church that laid him to rest. Instead of crawling under the sofa and not coming out, Sue and Mike turned to each other, their faith and a man whom they hadnt even met yet.
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already a registered donor, you will be after youre done talking to them. Yes, they know the facts and figures, but its the stories of how they met Russ and his familyits their story about how you can put your hand on Russ heart, feel it beat, and know its Jason, that convinces you. They may have lost their son; but with their work, they have given so many others a second chance. The heart, whether used as a clich or cutout for a Valentine card, is a symbol of love. Sue and Mike continue to spread love and hope. They are still in contact with Russ and his family, his five children, seventeen grandchildren and four (possibly six now theyve lost count) great-grandchildren. They have seen each other two or three times in the past few years and are even planning a family reunion for next year. Russ has had two knee replacements and fought cancer, but the doctors say he has done so well because he has a strong heart. And isnt that the truth? For more information about Lifeline of Ohio, how to become a registered donor, or become a volunteer, please visit lifelineofohio.org. For more information about the annual Jason Murphy Memorial Golf Outing, visit jmmgolfouting.com.

take a horrific situation and put a positive look on it, says Mike. For the past eight years, theyve attended health fairs and talked to high school health classes about the importance of organ donation. Sue also makes hospital visits to speak to those who have received organ or tissue donation and encourages them to write to the donors family. The Murphys devotion to the cause does not go unnoticed. At the annual Lifeline Ambassador Appreciation dinner, they received the Infinity and Beyond award for over 75 hours of volunteering; and Sue received the Golden Ambassador Award for serving 127 hoursthe most of any volunteer. The Murphys feel blessed to be retired and able to dedicate more of their time to Lifeline and to the annual golf outing they created in their sons name. Sitting in the hospital and talking with friends from their church family, the Jason Murphy Memorial Golf Outing was born. Jason was an avid golfer since elementary school, and he took classes at Columbus State Community College for golf course managementso it was an easy decision. Since 2004, funds raised from the golf outing have been awarded as a $2,000 scholarship to a graduating senior at Reynoldsburg High School. The recipient, like Jason, is one who has received services through the special education program and is chosen by the guidance counselor and other special education teachers. The best part for the student is that the money is not earmarked for a particular college, degree or program. The recipient can apply the scholarship toward whatever is needed to be successful. You need only spend a few minutes in the presence of Sue and Mike to feel their love and their faith. You can literally see them being Gods hands and feet. If you are not

Startling numbers reflect the lives lost and saved by donation: U.S. Number of lives saved in 2010 28,663 Number of lives lost while waiting in 2010 6,596 More than 1 million people benefit from tissue transplants each year Ohio 3,401 people are waiting800 of them are in central Ohio. 181 people died waiting in 2010 thats about one Ohioan every other day. In 2010, 303 Ohioans were organ donors at the time of their death, helping 901 individuals receive a second chance at life through transplantation. 1,619 Ohioans gave improved quality of life to others through tissue donation. In 2010, Lifeline of Ohio recovered organs from 84 donors and tissue from 332 donors.
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Enter Russ Guthrie. Through a chain of events that can only be explained as a God-thing, Sue and Mike connected with Russ, the man who received Jasons heart. Jason had already decided to be an organ donor, and his parents respected his wishes; but they had forgotten about this wish until they heard from Russ family. What began was not only a friendship, but a new mission and direction in the Murphys lives. After Jasons passing, Sue and Mike began volunteering with Lifeline of Ohiospeaking out and encouraging others to become organ donors. We talked about how to

WHEN GOD HAPPENS IN HAITI

by Patty Huston-Holm

Sitting in worship with his wife, Erin, one Sunday back in 2010, John McLaughlin admits he felt a black hole as he listened to a message regarding missions. He heard the expression, Pray, Give, Go, and thought to himself that he could certainly pray; but as a soon-to-be, first-time father, he was in no position to give or go to a thirdworld country.
Just over a week later, he signed up to be on a mission team, preparing to leave for earthquake-stricken Haiti. What happened between the no and yes was a Haiti conversation amidst the rowdiness and roar of an Ohio State University football game, a down-on-his-knees prayer and an e-mail that in less than one hour generated funds for the cost of his trip through donations from a half-dozen friends. Mostly, John professes, God happened. The timing didnt seem right, especially with my wife being six months into a high-risk pregnancy, he said. But one thing I know is that the devil never messes with anybody who isnt a threat.
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By November 2011, John had not one, but two trips to Haiti under his beltthe second one with his father, Mark, who lives in Brandon, Florida. The most recent October 2011 mission was a second for Mark as wellhe lived there as a child, from age 10 to 12, in a Navy family. For John, this second trip allowed him to see the clean-up progress within a year. For Mark, it was reminiscent of adolescent years when he lived in a nice house in Petionville near the Methodist Guest House where the Reynoldsburg UMC mission team slept surrounded by tent camps of displaced Haitians.

The work of Reynoldsburg UMCs October 2011 team was largely centered on building a cistern under the newly reconstructed medical clinic (destroyed in the January 2010 quake) in Duplan, Haiti. Working alongside Haitians, the church team removed gravel and dirt, digging a 15-foot by 12-foot by 9-foot hole lined with concrete mixed from water carried in five-gallon containers from a workers home. The cistern well is designed to be fed by fresh rainwater and is used to wash off medical instruments as well as by an adjacent school. The Haiti cholera epidemic that is reported to have affected as many as a half-million Haitians (November 13, 2011) was foremost in the second wave of Haitian rebuilding obstacles as residents in the country ingested water contaminated by feces and untreated sewage. John, who has been putting off kneereplacement surgery, and Mark, who has chronic back pain, found it ironic that they experienced almost no physical duress during the mission work. Their strength

and endurance at the work site particularly connected to their respective devotional readings. John focused on the suffering of Job and hownot unlike the Haitian people and their incredible faith in the midst of hardshiphe never rebuked God. Marks turn at a devotional for the team centered around how God gives us strength. Honestly, on these mission trips, it is less about the work and more about the relationships, John said. The Haitians could do the work without us for less money than we pay to go on the trip. The point of the trip isnt about how much you accomplish physically, but the Kingdom relationships you build. At an after-work visit to a workers home, Mark and John recalled how the group joked and shared about their lives, faith, families and jobs in that order.

Here in the United States, its all about what you do for a living professionally and how successful you are, John said. In Haiti, the focus is on faith and relationships. There is always respect for the oldest person in the room when an elder speaks, everyone is quiet and listens because they have reverence for their wisdom something that is mostly lost here in the States. These people who have so little (by American standards) teach us so much. John recalled the words of another Reynoldsburg UMC family member, Mike Allen, who has served on numerous mission trips, in telling him that you wont be there for the workyou will be there for something elsesomething greater. For John, the chance to take this second trip with his father was an experience of a lifetime. To others feeling called to serve,

Johns advice is dont worry about what you can and cant do. God will work that out when you get there.

You wont be there for the work you will be there for something else something greater.

SHARING CHRISTS LOVE AT SCHOOL

Christinas life is centered on Christ. Through Him, her love for others is palpableyou can see it in the way she treats people and how she enthusiastically invites others to know Christ, explained Youth Coordinator Dustin Ichida. As an active member of Fusion Student Ministries at Reynoldsburg UMC, Christina Hess wanted to find a way to spread Gods love at her high school. Im the only member of my youth group who goes to Reynoldsburg High Schools Livingston Avenue campus. There was a tugging on my heart to share Christs love at my school, so I spoke with some of my youth group leaders about a way to impact others, explained Hess. Just two weeks before Christmas break, Christina decided to organize a Giving Treeto offer her classmates a chance to help families in need. I received 60-plus names of children from the community whose parents could not afford to buy them Christmas presents. The names came from a social worker and referrals from our Crossroads Church location on Brice Road. I put the childrens names on ornaments and hung them from the tree at school. Students plucked the bulbs off the tree and purchased a present for their boy or girl from the wish list on the back, she said. In Gods perfect timing, every childs name was taken from the Giving Tree. The event culminated on Wednesday, December 21 when students, parents and children gathered at Crossroads Church to share a meal and receive the presents provided by the high school students. Christina had never organized an event like this before; but throughout her experience, she had help. God made every detail very clear to me. It was remarkable what peace I had in this work because I knew God was in it, Christina shared.
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S.E.N.I.O.R. Trip To Pennsylvania

by Lee Leonard

azzling theater productions! Fascinating museums! Stomachstuffing buffet dinners! Shopping, shopping, shopping! These were highlights of a whirlwind, three-day bus trip to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania sponsored by the S.E.N.I.O.R.S. in mid-November. The centerpiece attraction of the trip was our visit to the Sight & Sound Theatres production of Miracle of Christmas in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. Hosts Dick and Margie Barrett built such an ambitious schedule of activities around the dramatic presentation, however, that the 52 participants were almost too tired for evening card-playing. The bus left Reynoldsburg UMCs parking lot shortly after 7:15am on Monday, November 14; and by mid-afternoon, we pulled into the Civil War Museum on the east side of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The presentation of the war that nearly tore our nation apart in the early 1860s included old photos; battle re-enactment videos;
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weapons, uniforms and other artifacts; animated life-size figures and interactive displays; dioramas; and historical teachings by recognized authorities. Our own native Virginian, Fran McNew, gave valuable insights to the group as well. The North won. Then it was on to Millers award-winning smorgasbord in Ronks, Pennsylvania, where diners could choose from among roughly 75 items including eight soups, 32 entrees and side dishes, and 21 desserts. Ever seeking perfection, Dick noted afterward that there were no cookies. The 36-year-old Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, across the street from the Strasburg Railroad, offered 110 pieces of railroad equipment much of it under roof in the 100,000-square-foot facility. The group received an unscheduled orientation in the 1915-era train station from a railroaders daughter from upstate New York. Exhibits ranged from vivid railroad landscape paintings to huge engines and passenger cars the oldest of which is an 1875 wood-burning steam locomotive.

Railroad buffs were in their glory, and Fran McNew was so enthused that she began singing railroad songs when we re-boarded the bus. We joined up for lunch with those who had chosen to shop at an Amish specialty mall or at the more conventional Rockvale Outlets. A surprise for many was the under-rated National Christmas Center in Paradise, Pennsylvania, where we were transported to our Christmases past, Christmas in other countries and those long before our time. Some said it was their favorite attraction of the trip. Mary Turner remarked, I like seeing all those old Christmas things. The 15 galleries included Christmas in other nations and collections of toy trains, dolls, Santas, ornaments, nativities, towns and Christmas trees. There were historical displays including Christmas during World War II and a 20-foot-wide diorama of the Bethlehem hills, with the Christmas story being read over a loud speaker. The First Christmas journey to Bethlehema life-size walk-through where participants became a part of the storyhad so many twists and turns that one lady had to be helped to find her way out. The center was the original F.W. Woolworth Co. store, and the TudorTowne animated story book village was said to have been in Lazarus department store window at one time. The Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound was a spectacle of gorgeous costumes and choreography, dazzling lighting and staging, thunderous sound and passionate singing. Angels soared over the stagefully 30 yards

wideand horses and camels stomped down the aisles to take their places. The first act set the stage for Christs arrival, explaining why a Savior was needed. Jesus birth was shadowed by a cross, foretelling the future. It was clear that the production was intended to affirm believers and touch non-believerscounselors were available afterward for anyone wishing to profess Christ. The day ended with another sumptuous smorgasbord just down the hill from the theater. Our return trip day began with another musical performance this one at the American Music Theatre in Lancaster. Winter Wonderland, the 2011 Christmas Show, was a blend of secular and Christian songs creatively arranged and performed by exceptional vocal and instrumental musicians. Some thought it surpassed the Sight & Sound production. The shows were wonderful, exclaimed Susie Luker. On the way home, we had a deli lunch of our choice and yet another buffet dinner. Did I mention shopping? There were at least three more opportunities. We were blessed on the bus with devotions and sang Christmas carols. As we neared home late Wednesday in full Christmas spirit, Margie Barrett wisely connected our pilgrimage with our churchs current emphasis on faith-sharing. We have seen some great plays and eaten way too much. Weve learned a few things at the museums. At Sight & Sound, we learned why this great God of ours even bothered to send Christ to Earthbecause we needed a Savior, explained Margie, but when people ask you what you did on the bus trip to Pennsylvania, I hope you will find a way to ease the Christian message into the conversation.

THE MASK
We all hide behind a mask of one sort or another. Removing it can be scary but our students had an opportunity to learn how awesome they are and how much God loves them. The Maska jam-packed, high-intensity weekend of craziness, fun, friends and Jesuswas held Thursday, December 8 through Sunday, December 11. The students stayed in homes of church family members from Reynoldsburg UMC. Pastor Tims hand-picked leaders comprised of former students and worship leader Michael Middleton came in to help lead the home groups. The students competed against the other groups in various competitions. They had a blast, and experienced Gods love in life-changing ways.

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change the heart, change the person

Christs appearance in our midst has made it undeniably clear that changing the human heart and changing human society are not separate tasks, but are as interconnected as the two beams of the cross. - Henri J. M. Nouwen Kindway EMBARK is the prison re-entry program that began in June 2011 at the Marion Correctional Institution (MCI) and the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW). The relationship begins in the prisons as volunteers meet with the men and women in both prisons by facilitating two programs Celebrate Recovery and Getting It Right that alternate weekly.
Celebrate Recovery models a twelve-step format that addresses issues of hurts, hang-ups and habits from a Christian perspective. Getting It Right takes a cognitive behavior therapy approach to help the participants identify and assess thinking patterns that need to be changed in order to improve their overall quality of life. The combination of both programs gives participants the opportunity to look inward and find the Christ within who will carry them outward throughout the remainder of their lives if they place their trust in Him.

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One of the most exciting aspects of the EMBARK mission is the Navigator mentoring portion of the program. Reynoldsburg UMC church member Tom Deuber has been making the trip to Marion Correctional Institution for many years. Tom has served on MCI Kairos teams and has facilitated the study, Lifes Healing Choices. Since June, Tom has been an EMBARK volunteer participating on a Celebrate Recovery team. Tom is now joined by forty devoted men and women who are serving as Navigators. Each EMBARK program participant is paired with two Navigators who make a year-long commitment to mentor with them while still incarcerated and then continue the mentoring process once they return to the community. The Navigator program was designed to meet national best practices established for re-entry mentoring programs as a result of extensive research in its design by M. T. Schwartz, a criminal justice training expert. The following national best practices have been incorporated into the Navigator program: The mentor walks alongside the mentee in a partner capacity. The mentoring partnership serves as a bridge from inside to outside beginning from the incarceration phase and continuing once the mentee is released to the community. Input into the selection process by mentors/mentees is encouraged. Partners work side by side in a community service project. Time frame for the partnership is one year. More than one mentor for each mentee Training is provided for all participants involved in the program. The volunteer Navigators received training in the community while program participants received training at MCI and ORW. Then, the mentors and mentees were matched and participated in training together at the two prisons. The training was interactive, instructive and invaluable in preparing Navigators and participants to embark on the spiritual journey which lies before them. Let there be no confusion, EMBARK is a spiritual journey that God has placed before those who have been paired together. The first person to return to the community

is Christy who was released in November of last year. Christy is living at home with her mother, has found employment within the first week of being home and is in regular contact with her Navigators. In a moving testimony, this is what Christy has to say about the EMBARK program: When I interviewed for the program, I told them that I didnt even know if I believed in God. Then at the end of the interview, I told them, You wont want me in your program, but they did. When the program started in June, every time we came to group, we would go around the room and everyone would say their name followed by the words, I am a believer. When it was my turn, I would say, My name is Christy, and I am confused. By the time October rolled around, when it was my turn, I would say, My name is Christy, and I am a believer! That was in Octoberin November, I had a court date and was sent home. These women helped me so much! As she pointed to her heart, Christy said, I mean helped me on the inside. Anything I can do to help them and others, I would gladly do. About her two Navigators, Christy said, I love them! I know without a doubt that I could call them anytime of the day or night and they will be there for me. There is nothing so humbling and yet rewarding than to be a witness to the changes that occur when God works in us and through us as His instruments. In this capacity, the change is clearly to the credit of God not of our own as the richness of the Holy Spirit flows through the instrument, spilling out on its intended, yet leaving its residue in the very core of our being. Thanks be to God for the Navigators who have availed themselves to be instruments in this manner.

Mike Belli is a Navigator, and his insights and thoughts were the basis for the flow of this article. Mike wrote, Our children do not always do the right things, yet we love them. These men and women who are incarcerated all have a story to tell. When you hear their story and how they got to prison, its much easier to be less judgmental and love them as Christ loves them. Change the heart, change the person. We dont have to agree with what they did, but we can still love them unconditionally. Darlene Robison is a Navigator who listened with the ear of her heart to what God is saying to her. Darlene wrote, I am excited, honored and blessed to be an EMBARK Navigator mentor. I know that God has a plan for my life because He told me that it involved other women. I thank God for using a once bruised reed to minister to His daughters. Amen. In closing, one clear mission statement for EMBARK embodies the spiritual reflection of Henri J. M. Nouwen regarding change. EMBARK brings together the changing hearts of those imprisoned while simultaneously working within the human society to bring about a change of heart. It is with the knowledge that we are indeed as interconnected as the two beams of the cross. It is in the very midst of these two beams of the cross that we come together in Christ. There are many ways to serve at Kindway Community Development. Kindway invites you to embark on the journey with us for where two or three are gathered in His name, there Christ is also. If you want to learn more or be involved, e-mail Christine.money@kindway.org.

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CHILI FESTIVAL
TRY SOMETHING NEW
by Ann Hinze
By nature, many of us gravitate towards whats familiar and resist change. We live by the statement, If it aint broke, dont fix it. Had we known what was actually in some of those pots, we probably would have walked on by. But without an open mind and an adventurous spirit, wed miss out on so much. Consider some of the activities and programs weve adopted at Reynoldsburg UMC recently: LifeGroups, Love Reynoldsburg kindness explosion, our Crossroads Church location, S.O.A.P. Bible study, Celebrate Recovery, the DiscipleNow student event, The Mad Hatters Ball womens conference, and even the Chili Festival itself. These were all new ideas that were launched and proved to be great successes. Some have even changed peoples lives. I love Oreos, but Ive never had one deepfried before. Obviously, folks were ready and willing to try something new on this beautiful October afternoon, as my husband, Brian, and I deep-fried over one thousand cookies at the first annual Reynoldsburg Community Chili Festival that day. In addition to this deep-fried goodness, attendees ventured into more than your average chili varieties as well. We sampled portions of white chili, pork chili, and vegetarian chili. We tried chili made with dark beer, chocolate, and cinnamon as their unique ingredients. (Seriously? Cinnamon?) We even took our chances with Fire in the Hole chili, despite the obvious warning. Nearly all contestants gave away their entire supply of samples for evaluation by the crowd. Not only were we a daring group, but a hungry one at that.
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Now, attempts at new things arent always going to be better not everything is as delicious as Oreos when you cover them in batter and fry them at 400 degrees (though many things are give me a call if youd like some ideas to try). There were certainly other programs weve attempted and later abandoned, but without our willingness to try something new, wed never know how they could impact our lives. Lets be willing to give the new and different a chance. They may be great triumphs or miserable flops, but we dont want to miss out on the deliciousness God certainly has in store for us.

The Shepherds Place

Celebrating Service to Others
continuing Gods vision to serve others through our community while maintaining its original name. Rosie Johnson was hired on July 1, 2011 as The Shepherds Place part-time store manager. Rosie has since expanded The Shepherds Place community partnerships. We now have women serving at the store from a work-release, community-based correctional facility; Community Action Impacts Work Force Development program; Rahabs Hideaway; Reynoldsburg UMC LifeGroups and Bible study groups; a local area business (Signature Controls), and I am currently working on a relationship with Bath & Body Works, explained Rosie. By expanding our work force, we are able to sort and prepare more clothing so that more men, women and children may be served. Additionally, the servant volunteers receive an opportunity to give back to their communitythe women from the workrelease program gain confidence and a better understanding of their self-worth, and most continue to serve even after their work release is complete. In December, many of the new and old volunteers gathered to celebrate Christmas and the work of The Shepherds Place. Shirley High has been blessed to serve for
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Eight years ago, God planted a seed in the heart of one of our church members. His vision began to grow and was embraced and supported by our church family and would later grow to involve our entire community. The Shepherds Place free store is the realization of Gods vision to help others by providing clothing and accessories to men, women and children in need from the greater Columbus area. In October 2011, The Shepherds Place celebrated serving its 10,000th customer. Opening The Shepherds Place was a labor of love, recalled Gretchen Solt, The Shepherds Place founder. As our Good Shepherd looks after His sheep, God opened many doors so our church family could look after others. From the six-month search to find a landlord willing to rent to a business that made no profitto the three months of free rent donated so our community could work together to prepare the locationthe Donation Center opened its doors in January 2005 and the free store one month later in February. We are celebrating the work God has accomplished through The Shepherds Place and embracing the stores growth and change. The Shepherds Place is now an outreach program of Kindway and is

five years. She knows that God is working in The Shepherds Place. I remember one young, pregnant woman who came to the store. We showed her the room in the back where we keep infantwear, and she was able to find clothing for the coming baby. After the baby was born, she returned to introduce the infant; and with tears in her eyes, she shared her gratitude for the kindness she had been shown. Sandy Hofmann enjoys the special bond at The Shepherds Place. We do Gods work sorting, ironing and preparing the clothing for our clients. Most of the time we are laughing, and we always take a break at 3 oclock for chocolate snacks, she shared. All of the servant volunteers have special stories to share regarding how God has touched their hearts through service. The Shepherds Place will continue to follow Gods call to serve others. If you are interested in being a part of the work and mission of The Shepherds Place, contact Rosie Johnson at rosie.johnson@kindway.org.

GRACE WINS 4 ALABAMA

For the small community of Lockhart near Madison, Alabama that was ravaged by tornados last April, the New Year has many challengesbut two of our students from Pickerington High School Central are working to make sure life returns to normal for one Alabama family. Lisa Cordova and Christina (Nina) Bass were part of our Roll, Students, Roll mission trip that traveled to Alabama in May 2011 to help clear debris following the tornado damage. The two students have been raising money for tornado victims since they returned. When I returned from Alabama, all I could think about was how the experience changed my life; and I didnt want it to end there, explained Nina. Lisa and Nina decided to make Alabama the focus of their high schools senior project. The two have been on a fundraising frenzy selling everything from Halloween candy to bracelets and even taking donations for Christmas cookies in an effort to raise awareness about the plight of the families devastated by the tornados.
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When we planned the Southern Breakfast for Dinner at Reynoldsburg UMC in December, our goal was to raise $1,000 for one family in Alabama, shared Lisa. We had incredible support from our church family including servant volunteers from Student Ministries, donations for silent auction prizes and live entertainment. Chef Don and his kitchen volunteers prepared Bananas Foster French Toast, scrambled eggs, sausage gravy and biscuits, roasted red potatoes, grits, and applewood smoked bacon. The dinner was beyond our expectations. Ninas Alabama experience has put her on a new path. When I agreed to go on the student trip to Alabama, I was in a pretty bad place. I had no true friends and battled with depression. By sharing the experience with amazing people who care about each other and not things, I learned that God cares deeply for me. Even the tornado victims were grateful for the lives that were sparedthey werent sad about everything they lost, explained Nina.

Lisa and Nina have learned that everyone can make a difference. Nina shared, We learned to be persistentand how to network. If one person cant help you, they probably know someone else who can. The cycle of good will is contagious, and we hope that our efforts will inspire other students to make a difference in the lives of others. The dinner, silent auction and donations raised $1,048.46 surpassing the students goal. Combined with the money raised in earlier fundraisers, the students are planning to send $1,500 to a needy family. If youre interested in helping with Nina and Lisas effort, please e-mail gracewins4alabama@yahoo.com.

Damalie Nakkiku has spent 19 years in a 30-foot-by-30-foot home with no electricity or running water in the village of Mukono, Uganda. Her family, like most in Mukono, has one meal a day mostly from their small gardens and has an income of roughly $2 each day that is generated when a chicken or some eggs are sold. If a family is fortunate, there is a bicycle for transportation. Most, including Damalie, have had malaria a couple times.

Breaking The Cycle of Poverty

Damalie lives in one of the worlds poorest countries in which scholarships are extremely scarce and even more so for females. Her e-mail to Patty Huston-Holm, who is providing the rest of Damalies first-year support, was overflowing with disbelief and gratitude to the women at Reynoldsburg UMC. God is so faithful, and He works in ways we cannot see, she said. Pastor Isabirye Patrick of Mt. Olives United Methodist Church (built in Mukono with the assistance of Reynoldsburg UMC in 2009) took Damalie to the campus for the first time in December and noted in an e-mail sent from the university that Damalie is standing next to me right now, and she is not believing this just yet.

in faith. That Damalie now has over 100 women rich in faith supporting her through prayer is beyond my expectation as well as hers. Damalies faith in the Lord is strong. She said she knows that she, like Jesus in Matthew 27, is not forsaken by God even in her times of darkness. Damalie is softspoken, but deliberate when asked about her faith. With a life filled with apparent obstacles, what does she pray for? What does she ask God for? I dont request anything, she said. I thank God for my life. For more information regarding how to support Damalie in the remaining years of her education, e-mail Patty at hustonpat@ att.net or at call 614-837-0164.

All that changed for Damalie when, in December, Reynoldsburg United Methodist Women (UMW) pooled funds to support her first years tuition at Uganda Christian University. Starting in January, she resides in a campus dormitory with electric lights, showers and flush toilets. She has access to three meals a day and to books, classes and professors that will help lead her to a business development degree. Thanks to the combined effort of Womens Circles at Reynoldsburg UMC, the cycle of poverty is being broken.

Patty, who met Damalie during a trip to Uganda last summer, shared the young girls story during a presentation to one Circle in November. Of the decision by the Circles to help Damalie, Patty said, While I believed I needed to find only one person who was rich in funds to help, God was nudging me that what I really needed was someone rich

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AN EXCITING YEAR FOR THE PARTNERSHIP IN 2011

Many exciting happenings took place in 2011. The largest initiative of the year was The Partnership Prayer Program carried out from October 2011 through January 2012. Each of the ten churches and two ministries involved in The Partnership were highlighted for one weekend at all 12 locations. This provided a chance for churches to offer up their prayer needs for the next year and a chance for all members to learn about other churches and their programs. The program was initiated in October with a video production introducing three of the pastors talking about their individual churchs involvement in the program. Two ministries continue to be in the center of activity for The Partnership: the Waters Edge Ministry/Tom Sawyer House and the New Life Community Center and Baby Pantry. Many of the churches of The Partnership support these ministries through time, gifts of food, clothing and other resources and also financial support. Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church is a covenant partner with both of these ministries and financial support and other type of support during the year. The Amish Rejects have completed a number of construction projects at the Tom Sawyer House. This program was highlighted in an earlier edition of The Messenger and is a safe home for young people who need support in the Buckeye Lake area. This past year, The Partnership also provided support directly to Baby Pantry projects and production of the new brochure. Support was also provided to Etna United Methodist Church as it conducted its Community Connection Celebration program. Summit Station UMC received support for its Service Saturday program. Support was also provided to Waters Edge Ministry for winter clothing for children in the Buckeye Lake area. The Partnership also provided the funding for the Partnership Prayer Program which produced 26,400 flyers for use during the three-month program. Pastor Brian Harkness from New Life Community/Hebron United Methodist Church and Rev. Chip Koch, pastor at Etna United Methodist Church continue as group clergy leaders along with Tom Hofmann, Chair of The Partnership, and Elizabeth Grime who served as Communications Coordinator during the year. As The Partnership moves into 2012, it will complete its prayer initiative and also begin to look at ways to continue to support each other in the coming year.

INITIAL COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE AWARDED

The Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church Foundation is pleased to announce the first two winners of the College Endowment Scholarship Program. This program awards $500 scholarships to students who are attending a faith-based university in a nonmedical field. Medical students are awarded scholarships through the Cecile Parker Medical Endowment. This years winners are Kendel Kellogg and Zachary Mapes. Kendel is attending Otterbein University and has declared a major in sports management. She feels she will be able to live day to day giving her best to Christ in her profession. Kendel has been an active member of Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church for 12 years and involved in a number of different activities along with her involvement at school and a number of sports teams. Zachary attends Mount Vernon Nazarene University and is a business administration major. He states, It is important that I act as Christ would act to any fellow employee I come into contact with in my business life. Wherever I end up in my working career,
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I know that as long as I trust in God, He will always be with me. Zachary has been involved at Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church in bell choir, vocal choir, child care, open shelter, and a number of other activities. He is also involved in intramural sports. The Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church Foundation congratulates Zachary and Kendel on their selection as the initial

recipients of the College Scholarship Endowment. Look for more information in 2012 as the Foundation makes distributions once again. You can support the College Scholarship Endowment through your gift to the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church Foundation. You will find gift envelopes on the bulletin board in the upstairs Mission hallway.

Crossroads Church: Reaching Out At Christmas

Food from Angels Ministry led by Sue Reihing and Tina Sutermeister responded to requests from families in need, which have doubled from last year. By enlisting and receiving support from partner groups consisting of Adult Classes, LifeGroups, Sunday School Staff, several individuals from the church family and others from the community, all the families received help. Our church family responded in many ways depending on the needs of the family. In some cases, partner groups met with a family representative to shop for the childrendeveloping a special Christmas relationship. Many of the families were overwhelmed by the generosity of the partner groups. As happened last year, additional family needs were identified and met through these relationships. Food from Angels Ministry did its part by providing holiday food boxes for families at our Crossroads Church location. The food boxes were provided through contributions from the Food from Angels team, members of our church family and numerous other donations accepted throughout the year. The team reached beyond food boxes and, in some cases, had to use Christmas Food baskets. As with the gifts, the food was an overwhelming blessing to the families. As our church family shared their faith through acts of service, God blessed them with heartfelt experiences. The families in need were blessed as we opened our purse strings and hearts to help our brothers and sisters.

With high unemployment and limited funds, many Reynoldsburg-area families may have felt as if a storm cloud hung over their head during the 2011 Christmas season. Being Christs hands and feet, our Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church family was able to reach out and serve more than 30 families.

REYNOLDSBURG UMC FOUNDATION CELEBRATES SUCCESSFUL 2011

2011 was an active year at the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church Foundation in its third full year of operation as a 501(c)(3) subsidiary organization of the church. During the year, a number of things were accomplished:
The first Living Legacy Society recognition event was held, recognizing the nine charter members who have included the church in their estate plans. All pertinent materials were completed and the Foundation bulletin board (located in the upstairs Mission hallway) now has materials related to the Foundation. Scholarships were awarded by two funds: The Cecile Parker Medical Scholarship Endowment provided funds for three students; and The College Endowment Scholarship Fund supported two students toward their quest for a degree. The Kober Endowment helped to support the first intern hired for the church under the Kober intern program. Funds were also distributed to McCurdy School, the church WorkCamp program and the Church Board for general use. In October, the first estate planning seminar sponsored by the Foundation was held with four presenters and 27 attendees. The Foundation Board thanks those individuals and groups who supported the endowments of the church this past year and also wishes to thank those who included the church in their estate plans. We look forward to continuing to report to you the growth and addition of funds for the future of Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church.

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CHILDRENS MINISTRIES:
Our October Virtue was Creativity which means using your imagination to do something unique. The children in Kids Club were very creative when they used their bodies to form the phrase, Ephesians 2:10 and the word Created. Can you find them in these pictures? For we are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10, NIV In November, we were at the Gratitude Pit Stop all month. In one activity, we wrote 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus.) on post-it notes, attached them to matchbox cars and had car races. Good times! Even though it was cold outside, our 5th and 6th grade youth group (Rt. 56) took a trip to the Worthington Recreation Center for some swimmingindoor, that is on Sunday, January 15. Fun was had by all! Rt. 56 will continue the fun, friendship building events in 2012.

would like to show their gratitude to the many people who made it possible in the fall of 2011 for the ministry to be localized in one area of the church. Our classrooms are now intentionally located in the same vicinity of the church building. This is incredibly helpful for familiesespecially those new to our church as they drop off and pick up their children. The relocation has also made it much easier for the staff and volunteers to effectively and efficiently manage programming. In order for this transition to occur, many adult classes had to relinquish their room space. Childrens Ministries is very grateful for their sacrifice. Another generous contribution made our Childrens Ministries check-in system more efficient. After being given a very basic description, Bill Courson built a cabinet to house the KidCheck computers, and it was exactly as the leaders of the ministry had envisioned! Thank you, Bill, for sharing your time and incredible gift of carpentry with us.

Upcoming Childrens Ministries Events:

Friday, February 10: Romans vs. Christians Location: Church Building Time: 6:00pm 8:45pm Sunday, March 18: Game Day and Cookies for Kairos Location: Church Building Time: 3:00pm 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday, April 14-15: Parent/Child Retreat Location: Marmon Valley Farms Look for details via e-mail and in the bulletin. Sunday, May 20: Geocaching Location: Church Building Time: 3:00pm 5:00pm

STAY TUNED!
What: VBS 2012 When: June 25-29, 9:00am 12:00pm Who: Pre-Kindergarten through 6th Graders (grade completed June 2012) Theme: A Superfun Adventure With Flat Jesus

We always need parent chaperones and drivers. To serve, contact our parent leaders, Hal Richer (bhricher@juno.com) or Susan Harper (harpermom@sbcglobal.net). For more information about Rt. 56, contact Mindy Mathias, Coordinator of Childrens Ministries (mwmathias@rumc.org). In November, the children studied the virtue of Gratitude which is letting others know you see how theyve helped you. Childrens Ministries including the children, their families, and the volunteers and staff

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SUMMER CHURCH CAMP

(Camp Sunday)
yearair conditioned cabins! Also, Patricia Pace, our camp coordinator, will be in the carpeted hallway between worship services to answer questions and help you choose an appropriate camp for your child. In February, brochures will be sent to campers who have gone to camp either of the past two summers. If you do not receive one at your home, you can pick up a copy at the table on Camp Sunday or at kiosks around the church building. Camping fees will be similar to last year to help families deal with the economy. If you need a scholarship, our church will be offering those at $30 per night of camp up to $150 as long as funds last. To receive a scholarship, you must register through Patricia Pace at the church building. Others may register directly online or through the mail. For more information, contact Pat at church extension 129, home phone 614-751-7434 or pacep@rumc.org.

In the dead of winter, its always fun to think about swimming in the lake under the warm summer sun, jumping on the blob, ascending the climbing wall, traversing the high ropes course or singing around the camp fire. All these activities and much more can be found at our West Ohio summer camps: Camp Otterbein, Camp Wesley, and Widewater Retreat Center. These camps offer programming for those entering 2nd grade through family camp.

Although Reynoldsburg United Methodist Church will not be planning its own Adventure Camp this summer, there are still many wonderful opportunities to choose from including camps similar to Adventure Camp. February 26 is Camp Sunday at our church. During that day, Travis Milhan, the new Director of Camp Otterbein, will be with us to discuss his exciting plans for the future. New to Camp Otterbein this

PRESCHOOL STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT GIVING

Every Christmas, the Reynoldsburg UMC Preschool participates in the churchs Festival of Trees. To teach the children that Christmas is a time of giving, the Preschools Christmas tree is always a giving tree. This year, we collaborated with The Sam Bish Foundation to collect pajamas for children with a pediatric cancer diagnosis at Nationwide Childrens Hospital. Sam Bish was a wonderful brother to Caitlin Bish one of our current preschoolers and Aubrey Bish an alumnus of our preschool. Sam lost his battle with pediatric cancer in August of 2010. The preschoolers donated well over one hundred pairs of new pajamas! We are so honored to have been a part of this community service project.

THE LIGHTING OF THE HOUSE AT AMBER PARK

More than 80 children from our combined Childrens Choirs entertained residents at the Amber Park Assisted Living Facility in Pickerington on Thursday, December 8. The occasion marked the first annual Lighting of the House. After a wonderful program by the children filled with Christmas carols and sing-a-long songs a mysterious elf began to light the house with beautiful decorations and brilliant lights. The evening was filled with memories, laughter, some tears, and true enjoyment for all those in attendance as the children blessed the residents with their angelic voices. Thanks, children, for lighting our faces!
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UMW NEWS:
The Reynoldsburg United Methodist Women (UMW) decorated the Teddy Bears to Share tree this year. All the teddy bears were donated by the members of Reynoldsburg UMW. The stuffed bears will be given to the fire department and Nationwide Childrens Hospital to bring a little comfort to children. President Tina Ayer announced that the Reynoldsburg UMW earned the Five Star Unit Award from the West Ohio Conference again this year. We earn this recognition when we give to five areas of mission Pledge to Mission, Special Mission Recognition, Gift to Mission, Gift in Memory and World Thank Offering. (Photo by Sandy McKinley)

UMW CHRISTMAS UNIT MEETING

The Reynoldsburg United Methodist Women (UMW) had their annual Christmas Unit Meeting Celebration and Officer Installation. We were treated to Christmas music performed by the Reynoldsburg Brass Quintet. They were very entertaining to listen to while we enjoyed desserts provided by our members. One of the highlights of the evening was an illustration of the many things that keep us from enjoying the true meaning of Christmas. We traded things like computers, phones, family troubles, money and other material things for Peace, Joy, Love, Patience and Hope. It was a very good reminder to let go of the things that keep us from letting God take care of us. The meeting concluded with a sing-along and wishes for a Merry Christmas.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN:

Year-End Giving
The Annual Cookie & Candy Sale and the Fall Bazaar were both wonderful successes. The money raised at these events allowed the Reynoldsburg United Methodist Women (UMW) to give funds to local, national and international groups. Reynoldsburg UMW decided at the November Board meeting to distribute year-end funds to: Kindway McCurdy School United Methodist Childrens family services Redbird Missions Rahabs Hideaway Mulunguishi Seminary Tom Sawyer House Romanian Pastor Rares Calugar Nellies Catwalk One-half year tuition for Ugandan Nationwide Childrens Hospital student, Damalie Nakkiku

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In Appreciation
Dear Reynoldsburg UMC Preschool,
On behalf of The Sam Bish Foundation and all of the families we serve, we would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Reynoldsburg UMC Preschool. Thank you to all the teachers, parents and students of Reynoldsburg UMC Preschool who participated in the pajama drive collection for our foundation this holiday season. Approximately 100 pairs of pajamas were collected for children with a pediatric cancer diagnosis and will be given to children in the midst of treatment at Nationwide Childrens Hospital. The mission of The Sam Bish Foundation is to bring hope, support and smiles to children and families faced with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. I know these pajamas will bring smiles to the childrens faces and let the families know they are being prayed for and supported. Thanks again for your generous support and helping The Sam Bish Foundation reach out to other families in need. Together, we are truly making a difference. Sincerely, Cindy Bish

Dear Reynoldsburg UMC Congregation,

Thank you so much for the 25 bags of food donated. Our clients especially appreciate your generosity. Sincerely, The Volunteers of Helping Hands Food Pantry

Dear Church Family,

My heart is filled with love for you, and I thank you for all of your kind wishes and prayers as I follow Gods call to become the Communication and Marketing Specialist for Ginghamsburg Church. When I arrived at Reynoldsburg UMC just 18 months ago, I had no idea God would surround me with such kind, Christ-filled, caring individuals. It has been my privilege to watch you be Christs hands and feet to one another and our community. Being able to share your stories as your Communications Production Manager has inspired me to grow as a Christ-follower. I have had rich experiences during my short tenure at Reynoldsburg UMC. The Walk to Emmaus was life-changing helping me to better understand how deeply God loves each of us. I gained two amazing share sisters and a whole community to love. After my walk, I knew I wanted to join Reynoldsburg UMC and embrace my church family. I was adopted by the most wonderful LifeGroupwe truly share life together. I have been blessed by our caring pastors and staff working with deeply committed Christians has taught me how to show Christs love in tangible ways. I will miss the visits church family members have made to my office. It was always a gift when one of you stopped by to share a story of how God was at work in your life. As Pastor Jeff says, God covenants with us and binds us together as a church family. You are my family and I love you. Blessings, Brenda Hauser

Reynoldsburg UMC,
My name is Angela Hittle and I am a resident in Franklinton, Ohio. Last November, I was blessed by your church with furnishings for my entire house. I want you to know how much your blessing has meant to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Jesus never ceases to amaze me. I apologize for taking a year to thank you. Blessings, Angela Hittle

Dear Reynoldsburg UMC Church Family,

I count you all among my most special blessings this Thanksgiving. Your extreme generosity toward the first grade restoration project has touched not only my heart, but more importantly the lives of the McCurdy students. The first group I shared the new room with was last years first graders since it was their room that was damaged. They came in, looked around, sat in the new chairs at the new tables, celebrated that some of their favorite things werent lost in the fire and generally gave their stamp of approval to the room. One of the boys was wide-eyed when he said, It looks better in here now! (He saw the room in July.) The current first graders got very quiet (a first!) when they walked in for the first time. They even tiptoed through the door. I watched and listened and heard oohs and aahs and one heartfelt Its beautiful in here! When we sat in our circle for our first story and sharing time, one of the boys couldnt stop feeling the carpet. He said, Its carpet and not floor! (Picture a big grin as he said it!) Thank you for making these stories and others possible! Sincerely, Berniece Coriz McCurcy School, Espanola, New Mexico
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Dear Reynoldsburg UMC,

We certainly had a wonderful Christmas thanks to the good folks at your churchespecially John and Shirley Vingle. The need was so great this year. We are passing along thanks from the parents of more than 250 children who were helped because of you and your ministry. Love, David & Shirley Graham and all the C.A.R.E. volunteers

Dear Church Family,

I wish to thank the church and all involved for the beautiful poinsettia plant. It brightened my holidays. God bless, Virginia Gifford

To whom it may concern,

My husband and I have enjoyed your Thanksgiving meals for about four years now. Since we are alone, its nice not to have turkey that we would eat and eat and eat. This year was especially nice. We were seated and had to eat with others. Our table was very nice and we really enjoyed ourselves. I also went to your cookie sale this year. It, too, was very nice. Thanks for your ministries. God bless you, Mildred and Kal Farkas

Dear Amish Rejects,

Thank you Amish Rejects for all the help you have given my mom. Its such a relief to know that the improvements you have helped to make to her home will make her safer and more secure and energy-efficient. Its hard to express the amount of appreciation my family has for your crew. What a wonderful example of Gods love shines through you and the work that you perform in His glory. Thanks for blessings my mom with all the help she has needed for some time. She was overwhelmed with emotion that so many kind hearts came to help her. The past year has been such a difficult time for all of us after losing my very loving and kind father to lung cancer. Both of my parents would do anything for other themselves, and it is so wonderful that you gave to her so freely of your time, talents and Christian spirit. I worry so much about her and feel blessed that you could make her life safer and more comfortable. Again, you have been a blessing to my mom and to me! Bless you again and again in how you work in others lives. In sincere appreciation, Cindy Yost and family, Rich Mason and family, Betty Mason

Rick and Angie Burchfield live at 1361 Havant Drive in New Albany. Rick and Angie have two daughters. Rick is employed by Nationwide Insurance, and Angie is employed by Mast Global/United Brands. In his free time, Rick enjoys mountain-biking and kayaking; while Angie enjoys scrapbooking, walking, and running. Rick and Angie attend the 9:15am service and join by profession of faith. Char Devore lives at 9969 Circle Drive in Pickerington. Charlene has five children and is a Registered Nurse at Nationwide Childrens Hospital. She is a soccer mom and enjoys attending sporting events as well as spending time with family and social events. Charlene attends the 9:15am service and joins by profession of faith. Kelly Dotson lives at 3800 Bonita Road in Columbus. Kelly is married to Timmy, and she has four children. Kelly is no longer able to work as she has lung cancer (which is in remission
24

New Members
praise God!). Kelly also had back surgery recently. She enjoys making scented candles and being on the computer. Kelly attends the 9:15am service and joins by profession of faith. Iris Firment lives at 1354 Azalea Drive in Reynoldsburg. Iris is widowed and has two daughters. One of her daughters and son-in-law also attend Reynoldsburg UMC. Iris is retired and is a member of the Partners in Christ Sunday School class. She attends the 9:15am service and joins by profession of faith. Mike Massie lives at 307 Lakes Edge Way in Pickerington. Mike is a graduate of The Ohio State University, works at Best Restaurant Equipment & Design, Inc., and is a veteran of the Ohio Army National Guard. Mike has two daughters. He enjoys being a grandfather, watching his younger daughter play college soccer and softball, watching the Crew and OSU sports, and being outdoors. Mike attends the 9:15am service and joins by transfer from Brice UMC.

Mark Masters lives at 7655 National Road in Thornville. Mark is married to Donna and has two sons. Mark is a major accounts manager for The Golfworks. In his free time, Mark enjoys horses, golf and soccer. He attends the 9:15am service and joins by transfer from the First United Methodist Church in Newark. Rev. Debo Onabanjo lives at 6979 Grougton Way in Reynoldsburg. Debo is married to Omolola and has two sons. Debo is an operations supervisor for Mast Global Logistics, Limited Brands. He enjoys evangelism and outreach, traveling and reading. Debo attends the 8:00am or the 11:00am service and joins by transfer from the Methodist Church, Opebi, Nigeria.

SUN

MON

TUE
1

WED

THU
2 Blood Drive 3

FRI

SAT
4 UMW Soup & Bread Sale

FEBRUARY

5 UMW Soup & Bread Sale

7 Emmaus Gathering

10 Rt. 56: Romans 11 Discover vs. Christians Reynoldsburg New Member Workshop

12 Donkey 13 Tales Puppet Musical

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15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22 Ash Wednesday No Childrens Programming

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24 Madhatters Ball

25

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27

28

29

SUN

MON

TUE

WED
1

THU
2

FRI

SAT
3 Haiti Mission Trip

4 Haiti Mission Trip

5 Haiti Mission Trip

6 Haiti Mission Trip Emmaus Gathering

7 Haiti Mission Trip

8 Haiti Mission Trip Mens Walk to Emmaus #68

9 Haiti Mission Trip Mens Walk to Emmaus #68 16 Guys Nite

10 Haiti Mission Trip Mens Walk to Emmaus #68 17

MARCH

11 Mens Walk to Emmaus #68 Daylight Savings Time Begins 18

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31

SUN
1 2

MON

TUE
3 Emmaus Gathering

WED
4 No Childrens Programming

THU
5 Maundy Thursday

FRI
6 Good Friday Cantata 7

SAT

8 Easter

10

11

12

13

14

APRIL

15 Bells/Puppet Concert

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18

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REYNOLDSBURG
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1636 Graham Road Reynoldsburg, OH 43068 614-866-5864 rumc.org