The Outlook
an edition of
Recipe for
Gingerbread
Fun | 8A
chalk
talk
BY DR. KENNETH W. CHALKER
There is no question that the way Americans
celebrate Christmas is a very big deal. Some say it
is overblown and that we have become too
secularized and commercial. Well, perhaps so.
But there are other ways to look at the way in
which we celebrate the season.
Say what one may and will, many of the
preparations for Christmas in our country, in our
local churches, and in our families have been able
to develop into traditions because our society is
free and protected. Over-commercialized or not,
we have a busy, demanding Christmas holiday, for
instance, because of an overarching freedom of
faith expression which has been protected and
preserved, often at high cost. Our freedom to
experience and observe Christmas as citizens
and guests of this country can often be taken for
granted. It should not be. In this context then, it is
not blind nationalism to thank God for The
United States of America. We ought to be grateful
for the ringing of cash registers. There could be
the ringing of the ears because of exploding
terrorist bombs. Thank God for the freedom to be
commercialized!!!
There are other thoughts on the season as
well.
Whatever challenges might be ours at
Christmas, or whatever demands may be added
in our lives to be “ready” for Christmas, perhaps
our perspective might be more global. Consider
for instance this portion of an article in a recent
issue of the Plain Dealer:
“A new wave of Iraqi Christians have fled to
northern Iraq or abroad amid a campaign of
violence against them and growing fear that the
country’s security forces are unable or, more
ominously, unwilling to protect them. The flight—
involving thousands of residents from Baghdad
and Mosul, in particular—followed an October
31 siege at a church in Baghdad that killed 51
worshippers and two priests and a subsequent
series of bombings and assassinations singling
out Christians.”
When one reads of this reality of life for so
many of our fellow followers of Jesus in the
world, preparing our hearts, homes, and churches
in the United States for the celebration of the
birth of Christ takes on more of the nature of a
Continued on back page
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The United
Methodist Reporter
Two Sections
Section A
January & Febraury
KALEIDOSCOPE | 4A 909160
Events | 8A Vol. 157 No. 34
December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve
Bishop Pilla Delivers
Homily at UCUMC
In the October 28 issue of the Sun News a letter to
Three Opportunities to
Prepare Your Hearts and Minds
the editor written by Jim Nagle of Lyndhurst said
in part the following:
“As Bishop PIlla began to speak, we were priv-
ileged to hear the heart of God. He suggested we
for the Birth of the Christ Child come together as a community – as ambassadors
of hope – and build a new city, whose hallmarks
4 PM: A family-centered service with bells, drums, dancers and Christmas carols, all designed to would be peace and justice. Said Pilla: ‘No one is
captivate children of every age. Candles will be lit during the singing of Silent Night in preparation too poor not to contribute. No one is too rich not
of the birth of Jesus. to benefit.’
“In the 33 years I have known Bishop Pilla, I
8 PM: Our traditional Christmas Eve service, with a mix of tempos and spiritual experiences, can not remember him giving a more powerful
features the reading of the Biblical Christmas story, music performed by the Chancel and Gospel
homily, it was inspirational, invitational and in-
Choirs, dancers and the singing of Silent Night by candlelight. deed most challenging.
11 PM: A contemplative, candlelit service offering readings from the Christmas story (Luke: 2) “When he finished, we gave thanks for Bishop
interspersed with music performed by soloists and small groups. Pilla’s legacy of leadership, light and love. He
made us all proud to be followers of the living
God.”
Special Witness
University Circle UMC
Keepsake Ornaments
Commemorate our first year as University Circle
United Methodist Church with a glass ornament
displaying the church’s steeple and the year
“2010.” Perfect for decorating your home, these
clear “etched” glass ornaments, complete with a
ribbon for hanging and a fabric gift bag, are
available for purchase in the church office at $12
each. Please contact the church office by calling
216-421-1200 or sending an email to
hhoward@churchinthecircle.com. The ornaments
can be mailed for an additional charge of $2. You
will enjoy seeing the church steeple represented
in this tasteful and beautiful ornament.
ABOVE: Jen Toohey with fiancé Nate
Lyons; RIGHT: Julie Gielow and sons
Are You Looking for a
Thomas and Dillon; BELOW RIGHT: Church to Call Home?
Lauren Green
University Circle United Methodist Church will
D
uring the 2011 Financial be welcoming new members in January 2011. If
Campaign, three members you - or someone you know—have been attend-
ing our worship service and other congregational
inspired the congregation by activities and are looking for a church to call
witnessing to their deep commitment home, why not make it one of your New Year’s
to University Circle United Methodist resolutions to join with our vibrant, growing
Church and its meaning for them. Our family of faith, “where all are welcome all the
time.” To receive more information about becom-
thanks to Jen Toohey, Julie Gielow and ing an “official” member of UCUMC, please
Lauren Green for sharing their contact Judy Sockman, Coordinator of
personal feelings about this unique Membership and Volunteers, at 216-421-1200
church “where all are welcome all the or jsockman@churchinthecircle.com.
time.
Deadline for the next Outlook
issue is February 7, 2011 at NOON
marilou@ucumcoutlook.com
4A THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER DECEMBER 24, 2010

Bishop Craig
Enjoys a Visit KALEIDOSCOPE
On December 12 Bishop Judy Craig was sur-
prised at her “home” church, Broad Street Church
in Columbus, to see Ken Schoon and Gail Sharp
(grandson and daughter of Norine Sharp) play-
ing in the ensemble which accompanied the
“Messiah.” Ken and Gail also lit the Advent Can-
dle during the service. Bishop Craig had baptized
both Ken and Gail as infants at Epworth-Euclid.
In an e-mail Judy said, “It was lovely indeed and I
was filled with wonderful memories. The little
ensemble was VERY fine!”

“Waiting…” On Sunday, October 24, District

Superintendent Orlando Chaffee gave
Lalene Kay, David Kay (bass), Christopher Scott, Johnny Cochran, Tim Keehn, Chad
the sermon in the morning worship.
“Waiting ...” was written in 1994 by Norine Komocki (seated)
Following a potluck luncheon in the
Sharp at the request of then-Pastor Maurice
Great Hall he chaired the first charge On Sunday, October 31, the jazz service was led by David Kay’s Jazz Combo. The Benediction was
King. He asked for something to set the mood
conference of University Circle United “When the Saints Come Marching In” sung by the Chancel and Gospel Choirs accompanied by the Jazz
for his series of sermons for the season, high-
Methodist Church. Combo that closed the service with a musical postlude of the same number.
lighting Anticipation. Interestingly, the title of
his first sermon turned out to be “Waiting.” The
composition has been sung by the Chancel
Choir in succeeding years as the Introit for Ad-
vent Sunday services. This year it was sung as
the call to prayer in the December 19 service.
The ellipsis is part of the title, intimating that
more is to come. The tempo marking is “Rest-
lessly.” The music begins in a minor key, indicat-
ing darkness; the modulation to major foretells
the brightness to come. The melody shifts to the
male voices in the middle section, then returns
to the soprano. The Introit finishes with just the
female voices, which join in a quiet unison to
fade off unresolved on the fifth of the scale. A
final measure of silence is written into the score, On Sunday, November 28, Sunday School students were treated to the movie “A
leaving a feeling of incompleteness. Several On November 13, seventeen ladies of
Charlie Brown Christmas” with popcorn.
other churches and choruses have asked permis- the church gathered under the direction
sion to use it. Norine is happy to share her work of Amy Wheatley to roll, cut, bake and
with anyone kind enough to be interested. package 600 pieces of gingerbread in
preparation for first Annual University
The text is as follows: Circle Gingerbread House Day. Pictured
Hushed, O Father, we are waiting for the are Cathy Day, Amy Wheatley and
promised mystery; Marilou Abele. Many kudos to Amy for
Seeking truth and peace and freedom, we are planning and executing this unique, fun
waiting hopefully. filled event.
Savior, both divine and human, come to show
the shining way;
Lift these awestruck, wondering children out
of darkness into day.
We are waiting, we are waiting, waiting,
waiting ...

THE UNIVERSITY CIRCLE OUTLOOK

published bi-monthly as an edition of
THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER
for University Circle United Methodist Church
1919 E. 107th St., Cleveland, OH 44106 216/421-1200
www.onecoolgod.com
Senior Pastor: Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker Jennifer Bier, Chairman, and Karl
Director of Administration: Kay Hogg Dr. and Mrs. Chalker and Bishop Hopkins
Wheatley preparing the Neighborhood
Church Office Coordinator: Heather Howard
Financial Secretary: Marina Grant
Lunch on October 31 with helpers David On Thursday, October 28, the congregation enjoyed a lovely catered dinner provided by an anony-
Property Manager: Chuck Huene Blue, David Craver, David Wheatley and mous donor. This was the kick-off for the 2011 financial campaign. The honored guest was Bishop John
Director of Marketing & Tech Operations: Doug Craver Ryan Burge. All members of the Hopkins who spoke about the uniqueness of our merger and praised UCUMC for their fortitude in the
Coordinator of Pastoral Care: Rev. Ralph Fotia Conformation Class helped prepare and process. Renee Evans then gave a brief talk about the need for each member to actively support the
Coordinator of Membership and Volunteers: Judy Sockman serve that Neighborhood Lunch. newly formed church with our prayers, presence and financial gifts.
Director of Education: Dr. Amy Wheatley
Director of Music and Arts: Nathaniel Motta
Assistant Director of Music and Organist: Joanna Li The rose on the altar on Sunday, November 14, heralded the birth of In the Premiere Issue of DD214 Chronicle (November/December 2010), Dr.
Editor of Outlook: Marilou Abele Megan Corinne Cicerchi on November 8. Congratulations to Laura, Jeff and Chalker wrote the article for the Faith section. It is an enlightening discourse
Photographers: Jeff Day and David Hughes
Editorial Staff: K. Shamp, E. Prince, C. Day
sister Allison. on the difference between religion and faith entitled “Making God Weep.”
Contributors: University Circle Staff and Members
8A THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER DECEMBER 24, 2010

Recipe for GRACENOTES

their contributions to a beautiful artistic offering.
B Y N AT H A N M O T TA

Gingerbread Here are some thoughts, announcements, and

observations on the Music and Arts program at
University Circle United Methodist Church:
Thanks also to our wonderful soloists and, of
course, the Chancel Choir!
On Christmas Eve there will be THREE wor-
ship experiences at UCUMC. Each one with a dif-

Fun What a busy fall it’s been! It seems as if there

GATHER: 91 United Methodists and friends in a great hall
ADD: 546 pieces of gingerbread, 72 tubes of icing and 60 tubs of frosting
STIR IN: 68 pounds of gumdrops, jelly wreaths, runts©, cinnamon red hots, pretzels, Good n
Plenty©, M&M’s©, caramels, fruit stripe gum, Life Savers©, peppermints,
marshmallows, wafer cookies, Froot Loops©, licorice, gumballs, Sweetarts©, reindeer
corn, candy canes, jujubes, jelly snowmen, jelly beans, kooky bananas, Teddy
Grahams© and Hershey chocolate kisses©
COMBINE WITH: Heaping amounts of creativity, laughter, generosity and friendship
MIX TOGETHER: for a couple of hours
YIELD: Dozens of fantastic, festive, unique gingerbread houses
A smile on every face
$1,000 raised to benefit Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity!
SERVE WITH: Thanks and Appreciation to everyone who made our first annual Gingerbread
House Benefit a tremendous success!
have been special music and dance offerings in
worship almost every week. There have been
themes, various worship expressions, and guest
artists that have shared in our worship experi-
ence.
UCUMC’s first advent season has been a real
joy to be a part of. It’s an honor and a pleasure for
all the Music and Arts staff and ensembles to
lead services during this particular time of year.
We were so happy and moved by the response to
the cantata “The Nativity According to St. Luke”
by Randall Thompson. Special thanks to Joanna
Li (organ), Juliette Regnier (liturgist), as well as
Edna Duffy and the Liturgical Dancers for all
ferent flavor, but hopefully all worship
expressions that help keep our faith community
focused on “the reason for the season”!
On behalf of all the Music and Arts staff at
UCUMC, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and
may God continue to bless this family of faith!
MEN! You’re invited on Jan 2nd to be a part of
a Men’s Ensemble that will present music for our
Epiphany service. No previous experience or re-
hearsal required! Just show up at 9:30AM on Jan-
uary 2 to practice in the sanctuary! (Don’t worry,
ladies, your time is coming too!)
Please stay tuned for some beautiful, moving,
and exciting new artistic expressions in worship
coming in January 2011.

Children enjoying their special

Gingerbread Houses

Diambu Smith, Maxeen Ramlo, Edna Duffy, Katherine Wheatley, Elizabeth Okwudi,
Bonnie Thompson, Hope Williams, Pat Nelson and Lydia Ramlo

Christmas Potluck and Carol Sing

Following worship on December 12, the congregation gathered for an advent celebration in the Great
Hall. For the invocation the Liturgical Dancers beautifully performed to “Lo How a Rose Ere Blooming”
and “The First Noel.” After feasting on the usual delicious potluck fare, Sevilla Morse led the group in a
fun carol sing-a-long.

chalk talk
Continued from front page
wonderful joy and privilege than it does a sense
of pressure to complete the details for a very busy
season.
I think it may help any one of us thinking
about “home for the holidays” and the aspects
associated with getting there for instance, to pray
for those who are fleeing their homes as a result
of their belief in the life story of Jesus. For any of
us who lament the extra hassle of putting up and
January and February Events taking down outdoor Christmas lights, it might
help to remember that there are thousands of
folks who don’t have the luxury of decorations
Sunday, January 16, University Circle United Methodist Church welcomes to our pulpit Dr. Julian
and instead are fleeing their homes with only the
M. Earls, former Deputy Director of NASA’s John H. Glenn Research Center. His unique interaction
precious possessions which they can carry or
approach will be a part of not only the 11AM worship service but Dr. Chalker’s 9:30AM open-dis-
load in a car; a car not going over the river and
cussion class as well. As part of the 11am service, we will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther
through the woods to grandma’s but for the
King, Jr., experience the music of an African drum circle and hear the moving spiritual, “Precious
purpose of getting out of the country before
Lord, Take My Hand.”
fanatics with guns arrive.
On January 30 new members will be received during worship.
In no way do I intend these comments to
Throughout the month of February, Sunday morning music will be inspired by African- American
minimize the pressures we may feel or the
spirituals in our recognition of Black History Month.
emotions, some difficult, which come to the
surface as we prepare for and then celebrate,
Christmas. To be sure, if we are missing a loved
one this season, if we are facing great challenges
as a result of the loss of health or the loss of a job,
Christmas preparations bring on unique
demands and difficulties. If we are working to
create opportunities for worship, if we are
working out the details of how we will get to
worship, the challenges are no less demanding in
light of such realities of persons in other places
who are being persecuted for their faith.
But what is essential is the perspective.
Perhaps in light of the terror other Christ-
followers are experiencing, we can add to our
spirits a deepening sense of gratitude. And, we
can put the lives of persecuted thousands of
others—all unnamed to us—in our prayers. In
addition to lifting them up in prayer, the effect of
our prayers for them will be to lift our spirits and
deepen our faith in the hope which arrives and is
present in that babe in a manger.
Merry Christmas…because it is.