March Tower Times - Purple Door Church

Tower
Times
MARCH 2016
In This Issue
Letter from Pastor Page 1
Church News
Page 3
Pastoral Care
Page 5
Ministry Spotlight Page 6
Youth Ministry
Page 7
Children’s & Family
Ministries
Page 8
Calendar
Page 9
Finance Report
Staff Emails
Leadership Team
Contact Info.
Page 10
Friendship News Page 11
Worship with us:
8:30 & 11:00am
Traditional
9:30 & 11:00am
Contemporary
purpledoorchurch.com
Church Office
(614) 875-5612
A Note From the Pastor...
There once was a town where a fireman
lived. Everyone liked the fireman because he was
a nice guy. He made it a habit to be gentle and
kind, which was unusual for a fireman, who were
supposed to be tough.
There was a fire one day, and the fireman
charged to the scene of the fire with his fellow
firemen and heavy equipment. As they came toward the fire, much to their surprise and chagrin, they encountered between
themselves and the flames about two hundred townspeople. And each of them
was standing there with a water pistol, aiming at the fire, going squirt, squirt,
squirt, squirt.
The fireman asked, “What’s going on here?” A spokesperson for the group
turned and said, “Well, we all appreciate this wonderful work you’re doing in our
community, and each of us has come to contribute in some small way to your
work.” Squirt, squirt.
The fireman said, “I don’t get it. You are all crazy!”
“Oh we realize that we all could
do more, couldn’t we, folks?” said the
spokesperson.
“Most definitely,” everyone said,
“But we just wanted to offer this token of
our support.” Squirt, squirt.
“But you don’t know what you’re
doing!” shouted the fireman.
“True, but you have to appreciate
the fact that everyone is willing to offer
what little help they can,” said the spokesperson.
And everyone said, “Amen!” and went squirt, squirt as the building continued to burn to the ground.
At that, the fireman shouted, “Everyone get out of the way! This is no picnic, this is a fire, and a fire doesn’t require well-meaning people who come to
make small contributions. A fire is a place where people come to give their lives.”
PAGE 2
Sometimes, churches can be a lot like those people.
“We all appreciate the work you’re doing pastor.” Squirt, squirt.
“Sure, I’ll serve on that committee, but I may not be able to go to many of the meetings.” Squirt,
squirt.
“We really support all the work of the church and appreciate what’s going on—here’s a couple of dollars to help out.” Squirt, squirt.
“Oh, I know we only make it to worship once or twice a month, but we really get a lot out of it when
we go.” Squirt, squirt.
And then we hear the heavenly fireman say, “Will you please get out of here! What I am looking for
are disciples who are radically committed and willing to die for the sake of the gospel!”
Following Jesus means being willing to follow Him to the
cross. My dream is that we can go out together and put
out some real fires. Squirt, squirt.
Let’s Live the
Purple!
PAGE 3
HANDS FREE MAMA STUDY
This group of moms meets monthly, to not only read a book (currently
Hands Free Mama), but just share life together and encourage one another. We all are in this together and it is great knowing someone else is with
you. We will meet March 20th at 12:30pm. Come join us!
BIBLE JOURNALING CLASS!
Do you enjoy spending time in God’s Word? Being creative? Starting March 1st, we will meet the first Tuesday of
every month for a time of Bible journaling. We will meet
from 6-8pm and have a potluck. If you don’t have a journaling Bible, that’s ok! We have materials available AND …
WE ARE GIVING ONE AWAY! You will receive a ticket for
coming and for any friend you bring to be entered into a
drawing to receive a free Bible journal!
Email Brandi to register: [email protected].
ALL ARE WELCOME!
PAINT NIGHT
We are SO excited to invite you to a new ministry we are starting
at our church! Paint night on April 13th, @ 6pm. Cost is $35. This
is a great opportunity for fellowship, inviting friends to our church
and supporting a community cause. We will have food & drinks
for sale, as well as silent auctions. These paint nights will be quarterly, each benefiting a community need. The April event will benefit Gunnar Parrill & his family. Gunnar is a 9 year old boy battling
stage 4 cancer. Register on our website to attend. If you would like
to help with this ministry, please contact Brandi,
[email protected]. Save the dates for future events: June 29th;
August 31st; and November 30th. The causes for each will be
announced as the event nears!
PAGE 4
UMW DAY APART
The United Methodist Women (UMW) will present a “Day Apart,” to be
held Saturday, April 9th @ 9am at Reynoldsburg UMC. The day starts at
8:30am with coffee & donuts. The program will begin at 9:30am and will
dismiss at 2:30pm. The cost, which includes a light lunch, is $12. For carpooling and other information, watch the Weekly Update.
UMW CHICKEN NOODLE DINNER
Join the UMW on Saturday, April 16th for a Chicken Noodle Dinner. More
information will follow in the Weekly Update as to times & cost. Be sure to
mark your calendars for this great event. You don’t want to miss the
delicious dinner with our homemade noodles!
GROVE CITY CHAMBER SINGERS SPRING CONCERT
Grove City Chamber Singers will present their spring concert “How Can I
Keep from Singing” on Sunday, March 13th in the Sanctuary. The concert
will include a variety of sacred & secular pieces, including a number of
familiar American classics. Doors open at 3pm and the concert will begin
at 3:30pm. There is no charge for the concert, but a free will offering will
be taken. We hope to see you there! Visit our website for more info:
www.gcchambersingers.tripod.com.
TOUCHING LITTLE LIVES
Touching Little Lives will resume their monthly work meetings on Friday,
March 18, from 10-2pm in the fellowship hall. Anyone who likes to sew, quilt,
crochet, knit, stuff toys and more are welcome to join us. We are pleased to
report that our workgroup contributed nearly 5000 items to babies of Ohio
and over 10,000 hours of service. We are a fun group and we want to thank
you for your continued support. Fabric, baby yarn, fleece, and polyfil is always
needed. If you have questions, visit our website:
www.touchinglittlelives.org, or
call Vicki, 614/270-3202 or Sandy, 614/425-4679.
PAGE 5
PASTORAL CARE
STEPHEN MINISTRY
In Stephen Ministry, I am the care-giver and Christ is the cure-giver. That is an amazing
thing because it allows me to be His vessel. All I have to do is pray beforehand, “Okay,
Lord, I’m going into the trenches here. You have to be with me and help me,” and then I
show up, be there, listen, and care for that hurting soul. He never fails me. And, you
know, I’m different now because of that. I truly feel that God is with me at every turn. I
absolutely trust God in my life. Stephen Ministry has deepened my faith, opened so many
doors, and made my life so much more. Stephen Ministers are laypeople—Christian men and women trained
to provide one-on-one care to people experiencing difficult times in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss,
chronic or terminal illness, relocation or separation due to military deployment.
NEW DIRECTIONS
New Directions is a day time meeting, every 4th Wednesday at 1:30pm. This
is held in the Fireside Room. This group has been meeting for many years. It
is an enjoyable, friendly, group of women and men. We have many speakers covering topics that relate to our folks. Then there is always coffee and
dessert to look forward to! Everyone is welcome.
Our March meeting is the 23rd.
DINE & SHARE GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
Grace is defined as “a virtue coming from God, or a state of sanctification enjoyed
through divine grace.” During the grieving process, you are in a transitional state,
between the past and the future. There is a point at which you will pass through
your grief and find a more peaceful place. But, until then, while you are still
mourning, you are in a place closer to the Divine, in the warm glow of grace,
and there you will find comfort.
This group meets on the 4th Monday of each month (there are times the meeting
is held on the 3rd Monday due to holidays, etc.). The March meeting is the 28th.
There is a very informal potluck at 6:30pm, and the gathering is at 7:10pm. Please let those hurting know
about this meeting, and invite them. Sometimes it is a daunting task to take that first step alone, and they
may need you to step along beside them to attend the meeting. All are welcome.
For more information on any of the above events, or if someone you know is in need of pastoral care,
please contact Erma Clark at [email protected] or at the church office, 614/875-5612.
PAGE 6
MINISTRY
SPOTLIGHT
Camp Otterbein
Camp Otterbein spreads out across 450 acres in the beautiful Hocking
Hills of southeast Ohio. The vast natural setting of wooded hills and
green valleys provide a broad landscape for campers to explore and
enjoy the splendor of God’s wilderness and discover Christ’s close
presence in their lives.
With a host of exciting, adventurous, and challenging activities, Camp
Otterbein brings together traditional camp fun with new thrills. Most
activities and events are experienced within a “family group” (12-16
campers, divided by age) where counselors and campers spend the day together, joining other family groups
during meals, morning and evening worship, and evening all-camp activities.
Adventure Camp is a favorite summer activity of our Purple Door Youth Group and
is a multi-age camp that offers a wide range of activities throughout the week including a 'choice time' in the afternoon where campers will have an opportunity to
choose the activity they wanted to do most. Older campers will have the opportunity to choose one offsite trip during the week. The possibilities are endless as
we give all the glory back to God for an awesome week at Camp Otterbein.
BE A PART OF THE CAMP OTTERBEIN TEAM! JOB OPPORTUNITY!
Camp Otterbein is seeking a Program Leader to help run its year round retreat and summer camp season. The
position starts immediately and runs through August as full-time, salaried, including room and board. Desired
applicants should model standards and expectations of Christian leadership, have a bachelor’s degree in related field preferred or in-progress, experience with and enthusiasm for Christian camp ministry, willingness
and ability to obtain relevant professional certifications including First Aid/CPR, Lifeguard, Archery, Paddling,
Rock Climbing, Challenge Course etc., with a minimum age of 21 desired. Assists the Camp Director in all areas of leadership and responsibility including planning, developing and coordinating the spring/summer, camp
and retreat seasons with attention to programming, marketing, worship, relationship building, staff recruitment, training and evaluation, with some maintenance and kitchen work. For full job description, contact Director Scott Seese at [email protected] and visit www.westohiocamps.com to fill out an application.
Page 7
YOUTH MINISTRY
LUNCHEON
Join the youth for a lunch in the cafe March 6th after the 9:30 &
11:00am services. We will have chili and desserts available. All
money raised will help with the cost of camp for the teens.
Our next meeting is March 13th. Confirmation Sunday
will be April 3rd. We are excited to welcome another
young group into our church!
GIRLS ONLY TEA PARTY
March 24th @ 6pm. We will have tea, snacks, coloring, manicures & some great
activities. You don't want to miss it! Open to girls in 7th grade - college.
Cost is $10 for food & activities. Register ASAP.
BOYS ONLY BOWLING
On March 28th, the youth guys 7th - college will head
out to Sawmill Bowling lanes. Cost is $15 & includes 2
1/2 hours of bowling, pizza and pop. We will leave the
church by 6pm. Register ASAP.
YOUTH & FAMILY!!!
Join us for a night of fun March 30th. We will play live Hungry Hungry Hippo,
Jeopardy, Battleship and other fun games. Drinks and pizza provided, bring a
snack to share. Register ASAP.
REGISTER & SAVE THE DATES!
EASTER: We will celebrate Easter March 20th as a group at normal youth group.
We will not have youth group on March 27th. Enjoy Easter with your families!
GOD IS ALIVE RETREAT: April 1st-2nd. Cost is $50, includes food, t-shirt & all needed supplies. Must register ASAP.
GOD’S NOT DEAD 2: Join the youth group on April 3rd as we go to the theatre to
see God’s Not Dead 2 in place of youth group. You must register to attend!
JOIN US FOR SMALL GROUP!
3/9
3/10
3/14
3/23
7:30 High School Bible Study
7:00 Middle School Girls Group
7:00 High School Girls Group
7:00 Middle School Boys Group
7:30 High School Bible Study
CAMP PAYMENT SCHEDULE
March 1st - Registration and Payment Due
March 6th—Camp Luncheon
April 1st - Payment Due
May 1st - Payment Due
June 5th - Meet N Greet
875-5612 or
June 12-17 - CAMP
Contact Brandi Blackstone:
[email protected] for more information about
any of our teen or college activities.
Page 8
C H I L D R E N & F A M I L Y M IN I S T R I E S
PANCAKES, PRETEENS & PRAISE
Sunday, March 6th at 8:45am. Preteens, come down to the Fellowship
Hall, enjoy a few pancakes and fellowship with one another before going
to the 9:30am Worship as a group.
JESUS & ME (J.A.M.)
Wednesday, March 2nd, 6:15-8pm
A mini-VBS experience! Children will have prayer, a small meal
together, join in ReFit, have small group lessons & MORE!
Ages 4 years old to Preteen!
SATURDAY, MARCH 16th, 10-12pm
Easter Bunny
Pics!
Giveaways!
Movie Tickets!
City BBQ Gift Card!
2 COSI Passes!
Siam Hibachi Gift Card!
Skate America Bday Party!
104.9 The River & Roller Roo will be there too! Invite your
friends and neighbors to this FREE Event!
Sunday, March 6th, 2016 the 3s and Preschool Sunday
School classrooms will be attending a puppet show put on by
our Puppet Ministry Team. This is a great opportunity for
your child to hear the story of God in an interactive way. Please
drop off and pick up your child in his classroom as usual.
Contact Shannon Dennison at 875-5612 or [email protected] for more information
about any family, children or preteen activities.
Page 10
WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Please use these email addresses when
contacting church staff:
Dennis Mohler
[email protected]
Jonathan Mann
[email protected]
Bill Hosterman
[email protected]
Brandi Blackstone
[email protected]
Erma Clark
[email protected]
Kathy Clymer
[email protected]
Kelli Newhouse
[email protected]
Sandy Reddig
[email protected]
Traci Wurschmidt
[email protected]
Tom Danklefsen
[email protected]
Tom Wilson
[email protected]
Shannon Dennison [email protected]
OFFICE PHONE # (614) 875-5612
Grove City United Methodist Church
Pastoral Staff
Pastor Dr. Dennis Mohler………………..Senior Pastor
Pastor Jonathan Mann ……………………………. Pastor
Tom Danklefsen…………….……Church Administrator
Pastor Dr. Tom Wilson………….…….Visitation Pastor
Erma Clark…………………….Director of Pastoral Care
FINANCES 2016
2016 BUDGET
$1,322,554.95
January’s finance report will be in
March’s Tower Times
REVENUES
TOTAL GENERAL FUND
$118,799.16
EXPENSES
TOTAL GENERAL FUND
EXPENSE
$94,643.42
REVENUE VS EXPENSE
$24,155.74
Online Giving!
Simple, Fast and
Secure
Even if you don’t make it to
church, your tithe does.
Contact Kelli Newhouse
875-5612.
LEADERSHIP TEAM:
Mindy Garverick, Chair
[[email protected]]
Nathan Jenkins [[email protected]]
John Hampson [[email protected]]
Dennis Saxton [[email protected]]
David Walters [[email protected]]
Chris Roth [[email protected]]
Lisa Dubos [[email protected]]
Visit us online:
www.purpledoorchurch.com
The Tower Times is published monthly
except
for July and August.
The deadline for APRIL is
MARCH 6, 2016.
All materials should be placed in the
Communications Mailbox or e-mailed to
[email protected]
CHURCH MAILING ADDRESS
Please use 2650 Columbus Street as the mailing
address for ALL correspondence and contributions.
Church Office: (614) 875-5612
EDITOR’S NOTE: Our goal is to bring your attention to
ALL the wonderful ministries the church has to offer.
Please follow these guidelines regarding your submissions:
1. Please limit submissions to a maximum of 130 words
per article. Material may be edited for clarity and content.
Most software (MS Word, etc.) you may use to type your
article should include a “Word Count” tool to assist you in
keeping within the 130 word count limit.
2. Please include your name and phone number with your
submission. Please indicate “Tower Times” in the subject
line of all e-mail submissions to prevent activating SPAM
filters.
FRIENDSHIP NEWS
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHIES
Page 11
To Chris Crawford and family atWE
the passing
of her mother,
Ruth FOR
Lewis. YOUR LOSS
ARE DEEPLY
SORRY
To Ray and Darlene Gage and family at the passing of Ray’s sister, Marilyn Hyson.
To Steve and Donna Chalk and family at the passing of Donna’s mother, Joyce Chalk.
To Elmer Davis and family at the passing of his wife, Norma Davis.
To Sean and Stephanie Dowell and family at the passing of Sean’s father, “Captain Walleye” Dowell.
HOSPITALIZED/HOME
Joyce Hirth, Rayma Dietz, Don Warner, Kathy Oliff, James Mowery, Jim Milner, Charlie Fisher,
Bill Sanders, Marilyn Smith-Johnson
WE’D LIKE TO VISIT YOU!
Our pastoral staff wants to visit you in the hospital. Due to the HIPAA Privacy Laws, you must call the church
giving us permission to visit. Prayer cards are not considered “permission to visit.” Please call Sandy Reddig,
who coordinates the hospital board, at the church office (875-5612) with the pertinent information.
ATTENTION PARENTS - Baptism Orientation Reminder
Parents desiring to have their child baptized in April & May must attend a required orientation led
by Pastor Dennis Mohler that will be held March 29th at 7pm. Please call the church office to register for
the orientation by Monday, March 21st.
SNOW CANCELATION POLICY
If Franklin County is under a Level 3 Snow Emergency on a Sunday morning, no church services. Check
your local TV/Radio Stations to confirm. For weekly events in inclement weather, please check directly
with the event leader for cancelations/delays.
BIRTH CONGRATULATIONS
To Brandon and Kayla Geiger at the birth of their little girl, Darby Renee Geiger.
And to proud great, great Aunt Linda Bowen and
great, great, Grandma Wilma Wiedebusch.
To Brad & Brandy Dickson and big brother, Cameron, at the birth of their little girl,
Elizabeth Logan Dickson.
New Set of Classes for Women in 2016:
Contact: Kathy Clymer: [email protected]
Material: “Party Divas Women’s Ministry” by Amber Van Shooneveld
Meetings: Fridays, March-December, 2016.
First class: “The Feast of Esther.” March 4th and 11th
Second class: “Girl-About-Town Cosmopolitan Bash.” April 4th and 11th
Third Class: “Clue at Kensington Manor and the Great Adventure Party.”
May 6th, 13th, and 20th
More classes: TBA
Come to each class and create a “spiritual journey” journal for 2016.
Each class will involve “make-and-take” crafts. Most materials provided for
$20 by Stampin’ Up! Bring your own adhesive, scissors, and journaling
pen, pencils, Bible, camera
Fellowship party on the last day of each class: food, dress up, and fun.
Grove City United Methodist Church
2650 Columbus Street
Grove City, Ohio 43123
614-875-5612
www.gcumc.org
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE
GROVE CITY, OH
PERMIT 17
DATED MATERIALS
Live Free!
Easter at The Purple Door Church
Christmas Eve Services - December 24th
Traditional:
12pm Communion
9pm* With the Chamber Singers
11pm Candlelight Service
Contemporary: 4pm* & 7pm*
*childcare provided
March 20th, Palm Sunday
March 24th, Maundy Thursday
March 25th, Good Friday
March 27th, Easter Sunday
Cantata, 8:30 & 11am Traditional
“The Last Supper”, 7pm
Open Church Prayer Walk, 12pm-8pm
Traditional, 8:30 & 11am; Contemporary 9:30 & 11am