WORSHIP GROW SERVE

Periodical Postage
Paid at Cincinnati, Ohio
WESTWOOD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Lee’s
Look
Worship
Grow
Serve
Inside:
 Preschool News, p. 2
 Worship, p. 3
 Discipleship, p. 4
 Celebrating, p. 5
 Timeless Purpose, p. 6
3460 Epworth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211
513-661-3139; [email protected]; www.wumc.cc
Worship ~ Grow ~ Serve
 Bible Principles, p.7
 December in View, p. 8-9
 Mark Your Calendar, p. 10
 Children p. 11
 Mystery Worshiper, p. 12
 My Neighbor’s Place, p. 13
 Opportunities, p. 14
 Fellowship, p. 15
NOVEMBER 27, 2015
V OLUME 73, I SSUE 11
Reading about vision is one thing but doing something about it something else. Many times
someone will ask, “Where are we headed in the future?” or “What can I do to help out around
here?” Vision informs, directs and answers these questions. As we head into a new year we
haven’t asked for another vision from the Lord but what we have asked is for direction through
All Aboard and our Estimated Giving Cards. Let me share with you the 7 ups of what it means
to be a part of Westwood UMC.
1. Listen up to God daily through your devotions and worship time. I have hidden your
word in my heart so that I won’t sin against you. Lord, I give praise to you. Teach me
your orders. With my lips I talk about all of the decisions you have made. Following your
covenant laws gives me joy just as great riches give joy to others. I spend time thinking
about your rules. I consider how you want me to live. I take delight in your orders. I won’t fail to obey your
word. Psalms 119:11-16
2. Give up your rights to have it your way. We are a family and in it we listen to one another. Then Jesus
spoke to his disciples. He said, “If anyone wants to follow me, he must say not to himself. He must pick up his
cross and follow me. If he wants to save his life, he will lose it. But if he loses his life for me, he will find it.”
Matthew 16: 24-25
3. Pick up a ministry through the year and serve the Lord each week. God’s gifts of grace come in many
forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully. 1 Peter 4:10
4. Show up to church unless you are out of town or too ill to come. Having guests in the home is just an
invitation to bring them with you. Let us consider how we can stir up one another to live. Let us help one
another to do good works. Let us not give up meeting together. Some are in the habit of doing this. Instead,
let us cheer each other up with words of hope. Let us do it all the more as you see the day coming when
Christ will return. Hebrews 10:24-25
5. Offer up your financial gifts to the Lord’s work first. You have 90%; at least give God His first fruits.
“Will a man dare to steal from me? But you rob me! “You ask , ‘How do we rob you?’ By holding back your
offering. You also steal from me when you do not bring me a tenth of everything you produce. So you are
under my curse. In fact, your whole nation is under it. That is because you are robbing me. Bring the entire
tenth to the storerooms in my temple. Then there will be plenty of food. Put me to the test,” says the Lord.
“Then you will see that I will throw open the windows of heaven. I will pour out so many blessings that you
will not have enough room for them.” Malachi 3:8-12
6. Lift up one another, support one another, pray for one another and love one another. Love each other
deeply. Honor others more than yourselves. Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the
Lord. When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful. Share with God’s
people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Romans 12:10-13
7. Back up your leadership by offering your support and help in pursuing the goals and vision of the
church. Obey your leaders. Put yourselves under their authority. They keep watch over you. They know
they are accountable to God for everything they do. Obey them so that their work will be a joy. If you make
their work a heavy load, it won’t do you any good. Hebrews 13:17
Together with a clear vision we can
keep focusing on the changing needs
in order to achieve that vision in 2016
as we Worship – Grow – Serve.
Rev. Dr. Lee Strawhun is the senior pastor at Westwood United Methodist Church
[email protected]
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Thank you for remembering and honoring friends and loved ones by donating to the following funds:
www.westwoodunitedmethodist.org
Senior Pastor………...………………….Lee Strawhun
Associate Pastor…………………………...David Lyell
Visitation Pastor……………………...David Schneider
Director of Student Ministries…………….Ryan Crabb
Director of Worship & Arts ……………..Michael Kelly
Director of Children & Family Ministries...Sara Beach
Organist…………………………………..Scott Kimmell
Preschool Director……………………Allyson Williams
Financial Secretary ……………….Carol Krumpelbeck
Office Manager…………………………...Julie Fletcher
Building Supervisor…...……………..Duncan Cordrey
Food Service…………………………...Pam Christman
Chimes Editor……………………... Christina McMullin
Join us
for
Worship
Worship

Grow

Serve
“May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!”
– Author Unknown
The Holiday Season has come upon us…as we hustle and
Allyson Williams
WUMC Preschool Director
bustle getting ready for Christmas Day. We must remember
the true reason for the season. Christmas is when we
celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ! God sent His Son, Jesus, into the world
to be born. A gift and salvation for all of mankind. It is our duty to teach
and share with children what Christmas is all about.
Mark your calendar:
 The Preschool will have our Christmas program on December 17 at 11:00 am. in the Sanctuary.
 On January 31, 2016 the preschool will have an Open House for prospective families to visit.
Have a Happy and Blessed Holiday Season!
GENERAL OPERATING FUND
♦ In memory of Don & Virginia Fiester by Sheryl Ross
♦ In memory of Leon and Mary Shuck by Bev Bepler
MEMORIAL FUND
♦ In memory of Jean Spitler by Mary Maxwell, Robert & Diana Klenk, Rosemary Becker, Sarah Wilinson
ORGAN FUND
♦ In honor of Gene & Vera Marker’s 60th Anniversary by Elisabeth & Margaret Anger, Bob & June Brandt,
David & Marie Schneider
♦ In memory of Ruth Weber Schafer by Al & Jackie Armstrong
♦ In memory of Jean Spitler by Bob & June Brandt, Lou & Kay Koenig
WESMATES FUND
♦ In memory of Jean Spitler by Mary Jane Miller, Ray & Pat McMullen, Elisabeth & Margaret Anger,
Cliff & Dona McMahan
♦ In honor of Gene & Vera Marker’s 60th Anniversary by Carol Wright
ORGAN FUND RENOVATION
 as of November 10, 2015
 $ 13,557
 78 contributors
 New contributors: Al & Jackie Armstrong, Art & Barbara Colburn
Roger & Patsy Higley
Our prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of :
Jean Spitler who died October 6, 2015
You have been Jesus to us! We appreciate your prayers, kind words, visitations and cards
throughout Jeanne Spitler's illness and passing. We appreciate your presence at the visitation
and funeral. Thank you to Rev. David Schneider for his visits and for officiating at the memorial
service. Words cannot express how much your Christian love means to us! God bless you!
Greg and Bridget Spitler, Jeanne's son and daughter-in-law
Congratulations to Adam & Nancy Luthman
on the birth of their daughter
Sophia Lucille Luthman
on November 13, 2015.
Excited sister is Lillian.
Proud grandparents are Skip & Joan Jackson.
CHIMES (USPS 681-140) is published monthly, January through November, by Westwood United Methodist Church, 3460 Epworth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211-5754
Periodical Postage paid at Cincinnati, Ohio. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: CHIMES, 3460 Epworth Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45211-5754.
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Messages of Hope
at
Westwood United
Methodist Church
Join us for fellowship, fun and food
for anyone, any age, who lives alone.
UMW MEETING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 @ 1:00 pm
Join us for a
Special Meal
at Arlene Schwerin’s home, 3316 Renfro.
Bring stocking stuffer toys for homeless families
and your beverage.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 7 @ 5:00 pm
We will meet for dinner at
Bob Evans Restaurant
6318 Glenway Ave.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2015
10:30 am. in the Wesmates Room
12:00 pm. Luncheon in the gym
Cost: $5.00 per person
Welcoming the Christmas Season
and the Christ Child
Presented by: The Sound Effects
A choral group conducted by
Susie Nemenz , consisting of 16 women of
all ages from all over the Cincinnati area
who “ just love to sing”.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 @ 5:00 pm
Join us for a
Soup Potluck
at Arlene Schwerin’s home, 3316 Renfro.
Bring a soup or something that goes with soup
to share & your beverage.
8:30 AM Communion Service,
Chapel
9:30 AM Traditional Service,
Sanctuary
10:00 AM New Covenant,
Chapel
11:00 AM The Journey
Contemporary Service,
Sanctuary
6:00 pm
7:00 pm
Montfort/Vath
December 15
11:30 am
TBA
Faith
December 14
12:00 pm
Marcia Grimmer’s home
Christman/Haskell
December 16
January 20
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Jan Radle’s home
Church IHN toy cleanup
Brandt/Ward
December 17
9:30 am
Parlor
Anger
December 17
January 21
10:00 am
10:00 am
Library
Library
Quilting
December
January 21
XXX
1:30 pm
Parlor
Sharon Rudesill’s home
No meeting in December
Cindy Grant’s home
10,000 Villages at Westwood United Methodist Church
Shopping for that hard to get person on your list couldn’t be any easier this year as
the Mission Team is sponsoring 10,000 Villages in our Eckel Hall area December 5-6.
You can come and find unique gifts that will delight the heart of those you love while
supporting artisans from around the world. Drop in and bring a fellow shopper!
Check our website for more information. The mission team will receive 15% off each
sale for our Haiti Mission.
As you probably have heard, the Carol and Candlelight service is expanding this year!
On Sunday, December 6th we will present a new pre-service outdoor scene on
Epworth Ave. that includes shepherds and live animals! From 3:00 to 5:00 pm. you
can visit this scene, enjoy light refreshments in the Parlor and have an opportunity
for prayer in the Chapel.
Don’t forget to attend one of our Christmas Eve services on December 24th:
 5:00 pm. service designed for children and families
 7:00 pm. and 11:00 pm. candlelight services
CIRCLE MEETINGS
December 21
January 18
Greetings in Christ! This is a time to rejoice! Jesus Christ has come to
dwell among us, and the opening verses of Mary's song of praise say it
all. I feel blessed, as I always do at this time of year, to be a part of the
Worship and Arts ministry of Westwood UMC, because I get to bear
witness to God's presence among the many worshipers who make up our community
of faith--and the opportunities for worship are plentiful!
The Carol Candlelight service itself will take place at 5:00 pm.
and include a musical pageant, a living nativity scene as well
as refreshments and fellowship afterward. These are great
ways to prepare for worship and to add to our celebrations!
Be sure to bring family and friends to visit this scene and to
attend the service.
Reservations: Sue Lunsford 941-2822
Knitting
"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
Luke 1:46-47
Blessings to you in this holy season!
“He handed out gifts….
to train all Christians in skilled
servant work, working within
Christ’s body, the church, till
we are all moving rhythmically
and easily with each other,
efficient and graceful in
response to God’s Son, fully
mature adults, fully developed
within and without, fully alive
like Christ.”
Ephesians 4:11-13 (Msg)
Making a joyful noise,
Dr. Michael Kelly
Director of Worship and Arts
661-3139, ext. 113
[email protected]
WUMC STUDENT MINISTRIES
STUDENT MINISTRIES CALENDAR
Dec 6: Evil: How Can I Resist Evil?
Dec 13: Healing: Does God Heal Today?
Ryan Crabb
Director of Student Ministries
Dec 20: Church: What About the Church and Telling Others?
Dec 27: No Youth, Merry Christmas!
Jan 3: Snow Tubing after 11 o'clock Service
Jan 30-Feb 1: Winter Blitz, Louisville, KY
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Reflecting on 2015
David Lyell
Associate Pastor
661-3139 ext. 106
[email protected]
It has been a tremendous year for discipleship in the life of our congregation. I
am thrilled with how our Grow Groups and Community Groups have made an
impact in the life of our church. Over and over we have experienced the grace
of God through the on-going work of our groups. I wish you, the readers of this
newsletter, could have just a sampling of the conversations that I have with
people who find their spiritual home in small groups at Westwood UMC. This
fall I preached a series of sermons about the Class Meeting. Through the introduction of this
curriculum, we have seen a new season of grow groups
take form. The focus for these groups that have adopted the Class Meeting
format is transformation.
Many projects from the year continue to unfold and blossom by the grace of God. In
April we reached an agreement with UMC Food to bring their operation to our kitchen at
the church. Every day they produce hundreds of meals for youth around the city. It has
been a blessing to see how our members have stepped up to volunteer for this hard
work and some of us have even found employment by UMC Food!
Epworth Hall is now fully renovated and being used for Sunday worship at 11:00 am. This project took several months to complete over the summer and fall, but has already proven to be an outstanding investment
in creating a meaningful and purposeful worship space for our modern worship service. We’ve had friends
of the 11:00 service return to see the new space who haven’t worshiped with us for a while and we’ve seen
totally new visitors check out the
space. I feel that it is fair to say that
our modern worship service will
never be held back by the facility,
now it’s up to us to fill the chairs
and bring the Gospel to those who
prefer the modern context.
On a personal note, it is such a relief to not be working on my ordination paperwork as many of my
peers are as I have done every year
for the
past 7 years. I was fully ordained as
an Elder in June and it has been
awesome serving all of you in this
capacity. I have shared my intention
with the District Superintendent
that I would love to stay with Westwood as long as possible. But as many of you know, that is hardly my
decision. Though, I will share that we took a stand by opening a studio in Covington for our photography
business, Lyell Photography!
Our son Jonah is 7 months old at the time of this writing
and getting into everything! He is crawling faster every
day! I included a photo of Stephanie, Jonah and our dog
Rusty. Pretty good looking crew if I may say so .
I sincerely look forward to ministry in 2016 with all of you!
By Sarah Beach
Director of MNP
www.westwoodmnp.org
2015 My Neighbor’s Place
Christmas Party
Saturday, December 12
1-3 pm. In the Gym
Currently, our biggest gift need is for older girls, ages 10-12 years
(especially craft sets) and older boys (skateboards, basketballs).
We are also in need of warm accessories (gloves/hats/scarves) for
boys, girls and men. You can drop off these items during the
week at the church office and on Sunday. They can also be left in the bin labeled
“MNP Christmas party” in Eckel Hall. Monetary donations are always appreciated.
Please specify at the bottom of your check—My Neighbor’s Place Christmas Party.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact [email protected] .
Cookies are needed as well and can be dropped off at the church
kitchen on either Friday, December 11 or the morning of the party.
Please contact Sally Dessauer at 662-6588 if you have any questions.
CELEBRATE RECOVERY
Come find healing for your hurts habits and hang ups! Every Sunday we meet from 5:30-8:00 pm. for a
meal, worship, and small group sharing. Everyone is invited to attend. Would you like to help serve?
We would love to have groups help make a meal, or you can always donate money. I’m excited to see
what God does next!
The next free WESTWOOD COMMUNITY DINNER will be
6:00 pm, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 at MNP.
Contact Sarah Beach, [email protected] or the WUMC
office 661-3139 to see how you can help with this fantastic mission. This
dinner is open to all, so plan on stopping by for a great meal and wonderful
conversation.
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Preparing to Celebrate Christ’s Birth
Mystery Worshiper
By Billy Graham
by Lloyd Pemberton
Some three weeks ago I received a call from our District Office,
Rev. Tim Waugh, asking me if I would be interested in serving
as a “mystery worshiper” at one of our Ohio churches. After
a brief discussion with Rev. Waugh and learning what was
required of me, I agreed to serve.
I visited a church in the Forest Park area, and was asked to
observe the manner in which this church received strangers,
the cleanliness of the grounds, the interior, the manner in
which I was greeted (if greeted), any inter-action with the
congregation, the sermon, and many other facets of their
worship service. At the end of my visit, I was asked to fill
out a seven page report of my experience.
While I will not mention the name of this church, nor will I
expound upon my experience, I can tell you that in comparison,
Westwood United Methodist Church excels at all the many
things needed to attract and keep visitors. Signage is
important, and we here at WUMC are above standard in this area. Our church is kept
spotlessly clean, including the grounds, restrooms, etc.
The many warm, friendly greeters and ushers here excel at friendliness, making us feel
glad we came to church. One need but ask a question, and answers are forth-coming.
Perhaps most significant about WUMC is the love for each other so strongly felt and given!
It’s a real joy to attend church here. Our Pastors preach with love, conviction and
authenticity and passion; it’s not as though we are attending a lecture! And, our ministers
are approachable!
Westwood United Methodist Church is an alive, thriving and prosperous house of worship;
from the music played and sung, to the technology, to the class of leadership present, we
excel at making people feel comfortable, easing them into a worship worthy of our Divine
Creator.
When I left the church I had visited, even before the benediction, with tears streaming down
my face, I had to ask myself this: “Where was God? I guess he took the day off”.
The “Advent season” usually starts four weeks before Christmas and
concludes with the celebration of Christ’s birth. Some churches emphasize
the Advent season more than others, but all Christians look forward to
celebrating Christ’s birth during this season of the year.
Why was Jesus’ birth so important? The reason is because slightly over 2,000
years ago, God stooped down from Heaven and became a human being: Jesus Christ.
As the Bible says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” John 1:14
Think of it: God became a man! He did it because He loves us—and that’s what we should
celebrate as Christmas approaches.
Read Isaiah 9:6 — In this Scripture we find the message and meaning of Christmas. Isaiah the
prophet gave five awe-inspiring names of our Lord that encourage us, thrill us, and fill us with
hope at this Christmas season.
Wonderful: When He did His many miracles, the Scripture says, “The people wondered.” Luke 11:14
Counselor: The people said, “No one ever spoke the way this man does.” John 7:46
The Mighty God: He is the God-Man. He said that, “He and the Father are one.” John 10:30
The Everlasting Father: It was by Him, the living Word, that all things were created. He is the designer of
the whole universe. John 1:3; Hebrews 11:3
The Prince of Peace: There will never be lasting peace on earth until He comes again to reign in righteousness.
But He is also the Prince of Peace in other ways. None can have peace with God apart from Him and the peace that
He made through the blood of His cross. Colossians 1:20
The full meaning of these words from Isaiah should give us enough
strength, hope, and joy to face any crisis, endure any sorrow, and meet
any temptation.
How has Jesus shown you recently that He is “Wonderful, Counselor …
the Prince of Peace”?
Dear Scholarship Committee,
Thank you for scholarship. This has been very helpful in buying books and helping with other
expenses. The scholarship greatly helps me with my education at the University of Cincinnati.
Thanks again,
Emily Ramsey
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By Sarah Beach
Director of Children and Family Ministry
and My Neighbor’s Place
[email protected]
What is God’s timeless purpose for the church?
WUMC’s mission statement, i.e. its purpose, is:
"Responding to God's Call to make Disciples of Jesus Christ."
In Matthew 28 we read:
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been
given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the
age.” Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)
C.S. Lewis states the purpose of the church very simply in his book ‘Mere Christianity’:
It is easy to think that the Church has a lot of different objects—education, building,
missions, holding services. Just as it is easy to think the State has a lot of different
objects— military, political, economic, and what not. But in a way things are much
simpler than that. The State exists simply to promote and to protect the ordinary
happiness of human beings in this life.
He goes on to elaborate a little and then says this:
In the same way the Church exists for nothing else but to draw men into Christ,
to make them little Christs. If they are not doing that, all the cathedrals, clergy,
missions, sermons, even the Bible itself, are simply a waste of time. God became
Man for no other purpose. It is even doubtful, you know, whether the whole
universe was created for any other purpose.
What we must remember here is that the church is us! It’s not a building, it’s not Sunday
services, it’s not only the paid staff, it’s all of us acting as Christ’s hands and feet, coming
together with our different Spiritual gifts, Hearts, Abilities, Personalities and Experience
(S.H.A.P.E.) as one body, the body of Christ.
Paul writes in Ephesians 4: 11-16 that God provides us with different gifts for the purpose
of equipping others for the works of service and in so doing, growing the church to a
greater level of maturity. The result of this equipping and growing is the formation of an
interdependent body that has an even greater connection to Christ. This interdependent
body also has an even greater capability of achieving God’s timeless purpose for the church.
That of drawing people into Christ and making more “little Christs”.
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Kingdom Club: Wednesday Nights from 7-8 kids in K-6th are invited to Kingdom Club.
Come at 6:30 for dinner, we meet in the gym! This month, we will focus on the Christmas story.
Our last night is December 9th then we will break until the New Year, resuming on January 6th.
Christmas craft fair: Sunday November 29th. Families are invited to come to the Christmas Craft
Fair. Kids will make crafts and shop at Santa’s workshop to help get gifts to share with others. We will
meet right after church for lunch followed by the craft fair until 2:30.
Jesus’ birthday party: December 20th at 12:15, celebrate the birth of Jesus with lunch, including birthday cake and a
visit from baby Jesus and Santa.
Christmas eve service: We will have a family service at 5:00 pm. and traditional candlelight services at 7:00 pm.
& 11:00 pm.
Upward Basketball: Upward Basketball at Cincinnati’s WUMC is for boys and girls in K-6th grades and features
great benefits for players and parents… beginning with equal playing time and teams for everyone. Our format
consists of a small devotion, skills development following practices and games. The cost is $70 per participant
and includes a basketball jersey and shorts.
Evaluations will be held Monday November 30, Tuesday December 1st, and Thursday December 3 from
6-8 pm. which includes a basketball skills check. Everyone MUST attend a basketball evaluation.
The Upward Basketball season is beginning in January. If you are interested in coaching or refereeing please
contact Mark Rave. If you would like to lead devotions or if your group would like to run the concession stand
please talk to Sarah Beach.
For more information, contact Mark Rave at [email protected] or 513-888-0992.
Save the Dates for Wumc Christmas Activities:
Nov 30th: Christmas Craft Fair
Dec 7th: Christmas Carol and Candlelight
Dec 20th: Jesus’ Birthday Party
Dec 24th: Christmas Eve Services
Christmas Craft Fair: Sunday, November 30th there will be a craft fair in the gym from 12-2 pm.
Be a helper during the Christmas craft fair, and we will have a special party in our Club 56
room! Let’s remember the reason for the Christmas season.
Snow Tubing Trip: January 3: We will go to Perfect North with the youth group, leaving right after church (noon).
The cost is $25.
Upward Concession Stand: January 16th - we are in charge of the concession stand for Upward Basketball, selling
candy, popcorn, and drinks to the players and their fans.
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2nd Mile Giving
during DECEMBER goes to:
KIVA
Kiva Microfunds is a 501 non-profit organization that allows
people to lend money via the Internet to low-income / underserved
entrepreneurs and students in 82 countries. Kiva's mission is
“to connect people through lending to alleviate poverty.”
By Sally Dessauer
We just received the 2016 IHN hosting schedule:
January 10-16, March 6-12, May 22-28, August 28-September 3, November 27-December 3
Mark your new calendar and plan to help. This new schedule seems good, but we need lots of help! After 24 years
of hosting homeless families, many of our dedicated and loyal volunteers are “aging out” and we need fresh people
to join. Hosting is so rewarding. It is “hands-on-help” which is only 2 1/2 hours or overnight. Plus we need lots of
support behind the scenes: setting up, taking down, laundry, keeping toys organized and up to date. When you
volunteer you will not be alone...we always work together. IHN is such a worthy mission of our church helping
desperate homeless families find some peace and comfort while staying with us overnight, while during the day they
deal with the stress of solving personal problems and finding a good place to live. They really appreciate our help!
Please check out the yellow IHN brochure found in racks around the church or call Sally Dessauer 662-6588,
Lynn Hampshire 608-4053 or Carol Wright 923-3044 and talk to one of us as to how you can help.
If you want to also help financially, we give ten $50.00 Walmart gift cards to the IHN Day Center
at Christmas time to be distributed to needy families. Your help will be greatly appreciated!
LIFETREE CAFÉ MEETS
EVERY MONDAY FROM 7-8 PM AT
MY NEIGHBOR’S PLACE
3150 Harrison Ave.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND.
Here are future Lifetree Café discussion topics:




DECEMBER 7: I Disagree: How to have a healthy argument.
DECEMBER 14: Pursuing an Audacious Life: Inspiration from a man who’s traveled to every country.
DECEMBER 21: The Spirit of Santa: The legend, the love, the lowdown.
DECEMBER 28: Schindler’s Youngest Survivor Speaks: A story of risk and redemption.
Visit www.lifetreecafe.com to preview each week’s topic
Biblical Imperatives for an Equipping Ministry
By Roger Lindle
On the previous page we said that God’s timeless purpose for the church is drawing people into
Christ and making more “little Christs” as well as the fact that the church is all of us acting as
Christ’s hands and feet. We were reminded of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians where he said that God
provides us with different gifts for the purpose of equipping others, i.e. preparing them, helping
them, supporting them, for the works of service and in so doing, growing the church to a greater
level of maturity. This ministry of “equipping” others and understanding the gifts that we are to
use to serve God and grow the church, needs to be a primary goal for all of us for WUMC to be an
effective and vital church. Throughout the bible we find imperatives that show us why an equipping
ministry is so important and illustrates how we are to live our lives as followers of Christ.
Imperative #1 - A ministry of serving others is an act of love for and devotion to Christ. We need
to remember that our ministries are acts of worship. We worship God when we do what God created
us to do. See Romans 12:1-6 and Matthew 25:31-46
Imperative #2 – God has a unique purpose or calling for each of our lives. Gift based service is
not an optional activity, but the activity for we which we were created. See Ephesians 2:10, 1 Peter
2:5, 9-10, and Jeremiah 1:4-5
Imperative #3 – We all have been given gifts to fulfill our calling. As we use the unique gifts God
has given to us, we accomplish His will. We should use these gifts to serve others. See 1 Peter 4:1011, Psalm 139:13-16, 1 Corinthians 12-14, and Exodus 35-40
Imperative #4 – Gifts are given not to be left idle, but to be used in community, to serve God and
others. God wants us to use our gifts, not to serve ourselves, but to serve the community and by so
doing, serve Him. See Romans 12:4-8, 1 Corinthians 12:4-12, 18, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Mark 10:42-44,
and Matthew 25 14-30
Imperative #5 – We more deeply understand our personal relationship with Christ as we serve in
community. Our walk with God is not about “me and my God”, but about “us and our God”.
See John 15:12-17, John21:15-17, Ephesians 4:16 and Hebrews 10:24-25
Imperative #6 – Real spiritual growth is activated as we serve others. Using our gifts for God’s
timeless purpose of the church is an act of WORSHIP that causes us to GROW spiritually as we
SERVE others. See James 1:22-25, 27; 2:14-17
Imperative #7 – The role of leaders in a church community is to equip others to use their gifts so
that everyone can grow. The leaders of the church as “equippers” is not a new idea, but a return
to the priority and purpose given to first-century church leaders. See Ephesians 4:11-16 and
Exodus18:13-23
We see throughout the bible how we are to live, how we are to use our time and talents in service
to God and to others. Our vision of WUMC in 2020 is for the entire congregation to be actively
engaged in carrying out God’s purpose for the church. What are your God given gifts? What
are your “I Likes”? Pray about how you can use your gifts to Worship, Grow, and Serve along
with the entire body of Christ at WUMC as we continue the work of drawing others to Christ.
7
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8
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Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
THE DATES & TIMES OF CALENDAR
EVENTS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE (661-3139)
OR
CHECK THE WEBSITE
www.westwoodunitedmethodist.org
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
6
8:30 am Communion Service, Chapel
9:30 am Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary
9:30 am SOS, Parlor
11:00 am The Journey, Sanctuary
11:00 am Merrimates, Parlor
11:00 am Wesmates, Wesmates Room
5:00 am Carol & Candlelight, Sanctuary & Gym
5:30 pm Celebrate Recovery, MNP
13
8:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
12:15 pm
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
Communion Service, Chapel
Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary
SOS, Parlor
Prayer Service, Heritage Room
The Journey, Sanctuary
Merrimates, Parlor
Wesmates, Wesmates Room
Mission Team, Wesley Room
Celebrate Recovery, MNP
Student Ministries, Youth Room
20
8:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
6:00 pm
Communion Service, Chapel
Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary
SOS, Parlor
Prayer Time, Heritage Room
The Journey, Sanctuary
Merrimates, Parlor
Wesmates, Wesmates Room
Celebrate Recovery, MNP
Student Ministries, Youth Room
Sunday Night Small Group, Library
27
8:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:30 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
11:00 am
5:30 pm
6:00 pm
Communion Service, Chapel
Traditional Worship Service, Sanctuary
SOS, Parlor
AIA Pancake Breakfast, Gym
The Journey, Sanctuary
Merrimates, Parlor
Wesmates, Wesmates Room
Celebrate Recovery, MNP
Sunday Night Small Group, Library Rm
9:30 am
9:30 pm
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
My Neighbors’ Place Closet
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Heartlifters, Parlor
Yoga for Ladies, God’s Backyard
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Lifetree Team Meeting, Library
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Tuesday Bible Study, Faber Room
SPRC, Wesley Room
7
7:00 pm Lifetree Café, MNP
8
9:30 am
9:30 pm
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
5:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
My Neighbors’ Place Closet
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Heartlifters, Parlor
Yoga for Ladies, God’s Backyard
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Tuesday Bible Study, Faber Room
Finance Committee, Parlor
14
12:00 pm Faith Circle, Marcia Grimmer’s home
7:00 pm Lifetree Café, MNP
6:30 pm Knitting Circle, Parlor
15
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
9:30 pm
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
5:00 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
My Neighbors’ Place Closet
Faith Circle, Elaine Power’s home
Montfort/Vath Circle, Parlor
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Heartlifters, Parlor
Yoga for Ladies, God’s Backyard
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Tuesday Bible Study, Faber Room
Church Council, Parlor
21
7:00 pm Lifetree Café, MNP
22
9:30 pm
12:00 pm
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
7:30 pm
Yoga, God’s Backyard
MNP Ladies Luncheon, MNP
Heartlifters, Parlor
Yoga for Ladies, God’s Backyard
Yoga, God’s Backyard
MNP Men’s Social, MNP
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Saints Room
Tuesday Bible Study, Faber Room
Trustees Meeting, Parlor
28
BUILDING CLOSED
7:00 pm Lifetree Café, MNP
29
9:30 pm
2:30 pm
3:30 pm
5:00 pm
6:30 pm
6:30 pm
7:00 pm
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Heartlifters, Parlor
Yoga for Ladies, God’s Backyard
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Handbell Choir Rehearsal, Saints Room
Tuesday Bible Study, Faber Room
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
2
10:00 am
1:00 pm
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
3
9:00 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
11:00 pm
4:30 pm
7:00 pm
MNP Neighborhood Cafe
Yoga w/childcare, God’s Backyard
UMW Unit Meeting, Gym
Bible Study, MNP
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Open Hearts, Faber Room
9
10:00 am
12:00 pm
1:00 pm
5:00 pm
7:00 pm
10
9:00 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 pm
5:00 pm
6:00 pm
6:30 pm
MNP Neighborhood Cafe
Yoga w/childcare, God’s Backyard
Brandt/Ward Circle, Parlor
Anger Circle, Library
Bible Study, MNP
Together On Our Own, Off-site
Westwood Community Dinner, MNP
MOPS Meeting, Parlor
16
10:00 am My Neighbor’s Place Food Pantry
1:00 pm New Bible Study, Faber Room
7:00 pm Gospel & Chancel Choir practice,
Sanctuary
7:00 pm Christman/Haskell Circle, Jan Radle’s
home
17
9:00 am
9:30 am
9:30 am
10:00 am
11:00 pm
4:30 pm
7:00 pm
MNP Neighborhood Cafe
Yoga w/childcare, God’s Backyard
Brandt/Ward Circle, Parlor
Anger Circle, Library
Bible Study, MNP
Yoga, God’s Backyard
Open Hearts, Faber Room
23
1:00 pm New Bible Study, Faber Room
7:00 pm Gospel & Chancel Choir practice,
Sanctuary
24
CHRISTMAS EVE
5:00 pm Children & Family Service,
Sanctuary
7:00 pm Traditional Service, Sanctuary
11:00 pm Traditional Service, Sanctuary
25
BUILDING CLOSED
MERRY CHRISTMAS
30
1:00 pm New Bible Study, Faber Room
7:00 pm Gospel & Chancel Choir practice,
Sanctuary
31
1
BUILDING CLOSED
My Neighbor’s Place Food Pantry
New Bible Study, Faber Room
Student Ministries, Youth Room
Gospel & Chancel Choir practice,
Sanctuary
7:00 pm Sticky Faith Small Group, Library
7:00 pm Kingdom Club, Gym
My Neighbor’s Place Food Pantry
Wesgals, Parlor
New Bible Study, Faber Room
Student Ministries, Youth Room
Gospel & Chancel Choir practice,
Sanctuary
7:00 pm Sticky Faith Small Group, Library
7:00 pm Kingdom Club, Gym
9
Saturday
4
5
11:00 am 10,000 Villages,
Eckel Hall
5:30 pm Merrimates Social,
Epworth Hall
11
12
1:00 pm MNP Christmas
Party, Gym
18
19
8:30 am City Gospel
Mission, Off-site
26