Gethsemane Lutheran Church Gethsemane Lutheran Church The

April 2015
Volume 48, Issue 4
The Leaf – a monthly
publication of GLC
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
The Leaf
35 East Stanton
Stanton Avenue ♦ Columbus OH 43214 ♦ 614614-885885-4319
www.gethsemane.org
Pastor
Rev. June A. Wilkins
[email protected]
Music Ministries
Dr. Timothy E. Guenther
[email protected]
Learning & Family Ministries
Terri Siebert
[email protected]
Mission Developer
Rev. Ipyana Mwakabonga
[email protected]
Child Care Center
Center
Brenda Weilbacher
[email protected]
Parish Secretary
Diane Gutgesell
[email protected]
MIC Student
Mary Ann Siefke
[email protected]
Custodian
Brian McLean
In this Issue
From the Pastor─P. 2
Alleluia Fund─P. 3
Classes for All Ages─P. 4
B.R.E.A.D.─P. 4
Benefit Concert─P. 7
Small Groups─P. 8
Play & Learn─P. 9
Council Highlights─P. 12
Agape Meal – 6:30PM Thursday, April 2
Good Friday Worship – 7:00PM Friday, April 3
Easter Vigil Worship – 7:00PM Saturday, April 4
Easter Worship – 9:30AM Sunday, April 5
(Breakfast at 8:00AM)
FROM THE PASTOR
The theme for the Easter Season is EASTER PEOPLE. In
this season, we will celebrate the joy that the
resurrection has given us and the people that we have
become because of it. Although we face adversity,
trials, hardships, poverty, and grief, we know that God
is always with us. So we can still pray and sing and
worship God with the joy of the risen Christ! Knowing
that Christ has risen from the dead, helps us to know
that there is always life after tragedy, resurrection is
possible – either here or eternally with God. Because
Christ is risen, we are EASTER PEOPLE too!
Easter People Theme for Season
Rev. June Wilkins
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and
singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening
to them. – Acts 16:25
In chapter 16 in Acts, Paul and his traveling companion
Silas are arrested for causing trouble with their
message about Jesus. They are stripped, beaten with
rods, and shackled in a prison cell. Then it says, that at
about midnight, “they were praying and singing hymns
to God.”
They’re in a terrible predicament, they were beaten
and shackled because of the gospel and yet they still
praise and pray to God. And they seem downright
cheerful doing it.
The reason they can do this, is because Paul and Silas,
and the rest of the people we meet in Acts, are
EASTER PEOPLE. They face adversity, knowing and
believing in Christ’s Resurrection and all that means
for them: They know that the impossible can happen,
that God has not abandoned them, that even if death
should come it will have no hold over them.
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ALLELUIA FUND
“Alleluia Fund”
Yard Sign ♦ Baptismal Font
Chancel Furniture ♦ Chancel Candles
Spring is coming!
Our congregation needs to celebrate!
Let's make an alleluia statement!
How do we do that?
There are several spring fix ups that our Worship Ministry Team and Outreach Ministry Team have put into play
that will enhance our Gethsemane community. They are amazing, and you can watch them appear as our warmer
months appear.
So your "Alleluia" opportunity is this . . . Join with other Gethsemane friends and be a part of the "Alleluia
Fund"! Yes, that is what we are calling it. This is what the "Alleluia Fund" will create:
1. YARD SIGN – $5,000
Gethsemane is putting in a new yard sign. The current one is 30 years old.
2. BAPTISMAL FONT – $4,000
Gethsemane is designing a new baptismal font. Our current one might spring a leak any day,
any time.
3. CHANCEL FURNITURE – $1,900
Gethsemane's chancel furniture is refinished and once again as beautiful as new.
4. CHANCEL CANDLES – $900
Gethsemane has replaced all the chancel candles and equipment with new and permanent oil
fueled flames.
We invite you to be a part of this fun spring renewal celebration. YOU can decide
what spring renewal contribution you would like to make to the "Alleluia Fund";
write your check with the memo line "Alleluia Fund" to Gethsemane and place it
in the collection plate. Special "Alleluia Fund" envelopes are on the Sign-Up Desk
for you to use. This is the best part of spring spruce-ups . . . let others do the work,
and you support the end results with your generous gifts of love and thanksgiving.
Thank You!
Congregation Council
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LEARN
kids sing, listen to our director share what child care at
Gethsemane is all about, tour the Play & Learn
classrooms, eat some goodies see the P&L art show
around the church, help the Center to pay for the
soon to come new outdoor play equipment by giving a
thank offering for the "saints" over the years who
have made these 35 + years (several years getting
ready to open!) possible. We will continue the Saints
adult education class on April 26.
LIFETIME LEARNING HOUR
Christian Education about life, for life, and for a lifetime
SUNDAYS at 10:45 AM
IN THE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM
Saints of the Church
April 12 & 26, May 3, 10, 17
What is a saint? Have you known any? Are you a
saint? How does a person get to be a saint? Is it
different in the Roman Catholic Church (St. Hugh, St.
Hilary, St. Hatebrand, St. Hilda, St. Mary, St. Peter)
than in a Lutheran Church (St. Matthew, St. Luke, St.
John, St. Paul)? Why is there no St. Noah or St.
Abraham - or maybe there is?! Do other religions talk
about saints? Join us for five Sundays (or whenever
you can make it) to meet saints alive and dead, to
understand why we have churches named for saints,
and to get answers to at least some of your questions.
meets in the Education wing
at 10:45am
NOTE! April 19 is a Celebration of Play & Learn
Christian Child Care's 35th Anniversary year during
church and during Education Hour! Hear our child care
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B.R.E.A.D. JUSTICE MINISTRY
Thousands gather at the Celeste Center to call for commitments from community leaders.
In April, our Justice Ministry will prepare for the Nehemiah Action on Monday, May 4. The B.R.E.A.D. Assembly
will be on Monday, April 13, where we will hear issue updates, hear the results of research on crime and violence
and hear what will be requested from our public officials on May 4. And, report how many people we anticipate
will come to the Action from our congregation.
Our Justice Ministry Network has been informed of what’s been happening in B.R.E.A.D. and they will be calling
members later this month to remind everyone about the Action. Our Justice Network is:
Elaine Haines
Wendy Luedke
David Norman
Darlene Norman
Joanne Leussing
Peter Lund
Brian McLean
Paula Sauer
Beth Swallow
Nancy Feole
Scott Prigan
Carol Prigan
Imma Lyatuu
James Laspisa.
If you have any questions about our Justice Ministry, B.R.E.A.D., or any of the upcoming events, these are the
people to ask!
B.R.E.A.D ASSEMBLY
Monday, April 13th, 7:00PM Congregation Tifereth Israel 1354 East Broad St.
NEHEMIAH ACTION
Monday, May 4th, 6:15PM Celeste Center 717 E 17th Ave.
CELEBRATION – Monday, June 22nd, 7:00PM Location: TBA
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“CHASE AWAY WINTER”
WINTER” POTLUCK
Going through the line.
After lots of great food – lots of dishes to wash.
Thanks Ian!
Finding a place to sit.
Playing in the sand and water.
Keegan, Sam, and Evelyn chasing away the winter
with summer play.
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BENEFIT CONCERT
Synchronicity Trio
Bruce Posey, 'cello
Dick Reuning, violin
Sharon Walton, piano
with guest artist
Denise Spires, clarinet
Sunday, April 19, 2015
4:00 pm at
4784 North High Street
“Reflections…Ripples from the Past”
Classic favorites and sparkling gems from the 20th Century
Pachelbel, Handel, Clementi, Piazzolla, Gershwin favorites and
Rick Sowash’s “Anecdotes and Reflections: A Portrait of America”
Freewill Donation to benefit
Clintonville-Beechwold Community
Resources Center
With Food Pantries located at CRC, 14 W Lakeview
and Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 35 E Stanton
Please write CHECKS to CRC Partial Matching Funds from
Thrivent Financial West Franklin County Chapter
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CONNECT
Small Group
Ministries
First Reflections
Monday Bible Study
Paula Sauer
Every Monday at 8:00am
at La Chatelaine-Worthington
Second Saturday of the month
at 8:00am at TeeJaye’s
[email protected]
Brown Bag Bible Bunch
Dick Lyndes
[email protected]
Connections:
Faith at Work
Judy Reuning
Every Wednesday at 12:00pm
in the church library
Every Tuesday, Thursday, and
Saturday from 8-3:00pm.
First Friday of the month at
7:00am at Bob Evans on
Olentangy River Road
Last Saturday of the month
from 9-12:00pm in Trinity Hall
[email protected]
Book Group
Sharon Walton
[email protected]
Barbara Ford
[email protected]
Men’s Breakfast
Bob Davis
[email protected]
Thrivent Builds
Bill Darlage
[email protected]
LWR Quilts
Terri Siebert
[email protected]
Prayer Shawls
[email protected]
OR
Call the
Church Office
Fourth Monday of the month
Last Wednesday of the month
at 7:30pm in the church library. at 7:30pm in the church library.
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PLAY & LEARN
Play & Learn 35 Year Celebration
This month we celebrate 35 impressive years of service to families in the Columbus community. Children are
loved, taught, and guided as they come into the care of teachers inside our Gethsemane Lutheran Church building
and facilities. It is here where children can feel the love of Jesus. They learn about God and find a comfortable
environment to learn about and enjoy their place in the world God has created.
There are several events coming up this month that are exciting for all of us:
•
•
•
•
•
Tuesday, April 2nd - Easter Egg Hunt We would appreciate anyone who would like to donate
unfilled plastic eggs to use for the hunt.
Week of April 13th-17th - Week of the Young Child Celebration
Thursday, April 16th - Spring Concert (6:30 p.m.) This concert is always such fun. Come if you can!
Sunday, April 19th - Play & Learn Sunday (9:30 a.m.) Currently enrolled families and alumni are
invited to Sunday morning worship to celebrate Play & Learn's 35th Anniversary. Classrooms will
be open during the usual education time slot.
Friday, April 24th - Fundraising Dinner (5:00 - 7:00 p.m.) Please support this delicious evening.
The money raised will be put toward the new climber for the toddler play area.
The Play & Learn Committee would very much like for you
to consider sharing our joy over these past 35 years. Not
only joy over the past but looking towards the improvements constantly on the agenda moving forward. The
climber for the preschool play area will cost a lot. $27,000
installed! Yes, believe it or not, this is what a safe, well
built, and exciting climber will cost us. The Fundraising
Dinner will help. Yes, we do have some funds waiting in
the wings, but that money is our back up. Would you
please help us buy this beautiful climber for the children?
Here are some donation options that would move us towards our goal, and they are based on the number 35.
Imagine that!
You could “buy” one of the slides for $3,500.
You could “help buy” one of the roofs for $350.
You could “help buy” one of the activity panels for $35, $3.50, or even $0.35.
You decide what amount, if any, you would like to give to help us reach our goal. No gift is too small. We will
appreciate and utilize every penny donated! Checks can be made out to Play & Learn and put in the collection
plate on Sundays.
Thank you for your support, work, prayers, and love over these past 35 years. We eagerly strive to love and teach
children into the next 35 years.
Play & Learn Committee
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PEOPLE NEWS
Our Prayers and Concern
Are With . . .
April
Birthdays
3
Emilie Hagerdorn
6
James Laspisa
Evelyn Lyatuu
9
Rachel Murphy
12 Heidi Hiller
Erin Tober
16 Ralph Portzline
22 Kathy Montgomery
25 Barb Driver
Jenn Bogan
Darlene Norman
28 Jessica Lagergren
“Pray in the Spirit at all times in every
prayer and supplication. To that end
keep alert and always persevere in
supplication for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18
Members with ongoing concerns:
Donna Baer … Bob and Sibylle Custis …
Anita Gardner … Tiffany Hagerdorn …
Elaine Haines … Dick and Sue Jones …
Phyllis Nelson … Howard and Bonnie
Spring.
Family and friends with concerns:
Mike Dhume (friend of Bob and Jan
Davis) … Annabelle Duty (friend of Lee
Ann Perin) … Mike Frashier (son-in-law
of Don and Beryl Cumberland) …
Wayne Gardner (father of Sara and
Emily and grandfather of Maya) …
John Hart (brother-in-law of Bonnie
Reilly) … Jim Sims (neighbor of Gary
Rader) … Kenneth (brother of Kathleen
Vergamini).
Homebound: Mary Bardach … Beryl
Cumberland … Dotty Edwards (LaurelsWorthington) … Carolyn Fergus
(Wesley Glen) … Ken and Alice Gerken
(Mayfair Village) … Becky Oldaker
(Bennington Glen) … Ralph Portzline
(Chapel Grove Inn) … Joanne Vollrath …
Phyllis Wei … Reva Woodruff (Sterling
House).
Congratulation to Jeff and Kate Siebert
on the birth of their daughter Adeline
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Mae Siebert, born March 4. Proud
grandparents are Jim and Terri Siebert.
Our love and compassion to the family
of Rachel Kehrberg (aunt of Diane
Gutgesell) who passed away March 2.
Would you like to add a name
to the Sunday prayers?
Contact church secretary, Diane, at 8854319 or [email protected]
before 10:00 am on Thursday to have
the name printed in the bulletin. After
that time, you will have the opportunity
in worship to name those silently or
aloud during the prayers. You may also
have the name sent out to the congregation via our E-Prayers (email).
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
Congregation
Council
OFFICERS:
President
Mark Hagerdorn
Highlights of Council Meeting – March 12, 2015
A copy of the Council minutes and Financial Report is posted in Atrium Way.
PLEASE READ BUT LEAVE POSTED. Take home copies (minus attachments) are available
at the Sign-Up Desk in the narthex.
PASTOR’S REPORT
[email protected]
Vice-President
Paula Sauer
[email protected]
Secretary
Bonnie Reilly
[email protected]
Treasurer
Chris Bullwinkle
Lent is drawing to a close with Holy Week approaching. An Agape meal will be
served Maundy Thursday followed by Good Friday, Easter Vigil, and Easter
morning services.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
The letter regarding “The Use of the Means of Grace” has been sent and
acknowledged.
TREASURER’S REPORT
[email protected]
MEMBERS:
Contributions for February were lower than budgeted. Total expenses were also
higher than expected for February. These items negatively impacted our net
income year to date. Lower than expected contributions should remain a focus
within church leadership and for the congregation as a whole.
Jackson Lyimo
[email protected]
Michael Murphy
[email protected]
Judy Kulikowski
OLD BUSINESS
•
•
[email protected]
Char Jessie
[email protected]
Gary Rader
A monthly financial snapshot was presented and approved for
placement in the weekly bulletins.
Multiple special funding requests in a short period of time
prompted discussion on the need for coordination and/or approval
by council. Agreed that giving opportunities should be presented as
a package. (see below in NEW BUSINESS)
NEW BUSINESS
[email protected]
•
.
•
Sanctuary refurbishments completed. The Worship Committee
received a donation to cover part of the cost but would like to
cover the balance outside their budget. MOTION: (M. Murphy, G.
Rader) to pay the remaining balance of $2,009.20 from the
Remembrance Fund. Carried.
Outreach Committee has finalized details for new signage. They
have budgeted funds to pay for approximately half of the cost of
materials and installation. MOTION: (J. Kulikowski, M. Murphy) to
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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
Purpose Statement
The people of
Gethsemane
Lutheran Church
Sing God’s good news
Share God’s
unconditional welcome
Care for each other
Serve those in need
•
•
•
Guiding Principles
• The life, words, and
actions of Jesus Christ are
the inspiration for all we
do and are.
• We recognize the
uniqueness of each
individual. We welcome
and value everyone.
•
use up to $3,000 of the Remembrance Fund for the balance of the
sign and its installation. Carried.
Knowing that a new baptismal font is also planned for, council
approved the solicitation of donations to cover it and the
Remembrance Funds used for refurbishment and signage.
A new budget needs to be prepared for presentation and approval
at the May 31 Congregation Meeting. Paula Sauer was given
direction to communicate with staff and committees the need to
keep their budget requests in line with this year’s actual spending.
Budget requests are needed by April 13.
Pastor June has been advised that the INS case of Imma Lyatuu has
been dismissed. The Bond money contributed by the congregation
is expected to be returned to the church. Discussion of what to do
with those funds was tabled for the April meeting.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
• We reach out to each
other, our neighbors, and
creation with our hearts
and minds as well as with
our labor, generosity, and
works of justice.
NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 9, 2015 AT 7:00 P.M.
CONGREGATION MEETING MAY 31, 2015 FOLLOWING WORSHIP.
Submitted by Bonnie Reilly
• We create a supportive
environment to nurture
growth and learning. We
find Christ in the study of
God’s Word and through
sharing questions, doubts,
a diversity of opinions, and
new ideas.
• As a faithful Christian
community, we are led by
the Holy Spirit to live and
worship together, respect
differences, communicate
openly, and seek consensus.
Vision Statement
To empower a servant community that overflows with God's grace, justice, and welcome.
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SERVING THIS MONTH – APRIL 2015
April 5
9:30 AM
April 12
9:30 AM
April 19
9:30 AM
April 26
9:30 AM
May 3
9:30 AM
Assisting Minister
Don Huiner
Don Huiner
Don Huiner
Don Huiner
Don Huiner
Projectionist
Mark Geary
Jim Sauer
Mike Siddall
Brian McLean
Kate Lutz
Sound
Monitor
Eric Walton
Mark Geary
Jim Sauer
Mike Siddall
Eric Walton
Joe Reilly
Mike Siddall
Gary Rader
Lisa Whitesell
Rosa Prigan
Dick Lyndes
Hank Langknecht
Shirla Langknecht
Dave Reutter
Hugh Geary
Joyce Geary
Mark Geary
Judy Reuning
Joe Reilly
Tim Mayer
Andrea Mayer
Mike Siddall
Mark Hagerdorn
Jim Sauer
Paula Sauer
Dave Whitesell
Bob Hagerdorn
Eric Walton
Howard Feole
Readers
Scott Conlon
Bob Abdou
Bill Darlage
Paul Siebert
Ushers
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D4CAFA92AA13-sunday
Click on the link to sign up and serve in the nursery.
Nursery
Communion
Bread
Joyce Geary
Worship Team
Carole Wilkins
Brian Lutz
Joyce Geary
Communion Care
Diane Langner
Diane Langner
Paula Sauer
Paula Sauer
Jane Sieberth
Counters
Jeff Luedke
Wendy Luedke
Joanne Leussing
Hugh Geary
Imma Lyatuu
Dave Reutter
Brian McLean
Joyce Davis
HOLY WEEK
Maundy Thursday
Agape Meal
April 2
6:30 PM
Good Friday
Worship
April 3
7:00 PM
Don Huiner
Assisting
Minister
Sound
Monitor
Ushers
Easter Vigil
Worship
April 4
7:00 PM
Mark Geary
Jim Sauer
Mike Siddall
Bob Hagerdorn
Howard Feole
Jim Siebert
Brian McLean
Gottfried Maeffert
Manfred Maeffert
Diane Langner
Rick Langner
Jeff Luedke
Wendy Luedke
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APRIL 2015
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Easter Breakfast
Sunday, April 5, 8:00 AM
served by our youth.
5
8:00 AM
Easter
Breakfast
6
CHURCH
OFFICE CLOSED
9:30 AM
Easter
Worship
8:00 PM
A.A. & Al Anon
4:00 PM
Swahili
Worship
12
9:30 AM
Worship
10:45 AM
Education Hour
4:00 PM
Swahili Choir
NEWSLETTER
DEADLINE
19
8:30 am
Health Ministry
9:30 AM
Worship
10:45 AM
Education Hour
4:00 PM
Swahili
Worship
26
9:30 AM
Worship
10:45 AM
Education
Hour/New
Member Class
3:30 PM
Swahili Choir
Wednesday
1
NO Bible Study
6:00-8:00 PM
Food Pantry
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
2
3
4
6:30 PM
Maundy
Thursday
Agape
Meal
7:00 PM
Good
Friday
Worship
7:00 PM
Easter
Vigil
Worship
7
10:30 AM
Staff Meeting
12:45 PM
P&L Chapel
8
12:00 PM
Bible Study
6:00-8:00 PM
Food Pantry
9
10:00 AM
LSS Food
Pantry
NO Handbells
7:00 PM
Council
7:15 PM
Vocal Choir
10
7:00 AM
Connections
5:15 AM
Faith Mission
11
8:00 AM
Men’s
Breakfast
11-1:00 PM
Food Pantry
13
8:00 AM
Reflections
7:00 PM
B.R.E.A.D. Rally
8:00 PM
A.A. & Al Anon
14
10:30 AM
Staff Meeting
12:45 PM
P&L Chapel
6:00 PM
P&L Staff Mtg.
15
12:00 PM
Bible Study
6:00-8:00 PM
Food Pantry
7:30 PM
Swahili Mtg.
16
6:30 PM
P&L Spring
Concert
NO Handbells
NO Vocal Choir
17
18
11-1:00 PM
Food Pantry
20
8:00 AM
Reflections
6:00 PM
Day Care
8:00 PM
A.A. & Al Anon
21
10:30 AM
Staff Meeting
12:45 PM
P&L Chapel
7:15 PM
Adult Ed
Ministry Team
22
12:00 PM
Bible Study
6:00-8:00 PM
Food Pantry
23
6:00 PM
Handbells
7:15 PM
Vocal Choir
24
25
8-2:00 PM
Blood Drive
9-12:00 PM
Quilting
11-1:00 PM
Food Pantry
27
8:00 AM
Reflections
7:30 PM
Prayer Shawl
8:00 PM
A.A. & Al Anon
28
10:30 AM
Staff Meeting
12:45 PM
P&L Chapel
5:30 PM
Contemporary
7:00 PM
Worship
Ministry Team
29
12:00 PM
Bible Study
6:00-8:00 PM
Food Pantry
7:30 PM
Book Group
30
6:00 PM
Handbells
7:15 PM
Vocal Choir
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BLOOD DRIVE
Sign up for the Red Cross
Blood Drive on April 25
from 8-2pm. Chicken
sandwiches will be served
after your donation! You
will be very happy for
having helped someone
with your giving.
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