11
April 2016
April 2016
I wonder if I will ever get marriage all figured out. Marriage is this wonderful adventure that is more like a roller coaster ride with ups and downs and thrills and scares. Kathy and I have been married twice (to each other) and the first time was full of conflict and bitterness with intermittent times of joy and com-mitment. It ended in divorce which was a direct result of my alcoholism and drug addiction. Nine years later we were married again. Kathy and I have learned a lot about marriage and each other having gone through such severe brokenness in our marriage and then restoration and remarriage.
We will be embarking on an 11 part sermon series on marriage entitled, “Love That Lasts a Lifetime” beginning on April 10. It is the longest sermon series that we have ever planned and some may ask, “Why so much time on one is-sue?” It is an important part of who and what we are as a society. Christians and marriage and family is the basic foundation upon which cultures and socie-ties rise and fall. There are a lot of problems and misconceptions when it comes to marriage and our role in marriage. So many marriages are falling apart and many are electing to not marry but are sharing life together outside of the bonds or covenant of marriage. There is also the matter of broken marriag-es, divorce and blended families and the confusion in the midst of all of those issues.
So there are many issues and problems that have evolved in our fast paced cul-ture with the expectation to successfully manage marriage, family, job, leisure and then the challenge of broken marriages and dealing with ex’s, child custo-dy issues and forgiveness. In order to help Kelly and I in our sermon prepara-tion and to answer questions and challenges regarding your experience in mar-riage, we are inviting you to submit marriage surveys that are available during our upcoming worship celebrations. There is a section in the survey for those of you who are single.
It is my hope that we can all grow and gain from the Biblical principles and precepts when it comes to marriage and an understanding that much of what we will learn and discuss is also transferable in dealing with any of our close per-sonal relationships. Regardless of whether we are married, single, planning on
Continued…….
Pastor’s Point of View
getting married or wonder if marriage is in our future, Kelly and I will have in-spiring messages and Kai and Kathy Newell will provide touching and reflec-tive music throughout this sermon series.
So I hope that you will participate by submitting a marriage/singles survey and be present for this series. God is going to bless us as we examine and learn God’s intent for marriage and the commitment we make in the covenant of marriage.
“Gifts” by Kelly Sterling
Open your Gift!
We all have a gift to share. I recently did a funeral for a family member and my sister-in-law said, “I don’t know how you put that stuff together. You have a gift.” Sometimes we just don’t re-alize the gifts God has given us or we minimize our skills and tal-ents. Some can sing, some can dance; some people are good with numbers. We all are good at something. Maybe you are gifted in driving a car or truck…you may think, how is that a gift? On Easter Sunday, we were able to bring two wheel chair bound church members to our second service because volunteers shared their gift of driving. And it meant the world to the two lovely ladies who received that gift.
So, what is your gift? Can you read out loud well? We can make you a lay reader. Can you sing? Touch base with Kai our Wor-ship Director or Kathy our Choir Director. They would be happy to utilize your gifts. Are you good with kids? Be sure to see Dave or Michelle. Do you enjoy talking with our older generation? If this is your gift, I would love to talk to you. There are so many opportunities. God gave you a gift. Use it to glorify his name.
Pastor’s Point of View
Worship Gatherings Sermon Series
“Walking with Jesus
in the Gospel of John”
April 3
“Feed My Sheep”
John 21:15-17
Sermon Series
“Love That Lasts A Lifetime”
April 10
“Men and Women From the Beginning”
Genesis 2:18, 21-25
April 17
“What Women Wish Men Knew”
Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:12-17
April 24
“What Men Wish Women Knew”
Ephesians 5:21-24, 33
Transform campaign update:
As of 2/29/16, we have received
$744,845 in Transform Capital
Campaign Pledges. As of that date, we have received
$128,089 in funds donated. We are on our way. Any
money designated will be directed toward: “Church Ex-
pansion Fund.” This is marked on your envelopes. You
can also donate online on the St. Marks website or at
www.myowngiving.com/Register.aspx. Donations are
designated to Transform/Capital Campaign.
In Memory of Marge Hollinger By Northwest Plains District of the West Ohio Conference
of the United Methodist Church
In Memory of Jane Wittenmyer By Carolyn Copus
By Thomas & Marsha Cramer By Fannie Dauterman
By Hal & Marcia Durbin By Nial Elder
By Ellen Goodwiller By Steve & Anita Heintzelman
By Cliff & Diane Hite By Andrew & Teresa Kenton By Charles & Rita Kreinbihl By William & Emily Lennig
By Jim & Betty Miles By James Miller
By Dean & Susan Nofzinger By Robert & Marcia Schwab
By Sue Seculoff By Mark & Bonnie Sims
By Gene & Elaine Stevens By Villas at Burberry
By Mr. & Mrs. Richard Weinandy By Art, Judy & Linda Whetstone By William & Christine Wittenmyer
By Richard & Ruthanne Wohlgamuth By Marilyn Woodruff
Memorials
http://www.myowngiving.com/Register.aspx
St. Marks Collects the
Following for Charity
UMW [Yvonne Miller]
Campbell Soup labels, including the UPC symbol. Box Tops for Education.
Chopin Hall [Carlton Rule]
Food [no glass], bath soap, toilet tissue, paper towels, cleaning supplies, etc. Used clothing can be dropped off at Chopin
Hall [Mon. & Wed. a.m. and Tues. & Thurs. p.m. at back door]
WTGN Radio-97.7 Lima [Garth Beatty]
Upper Room Church of God
College First Church of God
Cross Point Church of God
The Catalyst Church
Volunteers Needed!
√ Set up
√ Sorting donations
√ Pricing
√ Working @ the sale
√ Tear down
Go to www.stmarksfindlay.com and click on
the News/Events tab to sign up.
Donations accepted at the DOCK as
follows:
Sunday, April 10,
12:30 PM - 6 PM
Monday & Tuesday, April 11 & 12,
9 AM - 4 PM
Evening drop-offs by appointment.
NO DONATIONS ACCEPTED
AFTER TUESDAY.
http://www.stmarksfindlay.com
Sunday School Classes & Teachers
Builders
Charles Bishop & Yvonne Miller
The Gift of Faith
April - Restorative Faith
May - Fullness of Faith
Covenant
Barbara Hochstettler
April - Galatians
Experiencing the Grace of Christ by John Stott
Founders
Rob Obenour, John Richter & Mike Noggle
The Gift of Faith
April - Restorative Faith
May - Fullness of Faith
Philos
Linda Huffman & Jeff Joseph
April - Bible 101
Searchers
Linda Huffman & Jeff Joseph
April - Bible 101
Soul Seekers
Michelle Gibbs
April - “D6 Fusion”
May - “D6 Fusion” (Teacher to be Determined)
April 9
First Presbyterian Church
2330 S. Main St., Findlay
April 23
Ball Metal
Mobile Food Pantry
April
Thank you to all who have donated
craft supplies, sewing kits & fishing
tackle during the month of March!
For April, we are collecting NEW stuffed
animals (should be able to fit in a shoe-
box).
Ladies and Gentlemen of St. Marks... There are 7 new books from UMW in the 2nd floor li-brary, as we encourage all people to read more.... and we want you to realize "you, too" may sign out any of our books and read and enjoy and return!! A copy of our entire list is folded lengthwise in a small box... that will tell what their titles are! Seek out, sign out, read, enjoy and know GOD loves you....Spiritual Growth officer.
Lynda Beatty <
Did you know that children of parents who talk to their teens about drugs are 50% less likely to abuse drugs? And did you also know that more Americans die from drug overdoses than in car accidents?
In order to help address the attraction and danger of drug abuse and dependency among our youth, Ohio Governor Kasich has estab-lished starttalking.ohio.gov to help parents and youth start talking about drugs and drug de-pendency. It's listed on our website under "links." This can be a valuable tool in rolling back this problem that is claiming more and more lives.
START TALKING
starttalking.ohio.gov)
The United Methodist Women will have a Combined Circle Meet-ing on Wednesday, April 6, at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Our speaker will be Diana Downing, representing “Frontiers - Jesus for Muslims.” Ms. Downing has spent time in Muslim countries spreading the Good News of Jesus. All women of the church are invited to attend. For more information, please contact Diane Hite (419-425-4483 or [email protected]) or Sue Cogley (419-957-7442 or [email protected]).
http://starttalking.ohio.gov
Leadership Board Agenda Location: Fellowship Hall 3/22/2016, 6:30 PM
What 1. Welcome: Prayer
2. Charge Conference – vote on Endowment Gift documents: District Superintendent
Charge Conference called to order 6:36 pm, 3/22/2016 Attendance: Mark Hollinger, Barry Burns, David Anderson, Keith Kuchera, Garth Beatty, Jeff Joseph, Linda Huffman, Marv Miller, Jaime Bollenbacher, Denny Jarret, Kim Henley, Jeff Hauenstein, Brian Patterson, Ken Miller Purpose: consider Endowment Gift documents Motion made by Jaime Bollenbacher to establish the permanent endowment fund. 2nd by Ken Miller. Jaime clarified: the endowment committee will have 3 board members and 4 at large, 7 total. A copy of the documents will be emailed out with the minutes. Linda asked about criteria for the principal to be withdrawn “only in extreme and overwhelming circumstances bor-dering on the survival of the church itself would principal funds be withdrawn”. Barry clarified: this would be decided at another Charge conference. No further questions. Vote taken. In favor: unanimous This Permanent Endowment Fund Agreement was adopted the 22nd day of March, 2016, in a duly authorized Charge Conference of Saint Marks United Methodist Church meeting in Findlay, Ohio by a vote of 12 for, 0 against, and 0 ab-stained. Motion made by Jeff Hauenstein to adjourn. David Anderson 2nd the motion. Unanimous vote in favor. Adjourned at 6:44 pm
3. Agape plan
cards sent to Crossing. Easter candy for Recovery Homes.
4. Prayer requests, God Sightings
Ken – friend accepting Christ into his heart. Tina’s vision improve phenomenally after cataracts removed. Brian – pray for political process. Pray for middle East and Isis attacks DJ – healthy baby Georgia and healthy mom. Thanks to those who helped with meals. Keith – cousin and husband tragedy. Prayers to sell house quickly. Linda – Kelly and Tim traveling to PA for a funeral Mark – friends with health issues and healing. Pray for Vanderpool family with Catherine’s death. Kathleen and Fred Crates – Fred’s health conditions. Traveling in 2 weeks with Kathy. Kai is doing so well with the worship services. Dave – pregnant wife due in 2 weeks
5. Disciple Moment Pastor Mark
Resurrection
6. Rise of the Nones
7. Discussion topics
No discussion
St. Marks United Methodist Church
8. Key Metrics
Attendance 1st service (Ave. per week)
up a bit the last few weeks
Attendance 2nd service (Ave. per week)
up a bit the last few weeks
Youth Ministries Attendance (Ave. per week)
Children’s Ministries Attendance (Ave. per week/Event)
New members (Month)
15 new members
Cash Collected (Month)
Jan. & Feb. were on budget but only due to a one time gift. But regular giving rate is down from last year and
projected to be a year-end deficit. Looking to move some things now and to work to increase giving levels.
Cash spent (month)
9. Team Reports:
Treasurer’s Report
Pastor Concerns
Staffing Concerns
Leadership Board members will get Evaluations for the pastors. HR liaisons will get feedback from Staff.
Liaison or Committee concerns/progress
Looking for Backyard Mission projects
Building Concerns
Water fountain ordered, flooring found for the same area
Finance
Access to giving records. Do we give Stewardship Coordinator access? Do we want to add position of
“Business Manager”. Ken motioned for the HR team to announce to the congregation the responsibilities
of the Stewardship coordinator which includes access to giving trends. Motion passed unanimously.
10. New Business:
None
11. Next Meeting: April 26th at 6:30pm.
St. Marks United Methodist Church
Mark your calendar and get
ready to help your community. The Backyard Mission Trip is
Saturday, April 23, 2016.
Team registration forms are at the Connection Centers. Last year we had six teams in-
cluding a large youth team. Join a team and help your community neighbors and get
to know your Brothers and Sisters in Christ.
Be sure to sign up and mark your calendars for the following events:
April 22 - Friday - Team Building Meeting - 7:00 p.m. at the University of Findlay
Alumni Union Hall
April 23 - Saturday - Breakfast at the CUBE - 7:00 a.m.
April 23 - Saturday - Supper at the CUBE at 4:45 p.m.
St. Marks is in the process of forming a co-ed church soft-ball team. Games will start in May and the season will end in July. The hours of the games range from 9 am to 3 pm every Saturday at Rawson Field. The minimum age for play is 13. Anyone under the age of 15 playing must have a parent present at the game. If you are interested in par-ticipating, please register online at:
www.stmarksfindlay.com
We plan to have a team meeting in the DOCK on Sunday, April 10, following the 11:15 am worship service. At that time, a list of league rules will be distributed. In the mean-time, if you have any questions, please contact Ashley Kirkland at [email protected] or 419-788-2221.
A League of Our Own
Good Deeds done with Good Will, Sharing Good News!
Hello everyone! This is my first time contributing
to the newsletter, and I am so excited to be sharing
information about what is happening from the music
and worship side of St. Marks UMC. I began leading
worship for the Gathering in March of this year, as
well as planning services for both Traditions and the
Gathering. I have loved my experiences working with
Crossing, the Media Team, my fellow staff members,
and the rest of the St. Marks congregation, who
have all given me a warm welcome as I have gotten
used to my new position. I look forward to getting to
know you, sharing devotionals with you, and most of
all, worshiping with you! -Kai Roberts,
Director of Worship & Music
St. Marks United Methodist Church April 2016
My name is Kai, and
this is what I look like
►
This is me leading
worship with Crossing
◄
April Worship Dates:
*April 3-
(The Gathering)
Walking With Jesus
Through the Gospel
of John:
“Feed My Sheep”
*April 10-
(The Gathering)
Love that Lasts
A Lifetime:
“Men and Women
From the Beginning”
*April 17-
(The Gathering)
Love that Lasts
A Lifetime:
“What Women Wish
Men Knew”
*April 17-
Blanchard Valley
Visitation
*April 24-
(The Gathering)
Love that Lasts
A Lifetime:
“What Men Wish
Women Knew”
