Joining Hands Magazine

YouthStrong

joining handsEast Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church

WINTER 2013 | Volume 13 | Issue 2

e a s t o h i o

- informed, inspired and in touch.

The Vision of the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church is to make and mature disciples of Jesus Christ.

Can we get them to sing along?YouthStrong

East Ohio Joining HandsWINTER 2013 Vol. 13 No. 2

East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist ChurchOffice of Communications

Editor/Director of CommunicationsRick [email protected]

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Subscriptions/AdministrativeLois [email protected]

Under the direction of: The Conference Board of Communications

Mail: EditorEast Ohio Joining Hands8800 Cleveland Ave. N.W.North Canton, Ohio 44720

Phone: 800.831.3972 ext. 118 Editor ext. 105 Graphic Designer ext. 119 Subscriptions

Web site: www.eocumc.com

Submission of articles is encouraged. The deadline is February 18 for the Spring 2013 issue. Our theme is “Bright Spots.”

East Ohio Joining Hands USPS (005-882) is published quarterly by the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church, Office of Communications, 8800 Cleveland Ave. N.W., North Canton, Ohio 44720. Periodical Postage paid at Canton, Ohio.

Postmaster: Send address corrections to:East Ohio Joining Hands8800 Cleveland Ave. N.W.North Canton, Ohio 44720

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By Kaye Wolfinger*

I recently participated in a worship service where we sang the familiar hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” On this day the words were the same but the tune felt almost like a rock song. It made me think of our churches today.

You see, the message hasn’t changed, our theology hasn’t changed, our love for God hasn’t changed and our need for connection through community hasn’t changed. But the way it is packaged, presented and delivered needs to change, so that teens will listen and “sing along.”

The United Methodist Church has so much to offer this high-tech, world-serving generation of young people. You will discover as you read this issue that East Ohio is blessed with youth and youth leaders who are doing amazing work locally and around the world in the name of Jesus Christ.

This generation of youth is no different from the youth of previous generations. It gets excited about changes, bringing the newest “thing” to the church and making a difference in the world. I would go so far as to say today’s youth have much in common with the Wesley

brothers, who started the Methodist movement.

We need to get back to our roots and share the excitement that John Wesley had for connection through small groups, for accountability and for social justice. Do the youth in your church know what makes us United Methodist? Do they understand that our churches are connected through a system that reaches around the globe?

There is so much to offer the teens in our conference to help them feel connected. I encourage each church, no matter the size, to search out another UM youth group in your district and get connected. Lead by example and show your youth group the significance of The United Methodist Church in the world today.

Discuss this issue together. You’ll realize that we don’t need to change the words to our song. We just need to sing it in an updated tune.

*Kaye Wolfinger is Director, Youth Ministries for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.

While giving some thought to this issue’s focus on how our youth are making a difference in the lives of our church and community, I keep coming back to Ray. Yes, the youth in our youth group are serving in many different ways. Once a month we do a service project: a CROP Hunger Walk, bingo with Eliza Bryant Village residents, raking yards for our older members, raising money and purchasing food for the Cleveland Food Bank, etc. We have youth who serve within our church by singing and ringing in our youth choirs, directing kids’ choirs, teaching kids’ Sunday school, being acolytes, operating audio/video controls during worship – and much more. I’m sure we all have several reasons for why we think it’s great when youth serve. We hope it has a positive effect on the youth – actually practicing serving others – but we also hope that the people around these young men and women are changed, too. That brings me back to Ray. During the second weekend in November, our youth joined 370 other youth and adults at Project Serve in Columbus, Ohio. It was a great event put on by the East Ohio CCYM. Of course, everyone had fun at the water park. The speaker and small group discussions were great. The concert on Saturday night was outstanding. But Sunday morning worship is what stands out for me. The room was full of youth and adults who the previous night had either slept at the hotel or on the floor at neighboring churches – in other words, up late and up early. Needless to say, everyone was somewhat subdued. And then Ray stood. Ray is a freshman in Cleveland and is a pretty quiet dude. He has been an active part of our group for a couple of years now. He comes with Miss Tracy’s family, who used

to be his neighbors before they got their Habitat house. Now he can goof around with the best of them when he’s not the center of attention in a big group, but there he was quietly standing by himself. He was in the front row, center section, off to the side. He didn’t start clapping or jumping around, but he stood. Not because a worship leader told him to, not because everyone else was, but because he wanted to and it felt right. It was a genuine act of worship, not done to impress peers or to attract attention. I don’t know how many others noticed – probably quite a few – but for whatever reason they chose not to join him, and he chose not to sit down and seemed fine with it. In the world of teenagerdom, that’s a big deal! When he’s in a room full of youth who have to ask who else is coming before committing to anything, that really says something. What does it say? To me it says

he wants to worship God. Period. What I love about Ray’s seemingly insignificant choice to stand is what it does for those around him. It gives them permission to praise and worship God first and worry about what others are thinking second. It shows a congregation that God is worth it. Our youth at Project Serve were impacted, at least a little, by Ray. During the contemporary service at our church, Ray and a couple of his friends frequently sit towards the front and are often the first to stand and clap along with the praise music. Not everyone joins in, and that’s fine. But these youth are modeling their version of authentic worship and that kind of leadership makes a difference.

Authentic WorshipBy Curt Campbell*

*Curt Campbell is Youth Director at Church of the Saviour (North Coast District) in Cleveland Heights.

Ray stood during worship.

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Youth Strong


By Kris Alan*

I am very proud of my youth group at Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church (Three Rivers District). The kids truly embrace the challenge of being in service to our church and community. They set a goal to complete 200 service hours during 2012. Halfway through the month of November they had already accumulated 222! In September they launched a shoe drive for the needy. The goal is to collect – you guessed it – 200 pairs by the second week in February. With more than 165 pairs already collected and a few weeks left I think they will meet this goal too! The youth are attaching Bible verses to the bottom of the shoes to help inspire the individuals who receive each pair. The collected shoes will be delivered to one of three places. Some will stay in our local community, some will be donated to Souls for Souls, and we will take the remaining shoes to Columbus as part of our Dare 2 Share outreach project. If you would like to help the youth reach their goal of assisting those in need, please send your gently worn shoes to: Prairie Chapel UMC 45494 County Road 23 Coshocton, OH 43812

Walking the WalkBy Carla Davies*

Meet 16-year-old Elizabeth Ruminski, a member of the “dream team” at Woodland Park United Methodist Church (Mahoning Valley District) in McDonald. Elizabeth’s mother is the church custodian and one of the five founding members of the team that is visioning the future for our church. At the first meeting, we determined that a non-food pan-try would make a big impact on our small commu-nity. We felt that a majority of the unemployed or underemployed could get help with food but that they could use assistance obtaining the staples of life like laundry and dish soap, toilet pa-per, toothpaste, etc. When she heard about the pantry, Elizabeth offered to hold two extreme couponing classes for our congregation. She and her mother then collected coupons from the congregation to start our inventory for the new pantry. We schedule our pantry on the same day another church in the area holds its food pantry. We helped 50 families the day we opened the pantry doors in October! Fourteen people came to our November dream team meeting. I know this is in response to Elizabeth promoting the program. One of our newest members is 8-year-old Pierce – who has a heart to make a difference. He and his mother created a Facebook page titled Pierce’s Mission to help collect donations for the non-food pantry. Our young people want to be involved in the church. It is up to us to reach them, so they can then reach others. There is no age limit on being a disciple of Jesus Christ.*Carla Davies is in her 2nd year as the part-time Local Pastor at Woodland Park United Methodist Church.

Couponing for Christ

*Kris Alan is Youth Alive for Christ Director at Prairie Chapel United Methodist Church in Coshocton.

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By Rev. Betsy Schenk*

When I arrived at Girard First United Methodist Church (Mahoning Valley District) in 2008 our youth group was almost nonexistent. Establishing a vital youth group became a priority when setting a vision for the church. We are a mid-sized church that, like many others, faces financial and attendance issues. But what has happened in our youth program is amazing! It began with a parent. April Kendra met with the three to four young people who were interested in starting a group. Over the next several years the group grew to more than 20 youth. When Kendra needed to step down several years ago because of other commitments, another parent, Diane Hughes, took over the group. She is assisted by several other parents. The youth group now has more than 35 members. It continues to make a difference in our church, in the community and in the world. This has been accomplished with no paid staff person, just a pastor and parents who believe that the youth are vital to our church. The youth group communicates via Twitter, has its own Facebook page and publishes a monthly newsletter for parents. In addition to its regular meeting the group

tries to do one service project and one fun activity each month. “The important thing about the youth group is not about the work that we do, but the work that we can do for the future of our church,” said junior Brogan Kenneally. She is proud that the youth are “bridging the gap from one generation of church leaders to the next, ensuring that there will always be willing young men and women to take an active role as members of our church, and who lead active lives in service to our Lord.” Each summer the youth go on a mission trip. The last three years the group has worked at the Epworth Center (Southern Hills District) in Bethesda and prior to that at the Nehemiah Mission (North Coast District) in Cleveland. In fact, the youth perform so many duties in the church and the community that it would be impossible to list them all here. We recently had 20 youth attend the CCYM-sponsored Project Serve in Columbus. Three youth in our church are certified lay speakers. Several years ago Brian Boccieri was one of the youth lay speakers of the year. Boccieri was an active member of the group during high school. His peers supported him during some very difficult

times in his life, including the death of his father. Boccieri is now a freshman at Cleveland State University. He is president of his dorm and credits his lay speaking training for helping him achieve this status. The youth group attracts students from different schools in the area. The group has made a difference in so many lives. It is the entry point for many youth into the church. They then bring their families. The energy is contagious. Several parents have now begun a junior youth group for fifth- and sixth-graders. I am so proud of our youth. They serve quietly and faithfully and have made such a difference in our church. When I think of them I think of the words of Jesus in verse 3 of Matthew 18: “And he said, I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Our youth are showing us by example.

*Rev. Betsy Schenk is in her 5th year as Pastor at Girard United Methodist Church.

- Matthew 18: 3Back from the Brink

“ … I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will

never enter the kingdom of heaven.”


*Rev. Dr. Steve Bailey is in his 15th year as Pastor at New Philadelphia First United Methodist Church.

By Rev. Dr. Steve Bailey*

Preston Goodie had just learned a great deal about the world-wide water shortage and the social and health effects of inadequate or unclean water. She made a decision to make a difference. Goodie’s dream was to organize a 5K race to benefit the non-profit organization charity: water, which drills water wells in places of great need. Her dream was to raise $5,000 – the cost of one well –

through her efforts. She tirelessly dedicated herself to the goal. Goodie is an active member of New Philadelphia First United Methodist Church (Tuscarawas District). While preparing for the race she would still be at the church every Sunday, often before 7:00 am, to play the keyboard in the praise band. She also was a top student at her high school, captain of the dance team, and an active student leader. I pledged to give her any support she might need from her church family. She met with the chief of police to arrange the race route, and with dozens of community leaders, service clubs, and individuals. She worked with our technical director to design a logo, create a web site, and come up with the name “Running Water 5K.” She added a breakfast for runners and volunteers after the race. Race day – a Saturday in August – was better than any movie script you could imagine! More than 200 runners/walkers of all ages participated. Goodie choked back tears as she thanked everyone for their support and then counted down the start. When the day was done, she did not raise the original goal of $5,000 – she doubled it! More than $10,000 was donated that

day through her efforts; enough to build two water wells. During her senior year, Goodie volunteered with our Upward Basketball and Cheerleading ministry. The children who participated raised another $10,000 to send to charity: water in honor of Goodie! Two more wells! Last July, the second “Running Water 5K” was held. Goodie knew that repeating the success of the first year would be a challenge. The event raised $8,000. In worship the next day, Goodie thanked her church family for their overwhelming encouragement and support: and shared her joy that another well could be drilled. One of our members saw me after worship and donated the remaining $2,000 so that two complete wells could be dug. “Tell Preston that a strong independent woman admires her and wants to see her continue to dream,” the donor told me. To date, six water wells are under construction – blessing six different villages with safe, clean water. Goodie is now a freshman at Miami University. She recently contacted me to say that the first well will soon be completed in Ethiopia. The well will contain a plaque that reads: “Blessings & Love from New Philadelphia, OH & NPFUMC.”

The Clean Water Crusader

It was a quiet January afternoon when Preston Goodie shared an idea that would unite scores of volunteers, inspire hundreds of runners, and potentially save the lives of hundreds of people in six remote villages on our planet. Not bad for a teen who at that time was halfway through her junior year.

By Jordan Provost*

When you think of service, what comes to mind? Many think it is an act of helping one another. In a sense, that is 100% correct. Yet, there is another type of service we, as youth and adults, can provide wherever we go in our daily lives – the word of Christ. As president of the Conference Council on Youth Ministries (CCYM), I have witnessed many callings and many acceptances of Christ through service. At my first CCYM retreat five years ago I became very close with the other members. Without a doubt my most memorable CCYM moment occurred when several members took me to a shaded spot, away from all of the commotion, and prayed over me. They told me that, one day, I would be a man of God. Looking back, the acts of service my friends did for me were an influence to be the best that I can be. Because of them I know God will always be looking after me in my endeavors. Serving on CCYM has helped me become a leader in my church, my school and my community. The experiences have taught me not to be afraid to do the things that others don’t want to do. Once those tasks are done I give the credit of my work to Him, for he is the one who gives us the ability to do such things. In everything you do, serve others and ultimately serve God. *Jordan Provost (pictured on the left in the photo below with other CCYM members) is President of East Ohio Conference Council on Youth Ministries.

In Service to God


Conference Council on MinistryYouthStrong

By Rev. Dr. Tim Morrison*

As you can tell by the articles in this issue, East Ohio is blessed with outstanding youth programs. Leading that ministry for our conference is the Conference Council on Youth Ministry. CCYM has become known as a leader-making machine, forming many young people into Christian leaders throughout the world. My first experience with CCYM was as a seventh-grade youth from the then Cleveland District. I had been voted to serve but I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Through the first year I quickly came to understand that we, as United Methodist Youth in East Ohio, had a voice. When it came to planning conference youth events adult leaders took their cues from the youth - who took their job seriously. The adult leaders believed that youth could lead, that they had the power and ability. As a youth I was given opportunities to plan large worship experiences and to work with a variety of teams getting tasks done. I helped to develop legislation that would move from Youth Annual Conference to the Annual Conference floor. I was placed in front of more than a thousand people to read, sing and pray. All of this responsibility builds up a tremendous amount of confidence in youth. God takes this confidence and calls people into professions that allow these youth to become Christian leaders. God has led some to the secular world where they function as leaders in business, law, education, medicine and agriculture. For many others, such as myself, it has become a call to full-time ministry. Now, as a pastor, I encourage youth in my churches to take leadership positions on CCYM. I have watched as God continues to use CCYM as a tool to train and call Christian leaders. God is doing exciting things through our youth! I pray that our conference will continue to strongly support youth ministry as we re-grow our culture of call in East Ohio.

CCYM: A Leader-making Machine

*Rev. Dr. Tim Morrison is in his 4th year as Pastor at Spencer United Methodist Church.


Youth Strong

I never used to wear my seat belt for the 1.6-mile drive to and from my office at Camp Aldersgate. One afternoon when my daughter was about a year old, I took her down to camp with me. As I buckled her into her car seat, I jokingly said, “Now young lady, you always wear your seat belt in a car. I mean always, no exceptions, no excuses. You always wear your seat belt.”

I jumped in the front seat and without putting on my seat belt we took off. Then it struck me; my actions were betraying my words. That’s the moment it came to me; more is caught than is taught. At Aldersgate, this axiom is at the core of our summer staff training. We make our biggest impact and change lives when our Bible studies become a mirror for how we as a Christian staff behave the rest of the day. We can tell youth all day long about Jesus. We can sing of his glory and the

power we find in him. But if we are only talking about these things in Bible study and not modeling them throughout the rest of

the day, we aren’t wearing our seat belts. More is caught than is taught.

More is Caught than is Taught

By Meredith Glover*

I was sitting at the Camp Aldersgate labyrinth when everything changed. I realized that God, the same one I had talked about in church and Sunday school, and to whom I had prayed, wanted to really take care of me and have a relationship with me. I can’t truly explain the feeling I had that summer night but I began to roll with it. It has taken me to the Bahamas to street evangelize and to Mexico to build houses and teach vacation Bible school. But most importantly it has led me deeper into a relationship with Jesus. I began to invest more in my youth group at Faith United Methodist Church (Firelands District) in Tiffin because I wanted others to feel like they just couldn’t stop smiling! I have returned to Camp Aldersgate every summer since, first as junior staff and then as staff, so that I can show the kids there the joy of the Lord in the goofiest and most fun ways imaginable. I choose to be there because I know that it is God’s calling for me. I know that He has given me a child-like heart for this reason. I know that because when I am there I feel so satisfied in Him. I recently spent three months in Cologne, Germany, at Discipleship Training School through Youth With A Mission. I have never gone through so much change in such a short time. God moves in me every day. Last month I began a three-month mission to India. I will be working in children’s homes, helping the elderly, caring for the sick and telling

as many people as I can about Jesus. God gave me a heart for this country almost two years ago and now I am going to fulfill this calling. God has a plan for me. He is with me and I know that I am completely blessed in that.*Meredith Glover has put her acceptance to Baldwin Wallace University on hold to serve God. You may follow her journey at www.meredithglover.blogspot.com.

What a Feeling!

By Eric Dingler*

*Eric Dingler is the Director of Camp Aldersgate.

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Taters and Technology

By Linda Crissey*

The youth of Tallmadge United Methodist Church (Canal District) showed great resolve and endurance by spending a cold November night in cardboard boxes on the church lawn to raise awareness of and funds for the homeless. The kids were joined on the 29-degree night by leaders Dee and Eric Bartlett, Rick and Carol Evans, Scott and Julie Neidert and other adult volunteers. The groups did their best to keep warm with a campfire and crock pots of warm soup. The youth raised more than $500 for the Haven of Rest and now have a better appreciation for the plight of the homeless. Mission coordinator Joanna Krukemeyer also arranged for the youth to participate in both Operation Christmas Child and in the Shoe Box Project. The group delivered 26 boxes of joy to brighten the Christmas of children around the world. A Christmas gift was also delivered to the boy in Ethiopia who we sponsor through Child Fund International. Our youth at Tallmadge UMC are caring, compassionate, and very active. Praise God!*Linda Crissey is Director of Christian Education & Family Ministries at Tallmadge United Methodist Church.

Raising Awareness

By Chasity Opphile*

Meta Student Ministry is a community-wide, student-led youth ministry that takes place at Christ United Methodist Church (Three Rivers District) in Newcomerstown. It primarily consists of weekly high-energy, youth-oriented worship gatherings — attended by more than 40 students — followed by games and hang-out time. The worship service is just the beginning. Meta includes weekly Bible studies during lunch period — at both the junior high and high school — that are attended by more than 60 students.

The group also holds 5th - quarter events after home football and basketball games, performs service projects, and attends youth rallies. Everything that happens at Meta is

Changing Lives at School

By Dave & Linda Tibbitts*

Taters and Technology was born out of a desire by members at Trinity United Methodist Church (Canal District) in Orrville to better communicate with their grandchildren. The Action Class — grandparents of youth group members — and the youth enjoyed a meal of chili and baked potatoes with all of the fixings. Thirty-six participants sat at tables adorned with cartoons and crossword puzzles about old and new technologies. The adult participants were given an hour following dinner to visit the technology seminar of their choosing. Fellowship Hall, the main hallway and its adjoining rooms had been outfitted to accommodate seven stations. Each station fea-tured either com-puter basics, Skype, Facebook, Wii, a

planned and carried out by a leadership team of eight dedicated high school and junior high students who feel called by God to make a difference in their schools, the community and in the world. They take seriously the call to be transformed and they make it their goal to lead other students to be transformed by the power of Jesus. God is moving in powerful ways. The youth are setting a strong example for their peers and as a result the face of the community is being changed. Students are learning to worship God with all that they have and are following Jesus as a generation of world-changers. *Chasity Opphile is Youth Pastor at Christ United Methodist Church in Newcomerstown.

smartphone, an iPad or an e-book. One or two youth were available at each station to show participants how each communi-cation tool worked and to answer ques-tions. Using technology as a vehicle for conversation, the event fostered interaction between generations resulting in adults getting some questions answered and youth feeling valued by their church family.*Dave and Linda Tibbitts are Youth Directors at Trinity United Methodist Church in Orrville. (Pictured with youth are Ethel and Gayle Norris.)

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By Rev. Cindy Patterson*

*Rev. Cindy Patterson is in her 12th year as Director of Christian Education at Northampton United Methodist Church in Cuyahoga Falls.

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At a time when many young girls are thinking of Sweet 16 parties, getting their driver’s license and maybe being allowed to date, 15-year-old Nina Patterson is planning a trip “home.”

Nina was born in Chita, Russia. Dale and I adopted her when she was just 13 months old. As a child, Nina did not go through the identity uncertainty common to children who are adopted. She enjoyed hearing our stories about travelling half-way around the world to get our beautiful baby girl. One day when Nina was about 8-years-old she and I were hiking and talking about Russia and what situation might have led to Nina’s mom putting her up for adoption. Nina said, “I just really hope that there’s someone to tell my birth Mom about Jesus.”

A Mission

Nina wants to return to Russia to tell her story, share about Jesus, and help others to know of God’s amazing love for them. She anticipates sharing this mission trip back to her homeland with members of our Northampton United Methodist Church (Canal District) congregation. To the church family who helped raise her with an understanding that there is no greater gift you can give someone than the hope found in Jesus Christ she wrote: Once upon a time there lived a young girl in Chita, Russia by the name of Olga Siberiakova. She lived during the era of Boris Yeltsin, the president of Russia, in 1997. Fear was planted in her mind of the things to come but hope was growing inside of her. When she found out that she was pregnant, she was terrified. The baby was due in May and she had enough trouble feeding her first child through the harsh Siberian winters without a second child. In the months to come she went and got her maternity relief from the government. About eight months into her pregnancy, she came to the realization that she could not afford to take care of a second child, and in another month the maternity relief would stop. She needed a way out, so she put her child up for adoption. At the same time almost half-way around the world Dale and Cindy Patterson were preparing to become her parents. While returning to the Siberian town of Chita is not possible this trip due to time and cost, Nina’s mission trip will go to the Kursk region where the East Ohio Conference has been involved through the Russian Initiative since the early 1990s. The team will work in an orphanage following the prompt placed on Nina’s heart for children. We hope to take a team of eight to 16 people for a two-week trip that will include the mission project as well as visits to both Moscow and St. Petersburg. Nina Patterson is Russian by birth, American by adoption, but first and foremost she is God’s by design. Nina’s passion for sharing the love of God with the people of Russia has allowed her to lead her congregation in catching her vision to personally take the Gospel to Russia this July.

“HoMe”

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Youth Strong


early in my middle school years I felt unsure of where I fit in the social hierarchy of awkward

tweens. However, in the eighth grade I found my niche by accepting the love of Christ into my heart. As I began my walk with Christ I also decided to be a mentor and friend in the faith journeys of my peers who desire to discover the love of the Lord. Creating disciples of Christ may not seem like the most popular goal among teenagers, but there are so many reasons why it should be. Accepting the love of Christ has been a life-altering experience that has given so much purpose and hope

Youth and adults from Ridgewood United Methodist Church and from Pearl Road

United Methodist Church (North Coast District) have, for years, traveled to sites all across the country to engage in hands-on mission work through the auspices of Group Cares. This summer the world will come to Cleveland! Nearly 500 missionaries will arrive the week of June 23 to transform the lives of hundreds of people in our region. Youth and adult workers will rehabilitate 75 homes during that week. The crews will stay at Parma High School, and will be deployed throughout Parma and Parma Heights, as well as in the Cleveland neighborhoods of Old Brooklyn and Slavic Village.

Ridgewood UMC members Chuck and Renita Nohejl, have led work camps for many years and are instrumental in organizing this effort. They have been assisted by individuals from Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Parma and from Brecksville United Methodist Church. “We are looking forward to bringing the miracle of Group Cares work camps to our home community here in northeastern Ohio,” said the Nohejls. “Our theme, ‘Cities that Work Together Rock Together,’ reminds us that when we carry out common work done on Christ’s behalf by the power of the Holy Spirit, our efforts are lifted to greater heights by the grace of God whom we serve.”

*Rev. Charlie Tobias is in his 6th year as Pastor at Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma.

to my life. I have been forgiven of my sins because Jesus sacrificed his life for me on the cross. I love sharing my faith story! Along with being called to serve the Lord through discipleship, I also attempt to foster other relationships with Christ. There is no better feeling than seeing someone fall to their knees and accept Jesus as their Savior. It simply never gets tiring! At the end of Matthew, Jesus says, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” As a Christian, I want others to feel the abundant love of Christ – just as I did a few years ago. So many people have been

instrumental in my faith and I am determined to do the same for others. My goal is to have at least one person tell me that I influenced them in their faith. When that happens I can say I did my duty as a Christian, that I shared the love of Christ and changed a life for the better. Even though I may be sacrificing my popularity to spread the word of God, it is so worth it. After all, being a normal teenager is overrated.

*Leah Shaheen is a high school senior who attends Church of the Lakes United Methodist Church (Tuscarawas District) in Canton.

My Faith StoryBy Leah Shaheen*

Bringing the World to east ohioBy Rev. Charlie Tobias*


A Life-saving Accomplishment

Every year, news reports detail the senseless loss of life due to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. According to the US Center for Disease Control, the colorless, odorless, toxic gas annually accounts for approximately 15,000 hospital emergency room visits and 500 unintentional fatalities in the United States. These statistics often come as a result of “incomplete combustion in fuel-burning devices” in items as diverse as motor vehicles, gas-powered furnaces and portable generators. People impacted by CO poisoning often overlook the symptoms – headache, dizziness and nausea – because they share similarities with common cold and flu symptoms seen during the coldest parts of the year. That’s the very reason why 14-year-old Girl Scout Silver Award-winner Christina Ruiz, a member of Edison Memorial United Methodist Church (Firelands District) in Milan took action. She offered 100 free carbon monoxide detectors — complete with installation — to the homes of Erie County’s older adult residents and to people in need. Ruiz experienced the scary effects of CO poisoning firsthand in her own home through what’s known as “furnace backpuff exhaust” as a toddler and required medical attention as a result. When it came time to work on her Silver Award in Girl Scouts, she took the scouts mantra of “creating positive community change” to heart, drawing from her own real-life experience. “I remember that day being really normal,” remembered Ruiz. “But then all of

a sudden I started feeling really sick and as the day progressed, I ended up with a major headache and was throwing up. It was all very out of the blue, and it really, really scared me.” Ruiz’s family had similar symptoms, and finally went to the hospital to get checked out. The doctors delivered some very worrisome news: carbon monoxide poisoning. “They said we were all really blessed that (our carbon monoxide poisoning) wasn’t worse, even though it was pretty bad,” Ruiz said. “The puffback got in so slowly that it didn’t trip our detector. … A bird had created a nest on our chimney. Doctors even told my Dad that he had enough smoke in his lungs that it was like he had been smoking for nine years. It was scary; I’m glad we caught it in time.” Ruiz committed at least 80 hours of work to the CO detector project, doing most of the legwork during the summer months so she could commit fully without interfering with schoolwork. Through a generous grant from the local Wightman-Wieber Charitable Foundation and with volunteer assistance from the American Red Cross, Home Depot, Erie County Firefighters, and Erie County Community Emergency Response Team members, Ruiz was able to spearhead the installation of the CO detection devices. The project was completed in August 2012

— well ahead of the holidays and the cold winter months. Having a dad who happened to be the Sandusky Fire Marshal didn’t hurt when it came time to connect those dots. “I’m really proud of her,” said Randy Ruiz. “She was working on the Silver Award and I think that experience (CO poisoning) when she was little really made an impression on her. That really helped drive her project. When it came time to do something for the community, she really wanted to prevent people from going through that same experience that she had. “She knew that if the project was to be funded, she didn’t just want to hand them out,” he added. “Proper installation and community involvement was a huge part of making this a worthwhile and successful project.” The Fire Marshal estimates that after a thorough training session, the 100 detection kits were installed in three hours by 27 volunteers. His daughter would like to see the program continue annually but she won’t have the time to do it personally due to her other educational commitments.

*Peter Chakerian is a free-lance writer who has focused on arts, entertainment, business, features, and religion during his 22-year career as a journalist.

By Peter Chakerian*


The Sunday morning hymnals are tucked neatly away in the

sanctuary. Down the hall, the Sunday evening worship

music plugs in, shouts out and rocks on. Converge, an interdenominational youth service held

monthly at First Baptist Church in Shaker Heights, unites youth from across Northeast Ohio. Teens and youth leaders from Ashtabula, Cuyahoga

and Lake counties make the monthly trek for a spiritual uplift through a service that empowers and connects.

“We went to our first Converge event last winter,” said Jason Hockran, associate pastor at Andover United Methodist Church (Western Reserve District). “Every month youth and leaders look forward to going back! It is good to get the youth out of Andover and bring them to a youth event where they see many others their age worshipping God, showing and living their faith life.” November marked the one-year birthday of Converge, an idea that hatched late last summer in an effort to join forces and pool resources for the biggest impact. “I learned many of our teens were looking for a worship service that was rel-evant to them as teens,” said Kristen Otte, youth director at Forest Hill Church in Cleveland Heights. “I knew my church didn’t have the resources to be able to put together a teen worship service on our own. I began talking to my husband, Brian, about the idea and we started praying. “After a month of prayer and visioning, I brought the idea to my church and leadership team,” she said. “They loved the idea and I started contacting local youth pastors about it.” Her husband, Brian Otte, just happens to be worship pastor at Mayfield Church (Western Reserve District), a musician and a singer. It was his voice behind the microphone singing “Happy Birth-day” to the November crowd that gathered to worship on Converge’s first birthday. The first worship service in Novem-ber 2011 brought in about 100 people. Since then new churches are invited to be involved. Converge’s leadership team comprises Jae Williams of First Baptist, Bruce Becker of Mayfield Church and Curt Campbell of Church of the Saviour United Methodist Church (North Coast District) in Cleveland Heights. “It’s amazing to see teens gather every month excited

about worship and hearing the

gospel,” Kristen Otte said. “God is work-

ing through the ministry of Converge, and I am excited to

be involved.” And, the excitement is pal-

pable. The spirit moves through guitar chords. Praise lifts on voices. Scriptures

speak through raised hands, and prayer rises from bowed heads and open hearts.

The harmonies on stage – guitar and voices – are matched with group singing as lyrics and Bible

passages flash across a projection screen. It’s contempo-rary Christian music that sounds in many ways like pop radio

but shares a dynamic Christian message that appeals to youth in ways hymns might not.

And a pervasive spirit of thankfulness envelops the room during of-fering time. Worshippers are asked to bless the Converge services through

gifts that benefit significant local needs – canned goods, toilet paper, peanut butter, blankets, hats, scarves, gloves and mittens.

“The unique and specific nature of the offering each month provides an opportunity for the youth to engage in meaningful ministry and giving,”

Hockran said. “The hour’s drive (from Andover in Ashtabula County to Shaker Heights) is well worth it for the kids to pack in the bus,

share in some fellowship, and then to worship and be a part of the greater body of Christ. What a blessing!”

The next Converge service will be 7 pm, Sunday, Feb. 10 at First Baptist Church, 3630 Fairmount Blvd.,

Shaker Heights.

*Deanna Bottar is a free-lance writer who grew up in Simpson United

Methodist Church in Canton.

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By Deanna Bottar*

A Life-saving Accomplishment

14

By Matt Hart*

As a youth director I am blessed to work with amazing students. Each week I see them wrestling with the challenges of following God in the midst of their confusing and chaotic world. Thankfully, they do not have to travel this emotional journey on their own. The youth and I are blessed that we have such wonderful, committed small group leaders working with us. These leaders sacrificially give of their time and energy every week in order to influence the teenagers with whom God blesses us. Each week I am awed by the ministry the volunteers perform as they seek to connect on a relational level to the teenagers of our church. They take the material from the pastor’s sermon and from the youth lesson plans and connect it in a way that is relevant to the individual life of each student. These small group leaders truly are the hands and feet of Jesus, impacting the next generation with the love of Christ. I love hearing their stories and partnering with them in ministry. One of our students recently had surgery and was nervous about how the anesthesia might affect her. When she was told that one of our small group leaders was an anesthetist the youth stopped in the middle of the conversation and said, “Hey that’s my small group leader and I love her.” When told of the youth’s comment later the small group leader told me how deeply it impacted her, which shows the connection she has with these students. I am thankful to our wonderful small group leaders, game coordinators, and Sunday school teachers who give of themselves each week to make a difference in the lives of our students. Without them this amazing ministry would not be possible!

Tireless Volunteers

*Matt Hart is Director of Youth Ministry at Faith United Methodist Church (Tuscarawas Disrict) in North Canton.

*Donna Gotschall is co-leader of the youth group at Cambridge Faith

United Methodist Church.

Looking out for each otherYouthStrong


By Donna Gotschall*

Most people say the youth are the future of the church, but actually they are the most important part of the church family right NOW. I believe you must get them involved in the church so that they feel a part of it and want to continue to be active with the church family as they grow

in their walk with Christ. The middle school youth at Cambridge Faith United Methodist Church (Southern Hills District) adopted an adult Sunday school class. Our kids were very shy and didn’t really talk to anyone but each other. My goal was to get them to become more social with the congregation. The ladies each adopted one of the youth. They sent notes to the kids and during youth group the kids made crafts or cards for each of the ladies. Both groups really enjoyed getting to know each other and I have noticed that the kids are more outgoing now. Due to the success of the middle school adoption program, co-leader Kim McMillen and I began a church-wide program for our youth and adults. The response was overwhelming. We currently have a waiting list to match adults with new/incoming youth. It’s important that our youth know they are cared for and that the congregation is happy they attend our church, and likewise that the youth

care for and support our adult members. We are well on our way to bridging the

generation gap and building a closer church family.

15

The online edition of Joining Hands, www.eocumc.com/joininghands, has additional stories of how East Ohio youth are spreading the message of God’s love.


By Chris Wilterdink*

Ministry with young people is a constantly evolving field, currently dominated by social media, constant connection, and evolving technology. Staying a step ahead of the latest trends and technologies could be a full-time job in itself. However, in today’s economy most churches cannot afford the luxury of such a staff person. Knowing this, the Young People’s Ministries (YPM) at the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD) has created the Field Guide Network (FGN). This network is an online community that allows youth and young adult workers to connect with and mentor each other; sharing wisdom to build connection. YPM believes that the Field Guide Network will create and strengthen connections among those who serve young people in the church. There is great value in journeying to new places with those who have been there before. History is full of examples of such partnerships. The pairing of Sir Edmund Hillary with guide Tenzig Norgay during the first summit of Mt. Everest or Sacagawea’s role in the western expedition of Lewis and Clark highlight the value of journeying to new places alongside an experienced guide. Wisdom-sharing in the FGN happens primarily through short-term mentoring relationships between Field Guides and Explorers.

The Field Guide NeTWork

Field Guides have deep experiential knowledge of particular ministry areas, an active ministry setting where that knowledge is being demonstrated, and a record of quality mentoring/relationship skills with peers and co-workers. Active Field Guides have also completed an application process with YPM. Explorers are leaders of youth and young adult ministries who have a specific need within their ministry, and aspire to connect with others to improve their ministry offerings. Anyone can visit www.fieldguideumc.org as an Explorer and search through our curated group of Field Guides. Information about how to become a Field Guide is available on the website.

*Chris Wilterdink is Director of Young People’s Ministries Development at the General Board of Discipleship in Nashville, TN.

Joining Hands ONLINE

16

And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit. - Ephesians 2:19-22


Youth Annual Conference (YAC) is a weekend for youth from the East Ohio Conference of the UMC to meet together for a time of worship, leadership development, and fellowship. A weekend for teens planned by teens!

Cedar Point is back in 2013 with a new “twist!” A discounted rate is available for all United Methodist churches but CCYM will not have a presence inside the park. On Friday head to Cedar Point for the day, then at 5 pm head over to Lakeside and kick off YAC 2013 with a dance party!

Featured Speakers: Rev. Delaine McGhee, pastor of Grafton UMC (Firelands District)

Laurie Polich Short, speaker, writer and associate pastor of Ocean Hills Covenant Church in Santa Barbara, CA.

Improv Group: Team Wordplay

Music: Heath McNease Andrew Berg Praise Band

Website and Registration: www.eocumc.com/youth/yac2013

Coin Challenge Be sure you bring all your change and any from your congregation to go towards our challenge to raise money for Youth Service Fund. There will be a special offering and items to buy that will help support this mission of the teens of the UMC.

Dance Party! You will have a time to cut loose with all your friends at the end of the night on Friday. Snacks, pop and pizza will be sold.

Meal Options When you register this year you will have the opportunity to pay for dinner on Friday night separately from the Saturday meal plan.

UMC Day @ Cedar Point June 14 will be a special day at The Point! Special discounted tickets will be available for UMC members. Check out all the details @ www.eocumc.com/youth/yac2013


By Melissa Donges*

The youth group at Wedgewood United Methodist Church (Canal District) in Akron is an amazing and active group of more than 20 students in grades six through 12. Our congregation – which has been so supportive – realizes that youth are not just our future, but they are our present. Last February 20 youth and 15 adult volunteers participated in a 30-hour famine that raised more than $1,200 for World Visions. Youth spent time during the famine learning about world hunger, participating in a candlelight vigil for victims of hunger, singing praise songs, meditating, praying and having a good time. It is heart-warming that, when asked, the youth insisted that we have a meeting EVERY week. Our regular meetings consist of gathering together to laugh, to play games, to talk about our relationship with God, and to talk about school and our families. The youth did a fantastic job of leading the Easter sunrise service – including performing the “He Lived, He Lives, I Live” meditation. They also were in charge of the annual community Easter egg hunt; filling and hiding the eggs, and leading the children on the hunt. The kids also baked and decorated cookies for each participating family. The group worked hard to raise more than $4,500 for last June’s mission trip to Mountain T.O.P. (Tennessee Outreach Project). They spent a week serving the Tennessee community in various ways throughout the day, as well as shared fellowship with other church youth groups each evening. In the fall we began the second phase of our newest youth outreach – dodge ball. What originally began as 15 youth attending open gym has grown to 40 participating every Saturday night. Phase II added the youth watching “I Am Second” testimonies during intermission of our two-hour gathering. The response continues to be positive for both the youth in our church and those participating from the community. Of course, we have other activities that also promote fellowship in fun ways; overnighters, hayrides, canoe trips, snow-tubing, bowling, movie nights, miniature golfing, and swim parties to name a few! Even though the kids are busy in other activities outside of the church they always seem to find time to fit God into their lives. We are busy making our youth disciples of Jesus Christ. Our youth group continues to respond to God’s call through faith, reaching out to the community, and serving others. * Melissa Donges is Youth Director at Wedgewood United Methodist Church.

By Rev. Gail Angel*

It is a challenge to channel the energy of 30 active youth – a third of whom are 7th graders – but one we gladly accept. The youth group was instrumental in the success of our community Thanksgiving meal at First United Methodist Church (Mid-Ohio District) in Cardington. From wrapping silverware in napkins, to serving gravy, to picking up and cleaning trays and dishes, the youth pitched-in to serve a free meal to approximately 160 people. Following the meal youth director Jonathan Naylor led the youth through discussion of Bible questions and a closing prayer circle. Naylor also volunteers as an assistant cross country coach with the Cardington-Lincoln schools. Some members of his team have joined our youth group, bringing their family to church. They have been involved with Sunday morning worship, vacation Bible school, and the monthly distribution of food to nearly 100 households as part of our food pantry. Some of the youth have gone to Winter Jam retreats at Christ United Methodist Church (Tuscarawas District) in Louisville where Naylor leads recreation and where he recently led a popular session on Super Heroes and Jesus. In the first year of Naylor’s leadership he has reached more than 70 youth by getting them actively involved in the congregation by having them lead the worship service twice, movie night and Wild Wednesdays – our fall Bible study for youth and adults. This winter we are experimenting with a new after-school drop-in time for 7th-12th grades. Our hearts are full of thanksgiving to God for all of the young lives who are inspiring our church and the community around us!*Rev. Gail Angel is in her 5th year as Pastor at Cardington First United Methodist Church.

The Future is NowThankful for Youth


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The youth at North Olmsted United Methodist Church (North Coast District) may be small in numbers, but they are doing a mighty work in the name of Jesus Christ! Although you could count the youth – elementary AND upper classes together –

at NOUMC on your fingers, that hasn’t stopped them from stepping out in faith. Our church has always been very missions-oriented, but it’s usually the adults that step up. The kids decided they wanted a chance to make a difference on their own! After doing some research, we learned that there are many people around the world who do not have access to clean drinking water. The youth were surprised to discover that the lack of clean water keeps people trapped in poverty, sickens children – making them unable to go to school, and kills 2.2 million people a year. In fact 5,000 children under the age of five die every day! Our research led us to Living Water International, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to solving the water crisis in countries like Honduras, Nicaragua, and Haiti, among others. The organization’s goal is to honor God by providing water in Jesus’ name – demonstrating the love of God. Living Water International serves all who are thirsty, regardless of their belief. In so doing, it shines the light and love of Jesus upon recipients of the water in the hope of leading them to the true source of living water. The organization provides solutions to a community’s lack of water by drilling wells that come equipped with a hand pump. The pump is easy to use and simple to maintain. The youth decided that their Sunday school mission project should be raising funds to drill a well. Their goal is to build one complete well – a cost of approximately $2000. The project kicked off with a great celebration last fall on Rally Day and will wrap up in May with the conclusion of Sunday school. To date, the kids have held a flavored popcorn sale, have petitioned the UMW to donate funds, and have asked to have a Penny Sunday collection dedicated to their well project. They are also busy planning other fundraising events. The size of the youth group at NOUMC has not deterred them from taking on this huge mission project in the name of Christ. The kids sincerely believe that they will be able to raise the money they need to help Living Water build another well. They may be small in numbers, but the youth at NOUMC are stepping out in faith to bring about change and to make an impact on our congregation and the world! *Wendy Cooper is Christian Education Director at North Olmsted United Methodist Church.

Stepping out in Faith“Come, all who are thirsty, Come to the Waters”

- Isaiah 55:1

By Wendy Cooper*


By Brian C. Smart*

I first heard God’s call for me to be “something more” than just a “good church member” at MRI as a 16-year-old in 1988. Ministerial Recruitment Institute (MRI) is a week-long East Ohio Conference spiritual retreat for youth ages 12-18. The institute is the result of a vision from God through our late Bishop James S. Thomas. Held each summer since 1982, MRI creates a space and an environment conducive to allowing young people to hear, question, consider, struggle, and respond to God’s call and claim on their lives to become true Christian disciples, leaders, ministers, pastors and evangelists. Just as much fun as, but more intense than, a camp this “mountaintop experience” avails teens to the reality that God is calling them to a life-time of Christian service that may lead to pursuing ministry as a vocation. The MRI experience helps teens evolve from knowledge of God to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Participants are empowered to live out their Christian faith walk by sharing knowledge and information relevant to their witness. MRI helps them discover and utilize their God-given gifts and potential, and it develops them to be spiritually rooted leaders for the Body of Christ. With the aid of Christian adult mentors, teachers, pastors and other staff residing on site and working with the youth, MRI becomes a community of faith in a week’s time! We live, sing, play, worship, study, pray, laugh and cry together during our week together. God continues to reaffirm my call each year during MRI. I have served on staff each year since 1995 – first as musician/worship leader, then as a faculty member, and now as dean. Without MRI I do not know if I ever would have heard God’s call with such clarity. Even now, there is a new generation of young adults who attended MRI as teens who are being primed to usher in a new church, one that is mission- and ministry-focused. God indeed speaks and manifests Himself through the Ministerial Recruitment Institute, and I cannot wait to see what He will do through you in the future! *Brian C. Smart is Dean of Ministerial Recruitment Institute.

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Youth Strong

Developing Spiritually rooted Leaders


By Kathy Dickriede*

I grew up across the street from Simpson United Methodist Church (Tuscarawas District) in Canton. My mom and dad would tell you I was over there more than I was at home. Simpson UMC was where I experienced God. The church sent me to Reach Out at Lakeside where I learned how to grow in faith through prayer and Bible study and how to live faith through missions and works of service. By all accounts I was raised right. The Church claimed me, loved me, and molded me into the pastor and person I am today. As a youth pastor, working with other adults in the local church was an exciting experience. I sought out adults who were in love with Jesus and willing to share that love with the youth. My husband and I recently had dinner with three other couples: a physics teacher and dentist, a mom and a child psychologist, and two geology professors. Five of the six adults at the table I had a hand in raising when I was a youth pastor at Faith United Methodist Church (Tuscarawas District). Not all of my former youth are worshiping in United Methodist churches. But all of them had seeds of faith that were planted at one time around a camp fire, on a youth retreat, in a youth room on Sunday night, at concerts, and in car conversations. I told them repeatedly that God was crazy nuts about them and that our challenge was to leave the world better than we found it. I pray they are each experiencing that love and are living life in that way still today.*Kathy Dickriede is an ordained Deacon serving Mentor United Methodist Church. She worked in conference youth ministry from 1993-2008.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE PRIvILEGE! That’s how I feel about our association with the youth of East Ohio. My wife, Marie, and I have front row seats. We are the leaders for the combined youth from Epworth United Methodist Church and from Wesley United Methodist Church (Tuscarawas District). We are also blessed to be the district youth coordinators. In Mark 10: 14 Jesus said, “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are at the very center of life in the kingdom.” (The Message) The youth are the future of the congregation. So it stands to reason that a dynamic youth program can strengthen a church. But the youth can’t do it alone. It takes

Seeds of FaithGet Involved

a team – youth, their leaders and the congregation – working together to accomplish this goal. Yes, there is work involved but as with anything worth achieving the work is worth it! Plus, you are not in this alone. The conference office is a great resource. Youth with a strong spiritual foundation is what our church and community needs. Take time to get to know the youth of the church, even if they are not related to you. Give spiritual guidance as a mentor. The friendships you develop will always be something very special.*Rod Deitz and his wife Marie attend Epworth United Methodist Church in Massillon.

By Rod Deitz*

Youth Strong

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