Lick Creek Church of the Brethren 1500 Center Street, Bryan, OH 43506
(419) 636-1581 [email protected]
Volume 40 Issue 2 February 2013
The EchoThe Echo
Compassion Clinic
The Compassion Free Medical Clinic is located at
614 E. Edgerton Street in Bryan and has been in opera-
tion for the past five years. It also is overseen by Grace
Community Church.
The vision for a free medical clinic began with the
recruitment of local doctors and people from all walks
of life who were willing to serve on the clinic’s board
of directors. Board members of varied experiences and
backgrounds provide a broad knowledge of future
needs. About 100 volunteers currently help keep the
clinic operating.
Prescribed medication are also available at minimum
charges if patients can afford it.
Compassion Free Medical Clinic is the first such
clinic in the four-county area. Family practice is the
first and last Mondays as well as the second, third and
fourth Thursdays. Dermatology is the third Tuesday and
chiropractic hours on the first Thursday of the month.
The clinic has provided more than $225,000 in med-
ical visits and about $180,000 in prescriptions for coun-
ty residents. The clinic accepts adults with children who
earn between 150-200 percent of the federal poverty
guideline, and adults with no children who earn be-
tween zero and 200 percent of the federal poverty
guideline.
Dr. Robert Sharrock is the medical director of the
clinic. There are usually two doctors and three nurses
on duty. To get an appointment, call 419-636-5449.
Heifer International
Heifer International is headquartered in Little Rock,
Ark. It’s mission is to stop hunger and poverty while
caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International
has provided livestock and environmentally sound
(continued to page 7)
Four charities will benefit from the 2 Cent collec-
tions during 2013. Those charities include the Sanctu-
ary of Williams County, the Compassion Clinic, Heifer
International and the Lick Creek Church Benevolent
Fund.
The 2 Cent collections will be held Feb. 17, May
19, Aug. 11 and Nov. 10 in 2013. All monies collected
on those four dates will be divided among the four
charities. So if you happen not to be able to contribute
one month, you can make up for it with the next collec-
tion.
During 2012, the same four charities each received
$150 from all funds collected throughout the year. The
four charities are selected by the Lick Creek Church
Leadership Team. If you would like to suggest other
charities for consideration in 2014, please contact the
Leadership Team Chair.
Sanctuary
The Sanctuary of Williams County is a homeless
shelter located at the corner of Main and Butler streets
in downtown Bryan. It is overseen by Grace Communi-
ty Church.
Those who were provided shelter said they had no-
where to live except maybe in the backseat of a car or
behind a building. The shelter serves individuals and
families. In each case, God moved mightily in their
lives. Some found Christ as their Savior and were bap-
tized. Others came back to God. All spoke of the bless-
ing of having a shelter to go to.
Each year the Sanctuary Homeless Shelter houses
about 75 families and provides nearly 5,000 nights of
lodging and 20,000 meals. The Sanctuary is a 501(c)3
organization supported by the United Way of Williams
County and welcomes donations to help with their
$70,000 per year budget.
2 Cent collections to benefit four charities
Anniversary and Birthday listings may be unintention-
ally incomplete. If you are aware of an omission,
please notify the office. Thank you.
Feb. 2 - Hazel Robinson
4 - Parker Harris
5 - Amy Boyer
13 - Joan Leslie
20 - Gloria Hurd
26 - Tina Beattie
28 - Marissa Harris
Remember our nursing home residents and others who
have difficulty getting around:
Billie Kornrumpf at Evergreen Nursing Home.
Clarence Shearer at The Riesen Center at Fountain
Park, Room 222 in Bryan.
Betty Kyser at Hillside Country Living Room 608
Ivy Lane.
Hazel Robinson at Hillside Country Living Heights
Apt.
Feb. 19 - Olan & Jean Zigler
Bible Quiz
Complete the Bible verses below by using letters
from the phrase.
BE MY VALENTINE.
1. “The ___ ___ ___ ___ has come,” he said. “The
kingdom of God is near.” —Mark 1:15
2. “For where two or three come together in my
___ ___ ___ ___, there am I with them.”
—Matthew 18:20
3. They will ___ ___ ___ ___ their swords into plow-
shares and their spears into pruning hooks.
—Micah 4:3
4. “Peace I ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ with you.”
—John 14:27 The answers are found on page 3.
Are you getting anything out of that book? What are
you learning? Is it worth reading?
Such questions and others were asked in regards to
the adult book study group’s continuing efforts to read
and study the book “When God Builds a Church” writ-
ten by Bob Russell. The group thought it would be a
worthwhile book to study while our church struggles
with attendance, finances and the need for a new pas-
tor.
Russell is a retired lead pastor at the Southeast
Christian mega church in Louisville, Ky. He tells of
how the church grew from 150 to 14,000. In his book he
tells that for a church to be a church in any millennium
we must follow 10 principles. Principle 1: Truth – Pro-
claim God’s word as truth and apply it to people’s lives.
Principle 2: Worship – Worship God every week in spir-
it and truth.
Principle 3: Leadership – Develop Christ-center leaders
who lead by example.
Principle 4: Excellence – Do your best in every area of
service.
Principle 5: Faith – Be willing to step out with a bold
faith and take risks.
Principle 6: Harmony – Maintain a spirit of harmony.
Principle 7: Participation – Expect the congregation to
participate in every ministry.
We continue:
Principle 8: Fellowship – Continually practice agape
love for one another.
A study of some 1,000 churches covering all six conti-
nents listed “loving relationships” as one of the necessary
qualities for a growing church. Our group agreed that Fel-
lowship is one character that shows at Lick Creek Church
of the Brethren.
Author Bob Russell noted that God knows it’s not
good for man to be alone and he has provided compan-
ionship for his people. He added that everyone needs the
fellowship of other believers to grow and to be held ac-
countable. Other Christians need each other. “It’s a boost
of your spirit if every week you see hundreds of people
who share your values and are trying to walk in the
light.”
In the book, he notes there are three circles of fellow-
ship. The first is the CONGREGATION where people
can be encouraged and inspired. The second is the
CLASS which is a group of some 20 to 200 who gather
for the purpose of study and ministry. The third is the
CELL, a group of 20 people or fewer where members get
to know one another on a deeper, more personal level.
Discussed was the possibility of creating special
groups or cells to include telecare ministry (call upon
others about twice a year to ask how that person is doing
and any prayers they are in need of); hospital or visitation
ministry; care ministry (being a friend who cares and lis-
tens ); one great day of providing volunteer services; and
group recreational activities.
Principle 9: Stewardship – Give generously of God’s
resources as a church and as individuals.
Author Bob Russell notes that wise stewardship of
God’s resources is an important part of a healthy church.
He notes that preachers hate to talk about money due to
the bad reputation of television evangelists as well as the
fear of offending people.
At the same time, he notes five reasons to preach on
stewardship:
1) God’s word speaks often about stewardship and
there are 2,350 passages in the Bible dealing with money
and materials possessions;
2) Generosity transforms people noting that when peo-
ple release their grips on the things of the word they are
liberated;
3) Money is often necessary to advance the gospel. It
was noted that the average Christian today gives only 3.5
percent of his income. As a result, the average church has
cut back to giving to outreach and missions by more than
50 percent. One talk show host noted that if all Christians
tithed, there would be no more welfare in North America.
4) Generous giving is a positive testimony.
5) People need stewardship advice. One minister not-
ed that one of the reasons people don’t give to the church
like they should is that they caught in the grips of debts.
Biblical teachings on the avoidance of debt and responsi-
ble giving will help lift that yoke from their shoulders and
give them a new zeal for the Christian life. It is one of the
reasons that the author’s church provides financial coun-
seling.
One factor our group agreed on is the need to realize
that if Lick Creek Church did not have a church building
– a vessel for ministering – just where would we be?
Chapter 10: Evangelism – Commit enthusiastically to
evangelism as your primary mission.
While our group agreed that Fellowship is strength at
Lick Creek Church, evangelism is our weakness.
Author Bob Russell asks, “What is the primary pur-
pose of the church? Jesus and his main mission was to
seek and to save what was lost. He gave his church the
same mission just before he left this world when he said
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have
commanded you.”
(continued to page 4)
“When God Builds A Church” book study continues
Minutes From January Leadership Team Meeting Making preparations for 2013 highlighted the Jan. 12
meeting of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren Lead-
ership Team.
It was agreed that the Leadership Team will meet the
first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. with the excep-
tion of September with the meeting to be held Sept. 9
due to the holiday. There will be no meetings in July and
December.
Sherry Newman advised the board that $1,131.83 was
needed to purchase various musical equipment for the
church. Special donations and two memorial funds will
help finance the purchase. Sherry said she would look
into wireless equipment before the purchase is finalized.
Special Events Director Cindi Zigler reviewed the
proposed calendar of events for 2013. February includes
2 Cent Collection. March involves One Great Hour of
Sharing; Love Feast & Communion on March 28 and
Easter on March 31. The Easter Sunrise program will be
done by the Silver & Gold class with breakfast provided
by the Pathfinders class. It was agreed to seek a volun-
teer to chair the ice cream social. No rummage sale was
scheduled.
Treasurer Doug Hohenberger reported that the De-
cember 2012 balance stood at $10,116.67. Doug report-
ed that income for 2012 totaled $92,370.05 with special
offerings at $13,036.54 for a total of $105,406.59. Out-
flows for 2012 listed the budget at $85,437.72 and spe-
cial offerings at $7,922.82 for a grand sum of
$93,360.54. Balance totaled $12,046.05.
Deacon Chair Jim Masten said letters were sent to
separated members on their membership status. He not-
ed there is still a need to maintain baptismal records even
if that person withdraws their membership. Church
Clerk Linda Shambarger noted that records are not accu-
rate as some information is missing due to changes in
staff over the years.
Worship Director Marge Keck said she continues to
schedule guest pastors to fill the pulpit until an interim
pastor is named.
In the absence of a Church Property Director, Leader-
ship Team Chair Lee Zigler said David Herman contin-
ues to provide snow plowing and lawn mowing services.
Custodian services have been hired and a three-person
team works about 10 hours a week. A spring cleaning
day will be scheduled in March or April. The church
sanctuary has been rented for an outside wedding on
Aug. 10.
Lee said the special committee to select an interim
pastor continues to interview candidates. Names of two
more candidates are to be submitted by District Execu-
tive Director John Ballinger. Lee recommended a
special council meeting be held when an interim pastor
is named to discuss the goals/objectives of the church.
It was agreed to send Lee and Jim Masten to a COB
workshop entitled “Strengthening Your Small Congre-
gation” to be held April 13 at Camp Mack.
Members declared the Director of Evangelism posi-
tion on the board vacant and a replacement will be
sought.
The Leadership Team will next meet at 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 4.
Submitted by
Linda Shambarger, Church Clerk
(Continued from page 3….
“When God Builds A Church”)
He continues to note that “we are not called primarily
to stop sin in the world. Our primary call is to preach the
gospel and bring people to salvation in Jesus.”
Pastor Russell urges churches to adopt the “come and
see” method of evangelism. Encourage a friend or a
stranger to come and see Lick Creek Church. He noted
that when someone is so excited about the church they
naturally invite someone else to come. He said door-to-
door calling doesn’t work because time is a precious
commodity to people who don’t like having unplanned
guests. He is convinced that the best method today is to
adopt the "come-and-see" method of evangelism.
Pastor Russell adds, “An evangelist is not just a
preacher or even someone who brings his friend, but any
person who has a part in making the church an inspiring
place….Anybody can invite someone to come to
church.” He also emphasizes “make the church experi-
ence something for which people will want to return.”
With the 10 principles briefly described, next month
we’ll highlight our conclusions.
Linda Shambarger
Answer: 1. Time 2. Name 3. Beat 4. Leave
Statistics
Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Nov. 25
Adult Sunday School 13 17 21 15
Brethren Traditions 54 n/a n/a 35
Tithes & Offering $1434.50 $2196.30 $1656.50 $1059.50
Special Offering $50.00 $458.41 $40.00
(Continued from page 1…..
2 Cent collections to benefit four charities)
agricultural training to improve the lives of those who
struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income.
Heifer is currently working in more than 40 coun-
tries,
including the United States, to help families and com-
munities become more self-reliant. For more infor-
mation, visit www.heifer.org.
Benevolent Fund
From time to time there are persons within the Lick
Creek Church congregation who have a variety of finan-
cial needs they are unable to meet. The Lick Creek
Church Benevolent Fund is a mean of meeting some of
those needs.
Church members and friends are encouraged to pro-
vide monetary gifts and contributions to the Benevolent
Fund at any time. Appeals for additional funds can be
issued as the need becomes apparent. This separate fund
is established and overseen by the Church Treasurer.
The Deacons oversee and serve as administrators of
the fund on a case-by-case basis taking into considera-
tion such things as circumstances, facts of the situation,
consultant with the individual(s) and placing teach mat-
ter as a subject of prayer before action.
The approval process includes a written request sub-
mitted to the Deacon Chair. The Deacon Chair and two
other Deacon members, along with pastor, will discuss
and agree to the expenditure up to a maximum of
200.00. Monies are paid directly to a second party and
not the individual. Any request above $200 must be
submitted and brought before the entire Deacon body
for consideration and approval. Once the request is
granted, the church treasurer will forward the allocation.
Linda Shambarger
‘Strengthening Your Small
Congregation’ to be held in
mid-April at Camp Mack
“Strengthening Your Small Congregation” is the title
of a day-long event planned for Saturday, April 13,
from 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at Camp Alexander Mack in Mil-
ford, Ind. The gathering will be devoted to encouraging
and equipping pastors and lay leaders of small congre-
gations. It is designed especially to reach those in Indi-
ana, Michigan, and Ohio who can travel to Camp Mack
within a reasonable amount of time, but it is open to
anyone.
Keynote leadership will be provided by Margaret
Marcuson, whose presentation will be on “Leaders Who
Last: Sustaining Yourself in Small Church Ministry.”
The schedule for the day includes opening and clos-
ing worship, a keynote address in the morning, fol-
lowed by a panel discussion with small church pastors,
lunch, and two afternoon workshop sessions. Work-
shops will be offered on the following topics:
-- “Worship in Your Own Voice”
-- “Fair Fighting in the Small Church: Caring for Each
Other Through Divisive Issues”
-- “Money and Your Ministry: Balance the Books
While Keeping Your Balance”
-- “Discerning Our Congregation’s Future: Finding the
Meeting Place of God's Intention and Our Hope”
-- “The Pastoral Care Team: Elders and Deacons and
Pastors, Oh My!”
-- “The Gift of Leadership: Structures for Small Con-
gregations”
-- “Welcoming and Nurturing Children within the Small
Congregation”
-- “Evangelism: A Mindset for Mission”
Also an open coaching session with Marcuson will
be offered. Participants are invited to bring a challenge
from their own churches to this session, at which Mar-
cuson will coach several participants and observers will
have the chance to think through possibilities and solu-
tions for their own leadership settings.
Cost is $50 for the first person from a congregation,
and $25 for each additional person from the same con-
gregation. Students enrolled in ministry training may
attend for $25. Continuing education units are available
for an additional $10 fee.
Find out more and register at www.brethren.org/
smallchurch
Deacon Minutes
The Deacon body of the Lick Creek Church of the
Brethren met Jan. 20 and discussed goals for 2013.
Members reviewed the shepherding list as well as
signed up as monthly caregivers and scripture readers.
They also reviewed responses from separated members
and updated the church membership list.
Dates for communion include:
March 28 Love Feast
July 7 bread and cup communion
Oct. 6 Love Feast
Jan. 5, 2014 bread and cup communion.
Members discussed concerns of the church and the
need for an interim pastor.
The group will again meet March 10.
Lick Creek Church of the Brethren
1500 Center Street
Bryan, OH 43506
Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.
Return Service Requested
The mission of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren is to pro-
vide spiritual direction, unity and purpose to all people by continu-
ing the work of Jesus Christ, peacefully, simply, together.
The Echo is a publication of the Lick Creek
Church of the Brethren and is published monthly
(except for July.) Articles are to be submitted to
the church secretary by the 15th of each month.
Editor & Copy writer Brenda Arnold
Publisher Verle Harner
Proofreader Jan Masten
Deacon Caregiver
for the month of February:
Gloria & Doug Hohenberger
1-419-899-2758
Coming Events
Feb. 4 Leadership Team Meeting
Feb. 17 2 Cent Collection
Leadership Team Meeting
Sunday, Feb. 4
12:00 p.m.