TheOutlookDecember 2014

There is always a great deal of conversation,usually negative, about how early storesprepare for the Christmas shopping season.There are the yearly laments by all mannerof folk that the Christmas season comesearlier and earlier with its emphasis onbuying things. I get all that. I can even agreewith some of the hand-wringing instead ofbell-ringing as Christmas displays go upright after Halloween.

But there is something to be said formaking earlier and earlier preparations forChristmas. I get that, too.

Truth be told, if many of those of us whofollow in the way of Jesus would advance themeaning of Christmas with the same intensityand early planning as Walmart, the meaningof Christmas would have far greater impact inand on our society than all the typical,expected annual criticism and whining aboutthe commercialization of the season.

Preparing one’s spirit for Christmas anddoing that preparation earlier is a good idea.And this year, rather than agreeing withinmyself that earlier preparation is a goodidea, I have been more intentional aboutgetting ready for Christmas earlier ratherthan getting caught up in the exhaustinglast-minute, frenzied holiday rush of things.

I have been trying to make the idea ofearlier preparations a reality by doing aproject that requires that I focus on anelement of the Christmas Story. I have beendoing that by getting busy, for at least a fewminutes each day, spending some time in mywood shop. I have been making anothershepherd for the large, wooden, crèchedisplay used in the sanctuary.

In the process of making an additionalshepherd for the crèche, I have beenreacquainting myself with several spiritual

chalktalk

BY DR. KENNETH W. CHALKER

TheOutlookAll are welcome. All the time.

University Circle United Methodist Church

With December and the season of Adventcomes another opportunity to share the loveand joy of Christmas with others in our faithfamily here at University Circle UnitedMethodist Church.

Each Sunday service in Advent offers aunique way to celebrate the birth of Jesus,from traditional choral Christmas music toSpirituals accompanied by our LiturgicalDancers to seasonal gospel andcontemporary music.

This year’s Christmas Cantata onDecember 21 tells the story of Jesus’ birththrough Spirituals that are certain to raiseyour holiday spirits and enrich the soul.

And then, as in years past, Christmas Evewill feature three different candlelightservices with special music and a messageof love as revealed in the birth and life ofJesus.

Few holiday experiences fill us with life’smeaning and purpose more than being a partof the singing of “Silent Night” with familyand friends as candlelight slowly warms oursanctuary with the glow of God’s grace. It’sone of the best parts of Christmas. Considermaking it a part of yours.uchalk talk continued on page 6

Plan now to be a part of anyof these December 24thcandlelight gatherings:

4:00—Enjoy this family-oriented celebration with choirsand bells and the telling of theChristmas story.

8:00—Experience the warmthand love that is always a part ofthis traditional Christmas Eveservice. As nightfall surroundsyou, share with others themusic, words and magic thatmake this such a movingservice.

11:00—Feel the quiet joy of thislate-evening gathering in amore intimate setting as weanticipate the birth of the Christchild and the message of“peace…goodwill toward all.”

Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent Night, Holy Night

2 University Circle United Methodist Church December 2014

Paralympic Champion Tatyana McFadden Graces Our ChancelFew stories captivate a listener any more than the story ofParalympics gold medalist and multi-marathon winner TatyanaMcFadden. As a ten-time Paralympic medalist and the onlydisabled OR able-bodied person to win the four majorinternational marathons in a single year (in both 2013 and 2014),Tatyana has become a real-life inspiration to disabled and enabledpersons alike.

Granddaughter of the late John and Billie McFadden, UCUMCmembers, Tatyana took time from her busy schedule to share herlife story and philosophy during Sunday worship, November 23.Tatyana spoke from our recently renovated chancel, thanks to theavailability of our new wheelchair lift.

She and her adoptive mother, Debbie McFadden, also spoke toa group before the service. Debbie shared the story of how, whiletouring a Russian orphanage on business, she discovered 6-year-old Tatyana, who had been born with spina bifida. Captivated bythis amazing child who, paralyzed from the waist down, “walked”on her hands, Deb adopted Tatyana and brought her to America.

In her worship service presentation, Tatyana expressed herbelief that God had in mind a life purpose for her. She spoke of lifeas “a journey of hope, courage and strength—a journey withfamily, friends and with God.” And she shared the three majorguiding principles in her life:

1. Don’t take anything for granted. It’s in giving that wereceive.

2. Count your blessings in life every single day.3. Don’t put limits on your dreams. Follow them as far as they

will take you.Our deep appreciation to Tatyana and her mother, Debbie, for

sharing with our family of faith such an inspiring and love-filledlife story.

Support WhatYou Treasure~Jim Hogg, Editor

This year, when our church asks us to pledge aportion of our income to the work and mission ofthis family of faith, how will we respond?

This year, it’s especially clear that each of us hasto “step up” and support what we treasure, becauseeach of us is this church; no one else will do it forus. WE are Church in the Circle. And it’s only withthe help of each of us who receives so much valuefrom this church that we can continue its messageof inclusive, caring, joyful living under the um-brella of God’s unconditional love.

As Dr. Chalker has said, “We are not a museum,we are a living, thriving community of faith, andthat’s what we’ve got to support!”

This year, remind yourself, “I AM…Church inthe Circle, and without my help, less can happen;fewer lives can be touched. I AM…Church in theCircle, and I support what I treasure.”

This year, if you haven’t already, make thepledge to support your church. After all, it’s whoyou are. It’s who I am. It’s who we are.

Sunday evening, November16, our beautiful new Chancelcame alive with movement,stories and song as the DuffyLiturgical Dance Ensemblecelebrated their 30th year ofservice to the Clevelandcommunity. Fire: A Concertof Spirituals featured a “Suiteof Spirituals” arranged byDuffyLit alumnus Dr. RolloDilworth, sung by Edna Duffy,other soloists and choirmembers, and accompaniedby both a skilled orchestraand wonderfully talenteddancers.

Featured DuffyLit dancers and singers included Edna Duffy,Director/Choreographer, with special choreography provided by guest artist andIndian classical dancer/choreographer from New Delhi, Sanjib Bhattacharya. Thedancers’ diverse dance techniques and styles told the story of the Spiritual as a sourceof optimism that takes the pessimism of life and uses it as the raw material from whichto garner the strength to prevail.

Edna wishes to thank everyone who helped make this celebration a success,including all church members who extended their Sunday in the Circle to include thisunique concert.

DuffyLit Dancers Celebrate 30 Years

Paralympic gold medalist Tatyana McFadden shares her inspiring life storyduring Sunday worship, wearing her most recent silver medal won in theWinter Olympics in Sochi, Russia.

December 2014 University Circle United Methodist Church 3

Y UTHNEWS~Dawn McElrath, Youth Coordinator

So far this fall, the University CircleUnited Methodist Church YouthGroup has enjoyed some good timestogether. On October 26, 20-plusyouth and adults hit the rides at Cedar Point and were blessed witha beautiful, sunny day. A great timewas had by all!

The youth group also volunteeredto help with the Harvest Party at thechurch on October 27, assistingneighborhood children with

Halloween crafts. Meanwhile, in the classroom

we have enjoyed thought-provokingBible study and discussion. Our veryown Renee Whiteside attended ourclass one Sunday and discussed “therelationship triangle,” which sparkeda great conversation for our youth.Thank you, Ms. Whiteside.

We are looking forward toserving Neighborhood Lunch thelast Sunday in November andparticipating in worship during the Advent season.

Children and youthwere busy on Sundaysthis fall! Theyparticipated inworship as greeters,liturgists, dancers andmusicians. Our SundaySchool class exploredthe nature of Godthrough games, storiesand artwork.

~Heidi E. Denman, M.Div., Minister of Pastoral Care

Uppity Women: Advent and Christmas can be hectic times of year,with shopping and baking, visits and visitors. Sometimes it seems wegive so much of ourselves, and no one even seems to notice—or care—or say thank you. And often, it seems we behave the same way in ourfaith lives, seldom pausing to be truly thankful for all we have. For thenext five weeks, through Advent, Uppity Women will focus on giftsand the Giver, as we work with a DVD study called One ThousandGifts. We will meet each Sunday during Advent in the Parlor at 9:00.

Then in January, during the “Ordinary Time” of the church year,we will begin something completely different and open to all, notjust women. Eight Preachers Go to Hell—and share their insightswith us! (Okay, not quite.) This very thin, very readable book containsthe thoughts and perspectives of eight different preachers, includingMartin Copenhaver and Lillian Daniel, as they study and contemplatehell, what Scripture may say—and what it does not say about “theplace where bad people go.” Sound interesting? Contact HeidiDenman McDougall or Amy Wheatley so we can order your copy ofEight Preachers Go to Hell.

You may have wondered: What, exactly, is “pastoral care”? I amprivileged to have been given the freedom to create a position that

strives to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of the Church in theCircle. My ministry includes visiting, telephone contact and emailfollow-up with members of our church family, but it doesn’t stopthere. If a visitor joins us on Sunday morning, I count on you towelcome them and inform me if their visit is brought about because ofa medical or other need. If the visitor desires prayer or pastoral carewhile in Cleveland, it is part of my ministry to provide it. John Wesleybelieved that the whole world was his parish; I view Cleveland muchthe same way.

In addition, we often receive a phone call or email from a UnitedMethodist pastor in another city letting us know they have aparishioner at the Cleveland Clinic. Because The United MethodistChurch is a connectional denomination, we serve one another’s flocksas though they are our own. This is just one more way we live into ourpromise that all are welcome at Church in the Circle.

I count on you to help me do my job. If you or someone you knowis having surgery, has experienced a joy, loss or other life change, callme (216-235-2562). It’s our pleasure to offer support, prayer and loveduring your time of need. Burdens shared are much lighter thanburdens carried alone. As the family of Christ, we are bound togetherin love. Thank you for being the Hands and Feet of Jesus as we carefor one another in love.

Care through PrayerCare through Prayer

4 University Circle United Methodist Church December 2014

GRACENOTES~Nathan Motta, Music and Arts Director

“It’s the MOST wonderful tiiiime of theyear... With the bells jing-a-ling-ing andchurch choirs singing, with our dancersnear! It’s the MOST wonderful tiiiiime of theyear!”

That’s right, friends, it’s the “Music & ArtsMarathon” that is the Advent Season at ourChurch in the Circle. We have SO manywonderful things planned for you: “KeepYour Lamps (Trimmed and Burning),” withwhich the Chancel Choir and LiturgicalDancers start the season; our Chancel Bellsringing in the holidays with multipleselections, including a medley of Christmasfavorites; some uplifting anthems from ourGospel Choir; a Christmas Cantata,December 21, featuring Spirituals and GospelMusic; and three “courses” of Christmas Eve

services that are sure to feed your spirit.So…you won’t want to miss a Sunday OR

Christmas Eve! And there is NO better timeto bring someone along to a service with you;this could include friends, family, neighborsor even that stranger you strike up aconversation with during your holidayshopping.

We are so blessed to celebrate this AdventSeason in our new Chancel area wherechoirs, dancers, decorations, altar dressing,advent wreaths, candles and crèche scenesare more visible than ever. Come, be a part ofworship experiences that only the Christmasseason can bring. Celebrate with your faithfamily as we come together for music andmessages that both harken back toChristmases past and create new memoriesfor seasons to come.

Wishing you a peaceful Christmas season.

Second Sunday Lunch onDecember 14 is guaranteed toput you in the Holiday Spirit! Thismonth’s event is hosted by Janand John Stahl at EdgewaterYacht Club following morningworship. Menu choices include salads,pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, small platesand entrees, with prices ranging from $5–$18. Reservations are required byDecember 9 to Betz Richards at 440-235-9343 or chefbetz1@aol.com.

Looking ahead, a Holiday Potluck isplanned for Sunday, December 21, somark your calendar now to save yourappetite for this festive kick-off toChristmas Week. Organized by Elaine andLarry Myers, potlucks begin in the GreatHall immediately following worship. Sign-up forms are available several weeks inadvance and reservations are requested.Bring a side dish to share; the main dish isprovided for a suggested donation of$3.00 per person to cover expenses, andvolunteer help to set up, serve and cleanupis ALWAYS welcome.

Each of these diningopportunities offers a delicious andlively way to meet other UCUMCers, soplease consider joining in the fun. All arewelcome! All the time!

Time to ‘Do Lunch’Together

Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker, Senior PastorUniversity Circle United Methodist Church

1919 E. 107th St., Cleveland, OH 44106 www.churchinthecircle.com

216.421.1200Outlook Editor: Jim Hogg—

hoggwriter@gmail.comPhotographers: Jeff Day, Jim Hogg,

David Hughes, Brian MischEditorial Staff: E. Prince, C. Day, M. Abele

UCUMC OUTLOOK A Holiday PlaySunday, December14, UCUMCmembers andfriends will take advantage of reserved seatsat the Dobama Theater in Cleveland Hts. asour own Director of Music and Arts, NathanMotta, directs A Civil War Christmas: AnAmerican Music Celebration. JulietteRegnier, also from our church family, has aleading role. Check with the church office orDobama Theater for remaining seats.

More than 20 businesses and organizations,including University Circle United MethodistChurch (with the Cleveland Orchestra YouthEnsembles, 3:30–5:30), are participating inthe 21st Annual Holiday CircleFest, offeringyou and your family an amazing afternoon ofice skating, ice carving demos, horse-drawncarriage rides, cookie decorating, art, music,shopping, make-and-take crafts and muchmore. All activities are free unless otherwisenoted.

There is no better time to explore thetreasures of University Circle than onHoliday CircleFest. For a complete list ofactivities, go to http://www.universitycircle.org/events/2014/12/holiday-circlefest.

(Information provided by University Circle, Inc.)

A note of deepappreciation…Dear UCUMC Staff and Congregation,

We as a family want to express to you ourdeep appreciation for the generosity andsupport you’ve shown us as we’ve had to dealwith the very violent event that touched ourlives in September. Your personalcommitment to our welfare has beenincredibly helpful and has allowed us tocontinue moving forward, despite the hurtwe’ve had to endure and overcome.

Your assistance has meant so much, notonly to Hassan but to the whole Lee family.And when church staff notified us of thethoughtful endowment that was initiated onour behalf, we were not only surprised butequally thankful.

It is truly a blessing to be an active part ofthis tremendous family, “where all arewelcome all the time.”

Sincerely,The Hassan Lee Family

Holiday CircleFestSunday,

December 7Activities Galore!

l The Rink at Wade Oval,Noon-7:00 p.m. (freeadmission, $3 skaterentals)

l Activities at UniversityCircle’s Institutions,1:00–5:30 p.m.

l FREE

December 2014 University Circle United Methodist Church 5

~Judy Sockman, Coordinator of Membership

The Church in the Circle drewits circle wider on Sunday,November 9, when fourteenenthusiastic individuals joinedin membership with us. As isour custom, the new memberswere introduced to thecongregation during worshipby their Faith Friends andwere warmly welcomed bytheir new church family.

JUSTIN COLE lives indowntown Cleveland, comingto the area via Texas throughFlorida. He is employed as acontracting officer for theVeterans Administration andvolunteers with the BigBrother/Big Sister program.He is a car buff and TampaBay Rays fan and hopes tobegin work toward his PhDnext year.

FELIX DANSO is afourth-generation UnitedMethodist, originally fromGhana, who moved to NewJersey as a child. When he came to Cleveland a few months ago tocontinue his education, one of the first things he did was Google UMchurches and found us. He is relieved to be able to answer hisgrandmother’s “Did you go to the Methodist Church on Sunday?”with a resounding, “Yes!”

ELLEN GIRA hails from the Washington, DC, area and is asecond-year student at the Cleveland Institute of Music. She has beenattending UCUMC since her arrival last year and often participates inworship sharing her beautiful musical talent as a cellist.

DANIELLE and REV. JARED GADOMSKI LITTLETON area couple committed to social justice and inclusivity and serve as co-coordinators of the Reconciling Ministries Network in the East OhioConference of the United Methodist Church. Danielle is an attorneywith the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, and Jared, a UM minister,has recently assumed the position of Chaplain to the Agency atOhioGuidestone in Berea. They live on Cleveland’s west side and havebeen singing with our Gospel Choir.

REV. MARIAH HAYDEN and REV. MALCOLMHIMSCHOOT moved to the near west side of Cleveland from theDenver area and are the parents of Madeleine and Andrew, 7-year-old twins who are enthusiastic participants in our Church Schoolprogram. Mariah, a United Methodist pastor on family leave,describes herself as “minister, mom and farmer.” (Ask her about theirflock of urban chickens!) Malcolm is a pastor in the United Church ofChrist currently employed at the UCC headquarters in Cleveland.Their family appreciates the reconciling and diverse culture of ourchurch and the worship experience.

JIM RUMMEL came to UCUMC at the invitation of member SueWest and is a faithful attendee. He is retired and lives on Cleveland’s

west side, and he describes our church as a “kind, friendly andloving” place.

JEANNETTE SPALDING drove past UCUMC on the way to hernew apartment after she moved to Cleveland from Kansas City. Shedecided to come for worship on a Sunday morning and has beenattending ever since. She is a writer for the School of Medicine atCase Western Reserve University and appreciates the friendliness ofour congregation and the dynamic and meaningful worship services.

ROB TREMBLE and SCOTT MESZAROS travel to UCUMCfrom their home in Medina. When Rob first came to the church, hewas intrigued by the architecture and now often has his camera,snapping beautiful photographs. He is a department manager atIncept in North Canton and has been singing with the Chancel Choir.Scott is a manager for McDonalds in La Grange and enjoysworshipping with us when his work schedule permits.

BARBARA and DAVID WALTERMIRE had attended UCUMCoccasionally after Barbara’s daughter, Amanda Nicol, joined ourchurch. They were married in July and decided to make their churchhome with us. Barbara is an event manager at the CWRU School ofMedicine, and David is retired. The couple lives in RichmondHeights.

LINDA WILMOT decided that driving into “The Circle” from herhome in Richfield to attend worship was not too difficult. She visitedUCUMC once and immediately liked the congregation and the music;and, in fact, she has joined the Chancel Ringers and now sings in theChancel Choir. She is a retired piano teacher and nursery schoolmusic teacher who loves sharing her music with others. She has threeadult children and now lives with her four dogs, enjoying naturewalks with them.

Meet our New Members

6 University Circle United Methodist Church December 2014

truths. The first is that it takes time to put ashepherd together.

Shepherds do not just show up.Shepherds do not just start tending flocks bynight; or by day for that matter. Shepherdsdon’t just decide one day to go look forsomething wonderful and spectacularly outof the ordinary. Shepherds do not justsuddenly hear glad tidings of great joy,suspend their routines and go chasing afterangels. Indeed, when it comes to makingshepherds, it’s necessary to prepare,assemble and make ready in all manner ofoften unanticipated ways.

One of the ongoing purposes of the familyof faith is that we all be involved in shepherdpreparation. We assemble and equip eachother for effective caring of others. It doesn’tjust happen. It takes planning, time andeffort. No efforts are more important. Thereare all sorts of wolves about, ready to devourspiritual life in any flock of folk or in anyindividuals facing troubling things andfeeling totally alone.

The second spiritual truth beingrediscovered and affirmed in the process ofmaking ready for the message of Christmasis that there is always room for moreshepherds. There can never be too many.The world needs folks sharing glad tidings ofgreat joy. Heartbreaking news is alwaysblaring. We need shepherds who are bearingwitness, in all manner of mangers, that thereis no place where love cannot be born andthrive.

Our church in the circle, all year ‘round,is a place for making shepherds. There cannever be enough of us. And in this regard, weare simultaneously living out the meaning ofChristmas while celebrating and preparingfor it in every season.

See you in church. Because it’s alwaysChristmas Eve.

chalk talkucontinued from page 1

~Aaron Collier, Creative MarketingStrategist

Find Your Church on Facebookand Twitter

You know about Facebook andTwitter and may have an account of yourown. Now, these two social media monstershave become tools for our church to makethe world aware of who we are, what westand for and what we do.

You’re encouraged to do what so manypeople do on Facebook: “LIKE” a Facebookpage that appeals to you. You can do this forthe church’s new Facebook page by clickingon the “LIKE” button, which helps increasethe site’s popularity and spread the wordabout who we are. You can reach this newsite at https://www.facebook.com/UniversityCircleUnitedMethodistChurch

You can also “follow us on Twitter” at@CircleChurch or by going tohttps://twitter.com/CircleChurch.

Both sites are growing, especiallyFacebook as we near 400 LIKES, withparticipation the highest it’s ever been. Hopeto see your name on our list of supporters!

New Video Tells Who We AreIt’s a short video, but it delivers a big

message—an authentic and insideperspective about the nature and experienceof this very unique faith community. I amChurch in the Circle is a collective narrativefrom members of University Circle UnitedMethodist Church, telling some of its storythrough their own life experience with thisinclusive and diverse family of faith.

You can view this new presentation weproduced by going online to our newFacebook address, above, and clicking on Iam Church in the Circle or going to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2UArCZp_0I

UMW NewsOnce again this year the UniversityCircle United Methodist Women areselling the famous and deliciouslyfancy extra-large Schermer Pecans fromGeorgia—still only $11 for a one-pound bag.

Also available are one-pound bags of EqualExchange ground or bean coffee, harvestedunder fair-trade controls and offered in sev-eral flavors and variations, including decaf.

Stop by the UMW table following worship.All proceeds are used to fund UMW missionprograms in the US and around the world.

MarketingMatters

Aaron Collier, new Creative Marketing Strategist(ctr. left) is welcomed by Laura Chalker (left),Marketing Committee Chair, Dr. Chalker, andMegan Hufendick, Staff-Parish Chair.

You may also have received an eblastemail offering a link to the video. And if youhaven’t, please take a minute to email JudySockman at jsockman@churchinthecircle.com or me at acollier@churchinthecircle.com to be added to the church’semailing list.

Watch this video and see how it paints apicture of the face of our diversecongregation.

New ‘Old’ LogoWith the help of our

Marketing Committee,we’ve “morphed” ourprevious church logointo a new version,designed to showrespect for our pastwhile embracing the future growth of ourcongregation. We, as a diverse church, aredepicted as embracing the circle—UniversityCircle and the world—with God’s love.

Look for this new logo to appear on all ofour publications and audio-visualproductions. It’s part of who we are.

During the holidays, amidst the busyness and rush, it can be hard to feel happy or peace-filledwhen our hearts ache from loss. Perhaps you’ve lost a family member or pet; maybe you’vemoved to a new house, or retired from your life’s vocation, walking away from years ofmemories. Even the excitement of welcoming a new family member can bring unexpectedfeelings of sadness. The familiar sights and sounds of the season only serve to remind us:something is different this year.

The LORD your God . . . will never leave nor forsake you.—Deuteronomy 31:6Join Minister of Pastoral Care Heidi Denman McDougall on Wed., Dec. 3, 12 noon &

7:00 p.m., for A Service of Healing and Light. This will be a quiet, meditative service, a timefor you to rest in God’s Presence, reflect on the year gone by, and simply exhale. Come. Bringyour tired spirit and find a few moments of peace. Let the beauty of the Christ Child’s comingrestore your soul.

A Service of Healing & Light

December 2014 ALL ARE WELCOME ALL THE TIME 7

You may know that our church has adopted the nearbyMary B. Martin School this year as our focus for tutoring,mentoring and assisting with supplies.Teachers and volunteers alike areexcited about this newlydeveloped partnership.

With the holiday seasonupon us, our main focus is ABook for Every Child—aprogram where each of theschool’s 360 students receivesat least one book, thanks to those of us who purchasebooks suitable for the following breakdown of students:Pre-K—47; Kindergarten—48; 1st—33; 2nd—44; 3rd—48; 4th—29; 5th—27; 6th—33; 7th—26; 8th—24.

The teachers have supplied a suggested book list

which is available at church, on our website(www.churchinthecircle.com) or by contacting ElaineMyers or Mary Soirefman. Delivery of the books will takeplace Tuesday, December 16, the last day of school priorto winter break. We welcome any elves to help distributethe boxes of books to the classrooms.

Mary B. Martin School is located at 8200 BrooklineAvenue, just one block north of Chester Avenue at East 82nd Street. If you are interested in becominginvolved in our special outreach to this neighborhoodschool, please contact Mary Soirefman atmesoirefman@aol.com or 440.740.0302 or Elaine Myers at emyers34@aol.com or 440.243.7322.

MANY THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN

AT THE MARY B. MARTIN SCHOOL!

OUTREACHORNER

~Kay Hogg, Administrative ProjectManager

According to the Hartford Institute ofReligion Research, more than 40 percentof Americans “say” they go to churchweekly. However, further studies haveshown that less than 20 percent ofAmericans are actually in church. In otherwords, more than 80 percent of Americansare finding other things to do on Sundays.A few years ago, we conducted a survey ofour Church in the Circle members to learnwhat communication methods they mostpreferred—bulletins, newsletters,electronic messages, etc. A somewhatunexpected piece of information emergedfrom the survey results. Of the more than100 persons completing the survey, themajority attended Sunday worship, onaverage, two times or less a month.

For staff and volunteer leadership,these realities pose very real sustainabilitychallenges. For example, how do weprovide continuity in children’seducational programming when they arenot attending church school every Sunday?And, if the bulletin is the primary tool bywhich people hear about church needs andevents, how do we make sure everyonegets our messages if they are in worshiponly half the Sundays in a month? Andhow do we financially sustain this churchif people are not actively involved in theongoing life of the church?

Have you given some thought to whyit’s important to be an “active” part of yourchurch? For some, our church is a place

where you get warm feelings ofacceptance, listen to good music, hearencouraging words for facing life’schallenges and then go home. But, for me,being “active” is a two-way street. Itmeans, in addition to receiving from ourchurch, we give to it with our TIME,TALENT and TREASURE…much like ahealthy personal relationship.

Our presence in worship is importantto the church family as a whole andequally as important to the discipline ofour personal spiritual life. Our gifts of timeas volunteers make a difference in thekinds of programs the church is able tooffer within and beyond its walls. And ourfinancial support makes everything elsepossible.

At University Circle UMC we have foursources of income: renting our buildings tooutside groups, obtaining program grants,withdrawing monies from our decliningendowment and, most importantly, tithesand gifts from our church family. Almost68% of our total income comes fromindividual contributions.

Sustaining University Circle Church isup to each one of us whose life is betterbecause of this church. The act of giving tothe extent we are able is all that is asked. Ifyou were among those persons who werenot in worship the Sunday we collectedpledge cards for the 2015 financialcampaign, please ask for a pledge cardfrom the church office and submit yourpersonal commitment of support beforethe year’s end. And thank you forsupporting what you treasure.

School Book Program Needs You!

A Thank-you…We want to express to the congregation howmuch we like and appreciate our new audio-visual booth in its new Sanctuary floorlocation. It is much more workable being closeto the presenters and the congregation thanwas the former location in the balcony. Weexpect continued growth in the areas of soundrecording and amplification for the choir andother groups, using overhead microphones andlighting. And we also plan to expand our videorecording and live video-streaming broadcastcapabilities in the coming year, allowing us toreach folks at home with Internetpresentations of our live or archived services.

Thanks to all who helped make this newfacility a reality.

~Roger Schulte, Jeff Adamson, ShawnHufendick, Hassan Lee and Jim Hogg

Congratulations and best wishes to Minister ofPastoral Care Heidi Denman and Chuck McDougallon their marriage, October 7, in Highlands Ranch,Colorado. Rev. Jerry Herships officiated, followingHeidi’s mother’s instructions to “tie that knot goodand tight!”

Are You Active in the Life of This Church?

University Circle United Methodist Church1919 E. 107th St.Cleveland, OH 44106 www.churchinthecircle.com;

216.421.1200

November: 30 First Sunday in Advent

Neighborhood Lunch, 1pm, Great Hall

December: 7 Second Sunday in Advent—Communion Sunday

CircleFest9 Staff-Pastor-Parish, Yoder Room, 6pm10 Trustees, Reception Room, 6pm14 Third Sunday in Advent

Second Sunday Lunch, following worshipDobama Theater, A Civil War Christmas, 2:30pm

16 Finance, Reception Room, 6pm21 Fourth Sunday in Advent

Christmas CantataAll-Church Potluck, Great Hall, following worshipOpera Per Tutti, Amahl and the Night Visitors, 2pm, Sanctuary

24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, 4pm, 8pm and 11pm28 Worship at 11am

Neighborhood Lunch, 1pm, Great Hall31 Watch Night Service, 6pm, Chapel

January: 4 Epiphany Sunday

~ONGOI NG~Neighborhood Basketball (currently

on hold)Chancel Ringers (hand bells)

rehearsal, Wednesdays, 6–7:15pmChancel Choir rehearsal,

Wednesdays, Sanctuary, 7:15–9pmGospel Choir rehearsal, Thursdays,

6:30pmNeighborhood Lunch, last Sundays,

1pmSSL (Second Sunday Lunch)

following worshipMENS Speaker Forum, usually

quarterly

~SU N DAYS~Adult classes at 9am in the Parlor, 9:30am in the Yoder RoomChildren’s Sunday School Classes begin at 10:45amMiddle School and High School Youth meet during worshipWorship at 11am, SanctuaryLiturgical Dance Rehearsals, before and after worship

8 University Circle United Methodist Church December 2014

What’s Happening