February 2010

General News

Gift of Love

Attention, Knitters! Guidepost Magazine sponsors a simple sweater pattern for children in third world countries who suffer from malnutrition. If you are interested in more details, please call Sue Callendine at 614-885-6173. I will mail the finished sweaters to their proper address.
–Sue Callendine

Thank You

I would like to thank my church family for the many expressions of sympathy and condolence upon the sudden and unexpected death of my first wife and mother of my son, on January First.  Your support has been tangible and appreciated and has been shared with the family.  God Bless.
-- Dennis Benson

Thank You, Troop 365

Thank you to the leaders and members of Boy Scout Troop 365, who provided the beautiful luminaries to light our pathways on Christmas Eve. Special thanks to the Scouts and adults who set up the luminaries on Christmas Eve: Thomas Stimpert, Greg Serpa, Chris Battisti, Barry Serpa, Jim Kirk and Steve Kirk -- and especially thanks to Chris for rounding every one up. Thank you, Scouts!

Knitters and Stitchers

The Knitters and Stitchers will meet on Saturday, February 13th and Saturday, February 20th, 9:30 to 11:00 AM, in the Church Library. The meeting is open to anyone who wants to learn or just spend some time with others working on your own project.  We will also help with problems as much as we can.  This includes people interested in working on a prayer shawl.  Contact Mary Scott, at 614-885-8628 or 36.scott@gmail.com, for more information.

Book Review:

The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows
by James Bryan Smith
In his new book, The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows, author James Bryan Smith contemplates many false statements that some people come to believe about God, such as that God is angry or vengeful, or that unfortunate events in their lives are malicious punishments for their behavior. Smith methodically explains why these statements are not true of the God Jesus knows and tells us about in the New Testament. Relying on scripture, Smith invites us instead to remember the loving God that we may have forgotten. This thorough and engaging book includes thoughtful questions for consideration, as well as suggestions for spiritual disciplines and small group discussion questions. The Good and Beautiful God is newly available in the WUMC library.
– Reviewed by Kristen Welcome-McKee

2009 Financial Update

Thank you all very much!! Financially speaking, Worthington United Methodist Church ended 2009 on a positive note. A $164,707 budget deficit projected at the beginning of the year was reduced by $142,057. This exciting turn of events was made possible through the generous and faithful giving of our members and by holding the line on expenses. Actual giving was $109,519 more than budgeted and actual expenses were $32,539 less than budgeted. Regarding apportionments, 100% of the District, 100% of the United Methodist Community Ministries, and 77% of the Conference payments were made. Below is a summary of the 2009 budget activity:

WUMC 2009 Finance Update

	2009 Actual	2009 Budget	Over / Under
Total Reciepts	$1,043,879	$934,360	$109,519
Total Expenses	$1,066,528	$1,099,067	($32,539)
Net Receipts (Expense)	($22,650)	($164,707)	$142,057
Interest Income	$350	$1,000	($650)
Net Assets, beginning	$22,299
Net Assets, ending	($0)

In addition, we began 2010 with a balance of $37,270 in 2010 contributions to begin the year. A more detailed statement will be made available to the congregation later in the month. Below you will find a Summary of our 2010 Budget and information regarding its review.
- Jim Heilman, Finance Committee Chairperson

2010 Consolidated Budget Summary

This is a consolidated budget and not an operating budget. An operating budget is supported by the first five lines of income. A consolidated budget is supported by all of the lines of income. That means that the expenses include items that are supported by Restricted Funds. An example of this is the Outreach Ministries. The Outreach Ministries expenses are completely covered by Restricted Funds, specifically by the undesignated fund in the Second Mile Giving. This budget was approved by the Administrative Council in February 2010 pending additional review in April, 2010, with resulting expenses adjusted to match receipts.
-- Finance Committee

2010 Consolidated Budget Summary

Church-Wide Lenten Study

Celebrate the Risen Christ by Andy and Sally Langford This Lenten Study is our invitation to understand, appreciate, and participate in meaningful celebrations of God's gift of life during Lent and Easter as we remember the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This seven week, church-wide, Lenten Study will begin on Sunday, February 21st during Sunday School, at 10:10 am. The study will be offered in five different classes meeting in the Browning Lounge, the CPC Staff Lounge (off of the Commons), in Room 317, the South Fellowship Hall, and in the Chapel Lounge. The Chapel Lounge class is intended for young adults. The cost for the book is $6.00 and books may be purchased in the church office. You are asked to read the Introduction and Chapter 1 in preparation for the first class.

Stephen Ministry Is There for You

Winter dressed in its splendor of white is often unnoticed amid the slush in the road and the gloom of the sky. If it seems the sun isn't glistening diamonds on your winter snow, the winds are chilling you to the bone, and the economic stresses in your life make you simply want to huddle under the blankets in your bed, Stephen Ministry is there you. If you need a caring, non-judgemental, listener to walk with you, contact Judy Mayhew at (614) 895-1337 or judimay59@insight.rr.com.

Marriage Celebration

The Marriage Celebration group invites all married couples to join them for a romantic dinner at Confluence Park, at 6:30 pm, on Saturday, February 13. The charge will be $56.00 per couple with reservations and payment directed to John & Carol Wolters, 614-791-8723, by February 5. You may select a fish or chicken entré.

Sunday Morning Schedule Survey

Please complete the survey, availabe online [PDF], and return to the church office; if you would like you may also include your concerns, comments, or suggestions regarding the Sunday morning schedule. We also encourage you to share your comments with the members of the Sunday Morning Schedule Study Group, or send an email to WUMCsched@gmail.com. Thank you for your input!
- The Sunday Morning Schedule Study Group: Don Wheat, facilitator, Jim Gahman, Cyndy Garn, Ashley Gerard, Peggy Kutz, Carole Lee, Dick Mayhew, Heather Sass, Matt Seabaugh, Keith Stimpert, Lesly Wade

Organist Ken Cowan Returns to WUMC in February

Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 28, when organist Ken Cowan returns to WUMC. Ken Cowan is one of North America's finest concert organists. Praised for his dazzling artistry, impeccable technique and imaginative programming by audiences and critics alike, he maintains a rigorous performing schedule which takes him to major concert venues across America, Canada and Europe. Numerous critically acclaimed compact disc recordings are available by Mr. Cowan. Many of his recordings and live performances are regularly featured on the nationally distributed radio show PIPEDREAMS from American Public Media.

On Sunday, February 28, at 3:00 pm, Ken Cowan will perform at Worthington United Methodist Church. The recital is free and open to the public, and a free-will offering will be taken. Come, enjoy and afternoon of magnificent organ music, and bring a friend along!

Pedals, Pipes and Pizza

On Saturday, February 27, 9:30 am-12:pm, pianists, organists and other instrumental musicians ages 12-18 will converge on Worthington United Methodist Church and prepare to meet the king. To be introduced to the pipe organ, that is. Often referred to as "the king of instruments," the organ's unparalleled range of sonorities, power of sound, and pure genius as a work of design have captivated students and composers attending these programs. The program will be presented by Ken Cowan, one of North America's finest organists and Assistant Professor at Westminster Choir College in Princeton New Jersey. Mr. Cowan has been featured in recent performances at Grace Cathedral San Francisco, Philadelphia's Verizon Hall, Spivey Hall, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, Paris, France, and on Sunday, February 28 at 3:00 pm, he will present a recital at Worthington UMC.

Pedals Pipes and Pizza will begin with a demonstration of the organ, and will continue with many opportunities for the students to play and come to understand the instrument. They will be given opportunities to go inside and explore, and will also be shown a video presentation on the organ. The workshop will conclude with pizza and conversation and end at 12:30 pm. Pedals Pipes and Pizza is designed to introduce young musicians to the pipe organ, and is free of charge. Any student 12-18 years of age who would like to take part is invited to call Carol Burden at (609) 921-7100 x8287, or e-mail cburden@rider.edu.

Ash Wednesday Services, February 17

The beginning of the season of Lent will be observed with two Ash Wednesday services on Wednesday, February 17: at 12:00 noon and at 7:30 pm, both in the Potter Chapel. Our worship service will help us begin our Lenten preparations with scripture, prayer, Holy Communion, and, for those who wish, the imposition of ashes. The Noon service is for all persons, but especially for those who don't wish to drive after dark.

The Knitters and Stitchers

The Knitters and Stitchers will meet on Saturday, February 13th and 20th, 9:30-11:00 am, in the church library. The meeting is open to anyone who wants to learn or just spend time with others working on your own project. We will also help with problems as much as we can. This includes people interested in working on a prayer shawl. Join us!

Ushers Needed

Interested in serving our church community and meeting other parishioners and visitors? Please consider joining the WUMC usher team. We are always looking for members to assist during our Traditional or Emerge services. Becoming an usher is a rewarding way to serve the church and on average, you would only be ushering once a month over a year's time. We are also building a team of special event ushers who would be willing to dedicate time specifically to church activities such as weddings, funerals or church special events. Special event ushers would be responsible for directing visitors and answering questions during church related special events. If you are interested in ushering please contact us: Dick Byrd at 614-761-8485 or rbyrd1@columbus.rr.com, or Terry Wilson at 614-619-8762 or twilsonmerch@yahoo.com.