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Traditional Worship Service - 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service - 10:30 AM

July Scripture Memory Passage

Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other

Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. 2 Peter 1:6-7 NLT 2 Peter 1:6-7 NLT

June 27, 2015 Dear colleagues and friends in Christ Jesus: Yesterday the United States Supreme Court issued a long-awaited and important decision regarding same-sex marriage. The decision now makes it legal for same-sex couples to marry throughout the United States. The decision also calls for any legally performed marriage done in one state to be recognized under the law in all states. At the heart of the decision was interpreting the 14th Amendment which guarantees “equal protection” and “due process” of law to all citizens. Together we are all thinking about the meaning of the Supreme Court decision and the teaching and ministry of the church. The court’s decision did not seek to resolve biblical, pastoral or theological debate of the church or any religious institution. The decision was directed only at state laws that bar same-gender persons from marriage. In fact the majority opinion affirms explicitly under the 1st Amendment the right of religious organizations to “protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and central to their lives and faiths…” The authorized teachings and practices of The United Methodist Church are unchanged at this time. Every four years we hold a General Conference which decides what the official teachings and practices of The United Methodist Church will be going forward. May 10-20, 2016 the General Conference will meet in Portland, Oregon. An equal number of lay and clergy delegates from each Annual conference will make up the more than 800 voting delegates that will decide how United Methodists will live and work missionally for the next four years. They will take up the many petitions to the General Conference on a wide variety of topics. To be sure there will be many petitions on human sexuality, marriage and pastoral ministry. Please pray not only for the delegates from West Ohio but all the delegates. Pray for the missional work of the General Conference. Engage the process by submitting petitions if you feel led to do so. In the meantime let us not be demure in pursuing the mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, of loving without reserve every child of God and embodying beloved community. Yours through Jesus Christ,

Gregory V. Palmer

Resident Bishop, Ohio West Area

2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT Clergy and lay members from across the West Ohio Conference convened at Lakeside Chautauqua on the shores of Lake Erie for the 46th session of the West Ohio Annual Conference, held Sunday, June 7 through Wednesday, June 10, 2015. This year continues the theme Becoming the Beloved Community: Taken, Blessed, Broken, and Given, using the word Broken to shape the direction of this year’s Annual Conference session. During the 3-day session, the members of the West Ohio Annual Conference tended to the business of the annual conference, voted on recommendations and reports, elected a General and Jurisdictional Conference delegation, worshipped, sang and celebrated the mission and ministry of our West Ohio United Methodist congregations. Highlights of note for the week included the Celebration of Ministry Service, Memorial Service, Retirement Service, and reaching the $3.5M goal for Imagine No Malaria. During his Episcopal Address, Bishop Palmer began by reminding the members of the annual conference of the 5 "asks" from his 2014 address and praising the year's accomplishments. “The world is hungry for the living bread,” said the Bishop. He challenged each of West Ohio’s districts to engage in eight bold new ideas that the individual local church has not done before throughout the coming year. The Bishop also called members into a season of prayer and weekly fasting for the 2016 General Conference. Prior to adjournment, the Bishop fixed appointments and commissioned newly elected delegates asking members to pray over them and the work they will do on behalf of the annual conference and denomination. Tired from a long week of important business, members slowly made their way out of Hoover Auditorium to travel back home. While the sessions this year were long, the unity of the annual conference continued to be evident. Through the leadership of Bishop Palmer, both lay and clergy members were blessed with direction and care. May we continue to bless others with the same as we travel together in challenging theological times.

RESULTS OF VOTING 1.PASSED Recommendation #1 Council on Finance & Administration Recommendations Calendar Year 2016, 2016 Mission and Ministry Funding Plan (electronic vote) 2.PASSED Recommendation #2 Conference Center Building (electronic vote) 3.PASSED Recommendation #3 Recommendation to Sell Camp Asbury (electronic vote) 4.PASSED Recommendation #4 Commission on Equitable Compensation (electronic vote) 5.PASSED Recommendation #5 2016 Board of Pension and Health Benefits (electronic vote) Some editorial data provided to the body during the report. The Journal will reflect the updated version. (electronic vote) 6.PASSED Recommendation #6 Resolution For Review Of WOC Financial and Apportionment Strategies. Friendly amendment changed pg. 45 line 15 from "feasible" to "missionally beneficial." (electronic vote) 7.PASSED Recommendation #7 Petition to the 2016 General Conference of the UMC for a Study and Global Conversation about Marriage. (electronic vote) (Will be submitted to General Conference)

2015 ANNUAL CONFERENCE REPORT RESULTS OF VOTING CONTINUED-

8.INDEFINITELY POSTPONED Recommendation #8 Petitioning the 2016 General Conference to Form a Task Force to Consider All “Common Way” Plans to Keep our Church United Despite Differences on Same Gender Marriage and Ordination Eligibility 9.PASSED AS PLURALITY BALLOT (electronic vote) (All will be submitted to General Conference) •Recommendation #9 Resolutions Petitioning the 2016 General Conference Regarding Fossil Fuel Divestment; Petition for General Conference Regarding General Board of Pension and Health Benefit Investments •PASSED Recommendation #10 Petition for General Conference Regarding a Change in The Book of Discipline •PASSED Recommendation #11 Petition for General Conference Regarding a Change in The Book of Resolutions

~~

On Sunday, June 7, 2015, we collect a special offering that wrapped up our Imagine sermon series. On that Sunday we asked you to imagine a world without malaria … and you responded by giving $3,456 in a single offering! What a blessing!! That offering along with thousands of other offerings helped the West Ohio Conference to raise over $3.5 million to go towards the United Methodist Church’s $75 million No More Malaria campaign. Today every 60 seconds one child dies from malaria … but just 15 years ago two children died every 60 seconds. We are making substantial improvements and now with more treated mosquito nets, more clinics and more medicine … we can Imagine No Malaria! Your donation of $3,456 translates to somewhere between 500-1000 lives saved!!! What an impact you are making for the Kingdom. Thank you for your generosity!!

I tell you the truth, whatever you did for

one of the least of these brothers of

mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25:40

SERVING SEGMENT

“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many

expressions of thanks to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:12

As I promised in my first segment, I have been learning more about the ways I can join you in the ministry of

service. As is true with most things, once I earnestly sought the ways that I could serve, I found that there are

boundless opportunities. It’s also true, that as I am made aware of these serving opportunities, I see that I have

rarely purposely extended myself to serve. I have tried to serve in the home and, until my recent retirement, at

work. I will say that in those roles I have looked for ways to love and extend myself, but in other serving

domains I have fallen woefully short. So this month, rather than tell myself how miserably I have failed to

genuinely reach out, I have contemplated ways I could step up my serving walk.

Located by the Information Desk in the Welcome Center are “hard copies” of ways to serve in the home,

church, local area, and world (my girls will tell you I like that old fashion kind of information). In an effort to

move forward with giving more of myself, I have decided each month to work my way through one serving

opportunity for each category. So what follows are my new efforts at serving. First, Serving in the Home: I

chose “Ask for help when you need it, don’t just expect it”. That was easy! Secondly, Serving in the Church: I

agreed to share my God moment during UMW Sunday. Thirdly, Serving in the Local Area: I participated in the

Lung Run at Easton to support the daughter of a former colleague. Lastly, Serving in the World: I finalized

plans to spend a week in Kentucky with the SOWER Project, helping build a home for a local resident (I have

to admit this is a big step for me and I am feeling somewhat unsure as to what to expect).

In telling you about these service projects I am certainly not trying to toot my own horn (after all, my service so

far has involved asking, talking, walking and registering), but rather to show that I made an effort to be

intentional about serving as I take on this new role in the church. I know that many of you have faithfully served

in these areas as well. This congregation is so full of love, generosity, and Christ-like serving. From now on I

want to fill this segment with your experiences. I encourage you again to share your stories so we can

encourage one another to be the hands, mouth, and feet of Christ! Remember to contemplate the quote, “What

have I done to make a positive difference in the lives of others that I would not have done if it were not for my

relationship to Christ?”

Opportunity to Serve

Lifeline Christian Mission July 18

th, 10:00-2:00. A reminder that we will be going to their warehouse in

Columbus to do a variety of jobs, appropriate for all ages and abilities (sorting and boxing clothing, shoes, food,

etc.) We will meet in the church parking lot at 9:15 to carpool. Watch for the sign-up card in the church bulletin.

The sign-up is limited to 30 and you can join us by checking () the box on the Connection Card in the bulletin.

Minda Taylor Lifeisgood030@yahoo.com

Ministry Newsletter

“Effectively inspire and equip students to develop a faith of their own”

PARENTS

High School Youth

Sundays 6:30-8:30pm Meet at the Church’s Gym Open to 9th – 12th grades

*Not July 5th*

Middle School Youth

Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm Meet at the Church’s Gym

Open to 6th – 8th grades *Every Wednesday*

Alive @ 7

7-10:30pm Meet at the Church’s Gym Open to 6th – 12th grades

Time of Open Gym *July 24th Only*

Youth Pastor Info

Bill Weaver

bill@lithopolisumc.org

614-551-5291

July 6th-10th – Vacation Bible School…volunteer opportunities all week July 8th – Combo Night for 6th-12th graders July 11th – Youth Service Day: Ronald McDonald House (leave @ 9:30am) July 18th – Church Service Day: Lifeline Mission (leave @ 9am) August 16th – Combo Night for 6th-12th graders Week of August 23rd – Guardrails Message Series begins (move-up week) Sept. 19th-20th – Pointfest at Cedar Point (park and concerts)

We invite you to sign-up to receive a weekly email sharing what we are teaching each week, what questions you can ask your child each week, and what will be taught the following week. To be put on this list, please send an email to bill@lithopolisumc.org and put in the subject line “list” and then in the body part of the email your name(s) and your child(ren)’s name. .

JULY 2015

On Tuesday, May 19th, the church decided to purchase the house next to the Multi-Ministry Center (57 East North Market Street, Lithopolis) and dedicate the house to become the “youth house”. Over the summer, we will be preparing the house to be fully functional by August 16th or no later than Sept. 6th. Please be aware of work day opportunities and also opportunities to donate or purchase furnishings for the new house!

We sponsor a child in Haiti, Michelot. Please continue to send offerings with your child to help support Michelot.

We are being blessed with a large number of babies and toddlers. Please consider volunteering in there once every month or two. There is a sign up outside the nursery door or talk to Stacia, our nursery coordinator.

Please take a moment and say Thank-you to our wonderful nursery staff and volunteers. They do an excellent job keeping our babies and toddlers happy and safe.

If you would like to donate snacks to our nursery, they can use animal crackers, pretzels, cheerios and graham crackers.

Reminder: Our Nursery is for babies & toddlers from birth until age 4. At age 4 they are welcome to join Rock City Kids Ministry.

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTRIES DIRECTOR

Michelle Tichenor

mtichenor2@gmail.com (614) 837-0198

Rock City is going strong and growing weekly. The kids are having fun

and getting strong biblical training. ANYONE is welcome to stop in and watch and listen any week—it is a joy!! Rock City is for ages 4 through

5th grades.

We still have a need for Volunteers, 6th grade and up, to help on Sunday mornings. We have many jobs and helping an hour or so a month is a great way to interact with these children. If you are interested or want more information contact Michelle Tichenor at 614-837-0198 or mtichenor2@gmail.com. It is never too late to volunteer

and you will get a really nice t-shirt!! We are also in need of snacks, if

you would like to help with these, let me know! THANK YOU to those you who have donated snacks!

CHILDREN’S COORDINATOR

ASSISTANT

If you are interested in working with Rock City

Kids, we are hiring a part-time assistant.

Contact Michelle Tichenor

August, 19th

at 5:30 p.m.

We will be doing some crafts from our upcoming VBS with all ages of children.

No Community Dinner this month. See you August 19th!

HAITI

AITIHA

N RSERY NEWS

COLUMBUS ZOO:

On Saturday, August 29th the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church is

sponsoring an event at the Columbus Zoo. The purpose is to honor the generosity of our

children in the Imagine No Malaria campaign. Our VBS raised over $600.00 for this last year.

What’s the cost? $5.00 each (West Ohio is covering the rest). Adults are also $5.00.

What’s included? Admissions, parking, animal demonstrations, buffet lunch at noon, $5.00

Zoo Cash for each child, caricature artists, face painters and handimals.

YOU MUST BUY TICKETS IN ADVANCE. Order forms will be at the INFORMATION DESK. Your

orders must be received by July 31st.

ANY questions let me know.

Michelle T 837-0198

SAVE THE

DATE !

July 6th – July 10th 9:30 a.m. – Noon

This year’s theme is SonSparks Lab!

We are looking for many volunteers, please sign up on the Connection Card, online at Lithopolisumc.org or see Michelle Tichenor for an application. The Information Desk can always help you out with this!! It is not too late to volunteer.

ZOO

C O L U M B U S

AND AQUARIUM

GROUPS

GET CONNECTED

LIFEgroups ● Interest Groups ● Fun Groups

BETH MOORE BIBLE STUDY

Children of the Day

9 Week Women’s study begins July 14th

Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m.

Sign up on the Connection Card or call the office at 614-837-2230

Is family life a challenge? Is work driving you crazy? Do you know God has a purpose for your life, but you can't figure out what it is? Know that your circumstances are not coincidental. And God's timing is impeccable. Join Beth Moore on the Thessalonian shores as she walks you through the truth of each verse of 1 and 2 Thessalonians. In this study, you'll face crises, afflictions, relationships, doubts, concerns, and fears.

The Walk to Emmaus is a spiritual renewal program sponsored by The Upper Room of the United Methodist Church. It is a 72 hour spiritual renewal weekend that any person may attend through sponsorship by someone who has been on the walk. Our walks take place at Reynoldsburg UMC several times a year. It strives to provide persons who attend with the opportunity to become more intentional and fruitful in their spiritual walk and to become better able to share the Good News.

The next Men’s Walk will be July 9th - 12th The next Woman’s Walk will be August 6th - 9th

For more information check out the pamphlets in the welcome center or contact Chuck Miller, 740-974-5441 or chuck’s email: ktm513@gmail.com or Lani Honesty at 614-829-6460

Extravagant Generosity

Compassionate Care Corner

“See, I am doing a new thing! I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 Our Compassionate Care Practice wants to help you make your way through the dessert! If you are going through a rough time and need resources or guidance, please let the office know and we will help in any way we can! Don’t go through these hard times alone!! Lynn Whetstone has volunteered to head up the phone prayer chain so if you don’t receive email and would prefer to be called when people are in need of prayer, please let Shelly know or sign up on the Connection Card. Have a great July!! “The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.” John Pierpont Morgan

Kathy Spencer Shelly Horn, Administrative Assistant Kspencer88@att.net shelly@lithopolisumc.org (614)578-7337 (614)837-2230

As summer is upon us, it can only mean one thing. The Trash & Treasure sale is not that far away. The United Methodist Women are requesting that you start or continue saving your treasures for donations to the sale. Besides your donations, volunteers (daytime and/or evening) are needed to make this a successful mission for our community. If you have large items that need to be picked up, want to volunteer or have questions, please contact Angie Rickly at (614)837-6433 or arickly124@gmail.com. Our goal is to raise $7,000 for the Building Program of the Community Food Pantry. We will start collecting donations on Sunday, Aug. 2nd at 1:00 pm to Wed., Aug. 5th 7:00 pm in the Church Multi Ministry Center. The sale will be held on Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th.

Lithopolis United Methodist Church Welcomes this year’s New Members

April 26th, 2015

Jim & Dianne Myers Beatrice Wetherell

May 3rd, 2015

Nat Floyd Tara Floyd

Pamela Harris Tammie Hart

Tyler Hart Brian Malinowski Helen Marteney

Barbara McKinley Bill McKinley

Karen Morrison Eric Schwab

Tanya Schwab Sheri Spelman Scott Spelman

Brooke Spelman Cody Spelman Cory Spelman Nick Swisher

Rachel Swisher

Extravagant Generosity

The Heart for Giving Time and Talents

How much of my time does God want? How much of my time do I want to

give? Time is a gift from God and we get to decide how we want to use it, but do our

priorities of time match what God has said in the Bible?

First, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, and soul." To love God

deeply involves building a relationship with him. That can be a chunk of time. It could

involve reading the bible to understand what he is all about, listening to him through

prayer and meditation so he can bring more clarity to our understanding, and study

and conversation with others to develop further clarity.

Second, "and love your neighbor as yourself". Can we divide our neighbors into

categories? God talks a lot about taking care of our family first, and I would believe

that would include the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs; maybe others. Are

the rest of the neighbors included next or do Christians come before non-

Christians. Is this where we spread the gospel in our daily life? I don't have an

answers for those, maybe you do, but I can see a chunk of time being use here.

Third, what can I do with the body of believers to expand the gospel through the

united efforts of the church? God gave you gifts/talents when you were born. It is

usually something you do well and enjoy. Find the nitch where that can be used to

further the church as the church furthers the kingdom.

The key to how much time we give to God is dependent on our relationship with

him. The better we know him, the more we'll see what he's done for us through his

love and the more we'll love him. "We love him because he first loved us." Isn't

generosity an outflow from our love?

LIFE EVENTS

Baptisms 6-14-15 Harper Caroline Heslep, daughter of Todd & Katy Heslep 6-28-15 Bella Faith Tennant , daugher of Dan & Tamasha Tennant 6-28-15 Charis Gabriel Tennant, son of Dan & Tamasha Tennant

NOTE OF THANKS

To Pastor Russ & The Congregation, We wish to express our deepest thanks for all the prayers during our son-in-laws illness and for the prayers, cards, etc. after his passing. They really helped to ease our pain. Sincerely, Bill & Patty Spires

JULY’S COMMUNINTY DINNER – Cancelled. Please join us Wednesday, August 19th at 5:30 p.m. as we resume our monthly community dinner. We encourage you to invite family, friends, and neighbors etc. to come for a time of food, fellowship and fun activities for kids! Donations for the meal are accepted but not expected. We are always in need of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, the sign- up sheet is located on the bulletin board by the entrance doors. If you have any questions contact the office at 614-837-2230

SCHEDULES FOR JULY 2015

7/5 7/12 7/19 7/26

Acolytes 9am Tanner Swartz Eli Rickly Allison Snider Zach Warner

Good Shepherd 9:00am

Sharon Murphy David Plummer Jessie Mills Marlys Fergus

Good Shepherd 10:15am

Amy Mayne Cathy Burden Bob Jones Muriel Beers

Greeters 9am Bruce & Bunny Palmer, Greg & Sandy Shafer

Mike Smith & Cindy Wilson, Charles & Barbara Morrison

Steve & Pam Schilling, Dennis

Click, Carla Jacobs

Mike Lehman, Sandi Ritchey, Dennis Click,

Carla Jacobs

Greeters 10:30am

Aaron & Sam Farley Aaron & Sam Farley Jay & Jodi Brown Jay & Jodi Brown

Well-Wishers 11:30am

Brian Malinowski, Mike Loeffler

Brian Malinowski, Mike Loeffler

Ty Hart, Rachel Swisher

Ty Hart, Rachel Swisher

Guest Services 8:30am

Sandy Tootle, Kathy Spencer

Karen Tennant Bonnie Sallee

Cindy Wilson Bunny Palmer

Diane Price Bonnie Sallee

Guest Services 10:00am

Lynn Whetstone, Kathy Spencer, Noreen Mattei,

Besty & Ryan Hess

Marilyn & Ken Lysinger,

Karen Tennant

Cindy Wilson Bunny Palmer Shelley Gallion Janell Coffman

Jodi Brown, John Cline

Minda Taylor Holly & George Mattei

Ushers 9:00am

Jess Mills, Paul Speakman,

David Smith, Mike Upperman

Jess Mills, Paul Speakman,

David Smith, Mike Upperman

Jess Mills, Paul Speakman,

David Smith, Mike Upperman

Jess Mills, Paul Speakman,

David Smith, Mike Upperman

Ushers 10:30am

Mike & Minda Taylor Jim & Muriel Beers

Mike & Minda Taylor Jim & Muriel Beers

Mike & Minda Taylor

Jim & Muriel Beers

Mike & Minda Taylor Jim & Muriel Beers

NURSERY ATTENDANTS - Lisa Hovendick, Jan Jones, Stephanie Lysinger, Brenda Perry, April Totten, Kris Creviston, Kristy Lilley, Mary West and Brenda Fisher are our regular Nursery Attendants. Stacia Nepa is our Nursery Coordinator. They rotate Sundays and special events so that our children always recognize a face in the nursery.

LITHOPOLIS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

PASTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF Russ Tichenor Pastor PastorRuss@lithopolisumc.org Carl Spencer Administrative Lay Pastor Carl@lithopolisumc.org Bill Weaver Director of Youth Ministries Bill@lithopoilsumc.org Ken Marckel Minister of Visitation bbbc2937@gmail.com Michelle Tichenor Director of Children and Family Ministries Mtichenor2@gmail.com Stacia Nepa Nursery Coordinator Stacia@lithopolisumc.org Collins Cranmer Contemporary Service Worship Leader Collins.Cranmer@igelco.ocm Joe Carter Technology Coordinator Jcarter183@gmail.com Amy Bratton Treasurer Amy@lithopolisumc.org Shelly Horn Administrative Assistant Shelly@lithopolisumc.org Kimberly Weaver Connections Coordinator Kimberly@lithopolisumc.org Pam Sprang Parish Nurse Pasprang06@hotmail.com

LUMC Attendance & Financial Giving

Information for June 2015

Pastoral Care & Counseling Needs

Pastor Russ Tichenor or Bill Weaver

614-837-2230 * pastorruss@lithopolisumc.org * bill@lithopolisumc.org

Licensed Professional Christian Counseling Always Hope Counseling, LLC – Kathy Spencer, MA, PC

614-636-2425 * alwayshopecounseling123@gmail.com

(Fee based on ability to pay)

Combined Attendance 6/7 6/14 6/21 6/28

Worship 403 403 371 399

Our Gifts

Capital Funds $3,728 $3,124 $2,433 $1,577

General Contributions $10,103 $12,807 $6,544.67 $7,672

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LithopolisUMC Website: www.lithopolisumc.org

Inviting people to be in relationship with Jesus and each other

so lives and communities are changed

Lithopolis United Methodist Church

80 N. Market St., P.O. Box 42 Lithopolis, OH 43136

Phone: 614-837-2230 Fax: 614-837-3748

THE LITHOPOLIS LINK ● Linking Church and Home ● JULY 2015