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April 2015

REFLECTIONS FROM THE PASTOR

I hope these past five weeks of Lent have been spiritually challenging and profoundly meaningful for you. I

hope you have found ways to be engaged in the Lenten journey through worship, Bible study, personal devo-

tions, and service. Holy Week is now upon us and the cross stands clearly before us. There is no week that is

more spiritually significant and deeply moving than the one that begins on March 29 with Palm Sunday and

then ends on April 5 with Easter’s celebration of resurrection. It is a week that is meant to be shared in com-

munity as we support one another through the betrayal, denial, suffering and death of Jesus’ final days. As

we walk together through the struggle and heartache of Holy Week, we will then stand together in faith at the

empty tomb rejoicing in the incredible good news that Jesus is alive. Join with me and commit yourself fully

to this last and most powerful “leg” of our Lenten journey as we participate in the following experiences...

PALM SUNDAY, March 29, 8:30a.m. & 11:00a.m. – Morning worship will lead us through Jesus’ entry

into Jerusalem. We will face both the triumph of that day and the impending suffering that lies ahead. Holy

Communion will be celebrated at the early service. The children will lead us in a Palm parade at the later ser-

vice, and The King’s Singers will sing.

MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 2, 7:30p.m. – This powerful worship experience will invite us to gather

with Jesus in that “Upper Room” as we share in the remembrance and celebration of our Lord’s Last Supper.

From there, a Tenebrae experience of extinguishing candles and dimming lights will lead us through the final

hours of Jesus suffering and death.

GOOD FRIDAY, April 3, 12:00p.m. – You are invited to gather with community Christians at the Gazebo

in Chagrin Falls Triangle for an outdoor Stations of the Cross Experience. This annual event is sponsored by

the Chagrin Valley Council on Churches. The 14 stations take us on a walking journey through Chagrin Falls

that will end at the triangle gazebo. (The UMC of CF is in charge of two of the fourteen stations. If you are willing to par-

ticipate by holding a station sign or by doing one of the readings, see me).

EASTER SUNDAY, April 5

8:30 a.m. –Traditional Easter Worship with our Chancel Choir (no Communion)

9:45-11:00 a.m. – Paschal Feast in Harris Fellowship Hall (hosted by the Fellowship Committee).

Come and leave any time during the 1 ¼ hours. There are no JAM sessions today.

11:00a.m. – Traditional Easter Worship with our Chancel Choir (no Communion)

As we approach the cross, let us never forget that resurrection life follows the sacrifice. Our hope is in the

One who rose from the dead and who continues to conquer death! I look forward to celebrating this great

hope with you on Easter Sunday!

A truly joyous and blessed Easter to all of you,

Pastor Joyce

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APRIL BOARD/COUNCIL MEETINGS

Christian Education Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m.

Communications Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m.

C.O.M. Tuesday, April 7, 8 p.m.

Finance Tuesday, April 14, 7 p.m.

Foundation Education Monday, April 27, 7:30 p.m.

Lay Leadership Monday, April 20, 7 p.m.

Membership Care Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m.

Outreach Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m.

Church Staff Meeting Thursday, April 9, 6:15 p.m.

SPR Meeting Tuesday, April 28, 7 p.m.

Trustees Monday, April 13, 7 p.m.

UMW Board Meeting Thursday, April 9, 10 a.m.

Worship Tuesday, April 7, 7 p.m.

April Birthdays and Anniversaries 1 Estavon Hill

2 Will Ewald, Peyton Ferrell

3 Jene Olrich, Jacob John Enders

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5 Diane Kater, Diana Himes, Hope Regalo,

Eileen Simpson

6 Amy Baraona, Dale Carter Kurt and Haley Schron ♥

7 Marta Kuivinen Brown

Tom and Heidi Asplin ♥

8 Kile Kenny, Cassidy Prather

Jonathan and Leslie McKnight ♥

9 Alexandra Neal

10 Seth Kubaitis 11 David Sallach

12 Anna Morgan

13 Andrew Guggenheim

14 Noah Kubaitis, Frances Buskey

15 Kim Cardaman, Rayna Sockman,

Camden Van Scoik

Bruce and Sherri Sturges ♥

16 Timothy Hummer, Barbara Kortwich,

Christy Robinson, Rosemarie Worstell

17 Karen Corson

Shaun and Viktoriya O’Neil ♥

Joe and LuAnn Rothbrust ♥

18 Dixie Touzalin, Thomas Morrow

Greg and Nancy Edgehouse ♥

19 Kathy Spresser, Alan Barnes

20 Elizabeth Nickel, Gabriel Norton

21 Jack Schron

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23 Virginia Fast, Kelly O’Neill Manly,

24 Tim Taylor, Bob Ohlrich, Connie Rich,

Ryan Sheets, Don Leach

David and Cherie Pavlich ♥

25 Bill Blair, Kelsey Kenny, Matthew Schmittel,

Alec Neal, Joel Otis

26 Jane Mazak 27 Grace Henry, Andrew Naylor, Hannah Gilson,

Sophie Gilson, Dorothy Stinson

Keith and Karen Bayer ♥

28 Cindy Snider, Bob DeMarco,

Halley James, Philip Pisczak

29 Karrie Abruzzino, Amanda Layman,

Nancy Herman

Adam and Kelley Barris ♥

Richard and Marianne Morgan Gold ♥

30 Frank Bartos

The Church Office will be closed on Monday, April 6 in observance of the Easter

holiday. The office will be open on Friday, April 3.

The Parents’ Morning Out (PMO) and The Methodist Preschool will be on spring

break through April 6. Classes resume on Tuesday, April 7. PMO will hold their

make-up day for the Monday class on Friday, April 10.

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MAY BELL TOWER DEADLINE The deadline for all articles to be included in the May Bell Tower is Friday, April 17. You can drop off

articles to the church office or submit them electronically to info@chagrinfallsumc.org.

A p r i l 2 0 1 5

April WORSHIP

CALENDAR

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Easter

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UMW Sunday

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Greeters 8:30 Jan Okeson Barbara Weir

Lillian Lodwick and

Phyllis Machnics Ellen Ferrone

11:00 Tom and Linda Mattern Jody Young Wayne and Pat Hosmer Ken Anderson

Liturgists

8:30 UMW

11:00 Kim Berger UMW Carol Schiemann Tracie Guggenheim

Acolytes 8:30 Charlie and Will Asplin UMW Nick Korenowski Charlie Asplin

11:00 Hannah and Sophie Gilson UMW Luke Volpe

Caroline Neimes

Robert Snider

Sound

System Jack Reboul Andrew Guggenheim Keith Pavilonis Karl Schultz

Preaching Rev. Lawson UMW Rev. Lawson Rev. Lawson

Coffee

Fellowship Paschal Feast Mark Muntean Anna Morgan and

Maggie Hissam Ellen Ferrone

Special

Worship

Nursery

Helper Jenny Schultz Rebecca Esterer Hannah Kubaitis

Communion

Stewards Pam Wurster and Marilyn Wyville

G e t C o n n e c t e d i n W o r s h i p

S TAY C O N N E C T E D W I T H Y O U R C H U R C H

Get Connected! We are on Facebook! Search for The United Methodist Church

of Chagrin Falls and like our page to keep up with what is going on!

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Hungry? The Cleveland Food Bank, through its member agencies, made possible more than 45 million meals in

2014 in Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Ashland, and Richland counties. Seventy-five percent of

the households served live at or below the federal poverty level ($19,530 for 3 household members).

In March, our church’s volunteers were cancelled by the Food Bank after many of the other groups

cancelled because of St Patrick’s Day! Although we were willing to volunteer, the food bank had way

too much work for the 10 committed. Sign up on the bulletin board, call Connie Hasman at the church

office (440-247-5848), or email Leslie McKnight (tomissleslie@windstream.net) to join the crew next

month on Tuesday, April 21 from 6 - 8 p.m.

S.O.A.P. Training for Human Trafficking

Be Free Cleveland is a ministry within the St. Michael Social Concerns Commission at Holy Angels

Church to fight sex trafficking in our communities by education, outreach, demand reduction, an re-

search. This ministry sponsors the S.O.A.P. (Save Our Adolescents from Prostitution) program and was

founded by survivor, author, and advocate Theresa Flores. Training for anyone interested in volunteer-

ing with this ministry will be held on the following dates, choose only one to attend: Mondays, April 13,

May 4, and June 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the St. Michael Room of Holy Angels, 18205 Chillicothe Road, Cha-

grin Falls. Groups of volunteers travel to various hotels, motels, and bars in and around the Cleveland

area delivering bars of soap and/or coasters labeled with the national phone number for human traffick-

ing. Please contact Donna Angelotti in the Parish Office at (440) 708-0000 or don-

na@holyangelschurch.com if you plan on attending the training or for more information. Look on the

Be Free Cleveland Chapter page on Facebook.

More ways to connect:

Apostles Build Project of the Chagrin Valley Council of Churches – We have joined forces with 12 ar-

ea churches to support local Habitat for Humanity projects this spring and summer. Each church com-

mits to raising $4000 and supplying the labor for three work dates between May and September. Monies

from the Easter offering will go towards our commitment fee. Marty Sallach of the Outreach Committee

has offered to coordinate this effort along with future Nehemiah Projects. We will be picking project

dates and looking to form a team of 8 - 10 volunteers for each of the dates selected. Look for an email

blast and sign-up sheets in the near future.

Crop Walk – Join fellow church members and your neighbors on Sunday, April 26 to participate in this

event to “end hunger one step at a time” at the Frohring Meadows (Geauga Park District) at 2:00 p.m.

Registration begins at 1:30 p.m. The Outreach committee will have information available in the narthex

and the office foyer to enlist your support.

Relay for Life – Our church team, the Motivators, will be ready for the May 30 event at Kenston High

School. Lee Schiemann and Kris Welch are serving as co-captains of the event and reaching out for

walkers, survivors, and supporters. This year’s event will run from noon to midnight.

Adult Mission Survey – Thanks to those of you who have already responded to the short survey as-

sessing interest in adult mission trip opportunities. Hard copies of the survey can be found in the church

office foyer, and the survey will continue to be accessible through an email from Survey Monkey. You

need only fill it out once. Thanks in advance for your continued input.

G e t C o n n e c t e d i n O u t r e a c h

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Geauga Clean-Up Days - The Department of Aging needs help securing volunteers to help clean sen-

iors’ yards during the 2015 clean-up days. “Clean-up” volunteers will generally be assigned close to

their homes to make the most of their volunteer time, although, some volunteers may choose another ar-

ea in which they would like to work. Contact Sherri Davis, 440-279-2129, M-F, 8:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

as soon as possible. The kick-off date is Saturday, April 4.

Check out the thanks – I’ve posted lots of copies of the many thank you notes from beneficiaries of our

church’s generosity throughout the year, especially during the holidays. See the Outreach portion of the

bulletin board in the office foyer.

Leslie McKnight

EASTER OFFERING

To celebrate Easter is to acknowledge that Jesus is alive. We serve a living Savior, a Savior who contin-

ues to bring help and hope and new life. As those who bear the name “Christian” we honor our Living

Lord as we ourselves choose to give and act in ways that also offer help and hope and the opportunity for

new life. Every Easter, UMC of CF members are invited to participate in the Easter Offering. The mon-

ey collected from this yearly offering is always used to support outreach/mission projects. This year, the

Outreach Committee has chosen Habitat for Humanity as the recipient of our Easter offering. As a

church we are partnering with other area churches in an “Apostles’ Build project” to rehab two homes.

We need to raise $4,000 for this project. We will also need volunteers to work at the two homes from

May-August! Marty Sallach has taken leadership in coordinating this outreach project for our church.

You will soon hear more about this opportunity to volunteer. For now, please use the enclosed Easter

offering envelope to financially support this exciting project. If you use a different envelope, make sure

it is clearly marked “Easter Offering.” All checks should be made out to the church with “Easter Offer-

ing” on the memo line.

CROP WALK The Chagrin Valley Council on Churches is sponsoring a CROP Walk on April 26, 2:00p.m. at

Frohring Meadows (Savage Road in Bainbridge). The purpose of a CROP Walk is to raise money for

Hunger. These Walks are an extension of the hunger relief efforts of the National Council of Churches.

One of the great features of a CROP Walk is that ¼ of the money raised stays in the local area. Specifi-

cally, this money is being designated for Geauga County Hunger Task Force. The remainder of the

raised money will be directed to other hunger related projects in the USA and throughout the world.

YOU can participate in the CROP Walk by either walking or sponsoring one of our UMC of CF walkers.

Sponsor forms are available and additional information will follow in the April Sunday morning bulle-

tins. See Leslie McKnight if you would like to participate or if you have questions.

G e t C o n n e c t e d i n O u t r e a c h ( c o n t i n u e d )

You are invited to The King's Singers presentation of “The Table for Five Thousand,”

on Sunday May 10, 2015 at the 11:00 a.m. service. A light reception in Harris Fellowship Hall

follows the performance.

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G e t C o n n e c t e d i n P r ay e r

JOYS •Congratulations to Greg and Chris Robinson on the birth of their 6th grandchild. Adeleine Cecilia Robinson was born March 14 to their son Taylor and his wife Cecilia. She joins 2 sisters and a brother - Emma, True, and Charlie. •Congratulations to Norma Shupp on the birth of her great-grandson, Tristan Nathanial Shupp. Tristan was born March 14 to Norma’s grandson, Alan and Tahzae Shupp. •Nancy Kaniecki is home.

CONDOLENCES •The family of Chuck Dooley. •Sharon and family on the loss of her husband. •Phil Martin, Kim Berger’s uncle, passed away February 23.

NEW PRAYERS CONCERNS •Karen Hunter is receiving radiation treatments. •Marilyn Peterson is recovering from a mild stroke and congestive heart failure. She is in a rehab facility in Illinois. •Cindy O’Donnell has had a relapse. •Phyllis Machnics is dealing with financial issues. Please pray for quick resolution. •Jan, friend of Pris Hoag, has a broken hip. •Dr. Sheldon Artz, friend of Judy DeVere, is in need of our prayers. •Sarah, daughter of Mary Blashill, has liver cancer and is receiving treatments. •Peter Sorace, Deborah Sorace’s husband, is doing well and is at Heather Hill rehab. •Dawn Allen, Tracie Guggenheim’s sister, cancer concern. •Tomier Davenport and family, co-worker of Jackie Welch, is recovering from surgery this week. •Bindu, friend of Andy and Carrie Crawford, waiting on liver transplant and to begin treatment. She has liver cancer. She is a young mom. •Alan Miller has been diagnosed with cancer. •Ruth and Chuck, David Gilson’s sister and brother-in-law, are serving as missionaries in Thailand. Please pray for them. •Bill Rosecrance and his wife Kathy, nephew of Jack Bennett, has brain trauma. •Judy Gianelos is home following a brief hospitalization. •Sybil Shaffer, Rev. Peter Lawson’s aunt, has been diagnosed with throat cancer and is receiving treatments in Baltimore.

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LONG TERM PRAYER REQUESTS

Please take a moment to look over the long term prayer request list. If changes/updates should be made, please contact the church office. Thank you!

Debbie Adams Darlene Allen Georgia Althar Dr. Sheldon Artz David Bardos Shirley Bennett Renee Bird Joe Blanda Hal Bogart Kelly Bosworth Steven Boyer Rev. Paul Brooks Marjorie Brown Davis Linda Brown Bill Burton Cristi Calmer Tim Carter Eliane Chaplain Laura Chehayl Quinn Clarke Becky Clegg Cora Clemmer Jim Cole

Daisy Cooper-Harmon Bill Coughlin Rachel Curtis Tomier Davenport Amanda DeVere Holly Dillaway Natalie Rose DiLillo Christine Duncan Jeff Eagle Manie Elliott Madeline Ellingsworth Florence Evans Phyllis Ewald Fiorelli Family Lynn Fischer Jon Groth Gary Hall Gilbert Harrington Tommy Janes Mo King Sue Knowlton Mary Kushner Byrnadine Lawson

Karen, Kyle and Jack Laywell Zita Lee Ethel Leonhardt Frank Lindow Jim Mackey Annette Manning Denny Maurer Nancy Miller Mary Jane Miner George Moore Sally Moser Lori Murphy Julie McCullough Musselwhite Pam Newton Celia Oswich Carl Paskey Jackson Pilny Marge ReHark Judy Reimenschneider Kathleen Rieger

Art Rich Jim Ritchie Kevin Rooney Bill Rosecrance Barb Rowe Donald Satava Bill Schaffer Sybil Shaffer Elaine Shakley Marcy Shannon Betty Jane Shultz Bobbie Shamberg Norma Shusky Marybeth Skoch Lynn Slezak Peter Sorace Tim Spisak Cathy Sprocca Chris Starrett Madelyn Sukol Lonnie Tallin DeAnna Tenney Ron Turney

Mary Unkrich Jo Beth Vernon Ralph Vicory Linda Visdos Mabel Weals Mary Welch Bob Wilcoz Ingrid Wolter Toni Wright Julie Youngblood Judy, Linda Darrow’s sister Lori and husband, (friends of Ann Blake) Lexi, Bradley van Hoek’s son’s girlfriend Mike, Charissa Sallach’s brother

Maxine Althans Gary Beck Ann Goss

Jane Griffiths Ross Jarman Nancy Kaniecki

Ron Kooser Ruth Long Caitlin Naylor

Jennifer O’Donnell Glen Parker Tom Poultney

Connie Rich Margaret Stratton Lydian Yard

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MAUNDY THURSDAY LAST SUPPER AND TENEBRAE WORSHIP, April 2, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.

Worship will begin with a remembrance of Jesus’ Last Supper and sharing in Holy Communion. The

sanctuary will then be stripped. During this part of the service, Jesus’ suffering and death will be re-

membered as we extinguish candles and the sanctuary lights are dimmed. Watching the sanctuary

stripped and experiencing the slow descent of darkness and then hearing the tomb close create a power-

ful experience that allows us to more fully appreciate the triumphant joy of Easter morning. As Chris-

tians we must always walk the way of the cross before we can know the true joy of resurrection life!

OUTDOOR STATIONS OF THE CROSS Good Friday, April 3 at 12 Noon-Downtown Chagrin Falls

On Good Friday, April 3, at 12 Noon an outdoor stations of the cross will be celebrated beginning and

ending at the Gazebo in downtown Chagrin Falls. Participants from the Christian churches of the Cha-

grin Valley area will journey 2 miles to commemorate the footsteps of Jesus Christ on His journey along

the way of the Cross. We will stop 14 times to pray and to reflect during the route and will conclude

directly in front of the Gazebo in downtown Chagrin Falls. All Christians are welcome and encouraged

to pray this journey with us.

From the early days of Christianity, followers of Jesus told the story of His passion, death and resurrec-

tion. Visitors to Jerusalem were anxious to see the sites connected to the journey of Christ. Following

the “way of the cross” became a part of the pilgrimage visit. In the 16th century, when it was no longer

easy or possible to visit the holy sites in Jerusalem, small reproductions of the way of the cross became

popular. Shrines or stops along the way commemorated the holy places found on the route in Jerusalem.

The journey of the “Way of the Cross” remains a popular devotion for Christians even today.

Several volunteers are needed from our church to read Scripture and carry signs. If you are willing to

volunteer, or if you would like more information, please see Rev. Joyce.

EASTER SUNDAY, April 5, 2015

8:30 a.m. -Worship • 9:45 a.m. - Paschal Feast • 11:00 a.m. - Worship (no JAM sessions)

Communion will NOT be offered at either of the morning services on Easter Sunday, but will be availa-

ble to three days earlier (April 2) at Maundy Thursday worship. Between the two services, everyone is

welcome to enjoy the Paschal Feast in Harris Fellowship Hall. The Feast is organized by the Fellowship

Committee. Invite a friend or family member to join you at the UMC of Chagrin Falls on Easter Sunday

as we rejoice in the Risen Lord!

COMMUNION TO OUR CHURCH SHUT-INS On Sunday, April 19, the Membership Care Committee members will take Communion to our church

shut-ins following worship. This is our quarterly visit to share communion with church family members

who are not physically able to be present for worship. We go in pairs – each pair will receive a detailed

order of what to say and do from Rev. Joyce, as well as enough consecrated bread and juice to share

with 2-3 shut-ins.

Volunteers from the congregation are needed. Please sign-up on the sheet hanging on the board out-

side the office. Bread and juice will be available after the first and second services in Harris Fellowship

Hall. If you have questions, see Rev. Joyce or Barbara Butcher (chair of Membership Care).

. . G e t C o n n e c t e d i n W o r s h i p

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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW) NEWS

On Sunday, April 12, UMW will welcome a representative from the West Side Community House as

speaker for both the 8:30 and 11 a.m. services. She will inform us of all the many services that the Com-

munity House provides to the neighborhoods in Cleveland. A poster in the office area is a graphic dis-

play of some of these services. UMW members will serve as ushers, liturgists and greeters for UMW

Sunday.

Sales for Lowe’s Greenhouse gift cards are ongoing. Buy your cards before they are gone! Sales will

continue each Sunday except Easter Sunday.

Circle Reports

Ida Goode Circle will meet at noon in Harris Fellowship Hall on Thursday, April 23. Kim Berger will

present a program on books (The Garfield Home is still closed for repairs!) Bring a sandwich and Debo-

rah Sorace and Frances Porter will provide a salad and dessert and serve as hostesses.

Lydia Circle will meet in the Fireside Room on Tuesday, April 28 at 9:30 a.m. Jody Young will be

hostess and give devotions. Pat Hosmer will present a book review.

Rachel Circle will visit a Tea Room sometime soon.

Do your spring cleaning early and gather your unused but still useful items that you can donate to the

upcoming rummage sale. We can use your “stuff” and your help.

The UMW Board will meet on April 9 at 10 a.m. in the church library. All officers and circle leaders are

asked to attend.

Historical Note: in 1986 our UMW donated $400 each to Flat Rock, Elyria Home, Berea Children’s

Home, Red Bird and Geauga County Hunger Center.

SPRING RUMMAGE SALE!

Heads up! The Annual UMW Spring Rummage Sale is soon. All proceeds will go toward mission

projects and commitments. The sale is being held during the week of April 12, 2015. Set-up begins on

Monday, April 13 and the actual sale runs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of that week. So…..please

start cleaning out your closets and cupboards and set aside those things that you wish to donate. On

Sunday, April 12 at 12:00 p.m., you may begin to drop off items at the church and continue to do so until

noon on Wednesday, April 15.

The other important part of the rummage sale is that willing workers are needed throughout the week for

sorting and organizing donations and then to work at the sale. We have many who help year after year

and for that we are grateful, but hopefully more of you will consider signing up to help when the time

comes. Thank you. Co-chairs, Karen Hunter and Karen Johns.

MAGAZINE COLLECTION We are collecting the following magazines for distribution to patients at Geauga Hospital: women’s

magazines, People, current National Geographic, news, sports and woodworking magazines. Please

not more than three months old. Please leave magazines in the box under the table outside the

Secretary’s office. Many Thanks, Pat Hosmer

G e t C o n n e c t e d i n U M W

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RELAY FOR LIFE PARTICIPATION

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life brings together people to raise money to help prevent

cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering from the disease. While raising much needed funds, partici-

pants will also be raising awareness of cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and patient support.

Chagrin Valley’s Relay for Life of 2015 is being held on Saturday, May 30 beginning at 12 noon at the

Kenston High School Stadium. Throughout the twelve hour event, teams composed of all age groups

compete on and off the field to see which is most successful in raising funds amidst a background of mu-

sic, fun and games—and with at least one team member walking the track at all times. Here are a few

ways that you could participate.

Join a Team-This will be the tenth year for our Outreach Committee team, the Motivators. We usually

place among the top teams competing, but our numbers have diminished a bit. Contact Kris Welch if

you are able to join us on the track.

Survivor Participation-The very first lap around the Rely for Life course is walked solely by cancer

survivors to demonstrate that survivorship is real and progress against the disease has been significant.

Survivors and spouses are then honored at a private reception.

Luminaria-Honor a friend, family member or caregiver whose life has been touched by cancer by pur-

chasing one or more luminaria ($10). Dedicated luminaria are placed around the Relay track and illumi-

nated at dusk in a moving event honoring both victims and survivors. Contact Bob Norwick to purchase

luminaria or use a form on the church bulletin board.

Committee Help-Volunteer to assist at the event. Set ups, tear downs, speaking on your personal expe-

rience with cancer or a committee role are but a few of the areas needing assistance.

Donations-The bottom line for Relay for Life is how well we do at fundraising. As such, your cash do-

nations submitted in support of the Motivators team will benefit the fight to rid the planet of cancer.

To make a donation or join our team, contact Lee Schiemann (440) 543-1938 or our ACS staff partner

Joelle Kluck@cancer.org. phone (888) 227-6446, ext. 1209.

CHAGRIN FALLS COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE Friday, April 3, from 2-7 p.m., the American Red Cross is holding a blood drive at the Federated Church

UCC Hall, 76 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood.

To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-REDCROSS.

WELCOME ZACH HUPP

On Easter Sunday, we welcome Zach Hupp to the staff of The United Methodist Church of Chagrin

Falls as our Communications Coordinator. Zach is a graduate of Chardon High School and is currently

attending Lakeland College, studying for a Computer Science degree.

Zach lives in Chardon with his mom, dad, brother and dog, Laredo. His hobbies include video and

board games and tabletop RPGs. You will find Zach here on Sunday mornings at the late service.

Please say hello and introduce yourself.

G e t C o n n e c t e d i n o u r C o m m u n i t y

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GIANT EAGLE AND HEINEN’S GIFT CARDS We now offer both Heinen’s and Giant Eagle gift cards for immediate purchase in the church of-

fice. The church office is open Monday- Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Stop in soon to buy your gift cards

and help raise funds for the church as you shop! The church earns a 5% profit on each gift card

sold. Thank you to all who have purchased gift cards!

NATIVE AMERICAN MINISTRIES SPECIAL OFFERING

Sunday, April 19, 2015 One tribe in North America has told this story for centuries: when people “pale as birch” crossed the

great water in large canoes, they brought with them “The Black Book.” However, the bringers of the

physical Book could not have known what it would mean and look like to be Native and a follower of

Jesus. Today Native Americans—with many unique languages, many unique cultures—honor their her-

itage, and live as Jesus-followers, led by a rotation of primarily Native American pastors.

Supporting the Ministry of Christ Among Native People

Most Americans today recognize that the history following the arrival of the large canoes bore little re-

semblance to the one all Christians identify as Creator. That’s why the people of The United Methodist

Church, Native and non-Native, are creating a new history. Through Native American Ministries Sun-

day, we’re able to equip and empower Native American pastors, congregations and seminary students to

do what only they can do: authentically worship and serve Jesus.

As a member of The United Methodist Church, your gift, on this day, equips Native congregations—like

New York’s Onandaga Nation UMC and Nebraska’s Native American Sacred Winds congregation—to

worship and serve as only they can.

This work, and hundreds of other ministries, are possible because you give.

Our Giving Allows Native Americans to Encounter, Worship and Serve Jesus

When you support Native American Ministries Day, you equip seminary students who will honor and

celebrate Native American culture in their ministries. And you empower congregations that are finding

fresh new ways to minister to their communities with the love of Christ.

Dr. Richard Twiss, a member of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate from the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in

South Dakota, asked: “Will we be allowed to develop new ways of doing church that honor God’s pur-

poses for the creative expression of our cultures? Will new ministry partnerships and coalitions form?

Will you help be a part of this wonderful process of reconciliation, restoration and release?” Say yes.

G e t C o n n e c t e d i n G i v i n g

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JOURNEYS CLASS BIBLE STUDIES

THE GOD WE CAN KNOW: EXPLORING THE “I AM” SAYINGS OF JESUS

Through April 12 (No Session on Easter), Sundays at 9:45 AM in the Fireside Room

John’s Gospel records a collection of self-revealing statements by Jesus known as the “I AM” sayings.

These statements, rich in imagery and steeped in historical meaning, provide powerful insights into the

heart of God and God’s desire to know and be known.

Travel to the Holy Land with Pastor Rob Fuquay (St. Luke’s UMC, Indianapolis) and see the places

where Jesus stood as He made these profound disclosures, using vivid language to capture our imagina-

tion, revealing more about His identity and purpose.

April 12 “I AM the Resurrection and the Life”: Knowing God’s Possibilities

LIVE AT FIVE LIQUID. FIVE EPISODES, ONE STORY.

April 19 through May 17 • Sundays at 9:45 AM in the Fireside Room

Fresh out of college, Natalie Neff is struggling to discover her purpose and direction in life. Faced with

daunting challenges, both personally and professionally, Natalie has some choices to make – and they

won’t be easy.

The Book of James is about looking into the hearts of people, what they say, how they act. Told from

the perspective of a reporter – James, the brother of Jesus – we get a perspective on some of life’s most

important issues. Based on the Book of James, this series of videos teaches us how to live the Christian

life and how to live it practically.

April 19 Bad Day James 1: 1-8

April 26 Temptations James 1: 12-18

May 3 Attitude James 1: 19-27

May 10 Words James 3: 1-12

May 17 Faith and Works James 2: 14-24

Help reduce your 2015 taxes: Make a gift to our Foundation

The April 15 tax deadline is almost here! While taxes are on your mind, now is a good time to start

thinking about ways to reduce your 2015 tax bill. One way is to consider a charitable contribution to

help your tax position. We can’t think of a better way than to make a gift to the UMCCF Foundation that

benefits both you and the church’s missions.

Our Foundation accepts several kinds of gifts, including cash, personal property, real estate, oil/gas/

mineral interests, life insurance, and more. In addition to the good your gift can do for the ministries

that the Foundation supports, you may be able to enjoy tax benefits from your generosity. Your tax ad-

viser can help you understand these benefits.

Since its inception, our Foundation has received gifts in many forms that have benefitted our church and

its missions in countless ways. To learn more about the UMCCF Foundation or make a gift, contact

Greer Wurster at (440) 247-5462 or egreer1@ameritech.net.

G e t C o n n e c t e d w i t h B i b l e S t u d i e s

U M C C F F o u n d a t i o n C o r n e r

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TAKE A GLIMPSE INTO CHRISTIAN HISTORY The Christian History Institute’s “Glimpses” flyers, which provide insights into events in the 2000-year history of

Christianity, are free and can be found on display in the narthex, the office foyer, and the Harris Fellowship Hall

entrance.

The issue for April is entitled “Fanny Crosby: America’s Hymn Queen.”

COMMITTEE STRUCTURAL CHANGES Following the Leadership Workshop on March 15, a motion was made, seconded and approved at the

Administrative Board meeting to make changes in the basic structural make-up of our Church Commit-

tees beginning on June 1, 2015. This or similar changes have already taken place in most UM churches.

The changes will move the UMC of CF into a model that is more unified in its approach to leadership,

communication and decision making. Changes include transforming our Administrative Board into a

Church Council and eliminating the Council on Ministries. This model should also move us towards

fewer meetings and more ministry.

The Administrative Committees (Trustees, SPR, Finance/Stewardship, Lay Leadership) will remain

mostly untouched. Leadership on these committees will continue to be nominated for 3-yr terms. How-

ever, all Program Committees (Christian Education, Communications/Publicity, Fellowship, Member-

ship Care, Outreach, Worship, and Youth) will become Team ministries. Each Team ministry will have

Team Leader (similar to a chairperson) who serves a term of one year at a time; team leaders can serve

multiple 1-yr terms. Team Leaders will be members of the church council. Other team members are not

nominated but invited to participate in the ministry of that Team as God leads them. Therefore, team

members may participate on a Team for a few months or several years. Regular invitations throughout

the year will be extended to all church members to participate in Team ministries (non-members may

also attend Team meetings and participate on team ministries/projects).

VISIONING TO CONTINUE… In addition to discussing Committee structure changes at our March 15 Leadership Workshop, we also

spent the majority of time sharing ideas and visioning for the future. We focused on four basic areas:

worship, membership care/fellowship, spiritual formation, outreach/mission. It was decided that we

should continue discussion in these four areas by establishing four open sessions. Once these sessions

are on the calendar, church members will be informed and invited to attend. This will be your oppor-

tunity to share ideas and to be a part of the discussion before individual church committees (team minis-

tries) fine-tune goals and if necessary prepare formal motions for presentation at Church Council.

NEW CHURCH DIRECTORIES Our new church directories will be here soon! We are hoping they will be here in time to distribute the

Sunday after Easter. Please note, directories will be available to everyone who was photographed at no

charge. When you pick up your directory, please be sure to check the information sheet to be certain the

church office has the correct information for your family members. Thank you very much!

G e t C o n n e c t e d i n O u r C h u r c h L e a d e r s h i p

G e t C o n n e c t e d i n O u r H e r i t a g e

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G e t C o n n e c t e d i n C h r i s t i a n E d u c a t i o n

VBS is Fast Approaching!! Registration Starts April 26

June 22-26 from 9-11:30 $30/child with a $75 family maximum

All Children (age 3 as of 9/30/15[potty-trained a must] to Grade 5) are welcome. In-

vite a friend, neighbor, or cousin, because it’s tons of fun. The kids will learn how to

conquer life’s challenges with God’s Mighty Power while they explore Base Camp Sing

and Play, Bible Expedition, KidVid Cinema and Missions, Imagination Station, Glacier Games, and Mountain-

top Treats. Church member registration starts April 26. Community registration starts May 15. A registra-

tion form is enclosed. Return it filled out with payment (payable to the UMC of CF) to the church office.

Wanna Help?

Watch the bulletin board in office lobby starting May 1 for a sign-up list. We need station leaders, station

helpers, crew leaders, snack helpers, photographers, and decoration helpers.

We will also be asking for donations. Check the office bulletin starting May 1 for items you could purchase

to help make our VBS a success.

Summer Camp Brochures are out and a display is in the office lobby. Our United Methodist Conference has 3 camps: Camp Aldersgate in Carrollton is our premier water camp, Camp Asbury in Hiram is 437 acres of forest, fields, and wetlands, and Camp Wanake is located in Beach City and has our largest number of campers each year. Have we got you hooked yet? We hope so! If you want to know more about camps, make sure to visit the website www.EOCSummercamps.org or

visit the display in the office foyer and pick up a brochure. You can even register on the website. But wait there is more! We, here at church, feel that camps are so important that we are willing to pay half of your registration (tier 3 pricing only), up to $150. That’s right - $150 for each camper. This money comes from restricted funds of our Jackson Fund. It is not a part of our general budgeted money. Scholarships are also available from the Conference based on financial need. You can’t afford not to go! It will be wonderful! It will be faith-filled! It will be life-changing! See Bob with any questions and sign up TODAY! Our Church Name is Chagrin Falls UMC. Our Church Appt. # is 08140. Our Pastor’s name is Joyce Lawson. Our District is North Coast.

Club 45 Zoo Photo Hunt

April 19 from 12-4:30 p.m. Come and join Bob and others for a great afternoon of lunch at McDonald’s and

photo hunting in the zoo. We will break into teams and try to find pictures that

Bob has already taken. Invite a friend. The cost is $20 and covers your lunch, ad-

mission, and prizes.

There will be NO JAM SESSIONS on April 5 due to Easter. We will experience the

Paschal Feast in Harris Fellowship Hall that morning.

The Rescheduled All Church Game Night

April 25 5:30-8 p.m.

Come for an evening of games and food. Everyone bring board games to play and

we will provide dinner and drink. It will be a great evening of fun and fellowship.

All are welcome. Hope you can join us.

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G e t C o n n e c t e d i n Yo u t h M i n i s t r y

Thanks to all who donated and supported our Mission Trip Auction Lunch. We had over 65 people for the luncheon and made over $3500 on our auction. The youth of this church are truly well supported and loved.

Tuesday, April 21 5-8:30 p.m.

The confirmation class will volunteer at the Cleveland Foodbank. You must wear closed toe shoes and bring $5 for dinner. There are releases and forms that need to be signed.

I will send out a copy of the form at a later date.

High School Zoo Photo Hunt Sunday, April 12 12-4:30 p.m.

Come, bring a camera, and a friend for a fun afternoon of searching for photos

previously taken at the zoo. Points will be awarded based on difficulty. Teams will be

assigned and fun will be inevitable. Prizes for the winning team. Cost is $20/person

and covers admission and lunch. You won’t want to miss it. Friends are free.

Middle School Extreme Hide-n-Seek

Sunday, April 19 6:00-8:30

Come and bring a friend for a fun evening of extreme hiding and ultimate seeking. We will travel to a park

and have a cookout, and then let the games begin. Invite friends so we can fill out the teams. It will be epic.

Bring $10 to cover cost. Friends are free.

Youth Leadership Team Information

Current YLT Members, we will have a meeting April

19 after church.

Self-nomination forms for next year’s YLT will be

available starting April 12.

Elections will happen on Sunday, May 3 at the MS/

HS Field/Sport Day.

REVISED Confirmation Schedule

April 8 or 9 7-8:30 Lesson 6

April 12 9:45 a.m. Visit to other churches

April 15 or 16 7-8:30 Lesson 7

April 21 5-8:30 Foodbank

April 29 or 30 7-8:30 Lesson 8

May 13 or 14 7-8:30 Lesson 9

High School Youth are walking the CROP WALK

April 26 2 p.m. We are asking all youth who want to participate to join our team by visiting

http://hunger.cwsglobal.org/goto/chagrinfallsumyf. From there you can

donate or ask for donations of at least $25. Also, from the resources page you

can find a consent form to be filled out. This is a great way to prepare for our

mission trip and to help end hunger in our local community.

Hope you can join us.

16

20 South Franklin Street

Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

Phone: 440-247-5848

Fax: 440-247-2656

E-mail: office@chagrinfallsumc.org

www.chagrinfallsumc.org

United Methodist Church

of Chagrin Falls NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

CHAGRIN FALLS, OH

PERMIT 14

ADDRESS

SERVICE

REQUESTED

DATED MATERIAL

PLEASE RUSH

Reverend Joyce Lawson, Pastor

Bob Myers, Youth and Education Director

Judy DeVere, Proofreader

Kim Berger, Librarian

Patrice Hendricks, Treasurer

Toni Cirino, Financial Secretary

Anne Korenowski, Accounts Payable

Jerry Gibson, Custodian

Connie Hasman, Administrative Secretary

Zach Hupp, Communications Coordinator

David Gilson, Director of Music

Erin Damberger, Organist

Karen Spisak, Director, King’s Singers/Ringing Bells

Kile Kenny, Director, The Methodist Preschool

Phone: (440) 247-0950 TheMethodistPreschool.com

Miss Leslie McKnight, Director, Parents’ Morning Out Program

IN THIS ISSUE…

Bible Studies Page 12

Birthdays and Anniversaries Page 2

Calendar of Events Page 8

Christian Education Page 14

Finances Page 12

Giving Page 11

Holy Week Schedule Page 7

Leadership Structure Change Page 13

Outreach News Pages 4-5

Pastor’s Message Page 1

Prayer List Page 6

Relay for Life Page 10

Rummage Sale Page 9

UMW News Page 9

Worship Calendar Page 3

Worship Page 7

Youth Ministry Page 15

A FAMILY of FAITH, LIVING in HOPE, SERVING in LOVE