The Cornerstone is your guide to ministry opportunities at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Look inside for ways to take next steps in your faith journey, grow deeper through service opportunities, and be encouraged through stories of God at work! If you’d like more information about our church, please stop by the Connect Center in the lobby.

T H E

C O R N E R S T O N E Newsletter

MARCH 18–through– APRIL 7

2018

Upper Arlington Lutheran Churchweb www.ualc.org | email ualc@ualc.org | phone 614-451-3736

The Cornerstone is your guide to ministry opportunities at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Look inside for ways to take next steps in your faith journey, grow deeper through service opportunities, and be encouraged through stories of God at work! If you’d like more information about our church, please stop by the Connect Center in the lobby.

T H E

C O R N E R S T O N E Newsletter

APRIL 29–through– MAY 26

2018

Upper Arlington Lutheran Churchweb www.ualc.org | email ualc@ualc.org | phone 614-451-3736

Sermon Series – Part Two

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

Coming up this month:

Sitting in the pews was not going to work.

My parents came to this realization soon after we began attending Lytham when I was in kindergarten. My siblings and I were doing everything but paying attention and my Dad decided to remedy the situation by moving us into the second row of chairs directly in front of the pulpit. With the pastor upon us- we paid attention. There we stayed until I left for college.

Though physically present, I wasn’t spiritually connected for many of those last years I attended Lytham. There was hurt, resentment, and finally relief when I didn’t have to show up every Sunday. I took a break. Life was drastically different. I spent years living outside of the Will of God- unhealthy and unhappy. But through a series of events that only God could have orchestrated, He called me back and this time He had my full attention and full surrender. I found abundant life in a way I’d never imagined yet knew that God had planned just for me (John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:11).

I returned to worship at Mill Run. In 2012, I began working in the UALC nursery. When it was time to seek more work, I prayed that I could find a job that kept me focused on Jesus. A job to directly do God’s work each day. Though not at all what I had in mind at the time, God said “this is it!” and I began as Kids’ Church Manager last August.

I have been blessed beyond measure to serve the children and families as part of our Family, Youth and Children’s ministry team. It is an honor to

partner with parents as the primary formers of their children’s faith and to walk alongside families to offer support, encouragement, and prayer.

The recent sermon series has been helping us focus on the Holy Spirit’s work in the early church. In Acts 13, we’ll learn about the Spirit commissioning us to be workers for the Gospel in our own communities. Maybe you have specific nudges on your heart? Is the Holy Spirit preparing you to be commissioned to do things you never imagined? Do you feel led to get involved with our team? God will use YOU to do good works for His Kingdom.

So I have an invitation for you. Just a few weeks are left of Kids’ Church before we break for summer, please come visit! Experience how the Spirit is alive and at work in our kids. Join with us in worship and get excited because God’s plans are always better than anything we could imagine (Ephesians 3:20). Volunteer opportunities are available on Sunday and throughout the week. We’d love to have you join us as we serve the children and families of our community.

In Christ,Elizabeth Lake

Kids’ Church ManagerNursery Coordinator

WELCOME TOUPPER ARLINGTON LUTHERAN CHURCH

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

M A Y N E W S | Jo in Us

Attend the O2 Conference Everyone in the community is encouraged to attend the inspirational O2 Conference to hear the student presentations and speakers Ryan Miller and Jane Leach. Purchase tickets, in the lobby on Sundays or online.Saturday, May 12, 4:32-8:00 pm, MR, $10 Tickets and details: o2conference.orgContact: info@o2conference.org

New Member Event Hear more about UALC, and especially about ministries and connection opportunities. Brunch served and childcare is available. Saturday, May 5, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, MR Registration: ualc.org/newmemberContact: Judy Webb, jwebb@ualc.org, 614-451-3736, ext. 4658. IFI New Volunteer TrainingThe New Volunteer General Training is an over-view of the International Friendships Inc (IFI) Vision and Values and will teach you the skills you’ll need to relate well to an international friend. Attend one two-hour training session or online. May 8, June 4 or 26, 7:00-9:00 pm, MRIFI information and application: ualc.org/ifi

New Food Pantry DistributionUALC will continue to work with Lutheran Social Services as they move to serving shoppers in a new food distribution location. Let us know if you

are interested in participating. Note new time also. Monday, May 7, 11:00 am-2:30 pm, 2801 Lockbourne Road Contact: Tom Andres, tom.andres@att.net, 614-457-9070

Vacation Bible School RegistrationSign up your child to spend a week with us as we go on a Kingdom Quest and seek the treasure. You’ll find a castle with kings, queens, knights and a few surprises. Two separate programs for different age groups are offered.June 11-15, LR and MR, $10Details and registration: ualc.org/vbs Sunday Mornings at UALC Watch for updates about Sunday mornings and summer worship schedule on our website. Details: ualc.org/announcements, ualc.org/summerworship. Wedding Director Position Available UALC is looking for a Wedding Director to help engaged couples schedule and navigate the wedding planning process. This part-time position has flex-ible hours, based upon the frequency of wedding ceremonies at UALC. Apply: ualc.org/application

Spring Art ShowStop in and enjoy the Upper Arlington Art League annual show which includes watercolor, oil, draw-ing and photography. MR, open during building hours, through June 6

COMING UP

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

M A Y N E W S | Jo in Us

Children’s Ministry Next Step Workshop: Raising a Healthy Baby This workshop is designed for parents and chil-dren newborn to two years old. Led by pedia-trician Dr. Lindsay Wylie. Come for a holistic spiritual checkup. We will talk how to disciple your child, even at this young age. Nursery available.Sunday, May 20, 4:00-5:30 pm, MR Registration ualc.org/prek Contact: Andrea Taphorn, ataphorn@ualc.org

Middle School Ministry (MSM) MSM End of Year PartyCome celebrate the end of the school year at the last MSM Group! We’re having a giant party, so bring a swimsuit, a towel, and your friends! Sunday, May 27, 4:30-6:30 pm, MR

MSM Almost Summer Late NighterJoin us for the last Late Nighter of the school year! Bring your friends for a night packed full of fun, games, fellowship, and a pizza party! No cost, you can register online.Friday, May 18, 6:00-11:00 pm, MR

MSM details and registration: ualc.org/middleschoolContact: Kelsey Payne, kpayne@ualc.org High School Ministry (HSM)Summer CampAre you ready for an incredible grow faith big

experience this summer? Our week in Johnson City, TN will be filled with passionate worship, amazing teaching, great conversations, playing fun games and making new friends. Join us at MOVE! June 25-30, fee $399, deadline June 1

Oscar NightOscar Night is a fun night for high school stu-dents. We’ll dress up, take pictures, eat dinner and watch videos we made on the big screen. Laugh, play, win trophies - it’s awesome. See you there!Sunday, May 20, 4:00-6:00 pm, MR

How To Follow Jesus After GraduationThis Next Step Workshop is for graduating seniors. It is designed to help you think about how to strengthen your faith in college and in the work force. Come for a great, honest conversation about your new phase of life!May 29 and 31, 4:00-7:00 pm, LR$15 includes dinner and course materials

HSM details: ualc.org/highschoolContact: Aaron Thompson, athompson@ualc.org

College-Age Ministry Join us for a summer opportunity for newly graduated high schoolers and current college-age students (18-24 year olds). Come to dinner and learn what the rest of the summer looks like as we begin discipling groups. Contact: David White, dwhite@ualc.org

FAMILY, YOUTH & CHILDREN

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

M A Y N E W S | Jo in Us

God calls us to serve Him and bring glory to His Kingdom. Why is that so hard sometimes?

A few months back, I (Emily) received an email asking if I was available to substitute a couple times at Kids’ Church. In the past, I would have hesitated to commit for many reasons. But instead, I said, “yes.”

“Yes, God. I can do that.” What started out as me substituting at Kids’ Church a couple times grew to something more. It led to Mat, to my and his own sur-prise, volunteering at Kids’ Church nearly every week. And now we are connecting more, helping out with youth ministry in a number of ways, including Carol Choir and VBS. And we’re loving every minute of it. Psalm 37:4 says, “Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you what you want.” It’s been amazing seeing how God is really using us for His Kingdom. It’s also been fulfilling (and a ton of fun) serving together. The best part, too, is how it has brought depth and a new

dimension to our marriage, which is something wonderfully unexpected. We are coming up on the summer where there are so many needs and capacities to serve at our church and in the community. I invite you, despite your hesitations and all the reasons why you might talk yourself out of serving, to instead say, “yes.”

“Yes, God. I can do that.”

See where He takes you. Like He promises, He will give you what you want.

Emily and Mat Johnson

If you have any interest in investing in young people and their families, then this is the ideal time to get involved. There are many upcoming opportunities to make a difference. Please contact Andrea Taphorn, ataphorn@ualc.org, 614-451-3736.

GET INVOLVED

supporting families and connecting high schoolers to Christ.

Details and applications: ualc.org/applicationContact: David White, dwhite@ualc.org

Join us for VBS Join us as on a Kingdom Quest at this year’s Vacation Bible School (VBS). You’ll find a castle with kings, queens, knights and a few surprises. Age specific programs for 18 month olds through sixth grade students.June 11-15 , $10 fee, register by June 3Details and registration: ualc.org/vbs

Families, Youth and Children’s Ministry Positions AvailableSummer Opportunity - Children’s Ministry InternApplications are now being accepted for a summer intern position with UALC’s Children’s Ministry. If you or someone you know has a passion for connecting children to Christ, please consider ap-plying. The position runs from mid-May through early August. Staff Opportunity - Director of HSM Applications are now being accepted for a full-time position with UALC’s High School Ministry. If you or someone you know has a passion for

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

M A Y N E W S | Jo in Us

What is a Mission District?

NALC congregations collaborate to fulfill the Great Commission in territories called Mission Districts. Each Mission District elects a Dean and an executive council, adopts a budget, provides supervision and support for member congregations, and establishes procedures nec-essary for carrying out its mission.

With what Mission District is our congre-gation affiliated?

The Southeast Ohio Mission District consists of 13 congregations. Geographically the largest

district in the state, it includes several mission congregations, a multi-campus

mega-church, a bilingual immigrant congrega-tion, and a church plant in Jamaica! In subse-quent installments, you will come to know your partner congregations individually.

What is a Dean?

Deans are ordained ministers of the NALC, accountable to support the work of work of the Bishop by conducting similar functions in their respective areas. Deans serve as pastor to pastors, their families, and churches, conduct-ing a ministry of teaching and visitation within the district.

Who is our Dean?

Jeff Morlock was elected Dean of SE Ohio in May 2017. He has pastored congregations in Southern Ohio for 29 years, and currently serves at UALC in Columbus. Jeff ’s wife, Patti, also ordained, serves at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grove City. Together, they have been called or stated interim pastors in five of our 13 congregations. They have two grown daughters, Bekah and Hannah.

What is a Mission Region?

The Ohio Mission Region was formed in May 2015 to maintain state-wide unity when the for-mer Ohio Mission District split into its current five districts. The OMR Council consists of the five deans of the new Ohio Mission Districts, a lay person from each district, a treasurer and a secretary. One of the five deans convenes meet-ings and the annual convocation, but all share in the duties of the region.

The regional council coordinates joint mission efforts and discipleship projects that require broad support across the state, such as the recent financial appeal to help purchase a new facility for the Oromo Evangelical Church of Columbus. Learn more at www.thenalcohio.org.

Future issues of The Cornerstone will highlight the 13 congregations of the Southeast Ohio Mission District.

A Message from the NALC: The Southeast Ohio Mission District

as well as the Children’s Entrepreneurial Restau-rants. These programs are part of SON Minis-tries’ mission to overcome suburban poverty in our town - one child, one family, at a time. Details: son-ministries.org

Volunteers Needed Serving Our Neighbors (SON) Ministries’ summer programs need your help. There are many volun-teer opportunities with the Summer Lunch Camp

GET INVOLVED

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

M A Y N E W S | Jo in Us

ADULTS 65+

While the opportunities listed here are planned with Adults 65+ in mind, if you are interested, please join us! We do not discriminate based on age, and all are welcome.

With each new sermon series, we send out The Link, a newsletter of current information. If you are not receiving this via mail or email, please contact us to add you to the list. Contact and event registration: 65plus@ualc.org, or call 614-451-3736, ext. 4652.

Thursday Bible StudyWeekly opportunity to Grow in God’s Word. Top-ic for May 3-10 is “Who Do You Think You Are? A Study on Self Esteem and Aging.” May 17-31 is a study on the Miracles of Jesus. Coffee and light snacks available.Thursdays, May 3-31, 10:30-11:30 am, LR

Progressive Euchre Card PartyNever played? Come and learn—all ages welcome! Bring a friend and a snack to share. Tuesday, May 22, 1:00-4:00 pm, LR

May Event – O2 ConferenceJoin our group as we support the O2 Conference with our attendance and participation at this im-portant event.Saturday, May 12, 4:32-8:00 pm, MRTickets available in the lobby on Sundays or online at o2conference.org

Monthly Lunch and ProgramEnjoy a delicious catered lunch and fellowship as we listen to Rabbi Howard Silverman of Beth Messiah Congregation in New Albany discussing what it means to be both Jewish and Christian, and what it means for them to follow Jesus as they observe the Torah and Jewish tradition. Thursday, May 3, 11:45 am-1:15 pm, LR, donation

Faith of our Fathers Discipleship GroupFaith of Our Fathers is a group of Christians examining historical and Biblical Christianity to correctly apply and live Christianity in today’s world. Meetings include teachings, events and video presentations. Mondays, 7:00-8:30 pm, MRContact: Steve Sikora, seeko@aol.com, 614-459-0076

Quilting Ministry for MissionsJoin the Beacons quilting ministry on the second Thursday of each month. All skill levels welcome. 11:30 am, LRContact: Sue Logan, through the church office, 614-451-3736

SENT BY the KINGSermon Series – Part Two

When Jesus was on earth, He showed us the way to live – always doing what God the Father shows us to do. How can we possibly do that? In the Upper Room after His resurrection, Jesus brought His disciples peace. He said that in the way the Father had sent Him, He was sending His disciples. He then demonstrated what would happen at Pentecost as He breathed on them announcing the Holy Spirit to come.

Just as God breathed life into the first Adam in the first creation, now at the beginning of the new creation, God again breathes His life into us. The fulfillment came on the great Day of Pentecost! Jesus said the Spirit’s coming to them was for one purpose – to give us power to witness to Him around the world. That commission has come through the centuries to us today in central Ohio. Let us see how the Spirit wants to work in and through us to reach a desperate and dying world.

SERMON SERIES TOPICS FOR APRIL 29-MAY 20:

Sending Us Out (April 29)Acts 13:1-3

The Spirit of God empowers the church to commission workers for the Gospel.

Unifying The Church (May 6)Acts 15:1-22

The Spirit of God empowers the church to unite around the mission of God.

Overcoming All Obstacles (Ascension —May 13)Acts 20-26 (various verses)

The Spirit of God empowers the church to achieve the mission no matter what!

Empowered! (Pentecost—May 20)Acts 1:8,2:1-12

Thank God for the gift of the Spirit!

Find the worship and preaching schedule at ualc.org/stylesandtimes.