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The Messenger
Apple Creek United Methodist Church
F r o m t h e Pa s t o r ’s D e s k
January 2015
Pastor Kenn Curren
Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.
In this issue:
From the Pastors
Desk
1
UMW News
Food Pantry
Report
2
Jan.. Birthdays &
Anniversaries
Prayer Concerns
Thank You’s
3
Reflections
Adult Sunday
School Time
Change
4
Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth
and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
Psalm 90:1-2 NASB
We have once again entered into a new year. This is a time of new beginnings, to make resolutions to change our habits, and to express our uncertainty of the future. And yet in all of this, as followers of Christ, we have the assurance that God is our constant in our lives.
“God guides us, despite our uncertainties and our vagueness, even through our failings and mistakes...He leads us step by step, from event to event. Only afterwards, as we look back over the way
we have come...do we experience the feeling of having been led without knowing it, the feeling that God
has mysteriously guided us.” - Paul Tournier
So where will God lead us this year? Where will He lead us as individuals, as a congregation, as
a community? We may not know the destination, but we can hold God’s hand as He guides us.
In a Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition, we can offer to God total control of our lives.
It is an opportunity to willfully allow Him to guide us, and to submit to His will. Through this prayer, we
offer ourselves to God, and renew the covenant that binds us to God.
Covenant Prayer
I am no longer my own, but thine.
Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee,
From the Trustees
January Sermon
Topics
Concert Series
5
Noel Festival
Pictures by Jake
6
January Calendar
7
Looking ahead
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exalted for thee or brought low for thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen (UMH #607)
Thanks be to God, who has been gracious to us through all the years of our lives. Thank you
Father, for your loving care, which has filled our days and brought us to this time and place. May God
grant that what we have said with our lips we may believe in our hearts, and that what we believe in our
hearts we may practice in our lives.
Peace, Pastor Kenn
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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN NEWS
We had an enjoyable luncheon at Das Dutch Kitchen on December 11th. Fifteen were in attendance and I dare say that
no one left hungry. Traditionally UMW does not meet in January due to the uncertainty of the weather. We will resume our meetings on
the Second Thursday of the month in February at which time final plans for the Fat Tuesday pancake dinner will be finalized. In the past, the
Canal District Mission team had their leadership training sessions in January, but that too has changed. Instead of holding training for all the
officers on one day, they have scheduled training for various officers prior to the Mission Team’s monthly meeting. January 31, 2015, there
will be training for Presidents and Treasurers at Seville UMC. February 28, at Firestone Park UMC the Vice Presidents and spiritual Growth
Chairs, March 28th at Mogadore UMC the Secretaries and Communication chairs will meet and May 16 Program Resource Secretaries and
Education and Interpretation coordinators will meet at a TBD location.
Still collecting pill bottles for the M25 Ministries. To date we have collected 450 bottles. Please remember to remove all identifying labels,
and if possible remove the “sticky” residue left by that labels.
FOOD PANTRY REPORT
In 2014, the Apple Creek Community Food Pantry, which serves the people in the Southeast Local School District served an average of 20 families each month. This is up from 12 last year. Thanks to generous donations from the schools, and the congregation members of, ACUMC, St. Peter’s and Fairlawn we were able to meet their needs. Monetary donations received were used to purchase milk,
eggs, bread, margarine, meat and also replenish staple items that were needed. (This year the total received was $2,961.28 and the amount
spent was $4,945.12).
During the year, various individuals shared their bounty of fruits, vegetables as well as donated money for specific items (i.e. fresh
potatoes) for the recipients. We also received 135# of venison burger for the clients. One month, we were able to give each family 5# of
sugar and 5# of flour, thanks to donations of these items. In our December package, each family also received a bag of apples through a
donation from a local grower. What does it take to maintain the food pantry for 20 families for a year?
We have broken it down: 264 jars, boxes, cans, pounds, dozen, gallon, loaves of each of the following: Peanut butter, jelly, pancake mix, pancake syrup, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, noodles, tuna, rice/boxed potatoes, pasta sides, cake/cookie mixes, green beans, peas,
corn, carrots, baked beans, Manwich, Beef Stew, lasagna, ravioli, hotdogs, hamburg, eggs, milk and bread. 792 boxes of cereal and cans of
soup. 528 cans of fruit, boxes of macaroni & cheese, jello and pudding. 1056 rolls of toilet paper.
From time to time we have received donations of toiletries such as laundry soap, dish soap, bath soap and shampoo. These items
are offered to the individuals on a first come, first served basis. There are some months, that these items are not taken and are saved for
the next.
Even though we had a large donation of staples from the schools, there are items that were not covered. Suggested for January
needs are: Egg noodles, spaghetti sauce, tuna, jelly, pancake mix and pancake syrup and toilet paper.
We thank you for all the support you have given us both in food items and monetarily.
If you have any topic and item you would like to see included in future newsletters, please contact
Pastor Kenn, Karen or Elizabeth. The newsletter deadline is the 20th of each month.
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PRAYER CONCERNS
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS AND
.
Those members and friends in Nursing and Assisted Living facilities: Dorothy and Dale Bowers, Bessie Hawkins,
Joyce Meier, Nancy Knox,
ANNIVERSARIES
BIRTHDAYS
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ANNIVERSARIES
Joe Lang
Paul, Paula, Dick Fleming, Darlene Roth, Chris, Craig,
Silas, Loretta, Alice,
8 Chuck & Kathy Reamsnider Military personnel on active duty: Doug Hardman, Sam Troyer II and all
others serving our country.
20 Jerry & Ginny Allen
Jim Long
3
Kathy Reamsnider
Travel mercies for those traveling over the coming weeks.
5
Lilly Whitcomb
8
Betty Curren
Guidance for Drs., nurses and all health care providers taking care of
those awaiting upcoming surgeries.
For those experiencing grief and loneliness this time of year.
10 Nancy Knox
12 Lisa Gessel
Karen Saurer
Thanking God for….
13 Charlotte Cutting
Ken Reamsnider
15 Jim Blackman
….YOU! Doug and I are humbled by your faithfulness in sup-
16 Aiden Hudson
porting us in this ministry, and
especially this last pretty tumultuous year. Thank you.
19 Greg Reamsnider
...The Logo New Testament draft which is in the final stage of
21 Helen Hunt
typesetting before publication;
22 Rebecca Saurer
25 Delores Myers
…..Hope in His plan for the Logo people and for each of us as we
receive His Word and apply it in our lives.
27 Pat Hartel
Thank you for praying….
29 Charlie Hardman
...For endurance, peace and joy for our family, as Doug works
through the final read-through of the Logo New Testament in
23
Dottie Carter
30 Ray Carter
WE ARE ALL SOMEBUNNY SPECIAL!
December;
We would like to update our Birthday and Anniver...That Logo translators, Aguma, Adara and Madrakele and their
sary Calendars to add any new members and
update existing members with their families birth- families will settle well now that they’ve returned to live in their
day’s and anniversary’s. Would you please fill this home areas;
little form out and return to the Church office:
Names:
Dates:
________________________________________________
...For Doug and Phil (typesetting expert) as they complete the
typesetting of the Logo New Testament (scheduled for first
weeks of January 2015). With grateful hearts, Doug and Beth
Wright
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
We would also like to invite anyone, who wishes, to participate in the
church’s e-mail prayer chain. Please advise the church of your e-mail
address if you have not done so already. Thank you
E-mail address: _______________________________
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REFLECTIONS
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:13 “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”
Can you believe that we did it again? We let another year slip right by. I thought we were going to hang on a little longer,
but as usual, it comes and goes so fast. We have no control over it. So, what now? What do we Christians do during this new
year? What do we do between Christmas and Easter? How about a New Year’s resolution? An novel idea!
There is something about a new year that gives us the feeling of a fresh start or a new beginning. In reality, there is no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight on December 31. The Bible does not speak for
or against the concept of New Year’s resolutions. However, it a Christian determines to make a New Year’s resolution, what
kind of resolution should he or she make? Have you made a resolution yet?
Common ones are to manage money more wisely, quit smoking, quit drinking, lose weight, spend more time with family, read
more books and exercise. There are all good ones. But they only have some value because they are physical things. There is no
spiritual involvement. Godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
Some excellent goas are to read the Bible every day, pray more, attend church more regularly, support your church more
enthusiastically, reach out to people in need, forgive others who have done you wrong. However, these goals fail just as often as
the non-spiritual resolutions. Why? Because they lack power-motivation to continue a commitment.
For example, why do you want to read the Bible everyday? Is it to honor God and grow spiritually or is it because you
heard it was a good thing to do? Why do you want to lose weight? Is it to honor God and show Him how well you treat your
body or is it for vanity to honor yourself? Do you want others to see how good you look?
If God is the center of your New Year’s resolution, it has power-motivation. It has an excellent change for success. If you
made one or two resolutions you may want to re-visit them. Be wise in your decisions. Think it through. Then, commit to it.
Amen. May God’s blessings shine upon all of us all year long.
EB
ADULT SUNDAY
SCHOOL CLASS
Beginning January 4th through
January 25th the Adult Sunday
School class will begin at 9:15
AM. Join us as we take a journey
back to Mayberry with the Mayberry Bible Study Series.
This is a short deviation from the normal curriculum. Pastor
Kenn will be leading the study.
SERMON TOPICS FOR JANUARY
January 4 - “Let the Light Shine”
January 11- “All In”
FROM THE TRUSTEES
The three windows behind the Welcome Center Desk
have been returned and installed. The windows were restored
January 18 - “Shine Forth”
January 25 - “Gone Fishing”
February 1 - “ Fresh Bread”
as a memorial gift in the name of Mayvene Hartel.
The next sanctuary window to be restored should be
back by March.
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GOSPEL CONCERT SERIES
For an evening of uplifting music—save these dates—all are at 7 PM
(Nothing scheduled for January)
February 15, 2015
Calvary’s Love is a family group from Doylestown, OH. Comprised of Bryan
Langley, lead singer, his parents, George and Brenda Langley with JT and Kathleen Cole.
Calvary’s Love is no stranger to the Christian music world. With over 40years combined music experience, Calvary’s Love presents a tight family harmony with a unique southern gospel style. The songs they sing, from new to traditional, have a message for everyone from young to old. They are known for their high energy, exciting, yet touching concerts, but their deepest desire is to
show God’s love, grace and forgiveness through the songs God has given them to sing.
Their goal for an evening concert is to usher in the presence of God and celebrate the Christian message through song.
March 15, 2015
- Julie Hufstetler will be with us, Julie comes to us from Green, OH. Her music is
inspired by prayer, scripture and great sermons.
Julie Hufstetler is a Christian recording artist and songwriter who has performed alongside recording artist Mark
Schultz and noted speakers like Sheila Walsh, Dee Brestin and Nancy Leigh DeMoss. As a Northeast Ohio native,
Julie has also sung with the Cleveland Pops Charismatic Combo and for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement
Dinner and Queen’s Pageant.
Her song “Speak What I Believe” won grand prized in the Write About Jesus Songwriting competition. She has songs published by
LifeWay Christian Resources, Worship Today and Word Music, and other internet sites.
April 19, 2015
- Chestnut Ridge Blue Grass from central Ohio, has been playing together for about
10 years. Members are Jeanell Branstool-Mandolin and vocals; Jim Dunfee-Guitar and vocals; Mickey Holback-Banjo
and vocals; Rex Hackley-Dobro, Duane Hardesty-Bass; and Peter Streiber-Fiddle
Music has an odd power in our lives..it can move us, inspire us, take us away from our troubles, and help
us to worship our creator...music can be regal and sophisticated, or simple and easy. We tend to be the latter.
We are what we are….what you see is what you hear. We are Chestnut Ridge, gospel bluegrass….
May 17, 2015
New Beginnings is a local band that has been playing all over Ohio bringing
a word of encouragement to the lost, hurting, sick and encouraging the struggling with Blues, Gospel,
Contemporary and Country Christian music. We welcome any and all opportunities that you can do to
help us in this call.
We hope to spread the good news of Gods love and generous mercies of how he loves us just the way we are.
We are called to be known not so much for our musical ability, but rather for our love for Him and each other. Eph. 6:4-7
Quote from Helen Keller:
“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.”
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Thank you Jake for the pictures and the article sent to the Orrville paper!
A Christmas Music Program!
By Richard Jacobs
The Apple Creek United Methodist Church held its annual Christmas music program, a “Noel Festival” on Sunday evening December 7, 2014 in the
church sanctuary. The program organized by music director Stephanie Musselman consisted of six separate presentations. Two of the presentations
were by the church bell choir and one by the church choir.
Presentations included the Wooster Brass Ensemble directed by C. David Lueschen, a Christmas medley by the Jazz Trio, and selections by the Apple
Creek Elementary Choir.
The last presentation was several rousing choral selections by the Orrville High School Mixed Ensemble led by director Kay Shue.
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January 2015
Sun
9:15 AM Sunday
School
Mon
Tue
Office Closed
Every Tuesday
Every Wednesday
Every Thursday
9:00 AM Sewing
6:00 PM Bells
11:30 Release
Time Education
7:00 PM Choir
11;30 Release
Time Education
10:30 AM Worship
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
3:30 PM Tutoring
1
2
Office Closed
Office Closed for
Holiday
Happy New
Year
4
5
Epiphany Sunday
6
3
7
8
9
10
14
15
16
17
EPIPHANY
Holy Communion
7 PM Trustees
Apple Creek Elem.
Choir
11
12
13
8:30 AM Health
Clinic
7 PM Munn Study
Group
10-Noon Food
Pantry pick up
7 PM Finance
18
19
20
21
22
23
Newsletter Deadline
25
26
27
24
9-3 Canal District
Leadership Training @ Johnson
UMC
28
29
30
31
6:30 PM Worship
Committee
JANUARY READINGS:
Week of Dec. 28—Isaiah 61:10– 62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Week of Jan. 4—Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:1-18
Week of Jan. 11—Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
Week of Jan. 18—I Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139-1-6, 13-18; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20, John 1:43-51
Week of Jan. 25—Jonah 3:1-5,10; Psalm 62:5-12; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20
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Apple Creek United Methodist Church
PO Box 265
269 W. Main Street
Apple Creek, Ohio 44606
Tel: 330-698-3101
E-mail: [email protected]
Pastor Kenn Curren
We’re on the Web!
www.applecreekumc.com
Like us on Facebook
Rethink Church
LOOKING AHEAD!
Feb. 15 7 PM Gospel Concert—Calvary's
Love
February 17 UMW Pancake Supper 5-7PM- Benefit “Helping
Hands” Fund
Feb. 18—Ash Wednesday
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