towertimes




		March 2008

	Grove City United Methodist Church *Tower Times*
	Grove City United Methodist Church *Tower Times*
Pastor H. Thomas Wilson, Interim Senior Pastor Pastor Wayne Stuntz, Associate Pastor Dr. Carl L. Wiley, Pastor Emeritus Pastor Tom Danklefsen, Executive Pastor
2684 Columbus Street, Grove City, Ohio 43123 (Church Office - 2710 Columbus Street) Telephone: (614) 875-5612, Fax: (614) 875-2297 Sunday Worship - Traditional at 8:30 & 11:00 Contemporary at 9:20 & 11:00

What A Blessing It Has Been By David Gibson "What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" -Philippians 3:8 As most of you know, Brooke and I will be moving to Florida in the next couple weeks. I have accepted a Youth Pastor position in Bradenton, Florida and Brooke and I will begin our ministry there March 1^st. This has not been an easy decision for either of us. We have spent months and months praying about this and firmly believe that this is where God is calling us. It is completely scary, but as I read through the word of God, I often see people who are following God's will and it is not always in their comfort zone. We will miss the church family and all of our students so much. You will forever be in our hearts. It has been such a blessing to serve here as Youth Pastor over the last four years and we will cherish it all of our lives. I always say that I have the greatest job in the world. It is so amazing to get to invest in the lives of students at this age and point them to the only hope in the world which is Jesus. I have seen so many lives changed by the gospel of Christ since I have been here and will partner with you throughout my entire life in sharing this message of love, hope, and freedom. The process has begun to find a passionate, spirit-filled person to follow me in the youth ministry and I have all the faith in God that this ministry will flourish and be blessed under whoever this person might be. Our prayer for all of our students, parents, and church family is that you would see the fulfillment and purpose that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ and a life of serving Him. With that said, please do not let the departure of Brooke and me keep you from ministry and service to God. Thank you so much for the blessing you have been in our lives. We have so many great memories from this church that will never leave us. We appreciate all the encouragement, enthusiasm, and commitment we have received in our ministry and marriage here at GCUMC. Once again, we love you all so much and you will forever be in our hearts.



Church Website

Our WWW.GCUMC.ORG website has an updated look. Check it out for all the latest information and calendar of events. Special thanks to Bo Blackstone for building such a great look for our church.
			ATTENTION: Parents of children entering fourth and fifth grades in the Fall of 2008. GCUMC's Mid-Week Children's Ministry, "Club Rock" will be Rollin' to a campground near Shelby, Ohio, leaving Wednesday, August 6th continuing through Friday August 8th. We will be enjoying the outdoors with fun activities during the day to telling stories and singing by the campfire at night. If you have not received a letter with more details, please see one of the Club Rock Leaders or Melissa Craig at the church office. Rocks R Rollin' is Back in 2008
Adopt-A-Plant/Spring Picnic from the Landscape Ministry Spring is on its way and beautiful surprises await the members of the Purple Door Church! This will be the first time all of the new plantings will be in full bloom since the building additions! We would like to carry the color into the late spring and summer landscape with even more purples, whites and yellows. This year we thought it would be fun to offer you the opportunity to adopt-a-plant (don't worry they'll be taken care of in a greenhouse) with an additional opportunity to plant your adopted plant in the spring at a church picnic! You may also adopt-a-plant in memory or honor of someone special. Graduations, Mother's Day and Father's Day are right around the corner, what a perfect way to say congratulations, thanks or I love you! Look for an information table between services in March and April! There you'll be able to see the pictures of these beautiful plants and you'll be able to sign up to place an order as well. Plants with special messages will be announced in the bulletin on the Spring Planting Day/Picnic tentatively scheduled for May 18th. You will have the opportunity to adopt any of the following: Purple Wave Petunia, a four inch potted annual, for $4.00 White Wave Petunia, a four inch potted annual, for $4.00 Yellow Moonbeam Coreopsis, a 1 gallon potted perennial for $7.00 If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please feel free to contact Landscape Ministry Chairperson, Allison Roush, at 871-8609 or ar@columbus.rr.com. We'll be taking orders up until April 15th! God Bless!

		Get Your Motorcycles Out!
		Another riding season is upon us so get your bikes out, shine them up, tune them and get ready. On a Sunday in April led by Dan Ranney we will be riding to Old Man's Cave through the Hocking Hills for lunch and fun. The date is to be announced so watch the Weekly Update and Tower Times for details. It's a good time to invite your friends to church for a great service and great fellowship!

	Career Network Forming Interested men and women who may find themselves in a job career transition are invited to be a part of networking group that continues March 3, 10, and 17. This will enable people to exchange information regarding helpful web sites, news of opportunities, ideas that may be helpful, and encouragement with one another. If there is interest in this networking group, the meeting dates will be extended.



	Lenten and Easter Schedule CSI Jerusalem Lenten Bible Study continues Sunday, March 2nd, 9th and 16th Palm Sunday Sunday, March 16th Chancel Choir Cantata 8:30am and 11:00am Easter Egg Hunt - 12:30pm Maundy Thursday Thursday, March 20th Traditional Service, 7:00pm Good Friday Friday, March 21st Traditional Service, 7:00pm Easter Sunday, March 23rd Traditional Worship, 8:30am Contemporary Cantata, 9:20am Traditional Worship in Sanctuary, 9:45am Traditional Worship in Sanctuary, 11:00am Contemporary Cantata, 11:00am


			Annual Easter Egg Hunt Hippity Hop the Easter Bunny is on his way for the annual Easter Egg Hunt and he needs your help. He is looking for donations because he needs a lot of candy for all the little kids. He could also use new plastic Easter Eggs or any financial assistance you can give. Donations can be given at the table provided in the Great Hall on any Sunday until March 9th. For more information you can call or email Beth Melendez @ 801-0146 or chimy47@yahoo.com Thanks for all your support and help. - Family Life Committee
	Contemporary Easter Cantata "My Chains are Gone" Come worship together on Easter Morning at 9:20 or 11:00 in contemporary worship. Join in the worship of song, movement, drama, and word in celebration of Christ's resurrection. "My Chains are Gone" speaks of Jesus setting us free from the chains of sin and despair and celebrates the risen Lord who is the God We Serve.



Youth!!! Awesome Retreat! Chrysalis is a unique form of ministry for youth and young adults. The roots of the Chrysalis Flight and Chrysalis Journey are deeply planted in its parent movement, the Walk to Emmaus. Much like the Walk to Emmaus, Chrysalis is a three day experience of God's love and grace in the context of a prayerful Christian community. This community will consist of other people your age in worship, prayer, fellowship, creative expression, recreation, singing, and discussion. You'll experience the love of God through prayers and the acts of service from a loving support community. Like all spiritual formation activities, there is no real ending to Chrysalis; it is simply one step on a lifetime journey of faith. Through Next Steps small groups, regular gatherings of a larger Chrysalis community and significant opportunities for Christian service, the movement can nurture and support participants as they grow spiritually. Chrysalis is a spark that is prayerfully used to ignite a fire in the hearts of youth, young adults and churches - a fire that grows and spreads because of the fire of the Holy Spirit transforming individuals and kindling the desire to share this love with others. Applications are available at www.chrysaliscares.org. You will need a sponsor who has already attended a Chrysalis/Journey or Emmaus weekend. There are many in the church who would be happy to sponsor you. If you have any questions see Pastor Wayne. Upcoming weekends: Girls - June 21-23, 2008 Boys - July 26-28, 2008


	BreakOut Student Ministries www.breakout707.com

	Oasis - If you want a place to play wild and crazy games, hang out with friends, munch on all kinds of snacks, jam to awesome music, and listen to messages that are relevant to you, then Oasis is the place for you. Come get refreshed at Oasis on Sunday nights from 5-6:30pm in the Family Life Center. The Game Room and Oasis Snack Shop open at 4pm. Oasis is for students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.	BreakOut - is on Tuesday nights from 7:07-8:30pm. The BreakOut Café and Game Room open at 6pm to fill all of your hunger/thirst and entertainment needs. *The BreakOut Service is for high schooler's (9th-12th grade) and is an upbeat worship service where we seek to get intimate with our creator. We do this through powerful worship led by our worship leader, relevant messages that relate to what you are dealing with and teach you more about Christ, and powerful prayer where we lift each other up before the Lord. We use all kinds of music, videos, lights, and other multi-media to make this service more attracting to this generation.

	Small Groups: Want a place to hang out with just the guys or just the girls? If so, small groups are the place for you. At small group you come in contact with people your age who are dealing with some of the same issues you are. There is tons of free food and drinks, along with messages and discussion that deal with relevant issues in your life. These groups lift each other up in prayer, lovingly hold each other accountable, and become a close family of people passionate for Christ.
		Jr. High Guy's Small Group _ Wednesday's 7-8:30pm @ Brad Isaac's house (2960 Wynridge Dr.).
		Jr. High Girls Small Group-Wednesday's 7-8:30pm @ Quin Wells' house (2907 Annabelle Ct.).

		Jackson Middle School Bible Study _ Friday 8:15am in the choir room at Jackson Middle School.



	Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Mark your calendars for Friday, April 25th at 6:30pm in the Worship Center. The Staff would like to appreciate your willingness to serve our Lord through our many ministries. Come enjoy a wonderful meal and live entertainment brought to you by comedian Marty Daniels. Look for your invitation in the mail the beginning of April. You won't want to miss this night

	Marty is a lethal, quick witted, outrageous, Christ follower who is a comedian. He generates laughs based on humorous observations and absurdities of every day life experiences that are pretty much universal. He also happens to be HILARIOUS!



	Stewardship: When you hear the words `Christian Stewardship" what do you think of? Worship? Service? Tithing? It's all of these and more. Stewardship is the giving of ourselves for GOD's service, it's our prayers, our presence at worship and our gifts to sustain and grow the ministries at GCUMC. Stewardship is a way of living where we recognize that everything we have belongs to GOD. GOD calls us to offer our first fruits, not the leftovers. Being a good steward of finances begins at home, don't make yourself a slave to money but do plan on how to give your gifts . Remember to give to GOD first, then save for yourself and then to your daily needs. Give of your time, talents and gifts to support GOD's church out of a sense of love, joy and thanksgiving for all that GOD has done and will do and not out of guilt or to garner public acclaim. Remember, Jesus encourages giving in proportion to what we have received - Luke 21:1-5 and that there can be joy in giving generously to your church - Luke 19: 11-27. Christian Stewardship is a way of life where we generously support the many ministries of the Grove City United Methodist Church. Are we ready to begin this journey of Christian Stewardship? - From the Stewardship Committee

	Hope and Healing 13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:13-16 What more can be said? If you're in need, or have a loved one in need of hope and healing, this service is for you. If you feel the call to pray for those in need, come and share that gift as well. Don't worry, you will not be asked to lead a prayer. Simply be present and worship together and pray as your family in Christ come forward to be anointed and prayed for. Mark your calendars for the first Sunday of the month at 6:30. If there are changes they will announced. (Usually do to a holiday) If you can't attend please remember those who attend in your prayers. May the Lord bless you.



	Recharge Your Life Walk to Emmaus Is your faith life in need of a boost? Do you feel over extended and feel the need to reset some of your priorities? Consider the Walk to Emmaus retreat where you will be bathed in the Love of Christ and will look at how to live a faithful life in Christ. If you have any questions contact Pastor Wayne or anyone who has attended. Upcoming walks Men: Walk #68 - Sept. 18-21, 2008 Women: Walk #82 - Apr. 24-27, 2008		Day Trippers If you missed our trip to La Comedia, don't despair. There is still time to get on board for the trips to the Creation Museum on May 5th and the Coal Country Train Ride on June 9th. At the Creation Museum we will walk through the Garden of Eden, one of the 160 exhibits including a special effects theater complete with rumbling seats and rising mists. You may choose to end up at the Stargazers Planetarium and take a 22 minute ride into outer space. On June 9th, along with a narrated train ride we will make stops at the John and Annie Glenn Museum and National Road-Zane Gray Museum. Contact Sandie Crissinger at 875-8537 or Barb Birk at 875-5255 to sign up. Don't delay or seats may be filled.



Christian Book Club Celebrates Successful 2007 Results CORRECTION The UMW Book program for 2007 ended Dec. 31 with good results. Over 31 participated in reading books from the 6 years book lists chosen for the 4 different categories with a total of 253 books read. Sincere apologies to Rosemary Cline and Peg Addington who were inadvertently left out of the February Tower Times issue. They each read 1 book in each of the 4 different categories. Again, congratulations to all who participated in this program.	Longhorn Steak House The basket auction is over for this year, but the receipt campaign for Longhorn goes on. When you eat at Longhorn (tell your friends and family too) save your receipts and place them in the white box on the counter in the church cafe. When these are collected and turned in, Longhorn is gracious enough to give us a 10% return on gift cards. These are used by mission teams to help finance trips. This is one of many on going fundraisers that will continue to help upcoming mission trips. Thank you!

Women of Faith Conference Our annual "Women of Faith" conference at Nationwide Arena is fast approaching! The Theme this year is "Infinite Grace" and will be held on April 25-26th. Each ticket (for Friday evening and Saturday all day) is $45. If you'd like to join in on one of the most fun and spiritual times of your life, please call Judy Noonan at 876-8144 or the church ASAP! We can even arrange transportation.	Coming Soon - 2nd Annual Spring Feast Speaking of food, mark your calendars NOW for Saturday, April 26th. Once again, Longhorn will be providing their famous chicken and ribs and the recording artists, Soul Purpose will again entertain us. Details to follow.

	Faith Mission "Friday Night Life" In addition to providing food for the Faith Mission in April and October, we are committed to donating a meal for the people of need in the Athens area. This ministry is called Friday Night Life, and is an opportunity for fellowship and spiritual renewal, as well as a hearty meal. The menu has not been set yet, as we need to determine the amount of funds available for providing the meal. Currently seven volunteers have said yes to be a part of this ministry: we need a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 14. More is better, to help lighten the load and enable us to spend more time in fellowship. Please consider joining us for this one day outreach. Sign up on the Missions bulletin board or contact Susan King at 875-2834.

URGENT - Faith Mission Dinners GCUMC has committed to providing two meals for the men and women who are housed and fed at the Faith Mission where our volunteers serve dinner monthly. There is a sign up sheet posted on the Missions bulletin board by the Fireside Room where you can either sign to bring specific food items or sign to provide financial help to cover the cost of fixing a portion of the meal. By contributing either money or food, you are partaking in this ministry and helping to show the love of Christ to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. When you record your name and phone number, you will be called to discuss in what manner you would like to be a servant. If you have any questions, please contact Susan King at 875-2834.

		Vacation Bible School 2008 Starts Sunday July 13th, 2008 More Fun to Come Place this on your calendar now

Revelation Bible Study This study starts Wednesday, April 2nd, 6:30-8 pm or Friday, April 4th, from 12:30-2pm. The lecture and discussion will be facilitated by Sam Cooper, a retired UMC Pastor. No cost for book, simply bring your bible. Please call Melissa Craig at 875-5612 for sign ups.
	Kroger Cards Yep, just like Longhorn receipts, keep reloading and using your Kroger card! As long as Kroger offers this 5% rebate, missions will reap the rewards! And all you are doing is buying groceries, gas, and prescriptions you need anyway. Talk about your win-win!



				Operating and Building Summary January 2008
	Grove City United Methodist Church Staff

		REVENUES JANUARY YR-TO- DATE Pledged & Unpledged $69,157.88 $69,157.88 Loose Offering 864.25 864.25 Easter/Christmas 40.00 40.00 Church School 173.20 173.20 Bulletin Income 60.00 60.00 Children's Church 0.00 84.01 Other Income 8,788.81 8,788.81 TOTAL OPERATING INCOME $79,084.14 $79,084.14 EXPENSES Christian Outreach $8,775.87 $8,775.87 Debt Reduction (42,231.35) (42,231.35) Properties (15,899.12) (15,899.12) Church & Parsonage 15,512.14 15,512.14 Pastoral Ministry 13,865.60 13,865.60 Non-Ministerial Staff 38,127.12 38,127.12 Administration 3,317.15 3,317.15 Work Areas 5,916.64 5,916.64 TOTAL EXPENSES $27,384.05 $27,384.05 REVENUE/EXPENSE $51,700.09 $51,700.09 DEBT REDUCTION Income $22,668.45 $22,668.45 Expense $30,848.49 $38,848.49 REVENUE/EXPENSE ($8,180.04) ($8,180.04)

Pastor Tom Wilson Interim Senior Pastor Pastor Wayne Stuntz Associate Pastor and Director of Contemporary Worship Dr. Carl L. Wiley Pastor Emeritus Melissa Craig Director of Christian Education Lisa LeVally Lay Ministry Coordinator Kelli Newhouse... ..Volunteer Coordinator Tom Danklefsen Executive Pastor Bill Hosterman Church Treasurer Teresa Sutphin Administrative Assistant Diana Bernard Financial Secretary Linda Saxton Membership Coordinator John Barkes Administrative Clerical Support Michael Savage Weekday Custodian Clark Burris Sunday Custodian Bob Archibald Afternoon and Evening Custodian Chris Patton Part-time Custodian Sara Montgomery...................................................................Organist Kathy Clymer......................................Director of Traditional Music Jim Bernard, Volunteer............................... Missionary In Residence ............................................................................."One Day at a Time" Jill Banghoff............................................................Clogging Director Rachel Paur....................... .Nursery/Toddler Childcare Coordinator Erma Clark.................................................... Minister of Pastoral Care Nick Clark.............................................................Saturday Custodian Wanita McGlone...........................................Music Makers Director Trisha Mesler........................................Music Makers Accompanist Visit us on line - www.gcumc.org The Tower Times is published monthly except for July and August. The deadline for April is March 9th. All materials should be placed in the Communications' Mailbox or e-mailed to TowerTimes@gcumc.org. Please indicate "Tower Times" in the subject line of all e-mail submissions. Material submitted may be edited for clarity and content. -Tower Times Editor
			PROPERTIES/OPERATION Income $3,033.61 $3,033.61 Expense $9,998.13 $9,998.13 REVENUE/EXPENSE ($6,964.52) ($6,964.52)

				FRANKLIN COUNTY'S PROJECT WARM UP A TEMPORARY HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM TO HELP OFFSET THE RISING COST OF HOME HEATING EXPENSES One time payment of the amount owed the heating source utility company up to $400 paid directly to the utility company. Must have a minor child living in the household (applies to grandparents or other relatives caring full time for a minor child) or be pregnant (verified with a medical statement. Deadline to apply is MARCH 31st. More information is available at the Literature Rack in the Great Hall, or at the Information Desk.

F R I E N D S H I P N E W S

We are Deeply Sorry for Your Loss

To Herbert Baker and Family at the loss of his wife, Geraldine Baker.

To Jennifer and Jason Kientz at the loss of Jennifer's father, Thomas Roth.

To Rosemary and John Barkes at the loss of Rosemary's mother, Lois Osborn.

To Kellie Windnagel and her family at the loss of Kellie's mother.

To Carey and Dale Heiser at the loss of Carey's father, Robert Springer.

Hospitalized/Home

Pat Ogden

Steve Russell

Angie Sayers

Ken Timmons

Nina Buffington

Clark Burris

Trey Edwards

Virginia Ervin

Esther Frost

Eleanor Kinser

Nina Kovach

Jan LeVally

Doris Morley

Baptisms

Rachel Elaine Mullett, daughter of David and Bethany Mullett and granddaughter of Susan and Kirby Barrick.

Births

Benjamin Thomas Campbell, son of Natalie and Brian Campbell and grandson of Barb and Steve Frazier.

Mitchell Arthur Seebach, son of Eric and Brittany Seebach.

New Member Classes:

Interested in becoming a member of GCUMC? On March 30th, we will begin our series of New Member Classes. We have been busy developing a new format for the classes and hope that you will find them interesting and informative. The series of classes will be held on 3/30, 4/6, 4/13, and 4/20 just following the 11:00 Services at 12:30 pm. On Sunday, April 27th, you will be received as new members at the service of your choice. Please fill out the attached registration form and turn it into the Information Desk on Sunday morning or during the week at the church office by March 23rd. The form will also be in your Weekly Update on Sunday mornings. If you have any questions, contact Linda Saxton in the church office at 875-5612.

—————————————————————————————————------————--————————-

New Member Registration

Name: _____________________________________ Phone: _______________________________

Address: ___________________________________ Child Care? _____________________________

Service Regularly Attended (Circle one) 8:30 9:20 11:00 C 11:00 T



		Grove City United Methodist Church 2684 Columbus Street Grove City, Ohio 43123 DATED MATERIALS			NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE GROVE CITY, OH PERMIT 17


				Daylight Saving Time Begins, March 9th Palm Sunday, March 16th St. Patrick's Day, March 17th Good Friday, March 21st Easter, March 23rd

		*March Tower Times*

			"Yes, Lord, walking in the way of your laws," we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. - Isaiah 26:8 NIV

	IMPORTANT DATES

MARCH

Friday & Saturday Mar. 7 & 8th UMW Retreat, Deer Creek State Park Holy Week begins March 6th See Details inside this newsletter Sunday March 16th Easter Egg Hunt, 12:30pm APRIL Attention All Volunteers for all Ministries at GCUMC Mark Your Calendars! Friday, April 25th @ 6:30pm Dinner and Live Entertainment for you!