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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Bishop Anthony M. Pilla to be the guest speaker in worship this Sunday, October 10, 11:00am at University Circle UMC
Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis to speak this Sunday, October 10, 9:30am at University Circle UMC
Saturday, October 2, 2010
The Church In The Circle, University Circle United Methodist Church, continues to grow with 6 new members
Back row: Nate Lyons, Peg Weakley, Dr. Chalker, Laverne and Harold Jenkins
On Sunday, September 26, 2010, The University Circle United Methodist Church family welcomed the following six new members. They joined after two orientation events during which they learned about Methodism in general and about UCUCM, its leadership, structure and combined histories. During these events they also met their Faith Friends who introduced them to the congregation on New Member Sunday.
SUSAN ACHBERGER immediately jumped into the music program with both feet when she began attending the church in the spring, ringing bells and singing in the chancel choir. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace, she lives in Cleveland Heights and is employed as a research technologist at the Taussig Cancer Institute of Cleveland Clinic. Susan is transferring her membership from the UMC of Berea. Laura Chalker is Susan’s Faith Friend.LAVERNE JENKINS lives in Shaker Heights and is a librarian at Tri-C. She knew James Thomas as a friend of her father and was amazed in later years to discover he had become BISHOP Thomas. Laverne had visited First Church after moving here in 1991, and she joined along with her husband, HAROLD JENKINS, a “somewhat retired” government contractor. The Jenkinses are transferring from Aldersgate UMC and have been attending UCUMC regularly since early spring. Serving as Faith Friends for Laverne and Hal are Amy and John Wheeler.NATE LYONS is the marketing director for Broderick Insurance Agency and originally hails from Akron. He is transferring his membership from Mogadore UMC and joined with his fiancée, JEN TOOHEY, whose golden voice can be heard as the drive-time personality at Q104. Jen is from Pittsburg, but enjoyed Cleveland and decided to remain here after graduation from John Carroll University. Nate and Jen first came to UCUMC early in the summer when they were searching for a church for their wedding which will be held in our sanctuary in November. Megan and Shawn Hufendick are Faith Friends to Jen and Nate.PEG WEAKLEY is a familiar face having been a regular attendee over the years at First Church. She is a retired nurse living in Strongsville and joins by transfer from Strongsville UMC. Serving as Peg’s Faith Friends are her long-time personal friends, Pat and Larry Loffman.When the new members were asked what they like most about UCUMC, many expressed similar thoughts: “the friendly, caring, diverse and open congregation,” “where ‘all are welcome all the time’ is not just a saying;” Dr. Chalker’s “inspirational sermons” and his commitment to UM social principles.”Please look for these new members and greet them on Sunday mornings.Important October Events in the Life of University Circle United Methodist Church
Sunday, October 10, 9:30am – Jim Rokakis, Cuyahoga County Treasurer
Our MENS Quarterly Community Speaks Forum features County Treasurer Jim Rokakis. The Office of Treasurer collects more than $1.5 billion in taxes each year – revenue that is critical to schools, libraries, parks, municipalities, County government and a myriad of social service programs. In light of the current county corruption scandal, Mr. Rokakis' discussion should be highly interesting. All are welcome to attend this presentation in the Great Hall on the lower level.
Sunday, October 10, 11:00am – Bishop Pilla Here
Bishop Anthony M. Pilla, who served as the ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland from 1980 to 2006, will be our guest speaker in worship on October 10. Bishop Pilla has been Dr. Chalker's friend in ministry since our pastor's arrival in Cleveland in 1986. Having a Catholic Bishop address a Protestant congregation is a rare privilege.
Sunday, October 17, 9:30am – FBI Special Agent Figliuzzi
C. Frank Figliuzzi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Cleveland Field Division, will be the guest speaker in Dr. Chalker's Sunday morning class at 9:30am. Mr. Figliuzzi was appointed an FBI special agent in August, 1987, to the FBI's Atlanta Division where he worked terrorism and foreign counterintelligence investigations. In 1992, he was promoted to the national Security Division at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., with responsibility for oversight of economic espionage matters. He was named Supervisory Senior Resident Agent in the San Francisco division in 1995, and his office, near Silicon Valley, California, led the FBI in investigations of foreign-sponsored thefts of trade secrets. In 1997, Mr. Figliuzzi was tasked to lead one of the FBI's first squads exclusively devoted to crimes against children, including child pornography and child abductions and murders. Before coming to Cleveland, Mr. Figliuzzi also worked in the FBI's Miami Division – the agency's fifth largest in the country. He was named Special Agent in Charge of the Cleveland Division in 2006.
Sunday, October 17, 11:00am – Reconciling Re-Affirmation
Early in discussions about the potential blending of our two urban congregations, members of the First Church faith community wanted reassurance that their church's designation as a Reconciling Ministries congregation would go "with them" to the new church. It was also understood through discussions with the leadership and members of Epworth-Euclid that although they had not completed a formal process of becoming a Reconciling Congregation, they indeed supported the concept of Christ's inclusive love. As evidence of this support at Epworth-Euclid, the statement on Charge Conference materials includes this phrase about mission,"...to be an inclusive community of people serving the changing needs of the neighborhood and world." Resulting from these discussions and understandings, in worship on Sunday, October 17, the family of University Circle United Methodist Church will celebrate and re-affirm its identity as a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network (RMN).
RMN is a movement of United Methodist individuals, congregations, campus ministries and other groups working for the full participation of all people in the United Methodist Church. Hundreds of United Methodist communities have gone through the Reconciling process and adopted a statement that specifically welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities – lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) – as part of their witness for, and commitment to, a fully inclusive church.
This explicit welcome wording is necessary because the United Methodist Church holds official policies that exclude LGBT persons from the full life of the Church. At present, full equality in membership, ordination and marriage for God's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children is not supported by the greater Church.
Wednesday Evening, October 13 from 7-8:30pm, Dr. Chalker will hold a class/dialogue at the church for all persons who would like more information about this topic. He will address what the Bible says, what Jesus says and what the Church says. All are welcome to attend, but reservations are necessary. Please complete and return the reservation form included in today's bulletin if you plan to participate.
Sunday, October 24 – Unification Sunday
The uniting of two significant urban churches – Epworth-Euclid United Methodist and First United Methodist Church as the new University Circle United Methodist Church – in such a short time has been a remarkable achievement. On October 24th, recognition of our unification will occur throughout worship as well as following the service when we join together for a potluck lunch in the Great Hall. During the luncheon, we will hold the first official Church Conference of our new church, and as part of this significant event a new slate of officers will be presented to you for election. Additionally, Dr. Chalker will unfold a new vision of UCUMC as we look to the future; we'll have entertainment and a FREE gift for everyone in attendance – something each of you will want to have as a commemoration of the new UCUMC! If you want to be "in the know" and you want to become even more excited about the possibilities and opportunities of our new church marching forward in unity, you will surely want to be part of this special day.
Thursday, October 28 – Dinner with the Bishop
On Thursday evening, October 28th, Bishop John Hopkins, the Episcopal leader of the East Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church and one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the unification of our two churches, will speak to us in the Great Hall as we dine together (6-8:00pm). The Bishop wants very much to share with us his excitement about our merger and his support for the many sacrifices this unification has required of us all. In addition, we will also have a presentation of the financial realities of UCUMC, so that everyone has an opportunity to understand how the finances of two congregations have been unified and where we are headed in 2011 and beyond. This is an IMPORTANT event. The cost of the dinner has been underwritten; however, space is limited and reservations are absolutely necessary. Please complete the reservation form included in the bulletin and turn it into the church office as soon as possible.
Sunday, October 31 – Jazz Mass – New Orleans' Style
In preparation for All Saint's Sunday which occurs on Sunday, November 7 (a time for remembering all the saints of our church family who have passed from this life into God's eternal kingdom), the music on October 31st will reflect aspects of a New Orleans jazz funeral. When slaves were brought to America, the idea of providing a proper burial became a strong part of their culture and included the addition of African music during funeral processions. On the 31st we'll hear "Aina That Good News," "Come Sunday," "My Lord What a Mornin,'" "Steal Away," and a rousing rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In" as our benediction.
University Circle United Methodist Church October 2010 Calendar of Meetings & Events
10/3 Dr. Chalker's Study Class, 9:30-10:30am, Yoder Room
College-Age Study Group, 9:30-10:30am, upstairs classroom next to the Chapel
Liturgical Dance rehearsals for youth, 9:30am, Great Hall
Singing Children rehearsal, 9:30-10:30am, 2nd floor music room
Gospel Choir rehearsal, 10am, Chapel/Sanctuary
Worship at 11am
Children are joining their families in worship today
Confirmation Program youth are participating in worship today
Liturgical Dance rehearsal for adults, 12:30pm, Sanctuary
Willow School Tutors meeting, 12:30pm, Yoder Room, everyone welcome
10/6 Trustee Meeting, 6pm, Reception Room
10/7 Bell Choir rehearsal, 6-7:15pm
10/7 Chancel Choir rehearsal, 7:15-9:15pm
10/9 MENS Lunch is cancelled for this Saturday only.
10/10 MENS Group Speaker, Jim Rokakis, 9:30am, Great Hall
Dr. Chalker's Study Class to join MENS Group in Great Hall, 9:30
NO Women's Sabbath Group meeting this month
College-Age Study Group, 9:30-10:30am, upstairs classroom next to Chapel
Singing Children & Intergenerational Choir, 9:30-10:30, 2nd floor music room
Gospel Choir rehearsal, 10am, Chapel/Sanctuary
Worship at 11am with Bishop Pilla preaching
Liturgical Dance rehearsal for adults, 12:30pm, Sanctuary
Videographer training meeting, 12:30pm
October 2010 Update on UCUMC Administrative Issues from Kay Hogg
With the arrival of October, here are just a few of the happenings around UCUMC in these first days of autum:
In worship on September 19th, we welcomed the addition of Lauren Green to our staff as part-time Young Adult Coordinator. Already the "young adults" have requested that this classification not be used to refer to them as they do not want age to limit participation since their events may appeal to a variety of age-ranges depending on the activity. One of the names I've heard they are considering is "Adults in Action." Whatever they decide, we will probably need to change Lauren's title, but we are exceedingly grateful for her involvement and those with whom she will work.
We also are happy to welcome Hye Ji (pronounced Hay Gee) Hwang from South Korea as our Intern Organist. Through a cooperative program with the Cleveland Institute of Music where Hye Ji is a student in the master's program, Hye Ji assists our music department with organ and piano accompaniment while learning about church music programs in the U.S.
Work has begun on cleaning up some of the rooms on our third floor to make them more usable for adult programming on Sundays and throughout the week. You'll be hearing more about this as volunteers are needed. If you are interested, let Judy Sockman know of your willingness right away!
Exterior stonework has recently been sealed to stop an active leak that caused damage to the gymnasium walls. Asbestos in the flooring will be removed as soon as the new multi-use flooring can be obtained from the manufacturer.
Whitney Stained Glass Studio also completed a somewhat minor repair effort on damaged Plexiglass and stained glass in one section of the building.
Many people have inquired about the new Photo Membership Director. This project is being produced completely in-house except for printing and it has been much more time-consuming than we anticipated. The pictures that were taken free of charge by Brian Misch, member and professional photographer, are absolutely wonderful and we are working to incorporate them into a software program that will allow us to regularly update directories in the future. If you did not have your picture taken, please immediately provide Heather Howard in our church office with a digital photograph (via email) or a good, clear picture that can be scanned and added to our directory.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker on Feagler & Friends / WVIZ.org Tonight at 8:30PM
Newsmaker: Rev. Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker, pastor, University Circle United Methodist Church--two local clerics have asked the Vatican to review the downsizing of the Cleveland Catholic diocese. Bishop Richard Lennon has extensively restructured the diocese, closing more than 50 parishes and angering many Catholics. United Methodist pastor Kenneth Chalker and Catholic priest Robert Begin want the church hierarchy to conduct an inquiry.
via wviz.org
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