Faith MattersFaith MattersFaith Matters

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A publication of Norwalk First United Methodist Church April 2018

Dear Christ-followers,

Easter is a time of deliverance for God’s people. The biblical initiator of deliverance is always God, and the object of deliverance, His People. This repeated action reveals a deep truth that runs from Genesis to Revelation: The God of the Bible longs to deliver His children. This deliverance is always an act of love and mercy, motivated and propelled by covenant faithfulness.

In the Old Testament, God’s deliverance is almost always from temporal dangers. He rescues His People from their enemies. He gives them a “great deliverance.” Psalm 18:50: “Great deliverance He gives to His king, and shows mercy to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever-more.” The Book of Psalms is filled with cries for deliverance. The psalmists ask for deliverance from trouble, enemies, workers of iniquity, oppression, deep waters, sin, pestilence, lying lips, deceitful tongues, violence, evil men, persecutors, and uncleanness, among others.

In the New Testament, the Messiah, Jesus, was sent into our world to give us not only temporal deliverance, but eternal deliverance from sin, evil,

death, and judgment. He came down as a Great Deliverer. Through Him, we can be victorious in the physical as well as the spiritual realms.

1 John 3:8: “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”

During the coming Easter weeks, remember that we worship a God of deliverance. Through the life, death, and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ, he freed us from the bonds of sin and death. Let us celebrate the risen Lord!

~ Pastor Brian

Our Vision:

Knowing God.

Showing Love to Others.

Growing in Discipleship.

Giving to God’s Kingdom.

Going Out in Mission.

Sermon Schedule

April 1 Easter Sunday “The Resurrection” Mark 16:1-8

April 8 UMW Sunday

April 15 “The Transfiguration” Mark 9:2-13

April 22 “Who Is the Greatest?” Mark 9:30-42

April 29 Unity Sunday / Confirmation Sunday 10:30 a.m. Worship ONLY “Of Such Is the Kingdom of Heaven” Mark 10:13-16

April Birthdays

April Anniversaries

Easter Morning Services

(April 1)

7:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service

All are welcome to attend our Easter Sunrise Service at the Norwalk Reservoir as we remember that first Easter morning and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Pathfinders Youth Group will lead the worship.

8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Worship Services - Sanctuary

Join us for a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection as together we sing and worship and rejoice!

1 Audrey Rose 2 Zoey Corfman Catherine Hazelwood Angie Kirk Addie Mannino Mike Meinke 3 Roxanne Walker 4 Laura Hahn 5 Triton Arnett Jillian Ballard Rebecca Roth Geri Stelzer 6 Debe Gelvin Bob Gentzel Chris Jackson Joanne Waugh 8 Beverly Pickworth 9 Abby Brutsche 10 Charlotte Young 11 Tyler Jackson 12 Mary Jo Hazelwood Alexis Van Giesen 13 Elise Jackson 14 Alicia Frado Ric Thorpe 15 Henry Lasch Raygan Moffit Kayla Pelham Sharon Ward Phyllis Zieber 16 Riley Helton Max Nickoli Pat Wetzel

17 Richard Blackburn Anah Freeman Parker Nickoli Wyatt Nickoli 18 Stacey Oakley-Malson 19 Don Everman Louise Haydn Ella McKillips Linda Williams 20 Caitlyn Alley 21 Aaron Christophel Jim Rolsten 22 Elle Ballard Paul Phillips Jeffrey Sutton Zach Usselman 23 Orion DeYoe Lucas Dotson Sawyer Smith 24 Jeff Laycock Addison Moffit 25 Pamela Van Giesen Bruce Kurtz 26 Betty Pothorski 27 Linda Johns 28 Chris Berry 29 Kelly Caldwell Leah Malson 30 Lynn Horning

7 Jon & Judy Nutter 10 Dave & Bette Livingston 11 Dick & Gloria Vogt Bruce & Patricia Kurtz 12 Ray & Lillie Cook 13 Scott & Sarah Christophel 16 Paul & Cris Helman Ric & Paula Thorpe 19 Dale & Alta Ehresman 22 Joshua & Rachel Schlotterer 23 Bob & Karen Berry 24 Jeffrey & Deborah Sutton 26 Gail & Beverly Pickworth Mark & Shirlene Zorn Tom & Barb Silcox

Stitches of Love “April showers bring May flowers!” The Stitches of Love craft group will be using this old saying as our theme for our two April meetings. We will meet in the kitchen nook on April 12th and 26th at 9:30am to create "Thinking of You" and "God Loves You" items for the residents in Norwalk nursing homes, the Veterans home, and others in the area. The ladies of the church and their friends are invited to join us in our fun mission of spreading God’s love and letting people know that we care and appreciate them. No special crafting skills required. ~ Linda Newsom

Dear Church Family,

I am truly astounded by your good fellowship and am blessed to be a part of this church. I received your care package the other day, and it is really appreciated. It is my final semester at OSU, and I’m well on my way to graduation. The stresses that come with this disappears in the presence of everyone’s compassion, so thank you. Starting this summer, I will be working fulltime for Microsoft in Charlotte, NC; but, I will always look forward to coming home and seeing everyone at First UMC. The work everyone does in God’s name is truly remarkable, and it is a blessing to call First UMC my home church. God bless ~ John Woods

* * *

Dear FUMC Family,

Thank you so much for the care package. It brightened my day to receive it and pleased my roommate as well. Thanks again for thinking of me! Love ~ Max Berry

* * *

Dear Church Family,

I would like to thank you for the care package. It is great to hear from everyone while away at school. I look forward to seeing everyone again in a few weeks at Easter! Thank you again! God bless ~ Mason Berry

Second Sunday Single Senior Soup & Sandwich Spectacular If you’re a single senior, join the “7Ss” on the 2nd Sunday of the month at noon for a delicious lunch in Fellowship Hall.

Men’s Breakfast Group Meets the second Saturday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Bob Evans Restaurant in Norwalk. Come for the fellowship and a good breakfast.

Want a chance to tour the sites, talk to the staff, and see what is being offered for 2018 Summer Camp? Check out East Ohio Conference Camps at:

www.eocsummercamps.org

See DeAnn McKillips, Christian Ed. Director, for summer camp details.

Let’s Go to Camp! Healthy Habits Fisher-Titus Medical Center Health Ministry Program

April is National Childhood Abuse Prevention Month. Childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have an effect on the child’s future health. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have become a hot topic. ACEs have been linked to risky health behaviors, chronic health conditions, low life potential and early death.

To help stop ACEs, a safe, stable, nurturing relationship and environment is important and goes a long way in helping a child thrive and reach their full health and life potential. We all have to take a part in helping to report and stop child abuse. There is a lot of information out there, here are just a few: www.childwelfare.gov, www.cdc.gov.

“Whoever receives one little child like this in My

name receives me.” Matthew 18:5.

Join Team Racin’ Jason for the Race at the Rock being held Saturday, May 5th at Flat Rock. Be a part of the team by picking up a registration form from the rotunda. T-shirts will be available!

Team Racin’ Jason

Race at the Rock Saturday, May 5th

We are accepting scholarship applications from students needing financial assistance. The Scholarship Committee believes in nurturing and supporting graduates who

are members of our congregation. It is our hope that through the contribution to their higher education, they will continue to grow in their Christian faith. We believe that any graduate who is an active member of our church should be eligible for a scholarship if he or she applies. A full-time or part-time student attending a two or four-year college or trade school will be acceptable. The student must be working toward a degree.

Applications are available in the hallway outside the church office in a folder marked “Scholarship.” You can request an application by emailing the church office: norwalkfirstumchurch@gmail.com.

Deadline: June 17th at Noon

* Late applications will not be accepted. *

Scholarship Donations

We thank you, church family, for your faithful support in the past and encourage you to continue supporting our students in their financial need. If you are interested in donating to the Scholarship Fund, please mark your envelope “Scholarship” and place it in the offering plate or mail your donation to the church office.

Now accepting donations!

Items may be dropped off from 8:30-3:30 p.m. during the week

(closed for lunch noon—1:00 p.m.) After 1:00 p.m., ring the door bell!

Place your items in the hallway by the kitchen coat racks.

We thank you!

April 19 - 21

Do you have a driver’s license?

If so, then you can be a van driver who transports a few people that need a ride to church on Sunday mornings. A heartfelt “thank you” to our current van drivers—your service is appreciated! At the moment we are down one van driver and another driver is going to retire soon. We are in dire need. Male or female welcomed, just see Frank Sams or call the church office.

With the 1st Kids’ year coming to an end, it always amazes me that new kids are still wanting to be dropped off, right until the very end! My favorite March moment was when Autumn (a second grader) just walked right on the bus after 1st Kids started in the fall. I called her mom and she was surprised but said she had been talking about coming. The next week she brought her brother Jason. Autumn approached me on the last Wednesday to be put on the “list” for 1st Kids. After her 4th or 5th time of approaching me, I took her sweet face in my hands and said, “Sweetie, what list do you want to be on?” She told me she wanted to be sure to be on the list for next year’s 1st Kids. My heart burst with joy! These children, with hearts of gold and never-ending energy, are all such an important part in my life. I pray they touch your hearts as well; our future depends on them.

Some of our children are not from our church but are in our community. Close to half are scholar-ship students. Thanks to the United Methodist Women for their constant support of our scholarship kids. I ask that the parents pay a percent of the fees. I see these parents want to support our ministry and give what they can.

Your prayers are always appreciated! Consider sponsoring a child for the 2018-2019 season. Make it a priority to raise your hand and ask, “How can I help?” Help us grow.

Help us touch more hearts for Jesus.

Help us encourage children and parents to find a church home at Norwalk First.

The Bible tells us repeatedly in His Word how all children are a gift from God. Every single life,

every single child is a reward and blessing. Whether they're bringing parents pride and joy, or

whether they are teaching us how to be more patient and forgiving, children are a gift from God

and a source for the growth of His Kingdom here on earth! God knows that children can bring us

closer to Him and help grow our Christian character.

It’s official! We will be at Sofios Park for

Vacation Bible School! June 25-28 / 9:00 a.m. - Noon

It’s gonna be big! WE NEED YOU!! The Mega Sports Camp ministry will get kids out of their chairs and into the Word of God. Bible teachings interwoven with sports training makes for an unforgettable, life-changing outreach event. I am SO excited about this year's VBS. Yes, it's very different, but our mission is still the same: to reach the children in our community and teach them about the love of Jesus Christ.

Christian Ed. / by DeAnn McKillips, Christian Ed. Director

Sunday mornings haven’t been the same since the beginning of Kidventure. The 9:30 a.m. group, led by Sarah Christophel and Catherine Alley, are learning more about the New Testament. Our 10:30 a.m. group, led by Paula Thorpe, is sharing KIDMIN Power Pack— lessons, games, crafts, snacks, and even God-related experiments that show His presence, come rain or shine, snow or sleet.

Greetings Pathfinders & Church Family,

It’s amazing as Christians how easy it is for us to get wrapped up in our own lives. We spend so much time thinking about who we should date, what we should wear and all the drama going on at school that we forget to focus on telling people about Jesus. We pass each other throughout the week in hallways at schools the day after a spirit-filled evening held at youth fellowship. We slide into our comfort zone of keeping Him to ourselves or are simply too afraid to talk about Him in front of others for fear we may be chastised or simply made fun of by our own circle of friends.

This past month, students all across the country took a stand for something they believe in regarding school safety. This was a perfect opportunity for students to make an impact in those around them by changing the world and showing love for others by sharing God’s love through conversation and action, reaching out to the lost or left behind. We must create the domino effect of showing God’s love to one another and inviting them to experience the same love with which we are blessed. I, too, am guilty of this and know days can pass when we’ve never really invited non-Christians into our lives. We haven’t spent time thinking about where our friends, family and our neighbors will spend eternity. So, with that in mind, here are some reasons we should be telling others about Jesus:

If you don’t, who will? You might be the only person who has a chance to introduce God into your friend’s life. You may be the only chance they get to hear the Gospel. Your conversation, no matter how big or small, may be life changing for one person.

Romans 10:14 – But how can they call on

him to save them unless they believe in him?

And how can they believe in him if they have

never heard about him? And how can they hear

about him unless someone tells them?

Just like your very own spiritual journey, you’ve been strategically placed into the lives of your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to tell them the good news about Jesus!

Jesus said do it! Some of Jesus’ last words were telling His disciples to share the gospel with others. If Jesus tells us we should do something, then we should do it!

Mark 16:15 – And then he told them, “Go

into all the world and preach the Good News to

everyone.

If you don’t they will miss out! This should be enough of a reason by itself to tell others about Jesus. If you don’t tell the people in your life

about Jesus, they might miss out on the opportunity to spend eternity with Him in heaven. We are called to share and look for opportunities to tell others about Jesus. Sharing Jesus isn’t always what is popular. It isn’t always what it easy. But it is always what is right! Look and pray for opportunities to share the gospel with others. Ask God to show you people who are ready to hear in your life. Then step out and don’t be afraid to share with others. You know enough to bring someone into the kingdom of God. If you don’t have that comfort level…bring them to fellowship!

As we experience the incredible love of God through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ this Easter, let us be reminded we are charged to carry on His love. As the last commandment of Jesus, we are called:

Matthew 28:19 - Therefore go and make disciples

of all nations baptizing them in the name of the

Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

As we continue our study We Believe, we will gain a better understanding of just what it is God expects from us and of what we are capable. Don’t let this Easter slip by without taking the opportunity to share the greatest story ever told and the love of Christ with others. May God continue to use YOU, and I pray you open your hearts and begin sharing God’s love and your story of how He is working IN you and THROUGH you.

God bless you all and always remember...remain true to yourself and your convictions and have a blessed

Easter!

Serving HIM,

Debbie Zeiter Director of Youth Ministries

Calendar of Events

4/1 7:00 a.m. Easter Sunday Youth lead Sunrise Service (Norwalk Reservoir – Pavilion South Entrance) Youth should arrive by 6:50 a.m. to prepare for service. Please be sure to dress for the weather. 4/8 No Fellowship – Enjoy Your Family Time 4/15 Nehemiah Mission Trip $50.00 Deposit Due 4/15 5:30 – 8:00 pm Pathfinders Fellowship We’re going bowling! $5.00 covers shoes & bowling 4/22 5:30 – 8:00 pm Pathfinders Fellowship We Believe - Bible Study 4/29 5:30 – 8:00 pm Pathfinders Fellowship We Believe - Bible Study

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT NO. 15 NORWALK, OH

First United Methodist Church 60 West Main St. Norwalk, OH 44857

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (Lunch noon-1:00 p.m.)

* The church office will be closed

Monday, April 2nd

* May newsletter deadline

Free Community

Dinner

Always the 3rd Monday of every month from 5:00-6:30 p.m.

All are welcome!