Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
One of my memories of my senior year at high school is the Senior Awards Night held at the local movie theater (one whole screen in 1977!) in Norwich NY. Students were recognized for their academic and civic achievements. An English teacher, Mr. Reginald Gerchman, served as master of ceremonies. Mr. Gerchman lightened up the evening by announcing humorous awards/prizes along with the serious scholarships. One “award” I remember in particular. Mr. Gerchman had one of my classmates, David, stand up and be recognized for being so eager, so excited, so enthusiastic to learn at school that he had fallen out of his chair onto the floor during a class. After our applause and cheers, Mr. Gerchman went on to tell us that David actually fell out of his chair because he had fallen asleep during class. He left David with this parting admonition, “Remember David, when you don’t know where you’re going, any road will get you there!” Interesting words….
Where am I going? Where are our congregations going?
There are many issues that could easily consume the time and energy of the church. However, the challenge before a prophetic people is to discern and pursue what matters most for the journey ahead. D&C 163:11b.
The mission of Jesus Christ is what matters most for the journey ahead. D&C 164:9f
In 2019 the Pittsburgh Beechview congregation hired a consultant who led the congregation in a discernment process. It was money well spent (thanks for our mission center’s Mission Initiative Grant!). I found the sessions to be really worthwhile. We shared our thoughts, challenges, hopes, and dreams. The consultant helped us to be more deliberate in discerning and determining what we feel called to do and to be, and we are moving forward in faith. The future isn’t certain, the path isn’t entirely clear, but we trust God is with us on the journey.
The discernment the congregation engaged in helped me realize that we need to talk more with each
Any Road Will Get You There By John Spilsbury
INSIDE
CAMP STAFF NEEDED 2
Register online 2
PLAN AHEAD FOR REUNION
3
Spectacular 3
CALL FOR HELP REUNION 2020
3
REUNION GUEST MINISTRY
4
YEAR END FINANCIAL REPORT 2019
4
EGLMC FAMILY RETREAT
4
Summer Youth Camp
5
UPCOMING AT THE KIRTLAND TEMPLE
5
TEMPLE GROVE WORK WEEKEND
5
CHURCH UPDATES 6
NEWS FROM AKRON/BARBERTON
7
News from Elyria 7
Central Lodge Application for Reunion
8
Call in Day for Reunion
9
HELP IN ERUPTION'S AFTERMATH
2
IYF 2021 6
People News 9
Spring Youth Retreats
10
Upcoming Events 10
EASTERN GREAT LAKES MISSION CENTER
MARCH 2020
THE BEACON
Continued on page 2
Register Now Online! eglmc.org
March 20-22 Spring Youth Retreats
April 3-5 Family Retreat
Other registrations due: Central lodge application due to EGLMC office by
March 31st. Please let Sandy Davis
[email protected] know if you will be able to help at Temple Grove for work weekend May 15-17.
Aid from Community of Christ International Headquarters, six congregations and a related nongovernmental organization is helping some residents of the Batangas province in the area south of Manila, Philippines, recover from the eruption of the Taal volcano.
On 5 February, 2020, church members in the Philippines delivered relief packs to 114 families in need. Bags of rice, packages of sardines, and toothpaste were included, according to Apostle Mareva Arnaud Tchong. Nine people delivered the packages directly to people in need, whether the recipients were church members or not.
“We reach and hand them [ relief packs ] in person … at their destroyed homes and places,” Arnaud Tchong said.
The eruption 12 January near Luzon, associated earthquakes, and falling volcanic ash that continued for several days forced many people to leave everything behind, Arnaud Tchong said. Some families stayed at evacuation centers while others stayed with relatives.
The Philippines government worked to provide resources and services, but the church knew that families and individuals were still in need, so the project was organized. Some families were able to return to their homes after a few days, but that meant the need was that much greater, Arnaud Tchong said.
Community One Resource Development initially provided $1,200 USD. Six congregations also contributed and the total available reached $1,418. Community of Christ reimbursed CORD for the funds it supplied.
Congregations that contributed included Cabulay, Laclac, Binalonan, Simimbaan, Damsite, and Tumauini. The funds also paid for lodging, meals, diesel fuel, clean water, and sanitizer. It was the first time the volcano had erupted since 1977.
Camp is June 28th-July 4th. Kim Kessler is directing and is in need of staff. Reach out to Emily Smith at 440-339-8828 or [email protected] if you are able to serve.
PAGE 2 THE BEACON
other about our congregations and the mission center. Let’s share more with each other. The mission center leadership team wants to hear what’s going on in your congregation.
I strongly encourage congregations to consider participating in a period of discernment if it’s been a while since the last time. Hiring a consultant worked well for Pittsburgh Beechview. It was fantastic to have a professional lead us in the process. Don’t rule it out--Mission Initiative Grants are available.
Where am I going? I’ve been asking myself that lately as I’ve been considering my own personal spiritual journey. I’d like to read more, meditate (think) more, pray more, but I find it difficult. Is it just me or is it too easy to fall into unproductive patterns (often involving hours of TV) that stifle growth?
(Continued from page 1) It may be March 2020 by the time you read this, but I don’t think it is ever too late to think about resolutions for the current year. Last year I decided that I wanted to be more intentional about making “mission” part of my daily life. I resolved to offer the Mission Prayer as I rode the trolley to work each day. It was a good experience worth repeating. This year, I’ve decided to be more deliberate in taking the time to become closer to God. I’ll let you know how it goes.
It is my prayer that whatever we do that brings us closer to God, whether it be reading, studying, meditating, singing, worshiping, playing music, watching movies,
visiting, serving, etc., whatever it is, we do more of it.
CHURCH, CONGREGATIONS, NGO HELP IN
ERUPTION'S AFTERMATH
JUNIOR CAMP STAFF NEEDED!
For youth who have completed the 9th through 12th grade. All campers will have opportunities to participate in leadership and discipleship development, diverse worship, and expression of arts, music, and sports.
FEES AND FORMS DUE DATES
Checks or money orders payable to EGLMC Cost $365 Postmarked by June 1, 2020
$465 if postmarked after June 1, 2020 Register online at
https://www.cofchrist.org/spectacular Our Delegation is: West Pony
Mail check or money order ONLY to: Kelsey Batey
6009 Campbell Rd Mentor on the Lake, OH 44060
For more information call or e-mail: Kelsey Batey call: (440) 487-6687 or
e-mail: [email protected]
Please note: There is no longer a first time friend or sibling discount.
We want to share this information in order for you to be able to plan your contribution for the 2020 reunion/family camp July 4-10.
Registration Fees: $40.00 per person
Walk on registration fee: $50.00 per person
Below are the costs for the full week Central Lodge per person: $271.50 West Lodge per person : $205.50 RV’s/Cabins per person: $195.00
Tent per person: $159.00 (children 3 and under are free)
As always you need to send your registration fees with your housing registration this will allow us to plan for food and supplies. The listed cost are the amounts that the mission center will be charged per person for full time participants. If you will be attending part time and would like to contribute for the days that you will be attending contact Sandy at 440-256-1441 or email: [email protected] prior to camp. The listed costs are to help you with your contribution we will have several free will offerings during the week so no one has to miss Reunion/Family Camp because of finances. Meals will cost $9.75 each if you are visiting for the day and on Sunday we will offer a $19.00 meal ticket good for meals Sunday only.
A call for help Reunion 2020
Plan ahead for reunion
PAGE 3 THE BEACON
We are entering the planning stages for what promises to be another fantastic Reunion this coming summer! Apostle Catherine Mambwe will be spending the week with us! Please prayerfully consider how you would like to help out.
If you would like to share in some capacity during the week, please contact Emily Smith at [email protected] or call 440339-8828 or Sandy Davis at [email protected] call 440-256-1441.
Spectacular July 18-25, 2020
PAGE 4 THE BEACON
Reunion Guest Ministry
This retreat will be held at Temple Grove, the theme is “We Are One in the Spirit”, it will be directed by Andy Smith, registrar: Shawnna Thomas email: templegrovefamily2020. We’ll be doing a great variety of activities to choose from on Saturday:
Spiritual Formation: Nina Warriner & Emily Smith,
Church & Kirtland history: Seth Bryant
Creative Pie Making & Baking: Kevin Williamson
Building Resilience in Children: Karen Chesnutt Fun with Crafts: Margaret Duhl
Guitars and music: Kathy Fallon.
Can’t wait to see you for the weekend, or just visit for the day! Don’t forget to register! You can register online at https://eglmc.org/2020/01/14/eglmc-family-retreat/
Eglmc family retreat
April3-5, 2020
CATHERINE MAMBWE APOSTLE, COUNCIL OF TWELVE
West, South, and East Africa Mission Field
Catherine Mambwe, a minister for Community of Christ, is a member of the Council of Twelve Apostles, the lead missionary quorum of Community of Christ. Catherine previously served as Africa Mission field bishop, mission
center president, and financial officer for the South Central Africa Mission Centre. She holds the priesthood office of Apostle. Catherine previously worked for the Ministry of Education as a basic and high school teacher in Chingola, Zambia. She also worked as a human development facilitator for Outreach International and served as secretary to ecumenical church groups in Zambia. Catherine received a teaching diploma from Copperbelt University in Kitwe, Zambia, specializing in math, physics, chemistry, and biology. She also studied at Mansa Teachers’ Training College (MTTC), has 15 years' teaching experience, and trained as an accounting technician.
MISSION FIELD ROLES AFRICA MISSION FIELD
Field Apostle
MISSION FIELD ROLES AFRICA MISSION FIELD
Field Apostle
YEAR-END FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2019 Together the church gave $12.9 million USD to Worldwide Mission Tithes in 2019. Now, together in 2020 we can support worldwide mission. Can you sustain or increase what you gave in 2019? If you’re not already, can you start giving to Worldwide Mission Tithes as part of your stewardship?
To sustain existing ministries and programs in 2020, the church needs at least $12 million USD in Worldwide Mission Tithes. The good news is that goal can be exceeded by at least matching the $12.9 million USD given in 2019.
Sustain Christ’s mission around the globe by designating a portion of your tithing to Worldwide Mission Tithes. Don’t forget to sign up for eTithing https://app.securegive.com/cofchrist (scroll to the bottom of the page and use the World Church box).
PAGE 5 THE BEACON
There will be an Easter Service held in the Kirtland Temple April 12th at 10:00am, Seth
Bryant will be presiding and Elder James Spilsbury will be sharing the Easter message.
Upcoming at the Kirtland Temple
Photo by David Cool
EGLMC Summer Youth Camp
June 28-July 4, 2020 Junior Camp
For campers that have completed 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th
grade. Director: Kimberly Kessler
Senior High Camp For campers that have
completed 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th grade.
Co-directors: Kelsey Batey & Melanie Ryhal
Church updates
PAGE 6
Church Updates provides a weekly email to all subscribers each Thursday and also provides opportunities for congregations and individuals to add announcements, prayer requests (subject to review before posted for everyone), and a place for opportunities to serve. We realize that there may be individuals that would like to receive the news posted in Church updates that are currently not receiving these communications,. You can enroll yourself in the Church Updates program by going to the following website and setting up an account at https://cofchristeglmc.churchupdates.org/login/
THE BEACON
IYF 2021 DATES SET
The next International Youth Forum, a Community of Christ program that inspires hundreds of young people, will be July 21-23, 2021. The cost is $240 for events scheduled at the Temple at 201 S. River Blvd. Organizers for the 2021 event are Kass Unger, Carla Long, Laura Bolton, and Stacey Brookshaw. IYF provides meaningful Temple experiences including worship, spiritual education, small-group events, plus an opportunity to engage with people from other cultures. IYF is for youth who have completed ninth through 12th grades and adult leaders registered as youth workers. For more information, contact Kass Unger at [email protected].
“Faithful disciples respond to an
increasing awareness of the abundant
generosity of God by sharing according to the desires of their
hearts; not by commandment or
constraint. Break free of the shackles of conventional culture that mainly promote
self-serving interests. Give generously
according to your true capacity. Eternal
joy and peace await those who grow in the
grace of generosity that flows from
compassionate hearts without thought of return. Could it be
otherwise in the domain of God, who eternally gives all
for the sake of creation?”
Doctrine and Covenants 163:9
Thank you, Joyce Harmon, Ruth Campbell, and all the lovely ladies of Elyria! With a salad luncheon, Christmas sweets, carols, games, gift exchange, and babies, the Barberton women were thrilled to be included in this traditional Christmas gathering. What a meaningful way to honor the memory of Norma Jean Hinchcliffe, by continuing her annual Christmas tradition with this gathering. Surrounded by the beauty of Joyce’s home, and the peace and joy of the season, everyone had a lovely afternoon.
Welcome new congregation members Jacki Tindall and Dan& Ann Griffith We are blessed to have you join our church family!
An amazing $1325.00was contributed to Outreach International through our Gold Star Tree program. For our brothers and sisters in Haiti, the congregation purchased: 12 ducks, 1 cow, 4 goats, 8 chickens, 4 piglets, 4 roosters, 1 ox and 24 saplings. From our Vision Fund, the church was able to make Christmas brighter for three families who received gift cards totaling $660. The Vision account is funded through the free will offerings of our generous and faithful attendees at Swiss steak dinners. The Vision Fund is used strictly for ministry and blessing to children and families in need. The Fund was also the source of a $200 donation, via the local Salvation Army, for the Barberton mother of two young children who suffered a house fire on December 30. Sadly, the heroic mother, who fought so bravely to get her children to safety, lost her one-year-old daughter as a direct result of the fire. She and her two-year-old son both suffered burns and smoke inhalation while escaping the blaze, believed to have been caused by an electrical problem. It is truly a blessing to be financially able to help others in need. Barberton Community of Christ tries hard to “be fully awake and ready to respond”!
PAGE 7 THE BEACON
News from Akron/Barberton By Deborah Hood
Seventeen women gathered at the home of Joyce Harmon for Elyria’s traditional women’s Christmas party. Started years ago by Norma Jean Hinchcliffe, women bring a salad and a gift to exchange. Barberton ladies joined in the fun of games and carol singing. In honor of Norma Jean Hinchcliffe a gift was given and this tradition will be added to the party. All agreed to meet again before next December.
Kaeleigh Corrigan traveled to Columbus to participate in the Model UN competition. Spending 3 days at the Hyatt the team participated in various activities and learning about current world issues. They represented a small African country called Burkina Faso ( located in West Africa) and presented programs on the issues faced there.
Lisa Williams accepted a check in December from the giving Tuesday program for $25,409.00 for her company IT ALL MATTERS. Lisa and members of her board were in charge of women’s retreat this year. The company works to improve the lives of children thru teaching parents and educators communication skills and self value thru art, music, and verbal practices. Monies will be used to expand the program and develop curriculum.
News from Elyria By Ruth Campbell
PAGE 8 THE BEACON
PEOPLE NEWS
Blessings: Ryu Onyx McKinney infant son of Jarom & Jessamy McKinney was blessed December 29, 2019 at the Buffalo/Clarence Congregation by High Priest Karen Chesnutt. Baptisms & Confirmations: Jeffrey J. Dran is a new member of the Pittsburgh South Hills-Bethel Park congregation. He was confirmed July 7, 2019 by Elder Kathy Fallon and Seventy Kathy Ross.
Holly Beech is a new member of the Pittsburgh South Hills-Bethel Park congregation. She was baptized January 26, 2020 by High Priest Joel Ross and confirmed January 26, 2020 by Elder Kathy Fallon and Elder Janet Zeiger. Deaths: George Curtis Bell— New Philadelphia William Herbert Mackey—Mon Valley Doris Merwinna Riley—Niagara Falls/Lewiston Joyce I. Stratas— New Philadelphia
THE BEACON Page 9
9017 Chillicothe Rd. Kirtland, OH 44094
Phone: 440-256-1441 Fax: 440-256-5533
Email: [email protected]
EASTERN GREAT LAKES MISSION CENTER
W E’ RE ON THE WEB! WWW. EGLMC. ORG
UPCOMING EVENTS APRIL 3-5 Family Retreat at Temple Grove 6 Anniversary Church 1860 Organization & Reorganization 9 Maundy Thursday 10 Good Friday 12 Easter Service will be held at the Kirtland Temple at 10:00 am 25 Call in Day for West Lodge Housing for Reunion
MAY 10 Mother’s Day 15-17 Temple Grove Work Weekend 25 Memorial Day 31 Pentecost/Endowment Day
JUNE 21 Father’s Day 28-July 4 EGLMC Summer Youth Camp
Akron/Barberton Buffalo Clarence
Fayette City Greenwood
Kirtland Meadville
Mon Valley New Hamburg
New Philadelphia Niagara Falls
Pittsburgh Beechview Pittsburgh North Hills
Pittsburgh South Hills-Bethel Park Sharon
