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Minerva Messenger Minerva United Methodist Church
204 N. Main St., Minerva, OH 44657 Church 330-868-4940, Fax
330-868-4825
e-mail: [email protected], website: minervaumc.org Pastor
Harley Wheeler
Finishing Strong Isaiah 40:28-29 Do you not know? Have you not
heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of
the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding
no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the
power of the weak. As you read this, a good question would be,
“Power to do what, exactly?” It’s not wrong to sometimes quote
verses like this to encourage the training athlete. God loves the
skill of the athlete, since He is the au-thor of the body. But we
are underestimating Him if we believe bodily ability is all the
strength and power from God is good for. It requires a lot of
strength to love. It requires stamina and effort to continue with
our relationships through time. We must train ourselves to make our
habits of thought and emotion help us meet the daily challenges of
loving and caring. So then, as we ask God for strength to love, we
should earnestly pray to finish strong, too. The Su-perbowl and
Valentines Day are similar in that success goes to those who work
hard and remain faithful to the very last. The player who stops
trying late in the season will bring down a team. Love
relationships can last for years, but they can potentially be
ruined by late acts of selfishness. Pray to God that you finish
strong. This is a prayer He will answer! In Jesus, Pastor
Harley
Worship Schedule February 1
“Sundown Anger” Ephesians 4:25-27 Holy Communion
February 8
“Helping Words, Helping Hands” Ephesians 4:28-29
February 15
“My Spirit Relations” Ephesians 4:30-32
February 18 Ash Wednesday “Smaller than God” Job 42:1-6
February 22
“The Miracle at Cana” John 2
February 25 Worship at St. Luke’s Assisted Living 10:30
February 26
Worship at Eldercare 9:30, Great Trail 10:30
Bible Study Tuesday Morning Pastor’s Bible Study continues
studying in the Book of Romans in February. We can together see the
markers of Joy that Paul set forth in this letter, we can reflect
on the similarity between human laws and relationships and what
hap-pens when we find salvation in Christ. We also will hear about
the Law of the Spirit of Life, and the Law of sin and death. Can we
look up those ‘laws’ in Moses’ writings? Why or why not? Find out
more, Tuesday mornings in the Cross-trainers Room.
Tuesday Evenings Also in the Crosstrainers Room, on Tuesday
evenings, we will continue a new evening study, with I Corinthians
as a topic. If you ever wanted to see a struggling church held
tightly in the hand of God, you should read this book with us! This
is a new study time for us, so there will be sure to be a place for
you! The time is 7pm, Tuesday nights. We will skip Feb. 17th, to
allow for the Council meeting. We plan to extend this study up to
Easter. Check it out!
Deadline for the March Newsletter is February 17.
Please be sure your information is submitted by the
deadline.
Thank you
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Take Time, To Think. It is the source of Power. To Play. It is
the secret of perpetual youth. To Read. It is the fountain of
wisdom. To Pray. It is the greatest power on earth. To Love and Be
Loved. It is a God-given privilege.
PRAYER CONCERNS: Logan Adelman, Marilyn Arnold, Alex Bartley,
Diana Bolce, Andy Bratu, Dolan Brothers, Laurie Sabo- Burns, Randy
Bush, Ron Caley, Eva Mae Carter, Nancy Caster, Marcia Kay
Criss,
Lily Croston, Dan, John Davis, Caden Day, Families in Crisis,
Marissa (Hawk) Essick, Friend, Gary Fry, Family of Buddy Gabriel,
Michael Geibel, Family of Lenora Gotschall, Barb Grif-fith, Family
of Trevor Grindstaff, Eugene Grubb, Jim Hanna, Helen Hart, Ray
& Barb Haun, Everett Hayes, Vicki Herbert & Family, Family
of Norma Hill, Brody Hollar, Greyson Hollar, Keegan Hollar, Barb
Jamison, Janice, Jeff, Jobs, Family of Fran Johnson, Helen Kintigh,
Linde Klein & Family, Rick Lauener, Peggy Lemert, Family of
Renee Martin-Mariner, Terry Maurer, Family of Robert McKernan,
Dorothy Middleton, Mary Miller’s Family in Buffalo, Family of Greg
Mills, Minerva UMC’s Food Program, Harold Moore, Linda Moore,
Michael Moran, Family of Wilbur Moser, James Myers, Mike Newton,
Kelly Oberlin, Jim O’Brien, Jeanette Pahls, Tyler Pandrea, Greg
Peach, Brandi Pitts, Tyler Roach, Amy Roberts, Cathy Rodgers,
Roger, Paula Rogers, Arianna Rudd, Annie Russell, Jim Sabo, Ward
Sheckler, Corey Sells, Roland Smith, Bill Staib, Martha Steinmetz,
Georgette Stone, Bernie Tennant, Carla (Felger) Unkefer, Sandi
Wagner, Steve Warth, Family of Emily Waseman, Jean Wheeler, Susan
Wheeler, Family of Charles Williams, Fam-ily of Ella Wilson, Darla
Young, Bob & Carol Allmon & Family/Karen Jackson &
Family, The Families & Friends of Storm Angione, Savannah
Russell & A’liyiah Hancock
Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Marines–AC3 Nicholas G.
Albery (Naval Air Station Oceana, VA), AM3 Zachary D. Albery (Naval
Air Station Whidbey Island, WA), Jesse Clark (Germany), Lewis
Gibson (Korea), Brandon Jenkins (Texas) , Aaron King, Kevin Kowars
(Texas), Dan Lutz, Eli Maurer (Coast Guard Acade-my, Connecticut),
Josh Miller(Texas), Sgt. Michael Murphy (Hawaii; USMC), Russell
Nero (Air force Re-serves-Leaving for Afghanistan), SA Devin
Pennock (Great Lakes, IL; Navy), Kevin Price (Japan), Mitch Soles
(Fort Sam Houston, TX; Navy), John Stehulak (Afghanistan), Justin
C. Zeedrich
Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The falling of a tear, The
upward glancing of an eye When none but God is near. James
Montgomery
PRAYER CHAIN If you wish to have someone put on the prayer
chain, please contact the church office and/or Jennie McClellan
(330-868-6834) or Kay Hilverding (330-868-4728) with your request.
Your request will be han-dled with great care and will be passed
along the chains and
referred to the church office for email purposes. Blessings to
you all.
Celebrations of Baptism
Ruger James Smith
was baptized on January 11, 2015. He is the son of
Ryan & Heather Smith.
Lily Ann Streb was baptized on
January 25, 2015. She is the daughter of
Matthew Streb and Joni Mitzel.
Congratulations!
Welcome New Members Ryan Smith, Heather Smith
& Shelly Ridzon, who all officially joined
Minerva UMC on January 11, 2015.
Congrats!
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Thanks to everyone for their donations to the Christmas program
for kids. Because of all the generous donors, we were able to
provide toys and clothing for 353 needy children this Christ-mas!
And also thanks to the churches who distributed Christmas baskets
of food to fami-lies this Christmas! I am continually blessed by
all of the generous people of this town, es-pecially during the
holidays! It's awesome to see that so many people still care about
giving to others! Thanks again! Jenni Chadwell, Minerva Area
Salvation Army
Dear Church Congregation, Thank you so much for the beautiful
pink blanket. It’s a wonderful reminder that God heals us when you
let him into your heart. Thank you also for the prayers. God Bless
you. Love, Susan Wheeler
Sorry for the delay in this acknowledgment……
Thank you to Jeff Beshore for all of his hard work with the kids
to present the wonderful Kid’s
Christmas Musical, “The Great Christmas Giveaway”.
It was an amazing program! All the helpers are to be thanked so
much for all their patience and time spent helping the kids
learn songs, lines, and dances. And thank you to all those
precious children who
did such an amazing job.
Way to go, Everyone!
February Birthdays 1 Brian Milliken 2 Susan Storm, Janice Huhn 3
Doug Granger 5 Tiffany Whitmer, Rich Brown 6 William Gareau 8 Rich
McClellan 9 Bob Eddy, Greg Marteney 10 Nick Gotschall 12 Heather
Husted, Melissa Evanich, Joan Dietrich 14 Tim Miller, Jennifer
Cogan, Kalajo Eddy 17 Mike Ellis, Macy Hawk 20 Linda Green 22
Ashley Evanich, Randall Meadows 23 Janet Colloredo 25 Lois Marshall
26 Jayme Debo, Tyler Hollar 27 Laurie Peach, Joyce Rogers 28 Brock
Jackson 29 Vicki Clifford
New Birthday! Welcome, Eleanor Jane Aleia Wheeler,
born January 2, 2015. Eleanor is the daughter of
Machia & Liz Wheeler and the granddaughter of Pastor Harley
& Cindy.
Congratulations and Happy Birthday, Eleanor!
February Anniversaries Feb 5 Richard & Jennie McClellan Feb
14 David & Linda Miller
February Ushers Jerry Haynam, Joe Herstine,
Jim Smith, Ryan Smith
February Altar Flowers All Sundays are Open
February Nursery Attendants Feb 1 Renee Smith, Shelly Ridzon Feb
8 Jessie Kirkpatrick, Cindy Sperry Feb 15 Sarah Russo Feb 22 Laurie
McClellan, Cristin Rettig
February Greeters
Feb 1 Walt & Laurie McClellan
Feb 8 Sally Jo McDaniel
Feb 15 Kay Hilverding
Feb 22 Steve & Shirley Warth
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Our January 8th Produce Distribution was a bitterly cold day.
Nothing can stop our faithful volunteers! We
served 151 family with 445 family members that morning. The cold
temperatures kept some of our normal clients
away so our numbers were down a lot. We had some newcomers to
our volunteer crew in January and some who were free to come help
out due to school being cancelled for the day. From our every-month
volunteers to the new volunteers, each one is a blessing to the
program. We have a special thanks to the volunteers who realized
the need and stayed to help load left over produce onto pickup
trucks and haul it to the Salvation Army, tear down boxes, haul
cardboard to recycle, sweep floors, stack pallets and just
help with the finish of the morning. Thank you, thank you!
Blessings
Cheryl
Our next Produce Distribution is Thursday, February 12th, 8am.
If you are interested in coming out to help, give me a call or
catch me on Sunday morning.
The Salvation Army is in need of help supply-
ing its “Stork’s Nest”, diaper program. There
are families who are struggling to afford dia-
pers for their children. This need can’t be met
by the Food Stamps Program, WIC or any oth-
er social services program in this area.
For the month of February
we will have a pack-n-play set up
in the narthex to collect disposable diapers
and baby wipes for this program.
Please prayerfully consider buying a pack of
diapers and wipes and toss them in the pack-n
-play. In the past year, the sizes 4 and 5 were
particularly in demand. Thank you for your help and your
donations!
Last year Minerva UMC donated 25pks of diapers and 20 pkgs of
baby wipes.
Let’s see if we can meet those numbers again!
Calvary Mission Item-of-the-Month for February is Canned
Fruit.
Someone will appreciate your kindness. Please donate as you are
able.
Outreach Opprtunities in the coming months:
Canton Calvary Mission Item of the Month February canned fruit
March peanut butter April ramen noodles May boxed potatoes June
cereal/oatmeal July toilet paper August soup September pasta
October tuna/canned meat November pasta sauce December canned
veggies
Salvation Army “Stork’s Nest” Diaper Collection The month of
February: Donate diapers & baby wipes
College Care Packages Watch for more information
Ronald McDonald House Collection Watch for more information
March of Dimes Fundraiser Probably in April
Alliance Pregnancy Center Collection Usually falls in the month
of May.
Outreach Report On December 28th Pastor Harley was on va-cation.
Speaking in his absence was Mark Landerholm, the son of our former
District Su-perintendent Kurt Landerholm. He spoke on his work with
World Gospel Mission. A free will offering for Mark was collected,
totaling $571. Thank you to all who donated in sup-port of Mark.
Outreach Committee
Our job is to love others without stopping to inquire whether or
not they are worthy. That is not our business and, in fact, it is
nobody's business. What we are asked to do is to love, and this
love itself will render both ourselves and our neighbors worthy.
Thomas Merton
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Ladies of Minerva UMC
Tea or Coffee?
Sat., Feb. 14th at 9am
Minerva UMC
Devotions,
Fellowship,
Service to Others
Card-Making Group
Wouldn’t it be great if there were lovely handmade greeting
cards available free at the church? Do you have willing hands and a
little time? We are calling you to Tuesday Morning Card-Making
Group. Beginning February 10th, we will meet at Linde Klein’s
house, 13086 Baywood SE,
to cut, stamp, and decorate handmade greeting cards. The benefit
we all will get is the cards will be made available to the
congregation for free. Participation in the group is at no cost,
and it will be easy to work at your own skill level. Card-Making
Group starts its morning work at 9am, each Tuesday. For more
information, call Linda at 330-401-9868.
Ladies, Please join us on Feb 14th at 9 AM in the church parlor
and enjoy a continental breakfast. Come for de-votions, sharing,
fellowship and planning.
UMW News Unfortunately, we had to cancel our January speakers,
Rev. Bobby and Joyce Williams, be-cause of the weather. We are
looking to resched-ule them when the weather breaks and it will
some-time! They will be speaking of their ministry in Alli-ance
called “Feed My Sheep Ministries”. Please watch and listen for
announcements. MUMC UMW will be meeting on Feb. 14 at 9:00 AM in
the church parlor. We will have a continental breakfast with coffee
AND tea. Please plan to join us as we organize for 2015 and begin
to serve our Minerva community.
Prayer Shawls Thank you to all who are helping to re-supply our
prayer shawl boxes. Keep them coming.
New Project A new project, keeping in line with the prayer
shawls, has been presented to us. They are called prayer squares.
These tiny, 3 1/2 inch square, crocheted tokens of comfort ,
encour-agement, love and hope are a very cool idea. They are made
exactly this size to fit into a pocket or purse. Each square comes
with a note card that will be printed in the office and tied onto
each square. The squares will be placed in a basket in the narthex
and will be available for anyone to take to use them-selves or to
give to someone else. If you are interested in helping get a good
supply of these going, please check out the one that is in the
office, there are also basic instructions.
Have you pur-
chased one of the new Mi-nerva UMC cookbooks? You haven’t? Well
you are in luck……. We still have lots of cookbooks to sell. You can
get one by seeing Nancy LeMoine on Sunday mornings or contacting
Cheryl in the church office. Every cook-book sold helps to cover
the purchase cost of the new ovens for the church kitchen. Thank
you.
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Nursing Home Worship Services Pastor Harley will lead two
mornings of worship at
area nursing or assisted living facilities.
On Wednesday, February 25, there will be a half-hour of Worship
at
St. Luke’s Assisted Living beginning at 10:30am.
The next day, February 26, two services will be held.
The first is at Eldercare, at 9:30, then Great Trail at
10:30am.
You are very welcome to come along.
The time is rewarding, and the task can be as simple as turning
a page of music,
or shaking a hand. See Pastor Harley if you have questions.
The Lenten Fast
Will you be giving something up for Lent? Many of us do just
that..……. It is useful to set aside a pleasure, so as to keep
pleasures from ruling our lives. It may also be a resolution to,
for instance, read the Bible regularly during the time of Ash
Wednesday to Easter. Lenten fasts can come in many kinds. Some
relating to food, some to entertainment, or habits, and many are
opportunities to pursue a path of good-deed doing. You may want to
select one of these for yourself during lent so that, by denying a
usual portion of ease and comfort, you are reminded to pray.
Find out more by asking Pastor Harley.
Tuscarawas District
Leadership Training
“Leading by Doing”
Saturday, February 21, 2015
9:00 AM—12:00 PM
North Canton Faith UMC
Church van leaves from Minerva at 8:15.
Come and be a part of something wonderful!
The event will begin with a presentation of
missions that are going on within
our district, followed by an opportunity to
take part in packing 20,000 meals,
with the assistance of Stop Hunger Now,
to help those in the United States and all
around the world!
There will be jobs for everyone.
The Season of Lent Begins Ash Wednesday Service
On February 18,
we will have an Ash Wednesday Service beginning at 7pm, in the
Chapel.
This service provides an intimate setting for us to begin a
Lenten Journey together. At the service, we will have hymns,
scriptures and prayers. Pastor Harley’s message from Job 42:1-6,
“Smaller than God” will lead us into a time of prayer, where, if
you wish, you can receive the mark of the cross on your forehead,
as a sign for you of the special time for God that you will be
setting aside in the weeks ahead.
You are very welcome to come to the Ash Wednesday Service!
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February 2015
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
915a Sunday Schl
1030a Worship
2 3
1030a Bible Study
7p Bible Study
7p DAR-parlor
4
615p Joyful Noise
730p HarmonyHB
5
7p Choir
6 7
8
915a Sunday Schl
1030a Worship
9 10
1030a Bible Study
12p Sr. Gr. Lunch
7p Bible Study
11
615p Joyful Noise
730p HarmonyHB
12
8a Produce Del.
9a Produce Distr.
7p Choir
13 14
9a UMW-parlor
15
915a Sunday Schl
1030a Worship
16 17
1030a Bible Study
11a Pathways
630p Trustees
7p Bible Study
7p Admin. Councl
18
7p Ash Wednes-
day Service
in the Chapel
615p Joyful Noise
730p HarmonyHB
19
7p Choir
20 21
Leadership Train-
ing at Faith UMC
22
1st Sunday / Lent
915a Sunday Schl
1030a Worship
23 24
1030a Bible Study
7p Bible Study
25
615p Joyful Noise
730p HarmonyHB
26
7p Choir
27 28
Wesley Hall
Reserved
All Day
