TOWER NEWS, 2019 “Seize The Day”

Carpe Diem. We see it on posters. We hear it in conversations, songs, and movies. But, do we really know what it means? Carpe means to pick, pluck or seize. Diem means day. So to translate, Carpe Diem means to “Seize the Day.” This phrase is used as a gentle reminder to seize the pleasures of the moment without concern for the future. Each day we are bombarded with messages from television, radio, the Internet, newspapers and other media to simply enjoy life and live in the moment. On the other hand, life can be difficult to live in the moment with all the demands placed on us each day, such as work, finances, family and health matters.

Our creator God gave us a great gift of the life we live and encourages us to rejoice in each moment of each day. The Psalmist says, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us re-joice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24, NRSV). Later in the Bible the Apostle Paul, who had suffered many hardships and persecutions, still found time to rejoice. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say rejoice” (Philippians 4:4, NRSV). We are (finally!) at the point where we are seeing the flowers blooming, the trees bud-ding, and the sun (occasionally!) shining. Soon we will be able to get outside more and enjoy the summer activities. I believe God wants nothing more than for all of God’s children to be hap-py and live a wholesome, fulfilled life. Although life may be difficult at times, God gives us the opportunity to rejoice and be glad. Walking in the park, spending time with family, and simply getting outside to enjoy God’s beautiful creations are just a few ways to rejoice as the weather continues to get warmer. Another way to rejoice is to give thanks and praise God for all the gifts that have been provided to us every day. Let us remember to “Seize the Day,” and be thankful!

See you at church this summer!

Pastor Ben

MISSIONS

Welcome to the Mission Team!! This summer we need the whole congre-

gation to get involved in the fellowship that will be happening in our

church. Please sign up as the activities are available.

The first is Vacation Bible School happening June 23-27. Please help us by

volunteering if you are available and/or bringing one or more of the food

items that will be posted near the office. Sign up and take the sticky note

of what you are purchasing. If you prefer to donate money, please make

sure you mark it for VBS. Please pray for this community outreach for

our kiddos. THE BLESSING BUCKET FOR JUNE IS VBS!

The second is the Community-wide Picnic to be held on July 19 in the

evening. You can sign up to bring or prepare food and/or help with activ-

ities that will be available. We will need many hands. Stay tuned for the

sign up that will be available for that activity as well.

There will be some clean up and work activities that we will help with as

the youth do some community service projects. Be prepared to sign up

to help with those as well.

As always, service in the name of Jesus is the best way to build relation-

ships with those in our community. Let s work together to share the love

of the Lord with our community. When you

have the opportunity, step out in faith and

help with the many activities we are plan-

ning.

FRIDAY, JULY 19 5 – 7:30 pm FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

201 N MAIN STREET — CHURCH PARKING LOT

FOOD, FUN, AND FELLOWSHIP COME ONE, COME ALL! EVERYONE IS INVITED!

FOOD: HOT DOGS, HAMBURGERS, BAKED BEANS,

CHIPS, BROWNIES, BEVERAGES

FUN AND GAMES: KIDS BOUNCE HOUSE, CORN HOLE, FACE PAINTING, RING TOSS,

WATER BALLOON TOSS AND MORE!

FELLOWSHIP: COME AND ENJOY TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY.

UNITED METHODIST MEN Last month we defined the meaning of a Disciple which is simply a Learner.

Hopefully we have been reflecting who we have been following and what we have been learn-ing. Are our thoughts and actions in accordance with the teachings of Jesus or are they in con-flict with his life on this earth? Only we can answer these questions truthfully. All of us are in various steps in our journey of faith. Let us strive to continue to grow in our faith as we continue on our journey of life. May God bless you all and lead you, by his Spirit daily.

A special thank you to the men who volunteered to cook and serve at our Mother/Child ban-quet: Ray Hartline, Paul Chism, Brian Brown, Bob Mitchell, Bill Verbsky, Pastor Ben, & Joe An-tram. Also thank you to Marianne Antram for prepping and supplying all the necessary compo-nents along with the recipe to make this meal possible.

Further thank you to the men and youth who have been installing carpet in the cabin at Camp Wesley: Tracy & Garrett Prater, Jacob Engroff-Meyer, & Michael VanBrocklin. (Note: Still could use help to finish.)

Upcoming need for volunteers:

Finishing laying carpet in the cabin at Camp Wesley

Youth work mission in Columbus June 14-15 (Can stay overnight or drive back & forth daily)

(Note: No men’s breakfast at church in June)

Tentative Men’s Retreat October 4 & 5

Men’s breakfast will resume in July

A survey is being sent out regarding Father’s Day – If you don’t receive one, please contact me at 937-935-0728, 937-666-5713, or perryron@centurylink.net

JUNE 3 Greg Penhorwood JUNE 14 Jordan Reed

JUNE 4 Eric LaRoche JUNE 14 Samuel Heim

JUNE 6 Cliff Kindle JUNE 17 Victoria Inskeep

JUNE 8 Carolyn Wyse JUNE 19 Emily Inskeep

JUNE 9 Laura Mitchell JUNE 19 Tracy Yoesting

JUNE 11 Cindy Daring JUNE 22 Peyton Robbins

JUNE 11 Toni Scott JUNE 23 Donna Howell

JUNE 12 Linda Engelhaupt JUNE 24 Ellie Heim

JUNE 13 Ciara Irick JUNE 24 Gary Carnes

JUNE 14 Doug Mitchell JUNE 25 Sherri Heim

JUNE 30 Jacob Mitchell

TRUSTEES FINANCIAL

For 2019 through April, the Trustees have incurred building related expenditures in the

amount of $22,331 versus a budget of $25,300, a favorable variance of $2,969. Budget

exceedances in utilities, boiler maintenance, and parking lot snow removal and technolo-

gy were offset savings in other areas. Thus far this year, the major expenditures through

April are: utilities ($12,356), boiler maintenance/HVAC ($2,740), computer and software

maintenance which includes our new technology package with NetGain ($2,151), and

parking lot and sidewalk maintenance ($1,890).

TRUSTEE ACTION ITEMS

Fire Extinquisher/Safety/Emergency Lighting Inspection. No issues. Complete inspec-

tion completed by Megacity.

Stained glass window repair/restoration/rehabilitation project: Trustees have ap-

proved proceeding with Phase 1 of the project which covers the sanctuary win-

dows at a cost of $100,680. This project is presented and discussed in detail in a

separate memorandum which accompanies this report.

Elevator quarterly inspection/maintenance completed.

Parking Lot light bulb replacement request made to city for its action.

Quarterly pest control inspection and eradication completed.

Choir room leak: Repair of roof required which will cost $10,000. It is anticipated

that this work will be done in the third quarter.

Trustees awaiting formal requests for Welcome Center, and Fellowship Hall Modifica-

tions.

Scott Shellhaas

FORMER STUDENTS, FELLOW TEACHERS,

FRIENDS & FAMILY

YOU ARE INVITED

TO AN OPEN HOUSE

HONORING

SUSAN GIVLER AND HER 50 YEARS OF SERVICE IN EDUCATION AT

BELLEFONTAINE CITY SCHOOLS

SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2019 FROM 2-4 P.M.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

201 N. MAIN STREET, BELLEFONTAINE

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD.

NO GIFTS JUST YOUR PRESENCE.

The summer months ahead are quickly filling up with a

host of activities and events! There are many opportunities for the kids and their families to partici-

pate, and I would pray that the congregation would seriously consider the benefits of our gathering

together—as the body of Christ—to strengthen our ties to one another through worship, fellowship

and fun.

A few of the items to place on your calendar:

Mission trip to Church for All People in Columbus, June 14th-15.th

Local mission projects upcoming include painting, landscaping, building raised garden boxes,

benches, a picnic table and a partial barn restoration. All seven of the work sites are within

Logan County and include unfinished projects from the United Way Community Days event.

Please consider joining us as we seek to honor God through service to our neighbors.

A bowling outing is tentatively planned for June (details to follow).

The tickets for the Dayton Dragons are still available in limited amounts. We have a block of 20

seats, with 10 tickets already being claimed. Get ‘em while you can!

The youth have requested a lock-in event for August, and in order to go forward with the plan-

ning we need to secure adult volunteers to assist. Please check with me if you are interested

in helping out!

There is no doubt that the youth are an essential part of the church today. The nationwide drop in

attendance and membership for young people cannot be solved through entertainment and attrac-

tional gimmicks, at least not in the long term. The impetus to remain active beyond the formative

years has to come from a deeper place; when parents can no longer compel kids to attend, it is usu-

ally the case that the youth stop showing up. Why? There are various opinions, studies, surveys, etc,

but the one constant I’ve encountered is that youth want the church to be aware of (and active in)

the lives and struggles of our neighbors. They want to make a difference in their community and the

world, and it’s the task of us all to journey with them. Peace, Michael

STAIN GLASS WINDOW REPAIR

AND RESTORATION PROJECT For some time it has been recognized that all the Church’s stain glass windows are in need of re-

pair, restoration and/or rehabilitation. If this work is not undertaken, there is a risk of failure of or

irreparable damage to the windows.

After conducting an extensive bid and review process, the Trustees have selected Cathedral Crafts,

Inc. from Winona, Minnesota to perform the window repair and restoration work. Cathedral has a

good reputation of performance in the industry and submitted the lowest cost proposal. Examples

of some of Cathedral’s work on other churches’ stain glass windows may be viewed on its website

at cathedralcrafts.com.

In performing the work, Cathedral will sequence the removal of the windows which will be trans-

ported to its factory in Winona for the necessary repair/restoration work. While the windows are

gone from the Church, protective coverings will be installed in the window space until the windows

are returned and re-installed. Not all the windows will be taken at once. Given Cathedrals work

schedule, work on our windows may not commence until 2020.

The total cost of all the work, without any contingency fund, is $179,655. Rather than committing

at this time to the entire $179,655, we have negotiated a two phased approach to the work as fol-

lows:

PHASE 1: MAIN SANCTUARY WINDOWS; COST OF $100,680

Phase 1 covers the repair and restoration of the main sanctuary windows. These

windows include the six large windows in the East and South Balcony and the six

small windows on the East and South floor. The cost of Phase 1 work is $100,680.

Of this amount: 35% or $35,238 is due and payable at the time we sign the agree-

ment for the work; 15% or $15,102 is due and payable on the commencement of

the work; and, the remainder of $50,340 is due and payable at the conclusion of

the work.

UNITED METHODIST

WOMEN

Thank you to all who attended and helped with the Mother/Child Dinner May 10. Mari-

anne and Cheryl both did an excellent job with planning and decorating. Our program

about Raggedy Ann and Andy was absolutely enjoyable. The UMM men were awesome in

preparing and cooking the meal.

REMINDER: Prayer Breakfast, Monday, June 10th at 9 am, hosted by Susie Hurley.

UMW Executive Meeting—Thursday, June 13 –at 4 pm in the church lounge.

Please join us!

First United Methodist Church

UMW Prayer Breakfast Where: 1st United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall

When: Monday, June 10, 2019

Time: 9:00 am

Presented by Susie Hurley

NAME TAGS Do you have a Name Badge? The Discipleship Committee hopes these badges will assist people in knowing and getting better ac-quainted with everyone. If you would like a badge, please put the name you would like for the badge on the engagement card provided

in your bulletin and one will be made for you. Suggested donation for each badge is $6.

SUMMER MUSIC Summer Music Volunteers for Special Music: It's

that time of year again for us to recruit volunteers to

provide for special music for first service during the

summer months. The dates at this time are: June 2, 9, 30; July 7, 21; Au-

gust 4, 11, 25; September 1. Contact Robin Harrington or the church office.

ONE CALL NEW INFO: If you want a One Call sent out from the church office, the info must be into the office by 9 am on Mondays. From now on One Calls will only be put out on Mondays. Also, if you want on the ONE CALL LIST, con-tact the church office.

SYMPATHY

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family and

friends of Harold Heacock who passed away on April

27, 2019.

We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to Michael Van-

Brocklin’s family and friends in the death of his father-in

-law, Toby Tyler who passed away on May 22, 2019.

STAIN GLASS WINDOW REPAIR

AND RESTORATION PROJECT continued:

PHASE 2: ALL OTHER WINDOWS EXCLUSIVE OF THOSE IN PHASE 1; COST OF $78,975

(SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE ESCALATION)

Phase 2 covers the repair and restoration of all other windows not included in Phase 1. The

cost of Phase 2 work is $78,975, payable on the same 35%/15%/50% payment terms noted

in Phase 1. Cathedral has agreed to hold the cost of Phase 2 firm if we contractually com-

mit to the work prior to the completion of Phase 1. If we do not make that commitment,

the cost of Phase 2 may escalate depending on Cathedral’s increased cost, and thus we may

have to renegotiate that cost.

The description and extent of the work to be performed on each window is set forth in Ca-

thedral’s proposal documentation which is on file in the office if you have an interest in re-

viewing it.

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

A capital campaign to raise the necessary funds to pay for this much needed work will be

undertaken and on-going until the funds have been received. A special

account has been set up for funds donated to this project. If you would

like to contribute to this effort, you may note in the memo line of your

check “Stain Glass Windows Project.” This will ensure your donation will

spent specifically for the window project. If you have any questions or

concerns about the window project, please do not hesitate to raise them

with any Trustee. Thank you in advance for your financial support of the

project.

Scott Shellhaas

FAMILY MINISTRY TEAM The Family Ministry Team goal is to encourage every

member of our church family to spend time together, in praise and worship, learning about the love of God the Father, Jesus, our Savior and experienc-ing the power of the Holy Spirit. We will continue to offer opportunities for intergenerational fellowship and community. Look for upcoming events and plan to participate as we build and strengthen relationships with each other as we praise our Father in love.

SAFE SANCTUARY Members of the Family Ministry Team and SPPR Committee met to discuss the Bellefontaine First United Methodist Church’s Safe Sanctuary Poli-cy. This policy outlines mandatory standards to protect children, youth and vulnerable adults from abuse at First UMC and at any church sponsored ac-tivities. After reviewing the current policy, several changes were made.

Heidi & Peggy, Family Ministry Co-chairs, will contact the Capital Area North to ask for additional information and to set a date for a training session with volunteers here at First UMC. The sub-committee will continue their efforts to find the best way to move forward with back-ground checks for volunteers.

2019 Vacation Bible School

“Walking with Jesus”

Sunday-Thursday, June 23-27 6-8 p.m.

VBS is for children 3 years old (and potty trained!)

up to entering 5th grade.

Dinner will be provided each evening for all children.

Name:________________________________________________________________

Birthday:____________________ Age:________________________

Grade/Fall 2019:_____________ T-Shirt Size:__________________

Primary Address:___________________________________________________

City:______________________ Zip Code:_______________________

Mom’s name:________________________________________________

Cell:_____________ Email:___________________________________

Dad’s name:_________________________________________________

Cell:_____________ Email:___________________________________

Home Church:_______________________________________________

Allergies:_____________________________________________________

Any other information that would be helpful for us to know:

________________________________________________________________________

Emergency Contacts (required):

Name:__________________________________Phone:______________________

Name:__________________________________Phone:______________________

Bellefontaine First United Methodist Church

201 N. Main St.

(937) 592-9651

Www.bellefontainefirstumc.org

CHURCH DIRECTORY UPDATE

Our church directory is now a year old. The new program we signed up for allows us to update the directory as often as we want for 4 years, so we are planning our first update. Anyone who was not able to get their portrait taken last time, or has just recently started attending, (or just wants to try for a better picture!!) will now have the chance. There is no charge to the church, or you (unless you buy portraits) and the date we have set is TUES-DAY SEPTEMBER 17TH from 2-9 pm. We need at least 15 peo-ple to make appointments in order for the company to come to the church. More details on that later! The great part of this program is that the new directory is printed for the new folks being photographed AND everyone in the directory from last year. Please call the church office or let Kayce Shaeffer or Debbie Shellhaas know if you are interested in having your picture taken.

FINANCE

The Finance Committee is happy to report to the congregation that weekly giving through May 13, 2019 has increased approximately 30% over 2018. The Com-mittee is very grateful to the congregation for the increased giving as we continue to move forward in support of our youth and community programs. In addition, a

new account has been established by the Trustees and Finance Committee for the stain glass window repair project and several donations have already been accepted. More news on that pro-ject will be forthcoming in the very near future as details are be-ing finalized regarding the project. Thank you for all your sup-port. Howard A. Traul II, Finance Committee Co-Chair

VBS UPDATES/REMINDERS:

“Walking with Jesus”

Happening NOW: VBS registration!

See the form beside this article, pick up a form at church, or register on Facebook, or

our webpage under “HAPPENINGS” (bellefontainefirstumc.org)

Happening SOON: Watch for sign-ups for donating items/money needed for VBS.

(We are pleased to NOT charge the children who attend VBS, so your donations are

greatly appreciated!)

Monday, June 10th—7:00 p.m.: Meeting for all people who are already helping, and

for those looking for a way to help!

Monday, June 17th—6:00 p.m.: Preschool VBS meeting

Thursday, June 20th—1:00 p.m.: Decorating time! All are Welcome!

Sunday, June 23rd—6:00 p.m.: The Fun Begins!

NEW THIS YEAR: dinner will be served each night at 6:00!

June 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

WEST OHIO CONFERENCE

2

WEST OHIO CONFERENCE

LAKESIDE

N/A 5:30 pm (UP)

3

WEST OHIO CONFERENCE

LAKESIDE

PRAYER TEAM 3 PM

4

WEST OHIO CONFERENCE

LAKESIDE

N/A 7:05 pm (UP)

5 WEST OH. CONF. LAKESIDE

DULCIMER GRP. 9 am

EVERYONE’S DAY 3-4:30 pm

(KITCHEN)

IGNITE 5:45 pm

6 WEST OHIO CONFERENCE

LAKESIDE

WORSHIP/MUSIC TEAM,(L) 5:30 pm

7

PRAYER GRP. 9:30 am

8

N/A SPEAKER 3-9 pm (FH)

N/A 7 pm (UP)

9

50th EDUCATION CELEBRATION

FOR SUSAN GIVLER 2-4 pm

N/A 5:30 pm (UP)

10 PRAYER TEAM 3 PM

UMW PRAYER BREAKFAST

9 am (FH)

TEAM MEETINGS 6:30 pm

11 CLERGY CLUSTER (L) 9:30 am– 12:30 pm

N/A 7:05 pm (UP)

12 DULCIMER GRP. 9 am

EVERYONE’S DAY 3-4:30 pm

(KITCHEN)

IGNITE 5:45 pm

YOUTH 6:30 pm

13

UMW EXECUTIVE MTG. (L) 4 pm

GIRL SCOUTS (Youth) 6-7 pm

14

PRAYER GRP. 9:30 am

15

N/A 7 pm (UP)

16

N/A 5:30 pm (UP)

17

PRAYER TEAM 3 PM

18

RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE 12 -6 pm N/A 7:05 pm (UP)

19 DULCIMER GRP. 9 am

EVERYONE’S DAY 3-4:30 pm (KITCHEN)

IGNITE 5:45 pm

YOUTH 6:30 pm

20 21

PRAYER GRP. 9:30 am

22

N/A 7 pm (UP)

23 DISCIPLESHIP LUNCH (FH)

11:30 am

VBS—6-8 pm N/A 5:30 pm (UP)

24

PRAYER TEAM 3 PM

VBS—6-8 pm

25

VBS—6-8 pm

N/A 7:05 pm (UP)

26 DULCIMER GRP. 9 am

EVERYONE’S DAY 3-4:30 pm

(KITCHEN)

IGNITE 5:45 pm

27

LAST THURSDAY MEAL

4:30-6 pm

VBS—6-8 pm

28

PRAYER GRP. 9:30 am

29

N/A 7 pm (UP)

30

N/A 5:30 pm (UP)