When Dan Stokes came to my office to tell me “the time had come” for him to leave...my heart sank. After three months of prayer, I want to put aside my grief and celebrate the gift that God has given me to be able to work with Dan as a partner in ministry for 14 great years.

Dan is an amazing leader and he is gifted in so many ways! Originally headed toward ordination, Dan abandoned those plans for credentialing by the church and served without the title of Reverend beside his name. But he is indeed a minister.

I could have imagined him serving just as effectively as a minister for congregational care as he has as a minister of music. He has a unique gift to connect with people of all ages.

I have always been amazed by Dan’s ability to build a ministry out of a variety of gifted individuals because of the way he makes them feel about what they do and why they do it. In her book Hallelujah!, Cathy Fyock says that the secret of a great leader is the ability to keep people connected to the larger mission and purpose of the organization. For Dan it is never just about the musical performance, it is about connecting people to God and God’s purpose for their lives. People who worked with Dan across his 26 years at Christ Church have always felt that. They have become servants under his leadership. No paid choirs for Dan! Everybody has a gift and everybody can use their gifts to glorify God—everybody!

I’ve always been impressed by Dan’s leadership ability. You don’t stay 26 years any place without experiencing some challenges and disagreements, but Dan always had the ability to stay focused on what he believed God was calling him to do. I’ve learned a lot from Dan from how he handled those situations. I have seen some people leave and then come back, and I have watched Dan graciously receive them back into community. I have learned from watching Dan stay focused on the principles around which he would built the Music Ministry of Christ Church.

I have always admired Dan’s gift of creativity. He has a singular ability to inspire my soul with his orchestration of music and his sense of the holy. I don’t know how many funerals we have done together, but he always knew exactly what music to choose to set just the right tone for that particular family. That same gift of creativity has touched thousands across 26 years through Christmas concerts. I have watched him pour his heart and soul into these gifts of music that have blessed our community and inspired persons to want to come back and hear more about this God that we were singing about. Whether he was leading a children’s musical or directing an anthem or producing a concert, Dan has touched people of all ages—not just with the gift of music but with the gift of knowing God through that music.

Dan has been a blessing to this pastor. I think his respect for pastors came from being a preacher’s kid when he watched some people not demonstrate respect for the office. I appreciate his loyalty. His devotion to the church of Jesus Christ is exemplary. My heart grieves because I lose someone I love. But when you truly love somebody you want the best for them. I have come to appreciate that Dan sees the next chapter of his life serving in a church with different challenges while getting to be closer to his parents and family in Pennsylvania. So we let him go with our prayers, our blessing, our appreciation and our love. I wish the best for Dan and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for the next chapter of Dan’s life and the next chapter in the future of this fabulous Music Ministry at Christ Church.

PASTOR’S MESSAGEDr. George Strunk, Senior Pastor

REFLECTIONS MAGAZINE • Summer 2015

CONTENTS

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Cover Story, Page 8-9Reflections on Henderson Settlement

When we were about to leave, a little boy came up to me and said, “I just want you to know, that was AWESOME!” I replied with a thanks and a big smile on my face, and walked out with the group...

Page 4Second Grade Bibles, Discovering the Beauty of God’s Word

Page 5Sanctuary Care, Kneeling Before Him

Page 6-7Music Ministry, The Joy in the Message

Page 10-11Confirmation, Reflections on Confirmation

Page 12-17 Christ Church News

Page 18 Senior Adult Ministry

Page 19Rev. Loletuth Kalz, Why Eastern Europe?

@george_strunk

drgeorgestrunk.wordpress.com

BRIEFLY STATEDRedesigned church website will launch this summer. Visit www.ccum.net to check out our new look. Church Website

Get SocialBe a part of demonstrating God’s love through social media.

fb.com/christchurchlouisville

@ChristChurchKY

@ChristChurchKY

Christ Church United Methodist

REFLECTIONS MagazineSubmissions to REFLECTIONS Magazine are due by the 7th of each month. Contact communications@ccum.net for more information on this ministry. On the cover: Henderson Settlement mission team member, May 2015

When we didn’t understand something,” second-grader

Bridgette Olash allowed, “our teacher would help us until we could.” The daughter of John and Tara Olash, Bridgette referenced a concentrated 13-week focus on Sunday mornings that introduced her and her Christ Church peers into the beauty and majesty of God’s word.

A children’s leader at Christ Church, Ann Davis, conducted this intensive and enlightening exposure to God’s Word. The Children’s Ministry established this important milestone for second graders. “This milestone is our way of emphasizing the importance of God’s Word in their lives and recognizing that, by and large, they are now able and ready to read it on their own,” said Sarah Flannery, Director of Children’s Ministries. “Mrs. Ann taught us that there are 66 books in the Bible and I did not know that,” Bridgette continued. “We could understand what she was saying as she talked to us.” Tara Olash perceived that her child took the class “very seriously.” Bridgette “had her siblings remind her to take her Bible with her each week.” And when the family returned home following Sunday sessions, her mother recalled,

DISCOVERINGTHE BEAUTY

of GOD’S WORDby Jim Cox

Bridgette “always wanted to show us what she had learned.” As a result of this milestone and the instruction of Mrs. Davis, this young disciple “started reading her Bible in bed and becoming familiar with its contents.” Before it began, an apprehensive Mary Stone was concerned that the Sunday morning sessions might be too “school-like” to sustain the children’s attention. “Clearly we were wrong,” she confessed. Mary, and her husband Matthew—parents of Ben—acknowledged that the emphasis had become exciting for their second-grader. Ann Davis’ introduction to the scriptures gave “us the perfect opportunity for discussion with our son about various stories within the Bible.” Mary Stone went on, “Ben seems much more willing to discuss the Bible with us than he was prior to his time with Ann.”

There are many Children’s Milestones at Christ Church—including baptism, Kindergarten worship blessing, second grade Bibles, and transition to sixth grade—and each include a parent component. Parents participate in a two-hour Bible workshop along with their second graders. The event is conducted the same weekend as the Bible ceremony. Sarah Flannery said, “The parents physically hand the Bibles

to their children to symbolize that the parents will lead and participate in their children’s reading of scripture at home.” “Ann Davis truly owns this ministry and is so creative in her approach, and that is inspiring,” Sarah concluded. And just who is Ann Davis? She’s a woman who fell in love with the beauty of scripture early on and now shares her love and understanding of the Bible with young ones. Her enthusiasm simply can’t be contained as she gushed with positive reflections on this special ministry, “Those children were sucked into it and those that were my greatest challenges became my strongest leaders,” she enthused. “The positive energy that was generated in that room was amazing and no child was left behind! They all contributed and dug information out and participated wholeheartedly and it was exhilarating!” And on a personal level, Davis added: “Truly it was a gift from God to have had these children in my life! God and the Holy Spirit have been at work in this place.”

For more information on this or other Children’s Milestones, contact

Sarah Flannery at sarah@ccum.net or 893-2201 x248

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“

KNEELINGBefore Him

On Sunday, May 17, the new kneelers that lay at the altar rail were dedicated to our church. As many saw and heard during the service, this was a very meaningful endeavor that was meant to update and create a restful and beautiful worship space for our congregation.

The kneelers coordinate beautifully and intentionally with the stained glass windows in the Sanctuary and are truly a labor of love and history. More than 1,400,000 stitches put together by 22 stitchers, took over four years to complete. Several team members worked on the original kneelers 30 years ago and were again asked to use their talents for needlepoint this go round.

Kneeling at the altar on Sunday has become even more of a worshipful

experience and our Sanctuary even more of a sacred space. As you rest your knees and bow your head before taking communion, remember the prayers and love that lie beneath you. Remember the comfort of the community that loves and supports you and rest in it.

Sharing a gift that will always be visible and working with my comrades and then seeing the parts come together... I am so glad I could be connected to this project. —Michael Bolden

It was a joy knowing that my kneeler would be used for something as special as communion, and also provide a comfortable spot for those wishing to go to the altar in prayer. —Judy Blair

See the display cases in the Memorial Hall for more on the stitchers and the donors.

Driven by Grace6 7

the JOYI N T H E

Inspiring Worship

Committed to Excellence

Driven by Grace

Beyond our Walls

When we think about the impact of the Music Ministry at Christ Church, we could focus on the numbers. After all,

over the past 26 years we have gained a talented Music Director, Dan Stokes; grown from an adult choir of 50 members to 140 members; and a youth choir of 5 members to 100 members. Or we could talk about Christmas concerts developing into an outreach that brings the hope and love of Christ to thousands outside the walls of the church. We could talk about the thousands of dollars collected in offerings that have impacted lives and missions all over the world.

But big numbers aren’t the mission of Christ Church. The mission of Christ Church is becoming living proof of God’s love, one person at a time. It’s not a mission focused on numbers; it’s a mission focused on One.

Over the past 26 years Christ Church has been blessed to have a Music Director who understood. Someone whose desire wasn’t just to make music, but rather saw music as a means to create a precious worship experience that not only draws people closer to the God who loves them, but has the power to draw people together in community. Dan sees music as a language that can reach across borders and classes. He sees music as a means to bring together congregation members and turn them into family members.

As the Holy Spirit moved and worked, the Music Ministry grew, one person at a time. One rehearsal at a time. One concert at a time.

The Music Ministry not only grew in size, but also in fellowship and authenticity as a community developed. The members of this ministry are committed to praying for one another, laughing with one another, crying with one another and simply walking through life with one another.

God’s love has inspired and impacted this ministry to minister to one another as brothers and sisters while also ministering beyond the walls of Christ Church.

The essence of the ministry has never waned—finding Joy in the process, Joy in the art, Joy in the purpose, and always Joy in the message.

And it is precisely this message that will continue to ring on in the Music Mministry at Christ Church as it continues to grow and develop. Joy abounds within the walls here and cannot be contained. A firm foundation has been laid. One that isn’t about the numbers, bur rather about living and breathing our mission. A mission focused on bringing the love of Christ to others, one person at a time.

MESSAGE

We understand that the Kingdom of God is a rag-tag community of folks held together by a glimmer of love beyond our understanding.

Dan Stokes, Director of Music Ministries 1989-2015

A luncheon celebrating Dan’s service to Christ Church will be held Sunday, July 12 after the 11:15 am service.

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REFLECTIONS on HENDERSONSETTLEMENT Thoughts and Journal Entries from Margaret Murray and Christian Dissell, Christ Church Youth

Visit www.ccum.net/serve and discover where God may be leading you to serve.

Experiences like this week have a way of opening our eyes to what’s really important. - Margaret Murray

One of my favorite parts of this trip was one that I might easily

have missed.

Henderson Settlement is so isolated that there is no cell reception in many areas. While there was internet at our dorm, I took the opportunity to turn my phone off for the entirety of the four days. It provided a much-needed opportunity to disconnect and be fully present with my team members and the people we were serving. Modern society spends every waking moment connected to some form of technology —only a call or text away from hundreds of other people.

This connectedness had become second nature, enabling us to lead frenetic, over-scheduled lives. Cliché as this may sound, while mine is the most technologically connected generation in history, this so-called “connection” often serves to disconnect us from the moment we are meant to live in. It’s easy to miss small things—tiny details in nature, an expression on someone’s face, spontaneous interpersonal connections—when we are worrying about responding to texts or checking social media in a moment of perceived boredom.

I believe it is only when we take time to be “bored” that we realize what

is important and true. On the drive home, when I turned my phone back on and reconnected to social media and the world, I found myself annoyed by how superfluous and fake it all was. As a result, I began deleting my social media accounts. While I kept just a couple, I have not even missed the others, and I believe I’m happier because of it. Experiences like this week have a way of opening our eyes to what’s really important.

Another favorite experience of mine occurred after devotionals one night at the outdoor chapel. The sun had just set, casting a glow over the fields and the valley below. Beyond the three crosses at the front of the chapel, the mountains stood out against the fading sky, each tree on their peaks sharply silhouetted in the golden light. After most of the team had returned to the dorm, two of the other team members and I spent time alone by

the crosses in thought, reflection and prayer.

I spent over an hour there, and the stars gradually emerged. The night sky in the country is awe-inspiring to say the least, and I had the rare opportunity to just lie there and watch it. This concentrated time away from the demands of the world really helped me clear my head and refocus. Intentionally spending time away in nature is one of the most valuable gifts we can give ourselves.

—Margaret Murray

We went back up to the work site. We needed to build a wall.

First, we had to take nails out of wood pieces. I was going to get nails out of wood but since we had limited space, Donnie and Alex were the ones to do this. The first nails were itty bitty nails, but then they got to like 9-10" nails. Once they got them out, we began to measure the perimeter. So when we finished measuring, we cut down some of the wood pieces. We began to nail the wood together. This took longer than expected because it took a lot of time to cut the wood. So we just chilled and talked. We started to sing. Someone started the Lion King and I jumped in. I could do the really high pitch voice, so that brought laughter which made me feel good. So, I kept it up. It didn't take me long to stop, because we had lots of work to do…

Later back at the dorms, Donnie and I had to prepare for the devotion that night. During our *devotion, I read a passage and Donnie told what it meant to us. I asked what it means to the others. I started us with an opening prayer, and then began the passage. When we finished the devotion, I closed in prayer. We sat down and received

Henderson Settlement Mission Trip • Journal Entry, Day 3

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When we finished prayer, we got in the SUV’s and left. I looked back and whispered, “I’ll be back... soon.”. -Christian Dissell

crosses that were hand made from the staff at Henderson. It’s very nice to have crosses that were handmade. I put mine on and I prayed. As people were leaving, Miranda, Margaret and I stayed, praying, and I watched as it got darker and star gazed for a little while...

—Christian Dissell

Henderson is a place where people typically encounter and grow

closer to God. It is a place where we say that we feel His presence more strongly and where we feel more at peace. Henderson is a place that we make lasting Christ-centered friendships and where we see God everywhere.

God is literally everywhere and His spirit is even inside of you. I know that school and life outside of Henderson is very different from your routine, but that doesn't mean that your focus on Him needs to change. He is working just as strongly in your life right now as He was a few weeks ago when you were sitting at the porch outside or hanging out at the dorm. His love for you is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

But when you go back home the challenge comes of not letting that fire die out. You have to be intentional to spend time in the Word, to spend time in prayer and to build your relationship with Him.

We serve a relentless God who is constantly pursuing you. Yes, you. You have the light of life. That means that there is never a situation that you will face where you are alone. There is no obstacle too big for you to overcome with God's help. There is never a moment, no matter how dark, without Him.

The God that gave you goose-bumps and called you to action when we stain for Will and Diana is the same God that raised Lazarus from the dead, and the same God who walks beside you each day. As a Christian, you have the light of life. So share it! A light that is hidden isn't doing everything that it is meant to...light was made to shine. Let Christ's light shine through you! Challenge yourself to seek out situations where you can share Jesus with others. Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you." John 20:21

*

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I came into confirmation pretty eager to start. I was much more excited

than I would have pictured myself being about a year ago... Last summer, I was able to go to a Christian sports camp in Missouri called Kanakuk. That camp was what really woke me up to see God and religion in a new light. It made me excited about growing in my faith and growing closer to God.

It was by no coincidence that this segued perfectly into Confirmation that fall.Confirmation was such an amazing experience that can’t really be replaced by anything else, that is, if you approach it in the way God wants you to.

Confirmation made me realize how real all of this is—it's not just a legend or story, or something that you believe in because your parents did and you’re just following their lead. There is actually a God out there who loves you more than you could ever imagine, constantly looking out for you and protecting you even when it doesn’t seem like it. But God isn’t just “out there...” He never leaves your side.

He is so amazing; the things He does for us every day are remarkable.The many different things we did in Confirmation really make us remember that God is with us every second. No matter where we are, He never leaves us. With God standing right by our side, there is nothing that we can’t overcome.

Through Confirmation, the amazing people at Christ Church have challenged us to think of God in a new perspective. Now when we think of Him and all the sacrifices He made for us, we should

think of a person, our friend, who is making these sacrifices, and who is doing all of those things I mentioned and so much more. —Hunter Bates Jr., Confirmation Class of 2015

Confirmation classes were really interesting and cool. We learned

about Methodist history, which I previously didn’t know a lot about. The classes were also fun, because of all the people in them. I also became closer friends with those who I previously knew and then I made new friends. My mentor, Lynn Coile, helped me grow in my faith, and we had a ton of fun doing so.

One of my God moments during Confirmation was when we went on the retreat to Lake Junaluska. On Saturday night we went up to the cross on top of the hill that overlooked the lake. It was so neat to be up there and to look down on the lake. We had a group prayer and then got to spend as much time as we wanted up there. It was just an amazing and emotional experience. —Olivia Minor, Confirmation Class of 2015

The many different things we did in Confirmation really makes us remember that God is with us every second.

She showed me more about what it means to have complete trust and faith in God than I could have

ever showed her.

Betsy Gibbs, Confirmation Mentor to Frances Brunner

Going into confirmation I had doubts as to whether this would change my outlook on God or life. I honestly thought Confirmation was just something else to get over with as soon as possible, but I now know this is completely false. Confirmation has definitely helped me become closer to God. For instance, praying wasn’t something I did every day, and now I feel I should pray all the time.

I had never actually gone to Sunday school, so I didn’t know anyone in the Confirmation class except for a couple people who went to my school. As a result I felt very out of my comfort zone, especially going on the kick-off retreat. The kick-off retreat ended up being a great bonding experience with everyone. I really enjoyed it and felt like Confirmation would actually be an enjoyable experience. My fears of being left out were quickly eliminated. Once I started going to Sunday school and Youth Group, I realized how fun and accepting everyone was and how this was going to be the journey of a lifetime. — Kate Dillon, Confirmation Class of 2015

Before Confirmation, I was just a part of the Methodist Church. After Confirmation, I know and understand what we believe in and why it connects me to the church.

Maggie Stinnett, Confirmation Class 2015

REFLECTIONS on CONFIRMATIONConfirming 31 Christ Church Youth

For more information on the Youth Ministry at Christ Church, contact Karen Kleuver at

karen@ccum.net or 893-2201 x231

See full list of confirmands on Page 17.

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FROM THE STAFFIt is our privilege to say goodbye to a long-time friend and dedicated servant of Christ Church as well as welcome a new member into our family. We look forward to seeing and hearing about how God will continue to work in and through each of you.

Roy Bryant, retired in April 2015 after 20 years of service.Roy came to work for Christ Church in May of 1995 and quickly became a main staple of our custodial staff. Roy’s kind and quiet demeanor can be misleading because he’s has an outrageous sense of humor and loves to kid and joke around. Over the years, when there was early morning snow detail, Roy was always the first one here and has removed tons of snow from the sidewalks at Christ Church and has also lobbed a few snowballs at his supervisors. Roy’s spirit and positive attitude will be missed at Christ Church but we hope he will return to visit often. So if you hear someone whistling Christmas carols around the halls in July, Roy is around somewhere, so be sure to say hello!

—Tony Bryant, Facilities Manager

From his first day at Christ Church until his last, Roy was always ready to help. No request was too small. It didn’t matter whether it was “Roy, we’re out of soap” or “Roy, there’s a mouse in my office,” Roy never complained. In his easy going manner, Roy would accommodate. When I found out that Roy had actually been an altar boy in his youth, my opinion of Roy as an always pleasant and sweet guy was set in concrete.

One afternoon, I remarked to a couple of the other guys that it had to be great to work with someone as sweet and dedicated as Roy. Oh my goodness! After the laughter subsided, I was told numerous stories of pranks, all attributed to Roy. These tales of mischief ranged from shaving cream found in shoes to photoshopped pictures mysteriously appearing.

I have never believed any of these horrible stories surrounding “The Good Roy.” However, over the years I have noticed that when certain items went missing from maintenance carts or I heard one of the guys wondering how a tool had wandered off, Roy was always close by with a twinkle in his eye that was not very altar boy like!

Roy keep that twinkle in your eye and please come back and visit us. We’ll miss you!

—Virginia Rutherford, Assistant Head of Christ Church School

Eric Baker joins the Christ Church Facilities Team.Eric Baker began working at Christ Church in April 2015. Eric married his high school sweetheart, Heather, and together they have two daughters, Lillyan Faith and Gracelynn Hope. Of his new job at Christ Church, Eric says, “It is a blessing to work here!” Welcome Eric!

CHURCH EVENTS

SanctuarySAnctuary Concert Seriespresents

Raleigh Ringers Friday, June 26 at 7 pmThe Raleigh Ringers are an internationally acclaimed, advanced community handbell choir based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since its founding in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers has been dazzling audiences with unique interpretations of both sacred and secular music arranged just for handbells. Join us for this exciting night of music!

Friday, June 19 at 7 pmJoin us as we welcome our high school youth choir back from their 2015 mission tour! We will enjoy stories and testimonies from the youth of how God used them to demonstrate His love while on tour and get to witness the power and beauty of their music.

Homecoming Concert

Dig Deeper Series

July 15 and 22 from 7 to 8:45 pmIn•ter•pre•ta•tionFinding Contemporary Truth in Ancient Scripture

Keri Mitchell joins Christ Church staff as Office ManagerKeri Mitchell begins her new role at Christ Church in June 2015. Many may have seen Keri over the past several years as she has been brought in for special projects. We are pleased to welcome her to our staff full-time. On her new role, “I am thrilled to become a permanent member of the staff.” Welcome Keri!

The Protestant church, while based on “Scripture Alone,” still grapples with just what the Bible is and what it means for us today. Some readers struggle with the enigmas, the contradictions, and seemingly archaic ideas found in the Bible. Join us for a sensitive and insightful look at how the Bible has shaped our historical faith, and how we can continue to stay true to Biblical principles while wrestling to understand the changes in our world.

Led by Dr. Bill Higgs, Doctorate of Old Testament Languages and Christ Church member

Dig Deeper

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ewsNothing is more important to your family than a proper estate plan. Without careful thought, things have a tendency to

go differently than you would want if you were still there to supervise matters. Many events affect the validity of “that old Will” you signed many years ago. This can include changes in your assets and liabilities, new or expanded business interests, issues with children and grandchildren, remarriage and divorce, and the change of income and estate tax laws. For these reasons, it is recommended that your plan be reviewed every five years in order to keep up to date with changes to your situation.

Your life insurance beneficiaries, IRA/401(k) beneficiaries, annuity beneficiaries, any investment with a POD (payable on death)l, or any asset owned jointly with someone else (whether with your spouse or other), must be reviewed to make sure that is how you really want things to be processed upon your decease. In fact, for many estates these type of assets dominate the total estate as a Will does not control them in any way. Thus, there must be a close coordination for proper estate planning.

Your charitable objectives, whether to Christ Church, or otherwise, will only be achieved by making those decisions part of your plan. This can be done thru your Will, a Living Trust, or simply by “tweaking” the beneficiary forms on one of those assets discussed above. Substantial income and estate tax savings can be obtained by this process. Your family’s legacy with Christ Church is therefore up to you to protect by taking those basic steps necessary to achieve intended results.

The Stewardship Committee of Christ Church stands ready, willing, and able to assist you and your advisors in this journey. Everything is kept confidential.

LEAVING OUR LEGACYFor more information on remembering Christ Church through your charitable giving, contact Jim Stewart, Controller, at 893-2201 x223 or jims@ccum.net.

OUR CHURCH FAMILYChristian SympathyFamily and friends of Beverly Geiger who died April 19.

Sue Justice and David Justice and Suzanne Blythe and family on the death of Sue’s husband and David and Suzanne’s father, Dewey Justice, who died April 5.

Robin and Mary Jennings on the death of their son Ben, who died April 15.

Family and friends of Carol R. Taylor who died April 19.

George and Glenda Thacker on the death of Glenda’s mother, Edna Potts Vance, who died April 21.

Michael Harward and children Andrew, Nicholas and Cora, on the death of Michael’s wife and Andrew, Nicholas and Cora’s mother, Karen Harward, who died April 22. Sympathy also to Beverly Harward, Karen’s mother-in-law.

Gary and Cherie Marshall and family on the death of Cherie’s father, James F. McKinley, who died on May 3.

Total PledgedReceivedPrincipal Payments Loan Principal Balance

$4,360,888$4,063,101$2,718,743

$151,157

New MembersCarolyn Johns, Ellen Johns, Ashley and Max Lile, Robert McDaniel, Roxanne Meers, Kim and Matt Peterson, Lesley Reynolds, Matt Shrewsberry,

Confirmation Class of 2015Grant Robert AdelsonEmily Lauren AlexanderColeman Samuel AlfordRyan Allen AppersonLauren Marie AshtonGordon Hunter Bates IIFrances Lillian BrunnerAndrew Harris CampbellChandler Clark CarawaySeth Alexander ClippingerWilliam Grayson DickensKatherine Christian DillonSamuel Franklin FendigLukas Emmanuel GonzalezAndrew Michael Harward

Baptisms

Serving our Country1st Lt. Addison W. Bohannon, US Army (Great-nephew of Colleen Berry)

Cmdr. Derek Brady, US Navy (Son of Marilyn Sangiuliano)

Maj. James E. Chapman, Jr., US Army (Son of Janice and Jim Chapman, brother of Jana Ladd)

Capt. Douglas Cummings, US Army Chaplain (Son of Sally and Jack Cummings)

2nd Lt. Danielle L. Cummings, US Army (Granddaughter of Sally and Jack Cummings)

Lt. Zachary T. Huff, US Navy (Grandson of Allys and Bill Huff)

David Farc, Kentucky Air National Guard

Capt. Travis Johnson, US Army (Grandson of Marie and Richard Johnson)

Sgt. Jacob Longest, US Air Force (Grandson of Ruth Murray)

2nd Lt. Trevor Pruitt, US Army (Nephew of Marilyn Sangiuliano)

Lt. Grant Parker Roberts, US Army (Son of Bill and Laurie Anne Roberts)

Lt. Cameron Kelley Roberts, US Army (Son of Bill and Laurie Anne Roberts)

Capt. Jordan Shontz, US Army (Grandson of Jane Shontz)

Ens. Jonathan Shontz, US Navy (Grandson of Jane Shontz)

Lt. Todd Smyth, US Navy (Grandson of Lorraine Allen)

Capt. Noah J. Snyder, US Army (Grandson of Kathleen and John Snyder)

Capt. Christopher Wardlaw, US Army (Nephew of Russ Wardlaw)

Capt. Aaron Wellman, USMC (Son of Wayne and Carol Wellman)

Lt. Shelley Worth, Canadian Forces (Granddaughter of Colleen Berry)

Jack Robert Johnson was baptized by immersion on April 26 by Dr. George Strunk.Katherine Christian Dillon, Rachael Lake Jefferson, David Heath Scharf were baptized on April 26 by Dr. George Strunk.William Grant Peterson (Grant) 2/24/2014, son of Kim and Matt Peterson, was baptized on May 10 by Dr. George Strunk.Luke Reynolds Lile (9/30/2013), son of Ashley and Max Lile, was baptized on May 10 by Dr. George Strunk. Luke’s big sister is Harper.

WeddingsCongratulations to Tom Tinsley and Heather Tarullo who were married in our Chapel on May 8.

CAMPAIGN UPDATE

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Andie Jane HeltonBennett Reeves HenryRachael Lake JeffersonCole Alexander JohnsonJack Robert JohnsonElizabeth CeAnne KeadleCecilia Richards McCombsRobert Maxamillian MeadRylie Olivia McDonaldOlivia Hope Minor Robert Wylie Moore IIILucy Chapman PoindexterDavid Heath ScharfMargaret Nadine StinnettMatthew James TheilmannAbigail Marie Waggener

For more information contact Leigh Ray, Assistant to the Pastors,893-2201 x222 or lray@ccum.net

The additional parking is almost completed!

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FINAL WORD

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I remember it being a little warm for a day in October, but beautiful nonetheless. My husband and I were gathered in a small sanctuary with a group of pastors and we were talking about

our churches; what we loved about the church, our fears, our struggles, our joys. We sang together, we prayed together, we ate together. One of the pastors raised his hand to speak and as he began, a cry came up around the room, “Serbski, Serbski.” He had begun to speak in Slovak instead of Serbian, and we were supposed to only speak in Serbian at this meeting. Perhaps I should mention that this pastor’s meeting was taking place in Serbia and not in the United States. And the only speaking in Serbian rule didn’t apply to my husband and I because everything was being translated for and to us. In this meeting of pastors we discovered that

though we led churches in different parts of the world, we still faced some similar challenges and triumphs. There was more that made us alike, than made us different.

Later in the day we gathered in a nearby village farmyard that was the site of a new United Methodist Church to house a growing congregation that had been meeting in a storefront. Now they were going to have an actual church and home for the pastor to live in. There was excitement and joy over the possibilities of this growing faith community. One that had been born out of a turbulent political climate and faced many difficulties and much pain, but signs of hope were beginning to happen, as people were coming to know the love of God and growing as disciples. In that farmyard, we sang a hymn together and prayed for God’s work to grow and flourish in this place. We couldn’t speak the same language, our day-to-day lives were very different, but there was a power that surpassed our greatest differences and brought us together. Our mutual faith and love for God surpassed the greatest boundaries and made us one: brothers and sisters in Christ.

In October 2015, a group of people from Christ Church will be going to these same places to connect with the people of the Methodist Churches in Serbia. Our task is to put up drywall in a classroom but the real work we will be doing is to meet the people and the leaders of the Methodist Church in Serbia so that we can encourage their ministry and see how we can continue to partner with them. We hope to learn from one another how to make disciples in the places we find ourselves and see how we can support one another in transforming our communities for Jesus Christ.

Many times people ask me, “Why Serbia, why Eastern Europe?” There are missional needs much closer to home and other places in the world that need just as much if not more help. And that is true, but what I find when I go to Serbia and other Eastern European countries are people who know what it is like to live their faith in the midst of great adversity and to still have hope that God is not finished doing something great in them. I am humbled and encouraged by their faith and I want to encourage them and learn from their example. And it never fails that whenever I return from being with the Methodist Church in Eastern Europe, I see the place I already find myself in as a place of much hope and possibility and I am reinvigorated to do more to transform the world around me and renew my commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ in my own community.

Please be in prayer for those people who have felt led to give up time at work and with their families to go and serve and be in relationship with the people in Serbia. We plan on giving you updates in the coming months and letting you know how you can take part in this mission trip through your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. If you have any questions or would like to know how you can support this mission, please contact me.

Prayer needs for Serbia: • Pray for the team• Pray for the trip October 2-10, 2015 • Pray for our Mission Coordinators in Serbia, Rev. Jano and Liljana Sjanta, as they prepare for us to come.

Rev. Loletuth Kalz893-2201 x224 or loletuth@ccum.net

@loletuthK revloletuthkalz.wordpress.com

Why Eastern Europe?by Rev. Loletuth Kalz

Chur

ch N

ews SENIOR ADULTS

Kentucky State Fair OutingTuesday, August 25Join the SAM group on our annual outing to the Kentucky State Fair. No matter what your interests might be, you are sure to have fun at the Kentucky State Fair. Lunch is paid for on your own at the fair.

Cost: $8

When: Meet at Christ Church at 9:30 am, return at 2:30 pm.

Reservations by Monday, August 17.

For more information on Senior Adult Ministries visit www.ccum.net/SAM. To reserve your spot at any of the events, call the SAM reservation line at 893-2201 x328.

Senior Adult Ministries will resume our regular schedule of luncheons and outings beginning Fall 2015. Watch the mail and Reflections for more information.

Yew Dale Gardens OutingMonday, June 8 Join us for a wonderful summer stroll through Yew Dell Gardens. Yew Dell now offers exceptional display gardens and hiking trails. Lunch is paid for on your own at the Red Pepper Deli.

Cost: $10

When: Leave Christ Church at 9 am, return at 2 pm.

Reservations by Monday, June 1.

18

Communion Visitation MinistryCommunion with the people of God is such a blessing to us and most of us would not want to miss out on this Sacrament. On the third Sunday in May, a handful of Christ Church members made their way to the “communion preparation room” to receive a tote bag filled with a communion kit with scripture readings, prayers and instructions.

Each visitor called a few church members who are no longer able to come to worship to receive communion and made visits to serve communion and share in the love of Christ. They made a small investment that paid huge dividends. As one homebound person said “it is so nice to know that your church has not forgotten you.”

What a meaningful way to show God’s love to one person at a time! If you have any questions about the Communion Visitation Ministry or would like to help serve communion, please contact Rev. Melissa Head at 502)893-2201 x263 or melissa@ccum.net.

4614 Brownsboro Road • Louisville, KY 40207502.897.6421 • www.ccum.netIssue No. 628

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PAIDLouisville KY

Permit 882

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A congregation of The United Methodist Church

ONE VOICE TOUR

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