October 2012

The Arch

God Doesn’t Push

God chose Moses to lead His people out of bondage in Egypt by saying, “…the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." (Ex. 3:9-10)

Moses responded as I imagine most of us would, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

God does not answer with a “Win one for the Gipper” speech. No “Rah-rah”. No “Come on, I know you can do it!” God says simply, “I will be with you.” He adds to those five words, but that’s the gist of it.

You see, God doesn’t push. God always pulls!

God plops a Vision on us of who we are, how we are, what we are doing at some future time as part of the Kingdom. Not future to God, of course. In God’s experience that vision is already a reality. So God shares with us that glimpse of future reality – call it a Vision or a Prophecy. It is in living into that Vision that God pulls us into the future. Pulls us into action.

God says, “Moses, you are going to lead my people out of Egypt. Now, start walking, start talking, start acting the part of the leader of My People, because you ARE the leader of my people. I will be with you. My presence and this glimpse of how I see you is all you need.”

Westlake Christian Church’s Vision, its Prophecy, is to change lives and bring people peace in the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ. “I will be with you,” says God. “Now, step into the Vision I have placed on you.”

In so many ways, we have begun to step into who God has called us to be. Some of them very visible, some less so, but we are well on the way! Keep a discerning eye open to God’s hand and listen as we celebrate the ways God is pulling us forward. God has claimed each one of us for His plan and is pulling us into the Vision He has for us!

Pastor Jim

A Congregation in Transformation

On Saturday, October 6th, Cleveland Christian Home will open its doors to friends, supporters, volunteers, staff and others who want to learn more about our work and help celebrate another successful year of serving children and families in need.

9:30-10:00 Registration begins 10:00-11:45 Tours and Information Fair (Tickets not required) 12:00-1:30 Awards Program & Luncheon (Tickets required)

Hope to see you there! For more information please call

216-476-0333

Cleveland Christian Home

Homecoming 2012 Saturday, October 6th

Page 2 The Arch

Jacob woke from his sleep and said, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it." Genesis 28:16 (NRSV)

This past Sunday (Sept. 16) I arrived at church after being away for the past two Sundays. I got out of my car and walked up the sidewalk into the Narthex. I could not help but notice the beautiful landscaping. The handy work of two volunteers within our church. I stepped into the Narthex and was greeted by a friend who I had not seen since the last Sunday in May. She gave me a hug and said "I'm so happy to see you". I knew I hadn't just arrived at church I had arrived at my church. I was here to worship. You might be wondering why I chose the scripture from Genesis 28:16. I didn't really choose it, it chose me. I had

read it the day before in the Upper Room meditation for that Saturday. I know that God is with me and with this church

always and yet sometimes I need a reminder. I understood it last Sunday, as I sat in the pew and read through the

weekly announcements. Custodial help needed, Deacon's are meeting, Elder's Fall clean-up day, Cleveland Christian

Home needs volunteers, become a Hospice volunteer, Christmas luncheon, Reconciliation Offering. I had seen it in dark

soil of someone's landscaping. Felt a warm hug of a friend. The Praise music began. We were called to be engaged in

worship with scripture, song, prayer and teaching. The Lord was with me in that place. I had not just come to church, I

had been given an invitation to serve. The Lord moves us all differently but is always with us. He is always seeking to

engage us. What has he sparked in you lately? How can you engage? What does he say to you to make his presence

known? Maybe you need to look no further than the announcements in the bulletin or keeping an ear out as you move

within your community. Is there a need the church could help with? In some way, God is calling each of us into his

presence and to "Change lives and bring people peace in the name of Jesus Christ."

God's blessing, Holly Adkins, Moderator

A Note from the Moderator

The Elders of Westlake Christian Church invite each of you

to “change lives and bring people peace” by helping people

with their fall clean up. Join us for this opportunity to live our

faith. If you know of someone who could use help

"IF YOU LOVE ME, SERVE ME" (God) It is time to put your Christian love to use, by serving God.

FALL CLEAN UP

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3rd

Meet at the Church at 10:00 AM

with leaf raking, etc. please contact the

church. It does not have to be a church

member, reach out to your neighbors,

too. Bring a lunch and any tools you

think might be helpful.

October 2012 Page 3

Gathering in the Son List of Donors 2012 Just a reminder that each Sunday there is an

Elder at the front of the Sanctuary after worship to provide additional prayer time, if desired. Maybe you would like an additional prayer for something you have already shared with the congregation. Maybe there is something that you do not feel comfortable sharing with the congregation but would like a prayer. Maybe you have something weighing heavy on your heart that you don’t wish to share at all but would still like to have included in a prayer. Feel free to talk with the Elder after worship and ask for a specific prayer request or just request a prayer for what is on your heart. You can share as much or as little as you wish. The Elder will sit with you and meditate and pray for you and your situation.

Blessings, Lee Ann Gilgen Chris McPike Elder Ministry Co-Leaders

A Note from the Elders

Aurelian Corporation

Bay Foundation

Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

Chick-fil-a

Circle K

Clague Playhouse

Cleveland Botanical Gardens

Cleveland MetroParks Zoo

Cookies by design

Dairy Queen

Danny Boys

Dunkin Donuts

Flower Port

Frankie's Italian Cuisine

Jeanne' Furber

Gale's Garden Center

Heinen's - Avon

Dennis & Susan Jarecke

David Kuhar

Lake Erie Monsters

Learning Express Toys

lia sophia Jewelry

Mahle's Restaurant & Lounge

Malley's Chocolates

McDonalds

Nuevo Acapulco Mexican Restaurant

The Oak Printing Co.

Pat Catan's Craft Center

Romeo's Pizza

Royal Nails

Shurtech Brands

Studio South Photography

Tastefully Simple

Trader Joe's

Western Reserve Historical Society

*Please forgive us if we left someone off of the lists. **Not all cash donations from church members were

brought to our attention.

Holly Adkins Rick Adkins Tegan Baker Rev Heidi Barham Ron Barham Don Cruse Mimi Cruse Laurie Daniels Lee Ann Gilgen Janice Gill Paul Gill Susan Hartman Jim Helms Lisa Helms H. T. Huynh Kim Huynh Dennis Jarecke Sara Jarecke Susan Jarecke Pat Kuhar Joanne Larson John Larson Dave MacKeigan

Gathering in the Son Volunteers 2012

Judy MacKeigan Emily Marvin Jimmy Matisko Meredyth McKenzie Chris McPike Jim McPike Peg Mencke Pam Pohorence Rick Pohorence Bev Sajna Gerri Tommer Bev Urban

Page 4 The Arch

October brings some scary fun for the

youth! On Sunday, October 21st we have our

first DESTINATION UNKOWN!

We have the Youth Group sponsored Craft Show from 9:30 a.m. to

4:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 27th. We need all youth and their parents/

guardians there to help out with serving food in the kitchen, selling raffle

tickets, greeting guests and set-up and clean-up. All proceeds from food, raffle

tickets and table sales will go towards our Adopt-A-Family project this

Christmas. We ask all youth to come and help out with this event!

If you have any questions or want to know more, please contact Jessi Linden

(j.nednila@yahoo.com) or Holly Sajna (holly.sajna@yahoo.com)

WCC Youth Group is open to any and all youth from 6th -12th grades. We meet two Sundays

a month throughout the year, and have various service projects and "Destinations Unknown" on

non-meeting days. Friends are encouraged to come along and join the fun. See you soon!

Calling All Youth!

Gathering in the Son

2012

October 2012 Page 5

I read a novel by an author I have not read for several years, but always enjoyed his books. Jeffrey Archer’s latest book is A PRISONER of BIRTH.

The day that Danny Cartwright became engaged, they celebrated with his best friend and the brother of his fiancé. A fight broke out at the bar they were celebrating at and four patrons started a verbal fight, which ended up in the alley behind the bar. Danny’s best friend Bernie was brutally stabbed and the four men involved lied and accused Danny of killing Bernie. Danny is arrested and found guilty of the murder because of the testimony of the four “musketeers”. He is sentenced to twenty-two years in Belmarch prison. Even though his fiancé, Beth, tells the exact truth, the jury still convicted him based on the lies of the four men involved.

Danny’s cellmates are Big Al and Nick, a career army officer for the British Army. He comes from a long line of aristocracy and his father is a career Army Colonel as well. He is in prison for eight years for disobeying a direct order. Nick is well educated and looks very much like he could be Danny’s twin. They strike up an immediate friendship and Nick begins to teach Danny to read and write.

Danny becomes the prison librarian and since he is a quick learner, he absorbs a great amount of knowledge in a short time.

Meanwhile, Danny’s appeal is denied and he faces the balance of his twenty-two year sentence in prison. Nick, however, is granted parole and is due to be released in two weeks.

Nick has given his ring and a chain with a key on it to Danny to hold while he showers. A prisoner mistakes Nick for Danny and hangs him, making it look like suicide. The prison official mistakes him for Danny and declares Danny dead by his own means. Nick then, who was due to be released in a few days, is buried as Danny and Danny leaves prison, posing as Nick.

Nick has been left a title and much wealth from his grandfather’s estate, so Danny assumes the role. He is very successful and manages to carry on for a few years, using Nick’s wealth to make some very good investments.

His true identity comes to light eventually and Nicholas’ uncle tries to disinherit him, but since Nick had left a will with his attorney leaving everything except 10,000 lbs. to Danny, the lawsuit is moot. Another trial is held and eventually the truth about the true murderer comes out in court. Danny is able to return to his former life and marries his sweetheart who has remained true through the entire time.

I found the book very enjoyable. Some people might find it heavy, because of the English and Scottish background and the immense amount of detail and trial information. I enjoy this type of reading and it keeps my interest from beginning to end.

Happy reading, Betty Pagel

Bookworms Review By Betty Pagel

Page 6 The Arch

A Note from the Financial Secretary~ Please take the time to write your name and the amount of your offering on your weekly pledge envelope. This not only saves time, but more importantly, it is a good reference when there are any questions or discrepancies. Thanks for your help, Lynn Goughnour

The deadline for the Arch is the 15th of every month! Please forward all news items or photographs for the November newsletter to the church office by: Monday, October 15th.

The Women’s Breakfast group meets the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 a.m. They share breakfast at Bob Evans Restaurant on Lorain Road in North Olmsted on Saturday, Oct. 13th.

Pastor Jim has a new church cell phone. His primary contact number is now (440) 503-3177. If you would like to contact him during office hours, please call the church office to save on mobile minutes.

The Cleveland Christian Home is looking for some volunteers to help set up for Homecoming. We will meet at 11401 Lorain Ave. at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 5th. The more hands we have the less time it will take. If you would like to join us, please talk to Michelle Shaffer. mshaffer15@sbcglobal.net or (216)339-0335.

Saturday, Oct. 27th

9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Bring your knives & scissors to be sharpened!

Dozens of Crafters with

Crafts & Gifts of all kinds!

Proceeds benefit the W.C.C. Youth Group

Page 7 October 2012

By Betty Pagel & Laurie Daniels

Rick & Pam Pohorence finally had the chance to have their 4 year-old granddaughter,

Gabby Horning overnight for the first time by herself. When mom and dad came to pick her up she jumped off the couch and broke her arm. Poor Gabby will be in a bright pink cast for

about 6 weeks.... Grandson's Jaydyn Horning and Ryan Ferguson both started Kindergarten in August. Pam's mother celebrated her 90th birthday on August 28th. She is still living in Florida.

Brandy Appleby started her new job as an R.N. at University Hospital. She thanks everyone for the prayers and good wishes.

Holly and Rick Adkins spent 4 days in Providence, Rhode Island and Boston Mass., taking in 2 of son, Aaron's soccer

games. Brown University was an unfortunate loss. Later in the weekend Siena University was a win (Aaron scored his first goal of the regular season). Holly and Rick also took advantage of the trip to take in some historic sightseeing. Thursday they spent a day in Newport, taking a boat tour around the island viewing the many historic homes of some of the wealthiest people of the late 1800’s and early 1900. They ate lunch at a dock side restaurant. Saturday, they drove up to Boston. They walked the Freedom Trail. Some of the sights visited were: Paul Revere’s home, the First State House, the sight of the Boston Massacre, and a tour of the The USS Constitution. For dinner they ate at the Union Oyster House which claims to be the oldest continually serving restaurant, which dates back to the 1700's. What did they eat you ask? Crab Bisque and Lobster of course. It was the first time either of them had visited that part of the country and loved it.

Prayers of sympathy to the Huynh family. H.T.’s mother passed away on Sept. 5th after struggling with many health issues.

Betty Pagel enjoyed having Abby visit her while her family was vacationing in Mexico. The black lab is a bundle of energy and

loves to play. Hopefully, Betty is rested from her visit!

Good News! Jeane’ Furber had successful radiation treatment and is now on the mend!

Congrats to Matt Sajna and the Akron Aeros for going all the way and winning their championship. Matt was able to be a

part of the action in Trenton, New Jersey when they clinched the Title!

Pat Kuhar had a nice visit with her Great-Granddaughter, Avery Lynn, and family in South Carolina. Pat traveled there for

Avery’s Christening. Proud parents are Nina & Tom Fox.

Thank you to Jim Helms and Paul Gill for the great job with the new landscaping! Initiated by the Trustees, (Seth Appleby, Gary Goughnour, and Jim Helms) the new

plantings have greatly improved the look of our entryways.

We love sharing your news items, so please keep those joys and blessings coming in to

Laurie in the office or to Betty so your church family can celebrate with you!

Contact Laurie by e-mail: laurie@westlakecc.org

or call the church office 440-871-2400

or Betty via e-mail: bettyinfairview@gmail.com or call 440-779-8770

Page 8

Phone: 440-871-2400 Office Hours:

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday -- Thursday Email Addresses:

Rev. Yost— revjyost@westlakecc.org

Laurie Daniels— laurie@westlakecc.org

Bill Shaffer—wshaffer23@sbcglobal.net

Westlake Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 25800 Hilliard Blvd. Westlake, OH 44145-3397

Visit us on the web at Http://www.westlakecc.org

First

Class

Postage

Place mailing label here

WCC Family in Extended Care

2012

Gloria Smith Arden Courts 28400 Center Ridge Rd. Westlake, OH 44145

Grace Krejci Wellington Place Pathways Room 19 4800 Clague Rd. North Olmsted, OH 44070

Betty Roehm 500 Community Dr. Room 213-1 Avon Lake, OH 44012

Norm Nichol 2090 Salem Pkwy. Westlake, OH 44145

A publication of Westlake

Christian Church

"Ancient Paths" An Adult Sunday School Experience

Starting Sunday, Oct, 14th 11:45 a.m. in the Parlor

“We are walking on ancient paths of spirituality, learning how to journey with majesty and joyful

abandonment to the nature of God."

Participants will receive a free set of CD's of Graham Cooke's lesson “Ancient Paths." Tapping into Celtic spirituality, Graham paints the picture of a free spirited people who lived an upside down lifestyle that was irresistible in its simplicity and

powerful in its intimacy.

Prepare to be transformed in your understanding of who God is and who you are in God!