Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is a fellowship of believers in Christ called to be servants, who worship God, love others, and reach out to the community and the world.

From the Study By Bob Machovec, Pastor It often seems that one of the greatest challenges of our time is that life so scattered. Most days, we struggle to keep all the competing demands of work, home, church, volunteer commitments, social commitments, and staying current with the news of the world. I often hear from those who are retired, “I’m busier now than I was when I was working!” Rev. Craig Barnes writes, “It isn’t just that your time is pulled in all of these scattered directions. So is your heart – and that is the real challenge to living a scattered life.” Actually living a life seemingly scattered in various directions is nothing new. In fact, it is one of the oldest stories of humanity, just take a look at the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). What is perhaps more fascinating are the ways in which we attempt to keep things in order. In recent times, our fascination with technology has been, in part, an attempt to bring order to the often chaotic state of life. Perhaps the greatest illustration of how we use technology to resolve our scattered lives is seen in the phenomenon of social networking. According to one market research firm, the average email account receives or sends 52 non-spam emails a day. Not to mention accounts on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snapchat, and a whole host of accounts we have on social media. According to a recent issue of Time Magazine, when asked what life would be like

without Facebook, one person said it would be like the night sky without stars. Another said, “That would be awful. I would have to go back to watching television.” Please understand, that there are a great many blessings modern technology brings to our lives. Technology offers great tools for communication, but it cannot create real community. At its best, the Internet and social networking can provide us only information. It cannot provide what our souls have always yearned for – communion with God and with others. This has been the yearning of humanity from the beginning of time. We have always sought

community for our scattered lives. One of the greatest stories of God forming community out of a scattered people is found in Acts 2. It is the story of scattered people coming together and by the power of God’s Holy Spirit came together as one. It is the story

of Pentecost. Some years ago, I heard a sermon on Pentecost entitled, “It Can Happen Here.” The preacher reminded us that the One who brought order out of chaos from the beginning of creation, and who brought a scattered people together at Pentecost, is the same ONE who brings order to our lives. It was said of those earliest disciples, “God worked many signs and wonders among them.” (Acts 2: 43). May that be our prayer this Pentecost. That God may work signs and wonders among even here. See you in church!

G O O D S H E P H E R D U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

M A Y 2 0 1 5

“It isn’t just that your time is

pulled in all of these scattered

directions. So is your heart...”

- Rev. Craig Barnes

Worship Services

EVERY SUNDAY Traditional Service 9:15 AM

Praise Service 11:25 AM

Church School for all ages 10:30 AM

Bible Studies Attend one of our weekly Bible Studies! Mondays For Men Every Monday (Excluding Holidays) 6:30—8:00 pm Location: Stage Room Pastor’s Bible Study Every Thursday 10:00 AM Location: Library

Opportunities to Serve Others Twice Blessed Free Store May 2, 2015 9:00 am—2:00 pm Cleveland Food Bank June 6, 2015 8:00 am—12:00 pm See page 4, Missions & Outreach, for information on how to get involved!

In 1952, National Day of Prayer was established as an annual event by

an act of the United States Congress in 1952. It is a day of observance

when people are asked to pray and meditate to God. Each year, the

president issues an official Nation Day of Prayer proclamation

encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.

Throughout the city of Independence, a variety of location, leaders,

and focuses are offered with hopes that every citizen student and

business person will join with others to prayer for our nation and region.

7 AM Independence High School Flag Pole (6001 Archwood Rd.)

Led by Colin Borchert, Director of Youth for Christ & Student

10 AM Cornerstone of Hope Center (5905 Brecksville Rd.)

Led by Julie Ellifritt

11 AM Independence Civic Center, White Oak Room (6363 Selig Dr.)

Led by Clergy of Independence Churches

12:50 PM St. Michael’s Catholic Church & School (6912 Chestnut Rd.)

Led by Father Pete Colletti & Mrs. Margaret Campisl

2 PM All Crane Rental, Inc. (4700 Acorn Dr.)

Hosted by Lawrence M. Liptak Business Community Prayers

5:30 PM Memorial on Public Square (6652 Brecksville Rd.)

Led by Fred Wright, Ret. Police Chief & Kiwanis Spirit Director

7-8:30 PM Outdoor Band Stand (6552 Brecksville Rd.)

Concert by NEO Church Worship Band & Prayer

Led by Marck Ballenger, NEO Church Worship Leader

National Day of Prayer— May 7, 2015

GSUMC’s Latest News

May 17, 2015 Marks the End of the 2014—2104 Church School Year The last day of church school classes will be Sunday, May 17. Classes will be on summer break until Sunday, September 13, 2015.

Discover the Word of God with Children Shepherds and leaders are needed for this summer’s Vacation Bible School. At the G-Force Adventure Park, we will help children experience God’s active love through scripture, games, music, crafts , and lots of fun!

Sign up for a Vacation Bible School Leadership or Shepherding role, and join us in the excitement at G-Force: God’s Love in Action.

Contact Erin Tkachik at (440) 884-9090 or christianed@gsumparma.com.

United Methodist Women Sunday Report from April 12, 2015 All over the world on Sunday, April 12 the good works of the UMW was shared. Both worship services that day had special messages from the UMW. Dawn Kolograf, executive director of West Side Community House, a local mission the UMW supports, spoke during the traditional worship service. Dawn gave a heart warming account of the people they serve and what they do for the community and how our support makes a difference.

Make a Difference in the Lives of Others There are two opportunities coming up for volunteering at a local ministry. Twice Blessed Free Store on May 2 and the Greater Cleveland Food Bank on June 6. Find out more on page 4, Missions & Outreach.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Sale Church Camp Scholarship Fundraiser GSUMC’s church summer campers will be selling chocolate covered strawberries to raise funds for camp scholarships. Orders can be placed now through May 3, 2015 before and after Sunday services in the Parlor or by contacting Elizabeth Whited (elimeredith@yahoo.com | 440-884-1127). Orders will be distributed on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2015 after both worship services. There will be a limited quantity for sale the day of distribution (May 10) on a first come, first serve basis. Pricing is as follows:

$6.00—1/2 Dozen $10.00—1 Dozen

($12.00—1 Dozen without order on May 10)

Church Office Summer Hours Beginning Monday, June 8, 2015 Effective Monday, June 8 through Monday, August 21, 2015 the church office summer hours will be as follows:

Monday—Thursday Friday 9:30 am—2:30 pm 9:30 am—12:30 pm

Youth News

By Jennifer Sefl, Youth Director youthdirector@gsumparma.com 216.741.8876’

April Reflections Condensed Lock In We had 14 teens and 5 adults participate in the Condensed Lock In on March 27! We had a great time eating, playing dodge ball and pudding Pictionary and planning Youth Sunday. Youth Sunday The teens of Good Shepherd held two power-ful services on April 19. Julia, Anna, Taylor, Kaitlyn, Rachel, Devin, Garrett, Ben and John did an outstanding job of sharing their faith with the children and congregation. We are fortunate to have such talented and devoted Christians as part of our church.

Calling All Tribe Fans Indians Game | Friday, May 8, 2015 Departure - 6:15 pm from GSUMC Permission slip required by May 1, 2015

The Youth will be going to the Indians game on Friday, May 8th. We will meet at the church at 6:15 pm and return after the game. If you are interested in attending let Youth Director, Jennifer know by May 1. Permission slips and a 2015 Medical form must be on file in order to attend.

Youth Group is open to all 7th – 12th graders.

Sunday School starts in the Youth Room at 10:30 am.

Graduation Sunday | Calling All Grads! Graduation Sunday is Sunday, May 31, 2015. GSUMC will recognize our high School graduates during both services. If you are graduating from High School this spring, please let the church office know by May 15 so that we may honor you! Please let the church office know if someone in our church family is graduating from college this spring! We would like to honor them as well.

Photo of teens who led the services on Youth Sunday, April 19.

Nehemiah Mission Project— June 7-13, 2015

This coming summer we invite you to join us on a unique local mission experience. The Nehemiah Mission is a mission of the North Coast District of the United Methodist Church located at 6515 Bridge Avenue in Cleveland. Crew members will stay in their barracks for the week, and will provide help and support to needy people in the heart of Cleveland. Mission experiences may include construction, yard work, painting, cleaning, and working in food pantries, soup kitchens, and vacation Bible camps. This experience is open to youth and adults. You must be at least 15 years old to attend. The cost for the week is $302.50 and includes air-conditioned sleeping quarters, all meals, building supplies, and a t-shirt. There will be a $100.00 discount for the first 10 crew members who register with a deposit of $50.00 and turn-in all completed medical and release forms. Checks should be made payable to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Please go to www.nehemiahmission.org for more details. Contact Bev Schultz or Carly Neczypor with your questions or for registration information.

Beverly Schultz Carly Neczypor beverlyschultz@gmail.com cneczypor@live.com

“Send me to the city, so that I may rebuild it.”

Nehemiah 2:5

Missions & Outreach

Twice Blessed Free Store — May 2, 2015 Twice Blessed operates much like a Goodwill Store, except all items are free to clients. Each Saturday, volunteers are needed to sort items and help clients shop for clothing and household items. We need at least 15 volunteers for Saturday, May 2 from 9:00—2:00 pm. Contact the church office to sign up.

Greater Cleveland Food Bank — June 6, 2015 Dedicated to ensure that everyone in our communities has the nutritious good they need every day. On Saturday, June 6, 2015 a group will be going to volunteer from 8:00 am—12:00 pm. Contact the church office to sign up.

Change for a Change — Year Round A collection of loose change every Sunday that makes a difference in our community.

GSUMC Mission Trips Church Camp Scholarships Grade school children in need of necessities West Side Community House Ohio Guidestone Local Hunger Centers Flat Rock Homes Cleveland Food Bank

If you would like to recommend a charity for Change for a Change, please contact Pat Bridle at (440) 843-6047.

Saturday, May 9, 2015 | 10 AM — 3 PM Plant Sale– Missions Fundraiser

On Saturday, May 9 there will be a Plant Sale to support our missions fund from 10:00 am—3:00 pm in the front yard of the church. Proceeds made will support this summers mission trip to the local mission, The Nehemiah Mission, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Location: GSUMC’s Front Yard

Thursday, May 14, 2015 | 10:30 AM Trip to Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

We are taking a trip! All are welcome to join the Pastor’s Bible Study on a trip to the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in place of their usual study on Thursday, May 14. The plan is to visit the museum from 11:00 am—1:00 pm then go to lunch afterwards (Probably Corky & Lenny’s on Chagrin Blvd). The group will leave the church parking lot by 10:30 am and plan to return by 3:00 pm. Please contact the church office to make a reservation. Join us for this informative and fun-filled day!

Location: Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage 2929 Richmond Rd. Beachwood, OH 44122

Sunday, May 16, 2015 | 5:30 pm GSUMC Bowling Banquet

All are welcome to celebrate the end of a fantastic bowling season at Harry’s Steakhouse located in Independence. Cost: $24.00—2 Entrée Buffet Meal $12.00 (If signed up for the next season) Contact Jack Carpenter to sign up 440-237-4353.

Location: Harry’s Steakhouse 5664 Brecksville Rd. Independence, OH 44131

Friday, May 1, 2015 | 5 PM — 8 PM Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 9 AM — 1 PM Spring Rummage Sale

The Spring Rummage Sale is an outreach ministry of GSUMC. It supports various ministries within the church. The sale consists of gently-used items at extremely affordable prices. Tell your family and friends!

Location: GSUMC’s Lower Level

Sunday, May 3, 2015 | 6:30—9 PM Bowling Fun Night

You’re invited to compete in a bowling competition! Two person teams will compete in a three game contest: regular, alternate, and bumper bowling. Admission is free (shoe rental is not provided). Pizza and soft drinks will be provided for the bowlers! Sign up by contacting Jack Carpenter or the church office.

Location: Yorktown Lanes 6218 Pearl Rd., Parma Hts., OH 44130

Thursday, May 7 , 2015 | 10 AM—11 AM National Day of Prayer Service Pray for Our Nation and Community

In observance of National Day of Prayer, Cornerstone of Hope will be hosting a prayer service on May 7. from 10:00—1:00 a.m. where to nation and community will be prayed for. The event is free, but a RSVP is requested and can be made by contacting Julie Ellifritt (216) 524-4673 ext. 223 | Julia@cornerstoneofhope.org.

Location: Cornerstone of Hope 5905 Brecksville Rd. Independence, OH 44131

Upcoming Events at Our Church & In Our Community

24

31

Graduation

Sunday

25 Memorial Day

Church Office Closed

26

6:30 PM DBS, L

27

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

28

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

7 PM SPRC Mtg, L

29

7 PM PTP, S

30

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

5-8 PM

RUMMAGE SALE

UMW Bake Sale

7 PM PTP, S

2

9am-1pm

Twice Blessed

Free Store

9 AM-1 PM

RUMMAGE SALE

3

6:30 PM Bowling

Fun Night, YTL

4

6:30 PM MFM, SR

5

6:30 PM DBS, L

6

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

7

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

7:30 PM TCM, L

8

7 PM PTP, S

9

10 Mother’s Day 11

6:30 PM MFM, SR

7 PM PSC, O

7 PM Prayer Shawl,

P

12

12 PM RCM, SR

6:30 PM DBS, L

13

10 AM CCM, SR

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

14

10:30 AM—3 PM

Trip to Maltz

Museum of Jewish

Heritage

15

2:30 PM Grief

Support Group, P

7 PM PTP, S

16

5:30 PM Bowling

Banquet, Harry’s

Steakhouse

17

Last Day of Church

School

18

6:30 PM MFM, SR

19

6:30 PM DBS, L

20

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

21

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

22

7 PM PTP, S

23

Titles

CEM—Christian Education Meeting

MFM—Mondays for Men

TCM—Trustees Committee Meeting

PSCM—Program Staff Committee Meeting

CCM—Care Committee Meeting

SPRC—SPR Committee Meeting

PTP—Praise Team Practice

Titles continued...

FCM—Finance Committee Meeting

RC—Rachel Circle

D14—Disciple 14

ACM—Administrative Council Meeting

DBS—Disciple Bible Study

WCM—Worship Committee Meeting

Locations

O—Church Office

SR—Stage Room

S—Sanctuary

P—Parlor

YR—Youth Room

YTL—York Town Lanes

LL—Lower Level

YTL—Yorktown Lanes

United Methodist Church

May 2015

Office Hours: M—Th 9:30 am—3:30 pm

F 9:30 am—1:30 pm

Closed daily from 11:15 am—12:15 pm

Tel. 440-884-9090

Email: office@gsumparma.com

www.gsumparma.com

This page was left blank so that you may remove the April 2015 Calendar from you newsletter.

Messages, Sympathy, and Thanks

Congratulations to RJ & Rachel (Cepis) Rice on the birth of their son, Vincent Edward Rice, born on March 20, 2015 weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long! We also congratulate the proud big sister, Riley Rice, and the proud grandparents, Ed & Patti Cepis!

GSUM Church Family

Dear Church Family, Thank you very much for those of you who made donations to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Due to your generosity, I was able to exceed my personal goal, and my school raised over $25,000 for this organization to help find a cure for childhood cancer. Sincerely,

Camren Tkachik

Our sympathy to Michael and

Mary Alice Lesiak for the

passing of their cousin, Eric

Feldkamp, on March 27, 2015.

GSUM Church Family

Our sympathy to the family and friends of

church member and friend, Leonard “Gene”

Smith, who passed away on March 29, 2015.

GSUM Church Family

Rose Ramos

Dear Church Family, Thank you for all your cards, prayers, and visits during my recent surgery. Your support and faith mean so much to me. God bless you all.

Our sympathy to the family and friends of church member and friend, Evelyn “Micki” Kornajcik, who passed away on April 6, 2015.

GSUM Church Family

Dear Good Shepherd Family,

Thank you all, not only for your

condolence calls and cards upon my

father’s passing, but also for your

concern and encouragement during

his long illness. You have all made

me feel truly cared for.

Thank you again.

Helga Fullerman

Our sympathy to Steve [Charlene] Kather on the passing of his cousin Rocco Rice on April 9, 2015.

GSUM Church Family

Contact Us

Good Shepherd UMC

5930 State Road

Parma, OH 44134

(440) 884-9090

office@gsumparma.com

Visit us on the web at

www.gsumparma.com

Prayer Requests

Let us pray for you.

Submit prayer requests

through the website, by

phone, or by e-mail.

SAVE THE DATE!

Bowling Fun Night

May 3, 2015

6:30—9:00 PM

Yorktown Lanes, Parma Heights

You’re invited to compete in a bowling competition! Two person

teams will compete in a three game contest: regular, alternate,

and bumper bowling. Admission is free (shoe rental is not pro-

vided). Pizza and soft drinks will be provided for the bowlers!

Sign up by contacting Jack Carpenter or the church office.

Good Shepherd

United Methodist Church

5930 State Road

Parma, OH 44134

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