1. Art and Diseño

The Circuit Rider
February 2015
Join us for our Season of Lent worship focus on the “Different Robes of Jesus.” These robes are
connected to significant moments when Jesus journeyed to Jerusalem, was crucified on a cross,
placed in a tomb, and then was raised to new life.
The songs from the cantata, “Come, Touch the Robe” by Pepper Choplin will help us to focus on
each of the seven robes of Jesus. The sermons will explore the meaning of each robe as we journey
with Jesus to the cross and the empty tomb. The Chancel Choir will present the full cantata,
“Come, Touch the Robe” on March 29, Palm Sunday.
Our Season of Lent focus will begin on February 15, Transfiguration Sunday as we focus on the
“Shining Robe” of Jesus and will conclude on April 5, Easter Sunday as we celebrate the “Rolled
Up Robe” of Jesus.
Ash Wednesday Services (The Beginning of the Season of Lent)
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the forty day season of Lent which prepares us for events
that lead up to the cross and the empty tomb. Our Ash Wednesday services on February 18 will
include the imposition of ashes on our foreheads to remind us of our mortality, our dependence
upon God, and the anticipation of the good news of Jesus’ resurrection.
February 18 (Three Service Opportunities)
Noon (Half Hour) & 7:30 pm @ Church
6:30 pm @ Crossroads, 2095 W. Fair Avenue
Dear Friends,
In 2014, our church gave over $24,000 to our Local Relief Fund (formerly known as “Pastor’s
Discretionary Fund.”) Our church receives many thank you cards from people we help who were in
financial need. I thought you might want to read this recent heart-felt card that we received from
one of the families who received assistance from us this past year through this fund.
To Whom it May Concern,
We would like to Thank You for taking our family under your wings and into your hearts at our
time of need. Words cannot express how much we truly appreciate your ability to help us provide
a Christmas for our children and helping us get our baby girl to the doctor. Thank you for being
there, thank you for accepting us, and most of all we thank you for your help!
We hope that you have the BEST holiday ever, as well as all days to follow. Thank you so much
for making this holiday possible for our family. You are truly a blessing!
Thank you all for your love and caring.
Our Local Relief Fund that we receive on the first Sunday of each month when we receive Holy
Communion is making a difference in the lives of so many families in our community. Thank you
for your gifts to the Local Relief Fund. You are truly a blessing!
Pastor Robert
Sunday Worship Sermon Titles
9:00 am & 10:30 am
February
15 (Transfiguration Sunday) – Different Robes of Jesus – Shining Robe
22 (1st Sunday in Lent) – Different Robes of Jesus – Healing Robe
March
1 (2nd Sunday in Lent) – Different Robes of Jesus – Servant’s Robe
8 (3rd Sunday in Lent) – Different Robes of Jesus – Seamless Robe
15 (4th Sunday in Lent) – Different Robes of Jesus – Spreading Robes
22 (5th Sunday in Lent) – Different Robes of Jesus – Burial Robe
29 (Palm Sunday) – Cantata: Come Touch the Robe
April
5 (Easter, 7:30am/9:00am/10:30am) – Different Robes of Jesus – Rolled Up Robe
Daily Devotions for Lent
February 18: Ash Wednesday thru April 5: Easter
Take a few moments each day to be spiritually renewed!
We are providing 2 choices for your Lenten devotions:
1. A Wondrous Love: Writings of C.S. Lewis and Henri Nouwen
A collection of their personal insights and understandings about faith.
2. Living the Gospel Life: Daily Devotions for Christians on a Mission.
These devotions highlight the concepts of being sent, demonstrating faith in action, and being
mission-minded each day of Lent.
Both devotional booklets have a daily Scripture, a meditation, and a prayer.
The booklets will be in the parlor at the information desk, available on February 8.
2
Dear friends,
Your giving to date exceeds your $25,000 giving commitment by $6,085.43! Put that in terms of
lives saved and through your year-round efforts and your Reclaiming Christmas focus you all have
saved a total of at least 3,108 lives from malaria death and suffering in sub-Saharan
Africa! Well done!
Thank you for your deep heart for saving lives, in Africa and right where you are planted at the
corner of Wheeling and High Street in Lancaster Ohio! You are indeed one of God’s Candlesticks
bringing light to all the world!
Thank you!
Blessings Abundant,
Dave Boling
Associate Director - Council on Development
Conference Field Coordinator - Imagine No Malaria
West Ohio Conference
LAY SERVANT MINISTRIES OUTLOOK: As Christians, we are each called to be servants
according to our gifts. LSM equips us to respond to this call, leading us to grow as disciples. Mark
your calendars for these upcoming opportunities:
Tues., Feb.17, 7:00pm
Initial meeting of area churches concerning LSM process
First UMC, Room 22
and trainings throughout West Ohio Conference’s seven
districts
Fri., May 1, 6:30-9pm
LSM Advanced Training – Leading Worship
AND Sat., May 2, 8:30-5 Held at Eastview UMC, Columbus
For information about Lay Servant Ministries, contact Judy Hug or Dan Kemp, Director of
Discipleship and Outreach. Look for updates and more information in each issue of
The Circuit Rider!
Our annual Fontanini Nativity display at our beautiful Crossroads facility
enables many people from our church and community to experience the
good news of the Christmas story. Our spacious Tower Hall is a holy
space for people to come and visit Bethlehem and the Christ Child.
During one of the December Sunday evenings, over one hundred people
walked through our nativity display.
We are presently in the fourth lap (June 1, 2014 through May 31, 2015) of our five-lap “Faith
Forward to the Finish Line” campaign to pay off our building debt by the middle of 2016. Thanks to
our congregational giving, designated memorial gifts, and fundraisers, the principal on our building
debt is dropping significantly! Our goal is to finish our present 4 th year lap strong so that our final lap
beginning this June will help us reach our pay-off goal by the end of May, 2016.
If you are in need of a fourth lap Estimate of Giving card, contact our Business Manager, Deb Silvia,
740-653-3330 or [email protected].
3
Memorial Gifts: Our congregation regularly receives memorial gifts, lovingly given by family
and friends, who have lost loved ones to death. For information about contributing to our Memorial
Fund, please contact our church business office at 653-3330. Gifts received since our last edition of
the Circuit Rider:
In memory of Herman Truelove
Carola Neeley
Nick & Dottie Nicholson
Alice Morse
Richard & Julie Goss
Bill & JoAnn Creiglow
Charles & Diane Eversole
Sherry Lacey
Norma Bagby
Charlie & Janet Wagner
Don & Joyce Garrett
Georgian Museum
Steering Committee
Marcie Anderson
Jim & Donna Waugh
Rick Chapman
Paul & Linda Remis
Richard Remis
Richard & Ellen McClurg
Charlene Chapman
Marjorie Schloss
Steve & Mary Clark-Smith
Jane Clark
Jim Lieke
Richard & Judith Kehl
Wendy, Al & Daniel Stettner
Mark, Cathy & David Kehl
Mid-City Electric
Lawrence & Cathy Ann Dadin
Carlos & Jean Brooker
Trish Walz
Jim & Pat Rhinehart
John Armstrong
In memory of Dan Hester
Will & Elizabeth Blind
Jim & Judy Edwards
In memory of Pauline Mondhank
Jim & Peg Parker
Steve & Debbie Lefeher
In memory of George Ruck
Will & Elizabeth Blind
In memory of Wanda Shaeffer
Thomas & Lois James
Charles Bishop
In memory of Maxine Rutherford
John & Mary Lou Thompson
Joan Wedge
Mary Jane Clark
David & Joyce Frasure
Clarice Foglesong
Joe & Becky Clark
George & Anna Forquer
Jim & Peg Parker
Judy Kauffman
Charles & Diane Eversole
Norma Bagby
Betty Youst
Earl & Joann Fauble
David & Deb Smith
Lynn Clarke
Anne Bartlett
Will & Elizabeth Blind
Dale & Shirley Fisher
Mary Widener
Mary Alice Lowther
Carl & Becky Wilmot
William McCleery
Vivian Hughes
Charlene Chapman
Kent & Judith Miller
Bill & Joann Creiglow
Anne Posey
Alyce Giles
Sherry Lacey
Linda Page
Robert Morehead
Ken & Kathie Sivillo
Dorothy Martens
Ginny Andrews
Nick & Dottie Nicholson
Mary Anne Theller
John & Yvonne Bowland
In memory of Jeanne Keeney
Linda Johnson
Alice Morse
Pearleene Reffitt
Rob Reffitt
Autumn Health Care
Carolyn Kemmerer
Judy Hug
Sue Schmitz
4
In memory of Rita Barker
Jim & Peg Parker
Mary Jane Clark
Charlene Chapman
Mary Widener
Jim & Barb Devore
Judy Hug
Carola Neeley
Mary Anne Theller
In memory of Tim Jones
Don & Marty Cyrus
Tim Derflinger
Steve & Vanessa Poling
Jim & Peg Parker
Rob Libbee
Wes & Laura Osborn
Jim & Sharon Hachtel
Parry & Judy Norris
Roger & Sally Grossbacher
Joe & Becky Clark
Judy Hug
Reggie & Marty Pryor
Norma Bagby
Carola Neeley
Charlene Chapman
In memory of Will Loy
Jim & Peg Parker
Don & Betty Kissling
United Methodists once again responded with
extravagant generosity on UMC #GivingTuesday.
On December 2, 2014, more than $2.5 million
was donated online through The Advance to
support mission and ministries around the world.
The denomination’s General Board of Global
Ministries matched the first $1 million in gifts to
help build excitement and leverage donations.
More than 770 projects and missionaries received more than 8,700 gifts through UMC
#GivingTuesday.
The response was global with donors from 25 countries giving generously. The Advance is the
designated giving channel of the United Methodist Church. Noting that donors can partner with
Advance projects and missionaries throughout the year, Thomas Kemper, who leads Global
Ministries, said, “Having one day when United Methodists from around the world are united around
giving shows the strength of the denomination’s connection, while strengthening the impact of the
gifts to each ministry.” He continued, “Every gift made through The Advance this season makes a
difference in the lives of the people they touch.”
The projects and missionaries supported through The Advance were key to the success of UMC
#GivingTuesday. According to the head of The Advance, Ellen Knudsen, “The relationships our
projects have with churches and individuals generated excitement for supporting specific ministries.”
Read the complete article at:http://www.umcmission.org/learn-about-us/news-and-stories/2014/
december/1203umcgivingtuesday
13th Annual
Good Works WALK
Please help us provide shelter for people without homes.
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Registration – 8:30am
Walk Experience – 9:00am-12:00pm
Rice & Beans Lunch – 12:00pm-1:00pm
First United Methodist Church, 2 South College St., Athens
For more information: Call Good Works at (740) 594-3339 Or email: [email protected]
www.goodworkswalk.net
Good Works, Inc., A Community of Hope Since 1981
If you plan to attend please contact Tim Binkley, 740.243.3814 or [email protected] to
arrange transportation.
VBS
Monday June 15 – Friday June 19, 2015
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Watch for all the details and how to register in the
next few weeks!
5
Financial Snapshot
2014-2015
2015 General (operating) Fund Budget
Revenues:
Contributions
760,000
Other Revenues
65,200
Endowment Transfers In 279,877*
Total
$1,105,077
Expenses:
Conference Apportionments**
(51% of request)
66,485
District Apportionments**
(26% of request)
5,160
71,645
Global Missions
8,860
Local Missions
18,250
Outreach/Marketing
13,800
Worship
10,730
Caring
8,950
Discipleship
16,010
Youth
8,700
Facilities
248,032
Staff
510,475
Administration
39,850
Crossroads Debt*
149,775
Total
$1,105,077
2014 General (operating) Fund Performance
Revenues:
Contributions
805,261
Other Revenues
78,047
Endowment Transfers In 124,421
Total
$1,007,757
Expenses:
Conference Apportionments
(50% of request)
63,249
District Apportionments
(25% of request)
4,974
68,223
Global Missions
22,390
Local Missions
18,388
Outreach/Marketing
13,852
Worship
7,145
Caring
9,182
Discipleship
10,511
Youth
4,011
Facilities
260,129
Staff
482,641
Administration
43,184
Total
$ 939,656
Net surplus
$ 68,101
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


*Endowment earnings will be used this year to
fund ministries which will create a surplus in the
general fund. This surplus will be used to reduce
our debt on Crossroads helping us to remain on
track to be debt free in June of 2016.
**Holiday offerings (Easter, Thanksgiving and
Christmas) may increase offerings to
apportionments as these special offerings are
earmarked specifically for apportionments and
Global Missions designated Advance projects.
Lap 1 started June 2011 with $1,703,423
balance
We’re more than half way through Lap 4
Current loan balance (as of 1/8/15) is
$785,357
Interest avoided since campaign began June
2011 is nearly $338,000!
Final Lap 5 begins June 2015 through May
2016
(Original loan maturity—July 2026)
Pastor’s Bible Study Every Wednesday at Our Crossroads Facility
Every Wednesday, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm before Fellowship Dinners at our Crossroads facility, Pastor
Robert leads a Bible study based on the upcoming Sunday scripture readings. The study is held in
the Conference Room (the room by the kitchen). We read the scripture lessons, share information
about their historical context, and share insights on how they guide and shape our faith today. All
are welcome!
6
Spring New Member Class
Births
Our next new member classes/lunches will
be held Sundays, 11:45 am to 1:30 pm,
March 1, 8, & 15 and the receiving into
membership is tentatively scheduled for
Sunday, March 22. The three sessions
cover topics such as United Methodist
history, theology and practice, how to get
involved, and the vision and goals of the
church.
Christian Robert George
Born on November 25, 2014
Christian is the son of Grant & Michelle George
Grandparents are Chuck & Brenda George
Maximilian Joseph Gerber
Born on December 4, 2014
Max is the son of Joseph & Emily (Kuehn) Gerber
Grandmother is Paula Kuehn
Cambria Desiree Munyon
Born on January 14, 2015
Cambria is the daughter of Aimee & Patrick Munyon
Grandparents are Bob & Sandy Roberts
Brooklyn Renee Gordon
Born on January 22, 2015
Daughter of Mackenzie Smith & David Gordon
Grandparents are Shad & Shelley Walker
Great-Grandparents are Wanda & Forrest Turner
On December 14, 2014
Dale Richard Rawlins
On December 21, 2014
Maclenyn Elizabeth Lape
Interested in
Baptism?
If you are interested in baptism,
please contact Sandy Roberts
at the church office 653-3330 or
[email protected].
To register, contact Sandy Roberts at
740-653-3330 or
[email protected].
We express our sincere
sympathy to the families of those
who have lost loved ones:
Maxine Rutherford
Jeanne Keeney
Herman Truelove
Dan Hester
George Ruck
Tim Jones
Pauline Mondhank
Rita Barker
Will Loy
Sharon Lones
Dick Giles
Mary Emrick
Marian Townsend
Doris Shumaker
Will be held on the first
Saturday of each month.
 Feb. 7 at 8:00 a.m.
 in the Rising House,
131 N. High Street
 Cost is $5.00, payable to
caterer.
Specials in the
Cafe Coffee Shop
(Parlor) This Month
Following breakfast, the men will meet for
fellowship and prayer. For reservations, call the
church office (653-3330). Let the church know
if you want to be on the standing reservation
list. Come and bring a friend!
Chocolate Covered
Strawberry Frapuccino
Tuxedo Lattes
7
UMW NEWS CORNER
THANK YOU to all who helped with the Cookie Walk in
December! We had a great time and were able to raise over
$1,871 for missions!
BIG THANK YOU to Marie and Joella Stapp for all their hard
work in selling Pecans this year! A project which netted over
$400.00 for missions!
Other Projects raising money for missions included
Apple Dumplings $1,332.27 and the Election Day Bake
Sale $406.32.
These funds support many local
community projects as well as state, national and world projects. A total of
$2,500 pledged to our Capitol Area South District was paid in 2014.
CONFERENCE ANNUAL CELEBRATION in November was attended by:
Emmy Dillon, Linda Hahn, Carola Neeley, Shelia Brown and Judy Morgan.
Memorials recognized for the year 2014 at the December Luncheon
included: Jackie Wharton and Wanda Shaeffer (Elizabeth Circle) and Dorothy Brandyberry and
Eileen Smith (Esther/Rebecca Circle). Those given Honorary recognition were Anne Bartlett
(Elizabeth Circle), Emmy Dillon (Esther/Rebecca Circle) and Cheryl Frizzell (Trinity Circle).
FEBRUARY 4th will be our NEXT MEETING at Noon in the Fellowship Hall. Elizabeth Circle will
be our hostess and the program is “Call to Prayer & Self-Denial” with music by Virginia Rosberg.
************************************************************************
Bridges Out Of Poverty: Our work is to improve the lives of people in poverty and, by
extension, to help make sustainable communities in which everyone can do well. Bridges Out Of
Poverty is a starting point where one can develop accurate mental models of poverty, middle class,
and wealth. It is a new lens through which people can view themselves and the community.
You will learn:
 A basic understanding of poverty and generational poverty
 The barriers that keep individuals in poverty
 Resources
 Mental Models of Economic Class
 Hidden Rules of Economic Class
 What you can do to make a difference
All Workshops are held from 9am - Noon, at
Fairfield County 2-1-1, 108 W. Main Street, Suite C, Lancaster, OH
Community Workshop Dates: March 14, 2015
8
&
June 13, 2015
Dear Friends: Thank you so much for
all that the Church and church friends
have provided at this very difficult time.
It means so very much! The meal following the memorial service
was very nice, and I heard many compliments on both the service
and the meal.
Blessings,
Mary Ann Truelove
Dear FUMC: Thank you for the beautiful red rose in memory of
our mother. It was a sweet reminder of God’s love during our loss.
We also were very blessed by the words shared by Pastor Robert.
They brought us much comfort. Lastly, we want to convey our
appreciation for the meal after her service.
The Lones Family
Dear Church Family:
Thank you for all the prayers and loving care you have offered
me at my assisted living as well as during my recent stay at
LanFair. The cards and visits have meant a great deal to me
during my recovery. Thank you also for the delicious fruit,
cookies, and other goodies provided by the Second Saturday
group. I want you to know I appreciate all the outreach.
Gratefully,
Ruth Dodson
Dear Rose Ministry: Thank you for the beautiful rose that you
sent for my brother, Bryan Osborne.
Blessings,
Shelly & Dave Ruffner
Thank you so much for your kindness and consideration for
letting our family use the basement of your church after my
husband’s funeral. I appreciated it so much. My husband was
the brother of Ron Allen who worked at your church.
Bless you,
Cris Allen
Dear Second Saturday Volunteers: Once again, many grateful
thanks to members of Second Saturday for their timely help with
our porch screens. Just in time to keep us snug and warm during
this unseasonable winter blast!
Thankfully,
Ken and Margot Barnes
Thank you to the carollers for singing at Sterling House!
Betty Bowman
Dear Church Family: It was so kind of you to think of me at
school. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I had received a
package from my home church. Thank you for the snacks, treats,
post-its, pens, and the lovely note. I am so blessed to have such a
thoughtful support system. This semester is going very well so far,
and the snacks will definitely help energize me as I study. I miss
you all, and I look forward to seeing everyone around
Thanksgiving when I come home next. Thank you again for
thinking of me,
Sarah Feyko
Dear Friends: I wish to thank the Esther-Rebecca Circle and
the Second Saturday Outreach for the generous bags of
goodies and for the wonderful singing group that graced my
living room with beautiful Christmas music and 2 small children
with eyes so bright. Thanks again for the uplifting moments.
Ellie Diley
Thank you for speading joy throughout the year.!
Lancaster-Fairfield
Community Action Agency
Dear Pastor Robert, Church Staff: and Family Concerns:
I want to thank you for the beautiful service you did for Bo. Sandy,
thank you for the coffee-that was so sweet of you. I also want to
thank you for the great meal that was fixed for our family. You all
made a dark time in our lives brighter.
Blessings,
Shelly & Dave Ruffner
Dear Church Friends: Thank you so much for all the kindness
you have shown Ralph this past year. The visits, cookies, and
carollers were a bright spot in the long days. When the ladies
from the “Second Saturday Outreach” delivered cookies, I had
stepped out to attend to some business. Our daughter told me
that Ralph was delighted. Unfortunately, he forgets quickly.
Once in a while, though, he does recall the cookies. Again, I
had stepped out to go to the store when the Carollers came by
and sang. He loves music, so they were much appreciated.
Anyway, thanks for all your support through a very difficult
time.
God Bless You,
Dorothy M. Hudson
A Big thank you to the Carollers. It was nice to hear Christmas
songs again. Thank you also for the poinsettia. A big thank you to
Second Saturday volunteers for their visit and “goodies”.
Mary L. Graf
Thank you so much for the cookies and fruit, and also for the nice
lady that brings them!
Billie Lutz
Dear Friends: I am such a poke in getting my note written. It has
taken me this long to really feel retired, and it feels good. A special
thank you to everyone who has had a part in my retirement
festivities. The Staff lunch, the reception, and the gifts. I am
amazed at all the kind words, the gifts, and the hugs that I have
received. Everything has been wonderful. You must remember
that withoutt he willingness and faithfulness of all of you, we could
not have done the many things we did. Thanks for the memories!!!
Dear Blacklight Show Team: What a totally AWESOME job
you performed at Crossroads last Sunday evening. It was
beyond words-FANTASTIC!! A lot of work went into your
performance. The music you used was great also!! Thanks for
all the work you did to make it a totally enjoyable experience.
Keep up the GREAT work, and may God bless your team as
you continue this very entertaining ministry!!
Sincerely,
Candie Schull
P.S. I will encourage friends to attend next year.
Peg
9
2015 Family Special Events Team Schedule
February 1
3-5:00 pm
Jolly Hoppers Bounce Party
March 15
3:30-5:30pm
Amanda Roller Skate Party
March 28
1:00-3:00 pm
Eggstravaganza at Crossroads
June 15-19 6:00-8:30pm
“EVEREST” VBS at Crossroads
August 7
Swim Party @ Tiki Pool
8:00-11:00pm
PARTY
FREE
Amanda Roller Rink Skate Party: Join the Family Special Events Team for an afternoon of
family fun. ALL AGES are welcome and encouraged to skate the day away from 3:30-5:30 pm on
Sunday, March 15th. Snacks will be available and you can rent skates for $2. Listen for
announcements and look for the sign-up sheet in parlor in the coming weeks.
****************************************************
Creative Ministries:
THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the Nativity Display this
past year. Volunteers who helped set up, staff during nights of operation, and tear down made this
outreach possible. Attendance continues to grow each year as more people become aware of this
magnificent display! On Christmas Eve, a tornado touched down in Lancaster, as you are probably
aware. This storm took out a large pine tree in the neighboring property of Crossroads along with
other damage. Power went out for some time. Our “Christmas Miracle” was that the Nativity Display
never lost power! The front Hall, restrooms, exterior and other parts of Crossroads were in the dark
but the music and lighting continued for the nativity! The tower hall even had a fire sprinkler cap pop
off and land near the shepherd watching his flock! ( I do not know if he was sore afraid)
In addition to community and church members, many people from out of town had an opportunity to
see our nativity and experience the true meaning of Christmas. A Facebook page titled “Fontanini
Nativity Display” attracted attention to nativity collectors world-wide!
Virtuous Reality Blacklight Theater will be traveling to Hampton, VA, this February 20-22 to
perform and teach at Circus Magic Convention. Please pray for safe travels as they share their
ministry with others.
A good time to join this ministry will be the first of March! We are open to anyone age 9-80 (younger
by audition). Contact John Coen for details.
Eggstravaganza! It may sound crazy but it is time to start donating eggs (plastic) for
Eggstravaganza! This Easter Celebration will take place on March 28th. We need eggs, candies for
eggs or monetary gifts to purchase supplies. Collection boxes are in the parlor and at Crossroads
lobby. Send monetary gifts to the Business office.
Other opportunities to be involved in Creative Ministries include “The Good News Clown Crew”
and “The Magic of Believe”. Or if you have video, sewing or artistic skills and like to work “behind
the scenes” we can use you in that capacity!
10
Weekly Schedule
Sunday 9:00 am Service
6th & 7th Grade
8th Grade
9th – 12th Grade
Sunday 10:30 am Service
1st Sunday of the Month
Other Sundays
Sunday School
Confirmation
Sunday School
Youth Worship
Family Worship
Sunday Evening Youth Groups
5pm – 6pm
Junior High (6th - 8th grade)
6:30pm – 8pm
Senior High Life Groups
Wednesday Evening
All Youth - Midweek Giveback 5:30-7pm
2015 Youth Mission Trips
This year, we will be traveling on two different
mission trips. The youth group will be split by
grade level. To reserve your spot, the $75
registration fee is due by Sunday, March 1 st.
This due date is set so proper fundraising
efforts can begin. Last year, most students
were able to raise the remaining fees and
didn’t have to pay any more money than their
registration fee!
Here is where we are headed:
Current 6th & 7th Graders:
Hurricane, West Virginia, July 10th – 13th
Current 8th-12th Graders:
Accident, West Virginia, June 21st – 27th
Mission Trip Information Meeting:
Wednesday, February 4th, 2015
Crossroads Ministry Center @ 7:30pm
Joseph Palmer
Youth Director
740-653-3320 Ext. 104
[email protected]
Rummage Sale
The Annual Youth Rummage Sale is May 2 nd
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
As you get ready to do some Winter and Spring
cleaning, don’t forget us! Set that stuff aside and
donate it to the youth to help fund
their mission trips!
Intake days are:
April 30th 6pm – 8pm & May 1st, 9am – 8pm
Getting ready for
College?
Already in College?
Scholarship applications for the
2015-16 school year are available in the parlor or
to download from our website,
www.lancasterfumc.org. To apply, applicants must
be members of First UMC (have accepted the
membership covenant). Applications are due to the
business office by February 28. For further
information, contact Deb Silvia, Business Manager,
at [email protected] or 740-653-3330.
Celly Texting Program
We use a new texting communication program. Celly is a
platform for social networks that is accessible via iPhone, Android, and SMS text. There are
currently two groups. RIOTYouth is set up for all of the youth (and parents who want to keep
up-to-date with communications being sent to their children). RIOTParents is a group created for
the parents alone, if I might need to communicate to them directly. To sign up, text the message
@RIOTYouth (or @RIOTParents) to 23559. Then respond to the message with your first and last
name. Note: if your name already exists in the Celly world as someone else, just respond and add
a number after it (ex: JohnSmith9)
11
CORE COURSE OFFERINGS 2015 Tentative Schedule
WINTER 2015
SPRING 2015
SUMMER 2015
FALL 2015
Bible Basics
Basics of Christianity
Spiritual Gifts #1
Bible Basics
6 weeks
10 weeks
7 wks (reduce to 3?)
6 weeks
Sundays, 10:15-11:15am
Sundays, 10:15-11:15am
TBD
TBD
Jan. 11-Feb. 15
March 15-May 31
TBD
TBD
FUMC, Rm 22
FUMC, Spirit Hall
FUMC, Spirit Hall
FUMC 22 & Crosrds
Cheryl Foulk
Ben Foulk
Judy Hug
T Binkley & J Norris
Financial Peace
United Methodism 101
Spiritual Gifts #2
Means of Grace
9 weeks
6 weeks
7 wks (reduce to 3?)
7 weeks
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Crossroads
Crossroads
TBD
FUMC, Spirit Hall
Dan Kemp
Ben Foulk
Jean comer, Andy Thomas TBA
Saturday, February 14, 8:30am, at Crossroads
2015 brings our 5th anniversary of "Second Saturday"!
We have come a long way and cannot imagine how many
lives have been touched including ours!
We continue our wonderful partnership with Crestview through Bingo and visiting our members
there. They have recognized our church every year for our commitment to their facility.
Our blankets are showing up everywhere and will be expanding to touch more of our children this
year. Anyone can help on this project from young to old.
Wood just continues to flood in and our wood crew works endlessly to split and deliver to those in
need of heating wood. Thank you so much for your donations. Our dream this year is to purchase a
splitter of our own!
The wonderful cookies that our members make (they are taste-tested by Pastor Robert prior) are
delivered along with fresh fruit to our church members who are home bound or living in an assisted
facility by the most loving crew ever!!! Each month we also treat a couple of stations of our first
responders to let them know how much we appreciate them!
We continue to have a great partnership with the city parks, the city itself and several other
agencies that need some paint, repairs, etc. and are so happy they know we are here!
Can you spare a few hours once a month to serve your community and share your love of God?
Come join us on Saturday, Feb. 14, at 8:30am - what a great Valentine's Day!!!
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Wednesday Night Dinners
Dinner Menus:
Feb. 4
Roast Beef
Mashed Potatoes/Gravy
Glazed Carrots
Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad
Italian Cream Cake
Feb. 11
Ham with Sweetheart Sauce
“Be Mine” Scalloped Potatoes
“I’m Crazy for You” Peas w/Pearl Onions
“Oh” Fruited Cole Slaw
“Wow” Valentine Dessert
Feb. 18
Swiss Chicken
Rice Pilaf
California Vegetables
Cranberry Gelatin Salad
Ice Cream w/Sundae Toppings
Feb. 25
Ham Loaf w/Sweet and Sour Sauce
Potato Puff
Seasoned Green Beans
Blushing Applesauce
Fruit Crisp
Wednesday Night Dinners
We welcome and encourage everyone to
come and enjoy a home-cooked meal at
our Wednesday Night Fellowship Dinners.
Reservations can be made by contacting
the church receptionist at 740-653-3330
before 4:00 on MONDAY AFTERNOON. If
you have any questions or concerns,
please feel free to contact Dan Kemp at
[email protected] or
740-653-3330. We thank you for your
continued support.
Buffet style
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Main Room at Crossroads.
Suggested donation:
 $9.00 for adults; Kids (10 & under)
eat free when accompanied by an
adult!
We hope to see you soon!
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All Meals include a Fresh Garden Salad,
Homemade Rolls, and Beverages
Volunteers Needed for Lions Club Convention on March 6, 7 & 8!!!
At press time for the Circuit Rider, we are not sure what our exact needs will be, but please watch
for notices in the bulletin or announcements in church. There will be a signup sheet at the
Receptionist’s desk as soon as we know our needs. This was a great moneymaker for paying
down our Crossroads debt last year. We truly appreciate any and all help you can give.
Rummage Sale
The Annual Youth Rummage Sale is May 2 nd
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
As you get ready to do some Winter and Spring cleaning, don’t forget us!
Set that stuff aside and donate it to the youth to help fund
their mission trips!
Intake days are:
April 30th 6pm – 8pm & May 1st, 9am – 8pm
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UPCOMING DATES:
Feb. 1: Jolly Hoppers Bounce Party, 3-5pm
Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25: Wednesday Night Dinners
Feb. 7: Men’s Breakfast, 8am, Rising House
Feb. 14: Second Saturday
Feb. 18: Ash Wednesday Services
Noon & 7:30 at Church; 6:30pm at Crossroads
Feb. 21: Good Works Walk - Athens: 8:30 am
Feb. 28: Scholarship Applications due
March 6, 7, 8: Lions Club volunteers needed
April 5: Easter
May 2: Youth Rummage Sale
Keep Up with First UMC
Updates on Facebook
Regular updates on upcoming events and news
regarding our church are available on our church’s Facebook page.
On Facebook, go to Lancaster First United Methodist Church.
Articles for the March
issue of the Circuit Rider
are due by February 15 to
[email protected]
The Circuit Rider
is the monthly newsletter of
First United Methodist Church
163 E. Wheeling St.
Lancaster, OH 43130
Sunday:
9:00 am – Worship Celebration
10:30 am – Praise Worship
Wednesday:
6:30 pm – The Gathering (at Crossroads)
Crossroads Family Ministry Center
2095 W. Fair Ave.
Lancaster, OH 43130
We welcome you to worship with us and
to experience the joy of having fellowship
with other people who believe in the love
of God and the teachings of Christ.
Senior Pastor – Robert McDowell
Associate Pastor – Cheryl Foulk
Telephone – 740-653-3330
FAX – 740-653-4983
Email – [email protected]
Website – www.lancasterfumc.org
www.crossroadsevents.com
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