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News
heights
Monfort
CONNECT
BECOME
SERVE
united methodist church
November | December 2014
Radical Life
F ebruary / March 2015
by Dan Fuchs, Threads Head
dan.mhumc.gmail.com
Throughout history, Christians have lived lives that appear to
be completely different to outsiders. These were lives that
did not bow down and worship the gods of the cultures, they
did not cave in to social pressure to engage in all sorts of
debauchery and filth, and they were marked by private and
public holiness, worship, and devotion to the one true God.
At least, that was true up until the turn of the 20th century
when a change started to happen in mainline churches.
Churches began to take a subjective view of scripture, started
to preach a gospel that lacked the saving power of Jesus
Christ, and taught that scripture was not necessarily the
final authority for a believer. “Enlightenment” had come to
America and church became more of a social gathering
place than an institution for worship of the almighty God;
it became the new place to get news for the week instead
of the place to come and be transformed by the working
of the Holy Spirit, through the salvation of Jesus Christ, in
the power of God the Father.
MHUMC - Monfort Heights United
Methodist Church
Who are we?
Demographically, we are a cross-section of the Monfort
Heights community spanning a diverse range of families,
singles, ages and interests. Some of our folks have lived
nearby and worshipped here for over fifty years. Some of
us are so new we are still learning where the restrooms are
located. Some of us wear suits on Sunday, and some wear
shorts and sandals. We have a few families that span four
generations, and some that just adopted their first child.
We are different in many ways, but we share a common
love in our hearts for God, His son, and His people.
Threads in 2015 is committed to having real discussions
about real life issues and bringing the full power of scripture
and the Living God to bear on those issues. We will be
characterized by small group discipleship, radical worship,
and an attempt to reclaim the full objective truth of
Christianity that is contained in the words of The Bible.
We want to live radical lives, lives that thrive in Christ as
opposed to simply surviving in the world. We want to live
in Jesus in such a way that our lives are transformed by the
Gospel instead of conforming to the world.
It’s time to take a stand for Christ, and not continue in the
pattern of this world. Many of you have been making this
stand for many many years; we need you! We need your
prayers, your experience, and your love. Will you stand
with us?
If this need resonates with you or God is speaking to you to
join in this resolution for a radical life, please contact me.
God has put the church together to build it up, as one body.
Let’s recommit ourselves to starting anew today.
Who are you?
Perhaps you are new in the neighborhood, or you are going
through significant change in your life. Perhaps your faith
needs refreshed or you are exploring if there is any value
in attending church. You may be a "seasoned saint", or
considering whether or not God is even real. Whoever you
are today, and whatever your circumstances today, you are
a person whom God loves - and that alone makes you
important to us. You have needs, gifts and grace to share.
So do we.
Our spirit is infectious. We would love for you to join us
as we CONNECT to God, BECOME disciples of Jesus, and
SERVE in the world.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICES: 8:30 am Traditional | 9:45 am Modern | 11 am Traditional
www.mhumc.org
Upward Impact
Women’s Ministry at MHUMC centers on meeting the spiritual needs
of women and helping them to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ.
Leaders Lisa Herring and Theresa Strong coordinate and lead many
events specifically for women but also organize and host events for
the community and church family. Some of their tasks might include
hosting Bible studies, retreats, service projects or gathering events.
Their primary goal is to invite women to share time growing in
their spiritual knowledge and love of God. You do not need to be a
church member to participate in any programs sponsored by MHUMC.
Check out a few things Women’s Ministry has planned below:
Women’s Bible Study: Beth Moore “Daniel”
Wednesdays | March 11 - May 27 | 7 pm to 8:30 pm
Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy, is
a 12-week Bible study from best-selling author
Beth Moore. This fascinating study of the book
of Daniel shows how individuals can live with integrity in today’s
self-absorbed society. You do not need to be a member of the church
to participate in this Bible Study. For more information contact
Theresa Strong at 574-1043 or Lisa Herring at 741-3597.
Hoxworth Blood Drive
Wednesday | April 15 | 1 pm to 7 pm
Monfort Heights UMC will be hosting another Blood Drive in our
Family Life Center on April 15th from 1 pm to 7 pm. To schedule
your appointment, visit: www.hoxworth.org/groups/mhumc and
click on DONOR PORTAL or contact Lisa Herring at 741-3597 or
[email protected]
Matthew 25 Ministries
Saturday | Sometime in APRIL...more details to come.
Join us as we spend the morning volunteering at one of our area’s
greatest national ministry outreach organizations. We will be
working on sorting clothing and personal care packages. Work
will be done in their warehouse located in Blue Ash. MEN AND WOMEN INVITED TO HELP, ESPECIALLY YOUTH GROUP MEMBERS.
Contact Cathy Fitzgerald with questions @ 602-6562 or
[email protected]
She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands
to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet.
- - Proverbs 31:20-21
by Timmy Jones
Freshman at University of Cincinnati
College of Engineering
I have had a very close
and fond relationship with
the Upward program
throughout my life. As a
child, I started playing Upward Basketball when
I was in Kindergarten at Westwood Methodist
Church, where I played for one year before
Upward was introduced at MHUMC. I remember
the thrill and excitement I received at practice or
a game when I was younger. Looking back on it
years later, now as a coach, Upward Basketball
has had a profound impact on my growth as an
individual and with my faith. As a player, basketball taught me valuable characteristics such as
sportsmanship, leadership, and respect. Being a
coach now, I find joy trying to teach my players
the game of basketball, but more importantly
trying to teach them lessons about life along the
way. Some people say that coaches have one of
the biggest impacts on a child’s life. I take my
responsibility of being an Upward coach as an
opportunity for me to introduce Christ into each
of my player’s lives as well as teaching them
basketball along the way. The great coaches
and wonderful experience that I have had with
Upward has helped me grow to be the person
I am today.
Directed Creative Play Preschool
Are you or someone you know looking for a quality
preschool? Directed Creative Play, MHUMC’s preschool
is for you. Open registration for 2015/16 school year
started on Saturday, January 31. DCP offers 2, 3, or
4 day classes in which children are encouraged to
develop at their own pace in a nurturing environment supported by a team of dedicated teachers.
The programs enhance children’s emotional, social,
intellectual and physical development and provide
the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. If you
have any questions or would like to
schedule a tour of the preschool,
please contact Amy Zbacnik at the
preschool office, 481-5020, or at
home, 741-1038. Additional
information can
be found on
our website.
Located at Monfort Heights UMC
www.directedcreativeplay.com
Monfort Heights UMC Raises Over
$3,500 to Support Literacy
K
ng
wr
5
r u n ni
S
In an effort to support literacy initiatives
in the Northwest Local Schools community,
MHUMC was able to raise over $3,500
fo
&
through the First Annual 5k4Kids. The
r r
ea ding
event, which was held on November 1,
2014, was organized by a team of volunteers at MHUMC
with the goal of fully funding new after school programs at
Monfort Heights Elementary and White Oak Middle School,
as well as the local chapter of Whiz Kids. On February 26th
delegates from MHUMC officially will deliver checks valuing
$1000 to administrators at each school.
The new after school programs were designed by teachers
in the Northwest Local School District with the goal of
improving reading and writing fluency among participants.
Funds will be used to supply students with books and
materials in each program at each school. Whiz Kids is
a literacy-based, one-to-one tutoring and mentoring
program supported by City Gospel Mission, designed to
assist under-achieving or at-risk students. As a host
church, MHUMC not only offers a location but also trained
Christian volunteers who work with selected students to
become better readers.
The First Annual 5k4Kids was a success due to the turnout
of participants, private donations, and corporate sponsors
including Panera Bread and Chick-Fil-A. The event was
such a success that the Second Annual 5k4Kids is already
scheduled for October 10, 2015. Race organizers hope
to grow this event in order to support literacy programs
for years to come.
http://mhumc.org/5k4kids
Sportst
Elevate
Youth
ELEVATE
itin g
by Mike Wessel
I
K4 D
ELEVATE
6TH GRADE TO 12TH GRADE
LEADER: LAUREN FUCHS
[email protected]
ELEVATE FUNDRAISER
Saturday mornings during Upward the youth will be
selling donuts and coffee. The donuts are provided
by Schmeh Plumbing allowing us to make a full
profit on our sales. Sign up to help! 7:30 am to
11 am.
FEBRUARY
Cell Group starts back up on Tuesday, February
10th. Cell group is for students in grades 9, 10,
11, and 12 and serves as a small discussion and
discipleship group. This group meets at “The Cell”
of Dan and Lauren’s apartment, 5355 Lees
Crossing Drive - Apt. 12. 7:00 to 9:00 pm.
New Confirmation Class Starting this Spring!
Please contact Lauren if your child will be
participating in the class. Usually 6th and 7th
graders, but if you have an older student that wants
to be confirmed they are welcome. More details
to come.
Saturday • February 7th
THREADS Worship - Asbury Chapel 7 pm
The first Saturday night of each month, beginning
in February we are going to worship as a youth
group together. THREADS Worship is a service
geared towards a younger audience of youth,
college, and young adults. On these first weeks,
we will not have youth group the following Sunday
night as Worship will serve as our gathering time
for that week. I will be sending out reminders about
this. Please encourage your student to attend and
know that you are welcome to attend and worship
with them.
February Discussion
This is the students dreaded Sex, Love, and Dating
month. I call it this only because it grabs their
attention right away. I don’t believe that anyone
counts it among their favorite discussion topics with
teenagers, but I believe it’s necessary and important
to do so with our students. This year will focus on
relationship with others and moving forward in
relationship, and will not only focus on romantic
relationships but all relationships. This is also a
great month to speak about the importance of
setting boundaries. Students will be allowed to
talk freely about what they believe regarding these
topics and why as long as they do so respectfully.
All adults will encourage and promote abstinence
until marriage. Please don’t hesitate to contact me
if you have any questions about the subject matter
of this month.
If you are reading this newsletter and are a parent of a youth
grade 6th to 12th and/or a youth and are interested in one or
all of the above activities, please feel free to join our group or
at least check us out. Questions call Lauren @ 513-481-8699
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
11
12
14
15
16
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
27
28
Alexa Baumgardner, Cody Frey, Randall Kline, Eli Packard
Brian Louis
Cara Steele Downerd, Brooks Taylor
Shawn Burton, Beth Gettler, Carol Ann Kirievich
Jason Allen, Erin Core-Stein
Shealyn Davis
Jeff Grieser, Ben Gundrum, Christian Kline, Kathy Oehler
Jordan Akel, Erin Harding, Mike Herring, Patti Hucke, Betsy Schulte
Garrett Benight
Carolyn Jamison, Gay Laughlin, Gil Ruehl (son)
Jeff Molter
Patty Keller
Roger Banta, Devon Penrod
Mary Ann Henderson, Stacey Hupps
Butch Fogle, Betsy Nimmo, Jerry Voss
Will Frey, Dori Mulvaney
Marlene Rosenacker
Austin Beets, Dick Cable, Chang Hammons, Suzanne Lekson, Terry Young,
Michael Wilder
Amy Coop, T.J. Hammons, Amy Pott Schardt, Ben Riddle,
Melissa Riedel Stehlin
Sharon Ackerman, TJ Strong
Steve Beets, Sharon Humphries, Sarah Momberg
Keegan Hickey, Nancy Huselton, Lexi Moeller, Jim Oehler, Issac Swisshelm
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
1 Cindy Baumgardner, Linda Glascock, Diane Hall, Bob Keller,
Kady Mahoney Martini, Chris Schmeh
2 Lynda Kemeny/Armbruster, Bob Young
3 Ellen Gundrum
4 Gayle Gittinger, Carolyn Smith
5 Joyce Gillette, Terry Gittinger
6 Denise Beets
7 Miriam Kelly
8 Emily Shad
9 Kevin Bole, Stephanie Heather Lincoln, Lisa Kentrup
10 Connor Hickey, Charles Mischell
11 Maureen Cook, Payton Coop
13 Jason Taylor
14 Max Taphorn
15 Steve Berlanga, Ciya Carstens, Brian Edgerton
16 Jake Carstens, Dan Cawley, Mary Dennison, Debra Kohlsdorf,
Pam (Kohlsdorf) McRoberts, Danny Meyer, Scott Sobolewski,
Jennifer Swisshelm
17 Pat Hammons, Barbara (Hall) Stevens, Theresa Strong
18 Ruth Carol Black, Andy Kirk, Brian Martin
19 Austin Goedde
21 Brian Bennett, Joyce Dring, Reese Hoeh, Kristin Marzheuser Lowe,
Cyndie Shad, Charles Steele (91 years – we missed 90 last year)
22 Jackson Burton, Mark Strong
24 Bob Fitzgerald, Bill Schlelein
25 Mary Frances Deitemeier, Steven Funke
26 Dana Scully Peirson
27 Dick Koenig
28 Angelina Bennett, Charlie Carstens, Diane Packard
29 Jean Ratcliff, Ruth Soto
30 Darlene Carstens, Riley Eichelbrenner, Brandon Luther, Brook Luther,
Charles Lutterbei (90 years), Melanie Riedel
www.mhumc.org
a special church worship just for kids
Sunday Morning stuff JUST FOR KIDS!
Children’s Ministry is a very important part of MHUMC!
KidsZONE and KidsCONNECT were developed just for
kids! Our teachers and assistants use creative learning
methods and special curriculum to encourage children
to develop a relationship with God. Our desire is to
make their time with us their favorite hour of the week!
KidsCONNECT is open on Sunday Mornings at 9:45 am
and KidsZONE is open on Sunday Mornings at 11:00 am.
The KidsZONE Team is always looking for new members.
This is a great way to get to know the children of our
church and to share your love of Jesus with them. As
a team we gather together to plan every other month.
Many of us are planning to attend a Children’s
Curriculum workshop on March 7th. This would be a
great time to join and get to know more about our
Children’s Ministry and how we plan for the kids.
Contact Lauren Fuchs with questions or how to join
at 481-8699 or [email protected].
Kids meet in different
theme rooms located
in the KidsZONE. This
class is taking place in
the OceanZONE where
the room is decorated
like they are under the
sea in a submarine.
The Children’s
BEAT Choir.
Ages 5 years to 5th
grade. The program
includes singing and
learning to play
handbells.
PRACTICE EVERY SUNDAY
MORNING @ 11:00 am
Music Room located in
the KidsZONE
Any questions contact:
Melissa Wilz @ 513-574-8940
Come enjoy the joy of
Jesus through music!
Ages 5 years to 5th grade
We will be performing
during many of our
worship times on Sunday
mornings. This music
program is now part of
the regular KidsZONE
curriculum.
february &
march
highlights
F E BRUARY 2 0 1 5
SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 7
UPWARD GAMES: 8 am to 3 pm
THREADS Service in Asbury Chapel @ 7 pm
Worship
ELEVATE @ 7 pm
SUNDAY
SUNDAY
SUNDAY
SUNDAY
•
•
•
•
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
FEBRUARY
1
8
15
22
Sunday Morning Worship
Traditional Service 8:30 am & 11 am
CONNECT Modern Service 9:45 am
EVERY WEEK:
Intercessory Prayer:
Every Monday - Saturday
9:15 am Sanctuary
Men’s Bible Study:
Every Tuesday Morning 6:30 am
MARCH 2 0 1 5
Worship
SUNDAY • MARCH 1
SUNDAY • MARCH 8
SUNDAY • MARCH 15
SUNDAY • MARCH 22
SUNDAY • MARCH 29 - Palm Sunday
Sunday Morning Worship
11 am kidsZONE Sunday School
ELEVATE YOUTH 6:30 pm
Boy Scouts
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Sunday + Feb. 8th
8 am to 1 pm
Monfort Heights UMC
THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 11
New Young Men’s Breakfast
Bob Evans @ 6:30 am
SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 14
UPWARD GAMES: 8 am to 3 pm
Valentines Day!
WEDNESDAY • FEBRUARY 18
Co-Ed Volleyball: FLC
Every Thursday 7:30 pm
Men’s Basketball: FLC
Every Monday 8:00 pm
Traditional Service 8:30 am & 11 am
CONNECT Modern Service 9:45 am
9:45 am kidsCONNECT Church
11 am We Got The BEAT Choir
SOME SPECIAL STUFF
11 am kidsZONE Sunday School
ELEVATE YOUTH 6:30 pm
Women’s
Bible Study
9:45 am kidsCONNECT Church
11 am We Got The BEAT Kids Choir
Young Men’s Breakfast Club
Every Thursday Bob Evans 6:30 am
Starting Thursday, February 12th
SATURDAY • MARCH 7
UPWARD GAMES: 8 am to 3 pm
SUNDAY • MARCH 8
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS
Wednesdays | March 11 - May 27
7 pm to 8:30 pm
Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words
of Prophecy, is a 12-week Bible
study from best-selling author
Beth Moore.
Hoxworth Blood Drive
Wednesday | April 15
1:00 pm to 7:00 pm
SATURDAY • MARCH 14
THREADS Service in Asbury Chapel
Dan Fuchs leading the service
Saturday • February 7th
7:00 pm
UPWARD GAMES: 8 am to 3 pm
TUESDAY • MARCH 17
St. Patricks Day
THURSDAY • MARCH 19
Sports Ministry Meeting @ 6:30 pm
SUNDAY • MARCH 29
PALM Sunday
Ash Wednesday Service @ 7:30
SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 21
UPWARD GAMES: 8 am to 3 pm
SATURDAY • FEBRUARY 28
UPWARD GAMES: 8 am to 3 pm
Come check us out. You do not need to be a
member to participate in any event hosted by
MHUMC. www.mhumc.org
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NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
CINCINNATI OH
PERMIT #9515
3682 West Fork Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45247-7599
www.mhumc.org
513-481-8699
TIME SENSITIVE MATERIAL
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
MHUMC Mission Statement:
A Christ-centered community that CONNECTS people to God,
empowers them to BECOME disciples and then SERVE the world.
Heights News Staff
Publisher: Melissa Wilz
Writer: Paula Heather
Proof Readers: Lois Daiker and Joy Ott
Calendars: Jeanne Mathes
Circulation: Pat Bernhardt,
Bobbie Hubbard, Judy Coster,
and Joyce Dring
Deadline for the next issue:
Monday, March 23, 2015
Letters and articles are always
welcome. Contact Melissa Wilz:
574-8940 or [email protected]
LIKE US!
“ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
- - Matthew 7:7
DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know... Boy Scout Troop 98 had a complete sell out of
their Christmas wreaths this year thanks to you? Bob Gloeckler and
the scouts would like to say THANK YOU for your support.
Did you know... a White Pine has been donated and planted in
the cemetery in memory of Martha Maynard by her son? Also a
pine tree has been planted along the fence line in memory of
Angela Kettering by Jeff and Becky Knipp. Contact the church
office if you would like to donate a tree or perennial plant in
memory of a loved one.
Did you know... there is a beautifully framed John Wesley
portrait hanging in classroom 124? This art was donated in Loren
McGuire’s memory by the Adult Seekers Sunday School class,
to which Loren was a member and his wife Beverly is a member.
The adult Seekers Class meets every Sunday morning at 9:45 am
in room 124. New members always are welcome.
Did you know... we have a Youth Sunday School class that
meets every Sunday morning at 11 am in the youth room. 6th grade
thru 12th grade are invited to join the class. One week a student
asked the question: “Why was Jesus baptized when he had
nothing to be cleansed from?” Great lessons and discussions
are happening every week!
Join us for Worship on Sunday Mornings at 8:30 & 11 am traditional • connect @ 9:45 am
Adult and Children Sunday School & Nursery Care Available.