The Maple Leaf 2002
Maple Street UMC -- November
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The Maple Leaf 2002 Maple Street UMC -- November |
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November Pages |
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2003
Budget Less Than 2002 The Maple Street Administrative Council will act upon a 2003 budget proposal that is more than $1,000 under the 2002 budget. The Finance Committee submitted a recommended general operating budget of $190,545 or $1,136 less than 2002. Apportionments next year will be $600 less than for 2002. (Council report Page 4)
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 COAL BUCKET TO JACKSON Marianne Jackson is surrounded by children, who celebate her selection as the 2002 Coalbucket Award Winner on October 20th. The announcement was made by 2001 winner Helen Parcels (standing at right). Marianne is our Children’s Coordinator and very active in many programs of the church.
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Six New Members Received at Maple Street
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Received into membership at Maple Street on Oct. 6, 2002, were (from left) Terry Balsimo (transfer from Groveport UMC), Rich Hart, Ellen Hart (transfer from Logan Trinity UMC), Jodi Miller (profession of faith), Kent Miller (transfer from Lancaster First UMC) and Debbie Robinson (profession of faith). Terry, Jodi and Debbie were the first to complete the new "Open Door Class," conducted by the pastor for adults wishing to explore membership. It is an eight-week class that is held during the Sunday School hour. Anyone interested in the class may contact the office at 687-6384. |
Hospital
Visit December 7th;
Canada Mission in Works
The youth look forward to another holiday season. They are planning a few mission projects yet this year. The youth will go to Fairfield Medical Center=s pediatric unit on December 7th. Toys will be delivered for the kids who are hospitalized throughout the holiday season. The kids will be holding a coat and glove drive for the winter season. The coats and gloves will be collected and distributed to locals who need them the most. Please see a youth member to ask how you may help. Please let a youth member know if you know of someone who may benefit from this drive, as well.
The youth will be holding their annual Christmas party on Saturday, December 7th. The festivities will begin with the trip to the hospital. They will then gather at Tiberio=s at 1:00 p.m. for dinner. Dwight Hoover has agreed to DJ the party, which starts at 2:00 p.m. It looks as if though the youth will be engaged in a gift exchange, a ping-pong tourney, as well as an over-all good time.
Planning will soon be getting underway for next summer=s youth mission trip. Information has been found for an opportunity to work with the homeless in Toronto. Shawn will be making the initial contacts here in the next few weeks. We hope that this trip will be as rewarding and successful as the last two trips have been. The youth would like to extend a hearty happy holiday wish to everyone. God Bless.
—Shawn Hinkle
,Youth Coordinator
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Tithes & Offerings
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" International Holiday Craft Bazaar" to Be December 7The Missions Team’s "A International Holiday Bazaar" will be held on December 7th from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Items will include Crafts, Baked Goods, Sweets and a Luncheon. Get your table to display your crafts early. The charge per table is $20. Please call Ariana Whaley 687-1041 to reserve your table. This bazaar is held by the Missions Committee. Come and start your Christmas shopping early. |
UMW
Hosts Units, Honors 2 Members The fellowship hall was decorated with pumpkins, colorful fall leaves, gourds and candles when Maple Street United Methodist Women entertained ladies from Millersport UMC, Cedar Hill UMC and Lancaster’s First United UMC on October 14th. Abby Ailes performed "Jesus Loves Me" and "Amazing Grace" on her violin with piano accompaniment by her mother, Jill. In addition, we were entertained by the music of our Joyful Voices choir led by Molly Hinkle and the intriguing presentation of "The Samaritan Woman" by Bette Christman, our Newark District UMW President. Dorothy Franklin and Janet Meadows were recognized during the evening with gifts for service to the unit. We finished the evening of fellowship with salads & desserts. - Kathie Fosnaugh, Secretary UMW
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Speakers on November 17 & 20 JIM HOFSTETTER, US National Director/CEO for International Child Care, will speak at the November 17 Worship Service. He will be speaking on ICCs work in Haiti, especially at Grace Childrens Hospital. Maple Street has had an ongoing relationship with Grace Hospital for the last few years. An Haitian meal will be served by the Missions Team during the Fellowship Hour following the Worship Service. Donations will be accepted for the meal with all proceeds going toward the Mission trip to Haiti planned for next year. After the meal, Jim Hofstetter will meet with all who are interested in the trip, giving details about procedures, expectations and costs. A SPECIAL MISSIONS SERVICE is planned for Wednesday, November 20. DR. LESTER DORNAN will speak AT 7:p.m. following a Carry-in Dinner at 6:00 p.m. Dr. Dornan is a United Methodist Missionary serving in Nepal. During 2002 Maple Street has been giving him support through the General Board of Global Ministries. FESTIVAL OF SHARING — Eight people from Maple Street attended the Festival of Sharing on September 28. 15 Health Kits and 17 School Kits were taken to the festival along with $35 for a Baby Kit and $33 for shipping of the kits. A box of clothing made by Cecil Jones was taken to the festival and given to International Child Care for Grace Childrens Hospital in Haiti. Several Campbell labels were taken and given to the Henderson Settlement. 2 CENTS A MEAL — The 2 Cents a Meal offering received on September 29 was $189.22. This offering was divided between our Conference hunger projects and Maple Street’s Wednesday Noon Community Kitchen. The next 2 Cents a Meal Offering is December 29. CROP WALK — Several members of Maple Street participated in the Crop Walk on October 13. Thanks to JoAnn Phillips for coordinating this walk for Maple Street. — JANET MEADOWS, Mission Chairperson |
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Maple Street UM Church Administrative Council
October 15, 2002 — Present: Bob Boyer, Sr., Betty Buckalew, Erston Buckalew, Duane (Buzz) Bussart, Dianne Combs, Rick Combs, Dick Gunder, Donna Gunder, Chuck Haley, Marianne Jackson, Norma Lytle, Dianne Nusser, Mitch Nusser, Ed Robbins, Fred W. Snider, Carolyn Starner, Chairperson Earl Strawn and Robert Wing. The September minutes and Treasurer’s report were approved.
Finance - Mitch Nusser passed out copies of the 2003 proposed budget for committee members to study. Mitch will bring back at the next council meeting for approval. (See Page 1)
Education - Dianne reported the following: 1) Junior Church will be open to 6th graders at the parent’s discretion, with Junior Church being closed one Sunday per month. 2) Committee is looking into offering Red Cross classes. Possible areas for Wednesday evening or Saturday include: babysitting for teens, CPR for 12 through adult, first aid for 1st and 2nd graders, and preparing for disasters for adults. If the congregation expresses sufficient interest these classes may be offered. 3) We are in need of additional nursery and toddler workers for 2nd hour. 4) Education will be willing to provide the birthday cake for Jesus for the Christmas Program.
Children’s Coordinator - Marianne reported that Joyful Voices will be practicing from 7:30 to 8:00 on Wednesday evenings. Spirit Sprouts and Voyagers will start their class promptly at 6:30.
Memorial/Endowment - Fred made a motion to buy 2 new candle lighters for the acolytes and allow Robin and Marianne to figure a way to hang them in the sanctuary during the service. Ed Robbins seconded. Motion carried.
Lay Leader - Buzz reported that Ron Ackers has stated he would be glad to do the snow removal at the same cost as last year. This was referred to Rick Combs.
Missions - Dianne Nusser reported for Janet. 1) A Craft Sale is scheduled for December 7th in the fellowship hall. 2) A shirt sale is being planned. Proceeds are to go toward the Haiti Mission Trip. After discussion, Ed Robbins made a motion to approve above items. Dianne Combs seconded. Motion carried with one no vote.
Erston reported that the Veteran’s Day worship service is being worked on.
Trustees - Rick reported the following: 1) Parsonage inspection completed: need minor repairs to siding and storm door, replace hall wallpaper and replace hall carpet (possibly with vinyl.) 2) Visitor parking signs - still in process. 3) Jon Schneider was contracted to do snow removal on sidewalks and steps of church for this coming winter. He was paid $200 for this contract job. 4) Water heaters are now working correctly. 5) A person was contracted for $100 to strip and wax floors on second floor hall, downstairs hall and Maple Leaf room. 6) Electrician - Trustees have contacted Claypool Electric and George Electric concerning their charges, etc. 7) The piano in Steve’s office is no good. Campbell’s Moving company has be contacted for removal. 8) Bruce Frank is gathering figures for putting in three ceiling fans in the fellowship hall. 9) Candle snuffers - have approval to hang on walls. 10) Committee for church renovation/remodeling: Chairperson Frank Melick, Dave Fairchild, Holly Snider, Ed Robbins, Sue Mendell, Beth Wing, Larry Noland. Rick made a motion for AC to approve this group of seven people to be our committee to investigate what needs to be done and come up with a proposal to AC. Mitch seconded. Carried. Trustee chair and AC chair will be ex-officio members, along with pastor.
Two Fund-Raising Events — November 2nd will be the next Fish Fry. Buzz is chair. Rick Combs has sign-up sheets; November 16th Pancake and Sausage Breakfast. Dick Gunder is chair.
Chuck Haley expressed concern for some members of Maple Street who have recently left or are leaving our congregation. Carolyn will get names and pass them to the Membership chair and pastor for contact.
The committee then discussed the "Ministry Profile" that is to be included in the Charge Conference material given to the District Superintendent. Meeting adjourned.
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Maple Street Seeks
Organist, Accompanist Maple Street Church is seeking an organist for Sunday morning worship and a pianist to accompany the choir, according to Rick Snider, chair of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. The jobs may be combined. Organist Parry Norris resigned on Oct. 30, effectively immediately, Snider said. Persons interested, or who have recommendations should contact the church office at (740) 687-6384. |
JOYFUL VOICES PROGRAM DECEMBER 15 - The Joyful Voices, under the direction of Molly Hinkle, will perform their annual Christmas musical December 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The Education Department will hold its "Birthday Party for Jesus" in the Fellowship Hall following the program. Youngsters need to be faithful for practices, on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
CANTATA - The choir will be rehearsing the Christmas Cantata at approximately 8:15 each Thursday. You do not have to be part of the regular choir to participate in this offering. Anyone is welcome to come and participate as we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child! (Lets have a great choir this Advent & Christmas season with lots of participation!)
HALLOWED HIS NAME PARTY - The Music Department will be having a Hallowed His Name Party and Bon Fire on Friday November 1st from 6:00-Till. Everyone is invited to come and bring a friend. This is an annual event at the home of Steve McGee, 3391 Crawfis Road, SE. Come, fellowship & enjoy some hotdogs and smores. You may want to bring a lawn chair or just sit on a bale of hay as you cook your dogs. Soft drinks will also be provided. This is a come anytime affair. The fire will be going all evening. See you there!!
BELLS OF PRAISE - Practices are under way and we could still use more ringers. All are invited to come and be part of our fellowship. If you have been in one of our Bell Choirs in the past, please consider coming back. If you have never been in a Bell Choir before, you are welcome too. You do not have to read Music to be part of the choir, but it helps. We enjoy serving the Lord in this manner and we hope you will consider joining us. The choir will be playing in church the third Sunday of November.
HEAVENLY CHIMES - Practices are going well but we need a real commitment from everyone to be at rehearsals. This is a children’s choir and we rehearse for half an hour 15 minutes after church lets out each Sunday. Parents, please help by having your students to rehearsals and church services we play for! Thanks P.S. The Chime Choir plays in church the fourth Sunday of November.
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November 10 is Veteran’s Day, and another wonderful service is being promised. Plan to attend. Advance thanks to Erston and Betty Buckalew. |
Food Donations Needed November 3rd The Local Social Concerns Committee will be busy with several November projects. Your help is needed with each. Food donations will be accepted on November 3rd and placed on the altar. These collections will assist in building baskets to help community families celebrate Thanksgiving. Food collected will also support the Maple Street Community Kitchen. Many volunteer hours by church members provide a hot lunch and Christian fellowship for 30 to 60 people each Wednesday noon. Donations are also shared with community pantries. Soon, Maple Street may also be able to provide pantry services to families with need, as we are exploring becoming part of the area Food Bank. |
Observations About Survey
The Looking To the Future survey was just completed at the request of the Administrative Council. The Administrative Council was seeking direction from the congregation with regard to the future of Maple Street Church. The survey required looking at what clearly to some were "unthinkable" options, such as merging with another church or selling the present church and relocating. The survey is complete and has been presented to the Administrative Council.
What the survey revealed is that most people do not want change. In fact they really don’t want to be bothered. Only 23% of those who received the survey took the time to respond. Of those who responded the overwhelming message was, we do not want to change. We do not want to even consider a merger. We definitely do not want to consider selling the building and relocating. And even though we are opposed to all of the above there was a marked hesitancy to commit to maintaining and improving the present building. I’m not going to dwell on this since you will soon have the opportunity to review the survey results for yourself.
During the review of the results by the Committee, the question was raised, "How do we really measure growth?" There were some obvious answers, number of members, church budget, etc. But then someone raised an even more important question, "How do you measure the spiritual growth of a church?" What follows are my observations of growth, both numerical and spiritual in Maple Street Church in the past five years.
Numerical Growth Indicators:
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Maple Street Church rants 8th out of the 23 churches in Newark District with more than 300 members, with 56.7% of members active in the worship service. |
Spiritual Growth Indicators:
The bold YES indicates the presence of a program that was not in existence on January 1, 1996. All of these YES’s are evidence of spiritual growth.|
Spiritual Growth |
1996 |
2001 |
Spiritual Growth |
1996 |
2001 |
| United Methodist Men |
NO |
YES |
Spirit Sprouts Youth Program |
NO |
YES |
| United Methodist Women |
YES |
YES |
Spirit Voyagers Youth Program |
NO |
YES |
| Paid Youth Coordinator |
NO |
YES |
Junior Worship Service |
NO |
YES |
| Youth
Nursing Home Visits Vacation Bible School Fellowship Hour after Church Wednesday Noon Meal Program |
NO YES NO NO |
YES YES YES YES |
Adult
Direct Mission Activity USA Mexico Haiti |
NO NO NO |
YES YES YES |
| Youth Mission Trips |
NO |
YES |
Scouting |
YES |
YES |
| Young People Reading Scripture |
NO |
YES |
Monthly Foundation Dinner |
YES |
YES |
| On-Going, Trained Acolyte Program |
NO |
YES |
Adult Choir |
YES |
YES |
| Athletic Teams |
YES |
YES |
Joyful Voices Youth Choir |
NO |
YES |
| Disciple Bible Study |
NO |
YES |
Bell Choir |
NO |
YES |
| Sunday Evening Service |
NO |
YES |
Chimes |
NO |
YES |
| Wednesday Evening Bible Study |
NO |
YES |
Fish Fry (community outreach) |
NO |
YES |
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‘Staying Same Means Constant Growing’
I am sure in making up this list I have overlooked something. The truth is Maple Street Church is growing so rapidly in terms of spiritual growth and in terms of programs offered that it is easy to overlook activities that do not involve you.
Seeing all the changes and the growth going on at Maple Street, I am confused by the survey results that say we want to stay the same. The same as what, the same as Maple Street was five years ago, or the same as Maple Street is today? Staying the same means constantly growing. It means constantly recruiting new members. It means developing new leadership. It means developing new financial support for the church. All of these things need to be accomplished just to stay the same.
And yes, it also means maintaining and improving the facility from which we operate. It is clear that this congregation is very happy to be a closely-knit group that probably will never outgrow its present sanctuary. And there is nothing wrong with that. But the congregation is aging, average age of respondents to the survey was 55, and the church with its steps at every turn presents a growing challenge to our aging members. An elevator that makes all areas of the church accessible is needed now and will be needed even more in the next few years. Restrooms need to be updated to meet handicap accessibility requirements. The fellowship hall needs work. The kitchen needs work. Staying at the corner of Maple and Wheeling Streets means spending money to create a facility able to meet the changing needs of a spiritually growing church.
Maple Street Church is clearly not the church to serve as the lead for developing a new Methodist Church in Lancaster’s growing suburbs. The Newark District will have to find another church to serve in that role. But Maple Street Church can be an example to all of how a church may continue to prosper while serving the needs of an ever-changing membership.
Franklin B. Melick
Chairperson
"Looking to the Future Committee"
Committee Members:
Rick Combs, Bill Baughman, Duane Bussart, Marion Sherwood, Sue Mendell, Bill McBroomCopies of the Survey Results (14 pages) were made available on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, following a review by Franklin Melick before the Congregation. Results were released with all the comments made by respondents. No one but the chairperson knows who made which comments. A limited number copies were made available (about 75 in all), or about one per family. If you did not receive a copy, contact the church office and one will be provided. If you need to have the survey results mailed, it would be appreciated if you would send $1 to help defray the cost of the mailing. Send your request to:
| SURVEY RESULTS |
| MAPLE STREET UMC |
| 438 E. WHEELING STREET |
| LANCASTER OH 43130 |
We will try to mail them as promptly as possible, or you may pick one up at the church office. If picked up, there is, of course, no charge.
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November, 2002 Altar Flowers 3 -10 - Elmer & Kristy Howard 17 - Fosnaugh 24 - Phillips (D & J) & Carl & Gay Seifert |
Fellowship Time 3 - Community Kitchen Crew 10 - UM Men 17 - Maple Leaf Class 24 - New Beginnings Class Spirit Wednesday Meal 6 - Community Kitchen Crew 13 - New Beginnings Class 20 - carry-in 27 - no Spirit Wednesday |
1Foundation Dinner 3:30 "Hallowed His Nam" Music Dept. party at Steve McGee’s Fish Fry preparations 4 - 8 pm
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2 Fish Fry 4 - 7 pm
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Heavenly Chimes 11:30 UMYF 11:30 Praise Ser.6:30 Acolyte Consecration Food Drive Harvest Home |
4 Church Conference Carry-In Dinner 5:30 Church Conference 6:15 pm
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5 Local Social Concerns 6:00 Finance 7:00
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CK 12:00 noon Renovation Com.6:30 SpiritWed. Meal 6:00 C. K. Crew - meal Sprouts &Voyagers6:30 Explorers & Adult Bible Studies 6:45 Joyful Voices 7:30 Stanbery Gym 9:00 - 10:30 pm |
7 Bells of Praise 6:30 pm Chancel Choir 7:30 pm
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10 Men’s Breakfast 8:00 Heavenly Chimes 11:30 UMYF to Lanfair 1:30 Praise Ser.6:30 Veteran’s Day |
11 Esther Circle 1:00 pm at the home of Dorothy Franklin - 450C Williamsburg Lane NW
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12 Membership 7 Missions 7:00 Trustees 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00
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13CK
12:00 noon SpiritWed. Meal 6:00 New Beginnings-meal Spirit Sprouts & Voyagers 6:30 Explorers & Adult Bible Studies 6:45 Joyful Voices 7:30 Stanbery Gym 9:00 - 10:30 pm |
14 Bells of Praise 6:30 pm Chancel Choir 7:30 pm BSA Committee Meeting 7:30pm
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16 Pancake and Sausage Breakfast 6:00 - 11:00 am
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17 Heavenly Chimes 11:30 UMYF 11:30 - 12:30 Praise Ser.6:30 Mission Sunday |
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19 Administrative Council 7:00 Boy Scouts 7:00
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20CK
12:00 noon Missions Carry-In Dinner 6:00 pm Dr. Lester Dornan is special mission speaker Stanbery Gym 9:00 - 10:30 pm |
21 Bells of Praise 6:30 pm Chancel Choir 7:30 pm Maple Leaf Material Due |
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24Heavenly
Chimes 11:30 UMYF 11:30 - 12:30 Carriage Court 2:00 Praise Ser.6:30 United Methodist Student Day |
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26 Boy Scouts 7:00
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27 CK 12:00 noon no Spirit Wednesday Stanbery Gym 9:00 - 10:30 pm
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28 Thanksgiving Day (office closed)
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Church to Publish New Directory
It’s not easy keeping up with the kids. Just look at the most-recent directory. Now, the adults haven’t changed at all, but those kids . . . . Something has gotta be done. And, the membership committee, headed by Bill Baughman, is doing it.We will again publish with Olan Mills Video Image Proofing System. Reserve an appointment time ASAP on the sign-up sheet which will be available in the Narthex each Sunday morning. (See Bill Baughman, Ruth Boyer, Becky Baughman or Carolyn Starner.)
Each family photographed will receive a complimentary directory and a free 8 x 10 custom portrait from Olan Mills. Because of the Video Image Proofing System you will make only one trip to the church. Plan forty-five minutes to one hour for the entire process. All pose selections for the directory, your free 8 x 10 portrait, and any additional portrait purchases you may wish to make will be completed at this time. Photography Dates are: January 23 from 3:00 to 9:30 pm, January 24 from 3:00 to 9:30 pm and January 25 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
From Sheriff Phalen Dear Friends at Maple Street United Methodist Church, Thank you very much for inviting us to your special service on September 8. We appreciate your support and prayers to those of us in law enforcement. It is very nice of you to think of us. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness. God Bless! - Sheriff Dave Phalen Mabel Campbell wishes to thank all persons of the congregation who sent her birthday cards and well wishes. Dear Maple Street Friends, Thank you for the Bible. I read it a lot. I really enjoy reading it. My dad says if I read it every day I can probably finish it by Christmas. Sincerely, - Stacy Renko |
Randy, Sheri Johnson Welcome New Girl Randy and Sheri Johnson welcomed Isabella Aileen, who was born Oct. 21, 2002, at Fairfield Medical Center.She weighed seven pounds - seven ounces. Also celebrating Isabella’s arrival is sister Devin, and grandparents, Terry and Anna Newman. |
Grandpa Does It Again!
The Rev. Randy Lowe baptizes Isaiah Paul Noland, son of Todd and Melinda Noland. Mr. Lowe is the father of Melinda, and an ordained United Methodist pastor. He is pastor of Christ United Methodist Church, Wauseon, OH, and has baptized all seven of his grandchildren and a daughter. Randy also preached the sermon on October, a pucker-powered message entitled "It’s Our Ministry." He sucked on a lemon to demonstrate just how easily our actions affect others. Isaiah was born July 7 at Fairfield Medical Center. Melinda and Todd’s other children are Rachel and Philip. (Picture by Jim Kincaid.) (Click on the Picture to make it bigger)
special days and special people
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November 2002 Birthdays *80 or older
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November 2002 Anniversaries * 50 years or more
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Address and Phone Changes
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