November 2015

In This Issue

Letter from Pastor Page 1 Church News Page 2

Pastoral Care Page 4 Ministry Spotlight Page 5 Youth Ministry Page 6 Children’s & Family Ministries Page 7 Volunteer Spotlight Page 8 Calendar Page 9 Finance Report Staff Emails Page 10 Friendship News Page 11

Worship with us:

8:30 & 11:00am Traditional

9:30 & 11:00am

Contemporary

purpledoorchurch.com Church Office

(614) 875-5612

I am writing this article this month from the Mediterranean Sea, halfway through our 12 day walk with the Journeys of Paul. What an amaz-ing experience. We have walked the same streets of Ephesus that Paul walked 2000 years ago. We have ventured through the Vatican and been over-whelmed by the Sistine Chapel and the absolute beauty that is present there. I look to the thousands of years of archeology that still stands even today and the centuries of art

and writings that paint the pictures, sing the songs, and tell the story of the impact that Jesus Christ has made...and I am deeply moved and humbled. I look at my life-will it make any difference in a hundred years? Or a thousand? I look to our church-will it still be there? Or will it

make any difference in a hundred years? Or a thousand? Paul preached a powerful message that didn't mince words or beat around the bush-a message that was not received well by many who heard it and yet, it is still here and touching mil-lions of lives. I have to ask myself- what of my life is truly important enough to make a lasting difference in the world- long after I am gone? Paul, in Ephesians 2:6-7 states: "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus." Our task is to share in the glory that Christ Jesus has brought to us so that His destiny

will live through all of the coming ages. Will it make any difference? Only time will tell!

Tower Times

A Note From the Pastor...

PAGE 2

ANGEL TREE Our church has chosen to participate in Angel Tree this year after taking a break for a few years. We are excited to take this step of faith and provide this act of kindness to children in our area. We are in need of committee members to make this happen as well

as lots of sponsors for the children we are taking on. If you would like to make a monetary donation in place of purchasing gifts,

that would be just fine as well. Please contact Brandi Blackstone (brandib@gcumc.org) for more information and to be

a part of this great opportunity. #lovegiveserve

HANDS FREE MAMA STUDY This group of moms meets monthly, to not only read a book, but just share life together and encourage one another. We all are in

this together and it is great knowing someone else is with you. We will meet November 22nd at 12:30pm. Come join us!

CHRISTMAS PARADE

On December 5th, our church will be walking in the Christmas Parade in downtown Grove City. We are in need of donations of candy, as well as volunteers to help prepare materials and walk

with our float. Please contact Brandi Blackstone (brandib@gcumc.org) to get plugged in!

TOUCHING LITTLE LIVES Touching Little Lives continues to meet the third Friday each month. In

September, we had 36 volunteers finish 303 items, with 760 hours of ser-vice. We are working hard on making quilts, blankets, and clothing as the winter months approach. Feel free to stop by and see how you can help.

For more information about our mission, visit www.touchinglittlelives.org or contact Sandy: 614/425-4679 or Vicki: 614/270-3202.

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UMW COOKIE WALK The UMW is planning the “Christmas Cookie Walk” to be held on

Saturday, December 12th, so start looking for your favorite cookie recipes! More about this event to come in your Weekly

Updates, so keep an eye out!

FALL CONCERT GROVE CITY CHAMBER SINGERS

The Grove City Chamber Singers will perform their fall concert “Music That Stirs the Soul” on Sunday, November 22, 3:30pm in the Sanctuary. For a special presentation, they will be joined by high school singers

from Grove City and Reynoldsburg for two of the songs during the concert. Doors open at 3pm and a light reception will follow the concert.

GCUMC TRIPSTERS

Join the GCUMC Tripsters’ next trip to Cambridge, on Tuesday, Nov. 17th @ 9am, return about 8:30pm. We will go back in time to Dickens Victorian Village with life-sized handmade mannequins in

vintage clothing of Dicken's story. Lunch included at Theo's Restaurant, with a guided tour of the Cambridge Glass Museum and visit "Nothing but Chocolate” to sample their sweets! We will finish the day

watching the courthouse synchronized holiday musical light show bathed in colored lights and animated displays. Sign up after church in the Great Hall.

STEPHEN MINISTRY Stephen Ministry is a way for congregations to provide high-quality care and out-reach to hurting people in the congregation and community. One time, a Ste-phen Minister went to visit someone who had been in a very difficult, chronic health situation and was near the point of death. When the Stephen Minister arrived, the whole family was gathered, and they immediately told him how pro-foundly grateful they were for the ministry our church had been providing their family member through Stephen Ministry. This person wasn’t even a member of our church, which made it even more exciting to hear about the difference Stephen Ministry had made. It had a powerful effect on the whole family. I would like to remind our congregation that we’ve got quiet heroes in our midst who are doing amazing ministry. That’s a cool thing for the whole congregation!

PASTORAL CARE

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For more information on any of the above events, or if someone you know is in need of pastoral care, please contact Erma Clark at ErmaC@gcumc.org or at the church office, 614/875-5612.

DINE & SHARE GRIEF & LOSS SUPPORT GROUP The meeting is held the 4th Monday of each month. November’s

meeting is November 23rd, in the Fireside Room. We begin with a very informal potluck at 6:30pm then begin

the meeting at 7:10pm. All are welcome. SOMETIMES OTHER PEOPLE TRY TO HELP YOU GET OUT OF YOUR GRIEF BY OFFERING ADVICE OR “CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM.” They may ad-monish you to “get over it” or to “get back into life.” These comments

can hurt. Remember, you have insight into your unique grieving process that these people do not have. Some may say: “Well, it’s been eight months. Don’t you think you should be over it by now?” There is hope! We can offer suggestions to put your mind at rest and build on the healing process.

OTHER PASTORAL CARE MINISTRIES: CIRCLE OF CARING: a visiting ministry to shut-ins. It only takes 1-2 hours a month to make someone happy.

YOU can make a difference in someone’s life that is a shut-in.

NEW DIRECTIONS We are back from taking a summer break, and our next meeting will be

November 25th at 1:30pm in the Fireside Room. Our guest will be a ther-apist who will discuss “fall preventions.” I am sure we all can use hints

concerning “falling.” All are welcome, and members are welcome to bring a guest.

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MINISTRY

SPOTLIGHT GCUMC YOUTH!

Our youth program at the Purple Door prides itself in equipping our youth with the tools to put God first in their lives, grow in their faith and share the good news with others. On top of these things, the youth pray to-gether, laugh together and share life together. The youth often embrace the phrase "WE ARE THE NOW" - they are

not the FUTURE of the church - they are the PRESENT.

The youth program offers opportunities for each youth to find their fit. From gender specific groups, to age spe-cific groups, there is something for everyone. We offer small off-site retreats and a week long camp so each youth can find a comfortable place to get away and grow closer to Christ.

The youth program covers 7th grade through college. Middle school groups include Sunday school, youth group, girls only and boys only. High school includes Sunday school, youth group, girls only, boys only and co-ed Bible study. College includes Sunday school, chat sessions and college cares. In all ages, we have many mission opportunities and lots of opportunities for fun! We serve in our food pantry, help the home-less, donate to Operation Christmas, work at Camp Otterbein and help those in our own community. We find ourselves at concerts, having themed parties, going to dinner, and so much more.

We have AMAZING volunteers that are prayed over and are proud to serve our youth. The passion from our volunteers carries over into the lives of our youth. We meet the youth where they are - spend time celebrating with them and cheering them on.

WE

ARE

THE NOW

If you’d like to get involved in the youth program, or to volunteer, contact our Director of Youth Ministries, Brandi Blackstone, BrandiB@gcumc.org or by calling the church office, 614/875-5612.

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JOIN US FOR SMALL GROUP! 11/4 7:30 High School Bible Study 11/9 7:00 Middle School Boys Group 11/9 7:00 High School Girls Group 11/11 7:30 High School Boys Group 11/12 7:00 Middle School Girls Group 11/18 7:30 High School Bible Study 11/23 7:00 Middle School Boys Group 11/23 7:00 High School Girls Group

Contact Brandi Blackstone: 875-5612 or BrandiB@gcumc.org for more information about

any of our teen or college activities.

YOUTH MINISTRY

THANKSGIVING EVENT On November 22nd, the youth will have a Thanksgiv-

ing potluck in place of youth group. Middle school and college - bring a dessert. High school - bring a side

dish. This event will start at 5pm! We will be BOWLING with frozen turkeys, as well as filling our

Christmas shoeboxes for Operation Christmas. We will start collecting items NOW! The youth that brings the

most items will win a prize, and there will also be a competition between the age groups! Winner gets a

special party. Please see the website for a list of ideas and items that are not accepted.

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH OPERATION GROVE CITY!

Save the date! On December 30th-January 1st, we have an exciting event coming your way. In addition to

our New Years Eve Lock-in, we are adding ways to serve our community and join in worship together.

During the day on the 30th and 31st, we will be team-ing up with First Baptist Grove City in completing a service project in the area, as well as have dinner,

worship, and hear a message together. The night of the 31st, we will have a New Years Eve Bash party and will end the morning of the 1st with breakfast. You can

register online for this great event so that we can begin to prepare the exciting details.

Nothing is IMPOSSIBLE.

The word

itself

says

I’M POSSIBLE. ~Audrey Hepburn

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Contact Shannon Dennison at 875-5612 or ShannonD@gcumc.org for

more information about any family, children or preteen activities.

CHILDREN & FAMILY MINISTR IES

Mini Jammers - ages 4-Kindergarten Jr. Jammers - 1st-3rd graders Jammers - 4th-6th graders

Wednesday, November 4th, 6:15-8pm.

A mini-VBS experience that offers prayer, a meal, small

group activities, games, Re-FIT, & more!

PANCAKES, PRETEENS & PRAISE Sunday, November 1st at 8:45am. Preteens come down to the Fellowship

Hall, enjoy a few pancakes and fellowship with one another before going

to the 9:30am Worship as a group.

*In order to allow our servers time to prepare the meal and our teachers time to prepare their classrooms, we kindly ask that you do not drop off prior to 6:15pm.

5th & 6th Grade Girls Bible Study meets November 11th and November 25th from 7-8pm in the Fireside Room.

Come and dig deeper into your relationship with God.

MOMS, NOTE CHANGE & MARK YOUR CALENDARS! A “Knight with Mom” on

Friday, Nov. 13th, 6-8pm in the FLC. Boys, 3 years old & up! If for some reason, your mother is not available, please remember any female

relative or family friend is welcome as an escort for the evening. Please register by Nov. 6th. Registrations are available at the Info. Desk, online, or you email shannond@gcumc.org.

PRETEEN “GIVE THANKS” PARTY November 22nd 4-6pm in the Fellowship

Hall. Come, have fun, & play games. Have some snacks & give thanks for all

that God has given!

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VOLUNTEER SPOTL IGHT

At Purple Door Church we are proud of our many wonderful volunteers! It is amazing to think about how many people in our church offer themselves week in and week out: Sunday morn-ing worship services, hospitality ministries, food pantry, nursery availability, bible studies and classes, children’s and youth ministries… just to name a few! We are so very thankful for the many compassionate and devoted followers of Christ who volunteer their talents and time to make all of this possible. As one of your pastors, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul as he writes to the Philippians, “I thank God every time I remember you” (Phil 1:3). If you’re not involved as a volunteer, I don’t want you to miss this blessing! Jesus teaches that it is when we give of our life that we truly find it (Matthew 10:39). One of the things I often hear

in ministry is how in the midst of volunteering one often feels the presence of God. Whatever God has placed on your heart to be passionate about, there is likely a ministry at our church where you can use the abilities God has gifted you. But don’t just take our word for it. Listen to the stories of some of our volunteers ...

CLINT & MEGAN PARKISON

This month, we would like to recognize Clint and Megan Parkison. This awesome couple goes above and beyond to be active and present in the church and to share God’s love with others. You will find them serving in the young adults group, leading, organizing and par-ticipating in service projects with their fellow members. Clint and Megan help us offer hospitality in our large and small events, from community outreach to Pas-tors meetings. They are active in our missions ministry, both locally and interna-tionally, going to Mexico to serving at Faith Mission. They also volunteer as needed with our children's ministry and youth ministry. They are excited to help however they can! “It has really opened us up to all opportunities to serve God and everyone around us. The more that we say ‘yes,’ the harder it has become to say ‘no’ to things and the more we grow in our faith. God has placed us here to help others and the blessings haven’t stopped pouring in!” ~ Clint Parkison These two are truly an example of answering God’s call and doing His work and we are thankful for them! If you are look-ing for ways to plug in, contact the church office, 614/875-5612.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT TO CONNECT PEOPLE TO JESUS CHRIST, TRANSFORMING THEM INTO FULLY

DEVOTED FOLLOWERS, EMPOWERING THEM TO SERVE.

Grove City United Methodist Church Pastoral Staff

Pastor Dr. Dennis Mohler………………..Senior Pastor

Pastor Jonathan Mann ……………………………. Pastor Tom Danklefsen…………….……Church Administrator

Pastor Dr. Tom Wilson………….…….Visitation Pastor

Erma Clark…………………….Director of Pastoral Care

GENERAL FUND SUMMARY Septmeber 2015

REVENUES

Pledged & Unpledged Loose Offering

Easter/Christmas Church School

Online Giving

Other Income TOTAL GENERAL FUND

INCOME

EXPENSES Christian Outreach

Debt Reduction

Properties Church & Offices

Pastoral Ministry Non-Ministerial Staff

Administration

Work Areas TOTAL GENERAL FUND

EXPENSE

REVENUE VS EXPENSE

September

$95,688.39 1,481.51

0.00 150.83

8,029.00

1,040.00

$106,389.73

$0

24,750.00

0 11,379.41

17,164.13 31,498.95

6,129.44

14,879.05

$107,162.53

$3,895.20

YR-TO-DATE

$931,510.12 14,515.61

8,677.50 1,251.78

59,695.00

32,410.54

$1,068,171.55

$75,021.26

222,750.00

4,733.47 111,820.25

171,324.20 324,526.12

48,473.69

46,668.06

$1,020,400.27

$47,771.28

CHURCH MAILING ADDRESS

Please use 2650 Columbus Street as the mailing address for ALL correspondence and contributions.

Church Office: (614) 875-5612

Visit us online:

www.purpledoorchurch.com The Tower Times is published monthly

except for July and August.

The deadline for DECEMBER is NOVEMBER 1, 2015.

All materials should be placed in the Communications Mailbox or e-mailed to

communications@gcumc.org

EDITOR’S NOTE: Our goal is to bring your attention to ALL the wonderful ministries the church has to offer. Please follow these guidelines regarding your submis-sions: 1. Please limit submissions to a maximum of 130 words per article. Material may be edited for clarity and content. Most software (MS Word, etc.) you may use to type your article should include a “Word Count” tool to assist you in keeping within the 130 word count limit. 2. Please include your name and phone number with your submission. Please indicate “Tower Times” in the subject line of all e-mail submissions to prevent activating SPAM filters.

WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Please use these email addresses when contacting church staff:

Dennis Mohler DMohler@gcumc.org

Jonathan Mann jmann@gcumc.org

Bill Hosterman BillH@gcumc.org

Brandi Blackstone BrandiB@gcumc.org

Erma Clark ErmaC@gcumc.org

Kathy Clymer KathyC@gcumc.org

Kelli Newhouse KelliN@gcumc.org

Sandy Reddig SandyR@gcumc.org

Traci Wurschmidt TraciW@gcumc.org

Tom Danklefsen TomD@gcumc.org

Tom Wilson TomW@gcumc.org

Shannon Dennison ShannonD@gcumc.org

OFFICE PHONE # (614) 875-5612

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Online Giving! Simple, Fast and Secure

Even if you don’t make it

to church, your tithe does.

Contact Kelli Newhouse 875-5612

FRIENDSHIP NEWS Page 11

WE ARE DEEPLY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHIES To Wilma Wiedebusch, Linda Bowen and family at the passing of her husband and father, Muriel Wiedebusch. To Jennifer Barrick and family at the passing of her husband, Tom Burnett. To Erma Clark and family at the passing of her brother-in-law. To Kevin, Kennedy and Kaiden Yowell and family at the passing of his wife and mother, Leslyn Yowell. To Mark, Hannah Gosu and family at the passing of their sister-in-law, Pavan Gosu.

HOSPITALIZED/HOME Ann Younkin, Charlene Hayes, Donna Russell, Jerry Kupsky, Janet Lawton, Jim Edwards, Earl Grinstead, Margaret Moon, James Mowery, Glenna Ruoff, Julie Chambers

ATTENTION PARENTS - Baptism Orientation Reminder Parents desiring to have their child baptized in November & December must attend a required orientation led by Pastor Dennis Mohler that will be held November 24th at 7pm. Please call the church office to register for the orientation by Monday, November 23.

WE’D LIKE TO VISIT YOU! Our pastoral staff wants to visit you in the hospital. Due to the HIPAA Privacy Laws, you must call the church giving us permission to visit. Prayer cards are not considered “permission to visit.” Please call Sandy Reddig,

who coordinates the hospital board, at the church office (875-5612) with the pertinent information.

BAPTISM CONGRATULATIONS! To Chaz and Ashley Caudill at the baptism of their son, Maddex.

To Jeremy and Brandy Raabe at the baptism of their daughter, Alexandra.

NEW MEMBER CONGRATULATIONS James Ahrens, Kevin & Laura Balogh, Roger & Marsha Evans, Tom Osborne, Jeremy & Brandy Raabe,

Jim & Sunya Milner and Bob Schultz

ROLE OF THE VICTORIOUS During our “All Saints Sunday” these names were read of those in our church family who have gone on

before us. We honor and remember all those who have celebrated their heavenly homecoming.

John Barkes Robert Blair Harry Briner Sally Brown Tom Burnett Carl Clark Robert Cowlson Bill Cranley Dick Curran Charles Elkins Dorris Decker Ruth Frankfather Robert Frye Neil Gillfillan Jay Goldhardt Pavan Gosu Delores Graul Helen Hayes Helen Higginbotham

Paul Hill Sr. Paul Holland Richard Hosterman Ray Isaac Chuck Keihn Karla Kennedy Eldon Mace Vira Mae Douglas Mallory Dale Markham Joe McCullon Jack Melville Betty Michaelis Kenny Moone Brian Morgan Kevin Morrow Mamie Murphy Bonnie Newhouse Jim O’Harra

Joseph Riley Eugene Rowley Steven Russell Carol Saxton Sandy Seebach Lovetta Sellers Siyble Shepherd Aiden Smith Dorothy Smith Linda Sommer Doris Steele Joey Tucker Jack Vincent Richard Welk Muriel Wiedebusch Joyce Chambers Wine Leslyn Yowell

Grove City United Methodist Church 2650 Columbus Street Grove City, Ohio 43123 614-875-5612 www.gcumc.org DATED MATERIALS

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE GROVE CITY, OH PERMIT 17

Advent at The Purple Door Church

Traditional Services

Dec. 13th Choir Cantata

8:30 & 11am “Nowell, Nowell, Emmanuel”

Dec. 21st The Longest Night Service

7pm Remembering Those Gone Before

Christmas Eve Services - December 24th

Traditional: 12pm Communion

9pm* With the Chamber Singers

11pm Candlelight Service

Contemporary: 4pm* & 7pm*

*childcare provided