UNIVERSIT Y CIRCLE
O UT L OOK
an edition of
The United Methodist Reporter
Two Sections—Section A | 909160 | Vol. 156 | No. 38 | January 22, 2010
I NSIDE Chalk Talk
Twenty-four years ago on a cold, snowy January
Section A day, I was minding my own business as the Pastor
of the Union Avenue United Methodist Church
Kaleidoscope in Alliance, Ohio. Those were the days before a
cell phone or Blackberry in every pocket. The
Pg. 4 hard wired, land line connected, heavy phone on
my desk began to ring. The Church Secretary
New Beginnings was calling from the outer office to let me know
that Bishop James S. Thomas—then the Resident
Pg. 8 Bishop of the East Ohio Annual Conference—
was calling from his office in North Canton and
wanted to speak to me. As you would expect,
Section B I took the call! Bishop Thomas was calling to
invite me to his office for a conversation about
National News his hope and dream for urban ministry in the City
of Cleveland. He was very clear in his phone
call that his hope and dream had something to
Sunday do with me. Long story short, Bishop Thomas
invited me to accept the challenge of becoming
Opportunities the Pastor of First Church at East 30th and
Euclid; a church with a marvelous history and
building, but a congregation that had dwindled
9:45 AM Crib Room by 1986 to less than 100 people. Over the past
9:30 AM Adult Class two decades, God has breathed on First Church
10 AM College-Age Class and filled its holy, worship space with diverse,
11 AM Worship Service
faith-filled followers of Jesus.
In this same period of time the good people
11:00 AM Children’s Sunday School Program of Epworth-Euclid Church, under a series of
12:15 PM Fellowship Reception gifted pastors, were being faithful in their call
12:15 PM Young Adult Class to urban ministry, but urban ministry from the
significantly different setting of University
UNIVERSITY CIRCLE Circle. The history of Epworth-Euclid’s ministry
on the circle is as well-known to many as is the
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH building which has housed it.
1919 E. 107TH STREET, CLEVELAND, OH 44106 But what neither of our two congregations
216/421-1200 FAX 216/421-0327 imagined until just 6 months ago, is that God
WWW.ONECOOLGOD had greater plans for us than continuing to
tackle the challenges of the city from separate
strengths and separate perspectives. In all this
It’s Coming—Plan Ahead
By Anne Billington
The United Methodist Women’s Quadrennial
Assembly will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, from
Thursday, April 29 to Sunday, May 2. The theme
All pledging members is “Faith, Hope, Love in Action.” The registration
of University Circle United fee is $250, which includes attendance at all
Methodist Church will events, name tag, tote bag, program book and
automatically receive the Outlook. assembly pin. Hotel rooms nearby are available
If you are not a pledging member for $50 to $153 per night, the cost of which can
of University Circle UMC and be shared with a roommate or two.
wish to continue receiving the The Epworth-Euclid UMW has a $300
Outlook, please remit $25 per scholarship available for any first time attendee
subscription to the church office of a Quadrennial Assembly. Any member of
or mail to: University Circle University Circle can qualify for this scholarship.
UMC, 1919 East 107th St., If two or more qualify, the scholarship will be
Cleveland, OH 44106. split. Please contact Marilou Abele or Cathy Day
if you are interested.
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) Day one, Thursday, offers attendees
is published weekly by UMR Communications, participation in a local service project: Either
1221 Profit Dr., Dallas Texas, 75247-3919.
Ubunto (Zulu) Day of Service at the America’s
Periodicals postage paid at Dallas Texas. and
additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send
Center or Mission Forward, Lay Women
address changes to: The United Methodist Mission Calling. The cost for these projects is
Reporter, P.O. Box 660275, Dallas, Texas $50 which includes transportation and lunch.
75266-0275. Friday and Saturday offer morning and afternoon
Where All are Welcome
All the Time
time, in God’s way, God has
been preparing us for each
other.
God is doing a great thing
among us. It is not easy, but it
sure is exciting and it sure is
transforming! God is calling
us to lay down our separate
lives for our friends. God
is calling us to lay down
the name of First Church The Rev. Dr.
and Epworth-Euclid and Kenneth W.
become University Circle Chalker
United Methodist Church
carrying forward important, life-changing and
distinct ministry on TWO corners. And, what
is stunning, remarkable, inspiring and so hope-
filled is that God is making a way and enabling,
as well as multiplying resources in ways we
could never have imagined to embark on a new,
life-transforming mission.
There is no way to understand the speed,
the falling-into-place, the breath-taking
changes that are occurring in this effort without
recognizing that we are a part of God’s will in
all this. There is no way to take in the support
of the congregations for this faith adventure and
marvelous mission without realizing that we are
all part of what God has had in mind, what God
has held in store for us, and what God has been
preparing all along.
Again, just think about this! God has been
preparing us all these years for each other and
for the future. To be absolutely sure, to think of
the birth of University Circle United Methodist
Church as anything less than an outward and
visible sign of God’s indwelling presence and
grace is, in my view, to be spiritually naïve and
Continued on page A5
workshops, panels, exhibits and, in the early
evening, a plenary (gathering), worship, singing
and speakers. Sunday focuses on “breakout”
rooms and singing before the closing worship
and dismissal at noon.
Detailed information can be found on
the website: new.bgbm-umc.org/umw/assembly.
com.
A number of Epworth-Euclid’s United
Methodist Women have attended Assemblies in
the past and found them to be exceedingly well-
organized and enlightening. We learn about the
United Methodist Church’s missions worldwide
and hear from missionaries, both national and
international. Because there are about 10,000
women (and some men) present at the plenaries,
the singing of hymns is wonderful and awe-
inspiring.
Evelyn Prince and Anne Billington attended
the last Assembly in Anaheim in 2006. If you
have questions or want to consider attending,
please contact Evelyn or Anne for more details.
Make your reservations soon, as several of the
hotels are already fully booked!
Fitting Tribute
For the members of First Church, leaving their
sanctuary home is difficult for many reasons,
and one question they have had is what would
happen to the proposed Jim Whitney memorial
stained glass windows that were to be installed
in 2010 (above and on either side of the East
30th entrance.) Jim Whitney’s stained glass
studio was responsible for the restoration of the
First Church sanctuary windows from 1998–
2002 and Jim and his wife Kitty McWilliams
subsequently became valued members of the
First Church family. (First Church members
might not know that the Whitneys also had a
long relationship with Epworth-Euclid church
and one of Jim’s stained glass creations graces
the Columbarium room at Epworth).
After consultation with Kitty and Peter
Billington (son of Epworth members Anne and
Glenn Billington) and Jim’s sister Janet—both
from the Whitney Studio—two locations have
been located at Epworth where the memorial
windows will be placed. At a combined Trustee
meeting in December, it was affirmed that two
stained glass panels will be installed in the Yoder
Room in the group of windows facing the north
and the semi-circular-shaped window (slated for
above the East 30th door at First) fits perfectly
into one of the alcove arches in the balcony of
the Epworth sanctuary. This window includes a
representation of Jesus in the center surrounded
by persons important to the church family who
embody the diversity of First Church. It will be
placed in a frame and backlit and easily seen in
its new home. The placement of these windows
at Epworth is an important reminder of the
inclusive, welcoming family of First Church and
a symbol of the loving acceptance of the First
Church by the Epworth-Euclid congregation.
Attention Choir and Bell Choir:
Note new times
Beginning Thursday, January 28, Weekly
BELL CHOIR: 6:00–7:15 PM
CHANCEL CHOIR: 7:00–8:45 PM
An Opportunity to Serve
InterAct Cleveland’s Homeless Stand Down
2010 is a movement of hundreds of religiously
diverse individuals, organizations, school groups
and clubs that are working together towards
meeting the immediate, basic needs of our
neighbors who are experiencing homelessness
in Cleveland.
Volunteers are needed in order to provide
dignity affirming service on Sunday, February
7; Sunday, February 28; and Friday, March 5;
at the Cleveland Convention Center. Volunteers
may register for volunteer training and sign up
for jobs at www.interactcleveland.org, where
they will find full job and shift descriptions.
For more information, please contact Mary
(216-241-0230)
 OUTLOOK || A4
OUTLOOK A4

Kaleid sc

Norine Sharp Will and Gladys Gaddis Julie Gielow with sons Dillon and Thomas

The traditional lighting of the Advent Candle was observed: on December 6, the Candle of Will Gaddis; on December 20, the Candle of Love was lit by Julie Gielow with sons Dillon
Hope was lit by Norine Sharp; on December 13, the Candle of Peace was lit by Gladys and and Thomas.

Sarah Byrd was congratulated by Bishop Judy Craig, Cathy and Jeff Day and Jennifer Bier on behalf of Epworth-Euclid Church
on her graduation from Case Western University this past December, 2009. She will be pursuing further education in her major,
anthropology. She hopes to be employed on a “dig” in the near future and perhaps as a college professor beyond that. She has
been a loyal member of the Epworth-Euclid College Age Bible Study class while a student at Case. Her home town is Akron.
Congratulations, Sarah.

On January 10, the Chancel flowers were given to the glory of

God in celebration of Peg and Harvey Morgan’s marriage in
Watkins Chapel 62 years ago. Their marriage ceremony was
enhanced with music from the Chancel Choir, just as Epworth-
Euclid service was in 2010.

The Interpreter (official ministry magazine of the UMC)

January/February issue carried an article about the Dallas
EXPLORATION 2009 event sponsored by the General
Board of Higher Education and Ministry in November.
Kenneth Schoon is pictured with a Birmingham, Michigan,
pastor. Kenneth, emphasizing the importance of campus
ministries, said “I would not be in church now if I didn’t
have a campus ministry….. I needed to be reached out to.…..
I would (not) have been motivated enough to search out a
To the delight of the children, on local church.” Kenneth is a 5th generation Epworth-Euclid
December 20, Santa visited the descendent, who was baptized and attended Sunday School
Sunday School class, presenting a at Epworth-Euclid until the family moved to Michigan. He
gift to each student. The class sang is a grandson of Norine Sharp and nephew and cousin to the
songs with Santa, and Natalie Bier Adamson family. The article is entitled “EXPLORATION
read the nativity story for all. participants say campus ministry vital.”
 OUTLOOK || A5
OUTLOOK A4

cope Chalk Talk

Continued from front page
filled with a terrible cynicism.
Having written such an affirmation of my
belief and perspective on what God is doing
among us does not mean that I am not aware
that laying down our lives for our friends is
not without pain and without a sense of loss.
Making the affirmation that we are a part of
a God will in all this does not mean that I am
not aware that we will have our challenges or
that we have our challenges right now. Being
a part of a God thing is not easy. There will
be and are crosses to bear.
But what is absolutely essential for all of
us is to remember that God has been preparing
us for each other. God has been preparing us
for each other so that God can build upon
us adding to our number and adding to our
influence for good.
Arise! Shine! God is among us. God is
giving birth to University Circle United
Methodist Church!

A Pre-Grand Opening
A carnival atmosphere of fun and fellowship
can be experienced on Saturday, January 30,
when the church families of University Circle
United Methodist Church come together for
a Pre-Grand Opening Potluck from 4–6:30
PM in the Great Hall. Engaging activities
for kids and adults are planned including a
magician, storyteller and a visit from Harriet
the Clown.
Plan to attend and bring a dish to share.
Reservations are very IMPORTANT, so
Christmas 2009 contact the church office at 216-421-1200 to
reserve your place at a table. If you would
at like to attend but need a ride, please indicate
Epworth-Euclid this when you call in your reservation. If you
are able to provide a ride for someone living
United Methodist near you, let the office personnel know that
Church as well.
Dr. Kenneth Chalker Join in the fun and get acquainted with
celebrated the Christmas other members of our expanding church
Eve Service, which family. The event won’t be complete without
included hymns and you!
carols by the choir and the
congregation interwoven
with the Christmas Story.
Explorers Celebrate
Christmas
A congenial group of Explorers fellowship
members gathered at the home of Norine
Sharp on December 14 for the final event of
the 2009 season, the traditional Christmas
party. The festive luncheon, served at noon
by Caraway Catering, included rosemary
and garlic infused roast beef, red apple,
red onion and radish salad with greens and
sweet vinaigrette dressing; a medley of
roasted potatoes; an assortment of miniature
cheesecakes and chai spiced tea cakes, rolls
and beverage. Hosts were Vivian Harris and
Taeko and Ernie Leach. Master storyteller
Alice Palda presented the program, an
entertaining true account of a Christmas
experience in the life of Norman Vincent
Peale. This winter’s heavy snows held off
until January, so weather posed no problem.
Members are always attentive to each other’s
transportation needs. Everyone was happy
On Sunday, December 13, Epworth-Euclid UMC hosted the local branch of the American Association of University Women for their holiday that Pastor Ken Chalker and Grace were able
luncheon. The AAUW advocates for equality for women and girls by working with public schools and colleges to focus on higher education for to be present.
girls and women. The luncheon was catered by Epworth-Euclid. Bishop Craig gave the invocation, and Dr. Chalker gave a brief talk about the The future of The Explorers fellowship
uniting of Epworth-Euclid and First Church to become University Circle UMC. The program was a talk by John Wheeler about the history of group is under consideration, with plans for
Epworth-Euclid including a tour of the church and a brief organ recital by Dr. Zahari Metchov. Vivian Harris, sponsor of the event, received a a 2010 season in abeyance. Ideas are being
very gracious thank you note from Ranelle Gamble, Branch President. solicited.

Music Director’s Corner—Final Edition
by Eric Charnofsky
Changes are coming to United Methodism in
Cleveland. It’s an exciting time to be part of
the newly forming University Circle United
Methodist Church. It’s a time of promise
and renewal, of faith and hope. With the
uniting of two congregations to form one,
two music programs will also be united,
one where a much larger Chancel Choir will
share in creating the artistic components of
the service with a Gospel Choir, Singing
Children, a Bell Choir, Liturgical Dancers,
and instrumentalists. This union also means
we have two capable Music Directors, but
really only a need for one. After much soul-
searching I’ve decided I’m best suited moving
on to different professional endeavors, while
supporting Nathaniel Motta, current Director
of Music at First Church, as the new Music
Director at UCUMC. Nathan brings to the
table wonderful credentials and experience,
as well as enthusiasm and musical skill. I
will support him and the music program as I
step down from the Directorship at the end of
January, continuing as Music Advisor until
the end of June. My duties for the next five
months will include assisting Nathan behind
the scenes with personnel and acclimation to
the building, managing the continuing rental
agreements with CIM and other institutions,
and consolidating the two music libraries
into one. After June, I will continue my
teaching and performing activities in the
Cleveland area, taking on a more active role
in these arenas.
Please know that this is entirely my own
decision, one that I enter into enthusiastically,
but tempered with a degree of nostalgia as well.
Since 2004 as Director of Music (and 2002–
2004 as Music Assistant), I have thoroughly
enjoyed my time at Epworth-Euclid. Getting
to know such wonderful, supportive, and
caring people in an environment of praise
and worship has meant a great deal to me.
In my seven + years with Epworth-Euclid,
there have been many memorable musical
projects. This would include:
— Presenting large choral oratorios for
special services, including Fauré’s
Requiem, Britten’s A Ceremony of
Carols, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on
Christmas Carols, Rutter’s Requiem, and
most recently Vivaldi’s Gloria;
— Combining with other churches and
local singers to perform large works
like Mendelssohn’s Elijah with Robert
Page conducting, and Haydn’s Creation
THE UNIVERSITY CIRCLE OUTLOOK
published bi-monthly as an edition of
THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER
for University Circle United Methodist Church
1919 E. 107th St., Cleveland, OH 44106 216/421-1200
Senior Pastor: Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker
Bishop-in-Residence: Judith Craig
Director of Parish Administration: Kay Hogg
Church Office & Building Rental Coordinator:
Heather Howard
Parish Associate for Young Adults: Julia Bingman
Coordinator of Pastoral Care: Rev. Ralph Fotia
Coordinator of Membership and Volunteers:
Judy Sockman
Property Manager: Chuck Huene
Director of Children’s Ministries: Dr. Amy Wheatley
Director of Youth Programming:
Rev. James D. Longsworth
Director of Music and Performing Arts: Nathaniel Motta
Music Advisor: Eric Charnofsky
Organists: Joanna Li and Dr. Zahari Metchov
Director of Gospel Choir: Sharolyn Ferebee
Director of Children’s Music: Sevilla Morse
Director of Liturgical Dance: Edna Duffy
Editor of Outlook: Marilou Abele
Photographers: Jeff Day and Kent Hedman
Editorial Staff: K. Shamp, E. Prince, C. Day
Contributors: University Circle Staff
OUTLOOK || A8
OUTLOOK A8
with Robert Porco; collaborations with
First Baptist Church and Church of the
Covenant; and our program of spirituals
for “University Circle Sings for the Gulf
Coast”;
— Hosting performers from outside the
church family, such as the Cleveland
Institute of Music’s student recitals, the
Cleveland Orchestra Youth Choruses,
and numerous other ensembles and
soloists;
— Working with our outstanding soloists
and choristers, as well as instrumentalists
on so many Lloyd Max Bunker Recital
Series concerts;
— Singing for two live broadcast
performances on WCLV as part of the
Jubilation Festivals;
— And, most importantly, our choir and
soloists presenting music for over 350
worship services since I arrived at
Epworth-Euclid. Every one of them
has been carefully and thoughtfully
organized, with sensitivity to the season,
the congregants, and the talents we’ve
had on hand.
I am very grateful to the dedicated
volunteer singers in the choir, who have
helped not only by raising their voices in
song, but also with numerous projects and
activities so crucial to the success of our
music-making. I am also eternally grateful
to Dr. Zahari Metchkov, our Organist and
Assistant Director, whose exceptional talents,
patience, and artistic sensitivities have helped
make my work “smooth sailing.”
I invite all members of University Circle
United Methodist Church to give Nathan
the same energy, enthusiasm, and devotion
you’ve shown to the music program at
Epworth-Euclid. Because of the larger
Chancel Choir and other Arts ensembles, there
will by necessity be some changes in space
use in the building. The current choir room
is simply too small to accommodate a fifty-
voice choir, so rehearsals will temporarily
be moved upstairs to a larger room, either
the Parlor or the Yoder Room, until a more
permanent decision is made. We will also be
adding more pianos, choir robes, and other
elements to the collection. Please know that
the staff is very sensitive to preserving the
building’s historic configuration. Decisions
about rehearsal space are being made very
carefully, and nothing will be done to upset
the various necessary uses of our beautiful
building’s space.
The roughly eight years I’ve spent at
Epworth-Euclid United Methodist Church
have been meaningful and memorable, and
I will miss my time as Director of Music. As
we move forward into a new era, I hope for
much success at the new Church, and wish
everyone a blessed, prosperous, and uplifting
experience.
Your Special Day Photography
Affordable, Quality Digital Photography
Justin Day
This Space is Available.
Photographer
Please contact the church
office for details.
4803 Monticello Blvd.
Richmond, Hts., OH
zWeddings
44143
Phone (216) 543-6226
zPortraits
ysdphotography.com
zAll Special Events
New Beginnings!
Education Programming for Children,
Youth and Young Adults at University
Circle United Methodist Church
All children (preschool–6th grade)
and youth (7th–12th grade) are invited to
join their families in the sanctuary for our
first worship service together as a new
congregation on January 31. Classes for
children, youth and young adults will begin
on Sunday, February 7.
Nursery Program (Birth to Three)
Childcare for infants, toddlers, twos and
threes is provided on Sunday mornings
during worship in the newly renovated
nursery space on the ground floor. Caregivers
provide a warm and loving environment in
which they introduce and nurture the faith of
our youngest children through stories, songs,
and games. Staff members provide consistent
care each week, assisted by volunteers from
the congregation.
Amy Wheatley directs the Nursery
Program. Contact her at 4wheatleys@
sbcglobal.net or 216.521.2806.
Sunday School Program (Preschool
through 6th grade)
The children of First Church and the
children of Epworth-Euclid will gather
together on Sunday, February 7, for the first
day of Sunday School at University Circle
United Methodist Church. We will meet at
11:00 AM in our newly renovated space on
the ground floor.
Sunday mornings begin with a time of
gathering and fellowship. In addition to a
healthy snack, a variety of games, puzzles
and creative activities are available. Children
and adult leaders have fun eating, playing
and talking together.
Following our time of fellowship, all of
the children gather to hear a Bible story about
the people of God. An adult storyteller uses
wooden figures to depict the story and asks
“wondering questions” that stimulate thought
and discussion. Using the “rotation model,”
we focus on a single Bible story each month.
Each week during that month, children
experience the story in a different way by
participating in workshops that actively
engage them in art, drama, music, dance,
cooking, storytelling, games, or movies.
Amy Wheatley directs Sunday School
Program. Contact her at 4wheatleys@
sbcglobal.net or 216.521.2806.
Confirmation Program
(7th and 8th graders)
A team of dedicated parents and interested
adults has launched an exciting two-year
confirmation program for the 7th and 8th
grade youth of University Circle United
Methodist Church. Confirmation is a time
when youth actively explore their faith and
Charles C. Snyder, Vice President
SNYDER INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
A Division Of
Myers • Reese Insurance Agency, Inc.
Advertising Space Available—
30825 Aurora Rd., Suite #100, Solon, Ohio 44139
(440) 248-8000 x115 Fax (440) 248-2122
Please Contact
Jeffrey H.Church
Day Office
Associate
for Information
FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
5508 Kenbridge Drive
Highland Heights, Ohio 44143-1936
(440) 449-2994
jeffreyhday@yahoo.com
Cell (440) 667-6644
decide whether or not to make a public
“confirmation” of the vows made on their
behalf through baptism. We are calling our
program “The Quad” because it is based on the
four elements of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral:
tradition, scripture, experience and reason.
The UCUMC Confirmation Program includes
active participation in worship, scriptural
awareness, retreats, outreach projects,
relating faith to everyday life and meaningful
relationships (with peers and mentors). The
Confirmation Program will begin on Sunday,
February 7, after worship with an orientation
meeting for families and youth.
Rev. Sharon Seyfarth-Garner leads the
Confirmation Program. Contact her at
seygarner@sbcglobal.net or 440.808.8535.
High School Youth Group
(9th–12th grade)
Youth Group for high school students in
the 9th–12th grades will begin on Sunday,
February 7. Youth Group meets each
Sunday at 11:00 AM Each week youth and
adult leaders enjoy fellowship together and
explore questions of faith through movies
and discussion.
Rev Jim Longsworth leads the High School
Youth Group. Contact him at jamesd716@
wowway.com or 440.234.0749.
Young Adult Group
The young adults of University Circle
UMC believe that being a follower of Jesus
doesn’t just happen on Sunday. This year,
we’re taking part in mission and service in our
Cleveland neighborhood, learning together
about the Bible and God’s love of justice,
enjoying one another’s company during
our social gatherings, and making space for
worship together throughout the week.
Beginning after church on Sunday, Feb. 7, at
12:15 PM our new small group study will kick
off in the library at University Circle UMC. So
many questions… A faithful life is full of them.
Together we’ll struggle with some answers
and listen to what God has to say through the
powerful and creative short NOOMA videos of
Rob Bell. Come once or as often as you want
to come. Stop in, step out, get a taste. If you’re
looking for a place to ask these questions and
people to explore them with, just show up and
you’ll be welcome as you are.
Julia Nielsen Bingman leads the
Youth Adult Group. Contact her at
julianielsenbingman@gmail.com or call/txt
at 216.333.5751.
Special Activities for
College Age Parishioners
On January 23, the traditional winter outing
will be a bowling party followed by dinner
hosted by Cathy and Jeff Day and Judy and
Chuck Snyder. The group will meet at 2 PM
at Starbucks at the Village on Case campus,
bowl from 3–6 PM, and then enjoy dinner at
the home of the Days. The group will return
to the Village by 9 PM.
The usual monthly luncheons following
church will be on Sundays, February 14, and
March 14. Be sure to mark your calendars
to share fun, fellowship and good food with
your college associates.
The traditional “Finals” Goodie Bags
will be distributed on Sunday, February 28.
Don’t miss your chance to pick up your bag
full of snacks that can answer those midnight
cravings as you cram for the upcoming tests.