The Outlook

an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections

Members Walk for Hunger | 8A

Summer Dance Experience | 8A

Marge Townsend Receives Award | 8A

Section A 909160 Vol. 159 No. 6 June 8, 2012

chalk talk
BY DR. KENNETH W. CHALKER

Sunday, May 20, 2012, was a Sunday that will long be recalled as a day of especially great affirmation here at University Circle United Methodist Churchrecalled in this way because the affirmations were made by our young Confirmands. It was a most inspiring time of worship, celebration and praise. Sunday, May 20, 2012, was also a day of back-to-back events in University Circlea place that often presents significant and concurrent opportunities and challenges. It was the day of the Rite Aid Marathon, with thousands of folks running past our church while we cheered them on from the sidewalks. It was also a day of commencement activity for Case Western Reserve University; graduates from the School of Nursing received their degrees right here in our building. But without question, amidst all of this, the greatest moment was the confirmation of four of our young people. And in this space, I want to include some of the marvelous affirmations of faith each Confirmand made that morning, which then became a sermon of consequence for us all. Ryan Burge said and wrote, in part, My faith is an important part of my everyday life because it helps give me a sense of a greater scheme of things. My faith in church helps me reset each week. Can there be a greater witness than to see ourselves as part of Gods great scheme of things? Is there a more important everyday life understanding? Can there be a greater purpose for sharing faith together and worship together each week than being reset for the days ahead? Brianna McElrath said and wrote, in part, to know that Jesus genuinely loves me is very comforting. Although Im only 13, I know that being a teenager often comes with the feeling of being lonely no matter how many friends you have or how loving your family is. Can there be a more important spiritual truth than to know that you are loved at the depth of your soul? Can there be a more important, lifeContinued on back page

PARADE THE CIRCLE & CIRCLE VILLAGE. . .

return to University Circle this Saturday, June 9, 11am-4pm. The parade begins at noon, rain or shine, and incorporates the drama and artistry of colorful floats, puppets, costumes, dancers and musicians. Circle Village invites visitors onto Wade Oval for an afternoon of activities, live music and delectable food. For additional information, visit UniversityCircle.org. Our church decided to pass up hosting a booth this year, so everyone is free to enjoy this signature summer event. The wearing of church T-shirts is encouraged, available for $10 each at the church office.

Youth Confirmed As Members

Confirmation Sunday, May 20, saw four UCUMC youth confirmed as members of our church a special day in our churchs history. Each shared a personal affirmation of faith, addressed and praised by Dr. Chalker in this issues Chalk Talk.
Bordered in this photo by Dr. Chalker and the Rev. Sharon Seyfarth Garner, Confirmation Program Coordinator, are (L-R) Hope, David, Ryan and Brianna.

Gay-Straight Alliance Invites You

Our churchs Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) invites you, if you might have an interest in this groups mission of promoting mutual understanding and acceptance, to attend our next after-worship brunch/meeting on Sunday, June 10 at 11:30am (room location to be determined). Brunch is available; a small donation is requested. On the agenda is a discussion around three September Wednesday-night dates on the church calendar being reserved for some way cool GSA events. The outline of the programs is in place. But we need your collective, creative brainpower and enthusiasm to help work out the details, so that these efforts can be wildly yet lucidly successful, not only for our church family but for the Greater Cleveland community. To help determine food needs for this meeting, please sign up with the church office, or email your RSVP to hhoward@churchinthecircle.com.

We are honored and excited to welcome new member Roy Gentles, pictured with caregiver Nadine, and members John and Melissa Hanson and children, who joined our church family on Sunday, May 6.

Deadline for the next Outlook issue is Monday, June 25, 2012 outlook@churchinthecircle.com

~ SUMMERTIME REMINDER ~
10am Worship Service in the Great Hall Starting on Sunday, June 10

The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Dr., Dallas Texas, 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas Texas. and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to: The United Methodist Reporter, P Box 660275, Dallas, Texas 75266-0275. .O.

4A

THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER

JUNE 8, 2012

Rite Aid Marathon runners cheered on by Dr. Chalker and church members

Members Evelyn and Hank Tarshis, who have left on a personal mission to help the people of Ecuador. Godspeed!

Case Western Reserve University President Barbara Snyder following her MENS group presentation, with Ed Dickson and CWRU professor and UCUMC member J.B. Silvers

Steeple Chase ~ An intrepid group that included member John Wheeler, Omar Chaffee (son of District Superintendent, Rev. Orlando Chaffee) who was conducting a high school research project, and staffpersons Karl Clark and Heather Howard (behind the camera) climbed 100 feet to the base of the church spire. Note the confined ladder shaft and the sanctuary pews far below.

Under the direction of Kristen Klehr, our FullCircle drummer, Jr./Sr.-High Youth Group members sang and played instruments, supported by the Gospel and Chancel Choirs and FullCircle, to present the musical expression Humble Thyself/Awesome God during worship on Confirmation Sunday, May 20.

Nathan Motta Performs at Judson

Enjoy a delightful evening of songs performed by Nathan Motta, Director of Music and Arts, as he presents The Golden Age of Broadway Tuesday, June 19, at 7:30pm in the Judson Manor Ballroom. This Judson event welcomes our church members and friends to attend at no charge.

8A

THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER

JUNE 8, 2012

GRACENOTES
B Y N AT H A N M O T TA
Director of Music & Arts

UMW members Susan DePould, Cathy Day, Vivian Harris, Tommie Gettig, Marge Townsend and Marilou Abele

UMW Award
This years University Circle United Methodist Women Special Recognition award was presented on Sunday, May 13, to Marge Townsend (2nd from right) for her dedication to and faithful support of UMW mission projects. After joining First United Methodist Church, Marge became involved in its life work and supported the transition to create University Circle UMC. She makes it a point to keep informed about local, national and international humanitarian issues and shares this knowledge through presentations at UMW and church meetings. Marge is active with the churchs Gay-Straight Alliance. She also regularly attends the Mount Union School of Christian Missions. She is currently a member of the Nominating Committee of the UMW North Coast District and is the Social Action Chairman of University Circle UMW.

Check out this monthly recap of recent events and a look to the future plans for Sunday worship at UCUMCthe lightning round version! n Our Bell Choir gave us a beautiful Mothers Day with three selections including a moving arrangement of Spirit Song featuring David Kay on flute. n The Liturgical Dancers helped create a meditative mood for communion the first Sunday in May, while also sharing an inspiring piece, Holy, on May 20 that had many people thanking God for their participation in worship at UCUMC. n The Gospel Choir continued to bless the congregation both with upbeat harmonies and contemplative ballads in two performances this past month! n The Chancel Choir has given some wonderful performances in worship in past weeks, including For the Beauty of the Earth on Mothers Day, Jubilant Canticle on the first Sunday in May, and

we cant forget Rossinis I Will Give Thanks to Thee, O Lord with Shannon Eller as soloist. We certainly cant leave out the outstanding combined efforts of Gospel Choir, Chancel Choir and Full Circle Combo in supporting the Youth Ensembles great Confirmation Sunday performance of Awesome God under the able leadership of combo drummer Kristen Klehr.

So whats on the horizon? Summer worship will bring a wonderful change of pace downstairs in the Great Hall. We look forward to intimate services full of joy and sharing in a cool environment. n Planning is in full swing for the summer as well as the fall, believe it or not! Well keep you up-to-date on all the happenings in Music & Arts at the church. And dont forget to check out the UCUMC Music & Arts FACEBOOK page for the latest information on artistic opportunities at University Circle UMC!
n

Traffic Alert: Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard Limited

If you use Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (MLK) to access the church and/or to park on Sundays, you need to be aware of the current road rehabilitation project. This extensive effort includes repaving the existing roadway from North Marginal Road at the I-90 interchange south to Chester Avenue. As a result, access to the boulevard will be significantly restricted. Parking will not be available on MLK from Chester north to the intersection of MLK, E. 105th and East Blvd. until work on this section is completed this summer. The remaining section of MLK to the I-90 interchange will be under construction until December. We hope you will take advantage of alternative routes to church as well as parking locations; check with the office for more information.

New Summer Dance Experience Available

UCUMC Liturgical Dancers director Edna Duffy is offering a Summer Dance Experience with flexible schedules, easy choreography and opportunities to perform in worship. Sessions are available at the church after Sunday worship, Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm and Saturdays from 1011am. To sign up, talk with Edna or stop by the church office. Combine Christian fellowship with wonderful exercise for body and soul as you explore a unique way to improve life for you and others.

chalk talk
Continued from front page

OUTREACH in ACTION
On Saturday, May 12, a team of 21 from UCUMC participated in the Hunger Networks 24th annual Walk for Hunger. The 3.1-mile walk was completed successfully and injury-free, wearing yellow UCUMC t-shirts to promote our faith home. The team goal of raising $500 was greatly exceeded; over $750 was raised by the UCUMC team. Great work by the Outreach Committee, UCUMC youth and walkers: Jennifer Bier, Megan and Doug Blank, Heidi Denman with Zuleida, Derek and Blythe, Cheryl and Rick Drake, Sharon Seyfarth Garner with Deborah and Timothy, Gwyneth Howard, Jan Kimball, Nicole and Zachary Lewis, Brian and Margaret Misch, and Dawn and Fred McElrath with Brianna. Thank you to everyone who helped us exceed our fundraising goal! Every dollar raised provides a full days worth of emergency food to a hungry child. The Hunger Network supports several hot meal programs and dozens of food pantries throughout Greater Cleveland. We hope that 2012 proves to be year one of many in UCUMCs participation in the Walk for Hunger! ********** Dont forget that the Outreach Committee has several upcoming events this summer! The work mission trip to Endicott, NY, to reconstruct area homes and churches damaged by flooding during the 2011 summer storms is July 15-21. Slots still remain for participation in this hands-on, meaningful week of service! Please contact Doug Blank, Cheryl Drake or the Church Office for more information! We will also be participating in Rebuilding Together Clevelands city-wide home painting day of service on Saturday, July 28. Mark your calendars and watch the bulletin for further details on UCUMCs involvement in this impactful local event!

saving experience than to trust that, even at the deepest place in our spirit where no one else can enter, God in Christ reaches out and can touch us, even in our deepest lonely place? What a frienda friendwe have in Jesus. David Wheatley said and wrote, in part, I havent figured out everything I believe yetbut I believe that with Gods help we can do great things. As a 13-year-old I find it hard to articulate my exact beliefs, and I still have questions. Like David, I havent figured out everything I believe either. I dont think this is a weakness. Indeed, it is my prayer for David and ALL of us that we never have EXACT beliefs. Such is the attitude of extremists who are convinced they know the truthexactly. They dont. Can there be a greater thing to know than, with Gods help, we can accomplish great things? The Apostle Paul said such things: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. David KNOWS this! David also affirms that he has questions. Terrific! God grants to us an inquisitive mind, a searching spirit and a life that seeks new, expanding understanding. Our questions are Gods way of ensuring growth. Hope Williams said and wrote, in part, When I say God is my Creator, I mean he made me for a purpose. He made each one of us in a special way. I know when the Holy

Spirit is with me because I get an instant rush through my body; it automatically lifts me up. In a world where so many things and, often, other people can cause us to doubt purpose, what a marvelous thing to know in our spirits that we have been created for a purpose; that we are a part of Gods intention. To quote a famous book of faith, what greater thing could there be than to live a purpose-driven life? This knowledge lifts us up! God is with us, and it creates a great, instant rush that seems automatic because it is out of our control. Sunday, May 20, was a day of great preaching! It came from four young people. Thank God for Gods WORD living among us. It confirms my faith. I hope it confirms yours as well.

THE UNIVERSITY CIRCLE OUTLOOK

published every four weeks as an edition of THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER for University Circle United Methodist Church Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker, Senior Pastor 1919 E. 107th St., Cleveland, OH 44106 www.churchinthecircle.com; 216/421-1200 Outlook Editor: Jim Hogg outlook@churchinthecircle.com Photographers: Jeff Day, David Hughes, Brian Misch Editorial Staff: K. Shamp, E. Prince, C. Day, M. Abele