Maple Heights United Methodist Church

2010-02-16T19:30:00.001-05:00

The Apostle's Creed, Ecumenical Version

I believe in God, the Father almighty,

creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.*

On the third day he rose again,

he ascended into heaven,

is seated at the right hand of the Father.

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic** Church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

*or "He descended to hell."
**"universal"

This translation can be found in current United Methodist Hymnal.

Christmas Eve Service - 5 pm

2009-12-24T12:10:00.001-05:00

Join us in a lovely Candlelit service this Christmas Eve as we prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth.

Services will be officiated by Rev. Julianne Gebbie and Rev. Ralph Fotia.

Christmas music will be presented by our phenomally talented Oomi Banchinda Laothai and directed by Bell Choir and Choral Choir Director Amy Cook.

Our children will be participating in the nativity presentation that will be both charming and touching.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Thanksgiving Baskets

2009-10-20T17:58:00.000-04:00

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, the Maple Heights UMC congregation will be collecting canned and paper goods to help those in the community who are in need.

Item should be brought in during Sunday worship services and brought up to the sanctuary if able. If you need assistance let us know and someone will help you. To drop off items during the week, please contact the office to ensure someone will be here to assist you. Church number is (216) 668-6363.

Use your powerful arm and rescue me from the hands of mere humans whose world won't last. You provide food for those you love. Their children have plenty, and their grandchildren will have more than enough. (Psalm 17:14)

To help you in your shopping & planning we have developed this offering schedule:

Week of Nov 1, 2009: Canned vegetables, canned gravy, spaghetti noodles and sauce, tuna, packaged potatoes (not fresh), dish soap, paper towels.

Week of Nov 8, 2009: stuffing mix, canned soup, peanut butter, jelly, ramen noodles, macaroni and cheese, beef stew, toilet paper.

Week of Nov. 15, 2009: Canned cranberries, canned fruit, cake mixes, baby formula, sugar, rice, jello, laundry detergent.

Remember: Any non-perishable item will be welcomed. We thank everyone in advance. Your generosity means a great deal to everyone, especially those in need.

Salvation Army Christmas Assistance

2009-10-20T15:42:00.011-04:00

Tips

You must sign up in-person
You must have all required information (id, birth certificates, proof of income, etc.)
Go to the correct location. This is based on your zip code.
Pay close attention to the dates. Registration is only being done on Fridays.

Direct from the Salvation Army Greater Cleveland website.

Cleveland, Ohio - The Salvation Army will begin registration for its annual community Christmas assistance program on Friday, October 9, 2009. To register for assistance this holiday season, visit one of the six Salvation Army Community Corps Centers on one of the following Fridays: October 9, 16, 23, and 30 or November 6.

In order to qualify for the Christmas Distribution, you must first complete a registration application at a Salvation Army neighborhood center nearest your home.

Families, who meet the criteria, will receive new toys for children age 12 and under, a gift card for Holiday groceries, and winter coats from "Coats for Kids".

You must register on one of the above dates to be included in The Salvation Army Christmas Distribution.

Families may register at the following Greater Cleveland Salvation Army locations by ZIP CODE:

• Miles Park Corps - (216) 341-1640

4139 East 93rd Street, Cleveland, OH 44105
Serving the following Zip Codes: 44105, 44120, 44122, 44125, 44127, 44128, 44137

• Hough Corps - (216) 432-0500

6000 Hough Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103
Serving the following Zip Codes: 44103, 44104, 44114

• Superior Corps (Glenville)- (216) 229-6065
9000 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106
Serving the following Zip Codes: 44106, 44108, 44112, 44115

• Temple Corps (Collinwood) - (216) 692-1388

17625 Grovewood Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44119
Serving the following Zip Codes: 44110, 44117, 44118, 44119, 44121, 44123, 44124, 44132, 44143

• West Park Corps - (216) 252-3593

12645 Lorain Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44113
Serving the following Zip Codes: 44102, 44107, 44111, 44116, 44126, 44129, 44130, 44135, 44140, 44142, 44145, 44017

• Ohio City Corps - (216) 631-1515
4402 Clark Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44109
Serving the following Zip Codes: 44102, 44109, 44113, 44114

Please bring the following with you when you register:
• Driver License or State I.D.
• Birth Certificate AND current Medical Benefit Card for EACH child (Newborn - 12 years old)
• Proof of Income

Use your powerful arm and rescue me from the hands of mere humans whose world won't last. You provide food for those you love. Their children have plenty, and their grandchildren will have more than enough. (Psalm 17:14)

Rosebud

2009-10-20T11:34:00.010-04:00

Celebrating God's Wonder

A new minister was walking with an older, more seasoned minister in the garden one day. Feeling a bit insecure about what God had for him to do, he was asking the older preacher for some advice. The older preacher walked up to a rosebush and handed the young preacher a rosebud and told him to open it without tearing off any petals.

The young preacher looked in disbelief at the older preacher and was trying to figure out what a rosebud could possibly have to do with his wanting to know the will of God for his life and ministry.
But because of his great respect for the older preacher, he proceeded to try to unfold the rose, while keeping every petal intact.. It wasn't long before he realized how impossible this was to do.

Noticing the younger preacher's inability to unfold the rosebud without tearing it, the older preacher began to recite the following poem...

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so easily,
But in my hands they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to God for guidance
In each step of the way.

The path that lies before me,
Only my Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

2009-10-19T15:58:00.001-04:00

CANDIDATES NIGHT: Presented by Brooklyn Center Community Association (BCCA). Will be held at Brooklyn Memorial United Methodist Church on Thursday, October 22nd from 6-8pm. Public is invited to bring questions for Candidates for the office of Cleveland Mayor, City Council, Ward 14, & Cuyahoga County Reform Ballot Initiative. For more information please check out the BCCA website at http://www.brooklyncenter.org.

Have you heard the one about the Dog, the kids and the Minister?

2009-10-19T01:34:00.002-04:00

A Minister was walking down the street when he came upon a group of about a dozen boys, all of them between 10 and 12 years of age.

The group had surrounded a dog. Concerned lest the boys were hurting the dog, he went over and asked "What are you doing with that dog?"

One of the boys replied, "This dog is just an old neighborhood stray. We all want him, but only one of us can take him home. So we've decided that whichever one of us can tell the biggest lie will get to keep the dog."

Of course, the reverend was taken aback. "You boys shouldn't be having a contest telling lies!" he exclaimed. He then launched into a ten minute sermon against lying, beginning, "Don't you boys know it's a sin to lie,"
and ending with, "Why, when I was your age, I never told a lie."

There was dead silence for about a minute. Just as the reverend was beginning to think he'd gotten through to them, the smallest boy gave a deep sigh and said, "All right, give him the dog."

Healthy Recipes - Warm Winter Meals

2009-10-15T22:45:00.004-04:00

North Coast District Parish Nurse

Healthy Recipe of the Month

November 2009

Festive Fruited Yams

Makes 8 servings

This sweet low-fat recipe makes an excellent side dish or dessert and is an opportunity to boost your immune system and cancer-fighting capacity over the holiday season.

Ingredients
4 yams or sweet potatoes, peeled
1 large green apple, peeled and chopped
1 cup fresh cranberries, or 1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup raisins
2 tablespoons sugar or other sweetener
1/2 cup orange juice

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut yams into 1-inch chunks and place in a large baking dish. Top with apple, cranberries, and raisins. Sprinkle with sugar or other sweetener, then pour orange juice over all. Cover and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until yams are tender when pierced with a fork.

Nutrition Information available here>

Courtesy of the Cancer Project Recipe by Jennifer Raymond, M.S., R.D.
Cancer Project Recipe of the Week Archive

Suggestions Welcomed...

2009-10-05T11:52:00.008-04:00

As you can tell there have been significant changes for our church's internet presence. We are now on Facebook and even have a Twitter account. Not really sure what we will do with them, but they are there. Coming soon our weekly bulletin will be re-designed and will be made available to the right of the most current post. It even has links to YouTube videos and other info if relevant.But do not worry a simple to read and print version will be also be available.

At the bottom we have puzzles, the cartoon Church Mice and games. You can check out what is going on with the United Methodist Church's news, get District news and access the church calendar (coming soon).

We are trying to capture your needs and wants. WOW. Yes, it is a lot of work. But we are not done yet. For the bible says

"For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

Each day as we strive to gain our victory in Christ let us help to grow and encourage this world. Feel free to comment, suggest topics for discussion and get you and your friends involved.

What would you like to see? What are you curious about? Do you have a favorite story? Email it to us.

The Army of the Lord

2009-10-03T15:29:00.001-04:00

A friend was in front of me coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door as he always is to shake hands. He grabbed my friend by the hand and pulled him aside.

The Pastor said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!"

My friend replied, "I'm already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor." Pastor questioned, "How come I don't "see you except at Christmas and Easter?"

He whispered back, "I'm in the secret service."

Annual Apple Dumpling Sale

2009-10-03T14:25:00.015-04:00

Tasty, flaky, hot apple dumplings. Every fall the United Methodist Women of Maple Hts UMC homebake the most delicious treats of the season. Don't miss out a wonderful treat. And did you know that it is widely rumored that this freeze exceptionally well; you can enjoy them anytime you like right in your own home.

Dates: October 10, 17, 24, 31 & November 3, 7, 14

Pickup Times: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Saturdays
9:00 am to 2:00 pm on Election Day only (Nov 3)

Price: $2.75 each

Dumplings will be available in foil pans of 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6

To Order:
Call Church at 216-663-8438 Mon, Wed or Friday 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
or 216-663-6868 Tues & Thursday 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm

Sugar Free dumplings are available upon request

The Maple Hts UMW thank you for your support. The proceeds from this and other tasty offerings go to fund many worthwhile causes.

PANCAKES - Good Eats, Great Cause

2009-09-24T16:14:00.001-04:00

Join us Saturday. Sept 26, 2009 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Eat in or get it TO GO

Walk to Bethlehem - Details

2009-09-22T08:09:00.010-04:00

The North Coast District's Wellness Ministry is conducting a 'Walk to Bethlehem' competition between churches. Miles are scaled up for smaller churches so that they're on an even playing field with larger churches). Anyone interested? Here are the ways you can earn miles to help you on your journey.

Maximum Daily Miles
*30 minutes of exercise = 1 mile Maximum per day= 2 miles
( 30 minutes at one time---or in two 15 minutes periods in the same day)
If you use a pedometer---use your actual mileage, no maximum
*30 minutes of prayer = 1 mile Maximum per day 2 miles
*30 minutes reading the Bible = 1 mile Maximum per day 2 miles
*5 fruits and vegetables in one day = 2 miles Maximum per day 2 miles

Maximum Weekly Points
*Christmas church activity = 3 miles Maximum per week= 6 miles
Examples------Caroling, participating in a church Christmas program, taking dinner to a shut-in, volunteering at community meals, etc. Be creative!
*Inviting someone to worship = 3 miles Maximum per week= 6 miles
*Taking someone to worship = 3 miles Maximum per week = 3 miles
*Losing one pound a week = 1 mile

Maximum Points for the entire Walk
*Quitting smoking = 15 miles
(miles given after no cigarettes for 1 month) don't start so that you can quit!!!)
*Obtaining 2009/10 season flu shots = 15 miles
*If quit smoking AND get flu shots---add an additional 10 miles
*Losing 12 or more pounds over the length of the walk = additional 10 miles
*Volunteering at the Nehemiah Mission = 15 miles
*Attending Orchard Path church = 15 miles

Announcements

2009-09-19T02:01:00.002-04:00

September 20, 2009

- An up-to-date Youth Schedule is now online.

- The 2009 calendar is on the bulletin board outside the office. Please put all of your activities on the calendar.

- The flower calendar is also outside the office. If you'd like to contribute toward flowers for a special day, please sign up.

- The Movie Club has started again. See Beverly if you'd like to enjoy a movie, conversation and dinner.

-Bible Study is Monday evenings at 7 pm with Rev. Ralph Fotia, our resident Bible scholar. Join us in the church parlor and get immersed in the Word.

-Attention All Parents & Children: Bible stories and singing will be held for all children immediately following the worship service, led by our Director of Music, Amy Cook. Suggested ages are 4 years old through 6th grade. Get your snacks in the parlor and meet us back in the santuary.

-Youth Services are scheduled to begin Saturday, November 7th. There will be music, games, and righteous worship. If you are interested in assisting in any phase of this new endeavor, please call the church with your contact information or Stephanie at (216) 376-2084.

-Flu Shots will be given Friday, Oct. 23, 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Maple Heights Senior Center. For more information see bulletin.

-Celebrations: Update your birthday, anniversary and any other notable date with the office. Don't forget to make sure your address is correct. Read the full article.

-Walk to Bethlehem competition - any takers? Follow on Facebook. Bill Cook volunteered to be the representative from our church who will tally the results each week. Let's keep him busy.

Celebrations

2009-09-16T16:26:00.007-04:00

Celebrations will begin soon. Make sure all birthdays, anniversaries, and other special dates along with updated addresses are noted in the office.

As a way to further our evangelism reach, we invite each family to add 3 additional persons. We want to spread the word of God. No junk mail, we will only send the card of your choice. Forms will be available soon.

We will be needing volunteers. A database will be created and maintained; dates acknowledged; cards signed and mailed. Our goal is to minister to people in their own homes, courtesy of the United States Post Office. Mailings will include birthday cards, graduation recognition, anniversaries, bereavement and other notable events. Holiday cards are not part of these efforts (not yet, at least). If you are interested in helping add a comment or call the church office at (216) 663-6868 or Stephanie Thompson at (216) 376-2084.

Grandparent's Day

2009-09-12T19:56:00.007-04:00

Today is Grandparents Day. In 1978 President Jimmy Carter made it an official National recognized day. Take time today to remember and recognize grandparents everywhere.

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
As we seek to strengthen the enduring values of the family, it is appropriate that we honor our grandparents.

Grandparents are our continuing tie to the near-past, to the events and beliefs and experience that so strongly affect our lives and the world around us. Whether they are our own or surrogate grandparents who fill some of the gaps in our mobile society, our senior generation also provides our society a link to our national heritage and traditions.

We all know grandparents whose values transcend passing fads and pressures and who possess the wisdom of distilled pain and joy. Because they are usually free to love and guide and befriend the young without having to take daily responsibility for them they can often reach out past pride and fear of failure and close the space between generations.

The Congress, by joint resolution ([H])Res. 244, has authorized and requested the President to designate the first Sunday of September following Labor Day of each year as National Grandparents Day.

NOW. THEREFORE I, JIMMY CARTER, President of the United States of America, do hereby designate Sunday, September 9, 1979 and the first Sunday following Labor Day in each succeeding year as "National Grandparents Day".

I urge officials of Government at this national, state and local levels and of voluntary organizations to plan appropriate activities that recognize the importance and the worth of the 17 million grandparents to our nation. I urge all Americans to take the time to honor their own grandparents or those in their community.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand this sixth day of September in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred seventy-nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fourth. Jimmy Carter (signed)

Coffee? Who supposed to make it?

2009-09-03T15:28:00.001-04:00

An old married couple are in the kitchen, arguing over who should make the coffee in the morning. The wife says, "You're up first every morning, so I think you should make the coffee.""That may be true, but you do all the cooking and making the coffee is a cooking-related thing, so I think you should do it," says the husband. The wife still wasn't buying it... "Well, that may be so... But it even says in the Bible that the man should make the coffee."The husband decides that's the most absurd thing he's heard, and decides to make a wager, which he's sure he'll win: "You know I'm a God-fearing man, and that I'm as familiar with scripture as any preacher. But if you can show me in the Bible where it says that the men should make the coffee, I swear I'll do it every morning for the rest of our lives."The woman leaves the room, confidently strides back into the kitchen carrying their Bible, and opens it to Hebrews.

Say What?

2009-08-24T14:21:00.004-04:00

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 3:30 PM Please don・t let your autumn activities be missed. Articles can be snail mailed to P.O. BOX 31755, MAPLE HEIGHTS OH 44137; emailed to mapleheightsumc@sbcglobal.net, dropped into the offering place or left in the box outside the office. Thanks!!!

To be Rich in Prayer is to be Poor in Nothing!

2009-08-21T11:32:00.001-04:00

Prayer offered for those experiencing transition.

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.

Thomas Merton
Thoughts in Solitude

Symbolism 101: Cross and Flame

2009-08-18T09:44:00.009-04:00

The cross and flame is a largely recognized symbol of the United Methodist Church. It is a wonderful example of beautiful design: simple, crisp and beautiful. But what does it mean? We all know the cross represents Christ and his ultimate sacrifice, giving us eternal life, but what is the fire for?

It relates The United Methodist church to God through Christ (cross) and the Holy Spirit (flame). The flame is a reminder of Pentecost when witnesses were unified by the power of the Holy Spirit and saw "tongues, as of fire" (Acts 2:3).

Choir: The Angels are Singing

2009-08-17T19:18:00.007-04:00

Our new choir year will be starting before we know it, and I want to invite those of you who enjoy singing to join our choir. Reading music is helpful, but certainly not required. We have choir members who read music, and also members who learn by doing. Some even record our rehearsals so they can practice on their own.

We are in particular need of sopranos this year, but welcome anyone who wants to sing. We are not a high pressure group, but have fun while we learn (ask any choir member – they’re a friendly bunch!). Our main goal is to worship God with our singing, using the voices that God has given us.

Rehearsals are on Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:30 PM and we will begin on Sept. 3. See Amy Cook if you have any questions. We look forward to welcoming YOU! The United Handbell Choir will begin rehearsing on Monday, September 14 at 7:00 PM. If you are interested in ringing handbells, please contact Amy Cook at 330-467-1291.

Give her a Call

2009-08-11T03:01:00.012-04:00

Ruth Miklaus

Riverview Pointe Care Center
9027 Columbia Rd, Rm. 126
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138

(440) 427-8131

Give Ruth a call, she would be happy to hear from you!

They are Coming

2009-08-03T16:52:00.014-04:00

School is Almost Here Again

2009-07-29T11:58:00.013-04:00

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S representative Beverly Kussin will be attending the Berea Children’s Home and Family Services Auxiliary meeting on Tuesday, August 18 at 10:30 AM. She would like your help in collecting school items for the kids.

Suggested items:
Backpacks, 3 ring binders, loose leaf paper, pens, pencils, markers, crayons, highlighters, rulers, scissors, glue, calculators and all general school supplies.

Deadline for items is Sunday, August 16.

July August Newsletter

2009-07-07T09:30:00.003-04:00

Click on the page to view entire July-August 2009 Messenger, the famed newsletter of the Maple Heights United Methodist Church.

Youth Sunday Sermon by Megan Cook

2009-06-07T16:32:00.000-04:00

Sermon delivered by Megan Cook
Maple Heights United Methodist Church
Sunday, June 7, 2009

Imagine that you wanted to talk to the president. First of all, you’d have to call during office hours, probably go through secretaries, be put on hold, and unless you had something momentous to say, never get past the front desk. For any hope of an audience with the president, you would probably have to be the leader of a world superpower. The higher up you get in any hierarchy, the harder it is to be heard. But there is one big exception. A really big exception: God. There’s no higher power than God, and yet He listens to every person in the world. It’s pretty likely that you’ll need Him on a national holiday or at one in the morning, and He’ll still be there to listen. You may not be a prime minister or a dictator, but God will give your concerns just as much weight as theirs. God is infinitely more awesome than any leader, yet infinitely closer than a best friend.

I’m sure you’ve seen keychains and bumper stickers that proclaim, “Prayer changes things.” But it does something much more impressive than that. Prayer changes people. One of my teachers told us a story about training to become a nun. There was an older nun in the convent, Sister Roberta, that she couldn’t stand, the ruler-whapping type that was just plain mean. She prayed over and over again for God to make that nun a little bit nicer. But one day her prayer changed. She asked earnestly for love. When she walked out of the chapel, she was filled with love for Sister Roberta, and her time at the convent wasn’t so frustrating anymore. She said that it was an indescribable change that couldn’t have come from anyone but God.

These are the prayers that God honors: when we ask for wisdom, for faith, and for love, for a change in our own hearts. The Lord’s Prayer is one you’ve probably heard hundreds of times. But when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he didn’t say, “I’ll give you this prayer to memorize. All you have to do is repeat it every time someone tells you to pray.” The prayer he teaches isn’t one size fits all. It is meant to guide us and to transform us, because sometimes we just have no idea how to pray. It shows us how the prayers we offer should reflect the faith we have, and the faith we long for.

Our prayers should worship God, showing that we realize how amazing it is that he listens to each of us. That’s the “hallowed be thy name.” In prayer we express our trust in God: we believe that His Kingdom will come, and we trust that His Will is better than our own. We give God our requests, asking for our daily bread: not just food, but all that we need. We confess that we are poor in spirit and that we have done wrong, missing the mark of what God hopes for us, and we ask for forgiveness. Finally, we ask for protection, acknowledging that we need His power to avoid temptation and evil. These kinds of prayers are meant to change the people who most need changing: us.

When you’re worried about something, who do you turn to first? I think we all know that worrying does us no good at all, and it makes us feel so helpless. We want to do something, but there’s nothing to do. Yet there is one action we can take, and it is the only thing that can actually help: pray. Sometimes we turn to God after we’ve done everything else we can think of. But God can be so much more that our last resort. He can be our refuge, if we will fly to him.

Everyone needs a refuge, a place safe from fear and pain and all the worries that gnaw at us. When our hands are full (and it seems like they always are) we have a place to empty them. Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he will give you rest. He will carry you and sustain you. Psalm 118 assures us, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

The reading from the Old Testament today recalls the time when the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness. God had provided manna for them to eat, but many of the people started to complain, wanting the foods they used to have: meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables. Moses complains to the Lord. His is far from a perfect prayer – just like ours. He cries out that it’s all too much, and he can’t handle it anymore, just like we do. Moses basically says to God, “If you’re going to be this cruel, kill me now!” And yet the Lord gives Moses a council of men, sending his Spirit to them. He promises to Moses, “They can help you bear the responsibility for these people, and you will not have to bear it alone.” Just like us.

The power of our prayers has nothing to do with the power of us or of our words, and everything to do with the power of God. God honors the faith it takes to say a prayer, even if that faith is faltering and filled with doubt. From today’s Gospel reading: “Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him.” It’s the asking that changes us.

And what a refuge God is. When you ask for a friend’s advice, they usually have your best interest in mind. But that doesn’t mean that their advice will always help. Yet with God, the answers to our prayers will be in our best interest, whether we know what that is or not. Romans 8:28 tells one of the most amazing things about having God as our refuge: “All things work together for good for them that love the Lord.” We are often foolish, but God’s plans are foolproof. This wonderful promise is clear in the book of Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”

Sometimes when we most need a refuge, it seems impossible to pray. But in Romans we hear, “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” God understands us so completely that we don’t need to explain ourselves. The words don’t matter when our hearts are fully known. When you’re lost and overwhelmed, turn to God. When you’re so happy that you can’t find words, turn to God. And especially when you feel helpless, so worried about someone that you feel paralyzed, put it all in God’s hands. Trust that he knows what is best. His love is beyond our understanding, and so he always wants to do what is best for us. But besides love, he has wisdom to know exactly what that is, and the power to bring that to fruition. He will be your last resort if you need, but He would love to be your closest confidant, the one you turn to first.

In Philippians, we are encouraged, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Fly to the only refuge that can give you peace. The highest power that can be reached at any moment, even in silence. The one that listens when you are angry, afraid, or in pain, and who knows you better than you know yourself. Whether you doubt or have unshakeable faith, call out to God, your unconquerable and compassionate refuge.

I would like to finish with a prayer written by a Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, that expresses both our struggles and our longing to trust God.

My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road, though I may know nothing about it. Therefore I will trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
Amen.

VisionQuest

2009-03-30T20:58:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in VisionQuest on Sunday, March 29th. Turn out was awesome, the food was great and lots of information was gathered.

Stay tuned for updates and results.

See you at VQ2.

Thanksgiving Nocturne

2008-11-09T20:59:00.003-05:00

by
Rev Ralph Fotia

November days gather the leaves of September carpeting earth's floor.

Gray skies retouch the colors of autumn.

The reds, yellows and orange turn to pale brown

Clumped around denuded trees stripped for winter.

Autumnal forests prepare for the winter's cutting winds.

Bitter cold awaits the gentle cover of falling snow,

Tucking the seeds and tiny creatures

Awaiting the spring rebirth.

In the dying days of autumn, busy hands prepare the fruits of harvest time.

The cornucopia of God's bounty gives forth a fragrance and aroma

Reaching up as a thanksoffering to God.

Come to that ladened table not just to be fed,

But receive the blessing and the grace,

And feast in thanksgiving and joy.

Come and see the works of the Lord

In the miracle of November's fading days.

Thanksgiving

2008-11-09T13:21:00.006-05:00

by Rev Ralph Fotia

'Twas the night before Thanksgiving
When all through the town,
Very few turkeys were running around.

The pumpkins had already been made into pies
While cranberry and chestnuts entice hungry eyes.

When all of a sudden, there occurred such a clatter--
Mother had placed the stuffed bird on a platter.

And what to our hungry eyes did we see?
Mashed potatoes and gravy, and piles of green peas.

To the top of the stairs to the foot of the bed,
We said our night prayers for what was ahead.

Now I lay me down to sleep.
I hope all that good food will keep.

And then on Thanksgiving Day we will raise
Our forks and our voices in words of praise,
And we will remember Thanksgiving of days gone by
With a family of loved ones
And Mom's pumpkin pie.

But before all that feasting and all of that fun,
We give thanks to the Almighty for what He has done.

October Daze

2008-10-15T22:31:00.004-04:00

by Rev. Ralph Fotia

October is the month when spring, summer, autumn and winter seem to converge. The temperature plays with days of warm, to cool, to cold and in-between. The world of sports witnesses to the boys of summer looking for Mr. October. The gridiron groans with all that beef and who has momentum. The hoops are already swishing for the long seasonal battle of the courts.

If everything seems to be merging, change is on the way. The autumnal days are upon us and the landscape is giving off its symphony of color. Falling leaves scatter the ground cover for bulbs and creatures digging in for the long cold winter.

The nation is poised looking for change. Alaska goes dark in the winter. Russia is invisible. The stock market has gone south. The surge is now history.

The long-awaited fruits of the Emancipation Proclamation are now hanging low for the picking like a fall harvest. While Wall Street and the banking industry hunt for cash, a whole people are coming forward to collect on their checks.

Three cheers for the USA -- life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

All this in the Halloween days of October. Will it be trick or treat for the American people?

Rev-Elations November 2007

2007-11-08T11:20:00.000-05:00

So much in life is a matter of perspective. The old Law of Echoes says that what we send out in terms of expectations is exactly what we will get in return. So if I expect a meeting to be long and tedious, that is what it turns out to be. If I expect someone to be a drag-out, put-me-to–sleep bore that is what he/she turns out to be. Why? Because my expectations shape reality. On the up side, if I come to a meeting with the expectation of engaging, Spirit-driven decisions, guess what is more likely to happen?

Studies confirm the Law of Echoes. Two teachers in a school were given classes on the same grade level and history of performance. One teacher was told beforehand that she had a class of exceptionally bright and committed students. The other was told he had a class of lazy, under achievers. In fact, both classes were equal in potential. But guess what happened? The teacher whose perspective was shaped positively ended up with a class performing far beyond the other, where expectations were shaped negatively.

To a large extent, servanthood is a matter of perspective, too. What we bring to serving others, we will more likely see happen. It comes down to something as simple as these questions:

· The person I am serving – do I see them as Jesus Christ in disguise, as Jesus asking to be helped (Matthew 25:34-36), or as a bother?

· Do I see selflessly serving another as an opportunity to bring God pleasure or just another commitment I have made?

· Do I expect something in return for my service or do I approach it selflessly?

One great thing about defining oneself as a servant is how you begin to look for the next opportunity and the next. Life is not a series of self-gratifying events, but a high-expectation, longing for the next opportunity to carry a burden, share a cross, or walk alongside.

Thanksgiving month is a great month for this kind of serving perspective. Look for chances this week - at work, at school, out in the neighborhood - to serve. There is no better way to give thanks to God for blessings than to serve in His name. That is what I call Thanksliving. Watch how when you approach life with servant eyes, you live life with servant acts. It is a matter of perspective. It all goes back to the One who looked on us and did not write us off as unteachable, unworthy, or impossible but came “to serve and to give His life as ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Happy Thanksgiving and a blessed Thanksliving to all.

Rev. Julianne Gebbie

The Road to Success

2007-11-06T22:32:00.000-05:00

Mary Ellen Coble has provided the following--

Someone sent this to me and I thought you all would like it.

Philippians 4:16 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, and caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, and a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.

Is Something On Fire?

2007-10-26T11:25:00.000-04:00

Yes, I watched the Indians end their season in the American League Championship Series. As frustrating as that was, I can still remember the days in Cleveland Municipal Stadium when there were so few people there that it was almost embarrassing to yell anything because the players could actually hear your voice.

I’m also old enough to remember (and I imagine a few others in our congregation are also) the days when both the Cuyahoga River and former Cleveland mayor Ralph Perk’s hair caught on fire, and later when the city of Cleveland actually went into default. Unfortunately, much of the rest of the country is still associating these events with Cleveland, and they’re just beginning to wake up to the fact that we’ve come a long way.

Now take a look at our church. We’ve been through a few rough times also, and there are others who still look at us in those terms. Through it all though, we’ve remained faithful. I hope that our members realize what an amazing time it is to be a part of this church—the Lord’s church.

Think just for a moment about the many ways we’re blessed. I’ll name just a few:

First of all, I don’t know if you realize this, but it’s the first time since I’ve been a member that we actually are in position to pay all of our apportionments. That is truly remarkable to go from nearly 0% a few years ago to 100%. That’s stewardship.
Think about the mission and service that the UMW provides year after year.
Have you noticed the appearance of the sanctuary and building, thanks to Jim, the trustees, and other volunteers?
We’ve got new programs underway, with two adult bible studies – one continuing on Monday nights and one on Tuesday morning.
Children’s sermons are back!
The Membership and Evangelism Team has been resurrected, and we’re looking for others to help-- maybe you? Do you have ideas that you’d like to share?
We’re looking for ways to have more of a presence in the neighborhood and community, and we’ll be investigating ways to secure some grants.
We even have a presence now on the Internet, with the church’s website and this blog. Would you would like share some inspirational words on the blog? You don’t need to know anything about computers-- just write something down, get it to me and I’ll do it for you.
We’re certainly blessed by our more-than-fulltime pastor who is working for a half-time salary. We need to always realize and respect this, make sure not to burn her out-- and just take some time to thank her.

Folks, the river’s not on fire here anymore, but the Holy Spirit is on fire!

Laity - by Leonard T

2007-10-21T13:18:00.000-04:00

The dictionary defines 'laity' as people who do not belong to the clergy. Lay people make up the community (the non-exclusive, all inclusive body) that makes up the church (the followers of Christ Jesus).

It has been my observation that many lay people feel that they are insignificant because they lack talents, gifts and abilities when they compare themselves to other individuals. Be careful when you compare yourself to someone else, because you may find yourself unworthy. Instead, remember that God made you who you are.

Every little bit counts. To God, you are important. Remember that one of the gifts that we are given is the ability to be a helper. We as individual lay people can help to enhance the tasks that others perform to the glory of God, so don't think that because you are not 'certified' that you have nothing to offer.

As laity, we all have our own specific gifts, and God will help us to use them, because God loves all of those that he created.

Leonard T

Rev-Elations October 2007

2007-10-20T15:26:00.000-04:00

It is an amazing thing—the money and the church. I hardly ever talk about money, yet you will hear people say, “All the church ever talks about is money!” You can mention it once in a while, and some think they are hearing it every Sunday.

I checked it out. When Jesus was training His first disciples He talked a whole lot more about money than I do. George Buttrick, in his book, The Parables of Jesus, reminds us that of Jesus’ 43 parables recorded in the Gospels, 27 of them (that is 62%) refer to money and possessions. Buttrick continues: “One out of every ten verses in the Gospels deals with money and, while the Bible includes 500 verses on prayer and fewer than 500 verses on faith, more than 2,000 verses address money and what it buys.”

Now why would that be? Why would Jesus spend so much time talking about money and what it buys? Here is my answer. Jesus knew that one thing we’d hold onto and refuse to let go, the one thing we just have to call “mine,” is money. To take hold of life means taking hold of a whole new way of looking at life. When you grab hold of the new life Jesus has in store for you, you let go of everything else. You can not grab hold of His hand if your hands are still clinging to “your” money! Jesus put it this way, “You can not serve both God and Money” (Luke 16:13).

There is more. Once you take hold of the new life Jesus gives you, you still have money, at least I hope so. Some of us have more of it than others. It has always been that way. Only now the money you have is the Lord’s, not your. Now it is not yours to spend at will; it is yours to manage in a way that truly brings God honor. How you spend it—the mortgage, clothes, food, the car(s), the vacation—it all ends up an act of worship, honoring God and bringing Him glory.

What’s more, God expects to be honored first with our money. After all, it is His, and His cause needs to be preeminent in our priorities. The Bible calls this “first fruits” giving, honoring God off the top with a percentage of our income designated ahead of time as a pledge toward His work of making disciples. (See Malachi 3:10; I Corinthians 16:2).

At Maple Heights United Methodist Church, we excel in so many aspects of discipleship-serving, Bible study, caring, outreach, worship and more! When it comes to giving, though, we are, well, average. The national average for giving by members of American churches is 2 ½ % of their household income. That is about our average, too. We have a way to go toward the Biblical goal of a tithe, 10 %.

One of my favorite seasons is autumn. The beauty of tress dressed in their fall colors is awesome. I look out in awe and think; oh, how good and generous is our God. May God help us to give more generously than ever. The motivation? That is easy. We remember the One who became poor that we might be rich (2Corinthians 8-9).

Happy Giving. Rev. Julianne Gebbie, Pastor

GET UP

2007-08-02T22:34:00.000-04:00

I feel called and compelled to share this with you. Today I went to the doctor for a follow up to my shoulder surgery. My arm hurt, the weather is too hot and our bills are piling up. It was not the greatest day. As we drive out to the hospital I try to remember how blessed we are that we can drive all the way out to Euclid, considering gas prices. That we have insurance that allowed for the surgery and all of the followup. That Greg has a good job that allows him to take me back and forth to the hospital. That my father is back in our lives and today he took Ariel to the golf course. The children are healthy and everyone is fed. I am trying not to let the pressures of the world keep me from my peace but today I struggle.

I get to the doctor and have my sling off because I am sure that's what he would want. Sure enough I am no longer allowed to wear the sling and have to start therapy today. Today! I thought I would get to wait a few more weeks. I am now forced to be accountable to my recuperative health and need to gradually start using my arm in every possible situation.

It hurts and I am afraid. My doctor is virtually arguing with me to relax and let him show me the exercises and finish my exam. He says, "I fixed your arm, it will bend and move, just let it." Well needless to say I did not want to hear that. My shoulder has been coming out for more than 20 years, that is more than half my life. He may have fixed my arm, but who is going to fix my thinking. My body has built up a defense system that says, "Wait, your arm can only go so far and so high, otherwise you will wind up in the hospital."

Then my doctor (who is now one of the wisest people I know) said to me,
"IT WILL HURT YOU, BUT IT WILL NOT HARM YOU." He paused, repeated himself and asked me if I understood. A light went on in my brain and my heart at the same time. The entire day and my perspective on my life changed in that moment.

Life gives us things we don't understand and don't ever want. It hurts us, confuses us, scares us and even cripples us. But by the Glory of God it does not harm us. We recover and eventually grow and possibly prosper.

Psalm 37:23-24
If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.

Psalm 37 is a wonderful testimony and I pray that you take the opportunity to read it in its entirety. Know that while life will hurt; as long as we keep God's path, it will not harm us. They are but stumbles, some quite difficult but they are just stumbles.

Stand the Glory of God and re-gain your footing. It is the wicked one that causes us to fear and despair. Remember we are loved and protected by a mighty God. One whom cannot and will not be defeated. Remember whose team you are on. Don't let the evil one trick you into thinking you are not good enough, not holy enough. It is a stumble and it hurts. But God loved enough to give His only Son for us. He loves us enough to not let us fall.

Peace be with you and God Bless
In Jesus' name
Stephanie

A Spiritual Walk

2007-07-29T18:08:00.000-04:00

Recently, Matt led a group of youth (and older youth!) on a Spiritual Walk in the Bedford Metroparks.

By combining scripture, prayer and times for reflection along the way, we were able to learn how God has revealed Himself to His people. As we walked along the trail, we were reminded of our own spiritual walk - and of how God is always revealing Himself to us.

As you'll see from the pictures, we had an opportunity to learn - but we weren't totally serious the whole time!

Thanks, Matt!

New Web Site

2007-07-24T10:47:00.000-04:00

Due to a problem with the old web site domain name being transferred, we now have a new domain name. This was done at no cost to the church, and we will now be able to issue email address to the staff, should you have something private you need to discuss with them. This new site should be up and running within the week, and will have a totally new look with more information available. The only change will be the last part of the name. The old name was “mapleheightsumc.org, and the new name will be “mapleheightsumc.com” which is the more common ending used and known by those who browse the internet. If you have any ideas of subject matter which should be displayed on the site please notify the office.

Jim

Welcome to the MHUMC Blog!

2007-07-19T22:17:00.001-04:00

For more than 60 years, we've been proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. Join us on our spiritual journey!