The Circuit Rider - Rocky River United Methodist Church

THE CIRCUIT RIDER (USPS 091-110) is published monthly by Rocky River United Methodist
Church, 19414 Detroit Rd., Rocky River, OH 44116-1873. Periodicals Postage Paid at Cleveland,
OH. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE CIRCUIT RIDER, 19414 Detroit Rd., Rocky
River, OH 44116-1873.
Ministry
David F. Martin, Senior Pastor
Christopher B. Statz,
Pastor of Spiritual Growth
Robert B. Hibbard, Pastor Emeritus
Christopher M. Burns, Harbor Worship Leader
Sheri B. Swartz, Director of Church Ministries
Rachel E. Burns, Director of Youth Ministries
Mission Ministry
Thomas and Christine Denman:
Kentucky Red Bird Mission
R. Stephen and Marina Newnum: Brazil
Rev. Raivo Raave: Koidu Street
Methodist Church, Tallinn, Estonia
Rev. Paul Webster: Mujla Falls Ag
Research Centre, Kanyama, Zambia
Music Ministry
Richard A. Whitmore, Director of Music
Jeffrey A. Acker, Organist
Carmen G. Massaro, Fuller Sounds Handbell Choir
Misty Drotleff, Children’s Choirs
Wedding Bells
Christopher Penitz & Amanda
McConnell were married in the
Sanctuary on Saturday, June 12, 2010.
Ryan Rebman & Breanna Webber
were married in the Sanctuary on
Saturday, June 26, 2010.
Rachel Valentine & John Dyer
were married June 12 in Lakewood,
OH. Rachel is the daughter of Richard
Valentine, step daughter of Lynda
Valentine & granddaughter of Sue
& Jim Evans
Carnations
Carnations denoted the deaths
of Jean Wanhainen & Stella
Stalnecker. Our sympathy to their
families & friends.
Births
Rosebuds denoted the births of:
Evan Matthew Warrington, born
June 11, 2010 to Shirley & Jason
Warrington.
Connor Noah Feiszli, born June 19,
2010 to Shannon & Mike Feiszli.
Rocky River United Methodist Church
19414 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116
Ph: 440.331.7676
Fax: 440.331.7637
E-Mail: office@rrumc.org
Web: www.rrumc.org
Baptisms
Justin Frederick Simon, Allison
Paige Simon, & Kaitlyn Jean Simon,
children of Stacy Leigh
Smith-Simon & John Simon
were baptized in our Harbor service
on May 23, 2010.
Julia Ruth Rizzo, daughter of
John Joseph Rizzo and Heather Marie
Rizzo, was baptized during our Harbor
service on June 20, 2010.
Taylor Marquis Kile, daughter of
Allison & Evan Kile, was baptized
during our Sanctuary service on
July 4, 2010.
in-gathering
Please donate children’s clothes
in August & school supplies &
non-perishable food items in July
& August. In-Gathering collection
boxes are located outside the worship
areas of the church. Current issues
(one month old or newer)
of magazines are also collected.
Periodicals Postage Paid
at Cleveland, OH
DATED MATERIAL-PLEASE RUSH
Mailed July 16, 2010
speCial Birthdays
Ethel Macey celebrated her 90th
birthday July 9
Mary Gensler celebrates her 94th
birthday July 24
anniversaries
July 3 – Anne & John Frieg – 62nd
July 3 – Diane & Alan Herstrum – 45th
July 5 – Caroline & Jim
Shipman – 58th
July 6 – Molly & Cash Hoyt – 25th
July 9 – Marian & Jack Sell – 61th
July 18 – Cynthia & John
Shephard– 51st
July 25 – Irene & Roger
Knipper – 25th
July 25 – Barb & Don Burney – 57th
July 25 – Winifred & Scott
Dean – 57th
July 26 – Ann & Phil Ardussi – 52nd
July 31 – Marilyn & Ralph
Marlatt – 50th
Summer Sermon Series Continues
Habits of the Heart–and Soul
Habit is an amazing feature of our human makeup.
There are good habits, life saving habits even, and then as
we all know, there are the habits that are at least negative
and at worst, destructive. God always wants the best for
us including how we arrange attitudes, time and actions of
our lives. We will address several Habits of the Heart and
Soul in this sermon series and see how positive change is
life-giving.
Sunday, July 18, Learning to Heal Relationships,
Luke 6:27-31.
Sunday, July 25, Have You Ever Wanted to Start
All Over Again? Luke 19:1-10.
Sunday, August 1, Paid in Full, Luke 7:36-50.
Sunday, August 8, Rev. Statz preaches.
Sunday, August 15, Building Trust with God,
II Corinthians 9:6-15.
Sunday, August 22, The Gift of Encouragement,
I Thessalonians 5:1-11.
Sunday, August 29, Working on Reconciliation,
II Corinthians 5:16-20.
The Circuit Rider
Volume 71 No. 7 July 16, 2010
Chapel Musicians
Bravo!! Well Done!!
A well deserved thank you goes out to the following
people who provided Special Music for the 8:30am Chapel
Service from September, 2009 through June, 2010:
Phil Ardussi, Clark Barnes, Amanda Bekeny, Bruce
Biggin, Angela Bottiglier, Joyful Sounds Handbells,
Ed Krzes, Greg Leifer, Mary Beth Leifer, Rose Luttner,
Men’s Chorus, Mike Mlakar, Cheryl Onesky, Michael
Parry, Jane Peeling, Jim Pitcher, Pam Pitcher,
Gabriella Skains and Stephanie Vetrone.
Men’s Ministry
Men’s Retreat,
September 10-11
Mark your calendars to
reserve Sept. 10-11 for the Men’s Retreat at Stony Glen
Camp in Madison, OH
(about one hour east of Rocky River).
Getting more out of life by doing less, and practical
ways to accomplish that, is the theme. Rev. Irwin Jennings
will facilitate our discussion, drawing on his years of
experience as large-church pastor, district superintendent
and spiritual leader.
The retreat will be from 5 pm on Friday to 5 pm on
Saturday. Look for more detailed information soon and in
the next issue of The Circuit Rider.
Capital Campaign Update
As of June 25, we have received $1,391,210, or 77%, of
the $1,800,000 needed to fully fund the construction of our
new addition. Thanks to every family that has participated
thus far.

Soul Searches
Dave Martin
It was a real joy to attend the men’s Friday evening Cook
Out and Kick Off event in Beacon Hall a couple of weeks
ago. There was a good mix of ages attending and what
was inspiring for me was the leadership team made up of
young men from the church that see the significance of a
men’s ministry and have given of their time and energies,
their experience and enthusiasm to make it happen. They
have events planned for July and August followed by the
Congratulations to RRUMC
Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the following students who have
been awarded scholarships for the 2010-2011 school year:
Angela Bottiglier, Alison Grossman, Scott Hendricks,
Daniel Owens, Alex Scott, Sam Swartz, Adam Voll &
Mark Voll.
College Degree Announcement
Dee Dee Waddell, daughter of Gloria and Charles
Waddell, earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from
the University of Cincinnati. She is working as a
neo-natal pharmacist at St. Elizabeth’s Health Care
in Edgewood, KY.
Community Meal
Thank you a hundred times over to the wonderful people
who helped make our recent Community Meal a big
success. From cookie and meatloaf bakers to the set-up
crew and servers, our church was able to feed over 120
meals on and most folks were sent home with leftovers for
their meals on Monday.
Our dedicated mission workers include:
Beth LaMantia, Nancy Gibson, Paige Farling, Cindy
Keidel, Betty Keidel, Elaine Brannan, Patsy Demaree,
Leslie Brown, Kathy Rafferty, Anne Statz, Elaine
Miller, Louise Hoehn, Sally Mylett, Ann & Phil Ardussi,
Mary Lou & Dick Sanders, Ellen & Carol Weber,
Sheri Swartz & Annie, Charlie, & Jane Swartz, Chuck
Engle, Suzanne Weber, Marian McKinney, Sue Evans,
Gwen Paul, Catherine Golladay, Karen Mickey, Joann
Harlan, Mary Mae Maxwell, Tammi Belko, Karen & Fred
Harvey, & Sandie and Kendall King. We are so blessed
to have so many people who are caring, compassionate
Christians. The next meals are scheduled for October 3,
February 6, April 3, and June 19. Onward Soldiers!
men’s retreat in September (Men this was a great event last
year and we hope you will plan to attend this September
10 and 11. Watch for more details about this!). The regular
ministry schedule begins in October with a combination of
spiritual growth, fellowship and service activities. The hope
is that many men of the church and community will want to
participate in some part or all of this ministry.
This is one area of the church’s ministry that has been
in need of strengthening and I am so glad that we are
seeing it come to fruition, all in God’s own time. A special
thank you to those on the leadership team: Jeff Hudson,
Brad Beman, Heath Demaree, Chris Thompson, Bob
Krampitz and Rev. Chris Statz.
2010 Summer Small Group
Bible Study
Galatians continues Wednesdays
at 6:30 pm at RRUMC
July 21 - #7 Galatians 5:1-24,
July 28 - #8 Galatians 5:25-6:10;
August 04 - #9 Galatians 6:11-18
Call Christa and Bob Blum, 216.228.4609
Please Note – Receive Circuit
Rider by email
Please contact the Church Office at office@rrumc.org to
sign up to receive future editions of Circuit Rider by email.
Thanks for helping to save on publishing and mailing costs!
Thank-yous
Ellen Ellis phoned to say thank you for thinking of Ross.
The Easter flowers and altar arrangements that have been
delivered were beautiful and they both have enjoyed them
immensely.
Anne Esarove emailed, “What What an absolute joy
to receive cards from the Sunday School. My foot feels
ever so much better knowing so many people are thinking
of me. Thank you for spreading love throughout the
congregation.”
Fran Bode writes: God Bless You ALL for the lovely
altar flowers, numerous get-well cards and cards consoling
us on the loss of our precious 11 year old pet Lab –
“Buddy.” George is still in rehab.
Jack and Helene Hunger wrote: “We were so pleased
to receive the lovely red, white and blue arrangement from
the altar flowers. Thank you so much.”
Youth
The Justice Mission Study
The high school group participated in a 5-week Bible
study that taught us about oppression in countries across
the world. The class was led by a video series produced
by the International Justice Mission. The International
Justice Mission (IJM), is a human rights agency that
secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation
and other forms of violent oppression. The video series
portrayed students who went to see oppression first hand.
The experience of it all completely changed their lives.
Hearing their stories and seeing their film footage changed
ours, too. Each week our class would start off with forms
of oppression we witnessed or thought of throughout the
week in our own country. Then an activity and series of
questions would follow, leading up to the video. We looked
at various verses throughout the Bible to see what had
been written about oppression. The absolute hardest week
of all was when we had to write down our best friends and
family members and then had to picture those we love
being put into slavery. It is truly sad and heartbreaking to
think that this is going on and happening to God’s own
children. There is good news though, and that is the people
here to help. God could eliminate oppression with the snap
of two fingers, but God works in a different way. He has
placed us here to help, to reach out to others and show
our hard work and committed love. Almost everyday IJM
is able to release teenage girls from prostitution, free little
children from slavery and eliminate the people who force
oppression on others. IJM is a truly wonderful organization
that does so much, but unfortunately, because of the high
number of individuals affected by oppression, they can’t
do it all. The high school students at RRUMC have thought
of the ways in which we are going to help– by raising
awareness and funds for the program. I was truly happy
to have taken the Bible study because of everything I
experienced and learned. Be thankful for everything you’re
given and always be praying for the ones who are less
fortunate. (Submitted by student, Jane Swartz)
Please be in prayer for our youth and
adults attending the Youth Mission Trip to
Chicago from July 19–23.
Youth: Julie Constantino, Kailynn
Donati, Catherine Evans, Allison Gerycz,
Emily Gerycz, Kendall King, Holly
Krampitz, Josh Krampitz, Gabrielle Minotti, Maria Minotti,
Chase Newby, Trent Newby, Katie Paull, Anna Stanton,
Mitchell Williams, John Yannie and Sarah Yannie
Adults: Leanne Ahl, Rachel Burns and Mike Cook
ALIVE ‘10
The meaning of alive is a state of action, in force or
operation; full of energy and spirit. At Alive Festival 2010,
the people that attended were all of these things. Their
mission was to keep God’s spirit alive through song, praise,
and speeches; and I must say, they did a very good job
of it. Alive wasn’t any old concert with a bunch of rowdy
teenagers, it was a place where hundreds of Christians
could get together to praise Jesus.
Alive was one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life.
I became so much closer to the people that went, as well
as to God. It was truly a gift to leave my busy life in Rocky
River, to forget about petty troubles and remember that
God is always there for us. Sometimes a four day Jesus
intervention is needed to remind us how important He is in
our lives.
I can honestly say if I was able to go back to Alive this
very day, I would. It was such a blessing to wake up in a
tent, walk around, go to the beach, relax and listen to good
Christian music. It is hard to describe what Alive meant to
me because there were so many memorable things like
camping out, going to the beach and listening to musi c;
but, most of all, spending quality time with God and a close
group of Christian friends from church. The most amazing
image I’ve seen in my life is looking over the field at the
main stage with hundreds of Christians sitting together and
knowing because of that it is impossible that any one of us
could ever be alone. (Submitted by student, Cara Mitchell)
Attention Youth!
Volleyball Open Gym - July 26, 10:00am, followed by
brunch at First Watch at 11 am.
Attention Adults!
The Youth Ministry of our church is looking for some
new volunteers for the ’10-’11 school year! There are a
lot of different ways to get involved, with something for
every personality type and every busy schedule. Do you
like to provide food for events? Help with set-up/cleanup?
Maybe you have a heart to pray for our ministry and
would like to be on our prayer chain! We are looking for
adults who love to listen and adults who love to chat.
Athletic leaders are great, along with gamers and those
who love to read! Do you like organization or working with
fundraising? What about service projects? Whatever your
unique gifts are, there is a place for you as a volunteer
with our youth ministry! The pay off is huge as volunteers
build relationships with teens and each other, experiencing
God in new ways, and watching lives change as God takes
center stage. Please pray about this opportunity and e-mail
Rachel Burns, rburns@rrumc.org, for more information.
Next month’s Circuit Rider Deadline is August 9, 2010.