The Outlook

an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections

Second Sunday Lunch | 4A

Prayer Changes Things | 8A

UCUMC Mardi Gras Dinner Always a Hit | 4A

Section A 909160 Vol. 159 No. 42 February 15, 2013

chalk talk
BY DR. KENNETH W. CHALKER

MENS Forum Welcomes Congresswoman Marcia Fudge

Sponsored by the UCUMC MENS Community Speaks Forum, Congressional Representative Marcia L. Fudge will be visiting our church on Sunday, February 17, to speak about her life experiences and current issues. Representative Fudge brings to Congress a hard-working, problem-solving spirit with her focus on creating jobs, promoting small business, protecting voting rights, Medicare and Social Security, and improving the nations nutrition, health care and education. As a dedicated public servant, she begins each morning with a firm promise to do the peoples work. Elected in 2000 as Warrensville Heights first African-American female mayor, Representative Fudge led the city for two terms to build 200 new homes and strengthen a sagging retail environment. Now serving in her third consecutive full term in Congress, Representative Fudge is highly respected by her colleagues for her insight, wisdom and honesty. In 2012, these colleagues unanimously elected her to serve as Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus in the 113th Congress. Representative Fudge serves on the Agriculture Committee, continuing her commitment to ending childhood obesity in a generation, stamping out hunger and

One of the things that the congregations of both the former First Church and EpworthEuclid have had in common is a cathedral building that is one of the recognized sacred landmarks of our city. As our two congregations have come together to create University Circle United Methodist Church, we have worked hard to maintain our sacred landmarks and continue to keep our buildings as sites of important program ministry within our city. This is no small effort. But, no effort could be of greater importance. It can be very important to be a recognized sacred landmark in a city. But what I think is always far better is to be a sacred landmark that is recognized for the ministry of mission and service that goes on within the building! Sacred landmarks should be known for the activity, going on within and shared without, that improves the quality of life for the whole community. When this is the case, landmark sacred spaces such as ours become outward signs of a place where hope takes on a tangible form. Indeed, to borrow a phrase of Martin Luther King, Jr., our sacred landmark buildings become far more important when the content of our character is recognized along with the outward architecture. It is for this reason that I am so very, very glad that among the many community, lifeenhancing, programs and ministries of our churchministries that seek to draw the circle wideanother significant ministry is now taking place in our sacred landmark at East 107th and Chester. We have become the site for the monthly meetings of the historic Cleveland Branch of the NAACP. I cannot imagine a more important symbol of the inclusive nature of this growing congregationthis family of faiththan Continued on back page
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 .O. 75266-0275.

On the first Sunday of Lent, February 17, the Uppity Womenand actually, all women of the churchare invited to begin a closer walk with God as we discuss the book, God Is Closer Than You Think by John Ortberg. This book will, as its title implies, lead us to seek God in the ordinary, everyday spaces of our lives; to find the God in here, as opposed to the distant God out there. Join this Lenten journey by meeting with Heidi Denman in the Parlor from 9:30 to 10:15am. monitoring the safety of our food supply. On the Education and the Workforce Committee, she is a strong advocate for policies that strengthen our educational system and promote job creation. Congresswoman Fudge earned a bachelors degree in business administration from The Ohio State University and a law degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, and is past National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

~Chancel Renovation Project~

A second opportunity to discuss and ask questions about the chancel renovation project with Dr. Chalker and Kay Hogg will occur in the sanctuary immediately following worship on Sunday, February 17. All interested persons are invited to participate.

Lets Talk

A Meditation on Spirituals For Lent

featuring the UCUMC and DuffyLit Dancers
If you can visualize Lent as a time of preparation, it can become an opportunity to think of ways to prepare your heart, mind and soul for the challenges that surround you. Creators of the Spiritual used their raw feelings to help mesh music and words that enabled them to withstand the labors of their existence. By engaging in specific rhythmic movement as they labored, and composing lyrics and song to complement that rhythm, they were able to strengthen their resolve to someday be free of these burdens in their lives. Also, at the same time as they attended to their labors, they strengthened their physical bodies, helping them endure their daily hardships. These trials, these labors can be seen to parallel the struggles experienced by Jesus during his last days, making the spiritual and associated dance movements more than appropriate for use as a Lenten meditation. On Sunday, March 3, the UCUMC Dancers with the DuffyLit Ensemble and members of the UCUMC Chancel and Gospel Choirs will present a meditation on Spirituals in Music and Movement. And I invite you to experience this special program that will be presented in the Great Hall in conjunction with our First-Sunday Potluck following worship. Edna Duffy, Director/Choreographer, UCUMC Liturgical Dancers

All-Church Meeting Sunday, February 24

Immediately following worship on February 24, a Church Conference will be held in the sanctuary for the purpose of approving a financial plan to fund a renovation of our chancel. A detailed letter from Dr. Chalker about the meeting will be mailed and also made available in the church office.

M E N S LU N C H
If youre a man connected with University Circle UMC, youre invited to gather at Quaker Steak and Lube on Canal Road in Valley View, Saturday, February 16, at 1:30pm, for the MENS groups regular time of semi-raucous fellowship. See you guys there. ~ Dave Hundertmark

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THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER

FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Second Sunday Lunch

Our next SECOND SUNDAY LUNCH will be March 10 at the Saigon Grille, 3142 Superior, Cleveland. Family-owned, Saigon Grille Restaurant serves fresh produce as well as choice select meats and seafood in their Vietnamese, Chinese, French and Thai cuisine. They offer fresh, flavorful and healthy entres, many with a choice of meat or a vegetarian option and various levels of spice while maintaining authenticity; they use no MSG. Check out their menu at www.saigongrille.com. The restaurant can accommodate 3035, so you must RSVP to Betz Richards by March 5 to be included. If you reserve a place, please make sure you can attend. Call Betz at 440235-9343, or email her at chefbetz1@aol.com by March 5.

One by One
Jim Hogg, Editor I was struck by the significance of a couple of recent events in the life of our church. One you may have witnessed. The other you might not have experienced. After years of attending the former First Church and now University Circle UMC, my friend, George Forbes, met a moment in his life when he felt a deep-down need to join this congregation. So, on Sunday, January 13, George stood before Dr. Chalker and our congregation to make it official; an obviously meaningful occasion for him and for fellow members. And our church grew by one. At a recent Administrative Council meeting, Chairperson Jeff Day suggested that we could grow the church if each person brought one more person to church. When Marketing Chairperson (and brand-new mom) Laura Chalker stepped to the podium for her report, she followed up on Jeff s suggestion by saying, Do what some of us in the room have done. Dont bring a friendMAKE one! The room erupted in laughter, especially as the sounds of two other chairpersons babies had already serenaded us. One by one, we will grow this church. Whether its with a new life brought into this world, an eighth-graders confirmation, a young single who finds support and relevance in this place, a couple whose thoughtful search for a church home ends here, or a lifeexperienced man who finally joins his wife as a member of this church however it happens, whoever it is, our church grows and will grow, one by one. It just needs your help. One of those ones could be someone you know. Family, friends, associates, neighbors, new acquaintancessomeone could be searching for meaningful spiritual nourishment, for understanding and direction, for positive, inspiring relationshipsall under the umbrella of Gods unconditional love. Thats University Circle UMC. Thats your church! And people are looking for it. Share that love. Share our story. Grow this church, one by one.

Dale Goode Artwork on Display

For several months, a small collection of artwork created by member Dale Goode has been displayed in the hallway leading to the Yoder Room. Dale has an extensive collection of personal photography and artwork available through his studio.

Outreach in Action
Thanks to the consistent generosity of the congregation, UCUMC Outreach is off to a fast start in 2013! Our thanks goes to all who contributed supplies, funds or time to our 2013 Homeless Stand Down effort. As a congregation, we contributed complete, packaged, hygiene kits for 38 females and 32 males! These kits include approximately $20 worth of hygiene products, lasting one individual at least one month. The Homeless Stand Down is an annual event that provides health care, haircuts, food and transportation to those in our community without permanent housing. HandsOn NEO, the organizers of the event, count on UCUMCs annual contribution to this event and are always appreciative to see the blue bins roll in, full of supplies! This past holiday season, under the leadership of Dan Maly, we supplied one book to each student at Willow School. Thank you, UCUMC, for supporting this annual mission with your generous donations of books and cash! The congregation also created Christmas cards for residents of the VA Medical Center, and Neighborhood Basketball continues under the leadership of Hassan Lee two days per week. Upcoming Outreach events include donation sorting at Medwish on Saturday, February 23, and participation in the Walk for Hunger in May. Please sign up for donation sorting at Medwish through HandsOn Northeast Ohio at www.handsonneo.org. Email UCUMCOutreach@gmail.com or call me at 216.536.1857 with any questions. Thank you! ~ Doug Blank, Chairperson, Outreach Committee

George Forbes joins his wife, Mary, and daughter, Lauren, as members of UCUMC.

Church committee chairpersons and young mothers Megan Hufendick, Nicole Lewis and Laura Chalker pause for a photo moment after making reports at our January Administrative Council meeting.

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THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER

FEBRUARY 15, 2013

Prayer Changes Things

University Circle UMC is on the brink of another adventure, as we begin to put the chancel renovation proposal into play. We have done our homework: we have discerned our needs as a congregation; we have sought and articulated a vision for this space; we have received the architects plans and budget proposals, tweaked them, talked about them and taken ownership of them. And as we move forward, now more than ever, we need to be in prayer. We need to continue to stop and listen for Gods direction and guidance as we step out in faith on this journey. Prayer helps us focus our vision as a church community. Prayer helps us discern a way where there appears to be no way. Listening in prayer helps assure that this Church in the Circle is working not just towards its own needs, but the needs of the greater community and the greater Church. Prayer is the one thing that can and does and will make a differencewhen it seems like nothing else will. In addition to keeping UCUMC in your personal prayers, you are invited to participate in these other opportunities for prayer we offer during the week: l Sunday mornings following worship, the Circle of Prayer meets in the East Chapel room for fellowship and a time of prayer for one another and our church. Tuesday mornings at 8:30, at Panera Bread on Tiedeman (south of I-480, on Clevelands west side) brings another opportunity for fellowship and prayer, as well as a chance to talk about the coming Sundays sermon scripture passage. l Thursday mornings at 6:45 at Einstein Bros. Bagels in Lakewood (Detroit & St. Charles) allows early birds the chance to share a cup of coffee, a bagel and prayer conversation. l Prayer requests can be submitted during worship using a Prayer Request card (found in the pew pockets). Place the card in the offering plate or in the wooden prayer box in the back corner of the Sanctuary. (Requests can be made anonymously.) These requests are then shared via email with church staff and members who feel called to pray. You may also submit prayer requests via email to Heidi Denman at h.e.denman@gmail.com. All prayer requests are treated with confidentiality. Mahatma Gandhi observed that prayer, rightly understood and applied, is not an old womans idle instrument. It is the most potent instrument of action. Pause, if you would, to support the leaders and members of our Church in the Circle with your prayers. ~ Heidi Denman, Coordinator of Pastoral Care
l

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

What an exciting time in Music & Arts! We have added some new musical talent and have planned several worship experiences that are sure to move and inspire! First, some warm Welcomes go out to l Juliette Regnier, who will be working on a second worship experience for UCUMC! She is such a talented actor, singer and worship leader! l Andrea Dreir-Cline, who joins the Music & Arts staff as a do-it-all musician, singing with the chancel choir, playing bells and offering her talents as a trained pianist/organist for our added worship experience and other opportunities. l Lydia Hall, who is the new soprano section leader in the Chancel Choir! Lent is such a wonderful season. Here are just some of the exciting Lenten offerings: l A second worship experience. Details forthcoming! l Mozarts Ave Verum Corpus sung by the Chancel Choir on March 3 along with

two offerings by our bell choir and a new musical communion setting l Multiple offerings by our Liturgical Dancers with support from our musical ensembles l The Lenten cantata, REQUIEM, on March 17 with highlights from some of the most famous Requiem Masses, including those by Mozart, Faure, Lloyd Webber, Rutter and Durufle. And we havent even talked about Easter! Also stay tuned for l Chancel Choir welcome-and-mingle events, including dinners and a FUN invitation to be a part of our music ensembles l Jazz in the Heights for Human Rights will be back with an ALL-STAR Jazz ensemble from around the city, led by Director of Jazz Ministries, David Kay. l David Hughes will be out and about in the congregation, discovering new talent for a variety of arts opportunities. Were happy to encourage vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers to express their talents. As always, thanks for all your support.
Rev. Robert Burns, pictured with Dr. Chalker, spoke to the congregation on Sunday, January 20, about his interactions with and impressions of Martin Luther King, Jr., during their shared years at Boston University School of Theology in the early 1950s and following. Rev. Burns currently lives in Uniontown, Ohio.

Nothing Shrimpy about Authentic Mardi Gras Dinner

One of the things weve learned about Chez Ben Magee and his fervor for creating genuine New Orleans-style food is that he takes LARGE steps to make sure its authentic flavor never wavers. This includes getting seafood and special ingredients directly from a supplier in Baton Rouge! Over 120 fun-loving celebrants not only enjoyed crawfish, jambalaya, shrimp Creole and King Cake, but got up and danced to the genuine French Quarter music of the New Orleans Jazz Ensemble, as part of UCUMCs Second Annual Authentic New Orleans-Style Creole/Cajun Mardi Gras Dinner Party, Saturday, February 9. Photos of this years event will come alive with our next issue, and we thank Rev. Magee and all of his highly talented volunteers for their unselfish efforts to make this dinner a super success.

chalk talk
Continued from front page

this important relationship with the NAACP. It is another way in which our landmark building is indeed like a holy oil can offering opportunities for the communication, outreach and nurturing that lubricate the gears of social progress. The fact that the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP has accepted my offeron behalf of our diverse and growing congregation within this sacred landmark buildingto be the site of monthly business meetings and community conversations on matters that affect us all, is a wonderful sign that hope, inclusion and the advancement of civic life are more than a dream. Indeed, we are helping ensure that hope, inclusion and the advancement of civic life are themselves recognized as sacred landmarks in our community and beyond.

University Circle United Methodist Church is a diverse family of faith where all are welcome all the time. It is hard work. God is giving us the strength and opportunity to be doing it. No effort is more important in our divided world. See you in church, as we endeavor to BE AN OUTWARD AND VISIBLE EXPRESSION OF BEING THE CHURCH IN OUR TIMEIN OUR SACRED SPACE.

THE UNIVERSITY CIRCLE OUTLOOK

printed 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

Dorothy Adams and others enjoy last years Mardi Gras Party

Deadline for the next Outlook issue is Wednesday, February 27, 2013 outlook@churchinthecircle.com