The Outlook

an edition of

The United Methodist Reporter

Two Sections

What Exactly IS It? | 8A

Discover Young Authors | 4A

Harvey Morgan Memorial | 4A

Section A 909160 Vol. 159 No. 50 April 12, 2013

Mount Union Concert Choir Performs

chalk talk
BY DR. KENNETH W. CHALKER

Dr. Francis Collins is one of the worlds leading scientists. He is so smart that, for me, he becomes a personal, spiritual challenge. I think of his brilliant mind, and I virtually break the 10th Commandment. I become envious to the point of coveting what is my neighbors; namely, Collins brilliant mind. Francis Collins graduated from high school at 16 years of age! Some of us were lucky to get the diploma at 18! Then he breezed through college with interests in chemistry, mathematics and physics. He studied biology for fun. After completing his undergraduate studies with an academic record that was in the stratosphere of achievement, Collins was accepted into a Ph.D program in physical chemistry at Yale University. He became immersed in studying, as he writes, the daily pleasures of quantum mechanics and secondorder differential equations. (I would be remedial, at best, in FIRST-order quantum mechanics.) If this were not enough and just for the purposes of expanding his intellectual horizons, Collins decided to investigate biochemistry. Did I mention that I envy this guys brain power? Probably about the time I was trying to gain a rudimentary knowledge and practiced ability to know the difference between cutting a dado and a groove in a board, Collins was working with mastering DNA, RNA and all sorts of elegant ways of advancing experiments and studies into the human genome! Did I mention that Collins was only 22 at this point and that I envy, as well as covet, his brain power? Collins interest and discovery in these areas convinced him that he neededand very much wantedto go to medical school. It is no surprise to know that, rather than finding himself on some wait list, Francis Collins was immediately accepted into the University of North Carolina school of medicine. Well, the story of his achievements goes on, but suffice it to say that, among other internationally recognized scientific and medical achievements, Francis Collins is the world leader of the human genome project; the mapping of the human genetic code. The Continued on back page

University Circle United Methodist Church offers a free performance of the University of Mount Union Concert Choir, Friday, May 17 at 7:30pm. Under the direction of Dr. Grant W. Cook III, the choir will perform works by Johann Ernst Eberlin, Andreas Hammerschmidt, Ren Clausen, Bob Chilcott, David Childs and Emma Lou Diemer, among others. In addition, the program includes traditional works from Argentina and South Africa. The University of Mount Union Concert Choir is among the oldest collegiate choirs in the United States, tracing its roots to 1896. The distinguished legacy of the choral

program at Mount Union is deeply rooted in the history of this United Methodistaffiliated institution. As an ambassador of the University, the Concert Choir performs annually throughout the continental United States and undertakes an international tour every four years. The Choir is dedicated to the performance of the highest quality choral literature from the Renaissance through the 21st Century, including spirituals, gospel music, folk songs and music celebrating a global perspective. You are warmly invited to experience this choirs free May 17th performance.

Spring Outreach News

~Doug Blank, Chair, Outreach Committee Spring is the season when our Outreach Committee again shifts its focus to food-based mission work. Jennifer Biers tireless efforts in organizing the monthly Neighborhood Lunch provide a fun and simple way to get involved with UCUMC Outreach. On the final Sunday of each month (all year), Jennifer organizes a hot meal in the UCUMC Great Hall for those in our community in need. We are always in need of additional volunteers to assist in set-up, serving, and cleaning up, from approximately noon to 2:30pm. We also are in need of volunteers to sign up to donate prepared food for the lunch. Stop by the church office or contact Jennifer at UCUMCoutreach@gmail.com to indicate your willingness to support this needed mission with a long history in University Circle!

his Easter Sundays worship was attended by nearly 500 members, visitors and friends who experienced a very touching and uplifting service. It included music by the Chancel Choir, Chancel Bells, the FullCircle Combo, pictured, (Jim Hogg, David Kay, Brian Misch, Tim Garner and Nathan Motta) and Juliette Regnier, pictured, with presentations by our Liturgical Dancers, whose offering of Mary Had a Little Lamb with Juliettes singing was exceptionally meaningful.

UCUMC Outreach will again be organizing support in the Hunger Networks annual Walk for Hunger, Saturday, May 11, at Burke Lakefront Airport. Last years UCUMC participants successfully raised over $700 for the Hunger Networka local agency that raises funds that provide food to dozens of food pantries and shelters across the region. Each dollar raised provides one day of emergency food for a hungry child. The Walk for Hunger starts with a donated breakfastwhat could be better?! Join the UCUMC team in supporting this important event; even bring your dog along! Cross the finish line and enter the Family Social AfterParty in Voinovich Park with a donated lunch, live music and other exciting entertainment! Look for additional information in coming weeks about our churchs participation in this fun and worthy cause.
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 .O. Box 660275, Dallas, Texas 75266-0275.

Deadline for the next Outlook issue is Monday, April 29, 2013 outlook@churchinthecircle.com

4A

THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER

APRIL 12, 2013

~Youth News~
Young Authors Write Stories about God
~Dr. Amy Wheatley, Director of Education Children in our Sunday School class (PreK5th grade) have been learning about the life of Jesus. We considered what Jesus meant when he described himself as the good shepherdone who cares for his sheep by feeding them, taking care of them when they are sick, finding them when they are lost and protecting them from harm. We learned about ways that Jesus cared for people just as a good shepherd would care for his sheep. And the children were asked to think about how Jesus used many of the stories he told to help people understand what God is like. As adults, we are inclined to think that childrens understanding of Jesus life and the nature of God is simple and unsophisticated. Our children have clearly demonstrated that this isnt so! In Sunday School, during our discussions about who Jesus was, we have heard the following, He came to teach people about God. (Natalie, age 6) He was Gods son. (Logan, age 7) He stays up. Hes awake all the time. Hes always with us. (Hailey, age 7) He wants everybody to have a chance to be good. (Ronald, age 5) One of the unexpected and genuinely heart-warming outcomes of our discussions about Jesus life and teachings was that it prompted many of our children to write their own special stories at home. We have been delighted as children bring us stories they have written and illustrated at home during the week. All of the stories reflect things we are learning about Jesus and the nature of God, and we make time each week for the children to share their books with the class. Tyran, age 8, wrote a story about his new baby brother. We talked about what Jesus might have been like as a baby. Did he cry and did his mom need to change his diaper a lot, like with Tyrans new little brother? Roland, age 8, wrote a funny story that also helped us think about the human characteristics of Jesus. In Rolands tale, Jesus is traveling along, sees an opening in a wall and discovers a shortcut to a farm, where encounters a cow and a pig! We talked about Jesus travels and wondered what sorts of everyday adventures he had. Was he amused by things he encountered, as Roland imagined him to be in his story? Reander, age 7, wrote a story about a journey that God takes on a camel(!) through the water, with whales leading the way. Gods journey continues through desert sands. Along the way, God feeds his camel and builds a house. And then he builds more houses for the kids. The final illustration in Reanders story shows a happy family: God made this home for the family. Ron, age 5, wrote a story called God Loves Ohio. The text is simple and powerful. I love my mom and dad. You love your mom and dad. All people love God. The End. Kaylynn, age 11, wrote a story titled, Boys and Girls, Black or White, Treat Others Equally. It reads in part, Jesus cares for who you are. God wants peace and love all over the world. Treat others the way you want to be treated. Never hurt them. Alike or different, God created people the way they are. Calvin, age 5, created a game for all of us to play one Sunday morning. He wrote messages on slips of paper and hid them all around our Sunday School room. All of us searched for these messages, gathered them up and brought them back to our circle. Every single message read Jesus loves everyone. Calvins final message said, I like Sunday School! Cynthia, Karl and I like Sunday School, too! As leaders, we feel very privileged each week to be in the company of a creative, loving and wise group of children! They see God in each other, and we see God in each of them!

Harvey Morgan Memorial Service

Long-time member of the former Epworth-Euclid and now University Circle United Methodist Church, Harvey Morgan will be remembered in a service of memorial, Saturday, April 13, at 2pm in the church sanctuary. Harvey passed away December 29 of last year at the age of 87 but had asked family to delay any service for several months, so that people could manage their grief and then focus on celebrating his new life with Christ. Harvey married Peg in 1948 upon meeting her in church. After working for others, he created their own data forms business with Peg in 1962, and they ran it together for 40 years. During that time Harvey chaired numerous church committees and taught Sunday high school classesan active and supportive member of this church. With this memorial service, we celebrate Harveys love and care for others, his countless contributions to the life of this church and his transition to the church triumphant.

UCUMC Uth Update

~ Rev. Sharon Seyfarth-Garner, Coordinator of Confirmation Program The Middle School and High School Youth are having a fabulous spring, with many of our activities centered around preparing for two big events. May 1719, both youth groups will be heading out for weekend retreats. The High Schoolers will enjoy Camp Asbury near Hiram, while the Middle Schoolers gather at Garner Cabin near Allegheny State Park in western New York. The deadline for retreat registration is April 30. Forms will be available during Sunday youth group meetings. And, on June 9th, as we celebrate Confirmation Sunday, the entire worship service will be led by the youth themselves. It should be an uplifting service for all! As always, our youth groups meet on Sunday mornings from 1112:15pm (except for the first Sundays of the month, when youth attend worship with the rest of our faith family). All youth are invited to join us for faith-filled fun!

Little Lamb
~Edna Duffy, Director of Liturgical Dance He is called by thy name For He calls himself a Lamb He is meek and he is mild He became a little child: I a child and thou a lamb We are called by his name Little lamb, God bless thee. from The Lamb by William Blake The innocent beauty of a young dancer was dramatically displayed during this past Easter morning worship service. The young dancer, Natalie Bier, age 7, was the perfect Little Lamb in our choreography, set to Cynthia Wilsons, Mary Had a Little Lamb, beautifully sung by Juliette Regnier and danced by the UCUMC Liturgical Dancers. I was very impressed with Natalies ease of movement from our first rehearsal. When Natalie dances she engages her whole body and with joyous expression she dances with her eyes. She runs and twirls with the innocence of youth. Her bright eyes sparkle as she lifts her hands and spins around enjoying the thrill of movement. Her face glows with a smile that warms the spirit and makes the heart sing! Teaching her and watching her learn is such a powerful experience. When Natalie dances it reminds me of the beauty, joy and holy significance of liturgical dance. As liturgical dancers we are privileged to experience the joy of total immersion of our mind, body and spirit in every performance. Thanks, Natalie, for mirroring the joy of Liturgical Dance for all of us. Little Lamb, God Bless Thee; Natalie, God Bless Thee.

Summer Camp Is Just Around The Corner

Its hard to imagine warmth, sun and summer vacation during these cold gray days of winter in Cleveland. But, its not too early to begin thinking about East Ohio Conference Summer Camps! EOC Summer Camps provide children, youth, even families with unique opportunities to have fun, explore their faith and make new friends in a caring community. From family camp to horse camp, canoeing to stargazing, sports to praise, there is outdoor fun for everyone at Camp Aldersgate, Camp Asbury or Camp Wanake. A life-changing experience is right around the corner! For more information about summer camp opportunities, go to www.eastohiocamps.org or pick up a camp brochure in the church office. Camp scholarships are available for UCUMC children and youth who need financial assistance to attend camp this summer. Our Education Program provides the funding. In order to receive funds for camp, families are asked to: 1) Contact Amy Wheatley, Director of Education, BEFORE APRIL 14 to request a camp scholarship; 2) Register your camper BEFORE MAY 1 online at www.EOCSummercamps.org or use the paper event registration form; 3) Pay the $40 deposit/registration fee, to be sent with the campers registration. Once campers are registered and their families have paid the $40 deposit, our church will pay the remaining camp fees. Start thinking about camping opportunities now summers closer than you think!

8A

THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER

APRIL12, 2013

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

New Service Features Unique Approach

Its a contemplative, meditative, reflective experience offered in a quiet space, away from the outside world. Its a tapestry of quiet music and the sounds of nature, with candlelight, quotes, scripture and shared thoughts and prayers that help create moments of calm, understanding, growth, inspiration and direction. Its called Ruach (roo -awk), and it happens in our church on the first and third Fridays of the month from 12:15 to 12:45pm and the second and fourth Tuesdays from 7:00 to 7:50pm. Ruach is a Hebrew word that can mean breath or wind or spirita kind of invisible moving force. At UCUMC, it means a gathering of those who seek a non-service way to nourish their spirituality. Join Juliette Regnier at any of these times and experience a different approach to spiritual growth and fulfillment.

What a great feeling it was to look out on 500 faces on Easter Sunday, all sitting in a beautifully decorated Sanctuary with sounds of the instruments and voices hanging in the air as a beautiful little girl is lifted by dancers in celebration of this very meaningful day in the life of the church! This is so much of what UCUMC is all about. When we can look back on the season of Lent, and certainly Holy Week, there is much to be thankful for, and we hope that presentations in Music & Arts moved you in different ways. We are so grateful to be able to not only worship with a congregation that is diverse, welcoming and so very appreciative of all our efforts, but also to participate in services led

by such a creative and dynamic pastor. Looking to the next months, worship will center around a continuation of the Easter resurrection message, with time to reflect on the changing Spring season, a celebration of the contributions of Norine Sharp, and a recognition of the importance of Mothers Day and Pentecost. All of our musical and dance offerings in worship will be different, supporting the liturgy and scripture message of each Sundays service. Dont forget that its never too late to participate in a Music & Arts ensemble, and you can always keep in touch with what were up to by following our Facebook page! (See how 21st Century we are?!) Thanks again for a great Lenten season. Now onward and upward! The Lord is Risen. He has risen indeed! ALLELUIA!

What Exactly IS It?

~ Heidi Denman, MDiv, Coordinator of Pastoral Care Have you ever wondered just what Pastoral Care means in the life of our church family? If so, youre not alone, Ive discovered, and Id like to share some insights. Pastoral care includes visiting people when they are ill or hospitalized, of course, but theres more to it than that. It also includes keeping track of prayer concerns; developing small group opportunities for fellowship and education; and helping us understand how to care for one another. While many of my offerings are geared towards women (Uppity Women and Womens Retreat experiences), my vocation is fulfilled in serving the whole of University Circle as I am able. And that also means opening peoples eyes to the many services available beyond our church walls, other groups and agencies out there waiting to serve you in times of need. In the next several issues of Outlook, we will look at some of these other groups in the Cleveland area. I will also be sharing some of my experiences since coming into this position in 2012. I welcome any questions you may have and appreciate your input. If there is something you would like to know more about, a group you envision but dont know how to initiate, let me help. (You can contact me at h.e.denman@gmail.com)

Prayer Within and Beyond

You are invited to participate in these opportunities for prayer: 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 UCUMC. Tuesday mornings at 8:30, at Panera Bread on Tiedeman Road south of I-480, brings another opportunity for fellowship and prayer, as well as a preview of the weeks lectionary passage. Thursday mornings at 6:45 at Einstein Bagels in Lakewood (Detroit & St. Charles) allows early birds the chance to share a cup of coffee, a bagel and prayer conversation. 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 northwest corner of the Sanctuary. (Requests can be made anonymously.) These requests are then shared with church staff and members who feel called to pray. You may also submit prayer requests via email to Heidi Denman, Coordinator of Pastoral Care, at h.e.denman@gmail.com. All prayer requests are confidential.

chalk talk
Continued from front page

David Hughes, Thelma Walton, Virginia Bruning, Marilou Abele and Marge Townsend (not pictured, Cathy Day)

With the initial addition of member David Hughes (pictured), the Lunch Bunch has expanded its invitation to include all members and friends of UCUMC, regardless of gender, to attend their monthly get-togethers for fellowship, activities and lively conversation. Bring a bag lunch (coffee and tea available) and join this friendly group the last Tuesday of every month at noon.

discoveries are just astounding. Because of his work and discoveries, along with that of others, tragedies such as infant death as a result of fetal hemoglobin disorders and cystic fibrosis are being overcome by intervening with genetic changes to DNA. I write about all of this because this great scientist and physician is also a man who is described as unshakable in his faith in God. Collins believes that faith in God and the rigorous pursuit of science can not only coexist but compliment one another. One of his many books articulates this in a most profound way. The title is, The Language of God. Reading this book, studying this book, is a great way to enrich and deepen ones faith. For Collins, the language of God is not mindless recitation of poorly interpreted scripture, but the language of the genetic code of our DNA. All this chemical complexity, in addition to the finely tuned and balanced physical laws of the universe point with absolute clarity to a Creator, and to a universe intentionally created with purpose and meaning. In this sense Collins is also an ardent student of the scriptures. We live in a time when there are frequent voices claiming that believing in God and

trusting in the faith message of the biblical witness is an unfortunate vestige of a far more unsophisticated age. Such voices also will claim that we should grow up and out of the silliness of faith. Francis Collins is a marvelous witness for the fact that believing in God is the wisest and most profoundly consequential discovery and affirmation we can ever make. We are Easter People. The God of the universeloving, purposeful and holyrules over all with everlasting grace. See you in church! Its a really smart place to be.

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