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Called by Pastor Kerry Clear
“Hello? Oh, hey God. You want me to shepherd your sheep? Sure, no problem.”
If only hearing the call to God’s service were so clear. Perhaps for some it is just that easy; perhaps for everyone it is, but we are too deaf to hear the call. Nonetheless, eventually those who hear the call must respond. Today, I am sharing with you my call to the ministry.
As a young boy, around five years old, my mother dedicated me to the service of God. I clearly remember her praying, telling God that she was giving me to God for God's use. She then read me the story of barren Hannah and how she had prayed for a child and promised to give the child, Samuel, to God if she would be so blessed. My mother explained that although God had already blessed her with me, she still was giving me to God.
We read the Bible every night, and I distinctly remember having a heavy heart for those who were alone and crying about the people who were lost and tormented in the world.
Now, you know the story of Samuel. After Hannah sent him to live with the priest, Eli, Samuel was lying in bed one night and heard his name being called, “Samuel, Samuel.” He ran to Eli and said, “You called me?” “No child, go to bed.” This happened a couple more times, “Samuel, Samuel” with Samuel running to Eli. Finally Eli realized it was God calling Samuel, so he told Samuel to tell God he was listening. Unlike Samuel, I never experienced a “Kerry, Kerry” moment. I mean, I took my mother’s dedication seriously and all, and knew that I was God’s servant. But, for some reason, I began internally questioning how my mother had the right to give me to God. How could she determine my destiny?
As time continued, I knew that I was supposed to do God’s work; however, I began to think of how to serve - my way. Coming from a musical family, I decided that music was the way for me to serve, and I became a choir director by the time I was 20 years old. This went well for a number of years as a part-time job, although I was constantly restless. I tried law enforcement, sales, entrepreneurship, more sales, taxi driving, and three part-time church jobs during my twenties. I married young - at twenty - and soon had three kids. Things didn't go as planned, and we got divorced. Heidi and I met and joined our families together 10 years ago. We started Blue Ribbon Taxi. I guess you could say that for more than a decade I, like Jacob, wrestled with God. Throughout the rounds of this wrestling match I became bruised and battered.
In 2014, my grandfather passed away unexpectedly. He was a soft-spoken, powerful man. He was well-liked and well-respected. As I spoke to my mother shortly after his death, I was commenting on how it was not right that he was taken. She told me that he lived a good life and instead of sorrow, we should see God’s glory through the life he lived. She said that we need to let his good be an example to use in our lives. These were perfectly spoken words at precisely the right time. They sparked some serious self-reflection.
(continued on page 9)
Monthly Newsletter of Hillcrest United Methodist Church
August 2018
The Messenger
THE MESSENGER PAGE 2
This ‘n’ That
Mark Your Calendars!
Elkhart County CROP Hunger Walk Sunday, October 7, at Island Park, Elkhart
Registration: 1:30 p.m. Walk begins at 2:00 p.m.
The Lerner in downtown Elkhart offers a free lunchtime concert. Doors open at 10:00 a.m. and the show starts at 11:00.
The August 29 show will feature Celia Weiss performing on the historic 1924 Kimball organ. Celia shares her talents as an organist, pianist, and accompanist by both performing and teaching. She has been the organist for First Presbyterian Church in Elkhart since 1975 and is an adjunct professor with the Raclin School of Arts at IU South Bend. She performs regularly at The Lerner.
For more information about LunchtimeLive!, you can go to www.TheLerner.com or call The Lerner at 293-4469.
El Refugio welcoming Pastor Kerry and praying for his ministry here.
Also, notice the remodeled stage looks in the above picture!
THE MESSENGER PAGE 3
Our next Caregivers’ meeting will be Thursday, August 30, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Lifestyles classroom. —Cathy Bloss
August Special Days Celebration
August birthdays and anniversaries will be celebrated Sunday, August 5, in the HeBrew Café after the worship service. Everyone is welcome as we eat cake and sing to those of our congregation with special days in August.
Cake Schedule: August: Patty Moore September: Janice Dean October: Beverly and Larry Slaughter November: Jan Sharkey December: Fay Keck
Susanna’s Kitchen
Our next serving date is Monday, August 6, at 10:30 a.m. Questions? Contact the kitchen at 522-5893 between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Primetimers Thursday, August 16
gather at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon
Have you ever heard of SonSet Solutions? No? Well, if you come to Primetimers this month, you’ll learn about this mission agency that is based right here in Elkhart. I’m very excited about this program for several reasons. First, several of the missionaries from SonSet Solutions attend my home church and are friends of mine, like John and Jean Anderson, who will be speaking. Secondly, this group is using technology in some amazing ways to give the good news of Jesus Christ to people all over the world. I’m amazed by their work, and I think you will be, too!
Our main dish will be taco casserole. Please bring $2 and a dish to share. A sign-up sheet will be on the hallway bulletin board.
Note: Each month we need a couple of people to help clean up. If you are able to help this month, please note that on the sign-up sheet. Thanks! —Julie Lininger
Hillcrest Community Childcare Ministry
Our summer is about to come to an end since Elkhart Schools start on August 16. We will have
some of the school-age children coming before and after school during the school year.
Our Preschool Get Acquainted Night will be at 6:30 p.m. on August 21, with preschool starting in September.
We do have openings in the preschool and would like to fill that enrollment as soon as possible. We also have openings in the three, four, and five-year-old daycare classes.
For more information, call Teresa at 266-7427.
—Teresa Irelan, HCCM Director
THE MESSENGER PAGE 4
August’s Mission of the Month Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County, Inc.
Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County, Inc. is a non-profit organization working in partnership with God and people everywhere, from all walks of life, to build decent, affordable housing for people in need.
Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County builds houses in partnership with qualifying partner families and sells the houses at no profit with affordable mortgages. The program also prepares partner families to become successful Habitat homeowners.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of Habitat. Volunteers consists of individuals, corporate groups, faith groups, student groups, and anyone and everyone wanting to make a difference with families. No experience is necessary, and all of the tools are provided.
The ReStore is a retail store open to the general public that sells new and used building materials, cabinets, appliances, home decor, furniture, and more at 25 to 90 percent below retail prices. Donations of new and used materials are the lifeblood of the ReStore and can be dropped off there during regular business hours.
**Habitat has started working on its 200th home! Hillcrest’s work day with Habitat will be August 18 from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at 537 Stiver Avenue in Elkhart. In addition to our work in the home, we’ll be providing water and lunches. (Monetary donations will be helpful for this.) Please see Phyllis Osborne with any questions.**
Thank you, Missions Committee
Habitat for Humanity’s 200th Home Match Challenge! To honor former President Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter,
help us build the 200th house in Elkhart County.
President Carter and his wife Rosalynn will be in South Bend and Mishawaka in August for the 35th Annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. During the past 34 years their donation of time and hands-on labor has helped
to build, renovate, and repair 4290 homes in 14 countries throughout the world.
An Elkhart County couple recently donated $100,000 and has challenged the community to match their generosity. Donate before August 31 to help us reach our goal of $100,000 to build the 200th house in Elkhart County.
To Donate: Go online to www.habitatec.com Send a check to: Habitat for Humanity of Elkhart County, PO Box 950, Goshen, IN 46527 Call Kristin at 574-533-6109
Sincerely,
Ralph Jackson Executive Director
After an evening filled with vigorous sibling disagreements, three children finally turned in for the night. A few hours later, a major thunderstorm woke them all up. When their father heard the children conversing upstairs, he called up to see what was happening.
A small, timid voice answered, “We’re all in the closet forgiving one another!”
THE MESSENGER PAGE 6
Did You Know …
-Pastor Kerry’s favorite type of food is Mediterranean, but eggplant is a no-go! -His wife, Heidi, will begin seminary this fall. -He enjoys auctions, buying and selling odds ‘n ends, theater, and music. -Pastor Kerry and Heidi have five children:
-Maria Clear, 18, begins Albion College on August 17 as a music major. She plays horn and trombone and loves giving people joy with her soprano voice. -Stuart McGowan, 17, is beginning his senior year. He plays bassoon and saxophone and loves singing in the Valleyairs Barbershop Chorus. -Abigail (Abby) Clear, 15, is entering her sophomore year. She plays piano, violin, and percussion and loves to smile. -Morgan McGowan,15, is also entering her sophomore year. She plays cello and flute and loves to create masterpieces with fabric. -Gilbert Clear, 11, is entering 6th grade. He plays viola and trumpet and loves to help.
Well … now you know!
Your Presence
July 1 July 8 July 15 June 24 July 22
46 56 90 75 61
August
Birthdays 2 Bob Whitmer 17 Teresa Irelan
6 Denise Hensley Margaret Smith
11 Allen Nord 21 Jami Franks
14 Kate Ferro
Anniversaries 20 Terri and Robb Longacre
24 Sharon and Mike Schafer
28 Cindy and Jim Heim
Please let the church office know if your special date was missed.
In the Know
THE MESSENGER PAGE 7
John Ruskin, one of England's greatest thinkers of the 19th century, once pondered the importance of "rests" in a musical composition. He began to compare those "rests" put in by a composer to the "rests" that come to us in life; the times, for example, when our lives seem to be put on hold for awhile. The times when, for whatever reason, we are compelled to sit and wait until we realize God is now telling us to move on ... out of the wilderness into the promised land God has prepared.
Ruskin wrote: "There is no music in a rest, but there is the making of music in it."
So as God lets the music of our lives unfold, be pleased with the tune, "rests" and all. — Adapted from Dreams in the Desert, compiled by Mrs. Charles E. Cowan
Hymn Story “Beneath the Cross of Jesus”
At a vast zoo one stifling summer day, my family and I got overheated. The only shady spots were off-limits because signs insisted, “Keep off the grass!” When we finally found a shaded bench, we collapsed, exhausted.
Likewise, spiritual weariness and thirst can zap us of strength. Elizabeth Clephane’s 1868 hymn “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” describes the crucified Savior as “a mighty rock within a weary land” in whose cool shadow we find refuge. Christ’s glory shines on us not glaringly but gently — redeeming love to light our way.
The hymn concludes: “I take, O cross, thy shadow for my abiding place. I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of [Christ’s] face. Content to let the world go by, to know no gain or loss. My sinful self my only shame, my glory all the cross.” —Heidi Mann (from The Newsletter Newsletter)
CCLI Song # 27927 Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane | Frederick Charles Maker © Words: Public Domain Music: Public Domain For use solely with the SongSelect® Terms of Use. All rights reserved. www.ccli.com CCLI License # 1034919
Verse 1 Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand The shadow of a mighty rock Within a weary land A home within the wilderness A rest upon the way From the burning of the noontide heat And the burden of the day
Verse 2 Upon the cross of Jesus Mine eyes at times can see The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me And from my stricken heart with tears Two wonders I confess The wonder of redeeming love And my unworthiness
THE MESSENGER PAGE 8
Lifestyles Study
Unafraid by Adam Hamilton
Are you a ‘Fraidy Cat? Are you a Worry Wart? Do you wonder how families and communities can live as peacemakers in troubled times?
Unafraid by Adam Hamilton, is a DVD study that shows how we can escape the echo chamber of anxiety and dread. With insight, intention, and faith, we can learn to overcome what oppresses us and live with courage and hope.
Our hyper fractious era of hate media, divisive politics, and multiplying natural disasters wreak havoc on our state of mind, leaving us troubled and unhappy. Adam Hamilton draws on fresh research, therapeutic insights, Biblical principles, and personal experience to untangle the knots of fear and truly embrace Jesus’ recurring counsel to His followers: “Do not be afraid.”
The Lifestyles Class has begun the Unafraid DVD study, but it’s not too late to join us! We meet at 11:00 a.m. in the HeBrew Café classroom. Our casual and friendly class atmosphere makes everyone feel welcome, no matter your Bible background. Attendees can contribute to the discussion or just listen . . . it’s your option. If God is nudging you to be part of an adult study, this is a great time to take that first step. Contact Patty Moore or Julie in the church office to reserve a book at the cost of $6. Books for first-time participants are complimentary. —Patty Moore, Facilitator, Lifestyles
Scoutmaster Minute by Ronn Foster
Over my years I have taken many lessons from the Bible to help me know when I am on the right path (and when I am not.) One such verse is Psalm 92:12: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon.” This is a Scripture and lesson that I can take back to the Scouts as well. If we live our lives according to the Bible, as well as the 12 points of the Scout Law, then we will be blessed.
Our troop is now halfway through out 51st year. There have been times where our troop was large and times where our troop was small in numbers. We are focused on living our lives to the 12 points of the Scout Law, and we have been blessed. Our numbers have grown from four boys to nearly 30. From two adult leaders to nine. God has indeed blessed us.
With our growth comes needs to help sustain the growth. One such need is our trailer. It has served us well for many years, and has been upgraded as far as we can take it. We are simply outgrowing it now (which is a good thing.) As we begin the search for a newer, bigger trailer we are comforted through Scripture that says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) Knowing that He will provide for our needs, please lift our troop up in prayer as we begin the process of raising funds to purchase a new trailer.
THE MESSENGER PAGE 9
Called (continued from page 1)
My grandfather never raised his voice and yet he had been the plant manager of a factory. I wondered how he was able to care for so many people and yet keep such a calm demeanor. I was responsible for many people myself in the cab company, but no one would ever accuse me of being calm. People came to me because I knew how to get things done, not because I was calm. I knew that somehow Grandpa’s lifelong dedication to Jesus through spiritual discipline kept him peaceful. I knew I needed that same peace and patience.
My grandfather ran three miles per day, tried to eat right, was one of the first people to arrive at church every Sunday, and greeted the people as they arrived. He led Sunday School, small groups, and lived a righteous life. He prayed daily and took his dreams seriously. At his funeral, people with whom he worked told of times when they were struggling and expressed their gratitude for being able to approach him for advice and support. My grandfather was an example of how to live like Jesus.
Once I had been convicted that it was essential to accept a change, I told God that I would stop trying to control my life and allow myself to be used. All this reflection was within the first couple weeks of my grandfather’s passing. Not more than a month later, after a service at Southlawn UMC where I was the choir director, the pastor approached me to tell me that she and Pastor Dave from Grace UMC had been talking about me. Pastor Dave told her that he was thinking of me joining the staff at Grace to replace her when she left. (She was the assistant pastor.) I was shocked! I never had told anyone about my battle with God. For a moment I could feel those pangs of resistance coming over me. I asked the pastor why she thought I would want to do anything like that. She told me that Pastor Dave suggested that I might be wanting to. That did it. I heard the message. I heard the call loud and clear and could not escape it anymore. I realized that after telling God that I was done trying to control my own destiny and that I was ready to be used, there was no way that this was some coincidence.
Now, as I have been studying and reflecting on God's goodness, I see that I am being formed into the man of God whom God desires. I am viewing the world through different lenses. The people that I had cried about as a child were right here in my life, whether it was in the jail, in sales, or in the cab company as passengers and drivers. The people were hurting with depression and addiction, but I was too blind to see the hurt in people until my eyes were opened. I am thankful I can see.
So now, here I am with you at Hillcrest UMC. I do not know what the future holds for us specifically, but I do know this - I have been called to be with you, and you have been called to be with me. Together, we will call upon God to show us our path to join the mission of Jesus for us in this time and place.
In God’s Hands
We are not the masters of our own destinies. We are called to plan and strategize, to work and live active lives, to attempt things that are beyond us and tackle challenges that stretch us to the limit. Yet the outcome of our efforts, even our ability to exert ourselves, is always in God’s hands. —Carolyn Custis James, The Gospel of Ruth
THE MESSENGER PAGE 10
HILLCREST WOMEN’S MINISTRY
Our Women's Ministry prayer:
Father, thank You for helping us to grow closer as a sisterhood in Your service. Help us to be compassionate and to support each other, to accept our differences gracefully, and to show appreciation for the contributions of others. Remind us to be aware of the impact that our small services may have on others. We ask Your blessing on our sisterhood. Amen .
2017-18 Women’s Ministry Board: Nikki Behne and Cathy Bloss, co-leaders;
Terri Longacre, board member; Martha Sims, advisor
Hillcrest Women’s Book Club Thursday, August 23, 6:00 p.m.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman (2017)
No one's ever told Eleanor that life should be better than fine. Meet Eleanor Oliphant: She struggles with appropriate social skills and
tends to say exactly what she's thinking. Nothing is missing in her carefully timetabled life of avoiding social interactions, where weekends are punctuated by frozen pizza, vodka, and phone chats with Mummy.
But everything changes when Eleanor meets Raymond, the bumbling and deeply unhygienic IT guy from her office. When she and Raymond together save Sammy, an elderly gentleman who has fallen on the sidewalk, the three become the kinds of friends who rescue one another from the lives of isolation they have each been living. And it is Raymond's big heart that will ultimately help Eleanor find the way to repair her own profoundly damaged one.
Smart, warm, uplifting, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is the story of an out-of-the-ordinary heroine whose deadpan weirdness and unconscious wit make for an irresistible journey as she realizes, “The only way to survive is to open your heart." (Synopsis provided by the publisher.)
Join us on the comfy furniture in Hillcrest’s narthex – everyone welcome!
Leader - Diane Lewandowski
Circle of Friends Stamping Ministry
We have new cards! Come take a look!
THE MESSENGER PAGE 11
Serving in Worship
Date Scripture Readers Ushers Communion Media
August 5 Martha Sims Behne Family No communion this month
Gerald Huntington
August 12 Mary Herschberger
Martha and Harry Sims
Gerald Huntington
August 19 Diane Lewandowski
Linda and Chuck Vredingburgh
Tracy Donati
August 26 Janice Dean Patty Moore Wayne Rowe
August
Greeters Jan Sharkey
Rene Wenger
HeBrew Café Workers Bev Slaughter
Phyllis Osborne Linda and Chuck Vredingburgh
L.I.F.T. (Ladies In Fellowship Together) 1st Tuesday of each month – 9:00 a.m.
Perkins Restaurant (107 N. Pointe Blvd., Elkhart)
Our group met July 3 for breakfast, with 29 in attendance. The ladies collected pennies at that time, with proceeds to be donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. A total of $169.06 was collected!
Our next gathering is August 7. All ladies are welcome. There is a sign-up sheet on the hallway bulletin board, but if someone has not signed up, you are always welcome to attend anyway.
—Jan Sharkey
The Bag Ladies
(Making plastic sleeping mats for the homeless) Wednesday, August 8
9:00 -10:30 a.m. in the HeBrew Café
Thanks to all who have brought bags with the bottom seams and handles snipped off and the bags flattened and smoothed, ready to be cut into strips. This is a great help.
Five of us “looped” in July (Bev Slaughter, Donna Mast, Gloria Griffith, Jane Hershberger and I), and Corrie Bartell, Mary Plymale and Jane took bags of strips to loop at home. Bev, Mary Herschberger, and I are still crocheting. Ladies, we’re really cookin’!
When I took our fifth sleeping mat to Guidance Ministries in June, Pastor Lori King’s eyes lit up as I walked into her office, and she said, “You brought another one! These are like gold!!!”
And here’s a statistic you probably don’t know: Each sleeping mat made from plastic grocery bags keeps about 350 bags out of the landfill.
Want to join the Bag Ladies? See me for info, or just come to the Café August 8. We’ll show you how to loop, cut strips, or crochet mats. —Martha Sims
Artistry in Bloom Tuesdays
We’ll be starting again soon! Watch upcoming bulletins for more details.
Fellow painters, crafters, friends, and helpers: We invite you to our gathering. Stop by for a visit to see if you would enjoy it, also. We will help you get started. —Carol Hartranft, Carole Julian
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Called 1,
This ‘n’ That 2, 3
Missions 4
Calendar 5
In the Know 6
Hymn Story 7
Lifestyles Study Scoutmaster Minute
8
Called (continued) 9
Women’s Ministry 10, 11
Serving in Worship 11
Looking Ahead:
Susanna’s Kitchen Monday, August 6, 10:30 a.m.
Trustees Monday, August 13, 7:00 p.m.
Primetimers Thursday, August 16, 11:30 a.m.
Ministry Council Monday, August 20, 6:30 p.m.
Brentwood Service Sunday, August 26, 1:30 p.m.
Caregivers’ Support Group Thursday, August 30, 1:00 p.m.
STAFF
Pastor Kerry Clear 574-361-6011
Administrative Assistant: Julie Lininger
574-264-3240 [email protected]
Worship Leader:
Molly Kellner
Pianist: Joel Lininger
Finance Chair: Wayne Rowe
Staff Parish Chair:
Patty Moore
Trustee Co-Chairs: Gari Lewandowski, Harry Sims
Hillcrest Community Childcare Ministry:
Teresa Irelan, Director 574-266-7427
WEEKLY SUNDAY SCHEDULE 9:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
10:30 a.m. HeBrew Café fellowship 11:00 a.m. Adult Studies
12:00 p.m. El Refugio Church
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: August 17
Hillcrest United Methodist Church 4206 East Bristol Street * Elkhart, Indiana 46514 * 574-264-3240
E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.hillcrestelkhart.com
