Isaiah 26:3 tells us, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
This verse has spoken to me many times over the years. I even have a simple Dollar Store canvas with this verse in my office. It’s a reminder, that when my attention is stayed on Jesus and resting in him, I receive his gift of peace.
As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, and soon after Advent and Christmas, we have many opportunities to experience this kind of peace. On December 1, both our worship communities will unite for worship services at the Mill Run Campus. The sermon series is called “Family Christmas,” expressing the warmth and joy of being together. On December 8, our annual Celebration of Advent service is a perfect time to invite friends and family. It will feature our entire worship arts groups including the choir, worship teams, and an orchestra.
As you read through this edition, will you join me in prayer for all God has planned? Let us embrace and share the peace of God with everyone around us.
In God’s peace,
Kirsten Svendsen Communications Director
Cover photos: A special choir and orchestra come together with other musicians and worship leaders for Celebration of Advent. Learn more on page 4.
Worship
We gather to worship God and encourage one another in the faith. We hear from God’s Word and participate in the sacraments of communion and baptism.
Find updates and access to worship online at www.ualc.org/worship
Sermon Series
Unlikely THROUGH NOVEMBER 24
Sometimes we imagine Biblical characters in strength and holiness, and we forget just how frail and weak they were. God saves them against all odds, redeems their misguided strengths, and works through their weaknesses.
Our own world needs a lot of saving. God is our only hope, and we can learn how to be faithful and see God working in and through us today, just like he has always done.
Sunday Schedule
Worship Services
Daily Worship Resources
Read Scripture, learn prayer practices, and read a devotion by one of our members or staff.
www.ualc.org/dailyworship
Kids’ Church and Nursery
Kids connect with God in meaningful ways and learn from his Word in highly-engaging ways. On “Small Group Sundays,” elementary kids start in the service and are dismissed prior to the sermon for grade-specific small groups. PreK kids stay in their class the entire service. They build deeper friendships and discipleship conversations. Once a month, elementary kids go to “Rally Sunday,” an exciting, kidfriendly service that runs the entire worship hour. Nursery is available for all services.
www.ualc.org/kidschurch
9:00 am
Nursery
PreK (Ages 4—5)
Kindergarten–5th Grade
11:00 am
Nursery
Kindergarten–5th Grade LYTHAM RD/WINDERMERE
9:00 am
Nursery
11:00 am
Nursery
PreK (Ages 4—5)
Kindergarten–5th Grade
To join the mailing list, contact Melissa Davis: mdavis@ualc.org
Lytham Road Update
The Tabernacle has moved to Windermere Elementary School!
As renovations progress at the Lytham Road Campus, we will be worshiping at Windermere Elementary School for several weeks this fall, and again after the first of the year. During the Advent and Christmas Season, we will worship all together at the Mill Run Campus.
Now–November 24: Worship at Windermere* December 1–January 5: Worship at Mill Run January 12–Spring: Worship at Windermere*
*During this time, livestreaming will be unavailable. Services will still be recorded and made available at noon on Sundays. www.ualc.org/lytham
Thanksgiving Services
THANKSGIVING EVE
Wednesday, Nov. 27 | 7:00 pm
Mill Run | Modern THANKSGIVING
Thursday, Nov. 28 | 10:00 am
Mill Run | Traditional
Hanging of the Greens
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 ∙ 12:30 – 3:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS
Join us for this annual tradition as we gather to decorate the church for the season. Sign up at the Connect Center.
Family Christmas Sermon Series
DECEMBER 1 – JANUARY 5
Sometimes it’s hardest to see the things you see all the time. Christmas can be like that. Shepherds, a manger, Mary and Joseph. That old story.
We forget what a miracle of grace it is. We take for granted, perhaps, that Jesus was born among us. Instead of us trying to get up to God, God came down to us. The act of forgiveness represented in that gracious condescension is more than we could have hoped for, and that’s just the start of the story that changes everything.
And this year we get to celebrate it all together as a church family. From December 1 to January 5 we will worship together at our Mill Run Campus, including our annual Celebration of Advent on December 8. We’re planning for a warm and joyful time together. No matter where you normally worship on Sundays, please make it a priority to worship together this Advent and Christmas season.
Celebration of Advent
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 ∙ 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM & 2:00 PM MILL RUN CAMPUS
A special combined time of worship featuring seasonal music from our worship arts teams, choirs, and orchestra, as well as dramatic elements to bring the themes of Advent to life. (Livestreamed.) Reception following.
All events will happen at the Mill Run Campus. Nursery will be available at the 9:00 and 11:00 am services. There will be no Kids’ Church.
Passionate about singing? Come join us by singing in the choir for Celebration of Advent. Rehearsals begin soon! Please contact Amy at aturnbull@ualc.org.
Advent Midweek Services
DECEMBER 5, 12, & 19 ∙ 12:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS
Worship the Lord and celebrate Communion. An oasis amid the season’s hustle and bustle. Light lunch following.
Christmas for Internationals
DECEMBER 13 ∙ 7:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS
An evening of food, fellowship, music and telling of the first events of Christmas, especially suited for an international audience. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
“Joy to the World” Christmas Concert
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 ∙ 2:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN SANCTUARY
Listen to the Christmas Story, see a kid’s Nativity tableaux, hear Carol Choir kids, and sing Christmas carols together.
The Great Christmas Sing-Along
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 ∙ 7:30-9:00 PM
See page 7 for details.
Christmas Eve
TUESDAY DEC. 24
Mill Run Sanctuary Overflow seating in Fellowship Hall
11:00 AM Traditional Worship with Communion
2:00 PM Modern Worship with Carol Choir (Nursery)
4:00 PM Modern Worship (Nursery)
5:30 PM Modern Worship
7:30 PM Modern Worship (Livestream)
9:00 PM Traditional Worship with Communion (Livestream)
10:30 PM Traditional Worship with Communion
ualc.org/christmas
Christmas
Christmas Day
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25 ∙ 10:00 AM ∙ MILL RUN
Traditional worship with Communion (no livestream).
New Year’s Eve Jazz Service
MILL RUN CAMPUS
Ring in the new year by joining us for an eclectic jazz concert with some of Columbus’ foremost swinging cast! A jazzy worship service will follow, to pray for God’s direction and ask his blessing on this new year.
5:30 pm: Concert
6:00 pm: Worship with Communion
Belonging
Connect in small groups and with prayer, care, and support resources.
Group Opportunities
Small Group Ministry
At UALC, small groups are central to the relational life of our church. Within these groups we can know and be known, love and be loved, and care and be cared for. We share our faith, our questions, our time, and our support. We hear and discuss scripture together and pray with and for one another. In small groups we walk together in the way of the Holy Spirit. UALC small groups are three or more individuals who meet routinely in homes and rooms across the city.
www.ualc.org/smallgroups
Mill Run ∙ Stacy Schad: sschad@ualc.org
Lytham Rd ∙ Tammy Schuster: tschuster@ualc.org
Women of the Word (WOW)
WINTER BIBLE STUDY
In Saints & Scoundrels in the Story of Jesus get a fresh look into what shaped and motivated different characters. This study began in October, but each week stands alone, so you can jump in anytime! For a complete list of days and times, visit ualc.org/wow.
wow@ualc.org
The Revelation Wellness Group
Join us as we whole-heartly get “fit” for God’s mission of loving him and others. For all fitness levels. We “metabolize” the word of God through movement, stretching, prayer, and a time to be still and journal.
Michelle Neely: michelle_neely1@me.com
Friendship Bible Class
WEDNESDAYS ∙ 6:00-7:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN
An opportunity for individuals who are differently-abled to participate in fellowship, worship, and Bible study. Register online.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17 ∙ 7:30-9:00 PM MILL RUN CAMPUS
Christmas joy for all! A concert with the Singing Buckeyes followed by delicious refreshments and carols in the lobby.
Stacy Schad: sschad@ualc.org
A Night to Shine
FEBRUARY 7, 2025
An unforgettable prom night experience centered on showing God’s love to people with special needs, ages 14 years and older. UALC will host Night to Shine along with other churches all around the world. Registration for honored guests and volunteers will open in mid November.
Are you a Tetelestai alumnus? We want to connect with you so we can share reception and performance plans. Please register today at ttt50.org.
ttt50years@gmail.com
Small Group Story
BY RONNI VALENTINO
Have you ever felt like you were starving for fellowship and connection? Not the casual, “Hi, how are you,” but a deeper faith-based relationship with other believers?
About six years ago I found myself in that place. I was a single mom raising a teenager. I was faithfully going to church and serving. I had good Christian friends but was still starving for consistent Bible study and connection. I felt isolated. During college, I was involved in the Navigators, a para church organization, and had enjoyed years of rich Bible study and fellowship with other women. I longed for that type of fellowship again.
A small group was starting near my neighborhood in the home of a friend that I had met at a previous church years ago. We were both now attending UALC and looking for a place to connect. Five women started meeting every other week for Bible study. Our faith deepened as we studied God’s Word together. We enjoyed fellowship and social opportunities together. As we were faithful to invite others, God increased our group. We grew from five to seven, nine, and then twelve. We have become a group of ladies that are walking through life together. Our hearts are being transformed by the study of God’s Word, and we are loving each other and praying for each other as we raise teenagers, support young adults, give children in marriage, say good bye to our parents, go to unsettling doctor appointments, welcome grandchildren, make career changes, grieve the loss of a spouse and a grand baby, and deal with the messiness of family life in a broken world.
I don’t believe God wants us to experience the joys and sorrows of life alone. If you are starving for connection, pray and consider joining or hosting a small group. We have seen God bring together an unlikely group of people to create a beautiful community, and I believe he can and will do the same for you.
Ronni (pictured in yellow) with her small group.
Care & Support
Open Door to Connect
Your pastors and staff have an open door for encouragement, prayer, and growth in all seasons of life.
Pastor Joe Valentino: jvalentino@ualc.org, 614-643-4690
Pastor David White: dwhite@ualc.org, 614-643-4691
Tammy Schuster: tschuster@ualc.org, 614-643-4692
Stacy Schad: sschad@ualc.org, 614-643-4664
Becki Bork: bbork@ualc.org, 614-643-4634
Celebrate Recovery
THURSDAYS ∙ 7:00 – 8:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS
A Christian, 12-step program helping with all sorts of hurts, habits, and hang-ups.
www.ualc.org/celebraterecovery ∙ cr@ualc.org
Education
We are committed to growing the Biblical and theological literacy of our congregation.
Upcoming Classes
Adult Sunday School
LYTHAM ROAD (AT WINDERMERE) ∙ 10:15-11:00 AM MILL RUN ∙ 9:30–10:45 AM
Join an in-depth Bible study and discussion. Weekly on Sundays.
Join an in-depth Bible study led by Pastor Joe and other teachers.
www.ualc.org/education
Joe Valentino: jvalentino@ualc.org
Women of the Word (WOW) Fall Bible Study
See Page 6 for details.
Baptism Class
SECOND SUNDAYS 1:00 PM OR BY APPT
For those interested in being baptized or baptizing their children. Adults, teens, and children of any age are welcome.
Visit www.ualc.org/education
Mill Run ∙ David White: dwhite@ualc.org
Lytham Road ∙ Joe Valentino: jvalentino@ualc.org
Adult Education Hour
The following classes are located at the Mill Run Campus . Register at www.ualc.org/education
Understanding Grief
SUNDAYS ∙ NOVEMBER 3 – 24 ∙ 4:30–6:00 PM
We grieve far more often than just for death or personal tragedy. We will delve into understanding loss in all shapes and sizes, and how to journey through with those experiencing it. Taught by Greg Schad.
Book Study: Luke
SUNDAYS ∙ NOVEMBER 3 – 24, 4:30–6:00 PM
In preparation for some of our Advent texts this class will take aim at themes and passages from the book of Luke—continuing to build Bible study skills and learning about God’s character. This class is taught by Steve Turnbull.
Wells of Truth: The Bible
SUNDAYS ∙ JANUARY 12 – FEBRUARY 9, 2025, 4:30–6:00 PM
Our video series is back! It tackles the Bible, how to read it, how it came to be, and more.
www.ualc.org/education
Austin Bruns: abruns@ualc.org
Next Generation
Kids and teens are formed by foundational Christian teaching in age-appropriate ways. We also equip and support families for prayer and spiritual conversation together.
Kids Ministry
Kids’ Church
See page 2 or go online for more information.
www.ualc.org/kidschurch
Kids Connect
ONCE/MONTH ∙ 6:00-7:30 PM MILL RUN CAMPUS
An opportunity for kids (grades K-5) to gather, and share a meal and activity time with their peers and Kids Ministry leaders. Second Monday of each month. Cost: $10/each. Register online.
www.ualc.org/elementary
Kelsey Bacon: kbacon@ualc.org
First Communion Class & Service
SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 10-24 ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS
An opportunity for children and parents to explore foundational aspects of our purpose, preparation, and participation in communion.
Register at ualc.org/elementary
Melissa Davis: mdavis@ualc.org
Parent Only Class: November 10, 4:00-6:00 pm
Parent & Child Class: November 17, 2:00-4:00 pm
Services on November 24 during regular Sunday services.
UALC Preschool & Kindergarten
www.ualc.org/preschool ∙ preschool@ualc.org
Open House
JANUARY 8 ∙ 6:30-7:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN
Current and prospective families can come visit classrooms, talk with teachers, meet other families and gather information about registration.
Middle School Ministry (MSM)
www.ualc.org/middleschool ∙ Mary Kate Hipp: mhipp@ualc.org
MSM Sunday Nights
SUNDAYS ∙ 5:00-7:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS
Join a fun, welcoming community where middle schoolers can grow, connect, play games with friends, eat dinner, and have faith building experiences. Come check it out, and bring a friend along too!
No MSM December 1, 8, or 28.
Girls Night/Guys Night
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
6:00-9:00 PM ∙ OFF SITE
Come hang out with us in a smaller setting. We’ll play games, eat food, and have fun. Free. Contact Mary Kate for addresses. Register online.
Serve Sunday
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
5:00-7:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN
Normal Sunday night youth group but we will spend the night working on various service projects!
Winter Late Nighter
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6
6:00-11:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN
A late night of crazy games, good food, fun, more fun, and even more fun! Bring your friends! Cost: $10. Register online.
MSM Christmas Party
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15
5:00-7:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN
Normal Sunday night youth group but extra Christmas-y! Join us for Christmas-themed games, hot cocoa, and more!
Teen Connect: Grades 6–12
Teens, come hang out with leaders and each other in the lobbies at Mill Run and Windermere (Lytham Road Campus), every Sunday morning after each service. Free donuts!
Celebration of Advent
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM MILL RUN CAMPUS
Join us for worship and make sure you stop by the HSM/MSM Celebration Zone!
High School Ministry (HSM)
www.ualc.org/highschool ∙ Steve Almquist: salmquist@ualc.org
HSM Sunday Night
SUNDAYS ∙ 5:00-7:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS
Join us Sunday nights for fun, worship and going deeper in relationship with leaders, other students and in God’s Word. No HSM Dec. 1, 8, 21, or 28.
Serve Sunday
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3,
4:00-7:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN
Join us for this chance to serve some of UALC’s partner ministries alongside your friends.
This replaces our regular HSM Sunday Night.
HSM Christmas Party
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 5:00-7:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN
Games, prizes, holiday food and fun with friends! Don’t miss the comical $10 gift exchange!
The BIG Christmas All Nighter
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20, 7:00 PM - SUNDAY, 7:00 AM Christmas is the most amazing time of the year, and you do not want to miss this amazing night of offsite and onsite fun celebrating why Christmas is truly so amazing. Cost: $20.
Partnership & Mobilization
We serve locally in our church, community, and all around the world.
Serve at UALC
Volunteer opportunities (just to name a few) include: Kids’ Church, MSM and HSM small group leaders, greeters, ushers, coffee, worship techs, camera, music/worship, building and grounds, shuttle drivers, care ministry, and photography.
www.ualc.org/serve ∙ Jonathan Nasby: jnasby@ualc.org
Clothes Closet & Such
WEDNESDAYS
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
We welcome donations (gently used clothing, shoes, household items) and drop-in volunteers.
We meet Wednesday mornings in basement of Mill Run Campus. Donations can be dropped off in bins at Mill Run. We are in need of infant and preschool clothes.
michelle_neely1@me.com
Call for Entries: 7-Day Art Challenge
Sign up now for the eighth Annual 7 Day Bible Art Challenge in February. Registration discounts now through Dec. 31 If you’re not an artist, invite someone who is!
ualc.org/7dayart
visualarts@ualc.org
Festa’s 3-Generation Family ESL
Festa’s 3-Generation Family ESL is an English as a second language program that serves entire families — from threemonths to grandparent age — with the education each person needs to take steps out of poverty. Volunteer this school year and change a life! Help with homework, serve dinner, or support adults as they learn English.
info@wearefesta.org ∙ www.ualc.org/festa
Operation Christmas Child (OCC)
In November, OCC collects shoe boxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies for children around the world, to share the Good News of Jesus.
Boxes are available at both campuses through November 17. Return packed shoe boxes to the Mill Run Campus during National Collection Week, November 18-25.
Visit ualc.org/occ for times.
Volunteers are needed during Collection Week. This is a great time to come and serve as we prepare to accept and ship out thousands of OCC boxes.
kerisutter6@gmail.com
Mission Trips
Heart to Honduras Team, June
JUNE 5-11, 2025
This is an HSM trip. The high school team will work with the camp at the HTH headquarters supporting the ministry happening there. Expected cost: $1400-$1700. Led by Steve Almquist.
Heart to Honduras Team, September
SEPTEMBER 2025
Details coming soon. Expected cost: $1400-$1700. Led by Jonathan Nasby and Paige DeWalt.
Mission of Hope | Medical Mission Trip
APRIL 2-9, 2025
We are looking for doctors, medical professionals, and prayer warriors to join us as we have medical clinics in various communities in the Dominican Republic. Estimated cost: $1600-1800. Led by Jonathan Nasby and David Duff.
www.ualc.org/missions ∙ Jonathan Nasby: jnasby@ualc.org
Honoring a Legacy
MARTY & BRUCE CAMERON | WRITTEN BY JONATHAN
NASBY
We celebrate the incredible dedication of Marty and Bruce Cameron, who have faithfully served as volunteer coordinators for International Friendships, Inc. (IFI) for many years. Their commitment has been a bridge connecting our congregation of UALC with the vibrant community of international students in Columbus.
Marty and Bruce have done more than organize events; they have built lasting relationships. Through their efforts, countless students have found friendship, support, and a sense of belonging. Their passion for serving others reflects Christ’s love, turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences of faith and fellowship.
As they step aside, we honor their legacy and the many lives they’ve touched. We remember the shared meals, the cultural exchanges, and the heartfelt prayers that have transformed our ministry. Thank you, Marty and Bruce, for your unwavering dedication; you have made a profound difference in our community.
We are excited to announce that Tara Robison will be stepping into the role of volunteer coordinator for IFI. Tara, an active member of the National Missions Committee, brings a wealth of experience and a passionate desire to foster connections with international students. Her previous mission trips to Honduras and her heart for service align beautifully with our mission at UALC—to be and to make disciples of Jesus Christ..
As we look ahead, let us carry forward the legacy of Marty and Bruce by reaching out with open hearts. Let’s pray for Tara as she embarks on this journey, trusting that God will guide her efforts.
Together, let us shine the light of Christ in our community and beyond, continuing to welcome those who come to us from near and far.
Tara Robison (left) with Marty and Bruce Cameron
Information and Resources
Mill Run Gallery: Art Exhibit Schedule
November 6 – December 30: Central Ohio Watercolor Society, 65 piece exhibit.
Additional exhibits coming in 2025: Railroad photography by Dr. Fred Ripley, Ohio Pastel Art League, UALC Quilt Ministry, Central Ohio Plein Air Society.
visualarts@ualc.org
Connect with us!
myUALC
Do you know about myUALC? myUALC provides ways to connect with others and access to great resources. Visit ualc.org/stayconnected and click on “myUALC Directory” to login, create, or update your profile.
Facebook & Instagram
Stay connected to the church, follow our Facebook and Instagram pages, or join one of our Community Groups for each campus.
www.facebook.com/ualutheran
www.instagram.com/ualutheran
Watch a Sermon
Other Resources
UALC Library
MILL RUN CAMPUS
Find Bibles, non-fiction and fiction books, studies, and materials for kids and teens at the Mill Run Library. Online catalog available.
www.ualc.org/library
Gail Crosser bac54gac55@gmail.com
UALC Mobile App
Use our app to find resources like our Daily Worship Blog, sermons and media, and manage financial giving.
www.ualc.org/app
Did you miss a sermon or want to share one with a friend? Find sermons, or the entire worship service, on YouTube.
www.youtube.com/@UALCvideo
The mission of UALC is to be and to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We believe that God has called us to be an Oasis of His kingdom for a dry and thirsty world. We envision a future where we are so wellwatered in the love and truth and Spirit of Christ that it transforms our life together, and people who encounter our church community would say, “see how they love one another,” to the glory of God.
