UALC_Ministry Guide: March–April 2023

As we enter the months of March and April, we are excited to continue the momentum of our ministry year. We are pleased to offer another comprehensive guide that is designed to help you grow in your faith and lean into our vision to be an Oasis of God’s kingdom for a dry and thirsty world.

In this issue, you will find a variety of programs and activities that cater to people of all ages. We have focused on creating opportunities for spiritual growth and community building. From Lenten worship and small groups to service projects and summer activities, there is something for everyone.

As we move through the season of Lent and into the joy of Easter, we encourage you to take advantage of these offerings and to invite friends and family to join you as we journey together in faith. Check out the Lent and Easter schedule, including the new Maundy Thursday service that includes a Seder-like meal experience of the Last Supper.

Thank you for your continued support and participation in our church. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming services, events, and programs.

God’s

Peace, Kirsten Svendsen Communications Director

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

Matthew

We continue our series in the Gospel of Matthew through Easter. This book is a story about the work of God and how he is fulfilling his covenant promises in and through Jesus the Messiah. This is what Jesus means when he begins his ministry announcing, “the Kingdom of Heaven is now at hand.” We learn from Jesus to better understand God’s Kingdom as he teaches us how to live in it.

The House We Build Together

Matthew Journal

JANUARY 8–APRIL 9

Dive deeper into the sermon series with our journal. Use it at home and bring to worship each week. Available online.

 www.ualc.org/journal

“In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy Temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”

(Ephesians 2:21-22)

That “building” is you. And me. And it’s the people who aren’t here yet. It’s the people who have gone before us, and the people who will come after us. It’s all of us together in the grace of Jesus Christ and the presence of God’s Spirit. That’s the church that God is building, and it’s the church God calls us to build together with him. I am praying that God will use this critical season of our life together to draw each of us closer to Christ and all of us closer together. I am praying that God will empower us to accomplish the vision he has given us. And I ask you to join me in prayer, asking God for your next steps of growth in Christ and for the part he wants you to play in building the house together.

- Pastor Steve

Sunday Schedule Worship Services

9:00 am* — Modern 11:00 am — Modern

Kids’ Church & Nursery

9:00 am* — Traditional 11:00 am — Modern

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, kids go to “Rally Sunday,” an exciting, kid-friendly service that runs the entire worship hour (no Rally Sunday in March but join us on April 16). Nursery is available for all services.

9:00 am

PreK (Ages 4—5)

Kindergarten–5th Grade

11:00 am

Kindergarten–5th Grade

Daily Worship Resources

BLOG & BOOKMARK

11:00 am

PreK (Ages 4—5)

Kindergarten–5th Grade

Follow along with our Daily Worship Blog to read scripture, learn prayer practices, and read a devotion by one of our members or staff. It’s a great way to follow along with the sermon series. Scripture reading list bookmarks are also available in the Connect Centers.

 www.ualc.org/dailyworship

MILL RUN CAMPUS

MILL RUN CAMPUS

LYTHAM ROAD CAMPUS

LYTHAM ROAD CAMPUS

*Livestream available at www.ualc.org/worship.

Lent and Easter Season

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter

Lent is the six-week (40 day) period between Ash Wednesday and Easter. In this season of the Christian calendar, the church focuses on themes of repentance and our dependence on Jesus. To help you practice Lent, our sermon series, daily worship and small group material will all tie-in to the Lent and Easter season.

 www.ualc.org/lent

Lenten Midweek Services | March 8-29

Mill Run: 7:00 pm — Wednesdays

Worship Service (Snacks following)

Lytham Road: 12:00 pm — Thursdays: Traditional Service (Light lunch following).

Palm Sunday | April 2

Both Campuses: Normal Sunday Schedule (9:00, 11:00 am)

Maundy Thursday | April 6

Mill Run: 6:15 pm — Appetizers & Fellowship

6:30 pm — Creative Meal-Centered

Service*: a Seder-like experience of the Last Supper

Lytham Road Campus: 12:00 pm, Traditional Service (No lunch)

Good Friday | April 7 Combined Service at Lytham Road Campus 12:00–3:00 pm — Tre Ore 6:00 pm* and 7:30 pm — Tenebrae Services (Livestream 6pm)

(*Nursery available)

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday Schedule

 www.ualc.org/easter

6:15 am — Sunrise Service Columbarium

7:30 am — Modern Service with Communion

9:00 am — Modern Service with Communion (Livestream)

11:00 am — Modern Service with Communion

Easter Egg Hunt

APRIL 9, 10:30 AM

7:30 am — Traditional Service with Communion

9:00 am — Traditional Service with Communion (Livestream)

11:00 am — Modern Service with Communion (Livestream)

LYTHAM ROAD CAMPUS

Bring your family and join us for an Easter egg hunt!

LYTHAM ROAD CAMPUS

MILL RUN CAMPUS

Partnership & Mobilization

We serve locally in our church, community, and all around the world.

Advance The Mission of UALC

Giving to the general fund makes ministry possible at UALC. 20% of the general fund goes directly to supporting missions like the ones below. The other 80% supports preaching the gospel and the ongoing work of this church. Thank you for your additional giving to help keep us on track!

 www.ualc.org/give

Women’s Mission Trip | Team Prayer Call

JUNE 7-14

Pray for the team of women going to the Dominican Republic. They will serve and bring hope and empowerment to women in the community.

 Amy Turnbull — aturnbull@ualc.org

 www.ualc.org/missions

Music Opportunities

Worship Arts Team

Leading worship is far more than sharing musical talent. It is loving God back with every ounce of our being, and inviting others into experiencing God’s love. Do you have a passion for this? Join our community as we seek to grow through a life of discipleship, and in our skills via workshops and trainings.

 Ashley Fruhling — afruhling@ualc.org

Lytham Choral Ministry

REHEARSALS

Wednesdays 7:00–8:30 pm

SINGS

Sundays 9:00 am Service

Sing with the choir where you meet friendly disciples and learn great music in support of the gospel.



Stephen Caracciolo scaracciolo@ualc.org

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at UALC

We serve one another on Sunday mornings as greeters, ushers, worship techs, and more. There are also opportunities to get involved with youth ministries serving kids and families from infant to high school.

 For more information visit www.ualc.org/serve

 Jonathan Nasby jnasby@ualc.org

Clothes Closet & Such

WEDNESDAYS ∙ 9:00 AM MILL RUN CAMPUS

Supplying gently used clothing, shoes, and small household items to those in need in the Greater Columbus area and Ohio. Volunteers are welcome on Wednesdays, 9:00 am in the Mill Run Campus lower level for sorting. Donations can be dropped off in bins at both campuses.

 Michelle Neely michelle_neely1@me.com

Kairos Prison Ministry Cookies

Bake homemade, chocolate chip cookies to share with correctional residents on the Kairos weekend. Pray over them and package one dozen per one-gallon Ziplock bag. Label “Kairos” and bring to freezers at either campus by Thursday, March 9.

 www.ualc.org/kairos

 Randy Roys — randy.roys@outlook.com

Volunteer at Vacation Bible School

Serve at VBS

JUNE 26-30

VBS takes 300+ adult and teen volunteers to help put together one amazing week for kids. Please give your time and serve the children of our church and the surrounding community bringing the message of God as our refuge.  www.ualc.org/vbs

Adult Volunteers

Volunteers are needed for classroom teachers, cooks, resource prepping, set decorations, hospitality, store, art team and more.

Teen Helpers

Teens who have finished 6th-12th grade can serve. Opportunities include classroom help, game-time, song/skit leader and more.

MY VBS STORY

CARA ADAMS

Last year I volunteered as a teacher at Mill Run for UALC VBS. It was my very first experience with the way we do VBS at UALC. As a newer attendee, I was excited to have the opportunity to volunteer. It was a great way to get to know more people from both UALC campuses, and also work with an age group of kids I am passionate about. I am a teacher by trade, and I was able to use my teaching experience to help the kids in my VBS group feel comfortable at such an exciting event and really learn the important messages about God being taught through the Bible story and the drama each day.

Teaching kids about God always feels good! Their eyes light up as they learn the songs with big truths about who God is and how he loves them. It is fun to watch them take it all in. I learned a lot from their enthusiasm and joy throughout the whole week. It was a special week for me to watch what God is already doing at this new church we’ve joined.

Volunteer For 3-Generation Family ESL Program Festa

TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 6:00–8:30 PM

MILL RUN CAMPUS

There is a volunteer opportunity for every person & group — families with children, high school students, after-hours preschool and grade school teachers, retirees, small groups and everyone in between!

www.ualc.org/festa

 www.wearefesta.org/volunteer

 volunteer@wearefesta.org

Belonging

Connect in small groups and with prayer, care, and support resources.

Care & Support

LIFEwalk Ministry

We are not designed to journey through this life alone, and while we believe Jesus is sufficient for all our needs, sometimes we need help seeing Jesus in the midst of crisis or challenges. LIFEwalk is designed to help with that.

LIFEwalk is a confidential Biblebased prayer ministry committed to the care and encouragement of God’s people. It is not counseling. It IS listening, encouraging, praying, coming alongside one another. When someone is facing a difficult or challenging situation, however big or small, they can request a LIFEwalk team — two trained lay prayer ministers — who will meet with the person on a regular basis for prayer and support.

 www.ualc.org/lifewalk

 Becki Bork — bbork@ualc.org

Prayer Ministry

Do you need prayer? Reach out and share your requests and our prayer ministers will begin praying on your behalf. Would you like to pray for others? We welcome our UALC family to join the weekly prayer email, to pray for the concerns of our people, our church, and our world.

 www.ualc.org/prayer

Small Groups

Small Group Ministry

Small groups are three or more individuals meeting together routinely in homes and rooms across the city. UALC Small Groups are where we can join together to know and be known, love and be loved, and care and be cared for. Small group ministry is central to the relational life of our church. In small groups we learn one another’s stories, struggles, and joys. We share our faith, our questions, our time, and our support. We learn Scripture together, and pray with and for each other. In small groups we rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn, and we are our first and best line of defense in caring for one another.

Go online to express interest or look at existing groups seeking new members.

 www.ualc.org/smallgroups

 Dan Kidd — dkidd@ualc.org

More Opportunities

Men’s & Women’s Bootcamp Weekends

Explore key questions about who God intends you to be and the spiritual battle for your heart during this weekend retreat.

Men’s Camp:

June 1-4, Wild Ridge Young Life Camp, WV, $295

Women’s Camp:

April 27-30, Eagle’s Wing Lodge, Hocking Hills, OH, $285

 Jeff Schuster bootcamp@ualc.org

 Tammy Schuster wbootcamp@ualc.org

 Register at www.ualc.org/bootcamp

MONDAYS ∙ 9:30–10:45 AM

Christ-centered fitness group combining the Word of God with a full body workout. Mondays, 9:30–10:45 am, at Lytham Road Campus. All fitness levels welcome! Ages 18 and up. Register online.

 www.ualc.org/sports

 Michelle Neely — michelle_neely1@me.com

Education

We are committed to growing the Biblical and theological literacy of our congregation. See the opportunities for learning below, and look for more offerings for adults in the coming year.

Upcoming Classes

New Member Class:

Joining the Family and Mission of UALC

APRIL 23-MAY 7 ∙ 4:00-5:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

UALC is a dynamic family always welcoming new people. This three session class is built for those who want to meet people and join our community in following Jesus together. Led by Campus Pastors and staff, it’s the best way to get connected and understand how we live out our mission and vision. New Member Sunday on May 21, at 10:00 am.

 Register at www.ualc.org/newmember

 David White — dwhite@ualc.org (MR)

 Joe Valentino — jvalentino@ualc.org (LR)

Thursday Bible Study

WEEKLY ON THURSDAYS 10:30 AM ∙ LYTHAM ROAD

Join an in-depth Bible study led by Pastor Joe and other teachers.

 www.ualc.org/stayconnected

 Joe Valentino jvalentino@ualc.org

Adult Sunday School

WEEKLY ON SUNDAYS

10:00–11:00 AM – LYTHAM ROAD ∙ 9:30–10:30 AM – MILL RUN

Join an in-depth Bible study and discussion. Everyone is welcome.

 www.ualc.org/sundayschool

 Mill Run: David Jakes — davidjakess89@gmail.com

 Lytham Road: Barb Masten — barbaramasten@att.net

Baptism Class

SECOND SUNDAY EVERY MONTH AT 1:00–2:00 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT

For those interested in being baptized or baptizing their children. Adults, teens, and children of any age are welcome.

 www.ualc.org/baptism

 Mill Run: David White dwhite@ualc.org

 Lytham Road: Joe Valentino jvalentino@ualc.org

Other Resources

UALC Libraries

LYTHAM ROAD CAMPUS ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

Find Bibles, non-fiction and fiction books, studies, and materials for kids and teens at both LR and MR libraries. Online catalog available.

 www.ualc.org/library

 Gail Crosser

bac54gac55@gmail.com

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.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School 2023

JUNE 26–30

VBS is a week full of children, teens, and adults singing, playing, laughing, and learning all about Jesus. Kids will find our buildings transformed into a desert land, ready for them to journey with Daniel and friends through Israel’s exile years in Babylon. At the end of the story, an Oasis awaits, with refreshment that only comes from God. Invite friends!

Vacation Bible School

Mill Run Campus. Kids finishing Kindergarten—Grade 5.

Morning Session

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Afternoon Session

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Young Kid VBS

Ages 18 months—PreK with a caregiver. Lytham Road Campus

Morning Session Only

9:30 - 11:00 am

(nursery available for 3-18 mo)

REGISTRATION

Early Bird Registration: $15 (by May 26)

Registration: $25 (May 27 and after)  www.ualc.org/vbs

Kids Ministry

Kids Camp

JULY 16–20 ∙ WOODLAND LAKES CAMP ∙ AMELIA, OH

Fun, faith-formational overnight camp for kids completing grades 2–5. Register by July 1.

 www.ualc.org/camps

 Contact Melissa Davis mdavis@ualc.org

Kids’ Church

EVERY SUNDAY

See page 2 or go online for more information. 

www.ualc.org/kidschurch

Middle School Ministry

MSM Sunday Nights

WEEKLY ON SUNDAYS

4:00–6:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN

Join a fun, welcoming community where middle schoolers can grow, connect, play lots of games with friends, and have many faith building opportunities. New students are welcome to start attending any week.

 www.ualc.org/middleschool

 Kelsey Bacon

kbacon@ualc.org

MSM

Bowling Night

MARCH 10, 6:00–8:00 PM

Come join us for a fun night of bowling and pizza at Ten Pin Alley in Hilliard!

 www.ualc.org/middleschool

 Kelsey Bacon — kbacon@ualc.org

MSM Spring Late Nighter

APRIL 14 ∙ 6:00–11:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

Come hang out for huge fun and games, pizza, and more. Invite friends!

 www.ualc.org/middleschool

 Kelsey Bacon — kbacon@ualc.org

Middle School Mission Trip (Local)

JUNE 12–14 ∙ CENTRAL OHIO

Join us for a 3-day, 2-night mission trip in Columbus! We will serve with lots of different ministries around the city, and learn about God’s call on our lives to be on mission wherever we are.

 www.ualc.org/middleschool

 Kelsey Bacon — kbacon@ualc.org

MSM Camp

JULY 11–15 ∙ WOODLAND LAKES CAMP ∙ AMELIA, OH

Don’t miss a week of outdoor adventures, awesome teaching and worship, and hanging with friends at Woodland Lakes Camp. UALC members, non-members, and friends welcome.

Register by July 1.

 www.ualc.org/camps

 Kelsey Bacon — kbacon@ualc.org

High School Ministry

HSM Sunday Funday - Bowling

MARCH 5, 2:30-5:30 PM

These are HSM Sunday Nights that are longer and even more focused on fun and connecting. We hope you will join us and bring your friends. Cost is $15.

 www.ualc.org/highschool

High School Seniors Only

APRIL 16, 23, & MAY 7 - 10:00-11:00 AM MILL RUN CAMPUS

Seniors, join us for these great times of fun, celebrating you but also connecting about some really important things in your life. A special Senior’s Dinner is on May 8, 6:30 pm (meet at Mill Run).

 www.ualc.org/highschool

HSM Mission Trip

JUNE 11–17 ∙ MILWAUKEE, WI

Short term mission trips are incredible times of partnering with God in what He is doing in other places. They are also great opportunities to grow closer to Him and other students.

 www.ualc.org/highschool

 Steve Almquist salmquist@ualc.org

Family Camp at Cedar Bay

JULY 29–AUGUST 4 ∙ CEDARVILLE, MI

A fun camp open to all ages. Opportunities for growth, refreshment, and fun on the Lake Huron shore in Cedarville, Michigan. Registration is full but you can join the wait list.

 www.ualc.org/camps

Spring Congregational Meeting

Join us for our spring meeting where there will be a vote on nominees for Church Council and Nominating Committee along with a Senior Pastor report.

 www.ualc.org/council

 council@ualc.org

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.

Hilliard Mill Run Campus

3500 Mill Run Drive

Hillard, OH 43026

Upper Arlington Lytham Road Campus

2300 Lytham Road Columbus, OH 43220 www.ualc.org