The August Good News Letter
Check out our website at www.westindependencechurch.org
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
“Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!”
Psalm 27:14
Do you enjoy waiting? I sure don’t, and I know I’m not alone. God has hardwired us to enjoy achievement over waiting. Finishing the project, scratching the item off the to-do list, receiving what is requested is always preferred to having it linger unaccomplished. Sure, there are times when I don’t mind waiting, but when there is nothing to do while waiting? It’s been said to “never say never,” but I honestly cannot think of a time where joy has been found in the action of waiting.
All around us, there actually seems to be the encouragement to dislike and avoid waiting. For example, in our world today businesses are evaluated on wait times. One of Amazon’s top priorities, and one of the main reasons they have become such a retail giant, is their 2-day shipping on practically everything they sell. This feature meets the human desire to not have to wait.
The challenge of waiting was brought to the front of the world’s attention recently with the tech outage affecting airlines, banks, health systems and tv networks. This occurrence was a reminder of the fragility of the vastly interconnected tech systems in our world today, which are inevitable flawed even in the priority of not making the customer wait. It could also serve as a reminder of the importance of (and an exercise in!) waiting for the Lord.
Waiting is difficult, but as Psalm 27:14 says it produces strength and courage. There may be many elements in the waiting: hardship, discouragement, opposition, and soul-searching. There may be anxiety, as waiting without the Lord in mind inevitably produces. There may be temptations to doubt: God isn’t listening, God has forsaken me, God has forgotten me. But when we wait for the Lord, when we dwell on His promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us, that He is with us in the waiting, our faith and trust in Him is strengthened immensely.
“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31
May we actively wait for Him in our individual lives of faith, in the church, and in light of the return of the Lord which is near.
Blessings,
Pastor Ben
Children’s Ministry
Sunday School (Kindergarten-5th Grade) in the Kids Life Center
DIVE DEEP: There’s always more to explore WISDOM - Finding out what you should do - and doing it!
MEMORY VERSE: “If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone and doesn’t find fault.” James 1:5, NlrV
WEEK ONE: Growin’ Up {Jesus Grows in Wisdom} Luke 2:41-52 (Jane Kirian & Kathy Babb)
WEEK TWO: See Yourself {Speck and Plank} Matthew 7:1-5 (Rhonda Palmer & Maegan Stauffer)
WEEK THREE: Much Needed Advice {Rehoboam Listens to Fools} 2 Chronicles 10 (supporting: Proverbs 13:20) (Janet Damschroder & Courtney Dysert)
WEEK FOUR: Don’t Stop {Renew Your Mind} Romans 12:2 (Michele Clark & Linda Bishop)
Monthly Family Bags are available with devotions, activities and a themed gift. They are on the table by the Sanctuary for Preschool and Elementary students
Nursery/Preschool Class (Birth-Preschool)
WEEK ONE: Who should I love? Matthew 22:34-40 (Elaine Nye & Jenny Kirian)
WEEK TWO: You want me to forgive?: Matthew 18:21-35 (Mary Ann Morris & Elaine Nye)
WEEK THREE: Be kind to everyone! Luke 10:25-37 (Heather Cramer & Monica Metzger)
WEEK FOUR: I can help! Matthew 20:17-28 (Mary Ann Morris & Elaine Nye)
YOUTH GROUP NEWS will return in the September 2024 Good News Letter.
All is Not War
We all know that war is going on in and around Israel. But that is not the whole story, thankfully. Unprecedented ministry and witness to Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, is also going on. Did you know that many, if not most, Israelis do not even know Jesus’ name in Hebrew? They know Him by another namewhich is considered a curse word. 99% of the inhabitants of the country where Jesus lived out His earthly life do not know or care where or what He taught or that He died for their sins. In fact, many are openly hostile to Christian witness. And the Church in Israel is not trained in evangelism. Most Jewish Christians have never shared their faith, or even publicly identified as followers of Jesus.
As horrible as war is, there is a positive side. The turmoil is moving Israelis spiritually. Requests for the New Testament (a forbidden book) are pouring in. IDF soldiers, traumatized and afraid, are turning to their Christian comrades. Families experiencing loss of home or loved ones are gratefully accepting comfort and peace offered by Christians.
Untold numbers of Christian ministries and Christian workers are defying opposition and the dangers of war to share the Gospel throughout Israel. They hand out tracts and hold up banners in the streets of Ashkelon and Ashdod; they give out food to the homeless of Tel Aviv; they visit Russian Jews and elderly Holocaust survivors in Haifa; they patrol the beaches along the Mediterranean, sharing the Gospel with international tourists and Jews from Ethiopia who trace their ancestry all the way back to King Solomon!
One by one, Jewish people are responding:
• A self-proclaimed atheist in Upper Galilee admitted if God does exist, she did not want to face His judgment for her sins. After a lengthy conversation, she prayed to receive Jesus.
• On the beach of Netanya, an Ethiopian Jew was picking up trash and cleaning the beach chairs. He had heard about Jesus in Ethiopia, but did not know the gospel. When a missionary shared the gospel with him, he prayed right there on the beach to receive Jesus.
• An Orthodox Jewish man reported that Jesus had appeared to him in a dream and told him He is the promised Jewish Messiah. The man received Jesus, but did not know any other Jews like him until he encountered Jewish missionaries on the busy downtown streets of Tel Aviv.
• War may be the newscaster’s headline, but let us rejoice and praise God that war is not the whole story.
~ Submitted by Marilyn Shaferly
WOMEN OF WORTH
For the July 11 meeting of Women of Worth we met at the Wildcat Café in Vanlue. There were fifteen members in attendance.
President Marilyn Shaferly opened the meeting with prayer before we ate.
Birthdays to be celebrated this month are for Lee Blanton, Jeannette Bowman and Wanda Fruth.
Ilene Hoy, a long-time member of our group, passed away on June 25. We remember her for her faithfulness and service.
The Five-Minute Feature was given by Mary Ann Morris. The subject was Elizabeth Payson Prentiss who wrote the words to the hymn, “More Love to Thee, O Christ.”
Marilyn Shaferly gave updates on several missions. These include:
• Mike Todd who works with Child Evangelism Fellowship.
• The Ayenas in Togo are through the hot months.
• Muslims who died as they went to or from Mecca for Hajj.
• The Grismores – Letty’s mother passed away; they are busy at Wright Patterson Air Force Base; and they are expecting their first grandchild.
• Mike and Laura Schubert and the challenges that they experience – with their work and very busy schedules.
• One Mission Society’s presence in Ethiopia - and around the world.
• Some history of the One Mission Society.
• Information about the Annual Conference for the Global Methodist Church.
Marilyn pointed out that there is prayer meeting at our church on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month.
Prayer was requested for Linda Bishop who is having hip surgery on July 25.
The next meeting will be on August 1 at the Arcadia Park. Bring your own lunch.
INTEGRITY MEN FOR MISSIONS
Nine men gathered for breakfast at the monthly meeting of Integrity Men for Missions on Saturday, July 3. Bob Hill offered the blessing before the meal at Honey Joe’s Café. We ate like a bunch of hungry farmers.
On a more serious nature, prayer was requested for Bob Hill’s grandson, Matthew Hill. Matthew is having a reoccurring medical condition that will need some attention soon.
Also, prayer was requested for Dick Cole. Dick has been in and out of hospitals for the last couple months.
Our special guest speakers for breakfast were Gary Sowders and his son, Andrew Sowders. They reside in the Fostoria area. As a sidelight, Andrew had to leave breakfast a little early so he could join the Youth Mission Trip that was heading to Whitesville, WV.
Gary continued to talk about he and his family’s work in Haiti with an organization called “Many Hands for Haiti.” Additionally, Gary tries to travel to Haiti every couple months to assist Many Hands in their endeavors. Gary also takes along a few employees from his Ohio business company to assist Many Hands projects in Haiti.
Many Hands for Haiti goal is “Growing Communities & Strengthening Families Through Love.” He also reported that, “We intentionally walk with families and communities to build a solid foundation for life transformation, breaking the cycles of poverty. We believe every child deserves to be fed, and every parent deserves the power to care for their family. Together, we can rebuild, and renew communities.”
Our breakfast meeting was adjourned, being led in prayer by David Shaferly.
~ Submitted by Mike Leonard for John Fetters, Secretary
Kentucky Mountain Bible College “Anthem Trio”
coming to West Independence Church Sunday, August 4, 2024 9:00 a.m.
Come prepared to be blessed!
Love Offering to be received.
WELCOME TO YOUTH & CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR
Please continue to pray for Jill Frantz, our new Youth & Children’s Ministry Director, and her sons as they move to Findlay from Beaumont, Texas. Their first Sunday with us will be August 11.
Highlights of Trustees Meeting
In attendance at the July 1, 2024 meeting were Lowell Metzger, chair; Janice Bennington, Brandon Metzger, Judy Cole and Pastor Ben.
Old and/or tabled business included soffit repair in July; new ballast in FLC, leaning light poles on the west side, the nursery sink drain, and roofing for the parsonage.
New business included straightening the leaning wood electric pole and using new/brighter light fixtures, and further work on the nursery drain. The committee is working on large expenditure items for budgeting purposes. And the parsonage inspection is planned for September.
The next meeting of the Trustees is planned for Monday, August 5, 2024 at 7:00 pm.
~ Submitted by Seth Kirian
NOISY OFFERING
The Noisy Offering will be on August 18 and it will benefit the GARAGE OF HOPE
Garage of Hope
Your West Independence Church Garage of Hope has been very busy during the Summer months! We are thankful for the donations that have benefited those in need. We have helped people from as far away as Leipsic this past month. We were able to help a young lady who had been living at the City Mission for 12 months. She got the help she needed to move out on her own and secure a job. When she arrived at the Garage of Hope, she asked what the procedure was to be able to get what she needed. I told her this was our church’s mission / ministry and everything is donated in and donated out to help whoever needs it. She began to cry thankful tears. I gave her a hug and we loaded her car with many items, except a bed - which she still needs. She was very grateful and excited to begin her new life in her apartment.
Another young lady, who "cleaned up" her life years ago, now has a good job and is taking care of her children. She is praising God because a mass that was found in her abdomen a few weeks ago was no longer there at her last doctor appointment. She still has some other medical issues but now has insurance to help with those.
My favorite story this past month is from a family that was looking for twin beds for their twins! The dad, mom, 4 year old twins and baby were all sleeping in the same bedroom. The twins were still sleeping in toddler beds and outgrowing them. The boy and girl were able to pick out their own pillows and stuffed animals to use in their new beds, in their new bedroom! A lady from the same town with a pickup truck was there at the same time, and offered to haul the beds for them!
God is so good!! Thank you for your continued prayers and donations. Below are the items we are out of and asked for:
Bath towels
Fans
Coffee Makers
Toasters
Silverware
Pots&Pans
Bedding
Couches
Dressers
Beds
~ Submitted by Melissa Houck
Mark Your Calendars
The Sunday morning worship services will continue to be live streaming on YouTube/Facebook, as well as in person service. Please attend as you are comfortable and feel you can safely do so. Be sure to watch the bulletin, newsletter articles, and Facebook for event announcements.
Worship Attendance (and YouTube Views)
7/7: 102 (49); 7/14: 86 (N/R); 7/21: 138 (35); 7/28: 79 (17)
Sunday School Attendance: 7/7: 79; 7/14: 63; 7/21: 77; 7/28: 47
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV
I thank you for all your prayers for me.
As you may know, I had another health concern, as the MRI showed some changes in my remaining partial kidney. But the biopsy was benign. I believe that was due to the power of prayer.
I am doing fine and again, I thank you.
Sheila Fox (sister of Craig Ford & Sandy Cole-Cassidy)
INVITATION
Findlay Flatlands Circuit Gathering
All are invited to a Findlay Flatlands Circuit gathering on August 27 at 7:00 p.m. This event will be an uplifting time of worship, fellowship and hearing about what is happening in our circuit and conference. The guest preacher is the Rev. Dr. Jeff Greenway. Please feel free to meet there or at WIC by 5:45 p.m. to carpool.
Location: Kenton First Methodist Church 234 North Main Street Kenton, OH 43326
WIC Prayer Group
The Prayer Group will meet on Monday, August 12, and August 26, in Room #8.
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18
We are thankful for this group of prayer warriors who undergird our ministry, and we invite you to come and join us. Whether you are a member of the Prayer Group officially or not, please be praying for our nation during this difficult time.
Dear West Independence,
We are excited to share with you that we have had 99 successful guest move-outs this year! Our expanded Workforce Development Program is helping our guess move from crisis to stability - all because of your generosity. Thank you so much for your support!
Blessings, City Mission Staff
Children’s Classes:
Birth - Preschool: Nursery
Kindergarten - KLC
SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE
Summer 2024
Bible stories and songs
Drawing Closer to God Through 5th Grade: Bible stories and sharing Current: Finding Out What You Should Do - And Doing It!
This month's verse is:
“If any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He will give it to you. God gives freely to everyone and doesn’t find fault.”
James 1:5, NlrV
Youth Classes:
Jr. High: 6th – 8th FLC-Loft
Stand-Alone Topics
Sr. High: 9th – 12th FLC-Loft To give a better general understanding of the Bible
Adult Classes:
Revolve: FLC Room # 9
Faith Builders: FLC Room #10
Video Class: FLC Room #12
Class topics revolve around daily life and challenges. Current: “Take Back Your Life” by Levi Lusko
Topical
Current: “1 Corinthians - The Authentic Christian Life” by Dr. David Jeremiah
Watch relevant videos regarding Christian topics Upcoming in September: “The Chosen” Season 4
Faithful Followers: Sanctuary The Union Gospel Press Quarterly Bible Study
WestIndependenceChurch
servingourcommunity asa
GlobalMethodistCongregation
Anniversaries:
8/06 Nick & Jennifer Bateson 8/24 Floyd & Judy Rader
8/06 Austin & Brittany Metzger 8/26 Vince & Amy McDonald
8/08 Steve & Lisa Waaland 8/26 Ken & Nancy Powell
8/13 Kevin & Brittany Doty 8/27 Dave & Linda Mikkelsen
8/13 Bart & Beckie Rader 8/28 Scott & Heather Cramer
8/19 Al & Diane DeVooght 8/28 Bob & Peggy Hill
The Good News Letter is the
SeniorPastor: BenWallick
Email: office@westindependencechurch.org
Our Mission
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I will be with you always, to the very end of the age.” ~ Matthew 28:18-20 NIV
Our Vision
a vibrant, prayer-filled church where people find, know and worship God.
