June 2024

The June Good News Letter

Check out our website at www.westindependencechurch.org

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

One of the main ambitions taught in our day is that of being a self-promoter. I have even been a part, several years ago, of a training which taught that more self-promotion in the church is a good thing because it aligns with the way more people think, rather than an archaic model of promoting humility and selflessness. Self-promotion is the only way to get ahead in life and get what you want, so it’s said. Without this approach to life, one’s true self will never be discovered and so true happiness is never experienced.

The timeless truth of the Bible teaches much differently. 2 Corinthians 5:9 says, “So whether we are at home or away, we make it our (ambition) to please him.” Here we see where ambition is meant to be placed: to please the Lord. That was the overall goal and approach of the apostle Paul in his ministry. If anyone had reason to selfpromote, it would be him for all his accomplishments. However, what gave him the self-sacrifice needed to accomplish for Christ was a completely selfless spirit.

Self-promotion is a trap that creates an overwhelming worry about being accepted and appreciated. It creates a pressure to portray oneself in a certain way, which can easily drift into losing touch with the identity God created. God has created us to point to Him in all that we are and do, which is where freedom from our sin-nature is found.

One of the mindsets that helps with having an ambition to please God is that of contentment. Where there is no contentment in what God has provided, a sinful ambition is sure to follow. 1 Timothy 6:6 says that, “godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.” As the verses before this passage make clear, ambition without contentment inevitably produces factions and quarrels with others.

We are to have a simple ambition: to please the Lord. This aim should be the motivation of all we do, grounded in contentment with what the Lord has already given. Pleasing God over self-promotion, pleasing God over pleasing people.

In a discontented world, a spirit of contentment is noticeable and will create opportunities to share our faith. Those outside of the faith will wonder how we have a spirit of contentment amidst the chaos of the world. Our contentment will exhibit itself in trusting the Lord to provide and accomplish what is needed.

Let us resist the trap of self-promotion and receive the “great gain” found in living to please God, with contentment.

In His service, Pastor Ben

Annual Conference

The recent Allegheny West Annual Conference was focused on God-honoring, Spirit-filled worship and prayer, seeking God’s presence and guidance. A powerful spirit of unity and fellowship filled the entire gathering. Four business items were approved: previous actions of the Conference Council, the 2025 budget, the Nominations slate, and entering a covenant partnership with the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference. A total of $221,000 was given toward the Miracle Offering to support the Kenya-Ethiopia Conference. Three representatives from that conference were present to share and answer any questions. A Lay Equipping Movement was discussed, along with plans to promote discipleship in all ages. Video recordings of the full conference, along with speaker bios, can be viewed at https://alleghenywestgmc.org/conference-2024.

Children’s Ministry

Sunday School (Kindergarten-5th Grade) in the Kids Life Center

SERIES DESCRIPTION: Start the Party - Celebrate the Good News! Joy - Choosing to Celebrate What God Is Doing

MEMORY VERSE: “A cheerful heart makes you healthy. But a broken spirit dries you up.” Proverbs 17:22, NIrV

WEEK ONE: Lost and Found (The Story of the Lost Sheep) Luke 15:1-7 ( Jane Kirian & Kathy Babb)

WEEK TWO: Over and Over (Feast of Booths) Deuteronomy 16:13-17 (Rhonda Palmer & Maegan Stauffer)

WEEK THREE: Build Your Kingdom Here (Ezra and the Rebuilding of the Temple) Ezra 3:10-13 (Janet Damschroder & Courtney Dysert)

WEEK FOUR: Look Around (Joy in the Psalms) Psalms 8, 16, and 19 (Michele Clark & Linda Bishop)

WEEK FIVE: Reason to Believe (God Will Give Us Joy) Habakkuk 3:17-18 (Janet Damschroder & Kathy Babb)

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: Listen! Deuteronomy 6:4-6 (Elaine Nye & Jenny Kirian)

WEEK TWO: I’ll Obey! Genesis 6:14-22 (Mary Ann Morris & Elaine Nye)

WEEK THREE: Thanks God! Genesis 8:13-22 (Heather Cramer & Monica Metzger)

WEEK FOUR: I Can Give. 2 Chronicles 24:1-14 (Mary Ann Morris & Elaine Nye)

WEEK FIVE: Working Together. Nehemiah 2:4-6 (Maegan & Steven Stauffer)

START THE PARTY - VBS 2024 Celebrate the Good News

June 3-7 we are having our summer VBS program! Make sure to have your kids join us for an awesome time of worship, games, snacks, crafts and so much more!

We will be having a special VBS worship service on June 9 where the kids will get to share a bit of what they experienced in the week!

There will be a carry-in lunch served afterwards in the FLC, so make sure to bring a dish to share! We will also be having, weather permitting, some water activities outside for the kids to further celebrate wrapping up an awesome week of VBS!!

Greetings, WIC Families: Summer is here!

Regular Sunday evening youth programming is taking a break for the summer like usual, but be on the lookout for several activities to be announced like paintball, movie nights, game nights, and more!

In Sunday School we are continuing our “Going Through The Bible” series. This is based off a series of short synpsis videos on YouTube from a channel called the Bible Project. Each week we are covering and discussing a book in the Bible in depth to help give our youth a good general understanding of their Bibles!

Reminder! Our July mission trip is coming up! We will be going to Whitesville, WV to help with some disaster relief. The trip will be July 13-19; the cost is $300 per student, but we will be having some opportunities to get that cost down for everyone!

We will be having a special worship service on July 21 for the students to recount what they have experienced the previous week on the trip. Make sure to attend and hear all God has done through our students in WV! That will also be my final Sunday at West Independence Church, so I look forward to seeing everyone there before heading out!

Have a need you would like some help on? Please contact me and I’ll see if we can get some students together to come and serve!

For any questions or more info involving the youth ministry at WIC, please feel free to contact me at the office at the church: 419-894-6454; my personal number: 330-205-5123 or my email: authenreithministry@gmail.com

~ Blessings and peace for you and your family, Michael Authenreith, Director of NextGen Ministry

"I Will Do...Go...Give...”

We do believe in missions here at West Independence Church!

• We give monthly support to 20 different mission outreaches, and contribute to more than five others.

• Our youth are getting ready to GO on another mission trip this summer when they will once again DO whatever needs to be done and GIVE of themselves to share Christ's love with others.

• Our Women of Worth meet each month not just for a good lunch and fellowship, but to focus on missions around the world and GIVE our offerings to support missionaries working with Native Americans in Arizona/New Mexico , with Muslims in Togo, Africa and with young people right here in Hancock County.

• Our men, too, meet each month to enjoy breakfast together, discuss projects they can DO to help meet needs in the community and learn about mission outreach worldwide.

In the May meeting, this men's group decided to affiliate with Men For Missions (MFM), the laymen's arm of One Mission Society (OMS). The very motto of Men For Missions is "DO ... GO ... GIVE." Members are challenged to DO whatever God asks them to do, to GO wherever God asks them to go, and to GIVE whatever God asks them to give. Countless men, women and children of all ages and walks of life have answered this challenge and their impact cannot be underestimated.

In the late 1950's, MFM raised the money to purchase Radio 4VEH in Haiti, and in 2000 helped fund and build a new 11,000 sq. ft. studio/office complex. MFM'ers - some from our own area - built more than 40 new homes for earthquake victims. In Colombia, Mexico and elsewhere, whole villages and communities are being saturated with a Gospel witness. Most important of all, countless individuals have been led to place their faith in Christ and churches have been formed.

This challenge to “DO ... GO ... GIVE" is our challenge, too, isn't it? As a church and as individual followers of Christ, may God find us faithful.

~ Submitted by Marilyn Shaferly

WOMEN OF WORTH

For the May 2 meeting of Women of Worth, we met at Marilyn Shaferly’s home. There were 20 members and three guests present.

Janet Damschroder opened the meeting with prayer. We enjoyed a lunch prepared by some members of our group.

Birthdays for this month are Drena Metzger on May 12 and Joan Peters on May 19.

Our guest speakers were Gwen Sprague and Stef Tropf from Youth for Christ of Northwest Ohio.

Stef is the Director of Findlay City Life. This ministry is geared to reach the Findlay city kids. It provides spiritual and physical help, and basic life skills. It provides a safe, helpful place for the students. For some, it’s the first time they’ve heard of Jesus and his love. They provide meals for the kids. And they provide a home environment where the kids learn to cook. Part of the problem is that the kids don’t believe in themselves. Some of those who will graduate high school this year are first generation graduates.

Gwen is the Ministry Director at YFC. Youth for Christ is active in 46 states and 110 countries. Locally, there are City Life groups in Findlay and Lima. There are Campus Life groups in Bluffton, Columbus Grove, Liberty Benton and Pandora-Gilboa. One of the main things is for the students to be heard. There are only a couple of churches involved in the Findlay City Life program. They hope to expand the Campus Life into all of the county schools within the next three years. There are several county churches involved with the YFC.

Marilyn noted that today (May 2) is the National Day of Prayer. There will be several churches providing messages at the Marathon Performing Arts Center from 8am to 7pm.

Our meeting was closed in prayer by Marilyn Shaferly.

Our June 6 meeting will be at Honey Joe’s in Arcadia.

~ Mary Ann Morris, Secretary

INTEGRITY MEN FOR MISSIONS

Honey Joe’s Café was the site for the May 4, 2024 monthly breakfast meeting of the Integrity Men For Missions. As usual, a great meal was enjoyed by the 10 men in attendance. Pastor Ben Wallick asked the blessing on the meal. Bob Garner led devotions that focused on John 16:33. He featured two readings, “Jesus Our Comfort In Difficult Times” and a poem entitled “The Road Of Life.”

Mike Leonard offered the Mission Moments, and highlighted Joanna Neff Coppedge and her family, who have left Israel and hope to be headed to the United Kingdom. Mike prayed for them as they await God’s next plan for them.

The group voted to change the name of our chapter to Integrity Men For Missions, to align with our recent move to OMS’s Men For Missions program.

David Shaferly closed the meeting with prayer, lifting up Bob Hill with an upcoming heart procedure, and the family of Carol Sargent, who recently passed away.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, June 1, at 7:30am.

~ John Fetters, Secretary

Father’s Day

The nation’s first Father’s Day was celebrated on June 19, 1910, in the state of Washington. However, it was not until 1972 - 48 years after President Woodrow Wilson made Mother’s Day official - that the day honoring fathers became a nationwide holiday. Father’s Day this year will be on June 16.

The campaign to celebrate the nation’s fathers did not meet with the same enthusiasm - perhaps because, as one florist explained, “Fathers haven’t the ssame sentimental appeal that mothers have.”

The first event explicitly in honor of fathers occurred on July 5, 1908 in Monongah, WV; but it was a one-time commemoration. The next year in Spokane, WA, Sonora Smart Dodd (one of six children raised by a widower) visited many establishments trying to drum up support for a Father’s Day, and she was successful. Washington State celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day on June 19, 1910.

In 1972, in the middle of a hard-fought presidential re-election campaign, Richard Nixon signed a proclamation making Father’s Day a federal holiday at last.

Today the day honoring fathers is celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June. In other countriesespecially in Europe and Latin America - fathers are honored on St. Joseph’s Day, a traditional Catholic holiday that

Garage of Hope

The Garage of Hope was blessed with many wonderful donations in the month of May! We received several beds, dressers, night stands, lamps, mini refrigerators, microwaves, bedding, pillows and towels from a hotel in Findlay that closed. Thank you to everyone that helped load and unload all of these items to both garages in a very organized way! We loaded a box truck, two large trailers and two pickup trucks full! I am so thankful for the strong arms and generous time it took to do this task.

On Fridays, between the hours of 10am and 2pm, families are welcome to come and get what they need. They drive away with mattresses and boxsprings on top of their vehicles tied down with straps, knowing they have a bed to sleep on that night. Two men recently loaded up a couple of recliners, an end table, TV and curtains for their new place, after leaving the Findlay City Mission. Grandparents, helping their grandkids, were able to get a mini fridge, microwave and nightstand. These are just a few examples of how needs of our community are met.

I explain to those who come to the Garage of Hope that this is one of our missions at West Independence Church. Everything is donated by our church community and then donated out to those n need. We would love to have them join us in worship on Sunday!

Thank you for your prayers for this mission as we continue to serve for Jesus!

~ 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)

5/5: 99 (29); 5/12: 123 (42); 5/19: 121 (63); 5/26: 120 (19)

Sunday School Attendance: 5/5: 75; 5/12: 60; 5/19: 67; 5/26: 87

Flag Day

Flag Day celebrates the day in 1777 when the U.S. approved the design for its first flag.

While its look has changed more than a few times over the years, the American flag had remained a symbol of freedom and justice.

Flag Day was founded by a teacher named Bernard J. Cigrand, who began observing the day with his class at Stony Hill School in Wisconsin. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day in May 1916.

Betsy Ross, the famed Philadelphia seamstress, is often credited for making the first flag. But there’s no proof she did. Some historians say it was Francis Hopkinson, a New Jersey delegate to the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence.

The Continental Congress left no record why it chose red, white and blue as the flag’s colors. But in 1872, PBS reported, the Congress of the Articles of Confederation chose the colors for the Great Seal of the U.S. with these meanings:

White for purity and innocence

Red for valor and hardiness

Blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.

WIC Prayer Group

The Prayer Group will meet on Monday, June 13, and Tuesday, June 28, 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.

West Independence Church Family,

I can’t tell you how grateful I am for all you have done for my family. Thank you for all of your cards and prayers through the last couple of years. Thank you for the beautiful funeral dinner. It was a wonderful time for us to visit with our family and friends. I can’t thank you enough.

Thank you for the many prayers, cards and visits you sent our way during Joe’s extended illnesses. Our church family is greatly appreciated, especially at a time such as this. Thank you for the music of the Men’s Quartet at the memorial service, the wonderful meal, and a special thanks to Pastor Ben.

~ Chris Diebley, Lisa, Lauren & Peyton Hutton

To All Who Made Our 60th Anniversary A Wonderful Day

Thank you to all for your generosity and friendship. Love to all!

~ Terry & Joyce (Brubaker)

Highlights of Trustees Meeting

In attendance at the May 6, 2024 meeting: Kathy Babb, Janice Bennington, Judy Cole, Seth Kirian, Brandon Metzger, Lowell Metzger, Rhonda Palmer and Pastor Ben.

Items of business included:

Rhonda Palmer is leaving the Trustees to serve as treasurer of the church. Lowell Metzger is her replacement.

Kathy Babb was elected to serve as the trustee representative to the Memorial Committee.

The issue of water running into the office when it rains is to be investigated. Sand bags and plastic sheeting are currently being used to prevent this.

Items in need of completion are soffit repair on the east side of the church; parsonage roof replacement as well as notifying Rumpke that the recycling dumpster pad needs fixing.

The next Trustees meeting is planned for Monday, June 3, 2024 at 7:00 pm.

~ Seth Kirian, Recorder

June 16, 2023

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain

The majesty of a tree

The warmth of a summer sun

The calm of a quiet sea

The generous soul of nature

The comforting arm of night

The wisdom of the ages

The power of the eagle’s flight

The joy of a morning spring

The faith of a mustard seed

Then God combined these qualities

When there was nothing more to add

He knew his masterpiece was complete And so He called it - Dad.

~ Author Unknown

NOISY OFFERING

The Noisy Offering will be on June 16 and it will benefit the

YOUTH MISSION TRIP To

Whitesville, WV

New Music Opportunity

Do you play an instrument/sing and are interested in being in a contemporary music praise band? Please email Lisa Hutton at lkhutt7@aol.com indicating your instrument (including voice). Ask any musicians you know if they are interested as well!

You’re (WIC) Invited Blake & Nancy Neff’s 50th Anniversary

Saturday, June 22, 2024 2:00 to 4:00 pm

Circleville First Church 431 East Ohio Street Circleville, OH 43113

Please RSVP rjradkins@yahoo.com

Ecclesiastes 4:9

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.”

Children’s Classes:

Birth - Preschool: Nursery

SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE

Summer 2024

Bible stories and songs

Kindergarten - KLC Drawing Closer to God Through 5th Grade: Bible stories and sharing Current: Choosing To Celebrate What God Is Doing

This month's verse is: “A cheerful heart makes you healthy. But a broken spirit dries you up.” Proverbs 17:22, NlrV

Youth Classes:

Jr. High: 6th – 8th FLC-Loft “Going Through The Bible” Series from the Bible Project 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

Current: Waiting on “The Chosen” online

Faithful Followers: Sanctuary The Union Gospel Press Quarterly Bible Study

GRADUATES OF 2024

LEXI KIMBLE - Lexi, the daughter of Tim and Angela Kimble, will be graduating from Arcadia High School on June 2, 2024. She has attended WIC since she was two years old. Lexi was a member of National Honor Society, and enjoyed helping her grandma in Sunday School and VBS. She also enjoys volleyball, weightlifting and reading. Lexi has her STNA. She plans to attend the University of Cincinnati for elementary education.

ERIKA MASSIE - Erika is the daughter of Randy and Amy Massie, and she will be graduating on June 2, 2024 from Arcadia High School and Millstream Career Center. She has been attending our Youth meetings, and has gone on several youth mission trips. Erika set school records for the number of aces in a volleyball match and number of aces for a season. She plans to attend the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, earning a certification for downhill pipe welding.

JACKSON CLARK - Jackson, the son of Rick and Michele Clark, graduates from Bluffton University this spring with a Business Administration and Marketing major, and an honors Liberal Arts Studies minor. He is active in WIC serving as a mission trip volunteer, VBS volunteer and worship leader. Jackson’s future plans are to begin his Masters of Business Administration at Bluffton University.

LUKE METZGER - From the University of Cincinnati

ELI PALMER - Eli, the son of Rod and Rhonda Palmer, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Cincinnati on April 26, 2024. He was on the Dean’s List throughout his college career. Eli attends H20 Church, Cincinnati and a Life Group. He thoroughly enjoys sand volleyball and disc golf. He plans to work at Ridge & Associates.

MIRANDA PALMER - From Columbus State

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.”