March 2024

The March Good News Letter

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Matthew 16:24-25

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

The above verses are typically brought to mind during the self-denial season of Lent. What a shocking call it is by Jesus, to take up one’s cross and follow Him, to be disciples. This description even sounds harsh, doesn't it? Equally shocking is the end result given, the hope and promise of “finding one’s life.” That’s what everyone is after, isn’t it? Finding the things that give a sense of, “that’s what I’m supposed to be doing.” Finding joy, rest, peace, fulfillment, a being provided for. How can the hope and promise given go along with the harsh metaphor of discipleship?

They go together because of the all-in quality of discipleship, stemming from the completely new identity in Christ. Following Jesus isn't an add-on to life; it's being given a completely new one. There's a spiritual death that needs to occur within, one that will even seem as painful as going to the cross with Christ, as there's a separation from the previous self. One's new identity in Christ goes even to the cross, but also with him to the resurrection.

The will is submitted to Jesus' lordship, which very well may not give much comfort and convenience. These things will be given up to a certain extent in His call to serve. However, the real issue is not what is given up to following Jesus - it’s our willingness to follow him regardless of the cost. What's needed in considering this aspect of discipleship is to remember what it cost Him, his very life unto death, and the fact that He frees us from the cost of sin which is death and hell.

Following Christ may not involve much comfort, but it always involves spiritual freedom. He offers freedom from the anxiety that results from looking to everything else but Him to find the fulfillment only He can give. He offers freedom from the life of self-focus which results in loneliness from which many are suffering from according to recent studies. He has given the gift of the church, the Body of Christ, to help keep from drifting into the trap of being self-absorbed.

Following Christ is all-or-nothing, it can't be done halfway. It's complete allegiance and submission to Him. He never promises it will be easy, but it carries the greatest blessing.

Friends, during this season of Lent, let us commit to come after Jesus, deny ourselves and follow Him, as we grow in Christlikeness and become more fully who we were created to be.

Grace and Peace, Pastor Ben

Children’s Ministry

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

SERIES DESCRIPTION: Connected, Switch on the Power of Peace. Peace - Proving you care more about each other than winning an argument

MEMORY VERSE: “If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.” Romans 12:18, NIrV

WEEK ONE: Whenever, Wherever (Live in Peace with Everyone) Romans 12:18 (Janet Damschroder & Kathy Babb)

WEEK TWO: Let Go (Abram and Lot) Genesis 13:5-18 (Rhonda Palmer & Maegan Stauffer)

WEEK THREE: The Peacemaker (Abigail Intervenes) 1 Samuel 25:1-35 (Janet Damschroder & Courtney Dysert)

WEEK FOUR: Take You at Your Word (Palm Sunday) Matthew 21:1-11 (Michele Clark & Linda Bishop)

WEEK FIVE: Alive (Easter) Luke 24:1-12, 36-49 (Janet Damschroder/Teresa Moyer & Kathy Babb)

Monthly Family Bags are available with devotions, activities and a themed gift. They are on the table by the Sanctuary entrance for Preschool and Elementary students.

Nursery / Preschool Class (Birth - Preschool)

WEEK ONE: God’s Special Son. Matthew 14:22-32 (Elaine Nye & Jenny Kirian)

WEEK TWO: Jesus Prays for Me. John 17:6-25 (Mary Ann Morris & Elaine Nye)

WEEK THREE: God Made Plants. Genesis 1:11-12 (Heather Cramer & Monica Metzger)

WEEK FOUR: Praises for the King (Palm Sunday). Luke 19:29:38 (Mary Ann Morris & Elaine Nye)

WEEK FIVE: Jesus Is Alive! (Easter) Matthew 27:50, 57-60 (Mary Ann Morris & Maegan/Steven Stauffer)

Vacation Bible School 2024

Monday through Friday

JUNE 3 - 7, 2024

West Independence Church

START THE PARTY

Greetings WIC Families!

Spring is upon us!

Sunday School is still chugging on with our going through the Bible series! There has been a lot of great discussion in this series, and I am excited to see where it goes from here!

We will be planning a Game Night for the youth sometime this month, so keep your eyes and ears open for when that date is set! This game night will not be a board, video or card game night. But instead, it will be focused more on activities like Hide ‘n Seek!

Youth Group will be going through a short series called Why Easter? We will be diving in and covering why we celebrate Easter and why it is so important to us as Christ followers. There will be NO youth group on Easter Sunday! Enjoy your day with your families and loved ones, He Is Risen!

Our mission trip dates are set! We will be heading to the Virginia Beach area July 13-20! We should be receiving some more info soon so keep your eyes and ears open for more updates soon!

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 via the office at the church: 419-894-6454

My personal number: 330-205-5123 Blessings & peace for you and your family, Or my email: authenreithministry@gmail.com

Michael Authenreith, Director of NextGen Ministry

CLOSED DOOR?? NO PROBLEM!!

In most Muslim countries, the door is closed closed, that is, to the proclamation of the Gospel and the free practice of Christianity. In Saudi Arabia not a single church has been built; no non-Muslim is allowed to even enter Mecca, the center of Islam. In Iran, Christians are tortured and killed. Many countries do not permit Christian missionaries - and yet ... remember! Jesus came right through locked doors!!

Pakistan, 95% Muslim, is notorious for its closed doors to any religion but Islam. But in southern Pakistan, officials of the city of Karachi miraculously granted permission for a week-long "festival outreach," even though they knew "full well that the intent was to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." The response was overwhelming and revealed the deep spiritual hunger of the Pakistani people. More than 68,000 people attended the 15 live events; and when they were invited to give their lives to Christ, 17,000 said "yes"! These new believers are now being followed up by enthusiastic local believers. Millions more tuned in to a live TV broadcast, resulting in "more than 12,930 calls and texts to trained counselors who led more than 7,960 of those individuals to personal commitments to Jesus Christ." The region of Karachi has never been the same! (Bibles For The World Report, June 2022)

Concerted prayer is the key which opens closed doors. For over thirty years "30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World" has been mobilizing Christians to pray for the Muslim world during the annual observance of Ramadan. As a result there have been more movements to Christ in the past 30+ years than at any other time in history.

Ramadan is a time of heightened spiritual awareness for devout Muslims. Millions will fast and pray and make pilgrimages to sacred sites during this month, fervently hoping Allah will hear and answer. Sadly, many will be disappointed. But Ramadan is also a time when the true God often reveals Himself to sincere seekers, many times through dreams and visions.

This year Ramadan falls between March 10 and April 8. Pick up a "30 Days of Prayer" booklet in the Welcome Center and join Christians around the world in asking God to open closed doors. When we pray, not only do we receive new insights and personal blessing, but millions of others are impacted for eternity.

Women Of Worth

For the February 1, 2024, meeting of Women of Worth, we met for lunch at Primrose. There were 19 members and 3 guests in attendance. Each one brought in laundry or dish soap or toilet tissue to be donated to Christian Clearinghouse.

Marilyn Shaferly opened the meeting with prayer. We enjoyed a delicious lunch. We celebrated birthdays for Chris Shaferly, Marlene Marvin, Kay Morgan and Virginia Miller.

Drena Metzger gave a report from Hancock Religious Education Association (HCREA). There are currently programs at Cory-Rawson, Vanlue, Arlington, McComb and Arcadia.

Kendall and Lois Borthwick continue to minister to students at Kansas State University. Some of the |students come from “closed” countries where they cannot openly share their faith. This is a challenge for the students who claim Christ as their Saviour.

Dwight and Letty Grismore are now at WrightPatterson Air Force Base. They will be speaking at our church on February 18.

Janet Damschroder reported from Hannah and Papavi Ayena. They continue to grow produce to eat as well as to sell. They have a Discipleship Team that helps to nurture the new believers.

Marilyn Shaferly reported that within the OMS organization in Africa 215 people were recently baptized. Then in reporting about the Jews for Jesus – there are three things they strive to do:

1. Love & serve – preparing “care” packages for those in need, etc.

2. Come & see – host events to show the love of Jesus.

3. Go & tell – witness to the lost.

Marilyn challenged us to get on a mailing list to follow a mission and to be informed.

Marilyn closed in prayer.

~

Submitted by Mary Ann Morris, Secretary

Integrity Men With Vision

Eight men braved the cold weather to venture out to the monthly meeting of the Integrity Men With Vision on Saturday, February 3. Breakfast was enjoyed, as usual, at Kathy’s Restaurant in Arcadia. We had the pleasure of meeting the new owner, Heidi Long, an Arcadia native, who stated the name will be changing to Honey Joe’s Café, in honor of her Grandmother and Uncle Joe.

After a blessing of our meal by Pastor Ben Wallick, Ray Pollard led devotions centered on David and his battle with Goliath, where he rushed in to the battle, powered by his faith in God. Mike Leonard then featured Mission Possible as our Mission Moment. He noted a new change in leadership there, but also shared their background and mission work in schools and churches in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Their theme is to honor the Great Commission and go and make disciples throughout the world. Mike prayed for Mission Possible and their continued work, whether in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, or here in our own communities. David Shaferly shared his experiences with the Haitian natives in the Findlay area, and their church meetings.

Chapter President Gary Knox shared about the recent completion of a ramp project, and one project where a ramp was removed from one location and installed in another. Gary marveled at how the Lord leads folks in need of a ramp to the group who can provide them. Just as the Garage of Hope, it is definitely a “God thing” on how the needs are found.

Gary shared that mission-friend, Les, in Medina, is recuperating from knee surgery, and that ramp-helper Al Stansbury visited the ER with Influenza A, along with some other health issues. Bob Hill prayed for those special needs and Christ’s guidance in our daily lives, to close the meeting.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, March 2, at 7:30am in Arcadia at Honey Joe’s Café. All men from local churches with an interest in missions, whether across the world or in our backyard, are welcome to attend.

~

Submitted John Fetters, Secretary

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 / Facebook Views)

2/4: 105 (41); 2/11: 102 (35); 2/14: 44 (30); 2/18: 114 (16); 2/25 101 (41)

Sunday School Attendance

2/4: 73; 2/11: 67; 2/18: 70; 2/25: 65

Garage of Hope

A lot has been happening at the Garage of Hope! The last couple of months has been busy with many donations, filling our two garages with much needed furniture and household items. Thank you! But, just as soon as I say this, we are very busy giving to those in need in our community. The last couple of weeks, with the weather being warmer, people have ventured to the Garage of Hope and filled their cars and hearts with gifts from our church. We have donated beds, sofas, dressers, blankets, pillows, dishes, pots and pans, towels, TVs, lamps, bookshelves and more!

Let me tell you a little story about two ladies from City Mission that we served. I got a call from a women's advocate for these ladies and asked if they could come out and get what they needed for their new homes. These two ladies each got jobs and apartments and had nothing else. What a blessing it was to serve these two grateful women and help them start all over again. They were completely joyful and excited for everything! Our church was able to show them God’s love through this wonderful mission - the Garage of Hope! Not only did they take necessity items, but they asked for Bibles, devotional books and wall hangings with scripture verses.

~

Thank you for your prayers and donations that touch people’s lives more than you know - but God knows!

~ Submitted by Melissa Houck

WIC Prayer Group

2nd & 4th Monday at 7:00pm

The Prayer Group will meet, weather permitting, on March 11 and 25 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.

Noisy Offering

The Noisy Offering to be received on Sunday, March 17 will benefit the ministry of the Garage of Hope

Trustees Meetings Highlights

Please see Trustees Meetings Highlights on Page 7.

Community Lenten Services

“Jesus’ ‘I AM’ Statements” 6:00 PM

3/03 Mt. Cory Church of Faith Gregg Fox

300 N. Main St. Mt. Cory 45868

3/10 Rawson New Hope Mike Noggle 212 N. Main St. Rawson 45881

3/17 Good Shepherd Doug Kendrick 119 W. Main St. Benton Ridge 45816

3/24 McComb Methodist Eric Wilkins

Palm 204 High St. Sunday McComb 45858

Special Notices

Lenten Study

Pastor Ben continues to lead the Lenten study on Wednesdays at either 9:30am or 6:15pm. The study is called When Your Way Isn’t Working by Kyle Idleman, and will equip us to discover freedom from discouragement through the lessons of John 15. It’s not too late to join!

Easter Lilies

To beautify our Sanctuary on Easter morning as we celebrate the Risen Saviour, lilies are being offered to you in honor or memory of someone very special in your life.

The order form will be available as an insert in the weekly bulletin in the very near future.

Easter Symbols

“Consider the attractive Easter lily which we so greatly admire. Its presence gives the real Easter touch to the service when it adorns the altar of the church. Like a benediction it goes into the room of sickness and radiates good cheer for days. What a luxury it is in the home! Yet all that glory of green stem and leaf, with white blossom, has come from an unattractive bulb to bloom! But how superbly it illustrates the great fact of the Resurrection!”

To our church family,

West Independence Church Family,

Thank you for your continued cards, texts, phone calls, visits, and most importantly, your prayers for healing. I am definitely getting stronger and hope to get back to Church soon.

~ Bob Kloepfer

SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 2024

Don’t be late for worship!

January 2024 Meeting

Thank you very much for the many cheerful cards sent to Ken and me. I truly appreciated all the encouraging comments and assists I have received these last four months. Ken has started his healing process now, and even though our lives have been disrupted, “we are blest.”

~Ken & Nancy Powell

Trustees Meetings Highlights

February 2024 Meeting (continued)

 The K-5 Sunday School teachers need to be made aware/reminded of the egress window in the Kids Life Center.

 A revision was made to the Active Church Participant Request Form: Setup for an event in the FLC can be made up to 24 hours prior to the event only if the church calendar is clear and if the office gives permission for the early setup. Also, a portion or all of a church participant’s deposit may be withheld if proper cleaning is not completed after an event.

 The chairlift in the mechanical room will be examined to determine if the existing batteries can be used. (Note: Since this meeting, the batteries have been replaced.)

February 2024 Meeting

 The chairlift inspection process should be completed in February.

 The replacement of a small section of soffit on the east side of the church will soon be completed.

 Janice Bennington will organize a review of the chairs in the north mechanical room to determine if any of the chairs are unusable.

 The annual parsonage inspection will be performed after the Annual Conference, which occurs at the end of May. We are hoping that at Conference, we will be provided with the appropriate forms for this inspection.

 One of the mirrors fell and broke in the parsonage bathrooms. We are looking to replace this medicine cabinet.

 Installing some kind of stone/walkway to the Garage of Hope walk-in door was discussed (a possible task for Spring Work Day).

 Discussed the appropriate time to schedule the new roof project for the parsonage.

 Saturday, April 27, was chosen as the 2024 Spring Work Day at the church/parsonage. Saturday, May 4, is the backup work day. (More information to come!)

 Our groundskeeper will be hired to perform weedpulling on the playground.

The next meeting of the Trustees is planned for Monday, March 4, at 7:00 pm.

~ Submitted by

Rhonda Palmer

Children’s Classes:

Sunday School Update

Winter/Spring 2023-24

Birth - Preschool: Nursery Bible stories and songs

Kindergarten - KLC Drawing Closer to God Through Bible stories and sharing 5th Grade:

Current: Peace - Proving you care more about each other than winning an argument.

This month's verse is “If possible, live in peace with everyone. Do that as much as you can.” Romans 12:18, NlrV

Jr. High: 6th - 8th FLC-Loft Topical Bible Study

Sr. High: 9th - 12th FLC-Loft Topical Bible Study

Adult Classes:

Revolve: FLC Room # 9 Class topics revolve around daily life and challenges.

Current: “Daniel and Esther” by John MacArthur

Faith Builders: FLC Room #10 Topical

Current: “Acts” by Dr. David Jeremiah

Next: “Life Lessons in Romans” by Max Lucado

Video Class: FLC Room #12 The Chosen

Faithful Followers: Sanctuary The Union Gospel Press Quarterly Bible Study

2024

Birthdays:

2 Jenny Kirian 11 Peyton Hutton 16 Grant Doty

2 Linda Tong 11 Marilyn Shaferly 16 Cecilia Roller

3 Anna Metzger 12 Jonah Hamm 17 Andrew Waaland

4 Melissa Houck 14 Beth Kirian 18 Kollyns Kirian

5 Joe Moyer 14 Brittany Metzger 20 Danielle Doty

5 Ron Wagner 14 Mark Metzger 27 Cole Cramer

6 Jim Greene 14 John Roller 30 Rosemary Walter

9 Jackson Clark 15 Bob Damschroder 31 Lesley Rumschlag

The Good News Letter is the monthly newsletter of the WestIndependenceChurch.

SeniorPastor: BenWallick

Email:

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March