Children’s Ministry
Sunday School (Kindergarten - 5th Grade) in the Kids Life Center
SERIES DESCRIPTION: Driven, What’s Inside Matters Most. Integrity Choosing to be truthful in whatever you say and do.
MEMORY VERSE: “Anyone who lives without blame walks away safely. But anyone who takes a crooked path will get caught.” Proverbs 10:9, NIrV
WEEK ONE: Just the Way You Are (A Tree and Its Fruit) John 15:1-17 (Jane Kirian & Kathy Babb)
WEEK TWO: A Matter of Trust (Naaman and Elisha’s Servant) 2 Kings 5 (Rhonda Palmer & Maegan Stauffer)
WEEK THREE: Keeping the Faith (Daniel’s Integrity with Food) Daniel 1 (Michele Clark & TBA)
WEEK FOUR: We Didn’t Start the Fire (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) Daniel 3 (Janet Damschroder & Courtney Dysert)
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: Friends Love. 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (Mary Ann Morris & Jenny Kirian)
WEEK TWO: Friends Help. 2 Kings 4:1-7 (Elaine Nye & Teresa Moyer)
WEEK THREE: Children Can Be Good Friends. 2 Kings 5:1-14 (Heather Cramer & Monica Metzger)
WEEK FOUR: Friends Learn about Jesus. Mark 2:1-12 (Teresa Moyer & Mary Ann Morris)
WEEK FIVE: God Gives Us Friends. Luke 10:38-42; John 12:1-3 (Elaine Nye & Maegan/Steven Stauffer)
KIDS KLUB PUMPKIN PAINTING
On October 22 we will be having a special Pumpkin Painting event for our kids! The event will be from 4 5pm in the KLC, and we will be providing the paints, brushes/utensils, and some small pumpkins to use. If you would like to bring your own pumpkin, you are more than welcome to do so!
This event is open to all kids 5th grade and under and their families! We will provide cider and donuts to snack on during the event as well.
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Greetings WIC Families!
Fall is Here! Youth Group is back and running full swing, every Sunday from 5-7pm up in the Loft!
On October 22 we will be doing our annual lesson on the Occult. We will be discussing the dangers and influence the Occult can have on a person’s life and also the signs and warnings to look out for in our lives with this subject. This material can be scary or uncomfortable for some students to participate in so students are more than welcome to skip out on this lesson if they wish and we will see them next week!
On October 29 we will be having our Youth Fall Party in place of normal Youth Group for that evening! We will have apple bobbing, pumpkin decorating, candy, and a costume contest to celebrate! We do ask that students who wish to dress up and participate, keep it “church appropriate.” Namely, nothing sexual or dealing with the occult (demons, devils, etc.). This event is open to all students 6th -12th grade and will run from 5-7pm!
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 or 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
WILL THINGS EVER GET BETTER IN HAITI?
From its inception in 1804, Haiti has been troubled by instability and political upheavals, not to mention natural disasters. The basic functions people expect from their government are not maintained - roads, electricity, clean water - and the gap between the wealthy and the poverty-stricken widens. Since the assassination of the President two years ago, criminal gangs have increasingly taken control of large areas, especially around the capital. Police do not respond to calls for help from these areas; and the vicious violence, kidnappings, murders, rape and arson escalate.
In spite of this bleak situation, God is present in Haiti and making a difference in individual lives. Since the 2010 earthquake, churches have been packed; it is estimated as much as 50% of the population claim to be evangelical Christians!
Our missions ministry here at West Independence Church is helping to impact this needy nation for Christ. Grace Children's Hospital in Port-au-Prince helps to alleviate the suffering of hundreds of children stricken with TB and other diseases. The hospital recently benefited from our Noisy Offering as well as our regular monthly contribution. Mission Possible, based right here in Findlay, works in the western part of Haiti. Their goal, while providing a Christian education, is to develop Christian character and leadership skills in the hundreds of kids in their schools. At their headquarters, the mission is currently hosting weekly English classes for Haitian immigrants in this area. Radio-TV 4VEH, based in northern Haiti, broadcasts the hope and teaching of the Gospel of Christ all day, every day, to a major portion of the country. Our offerings have helped to underwrite these life-changing broadcasts and distribute fix-tuned solar radios, complete with an audio recording of the Creole Bible, throughout rural Haiti.
Will things ever get better in Haiti? Only God knows the future of the country. We can be assured, though, that every day God is building His Church in Haiti. He is active in individual lives and communities, answering prayer, providing for needs and bringing about the transformation that comes with being "a new creature in Christ." Thank God we can participate.
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~ Submitted
by Marilyn Shaferly
WOMEN OF WORTH
The September 7 meeting of Women of Worth was held at Mary Pollard’s home. We had 15 members and 2 guests attending.
Since most folks had not been to Mary’s home previously, she gladly gave a tour. It’s a nice home for Ray and Mary, having lost their home in a fire earlier this year. We brought pantry items for Ray and Mary to help supply their kitchen.
Birthdays for this month are: Jane Shaferly (9/6); Ilene Hoy (9/6) (being 95 years old now); Betty Lee (9/22); Judy Rader (9/24); and Lisa Hutton (9/25).
Marilyn Shaferly reported that the Starfish program in Haiti ended in July. We supported Rose for several years in this program. We will discuss a new project next month.
Janet Damschroder reported on the Ayenas. One of their teammates, Pete, attended a Discipleship Making Movement training. In it they did a prayer-walk through the villages. These villages are mostly Muslim. They made a significant impact in that ministry. Their whole team did a dedication service for the farm and discipleship center. They enjoyed a time of fellowship with their 5 employees and the committee of the association of local believers. Then they traveled to Benin, joining with the SIM Benin Togo team to share what’s going on in their ministries. Recently more than 100 believers from different communities gathered for discipleship training – the first group to do this training.
Gladys Smith reported from an e-mail from Billy & Jo Coppage. Jo is the youngest daughter of Blake and Nancy Neff. They recently left Asbury University to serve in Israel. They are busy finding a home and getting the children in school.
Our speaker was Denise Wells. She and her husband, Steve, live near Risingsun. They have 2 children and multiple grandchildren. She has worked for First Step since 1992. This is a resource to help those who are in abusive situations – to get them out. She began collecting all sorts of things for people who are in need. Steve lets her use his barn for their collections of donations. She belongs to 50 garage sale sites in order to find what they need. She was instrumental in helping Ray and Mary Pollard when their home burnt. She had clothing to help them out right away. As with our Garage of Hope, they often find a needed item as soon as or just before the need arises. Sometimes items are donated and can be taken directly to the home from the donation site. There is no paperwork. No proof of income. They trust people to be honest in their needs. They do not give cash to anyone. She just fills needs as she can. It sounds like an overwhelming assignment, but she’s on it, doing God’s work! What a blessing!
Linda Bishop furnished us with a web-site about abortion and Issue 1. It is: createdequal.org/issue1.
Our next meeting will be at Primrose on October 5 at 11:30 a.m. Marilyn closed in prayer.
~ Mary Ann Morris, Secretary
`
Thank you to all who sent me a card for my 95th birthday. They were all beautiful and appreciated.
~ Ilene Hoy
With much gratitude, a big Thank You for all your prayers and well wishes. I’ve appreciated all of them as I recover.
~ Teresa Soule Moyer
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Operation Christmas Child
Shoeboxes are now available for pickup in the Family Life Center Lobby. Thank you to for picking up and filling shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child! Now, “What’s next?”
· Please return filled boxes by Sunday morning, November 12 with $10.00 shipping enclosed in each box. Be sure to attach the label on the outside, fasten it shut using the rubber bands, and stack them under the “Filled Boxes” sign next to the Welcome Center in the Family Life Center Lobby. Any monetary donations received for OCC by Sunday, October 29 will be used to purchase items to fill additional shoeboxes. Monetary donations may be put in the church offering designated ‘Operation Christmas Child’. Also note that the ‘Noisy Offering’ on October 29 will go toward OCC.
· On Sunday, November 12, we will be having a short dedication of the shoeboxes during the Worship Servicebefore they are moved on to the next stop on their journey to their final destination.
· Please continue to pray that each child receiving one of the shoeboxes will be receptive to the message of the gospel that is shared with them at the time of distribution.
Again, Thank You for contributing to Operation Christmas Child by filling shoeboxes or making a monetary donation so that we can help share God’s love and the gospel with millions of children around the world.
~ Submitted by Janet Damschroder
Garage of Hope / Hope Pantry
The Garage of Hope and Hope Pantry continue to stay busy! Thank you to all that have donated to this Ministrywhat a blessing to those in need!
In September, the Garage of Hope was able to help two women who had previously lived in a “Sober House” located in Findlay. FOCUS helps those who are transitioning from substance abuse, and preparing them to be out on their own, by finding jobs and housing. Both of these ladies now have jobs and houses, and we were able to help furnish their new homes.
We were also able to help a lady that had lost everything in Hurricane Ian in Florida. She not only lost her home, but also her job. Six months later, her dad died. She said she felt lost and hopeless. Some friends from our community gave her a place to stay and get back on her feet. She is working on putting her life back together, and is very grateful for everyone’s help. We gave her a bed, couch, bedding and other household items.
Our biggest need continues to be beds. With the referrals from Crane’s Sleep Shop, we have been busy with donations and deliveries. We now have connections in Findlay, Fostoria and Tiffin to help with deliveries of beds in those areas. Thanks be to God!!
With cold weather approaching, the Garage of Hope is in need of warm blankets, pillows, bedding, towels and heaters.
The Hope Pantry can use soups, pasta, pasta sauce, oatmeal and cereal.
Submitted by Melissa Houck
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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 Online Views)
9/3: 103 (106); 9/10: 99 (29); 9/17: 118 (59); 9/24: 116 (32)
Autumn’s Greeting
By Deborah Ann Belka
When Autumn comes to greet me, God’s beauty is all I see . . . trees once draped with green leaves now wear their golden sleeves.
As Autumn’s days get shorter, and the nights turn much colder its full splendor begins to burst and in its wonder, I’m immersed.
Autumn’s splendid grandeur, turns me into a scenic voyeur I find myself taking to the streets to crush, crispy colored treats.
As Autumn breezes blow, it’s like watching a ballet show leaves spinning all around . . . Toes twirling on the ground.
Autumn paints a lovely picture, reminding me of the scripture it is to God ~ we must cleave unlike the changing leaves!
But cleave unto the Lord our God, as ye have done unto this day.”
Disaffiliation Fund
As of September 30, 2023, a total of $ 34,745.00
has been given to offset our total of $110,214.
Thank you very much!
WIC Charge Conference
A Charge Conference has been called for West Independence Church’s Administrative Board on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. in Rooms #9 and #10.
Please be in prayer for the business of this session.
Wishing You A
WIC Prayer Group
2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:00pm
The Prayer Group will meet on October 9 and 23 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.
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9/10:
9/17:
9/24:
Sunday School Attendance 9/3: 65;
77;
85;
86
Highlights of Trustees Meeting
Following opening prayer, items discussed included:
Summer tasks completed of furnace filters; spraying weeds; carpeting shampooed; kitchen faucet replacement and brick sidewalk repair.
Summer tasks yet to complete include: upper boards outside east middle entrance; parsonage roof; cracks in parsonage; security lights replacement and west side landscaping.
Future projects include: parking lot topping and striping; removal of sink in nursery and completion of Contractor Bid Forms (deadline of October 1).
The next meeting of the Trustees is planned for Monday, October 2, 2023 at 7:00pm.
In attendance at the September 6 meeting were: Rhonda Palmer, chair; Janice Bennington, Scott Cramer, Clay Dysert, Dick Gassman, and Pastor Ben.
~ Clay Dysert, Secretary
NOISY OFFERING
The Noisy Offering will be on October 29 and it will benefit
OPERATION
MEMORIES OF HARVEST PARTY 2023
WIC The Good News Letter Page 7 Second Mile Giving As Of September 30, 2023 Disaffiliation Fund $ 750.00 Sunday School 153.00 Memorial Fund 710.00 Garage of Hope 3,316.33 Grace Children’s Hospital 89.38 Building/Grounds Use 300.00 Air Conditioning Fund 319.00 Daily Bread 50.00 Operation Christmas Child 100.00 Missions 25.00 VBS 56.00 WXML Radio 50.00 Initial Offering Envelope 1.00 Family in Need 750.00 Total $6,669.71
CHRISTMAS CHILD
Children’s Classes:
SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE
Fall 2023
Birth - Preschool: Nursery Bible stories and songs
Kindergarten - KLC Drawing Closer to God Through Bible stories and sharing 5th Grade: Current: Friendship Harmony; Together Is Better
This month's virtue is: “A friend loves at all times. They are there to help when trouble comes.” Proverbs 17:17, NlrV
Youth:
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: “John” by Dr. David Jeremiah
Video Class: FLC Room #12 Watch relevant videos regarding Christian topics
Current: "Catching Faith" #1 & #2 (a series of faith and athletics)
Faithful Followers: Sanctuary The Union Gospel Press Quarterly Bible Study
Beginning in May we are having catechism once a month until all 77 questions from the Global Methodist Church are covered.
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WestIndependenceChurch servingourcommunity asa GlobalMethodistCongregation
