King Avenue Digest 10/26/23

October 27, 2023


Learn about Our Hearts Transforming! “ing” is action without end. King Avenue is “ing.” As we celebrate the end of our Capital Campaign and the beginning of our Giving Campaign, we are invited to come together in reflection and continue to fulfill the promise of Christ, as action without end. We “ing!” ~Restoring the glory and heritage of the church home with roof and stained-glass restoration. ~Welcoming with updated Audio/Visual and hearing-impaired technologies. ~Engaging though online streaming services. ~Warming with a newly installed boiler and heating system. ~Expanding ministry and mission with new staff and programming. Learn more about Our Hearts Transforming.

Participate in the Weekly Wordle! Each week, you will be given a Transforming "Wordle" puzzle. Remember, you get 6 guesses each week to solve for the word of the week. Your goal is to guess the word in as few guesses as possible. Unlike the regular Wordle games many of you are familiear with, this Transforming puzzle will always end with -ING and have something to do with who we strive to be as King Avenue Church.  CLICK HERE FOR WEEK TWO WORDLE.

 

*NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS* 

  • Elevator Temporarily Unavailable - In the interest of everyone's safety, our elevator is undergoing necessary repairs and will unfortunately not be working this Sunday (10/29). We know many rely on the elevator to access the upper floors of the church and understand that this might be a barrier for you. We truly are sorry about that. However we assure you that this will be temporary. Additionally, everyone is of course welcome in our 9am service which is held in our Fellowship Hall and does not require stairs in order to access it. 

  • THIS FRIDAY,  October 27: Rainbow Connections Bonfire at Lynd's Farm - Rainbow Connections (our LGBTQ+ specific ministry) is getting together for a bonfire! Oct. 27, 6-9 pm, we'll near the corn maze at Lynd's Fruit Farm (9851 Morse Road SW, Pataskala) with a bonfire, smores, hot dogs, and each other. If you want to try the corn maze, you can buy tickets on-site. Everyone is welcome to join us! If you have kids, they're also welcome! This event will be canceled if it rains, so watch the weather!

  • THIS SUNDAY, October 29: Trunk or Treat - Trunk or Treat is fun for the whole congregation! Get your creative juices flowing, and think of a great costume & trunk decorating idea! If you're able to pass out candy, park in the south parking lot and be ready for our little ghost and goblin parade right after second service (noon-ish). Pop your trunk up, hand out candy, and earn some bragging rights for your amazing design! For the kids, there will be treats, games, and storytime.

  • THIS SUNDAY, October 29: Lit Club - Join the Lit Club on October 29 at 7pm in the Logos Lounge. All are welcome! Simply read the book of the month - this month's book is The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn - and get together to talk about it.  Contact Rick Gilson (rickgilson@yahoo.com) if you'd like to be added to the communication group in Realm.

  • Thursday, November 9: Retirees to Kelton House Museum and Garden - Join the Retirees Ministry for a tour of the Kelton House Museum and Garden on Thursday, November 9th at 12:00.  The Kelton House is an historic landmark was part of the Underground Railroad and incorporates various styles of the Victorian Era.  Bring a sack lunch to enjoy in the carriage house.  The cost is $5 at the door.  RSVP on Realm.

  • Saturday, November 18: Young Adults Friendsgiving - Join King Avenue Young Adults for Friendsgiving on November 18 at 6pm! (Young adult = college-35ish) Maybe you're celebrating with family later and you want a head start on the feast, maybe you don't have any celebration plans - either way, you're welcome to celebrate with us. We'll have the turkey, and you can bring a side to share. We'll gather at Pastor Andy's house - let him know if you're coming so he can tell you where it is (andy@kingave.org). 

  • Sunday, November 19: Heartsong and Friends So Grateful Concert - Heartsong and Friends So Grateful Concert November 19 at 4:00 in the Sanctuary. Please join us for an afternoon if beautiful music featuring singers, handbells, soloists and brass.  A freewill offering will go towards our friends at Hilliard Adopt-A-House.

  • Monday, November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) - King Avenue United Methodist Church is hosting the Columbus Transgender Day of Remembrance on Monday, November 20th. Please plan to arrive after 6:30 p.m. The program will begin at 7 pm and end by 8:30 p.m., followed by a short reception that will end at 9 p.m. If you would like to volunteer for set-up, greeting, or clean-up, please contact Gwen at gwendolyn.derosa@gmail.com. Read more about TDOR: https://www.glaad.org/tdor 

 

KEEP READING FOR THE REST OF OUR CURRENT HAPPENINGS AND NEWS...  

  • November 2-5, 9, 10, and 12: King Avenue Players Present The Hunchback of Notre Dame - This musical will be performed for two weekends in the King Avenue UMC Sanctuary. November 2, 3, 4, 5 with performances Thursday – Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3:00pm; and November 9, 10, and 12 with performances Thursday – Friday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3:00pm. Admission is free, but a freewill offering is greatly appreciated! This will be a magnificent show. Bring a friend!

  • Saturday, November 4: The Circles Fall Cleanup - Fall is upon us, and with the season comes the annual Circles Fall Clean-up, scheduled for Saturday, November 4 from 9:00 PM to 12:00 PM (with a back-up date of November 11, if the leaves or the weather fail to cooperate). As with prior Fall Clean-ups, some folks will start earlier and some later. Our kick-off place will be the circle at Michigan and West Seventh Avenues, where leaf bags and some tools will be available. Of course we always need many neighbors to clean up, rake leaves, pick up litter, trim shrubs, and beautify our streets, circles, alleys, end caps, turn-arounds, etc. Send your questions and suggestions to Sara Hayslip sarahpetvet@gmail.com.

  • Beginning Wednesday, November 8: Caregiver Support Group - King Avenue UMC Retirees Ministry and the Alzheimer's Association of Central Ohio are partnering to bring a Caregiver Support Group to our church monthly.  No registration is necessary and there is no cost.  This group is designed to support families of individuals affected by any type of dementia. This group will meet the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00-7:30.

  • Wednesday, November 8: Post-Election Prayer Service - Following this year's November election, we are tentatively planning a prayer service to pray for our city, state, and nation. We will pray for a peaceful post-election environment, and for the wisdom of our leaders. Stay tuned for details.

  • NNEMAP Item of the Month for October & November - Each month, we are going to focus our donations on specific items our community partners. You can bring your donations with you on Sundays. There will be a place to leave them in the back of the worship space. Please donate non-perishable side items (boxes, cans, etc)  during the months of October and November.  NNEMAP also needs feminine hygiene products.

  • Item of the Month for Hubbard Elementary - Periodically we are asked for items to help students at our partner school, Hubbard Elementary. They are asking for new or gently used shirts & pants, and new underwear for kids size 5-10. You can bring your donations with you on Sundays. There will be a place to leave them in the back of the worship space. 

WORSHIP CONNECTIONS AND SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAMMING

  • Worship Connections – 9:00am and 11:00am
    9:00am Worship Connections - 4 years old to Grade 3 (L4)  
    11:00am Worship Connections - 4 years old to Grade 3 (L4)  
    First Sundays (Communion) - Children attend regular worship.  
    Discipleship Program - Grades 4-12 opportunity to volunteer in Worship Connections once/month.    

  • Sunday School Hour - 10:00 am
    Godly Play - 4 years old to Grade 3 (room L4)  
    Chrysalis Club - Grades 4-5 (room L4+).
    C.O.R.E. Youth - Grades 6-12 (Donnenwirth) 
    Real People, Real Parents - King Avenue Parents and Guardians (Fireside)
    *PLEASE NOTE*  First Sundays at 10:00, 4 years old to Grade 5 and their families will be welcomed to Family Godly Play in the Chapel.   

FAITH FORMATION, FELLOWSHIP, AND SUPPORT

  • (under way) September 12/13 - November 21/22: Weekday Class Offering - Mark's Gospel: Creating, Confronting, Liberating (led by Pastor Andy) - The Gospel of Mark is the shortest of the four gospels, but offers the most compelling picture of Jesus. As we grow into the image and likeness of Jesus, deep study of his life and work is an important step in our discipleship. So join us for an in-depth, 11-week study of The Gospel of Mark. The online option will be on Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm on Zoom. The in-person option will be on Wednesdays, 7-8:30pm in the church building. These classes begin September 12/13 and end November 21/22. 

  • (under way) Last Tuesdays Monthly: Action for Justice Book Group (led by Lisa Clark) - Join us in the Action for Justice Book Club, this fall! We will meet on the last Tuesday of each month, from 6:45-8pm in the Donnenwirth Lounge. This group is open to all, including high schoolers. The topic and book information will be emailed at the beginning of the month to those interested in participating. This will be an excellent discussion time to learn about the justice issues facing us today. Please register on Realm or let a staff member know so that we can make sure this is as low cost as possible. The next meeting is October 24, and the book is Oscar Romero: Reflections on His Life and Writings. Hope to see you there!  CLICK TO REGISTER ON REALM

  • (underway) Grief Recovery for Pet Loss: When we think of loss, we usually think in terms of losing someone like a family member or a close friend.  But for many of us, our pets are our family, and that grief can be just as traumatic.  Many times, this is the first loss that children experience.  If you have lost a precious pet and are having a difficult time, please join me in a 6-week class that will provide you with the necessary skills to get you through this time. This class runs from Tuesdays from October 24 through November 28 from 6:00-8:00pm. If you have questions, please email me at jesuto56@gmail.com. 

  • (underway) Grief Recovery Group: We all experience loss in different ways and at different times in our lives.  Although most of us think in terms of loss from death or divorce, there are more than 40 different kinds of loss that one can experience.  This includes the intangibles like loss of respect, faith or trust.  If you are struggling with a loss, no matter how long ago that loss occurred, please join me in an 8-week study and learn the skills to recovery from that loss. This class runs Wednesdays from October 25 through December 13 from 6:00-8:00pm,  If you have questions, you can email me at jesuto56@gmail.com. 

  • First Sundays are Communion Sundays! On the first Sunday of every month, there is no Worship Connections. Everyone is invited to fully participate in worship services and communion. For parents and kids 4 yrs to 5th grade, there is Family Godly Play in the Chapel at 10 am. No other parent or children's Sunday School class will take place on the first Sundays of the month. The CORE Youth Group will still meet in Donnenwirth for their SS class.

  • Ongoing Children, Youth, Family Opportunities - Check our website for our ongoing opportunities for Children, Youth, and Families. This includes our ongoing children and youth Christian education, faith formation, community and fellowship, and ways you can stay connected. CLICK HERE for our Children, Youth, and Family Page on the King Avenue website.

  • Last Sundays of the Month at 7pm: Lit Club - Join the Lit Club on the last Sunday of each month at 7pm in the Logos Lounge. All are welcome! Simply read the book of the month, and get together to talk about it.  Contact Rick Gilson (rickgilson@yahoo.com) if you'd like to be added to the communication group in Realm.

  • Isaiah 35 Fellowship - Depression, anxiety, and many other mental health issues can challenge faith and hope and contribute to a feeling of isolation. Isaiah 35 is a confidential group providing fellowship, support, and prayer for adults with mental health struggles. We meet on every other Sunday (beginning 2/12/23) on Zoom from 7 to 8 pm. Due to the nature of this group, please contact Mary Bostian for the Zoom link and more details. (614) 371-0171 marybostian50@gmail.com

  • Our LGBTQIA+ Ministry is called Rainbow Connections - Our Mission Statement states, We create a safe harbor for LGBTQ+ Christians and their allies, and witness to God’s love for everyone. Stay tuned for fun fellowship opportunities!

OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP

  • Capital Campaign Updates - The Shepherd’s Window restoration is COMPLETE and has been reinstalled!  Check it out on Sunday! The new boiler installation is coming along well, but still bring a warm layer to wear on Sunday. The heat is not yet on.

  • Item of the Month for NNEMAP - Each month, we are going to focus our donations on specific items our community partners. You can bring your donations with you on Sundays. There will be a place to leave them in the back of the worship space. 

  • Item of the Month for Hubbard Elementary - Periodically we are asked for items to help students at our partner school, Hubbard Elementary. You can bring your donations with you on Sundays. There will be a place to leave them in the back of the worship space. 

  • Use your Kroger Card to Give to King Avenue - Are you a Kroger Shopper? Do you have a Kroger Plus Card? If so, you can give to King Avenue every time you shop. If you have a Kroger Plus card, just log into your account, go to Community Rewards, and search for KING AVENUE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH to get this set up. LEARN MORE AND ENROLL

  • Lunch Packing - King Avenue packs lunches for the Open Shelter on several Tuesdays and Thursdays... 24 times in 2023. All hands on deck for packing 200-400 lunches at a time! CLICK HERE  for the schedule, and join when you're able. All days/dates are 6:00pm in the King Avenue kitchen. Many hands make light work!

  • Ushers and Greeters Needed - Be the first friendly face someone sees at church! Our ushers and greeters keep folks safe and make them feel welcome. If you would like to help with this important ministry, please email Pastor Andy at andy@kingave.org.

  • Audio-Visual Volunteers Needed - We are always looking for some folks who would like to learn how to help with live streaming our 9:00 and 11:00 services. You don’t need a lot of experience; we will train you! Please email Pastor Andy at andy@kingave.org if you are interested.

 

ADDITIONAL ITEMS OF NOTE

  • Hello from SPRC! The Staff/Pastor-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) is the church's "HR department". The main task of this volunteer committee is to build and foster relationships in the church. Feel free to reach out to any of the SPRC members if you have questions or concerns, or would just like to chat! Members are (L to R): James Knight, Jerry Cooperrider, Elizabeth Scott, Kristen Collins, Jim LeVally, Philip Clark, Julie Hazelbaker, Bret Baird, and Patrick Frueh. CLICK TO SEE A PICTURE OF YOUR SPRC!

  • Updates from the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church - An announcement was made at church on Sunday, June 4 by Bill Brownson, King Avenue Member and CFO and Director of Administration for West Ohio Conference. Bill helped to recap the recent West Ohio Annual Conference. This announcement was made on behalf of the King Avenue leadership who attended the 3-day conference. Although there were some difficult times during the conference, the overall shift towards full inclusion was apparent. At King Avenue, we emphatically state that God’s love is for ALL people. For all of us who have wondered if the United Methodist Church in West Ohio itself really welcomes all, we have our answer! We now know that in this church AND in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church, our sentiments are that ALL ARE WELCOME. CLICK HERE FOR THE TRANSCRIPT OF HIS ANNOUNCEMENT

  • First Sundays of each Month: ASL Interpreter - King Avenue will be providing an ASL interpreter during worship.  Elisabeth Clegg will be interpreting on the first Sunday of every month during both services. Thanks, Elisabeth!

  • Chancel Flowers for Worship - If you are interested in signing up to donate Chancel Flowers for worship, please use this form. You can specify that your flowers be listed in the bulletin in memory or honor of a person or notable event. The arrangement is yours to take home at the end of that Sunday's service.

 

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