King Avenue Digest 11/16/23

November 14, 2023

King Avenue Digest, November 15, 2023. 
*NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS AND QUICKLY APPROACHING EVENTS* 

  • THIS FRIDAY, November 17: Trans-cending: Open Mic and Storytelling - Join King Avenue's Kinship Campus Ministry by attending and supporting the Trans-cending Open Mic and Storytelling event at OSU’s Fawcett Conference Center on Friday, November 17, 6-9 pm. Expect an evening of both professional and open mic storytelling around the topic of trans empowerment. The goal is to empower youth to form a united voice and become advocates for trans rights is paramount in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society. These voices are capable of challenging stereotypes, dismantling discrimination, and promoting understanding, ultimately paving the way for a more tolerant and equitable future for all. We invite you to hear speakers from T-Talks share their stories around empowerment and welcome you to share your own journey during the open mic section of this event. This event will also feature an open group discussion on the topic. Resources for Trans and LGBTQIA communities will be available in addition to food an beverage! RESERVE TICKETS
  • THIS FRIDAY, November 17: NNEMAP Harmony for Hunger - NNEMAP will present its 12th Annual Harmony For Hunger benefit concert on Friday, November 17th at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church beginning at 7:30pm. This concert features talent from all over Central Ohio. We are excited to feature the Ohio State Men’s Glee Club and the Ohio State Men’s and Women’s Chorale. In addition, WBNS 10TV news anchor Yolanda Harris will be the emcee for the evening. This year will also feature a robust silent auction.  Tickets are $25 at the door, or on eventbrite.com (feature word nnemp). 
  • THIS 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) or REGISTER ON REALM.
  • THIS SUNDAY, November 19: Hot Chocolate Run - Just a heads up that the Hot Chocolate Run is taking place Sunday, November 19. Although the 15K begins at 7:30am, just be aware that runners will be on High Street as far north as 11th Avenue and as far south as Buttles.  If you need to cross High Street to get to church, you should be able to. Otherwise, head north to cross if need be. READ MORE HERE.
  • THIS SUNDAY, November 19: UMC Student Sunday Special Offering - United Methodist Student Day was the original Special Sunday founded by United Methodist Church Sunday Schools who collected offerings to help advance education for their children. The fund was originally established in 1872 as the Children's Fund. Today, United Methodist Student Day Sunday has the same purpose, calling upon the denomination to support their students as they prepare for life by adding knowledge to their faith. Every year, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry awards an average of $5.5 million in financial aid to United Methodist students. The offering taken on United Methodist Student Day is one opportunity to support these scholarships. Every dollar – yes 100% - received goes towards supporting and educating a new generation of principled Christian leaders for the church and the world. Supporting this Special Sunday is truly an investment in our future. READ MORE
  • THIS 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. CLICK HERE to donate to HeartSong/Hilliard Adopt-A-House.
  • THIS 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. Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance on November 20 that honors the memory of the transgender people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Doors open at 6:30, and the program will begin at 7pm. A short reception will follow the program. 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
  • November 23-24: Church Office Closed - The church office will be closed from November 23 - 24 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy your time with your friends and families, and we'll see you when we get back!
  • *NEW* Loving Our Neighbors - We have 700-800 neighbors from Haiti living in a condemned apartment building facing displacement, with winter coming up fast. To help them, we will be collecting new and gently used kids' coats in all sizes, baby through teenager. Bring them to the church building on Sunday or any time during the week and we will deliver them to our neighbors. READ MORE
  • *NEW* November 19 - December 3: Hubbard Holiday Giving Tree - Beginning Sunday, November 19, you will see the Hubbard Holiday Giving Tree in the milling area. Please consider picking up a gift tag or two (maybe in time for Black Friday shopping), then attaching that gift tag to your new, unwrapped gift. Return gifts by Sunday, December 3.  Thanks in advance for your generosity!
  • *NEW* Sundays, November 26 - December 17: The Belfries of all Christendom Adult Advent Sunday School Class - Join us this Advent Season in preparing our hearts for the coming of Jesus. This Sunday School class is based off of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s timeless classic “Christmas Bells”. We will explore the themes of fellowship, prayer, service and evangelism. No preparation needed. Drop in for one class or join us every week running Sundays from November 26 through December 17, during the 10am Sunday School hour. Any questions please contact Tim Bechtol at Bechtol97@yahoo.com.
  • *NEW* Friday, December 1: Reception for Digital Duet Art Exhibit - Join Jason Bradley Krauss (graphic designer) and Kurt Reichert (photographer) for a special collaborative art show and sale titled Digital Duet. This art show and reception will be held in the King Avenue Art Gallery on Friday, December 1 from 5:00-8:00pm. All sales from art purchases are a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
    VIEW THE FLYER FOR THIS EVENT
  • *NEW* Saturday, December 2: United Women of Faith UMCOR Hygiene Kits - UMCOR distributes HYGIENE KITS during disasters. The kits provide basic necessities for people impacted by natural disasters or socio-economic crisis. Join United Women of Faith on Saturday, December 2, 10am-Noon to assemble hygiene kits for UMCOR. We will meet in the Fellowship Hall. Kit supplies and refreshments provided. 
  • *NEW* Tuesday, December 5: Retirees Christmas Celebration - Join the Retirees Ministry as we celebrate the Christmas season with singing, food, and fellowship on Tuesday, December 5th at 11:30 in the King Avenue Church Chapel and Fellowship Hall. Dave Bowermeister will lead us in carols in the Chapel followed by a White Elephant Gift SWAP GAME. Please bring ANY gift you have that is re-cycled or re-gifted for the White Elephant Gift SWAP GAME. Following the gift swap game, we will have a potluck-style lunch in the Fellowship Hall. The Retirees Lead Team will provide a BBQ beef/pork. You can provide a side or dessert! Please RSVP via Realm or to Teresa Malloy @malloy29@aol.com by DECEMBER 3rd.
  • ELEVATOR STATUS REPORT -  Workers will be coming in Friday, November 17 to work on the elevator!  We aren’t sure if it will be available Sunday, but progress is being made. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience, and we look forward to being back at full operating capacity very soon.
 

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

  • Sunday, November 26: Lit Club - Join the Lit Club on November 26 at 7pm in the Logos Lounge. All are welcome! Simply read the book of the month - this month's book is Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - 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.

  • Wednesday, November 29: Rainbow Connections Health Fair - Your physical health is just as important as your spiritual and emotional health. Join Rainbow Connections for a health fair on November 29. At 6:30pm, Columbus Public Health will be set up for a variety of health tests and screenings, as well as vaccines. We'll also hear from a few speakers who will share about how to find and access LGBTQ-friendly healthcare around Columbus, and caring for your mental health around the holidays. Register on Realm to let us know you're coming, and contact Pastor Andy (andy@kingave.org) with any questions.  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Friday, December 8: Youth Gift Wrapping Elves! Would you like to help wrap gifts? Join us as we wrap the donated gifts from the Hubbard Holiday Tree. We will gather in Donnewirth on December 8 at 6pm for a wrapping party. For more information, contact Ada at ada@kingave.org.

  • Thursday, December 14: Santa's Helpers Needed! We are looking for volunteers on December 14 from 3:30-6:00pm at the church. We will be handing out gifts to Hubbard families. Come help spread some cheer!

  • NNEMAP Item of the Month for 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 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

  • 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.

  • Second Wednesdays: 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.

  • 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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