King Avenue Digest 9/8/23

September 8, 2023

*NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS* 

  • IT ALL STARTS THIS SUNDAY! Please scroll through the sections below that highlight the Fall Kick-Off activities,  Adult Faith Formation (have you registered?), and CYF Sunday offerings. Everything starts this Sunday! Then  keep scrolling for even more news happening soon.

  • SOUTH PARKING LOT UNVAILABLE SUNDAY - Please note that the South Parking Lot (the Neil Avenue lot by the ramp) will be UNAVAILABLE on Sunday, September 10. The inflatables and games will be set up in that area to prepare for our Fall Kick-off event that begins immediately following the All-Church Lunch. The handicapped parking spots and ramp will still be accessible for those who need them.

  • Thursday, September 28: Retirees to National Veterans Memorial and Museum - Join the Retirees’ Ministry on a guided tour of the National Veterans Memorial Museum and Museum on Thursday, September 28th at 11:00 - 1:00. The museum focuses on the stories of veterans and individuals with the mission to “honor, inspire, connect and educate.  The cost for our Retirees is $5.00 and REGISTRATION on Realm is required. Veterans and NVMM members are free and should RSVP with Teresa Malloy at malloy29@aol.com.  More details to come!

FALL KICK-OFF SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 10!

  • Sunday, September 10: Sunday CYF and Adult Faith Formation Programming Begins! Worship Connections and Sunday School programming for Children, Youth, and Families begins on Sunday, September 10. There will also be parent fellowship/support group and a faith formation opportunity for adults during the Sunday School hour. Scroll down this page for the specific times, ages, and locations!

  • Sunday, September 10: Volunteer Fair - Fall is a fantastic time to start the year off right by volunteering! Join us in the Milling Area between services to find out more about volunteer opportunities and sign up to get involved. CLICK TO ACCESS OUR VOLUNTEER FORM

  • Sunday, September 10: All-Church Lunch - On September 10, we're going to kick off the fall with a meal for the whole church family! Join us in the Fellowship Hall at noon for a taco bar and gather around the table with King Ave friends old and new. We'll provide the tacos, but we would LOVE it if you brought a dessert to share. We have several Kitchen Cabinet members to assist in the cooking, but could really use some help for set-up or serving/clean-up. We're also asking for folks willing to prepare a yummy dessert to share for the dessert table! SIGN UP TO HELP

  • Sunday, September 10: Family Fun & Games - After you have eaten some tacos in Fellowship Hall, head outside! There will be inflatables, games, crafts, and bubbles outside in the parking lot of anyone young or young at heart. Let's have some fun together! 

FAITH FORMATION CLASSES FOR ADULTS

  • Beginning Sunday, September 10: The Housing Crisis Sunday School Class (facilitated by Tim Bechtol) - Join other adults during the Sunday School hour for a 6-week class (last class will be Oct. 15). Houselessness affects all of us in many different ways. It's such a complex social issue that we don't even know how to talk about it. It may seem like an insurmountable problem, but it is not. There are people and organizations doing good work to address housing in Central Ohio. Starting on Sunday, Sept. 10 and continuing for six weeks, we will have a chance to hear from some of those people and organizations at 10am in between worship services. Join us and learn what is being done and how you can join in. This class will be held in the Chapel during the Sunday School Hour. CLICK TO REGISTER ON REALM

  • Beginning Monday, September 11: Social Principles Class (led by Corey Perry) - The Social Principles are a grounding of our United Methodist home, intended to be "a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the General Conference to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world." Come join Rev. Corey Perry on this six-week journey through the Social Principles as you understand their history, background, and statements. You will be challenged, excited, and - probably -frustrated, but you will also find an opportunity to grow and deepen your understanding of what it means to have a home in the United Methodist Church. This class will be on Zoom on Mondays from 7:00-8:00pm. CLICK TO REGISTER ON REALM

  • Beginning September 12/13: 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. 
    REGISTER for the TUESDAY afternoon ZOOM CLASS, September 12 - November 21, 1-2:30pm
    REGISTER for the WEDNESDAY evening IN-PERSON CLASS, September 13 - November 22, 7-8:30pm 

  • Beginning Tuesday, September 26: Action for Justice Book Group (led by Lisa Clark) - Join us in the Action for Justice Book Club, this fall! We will meet once a month, starting Tuesday, September 26th 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. The first book is The Rise And Fall Of The Bible: The Unexpected History of An Accidental Book by Timothy Beal. Please register on Realm or let a staff member know so that we can make sure this is as low cost as possible. Hope to see you there!  CLICK TO REGISTER ON REALM

WORSHIP CONNECTIONS AND SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAMMING

Worship Connections and Sunday School programming for Children, Youth, and Families begins on Sunday, September 10! We look forward to connecting with you! Here are the opportunites for children, youth, and families on Sunday mornings. If you have any questions, please contact our Director of Student Ministries, Gwendolyn (gwen@kingave.org), or our Family Outreach and Events Coordinator, Ada (ada@kingave.org).

  • 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.   

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

  • Mark Your Calendar for Wednesday, September 20 from 7-9: What the L?! - What the L?! will be an evening of celebrating Lesbian identity and stories. Our panel will discuss the rich history, diverse experiences, and powerful stories of lesbian-identifying women. Join us as we delve into the history of what it means to be lesbian in a predominantly patriarchal society, and exploring milestones, struggles, and contributions that have shaped the LGBTQ+ community. Let's come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting future. To aid in our planning, please register for this event. Thanks! REGISTER HERE

  • Read Ahead... September 24: Lit Club - Join the Lit Club on September 24 at 7pm in the Logos Lounge. All are welcome! Simply read the book of the month - this month's book is Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir - 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.

  • Saturday, September 30: Young Adults Bonfire - King Avenue Young Adults are getting together for a bonfire! September 30, 6-9pm, we'll be near the corn maze at Lynd's Fruit Farm (9851 Morse Rd., Pataskala) with a bonfire, s'mores, and hot dogs. Enjoy the quintessential fall experience and connect with other young adults (college-35ish). We all need community, and around a bonfire is the perfect place to find it.

  • Register by October 1: Mexico Mission Trip - We are thrilled to announce the dates for our annual trip to support the orphanage in Mexico. We will leave Columbus on Thursday, February 15th, and return Monday, February 19th. The deadline to sign up is October 1st and the cost is $900, which includes airfare, lodging, and most meals. You are required to have a passport by October 1st. Space is available for 10 adults and 4 youth. We will prioritize participants who are willing to drive or translate. Please contact Gwen at gwendolyn.derosa@gmail.com if you have any questions. Gracias! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • Sunday, October 8: Blessing of the Animals - Bring your furry friends to Sunday worship on Sunday, October 8. Services will be held at 9:00am in Fellowship Hall or 11:00am in the Sanctuary. Pets with fur, feathers, scales, and fins are welcome. We expect this abbreviated service will be noisy and squirmy! You know your pet... If you're not sure how they'll do indoors with others (or on carpet), you are welcome to bring a picture of your pet instead! If you're able, please bring a donation of pet food. We will be donating these offerings to NNEMAP.

  • MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Wednesdays, October 11 & 25: Congregational and Community education with the Alzheimer's Association - Are you concerned about Dementia, or are you a caretaker of someone struggling with Dementia? King Avenue is partnering with the Alzheimer's Association for a congregational and community outreach education program around the topic of dementia. All are welcome from 6:00-7:30pm on Wednesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 25. Bring friends or family members.

  • UMCOR Assistance for Wildfire Victims in Hawaii - Wind-driven wildfires on Maui have prompted evacuations and caused significant loss of life and widespread damage. UMCOR is coordinating with the California-Pacific Annual Conference to process an initial grant for emergency supplies such as shelf-stable food, water, hygiene items and tools to help survivors recover belongings. As first responders continue to provide initial aid in the area, please join UMCOR in prayer for those affected. You can also help by making a financial donation. Just make out a check to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #901670-Hawaii” written on the memo line and put it in the offering plate at church, or click on this link to give online. CLICK TO GIVE

  • NNEMAP Item of the Month for September - 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 month of Septembrer. 

  • Hubbard Item of the Month for September - Hubbard can use additional school supplies in September. 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 scissors, pencils, and crayons during the month of September. 

 

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.

  • 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

  • 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. 

  • 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

  • Restoration of the Shepherd's Window - The Shepherd’s Window is the next window to undergo restoration! Please note that the window has been removed for restoration, and seating on the ramp side of the sanctuary has been removed.

  • 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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