They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. {Acts 2:1-4;42}

Fanning the Flames..Igniting the Holy Spirit Within You.

You are invited to spend time with the Lord in prayer during the upcoming 24 Hour Pentecost Prayer Vigil scheduled to begin at 6 pm on Tuesday, May 22nd and conclude at 6 pm Wednesday, May 23rd.

Seven prayer stations are being designed for you to journey through as you take time to prepare for and reflect upon the story of Pentecost as shared in the scriptures. Grab your calendars/planners today and make a date with God! Set aside time to draw closer to the Lord as you come before Him in a guided time of prayer, taking the opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit to work within you, to prepare yourself to be filled up and poured out into fruitful ministry, and to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the church.

We will have two hosts on hand during the entire vigil and will have persons praying each hour.

You can register to be a host and/or come in to pray by clicking on this link http://www.lovelandumc.org/fanning-the-flames-igniting-the-holy-spirit-wthin-you and completing a registration form. You can also register at LUMC, using the forms posted on the glass windows of the video/sound booth.

Also, if you would like to help prepare the seven prayer stations, it would be a blessing to have you serve with us. We will be decorating from 1 pm – 3 pm on Sunday, May 20th, and from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm on Monday, May 21st. You can register to serve on the preparation team using the Connection Card found in the Sunday bulletin or contacting me at @ patb@lovelandumc.org or 265-6438.

Praying for you as you take time to draw closer to Jesus during this prayer filled time of preparing for Pentecost. Pentecost Sunday is May 27th.

Pat Blankenship, Director of Ministry Operations

Pat Blankenship

To register to receive THE LUMCNEWS! directly in your email inbox, send a request to Nikki Price  @jlpnlp@zoomtown.com

WORSHIP

Communion Servers for May 6th (read more)

Fanning the Flames…Igniting the Holy Spirit Wthin You. (read more)

In need of prayer? (read more)

Sermon Series Text (read more)

Chancel Bells (read more)

Chancel Choir  (read more)

The Dittos; Offer Drive Thru Prayer (read more)

LEARN

Martha Greenwald Scholarship (read more)

Sunday School for Children

9:30am – Sparklers! (Pre-School) (read more)

9:30am – Spark! (read more)
Spark! Current Session (read more)
Spark! Serve Opportunities (read more)
Spark! Mission Outreach (read more)

Sunday School for Youth
 
9:30am – Jr Hi Youth (read more)

9:30am – Senior Hi Youth (read more)

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ADULTS:

9:30am – Essential Truth: Knowing Christ Personally (read more) 

9:30am – “The Wired Word” Class (read more)

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES:

The Dittos: Wednesday Morning Bible Study (read more)

Pathfinders Bible Study (read more)

Men’s Ministry Group (read more)

SERVE

HOSPITALITY (read more)

F.U.E.L. 30 hour Famine (read more)

VBS Decorating Sessions (read more)

SPARK Session 7 – Volunteers Needed! (read more)

Providing Relief for the Tornado Victims (read more)

Vacation Bible School Openings (read more)

Bishop Ough’s Health Challenge (read more)

Seeking Candidates for Video Team Leader (read more)

Seeking Candidates for Video Team Operator (read more)

Henderson House Build 2012 (read more)

FELLOWSHIP

F.U.E.L. going to Spirit Song at Kings Island (read more)

R.O.M.E.O.S {Retired Older Men Eating Out} (read more)

J.U.L.I.E.T.S { Just Us Ladies Interested n’ Eating Together} (read more)

J.O.Y. Ministry (read more)

United Methodist Women (read more)

M.O.P.S. ( Mothers of Preschoolers) (read more) 

Momsnext (read more)

F.U.E.L. (Friends United in Everlasting Life) (read more)

B Fit 4 Jesus! Free! Exercise class for seniors (read more)

INVITE

Making History at LUMC! (read more)

Team 456! (read more)

Loveland United Methodist Church is on Facebook!

8:15 – 9:00 am: Morning Chapel Traditional Worship (read more)

9:30 – 10:30 am: Engaged! Contemporary Worship (read more) 

11:00 am – Noon: Classic Tradition Traditional Worship (read more)

GIVE

MOPS/MomsNext Bake Sale (read more)

Items needed for 2012 VBS (read more)

United Methodist Women Sale for Mission Projects (read more)

2012 Feinstein Million Dollar Challenge to Fight Hunger, March 1—April 30 (read more)

Food Pantry Needs for the week of April 23rd (read more)

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This time of year I enjoy watching the college basketball tournament known as “March Madness!”  Like many others, I fill out a bracket before the tournament begins, trying to predict which teams will be victorious as they battle for that coveted title known as “Champion.”  Sometimes I choose correctly, often I do not.  There are so many choices, it’s hard to know which team to follow.

Fortunately, this does not have to be the case when it comes to our spiritual life.  Yes, like “March Madness” there are many choices regarding who to follow.  But unlike basketball tournaments, the God of all creation has communicated His consistent, unilateral plan…through the Scriptures, through the Holy Spirit, through His church, and most importantly, through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.  God welcomes all people of this world to know Him, through Jesus.  And Loveland United Methodist Church is dedicated to sharing this message through our thoughts, our attitudes, our words, and our action.  There is no other…Jesus is the One.

I write this today for a couple of reasons.

First, this Sunday morning we will consider the accusations Jesus faced during the last 24 hours leading up to his death by crucifixion.  He was unjustly brought to trial, falsely accused, met with fearful silence from friends, and ultimately condemned to suffer and die, so that the world could see first hand a glimpse of the Kingdom of God.  God’s kingdom is not like the ways of this world, and Jesus would die to help us see this.

Secondly, I struck up a conversation with a gentleman this week while waiting at a car repair facility, and it turned out that he was Christian as well.  He was a very gracious person, and our conversation took a number of interesting turns, eventually leading to me saying something like, “I find that most people believe in God (of some sort), but they’re not so sure about Jesus.  Sometimes I get the impression people wish that Jesus would just go away.”  I could tell from the change in his facial expression that he may not share this view of the Lord Jesus.  Perhaps it’s just as well that our conversation was interrupted.

My friends, let’s be clear that God “…desires that none should perish.”  And His Word is clear that we, as His church are to “…go to all the world.”  But God has painstakingly communicated His plan for the salvation of the world and the ensuing eternal life in His Kingdom.  Jesus.  There is no other.  We might have other ideas, we might want to create “many paths up the same mountain,” we might want to be inclusive so as not to offend others, but we are not God, and He is the one I wish to not offend.

It’s about love.  And God’s love is known through Jesus.  No matter what direction the world goes, our nation goes, various denominations go…we will honor, and live for…Jesus.

Feel free to let me know if you have any thoughts or questions.

I look forward to gathering with you this weekend,

Pastor Doug

Connecting the Unconnected in Loveland and Neighboring Communities with the transforming Love of Jesus Christ in order to become His fully Devoted Disciples.

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

These scriptures always bring encouragement to me as I serve God with you, as part of the Body at LUMC. I pray that these words from Paul to the Philippians, bless you in your service to God as well. Thankful for the partnership we have at Loveland and how the Holy Spirit is moving among us and through us in powerful ways, as we seek God and draw near to him in worship, prayer, and studying his Word in community with one another. We have been knitted together by God, each with special gifts to share, to proclaim the Good News and make disciples for Christ.

Currently, we have several service opportunities that call for persons willing to share their time and the gifts that God has blessed them with to partner in sharing the Gospel. As you review the listing below, consider with a prayerful heart of stepping up and stepping into the opportunity to carry on a good work!

I also want to remind you that “Walking the Road to Calvary”, our outdoor, 7 station, prayer journey, is open now through Saturday, April 7th, from dawn to dusk. Yesterday, we were blessed to see several persons seeking God through prayer during this Lenten offering, persons from both the community and our congregation. It was awesome to witness the adults, seniors, and then teenagers, coming onto our campus, one after the other, mid afternoon, seeking to draw closer to Jesus during this Lenten season and experience with him the walk on the road to Calvary. Don’t miss out on this invitation to experience the Passion Story of Jesus, according to the Gospels, through a guided time of prayer. Invite others to join you as well. If you would like to pray together as a family, small group, Sunday school class, etc., please contact me in advance, and I’ll be glad to have extra benches and prayer guides set out for you.

Here are the openings to serve in sharing the Gospel with God’s children in the upcoming weeks:

SPARK! Children’s Sunday School @ 9:30: April 1st – May 6th:

Drama – Teacher needed to partner with Stephanie Muir

Recreation / Games – Teacher needed to partner with Tim Case

To serve in one of these opportunities, simply click here.

Journey to the Tomb: Good Friday, April 6th from 6-9 pm

Tour Guide (1) – [20 lines to memorize]

Chief Priests (2) – [0 lines to memorize]

Narrators (5) – [1 – 5 lines to memorize]

Woman (1) – [9 lines to memorize]

Disciples (7) – [1 line to memorize]

Jesus (1) – [17 lines to memorize]

Video Operator (1)

Roman Guards (2) – [0 lines to memorize]

To serve in one of these opportunities, simply click here.

Grace and peace to you,

Pat Blankenship, Director of Ministry Operations

Pat Blankenship

WORSHIP

In need of prayer? (read more)

Walking the Road to Calvary (read more)

Sermon Series Text (read more)

Chancel Bells rehearsals (read more)

Chancel Choir rehearsals (read more)

The Dittos; Offer Drive Thru Prayer (read more)

LEARN

Martha Greenwald Scholarship (read more)

Parent Meeting for the Youth Mission Trip (read more)

Sunday School for Children

9:30am – Sparklers! (Pre-School) (read more)

9:30am – Spark! (read more)
Spark! Current Session (read more)
Spark! Serve Opportunities (read more)
Spark! Mission Outreach (read more)

Sunday School for Youth

9:30am – Jr Hi Youth (read more)

9:30am – Senior Hi Youth (read more)

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ADULTS:

9:30am – Essential Truth: Knowing Christ Personally (read more)

9:30am - ”24 Hours That Changed the World” by Adam Hamilton (read more)

9:30am – “The Wired Word” Class (read more)

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES:

The Dittos: Wednesday Morning Bible Study (read more)

Pathfinders Bible Study (read more)

Men’s Ministry Group (read more)

SERVE

VBS Decorating Sessions (read more)

SPARK Session 6 – Volunteers Needed! (read more)

Providing Relief for the Tornado Victims (read more)

Vacation Bible School Openings (read more)

Bishop Ough’s Health Challenge (read more)

Seeking Candidates for Video Team Leader (read more)

Seeking Candidates for Video Team Operator (read more)

Henderson House Build 2012 (read more)

FELLOWSHIP

F.U.E.L. going to Spirit Song at Kings Island (read more)

Otterbein Auxiliary Key Person Recognition Lunch (read more)

R.O.M.E.O.S {Retired Older Men Eating Out} (read more)

J.U.L.I.E.T.S { Just Us Ladies Interested n’ Eating Together} (read more)

J.O.Y. Ministry (read more)

United Methodist Women (read more)

M.O.P.S. ( Mothers of Preschoolers) (read more)

Momsnext (read more)

F.U.E.L. (Friends United in Everlasting Life) (read more)

B Fit 4 Jesus! Free! Exercise class for seniors (read more)

INVITE

Journey to the Tomb (read more)

Team 456! (read more)

Loveland United Methodist Church is on Facebook!

8:15 – 9:00 am: Morning Chapel Traditional Worship (read more)

9:30 – 10:30 am: Engaged! Contemporary Worship (read more)

11:00 am – Noon: Classic Tradition Traditional Worship (read more)

GIVE

United Methodist Women Sale for Mission Projects (read more)

2012 Feinstein Million Dollar Challenge to Fight Hunger, March 1—April 30 (read more)

Food Pantry Needs for the week of March 19th (read more)

“March Madness” is a fitting description for the past couple weeks in the greater Cincinnati area. From incredibly beautiful spring days, to devastating, life threatening tornadoes, one never knows what the day may bring. So it’s good to know who brings the day, for He is faithful, and his days are everlasting.

This Sunday morning you and I have an opportunity to invite others to “come in from the storm of life,” and experience the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit, as the LUMC choir and orchestra present, “You are the Christ.” This powerful musical presentation focuses on the last 24 hours of Jesus’ earthly life, through the beautiful, moving gift of music, drama, and song. Services will begin at 9:30 and 11:00am (no 8:15 service this week), plan to arrive early, you’ll be glad you did.

Additionally, you and the people of our communities are invited to come and “Walk the Road to Calvary,” beginning this Sunday and going through Saturday, April 7. This is a self guided pray walk around the LUMC campus, beginning at the lower level of the parking area. We are finding that as more and more people pray, God is moving in powerful, yes, even miraculous ways at LUMC. The prayer walk is open from dawn to dusk…plan to come and pray, then invite a friend to do the same.

Finally, I’ve got to give a big “Thank you, Lord!” for the precious gift of children at LUMC. This past Sunday 40+ boys and girls from our SPARK Sunday school and Ring and Sing group demonstrated what it means to “give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!” There is nothing…NOTHING that compares to the smiles, laughter, song, and dance of young children before the Lord. Thank you, God, for these little ones!

Blessed to serve with you,

Pastor Doug

PS — Tonight LUMC is serving dinner at Bernie’s Place, a homeless shelter in South Lebanon. If you’d like to help, give a call to the LUMC office, or check out the newly refurbished LUMC website for more info!

Connecting the Unconnected in Loveland and Neighboring Communities with the transforming Love of Jesus Christ in order to become His fully Devoted Disciples.

Last Sunday we were blessed to receive the message from our District Superintendent, Rev. Brian Brown, titled “Fear…or Faith?”  Several times this week I have encountered  situations that beg the question, “What drives my life?  Fear…or faith?”  We can ask the same question as a church community.  On the “balance beam” of life, do the people of Loveland and neighboring communities see us safely clinging to the beam, or are we willing to risk moving forward, recognizing that there is risk and pain involved as we walk by faith.

I’ve titled this week’s message, “Life Can Hurt.”  No doubt the tornado victims of last week know the hurt of life more than they would care to.  I learned just yesterday that a young man whom several of our FUEL youth knew was tragically killed in an auto accident.  Indeed, life can hurt.

Sunday morning we will consider what Jesus experienced immediately following the celebration of the Passover with his disciples.  From the Garden of Gethsemane, to his arrest and trial, Jesus found that indeed life can hurt.  If you have ever experienced hurt or pain in your life, I encourage you to come and worship as together we explore how Jesus’ experience can impact your life today.

Additionally, make a note that next Sunday the Easter musical cantata, “You Are the Christ,” will be presented by LUMC’s chancel choir and orchestra.  This powerful musical message will be offered at 9:30am and 11:00am.  This is a great opportunity to invite a friend or neighbor to join you in worship at LUMC.

Finally, get ready to “spring forward” this Saturday night!  We’ll have coffee ready for you “sleepy heads,” but remember, LUMC is a “whine free” facility, even if we are cheesy at times.  :0)

I am, together with you, facing the hurt, and thankful for the healing,

Pastor Doug

Connecting the Unconnected in Loveland and Neighboring Communities with the transforming Love of Jesus Christ in order to become His fully Devoted Disciples.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Together, as we continue to pray for God’s provisions, protection, healing, comfort, restoration, and peace for those affected in our area by the recent storms, opportunities to serve in the relief effort in hands on / off campus ministries are developing through several agencies with the infrastructure equipped to help and specific donations are being requested to aid in the effort as well.

Posted below are ways in which you can donate items that are needed in the relief effort, make financial donations towards the aid being delivered, and get connected as the hands and feet of Christ reaching out to those hurting and in such great need.

DONATIONS:

We are collecting resources to be given towards our Ohio River Valley District Response. These items include the following

* Health Kits ( 1 hand towel 15” x 25” to 17”x 27” – (kitchen cleaning and microfiber towels not acceptable) ; 1 washcloth; 1 comb – (needs to be sturdy no pocket combs or picks please rattail combs and combs without handles are acceptable); 1 metal nail file or clipper; (no emery boards please); 1 bath size soap ( 3 oz. and larger sizes only all brands are acceptable do not remove from original packaging); 1 toothbrush ( adult size only do not remove from original packaging); 6 adhesive bandages ¾” to 1 “ size common household band aids; 1 tube of toothpaste; 1 plastic bag one gallon size( sealable bags only)
* Diapers
* Formula
* Bleach
* Trash Bags

The donations can be placed on the Give Rack in the Gathering Area. There will be bins marked “Tornado Relief” for your donations. We are also seeking a volunteer who can deliver these resources each week to the United Methodist Church in Goshen, one of the local drop off centers for our district.

Financial contributions can be made to LUMC, with UMCOR Advance #901670 written on the envelope and/or check memo line and we will direct the funds to the United Methodist Committee on Relief who are already helping in the response effort.

HANDS ON / OFF CAMPUS RELIEF EFFORT

LUMC’s Missions team is coordinating a hands on / off campus effort through Matthew 25 Ministries. If you would like to serve in sorting donations that are coming in for the people in need, we will be going together as a group on Saturday, April 21st from 9 am to noon. Children, accompanied by at least one of their parents, are able to serve in this effort, alongside adults and teenagers.

If you would like to be trained to be part of a response team on March 10th or March 17th, visit our West Ohio United Methodist Church website to learn more.

You can also visit Matthew 25 Ministries and volunteer to sort donations. Click here to read more.

The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it for me.’ – Matthew25:40

Blessings upon blessings to you as you reach out to those who are suffering and in great need.

Pat Blankenship, Director of Ministry Operations

Pat Blankenship

Walking the Road to Calvary (read more)

Sermon Series Text (read more)

Lenten Cantata Rehearsals (read more)

Ring and Sing Preparing for Choralfest on March 3rd (read more)

Chancel Bells rehearsals (read more)

Chancel Choir rehearsals (read more)

The Dittos; Offer Drive Thru Prayer (read more)

Youth Mission Trip - Meetings for Chaperones & Parents (read more)

Sunday School for Children

9:30am – Sparklers! (Pre-School) (read more)

9:30am – Spark! (read more)
Spark! Current Session (read more)
Spark! Serve Opportunities (read more)
Spark! Mission Outreach (read more)

Sunday School for Youth

9:30am – Jr Hi Youth (read more)

9:30am – Senior Hi Youth (read more)

SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ADULTS:

9:30am – Essential Truth: Knowing Christ Personally (read more)

9:30am - ”24 Hours That Changed the World” by Adam Hamilton (read more)

9:30am – “The Wired Word” Class (read more)

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES:

The Dittos: Wednesday Morning Bible Study (read more)

Pathfinders Bible Study (read more)

Men’s Ministry Group (read more)

SERVE

Providing Relief for the Tornado Victims (read more)

Vacation Bible School Openings (read more)

Bernie’s Place Meal (read more)

Bishop Ough’s Health Challenge (read more)

Shepherds of the Soil Sign Up (read more)

Seeking Candidates for Video Team Leader (read more)

Seeking Candidates for Video Team Operator (read more)

Henderson House Build 2012 (read more)

FELLOWSHIP

FUEL going to Winter Jam (read more)

Otterbein Auxiliary Key Person Recognition Lunch (read more)

R.O.M.E.O.S {Retired Older Men Eating Out} (read more)

J.U.L.I.E.T.S { Just Us Ladies Interested n’ Eating Together} (read more)

J.O.Y. Ministry (read more)

United Methodist Women (read more)

M.O.P.S. ( Mothers of Preschoolers) (read more)

Momsnext (read more)

F.U.E.L. (Friends United in Everlasting Life) (read more)

B Fit 4 Jesus! Free! Exercise class for seniors (read more)

INVITE

Lenten Cantata – “You are the Christ” (read more)

Journey to the Tomb (read more)

Team 456! (read more)

Loveland United Methodist Church is on Facebook!

8:15 – 9:00 am: Morning Chapel Traditional Worship (read more)

9:30 – 10:30 am: Engaged! Contemporary Worship (read more)

11:00 am – Noon: Classic Tradition Traditional Worship (read more)

GIVE

United Methodist Women Sale for Mission Projects (read more)

2012 Feinstein Million Dollar Challenge to Fight Hunger, March 1—April 30 (read more)

Food Pantry Needs for the week of March 5th (read more)

As I begin this enote, I want to make special mention that this Sunday morning our District Superintendent, Rev. Brian Brown, will be sharing the message, “From Fear to Faith” with those gathered at Loveland UMC for worship. Rev. Brown is a powerful preacher and visionary leader. The opportunity to hear him is one you don’t want to miss…I encourage you to arrive early. Those gathering for worship will be blessed by his message.

We are now approaching the second Sunday of the Lenten season. I continue to hear of incredible ways people are being blessed by the Lord as we intentionally draw together redirecting our time to be spent in prayer, worship, study, outreach and sacrifice. People are experiencing the healing power of God…physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Adults, teens, and children are studying God’s Word in record numbers in small groups, Sunday school classes, and other Bible studies! We can be sure that the Scriptures will hold true as we remember, “…His Word does not return void.” We can also be certain that old and new challenges will surface as the Enemy learns of the wave of God’s Spirit flowing through the people known as LUMC!

In our Lenten study book, 24 Hours that Changed the World, this week we consider Jesus’ time spent in the Garden of Gethsemane. One of his disciples had left the Lord’s Supper to betray Jesus by summoning the authorities. The others would soon desert him…one of his closest friends, Peter, would go so far as to deny even knowing Jesus. It is no mystery regarding why Jesus felt such anguish at this most difficult juncture in his life. At one point Jesus even cried out to his heavenly Father, “Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Have you ever found yourself feeling disappointed, even betrayed by others? The pain is especially great when this happens with a close friend or family member. Know today that Jesus understands exactly how you feel. But be aware that Jesus did not stop there. He kept going, through the pain and suffering, forgiving those who had hurt him so.

If you have been carrying hurt or hard feelings towards one you were close to, spend some time today, as Jesus did, sharing with your heavenly Father the hurt you feel. And though you may want to hold onto anger, bitterness, or resentment, I urge you to meditate upon the words of our Savior, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

As Jesus experienced, the necessary pathway to healing can be very difficult. I pray that you find this healing path today.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Doug

Connecting the Unconnected in Loveland and Neighboring Communities with the transforming Love of Jesus Christ in order to become His fully Devoted Disciples.