The Outlook

an edition of
The United
Methodist Reporter
Two Sections
Confirmation Two churches become one Singing children Section A
909160
Optimus pretosius Chirographi suffragarit Medusa, Perspicax concubine
Vol. 156 No. 46
apparatus belli | 4A quamquam catelli s | 5A circumgrediet | 8A
March 19, 2010

New Logo Now on the

chalk Outlook Masthead
Our new logo for University Circle United Methodist Church features a gold

talk cross with intersecting lines flowing outside a green circle. The circle repre-
sents God’s encompassing love for each of us and it also represents the “cir-
cle” in University Circle. The cross is fluid and contemporary and is
BY DR. KENNETH W. CHALKER comprised of intersecting lines which represent not only the diversity of our
church family but the many streets that intersect our location in University
Many times in recent weeks, folks who are aware Circle and reach out beyond the circle as an invitation to all persons. The let-
of the faith adventure that is named University tering of University Circle United Methodist Church is a rich shade of blue
Circle United Methodist Church will ask me how and beneath the title, in a lighter shade of green than the green of the circle,
I think it is all going. There are a number of ways are the words “where all are welcome all the time.”
in which to respond.
There is the more obvious response which
points to all the tangible signs of our holy and
Beautifying Our Sanctuary with Flowers
bold endeavor in our city. The temporary, but im- Lilies will again adorn our sanctuary for Easter. You may purchase an Easter
pressive signs, which face Chester and East 107th lily plant for only $7.00. You may designate one or more of these lovely lily
Street passed by thousands of folks each day and plants in the memory of or in honor of a loved one. All orders must be sub-
announcing our presence in University Circle mitted to the church office with payment on or before Sunday, March 28. Be
would be a way of pointing to our important sure to include complete details for the dedication you wish.
voice in our community. The website and weekly If you would like to donate flowers to adorn our church sanctuary for a
e-mails detailing events going on at UCUMC specific Sunday besides Easter, please contact member John Wheeler at
under the important banner of OneCoolGod 216-932-2788 or wetique47@sbcglobal.net. The cost is $80, which includes
would be another example of the marvelous ways two large arrangements in urns on either side of the chancel, or $45 for an
in which things are going at University Circle altar arrangement. The gift of flowers is considered a contribution to the
United Methodist Church. The list would cer- church and will be reflected on your financial giving statement. If you
tainly go on…and on. would like some of the flowers to take home with you, please discuss this
To be sure, the marvelously committed, in- with John when you place your order.
vested, and forward looking people who comprise
this very new congregation are making inspiring
results possible. It doesn’t matter what aspect of
Young Adults Sunday Study
our program, worship, business, or mission life of
our emerging UCUMC one might name, ab-
Jesus lived with the awareness that God is doing something, right here, right
now, and anybody can be a part of it. He encouraged his listeners to search, Holy Week Events at
to wrestle with the implications of what he was saying and doing. He in-
solutely astounding things are taking place. In-
deed, whether in our church school, confirmation
spired, challenged, provoked, comforted, and invited people to be open to
God’s work in this world. Wherever he went, Jesus started discussions about
University Circle UMC
class, music groups or efforts to operate an effec- Holy Week begins with Passion Sunday, March 28, as the triumphal entry
what matters most, because for Jesus, God is always inviting us to open our
tive outreach to the city at our site at East 30th of Jesus into Jerusalem for Passover is reenacted. With the waving of
eyes and join in. NOOMA is a series of short films that explore our world
and Euclid, things are going so inspiringly well. palm branches, and singing songs of celebration, children and adults will
from a perspective of Jesus. It’s an invitation to search, question, and join the
Writing these things, however, it is also impor- proclaim Jesus as the Messiah King. Before the end of the service the
discussion, and the young adults of University Circle UMC are jumping in.
tant to note that what we are accomplishing to- mood will have changed from celebration to reflection as we prepare for
Join us every week at 10 AM as we explore these questions together in the
gether has not been accomplished on this level Jesus’ final agonizing journey to the cross.
library across from the sanctuary. Feel free to stop in, stop by... Just show up
and at this speed ever before. We must always, AL- On Maundy Thursday, April 1 at 7:30 PM parishioners will gather in
and you’ll be welcome as you are.
WAYS, note this. Doing so is not voicing conceit. the Great Hall to participate as disciples in Holy Communion and the
Questions? Email Julia Nielsen Bingman at julianielsenbing-
Doing so is not an expression of arrogance or su- reenactment of the Last Supper with our Lord. As the disciples came to-
man@gmail.com or call/txt at 216.333.5751.
periority of purpose and mission. Acknowledging gether to share their Passover meal thousands of years before us, we, like
what is being accomplished, acknowledging what them, will stand in the shadow of the cross this night.
is going inspiringly well is important because it is
the evidence that God is with us in all that is tak-
ing place. If God were not a part of this, if God
Happy Now On Holy Friday, April 2 at 7:30 PM Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion, suf-
fering, death and burial will be commemorated through the hearing of
the Seven Last Words of Jesus powerfully told in word and music.
were not inspiring hearts and OPENING our
hearts and minds, this tangible presence of Uni- Graduates Father, forgive them . . . (Luke 23:34)
This day you will be with me in Paradise. (Luke 23:43)
versity Circle United Methodist Church—instead Come see our very own Happy Now in her Woman, behold your son . . . (John 19:26-27)
of a living reality of love in action—would be just graduation from the Ohio College of Clown- My God, my God . . . (Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34)
one big argument taking place in a committee ing Arts on April 17, at 2 PM at the Fairlawn- I thirst. (John 19:28)
meeting. Nothing would be going well. West United Church, 2095 West Market It is finished! (John 19:30)
It also must be said in response to the ques- Street, Akron. The performance of “The Laughing Stock” featuring the Father into your hands . . . (Luke 23:46)
tion of how things are going that this effort, in class of graduating clowns will be about 1½ hours long. Tickets are $10 Alleluia! He is Risen! Celebrate our Risen Lord! On Easter Sunday,
Continued on back page each or $35 for a whole family. April 4, there will be a sunrise service followed by a pancake breakfast
and a traditional Easter morning service at 11 AM. Watch the bulletin,
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Dr., check on-line at onecoolgod.com or call the church office for details.
Dallas Texas, 75247-3919. Periodicals postage paid at Dallas Texas. and additional mailing offices. Postmaster:
Send address changes to: The United Methodist Reporter, P.O. Box 660275, Dallas, Texas 75266-0275.
8A THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER MARCH 19, 2010

GRACENOTES
for him and we are glad that he was able to
B Y N AT H A N I E L M O T TA
share his gifts with us for as long as he
This being my first installment in the Outlook as did!
Director of Music & Arts at University Circle  Finally, I want to address the logistics in
United Methodist Church, I thought I would use a the sanctuary, as many of you have
slightly different format. Rather than a letter or a approached me to ask about them. I
paragraph as is the norm in most church know it can be frustrating for the
newsletters, I thought I would just give you a few congregation, and especially the choirs,
“notes”, or bulleted little tidbits about things to navigate through the pews, platforms,
going on in the Music & Arts program at bell tables, communion rails, and chancel
UCUMC. Enjoy! walls. Getting twenty singing children,
 We hope you enjoyed all the music last fifteen dancers, a bell choir, or fifty-plus
month. I always look forward to Back row: Brianna McElrath, David Blue, Ashlie Upchurch; Middle row: David
choir members up and around all these
programming music for Black History Wheatley, Wayne Chalker, Lydia Ramlo, Maxeen Ramlo, Emanuel Primes; Front row:
obstacles has taken a great deal of
month and focusing on a repertoire and Jacob Jones, Ezra Ramlo, Catherine Wheatley, Emily Laycock
planning and time practicing logistics. It
tradition that is so moving and rich in takes time in the service, breaks up the
great pieces of music.While we definitely
include spirituals, jazz, gospel, and other
“flow” of worship that we try so hard to
maintain, takes rehearsal time away from
Singing Children of University Circle
music of African American composers all the artistic side of things, and can look hear the train whistle before you notice this lively
BY SEVILLA MORSE
year long, we hope you liked the focus on less than fluid! We appreciate your group chugging along.
that repertoire as much as we loved patience. We are certainly trying to make On Sunday, February 28, the Singing Children May 16—The Singing Children will lead the
presenting it! the best of it and create a smooth under the direction of Sevilla Morse sang “Amaz- congregation in an old fashioned Hymn Sing (or
 Coming up on Sunday, March 21, is worship service with the use of “traveling ing Grace” with soloist Emily Laycock. An intro- could that be a “Her Sing”?), encouraging enthu-
Vierne’s “Solemn Mass,” the major work music” and other logistical “devices” to duction about John Newton who wrote the siastic participation….until the University Police
presentation for Lent, which is a piece full make it work. Secondly, believe me when inspirational words of this beautiful anthem was come to investigate the racket! Our 18 Singing
of dramatic organ passages and I say I know that the sightlines to see given by Emanuel Primes and David Wheatley. Children will be recognized that day.
beautifully melodic choral sections. The both the choirs and dancers are very poor The children accompanied the anthem with Orff We currently rehearse in the Isaac Morris
piece, originally written for two organs in part of the sanctuary, but we’re looking instruments. room (off the sanctuary near the chapel). Here is
and two choirs, will certainly serve our to address that as well. For those of you Singing Children is open to all children K–9th the remaining Singing Children’s rehearsal
large Chancel Choir and two organists who have not noticed a problem, GREAT! grade. That is a huge age range but it works with schedule:
quite well! But certainly the staff, Sacred Space these kids. It is incredible to watch these older March 21—Singing Children—9:30 AM;
 The Music & Arts staff are currently committee, and others will be looking at ones helping the younger ones. This year our Liturgical Dancers—10:15AM
pulling together the details for all the Holy these challenges when determining a way group is comprised of 18 singers who also expe- March 28—Singing Children—9:30 AM;
Week planning. There will be children to configure the space so that it serves all rience playing Orff and other instruments. Some Liturgical Dancers—10:15 AM
singing and waving palms, dancers the wonderful things that UCUMC is and are featured in worship services playing instru- April 4—Easter Sunday—No rehearsal
interpreting some beautiful music, the will be! ments they study privately as well. We accept new April 11—Singing Children—9:30 AM;
Gospel Choir sharing some moving Thank you for all your support of the Music members anytime. These young singers will be Liturgical Dancers—10:15 AM
anthems, the Chancel Choir singing Faure & Arts programs and ensembles! Feel free to participating in Sunday services: April 18—Singing Children—9:30 AM;
and Mozart, as well the continued sound join any of these groups! All are welcome, all the March 28—On Palm Sunday the Singing Liturgical Dancers—10:15 AM
of Bells! time! Just stop in or email us for more informa- Children will wave palms and lead the congrega- April 25—No rehearsal
 I also want to pass along my thanks to Ray tion. A big thank you to all the staff and particu- tion in “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna.” May 2—Singing Children—9:30 AM; Liturgi-
Liddle who left us after many years of larly our congregation members who volunteer April 18—Congregation members join us cal Dancers—10:15 AM
service to take a job at Trinity Cathedral, their time and talents to make worship a time forming Singing Children + Friends, an intergen- May 9—Singing Children—9:30 AM; Liturgi-
where he will be both the bass filled with music and dance as we begin our erational choir formed with parents, grandpar- cal Dancers—10:15 AM
soloist/section leader as well as Assistant journey together as University Circle United ents and friends of all ages. Rehearsals are March May 16—Singing Children—9:30 AM
Music Director. It’s an exciting opportunity Methodist Church! 21 and April 11 and 18 from 10–10:15 AM in the Both the Singing Children and the Liturgical
Chapel.All are welcome to join this group for a Dancers rehearse until 11 AM. Children who par-
Deadline for the next Outlook issue is Women of the Church presentation of one of Ralph Fotia’s favorite
hymns—“Life’s Railway to Heaven.” You may
ticipate in both groups miss the last part of the
Singing Children rehearsals.
May 3, 2010, Noon April 18 will be United Methodist Women’s Sun-
day. During the worship service UMW will be-

THE UNIVERSITY CIRCLE OUTLOOK

published bi-monthly as an edition of
stow a Special Mission Pin to an individual who
has served the church above and beyond in the chalk talk
past year. Following the service there will be a Continued from front page In a way unlike any other in my years as a
THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER
for University Circle United Methodist Church
salad and dessert potluck (beverages and table spite of all its inspiring points of witness and evi- local church pastor, as a pastor and people we are
1919 E. 107th St., Cleveland, OH 44106 216/421-1200 settings provided) for all women of the church dence of accomplishment, has also been exhaust- going through a Lenten Season of high stress and
Senior Pastor: Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker with a presentation by Carol Broadbent, Presi- ing. While it has been a labor of love for all of us, many demands. But what I am sure of is the
Bishop-in-Residence: Judith Craig dent of the North Coast UMW, our umbrella or-
Director of Parish Administration: Kay Hogg it has been a demanding labor. We must ac- truth that has been the foundation of our faith
Church Office & Building Rental Coordinator: ganization. Bishop Craig will join us. Come and knowledge this truth as well. We must always be for over 2000 years. We are resurrection people!!
Heather Howard find out the purpose of UMW—what do we do, sensitive to—and grateful for—the extraordi- We see beyond any limitations to the great reality
Parish Associate for Young Adults: Julia Bingman why do we do it and how you can become in-
Coordinator of Pastoral Care: Rev. Ralph Fotia
nary efforts of staff and congregation for what of new life which God makes possible. So, what-
Coordinator of Membership and Volunteers:
volved in these rewarding activities that support God is enabling us to do. If it were easy, many ever challenges and stresses may be ours, there is
Judy Sockman mission projects here in Cleveland and around places might be engaged in such faith endeavors the certain truth that God will make a way, even
Property Manager: Chuck Huene the world, inspire Christian fellowship within our for dynamic futures. The truth is that very few ef- when there appears to be no way, for us to sing
Director of Children’s Ministries: Dr. Amy Wheatley congregation, and promote Christian values.
Director of Youth Programming: forts, if any, such as this ever take place. They God’s triumph song.
Rev. James D. Longsworth Please make your reservation by filling out a bul- never get beyond a three year “exploratory phase” So, how is it going at University Circle United
Director of Music and Performing Arts: letin insert or calling the church office, 216-421- and die in committee. Methodist Church? It is not “going.” Rather, what
Nathaniel Motta 1200 on or before April 11. See you on April 18. Now we sure have our problems! There could is taking place is a movement of God’s Spirit
Music Advisor: Eric Charnofsky
Organists: Joanna Li and Dr. Zahari Metchkov be a list made very quickly of the things that are among us, through us and with us. We, as a por-
Director of Gospel Choir: Sharolyn Ferebee United Methodist Women’s causing great concern and have the potential to tion of God’s people, are experiencing marvelous
Director of Children’s Music: Sevilla Morse become barriers to the freeing way in which things and accomplishments because God is able
Director of Liturgical Dance: Edna Duffy Assembly in St. Louis, MO
Editor of Outlook: Marilou Abele April 29–May 2 God’s Holy Spirit is moving within us. There are and God is making all of us able to take this diffi-
Photographers: Jeff Day and Kent Hedman Information on UMW the lists that can wake a number of us up at 3 AM cult, but wonder-filled journey.
Editorial Staff: K. Shamp, E. Prince, C. Day
Bulletin Board in Office Hall and trouble the waters. But, God is giving us In our time, in our space, we are the Church,
Contributors: University Circle Staff strength, grace and hope sufficient for each day. TOGETHER!
4A THE UNITED METH

Confirmation Class Meets Weekly Two Churches Become O

Gala Potluck—Saturday, January 30, 2

The Confirmation Class (7th and 8th grades) meets every Sunday morning at 11 AM
in the College Age Bible Study Room under the leadership of Sharon Seyfarth Garner
in preparation of their joining the church in the spring. On the first Sunday of the
month, this group joins worship in the sanctuary. Pictured from left to right are David
Blue, Sharon Seyfarth Garner, Timothy Garner, Emily Laycock, Mark Ramlo, Ozzie A youn
Newbright, Kirstie Washtock, Lauren Floyd and Tirone Williams. new h

Eric Charnofsky Recognized Lolly the Trolley arrives at Chester and 107th with The Camel and Sunday School
students.
In the Sunday, January 24, service Bishop Craig thanked
Eric Charnofsky for his seven years of service to the Ep-
worth-Euclid Music Department, first as Music Assistant
and then five years as Music Director. During his tenure
Eric led the choir in Faure’s Requiem, Britten’s A Ceremony
of Carols, Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols,
Rutter’s Requiem and most recently Vivaldi’s Gloria. He also
directed the choir in two live broadcast performances on
WCLV as part of the Jubilation Festivals. Another of Eric’s
projects was the Lloyd Max Bunker series which featured
outstanding musicians performing in our beautiful Sanctuary. Many times Eric’s lovely wife Lindsay
would participate in Sunday services and other musical presentations, playing her clarinet accompanied
by Eric. Epworth-Euclid greatly appreciates the dedication to excellence that Eric brought to the music
program throughout his years of service. Eric will continue as Music Advisor until June 31.

Sunday School News Attention all those

B Y A M Y W H E AT L E Y of College Age:
Please join your friends for
During Lent this year, children have been hearing
Fellowship and a Free Lunch
stories of Jesus’ teaching and healing.As Holy
Reception Room
Week approaches, we will focus on prayer, hearing
Sunday, April 11 at 12:15 PM
the story of Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethse-
Also remember to pick up your Goodie Bags
mane. We will bake “prayer pretzels” to remind us
on April 25 to sustain you through finals week.
that God loves us and hears us when we pray.
On Palm Sunday, we will celebrate with our Graduation Our resident clown Harriet Anne Pennlope Yarnnow (AKA Happy Now) is ready to
church family in worship. The Singing Children greet more than 220 guests who attended the Gala Potluck celebrating the formation
will present an anthem, and Liturgical Dance Recognition of University Circle United Methodist Church. The Great Hall was festively decorated
children will also perform. On Easter Sunday, all Sunday, May 2 with colorful table cloths and bright balloons.
children are invited to join their families for wor- Graduating Seniors from both High School
ship. There will be child care for children ages and College will be recognized.
birth to five in the nursery.

Bigger Circle Sundays

After the worship service on March 7, the first monthly Bigger Circle Sunday potluck
was a big success, attended by about 90 congregants. Again, the Methodist tradition
of good fellowship, good food and good fun prevailed. Following a delicious, filling
meal, the staff answered questions that were posed by some of those present. Another Many of those attending the Gala Potluck decorated felt squares which formed a
opportunity for two congregations to meld into the University Circle UMC. collage banner to commemorate this momentous occasion. The C