2016

On Veterans Day remember the sign at the Veterans Cemetery which reads: “All gave some

and some gave their all.” —The Arizona Republic

Not one of us is perfect. Only one person has ever

been perfect, and that is Jesus.

Powerful: Strong; having great influence.

Effective: Producing the intended or expected result.

The Greek “effective” is energeo which means to be

at work or put forth power.

As we fervently pray before God, exercising this great

privilege in the name of Jesus Christ, let us remember

our prayers have great influence and great power.

Please Pray for Our Youth Programs

Good News Club Fifty three elementary age kids

attended on October 12th

, and that number is

expected to grow.

CLMS – Campus Life Middle School reaches out to

middle school students in grades 6-8.

HSCL – High School Campus Life is for students in

grades 9-12.

How can I help?

Pray for the kids and leaders. Pray for guidance and

patience for the leaders and pray the children and

youth come to know Jesus as their savior.

Come and help out. If you have an interest in

helping, contact the office.

Provide a snack. Let the office know and we will

make sure it gets there!

Salem Cass News

Righteous: Characterized

by uprightness or

morality. A righteous

person wants to live

under the guidelines God

has given us in the Bible;

to live according to God’s

standards.

Dear Salem Family,

As you read these words the 2016 Election may already be over and the results known. I trust if you were able to vote, you made your voice known and fulfilled your patriotic privilege and duty. When casting our votes, we were choosing sides. It’s the nature of the process. But now as the results unfold, our privilege and duty, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, are to pray for unity – to be “one nation under God”, regardless if our candidates were elected or not. We must continue praying for our nation, its elected officials, and for God’s guidance. Only with the Lord can America be great; only with God’s blessing can we experience prosperity; only with His favor can there be healing in the divisions of our nation. Our leaders and our nation need your prayers! “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chron.7:14). Please join me on your knees!

Pastor Ray

Pastor Ray will be leading a New Member Class during

the Sunday School hour (10:45-11:45 am) in his office

on November 6th, 13th, and 20th, for those who wish to

join the church or those who would like to gain a

greater understanding of what it means to be a fully

active member of the church.

.

Salem Cass United Methodist Church

Administrative Council

October 9, 2016

Rex Rinker called the meeting to order with Bob Doxsey offering prayer. Shirley Miller read the minutes of the September meeting. Sara Kuhlman made a motion to accept the minutes as read with Sharon Stacy seconding same. Motion passed.

TREASURER'S REPORT: Sharon Stacy reported last week's offering was $4727.00 (amount needed each week to meet estimated budget $3930.00). Sharon presented graphs comparing income and expenses.

TRUSTEES' REPORT: Max Stacy advised the trustees discussed and now recommend, the basement kitchen floor be applied a coating of epoxy, rather than painting the floor, at a cost of $1825.00. Max then made a motion to accept the trustees' recommendation to apply epoxy rather than paint the kitchen floor in the basement, with Bob Doxsey seconding the motion. Motion passed. Max further announced the trustees will be working outside the church with clean-up chores Friday at 2:00 p.m. and everyone is invited to help.

YOUTH: Rex Rinker for Jennifer Deiter announced the youth will be conducting a bake sale on November 20 at the church and a "Birthday Party for Jesus" on December 2.

CANDY: Bonnie Donaldson announced candy will be made on November 5 and everyone is invited to help starting at 9:00 a.m.

DART BALL: Rex Rinker advised dart ball will begin November 7.

Lori Eaton stated the girl scouts requested the use of the church for a program the same day as the Fall Festival and in solving the situation; an invitation was extended to them and their families to join us at the Fall Festival, which they accepted.

FINANCIAL SECRETARY: Marge Stacy reported we are behind budget $16,754.00.

Sara Kuhlman made a motion to adjourn with Bonnie Donaldson seconding same. Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Shirley Miller, Recording Secretary

Beautiful harmonies and a timeless message combine to form the ministry of Allegiance.

We extend our love and

prayers to Joe and Mary Ann

Lopez for the passing of Joe’s

brother, Leo.

Allegiance in Concert, Sunday, November 13

The Gospel vocal group, Allegiance, will present a worship concert at Salem Cass on Sunday morning, November 13 at 9:30am. The trio is comprised of Jake Sammons, TJ Evans,

and Kasey Kemp (nephew of Salem’s Chris Allen).

$$ From the Finance Committee $$

The Finance Committee would like to make everyone aware that at the end of 2015 our expenses exceeded our income by $13,139.18. Income to date for 2016 is slightly below that of last year, and at the current rate, our expenses will probably exceed our income once again. Please prayerfully consider helping our church make up this deficit. Thank you.

Memorial Funds Listed below are the Salem Memorial Funds and the balances in each account as of October 27, 2016. Lois Henderson Memorial $164.87 Ron Shaffer Memorial $125.00 Foy Henderson Memorial $230.00 Wayne Mertz Memorial $32.00 Virginia Messer Memorial $45.00 Ray Amos Memorial $2,737.00 David C. Coulter Memorial $557.55 Eleanor Scully Memorial $25.00 Doris Beck Memorial $615.00 Darlene Lewis Memorial $2,135.00

Welcome October Visitors! Bill, Stacy, Molly Pickett Kathie Zorn Jim Baney Roger Bank Lyn Loewen Kristi Burns Madison Word Jackson Genzman Evelyn & Charlie Beare Beth Taylor Patrick, Lauren, Lane Stacy Cindy Reese Greg & Luann Lee Scott, Angie, McKenna, Clay, Brody Bergman Jim & Elisa Reese and children

Where Is Thy Sting? Death’s power is limited. It cannot eradicate memories or slay love. It cannot destroy even a threadbare faith or permanently hobble the smallest hope in God. It cannot permeate the soul and it cannot cripple the spirit. It merely separates us for a while. That is the only power death can claim — no more. ―Donna VanLiere

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The shoebox gifts delivered through Operation Christmas Child truly go to the ends of the earth. Samaritan’s Purse has transported these gifts to 135 million boys and girls, spanning more than 150 countries. Help the Needles for

God ladies as they work to fold the boxes and then pack them.

Tuesday, November 1 Tuesday, November 15 Assemble Shoeboxes 2:00 pm Pack gifts in Shoeboxes 2:00 pm

“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: The LORD’s right hand has done mighty things!” Psalm 118:15

Surely shouts of joy will abound with the start-up of Dart Ball this fall. “It’s like baseball with darts.” Anybody can do it - young and old! It’s for anyone interested in having FUN! Call Rex Rinker at 419-299-3841 to participate.

Monday, November 7 Dart Ball Begins 7:30 pm

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

“Candy dippers” – and let’s face it – “taste testers” needed! Everyone is invited to help make sweets, chocolate covered peanuts and chocolate covered pretzels to be exact. The work is rewarding, not only because the candy is so scrumptious, but the proceeds are typically earmarked for a worth-while cause. Come and help!

Saturday, November 5 Candy Making Day 9:00 am

“so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Romans 12:5

Basic Christianity, Spiritual Gifts, and United Methodist Beliefs are the topics to be covered by Pastor Ray. Please RSVP by contacting the Church Office (419)-423-9751 or secretary@salemcass.org.

Sundays, Nov. 6, 13, 20 Membership Class 10:45-11:45 am

“My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.” Psalm 57:7

We all look forward to the beautiful music of the Christmas season. The Celebration Choir will present “One Small Child” A Musical for Christmas on Sunday, December 18th at 9:30 am during worship. Come join the chorus, and be a part of the musical! Rehearsals are in the sanctuary:

Thursdays, November 3, 10, 17 & December 1,8,15 Christmas Celebration Choir 7:00 pm

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,” Matthew 25:35

Watch for the sign-up sheet during worship or contact Bonnie Donaldson to help with this very important mission.

Thursday, November 10 Salem Prepare & Serve City Mission Meal 4:30 pm

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3

Fellowship, good food, and friendly conversation abound at the potluck luncheons on the 2nd Sunday of the month. Bonnie Holden is hostess this month, so bring a dish and stay for lunch! The Board Meeting will follow.

Sunday, November 13 Potluck Meal 11:45 am Administrative Council Meeting 12:45 pm

And SOUP SUPPER

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 5:00 PM

Come out and enjoy some delicious soup

and then help decorate the church for

Christmas. A sign-up sheet will be

passed during worship.

ALL-CHURCH PARTY

FRIDAY

DECEMBER 2

6:00 PM

Thank you to everyone who was there for us during our

time of need. All the love and compassion from our friends

really made a difference.

The Lewis Family

Dear Salem Ladies,

Thank you for the wonderful funeral dinner! Thank you

also for the leftovers! Thanks for your love & prayers in

our time of need.

Connie Roberts for the Lewis Family

SHOE BOX MISSION PROJECTSHOE BOX MISSION PROJECTSHOE BOX MISSION PROJECTSHOE BOX MISSION PROJECT We will be working with the Shoe Box Mission Project in November and would like to invite everyone who would like to assist to come to the church fellowship hall on the following dates:

Tuesday, November 1 – 2 p.m. Assembling the Boxes.

Tuesday, November 15 – 2 p.m. Putting the gifts in the shoe boxes and preparing them for delivery to the children.

Thank you – remember

“Many hands make light work!”

Please bring a dish to share!

Fun for all ages! Including a Bounce House!

Invite Friends!

A Thanksgiving BlessingA Thanksgiving BlessingA Thanksgiving BlessingA Thanksgiving Blessing We are grateful for our bountiful and innumerable blessings. We are thankful that God has brought us to this very day, this very hour, this very minute. And we are hopeful that God’s

providential care will enable us to see the unbounded possibilities of the future.

Needles For God

“Needles” Thank Yous

Needles for God,

Thank you so much for the prayer shawl after surgery

and the bookmark after mother’s passing; and the

prayers, hugs, cards, and calls. It is such a comfort to

have such an active, loving, wonderful, and

compassionate group of women in our church family.

Love & Prayers, Ruth Rinker

Dear Ladies of Needles for God,

Thank you for the special gifts given to us at the

funeral dinner! What great work you do together!

Thank you for thinking of us in our time of need.

The Lewis Family

YOUTH

FUNDRAISER

SUNDAY

NOVEMBER 20

Your donation will buy a wonderful baked

good to take home! The proceeds will be

used to support a Christmas mission

project that the youth will choose, and

other youth ministry activities.

Look for the table in the lobby before and

after church!

7 Vital Prayer Points: For the Upcoming Election, Our Nation, and Leaders

Debbie McDaniel Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer January 28, 2016

Sometimes in the midst of headline news, uncertain times, and constant debates that affect our future, it's hard to even know where to begin. We just know we have a deep ache in our hearts that cries out for God's mercy, and a longing to see him heal our land. But in all of the battles, defending our views, or pointing out differences, we have to ask ourselves one question… Have we prayed about it as much as we’ve talked about it? God never leaves us to fend for ourselves, wrestling with worry, consumed in fear, or tempted towards hate. He reminds us He is with us and will help us. He reminds us He hasn’t lost control, but has a plan, and His purposes will prevail.

There’s no magic formula in praying verses and words, but there is power through the Spirit of God. And there’s power in His Truth to bring forgiveness, healing, renewal, and restoration - no matter how uncertain things may seem. God promises that His Word will not return empty, without accomplishing great things. Prayer + God’s Word = Power – the pathway for Him to do miraculous things. He hears our prayers, He knows our needs. There's great power in uniting together, turning our hearts towards Him, and praying on behalf of our nation.

7 Vital Prayer Points:

1. That our nation would turn back to God. May God help us. We need him desperately to renew our hope and restore our land. We need his forgiveness and healing. May His Spirit sweep across our nation and draw many out of darkness. May believers everywhere draw close to Him and seek his face like never before.

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked

ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chron. 7:14 “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…” Ps. 33:12

2. That we would be faithful in praying for leaders and those in authority, knowing that their decisions directly affect us too. May God give them wisdom and courage as they lead our nation. May He give them a desire to listen for his voice and follow his ways. May God in His mercy, appoint principled, godly men and women into positions of authority in our nation.

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all

those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” 1 Tim. 2:1-2 “When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.” Prov. 29:2

3. That we would recognize God’s Sovereignty over all. His word reminds us that He is the One who

ultimately has the power to position all those in leadership, and to remove them. Some may ask, “If God’s going to do whatever He chooses, then why even pray?” More than anything, God desires our hearts to be set on Him. And He chooses to work on behalf of His people. His word reminds us there is great power in prayer as we join together in unity and seek to follow after Him.

It is “God who changes the times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and

knowledge to the discerning.” Dan. 2:21 “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Ps. 33:11

4. That we would recognize the real battle is not fought against what is seen, but what is unseen. The real enemy is not a person or political party, but is Satan himself, and his dark forces that oppose God and fight against Truth. The enemy’s goal is to steal, kill, and destroy, and he wants nothing more than to see us waste our energy and time just battling one another. Let’s stay aware of his evil plans and stand against his attacks through the power of Christ and His Word.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this

dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph. 6:12 “For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Cor. 10:4

Prayer PointsPrayer PointsPrayer PointsPrayer Points continuedcontinuedcontinuedcontinued::::

5. That we would not succumb to worry, fear, or defeat. That we wouldn’t grow so weary that we just give up, and tune out. Our voices are important. Now, more than ever before. Headline news stories can often incite fear and worry as we think about the future. We don’t have all the answers. We feel powerless to change what we believe needs to be changed. We look around us and see dark days and evil often seems to be winning. But God’s words still remain true in it all. He is the Answer. He’s the Light that breaks through the darkness. He’s the One who sets free and has the power to restore our nation.

"They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." Ps. 112:7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to

God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil.

4:6-7

6. That we would pray for those in authority who are unjustly attacked and accused. That God’s protection would cover His people, that He would surround them with favor as a shield. That the plans of the enemy would be thwarted and truth would be made known. That as believers, we would be discerning and quickly recognize what is real and what is a lie.

“No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn…”

Is. 54:17 “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround

Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore.” Psalm 125:1-2

7. That our hope would remain in the Lord. That we would recognize His great Power. That we would trust

Him and believe that He is Able, and nothing is impossible with Him. He alone is where our real hope is found, not in our leaders, not in the economy, not in the condition of our nation today, or even in the future of tomorrows.

“Look at the nations and watch-- and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not

believe, even if you were told.” Hab. 1:5 “Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known;

in wrath remember mercy.” Hab. 3:2

Whoever your candidate of choice may be, we can rest in this - God has a plan. He's not pacing heaven’s floors, worried about who will win or what the latest polls show. He's called us to pray, to be salt and light, and to have a voice. We can trust that the outcome is in His hands.

Remembering this truth on which our nation was founded. We are "One Nation under God." Our hope comes from the Lord, Maker of heaven and earth. And He gives us the strength to keep moving forward. "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him." Ps. 62:5

Dear God, We thank you for your great power. We praise you that you have set us free from the clutching grasp of sin and death.

Would you be with your people, extending your grace, granting your freedom, giving your protection, and empowering with

your strength. We ask that you would cause an awakening of your presence as never seen before. We ask that your Name be

proclaimed, that all plans to silence Truth would be thwarted and crushed. We pray that many would come to know you as

Lord and Savior, we pray that many would see your Light, we pray that you would open blind eyes and release those still

imprisoned. We pray you would unify your people for the glory of your Name, that believers everywhere would rise up and

stand together. We pray for all those in authority, that you would give them wisdom and discernment as they lead. We ask

that you would appoint strong, faithful men and women to serve this nation and our people. We pray that you would heal

our land, and shine your face on us. Our times are in your hands. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh

Day Ahead's facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong,

free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at http://twitter.com/debbmcdaniel. Publication date: January 28, 2016

I must ask you: Do you act in your heavenly Father's presence in ways you would never dare to act before your mayor or governor or president? Let's say you were to ask the president for an hour of his time. Then, when you walked into his office, you sat there with your mind wandering, perhaps watching someone play tennis outside. How long do you think you'd last in his presence?

When you go in to seek your Father in prayer shut the door so that nothing and no one can enter in -- no pride, no distractions! Shut it literally, shut it spiritually - and bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ!

Copyright (C)1999 by World Challenge, Lindale Texas.

The Salem Prayer Closet is up in the mezzanine and

everyone is encouraged to use it.

Prayer Request cards are located in the pew pads

and on the table in the lobby. You may place them

in the offering plate or in the wooden box on the

table in the lobby. The Adult Sunday School class

will pray over them, the Monday Morning Bible

Study group will pray over them, and then they will

be posted in the Prayer closet.

Please let us know of updates or answered prayers

on the yellow Answered Prayer cards.

The Secret Closet Is Any Place Where a Child of God Shuts Out the World - and Shuts Himself in Alone With God, to Seek Him and Pray!

By David Wilkerson

March 29, 1992

Jesus clearly said, "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray" (Matthew 6:6). In other words, when you go into your closet, don't start praying until you shut the door!

This means, don't talk to your Father with a cluttered mind. Shut out all the thoughts that keep you drifting away from Him. Be awake, focused, not wasting words, not thinking of something else. You can let your mind wander when you talk with friends, or when you're on the job or in school. But when you come into the presence of the King, the Bible says, "He sees in secret!"

Many people pray for long hours, yet they are powerless in their daily walk. They wonder why answers do not come, why they don't have victory. It is because they pray with their closet door wide open! They leave open the door of distractions - and God does not answer halfhearted, insincere prayers!

Do you go into the secret closet and pray haphazardly for hours, scatter-gun-style - never directing focused prayers, never hitting the target of God's ear, because you don't know what you want or need?

Don't be deceived - it takes concentrated effort to pray! When you go into your secret closet, shut the door and take the telephone off the hook! Any child of God who sets his heart to seek the Father is going to face what I call "satanic interruptions." The devil will come to interrupt you - to get your mind onto anything except your heavenly Father.

Beloved, this discipline is absolutely imperative. If we are to meet with God and be heard by Him, then we have to be where He is in secret! "Thy Father which is in secret shall reward thee" (Matthew 6:6). God has invited you to come boldly to His throne of grace - and it is behind closed doors!

God's throne room is not like the federal courthouse in downtown Manhattan. I went to that court once, and I wondered how the judge kept his mind on the cases at hand. Court stenographers came and went, lawyers walked around talking - at times it was bedlam. Every so often the judge had to slam down his gavel and shout, "Silence!"

But there is no such calamity in God's presence. There are no endless lines of people waiting to appear, no distracting souls walking about. When you walk into God's throne room and shut the door behind you, it's just you and the Father. You are alone in His presence - and you are His only concern!

These calendars are beautifully illustrated with different scenes of God’s creation and scripture verses. They would look wonderful hanging in your home or office and also make great gifts!

Bible Quiz (answer on calendar page) Psalm 121 focuses on the assurance of God’s help at all times. The final two verses (7-8) begin: “The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in ….” [NRSV]

Choose the correct ending of the psalm:

A. today and every day. B. as long as you live a good life. C. if you ask God to do so. D. from this time on and forevermore.

2017 Calendars The Youth Ministry is making available 2017 Wall Calendars for purchase for $8.00 in the church lobby.

Loneliness is a large and growing problem. God said in Genesis 2 that it’s not good to be alone, and that truth remains unchanged. Data continues to pile up that proves God’s point. Go figure.

Good news: Every church has the solution. But do they know?

Although we’re hardwired to connect, our society has gone wireless. Why? Look no further than busyness. It’s like a firewall that prevents one person from noticing what’s happening with another person.

Yet, when given the chance and a calorie of forward motion, compassion knows how to outmaneuver complexity. I had to take a trip to Haiti to figure this out.

While there, our missions team assisted local tradesmen rebuilding homes an earthquake tore down, ignored the chemical-warfare-like odor emanating from burning trash, and prayed for wind. We also visited an orphanage for several hours.

A week later, we returned home—but a part of me stayed in Haiti after someone ambushed my heart. No, I didn’t meet God in anything to do with the earthquake’s damage. No, he didn’t seem to appear in any smelly fires. And he certainly had no presence in the wind, or lack thereof. Instead, an unexpected sacred moment came in unusually quiet and unspectacular fashion. It took place at the orphanage when I met a Haitian boy no older than three.

Without a doubt, the American team brought joy to the orphanage. Partially from the beachballs and bottles of bubbles, partially from the small candy packs, and mostly from our group’s high spirits, the result of a day spent away from the construction site. Despite the appeal of revelry, one little boy drifted off to sit alone, under a tree and against a wall. The truth is that people who most need someone to show up for them very often appear a step or two away from all the action.

I barely noticed him as I chased a ball kicked out of a lively scrum that bopped and booted anything inflated and brightly colored. A shallow drainage ditch separated the quiet plot of shade he occupied and the rest of the compound. Maybe it was curiosity caused by his tears; maybe it was a divine nudge. Who knows—but I rolled the ball toward the crowd, turned away from them, and made a long stride across the trench to sit down next to the little guy.

The only Haitian-Creole words I know include my name, age, and how to ask for the nearest bathroom. He was only three and rightfully knew no English. Good news: to show up for someone doesn’t require clever words. Or sometimes, any words at all. Silence is so under-appreciated and under-utilized.

With all the fun going on all around him, why did he feel so sad? No easy answer came to mind. So I thought about his life. This beautiful little fella arrived in the world like everybody

else, but his life took a very different turn. To live in an

orphanage means he spends every day with a lot of people but doesn’t have parents. He has to compete for attention, and the competition looks stiff. Real young, real small—he’s probably overlooked a lot. From watching how the kids interact with one another, he definitely experiences a lot of injustice within these walls; in games, in meals, and in life overall. With nothing to call his own, he finally has a fun-looking beachball kicked his way, only to have someone take it right away. Countless scrapes, putdowns, and pushes out of the way. This is not the way life is supposed to work. No mom to hold him. No dad to defend him. No one to rely on. No wonder he was sad.

His life brought tears to my eyes, too, so I scooched closer. There we sat, under a tree and against a wall next to a ditch full of stagnant grey water, tears streaming down our faces. Unable to communicate but clearly able to connect at a level deeper than any conversation could ever flow.

With eyes fixed on the drainage swill, his hand grabbed hold of my little finger and squeezed. Not the grip of someone trying to inflict pain. Rather, the clutch of someone sharing pain and not wanting to let go of the one person who noticed. Eventually, maybe four of five minutes later, he popped up and before I could even shift my weight to stand, he let go of my finger and wrapped both arms around my neck. Definitely the best hug I’ve ever received.

He took a half step back, and as we both wiped tears off our cheeks, a grin appeared and his eyes went bright—as if a window shade abruptly rolled open to reveal full sunshine. As quick as a bullet, he ran toward the crowd and the chaos, reloaded for fun.

It’s easy to watch people from a safe distance. It’s easy to fear speaking the wrong words or feel too busy. It’s easy to do little or nothing, or to stay safely within the walls of what’s familiar and comfortable. The people held down by loneliness rarely lift up their voices to ask for help. If we wait until asked to show up for someone, the wait will run long. In most cases, such a request will never happen. It’s hard to make a personal difference from a distance—even when the separation measures only a few steps.

Money will not fill the gap. The orphanage receives strong financial support. They possess plenty of toys, food, and a sturdy structure. But all that made no difference in the moment with my little friend. His was a more basic need, felt by more people than you and I can comprehend. What he needed most is something everyone can do: anyone can care enough to sit down and stay a moment. Even me.

Was the direction of his life altered that day? Nope. That’s not the point of this story. In the process of an act as ridiculously simple as a shared moment of time and attention and reaction to his life, my little friend opened my eyes to what the world needs most—people willing to show up for one another. No process to follow. No expectations. Not even effort to fix the situation. Meet him where he’s at regardless of where I’ve come from.

Loneliness is a hole people find themselves in, for whatever the reason. I’ve been that person enough to know the only solution: someone willing to show up and extend a hand—or even just a pinky.

The New Ministry Strategy: Show Up

August 10th, 2016

This article is an excerpt from the book Show Up: Step out of your story and into someone

else’s (Dust Jacket Press, 2016) by David Staal.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Needles for God 2:00 pm

Girl Scouts 5:30-8 pm ▲

2

Good News Club 3:00-4:00 pm Elem. Café.

Bell Choir 6:45 pm HS Campus Life 7-8:30 pm

Sara Doxsey ☺ Barb Taylor ☺

3

Exercise 6:00 pm ▲ Choir 7:00 pm

Bible Study 7:00-8:30 pm Praise Team 8:00 pm

Rev. Dwight & Maxine Hayes ♥

4

Campus Life Breakfast Club VBUMC Grades 9-12

7:00 am

Girl Scouts 5:30-8 pm ▲

5

Make Candy 9:00 am ▲

Jordan May ☺

6

Worship 9:30 am Membership Class 10:45-11:45 Sunday School 10:45 am

7 Bible Study 10:00 am

Campus Life M 3-4 pm

Exercise 6:00 pm ▲ Dartball 7:30 pm ▲

Cliff & Joyce Biddinger ♥

Gerri Kelley ☺

Burr Young ☺

8

Carrie Beare ☺

9

Good News Club 3:00-4:00 pm Elem. Café.

Scout Pack Mtng 7-8 pm ▲ Bell Choir 6:45 pm HS Campus Life 7-8:30 pm

Sophia Powell ☺

Becky Pummell ☺

10

Salem serve City Mission Meal

Exercise 6:00 pm ▲ Choir 7:00 pm Bible Study 7:00-8:30 pm Praise Team 8:00 pm

11

Veteran’sVeteran’sVeteran’sVeteran’s Day!Day!Day!Day! Campus Life Breakfast Club VBUMC Grades 9-12 7:00 am

12

Bible Study 9 am-12 pm

13

Worship 9:30 am Allegiance Trio Membership Class 10:45-11:45 Sunday School 10:45 am Trustee Meeting 10:45 am Potluck Lunch 11:45 am Admin. Council 12:45 pm

14 Bible Study 10:00 am

Campus Life M 3-4 pm

Exercise 6:00 pm ▲ Dartball 7:30 pm ▲

Lawrence & Evilo Kring ♥

Joe Lopez ☺

15

Needles for God 2:00 pm

Girl Scouts 5:30-8 pm ▲

Dave Erwin ☺

16 Good News Club

3:00-4:00 pm Elem. Café. Bell Choir 6:45 pm

HS Campus Life 7-8:30 pm

17

Exercise 6:00 pm ▲ Choir 7:00 pm Bible Study 7:00-8:30 pm Praise Team 8:00 pm

18

Campus Life Breakfast Club VBUMC Grades 9-12 7:00 am

Girl Scouts 5:30-8 pm ▲

19

Bible Study 9 am-12 pm

20

Youth Bake Sale Worship 9:30 am Sunday School 10:45 am Membership Class 10:45-11:45

Lea Altvater ☺ Zach Altvater ☺

Tom Meador ☺

21 Bible Study 10:00 am

Exercise 6:00 pm ▲ Dartball 7:30 pm ▲

22

23

24

Happy Thanksgiving!Happy Thanksgiving!Happy Thanksgiving!Happy Thanksgiving!

Grant 11-4 pm ▲

S. Stacy 4:30 pm ▲

Terry Stacy ☺

25

Jacque Hatch ☺

26

Bible Study 9 am-12 pm

Stacy - Evening ▲

Mike Bishop ☺

27

Worship 9:30 am UM Student Day $$ Sunday School 10:45 am Soup Supper &

Hanging of Greens 5:00 pm ▲

Jim & Gerri Kelley ♥

28

Bible Study 10:00 am Campus Life M 3-4 pm

Exercise 6:00 pm ▲ Dartball 7:30 pm ▲

29 30

Good News Club 3:00-4:00 pm Elem. Café.

Bell Choir 6:45 pm HS Campus Life 7-8:30 pm

9:30 a.m. Worship 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

Use of Fellowship Hall ▲

Birthdays ☺

Anniversaries ♥ Special Offering $

Answer: D

Mark Your Calendar!

Christmas Eve Service at 7:00 pm

Christmas Day at 11:00 am

2016

Salem Cass News Published monthly by

Salem Cass United Methodist Church

Located at 4699 Hancock County Road 236

Findlay, OH 45840 (north of State Route 12 East of Findlay)

Phone 419-423-9751

Reverend Ray Kane, Pastor Home Phone: 419-427-0508

Email – pastor@salemcass.org

Lori Eaton, Secretary Office Phone: 419-423-9751

Email – secretary@salemcass.org

Fall Office Hours: Monday 11:30-2:30 (Attend Bible Study 10:00-11:30 am)

Tuesday & Wednesday 9:30-1:30 Thursday 10:30 am – 1:30 pm

(8:30-10:30 am Clean Church) Salem Cass United Methodist Church 4699 Hancock CR 236 Findlay, OH 45840

Worship Schedule Worship Service ............................................ 9:30 a.m. (Nursery Available) Sunday School ............................................. 10:45 a.m.