JANUARY 15 –through–

JANUARY 29 2017

The Cornerstone is your guide to ministry opportunities at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Look inside for ways to take next steps in your faith journey, grow deeper through service opportunities, and be encouraged through stories of God at work! If you’d like more information about our church, please stop by the Connect Center in the lobby.

Upper Arlington Lutheran Churchweb www.ualc.org | email ualc@ualc.org | phone 614-451-3736

T H E

C O R N E R S T O N E Newsletter

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

Coming up this month:

Looking Ahead: A Bright FutureOne of my favorite things about Christmas break is having the kids home and plenty of down time to not do much at all. It is in these times of “boredom” that some of our best family times emerge. Conversations that would not happen otherwise, a simple card game that devolves into much giggling and fun memories. These are some of my favorite things. Another outcome of our lazy Christmas break is watching movies. Team Taphorn loves watch-ing movies together and just recently we settled into watching, what is now an old classic, “The Fellowship of the Ring.” This ragtag and diverse group of elves, dwarves, hobbits and men undertake a dangerous journey. They all have their own agendas, some of them selfish, others altruistic, all of them sincere. Despite their differences and failing one another, they ac-complish their goal. It is a beautiful story that always moves me every time I watch it. I know we pastors are often guilty of making a sermon illustration from every great epic movie that comes along. “The Lord of the Rings” tril-ogy had a long run of tired sermon references, but I could not help but see a bit of our story, as a church (a fellowship of sorts) in the storyline of this great movie. We have endured some adversity. We are on a journey. Our unity has been tested; our compet-

ing agendas will need to be navigated. But we can do this, together…God can do something special with our congregation, and I am ex-cited to see what that might look like. I hope you are too. Jesus said to his disciples when they were experi-encing some adversity, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one an-other. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). I’m convinced that the way forward for UALC at this time is to lean hard into Jesus’ admonition to love one another. It does not matter how “right” we are, or how convinced our idea is the best way forward…all of our own agendas need to be second to our love for each other. This is how Jesus wants to get the word out to the entire world. Help us to this end as we make our way toward a new vision and a bright future, “love one an-other, as [Jesus] has loved you, so you must love one another…”

God’s peace,Brodie Taphorn

Pastor, (Ministry Operations)

Welcome to Upper Arlington Lutheran Church!We’re glad you’re here!

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

J A N U A R Y N E W S | Join Us Th is Mon t h

New Member Event Meet pastors and staff who will share UALC’s mission and vision. You will have an opportunity to ask questions, as well as meet others who are new to UALC. It is the perfect place to begin to build new relationships with others who are also following God. Includes brunch. Childcare is available upon request.Saturday, Jan. 21, 9:00 am-1:00 pm, at MRRegister: ualc.org/newmember Contact: Judy Webb, jwebb@ualc.org

Alpha Course Explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. Each of the sev-en weeks includes an engaging video, small group discussion and dinner. Family, friends and neigh-bors welcome. No cost. Childcare is available.Mondays, 6:15 pm, starts Jan. 16 at MR Details, register: ualc.org/alpha

Holy Spirit Conference: Hearing God Join us as we learn about the Holy Spirit, and practice hearing and responding to God today in our lives. A day full of rich teaching, breakout sessions and worship. See the back cover for information about the sessions and workshops.Saturday, Jan. 28, 9:00 am-5:00 pm at MRRegister and details: ualc.org/holyspirit

M2M (Man to Man) Ministry Breakfast UALC’s men’s ministry, M2M, is hosting Brent Miller, Senior Pastor of Linworth Baptist Church and former assistant professor at Cedarville Uni-versity sharing “Living More Fully and Consistent-ly in the Spirit.” Saturday, Jan. 21. 8:00-9:30 am at MR. Cost: $5Details and register: ualc.org/menQuestions: Carl D’Onofrio or Bryce Kurfees, m2m@ualc.org

At The Heart of It All – Women’s Conference Do you find yourself desperately wanting more from your relationship with the Lord? Women are invited to this conference addressing five common barriers that hold them back from intimacy with God. Christian counselor Tina Dozer presents; Mary O’Brien, from The River, shares her person-al journey.Friday, Jan. 20, 7:00-9:30 pm at MRCost: $35 pre-registered, $45 at the doorDetails and register: ualc.org/adults

UALC Preschool and Kindergarten For over 40 years, we have offered high quality, part-time programs for 3-, 4-, 5-year-olds. Sched-ule a tour and see what a nurturing, faith-filled environment we have for families. Online registra-tion opens January 17.Information and register: ualc.org/preschoolContact: Jodi Coleman, jcoleman@ualc.org

Coming Up:

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | Join Us

Congregational MeetingCome to the special congregation meeting to ratify the Call Committee appointment as well as cele-brate the exciting future of our church. Light lunch will be served. Childcare available (5 and under). Sunday, February 5, noon at MR Contact: Tom Slemmer, council@ualc.org

Singles Discipleship Ministry (New!)  Bring your lunch and join other single men and women to hear guest speakers discussing ways to serve in the community. Usually meets the first Sunday of the month, but launches Feb. 12. We’ll supply coffee and water, just bring a lunch.Sunday, Feb. 12, noon at MR Contact: Judy Webb, jwebb@ualc.org

Adult Sunday School In-depth Bible study and discussion. At MR, we’re studying the Gospel of Matthew; at LR, Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Open to all, bring your Bible if you have one. 9:00 am at MR; 10:15 am at LRMR contact: Mark, marklocher@columbus.rr.comLR contact: Barbara Masten

Experienced Troopers (ET) Study & Potluck Senior adults, join us for fellowship, support,

and spiritual growth at this midweek study. This month the topic is “Listening for God’s Voice,” taught by Pastor Jeff. Thursdays, 10:30-11:30 am at LRPotluck Thursday Feb. 2, noon at LRContact: Pastor Jeff Morlock, jmorlock@ualc.org, 614-451-3736, ext. 4652

Faith of Our Fathers Study Group Join us for studies of American history and under-standing current culture through the eyes of the Christian faith. The current study is a Focus on the Family DVD, “Who is Jesus?” Mondays, 7:00 pm at MRContact: Mindy Lambert, minfrank@mac.com

Call for Lenten Devotional Writers We are preparing for our next church-wide devotional during the season of Lent. If you are interested in writing a devotion for this book, or contributing as a writer for other projects, let us know by February 4. Contact: Andrew Fuller, communications@ualc.org, 614-451-3736, ext 4692

Library Resources at LR & MRBooks “with a purpose” are available to check out. What purpose? To be and to make disciples of Jesus! Parents who value incorporating Christian books into their children’s daily routine will find treasures here. Many adult resources and books are available. Online card catalog: ualc.org/library

Coming Soon:

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | Join Us

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) “Souper Bowl” Food DriveHelp us make this year’s “Souper Bowl” drive the biggest yet. Bring cans of soup, all varieties (especially chunky and chili) anytime through Feb. 5. Cash donations will be accepted on “Souper” Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, to purchase bulk amounts at a greatly reduced price. Donate: cans in LSS bins at MR and LRQuestions: Tom Andres, tom.andres@att.net

First Annual 168 Hour Art ChallengeUALC’s Visual Arts Ministry is sponsoring an artist’s competition of Biblical proportion. Create a wall-hanging artwork in one week (168 hours), based on an assigned Bible verse. If you’re not an artist but know one, spread the word. Top prize

of $200. Entry deadline is Feb. 15, Bible verse assigned Feb. 22, artwork due March 1. Information and entry form: ualc.org/168artContact: visualarts@ualc.org

Tae Kwon Do (ages 8 & up)Develop self-defense skills and enjoy regular exer-cise within a Christian environment. Mondays and Wednesdays, 6:00 pm; Saturdays, 11:00 am at LR. Monthly class fee: $25 Information: ualc.org/sports

Tai Chi/Yoga class Be encouraged to be constant in God’s word and daily exercise. Warm up with gentle yoga poses and then practice 24 forms of tai chi to improve balance. Beginners welcome. Mondays, 4:15-5:15 pm, at LRContact: Pam Mann, pmann@fastmail.fm

Get Involved:

My Story: A Heart MovedThe recent sermons on giving, particularly on charity, sort of irritated me. Was what I have given all these years not enough? And then I met a family.

I work part-time in a gas station where many of our customers come from a motel next door. One couple always had to count coins to pay for their purchase, often falling short of the total and returning items they could not afford.

I had an opportunity to ask the manager of the motel about them. He told me the family was in a dire position and they had two small boys, ages three and five. This broke my heart; I cried

for their poverty. Was there ever a call for charity so plain? I could not hesitate to step in.

After telling my daughter that I had “adopt-ed” two boys, I took them to Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Food Pantry. The boys received breakfast right away and the staff loaded mom up with groceries. Mom never stopped crying tears of joy. Her boys would not go hungry again, thanks to LSS.

I’ve had the time of my life this Christmas sup-porting “my” new boys with toys and clothes and I thank LSS for their support of the family. –Bill Price

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | Join Us

Next Step Workshop – First Communion Workshop for fifth graders (and parents) includes an overview, celebration of a Jewish Seder meal, teachings on Baptism and Holy Communion. Students are invited to receive Christ’s gift of salvation, hear about following Christ and building a personal relationship with Him. Starts: Sunday, Feb. 12, 6:30 pm at MRDetails and register: ualc.org/elementary. Cost: $25 Contact: Andrea Taphorn, ataphorn@ualc.org

Vacation Bible School 2017!Save the date for Vacation Bible School (VBS):

June 12-16! We’re busy planning and it’ll be an incredible week. Watch for updates, as we get ready for our Young Kids VBS (for kids 18-months old to pre-k) and VBS (for

kids finishing kindergarten through sixth grade). Information and times: ualc.org/vbsContact: Andrea Taphorn, children@ualc.org

Next Step Workshop – Lord’s Prayer Discover why we pray by examining the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. We use the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer to learn about God’s priorities, provision, power to forgive, protection and victo-ry. Recommended for seventh graders and parents, older students are welcome. Sundays, Jan. 22–Feb. 12, 6:30–8:00 pm at MRRegister: ualc.org/middleschool. Cost: $15Contact: Brittany Timm, btimm@ualc.org

UALC Summer CampsUALC offers camps for kids finishing grades 2-12 and for families, including Kids’ Camp, Middle and High School camp and Cedar Family Camp. While each camp is uniquely designed to engage different ages, all the camps have fun in mind! Kids’ Camp (Grades 2-5): July 16-20 at Wood-land Lakes Christian Camp, Amelia, OH. Middle School Ministry Summer Camp: June 28-July 3 at Crossings at Jonathan Creek in Hardin, KY.High School Ministry Summer Camp: June 22-27 at Big Stuff Camp, Panama City, FL.Cedar Family Camp: July 29-Aug. 4 at Cedar Campus, Cedarville, MI.Details, costs and register: ualc.org/camps

High School Ministry SundaysIt’s not too late to be a part of the Tetélestai cast. Join us for a great time as we practice and perform a musical based on the final week of the Jesus’ life. Newcomers welcome Jan. 15 and 22. Students who are not in Tetélestai are invited to join a group Bible study on the book of James. Then everyone is in-vited to dinner and open gym. Join the Bible Study anytime this winter. All activities at MR.Rehearsals: 12:30-5:00 pm; Bible Study: 4:00-5:00 pm; Dinner and open gym: 5:00-6:00 pmDetails: ualc.org/highschool

Winter Retreats for Youth Middle Schoolers travel to Beulah Beach in Ver-million, Ohio, and Kalahari Water Park, Feb. 10-12. Register by Jan. 15: ualc.org/middleschoolHigh Schoolers head to the Heartland Retreat Center just north of the city, Feb. 3-5. Register by Feb. 1: ualc.org/highschool

Family, Youth & Children

LR: Lytham Road Campus MR: Mill Run Campus HT: Hilltop Campus

Next Step Workshop - “Can I Ask That?” (Part Two) High School students, do you have questions you’d like to ask about your faith? Come to our four-week workshop that uses curriculum from Fuller Youth Institute, and covers topics of evolu-tion, marriage and sexuality, violence in the Bible and the imperfection of the Christian church. Tuesdays, Jan. 31-Feb. 21, 6:30-8:00 pm at MRRegister: ualc.org/highschool. Cost: $15

God’s Hygiene Help Center Help supply cleaning and personal care prod-ucts to those in need. In January, we are collect-ing cleaning supplies and in Febuary we are col-lecting women’s sanitary products and hygiene items to pack into Purses of Love. Drop-off donations: Ministry Centers at MR & LRContact: Tammy Jewell, godshygiene@gmail.com, 614-601-8122

ESL (English as a Second Language) Serving opportunities working with children or adults, special projects or office volunteers. New Adult Volunteer Orientation Jan. 17, 6:30 pm at MR. Teen Volunteer Orientation Jan. 19, 6:30 pm at MR.Details and register: www.son-ministries.orgVolunteer: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays evenings, 6:00-8:30 pm at MRContact: Kim Emch, kemch@ualc.org

Family, Youth & Children Serve with Family, Youth & ChildrenGod is at work here and there are many amazing ways to contribute! The ministries serving children and youth have some specific volunteer roles for you to consider. Many talents needed to work directly with kids of all ages or behind the scenes. We’ll help you find the right fit for your talents and availability.Contact: David White, dwhite@ualc.org

Service Opportunit ies Thank You for DonatingOne-hundred sixty families, including 350 children, were served in Southeast Ohio through the H.A.R.P. (Helping Appala-chian Rural People) Christmas event where parents went “shopping” for their children. UALC members contributed toys, clothes, children’s Bibles and sent volunteers. In addition, 100 wagons were donated to families from the Mid-Ohio Foodbank.

-Becky Armstong

J A N U A R Y - F E B R U A R Y | Join Us

Holy Spirit ConferenceHEARING GOD

Saturday, January 28, 9AM-5PM, Mill Run Campus

Plan now to be a part of UALC’s second Conference on the Holy Spirit. The Bible refers to God as the One Who was and is and is to come. Most know “was” – the God of creation, the Old Testament and Jesus as He walked on earth. Many know “to come” and the Second Coming of Christ. But the “is” can sometimes be confusing. The Holy Spirit has been called the “present tense of God.” Join us all day on Saturday, January 28, as we learn about this Third Person of the Trinity.

MAIN SESSIONS:Jack Deere Common Ways God Speaks to Us                How Do I Know It’s God? How Do We Get Him to Speak to Us?WORKSHOPS:Dave Mann     Lutheran Theology and the Holy SpiritMolly Auseon Learning to Minister to Those in Need of PrayerJeff Schuster Prayer for Healing of MemoriesCraig Heselton Practical Ways to Listen to God

Register at ualc.org/holyspirit. Cost: $35. Lunch is on your own. Free childcare is available, please request by January 23 when registering.

HOLY SPIRI TC ONFERE NC E

HEARING GOD

JAN 28 9AM-5PMMILL RUN