50 YEAR MEMBER RECOGNITION – Did you join SUMC prior to 1964?  Have you been a continuous member since you joined?  Then we want to honor you on Heritage Sunday, May 19 at the 9:25 service.  If you are such a person and have not already done so, please contact the church at 440-238-6135 as soon as possible.

The action program for moving beyond death, divorce, and other losses.

Our church is committed to offering grief support throughout the year.  The next program is called The Grief Recovery Method.  This 12-week program begins Sunday, April 21 from 2-4pm.  The cost is $15, which includes a lesson book by John James and Russell Friedman.

Participants will gather in small groups of 3 to discuss homework assignments.  All sessions will be led by Pat Ellis, certified grief recovery specialist.

Losses do not have to be recent; any loss at any time in a person’s life can be resolved by this method.  Grief is normal and natural.  It is the emotional response to loss, but most of the information we have learned about dealing with loss is intellectual.  This program provides actions that help people move beyond the pain caused by loss.

 

For more information:

Strongsville United Methodist Church

13500 Royalton Road – Strongsville, OH  44136

www.StrongsviileUMC.org  440.238.6135

 

Rev. T. Christopher Liberati, Associate Pastor

ChristopherL@StrongsvilleUMC.org

Erica C. Penick, Pastors’ Secretary

Men Only Bible Study – Rev. Ron will be teaching a men’s only Bible Study beginning Thursday, April 18—May 23 (6 sessions).  The class will be held from 7:00pm—8:15pm in room 17.  We will be studying the book, When the Game is Over It All Goes Back in the Box by John Ortberg who tells us “we can take pretty much only what we brought to the game.  Everything else goes back in the box—the cash atop the corporate ladder, the vacation home at the lake, and the status vehicle in between.  If you think you might need a better game plan—one that offers an eternal perspective—this strategy filled playbook walks you through what it takes to really win big at the game of life.”

The participants guide is $8.79.  If you wish to buy the book itself it is $10.39.   In order to have supplies available, registration deadline is Sunday, April 14.

 

Please register in the church office indicating which book(s) you intend to purchase.  All payments due no later than the first day of class.  Please make checks payable to SUMC.

Rev. Dave Scavuzzo Appointed to Strongsville UMC

Bishop John L. Hopkins announces the appointment of the Rev. Dave Scavuzzo as senior pastor at Strongsville United Methodist Church (North Coast District). 

"Dave is an inspiring preacher and a visionary spiritual leader who lives with joy and self-discipline,” said Hopkins.  “He models accountable discipleship by speaking the truth in love and practicing genuine humility.  His ability to engage people outside the church and develop spiritual leaders inside the church makes him a perfect match for the growing ministries at Strongsville." 

Scavuzzo will follow in the pulpit the Rev. Ron Mowry, who recently announced his retirement. 

“Strongsville UMC has a history of leaving comfort – and what has been – in order to be on an adventure with Christ in mission in creative and bold ways,” said Scavuzzo.  “I’m thrilled to have our stories converge and believe this to be a wonderful missional match of like hearts to reach out into the community and world together with the love of Christ.”

Scavuzzo has served as superintendent of the Western Reserve District for the past four years.  Prior to joining the cabinet he was pastor at Northampton United Methodist Church (Canal District) from 1990-2009. 

Dave and his wife Angie have been married for almost 31 years and have three adult children; two married daughters, and a son who is engaged to be married this July. They have a three-year old granddaughter.

Mowry has been pastor at Strongsville UMC for the past 17 years and has faithfully served the East Ohio Conference since 1970.  His retirement and the appointment of the Rev. Dave Scavuzzo are both effective July 1.

© East Ohio Conference UMC, 8800 Cleveland Ave, NW, North Canton, OH 44720

http://www.eocumc.com/news/2013/01-20-13_strong_app.html

Bible 101 – If one of your New Year's resolutions is reading the Bible, take your first step with Bible 101.  This very basic class of 4 sessions introduces practical information such as terms, books of the Bible, helpful hints and more.  Bring any version of the Bible or use one provided.  You do not have to purchase one before the class.  All adults and high school students are invited to begin their journey through the Bible with Connie Border beginning Sunday, January 13 at 10:45am.  Contact Connie at cb9553@sbcglobal.net or 440.572.0503 for more information or to sign up.

Modern Parables, led by Wendell Ebersole and beginning on January 23, 2013 at 7:00pm, is a six week study exploring the parables and their relationship to modern times.  For more information or to sign up, contact Pastor Christopher at ChristopherL@StrongsvilleUMC.org or 440.238.6135.