The Outlook
an edition of
Silent Night,
Holy Night | 8A
chalk
talk
BY DR. KENNETH W. CHALKER
It continues to be a challenging winter! The cold
and snowy weather is not for wimps!
Clevelanders are not unaccustomed to
challenging winters, but that does not mean that
the challenges are any less…challenging. Even
though Punxsutawney Phil and Buckeye Chuck
did not see their shadow, the winter challenges
are going to continue. We can’t count on rodents
to be anything other than prolific! They are not
reliable meteorologists.
When it comes to the challenges of winter, all
of us are pretty much aware that the attitude
with which we face the various winter challenges
is absolutely critical. Emotionally speaking, we
can grumble about ice and its various dangers,
or we can put the challenges ice presents in the
context of ice skating. We can curse the inches of
lake effect in our driveway or on the highway, or
we can think of snowshoeing across it. We can
lament the piles of snow in parking lots that
make getting in and out difficult or we can see
these piles of snow as moguls (bumps) on a ski
slope that we learn to navigate and that
contribute to a sense of accomplishment. (By the
way, some folks become so good at skiing
moguls they actually learn to find joy in skiing
them!!) We can despair of another snow day
when the kids are out of school and schedules
are enormously compromised, or we can put
rescheduling in the context of taking a grandson
sledding in the Metroparks. When we do so, the
realities of frustration with challenges then
include images and sounds of joy.
Our positive attitude is—in any season of
life—critically important. To be sure, our
attitude will not change the reality of the climate
in which we may find ourselves, but it will make
a difference in our response to the “weather” we
encounter. This is not being superficial. This is
not being a “Pollyanna.” This is just good life
support.
One of the most essential components to a
positive, hope-filled, forward-looking and
resilient attitude is regular immersion in
offering praise. This is what worship is about!
Worship is not ritual. Worship certainly can
Continued on back page
Deadline for the next Outlook
issue is February 7, 2011 at NOON
marilou@ucumcoutlook.com
The United
Methodist Reporter
Two Sections
Section A
Three Families Light
KALEIDOSCOPE | 4A 909160
Advent Candles | 4A Vol. 157 No. 42
February 18, 2011
Dr Kenneth Chalker and Dr. Julian Earls
Dr. Julian Earls
Preaches at UCUMC
On Sunday, January 16, Dr. Julian Earls delivered
an inspiring sermon to which the congregation
gave a standing ovation. Dr. Earls is currently the
Dr. Chalker and Kay Hogg Executive in Residence at the Nance College of
Business Administration at Cleveland State
Happy New Year University Circle UMC University. In 2006, he retired from the position
of Director of the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration’s Glenn Research Center.
On Sunday, January 9, University Circle Dr. Earls gave a dynamic discourse entitled,
United Methodist Church celebrated its The Definition of a Human Being, which
first new year. During the worship service challenged the parishioners to think about their
the newly elected chairs, boards and humanity and Christianity. It was an honor and
committee members were installed and privilege to have such a committed Christian and
following the service the congregation outstanding speaker to lead our worship on
enjoyed another delicious potluck, special Martin Luther King Sunday.
fellowship and an open forum led by Dr. The Installation of Officers
Chalker and Kay Hogg about the upcoming events in 2011 and the future plans for the ongoing growth
of our newly formed parish. HAPPY NEW YEAR UCUMC!!
Cheryl Craver Runs for a Special Cause
University Circle UMC member Cheryl Craver has
been working with Team in Training for the past four
years by competing in endurance sports events while
raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
In 2007, she competed in the Philadelphia Triathlon, in
2009 she competed in the Nations Triathlon which took Ralph Fotia, UCUMC’s
place in Washington, D.C., and this year she will compete
in the Vancouver Marathon. Over 25 years ago, Cheryl’s Pastoral Minister
only uncle passed away from a form of leukemia and Pictured with Dr. Chalker is the Rev.
over these last four years she has competed in honor of Ralph Fotia who is the Coordinator of
her Uncle Bob. Cheryl says: “The race in 2009 really Pastoral Care of UCUMC. He is a
helped me with the grief I felt over my mother’s death compassionate pastor who will be there
and this year the training for the marathon has been to console and guide you in times of
helpful in dealing with my father’s death. There are some days when it’s really hard to go out in the special concern. A call to the church
cold or head to the gym to get on the treadmill, but the memory of my mother, father and uncle office will send Rev. Fotia to your aid
really help me get past that hesitation.” You can support Cheryl by leaving a check in the church office with comforting words and wise
made out to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and putting “Cheryl Craver” on the memo line or guidance. UCUMC is lucky to have such
by visiting Cheryl’s fundraising website at http://pages.teamintraining.org/noh/vancouvr11/ccraver. a caring person as our pastoral minister.
The United Methodist Reporter (USPS 954-500) is published weekly by UMR Communications, 1221 Profit Dr., Dallas Texas, 75247-
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4A THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER FEBRUARY 18, 2011

KALEIDOSCOPE

ABOVE: Timothy, Andy, Sharon and

Deborah Garner

The families lighting the 2010

Advent Candles were the Harberts on
November 28, the Garners on
December 5 and the McElraths on
December 19 on which day the
church celebrated the baptism of
baby Jamir McElrath.
LEFT: Willie, Laureen and Baby Isaiah Harbert; RIGHT: Desiree; Fred, Jr.; Angela, Fred, Sr.; Dawn; Brianna holding baby Jamir

Cathy Day, Megan Blank, Elaine and Larry Myers, Zenia Peak, Doug Blank, Jennifer
Bier, Ed and Diane White

Pictured are those who served the regular fourth Sunday Neighborhood Lunch on December 26
where all are welcome to enjoy a hearty meal. Each month helpers are needed to donate, cook and serve
the food. Watch the weekly bulletin for opportunities to assist with this important mission of University
Circle UMC.

The Rev. Karen Oehl has been appointed District Superintendent of the 80 church Midi-Ohio On Sunday, December 19, Samer and Amanda Duca Karim visited UCUMC while
District. Rev. Oehl is the daughter of Judy and Bill McCartney, a former pastor of Epworth-Euclid UMC. back in Cleveland spending the holiday with their family. Samer and Amanda were
Karen assumes her new duties in July, 2011. active members in Epworth-Euclid as college students and were married here.

THE UNIVERSITY CIRCLE OUTLOOK

published bi-monthly as an edition of
THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER
Church News From Around The World
for University Circle United Methodist Church
1919 E. 107th St., Cleveland, OH 44106 216/421-1200
www.onecoolgod.com
Senior Pastor: Dr. Kenneth W. Chalker
Director of Administration: Kay Hogg
Church Office Coordinator: Heather Howard
Financial Secretary: Marina Grant
Property Manager: Chuck Huene
Director of Marketing & Tech Operations: Doug Craver
Coordinator of Pastoral Care: Rev. Ralph Fotia
Coordinator of Membership and Volunteers: Judy Sockman
Director of Education: Dr. Amy Wheatley
Director of Music and Arts: Nathaniel Motta
Assistant Director of Music and Organist: Joanna Li
Editor of Outlook: Marilou Abele
Photographers: Jeff Day and David Hughes
Editorial Staff: K. Shamp, E. Prince, C. Day
Contributors: University Circle Staff and Members
8A THE UNITED METHODIST REPORTER FEBRUARY 18, 2011

GRACENOTES
B Y N AT H A N M O T TA
This is such a meaningful time of year to me. I
spoke with the Chancel Choir about how Martin
Luther King Day, and then soon after Black
History Month, are times when we not only
celebrate African American culture, but also take
time to focus on social justice and values such as
compassion, courage, and conviction. It’s a time
to both recognize and celebrate not just cultural
diversity, but as importantly, to witness to the
majority of things that we all share as children of
God. In this spirit, we had a full MLK service in
mid-January, have spirituals as Chancel Choir
anthems all through February, and for Black
History month will end each service with “Let
Every Voice and Sing” (the African-American
National Anthem).
As always, here are some upcoming events in
the life of Music & Arts at UCUMC:
 In March, following a month of spirituals in
honor of Black History month, the anthems
will generally be more classical in nature with
anthems by Handel, Holst, and Mendelssohn.
 The Chancel Choir will be performing the
Faure Requiem with orchestra in worship on
Sunday, April 10.
 As always, the Liturgical Dancers, Bell Choir,
and Gospel Choir will be sharing some
worshipful presentations with the
congregation.
 Expect some new sounds in worship!
UCUMC recently purchased a new keyboard,
which will help to add some new sounds to
services and, as always, you can expect to
hear some wonderful pieces from various
genres and instruments.
Finally, we appreciate your support and
patience as we work through a time of transition
in the leadership of the Music & Arts at UCUMC.
Be assured, however, that the spirit of University
Circle United Methodist Church, and the artistic
diversity that makes our worship experiences so
significant will not be lost, but will continue in
new and meaningful ways.

InterAct Cleveland’s
“Homeless Stand-Down”
Silent Night, Holy Night Doug Blank, chair of The Committee on Outreach and Local
Mission, reported that the congregation responded overwhelmingly
There were three services on Christmas Eve at to the committee’s requests for donations. There will be at least two
University Circle United Methodist Church car loads of much needed items delivered to InterAct Cleveland to
heralded by a special sign on the church lawn. be used in the up-coming Homeless Stand-Down, a 3-day event
The family worship was at 4 PM, the traditional which provides more than 2,000 people facing homelessness and
worship at 8 PM and the contemplative worship poverty with access to 55 social service providers, 15 health
at 11 PM. The three screenings, haircuts, massages, winter and non-winter clothing,
candlelight services breakfast, lunch, an RTA bus pass, live entertainment, professional
were led by Dr. portraits and personal care kits. Congratulations for your wonderful
Chalker and were generosity, again showing that University Circle UMC really cares.
attended by a total
of 598 worshippers.
SAVE THE DATE

SAVE THE DATE

What a joy to
behold. The
sanctuary was
“A Day of Gratitude”
beautifully
decorated with the
Women’s Sabbath Retreat
traditional Dr. Chalker
poinsettias, a Christmas tree and a wooden Saturday, April 30, 2011, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
crèche lovingly hand carved by Dr. Chalker. At
the 8 PM service the live nativity scene in the
at River’s Edge, 3430 Rocky River Drive
Narthex was enacted by Desiree Rodgers and
Fred McElrath, Jr. and their baby Jamir and the
Open to all Women and Friends of the Congregation
Advent candles were lit by the Liturgical Desiree Rodgers and Fred McElrath, Jr.
Dancers. and baby Jamir
chalk talk
Continued from front page sustaining decision.
include ritual, but it is all for the purpose of There is great spiritual therapy in joining
making praise possible and directing our praise with others in worship—worship filled with
higher and higher. praise. There is a great “balm in Gilead” which is
It is no mystery that people regularly experienced in our lives as we sing, pray and
involved in experiences of total praise are learn together in worship. There is a special life
healthier, happier and often more productive in support system in the fellowship of believers in
life than folks who are never immersed in the Good News of God.
anything other than themselves. Indeed, the It is another hard winter in Cleveland. More
ancient statement of Joshua, “Choose this day is needed than just shoveling snow or starting
who you will serve. As for me, and my house, up the snow thrower in order to be able to get
we will serve (praise) the Lord.” For out of our driveways. It’s a hard winter. Get to
generations, making this choice to serve the church! It will enhance your life. We will see far
Lord, to serve the Lord with gladness and to more than shadows. We will see each other in the
Liturgical Dancers: Elizabeth Okwudi, Michelle Brown, Pat Nelson, Edna Duffy and enter into the Lord’s courts with praise has light of joy, hope and love. What a great and
Diambu Smith been a life-enhancing, life-enriching and life- wonderful difference this will always make!