UALC Ministry Guide – March-April 2024

Dear UALC Family,

It’s been almost 25 years since I started attending UALC. It was a bright Easter morning when I walked in the front doors of the Lytham Road Campus. The church was exploding with people! All ages, young and not-so-young. This was before the Mill Run Campus, so space was limited. That didn’t seem to matter because the building was brimming with excitement. God’s presence was so evident that I could only attribute it to the Holy Spirit. I was hooked.

I could go on and on about how God has been at work here in my life. Many seeds of faith were planted at a small Lutheran church where I was raised, but at UALC, they grew by leaps and bounds. Women’s Renewal, Bible studies, Vacation Bible School with my girls, serving with Care Ministry, and eventually working on staff.

I invite you to read through the following pages to see the abundant things UALC has to offer to grow seeds of faith. And don’t miss the stories from three of our members. You’ll hear how God is working in and through them. It is a glorious picture of his Oasis kingdom.

In Christ,

Worship

We gather to worship God and encourage one another in the faith. We hear from God’s Word and participate in the sacraments of communion and baptism.

 Find updates and access to worship online at www.ualc.org/worship

Sermon Series

Mark

JANUARY 7- EASTER

The book of Mark tells the good news of Jesus. It looks forward to all that he will do in the future, in our lives and his eternal future. It’s the story of the earthly life of Jesus, his ministry, teaching, death, and resurrection. Mark teaches us that Jesus is the Messiah. He fulfills the story of Israel and the words of the prophets. And, Jesus is the Son of God. In meeting him, the disciples were also meeting God!

Free!

APRIL 7–MAY 12

Let’s play word association. I say “peanut butter.” You say… “jelly.” I say “O-H.” You say, “I-O.” Get it?

I say “money,” you say… “freedom.” No? I bet we’d give lots of different answers, but freedom wouldn’t be at the top of the list. But the Gospel of Jesus sets us all free, in every area of our lives, even this one. If you’re in debt, the Gospel means freedom. If you are wealthy, the Gospel is an important freedom word. If you’re young or old, inclined to save or inclined to spend, generous or fearful, the Gospel will set you free.

Together we’ll hear the Bible’s good news message of Jesus as it gives us freedom in a sensitive but important area of our lives. And check out the additional short-term education offerings, listed on page 8, if you want to learn more.

Dive deeper into the sermon series with our journal. Use it at home and bring to worship each week.

Sunday Schedule

Worship Services

MILL RUN CAMPUS

9:00 am (L, I) — Modern 11:00 am — Modern

LYTHAM ROAD CAMPUS

9:00 am (L) — Traditional 11:00 am — Modern

(L)=Livestream available at www.ualc.org/worship (I)=ASL Interpreting available

Kids’ Church and Nursery

Kids connect with God in meaningful ways and learn from his Word in highlyengaging ways. On “Small Group Sundays,” elementary kids start in the service and are dismissed prior to the sermon for gradespecific small groups. PreK kids stay in their class the entire service. They build deeper friendships and discipleship conversations. Once a month, elementary kids go to “Rally Sunday,” an exciting, kid-friendly service that runs the entire worship hour. Nursery is available for all services.  www.ualc.org/kidschurch

 Tonya Riedel: triedel@ualc.org ∙ Melissa Davis: mdavis@ualc.org

MILL RUN CAMPUS

9:00 am

Nursery

PreK (Ages 4—5)

Kindergarten–5th Grade

11:00 am

Nursery

Kindergarten–5th Grade

LYTHAM ROAD CAMPUS

9:00 am

Nursery

11:00 am Nursery

PreK (Ages 4—5)

Kindergarten–5th Grade

Lenten Season

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter

Lent is the six-week (40 day) period between Ash Wednesday and Easter. In this season of the Christian calendar, the church focuses on themes of repentance and our dependence on Jesus. To help you practice Lent, our sermon series, daily worship, and small group material ties-in to the Lent and Easter season.

Lenten Midweek Services

Wednesdays, through March 20, 7:00 pm

Mill Run Campus (snacks following)

Thursdays, through March 21, 12:00 pm

Mill Run Campus (light lunch following)

Palm Sunday ∙ March 24

Normal Sunday Schedule (N)

Both Campuses

Maundy Thursday ∙ March 28

Traditional Worship, 12:00 pm

Mill Run Campus

Modern Worship, 6:30 pm (N)

Lytham Road Campus

Good Friday ∙ March 29

Tre Ore, 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Lytham Road Campus

Tenebrae Service Worship, 6:00 pm (N)

Mill Run Campus

Tenebrae Service Worship, 7:30 pm

Mill Run Campus

Easter Sunday Schedule ∙ March 31 MILL

6:15 am

Outdoor Columbarium

sunrise service

8:30 am

Modern service with communion (N)

9:45 am

Modern service with communion (N, L, I)

11:15 am

Modern service with communion (N)

Daily Worship Resources

BLOG & BOOKMARK

Read Scripture, learn prayer practices, and read a devotion by one of our members or staff.



www.ualc.org/dailyworship

8:15 am

Traditional service with communion

9:30 am

Traditional service with communion (N,L)

11:00 am

Traditional service with communion (N)

(N)=Nursery Available (L)=Livestream (I)=ASL Interpreting

The Ordination of Aaron Thompson

MARCH 10 ∙ 2:00 PM

MILL RUN CAMPUS

Please join for the service of ordination of Aaron Thompson. Refreshments following.

Belonging

Connect in small groups and with prayer, care, and support resources.

Group Opportunities

Small Group Ministry

At UALC, small groups are central to the relational life of our church. Within these groups we can know and be known, love and be loved, and care and be cared for. In small groups we walk together in the way of the Holy Spirit.

UALC small groups are three or more individuals who meet routinely in homes and rooms across the city.

 www.ualc.org/smallgroups ∙

 Dan Kidd — dkidd@ualc.org

Friendship Bible Class

FIRST & THIRD WEDNESDAYS ∙ 6:30-8:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN

An opportunity for individuals who are differently-abled to participate in fellowship, worship, and Bible study. Register online.

 www.ualc.org/belong ∙  Tonya Riedel — triedel@ualc.org

Save the Dates

Easter Egg Hunt

MARCH 31 ∙ 10:45-11:00 AM ∙ LYTHAM ROAD CAMPUS

Kids are welcome to bring an Easter basket and join their friends in gathering up Easter eggs along Middlesex Road.

 Tammy Schuster: tschuster@ualc.org

Women’s Bootcamp for the Soul

APRIL 11-14 ∙ HOCKING HILLS

Join other women and take an opportunity to be refreshed and renewed in Hocking Hills as the Lord speaks to your heart. Cost: $300 includes lodging, meals, and resources. Register online.

 www.ualc.org/bootcamp ∙  Stacy Schad, wbootcamp@ualc.org

Blood Drives

MARCH 16 ∙ 8:30 AM-12:45 PM

MILL RUN CAMPUS

Red Cross | Register online: redcross.org/give-blood.

Email Paul Schmitt for more information or to volunteer: blooddrive@ualc.org

Care & Support

Open Door to Connect

APRIL 20 ∙ 8:30 AM-1:00 PM

MILL RUN CAMPUS

Versiti | Register online: donate.ohio.versiti.org

Versiti Blood Center of Ohio is the sole provider of blood products to OSU Wexner Medical Center’s hospitals.

Your pastors and staff have an open door for encouragement, prayer, and growth in all seasons of life.

Pastor Joe Valentino: jvalentino@ualc.org, 614-643-4690

Pastor David White: dwhite@ualc.org, 614-643-4691

Tammy Schuster: tschuster@ualc.org, 614-643-4692

Stacy Schad: sschad@ualc.org, 614-643-4664

Becki Bork: bbork@ualc.org, 614-643-4634

Celebrate Recovery

THURSDAYS ∙ 7:00 – 8:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

A Christian, 12-step program helping with all sorts of hurts, habits, and hang-ups.

 www.ualc.org/celebraterecovery ∙  cr@ualc.org

Prayer Ministry

Do you need prayer? Share your requests and our prayer ministers will begin praying on your behalf. Would you like to pray for others? We welcome our UALC family to join the weekly prayer email, to pray for the concerns of our people, our church, and our world.

 www.ualc.org/prayer

My LIFEwalk Story

I have been privileged to participate in the LIFEwalk ministry for several years. God knows our individual spiritual gifts and often calls us to participate in His kingdom using those gifts. In particular, my primary gifts are Empathy and Encouragement which can be effective when combined with good listening skills. The Word emphasizes the importance of kindness and understanding during difficult times. Walking alongside those in need during a season of struggle is both a privilege and a challenge. The challenge is to allow the Holy Spirit to guide and direct our discussions while we prayerfully seek his counsel and wisdom.

Prayer is the cornerstone of LIFEwalk teams empowering the use of our God-given gifts to listen, listen, love, love. Many of us in LIFEwalk have had the privilege of seeing Jesus heal the brokenhearted and binding the wounds of those weary from life’s anguishing distress. The Holy Spirit works in compelling ways to enable us to offer encouragement to the brokenhearted through intercessory prayer. Many of us have witnessed deep healing from addiction, marriage difficulties, financial stress, grief from loss of loved ones and so many other issues. When God calls you to join Him in loving suffering, hurting people He also shows up and orchestrates the process. That is why “listening prayer” is vital to His plan of bringing hope to the downtrodden.

As is the case so often in serving others in the LIFEwalk ministry, the blessings go both ways. Often, I feel more blessed than the person seeking guidance. Isn’t that the way with Jesus?

LIFEwalk Ministry

When someone is facing a difficult or challenging situation, they can request a LIFEwalk team — two trained lay prayer ministers — who will confidentially meet with the person regularly for prayer and support.

www.ualc.org/lifewalk

Becki Bork: bbork@ualc.org

Education

We are committed to growing the Biblical and theological literacy of our congregation.

Upcoming Classes

Adult Sunday School

LYTHAM ROAD (AT WINDERMERE) ∙ 10:15-11:00 AM

MILL RUN ∙ 9:30–10:45 AM

Join an in-depth Bible study and discussion. Weekly on Sundays.

 www.ualc.org/sundayschool

 Mill Run ∙ David Jakes: davidjakes89@gmail.com

 Lytham Road ∙ Barb Masten: barbaramasten@att.net

Sunday Afternoon Adult Education Hour

APRIL 7 - MAY 5 ∙ 4:30-6:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

We will be offering four practical courses which coincide with the sermon series, Free!, described on page 1. Each study takes place weekly on Sunday afternoons.

April 7–14 ∙ Building a Prayerful, Purposeful Budget: This class will focus on how to be a wise steward of the resources God has entrusted to you. Taught by David Jakes.

April 7–14 ∙ Building your Plan for Planned Giving: Learn how to use your financial legacy to provide for future generations.

April 28 – May 5 ∙ Managing Debt: This class will focus on how to better manage resources to move towards getting out of debt. Taught by David Jakes.

April 28 – May 5 ∙ Embracing Joyful Generosity: This class will focus on learning to give from and with a joyful heart. Taught by Aaron Thompson.

Register at ualc.org/education ∙  Austin Bruns: abruns@ualc.org

Thursday Bible Study

THURSDAYS ∙ 10:30 AM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

Join an in-depth Bible study led by Pastor Joe and other teachers.

 www.ualc.org/education ∙  Joe Valentino: jvalentino@ualc.org

New Member Class

APRIL 21 - MAY 5 ∙ 4:00-5:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

UALC is a dynamic family always welcoming new people. The New Member Class is made for those who want to learn more about UALC, meet people, and find out more about joining our community in following Jesus together. Led by our Senior Pastor, Campus Pastors, and staff, it’s the best way to get connected and understand how we are living out our mission and vision. At the end of the class, each person can make a choice about becoming a member.

 Visit www.ualc.org/education

 Mill Run ∙ David White: dwhite@ualc.org

 Lytham Road ∙ Joe Valentino: jvalentino@ualc.org

Baptism Class

SECOND SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 1:00 PM OR BY APPT

For those interested in being baptized or baptizing their children. Adults, teens, and children of any age are welcome.

 Visit www.ualc.org/education

 Mill Run ∙ David White: dwhite@ualc.org

 Lytham Road ∙ Joe Valentino: jvalentino@ualc.org

Next Generation

Kids and teens are formed by foundational Christian teaching in age-appropriate ways. We also equip and support families for prayer and spiritual conversation together.

Kids Ministry

Kids’ Church

See page 2 or go online for more information.

 www.ualc.org/kidschurch

VBS 2024

Kids Connect

Second Monday of each month, 6:00–7:30 pm. Register online.

 www.ualc.org/elementary

JUNE 24–28 ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

Join us at “The Theater” for Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2024! Our theme this year is God’s Treasure. We will spend the week exploring Jesus’ parables with the help of a talented and curious theatre troupe.

 www.ualc.org/vbs ∙  vbs@ualc.org

BIG KIDS VBS

Kids finishing Kindergarten— Grade 5. Mill Run Campus.

Morning Session

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Afternoon Session

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Early Bird Registration: $15 (by May 26)

Registration: $25 (May 27 and after)

YOUNG KIDS VBS

Ages 18 months—PreK with a caregiver. Mill Run Campus

Morning Session Only 9:30 - 11:00 am (nursery available for 3-18 mo)

Early Bird Registration: $10 (by May 26)

Registration: $15 (May 27 and after)

My Vacation Bible School Story

My VBS volunteering story began last May when Tonya Riedel reached out to me saying that my name had come up multiple times as they were praying for a new VBS art director. I had not been involved with VBS as a volunteer since my high school days, so to be honest, I cracked up when I saw the email, thinking this had to be a mistake. Even my husband and kids laughed when I told them.

You see, I am a high school science teacher of 25 years. I am not crafty or creative and elementary school kids are not my education specialty. I explained all this in my response to Tonya but felt that God always knows more than me and I would pray about this.

As I prayed, and through a wonderful Pastor Steve sermon, I felt God saying that I was supposed to do this and be faithful because HE would equip me. So, I said yes. I felt unprepared and lost but as God promised, he equipped me. Not by giving me new creativity and artistic abilities but through the amazing volunteers at UALC that were beyond willing to step up and use their gifts to make this work.

The week of VBS was more fun than I could have imagined. We worked hard but sharing the load with the team and seeing these wonderful elementary kiddos light up when they came to art time filled my heart. It was a testament to God’s ability to equip us to do what we never thought we could in an unimaginable fashion. I am so grateful to Tonya and Melissa for listening to God’s unusual nudging.

Serve at VBS

VBS takes 300+ volunteers to help put together one amazing week for kids. Please give your time and serve the children of our church and the surrounding community bringing the message of how God treasures his people.

 www.ualc.org/vbs

Adult Volunteers

Opportunities include classroom teachers, cooks, set decorations, resource prepping, hospitality, store, art team and more.

Teen Helpers

Opportunities for teens (who have finished grades 6-12) include game time, classroom help, song/skit leader, and more.

Next Gen Summer Ministry Guide

Coming soon! Pick up your copy of the Next Gen Summer Ministry guide in the connect centers or find it online at ualc.org/nextgen. The guide includes information on events, camps and service opportunities for kids PreK through 12th grade.

 www.ualc.org/nextgen

Summer Camps

Kids’ Camp

MSM Camp

JULY 20–24 ∙ WOODLAND LAKES CAMP AMELIA, OH

Fun, faith-formational overnight camp for kids completing grades 2–5. Sign up now to guarantee your child’s spot!

 www.ualc.org/camps

 Melissa Davis: mdavis@ualc.org

JULY 16–20 ∙ WOODLAND LAKES CAMP AMELIA, OH

Grow in your relationship with God and others! Registration is open through July 1 for students completing grades 6-8.

 www.ualc.org/camps

 Mary Kate Hipp: mhipp@ualc.org

Family Camp at Cedar Bay

JULY 27–AUGUST 2 ∙ CEDARVILLE, MI

A fun camp open to all ages. Opportunities for growth, refreshment, and fun on the Lake Huron shore. Family Camp is almost full. Join the wait list to express your interest in any openings.

 www.ualc.org/camps

 David White: dwhite@ualc.org

Teen Connect | Grades 6–12

Teens, come hang out with leaders and each other in the lobby at Mill Run, and on the patio at Lytham Road, every Sunday morning after each service. Free donuts!

Middle School Ministry (MSM)

MSM Sunday Nights

SUNDAYS, 4:00–6:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

Join a fun, welcoming community where middle schoolers can grow, connect, play lots of games with friends, eat dinner, and have faith building experiences.

 www.ualc.org/middleschool ∙  Mary Kate Hipp: mhipp@ualc.org

MSM Spring Late Nighter

FRIDAY, APRIL 12 ∙ 6:00–11:00 PM

Late nighters are an MSM favorite. Join us for a night of fun, food, and fellowship! Invite friends.

 www.ualc.org/middleschool ∙  Mary Kate Hipp: mhipp@ualc.org

MSM Summer Mission Trip

JUNE 10-12

Serve around the city of Columbus and see what God is up to in our communities. This is a great opportunity for students to grow in their relationships with one another. Cost: $40. Scholarships available. Register by June 1.

 www.ualc.org/middleschool

 Mary Kate Hipp: mhipp@ualc.org

High School Ministry (HSM)

HSM Sunday Night

SUNDAYS ∙ 4:00–6:00 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

Each week the focus will be on connection, going deeper in God’s Word in small groups, sharing dinner, and having fun doing it all.

 www.ualc.org/highschool ∙  Steve Almquist: salmquist@ualc.org

HSM Summer Mission Trip

JUNE 9-15 ∙

NIAGARA FALLS

We will be serving alongside other ministries and organizations in Niagara Falls NY, a city with a small urban city of 48,000, that has some very real needs. Join us and see how God works in your heart through this powerful serving experience. Cost: $550.

 www.ualc.org/highschool

 Steve Almquist: salmquist@ualc.org

We serve locally in our church, community, and all around the world. Partnership & Mobilization

Find New Ways to Serve

Festa 3-Generation Family ESL

Festa’s 3-Generation Family English as a Second Language program serves entire families from infants to seniors. Invite your family or small group to make and serve dinner for children, help with homework or serve refreshments to adult students. Learn more and sign up:

 www.ualc.org/festa

Kairos Prison Ministry Cookies

Bake homemade, chocolate chip cookies to share with correctional residents on the Kairos weekend. Package two dozen per one-gallon Ziplock bag. Label and bring to the dedicated freezer at the Mill Run Campus by April 11.

 www.ualc.org/kairos ∙  Randy Roys: randy.roys@outlook.com

Serve at UALC

Serve with Worship Arts

The Worship Arts Ministry is looking for volunteers to join the Sunday morning team both on and off the platform!

If you’re interested in learning about leading music, contact Bryce Bell at bbell@ualc.org. If you’re more of an audio and visual person, contact Tim Krock at tkrock@ualc.org.

Volunteer opportunities (just to name a few) include, Kids’ Church, MSM and HSM small group leaders, greeters, ushers, coffee, worship techs, camera, music/worship, building and grounds, shuttle drivers, care ministry, and photography.

 www.ualc.org/serve

 Jonathan Nasby: jnasby@ualc.org

Clothes Closet & Such

WEDNESDAYS ∙ 9:00 AM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

Supplying gently used clothing, shoes, and small household items locally to those in need. Volunteers are welcome on Wednesdays, 9:00 am at the Mill Run Campus for sorting. We are currently in need of infant-preschool clothes and shoes.

 Michelle Neely: michelle_neely1@me.com

Lutheran Church of South Sudan (LCSS)

LCSS is a ministry serving South Sudanese refugees and displaced citizens in East Africa to Gambella Ethiopia.

UALC sends support for the training for pastors, nurses, business students and other majors to help provide jobs and hope.

UALC has sent medical and counseling training mission trips in previous years. We hope to travel again when the turmoil in Ethiopia and Sudan decreases. Funds keep the school functioning, provide books and resources for teaching. A few sewing machines have given women hope that they may find ways to provide for their children. Many of the refugees have lost family members and find hope within the church and community. For more information visit www.lcss.church.

A Call to Prayer

• Pray for God’s peace over the nation and for all conflict to end.

• Pray for God’s provision in finances, people, and materials for the LCSS ministries.

• Pray for spiritual protection over all the refugee communities.

• Pray for many to come to faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

• Pray for restoration and healing for our broken people.

• Pray for God’s blessings on Trinity Lutheran Seminary & College, for professors and students.

• Pray for boldness, safety, and wisdom for all LCSS leadership to hear God’s voice and to stay in the center of God’s will. Pray for the widows to find hope and ability to provide for their children.

Information and Resources

Congregational Meeting

APRIL 28 ∙ 12:30 PM ∙ MILL RUN CAMPUS

At our next congregational meeting we will vote on the slate of nominees for Church Council and Nominating Committee along with hearing reports from Pastor Steve and Church Council. A light lunch will be provided.

Connect with us!

myUALC

Do you know about myUALC?

myUALC provides ways to connect with others and access to great resources. Visit www. ualc.org/stayconnected and click on “myUALC Directory” to login, create, or update your profile.

Facebook & Instagram

Stay connected to the church, follow our Facebook and Instagram pages, or join one of our Community Groups for each campus.

 www.facebook.com/ualutheran

 www.instagram.com/ualutheran

Watch a Sermon

Other Resources

UALC Library

MILL RUN CAMPUS

Find Bibles, non-fiction and fiction books, studies, and materials for kids and teens at the Mill Run Library. Online catalog available.

 www.ualc.org/library

 Gail Crosser bac54gac55@gmail.com

UALC Mobile App

Use our app to find resources like our Daily Worship Blog, sermons and media, and manage financial giving.

 www.ualc.org/app

Did you miss a sermon or want to share one with a friend? Find sermons, or the entire worship service, on YouTube.

 www.youtube.com/@UALCvideo

The mission of UALC is to be and to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We believe that God has called us to be an Oasis of His kingdom for a dry and thirsty world. We envision a future where we are so wellwatered in the love and truth and Spirit of Christ that it transforms our life together, and people who encounter our church community would say, “see how they love one another,” to the glory of God.