Lick Creek Church of the Brethren 1500 Center Street, Bryan, OH 43506

(419) 636-1581 office@lickcreekchurch.org

Volume 40 Issue 2 February 2013

The EchoThe Echo

Compassion Clinic

The Compassion Free Medical Clinic is located at

614 E. Edgerton Street in Bryan and has been in opera-

tion for the past five years. It also is overseen by Grace

Community Church.

The vision for a free medical clinic began with the

recruitment of local doctors and people from all walks

of life who were willing to serve on the clinic’s board

of directors. Board members of varied experiences and

backgrounds provide a broad knowledge of future

needs. About 100 volunteers currently help keep the

clinic operating.

Prescribed medication are also available at minimum

charges if patients can afford it.

Compassion Free Medical Clinic is the first such

clinic in the four-county area. Family practice is the

first and last Mondays as well as the second, third and

fourth Thursdays. Dermatology is the third Tuesday and

chiropractic hours on the first Thursday of the month.

The clinic has provided more than $225,000 in med-

ical visits and about $180,000 in prescriptions for coun-

ty residents. The clinic accepts adults with children who

earn between 150-200 percent of the federal poverty

guideline, and adults with no children who earn be-

tween zero and 200 percent of the federal poverty

guideline.

Dr. Robert Sharrock is the medical director of the

clinic. There are usually two doctors and three nurses

on duty. To get an appointment, call 419-636-5449.

Heifer International

Heifer International is headquartered in Little Rock,

Ark. It’s mission is to stop hunger and poverty while

caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International

has provided livestock and environmentally sound

(continued to page 7)

Four charities will benefit from the 2 Cent collec-

tions during 2013. Those charities include the Sanctu-

ary of Williams County, the Compassion Clinic, Heifer

International and the Lick Creek Church Benevolent

Fund.

The 2 Cent collections will be held Feb. 17, May

19, Aug. 11 and Nov. 10 in 2013. All monies collected

on those four dates will be divided among the four

charities. So if you happen not to be able to contribute

one month, you can make up for it with the next collec-

tion.

During 2012, the same four charities each received

$150 from all funds collected throughout the year. The

four charities are selected by the Lick Creek Church

Leadership Team. If you would like to suggest other

charities for consideration in 2014, please contact the

Leadership Team Chair.

Sanctuary

The Sanctuary of Williams County is a homeless

shelter located at the corner of Main and Butler streets

in downtown Bryan. It is overseen by Grace Communi-

ty Church.

Those who were provided shelter said they had no-

where to live except maybe in the backseat of a car or

behind a building. The shelter serves individuals and

families. In each case, God moved mightily in their

lives. Some found Christ as their Savior and were bap-

tized. Others came back to God. All spoke of the bless-

ing of having a shelter to go to.

Each year the Sanctuary Homeless Shelter houses

about 75 families and provides nearly 5,000 nights of

lodging and 20,000 meals. The Sanctuary is a 501(c)3

organization supported by the United Way of Williams

County and welcomes donations to help with their

$70,000 per year budget.

2 Cent collections to benefit four charities

Anniversary and Birthday listings may be unintention-

ally incomplete. If you are aware of an omission,

please notify the office. Thank you.

Feb. 2 - Hazel Robinson

4 - Parker Harris

5 - Amy Boyer

13 - Joan Leslie

20 - Gloria Hurd

26 - Tina Beattie

28 - Marissa Harris

Remember our nursing home residents and others who

have difficulty getting around:

Billie Kornrumpf at Evergreen Nursing Home.

Clarence Shearer at The Riesen Center at Fountain

Park, Room 222 in Bryan.

Betty Kyser at Hillside Country Living Room 608

Ivy Lane.

Hazel Robinson at Hillside Country Living Heights

Apt.

Feb. 19 - Olan & Jean Zigler

Bible Quiz

Complete the Bible verses below by using letters

from the phrase.

BE MY VALENTINE.

1. “The ___ ___ ___ ___ has come,” he said. “The

kingdom of God is near.” —Mark 1:15

2. “For where two or three come together in my

___ ___ ___ ___, there am I with them.”

—Matthew 18:20

3. They will ___ ___ ___ ___ their swords into plow-

shares and their spears into pruning hooks.

—Micah 4:3

4. “Peace I ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ with you.”

—John 14:27 The answers are found on page 3.

Are you getting anything out of that book? What are

you learning? Is it worth reading?

Such questions and others were asked in regards to

the adult book study group’s continuing efforts to read

and study the book “When God Builds a Church” writ-

ten by Bob Russell. The group thought it would be a

worthwhile book to study while our church struggles

with attendance, finances and the need for a new pas-

tor.

Russell is a retired lead pastor at the Southeast

Christian mega church in Louisville, Ky. He tells of

how the church grew from 150 to 14,000. In his book he

tells that for a church to be a church in any millennium

we must follow 10 principles. Principle 1: Truth – Pro-

claim God’s word as truth and apply it to people’s lives.

Principle 2: Worship – Worship God every week in spir-

it and truth.

Principle 3: Leadership – Develop Christ-center leaders

who lead by example.

Principle 4: Excellence – Do your best in every area of

service.

Principle 5: Faith – Be willing to step out with a bold

faith and take risks.

Principle 6: Harmony – Maintain a spirit of harmony.

Principle 7: Participation – Expect the congregation to

participate in every ministry.

We continue:

Principle 8: Fellowship – Continually practice agape

love for one another.

A study of some 1,000 churches covering all six conti-

nents listed “loving relationships” as one of the necessary

qualities for a growing church. Our group agreed that Fel-

lowship is one character that shows at Lick Creek Church

of the Brethren.

Author Bob Russell noted that God knows it’s not

good for man to be alone and he has provided compan-

ionship for his people. He added that everyone needs the

fellowship of other believers to grow and to be held ac-

countable. Other Christians need each other. “It’s a boost

of your spirit if every week you see hundreds of people

who share your values and are trying to walk in the

light.”

In the book, he notes there are three circles of fellow-

ship. The first is the CONGREGATION where people

can be encouraged and inspired. The second is the

CLASS which is a group of some 20 to 200 who gather

for the purpose of study and ministry. The third is the

CELL, a group of 20 people or fewer where members get

to know one another on a deeper, more personal level.

Discussed was the possibility of creating special

groups or cells to include telecare ministry (call upon

others about twice a year to ask how that person is doing

and any prayers they are in need of); hospital or visitation

ministry; care ministry (being a friend who cares and lis-

tens ); one great day of providing volunteer services; and

group recreational activities.

Principle 9: Stewardship – Give generously of God’s

resources as a church and as individuals.

Author Bob Russell notes that wise stewardship of

God’s resources is an important part of a healthy church.

He notes that preachers hate to talk about money due to

the bad reputation of television evangelists as well as the

fear of offending people.

At the same time, he notes five reasons to preach on

stewardship:

1) God’s word speaks often about stewardship and

there are 2,350 passages in the Bible dealing with money

and materials possessions;

2) Generosity transforms people noting that when peo-

ple release their grips on the things of the word they are

liberated;

3) Money is often necessary to advance the gospel. It

was noted that the average Christian today gives only 3.5

percent of his income. As a result, the average church has

cut back to giving to outreach and missions by more than

50 percent. One talk show host noted that if all Christians

tithed, there would be no more welfare in North America.

4) Generous giving is a positive testimony.

5) People need stewardship advice. One minister not-

ed that one of the reasons people don’t give to the church

like they should is that they caught in the grips of debts.

Biblical teachings on the avoidance of debt and responsi-

ble giving will help lift that yoke from their shoulders and

give them a new zeal for the Christian life. It is one of the

reasons that the author’s church provides financial coun-

seling.

One factor our group agreed on is the need to realize

that if Lick Creek Church did not have a church building

– a vessel for ministering – just where would we be?

Chapter 10: Evangelism – Commit enthusiastically to

evangelism as your primary mission.

While our group agreed that Fellowship is strength at

Lick Creek Church, evangelism is our weakness.

Author Bob Russell asks, “What is the primary pur-

pose of the church? Jesus and his main mission was to

seek and to save what was lost. He gave his church the

same mission just before he left this world when he said

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the

Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have

commanded you.”

(continued to page 4)

“When God Builds A Church” book study continues

Minutes From January Leadership Team Meeting Making preparations for 2013 highlighted the Jan. 12

meeting of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren Lead-

ership Team.

It was agreed that the Leadership Team will meet the

first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. with the excep-

tion of September with the meeting to be held Sept. 9

due to the holiday. There will be no meetings in July and

December.

Sherry Newman advised the board that $1,131.83 was

needed to purchase various musical equipment for the

church. Special donations and two memorial funds will

help finance the purchase. Sherry said she would look

into wireless equipment before the purchase is finalized.

Special Events Director Cindi Zigler reviewed the

proposed calendar of events for 2013. February includes

2 Cent Collection. March involves One Great Hour of

Sharing; Love Feast & Communion on March 28 and

Easter on March 31. The Easter Sunrise program will be

done by the Silver & Gold class with breakfast provided

by the Pathfinders class. It was agreed to seek a volun-

teer to chair the ice cream social. No rummage sale was

scheduled.

Treasurer Doug Hohenberger reported that the De-

cember 2012 balance stood at $10,116.67. Doug report-

ed that income for 2012 totaled $92,370.05 with special

offerings at $13,036.54 for a total of $105,406.59. Out-

flows for 2012 listed the budget at $85,437.72 and spe-

cial offerings at $7,922.82 for a grand sum of

$93,360.54. Balance totaled $12,046.05.

Deacon Chair Jim Masten said letters were sent to

separated members on their membership status. He not-

ed there is still a need to maintain baptismal records even

if that person withdraws their membership. Church

Clerk Linda Shambarger noted that records are not accu-

rate as some information is missing due to changes in

staff over the years.

Worship Director Marge Keck said she continues to

schedule guest pastors to fill the pulpit until an interim

pastor is named.

In the absence of a Church Property Director, Leader-

ship Team Chair Lee Zigler said David Herman contin-

ues to provide snow plowing and lawn mowing services.

Custodian services have been hired and a three-person

team works about 10 hours a week. A spring cleaning

day will be scheduled in March or April. The church

sanctuary has been rented for an outside wedding on

Aug. 10.

Lee said the special committee to select an interim

pastor continues to interview candidates. Names of two

more candidates are to be submitted by District Execu-

tive Director John Ballinger. Lee recommended a

special council meeting be held when an interim pastor

is named to discuss the goals/objectives of the church.

It was agreed to send Lee and Jim Masten to a COB

workshop entitled “Strengthening Your Small Congre-

gation” to be held April 13 at Camp Mack.

Members declared the Director of Evangelism posi-

tion on the board vacant and a replacement will be

sought.

The Leadership Team will next meet at 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 4.

Submitted by

Linda Shambarger, Church Clerk

(Continued from page 3….

“When God Builds A Church”)

He continues to note that “we are not called primarily

to stop sin in the world. Our primary call is to preach the

gospel and bring people to salvation in Jesus.”

Pastor Russell urges churches to adopt the “come and

see” method of evangelism. Encourage a friend or a

stranger to come and see Lick Creek Church. He noted

that when someone is so excited about the church they

naturally invite someone else to come. He said door-to-

door calling doesn’t work because time is a precious

commodity to people who don’t like having unplanned

guests. He is convinced that the best method today is to

adopt the "come-and-see" method of evangelism.

Pastor Russell adds, “An evangelist is not just a

preacher or even someone who brings his friend, but any

person who has a part in making the church an inspiring

place….Anybody can invite someone to come to

church.” He also emphasizes “make the church experi-

ence something for which people will want to return.”

With the 10 principles briefly described, next month

we’ll highlight our conclusions.

Linda Shambarger

Answer: 1. Time 2. Name 3. Beat 4. Leave

Statistics

Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Nov. 25

Adult Sunday School 13 17 21 15

Brethren Traditions 54 n/a n/a 35

Tithes & Offering $1434.50 $2196.30 $1656.50 $1059.50

Special Offering $50.00 $458.41 $40.00

(Continued from page 1…..

2 Cent collections to benefit four charities)

agricultural training to improve the lives of those who

struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income.

Heifer is currently working in more than 40 coun-

tries,

including the United States, to help families and com-

munities become more self-reliant. For more infor-

mation, visit www.heifer.org.

Benevolent Fund

From time to time there are persons within the Lick

Creek Church congregation who have a variety of finan-

cial needs they are unable to meet. The Lick Creek

Church Benevolent Fund is a mean of meeting some of

those needs.

Church members and friends are encouraged to pro-

vide monetary gifts and contributions to the Benevolent

Fund at any time. Appeals for additional funds can be

issued as the need becomes apparent. This separate fund

is established and overseen by the Church Treasurer.

The Deacons oversee and serve as administrators of

the fund on a case-by-case basis taking into considera-

tion such things as circumstances, facts of the situation,

consultant with the individual(s) and placing teach mat-

ter as a subject of prayer before action.

The approval process includes a written request sub-

mitted to the Deacon Chair. The Deacon Chair and two

other Deacon members, along with pastor, will discuss

and agree to the expenditure up to a maximum of

200.00. Monies are paid directly to a second party and

not the individual. Any request above $200 must be

submitted and brought before the entire Deacon body

for consideration and approval. Once the request is

granted, the church treasurer will forward the allocation.

Linda Shambarger

‘Strengthening Your Small

Congregation’ to be held in

mid-April at Camp Mack

“Strengthening Your Small Congregation” is the title

of a day-long event planned for Saturday, April 13,

from 8:45 a.m.-4 p.m. at Camp Alexander Mack in Mil-

ford, Ind. The gathering will be devoted to encouraging

and equipping pastors and lay leaders of small congre-

gations. It is designed especially to reach those in Indi-

ana, Michigan, and Ohio who can travel to Camp Mack

within a reasonable amount of time, but it is open to

anyone.

Keynote leadership will be provided by Margaret

Marcuson, whose presentation will be on “Leaders Who

Last: Sustaining Yourself in Small Church Ministry.”

The schedule for the day includes opening and clos-

ing worship, a keynote address in the morning, fol-

lowed by a panel discussion with small church pastors,

lunch, and two afternoon workshop sessions. Work-

shops will be offered on the following topics:

-- “Worship in Your Own Voice”

-- “Fair Fighting in the Small Church: Caring for Each

Other Through Divisive Issues”

-- “Money and Your Ministry: Balance the Books

While Keeping Your Balance”

-- “Discerning Our Congregation’s Future: Finding the

Meeting Place of God's Intention and Our Hope”

-- “The Pastoral Care Team: Elders and Deacons and

Pastors, Oh My!”

-- “The Gift of Leadership: Structures for Small Con-

gregations”

-- “Welcoming and Nurturing Children within the Small

Congregation”

-- “Evangelism: A Mindset for Mission”

Also an open coaching session with Marcuson will

be offered. Participants are invited to bring a challenge

from their own churches to this session, at which Mar-

cuson will coach several participants and observers will

have the chance to think through possibilities and solu-

tions for their own leadership settings.

Cost is $50 for the first person from a congregation,

and $25 for each additional person from the same con-

gregation. Students enrolled in ministry training may

attend for $25. Continuing education units are available

for an additional $10 fee.

Find out more and register at www.brethren.org/

smallchurch

Deacon Minutes

The Deacon body of the Lick Creek Church of the

Brethren met Jan. 20 and discussed goals for 2013.

Members reviewed the shepherding list as well as

signed up as monthly caregivers and scripture readers.

They also reviewed responses from separated members

and updated the church membership list.

Dates for communion include:

March 28 Love Feast

July 7 bread and cup communion

Oct. 6 Love Feast

Jan. 5, 2014 bread and cup communion.

Members discussed concerns of the church and the

need for an interim pastor.

The group will again meet March 10.

Lick Creek Church of the Brethren

1500 Center Street

Bryan, OH 43506

Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

Return Service Requested

The mission of the Lick Creek Church of the Brethren is to pro-

vide spiritual direction, unity and purpose to all people by continu-

ing the work of Jesus Christ, peacefully, simply, together.

The Echo is a publication of the Lick Creek

Church of the Brethren and is published monthly

(except for July.) Articles are to be submitted to

the church secretary by the 15th of each month.

Editor & Copy writer Brenda Arnold

Publisher Verle Harner

Proofreader Jan Masten

Deacon Caregiver

for the month of February:

Gloria & Doug Hohenberger

1-419-899-2758

Coming Events

Feb. 4 Leadership Team Meeting

Feb. 17 2 Cent Collection

Leadership Team Meeting

Sunday, Feb. 4

12:00 p.m.