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2002 Annual Report
    
MINUTES OF THE 47th ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
2002 Pastors Report
Pastor Jean M. Hansen
Transition is the word of the year, not only for me personally but also for the people who are Faith Lutheran Church. I have now been Pastor of this congregation for six months and I must admit that much of that time is a blur. The other day I was reflecting on the fact that between the middle of April and the end of May I sold my home of 14 years, said goodbye to the wonderful folks at St. Luke Lutheran Community, purchased a new residence, started my ministry here at Faith and moved. I often joke that in the midst of all that change I was lucky to remember my own name!
For the people of Faith this has been a year of transition as well. Having said good-bye to Pastor Stan Sneeringer, who faithfully served the congregation for nearly 20 years, in June 2001 and to Linda Sneeringer who contributed greatly to the congregation's music programs, the farewells have continued. Since my arrival on May 6 the congregation has given thanks for a number of staff members. In May part-time office secretary Karen Bach left to pursue another career opportunity and in August Hans Zbinden retired following 36 years as music director and organist. The youth especially were sad to say good-bye to John Maroni, youth director for five years, who is pursuing his seminary studies full-time.
Although these transitions have been smooth, there is no doubt that they have affected the congregation's balance. Now, as 2003 approaches, the farewells will be replaced with hellos as the people of Faith Lutheran Church embrace new opportunities to reach out with the Gospel. There are several ministry areas that offer new possibilities.
Music Ministry - We are glad to welcome Bob Mollard as organist. Bob will join vocal and bell choir director Scott McVey in bringing abundant talent to this congregation. The possibilities for expanding this ministry at the 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services are numerous and will be built on the gifted singers and musicians of Faith. We give thanks for the leaders and participants who enhance the ministry. And, we pray for even more - more gifts, more flexibility, and more vision - since music is vital to spiritual growth and the expansion of the congregation. Also, we must never overlook the immense contribution that the Flashlight Band makes to Faith's outreach. They are a dedicated group, constantly practicing and growing, looking for ways to excite worshipers and touch their hearts, and for that we give thanks.
Administrative Ministry - The administrative work of the church is a ministry of vast proportions and importance. We give thanks for the dedication of Office Manager Judy Lee who began her work on a part-time basis and since the end of May has been in the office five days each week. A change that is on the horizon, pending congregational approval, is to institute an Administrative Manager position that will be a full-time position with benefits. Thus, the office staff role will be expanded and communication within the congregation will be enhanced. It is hoped that Judy will assume this position, and will recruit help from a "volunteer crew".
Other Staff options:
This fall the Church Council proposed a full-time benefited position titled Minister of Christian Growth and Development. It is hoped that this vision of a dedicated "program person" who will oversee the areas of Youth (ages 21 and under), Small Groups and Development of Spiritual Gifts will yet be fulfilled. However, due to financial constraints the Church Council is in the process of creating an exciting plan. The plan takes into consideration the input of the congregation as expressed at "Town Hall" meetings and includes:
· Youth Ministry - Hiring a part-time Youth Leader (20 hours per week) who will develop and encourage the youth ministry of the church. A job description for this position is being written; it will define the age groups on which the ministry will focus. Establishing youth ministry team(s) will be a component. Anyone with input to the job description should contact Bill Beers or Barry White. Once funding is approved, a search will begin for this individual. The contract for this position will be for one or two years, with the possibility for renewal following an evaluation of the congregation's needs and vision.
· Minister of Christian Growth and Development - This spring a intensive education and stewardship program will be embarked upon to discuss the importance of hiring a full-time staff person who is trained and dedicated to developing small groups and spiritual gifts within the congregation, and who may oversee youth ministry (age 21 and under). Without such programs, it will be difficult for the congregation to expand its outreach and move beyond the attendance plateau on which it has been sitting for years. The program will conclude with a "Supplemental Giving Campaign" that will raise the funds to hire such an individual for the last four months of 2003 and for all of 2004. The position will not be filled until these funds are committed. The goal is that in 2005 and beyond funding for this position will come from increased giving by a dedicated and expanding congregation - the fruit of this ministry.
What exciting possibilities are before us! In this congregation we have the people - the time and talents - and the resources to make our vision a reality. May we never lose sight of that vision to:
Share the good news of Jesus with everyone; to transform followers into disciples with a faith that works in real life; to joyfully go and share God's love in the world.
Pastor Jean Hansen
2002 Pastoral Acts
(Pastor Wissner and Pastor Hansen)
Baptisms:
- 2/10 Rachel Williams
- 2/24 Catherine Wondra
- 4/07 Catherine Stein, Edward Stein
- 5/19 Jillian Neal
- 9/08 Samantha Narhi
- 9/15 Christy Schmidt, Halle Schmidt, Zachary Schmidt, Aaron Schmidt
- 10/06 Abigayle Huff
- 10/20 Luke Allen. Jake Allen
- 11/24 James Watts
- 12/01 Alaina Pedersen
- 12/24 Jacob Roose
- 12/29 Connor Watkins
Confirmations:
- 9/22/02 John Raush, Joseph Weisend
Weddings:
- 6/15 David Ramsey and Beth Stupeck
- 10/05 Brian Kandes and Carrie Massucci
- 10/12 Mark Horn and Robin Rau
Funerals:
- 1/23 Irene Savell
- 2/01 Maxine Chapman
- 2/13 Jon Doubler (John Maroni officiated)
- 2/22 Colleen Kuczma
- 4/12 Margaret Riggenbach
- 5/31 Lucille Loos (Rev. Kenneth Saur officiated)
- 6/28 Diedrich VonSpreckelsen
- 11/12 Paul Chrisman
- 11/13 Walter Parks
- 12/24 Walter Grigas
Congregational President Report -2002
BILL BEERS
Dear Fellow Members of Faith,
What a year! An often-used expression is "The only thing that is constant is change". It seems like this expression could be the motto of Faith Lutheran Church in 2002. We welcomed a new Pastor, bid adieu to a youth director, a secretary, and an organist (and welcomed a new one),. We have gained members and lost a few as well. Our community is experiencing turmoil as well, as the downturn in the economy has affected many local businesses resulting in layoffs and worse. Many of you have experienced change more close to home with retirements, job changes, and family changes. What are we to make of this period of rapid and sometimes frightening change? For me, this past year has strengthened my personal faith in a loving God and a closer relationship with His son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That relationship has been strengthened because of what you, the members of Faith Lutheran Church have been able to do in the face of so much change. Your devotion to our Mission, Vision, and Values has give me strength to face the change happening in my life. Let me just share with you some of the wonderful things you have done.
Obviously, the first thing that comes to mind is the call we made to the Reverend Jean Hansen to be our Senior Pastor. The call committee and Church Council did a wonderful job in completing this process in what in these times is undoubtedly record time. Not only did the call committee work efficiently, they worked well together as a team to produce an excellent result. Deaconess Judy Hoshek, assistant to Bishop Marcus Miller, said that she had never worked with a call committee who was so well prepared and who worked so well together. That their work was of the highest caliber is proved by the overwhelming vote in favor of Pastor Jean by the congregation. The congregation should also be proud of their role in this important process as many members offered their ideas to the call committee and council.
The next accomplishment that comes to mind is our support of John Maroni. As a congregation, we provided both financial and moral support of John's studies at Trinity Lutheran Seminary helping him prepare for the ministry.
Our efforts were focused outward as well. We continued our long standing support of Open M with the Pudding Pails and Bisquick (Yes, we got the brown sugar back). The Saturday morning soup chefs have faithfully provided gallons of home made soup to the VNS Hospice every week. The Busy Fingers group has made over 110 quilts for those less fortunate than us. Under the leadership of your Church Council, Faith increased it's contribution to the Northeast Ohio Synod general benevolence by 10% this year and combined with other external benevolence, we are giving more than 10% of our general operating budget to God's work outside of our Congregation.
Our youth program is another bright spot in our Ministry. Explorer Club continues to be a great success. Our Preschool continues to be full and is very highly regarded in the community. Our Senior High Youth group has become both an active learning and outstanding service experience for these enthusiastic young people. Of particular note was there second trip to South Dakota to serve others in need.
One of the problems that a church our size has is that we as individuals sometimes do not appreciate all of the wonderful things we are doing to take the Good News of Jesus Christ to our communities, both external and internal. We are at that awkward size where it is difficult for even the Church leaders to know about all the good that is being done. Sometimes we don't even recognize all those new faces we see around the church. Very soon that will change somewhat as we publish the first new picture directory of the congregation in ten years. The directory will include some photos of the faith life of the congregation as well.
This year has truly been one of change but also one of achievement. You should be proud of what we have done together; I truly am. But we have more change in our future, more challenges to meet and more success to achieve. You are being presented with a budget that, although it does not allow as rapid a change as your Council would wish, nevertheless relies on faith that our Lord will provide the resources to move us closer to fulfilling our Mission and Vision. To succeed this next year, we will need each of you to join the effort. We need your time, talents and resources. We must continue the programs that define us as a caring, loving, growing family of God. We must reach out to each other and to our community in times of need. We must provide exciting God filled programs for our youth. And we must continue to provide both the place and the services for everyone to worship in a personal and meaningful way. To do this we need every member to be actively engaged in one or more of the ministries ofthe congregation. If you can't find one that fits your skills and interests, please consider starting one. Your Council will be glad to help you get started. Remember, one member who saw a need, had an interest, and answered God's call started our outstanding soup ministry.
To help us achieve these goals, your council is recommending, through the budget process, the hiring of a part time youth leader and the addition of a full time Minister of Christian Growth and Development. Unfortunately, our current budget plans do not permit us to bring both of these staff members on immediately. Therefore, we will initially search for the youth leader who will be responsible for assembling a team to provide quality programs for all or our youth. As we move forward in 2003, we will implement a program to educate the congregation about the need for and responsibilities of the Minister of Christian Growth and Development. We will also be conducting a supplemental stewardship campaign to develop the resources to necessary to implement this necessary staff program.
As I complete my third year as your President, I thank God for each and every one of you. You have been a constant source of strength for me and I ask that you continue to support your Council and its leaders in 2003. Together we will not only weather change, we will harness it to the Glory of God.
May our God and Father, His Holy Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit be with each of you now and forever more.
In the service of Jesus Christ,
A. W. "Bill" Beers
Congregation President
Members Received:
- 5/5 - Kenneth Jakubec, Mark Horn, Dick Jones, Brian Kandes, Steve Sandor, Carrie Massucci
- 6/9 - Jean Hansen, Chuck and Susan Shea, Aaron
- 11/24 - Lori Ashenfelter, Cynthia Boswell, Melissa and Jennifer, Kara Bukowski, Lauren and Katherine, Rick and Beth Cook, Kyle, Richard and Paula Gresock, Logan and Lauren, Elizabeth Internoscia, Stephen and Kimberly Kennedy, Chelsa and Alexander, Marcus and Kathy Miller, John Pedersen, Karina, Shirley Slay, Christine Wessinger, Trevor and Emily Burkins, Robin Horn, Laurie Lappin, Mark and Donna Watkins, Darren and Carrie Wells, Connor and Reese
Moves/ Transfers:
- Jean Powell, Christina Canata, Alona & Jon Norberg, Tom and Susan Seeley, Kathleen and Sarah, Francis Harris, Joseph and David, Jon and Pamela Hunt, Lucas and Adam, Tim and Diana Bullock, Noah, Christian, and Allison, Brett and Rebecca Strimple, John, Chip Ramsey, Charles and Vanessa Wondra, Madison and Catherine
Worship Teams Ministry - Annual Report
Joyce Lightle & Pat Gsellman
Team Leaders
Ushers: Don Dillahunt, Lou Sullivan, Arthur Britton & Pat Gsellman
Altar: Sally Hauth, Ann Schweitzer & Barb Dillahunt
Choir/Handbells: Scott McVey
Organist: Hans Zbinden & Bob Mollard
Light Service Music Leader: Kurt Mackall
Light Service Worship Leader: Sheila Knops
Worship Team Meetings
- January 10, 2002: Discussed upcoming events including Holy Week, Lenten Soup Suppers, altar flowers, ushers, and communion
- March 7, 2002: Planning of Lenten Services and Holy Week (Palm Sunday through Easter) and the Explorers' Club Un-Rally Day
- April 4, 2002: Planning for Explorers' Club Un-Rally Day and Hospitality Time
- May 30, 2002: Discussed upcoming events including Pastor Jean's Installation
- August 1, 2002: Discussed moving the grand piano, possible children's choir, Hospitality Time, and organist interviews
- October 10, 2002: Review status of all the Worship Teams
- October 23, 2002: Planning of the December schedule and Advent decorating
- November 9, 2002: Final Advent and Christmas planning (with several other committee and teams)
Major Activities
- The Worship Ministry Team assisted in the worship transition from Pastor Deborah to Pastor Jean
- Hospitality Zone
- Participation of lay church members in services (singing of the liturgy)
- Interviewed and hired a new organist
- Completed Time and Talent Sheets for use in 2003
- New liturgy for Celebration Service
- Special Advent decorating during Advent 2002
- Special Cantata during Advent
- Included prayer, devotion and/or reflection at team meetings
Misc. Items
- Altar needs new team leader
- Ushers at Celebration Service needs new team leader
- There were several meetings and interviews for the new organist. The interview team was Shirley Kmet, Mitch Greenwalt, Kurt Mackall, Lowell Ungar, Dorothy Hansen, Scott McVey, Pat Gsellman, Joyce Lightle and Pastor Jean.
- The Advent decorating team was the Lathams, Gsellmans, Sally Hauth, Vernons, Chaffees, Zbindens, Horns, Hansens, Pastor Jean, Tyler Johnson, and Joan Naher.
The Worship Team wants to thanks all those who helped out ushering and serving communion in 2002 and bless all those that share their talents and gives on ALL the teams as leaders and participants.
Thank you
Joyce Lightle and Pat Gsellman
Growth and Learning Annual Report
Growth and Learning at Faith Lutheran Church was very active in the last year. The events of the past year included every age and every facet of a Christian learning experience from Clara's Club Meetings uniting our young Explorer's Club members to Faith Mentors, to the new Heifer Project adopted by the Explorer's Club just to name a couple. Highlights follow:
Clara's Club: Clara's Club met several times during the past year, most notably on February 10 for a Valentine's Party. The children and their Faith Mentors made Valentines cards for our shut-in members while enjoying snacks and Christian fellowship with one another.
Explorer's Club:
The Heifer Project: The adoption of the "Heifer Project" by the Explorer's Club really gave us something to "crow" about! Not only are we helping our brothers and sisters in developing countries by raising money to buy domesticated, farm animals, but we can have fun doing it! Mr. Leo Boes from Leo's Ark shared his talents and knowledge with Explorer's Club members in April. His ability to hold the attention of all ages in large groups (while managing his animals!) is simply amazing. Mr. Leo shared creatures that appeal to the younger Explorers. Animals: the Honey bear, the 10 foot python, the alligator. Mr. Leo's visit on April 28th for the older group included the albino Bermese python, Herbie the monkey, the sugar glider, an Amazon parrot, and an assortment of lizards.
January Learning Experience: Hats off to Flo Mackall and Dineen Dowling for coordinating the Explorer Club January Learning Experience! This year's focus was "Spotlight on Lutherans." What differentiates Lutherans from other Christians? Well, ask Martin Luther (aka Tom Seeley) of course! Explorers toured the Sanctuary with Martin Luther as tour guide. The Epiphany was our festival of lights. Debbie Gottas showed each Explorer how to shine like stars. The final week focused on sacraments, worship and music in our Lutheran Church.
Rally Day! 2ND annual kickball game was held Sept.8, 2002 during which registration and FUN were held.
Faith's Fall Festival was Sunday, October 27th during Explorer Club. This year's theme was "Noah's Ark". Non-violent costumes could be anything from chickens to Noah! Vee Robinson coordinated the party.
We've added music to the morning. Each Sunday, Explorers will be experiencing a new way to praise God. Music man Bob Hartz and Choir Director Scott McVey add a new dimension to the morning.
Life Groups:
Adult Life Group: This Life Group is led by Sara and Jim Shook. They met for one hour on Sunday mornings to talk about the basics of our Christian Faith. Their primary discussion guide was the book, Honoring Our Neighbor's Faith, which was published by Augsburg - Fortress and developed with the support of the 1997 ELCA church wide assembly. The group learned about many other faiths including Judaism, Islam, the Roman Catholic Church, and various Protestant denominations.
Women's Beginnings Prayer Group: led by Denise Henkel and Cherli Gsellman, this women's prayer and study group gathered around the kitchen table on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on member availability. They discussed the topic "The Measure of A Woman," by Lisa Bevere.
Youth :
With sadness and joy, we saw our beloved John Maroni accept his calling to continue his studies in Columbus and give up his Youth Leader position here at Faith. Before leaving us, he led our Youth group through many activities such as a canned food drive, car wash, the "Indentured Servant Auction", a trip to Cedar Point and the Youth on Mission trip to South Dakota in July with Mrs. Penov . John also challenged the youth to memorize the catechism by offering gift certificates to Best Buy or Border's Books and Music.
What was new for the 7th/8th grade group? A new Life Group, that's what! At 9:15 a.m. each Sunday, the 7th/8th graders meet. This Life group connected Bible scripture to everyday life and led the Heifer Project. It's an interactive, informal gathering that helps kids connect to God and to each other. We have been blessed with volunteers to lead this group.
Confirmation Class: An Orientation meeting for all first and second year confirmation students AND their parents was held from 9:30-11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7 in the sanctuary. During this meeting requirements were reviewed, and new materials introduced. The schedule for the year was discussed, and final decisions were made concerning class dates and times. Acolytes were trained at that time. Classes are held every-other-week, with the same material being taught from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Students may choose which one of these classes to attend. Pastor Jean teaches the classes, with assistance from parents.
Rite of Confirmation: Sunday, September 22, 2002 we gave thanks for John Rausch, son of Darlene Richmond and Joseph (Joey) Weisand, son of John Weisand, who became confirmed members of Faith Lutheran Church during the Affirmation of Baptism service at the 10:45 a.m. worship service. A reception followed the service in the Fellowship Hall.
Preschool:
Our Preschool enrollment continues to flourish under the direction of Wendy Boes, Director and Heather Stafford, Associate Director. The new Preschool Board met monthly to revise the Preschool Handbook. Faith Lutheran Church Council presented a revision to the by-laws as they pertain to Faith's Preschool, specifically the function of the FLC Preschool Board. The revision passed at the Annual Meeting this November. Again this year, Faith Preschool held a fundraiser to benefit both the Preschool and the Church. Sally Foster gift wrap was sold from September 16 through October 4. The Preschool retains 50% of all sale proceeds, money which is then reinvested in needed improvements to Preschool and Sunday School. The Preschool once again adopted a family to sponsor and help during the Holiday season. Food and gifts were donated in early December.
K. Mallison
Thank you!
Faith Explorer Club Ministry Team Annual Report
The mission of this ministry team is to provide opportunities for
meaningful Christian education and spiritual growth for children ages three and one half through sixth grade.
Members of the FEC ministry Team in 2002 were Dana Singer and Lorna Schnell, coordinators, Becky Strimple, Diana Bullock, Loralee Daily and, more recently, Diane Carano, Denise Henkle,and Karen Mallison and Debbie Rose, council liasons. Although the ministry team is responsible for planning, the driving force behind the success of Explorer Club are the Leaders, Explorer Worship Leaders, and the Music Man. Their weekly goal is to make Sunday mornings a fun learning experience.
Faith Explorer Club is open to all children. Explorers are generally
grouped by grade level with specific Christian educational goals. The Leaders typically team-teach with two to four teachers per grade.
HIGHLIGHTS OF 2002
- January Learning Experience, coordinated by Flo Mackall and Di- neen Dowling, celebrated "Spotlight on Lutherans" for four terrific weeks.
- Explorer Sunday wrapped up a very busy year for the Year-End
Celebration in May. All 60+ Explorers participated the the church
service for Pastor Jean's second Sunday at Faith.
- The 2nd Annual Rally Day Softball Game united Explorers in September. Classes resumed the following week with a lectionary-based curriculum, Life Together. It was chosen so that all family members would hear the same Gospel reading. Our hope is that families will discuss the Gospel throughout the week.
- Explorer Worship, a new program in 2001, was continued this year. On the first Sunday of the month, Explorers join in the sanc tuary for a short service lead by Pat and Cherli Gsellman. The Worship has proven to be excellent exposure to the church ser vice in the sanctuary as well as teaching children how to behave while worshipping.
- A ministry team goal was to encourage praising God through joy- ous song. Music Man Bob Hartz leads Explorers each Sunday - it's now a favorite!
- The Heifer Project International's "Help Build an Ark" campaign was introduced to the Explorers by the 7th/8th Life Group. De signed as an "awareness builder," Explorers find ways to "give something back" by raising funds to buy livestock for people in need thoughout the world. A big task for a small group!
- Clara's Club began its third year with Bill Pope coordinating the
mentoring program for the first and second graders.
- "Prepare Ye the Way" was the 1st Annual Advent Celebration Pro gram lead by Dineen Dowling and Scott McVey. Every Explorer participated!
Every week our children strenghten their relationship with God through his Son Jesus Christ. Many members of Faith help support your child's journey in their faith.
Dana Singer and Lorna Schnell
Annual Report for "Clara's Club" Team
I asked to be team leader of this important mission sometime in September of this year. We had our first meeting on Sunday November 17 at the 10:45 worship service. At that service there were six new first graders, one new second grader and one new third grader plus two children whose prior 'Adult Guides' are no longer with our church that received new Guides. This now gives us a total of thirty-three children in this club.. There were ten new Adult Guides that were added to the club's twenty-six adults from prior years.
Most new children were presented with a Holy Bible by their Adult Guide. Other children may have received a prayer book. Each Adult Guide was asked to: autograph the Holy Bible, attend each Clara's Club event with their respective child plus a suggestion was made that they see or communicate with their child as often as they desire, (i.e.: birthdays and Christmas).
Other events coming up are: 10:45 am worship April 13 and 9:15 am worship on May 18, 2003. Meetings are usually held in late September, a Sunday prior to Christmas, Palm Sunday, and a Sunday close to the last "Explorers' Club" meeting in 2003. All of these dates are to be approved by Dana Singer, her staff, and Pastor Jean. The children normally are part of the worship services in each December and the last "Explorers' Club" meeting each year.
One of the side benefits of this club is the attendance at our third service is increased with a large number of adults and children that otherwise might not attend this service.
For an explanation of the team leader's functions and a list of team participants, including their address and phone numbers, see our Administrative Manager, Judy Lee, for a folder containing same.
My special thanks to the following individuals, without whose help the desired results of this club would have been severely diminished:
Pastor Jean, Dana Singer, All Explorer's Club Leaders, all those participating with this team, and the prior years Clara's Club team leaders.
Bill Pope
Clara's Club Team Leader
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
FAITH UNIT - 2001-02
The purpose of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America states that we are a group of women committed to grow in faith, to affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action and promote wholeness in the church, in the society and in the world.
To that end the Faith unit of WELCA has:
- Held monthly meetings on the second Wednesday at 10am with devotions, a variety of programs and fellowship.
- Served the congregational annual meeting luncheon.
- Served 1 bereavement luncheon.
- Assisted the Pastor, organist and families at 1 wedding.
- Supported Good Neighbors with the construction of 146 quilts and 5 afghans made from clean, used clothing and donated yard goods.
- Supported St. Luke's Lutheran Community Craft Festival with a monetary gift.
- Contributed shipping funds to Lutheran World Relief.
- Sent 35% of monthly offerings quarterly to Northeast Ohio Synodical Women's Organization.
- Sent 100% of our Thank Offerings to Women of the ELCA.
- Served soup in conjunction with Lay Weeders on Ash Wednesday.
- Served a Seder meal open to all church members during lent.
- Sent love offerings and In-Kind Offerings to Akron-Wooster Cluster of NEOSWO.
- Sent Love offering to Triennial Convention in Philadelphia.
- Sent special offering to support a delegate to the Triennial Convention in Philadelphia.
- Sent love offering to NEOSWO Biennial Convention.
- Contributed $75.00 to Church Women United.
- Contributed $50.00 to Good Neighbors of Akron.
- Contributed $300.00 to the Youth Mission to South Dakota.
- Raffled two quilts for annual Friday night rummage sale.
The Faith Unit has standing committees that promote opportunities for all women to contribute. They are:
Busy Fingers chaired by Charlotte Shuff. They meet each Tuesday at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall.
Church Women United with Jean Butler as our liaison. Meetings are the first Friday of each month at various churches.
Wedding Assistants chaired by Elaine Johnson serves the Pastor, Organist and families for the rehearsal and at the wedding. 50% of wedding donations are allocated for use at Faith church and in the community. If you feel you would like to serve the church in this capacity, please call the church office or Elaine Johnson.
We are proud to have this opportunity for service and fellowship. We invite YOUR ACTIVE participation. It is only through the dedicated efforts of many women within the life of the church that our WELCA exists today. JOIN US!!!
Officers elected in May for the 2001-02 year:
President Vee Robinson
Vice President Kathy Zbinden
Secretary Betty Kesti
Treasurer Nancy Chrisman
Vee Robinson, President of WELCA, Faith Unit
GLOBAL OUTREACH 2002
Soup for Hospice:
The Soup Hospice ministry has seen increased support to insure a constant supply of soup weekly that nourishes those in Hospice care and their visitors. Thousands receive nourishing soup each year as they spend time with those they love.
Busy Fingers
In 2002 this outreach ministry group of approximately 20 woman produced 146 quilts and five afgans. The quilts and afgans are given to suppost the "Akron Good Neighbors" program. The group would like to thank those members and CLN who donated sewing machines.
Advertising:
Our ministry teams really helped out in 2002 with getting the word out about our church. From the Service Team's continued work with Open M to the Flashlight Band's 4th of July Parade appearance and First Night Akron, the Akron area found out about Faith Lutheran Church. Seasonal print advertising appeared in local publications during the year.
Internet/Website:
Continued enhancements to improve speed and access to our site was accomplished in 2002. With these enhancement our worldwide reach was felt as over 45 countries were represented in our annual "hit" count. Increased participation in e-mailing capabilites for members was made with the People of Faith page including more staff and leaders of the church. Also, the member search allowed for those that had e-mails to be linked once found after a search. Finally, a cookbook page was added for members to share their favorite receipes.
John Knops
Service Team Ministry Report
The Service Team has been busy this past year with many worthwhile accomplishments. Early in the year Judi and Norm Schmidt visited with the Executive Director of Children's Services, Mr. Joseph White, Jr. As a result of that visit, a monthly information note is put into the Beacon each month to better inform the congregatioin about their goals. After that meeting, it was decided to give the Advent monies to the Mentoring Mothers program which amounted to slightly over $600.00. The congregation was helpful in providing Easter Baskets for Children's Services.
As a group we continue to visit the shut-ins from the church several times a year which number usually around ten people. They enjoy these visits as some of them have no local family to visit with them.
As an ongoing task, the congregation continues to provide pudding for OPEN M's food pantry. We organized and two of our church members made two quilt patches for the large quilt at OPEN M with all the covenant churches participating. We were successful in having the congregation donate over 200 brown sugar bags. On Thanksgiving eve, several service team members assisted OPEN M at local churches that proviced a Thanksgiving meal for the poor and working poor. Others helped prepare the turkey, dressing, potatoes and gravy before the meals were served.
The annual soup supper fund raiser was again well attended and raised monies for The Heifer Project and OPEN M. Matching funds ($400.00) were contributed to OPEN M for food purchases.
We authorized that $1,000.00 be sent to Habitat for Humanity. Also, $600.00 was given to the Kenya Mission Team.
And finally, the Salvation Army Giving tree helped many children have a Christmas that they otherwise would not have had.
Norm Schmidt,
Team Leader
Congregational Life and Nurture
The primary focus of this ministry team is to promote fellowship within the congregation by planning activities that bring together members from all services at Faith.
2002 Scheduled Events
- February: "Girls Night Out" at the movies was held with dessert and coffee afterward at a local restaurant. Cindy Strecker organized the event with eight in attendance.
- March: Lenten soup supper was held in the fellowship hall with approximately 40 individuals in attendance.
- May: "Mother Daughter Banquet" with the theme Timeless Toys was held in the fellowship hall. Various members of CLN decorated tables in a toy theme. 80 individuals attended. Lois Chaffee organized the event.
- July: "First Annual Wine Tasting" event was held at the Wolf Creek Winery. Diane Christoff organized the event
- September: "Annual Fall Progressive Dinner" was held at the homes of the Mytons, the Christoff, and the Knopps. The theme was Mexican. There were approximately 35 in attendance. Diane Christoff and Linda Weidrick planned this event.
- November: "Annual Rummage Sale" along with the preview night for John Maroni was co-chaired by Judy Vernon, Lois Chaffee, and Dana singer. This is a wonderful fund raising event for the church with the total receipts for this year being $6285.
- December: "Annual Christmas Brunch" was held in the church fellowship hall. This was the third year the event was held at the church and continues to get a wonderful turnout. Tables are hosted and decorated by various church members. Lois Chaffee hosted this event.
2002 Unscheduled Events
- March: CLN hosted a Congregational dinner with Pastor Jean in the fellowship hall. There were 169 members in attendance.
- May: CLN hosted a going away reception for interim Pastor Deborah.
- June: CLN hosted the Installation reception for Pastor Jean. There were approximately 150 individuals in attendance.
- August: CLN hosted the retirement luncheon for Hans Zbinden. There were approximately 100 individuals in attendance.
- October: CLN co-hosted along with the Worship team and WELCA a reception for the new organist, Robert Mollard.
CLN is grateful to everyone who supports these events, and welcomes any new members and suggestions for the future.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Christoff, Patti White
Fellowship Calling Team
Three times this year, and hopefully next year, 18-20 volunteers join me at our church in an attempt to call all other members and say "hi how are you, I hope all is OK. Is there any way we can help you". We start of with a prayer and pizza, each volunteer caller is given five 3"X5" cards with names and phone numbers on the front side of the card. They are also provided with guides "what they might say".
January 31, September 5 and December 5 were events for this team this year. Next year calls will be made February 27, a date just prior to the start of "Explorers' Club" in September and again a date prior to the Church's Christmas programs.
Each event is on a Thursday and starts at 6:30 p.m. and lasts for no longer than two hours. Each volunteer is asked to call no more than ten other members of the congregation, note a comment on the reverse of the card and if/when appropriate, on a separate form, list the name and phone number of any member that has requested some type of "follow-up action". Most calls are made from the church's fellowship hall, some fellowship callers make their calls from their respective homes.
For a complete description of the team leader's functions and a list of all callers, including their phone numbers see our Administrative Manager, Judy Lee, for a folder containing same.
My special thanks to:
Pastor Jean, all the members of our Church Council, Lou Sullivan, Shelia Knops, Polly Dobkin, all those that have volunteered to call, with a special thanks to all those new members, for assisting with this important mission.
Bill Pope
Team Leader, FLC Fellowship Calling Team
ENDOWMENT FUND REPORT
The Endowment Committee has continued to support philantropic, out reach church and congressional member concerns throughout the years.
The following summarizes the activity for the Endowment principal interest and disbursements.
Fund balance 1/1/2002 67,778.87
New conbritubions to principal 4,590.00
Ohio Savings Interest 198.88
ELCA Fund Distributions 2,252.82
Change in market value of ELCA Fund (12,665.55)
Disbursements from the fund (2000.00)
Fund balance 12/21/02 60,155.02
Our Endowment funds are conservatively invested, and are for the most part, proportionately invested to an ELCA model for asset allocation.
We hope 2003 is a year that we can expand outreach through Endowment Funds. Please consider Endowment during Estate Planning or Will and Trust drafting.
Respectively submitted,
William D. Evans, II
Endowment Fund
Don Johnson Financial Secretary
Lowell Unger Elected
Garth McHenry Elected
Hal WIlson Church Council Appointee
Bill Evans Chairman
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