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April 2001 Newsletter
    
Lent Continues in April
The forty days before Easter-Lent-began Wednesday, February 28 with our two
Ash Wednesday services. The spirit of Lent has always been that of study
and preparation, similar to the Jewish Day of Atonement. Ash Wednesday
marked the beginning of this special spiritual emphasis in the Christian
church year. For that reason, Pastor that day began a seven week series
titled, "By What Faith: The Basics" which has continued each Wednesday
evening in Lent
The mood of Lent is reflective, concerned with spiritual growth in the ways
of our Lord Jesus. It goes on to climax with the freedom and peace of
Maundy Thursday's Holy Communion on April 12th at 12:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
Good Friday completes Passion Week on Friday 13, 2001. Members of Faith
Lutheran Church are encouraged to attend a production of the Roman Catholic
Cleveland Performing Arts Ministries presentation of "Tetelestai" (Greek
for "It is finished"), the Passion of Jesus at Fairlawn Lutheran Church,
Fairlawn beginning at 8:00 PM.
Lent Midweek Concludes This Wednesday
Following a soup supper courtesy of our Ministry Teams and LIFE Groups at
6:30 PM, our concluding midweek study and devotions will follow at 7:15 PM
in the Great Room of the Fellowship Hall. Pastor will continue with his
seven week series titled "By What Faith: The Basics." This night we will
discuss "How Do I Grow as a Christian?" His series will conclude however on
Maundy Thursday, April 12 with his message "Is There Hope for the Future?"
Holy Week Services
Maundy Thursday 12:30 and 7:30 PM
Order of Foot Washing at 7:30 PM
"Is there hope for the Future?"
Good Friday
Cleveland Performing Arts Ministries production of "Tetelestai" (Greek "It
is Finished"), the Passion of Jesus on Good Friday, April 13, 2001 at 8:00
PM at Fairlawn Lutheran Church, 3415 West Market Street, Akron, OH. The
admission is free but a free will offering will be taken.
Summer Camp
Are you interested in a unique summer camp experience either for your child
or for the entire family? Consider a week at one of Ohio's Lutheran Summer
Camps. Camp Luther near Conneaut, Ohio, on the shore of Lake Erie, is now
taking reservations for its summer family week programs. Camp Mowana,
located just north of Mansfield, is also taking reservations for their
summer youth and family programs. There is also a Music Camp, a soccer
camp, and an Algonquin Canoe Trip.
Add to the above mix the programs of Camp Frederick near Youngstown with
week of rafting, family camping, Miami Valley Outdoor Ministries which have
week devoted to singles, Choir Camp, canoe trips and backpacking near
Cincinnati, and Lutheran Memorial near Columbus with bicycle trips, night
camps, pioneer homesteading and you have quite a diverse mix of summer fun.
Brochures are available in the front foyer or by calling the church office.
Did you know that you could register for Summer Camp online at
www.lomocamps.org?
Confirmation Resumes April 18
Confirmation classes resume on April 18, 2001. They will conclude on May
30, 2001 with a potluck supper and awards celebration bringing to a close
this year's study of the Bible and the story of the mighty acts of God.
This spring we will conclude with a study of the life, teachings, death and
resurrection of Jesus followed by a look at the beginnings of the early
Christian church. Youth Director John Maroni will be our instructor.
Easter Breakfast
You are all invited to Breakfast at Faith, Easter morning from 9:00 AM until
10:30 AM. Served by our Youth, everyone is invited to gather in the
Fellowship Hall for a good breakfast after the 8:00 AM or before 10:45 AM
Worship Services. (There will be no Light Service on Easter Sunday.) A
freewill donation will be asked to help the Youth cover the cost of the
breakfast.
Church Council Meets April 16
After another meeting of the entire leadership team of Faith Lutheran Church
on Monday, February 19th, the Church Council will be meeting this month to
review our ministry in light of Faith's Vision statement and celebrate the
many "mission moments" that was shared in the ministry area meetings that
night. It is always a celebration to hear stories of the transforming power
of Jesus Christ in the lives of individuals and the congregation.
Lenten Coin Folders
Each year, Faith Lutheran Church receives from $400-$600 to assist in a
global or care ministry of the church. This year, these funds will be
earmarked for the Pastor's Discretionary Fund. Your gifts to this fund help
those needing financial assistance while counseling with one of our two
counselors, members temporarily in need of financial assistance, those
coming to our doors in need of a meal, and help with gasoline for stranded
travelers.
From the Website
Webmaster Ed Rich reports that we have reached our 20,000 unique "hit" on
our website i.e. 20,000 separate individuals have accessed our website
literally from all over the world. (This does not count repeat visitors!)
A recent email from a student at Trinity Seminary reported that our website
helped him with one of his class assignments. Faith is truly a global
church now.
P.S. By the way check out the new Faith Lutheran Church Endowment Fund web
page and learn more about our Endowment Fund is doing.
Synod News
St. Paul's Lutheran breaks ground
In the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 19, 1999, St. Paul's Lutheran
Church, Newcomerstown was intentionally destroyed by an arsonist. The
original structure built in 1906 as well as the educational wing were deemed
a complete loss. Demolition and removal of the complete structure was
accomplished at great expense. Both the Bureau of Criminal Investigation
and State Fire Marshall are still involved in this case. In the meantime
St. Paul's has been meeting at the nearby East Elementary School.
On Easter Sunday, St. Paul's will break ground for its new church on the
site of its former structure at the corner of Canal and College Streets in
Newcomerstown. Faith Lutheran Church was one of many churches in the
Northeastern Ohio Synod who contributed toward the rebuilding of this
congregation. Thanks to the Endowment Fund and many of our members, Faith
gave a little over $1100 toward the new building. Blessings to all who
helped our brothers and sisters in Christ.
W-ELCA
Wednesday, April 11, 2001 10:00 a.m. Bring a Friend Day
What Really Happened to Amelia?
Theories and Speculations. Sue Rice has done extensive research on Amelia Earhart. Sue is the Branch Manager of Portage Lakes Library of the Akron Summit Library System. She grew up in Akron and graduated cum laude from Miami of Ohio. Sue also has a masters degree in library science from Case Western. She is a well known speaker and book reviewer. Just prior to our meeting Sue will be in Italy and following it she will be the speaker at the Kentucky Library Association's annual meeting. She has also been a successful contestant on Jeopardy.
In May of 1998 Sue Rice gave us a fascinating talk about President Harding's Wife. You will not want to miss hearing her ideas about Amelia Earhart.
Devotions will be given by Jean Butler.
Hostesses will be Kathy Zbinden and Charlotte Shuff.
A brief business meeting will be conducted by President Elaine Johnson.
Spring Gathering - Akron-Wooster Cluster Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Saturday, April 21, 2001 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Hosted by Jerusalem Lutheran Church 9282 Acme Road Seville, Ohio
Theme Verse What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8
Theme: Women of Faith
Morning Speaker: Pastor Jean Hansen Afternoon Speaker: Rev. Alicia Malone
Reservations to: Barbara Culler 330-836-9491 Deadline: April 16, 2001
Cost: $6.00 make checks payable to NEOSWO or pay at the door.
In Kind Gifts: (bring in a shoe box): Lotion, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Mouth Wash, Tissues Deodorant, Socks, Stationery, Stamps, Shampoo
Soft Scrunchies (for the hair)
For more information see Elaine Johnson.
EXPLORER CLUB
* The Explorer Leaders would like to thank Jana McClish for the delicious breakfast they served at the Teacher Appreciation Breakfast held March 25th. What a Treat!
* April 1st is Explorer Bring-a-Friend Sunday. Explorers receive a pin after bringing three friends throughout the year. We expect A LOT of friends!
* Explorer Worship will be held in the Sanctuary on April 8th, Palm Sunday.
* Clara's Club members (first and second graders), their families and their Faith Guides will be attending worship services together on Palm Sunday.
May 20th is Explorer Club Sunday. Plan to celebrate the year's finale during the Light Service which will be held in the sanctuary.
SUMMER DAY CAMP
AUGUST 6 - 10. 2001
Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. For grades completed K through 5th
Location is Faith Lutheran Church
Camp counselors provided by Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio
Registration and Cost
Early Bird Registration only $30.00 per child
Registration after June 31, 2001 will be $40.00 per child
Late registration (after July 31) is $50.00 per child
Camp will be filled when we reach 40 participants
Volunteers will be needed in the following areas.
Provide housing for one of the counselors (Aug 5-10)
Host and cook one meal for the camp staff
Serve an afternoon snack to the campers
Assist with morning registration and check-in
Assist with end of the day check-out and pickup
SEE JOHN MARONI IF INTERESTED MORE INFORMATION WILL BE POSTED NEXT MONTH!
PRESCHOOL NEWS
Tired of the same old summer camps where you're not quite sure what your child is learning (if anything)? Not looking forward to hearing your child say, "Mom, I'm bored. Let's DO something!" Have we got the answer for you! Send your child on an educational "journey" to Africa, Australia, Asia, the Rainforest or Desert aboard Leo's Ark. Mr. Leo and Ms. Wendy (Faith's Preschool Director), along with their highly trained staff, have once again teamed up to create an age appropriate, hands-on camp experience that will leave your child talking for months! Our camps are outdoor, science\animal based adventures that interpret art, reading, physical fitness and much more. The campers will absorb limitless knowledge of God's creatures during their experiences throughout the week.
For more information and registration forms check the basket outside the Preschool office or call Leo at 330-328-7429. You can also get further information and download a registration form at www.leosark.bigstep.com. Hope to see many of you this summer!
Easter Breakfast
You are all invited to Breakfast at Faith, Easter morning from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. Served by our Youth, everyone is invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall for a good breakfast after the 8:00 a.m. or before the 10:45 a.m. Worship Services. (There will be no Light Service on Easter Sunday.) A freewill donation will be asked to help the Youth cover the cost of the breakfast.
Congregational Life and Nurture Team
The Congregational Life and Nurture Team (CLN) invites you to the Annual Daughters of Faith Banquet on Thursday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m. This year's Banquet has a "HATS" theme, so check your closets and dust off your favorite hat to wear to this fun event. Bring a prize-winning salad for all to share, and enjoy dessert provided by the CLN team.
Cost for the Daughters of Faith Banquet is $2.00 for adults and $1.00 for children under 12.
Please call Norma White at 330-706-0026 for more information.
Norma White Janice Rogers CLN contacts
Lutheran Brotherhood Night at Akron Aeros
Saturday, May 19, 2001 Game Time 7:05 p.m. Tickets $3.50 each
See Don Dillahunt for tickets
Baseball Game Lottery
The Annual Faith Baseball Game Lottery is coming up!
The Cleveland Indians game is Tuesday, July 31st at 7:05 p.m. against The Oakland A's
Seats are $20.00 in the mezzanine, section 309.
We also have reserved tickets to the Picnic Plaza at $14.25 per person It's a ton of food and beverage.
This year 50 seats are available! It's necessary a lottery will be held. Sign up posters will be in the hall across from the choir room
under "sign up." Batters up!
Lutheran Marriage Encounter
What is Marriage Encounter?
Marriage Encounter begins as a weekend experience designed to help married couples communicate more intimately with one another in order to deepen and enrich their relationship. The weekend is orderly and informative, to give couples the opportunity to look into themselves and their relationships with each other and with God, while enjoying time away from the ususal responsibilities.
For whom is Marriage Encounter intended?
A Marriage Encounter Weekend is for married persons who love each other and who desire to better their communication and marriage - for those with good communication, to deepen it; for those with poor communication, to improve it. The Weekend is not for therapy or major problem-solving agendas. If you value your marriage, this is for you.
What happens on an Encounter Weekend?
A team of four couples (one of whom is a Lutheran pastor and spouse) presents a series of talks related to various aspects of marriage to a group of 20-30 married couples on a special weekend which lasts from Friday evening to early Sunday evening. Each talk is followed by questions for personal reflection. Then, in the privacy of their own room, couples dialogue on their reflections to better understand each other and to build new patterns of listening. You will be invited to concentrate on your spouse to such an extent that you will hardly be aware of the other couples. Although the presentations are given to the group, there is NO group discussion.
What is the cost?
A non-refundable $45 registration fee is required to ensure a reservation. During the Weekend, each couple will be invited to give a confidential contribution. No one has ever been refused the opportunity to attend because of a lack of funds. There is no paid staff for Lutheran Marriage Encounter. It is a labor of love and is entirely self-supporting.
FOR MORE INFORMTION CALL: 1-800-235-1010 or Duffy & Nan Guthrie, 440-599-9090 (or email nguthrie@suite224.net)
The next LME Weekends in this area are: June 22-24 and October 19-21 in Medina April 20-22 in Youngstown
New Name Tags
New Name Tags are in the Making
Our newly designed church name tags have arrived and are being labeled with members' names. The previous name tag supply was put to use by the many, many members of Faith Lutheran Church. The new tags are again white, 3" by 2" in size with the "bulldog" clip fastened on the back; on the front is the new logo printed in red ink.The name tags will be put in the Church mail boxes as they are labeled with members' names.
Welcome New Members
Welcome New Members Joining Faith March 18, 2001
Julie Ann Axness By Affirmation of Faith
580 Park Hill Dr. #111 Fairlawn, OH 44333 330-835-3521
Email jaaxness@yahoo.com Sponsor: Tina Roberts
Jean E. Falor By LOT
200 Granger Road #1 Medina, OH 44256 330-666-8542
Sponsors: Lou & Diann Sullivan
Martha Gruetz By LOT
710 White Pond Dr. A 516 Akron, OH 44320 330-873-2462
Sponsor: Jean Butler
Erica Kovach By LOT
3389 Glenbrook Dr. Norton, OH 44203 330-706-0026
Email cool-chik-1@yahoo.com Sponsors: Barry & Norma White
Ole & Linda Latham Ole by LOT
Erin & Allison Linda by Affirmation of Faith
45 Orchard Road Akron, OH 44313 330-836-5719
Email LINDAatAKRON.com Sponsors: Michael & Pat Jackson
Beth McPhillips By LOT
1557 Hampton Knoll Dr. Akron, OH 44313 330-922-1996
Sponsors: Dick & Deanie Sefton
Barbara Nonno By LOT
591 Haskell Dr. Fairlawn, OH 44333 330-869-6816
Sponsors: Diann & Lou Sullivan
Jean Powell By LOT
333 B Village Pointe Dr. Akron, Oh 44313 330-865-5843
Larissa White By LOT
3389 Glennbrook Dr. Norton, OH 44203 330-706-0026
Sponsors: Barry & Norma White
We welcome these new members to Faith Lutheran Church and pray that their lives here will be enhanced by their communion with us.
Faith Lutheran Church Counselors
Cheryl Pelka of Lutheran Children's Aid and Family Services is now available every Wednesday by appointment here at Faith Lutheran Church. Fees are based on a sliding scale based on need. She is now taking appointments 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. Appointments may be made by calling her directly at (216) 281-2500.
Giancarlo - John - Scalzi is a psychotherapist, consultant and licensed social worker. He takes appointments on Thursday evenings. His counseling skills come also with the dimension of being Christ-centered. Fees for his services are based on a sliding scale and will be subsidized for members of Faith based on need. For more information please call (330) 653-3190.
The TODDLER NURSERY
Cindy Callen is the new caregiver for the children in our Toddler Room Nursery while parents attend church services and functions. She will provide a nurturing and caring environment and be willing to entertain and interact positively with a small group of children.
The hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to noon on Sundays. The caregiver will receive one Sunday off each month.
Responsibilities include caring for children of walking age up to 7 years old, maintaining a friendly, orderly, safe environment; and cleaning up the room after the children leave.
For more information please contact Susan Seeley at 330-864-0160 or thomasseeley@compuserve.com.
Lauren White and Danielle Lightle will be volunteering in the Toddler Nursery on the one Sunday each month that Cindy will not be there. Thank you Lauren and Danielle!
Lenten Coin Folders
Each year, Faith Lutheran Church receives from $400-$600 to assist in a global or care ministry of the church. This year, these funds will be earmarked for the Pastor's Discretionary Fund. Your gifts to this fund help those needing financial assistance while counseling with one of our two counselors, members temporarily in need of financial assistance, those coming to our doors in need of a meal, and help with gasoline for stranded travelers.
Community Outreach
This past year we continued to call on our shut-ins three times during the year. They are most appreciative of our visits. We take them some "goodies" such as valentines from the children's Sunday School classes, flowers, soup, baskets, candy, lotion, etc. It is a good feeling to visit with them as we both gain.
Our committee hosts one Wednesday evening Lenten Soup Supper each year.
We encourage our congregation to provide Easter Baskets for the Children's Services Board. This year we contributed 150 baskets for these less fortunate children.
We help support OPEN M which is a food pantry and free clinic for the poor and working poor. Throughout the year, members of Faith Lutheran bring in pudding for their food pantry. Keep it coming!
We help to provide school supplies for the Summit County Children's Services Board each August.
In the fall we hosted a successful Soup Supper fund-raiser for World Hunger/OPEN M. In conjunction with Lutheran Brotherhood, we were able to furnish funds to help feed 600 people at Thanksgiving.
Faith Lutheran is know at OPEN M as the "brown sugar church" and this past year donated 200+ bags of brown sugar during the holiday season.
We set up and decorated the Salvation Army "giving tree" and many children were pleased with their Christmas gifts that otherwise would have been non-existent.
We give annually to Habitat for Humanity toward construction of another home for some needy family.
As a group, we feel good about our service to our fellow man and hope with God's help, we can do more this coming year. Norm Schmidt
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