|
April 2003 Newsletter
    
Youth Leader Joins Faith Staff Welcome Carrie Miller!
We rejoice that on March 25 Carrie Miller joined the staff at Faith Lutheran Church as Youth Leader. (The position was formerly titled Youth Director.) She will be working 20 hours per week and will be reponsible for creating a Youth Team (adults and youth) who will develop a varied ministry for youth in grades 7-12. She also will be a support person for the youth, and encourage their growing in discipleship. Her office is located across from the Fellowship Hall - stop in and say, ”Hello”!
Printed below is Carrie’s introduction of herself:
I feel blessed to serve the youth and entire commmunity of Faith Lutheran Church as Youth Leader. Because it will take some time before I am able to properly introduce myself to every congregate, I would like to describe my background and interests. My name is Carrie Miller, and I have lived in Akron all of my life. On June 1, 2002, I married Peter Lorzing, a co-worker I met while attending The University of Akron. Together, we live in Akron with our dog, Flannery, and three cats, Israel, Sheba, and Bubba. My favorite hobby is caring for my animals, and my other interests include writing poetry, watching Sir Laurence Olivier and Cary Grant movies, and listening to music.
Concerning my education, I graduated from Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy in 1996 and received my bachelor’s degree in English at The University of Akron in 2002. While at the university, I was employed as a certified tutor for five years, underwent extensive training for that positon, and taught a wide variety of students. After graduation, I began post-graduate studies and became a college instructor.
While in college, I served as Vice-President of Community Service for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and worked as a crisis hotline volunteer. At St. Paul Episcopal Church in Akron, I volunteered as a Sunday School Teacher, chalice bearer, lecturer, and worked as co-chair of our stewardship dinner. Through St. Paul I also took two years of Education for Ministry Classes done in connection with Sewanee Theological School of the South. It was at St. Paul Episcopal Church that I also learned about the Call to Common Mission between the Episcopal and Lutheran Churches due to the fact that two out of our five ministers were Lutherans.
I look forward to working with the kind people of Faith Lutheran Church in the spirit of common mission, and I plan to provide a balance between education, service, and fellowship in all youth activities. Hopefully, I will meet all church members soon. Thank you in advance for your support.
In Christ’s Name,
Carrie A. Miller
Thanks to Youth Search Team
We give thanks for the faithful, and efficient, work of the Youth Search Team who sought candidates for the Youth Leader position, developed an interview process, conducted interviews and brought their recommendation to the Church Council. The sharing of your time and talent is a great gift!
Members were:
Adults: Diane Carano and Melissa Johnson, co-chairpersons, Linda Latham, Bruce Lightle, Garth McHenry, Norm Schmidt.
Youth: Dale Gsellman, Cole Schwan, Lucy Schwan, John Singer
Council Liaisons: Karen Mallison, Barry White
Encouragement from Pastor Jean
Each Service Tells The Story
During Holy Week
It has become the tradition in the Lutheran church, and many other denominations, to designate what was once called Palm Sunday as the Sunday of the Passion. Although the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem is read and palms are blessed, the focus has been reading the Passion Narrative, the entire sotry of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus, on that Sunday.
There is only one reason this change developed, to make it possible for people who do not attend Holy Week services to hear the entire story of Jesus’ final days before coming back the next Sunday to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter.
While I completely understand the reasoning behind this, I must say that it has always bothered me that instead of focusing on the story as it occurred in Jesus’ life - on Sunday, on Thursday and on Friday - we rush to tell it all at once, for the sake of convenience.
You see, I’m not sure that being a Christian was ever meant to be convenient.
So, we will not be reading the Passion Narrative on Palm Sunday, but will focus on the story one step at a time. And, with the firm conviction that doing so will strengthen your faith, I encourage everyone - adults, youth, children - to attend the Holy Week services. To neglect doing so is to overlook something vital and also faith-building.
WELCA
Bible Study “Listen, God is Calling: Unity in the body of Christ” Led by Velma Pomrenke
Spirituality is a mission related goal for W-ELCA and during the Lenten season we are encouraged to focus on “While Listening, Be Reflective.” Velma Pomrenke will lead our Bible study “Listen, God is Calling: Unity in the body of Christ” for our April 9 meeting. The study is based on the book of Ephesians which is short, and easy to read as preparation. Bring your Bible to W-ELCA.
Velma has led and participated in many Bible studies at her church, Holy Trinity, in downtown Akron. She is a retired professor in Social Sciences from The University of Akron.
Devotions will be given by Bettemae Ramsey.
Hostess will be Nancy Chrisman.
Guests are always welcome at the meetings.
WELCA
The Choir Corner
The Choir Corner
The Senior Choir of Faith Lutheran Church is one of the first church choirs in the Akron area. Although small in number, it is a vey musically talented group. Faith Lutheran Church was founded in 1955 and this choir is the longest running continuous service organization in the church. Most of the group are long-time loyal members. We are always striving for new members, and hoping for the return of many former choir members, because singing with this fine choir to the Glory of God is such a joy. There will be a brief biography of each active choir member in the Beacon of Faith in the coming months.
Betty Kesti
Betty Kesti and her husband Richard have been loyal Faith Lutheran membes since 1957 when the service was held at Fairlawn School. She has at least 40 years service in this choir. One of her recent musical high lights was singing in an all Lutheran Choir in Cleveland at Severance Hall in November. Richard and Betty have five children - Susan, Lida, Matt, Martha and Ruth and two grandchildren Micah and Trevor.
Betty has been a very active member at Faith. Besides all those years in the choir she is also currently involved in these actives at Faith:
- Busy Fingers
- Bowling Team
- Golf League
- Ladies Bridge Club
- Couples Bridge Club
- Rummage Sale
- W-ELCA as secretary
Her hobbies include: travel, camping, swimming and golf
Shirley Kmet
Shirley Kmet joined the choir in 1965 when she and her husband Robert II and daughter Kimberly joined Faith Lutheran Church.
Shirley is a graduate of Wittenberg University School of Music. She is retired as Vocal Music Teacher Emeritus from Akron Public Schools.
Besides being a soprano soloist for 38 years with the choir, she is a charter member of the Hand Bell Choir at Faith. She was the featured vocal soloist with the Bells when they toured Europe in 1990.
She has sung at many weddings and funerals at Faith and throughout the Akron area. She has been active at Faith as Music Director at Vacation Church School, performing for the Mother-Daughter Banquet and liturgist for church services.
She is an avid bridge player so she and her husband enjoy the Faith Couples Bridge Club very much. Below are other music activities she is involved in:
- Voice Coach, Betty Dornen
- Tuesday Musical Club
- Saint Cecilia Choir Society
- Akron Symphony Chorus
- Concord Singers
HANDBELL NEWS
The Handbell Choir was started in September 1985. Linda Sneeringer was the director and we have been ringing for 18 years. We started with two octaves of Malmark Bells and now have four octaves. Our current leader is Scott McVey and our current menbers are: Arlene Birdsell, Dorothy Hansen, Shirley Kmet, Judy Lee, Joyce Lytle, Pat Preston, Deanie Sefton and Judy Vernon; and our three new members are Bob and Connie Mollard and Carrie Wells. We are so happy to have them.
Our most recent ringing was Sunday, March 9 at 10:45 a.m. playing “O Worship the King” arranged by Lloyd Lasson.
Coming soon:
Palm Sunday, April 13: “All Glory, Laud and Honor” arranged by Cynthia Dobrinski
Easter Sunday, April 20: “Lead On, Oh King Eternal” arranged by Barbara Kinyon
We are always looking for more ringers. So please join us by calling Judy Lee at the Church office at 330-836-8811. We rehearse two Thursdays a month at 6:30 p.m. at the Church.
CLARA’S CLUB
Clara’s Club will meet at the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, April 13. It is recommended that guides call their child’s parent(s) to arrange a time and meeting place at the church. Some children will be involved in the Palm Sunday services, but they will sit with the guides and their parent(s) for most of the service.
My thanks to all those volunteering for this mission. God bless you. Bill Pope
Letter from John Maroni
Dear Congregation,
Greetings from Columbus, Ohio! I have started my sixth quarter at seminary. I have been “Approved” by the Northeast Ohio Candidacy Committee. The next step is Internship.
Sometime this summer, I will be moving to Highlands Ranch, Colorado where I have been asisgned to Christ Lutheran Church in Douglass County. Just like Pastor Jean was once “Vicar Jean” at Faith, I will be “Vicar John” at Christ. Yes, that is an overwhelming feeling.
Once my twelve month assignment is complete, I will move back to Columbus for three more quarters. When I graduate in May 2005, I will have earned 128 credit hours in addition to my Internship and fieldwork.
The ordination track is a long journey for Lutherans. I can assure you that the ELCA does everything within its means to assure that congregations receive clergy-women-and-men that are well trained and gifted.
Call to ministry has been a lifelong dream for me. I cannot truly express my gratitude for what this congregation has contributed to my seminary education. Your financial and moral support has been a tremendous help.
I will see you again on the last Sunday of April when I will be substitute preaching at our three worship services. Until then,
grace and peace.
John
The Salvation Army
In February, we attended the annual volunteer recognition luncheon at the Akron headquarters. There was a good crowd with many volunteers recognized.
If you are like us, you are aware of the Christmas kettles for collecting donations but unaware of what the organization does and how they raise moneys needed for their sustenance. It’s an international (serves people in 102 countries) religious and charitable movement. It is a branch of the Christian Church which is organized and operated in military fashion. Members of the Salvation Army include: officers (clergy), soldiers/adherents (laity), and members of various groups and volunteers. The Salvation Army is motivated by a love of God and a concern for the needs of all humanity. This motivation is expressed in the work of the Army and its purposes are to: PREACH the Gospel, TEACH Christian truths, PROVIDE basic human necessities, such as food clothing and shelter, and WORK to promote spiritual, moral and physical well-being. They gladly help all people in need regardless of race, color, creed, sex or age.
The Salvation Army adheres to the New Testament concept of enlistment in the service of God as soldiers who subject themselves to Divine authority and discipline. Translated into military terminology, the international leader is a General and officers are ranked by seniority and merit. Women hold equal rank with men (if married, a woman holds her husbands rank). Each officer must be prepared to transfer to a new post on short notice, according to the requirements of the service.
Since its beginning in the United States in 1880, The Salvation Army has grown tremendously! In the USA today, it has more than: 9.600 centes, 5,550 officers, and 38,000 employees. The national headquarters is in Alexandria, Virginia.
Norm and Judi Schmidt, Social Ministry Team
In Our Prayers - Health Concerns
Faith member Don Nelson
Faith member Robert Whitaker III
Faith member Pat Preston
Bonnie, she is the mother of Faith member Kim Kennedy and Cindy Boswell
Bill Osborn, Faith facilities manager
Faith member Justine Molnar
For all military personnel who have been deployed to Iraq and surrounding areas, and for their families, especially Robert Deme, son of Denise (and Pat) Flanagan and Erica Kovach, daughter of Norma (and Barry) White.
For Faith member Audrea Woodall
For Faith member Bishop Marcus Miller, who is on an ecumenical journey overseas, traveling with Presiding Bishop Mark Hansen. We pray for a safe journey and for their families, expecially Kathy Miller, whoare waiting at home.
In Time of Loss
For Faith Preschool Director Wendy Boes and her husband Leo upon the death of his faith, Leo Boes, Sr.
For the family of former Faith member Helen Olhoeft upon her death in Florida on March 5. Helen was a Charter Member of the congregation. Her funeral will be held at Faith on April 12 at 2 p.m. with Bishop Kenneth Sauer and Pastor Jean Hansen officiating.
For the family of Faith member Dorothy Ederer, especially her husband Alan, upon her death on March 9
For Faith members Bob and Shirley Kmet, and family, upon the death of Bob’s brother Daniel Kmet. His funeral was held at Faith Lutheran Church on March 24.
For Faith members Bill and Barbara Beers upon the death of Barbara’s mother, Betty Beals, on March 24. The funeral service will be held in Pennsylvania on March 29.
Thank You
For supporting the CLN Italian Night Dinner
What a wonderful turnout. We had 50 people attending our Italian Night Dinner and White Elephant Exchange. It was a great evening for food, fun and fellowship! With this being a new event, the response was terrific....so watch for this to become an annual CLN event and fund raiser for Habitat.
Best of all, we donated $160 to support Habitat for Humanity!
Please note - the CLN meeting for April will be held Tuesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. in the Youth Room.
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County appreciates your donation of $250. This donation will go directly towards building a simple, decent, affordable home for a qualified Summit County family.
Since 1987 donations such as yours has helped us build over 100 home and house over 400 individuals. Our program is not a giveaway. Each family must invest 250 sweat equity hours into their own home and purchase the homes on a 20 year no-interest mortgage.
Without the generous support of the entire community we would not be able to make our mission become a vision.
Again, we thank you for making dreams become realities.
Midweek Meal & Worship
Wednesdays, April 9
6:00 – 6:40 p.m. Soup supper
6:45 - 7:30 p.m., Worship
The New Dimensions: Growing in Discipleship presentations will be held each Wednesday after the soup supper/worship from 7:30 - 8:20 p.m.; please plan to attend once.)
Growing in Discipleship Mid-Week Theme in 2003
The wonderful and varied mid-week worship opportunities which will focus on discipleship are:
Wednesday, April 9 – SPECIAL GUEST - a warm welcome to Bishop Marcus Miller, Northeastern Ohio Synod as he focuses on being a disciple. The service location will be in the sanctuary.
Child Care will be available for every worship service!!!!!
PALM SUNDAY, April 13
On this day we will focus on the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Palms will be distributed at all three services.
The 10:45 a.m. service will be especially celebrative. We will:
* Welcome our neighboring worshippers from St. Hilary Catholic Church who will process into Faith’s sanctuary for the Blessing of the Palms liturgy. The Bell Choir will accompany the organ for the procession.
* The Explorer Singers will share a song at the beginning of the service.
* Clara’s Club Guides are invited to attend the service. The children will sit with their families and the Guides after they sing.
MAUNDY THURSDAY, April 17
Worship at 7:30 p.m. (only) in the Sanctuary
During this service we will remember the last evening Jesus spent will his followers when he gave them a new commandment (the word Maundy is an English form of the Latin word for commandment) to “love one another even as I have loved you” and gave the gift of himself in Holy Communion.
Worship will include Holy Communion and the Stripping of the Altar in preparation for Good Friday. The choir will provide special music.
IMPORTANT NOTE: There will be no 12:30 p.m. service this year so that the congregation may gather as one to share the sacrament and experience the dramatic stripping of the altar. Remember – daylight savings time will have begun so it will not be as dark as has been true some years. ANYONE WHO PREFERS NOT TO DRIVE AT NIGHT should call the church office and a ride will be arranged for you.
GOOD FRIDAY, April 18
Worship at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Something very exciting is happening this year on Good Friday. The service is a joint effort involving the congregations of Faith Lutheran Church and St. Hilary Catholic Church. (Fairlawn Lutheran Church was unable to participate this year, as has been true in the past, due to a special program that is being held there. They will be missed!)
This is the most somber service of the year as we remember the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus. The service will be held at Faith using the Good Friday Liturgy from the Lutheran tradition that is very similar to the one traditionally used in the Catholic Church. Members from both congregations will provide special music and participate in the service.
HOLY SATURDAY, April 19
Easter Vigil at 7:30 p.m.
In the Courtyard and Sanctuary
Led by the Youth and Carrie Miller, Youth Leader
This service employs imagery of darkness and light, death and life, chaos and order, slavery and Freedom. It is the climax of the “triduum”, the three sacred services that begin on Maundy Thursday.
EASTER SUNDAY, April 20
Worship at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
(No 9:15 a.m. service due to the Easter Breakfast)
This will be a wonderful day of celebration! The congregation will gather to rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. At the 10:45 a.m. service music will be provided by Bob Mollard, organist; the Celebration choir and hand bells, directed by Scott McVey and the Flashlight Band.
Easter Breakfast will be served by the Youth from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Explorer’s Club does not meet on Easter Sunday.
|
