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August 2001 Newsletter
    
W-ELCA
Looking Ahead with W-ELCA
"Adventures With a Medical Missionary Team"
Barbara Mattern, a volunteer member of the team which went to the Dominican Republic, will share her experiences at the W-ELCA meeting Wednesday, September 12.at 10:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome!
What is a LIFE Group?
LIFE stands for Living in Faith Every Day. There are four components to a successful LIFE group:
- Care (caring for one another in good times and hard.)
- Learning (coming to grips with the teachings of Jesus for us as individuals and as a church.)
- Deciding (Making decisions together about how to live, give, and even what to study.)
- Doing (Taking on a ministry that exemplifies to others the Christ-life-style.)
Of the four, a LIFE group is most concerned about #1 and #2 but not to the exclusion of #3 and #4. LIFE groups can become ingrown. In fact every LIFE group starts its meeting with a "prayer for the empty chair," a prayer for the one who has yet to become a part of a LIFE group.
If one of the above LIFE groups would help you grow in your discipleship of Jesus, please consider becoming a part. If you feel called to start your own LIFE group please talk to Pastor Stan for help in getting started.
Confirmation Orientation
September 2 - Orientation for new and returning students and their parents 10:45 a.m. in the Youth Room or Fellowship Hall. Check out the Youth pages for a Confirmation Schedule
All 7th and 8th Grade students of Faith Lutheran Church are invited and encouraged to begin setting aside Sundays beginning September 2 to begin preparing for their Rite of Confirmation and adult membership at Faith Lutheran Church.
John Maroni would like to meet with Parents and Confirmands at 10:45 a.m. on September 2 for approximately one hour. Formal sessions will begin on September 9, 2001 at 10:45 a.m. for students in the 7th Grade and higher.
Students on our list right now are:Kenneth Bennett, Justin Callen, Andrew Castille, Jacob Hurley, Matthew Jackson, Sean McClish, Abigail Penov, John Rausch, Andrew Rich, Gregory Edward Schnell, Erik Schwarze, Andrew Simpson, John Singer, Michael Strobel, Danielle Wall, Eric Watts, Megan Weidrick, and Joseph Weisand.
If your son or daughter is not listed above, please contact the church office ASAP at 330-836-8811. Thank you.
Synodical Women's Organization
Ninth Biennial Convention of the Northeastern Ohio Synodical Women's Organization
Date: August 17-18, 2001
Place: Avalon Inn, Warren, Ohio
Theme: "Guided by the Spirit"
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-26
Friday evening will begin at 4 p.m. with registration and buffet dinner. That evening we will "Reaffirm our Baptism" following the Business session.
Saturday will be busy with more business sessions and Awareness sessions. These sessions provide a wide variety of choices: a Bible Study, a Labryinth, Tai Chi, a conversation with Sally Frank our Churchwide Treasurer or a Spiritual Inventory led by Deaconess Judy Hoshek. A wide variety of opportunity for your individual growth. Saturday afternoon will be highlighted with "Katie Luther Live!" as portrayed by Damarius Peter Pike. The Choral Worship Service will provide the inspiration for us as we conclude our Biennial Convention.
This is an opportunity for your personal enrichment, inspiration and renewal along with your Sisters in Christ of the Northeastern Ohio Synodical Women's Organization. For the specific details contact Vee Robinson at 330-666-6301.
If you are under the age of 40 you might consider applying for the NEW FOUNDATION GUEST program. Applications are available from Vee Robinson. One woman from each of the seven clusters will be chosen for this program. They will be guests of the Synodical Women's Board. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Women of the ELCA.
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!
2001 Faith Scrambles
Where: Pine Valley Golf Course 469 Reimer Road Wadsworth, Ohio When: 3:00 p.m. on Sundays August 26 and September 23
Following the August 26th Outing, we will be going to Bob and Maxine Heldridge's home at 500 Hampshire Rd. for a light supper. (Rain or Shine we eat!) Please look for sign-up sheets in the Narthex and in the hallway outside the Fellowship Hall or call the Heldridges at 330-836-3248. Check your Sunday Bulletins regarding the September 23rd Scramble.
Our Shepherding Program
New Member Sponsor
It is an important decision to join a church. Incoming members are entering a new phase of their spiritual journey. The Holy spirit's work is the major reason people join a congregation: but programs, people and activities influence where they join. Sponsors provide support to new members by shepherding them into the life of the congregation.
After people are received into membership in Faith with their Sponsors standing with them, the sponsors continue their support by
(1) praying for the new members, (2) getting to know them to discover their needs, and (3) by seeking to involve the new member
in congregational activities.
New members need a friend, need to be understood, need to be wanted, need to be invited to participate, and need to be included in all phases of the life of Faith Lutheran. They provide Faith with new ideas and further growth. Shepherding sponsors provide a way of entrance, welcoming and nurturing for new members.
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!
Lutheran Brotherhood Earns High Rating
To recognize the effectiveness in bringing Lutheran Brotherhood's charitable resources to the local community, several branches in our agency recently received a "Superior" from the home office. The rating, which is the highest given by Lutheran Brotherhood, recognizes branches for their community service activities in 2000.
The rating primarily reflects the branch's exceptional performance in coordinating volunteer service project, hosting fundraising events and distributing Lutheran Brotherhood matching funds to local Lutheran congregations.
We proudly congratulate the officers and volunteers in Cuyahoga Valley Branch #8596 (Faith Lutheran Church is part of this branch) as one of ten branches receiving this special recognition!
Key Inventory to be taken
Any member who has a key to the church is asked to register his/her key with the church so we can update our inventory. A booth will be set up for the first two Sundays in August so anyone who has a key may register it. All those who have a key and would like to turn it in can do so at that time. We want to insure we have a supply to assign when a member needs a key. You may also contact the church office and provide your key number, if applicable, and name. If you have any questions regarding this request, you may contact John Knops at 330-835-4505 or Tom Parsons at 330-000-0000. Feel free to contact the office too.
Know Our Options
"Gee, I forgot the offering envelope again. I'll mail it in next week." Well it's now the end of the month and you finally remembered to bring the envelope to church. I know this has happened to me. With the hectic life we all lead, isn't there a better way? Well, yes, there are several options to make this gracious action easier and pleanant.
The first option allows you to give monthly with a level payment, you can always make your special offering and tithes outside of the program, so you know how much and when the payment is made. It's an automatic debit to a checking or savings account through our affiliate Lutheran Brotherhood. Now new accounts have to be set up; just complete the application and set the dollar amount to be debited. Applications can be found at the church office or contact the church office to have one sent to you. At any time you can discontinue the debit or change the dollar amount. No more envelopes and the church receives the funds right on time so we can insure our general fund is sufficient to meet operating expenses at all times.
Second, option LUMP SUM giving. Is your tech stock rebounding, but you do not want to experience another downward spiraling 2000? You may make an "in kind gift" of all or some of your shares of publicly traded stock to the church. Two benefits especially on appreciated stock are 1) No capital gains are paid. 2) You receive the full deduction of the transfer price for your income taxes. Even if that stock has not appreciated, this is a way to meet your commitment without expending any cash. Inherited stock comes tax free until you sell it so this too is a way to meet the two benefits without any out lay of cash. We have the benefit of using Lutheran Brotherhood's capabilities to liquidate the stock at a very favorable cost so the church maintains the highest amount possible.
Next time you pull that envelope out, just remember these options, but please always remember to meet your commitment montly. Hopefully, these options can make your giving experience pleasant.
If you have any questions on these options, feel free to contact me at 330-835-4505 or the church office at 330-836-8811.
God Bless a cheerful giver. John s. Knops - Resource Development (Stewardship) Team Leader
Please read the following Bible passages to hear what God has to say about his. Genesis 2:15, Psalm 24:1, Chronicles 29:14, 2 Corinthians 8:5, Luke 12:48b, and 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
Because of what God says we will: Encourage proper management of all of life and life's resources for God's purposes. Promote materials and approaches to stewards that are firmly grounded in the Owner/manager understanding of stewardship. Encourage first-fruit, proportionate and cheerful giving in all areas of life by Christian stewards; and, Receive and use God's gifts with thanksgiving.
Because of what God says we will not: Approach the steward as if he or she is the Owner.
Neglect to remind the steward of Who the Owner is.Forget the Owner for the sake of the interests being represented; orFaith to remind Christian stewards that greater blessings call for greater responsibility to manage them according to God's purposes.
Remember, it's all God's! We are just taking care of it. PRAISE BE TO GOD!
PRAYERS
Intercessory prayers of members for friends/relatives:
Lois Esterle (Wanda Hare's daughter and Linda Weidrick's sister)
Don and Dorothy Westling (Judy Rosebrock's parents)
Fred Rosebrock (Ken Rosebrock's father)
Veno Savell (undergoing Chemotheraphy (Irene's son)
Basil Richmond with congestive heart failure (Ivan Richmond's Father)
Jill Reyes in Cleveland Clinic for testing
Helen Jennings for cancer (Pat Bork's mother)
Anthony Dalessio undergoing chemotherapy (Karen Bach's brother)
Karen Gerber experiencing health problems (Diann Sullivan)
Rosella Jeck (Martha Gruetz' family)
Mary receiving chemotherapy (Ed and Ruth Simpson)
Elmer Smith diagnosed with prostrate cancer (Kit Scheetz)
Dan Kmet recovering from liver transplant (Robert's brother)
Joe Paparone struggling to return to health (Brother-in-law of Bill Evans)
Ray Sugget struggling with a brain tumor (Vee Robinson)
Kay LeMaster recovering from a stroke (Ron Garman's Aunt)
Ged Schweikert undergoing chemotherapy (Eleanor Schweikert's Son)
Lydia Ontko has been diagnosed with cancer (Terri Dalski)
Sally Dalski being treated for Alzheimer's (Terri Dalski)
Andrew Leffler battling cancer (Kelly Lockhart)
Lydia being treated for Leukemia (Lynn Rich)
Prayers from our Website
Ruth Elbon entering Barberton Hospital
Carolyn praying for a helpmate
Jim Walker being treated for cancer (Daughter Kelli Walker from Aleaska)
Jennifer DePrizio by her father
Cheri Toribo's nephew Bob jailed for using drugs
Ton Martinb for employment
Peydon that he will end his illicit affair
Willian Wedge in prison
Sherry that she might find a meaningful relationship
Gordon in El Paso, Texas, that his court case may be settled out of court
The salvation of Monica and her family and for David's family as well
Continuing Prayers of Concern for:
Willis Pope Jr.
Florence Anderson,
Justine Molnar,
Milan Rolik,
Mike and Nate
Carol Bouson's family to be comforted knowing she will now be with the Lord
Immediate Prayers of Health For
Marjorie Mazak
Donna sterner recovering from knee surgery at St. Thomas Hospital
Douglas Winslow, Jr. receiving radiation treatment for a spinal tumor
Special Prayers for Members of Our "Pastor Search Committee"
Mike Chaffee,
Don Dillahunt,
Vee Robinson,
Dana Singer,
Steve Thompson,
Marilyn Wilson,
Ben Aronson,
Beth Gsellman
Prayer of Joy
for Beth Gsellman's safe return from Haiti
Service of Ordination
The Northeastern Ohio Synod Marcus J. Miller, Bishop
invites you to a Service of Ordination for
Dee Emmert Miklos called as pastor Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Norton
10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 25, 2001
at First Lutheran Church 19419 Royalton Rd. Strongsville, Ohio
Take I-71 to Strongsville - North Royalton exit; take the Strongsville exit (Rt. 82 West): go west on Route 82 across Pearl Road (Rt. 42): The church is on the south side of the road, 1/4 mile west of Pearl.
Stan and Linda
For those of you who might wish to keep in touch with Stan and Linda Sneeringer here is their new address:
The Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Stanley C. Sneeringer
1105 Maral Court
Ft. Wayne, IN 46825-7245
slringer@worldnet.att.net
SUNDAY MORNINGS THIS FALL
YOUTH EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
EXPLORER’s CLUB
Pre-K through Grade 6
To register a new or returning student, for volunteer opportunities, or to find out additional information contact Dana Singer (330.836.9262).
RALLY DAY
September 9th
SUNDAY SCHOOL KICK-OFF
Explorers, find your hats, dust em’ off and watch for more big news!!!
FAITH STUDENT FELLOWSHIP
Grades 7 and higher
To register a new or returning student, for volunteer opportunities, or to find out additional information contact John Maroni (330.836.8811).
Our first meeting will be September 9 in the Youth Room at 9:15.
RIGHT of CONFIRMATION
Grades 7 and higher
See page 10 of this publication for additional information.
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