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December 2006 Newsletter
    
Deadline for Newsletter Articles for next month is the 15th of the month.
Email the Church Office or fax the office at 330-836-8872
Use Newsletter submission form here on the website or place in church office newsletter mail box.
Come Help Decorate
On Sundays - December 3 and 10
You will be here for worship, so why not stay to help decorate? There are two dates and times from which to choose.
10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. - December 3 and 10 The "early" decorators will work in the sanctuary, narthex and outside.; The "late" decorators will work in the fellowship hall and hallways. Decorating is done in stages to give a visual illustration of the excitement that is building as the congregation prepares to celebrate Christ's birth.
On December 3 trees and wreaths will be put up. On December 10 trees will be decorated and the outside banners put in place. On Christmas Eve the lights will be illuminated on the trees, and the poinsettias will be in place.
All Singers Welcome!
It's time to join with the Celebration Choir for some very special Christmas music to be presented Sunday Dec. 24th at the 10:00 AM service. We will be singing music of John Rutter, including selections from his setting of MAGNIFICAT. A Christmas without Rutter carol settings is close to illegal in England, and many American congregations have enjoyed his exquisite carol settings and original compositions for over three decades. Guest instrumentalists will assist us, and Bob Mollard will conduct.
Rehearsals are scheduled for your convenience during these busy days. You are encouraged to attend all of the Sunday morning rehearsals (your choice of 10:30 or 11:30 a.m.), the two Wednesday evening rehearsals and the dress rehearsal. Bob guarantees your spirit will soar singing this music, so do yourself a favor and SING!
Christmas Choir Rehearsal Schedule:Sun. Dec. 3rd - 10:30 - 11 a.m. or11:30 a.m. - noonSun. Dec. 10th - 10:30 - 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. - noonWed. Dec. 13th - 6:40 - 7:40 p.m. Sun. Dec. 17th - 10:30 - 11 a.m. or 11:30 a.m.- noonWed. Dec. 20th - 6:40 - 7:40 p.m. Sat. Dec. 23rd - 10 a.m. - noon (dress rehearsal) Sun. Dec. 24th - 8:30 a.m. - Worship at 10 a.m.
Sundays In December
Advent, the time of preparation for Christmas, begins on December 3 and continues through the afternoon on December 24. The Christmas Season begins at sundown on December 24 and continues through January 5. The Epiphany of Our Lord is on January 6 (we will celebrate it on January 7); this is the day we remember the arrival of the Magi to honor Jesus.
On each Sunday in Advent, at both services, congregation members will share a reflection and light the candles on the Advent Wreath. Also, Holy Communion will be celebrated every Sunday in the Season of Advent.
First Sunday in Advent - December 3rd - Lighting of the Advent WreathSecond Sunday in Advent - December 10th - Lighting of the Advent Wreath, 9:15 a.m. worship, special music by the Handbell Choir Third Sunday in Advent - December 17th Lighting of the Advent Wreath - 10:30 a.m. worship, special music by the Children's Choir, 2 p.m., Children's Choir Advent Program Fourth Sunday in Advent - December 24th - Lighting of the Advent Wreath, ONE Service at 10 a.m. , Special presentation of "The Magnificat" cantata by the Celebration Choir, joined by seasonal singers and instrumentalists, directed and accompanied by Bob Mollard. First Sunday After Christmas - December 31st - The worship schedule will be "as usual" with the traditional service at 9:15 a.m. and the contemporary service at 10:30 a.m.
Please note: There will be no Christian Education classes on December 24 or December 31.
Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 24th - 7:30 p.m. Family Worship; Music by BOUND and Bob Mollard; Children's Message; Holy Communion
10 p.m. Candlelight Worship - Music by the Celebration Choir, Handbell Ensemble and Bob Mollard; Individual Candle Lighting
(Reminder: We have the opportunity to worship twice on December 24, and what better reason to do so than to celebrate the birth of Jesus? Morning worship (the Fourth Sunday in Advent) will be a combined service at 10 a.m. and will feature the choir singing the music of John Rutter and Holy Communion.
St. Hilary
St. Hilary To Hold Christmas Eve Mass At Faith
Our sisters and brothers in faith from St. Hilary Catholic Church will be using the sanctuary at Faith at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve. There also will be a Mass held at St. Hilary at 4 p.m. We rejoice that it is possible to share our space with our neighbors on this Holy evening.
STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING
Do you know how to respond when a friend calls you in tears? Can you provide a sense of love and peace to a person in need just bye your presence? Do you feel capable of sharing the love of Jesus to a hurting world?
These and many other topics will be covered during Stephen Ministry training which will begin February 2007. Training sessions are 2 ˝ hours long and there are 20 of them during the year of 2007. Sessions will be offered the 1st and 4th Wednesday mornings of each month, the 2nd and 4th Tuesday evenings of each month, and a double session will be provided one Saturday per month.
If you are interested in becoming a trained Stephen Minister, you only need to choose one of those times. If you must miss a session, you can make it up in a variety of ways. Our congregation needs both men and women trained in this way to provide care for others. People can receive a Stephen Minister for a variety of reasons: job loss, relationship issues, chronic illness, the list is a long one.
Please prayerfully consider signing up to take the Stephen Ministry training course. It will deepen your daily spiritual walk, teach you to relate more fully with others, and instruct you in the unique art of Christian care-giving. For more information or to sign up, please contact Carolyn
Family in Need
Last year a handful of Faith helpers pulled together a Christmas for a family in dire need. Those of us who helped felt so good and it made such a difference for that family as we represented Jesus, that at Easter we helped three families. Word got out and this year a beauty salon and a Girl Scout troop are also helping others through our Operation Good Samaritan.
Many of you responded to the quickie email to help three families have a Thanksgiving meal. A heart felt thanks to those of you who bought gift cards or donated money.
Christmas is right around the corner so there will be another opportunity to help families who need us. Let me remind you that we always support families who are not getting any help from "the system" but are in need none-the-less.
Operation Good Samaritan is purely voluntary. It is giving above and beyond your regular support of Faith Lutheran Church. If God touches your heart to help the best (and easiest) way is to purchase a gift card to a grocery store or store such as Target or Wal-Mart. The case worker or someone here at Faith can then shop for the needs of the family.
Salvation Army Angel Tree Project
Faith Lutheran Church will once again help the Salvation Army bring cheer into the lives of area children this holiday season.
Look for the Angel Tree in the narthex. The tree will have children's names, ages, and gift ideas on an angel tag for you to choose. Your gifts will be going to children who might not otherwise receive anything on Christmas morning.
Please bring your unwrapped gifts with name tags attached to the church by December 11 and place under the Angel Tree.
Pssstt……
Psssttt Here's a Great Gift Idea for your Spouse!
Friday evening February 22 through Saturday afternoon February 23 is our 2nd Couple's Retreat. This one will be held at the Holiday Inn on Rt 8 in Hudson. Each couple will enjoy times of learning and fellowship as well as time to enjoy each other or make use of the pool, workout room, and dance floor!
Couples who attended the last retreat found the experience fun and non-threatening and felt their marriages were deepened in the process.
Why not sign up for this retreat and give it to your spouse as a combination Christmas/Valentine gift? There's plenty of time to plan for work schedules and babysitters and the super bowl will be over, so there's no excuse! If you contact Carolyn before December 20 to sign up, she will provide a lovely personalized poem informing your spouse of this most thoughtful and unique gift.
Imagine the joy and surprise this gift of love will produce!
Advent Adventures!
Join Us on our Wonderful Wednesday Advent Adventures! Plan now to come to our family nights during Advent, and enjoy this season of preparation for the birth of our Lord. There will be yummy food, fun and learning for all ages, and a closing Advent devotion.
Wednesday, December 6 - 5:15 p.m. Building Project Question and Answer Session 6:00 p.m. POT LUCK DINNER We'll provide beverages and place settings, bring a dish or two to share. Activities include: Nursery for children age 4 and under; Kid's Choir; Kid's Craft; Youth, grades -8, activity; grades 9-12, service project; Adults: Christmas Traditions Around the World led by Dineen Dowling OR Advent Conversations led by Steve Thompson; includes a devotion booklet. The adventure will end with short time of worship and everyone will be on their way home by 8 p.m.
Wednesday, December 13 - 6:00 p.m.WE'LL PROVIDE DINNER Just bring an appetite and maybe a few dollars for "free will" offering. Activities include: Nursery for children age 4 and under; Kid's Choir; Kid's Craft; Youth, grades 7-8, service project; grades 9-12 discussion group Adults: Christmas Cantata Choir Practice (all singers welcome) OR Christmas Traditions Around the World led by Dineen Dowling OR Advent Conversations led by Steve Thompson; includes a devotion booklet Short time of worship. 8:00 p.m. - Building Project Question and Answer Session
Wednesday, December 20 - 6:00 p.m. WE'LL PROVIDE DINNER Again, all that's needed is an appetite and small offering. Dinner will be followed by a Christmas Carol sing-along and then those who wish to brave the elements will hike across the road to go Christmas caroling for the shoppers. This event was a huge success last year! Even if you don't sing, you can help pass out invitations to our Christmas Eve Worship Services. Adult Christmas Cantata Choir Practice (all singers welcome) The Adventure will end with a short time of worship and everyone will be on their way home by 8 p.m.
Explorers' Club
A Look Ahead in Explorers' Club……… During the month of December the children will be learning from our new Advent/Winter curriculum. Explorers' Club will be held during both the 9:15 and 10:30 worship times during Advent. The advent curriculum focuses on the birth of John and the events leading up to the birth of Jesus.
**There will be NO EXPLORERES CLUB on** Sunday, December 24 OR Sunday, December 31. Explorer's classes will resume on January 7. The children will continue their winter curriculum study. *** Please note there is no "winter learning event" planned for this school year. Class will meet during normally scheduled worship times for the remainder of the school year.
Children's Program
Enjoy Children's Program on December 17
We're seeing Stars!! The children's choirs are seeing stars everywhere they look!! We have been working hard on our Christmas program titled Star Journey. It is the nativity story in galactic proportions!
Come join Moon, Vega, the We She Kings and all the rest at our Star Observatory as we journey back to "Earth, the final frontier." Here we will learn about the real Star of Christmas, Jesus, our morning star. Along our journey we are also being reminded of a few other cosmic truths about our Creator.
Join us for this cosmic event on Sunday, December 17 at 3 p.m. We promise you will leave with stars in your eyes!
DECEMBER YOUTH NEWS
Confirmation Class - Class with Janice & Lucius on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 9:15 a.m.
No classes on the 24th or 31st. Classes resume on January 14th.
Advent Adventure Activities
Dec. 6 - Dinner 6 p.m., fun with Janice and Lucius 6:45-7:45p.m., service at 7:45 - 8 p.m.; Dec. 13 - Dinner 6:00 p.m., REQUIRED Service Project with Leo and Wendy 6:45 - 7:45 p.m., service at 7::45 - 8 p.m. (We will be packing lunches for the Mom and Me Program at St. John/ St. Paul Lutheran Church in downtown Akron. This program provides childcare while Moms are taking GED classes.) Dec. 20 - Dinner 6 p.m., All Church Caroling 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.
9th Grade Class - Class in the library at 9:15 a.m. with Leo and Wendy on the December 3 and 10.; High School Class - Panera on December 17.
Combined Activities for 9th -12 grade - Advent Service Project on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Join us for dinner at 6 p.m. followed by service work at 6:45 p.m. and service at 7:45 p.m. We will also be packing lunches for the Mom & Me program (see above for more details!). Advent Activities on Dec. 13 - Dinner 6-6:45 p.m., join in for a discussion group from 6:45-7:45 p.m. and the service at 7:45 p.m. On December 20 come for dinner at 6 p.m. followed by Christmas Caroling!
Thank You !
THANK YOU TO CHUCK BALTES FOR DELIVERING LUNCHES
TO ST. JOHN/ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH!
OVERNIGHT RETREAT
For all youth in 9th - 12th grade At Leo and Wendy's - Friday, December 29 - Leave the church at 5 p.m. to Saturday, December 30 Return to church at 4 p.m. Join us for more team building, games, discussion & of course, FOOD! Please call Wendy at 330-414-0300 if you are available to help with driving.
Guatemala 2007
Guatemala 2007 Mission Trip News - Thank you, Thank you, Thank you !!! to all those who came out for our first "Ed's Diner" in November and the Faith Fall Festival. What fun we had! Also, a big thanks to all those who donated baked goods for our festival bake sale! Because of your help we have now raised $6,000 towards our mission! Please mark your calendars for the following upcoming dates:
Ed's Diner
Saturday, January 14 - Family Night at "Ed's Diner" - Turn off your TV and join us for a good old-fashioned night of family fun. On the menu - sloppy joes, chips and brownies. Schedule a get together with friends and bring your favorite board game to share.
Saturday, February 10 - Valentines Celebration at "Ed's Diner"
A repeat of our much loved November "Ed's"!!! On the menu - salad & rolls, steak OR chicken, baked potatoes, green beans and brownie sundaes for two. The kinship cantina will be open again with yummy drinks and we'll have a silent auction so you can get your sweetie a little something!
Tickets for these events will go on sale soon! For more information on how you can support our Mission team, please contact David and Melissa Johnson at 330- 334-7080 or Leo and Wendy Boes at 330-414-0300. We thank you for your support & your prayers!
Brown Sugar Collection
For OPEN M - We are the "Brown Sugar" church for OPEN M. So, bring in your 2 lb. brown sugar bags to help the dis- advantaged. Are we up to the challenge of attaining
our goal of 200 bags? They are due by Sunday, December 3.
Years Of Service
Thanks For Years Of Service - The congregation extends its appreciation to Bettemae Ramsey for the considerable time and effort she has given during 20 years as Financial Secretary and a member of the Finance Team. Bettemae is retiring from this volunteer ministry at the end of 2006. We are thankful for her, and for her faithful service to the church.
We also give thanks for Ken Jakubec who has graciously agreed to assume the role of Financial Secretary. Early in 2007 the financial records will be computerized, so look for a new format when quarterly reports are distributed this spring.
Poinsettias
Order Your Poinsettias - Look for order inserts in the Weekly Beacon or stop by the church office. The deadline is December 17. Cost: $7.00
A Significant Need for Christmas …
During this past summer, there were two federal declarations for flooding throughout northern Ohio: July 2, 2006 for 7 counties that included Lucas, Erie, Huron, Cuyahoga, Stark, Ottawa, Sandusky. The second FEMA declaration was on August 2, 2006 for three counties that included Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula. There have been 16, 201 families affected by the flooding in these counties and over 600 households have been referred to area congregations for long term recovery assistance. Church volunteers are currently rebuilding homes and replacing the contents that have been totally destroyed by flood waters. Many of the affected families are living in FEMA housing while the rebuilding effort is ongoingl
There is a significant need for Christmas decorations and new toys for Christmas for the children of these families. If your congregation is able to donate decorations and new toys for Christmas for any child up to the age of 18 or make monetary donations, please contact Mary Woodward, Case Management Supervisor for the long term recovery committees at 740-509-1132 (cellular) or by e-mail at mwoodward_1@msn.com.
Hosanna Lutheran Church, Columbia Station, has agreed to be one of several drop off points for new toys. Monetary donations may be made to Lutheran Social Services and mailed to 810 Main St., Caldwell, Ohio 43724. LSS will begin distributing the toys on December 8 and will continue to deliver toys until December 22. Any help that you may give will be deeply appreciated by the families who lost everything this past summer.
God's blessings!
Q and A Gatherings Set
Regarding Building Program - The initial drawings for the potential church building project were unveiled during the November 19 Annual Meeting. Now that members have had a chance to reflect on these exciting plans they may have questions to ask. Or, perhaps some were unable to attend the meeting, and are anxious to learn what is happening. In either case, please plan to attend one of four "Q and A" Gatherings during December. They are scheduled for: 5:15 p.m., December 6 in the Youth Room, before the Advent Mid-Week Meal; 10:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. December 10, following each worship service, in the sanctuary and the Fellowship Hall 8 p.m., December 13 in the Sanctuary, after the Advent Mid-Week Devotion Come and learn more about this exciting process!
Feasibility Study
Building Project Feasibility Study Begins This Month
Your input concerning the church building project is valuable! For that reason Cargill Associates have been hired to conduct a Feasibility Study to assess the congregation's capacity to fund the project and also to gain feedback from the congregation about the plan. So, every active household will be invited to offer their input through either a confidential interview in December or through participation in a confidential survey in early January.
The results of this Feasibility Study will be reviewed by the Building Team, Building Finance Team and Church Council, adjustments will be made, and a plan for proceeding will be presented to the congregation for a vote in late January or early February.
Thank You
Members of Faith Lutheran Church,
Our mother, Nellie Cole, who is 103 years old loves her bright yellow prayer shawl! Each time she lays down to rest she asks for her yellow shawl. It was one of the first precious items to go with her to her new assisted living environment. We all want to thank you for your prayers - she feels them all in the shawls warmth-we as her family feel your love and prayers too.
Together in Christ's love, The Nellie Cole family
Rummage Sale
The 15th Rummage Sale was a Celebration of Faith! Many, many thanks are offered to all of you who contributed and volunteered time and energy to FAITH'S RUMMAGE SALE for "OPERATION OUTREACH." Over 100 Faith members supported this tremendous ministry during the week-long event by collecting, setting up, sorting, arranging, pricing, baking, greeting, selling, bagging, taking items to Goodwill, AND cleaning up. This effort makes the 2006 Rummage Sale the largest fellowship event of the year! Proceeds were a staggering $8,100 which includes matching funds of $1,050 from Thrivent.
The success of the Friday night Early Bird Sale and Silent Auction helped to contribute $3,000 to our three new initiatives: the Youth's Guatemalan Mission trip, the children's reading tutoring program, and the elderly care program. Please check the "Operation Outreach" bulletin board for updated allocations.
Carrie Anne Miller
Dear Friends, Greetings in the name of Christ! I want to thank you for your prayers and all the other forms of support you provide . I survived Summer Greek! Truly, I cannot believe the close of my firt full term at Trinity is just around the corner; I have learned so much already and have had the opportunity to meet many amazing, Spirit-led instructors and students. So much of the spiritual formation process happens outside the classroom in our interactions with one another in our daily struggles. Community is extremely important, and I believe the church provides and has the opportunity to provide a certain sense of "togetherness" the world cannot because of our life in the one body of Christ.
We miss Faith very much and hope to come "home" during the winter break in order to visit and worship. The new Stephen's Ministry sounds exciting, and I would love to talk with you about it. Please pray for me as I begin the process of choosing a Clinical Pastoral Education site and begin attending my Ministry in Context congregation. Also, please pray for my classmates as I have joined the seminary choir and have a terrible singing voice - it is quite excruciating to listen to.
I am so grateful to be at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and for being able to explore my call. This would be impossible without Faith Lutheran Church and its people. I feel so blessed and thank God for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love one another.
Yours forever in Christ, Carrie Anne Miller
Tinsel and Tea
Women of Faith and their guests - Advent "Tinsel and Tea" Brunch and
Ornament Exchange - Saturday December 9 - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Church Fellowship Hall Cost: $9.00 Mark your calendars now- invite family and friends. Come enjoy the beautifully decorated tables. Questions- contact Lois Chaffee at 330-239-5505.
Copley High School
Chamber Singers Holiday Music
Come and enjoy a program of inspirational and sparkling seasonal music sung by the Chamber Singers. Chamber Singers is composed of twelve Copley High School students directed by Basil Kogan. When: December 13, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.; Where: Faith's Fellowship Hall; Who: Chamber Singers entertaining you; Why: for your enjoyment - Bring a friend!
WELCA Unit Meeting
Devotions: Vee Robinson - Hostess: Elaine Johnson and Pam Krueger
The October program was presented by Carolyn Wagar Hier whose topic was "It's All About Balance". Carolyn noted that Spiritual well being is central to physical, emotional, and intellectual well being. There was good attendance and a good discusion was held on each of these topics.
The November program was a presentation about the wetlands conservation of the Cuyahoga River. The Ohio EPA has "The Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Play" which has implemented many improvements resulting in lots of wetlands with plants and animals.
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Arlene Birdsell; Faith member Bob Heldridge; Faith member Ted Peterson; Faith member Milan Rolik; Faith member Norma White;
Special Prayers: For all military personnel who have been deployed to Iraq and surrounding areas, and for their families, with special prayers for those who have endured injury or loss.
In Time of Loss: For the family and friends of Faith member Dorothy Gerdes upon her death On November 4. Pastor Jean presided at her funeral on November 7.
In Thanksgiving: With Faith members Tim and Joan Keifling upon the baptism of their daughter, Karla Joy, on November 12.; With Faith members Ken and Anita Wilson upon the baptism of their daughter, Katherine Elise, on November 19.
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