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December 2007 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.
Sundays in December
Prepare the Way for Jesus Celebrate His Arrival December 9 - Second Sunday in Advent: Clara’s Club Bible Presentation; Advent Candle Lighting; 9:15 a.m., FaithKids Sing; Handbell Choir plays
December 16 - Third Sunday in Advent: Advent Candle Lighting; Prayer Shawl Blessing; Children’s Choir
December 23 - Fourth Sunday in Advent: ***PLEASE NOTE*** One service at 10 a.m. in the Sanctuary Music presentation by the Christmas Choir and instrumentalists, directed and accompanied by Bob Mollard; Advent Candle Lighting; Come and celebrate together!
December 30 - First Sunday After Christmas: Continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship.PLEASE NOTE: There will be no classes for children, youth and adults on December 23 and 30, including FaithKids Church.
Christmas Eve - Monday, December 24: 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 and Bob Mollard; Individual Candle Lighting
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.
Come Help Decorate
We are looking for volunteers to decorate the church for Christmas. If you are interested, please contact Melissa Johnson by December 9 at 330-374-7080 or e-mail her at johnsons44281@earthlink.net.
Calling All Singers
Anyone high school age or older who likes to sing is invited to be a part of the Christmas Choir that will present a cantata “Festival of Lessons and Carols” on Sunday, December 23. There will be one worship service that day, at 10 a.m., so that our faith community can celebrate together. Practices will be: 6:45-7:45 p.m., Wednesdays, December 5, 12 and 19 (During Advent mid-week activities; child care will be provided.) Sundays, December 2, 9, and 16 following the 9:15 a.m. service. Please attend on Wednesday OR Sunday. 10 a.m.-Noon, Saturday, December 22 Prior to worship on December 23
Stephen Ministies
How Can We Help? On November 18, 23 people were commissioned as Stephen Ministers. These people are trained to bring the love of Christ to those of us struggling with life issues such as illness, job loss, divorce, death of a spouse or parent and many other challenges.
If you or someone you know might benefit from some extra companionship and Christian caregiving, please contact Pastor Jean or Carolyn. One of us will gladly meet with you and explain the Stephen Ministry program. This is a very confidential ministry, so you can be assured that your Stephen Minister will respect your privacy every step of the way.
If you would like more information regarding our Stephen Ministers, or if you would like information about becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact us today!
Advent Book Fair
Coming soon to Faith: Advent Book Fair - Dec 2 – 9 - Come and browse a nice selection of Christian books, Bibles and devotions in the Kinship Café. The Book Fair is open following each worship service (and throughout the week for Preschool, Mothers Together, Boy Scouts and other Faith events). Check out the staff picks! Do some Christmas shopping!
Operation Good Semaritan
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 has 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 9 and place under the Angel Tree.
Wonderful Wednesdays
Wonderful Wednesdays in Delightful December RETURNS!
During the season of Advent, Faith encourages its members to escape the hustle and bustle of the pre-Christmas rush and gather mid-week at Faith to focus on what the season is REALLY about: preparing for the birth of Jesus. Make this a priority for you and your family! Your spirit will be lifted and you may find a renewed sense of peace as you prepare for the Christ-child. Here is what we are planning for you:
Wednesdays, December 5, 12 and 19 - 6 p.m. – 6:45 p.m., Supper in the Fellowship Hall 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m., Choose from the following: Special Christmas choir rehearsal in the choir room Youth & adult class in the Fellowship Hall Children’s activities in the Sunday School wing Nursery for children age 3 and younger
7:45 p.m. – 8 p.m., Closing Devotions in the Sanctuary
A few items to consider:
Dec 5 theme is “Beyond the Nativity” - a look at the history of the creche scene and a slide show of nativity paintings. You are invited to bring in your family’s creche to display. ALSO… this first night is a Potluck dinner. Please bring a covered dish to share.
Dec 12 theme is “Filling in the Tree” – an exploration of trees in scripture and traditions like Jesse Trees and Christmas trees. Dinner is provided (thanks Sally & Diane!)
Dec 19 theme is “Journey to Bethlehem” – a time to focus on the journey as well as the destination. Come and join us as we prepare the royal highway! Dinner is provided (thanks Sally & Diane!)
A Note from FaithKids…
FaithKids is looking forward to a busy December! Please take special note of the events happening on Sunday, December 9. Also remember to register for the FaithKids Slumber…NOT! Party to be held on Saturday, December 15. This will be an amazing Advent event for the kids. Parents are welcome to stay to chaperone or leave for their own “seasonal activities”! All of the profits from the party will go to the 2b Transformed Building Fund. Please see the article in this month’s Beacon of Faith for more information about the Slumber…NOT! Party.
FaithKids Calendar
Sunday, December 2- 9:15a.m.; Sunday School, 10:30a.m. Children’s Church, Sunday, December 9 - 9:15a.m. Sunday School , Grade 1 Bible Presentation by Clara’s Club during worship FaithKids sing during worship, 10:30a.m. - Children’s Church, Grade 1 Bible Presentation by Clara’s Club during, worship,FaithKids sing during worship
Saturday, December 15 - 4 p.m.-10 p.m. FaithKids Slumber…NOT! Party,
Please register by December 12th!!! Sunday, December 16 - 9:15a.m. Sunday School, 10:30a.m.Children’s Church
Sunday, December 23 - One worship service in the sanctuary, 10:00a.m. NO FAITHKIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL OR CHILDREN’S CHURCH, Sunday, December 30 - 9:15 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.
NO FAITHKIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL OR CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Youth News
Happy Advent, and Merry Christmas! The past month has had its moments. The end of October saw the first fellowship activity for the confirmation class. We learned that most of us will never have a career as professional bowlers, but after the first two games bowling for style counts more than the score. The high school youth enjoyed a night of excitement at church during our lock-in. Most of us were able to get a little sleep, and we managed to make it through the night without breaking anything or anyone. The coming month will see several activities. The second Wednesday (December 12) will be the first service project for the confirmation class. In addition, during all of Advent the youth of the church will be welcome to join any of the adult activities taking place during the Wednesday night gatherings. We will be continuing to collect scrap metal, and Coke reward points. There will be a new addition to the fundraising activities of the youth. We will also be collecting Acme receipts. If you shop at Acme they have initiated a program where local nonprofit organizations can earn cash donations by returning Acme receipts to the store. If you have any receipts please leave them in the envelop thumb tacked to the youth bulletin board. We wish the entire congregation a safe and happy holiday!
Ten days before Christmas,
And there’s so much to do.
Have you started your baking?
Parties, shopping, wrapping, too?
Have you said more than once,
“How will I get it all done?”
Especially when the kids say,
“Mom…we just want to have fun!”
FaithKids to the rescue!
Six hours of bliss!
Kids haven’t had fun
In a long time like this…..
Gingerbread houses,
Crafts and puzzles galore,
Ornament making
And, oh, so much more!
There’ll be party food, ice cream
And friends left and right!
Tons of Advent fun planned
For the entire Saturday night!
Wear your PJs and slippers,
You can even bring a friend!
Be sure you don’t miss
Fun that never seems to end!
December 15th
Is the evening in question.
Register early
Is my best suggestion.
It’s a Slumber….NOT! Party!
Parents may chaperone or leave.
Mark your calendars now
For adventure you won’t believe!!!
FaithKids Slumber…..NOT! Party
For Preschool 3’s through Grade 6
Saturday, December 15th from 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
$20.00 per child, $50.00 family maximum
Free for Faith member families providing a parent chaperone!
Profits will benefit Faith’s 2bTransformed
Capital Campaign expansion for ministry!!!
BLUE registration forms will be available on the tables in the Narthex
and outside the Fellowship Hall. For more information,
contact Julie Magons at (330) 336-5212.
FYI
Do you need your leaves raked or your lawn mowed? How about having your driveway shoveled off, or maybe another odd job done around the house? Help us while we help you.
A small group is trying to raise money to go back to Guatemala and continue our mission of hope. We are working to raise funds for our trip. If interested, please call Andy Simpson at 330-608-0792. Prayers are appreciated!
Order Your Poinsettias
Look for order inserts in the Weekly Beacon or stop by the church office. The deadline is December 16.
Can You Help?
In preparation for putting up the Chrismon Tree, we are in need of new chrismon ornaments. We have supplies and patterns for making the ornaments. If you can help make an ornament, please contact Jean Butler (330-836-3316).
Messiah Sing
Sponsored by Akron Association of Churches, Sunday, December 9, 2007, 7:30 p.m. (Rehearsal - 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) First Presbyterian Church 647 East Market Street, Akron (east of Summa) Bring your own copy—extras available. All singers and listeners invited! Charles Kobb is the Director. Freewill offering to benefit the Messiah Sing. For further information, call 330-535-3112.
Church Elections
At our Annual Meeting held on Sunday, November 18, the following people were elected:
Audit Committee: John Knops, Endowment Committee: John Dial, Nominating Committee: Ann Snyder Britton, Linda Latham, Chris Sears, Synod Assembly Delegates: Dineen Dowling and
Tom Antal, Church Council: Pat Mihelis, Sue Rickards, Paul Skerlong, Mark Watkins, and John Weisend, We give thanks for their willingness to serve.
Mark Your Calendar
Advent “Tinsel and Tea” - Saturday, December 8, 11:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall, Cost: $10.00
All women of Faith and young ladies (12 or older) are invited to this festive event. The St. Cecelia Choir will be providing entertainment. Please join us for a lovely catered luncheon as we pause to reflect on the approaching celebration of Christmas. Sign-up posters are available outside the Fellowship Hall and in the Narthex. Questions: contact Lois Chaffee (330-239-5505).
And - The Faith Lutheran Church Handbell Choir will perform sacred and secular Christmas music on December 12 in the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. All the members of Faith Lutheran Church and their friends are invited to come, listen, participate and enjoy some beautiful holiday music. Refreshments will follow the program!!!
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Diane Carano; Faith member Milan Rolik; Faith member Hans Zbinden
Special Prayers: For all who are serving in the military, particularly those who are in the midst of conflict, that they would sense God’s presence. And that peace may prevail in our hearts and in the world, particularly in Iraq and all places where people are suffering due to war and violence.;For Faith members Bob and Maxine Heldridge, that they may know the peace of God that passes human understanding.
In Thanksgiving: That the 2b Transformed Capital Campaign was a positive experience, and also was financially successful as Faith members committed more than $1 million dollars to the congregation’s vision for the future.
Deadline for Financial Contibutions
2007 is noon on December 31, 2007.
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