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February 2001 Newsletter
    
We Are Still Looking!
Faith is continuing its search for a Celebration Choir Director to direct
our Sunday morning adult choir(s)/ensembles. Principle responsibilities
would include selecting appropriate music for a Christian church, directing
Sunday morning rehearsals, leading the choir during worship and growing the
overall music ministry. Our ideal candidate would have experience in choral
conducting and also keyboard. Interested candidates should contact Faith
Lutheran Church Monday through Friday, 9 AM - 4 PM at (330) 836-8811.
First Communion for Fifth Graders
Pastor Sneeringer would like to invite our Fifth Graders to prepare for
their First Communion by meeting with him in March. For three Saturday
mornings beginning at 9 AM, March 3, those young people wishing to prepare
for their first communion will be asked to meet with him in anticipation of
Holy Communion on Sunday, March 18, 2001. The office knows of the following
young people eligible for their first Communion: Sarah Carano, Mary
Gsellman, Kailin Hurley, James Kolk, Brandon Lightle, Brianna Lloyd, Erin
Marie Carpenter, Alexandra Singer, Christopher Butler.
If you son or daughter is not listed or is listed by mistake, please call
the office immediately at 330-836-8811. Communicants will celebrate their
First Communion on Sunday, March 18, 2001 at the 10:45 AM Celebration
Service.
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. These funds are used to help
defray costs of those members needing financial assistance while counseling
with John Sculls, our resident counselor. John is a licensed therapist and
social worker who is available by appointment on Thursday evenings.
Additionally, these funds are used for members needing direct financial
assistance during times of financial difficulty. Finally, these funds help
with those who drop in at our church needing gasoline or a meal. In this
case no direct cash is distributed. Vouchers are given instead which may be
used at Hamad's Sunoco and Pizza Hut, both here in Fairlawn on Market St.
Friendship Callers Phone Again!
Hi Ho Silver.
Faith's FLC Friendship Callers will be call again on February 15th. FLC
Friendship is our attempt to touch each and every member family periodically
through the year. It hopes to offers care and support for everyone, leaving
the door open for further communication and helps to make sure some don't
slip through the cracks. It is designed to promote understanding and
acceptance of our ministries, to keep lines of communication open for
feedback/suggestions; and it increases feelings of ownership in Faith's
ministries and decisions.
First Night--Monday, February 19
All Ministry Team Leaders are encouraged to meet together on Monday,
February 19 beginning at 7:15 PM for devotions, training, and planning for
the coming year. Following devotions, Pastor will lead the group in a
leadership development session on "How to Build a Team." The remaining time
will be devoted to the gathering of the leaders within their ministry areas.
ID Ministry Name Ministry Area Group Type
18 Home Communion Team Allison Seefeldt Care Nurture Ministry Team
54 Friendship Callers Bill Pope Care/Nurture Ministry Team
4 Congregational Life Janice Rogers Care/Nurture Ministry Team
12 Internet Team Ed Rich Global Outreach
13 Newsletter Jean Gombert Global Outreach Staff
11 Light Hospitality Lou Sullivan Global Outreach Ministry Team
10 Service Team Norm Schmidt Global Outreach Ministry Team
9 Busy Fingers Charlotte Shuff Global Outreach Ministry Team
8 Bulletin Karen Bach Global Outreach Staff
7 Bulletin Judy Lee Global Outreach Staff
6 Advertisements Chris Sears Global Outreach Ministry Team
5 Advertisements Randy Cole Global Outreach Ministry Team
14 Soup Ministry Sally Hauth Global Outreach Ministry Team
32 Faith Student Fellowship John Maroni Growth Learning Nurture Group
15 Adult Learning Jim Shook Growth Learning Nurture Group
16 Explorers' Club Becky Strimple Growth Learning Ministry Team
17 Explorers' Club Dana Singer Growth Learning Ministry Team
20 LIFE: Beginnings Cherli Gsellman Growth Learning Nurture Group
21 LIFE: Beginnings Denise Henkel Growth Learning Nurture Group
24 LIFE: Literature Steve Thompson Growth Learning Nurture Group
29 LIFE: Wives Susan Summerville Growth Learning Nurture Group
30 Preschool Wendy Boes Growth Learning Ministry Team
52 Youth Ministry Team John Maroni Growth Learning Ministry Team
31 WELCA Elaine Johnson Growth Learning Ministry Team
34 Lay Leadership Development Stan Sneeringer Ministry Development Ministry
Team
35 Staff Support Bill Beers Ministry Development Ministry Team
33 Discover Faith Stan Sneeringer Ministry Development Ministry Team
39 Information Systems Keen Lee Operations
51 Finance Bill Robinson Operations Ministry Team
53 Endowment Committee Bill Evans Operations Ministry Team
40 Lay Weeders Garth McHenry Operations Ministry Team
38 Garden Club Amy Franks Operations Ministry Team
37 Facilities Management Bill Osborn Operations Staff
36 Data Management Judy Lee Operations Staff
41 Resource Development John Knops Operations Ministry Team
49 FLIRT Players Anita Sears Worship Ministry Team
42 Celebration Altar Sally Hauth Worship Ministry Team
50 Light Worship Sheila Knops Worship Ministry Team
48 Flashlight Band Linda Sneeringer Worship Ministry Team
47 Faith Usher Don Dillahunt Worship Ministry Team
46 Faith Altar Barb Dillahunt Worship Ministry Team
45 Celebration Handbells Linda Sneeringer Worship Ministry Team
43 Celebration Usher Art Britton Worship Ministry Team
44 Celebration Choir Worship Ministry Team
Faith has been blessed with excellent leadership over the years and this
evening has been a wonderful "First Night" as we begin preparing for the new
year. New Council/Liaisons will have the opportunity to meet their ministry
team leaders and vice versa as well.
Please set aside this night for the work of Faith and its ministry. If you
have not yet volunteered to work on the Ministry Team of your choice, please
contact Minister of Discipleship and Outreach, Kathy Zbinden at
330-836-8811.
Consider Joining Our Faith Community?
The spring Discover Faith seminar for those wishing to learn about the
Christian faith - especially those considering joining Faith Church - is
Sunday, March 18, 2001 starting with a pizza lunch at 12:00 PM and
concluding at 5:00 PM.
"Discover Faith" is intended for everyone who wishes to grow in their
spiritual life especially those contemplating joining our Faith family. The
seminar is divided into five parts, "Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?
Living the Gift, The Call of the Church, and Profile of a Disciple. A
special workbook written by Pastor Stan serves as the text. On Sunday, March
25, at 9:15 AM, an orientation session will be held for those making the
commitment to join our Faith family. New members will be received later
that morning at the 10:45 Celebration service.
Let There Be Light
When friends and members stopped in to church on Sunday, people were found
commenting on "how bright the hallways." Last month all the overhead
fixtures were replaced with four bulb fixtures replacing the two bulbs.
Reflectors were also added. In addition, the drop ceiling was reinforced
when it was discovered the necessary fasteners had not been added.
Everything is now secure and the hallways much brighter.
Have you seen the Bridal/Choir Room?
Faith Lutheran Church must express its deepest gratitude to Lois Chaffee and
Judy Vernon for their remodeling of the Bridal/Choir room. The walls were
repainted; a trim border was added; new carpeting installed which now
enhances the new furniture that was acquired last year. Rae Welker is
making even now new window treatments. This room sorely needed a make-over
as it is used not only for Celebration Choir rehearsals but also as a
reception room for families during funeral services and brides and
bridesmaids during weddings. It is a much improved addition to our
facility. Funds for the remodeling came from the Rummage Sale.
Pastor Attending Continuing Education
Pastor Stan will be absent from the parish following services on February 4
through February 8. He will be attending a continuing education event at
Community Church of Joy, Glendale Arizona. Joy is an ELCA congregation that
has been involved in transformation ministry for over twenty years.
Top Ten Religion Stories of 2000
Each year the Christian Century magazine reviews in its estimation the top
ten religious stories of the year. Of course, this is not to say there were
not other significant religious stories. Christian Century reviews the year
and selects those stories in which religious issues and religious values
were a feature of public debate.
10. Canada's three largest denominations face the threat of huge financial
losses from lawsuits alleging child abuse at now-defunct residential schools
for indigenous children.
9. Federal agencies approve guidelines for stem-cell research with embryos,
and also allow use of the RU-486 pill to terminate early pregnancies.
8. The Episcopal Church agrees to full communion with the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, which took effect January 1.
7. Pope John Paul II, at age 80, seeks forgiveness for Catholic sins of the
last 2000 years and fulfills his dream of visiting the Holy Land.
6. While Southern Baptist Convention bolsters its fundamentalist views,
Texas Baptists vote to withhold millions from the SBC, and former President
Jimmy Carter decides to cut his ties to the convention.
5. Though Methodist, Presbyterian and Episcopal conventions made no official
changes in the policies on homosexuality, unauthorized same-sex union
ceremonies continue at the local level.
4. The National Council of Churches helped Elian Gonzalez return to Cuba and
then fumbles a pan-Christian declaration on marriage.
3. The Vatican issues a document on the Roman Catholic Church's ecclesial
preeminence, to the dismay of many Protestants and Catholics.
2. Violence erupts between Israelis and Palestinians, initially around
religious sites, dealing a blow to Mideast peace hopes.
1. Religious concerns punctuate the presidential election campaign,
accentuated by the first-ever selection of a Jewish candidate for the
national ticket.
Literature Group Begins January 2001
A new LIFE group focused on contemporary literature and the life of faith will begin January 7, 2001. The group will meet Sundays during the church school hour beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the church library. Church members and friends are invited to join the group and enjoy discussing eight contemporary American writers.
The primary reading material is the third volume of Listening for God published by Augsburg Press (2000). In addition to short essays about the life and work of each of the eight authors, the book contains the following short fiction selections: The Five-Forty-Eight (John Cheever), Mrs. Cassidy's Last Year (Mary Gordon), Pray Without Ceasing (Wendell Berry), Christmas 1967 (Oscar Hijuelos), Long Night (Reynolds Price), Satan: Hijacker of a Planet (Louise Erdrich), The Woman Who Prayed (Tess Gallagher), and O Yes (Tillie Olsen).
All of these authors in one way or another make God, religious devotion, theological enigma, or religious experience central to their writing. Members of the group will explore the ways these various writers address significant issues. Added interest will come when member examine their own perspectives on these issues and add their thoughts to group discussions.
For further information, please contact Steve Thompson who will lead the group (330-666-5065; st@uakron.edu). So that you have your own copy of the book in time for the first session, please let Steve know your plans by December 15 (the cost is $12). Not sure of your plans at this point?! Don't worry: the group will welcome you whenever you can join! Our policy is to have an empty chair at the discussion table at each session....that signifies our open invitation to all readers!
W-ELCA
Wednesday, February 14, 2001 10:00 a.m.
Findout the secret beginnings of M & Ms EMPERORS OF CHOCOLATE: INSIDE THE SECRET WORLD OF HERSHEY AND MARS
Cindy Howe will be our speaker. She will review the book which examines the beginnings of the two largest candy manufactureres in the United States. Hear about the lives of Milton Hershey and Frank and Forrest Mars. Learn about two of the most secretive and competitive companies in our country's history.
Cindy has been Manager of the Norton Branch Library for fifteen years. She has also worked at the McDowell branch Library, Ellet Branch Library, and Main Library. She is a graduate of Revere High School and has degrees from University of Akron and Kent State University.
Our President, Elaine Johnson, will have a brief business meeting. Devotions will be given by Marlene Unger Hostess will be Dixie Whitaker
EXPLORER CLUB
* The January Learning Experience focused on "Children of the Bible" and covered Esther, Joseph and Samuel. MANY, MANY thanks to Flo Mackall, Lorna Schnell, Diana Bullock and Ellen Daniels for making it so successful!
* February 4th - Clara's Club members will meet in the Youth Room to write Valentines to the shut-ins. They will also attend Explorer Worship.
* February 11th - "Bring a Friend" Sunday is a great fellowship event! We invite you to bring a buddy, big or little, to share the Sunday fun!
* We are always looking for fresh new ideas and programs for our Explorers. We also need people with computer skills as well as those who write creatively. If you would like to share your talents with a GREAT CROWD OF KIDS, please contact Dana Singer at 330-836-9262.
Explorer Club would like to thank Summerville's Office Supply for extending terrific pricing for the purchase of new classroom tables. The funding for the tables was donated by the Rummage Sale profits.
Explorer Club membership has grown to 82 students and continues to rise! Conversely, programs and supplies also increase spending. It has been quite advantageous to "do business" with a church member who consistently provides competitive pricing. Thank you, Skip Summerville!
A HARRY LONDON CANDY FUNDRAISER-
A HARRY LONDON CANDY FUNDRAISER
to help fund improvements to the classrooms used by the Preschool and Sunday School children will be held from March 1 through March 16. (The Preschool receives 50% profit) You will find information and order forms in your mail boxes. Church members who wish to order products through this fundraiser may turn their order forms into the preschool box outside the Preschool office.
ALL ORDERS MUST BE TURNED IN THE PRESCHOOL OFFICE BY MARCH 16TH
Payment is due at the time the candy is ordered. Candy will be delivered the week of April 2 (to the church office) in plenty of time for Easter. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Sinopoli, Preschool Fundraising Coordinator, at 330-836-1394. Thank you for your support!
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.
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!
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.
We are also looking for volunteers to care for children in the Toddler Nursery Room during church services on the Sundays that Cindy has off. There is a signup sheet in the Toddler Nursery and in the Narthex on Sundays. For more information, please contact Susan Seeley at 330-864-0160
Discover Faith - Spring Seminar
The Spring Discover Faith seminar for those wishing to learn about the Christian faith - especially those considering joining Faith Church - is Sunday, March 18, 2001 starting with a pizza lunch at 12:00 p.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m.
"Discover Faith" is intended for everyone who wishes to grow in their spiritual life especially those contemplating joining our Faith Family. The seminar is divided into five parts: "Who is Jesus?" "Who is the Holy Spirit?" "Living the Gift" "The Call of the Church" "Profile of a Disciple"
A special workbook, written by Pastor Stan, serves as the text. On Sunday, March 25, 2001 at 9:15 a.m. an orientation session will be held for those making the commitment to join our Faith Family. New members will be received later that morning at the 10:45 a.m. Celebration Service.
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