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February 2003 Newsletter
    
Scout Sunday
Scout Sunday is February 9 during the 10:45 a.m. service. All members of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are invited to wear their uniforms and to be recognized during the service. Members of Troop 390, sponsored by Faith Lutheran Church, will participate in the service.
Youth Leader Update
Youth Leader - The hiring of a part-time YOUTH LEADER is in process. The Church Council approved the revised job description in December. A Youth Leader Search Team has been formed and will soon be interviewing potential candidates. Team members are: Diane Carano, Melissa Johnson, Linda Lathem, Bruce Lightle, Garth McHenry, David Nelson, Norm Schmidt and youth members Dale Gsellman, Cole and Lucy Schwan, and John Singer. Members who know of anyone who might be interested in the position should contact the Search Team. It is asked that all potential candidates review the job description before applying for the position.
A Special Offering
A Special Offering for Faith member and seminarian John Maroni will be received during the announcements at all three services of February 16. Please write checks to the church; these gifts will be sent to Trinity Lutheran Seminary for John's account.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance that marks the beginning Lent, is on Wednesday, March 5. Services will be held at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Holy Communion will be celebrated and there will be imposition of ashes.
First Communion Changes
First Communion - The Church Council has approved a new policy for First Communion. It is published on page 9 of this "Beacon of Faith". All children in grades 3, 4 and 5, AND AT LEAST ONE PARENT, are invited to participate in First Communion Instruction from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 9 OR from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, March 13. Families may choose which time best fits their schedules.
The children will receive Holy Communion for the first time, and be recognized, at the 10:45 a.m. service on March 16. In order to do so, the child and one parent must have participated in one class.
Cat's Meow
We had CAT'S MEOW of Wooster make wooden repliques of Faith Lutheran Church. These wooden cut-outs of the church have arrived and are still available at a cost of $15.00 each. Call the Church office (330-836-8811) or Bettemae Ramsey (330-836-5211) to give them your order.
WELCOME SUE!
WELCOME SUE! On January 26 the congregation welcomed Sue Rodgers who is beginning her studies for ordained ministry at Trinity Lutheran Seminary and has been assigned as a Ministry in Context (MIC) student at Faith. Sue will be attending worship on Sundays and will focus particularly in the area of Christian Education (Confirmation Class and Explorer's Club). She is a resident of Norton and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norton. She is a nurse with a MBA who works full-time in the area of health care administration and is a part-time student. She and her husband Rick have six grown children. Please introduce yourselves to Sue (nametags would help)!
IMPORTANT!!!!
IMPORTANT!!!! ... COMING IN MARCH ... As Lent is observed the congregation will also participate in a SIGNIFICANT education and stewardship program to discuss the importance of hiring a full-time staff person who is trained and dedicated to developing small groups and encouraging the use of spiritual gifts in the congregation, and who may oversee youth ministry (age 21 and under).
Each Wednesday evening during Lent there will be a congregational meal and a worship service focusing on discipleship. There will be a different speaker in worship each week. The service will be followed by a 45-minute education time to discuss the need for a full-time Minister of Christian Growth and Development.
Congregation members are encouraged to attend the meal and worship service weekly, and to participate in the education session ONCE. The dates are March 12, 19, 26 and April 2 and 9. Every household will be receiving a phone call in mid-February asking on what evening members can attend the education session. (REMEMBER - five dates are available.) Please, plan to attend; this is an important step in the congregation's life.
On May 4, members will be asked to make a gift or a financial commitment to the staff position for a 16-month period (September 2004-December 2005). If enough gifts and commitments are submitted, the person will be hired this summer to begin in September.
Here's the good news ... if 200 household (people with offering envelopes) gave just $20 a month above their current giving, the goal would be met!!!
Nursery volunteers needed
Nursery volunteers needed for wednesdays in lent
Since there are no budgeted funds to pay nursery assistants on Wednesdays in Lent, your help is needed. This is especially important to the success of the education program described on the preceeding page.
At least two people, age 18 or older, are needed on March 5 (Ash Wednesday - 7:15-8:45 p.m.) and March 12, 19, 26, April 2 and 9. Youth ages 12-17 may volunteer (confirmation service hours), but two people age 18 or older would still be needed.
How about volunteering as a couple, and making this a part of your Lenten Discipline? Exact times will be announced; it will be approximately 6:45 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
First Communion Policy
Council Adopts First Communion Policy Third-Fifth Grades Commune in 2003
Background:
In the mid-1970's a Study was adopted by most of the churches now in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) separating confirmation and the reception of Holy Communion. Children were then invited to commune in the fifth grade. At Faith Lutheran Church the usual practice continues to be receiving children to Holy Communion during the fifth grade.
The Church's Statement
In a document adopted for guidance and practice by the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA in August 1997, there were changes in this practice. The Use of the Means of Grace: A Statement on the Practice of Word and Sacrament indicates that:
- Admission to the Sacrament is by invitation of the Lord, present through the Church to those who are baptized.
- There is no command from our Lord regarding the age at which people should be baptized or first communed.
- Baptized children begin to commune on a regular basis at a time determined through mutual conversation that includes the pastor, the child and the parents or sponsors involved, within the accepted practices of the congregation. Ordinarily this beginning will occur only when children can eat and drink, and can start to respond to the gift of Christ in the Supper.
- In all cases, participation in Holy Communion is accompanied by teaching appropriate to the age of the communicant. When infants and young children are communed, the parents andsponsors receive instruction and the children are taught throughout their development.
- Congregations of this church may establish policies regarding the age of admission to Holy Communion. They may also grant pastoral exceptions to these policies.
- Out of mutual respect among congregations, children who are communing members of a congregation who move to a congregation with different practice should be received as communing members.
The Policy of Faith Lutheran Church
In the spring of 2003, all children in third-fifth grade will be invited to participate in a first Communion Class. The usual practice will then be that baptized members of Faith Lutheran Church will receive instruction and First Communion during the third grade.
However, at their discretion, parents/sponsors may request that a child younger than third grade be allowed to receive Holy Communion. A conversation will be held among the pastor, parents/sponsor and child. The Pastor will determine whether or not the child is to be accepted at the Lord's Table, and instruction will follow if the request is affirmed.
"Experiences in Bolivia"
W-ELCA
Wednesday February 12, 2003 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall
Program: "Experiences in Bolivia" with Pastor Jean Hansen
Pastor Jean will be sharing photos and stories of her trip to Bolivia in April 2002, and also describe the work of Amanacer, a ministry that reaches out to the numerous street children in that country's cities. Devotions will be given by Maxine Heldridge. Hostesses are Deanie Sefton and Kathy Zbinden. A Thankoffering will be taken.
Explorers
Our Month Went Much Better Than Noah's
We nailed boards - just like Noah did. We petted animals - just like Noah did. We heard a rainstorm - just like Noah did. We saw a rainbow - just like Noah did. But our "Month on the Ark" went incredibly well ... not at all like Noah's experience (thank God for that!)
This year's January Learning Experience for the Explorers was full of songs and crafts, animals and rainbows, water and wood! Special thanks to all the brothers and sisters of Noah who pitched in to make our month memorable.
THANKS ...
To all those who helped build the ark, especially master carpenter Bruce Lightle and son, Brandon. You guys were awesome! To Patti White and all Faith adults who offered to help the Explorers sand, assemble and paint birdfeeders. God's creatures thank you, too!
To Leo's Ark ... the next best thing to Noah's ... for sharing his animals in the middle of winter with our kids. We always learn something about God's wonderful animals when you come to visit! To Amy Franks and all the Faith adults who helped with the animal banner craft.
To Ellen Daniels for helping us create a thunderstorm inside the church (with shakers we decorated ourselves!) To everyone who ate Pringles, used film, drank water and orange juice so that we could use your containers. Thanks for donating!
To all the adults and teachers who assisted with each week's craft. To the parents who said, "Do you need any help?" and offered to stay. To all the volunteers who lingered afterward to clean up. To people like John Knops, Arthur Britton, Ann Snyder-Britton, Lorna Schnell, Dana Singer, Beth Gsellman, Ellen Mackall, Nancy Williams, and everyone else who helped with crafts and crowd control - you are a blessing!
To Karen Mallison who found wonderful, theme-related snacks. Yum!
To the extremely talented Bob Hartz and Scott McVey for our special morning music that told the story of Noah and the Ark and the animals! You are the best!
We had record numbers for a January Learning Experience, so we thank all you parents for making the trip so your kids could experience a month on the ark!
Keep looking for that rainbow promise!
Flo Mackall and Dineen Dowling
Lost and Found
Is It Yours? If Not, Do You Know To Whom It Might Belong?
One day last week, the postman, while delivering mail to the church office, discovered a small Bible (3" x 4 1/2") entitled New Testament Psalms Proverbs lying on the sidewalk in front of the church.
On the flyleaf was written Presented to my wonderful husband by your loving wife 12-25-94.
If anyone knows to whom it might belong, please contact the church office.
AND
A number of "lost and found" items are stored in the cabinets out side of the church offices. Included are four "Veggie Tale" videos. If you have missed anything, please check this area. Periodically items are given to Good Neighbors.
Help Welcome Guests
Help Welcome Guests Is This Your Ministry?
What a year is before us here at Faith Lutheran Church! There are many activities on the agenda that will move us forward in ministry. One of them, which existed in the past but has been "on break" in recent years, is what was known as the Guest Response Team. Those on this Team would:
- Greet visitors and give them a "Welcome" packet. This is a particular need at the 10:45 a.m. service.
- Make a brief follow-up visit to all guests for whom an address is available.
- Continue the current ministry of sending a written greeting to all guests for whom an address is available.
- Assist the pastor with planning/hosting the "Welcome to Faith" gathering for new and current members.
- Host a reception in the spring on the Sunday that new members are received.
- Take photos of all new members and create an attractive display for the church, and for the website. Also, submit articles about new members for Sunday bulletins and the Beacon of Faith.
- Whatever else wonderful ideas we can brainstorm together.
Do you feel that God is calling you to this ministry? Please consider it prayerfully. An organizational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 3, in the Fellowship Hall. Please contact Pastor Jean if you are interested in this vital aspect of church life at 330-836-8811 or pastor@faithlutheranchurch.org.
Coming to Bethel
Coming to Bethel Lutheran Church Wayne S. Turney in "The Gospel According to St. Mark"
"The Gospel According to St. Mark", a solo performance by Emmy-Award winner Wayne S. Turney, is coming to Bethel Lutheran Church (3852 Everett Road in Bath) on February 16 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each. Mr. Turney is a well known and accomplished actor best known for his starring role in the Saturday morning, Emmy-winning children's TV show, "Hickory Hideout". Many adults can also recall Wayne Turney in the featured roles of Custer and Scrooge over the years at the Cleveland Playhouse. He has appeared in theaters across the country and is himself a successful playwright.
"The Gospel According to St. Mark" is a unique blend of storytelling and drama. The performance is an opportunity to, in Turney's words, "combine my profession with a profession of faith". Indeed, Turney's performance has been called a life-changing experience. Of the performance a religious broadcaster commented, "I do not recall any single encounter with the Word of God that has more enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of Jesus than did (Turney's) presentation of The Gospel According to St. Mark...Christ's wisdom, caginess, compassion, humor, indignation, graciousness, exasperation, indeed, his humanity, were so engagingly displayed during the performance that I planned to set aside time immediately to re-read the Gospel of St. Mark."
This wonderful performance will be approximately two hours with an intermission of the finest refreshments by the Bethel Fellowship Ministry. The community is welcome and tickets, limited in number, can be purchased in advance at the church at. For further details, please call the church office at 330-659-9069.
Child care will be supplied by the Bethel Youth Group.
CHILDREN'S SERVICES
The mission of Children's Services is to protect the abused, neglected and dependent children of Summit County and promote well being. The agency shares the community's belief that each child has a right to be reared in a safe, permanent family and strengthening families is society's most effective way of preserving this right. Children Services values and depends on its partnership with community agencies and private citizens to protect our county's children. Working within its mission, the agency respects the dignity, integrity and uniqueness of each family and adheres to the philosophy that governmental intrusion is warranted only when children are thought to be at risk.
The following data is from the year 2000. Concern was expressed regarding 15,884 children from 7,388 families. On the average, 615 families per month were referred to the agency for assessment services. The average per month was 541 families, but 1,056 families and 2,267 children received agency protective services. There were 76 adolescents who were assisted in making the transition to adulthood by offering weekend retreats, a life skills group curriculum, counseling, peer support and an opportunity for apartment living and aftercare. On the average, 146 youths per month resided in paid institutional care. Eighty-three adoptions were finalized. On the average, 524 youths resided in foster care. 81 young mothers were served by the Mentoring Mothers Program.
And finally, the following children were referred to Children's Services in 2000 for the following: Sexual Abuse: 564, Physical Abuse/Physical Discipline: 1,511, Emotional Maltreatment: 187, Neglect: 2,252
In our nice homes and tight knit families, it is difficult to realize that many people don't have what we have. It is sad, but true! Oh, we wish for a perfect world!
Norm and Judi Schmidt
Social Ministry Team
Fellowship Calling Event
The next Fellowship Calling Event will be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 27. Please consider marking your calendar and join in this worthwhile mission. If you have any questions or comments, please call Bill Pope at 330-867-4946.
Attention: All Groups
Attention: All Groups That Use The Church Building Please Schedule Your Gathering!
It is SO important that any group that uses the church building schedules their meeting or event with the church office. This includes all ministry teams, outside groups and even small gatherings of friends. All meetings are listed on the master calendar in the church office to avoid conflicts and to make contacting individuals possible should there be any difficulty. Thank you in advance for your attention to this detail!
In Our Prayers
Health Concerns:
For Faith member Nancy Chrisman
For Faith member Ruth Beers
For Faith member Cikc Eichner
For Faith member Miriam Nagoda Ramm
For Betty Beals, mother of Faith member Barbara Beers
For Faith member Elsie Deason
Special Prayers:
For Faith member Audrea Woodall
In Times Of Loss
For the family of long-time member, Walter Grigas, upon his death on December 21
Thank You
Cleaned!
Stove and Oven, Basement Cleaned!
Thank you to the Layweeders for the hours spent cleaning the stove and oven. Your good work will be enjoyed and appreciated by all who use the kitchen.
AND
A big thanks to Judy Vernon and Lois Chaffee who organized the cleaning of the basement, and to Chuck Baltes, Mark Horn, Dick Jones and Dana Singer who also worked hard.
Appreciation to Wendy Boes
Great Appreciation to Wendy Boes Faith Lutheran Preschool
Dear Wendy,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous contribution in the Christmas 2002 Adopt-a-Family program. This year with your help OPEN M served 378 families who otherwise would not have been able to celebrate Christmas. By adopting many families you have helped make dreams come true for those in need.
I pray that the light and love that Jesus brings at Christmas may be with you throughout the New Year. For all you do, please know that you have our deep and heartfelt thanks. Sincerely,
Larry Jackson
Program Director
OPEN M
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