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February 2004 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.
Nursery Volunteers Needed
For Wednesdays In Lent
One of the reasons the Lent program in 2003 was so well attended is that childcare was provided. So, since there are no budgeted funds to pay nursery assistants on Wednesdays in Lent, your help is needed!
At least one person, age 18 or older, and one youth is needed from 7:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, February 25. Volunteers also are needed from 6:45-8:20 p.m. every Wednesday evening in March.
How about volunteering as a couple or a family?
Scout Sunday
10:45 a.m. Worship, February 8
During 10:45 a.m. worship on February 8 we will welcome the members of Boy Scout Troop 390 which the congregation sponsors. They will be participating in the service that day.
All others members of Boy or Girl Scouting programs are invited to attend worship that day and to be recognized.
Sunday, February 29
4-6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
All children in third grade or older who have not yet participated in First Communion Class are invited to attend WITH AT LEAST ONE PARENT.
Parents of children younger than third grade may request that their children be allowed to participate in the class by contacting Pastor Jean. The congregation's policy is that the Pastor will determine whether or not a child younger than third grade is to be accepted to the Lord's Table.
FIRST COMMUNION will be celebrated during 10:45 a.m. worship on Sunday, March 7 for all those who have participated in the class.
MIDWEEK SCHEDULE SET
MIDWEEK SCHEDULE SET
DURING LENT
Building on the successful Lenten program in 2003, a similar format will be used this year.
Lent Fellowship and Worship
Every Wednesday Evening In March
6-6:40 p.m., Soup Supper
6:45-7:30 p.m., Worship
Please plan to attend the meal and worship service weekly.
Details concerning the worship services will be published in the March "Beacon of Faith" and the Weekly Beacon. Please plan to come each week to deepen your faith.
Then, following worship each Wednesday, we will see the fruit of last year's New Dimensions: Growing in Discipleship program.
New Dimensions: Growing In Discipleship II
7:35-8:20 p.m. every Wednesday evening in March
Focus on Spiritual Gifts and Small Groups
Presented by Carolyn Wagar
Minister of Christian Growth and Discipleship
Please plan to attend this session ONCE during Lent. The same presentation will be given five times so that as many adults and youth as possible will be able to attend.
Minister of Christian Growth
Please take a minute to answer these questions: "Has God ever worked in your life?" "Have you experienced large or small miracles?" "Do you have reason to be filled with awe at what He's done for you or someone you love?"
As we contemplate Pastor Jean's challenge to consider "whose we are", we must have an overwhelming need to praise Him! God's unconditional love and gifts of
redemption and grace are beyond human comprehension, aren't they? So how do we say "thanks?" How do we celebrate knowing whose we are? What can we do to respond?
I have posed many questions, and I know there will be a variety of answers to them. The important thing is that when we take time to truly consider all He has done for us, we know that some sort of response is necessary. There are as many ways to respond as there are members here at Faith; and part of my job is to help you find a way that feels good to you! If you'd like to explore the options, please plan to come to one of our "balloon events!" What does a bunch of balloons have to do with our ministry here at Faith??? Come and find out!
Balloon Events Scheduled
Our first two balloon events are scheduled for everyone at Faith who is, has been, or would like to be in leadership at our church. This does not mean you have to be on council or run an organization or team. If you've ever thought "I could help and don't know how" or "I'll bet I could do that" or if you've ever helped plan, organize, or execute anything…. You are welcome to attend!
These leadership appreciation balloon events are Monday night, February 2 from 7 until 9 (featuring dessert) or Saturday morning February 7 from 9:30 - 11:30 (featuring bagels and muffins). You only need to come to one, and child care will be provided, so you really have no excuse to miss it!
Our other balloon events will be Balloon Brainstorming. If you truly don't feel you are part of the leadership here, we still need your input. Come and join me for about an hour and a half of conversation and brainstorming about the future here at Faith. The first Balloon Brainstorming will be held Monday night, February 23 from 7 – 8:30 (and we'll once again serve dessert) The other Balloon Brainstorming will be Saturday morning, February 28 from 10 – 11:30 with a continental breakfast. As in the earlier leadership events, you only need to attend one and child care will be provided.
Please give prayerful consideration to attending one of these four events. It will give your interests, excitement, and ideas a place to be heard. This is a great way to respond to knowing "whose you are!"
YOUR BEST YEAR YET . . .
In preparation for beginning some new small groups at Faith, I have taken a workshop (in book form) called Your Best Year Yet by Jinny Ditzler. It has proven to be very informative and helpful and at some point if there is interest, I may be offering it as a mini workshop. In the meantime, if you'd like 2004 to be YOUR best year yet, start by thanking God for all He's given you, and asking Him how you can best serve this year. Then, make yourself a cup of coffee and settle down for about 15 minutes of contemplation. Take a pencil and paper and list everything you've accomplished since last year. Be as specific as possible (one woman even counted how many meals she made in a year!) You will be amazed at what you discover about where your priorities lie and how much your actually did! This is also a great "family time" exercise. Have everyone make their list and then discuss.
Confirmation Class Will Meet
On Ash Wednesday
The Confirmation Class will gather at its usual time on Ash Wednesday, February 25 at 6:45 p.m., for a brief class session and then will attend the Ash Wednesday service together at 7:30 p.m.; the service will end at approximately 8:30 p.m.
There will be no Wednesday evening classes during Lent; youth and their families are encouraged to attend mid-week worship. The Sunday morning class, at 9:15 a.m., will continue to meet. Also, a group Confirmation Class Service Project will be organized during Lent.
The Wednesday evening class schedule will resume on April 21.
new Youth Directors
. . . to our new Youth Directors
Leo and Wendy Boes
Faith Lutheran Church is happy to announce that Leo and Wendy Boes have been hired to join the staff here as youth directors. Wendy has been employed by Faith for 11 years as Director of our Preschool. After working as the Naturalist for the community of Fairlawn for many years, Leo now has his own business, Leo's Ark, which takes animals on tour to area schools, churches, and civic organizations. In addition, Leo and Wendy run their own summer camp for children from preschool through sixth grade.
Leo, Wendy and their menagerie of over 100 creatures live on 40 acres of land in Sullivan, Ohio (about 45 minutes west of here.) Their "family" consists of horses, goats, monkeys, birds, alligators, snakes, dogs, cats, and many other species.
Wendy believes that eventually this will be a great setting for some of the youth group gatherings.
When asked about their philosophy regarding youth and the challenges facing them in this new position, Wendy stated firmly that she and Leo have always believed in trust, respect, and service. That's how they manage with the animals, that's how they manage the kids at camp, and those are certainly values which can be brought to play with teens. They want to teach the kids respect for God's creatures and for each other, and that talking about God can be cool!
The high school youth at Faith will have a chance to "officially" meet Leo and Wendy on Sunday, February 8. It should be the beginning of an exciting adventure!
We Surveyed Parents
We Surveyed Parents and Youth….
To see what they thought a youth group should be and do and look like here at Faith. Letters and surveys were sent to 29 middle school and high school youth and their parents the first week of January. To date, we have received information back from 12 youth, 15 parents. Something to celebrate is the fact that many of our youth (both middle school and high school) are actively involved at Faith either by attending worship, helping with Explorer's Club, or attending youth group functions. Not so exciting is the fact that although most parents and teens feel having a youth group is important, many don't feel it is important to attend youth group functions. This presents an interesting challenge….one which we will be continuing to pray and think about.
Most of the teens surveyed said that time was the big challenge in attending functions. Some indicated that the reason they didn't attend was because they didn't know the other youth. (Remember that Faith kids go to several different schools.) In order to remedy that issue and also to introduce the high school teens to the new youth directors Wendy and Leo, there will be a "getting to know you" event on February 8. This is the perfect time to make the effort to come and meet everyone!
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Our prayer shawl ministry has brought comfort and warmth to fourteen families. Many of these folks are Faith members who face challenges of mobility. The
shawls are blessed during a worship service and passed
among members who silently say a prayer for the recipients.
Our knitters and crocheters have been very busy and have made many more beautiful shawls which now wait to be given away. Do you know an individual or family who is in need of comfort and the assurance of prayer? They need not be members of this congregation; prayer shawls can be an outreach of our ministry to the community. If so, please call the church office at 330.836-8811 or Penny Thompson at 330.666-5065.
Valentines Day Quiz
Valentines Day Quiz
for Husbands
Does your wife remember what you gave her last year for Valentine's Day? (Do you?)
Why not do something really special - give each other the gift of a satisfying and intimate relationship? Call now to find out more about Lutheran Marriage Encounter and the Weekends they sponsor. The next Weekends are March 12-14 in Medina Ohio or April 23-25 in Columbus.
For more information or to register, contact Duffy and Nan Guthrie, 440/599-9090, or check out www.ilme.org or call toll free 1/800/235-1010.
Inventorying our supplies, we have found that there is a 90" round white tablecloth missing. If anyone has any knowledge of this item, please contact the church office (330-836-8811) or Maxine Heldridge (330-836-3248).
Pastor Jean Participates
Pastor Jean Participates
In "Peer One" Group
For Continuing Education
In 2003 the Akron Area Association of Churches (AAAC) received a large grant from the Lily Endowment that is being used to develop pastor peer support groups. The AAAC is establishing groups of eight clergy, and a facilitator, who work together to develop a three-year plan of study. Once approved, the group is given $20,000 a year for study purposes.
Pastor Jean is a part of the first group – named Peer One – whose three-year study plan was approved just before Christmas. The focus of the plan is study changes in the culture and the role and outreach of the church in the midst of transition.
The first group activity was a Reading Retreat in January during which the group studied the book, The Younger Evangelicals: Facing the Challenges of the New World.
In March the group will spend a day with Brian McLaren, author and commentator on the changing cultural scene and the church. An evening with New Testament scholar N.T. Wright who is the Bishop of Durham for the Anglican Church in England will also be held in March.
In April, after Easter, the group will gather for a three-day spiritual retreat at Our Lady of the Pines in Fremont, OH. to "debrief" their experiences and plan for a week-long trip to Chicago in July. While there they will stay at a Catholic seminary and visit with the people and pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Mundelein, IL. about their journey in the past four years from declining to 40 members and now worshipping between 300-400 weekly focused around the ministry of the laity.
The congregation will continue to be updated on Pastor Jean's involvement in this group through the "Beacon of Faith". The Mutual Ministry Team will serve as a liaison group in this process.
Thank you BUT….
Thanks for responding to God's call! In last month's Beacon I informed you of the need for people to cook and help with set up and take down for our food ministry. Several people responded with willingness to cook, and we thank them for adding to the ranks. BUT we still need people who might be able to spend even 30 minutes helping set up or take down at these events. Please call me at the church office or email me at CarolynWagar@faithlutheranchurch.org if you can help. It is a true ministry opportunity and a great way to respond to God's love for us.
Dear Friends of OPEN M:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous contribution in the OPEN M Christmas 2003 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 providing Brown Sugar you have helped make dreams come true for many families 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,
Bobbie Boyer
Food Service Manager
Special Announcement
ST. LUKE LUTHERAN COMMUNITY
St. Luke Lutheran Community has entered into a definitive purchase agreement with Akron General Medical Center to purchase the Nursing Home currently known as Healthaven. The facility, containing 56 long term care beds, is located on Turkey Foot Lake in Franklin Township with 13 acres of land surrounding it. By the time the sale is completed the facility will be fully certified for Medicaid and Medicare. The home will operate under the new name: St. Luke Lutheran Community - Portage Lakes.
As part of the financing, we have secured funds to allow us to construct a small addition which will allow the building of a new front entrance, administrative offices, a therapy room and a laundry. The anticipated closing date for the sale is January 30, 2004. As soon as possible after that date, construction will begin.
The opportunity to obtain Healthaven surfaced recently and appealed to us because it gives us a facility in Summit County very close to Akron. In recent years the number of residents in St. Luke Lutheran Community - North Canton from the Akron area has declined due to distance. This location will allow us to provide care under the banner of St. Luke Lutheran Community. The additional land will permit future additions of assisted living and possibly senior independent housing.
In order to get the project started with good financial footing, the St. Luke Foundation has authorized an increase in the goal for the Capital Fund Drive from $2.5 million to $3 million. A steering committee is being formed to solicit the Lutheran Churches and individuals in Summit County and parts of eastern Wayne county to raise the needed $500,000.
This purchase will not affect the development of St. Luke Lutheran Community - Massillon project. Construction of the road onto the Massillon site will begin early in the Spring and work on the facility should begin by late Summer.
Wednesday
February 11 10:00 a.m
Tidbits of
a Medical Mission
In Ecuador
Elaina Goodrich
Special Offering
A special offering will be taken at all three services on February 8 for Faith member John Maroni who is a seminary student currently serving his internship. The congregation has committed itself to support John in his efforts. All checks should be written to Faith Lutheran Church and designated for John Maroni. All gifts will be sent to Trinity Lutheran Seminary for his account.
Fellowship callers
Come . . .join other Faith Lutheran Church Fellowship callers at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, February 12. The gathering begins with a prayer, pizza, then each volunteer calls 10 other members of our church to say hello and then give a brief description of some of the upcoming Faith events. No more than two hours is required. This is an excellent opportunity to share the love of Christ with other members of the congregation. For more information call Bill Pope at 330-867-4946.
Come Join the Fun
Come Join the Fun
At our Second Annual
Italian Night Dinner
For All Adults at Faith
Friday, February 20
6:30 p.m.
Bring a small dessert for our sweet tooth buffet
and
Your best "white elephant" item for some great entertainment
Reserve your seat by signing up on the poster outside
the light service doors or in the narthex.
Tickets are $7.50 per person
Payable at the door
All proceeds from this evening will be donated to:
Habitat for Humanity
Another Event brought to you by the CLN Team
For Food, Fun, and Fellowship at Faith
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns:
Faith member Barbara Dillahunt
Faith member Don Dillahunt
Faith member Garth McHenry
Faith member Ted Peterson
Special Prayers:
For all military personnel who have been deployed to Iraq and surrounding areas, and for their families,. We give thanks that Erica Kovach, daughter of Norma (and Barry) White and Robert Deme, son of Denise (and Pat) Flanagan, have both returned to the United States from Iraq.
In Times of Loss:
For Faith member Bill Woodall and family upon the death of his
wife Audrea on January 9. Her funeral was held at
Faith on January 14.
For Faith members Sheila and John Knops, and family, upon the death of
Sheila's father Dick Jones, who was also a member of Faith,
on January 10. His funeral was held at Faith on January 14.
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