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February 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.
February 5th
Scout Sunday is February 5
During 10:30 a.m. worship on February 5 we will welcome the members of Boy Scout Troop 390 and Cub Scout Pack 3390 which the congregation sponsors. They will be participating in the service that day.
Lent Begins
Lent Begins On March 1 With Ash Wednesday Worship
Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance that marks the beginning of Lent, is on Wednesday, March 1. Services will be held at 12:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Holy Communion will be celebrated and there will be imposition of ashes.
Looking Ahead
Lent Mid-Week Gatherings - Offer Meal and Worship
Lent is a time when Christians focus on spiritual growth and renewal. In order to make that emphasis more of a reality in people's lives, mid-week soup suppers and worship are held on Wednesday evenings during this important time. Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5
Soup Suppers
6-6:50 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall - Menu: soup, bread, dessert
Worship - 7-7:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary (Details coming in the March "Beacon of Faith")
Childcare will be provided for children age 5 and under during worship. Parents are encouraged to bring older children to the services.
First Communion Class
Sunday, March 12 - 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 will be accepted to the Lord's Table.
First Communion will be celebrated during 9:15 a.m. worship on Sunday, March 19 for all those who have participated in the class.
Christian Growth
People who know me well will tell you that one of the truths that I try to act upon is: everyone has a story. I believe it! Even more important, I believe that most people want to tell their story. I try to make time to invite people to share that story and to "hear" what they have to say. When a person shares his or her story with me, it is a great honor. My life is richer in some way and I am never the same.
I decided that this month I would like to share my story (at least part of it) with you. Some of you will already know much of my story, many of you may relate to parts of it, and there will also be those who say, SO WHAT?" None-the-less, I take the risk to share it with you.
I was raised in a very traditional 1950's home. Dad worked and mom stayed home to care for three children and a dog. Very traditional. We had a large extended family that lived nearby and the church was the center of our lives. My parents were very active at our little Lutheran church and we were there all the time! We liked church and I will tell you that I can't remember a time that I didn't know Jesus as my friend. One of the stories about me is that when my grandpa died (I was 2 ½ at the time) I marched around the funeral home informing people that "Papa is all new!" Perhaps this was a foreshadowing of the part theology would someday play in my life.
Although I remember my childhood as very happy and fun, I wasn't spared challenges as a young woman and mother. My friendship with Jesus has carried me through financial difficulties (which included losing a business and home). It helped me stand with my family as my dad battled cancer and died. Because of the friendship I was able to keep putting one foot in front of the other as my husband of 24 years dropped dead 10 weeks later. That same friendship gave me strength as I attempted to raise four children, work full time, and finish my college degree all under incredible financial hardship. Jesus is in my life. I know that He laughs with me and cries with me and never abandons me.
I know that I am beyond lucky to have known Jesus from a young age. Not everyone has that advantage, but everyone can know Jesus - really know him. I challenge you to get to know him on a deep personal level. And, you are always welcome to drop in and share your story with me. . . I'm looking forward to it!
Bake Sale
Remember the Great American Bake Sale of 2004? We had hot dogs, petting zoo, tons of bakery goods and so much more . . . and - - -it rained!
Despite that, God's people came and had lots of fun. Best of all, a great deal of money was raised to feed hungry children in this country. We want to have another REALLY BIG event this summer, but we need your help. Stephanie Short with the support of Carolyn Wagar Hier will be hosting two organizational meetings in February so that we can get started. Please come brain storm with us as we decide what to do, when to do it, and where to donate the proceeds. Choose one meeting or attend them both! Child care will be provided. The dates are: Saturday, February 11 at 9:30 a.m. or Monday, February 13 at 7:00 p.m.
A Retreat
A Retreat for Women Who Don't Want to Sleep Over. It's true. We've heard you loud and clear.
You want to study and retreat, but just can't spend 24 hours away from home. OK. . . here's the deal. . . on Saturday, April 8, Carolyn will be leading a Women's Retreat at Hines Hill in Penninsula. It will be one day only: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 that afternoon. Mark your calendars now so that this time for you becomes a priority. As always, friends are welcome.
Youth
Confirmation Class on February 12 with our concluding discussion on the Creed (churches, saints and forgiveness AND resurrection and eternal Life).
Class will be held from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 22 with Pastor Jean; baptism will be the topic.
On February 26, we will conclude our study of baptism and attend the contemporary service together where a baby Boes Baptism will take place. High School Youth will meet on Wednesday February 8 from 6:30 p.m-8 p.m. at the church (unless otherwise notified). Our Sunday classes continue on February 5 and 19. Please join us for an in depth "everyday" discussion of the days scripture reading and sermon.
VBS News
Wanted . . . musicians and vocalists for our Faith's VBS Praise Band. Singers, drummers, keyboardists, guitar and bass players-we need You! All ages and talent levels are welcome. Rehearsals begin in April. VBS Kickoff is June 19. Please consider using your spiritual gifts for this important music ministry. Please call Joanne Caton at 330-475-7045 for more information. We will be making a joyful noise for our Lord.
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for the week of June 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Our director, Julie Magons, will need lots of people to help make this a successful event. Information will be coming soon!
In Egypt
Pastor Jean to Travel In Egypt During February Pastor Jean will be traveling in Egypt with the Peer Group of which she has been a part for more than two years.
She will be gone February 1-19. While Pastor Jean is traveling, Carolyn Wagar Hier, Minister of Christian Growth and Discipleship at Faith, and Pastor Dee Miklos of Trinity Lutheran Church in Norton will be addressing pastoral concerns. The three Sundays will be covered by Pastor Dick Williams, Carolyn Wagar Hier and Pastor Cynthia Ishler. Pastor Jean is using both continuing education and vacation days for this trip.
Known as Peer I, the group's study has been funded by a grant from the Lily Foundation through the Akron Area Association of Churches. While in Egypt the nine pastors who make up Peer I will be hosted by a Christian organization that has excelled in transformational ministry, particularly in a non-Christian culture. Please pray for Pastor Jean and the other Peer I members while they travel.
WELCA
The mission of the Women of the ELCA this past year has been to act BOLDLY in their faith in Jesus Christ. Our Faith WELCA group has decided to express BOLDNESS by participating in an outreach project sponsored by Lutheran World Relief. The program that WELCA is proposing involves educating our congregation on the health needs in Nicaragua. During the month of March, temple talks will be presented culminating on March 25 with a free will offering.
Medical care in Nicaragua is poor at best: One doctor per 25,000+ people; Few clinics and fewer hospitals; Clinics as much as 60 miles from remote villages; Lack of trained health professionals; Lack of childhood immunizations; Lace of pre and post natal care
Lutheran World Relief provides mobile health services to remote and isolated communities in Nicaragua. We remember the actions of Jesus in Matthew 14:14 "As Jesus stepped ashore, He saw a large crowd and took pity on them and healed their sick."
So What ….can we do? We can use our gifts and step forward BOLDLY to help families and children in Nicaragua to achieve healthier communities, healthier lives.
Paul:
- the Man and His Message
Have you ever wondered: What the Apostle Paul looked like? How he got along with others? Why he wrote to the Romans, the Philippians, the Ephesians, but not to the Egyptians?
Why he referred to the Good News as "my gospel"? How, being a Pharisee, he became one of the most evangelical Christians of all time? What he meant by grace, justification, reconciliation, and Christian liberty"?
If you find these kinds of issues interesting, plan on attending an adult class to be given by DuWayne Hansen on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m., Feb. 5,12, 26, March 5 and 12. Or choose to come on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the library February 7, 14, 28, March 7 and 14.
eBay Auction Supports
Lutheran Organizations - Lutheran Services in America (LSA) is an alliance of over 300 social ministry organizations located across the United States and the Caribbean. Collectively, LSA member organizations touch the lives of 1 in 50 people in the country each year through health and human services ministries.
One of the local organizations that is a member of LSA is St. Luke Lutheran Community which has campuses in North Canton and Portage Lakes. ELSA has set up an on-line auction called "Trading Graces" to help raise money for its ministries. The auction will be conducted February 28-March 8, 2006. Anyone can preview the items being auctioned, which includes three time shares offered for sale by St. Luke Lutheran Community.
The auction is sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and is hosted on eBay. The auction manager can be contacted at jcarter@lutheranservices.org.
Team Leaders
Calling all Team Leaders - Whether you lead the bridge players, the soup makers, or anything in between you are invited to attend a Team Leader Meeting Saturday, March 11 from 9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Please mark your calendars and plan to join Pastor Jean, Carolyn, and the Church Council members. Your input is needed! Refreshments and child care will be provided.
Class on Prayer
New Class on Prayer - Beginning March 19 Bill Pope will be leading a class to help you learn about prayer and improve your prayer life. The class will be held Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. in the library. Join Bill and explore together this powerful communication
You-re Invited to Attend An Introduction to Part D: Medicare's New Prescription Drug Coverage
Concerns?
Do You Have Questions or Concerns?
You're invited to attend these free informational seminars, hosted by The Greater Akron Area Associates of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
Event Details - St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Stow - 3725 Kent Rd. (Rt. 59, East of Rt. 8 & Rt. 91) Thursday, February 2nd, at 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm or Fairlawn Lutheran Church, Fairlawn 3415 W. Market St. Tuesday, February 7th, at 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm Light refreshments will be served. Seminars will last approximately one hour.
Please call our Fairlawn Office at 330-668-4720, or toll-free 1-866-667-4720 to reserve a place for yourself and a guest.
Open M's
38th Annual Dinner - Sunday, February 26, 2006 - 6:00 pm; Guest Speakers:- Rev. Knute Larson - Pastor Lou Fowler, Entertainment: - Harpist Lee Ann Anderson - Dinner by Chef David Goshen - Tickets $15 a person; Call OPEN M at (330) 434-0110 by Monday - February 20, 2006 to make your reservations. - February 5, 2006 - 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Mingo Shelter, Sand Run Metro Park
Come for lunch (food provided), bring a favorite board or card game and spend some time relaxing and enjoying the company of the other soupers and their families. This party is open to anyone who has ever helped with the Hospice Soup Ministry, in any capacity, and their families. RSVP on the sign up list in the kitchen or to Sally Hauth (330-825-8477).
WELCA
WEDNESDAY, February 8 - 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Peace X Peace is a network of women's circles communicating through the Internet to share stories and to mentor one another with the goal of bringing about a sustainable peace for all. For more information go to www.peacexpeace.org.
Norma Setteur, after reading about Peace X Peace in "Lutheran Women Today", will highlight the program for our WELCA unit. Devotions: Kathy Zbinden - Hostesses: Jean Butler and Pam Krueger
Praise~Apella Concert
- You're Invited! - Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Hinckley, Ohio is hosting Praise~Apella in concert Saturday, February 11 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from Carolyn. (Our Saviour is the church where Carolyn's husband Kurt is Director of Music Ministries.) Kurt and Carolyn hope to see lots of Faith's Praise~Apella fans there! There will be a pot-luck dinner following the concert. Let's have a table full from Faith.
Faith Follies
Fabulous February - Faith Follies - - Please note change in date.
Our Faith Follies will be Saturday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m. Many of you have expressed excitement about attending this showcase of our talented folks at Faith, but so far we don't have many people who want to share their talent! This will be fun and non threatening. Just send Carolyn Wagar Hier an email at Faithministry@sbcglobal.net or call the church and reserve a space for your talent! Wacky or serious, musical or magical, all acts (family rated of course) are welcome. Call soon; then reserve the date and invite your friends for an evening of fun.
Summer Study
Pastor's Summer Study
It isn't too soon to plan on joining Pastor Jean Hansen as she leads a light hearted but truthful look at being Lutheran. The Lutheran Course is for new Lutherans, life-long Lutherans, and everyone in between. The same course will be offered on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings beginning June 14. Keep watching for details! Child care will be provided.
Prayers
In Our Prayers: Health Concerns: Faith member Arlene Birdsell; Faith members Don and Kay Hill; Faith member Milan Rolik
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 Times of Loss: For Faith member Margie Jelar and daughters Rachel and Nicoleupon the death of her father and grandfather, the Rev. Edwin Mueller on January 23, that they would be comforted. Pastor Jean Presided at his funeral on January 26
In Thanksgiving:For the birth of Mark Rudolph Hinderegger, son of Faith member Barb Hinderegger and husband Paul, who is a member at St. Hilary Catholic Church. Mark was born on January 20, weighing 9 pounds, 12 ounces.
For the arrival home of Leo Charles Cruz Boes (Charlie) son of Faith Youth Leaders Leo and Wendy Boes. Charlie was born in Guatemala on June 29. For the arrival home of Llie Su Harpster, daughter of Faith members Matt and Ingrid Harpster. Llie was born in China on November 3, 2004.
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