|
February 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.
Scout Sunday - Is February 4
During 10:30 a.m. worship on February 4 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
February 21 - With Ash Wednesday Worship
Ash Wednesday, a day of repentance that marks the beginning of Lent, is on Wednesday, February 21. Services will be held at 12:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. Please note the change of time from 7:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. to make it easier for families to participate. Holy Communion will be celebrated and there will be imposition of ashes.
Lent Mid-Week Gatherings - Offer Meal and Worship
Lent is a time when Christians focus on spiritual growth and renewal. The theme this year is Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Members of the congregation shared their faith reflections in the Lent Daily Devotion Book that will be distributed on Ash Wednesday, and on Wednesday evening some individuals also will share their insights on how God faithfulness has been revealed in their lives.
The beautiful Evening Prayer liturgy from the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) will be used for these mid-week services. Also, worshippers may submit, in writing, first names of people who have particular needs and they will be mentioned during the prayers.
Wednesdays in Lent
February 28 and March 7, 14, 21 and 28
Soup Suppers - 6-6:50 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall - Menu: soup, bread and dessert; Worship - 7-7:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary - Childcare will be provided for children age 5 and under during worship. (Singers Needed: To Lead Evening Prayer Service) All singers are invited to assist the congregation in singing portions of the Evening Prayer Service during Wednesday evening worship in Lent.
Please come to practice with Bob Mollard at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary on February 28 and March 7 before the mid-week worship. Singers will sit in the congregation to guide other worshippers in singing this service, which is found on page 142, in the front of the LBW.
Holy Communion Celebrated - Weekly In Lent
On Sundays during the season of Lent, Holy Communion will be celebrated at all worship services as we prepare for the most important day of the year for Christians. The Sacrament will also be offered at all services on Palm Sunday and Easter.
Bell Choir News
Dear Members of the Congregation, Thank you, thank you, thank you for your generous support of our bell program. We have received enough money to purchase the fifth octave, buy stronger cases that have wheels (as these bells are very heavy), and buy the 4” padding for the table needed to protect the bells.
The targeted date for shipment is March 14 and we expect to use them in a worship service in April. We look forward to ringing beautiful music to praise God and we thank you for helping us to do this.
Pat Belaney - Handbell Choir Director
Thank You Handbell Donors
- Anonymous - In celebration of those who play the bells
- Roy and Karin Allen - In memory of Corrine Anderson
- Pat Belaney - In honor of the Faith Lutheran Bell Choir
- Dr. Joe and Tracy Dankoff - The Dankoff Family
- Wanda Hare - In memory of Lois Hare Esterle and Daniel W. Hare
- Pat Gsellman - In memory of Cherli Gsellman "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."
- Mitch and Ginny Greenawalt - In honor of all church musicians DuWayne and Dorothy Hansen
- Pastor Jean Hansen - In honor of the music ministry of Faith Lutheran Church
- Bob and Maxine Heldridge - In memory of Maxine's sister Betty Aalbue
- Barb and Paul Hinderegger - In honor of our son Mark Keen and Judy Lee
- Bob and Dede Morrison - In memory of our parents In honor of our children and grandchildren In honor of Pastor Jean.
- Alma Parks - In memory of Walter Parks
- Charles and Bettemae Ramsey - With thanks for Faith's music program
- Lowell and Marlene Unger
- Marilyn Wilson - In honor of Kyle, Conner, and Zachary Wilson
STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING BEGINS
You’ve been reading and hearing about the congregation’s new Stephen Ministry program for almost a year now! We are about to begin training our first class of Stephen Ministers which at this writing will be between 16 and 20 people. We thank God for calling so many of you to serve in this important new ministry and ask your continued prayers for all of us who will be going through the training.
The WAY Out
On Sunday mornings, 9 a.m.
Applied Christianity II - “Christian Personal Growth and the Journey Within”
When heaven happens in your heart, you see it in the world. So if we want to see heaven happening in the world, it must first be happening in our hearts. This is a kind of journey, a journey within us. The journey is unique for each of us, but it can be illuminated by the light of many lamps. Among those lamps are the teachings of one who mastered his life and intended us to do the same. Applying the “decoded” teachings of Jesus to our daily lives is what this series is about.
All are welcome; attend any or all of these sessions. This is also an outreach program – bring anyone interested. It meets every Sunday morning through May 13 from 9-10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall (except Easter). Michael Sayre is the teacher of this media-integrated class.
Youth
Mark Your Calendars For First Communion Class
First Communion Class will be 4-6 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, 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 4 for those who have participated in the class.
MISSION POSSIBLE:
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2007 - JUNE 18 – 22 9:00am – 12:00pm
The SonForce Kids headquarters is located on a satellite orbiting high above the earth.
In this hi-tech command center, Supervisory SonForce Agents (adult and youth volunteers) are needed to advance SonForce Kids from Level 1 to Level 5 Special Agents as they decode what it means to serve God with courage.
Should you choose to accept this mission, contact - Director of VBS Intelligence, Julie Magons at (330) 336-5212 or jcmagons@wadsnet.com.
This message will not self destruct.
February Youth News
Confirmation Class - Sunday, February 11 & 25 at 9:15 a.m. with Lucius & Janice Wednesday, February 14 at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Jean; Ash Wednesday service on February 21 at 7:00 p.m. - 9th Grade Class - No class on Sunday, February 11! Class as usual on Sunday, February 25 at 9:15 a.m. with Leo & Wendy in the library (Also, see below for combined 9-12th activities!)
High school Class - Sunday, February 4 & 18 at 9:15 a.m. across the street at Panera with Leo & Wendy - 9-12th grade - Fellowship activity is on Sunday, February 18 following the contemporary service. Meet in the youth room at 11:45 a.m. for lunch and then we'll head to Hawkins Hill for some sledding (weather permitting)! Wednesday night gathering on February 28 at 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Mission Trip News - Thanks so much to all those who came out to Ed's Diner "Family Night" last month. Wow, who would have ever guessed we have so much irrelevant trivia floating around our brains!
Ed’s Diner
Let Ed be Your Valentine This Year - You deserve some romantic time with your sweetie or make it a girls’ night out! No cooking, no dishes - just awesome food, great service and relaxation! ED'S DINER Valentines Celebration & Silent Auction - Saturday, February 10 from 5 - 8 p.m.(Dinner Seating from 5:30-7:30 p.m.) (Auction from 5-7:15)
Menu - Salad & Bread, Grilled Steak OR Chicken, Baked Potato, Green Beans, Decadent Chocolate Dessert - Pre-Sale Ticket Cost: $12 for Chicken, $15 for Steak
Our guests from November were RAVING!!! Get your tickets now! The Kinship Cantina will be open at 5 p.m. for early auction viewing! Join us for drinks in the cantina even if you don't plan to stay for dinner. Great auction items up for bid! 100% of the profit will go towards the YOUTH MISSION TRIP GUATEMALA, SUMMER 2007
Won't you join us in support of our youth as they raise the needed funds for their call to mission in Guatemala? For more information, or to make a donation, please contact David & Melissa Johnson at #330-334-7080 OR Leo & Wendy Boes at #330-414-0300. We thank you for your prayers & support.
A Special Invitation
Who: Current 10-12 grade students who are willing to take action in God’s world. - What: The Summer Seminary Sampler: Learn, Lead, Love, and Live through mentoring, service projects, classes, devotions, recreation, and much, much more!
When: June 10-30, 2007 (Lead inner-city VBS) or July 8-28, 2007 (Global Mission Event) - Where: Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio and the surrounding area.
Why: to explore varied ministries ...to earn some money for college...to meet awesome, possibly lifelong, friends. - How: Fill out an application today! Visit: www.trinitylutheranseminary.edu, or call Pastor Ruth Fortis at 614-235-4136 for information.
In the Name of Love!
Share a unique worship celebration and help eliminate the spread of malaria in Africa. Recently featured in The Lutheran, First Lutheran Church in Strongsville is hosting a U2charist on February February 25, 6:00 p.m. The service features the music of the Irish rock band U2 set within a creative Communion liturgy. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton is our guest preacher. Coffee House to follow to benefit Nothing But Nets. For more information call 440.238.7890 or log onto www.firstchurchalive.org and www.nothingbutnets.net
Mark Your Calendar
WELCA - Wednesday, February 14. 10:00 a.m., Fellowship Hall
Faith’s Church Windows
Ruth Simpson researched Faith’s beautiful stained glass windows to create a display book for our 50th Anniversary Celebration putting together pictures, Biblical, theological, and historical information. Later this was made into a power point format. Steve Thompson will show this for WELCA., WELCA welcomes everyone who would enjoy seeing this presentation. Jean Butler will give devotions. Betty Kesti will prepare the refreshments.,
For our January program, Norma Setteur carried us to Holland by a great presentation of her travel there this past May. It was a trip with 7 days spent on a barge. We were impressed not only by her presentation, but by her journal with her notes, sketches and watercolors. She completed the meeting with the “Comfy Chair” challenge, a game with questions of various difficulty to answer, and giving opportunity for thought and discussion.
Couples Retreat
It’s not too late to join Kurt and me for a relaxing and fun get away as we attempt to “Bring Wit and Wisdom” to our marriages! Call right away or email me cjwaggs@aol.com to reserve your spot. Please note that Friday evening is optional, although we hope you’ll come!
Where: Holiday Inn, Rt 8 Hudson, Ohio, When: February 23, Friday afternoon or evening –
Saturday, February 24, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.., Cost: Friday afternoon and evening is at your own expense. The hotel will allow you to come in as early as 1 p.m. to take advantage of the pool, workout room, etc. They are giving us rooms at only $65. You will pay for your own dinner which can be in the dining room with Kurt and I, somewhere in Hudson, or the ever popular room service! , Friday night we’ll have a hospitality room and enjoy games, snacks, and conversation.
Saturday’s cost is $72 per couple and includes breakfast, lunch, and all retreat materials. A $40 deposit is requested as soon as possible.
This retreat will feature some comedy, learning, and conversation to help strengthen your marriage. The twelve couples who attended last year found this to be a great, non-threatening time of renewal. Please prayerfully consider joining us. Carolyn Wagar Hier
Thank You
Thanks so much. The day after our house caught fire you welcomed us into your church and provided us with blankets, pillows, clothing and lots of hugs. We were devastated and you truly were our friends. God bless you all and thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have blessed us so much. Your sincere friends, The Pluka Family, Bill, Jess, and Kids
Dear Friends:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous participation in the 2006 Christmas Adopt-A-Family Program. This year OPEN M served 333 families who otherwise would not have been able to celebrate Christmas. By adopting a food item you helped OPEN M create 200 food baskets for these needy families. You can be proud that you helped make other people’s Christmas a happy one. Please know you have our deep and heartfelt thanks, for all you do. May the light and love that Jesus brings at Christmas be with you throughout the New Year. Sincerely, Bobbie Boyer, Food Service Manager
Greetings and Salutations to the People of Faith,
Thank you! We have never known a church as loving and caring of its members and the wider community as exists at Faith. You have provided a place where we feel completely at home. This means a lot to us. Three years ago we moved to Akron a place where we knew no one. We had no friends or family closer than a six hour drive. It was a year before we arrived at Faith, but when we did we found family and friends waiting to welcome us home. You have welcomed our talents, listened to our problems, and provided help and aid of your own goodness rather than because of our need. We are overwhelmed with the blessings you have provided. Well done, good and faithful servants of Christ. Thank you. Your Servants,
Janice and Lucius Wedge
To My Family of Faith,
Thank you all for the cards and other expression of sympathy over this past month. I felt so loved and supported by you at Ted’s memorial service and so much more! I love you,
Geri Peterson
Dear Members of Faith:
I would like to express my appreciation for all your concern and prayers during Doug’s illness and passing. How nice to know we have such good people in our life. Sincerely, Esther Winslow
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Bob Heldridge, Faith member Milan Rolik, Faith member Tom Sharratt
Special Prayers: For Stephen Ministry and for all who are beginning the training that will confirm in them the gifts of caring, of support, of prayer and of encouragement. For Carolyn as she provides leadership and for people who are willing to give, and to receive, the love of Christ through this ministry, For all who are serving in the military, particularly those who are in the midst if 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.
In Time of Loss: For Faith members Julie LeFever, Patti Wyman and John Nouse, and their families and friends, upon the unexpected death of their mother, Faith member Jean Nouse,
on January 17. Pastor Jean presided at her memorial service on January 20.
|
