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January 2002 Newsletter
    
Memorize the Catechism
YOU CAN GET PAID TO MEMORIZE THE CATECHISM
In Luther's Small Catechism, the Apostles' Creed is divided into three articles: the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. For each article, Luther answered the question What does this mean or What is this. High School Students have until May 19th to memorize and recite each of the three explanations.
The first 12 students to do so will receive a $20.00 gift certificate to either Best Buy or Borders Books and Music.
See John for a copy of the Small Catechism or for more details. Good Luck!
Confirmation 2001-2002
Winter II Quarter
The Apostles' Creed
Jan 6 - Feb 10 10:45 - 12:15, students meet in the Youth Room for Confirmation
Spring Quarter
Word and Sacraments
April 7 - May 12 10:45 - 12:15, students meet in the Youth Room for Confirmation
May 19 Picnic and Awards
W-ELCA
Wednesday, January 9, 2002 at 10:00 a.m.
Program: "The Prayer of Jabez" A book review by Marlene Unger
Have you ever heard of The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson?
For most of 2001 this book has been at the top of the "Advice, How To" BestSeller list in the Sunday Beacon Journal.
Have you ever heard of Jabez? Check 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Dr. Wilkinson's book gives you a model prayer that if said properly and consistently, can shape what happens to you.
Devotions will be given by Vee Robinson, who is also our hostess.
Preschool Registration Information
Registration for NEXT SCHOOL YEAR (Sept. 2002-May 2003)
Preschool Registration for Faith Church members will be on Sunday, January 6, 2002 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Class schedules for next year are as follows:
Monday & Friday 3's 9-11:30 tuition $61
Tuesday & Thursday 3's 9-11:30 tuition $61
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 3's 9-11:30 tuition $88
(all 3's must be 3 by Sept. 30th and potty trained.)
AM 4's Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 1-3:30 tuition $88
PM 4's Monday through Thursday 1-3:30 tuition $100
(All 4's must be 4 by Sept. 30th)
Pre-K Monday through Friday 1-3:30 tuition $115
(must be 5 next March 1st and/or receive approval)
Tuition rates shown are for church members and are for THIS school year 2001-2002. Tuition for the school year 2002-2003 has not yet been decided but never goes up more than 10%).
Please be prepared to pay the Registration fee of $45 AND the first month's tuition at the time of registration.
Every year our classes fill early SO please take advantage of this EARLY church member registration!!!! Registration will open Monday, January 7th for those currently enrolled in the Preschool and on Monday, January 14th to the public. Any questions??? Please feel free to call me at 330-836-8827.
Thanks so much, Wendy
Explorer Club
The January Learning Experience is 'Spotlight on Lutherans." We'll explore cool reasons why we're Lutherans.
* January 6 - Explorer Worship and just WHAT is EPIPHANY?!
* January 13 - A VERY special storyteller and a too neat craft and games
* January 20 - A terrific comedy "Once Upon A Parable" performed by Trinity Lutheran of Kent youth drama club.
* January 27 - Just who is Martin Luther?
Of course, a pin can be earned for attending each (4) Sundays in January ! All topics are age appropriate.
It's a hot place to be in a cold month!
What's new for the 7th/8th grade group? A new Life Group, that's what! At 9:15 a.m. each Sunday, the 7th/8th graders meet at the courtyard windows, near the church office. This Life group connects Bible scripture to everyday life. It's an interactive, informal gathering that helps kids connect to God and to each other.
We have been blessed with volunteers that change monthly: Beth Strimple, Pat Gsellman, Randy Cole, Tim Bullock, John Dietrich and John Daily, Bruce Lightle. Thank you all for making a difference!
Explorers and especially their leaders, would like to give a big hug and thank you to David Nelson for the much needed copier to be used by Explorer Classes. "Dave's Copier" replaces the old copier purchased in the 1970's. We thank Dave from the bottom of our hearts!
The Explorer Club would like to give a HUGE THANK YOU to Preschool Director, Wendy Boes and her husband, Leo Boes for the $500 gift. Leo, of Leo's Ark, also gave the Explorers a gift certificate for a one-hour educational program.
The gift will be used to purchase Bibles and chairs needed for the three-year-old and Kindergarten classes. A Leo's Ark presentation for Explorer Club will be scheduled this winter. The Explorers are grateful for the generous gifts. Please join us in thanking them both!
Protect our children !
PLEASE JOIN US AND LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOUR MOST PRECIOUS GIFT
Please join us in the Faith Preschool "Big Room" on Thursday, January 17, 2002 at 6:30 p.m.
Edward Novak, L.P.C.C. will share with us practical suggestions for keeping our children safe.We will learn about dangers to our children and how to recognize and avoid them, as well as non-threatening ways to explain safety issues to our children.
To help us obtain a rough head count and to ensure that enough handouts will be available for everyone who attends, please complete and return this section to school by January 7. Thank you.
FAMILY LAST NAME __________________________
# OF ADULTS PLANNING TO ATTEND ____________
ADULT SUNDAY LEARNING
Group meets once a week at 9:15 a.m. in the Library. "Lutheranism" will be their new subject for January using videotapes and Lutheran Literature to start their discussions. Beginning with Martin Luther's theological clash with the Church in Rome in sixteenth-century Germany, they will quickly trace the various Lutheran denominations from their birth in Europe to America, ending with the formations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Lutheran church - Missouri Synod (LCMS). A comparison of the ELCA and LCMS will be made based on their teachings, types of worship, governments, and other characteristics. The concepts of grace, justification by grace through faith, the means of grace, and scripture will be emphasized. This LIFE Group's planned specific topics are:
January 6: Lutherans spark the Protestant Reformation.
January 13: Chronology of Lutheranism from the sixteenth to the twentieth centuries. Missouri Synod.
January 20: No meeting today. There is only one worship service scheduled.
January 27: ELCA.
Their primary discussion guide will be the book, Honoring Our Neighbor's Faith, which was published by Augsburg - Fortress and developed with the support of the 1997 ELCA church wide assembly. On future Sundays, the group plans to learn about many other faiths including Judaism, Islam, the Roman Catholic Church, and various Portestant denominations and to compare each of them with the ELCA.
This Life Group is led by Sara and Jim Shook. Join us for one hour on Sunday mornings to talk about the basics of our Christian Faith. There is an empty chair waiting for you. Church members and non-members are welcome to attend.
Women's Beginnings Prayer Group: Denise Henkel is gathering this women's prayer and study group around the kitchen table on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on member availability. They have coffee and bread or muffins. Children may come too. They are currently meeting around the topic "The Measure of A Woman," by Lisa Bevere. This group is especially for women who have flexible work schedules or are at home with children. Call her for details at 668-4039 (Denise) or 867-5469 (Cherli).
The Hosanna Choir
Faith Lutheran Church Proudly Hosts The Hosanna Choir Trinity Lutheran Church of Kent in
"ONCE UPON A PARABLE"
A musical comedic look at Jesus' Life on Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary
Directed by Cindy Howard
On this special Sunday, Faith will have only one service - at 10:00 a.m. The Hosanna Choir theatrical performance will be the entire worship hour. Please feel free to invite family and friends that think coming to Sunday Worship should be fun! You won't disappoint them!
Our Call Committee Update
The Call Committee met with Judy Hoshek from the Synod Office on November 8 and received the names of 3 pastoral candidates. We have set up interviews with each of the 3 individuals. We are conducting our interviews in late November and early December. We are also going to visit the candidates' congregations in December (if possible) and January so that we may see each of them "in action". A round of second interviews may occur in January, as well.
The committee is excited to be entering this phase of our search and we ask that you keep us in your prayers as God guides us through the interview process. As always, contact any one of us with your thoughts.
Michael Chaffee, Co-Chair - 330-239-5505 mchaffee@inc.com
Steve Thompson, Co-Chair - 330-666-5065 st@uakron.edu
Don Dillahunt - 330-867-3995 aberfelda@aol.com
Anita Sears - 330-665-3106 amfs@apk.net
Dana Singer - 330-836-9262
Marilyn Wilson - 330-666-3202 hmwil@aol.com
Ben Aronson - 330-873-9371 buckeye873@cs.com
Beth Gsellman - 330-867-4569 ny152chick@hotmail.com
LIFE Groups
Women's Beginnings Prayer Group: Denise Henkel is gathering this women's prayer and study group around the kitchen table on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on member availability. They have coffee and bread or muffins. Children may come too. They are currently meeting around the topic "The Measure of A Woman," by Lisa Bevere. This group is especially for women who have flexible work schedules or are at home with children. Call her for details at 668-4039 (Denise) or 867-5469 (Cherli).
Lutheran Adoption Network
Have you ever wondered if you could adopt a child from overseas? Lutheran Child and Family Services is now networked with other Lutheran agencies around the world to find "forever" families for children currently living in orphanages in Russia and in seven other countries. Although the staff of these facilities try to do their best for the children, resources are limited and often such basics as food, clothing, medical care, and individual attention are sorely lacking.
Lutheran Adoption Network agencies are trying to untangle the red tape, reduce the geographical, cultural, and legal barriers, and unite these children with loving parents. Applications are accepted from single adults as well as from married couples under the age of 50. Applicants should be in good health and with no criminal record.
Call LCAFS in Cleveland at (216) 281-2500 for more details.
Endowment Fund
Faith Lutheran church Endowment Fund
"Gifts that keep giving."
Frustrated by low interest rates on savings and investment? Maybe a Charitable Gift Annuity is right for you.
Consider the example of 78 year-old Anna. She makes a gift of $25,000 and obtains a charitable gift annuity of that value. Because of her age the payment rate is 8.4% or more than $500 each quarter for the rest of her life.
Besides a lifetime of generous quarterly payments, Anna will also receive:
* A current charitable deduction on her income tax.
* Fixed payments, even if interest rates drop.
* Payments backed by the full assets of the ELCA Foundation.
* Satisfaction in knowing she has made a significant gift to the church.
Would you like to know more about ELCA gift annuities? Coming Soon to Faith: Wills, Estate & Gift Planning Seminar
Sponsored by: Faith Lutheran Endowment Committee and the ELCA Foundation
Faith Fellowship Callers
On Thursday evening, November 15th, fourteen "Faith Fellowship Callers" met at the church and called about 150 of our members. We needed about 22 volunteers to reach all of our congregation. Everyone enjoyed this "chat" with members and it serves a way of sharing God's love with others. We did receive several requests to be added to our "prayer list." We found that two of our members were recently admitted to a "care" facility and we notified Pastor Deborah so she might visit them.
Our next "calling event" will be Thursday, January 31st at 6:30 p.m.. Please feel free to join us and I'm sure you also, will be blessed by this.
Bill Pope
Letters
Stewardship Corner from Lutheran Brotherhood
A wise person once observed, "Half of any task is having the right tool, and the other half is knowing what to do with it." Although we don't often consider it as such, money is a tool that God uses in our lives as a means of spiritual growth.
Yes, money is not an end in and of itself. It is a means to an end. And in God's hands, one of its primary "ends" is to instruct us and to help us grow spiritually. God especially wants us to avoid our natural tendency, which is toward selfishness, greed, and hoarding. That's why the Lord Jesus said, "Be careful to guard yourselves from every kind of greed. Life is not about having a lot os possessions" (Luke 12:15).
Well, if an individual's life does not consist in having a lot of possessions, in what does it consist? Jesus provided an insightful answer to that question in Matthew 6:19-21, where He said, "...store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths and rust don't destroy and thieves don't break in and steal. Your heart will be where your treasure is."
Now, according to Jesus' teaching in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), there is nothing wrong with saving. There is nothing wrong with investing or earning interest on investments. There is nothing wrong with being a wise steward (manager) by planning for the future. In fact, Jesus taught that those who do so are to be commended. But our primary emphasis as God's children is to make our investments in the "Bank of Heaven." When we do that, our investments are secure. They are not affected by inflation, by theft, by wear and tear, or anything of the kind.
We invest in Heaven through faith. What God wants most from us is that we trust God above anything else, and when we do that our treasure is truly in heaven. What we do with our possessions is then a sign of that trust. As we grow in trust of God we become less anxious about material things and we are freed to share our money and resources for God's work in the world through the church.
Thank You
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Good Neighbors, Inc.
December 19, 2001
Our special endeavors to brighten the Christmas holidays for hundreds of families and lonely individuals are only possible because of a caring and sharing community.
We gratefully acknowledge your contribution and pray that the blessings of peace and love will be yours throughout the Christmas Season and the New Year.
Good Neighbors, Inc.
1453 Goodyear Blvd
Akron, Ohio 44305
Cindy
PRAYERS
PRAYERS OF THANSGIVING:
* To God, for providing us Pastor Deborah in "our time of need".
IMMEDIATE PRAYERS OF HEALTH FOR:
* Pat Preston, who had a heart attack Oct 10th and is now in "good condition" at home.
* Vanessa Wondra - expecting a child (Mon 31 Dec ?).
* John Doubler.
* Nicole Schwan, who is recovering from knee surgery.
* Irene Savell in City Hospital (back pains).
* Amila Britton’s ear surgery and her recovery from same.
PRAYERS OF HOPE FOR..
* For the children of the world who live in troubled areas that they might be comforted.
* For Betty Shepherd as she is having problems with her heart and her best friend recently died.
* For Margaret Riggenbach who has a serious heart condition.
SPECIAL PRAYERS FOR:
* For Kay Hill’s health problems.
* Faith Lutheran Church.
* For the wisdom of our President in dealing with the ongoing terrorist attacks and the military response.
* For our men and women in the military, especially those deployed to protect America
* Sara Dorsett - just had surgery
* Lucille Loos - now in Manor care.
* For Lavern.
* Please pray for an unspoken request for the Greenwood Family.
CONTINUING PRAYERS OF CONCERN FOR:
* Florence Anderson
* Mike
* Nate
* For Ashley Robinson as she searches for employment.
* For Doug Winsow Jr, undergoing treatment for cancer.
* John Maroni as he begins his newest journey, seminary student, with our Lord.
PRAYERS FROM OR WEBSITE:
* Karen, in Hemet CA, desires prayrers for her health and recovery.
* For the people of the word to start loving one and another and for them to celebrate Christmas in peace and harmony.
* May there be hope for ease and safety for the American and British troops and for the refugees in Afghanistan.
* Melissa Kay, who is 3 months pregnant.
INTERCESSORY PRAYERS FOR FRIENDS/RELATIVES OF MEMBERS.
* For Lois Esterie (Wanda Hare’s daughter and Linda Weidrick’s sister)
* Veno Savell undergoing chemotherapy (Irene’s son)
* Basil Richmond with congestive heart failure (Ivan Richmond’s father)
* Jill Reyes: that she will continue in her Recovery and battle against lymphoma (Patti White)
* Lydia being treated for Leukemia (Lynn Rich)
* Anthony Dalessio undergoing chemotherapy (Karen Bach’s brother)
* Willis Pope Jr suffering from lung cancer (Bill Pope)
* Karen Gerber experiencing health problems (Diann Sullivan)
* Lydia being treated for Leukemia (Lynn Rich)
* For Mary’s improved health (Ed and Ruth Simpson)
* Elmer Smith diagnosed with prostate cancer (Kit Scheetz)
* Dan Kmet recovering from liver transplant (Robert’s Brother)
* Joe Paparone struggling to return to health (Brother-in-law of Bill Evans)
* Kay LeMaster recovering from a stroke (Ron Garman’s Aunt)
* Ged Schweikert undergoing chemotherapy (Eleanor Schweikert’s son)
* Sally Dalski being treated for Alzheimer’s (Terri Dalisky)
* Andrew Leffler battling cancer (Kelly Lockhart)
* Pray for Kitty, her husband of 23 yrs has left her and she is a breast cancer survivor. (Vee Robinson)
* For Margo Shields, recently diagnosed with cancer.
* From Dave Rich, pray for my good friend Steve who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia.
* Pray that Robert Browning’s health might greatly improve. (Bill Pope)
* For Dana Singer’s brother, Michael Fredrick and her dad Richard Lee.
* Gene Glick in Medina Hospital (Mich Glick).
* Maxine Chapman in the hospital (Judi Lee’s mother).
* For Anastasia Baker and Jay (Chris Sears).
* For Caroll Ruffner in City Hospital (Bill Pope).
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