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January 2003 Newsletter
    
Spiritual Retreat
Pastor Jean To Attend Individual Spiritual Retreat
Each year Pastor Jean will be taking a week-long individual spiritual retreat during which she will meet with a spiritual director, pray, read, study and focus on her relationship with God so that she can better serve the people of Faith Lutheran Church and the community. Please remember her in your prayers during the retreat, January 5-10. She will be present for worship on the Sundays before and after the retreat.
Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ!
Epiphany Sunday January 5
The arrival of the Magi will be the focus at all three worship services. It's still the Christmas Season, so there will be more Christmas hymns!
(This is not "break" time; it's celebration time ... the Christmas season!!)
"Shout To the Lord"
Shout To the Lord" is one of the Flashlight Band's favorite songs. It has become the one we like to begin with when we are performing outside of our church. The lyrics help us set the tone for why we are there: "Shout to the Lord, all the earth let us sing. Power and majesty, praise to the King." The band has made a commitment to ourselves and to Faith Lutheran Church to reach as many people as possible with our music. Our goal is to bring people to faith, both Faith the church and faith in God.
In November, the Flashlight Band had two outside appearances. The first was a concert to help raise awareness and funds for Inter-Faith Care Givers. This is a non-denominational group, similar to OPEN-M, that focuses on the needs of the elderly in Medina County. The services provided range from grocery shopping to just spending time with those in need of companionship. Our band was one of eight different groups performing that day. It was an uplifting experience for us to be surrounded by so many people that do what they do for the glory of God.
The second performance was at the Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center in Akron. The program takes in men who may have had addictions or are trying to overcome other life challenges and provides them with direction. We attended their monthly birthday party for the residents. It was obvious that not every resident was as excited to be there as we were. As we began to perform, some of the men would sing along, others were doing their best to politely listen. We began to run short on time and needed to trim a few songs; however, that was not an easy task. First we received a request to do "Lean On Me." We did, deciding it could be our last song. As we began to disconnect our microphones, we heard someone say, "one more song". We then decided to finish with "Awesome God". Soon the room was filled with voices as every person joined us in declaring that our God is indeed an Awesome God! Afterward, the band received not only appreciation from several residents, but some were compelled to tell us their "stories". In talking with them we found out that First Night is an approved activity for the members of this program and we hope to see several of them there.
The band has been busy preparing both musically and spiritually for First Night. It is exciting to consider the people we might be able to reach in the name of Faith. Unlike the band's other outside appearances, First Night requires that it's artists are paid a fee. The Flashlight Band will be donating the $225 fee to the Explorer's Club for Project Heifer.
The Flashlight Band will continue to look for ways to fulfill it's Vision Statement: Sharing the good news of Jesus with everyone; to joyfully go and share His love in the world through music. We would like to thank the members of the church for your continued support of our efforts.
Explorers
In this season of thanksgiving and praise, the Explorers would like to honor those who make Sundays special:
- Jean Butler - Office Manager
- Joanne Caton - Three year olds
- Laura Whitaker - Three year olds
- Barry and Norma White - PreKindergarten and Kindergarten
- Beth Gsellman, Victoria Schnell - First Grade
- Diane Carano, Denise Henkel - Second Grade
- Joe Dankoff, John Dietrich, Pat Flanagan - Third grade
- Loralee Daily, Cherli Gsellman, Kim Kennedy - Fourth Grade
- Denise Flanagan, David Nelson - Fifth Grade
- Pat Gsellman - Explorer Worship
- Bob Hartz - Music Man
- Lorna Schnell, Dana Singer - Co-Directors
Truly, your child's relationship with Jesus strengthens each week. Through discussions and games, story telling and prayers, singing and scripture, each child develops a more meaningful faith in God.
Get to know the people who help you shape the Christian life your child will lead. They are tomorrow's leaders.
Thank You Note
I want to sincerely thank my Faith family for all the prayers, thoughts, and
cards that I received during my recent illness. Your concern was so
overwhelming and certainly played a big part in my recovery. It is comforting
to know that we can depend on our brothers and sisters here at Faith during
times of need. Once again, thank you.
Norma White
A Month on the Ark
January Learning Experience A Month on the Ark
Faith's Explorer Club traditionally offers a themed learning opportunity for the entire month of January to give the teachers a mid-year break and allow the classes to come together as one. This year, our theme centers around Noah's Ark, fitting the year's focus on the Heifer Project.
Those in attendance ALL FOUR SUNDAYS of January will receive a beautiful full-color Noah's Ark with rainbow pin. So parents and grandparents take note: please make an effort to have your children here each week!
Besides, we have so many fun and exciting things planned for them! For example:
Build your own ark! Pet the animals from Leo's Ark. (the next best thing to Noah's!) Create a rainstorm! Celebrate God's promise with a Rainbow! Enjoy snacks! Sing songs!
Don't miss out on this annual event! Brighten up the middle of winter with a trip to Noah's Ark! Spend a month on it and you'll be forever changed!
A Special Request
A Special Request to Faith Adults:
We are looking for a few items to make this month memorable. Can you help us with something? Drop off all donations in the back of the Fellowship Hall. Or call Dineen Dowling at 330-873-1869 or Flo Mackall at 330-666-4815.
- Film canisters with lids
- Plastic spice containers (small and large) with screw caps
- Small Pringles cans with plastic lids
- Sunny Delight individual serving size plastic containers with screw caps
- Very small plastic water bottles (half pint/8 oz.) with cap
- Any adults who are willing to volunteer a Sunday or two
Clara's Club
Spring meetings of Clara's Club will be at 10:45 a.m. worship on April 13 and at 9:15 a.m. worship on May 18, 2003. Adult members are asked to call the child they are mentoring to see if they plan on attending these services. Anyone with a conflict with attending, please call Bill Pope. Thank you, and God bless everyone for their participation in this important mission. Bill Pope (330) 867-4946
Confirmation Class Reminder
The next Confirmation Class meetings are Wednesday, January 15 and Saturday, January 18. On those days there will be a QUIZ!!! Please memorize the names of the books of the Old Testament, in order, and review the study sheet.
(And prayers could not hurt!) Parents will be receiving a letter, mid-year report, revised schedule and a copy of the study sheet in early January. Please contact Pastor Jean with any questions about these materials.
W-ELCA
Wednesday, January 8, 2003 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall Speaker: Bob Fiatal, Supervisor Akron Office of the FBI
Mr. Fiatal will tell the who - what - when - where and why of the services of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. As people concerned about justice we should be familiar with this part of our government. Guests are always welcome. Vee Robinson will offer devotions and serves as Hostess.
Council
Council, Committee Members Elected
During the Annual Meeting on November 24 the following people were elected to the Church Council.
- Polly Dobkin
- Joyce Lightle (second consecutive term)
- Debbie Rose (second consecutive term)
- Myron Shepherd
Other congregation members who were elected to positions of leadership at the Annual Meeting are:
- Audit Committee: John Dial, Bob Heldridge and John Weisend
- Endowment Committee: Lowell Unger
- Nominating Committee: Lois Chaffee, Donna Sterner, and Chris Wright-Penov
- Synod Assembly Delegates: Hans and Kathy Zbinden
- Thanks are extended to Dick Jones (Audit);
- Ann Snyder-Britton, Steve Thompson, Tracy Dankoff (Endowment);
- Dineen Dowling and Alison Seefelt (Council) who were willing to be nominated, but were not elected at this time.
- Gratitude also is expressed to Lois Chaffee and Ann Snyder Britton, who are leaving the Council, for their years of service.
Congregation/Council Officers Named
During the Church Council meeting on December 16 the following persons were elected or appointed to serve as officers:
- President - Bill Beers
- Vice-President - Polly Dobkin
- Secretary - Kit Scheetz
- Treasurer - Judy Lee
- Financial Secretary - Bettemae Ramsey
Please pray for them in these positions of leadership.
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 gathering 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!
OPEN-M
Christmas was not the same for everyone. For most children it meant getting new toys, but not all children. For most parents, it meant watching their children opening their gifts, but not all parents. For most adults and children, it meant being able to go outside and not be cold, but not all adults and children. Poor people survive differently than most of the population. That's where Open-M comes into play in the lives of many people in the inner city. For instance, the people most in need of some warmth and remembrance who applied for some assistance are of all ages:
Newborn (under 11 months) 33
Small children (1-5 years) 190
Young children (6-10 years) 296
Adolescents (11-18) 265
Adults (19-50) 335
Older Adults (51+) 76
Adults and adolescents are less in need of "things" but more in need of practical things such as winter coats, boots, and other items of clothing. Christmas was a bleak affair for many people. Do you have an old coat you could donate to Open-M to help someone stay warm?
On Thanksgiving Eve, eight of the 70 covenant churches provided a tasty Thanksgiving meal for 1,400 less advantaged people. The "heavy work" of roasting the turkeys, making the stuffing, gravy and broth at Kent State University prior to the meal was done by several members of Faith Lutheran Church and St. Hilary Catholic Church.
The members keep growing. The number of people who come seeking help through the EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY, the growing numbers of people who visit the HOT LUNCH PROGRAM, and the explosion of people who have lost jobs and health insurance who need help from the MEDICAL CLINIC. It never ends.
Norm Schmidt
Fellowship Calling Event
On Thursday, December 5 a few members of Faith called at least ten other members of our Church to share God's love with them. The sad news is we did not have at least 24 volunteers so we could call each member of our congregation. The good news is those calling tried their best and we did end up with some 'follow-up' action requested: One was for a request to be added to our prayer chain; another was for us to check on why the light that had shined through the church's front stained glass window no longer does; another asked who they might contact to help out with our soup making (I asked my daughter, who assists with this, to contact this individual). I was thankful that two of our newest members volunteered to help out.
Our next calling event will be on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m.. Please consider marking your calendar in an effort to help with this worthwhile mission. If you have any questions or comments, please call Bill Pope at 330-867-4946.
In Our Prayers
Health Concerns:
- For Faith member Jacob Hurley, grandson of Faith members Carl and Donna Sterner
- For Faith member Bob Morrison
- For Faith member Darlene Richmond
- For Faith member Norma White
- For Faith member Ole Latham
- For Faith member Cindy Dietrich
Special Prayers:
- For Faith member Audrea Woodall
In Times Of Loss
- For Faith members Duane and Loralee Daily, and family, upon the death of Duane's mother, Margaret
- For Faith members Wanda Hare and Linda Weidrick, and family, upon the death of their daughter/sister, Lois Esterle
- For Faith members Chris and Anita Sears, and family, upon the death of Anita's brother Robert Ferris on December 8
Thanksgiving
- With Faith members Bishop Marcus and Kathy Miller upon the birth of a second grandchild, Andrew Thomas, on December 28
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.
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