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January 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.
MISSION POSSIBLE
All explorers are welcome to join us for a MISSION POSSIBLE Winter Learning Experience starting January 8th through February 5th at 9:15 a.m. and 10:30a.m. each Sunday.
Come learn about Missionaries and how they do God’s work all around the world. Special music and crafts with a Global learning experience are in store. All offering collected during the month will be given to support our sponsored missionaries, Bob and Denise Schmalze in Kenya, Africa.
We look forward to see you for a special Global Learning Experience. For more information contact John Knops (330-835-4505) or Carrie Wells (330-670-8859).
Lenten Devotional Book
Remember the Advent Devotional Book of years past? Well, this year every family of Faith will have an opportunity to deepen their spiritual discipline during the season of Lent when they receive a Lenten Devotional Book written by and for Faith members. We appeal to all Faith members – adult, youth, child – for contributions. Since Lent is 40 days, plus Sundays, we need many volunteers. Won’t you be a part of this ministry? If you thought, “Yes!” and would like to participate, here’s what you do: Contact Dineen Dowling (in the halls at church, by phone 873-1869, or e-mail dineend@neo.rr.com) to get an assigned Bible verse for a day in Lent. Read the verse from your Bible (feel free to look at a couple different versions). Pray for God to open your heart and mind to meaning behind the passage. Choose from the following how you want to interpret this passage:
Write down your thoughts as you reflect on this passage. Below are some ideas to get you thinking. (Write a paragraph or two. Maximum of 200 words, please.) What does the passage mean to you? Does it remind you of a story from your life? What was its message to the first hearers? To us today? What is God saying to you through this passage? How does this passage help you better focus on your walk with Christ?
Write a poem inspired by your passage. Write a prayer inspired by your passage. Create a piece of visual art. If you choose this option, please note: for optimum copy quality, please submit art on no larger than 8½” x 11” paper. All submissions will be printed as black and white. Feel free to add a few sentences to explain your creation, if you like. Give the finished product to Dineen by Sunday, January 29.
Spending some time in God’s Word and sharing your thoughts with your brothers and sisters in Christ can only enrich your spiritual life! Please consider participating! Speak with Dineen and get your Bible passage TODAY! Expect to receive the finished product on Ash Wednesday, March 1
Confirmation
Confirmation Classes resume on Sunday, January 8 with our beginning discussion of the Apostle's Creed (God as Creator, Provider & Preserver). On Sunday, January 22 we will continue our discussion on the Creed (Jesus as Savior, Redeemer & Lord).
We will attend the Contemporary Service together, have lunch from 11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m and go sledding from 1 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Parents are to transport youth to the sledding hill and pick them up at 3:00 p.m. . Permission slips went home in December!
Our Wednesday meetings resume on January 25 from 6:30-8 p.m. with a discussion of the Creed with Pastor Jean. On Sunday, January 29 we will continue our study of this topic (Holy Spirit).
High School Youth will resume our Wednesday evening gatherings on January 11 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. We will meet at the Church unless otherwise notified (we may go sledding!). Our Sunday classes will also resume on the January 15 with a look at the lesson for the day. We hope to see you there!
Student to Observe
College Student to Observe Faith’s Ministry - Rebekah Wedge, a senior at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN., will be observing ministry at Faith Lutheran Church during January as a part of the college’s career exploration program. She will be meeting with the staff and lay leaders, and will participate in meetings, ministries and worship services. She also may lead a discussion group on Sunday mornings. Rebekah is the sister of Faith member Lucius Wedge who, along with wife Janice, recently joined the congregation. Please welcome her during this time of exploration in her life.
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. (See this month’s Pastor’s Pondering for more details.)
Task Force
Facilities Use Task Force Begins Meeting - The Task Force that is reviewing the church building and will make recommendations concerning how it can meet the congregation’s ministry needs has begun its work. The group is focusing particularly on use of space for Christian education, the preschool, youth ministry and entrances/gathering space. Randy Cole and Dineen Dowling are co-chairs of the Task Force, which will meet for the second time at 7 p.m. on January 9. Please contact them with any questions about the Task Force’s ministry.
Fabulous February
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 let me 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.
Praise~Apella
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
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 Sundays at 10:30 a.m., six sessions: January 22, 29, Feb.5,12, 26 and March 5.
“Good Samaritan”
Operation “Good Samaritan” - It was just four days before Christmas when the young social worker called for help. There was a family in Akron that was falling through the cracks and would not have a Christmas. Two phone calls and a few e-mails later, God’s people at Faith responded in a huge way. Not only did the family have a Christmas (complete with tree and gifts) but groceries for at least a few weeks.
Special thanks to Stephanie Short for coordinating the project. If you would like to be part of special “Good Samaritan” opportunities in the future, make sure you let Carolyn know. We’re going to start a file of “undercover angels” for future situations.
Annual Meeting
During the Annual Meeting on November 20 the following people were elected to the Church Council: Polly Dobkin (second consecutive term), Dineen Dowling, Melissa Johnson, Stephanie Short, Other congregation members who were elected to positions of leadership are: Audit Committee: Dan Meyer, Endowment Committee: Ken Jakubec, Nominating Committee: John Knops, Lorna Schnell, Bob Whitaker III, Synod Assembly Delegates: Don and Elaine Johnson
The Church Council elected or appointed the following persons to serve as officers: President - Polly Dobkin; Vice President - Pat Gsellman; Secretary - Norma White; Treasurer - Judy Lee; Financial Secretary - Bettemae Ramsey; Also, Michael Chaffee was elected by the Council to fill a one –year term following Mark Horn’s resignation.; Please pray for them in these positions of leadership.
No Regular Church Council Meeting In January - The Church Council will be gathering for a day-long retreat on January 7, and therefore will not meet at its regular time on the third Monday of the month, January 16. Please keep the Council members in your prayers during as 2006 begins.
WELCA
Wednesday, January 11, 2006 10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
Act Boldly - with Kindness; Bible Study written by Dineen Dowling Act Boldly! Peace does, patience does, kindness does. Acting boldly can take man forms. When there is a need, a call, women respond. They do act out their faith in bold ways. Deborah in the Old Testament acted boldly by knowing how to lead her people. The apostle Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit of which kindness is one. Join us as Dineen leads us in this Bible study about being bold with kindness. She will begin with devotions. Hostess: Maxine Heldridge
SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY
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).
January Women’s Retreat
OK Girlfriends. . .time to get together for a little P – P – P (Pampering, Praise, and Prayer). On January 27 and 28 we will gather at the Holiday Inn on Rt 8 in Hudson for some giggles, some pampering, and some sessions about the role that prayer and praise plays in our lives as women. This will be a new venue for us, and I’m excited to announce that the Holiday Inn has a game room, indoor pool, work out area, and sauna and whirlpool. There is also an opportunity to “buddy up” with people and thus save some money!
Prices for the 24 hour retreat including dinner, breakfast, and lunch will be: single occupancy is $115 per person, double is $78, triple is $67, or quad only $60. So grab some friends and let me know what size room I should reserve for you right away! A $30 deposit will be required by January 15. Women do not have to be members of Faith Lutheran Church to attend.
Please don’t be scared! Every time we come back from a retreat, I see so many of you that I wish had attended. It will be 24 hours of fun, pampering, and food. Plan now to join us. - Carolyn Wagar Hier
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Bob Morrison;Faith member Milan Rolick; Connie Mollard
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 the family and friends of Faith member Midi Glick upon her death on December 13. Pastor Jean presided at her funeral on December 17; For Faith member Ann Warner and family upon the death of her husband John on December 5. Pastor Jean presided at his funeral on December 9.
In Thanksgiving: With Faith members Carl and Lynn Roose upon the baptism of their son Connor on December 24.
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