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July 2005 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.
REMINDER
New Worship Schedule - 9:15 a.m., Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary; 10:30 a.m., Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall
Kinship Café Coffee House - 9:15-10:10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall, 10:15-11:30 a.m. in the Market Street Lobby
Summer Music July 10 Geri Petersen; Penny Thompson; Marilyn Wilson; July 17 Jeff Mallison
Altar Flowers
Remember a loved one, a special occasion, or give thanks to God by signing up on the flower chart across from the choir room. We need flowers for July 10, 17, 24, and August 14. The cost of the flowers will be $45.00 and checks should be made out to Pam’s Posies.
Volunteers
VOLUNTEER DATA IS BECOMING A REALITY
During the (relatively) slow month of June, I decided to update my information files. This usually means adding new Spiritual Gift, Tithing Our Time, and Interest Checklist information that I’ve gathered during the past year. I did that and then decided to go even further! I am now in the process of compiling a list of volunteers here at Faith. We’ve always known that the church cannot survive with paid staff alone and that God wants us ALL to be His disciples; now we will have facts to back that up!
This is a monumental task, and it is possible that we will still miss people. I have a partial list posted on the bulletin board outside my office. Please feel free to check it and add your name or “job” to the growing list! I will keep it posted until July 10 at which time I want to finalize the information (at least for now).
Every job here at church is a “ministry” and the staff sincerely thanks each of you who help in any way. If God is calling you to serve in new and/or different ways, or if you have a true passion for ministry in some area, please set up an appointment to chat with me.
TUTOR
A CHANCE TO SERVE AS A - We have discussed beginning an after school tutoring program here at Faith, and we have found the perfect outlet without the administrative needs! This is a chance to work with children grades 1-6 at Channelwood Community Center. Remember that we are called to go to others in the name of Jesus! Here is a chance to use your gifts doing some one on one tutoring with an inner city child. It is a commitment of only one hour per week.
The Lutheran Churches in the Greater Akron area with help from Thrivent and Building Hope in the City have developed a tutoring program. They would like OUR help! For more information call or email Carolyn at church, or call Shirley Duffy directly at 330-650-6716. Let’s get a great team together to help!
YOUTH
Middle School (those entering 8th grade) Tubing Trip to Mohican on Saturday, July 9. We'll meet at the Church at 9 a.m. and return around 4pm. Permission slips in Church mailboxes. We'll be checking in with you!; Youth Bake Sale & Petting Zoo on Saturday, July 23 from 10a.m. to 2p.m. All those entering 8th & 9th grade are required to help. (High school will be "begged, bothered & bribed" to help :) Proceeds go towards youth outings.
High School Youth - Join us at Panera at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays and for the Contemporary Service at 10:30 a.m. on July 3, 10 & 17. (No Panera the 24th or 31st); Upcoming for August: Middle School Retreat (New Confirmation students entering 7th grade join us!) on Wednesday, August 3 at Boes Farm. More info. to come.
We desperately need your help with: Baking yummy, delicious baked goods Coming on Saturday & purchasing yummy, delicious baked goods Visiting Mr. Leo's Petting Zoo ($1 donation to pet the animals, not Mr. Leo - he bites!)
Almost….
In lieu of the Great American Bake Sale, the youth of Faith will be holding the "Not quite as great, but almost, Youth Bake Sale & Petting Zoo" – On Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine!)
We desperately need your help with: Baking yummy, delicious baked goods Coming on Saturday & purchasing yummy, delicious baked goods Visiting Mr. Leo's Petting Zoo ($1 donation to pet the animals, not Mr. Leo - he bites!) Please drop off baked goods on Friday, July 22 between 9am –noon. All proceeds to go toward summer youth outings & retreats. We thank you for your support!!!
Graduating
Trevor Burkins, Jamie White, John Maroni
Serengeti Trek -
Serengeti Trek - August 1—August 5, 9 am - Noon - For children ages 3 to those who have completed 4th grade.
Interested in volunteering? We are looking for volunteers middle school and older. Even if your availability is limited, we would love to have you!
Call or email Beth Gsellman: Bgsellma@kent.edu (330-867-4569)
4th of July
…We’re Marching!
You may remember from last month’s Beacon of Faith that the decision was made to cancel our participation in the Fairlawn Fourth of July Parade. This caused some people to rethink our presence in the community (or lack of it) and decide that it was important to participate.
Our band, BOUND, will be playing and singing on a flatbed truck. If you can help to decorate it, please call Carolyn or contact Chris Sears. If you would like to help distribute FREE bottled water or walk in the parade, let us know that, too!
Last year we gave away 500 bottles of water to warm and thirsty parade marchers and watchers. This year we plan to do the same! This is an important outreach ministry and a good time for the entire family. Please say “yes”!
Joy
Find joy this summer!
Did you know a Women’s Bible Study meets every other week to study scripture and support one another as sisters in Christ? We are nine women strong who vary in age, worship style, and life experience, but we come together in Christian love to see what the Bible has to say about how we live our lives. Every time we meet we learn something new, grow in faith and pray for each other and for the church.
This past year we have studied Paul’s letter to the Philippians, the Gospel of Mark, and the fruits of the Spirit. We most recently looked at the fruits of patience and self-control and are about to begin a study of joy. We usually meet every other Friday morning and take turns hosting in each other’s homes. And we would like to invite YOU!
We are having an open invitation to any women of Faith who would like to explore Bible study with us or possibly start your own study and just check out what we do. Our next study dates are:
Friday, July 8, 10 am, at the home of Julie Magons, 330-336-5212; Friday, July 22, 10 am, at the home of Dineen Dowling, 330-873-1869; Please RSVP so the hostess can plan accordingly.
School Supplies
Once again, Summit County Children’s Services is asking for our help in their annual campaign to collect and package school supplies. These donations provide school supplies to children in needy client families and to foster children. The goal is to help more than 1,000 children start the year with the necessary tools. The last day to bring in these supplies is Sunday, July 31.
Please help us! Thank you!
Suggestions: For kindergarten through Middle/High School
School Boxes; Crayons (16 or 24); Blunt Scissors; Erasers; Pencils; Ruler; Tissue Boxes; Pocket Thesaurus; Washable Markers; Pens; Pocket Dictionary; Folders; Planners; Binders; Colored Pencils; Memo Pads; Spiral Theme Books; College Ruled Filler Paper; Paste or glue; Elementary Writing Paper; Wide Ruled Paper; Artist/Colored Pencils; Please note: Compasses cannot be accepted.
Prayer Shawls
Our prayer shawl ministry has brought comfort and warmth to many families. Many of these folks are Faith members who face challenges of mobility. Others have been given to the sick, the struggling, or anyone who is in need of special blessings. The shawls are blessed during a worship service and passed among members who silently say a prayer for the recipients. Our knitters and crocheters have been very busy and have made more beautiful shawls which now wait to be be given away. Do you know an individual or family who is in need of comfort and the assurance of prayer? They need not be members of the congregation; prayer shawls can be an outreach of our ministries to the community. If so, please call the church office at 330-836-8811 or Penny Thompson at 330-666-5065.
Council
July Council Meeting Cancelled
There will be no Church Council meeting in July due to the number of Council members who will be unable to attend. The August meeting will be held as usual, and the Space Utilization Report will be on the agenda.
Face Lift
Parking Lot, Restrooms, Doors To Receive Face Lift
During July several property related projects will be in process at the church. They include: Repair and sealing of the parking lot; Remodeling of the men’s and women’s restrooms on the first floor, near the east entrance; Refinishing of all “blonde” doors on the first floor; Refinishing of the coat racks to match the doors; Painting of the mailboxes to match stain on doors and racks; Painting of bulletin board frames and several door frames.
These projects have been approved by the Church Council and funding is coming from the Building and Grounds Fund and a $5000 donation from the Preschool, for which we are thankful.
Because of these projects it will be more important than ever to schedule any activities or meetings taking place at the church through the church office.
From Bill Pope:
Pastor Jean’s sermon on Sunday June 12 spoke of “the pink elephant in our church”. I heard this change (pink elephant) as being both about our worship time changes and also about the changes in the future of our church. Hopefully you read the “Report to the Congregation on Space Utilization” as submitted by the Task Force. We, as a congregation can look at the recommendations made in this report negatively or positively or even hope the problem will just go away by itself. The lyrics of a tune recently sung at the Light Service was “They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love”. May the Good Lord continue to inspire
all our members as we work together to increase and glorify Jesus Christ’s kingdom.
From Norm Schmidt:
OPEN M’S WALK FOR KIDS AND FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
The first OPEN M, Walk for the Kids, was a huge success. They raised $38,000 to help fund their programs. Faith Lutheran Church had a big hand in the success; we were one of the top five churches by raising $1,600. Thank you to everyone who participated.
Devotions On-Line!
Morning Devotions On-Line!
Want to deepen your Christian walk? Do you find it difficult to find “quiet time” to spend reading and reflecting upon devotions? I have found a great alternative AND it is written by a member of Faith Lutheran Church!
Pastor Dick Williams, retired, who recently joined FLC has an on-line devotion which is called EarlyWord. It is short, easy to read, but very very relevant and thought-provoking. It is also FREE! To subscribe, send your name and email address to Pastor Williams at pwilliams@neo.rr.com or try it out by going to www.earlyword.info or at www.elca.ort/prayer (and click on Daily Devotions).
Still time…
We have a few Cat’s Meow (wooden cutouts of Faith Lutheran Church) are available for sale in the church office. The cost is $15.00 each. Call the church office 330-836-8811 for more details.
Donation News
Once again the congregations of West Akron, who worship together on Thanksgiving, used the offering from that service to purchase 2,232 dictionaries for Akron Public Schools third graders. Printed below are a few of the thank-you letters to Faith Lutheran Church. They are printed as they were originally written.
Dear Rev. Hansen: We are very fortunate that our children in the Akron Public Schools were again the recipients of the generosity of the West Akron churches. All third graders have now received their dictionaries. I am also pleased to report that the former recipients are utilizing their dictionaries to assist with the completion of classroom assignments. Please know how much I appreciate your interest in helping the children in the Akron Public Schools. Your service is greatly admired and appreciated. Sincerely, Sylvester Small, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools
and from the children . . . .Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you for blessing me with my new dictionary. I’m asking my mom and dad about new words and what they mean. Now I can find the meaning of new words on my own. Thanks for giving me this privilege. Your friend, CyrusDear Rev. Hansen, Thank you for giving us dictionarys. It is the best dictionary I have ever seen! Now I will be the smartest kid ever! I might even get an I.Q. of 7,000! Thank you very much. Sincerely, Nathan Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. They’re great dictionaries. They lovely. We want to thank you for all the things that you’ve given us. Bless you. May the Lord be with you. From, Samantha
Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, I am so happy that you bought us dictionaries! I just want to say thank you for spending your money. We really like them and I always read min! I even learned about the continents! Sincerely, ShamalDear Rev. Jean Hansen, You brightened my day when I saw the dictionary! I like them because we can look up are words. I hope I see you when we get older! Love, Johnesha Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. I tought that was very kind. I can tell that you are a very, very, nice person. I will use it my whole life even in collage. I love the sighn languag at the back and I will always treat it with kindness and respect. Love, Heather Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you for buying us a dictionary. I really needed one. I was so surprised! The back of the book is the part that I think was so, so, so, cool!! Thanks gain! Rebecca
Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. Now I can use it to look up words that. If I find out what chach you go to preach at I will come to see you. And if I don’t come prey for me. Sincerely DeShawn B.Dear Churches, Thank you! Thank you for buying us the dictionary. I really want to learn the braill. The longest word is so long! I thought it was suppercalifragelisticarplordorias. Joey did tell me it wasn't though. Thanks again! Grace Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. I always wanted one of my own. I even fond the longest word in the endlish languge! It was about one hole paper that’s why I didn't right it. Thank you! Sincerely, Sam
Bible Study
Pastor’ Summer Bible Study Continues Through July 27
Come at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays or 10 a.m. on Thursdays in the Fellowship Hall as we study portions of I Corinthians and discover what the Apostle Paul had to say to “the church of God that is in Corinth”, and how it applies to the church of God in Fairlawn in 2005. Child care is provided at both times.
Family Fun Day
Sign up Soon - Faith Fun Day is right around the corner. . . watch for posters and sign up sheets to reserve YOUR space, or call Carolyn and get an “early bird” spot! WHAT:
FAITH FUN DAY & YOUTH AUCTION WHEN:
August 20* 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. WHERE:Home of Leo and Wendy Boes Sullivan, Ohio (45 minutes from the church) THEME:Jesus Loves the Little Children (No matter what your age!) WHAT ELSE?
Food, Fun, Fellowship, Crafts, Games, Fishing, Team Building, Tye Dye . . . YOU CHOOSE! COST:FREE WILL OFFERING TO COVER EXPENSES
NEED MORE DETAILS? Call Carolyn at church. When you sign up to attend, you will receive a letter with directions to the Boes farm, plus a schedule of events! * Sprinkles will be OK, but if it is pouring, our rain date is August 27
Faith Fellowship Calling
On Thursday, September 1, the Faith Fellowship Calling Team meets at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come and join members of our congregation as we try to telephone other members just to share the love of God with each other. We start with a prayer, followed by pizza and drinks, then each attendee is asked to call just ten homes - I do provide a suggestion of what you might say. No more than two hours is required.
Call Bill Pope, 330-867-4946, with questions and/or comments.
PRAISE~APELLA CONCERT
Wish you could invite friends or co-workers to church but don’t know how?
Here is the perfect opportunity! Bring them to our Praise~apella concert Saturday night, September 24. As part of our giant 50th anniversary celebration Praise~apellla, an award winning contemporary singing group, will be in concert at Faith Lutheran Church. Community is welcome.
When: Saturday, September 24, 7:00 P.M.; What: Praise~apella Concert; Where: Faith Lutheran Church; Cost: $10.00 per ticket. Tickets sold in advance.; No reserve seating.; FREE child care for kids 5 and under Tickets will go on sale at the youth bake sale July 23, or to purchase early, call Carolyn at church or email cjwaggs@aol.com.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Lifting High the Cross - Yesterday, Today and Always
September 25, 2005; Worship - 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary; Banquet - 1:00 p.m. at the Fairlawn Hilton
Please plan to attend Faith’s 50th Anniversary Celebration luncheon featuring a full-course buffet menu. Families are encouraged to attend as this celebration is for everyone. Invitations will be forth coming.
Mark you calendars now to attend this Special Event.; The 50th Anniversary Committee
Lois Chaffee, Chairperson
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Cherli Gsellman; Faith member Kathy Miller; Faith member Jean Nouse
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 members Michael and Lois Chaffee, and family, upon the death of Michael’s mother Barbara Preisse on June 15.; For Faith members Tom Parsons and Polly Dobkin, and families, upon the unexpected death of their brother-in-law Ron Soderquist.; For Faith visitor Agatha Williams, and family, upon the death of her husband Terrence. Pastor Jean presided at his funeral on June 7.
In Thanksgiving: We rejoice with Faith staff member Carolyn Wagar and Kurt Hier upon their upon their marriage on May 27, that they may sense the love of Christ in their lives daily.
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