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June 2004 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.
Summer Worship
Summer Worship at Faith Lutheran Church – Lots of Options … We Look Forward To Seeing You!!!
8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary, 9:15 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall: We are looking forward to: *Special music offered by talented members of Faith Lutheran Church *Variety in the liturgies at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. worship *Children’s Sermon at all services on the second and fourth Sundays of the month *July 4 – ONE service at 10 a.m. with a patriotic theme and fellowship
Special notes: In order to maintain a sense of community, and to strengthen worship, the back pews and the east transept of the sanctuary will be roped off during the summer. This will be especially important as we welcome visitors. (We certainly would give thanks if attendance is so strong that it will be necessary to remove the ropes!) Also, during the summer the Worship Team will be compiling worship surveys as we look toward Fall and evaluate the schedule, format and location of worship services as we plan for future growth and outreach.
Vacation this Summer
Don’t Take a Vacation this Summer - Recently I overheard this conversation between youth.
First Youth: “We don’t go to church in the summer.”; Second Youth: “Why?”; First Youth: “Because it’s summer.”; Second Youth: “You are so lucky … we have to go to church all year.”
My friends please be attentive to teaching your children that attending worship is a year-round joy and privilege. This is especially important for children who do not attend worship when Explorers’ Club is meeting. This summer a Children’s Sermon will be offered at all three services (if children are present) on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. I look forward to this opportunity to talk with your children!
Also … Leo and Wendy will be worshipping with the high school youth at 9:15 a.m. most Sundays this summer and then going with them to Panera for fellowship and discussion. Service projects and activities have been scheduled for the middle school youth during the summer months. (See the youth calendar.)
It will be great to see families worshipping together this summer!!! Blessings … Pastor Jean
Handbell Choir
Changes Coming For Handbell Choir - This summer a new director will be sought for the Celebration Handbell Choir following the resignation of Scott McVey following three years as director. We give thanks for Scott’s contributions to this music ministry.
The Worship Team is recommending that this Fall emphasis be placed on developing a “beginner” program in which adults and youth can learn how to play handbells. This emphasis will give those who have been playing handbells for some time a well-deserved break. They also will have the opportunity to become mentors in the beginners program.
The goal is to develop two handbell choirs, one for beginners and one for more advanced players. The possibility of having a handbell choir for older children also is being discussed. Anyone with questions should contact the Worship Team or Pastor Jean.
Voices of Faith
Another opportunity is available for those who like to sing. The “Voices of Faith” will sing “The Battle Hymn” on July 4. If you would like to be part of the choir, please come to at least one of the two rehearsals. You don’t need to read music to sing. We will practice Thursday, June 24 and Thursday, July 1 from 7:00—8:15 pm and child care will be provided.
All are welcome!
The Sequel…
What Shall We Do Next? Thirty-two people gathered to listen, learn, and discuss the “greater vision” of our church. Thirty-two people know that we are called to make disciples, to reach beyond ourselves, to be faithful to God’s wishes for our congregation. Thirty-two people are praying for God’s guidance and direction as we continue the discernment process.
Many great ideas were discussed that week. We might partner with Open M and provide social ministry on “this end of town.” We might begin an Elder Day Care center, a latch key program for kids, a free clinic, or more! We know there are people in our community (and in fact in our own congregation) who need our help. We know that God has richly blessed us as a congregation, and that it is time to reach out, to think big, and to take a leap of faith. We know that if we are faithful, God will be faithful, and that if our “greater vision” is His will, He will not let it fail! One thing you can count on… we will be doing something!
If you were one of these original thirty-two, thank you and God bless you! We are excited to partner with you. If you weren’t present at one of these gatherings, there is still lots of time to jump on the boat! Talk to Pastor Jean or Carolyn and become involved. We invite everyone to pray for God’s will for His congregation here at Faith.
Youth - Are You Someone?
We have a huge opportunity to minister to the children in this congregation. We often just take things like the wonderful work done in Explorer’s Club for granted. “Someone” will do it. This year we want you to prayerfully consider if that “someone” might be you!
There are several openings for teachers and helpers in our Explorer’s Club program for next year. We will provide training, curriculum, and someone with whom you can team teach! Over the next few weeks, please ask God to guide you as you consider this important ministry.
To thank all those “someones” who said “yes” to God’s call last year, the Growth and Learning Team will be hosting an appreciation breakfast for all teachers and helpers who participated in Explorer’s Club. The breakfast will be Saturday, June 19 from 9 – 10:15.
If you have questions about our Explorer’s Club and the ministry opportunities available, please call Dana Singer at 330-836-9262 or Carolyn at the church office.
Pre-register today!!!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL -- July 12 - July 16 -- 9 am - 12:00 pm
For children age 3 to completed 4th grade. The cost is $20.00 per child, maximum of $40.00 per family. “Camperships” are available if needed.
Interested in volunteering? Contact Beth Gsellman (330-867-4569)
Summer Camp
Life is Good” - Good Things Happen at Summer Camp
- Campfires – Games - Arts and Crafts – Worship – Laughter – Swimming - Friendship
Weeks of June 13 thru August 8, 2004, Week long and mini-week programs - Ages K-12th grade and families. Register for summer camp online at www.lomocamps.org
How to reach us: Camp Luther – (440) 224-2196; LMC – (419) 864-8030; Camp Frederick – (330) 227-3633; Lomo Outreach – (614) 898-6993; Camp Mowana – (419) 589-7406; Central Office – (800) 431-5666; LMC – (419) 864-8030; Camp Mowana – (419) 589-7406
High School Picnic
- Sunday, June 6 - After the Light Service
Service Project
Middle School Service Project - Wednesday, June 16, Our goal will be to pack 80 sack lunches to take to a homeless shelter. - Watch for details in the Weekly Beacon
Bake Sale
Great American Bake Sale Update
As many of you know, Faith Lutheran Church is one of the nationwide sponsors of The Great American Bake Sale. These are being held across the country in an effort to raise money to feed the over 13 million children in our country who go hungry every year.
It is going to be a great event, and so much more than a bake sale! This event will be held Saturday, July 17. Our Flashlight Band will be providing FREE outside concerts, Leo will be bringing some animals, there are plans for clowns, balloons, hot dogs and more.
Of course an event of this magnitude needs lots of help! We need bakers, helpers, set up folks, clean up folks….. the list goes on and on! This is a one day event and a one time commitment. Won’t you help? Please call the church office or Margie Jelar at 864-8959 and say YES! One person CAN make a difference. We will be holding a meeting Saturday, June 5 at 10 am for everyone interested. Child care will be provided.
Faithful and Fit
Is your idea of exercise to vigorously push the remote control? Does food in the ‘fridge or cupboards actually call you name? Do you wish you had more energy?
Well, do we have the group for you! Beginning Thursday, June 10 at 6 pm you are cordially invited to attend “Faithful and Fit” and see what it’s all about!
Faithful and Fit is NOT a diet. You will NOT have to get weighed. It is NOT an exercise plan. It is NOT embarrassing. It is not strictly for those who are overweight. It does NOT cost any money. It is NOT only for members of Faith.
Faithful and Fit IS a support group for people with weight/movement issues. It IS a chance to spend a short time each week with others who also have issues. It WILL include devotions and prayer, motivational messages, diet tips, recipes, and more. It IS for your friends and neighbors.
Faithful and Fit will be held weekly at 6 pm on Thursday evenings beginning Thursday, June 10. It will last about one hour and child care will be provided. Why not give it a try?
Lutheran Brothers and Sisters
Helping Our Lutheran Brothers and Sisters At Calvary, East Cleveland
During a sermon in May many Faith members heard the story of Pastor Mulba Borsay who said, “I just had to get up out of my bed”, following a life-threatening accident in order to minister among the flood of Liberians who are finding their way to Calvary Lutheran Church in East Cleveland.
This small congregation has found itself in an emergency ministry situation as it reaches out to these new arrivals, many of whom are children of war. Worship attendance has swelled from 40 to 100 weekly. They have begun a tutoring program and are meeting the needs of those who come through their doors in spite of the fact that doing so is creating a financial crisis. During the Synod Assembly in May a request was made to help this faithful congregation and their pastor. As a neighboring pastor succinctly stated, “They need money.”
Funds are particularly needed for summer programming. With that need in mind, a special offering for Calvary Lutheran Church in East Cleveland will be collected during all three services on June 6. Contributors may write checks to Faith Lutheran Church, but please note that the gift is for Calvary, East Cleveland.
In addition, attempts are being made to arrange a visit by folks from that congregation – particularly the Youth Choir – so that we can meet them and offer further support. Please give generously on June 6!
New Landscaping for Faith
If you haven't done so already, please take a minute to examine the landscaping and sidewalk plan posted just inside the east door to the education wing. Our landscaper, B & C Landscaping of Tallmadge, Ohio, has completed edging and mulching the Market Street side of the church and, over the next few weeks, will begin preliminary work on the south and east sides. The task of removing old and dead shrubs, preparing the soil, and adding new plantings will be done the week of June 7 - 11. After Memorial Day, weather permitting, the old sidewalk to the education and kitchen entrances will be removed and a new sidewalk poured. It will be six to eight feet wide, extend into the playground, and be adequately reinforced to support vehicle traffic. The new sweeping curve of the sidewalk should facilitate pedestrian traffic and will avoid the roots of a nearby oak tree. The design of the sidewalk is included in the landscaping plan and also sprayed on the lawn. The complete project was approved by Church Council on May 3 and is being funded from the Building and Grounds Fund. If you have questions, please address them to Ole Latham or DuWayne Hansen.
Announcement
If you have borrowed anything from kitchen, please return it.
All things that are borrowed should be checked out through the office.
Attention
Do you know someone who is graduating? Please let the church office know so we can include their names in the July newsletter.
Homosexuality Study
The Church and Homosexuality Study Ends In June
The final two session of “Journey Together Faithfully, ELCA Studies on Sexuality, Part Two – The Church and Homosexuality” are at 7 p.m. on June 6 and 13 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Norton. Faith Lutheran Church is joining with five other congregations to do this six-part study; the pastors are taking turns leading the sessions. All adults are encouraged to participate.
Welcome New Members
The congregation rejoiced at welcoming new members in May. They were received during 9:15 a.m. worship on May 2 and a reception was held to greet them at the end of the service. We are glad to welcome:
Michelle Borodkin and children Emily, Jared and Julia - (Michelle’s husband Richard, while not a member, frequently attends worship at Faith.); Mike and Trish Cox and children Elaine, Claire and Henry; Matthew and Ingrid Harpster; Barbara Hinderegger (Barbara’s husband Paul, a member of St. Hilary Catholic Church, worships with her.); Gary Kruger and son Adam Kruger (We also welcome Sue, Gary’s wife and Adam’s mother.) ; Michael and Claudette Martin and college-age daughters Courtney and Kimberly; Stephanie and Jason Short; Drew and Terry Stephens and sons Jacob and Calior
Note : Look for the Church Directory Updates in the Mailed version of the Newsletter
Team Leaders Meeting 7-8 p.m. June 21 Fellowship Hall
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this important meeting; your input is needed! More information will be coming in the mail. Childcare will be provided.
FAITH Golf Outing
June 27 3:00 p.m. Pine Valley golf course Reimer Road, Wadsworth
Please call Sally Hauth (330-825-8477) if you are willing to host a lite supper after the outing
Summer Learning
Great Summer Learning Opportunities!
Book Study on “Purpose Driven Life” led by Carolyn Wagar. Wednesdays, June 23 – July 14 -- 10:30 a.m. or 7:00 pm.
Many of you have expressed an interest in studying this book together. You will need to get a copy of “Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren before our first class. You may attend at either 10:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. Child care will be provided.
Bible Study
Pastor’s Summer Bible Study - Wednesdays, July 28 – September 1 -- 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Or Thursdays, July 29 – September 2 -- 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
You’ve asked for it, and Pastor is providing it! A summer Bible study led by her.
Red, White, and Blue!
Bring out the Red, White, and Blue!
Fourth of July is on a Sunday this year! So at Faith Lutheran Church we will celebrate our country’s birthday in a big way. We will have one combined worship service that day at 10 a.m. featuring patriotic music. Wear your red, white, and blue and invite your friends and neighbors. Although as Christians we realize that God blesses all nations, it is important to remember that our country was based in part on religious freedom and to celebrate that fact.
We will have a float again this year in the Fairlawn Fourth of July parade. Since this is a congregational project and we are promoting the Great American Bake Sale, we really need your help! Please call the church office if you can be part of float planning or building, or if you can help along the parade route.
Synod Assembly
Reflections on the Synod Assembly By Mark Horn
As elected Synod lay representatives of our congregation, Robin and I were proud to join Pastor Jean and Carolyn at the Northeastern Ohio ELCA Synod Assembly held at the John S. Knight Center in Akron on May 13-15. The theme of the Synod Assembly was “Marked With the Cross of Christ Forever.” I got a real positive sense that the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America member churches are thriving in spirit, sense of direction, diversity AND… in unity. There are very specific challenges before us, not the least of which is financial support for various ELCA ministries. However we sang a lot and we prayed a lot. There was a camaraderie the likes of which I have never seen in a conference setting. There is a sense of eternal yet cautioned optimism and purpose in the ELCA.
Often times when you belong to a group, like a church, that is part of something as big as the ELCA, you forget just how extensive and far-reaching the commitment, how inspirational the message, and how wonderful and proud we should be to be a part of it all. It has reaffirmed, as I’d hoped it would, my confidence and belief that Faith Lutheran Church is right on target. And with the tireless leadership and planning of Carolyn Wagar and of Pastor Jean we are in very capable hands. I was also very impressed with the strong and loving leadership brought out by Faith member and NE Ohio Synod Bishop Marcus Miller along with several others who led us through the various parts of the Assembly. We should be proud that our Pastor Jean not only was able to cover the Northeastern Ohio Synod budget with all gathered, but she did so in a way that was understandable in terms of how it affects all of us in the big picture as ELCA member churches.
The Synod Assembly brought together brothers and sisters from other ELCA churches, but more than that, it brought together church leaders from a cross-section of ethnicities, economic situations, new and old, big and small, all gathered for the purpose of learning how to best serve the synod, the churches, each other, and most importantly God. Besides the handling of the tedious financial and electoral duties, we had the privilege of listening to featured keynote speaker and author Rev. Dr. Craig Nessan from Wartburg Seminary who spoke on the controversial issues which will be before the ELCA at the National ELCA Assembly next year on whether the church should honor same sex unions and whether to allow onto the roster church leaders (clergy, Associates in Ministry, etc…) who are in committed same sex relationships.
I will not get into the lecture and discussions that ensued, but I will tell you the most important thing I learned. And that is, whatever your opinion may be, we all have a responsibility to read up on both viewpoints of this volatile issue. That’s because the emotional and spiritual baseline to which we, as members of Faith Lutheran, must return after any and every issue that possibly threatens the unity of our beloved church is – our mission… To share the good news of Jesus with everyone; to transform followers into disciples with a faith that works in real life; to joyfully go and share his love in the world. And that includes everyone!
Thank You
In 2003 Faith Lutheran Church participated in the West Akron Thanksgiving Service and, along with those individuals who attended worship, gave a gift to the 2003 Thanksgiving Project - the Dictionary Project. The offering provided dictionaries for all third grade students in the district of the West Akron churches. As a result, the church has received MANY hand-written thank-you letters from third graders who are students in a number of area schools. Here are a few examples, printed as they were written.
Dear Church Members, Thank you so much for your gift of dictionaries to my students. They are so excited to have this resource for their very own. I know it will be a treasured possession that will also have a long life! Katie Osborn - Grade 3 Teacher, Portage Path
Dear Church, Thank you for the new dictionary. I never had a blue dictionary like that before. I am so great for this dictionary. I am going to prey for you. Sincerely, Allona Dear Reverand Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. I will use it for look up words that I can not spell. I can do all my multiplication. You are a good man! Sincerely, Damonte Dear Reverand Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. We needed them a lot. We heard that you work at a church. What is it like working at a church? We, as in my family, go to church on Sunday and we like church a lot. Sincerely, Allen
Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary! So far I’ve had no use for it except to find contrasted and help other people find words. Another use I’ve had for it was to see who John F. Kennedy was. While reading about him I read that F. in John F. Kennedy was abbreviated for Fitzgerald. Thanks again for the dictionary. Sincerely, Anthony Dear Reverrand Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. I will use it wisely. My name is Sterling. My hobby is football. I am nine years old. I can sing church songs. My favorite one is amazing grace. Sincerely, Sterling Dear church members, Thank you for my new dictionary. It is neat. I like the dictionary, but I never read it. I like it because you gave it to me. From your friend, Stephan
Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. I could really use it when I’m older. If I keep it safe it will last a long time. It’s so nice of the church to donate money to get them. I hope you and the church have a good day. Sincerely, Brittani Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you for the student dictionary. They will be handy in the future. You are very generous. Than you again. Bye. Sincerely, Joe Dear Reverand Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. I will use it for words I do not know. I am good at reading, math, and science. I know you make a good person, father, or brother. Sincerely, Alkeah Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you for the student dictionary. I like the dictionaries because they show you the meaning of words. I hope you have great days. Sincerely, Samantha
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Nancy Chrisman; Faith member Mary Ann Crutcher; Faith member Pat Gsellman; Faith member Bill Henke; Faith member Alison Seefelt
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 member Marsene Parker and family; upon the death of her sister Ethel Peterson.; Pastor Jean presided at Ethel’s funeral on April 27.; For Faith Youth Leaders Leo and Wendy Boes, and family, upon the death of Leo’s mother Gloria on May 19.
In Thanksgiving: With joy upon the birth of a son, Anders John, to Faith members John and Segal Pedersen. ; Anders was born on April 30 and weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces.; With joy upon the birth of a granddaughter, Blythe Mae, to Faith members Steve and Penny Thompson.; Blythe was born on May 5 and weighed 9 pounds, 11 ounces.; Her parents are the Thompson’s daughter Kirsten and her husband Paul.
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