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June 2001 Newsletter
    
Explorers' Club Adjourns for the
Summer
The Sunday Adult Learning Class and the Explorers' Club Adjourns for the
Summer
The End-of-the-Year Celebration of the Explorers' Club was held on May 21st
at 9:15 AM. Parents joined their Explorer to sing with Bob Hartz, receive
attendance awards from Pastor Stan, recap the Animal Explorer Travels all
over the world and watch a video by Pastor of the year's events. Teachers
were remembered and honored at the Celebration as well. Snacks ended the
morning.
Lutheran Summer Camp
Are you interested in a unique summer camp experience either for your child
or for the entire family? Consider a week at one of Ohio's Lutheran Summer
Camps. Camp Luther near Conneaut, Ohio, on the shore of Lake Erie, is now
taking reservations for its summer family week programs. Camp Mowana,
located just north of Mansfield, is also taking reservations for their
summer youth and family programs. There is also a Music Camp, a soccer
camp, and an Algonquin Canoe Trip.
Add to the above mix the programs of Camp Frederick near Youngstown with
week of rafting, family camping, Miami Valley Outdoor Ministries which have
week devoted to singles, Choir Camp, canoe trips and backpacking near
Cincinnati, and Lutheran Memorial near Columbus with bicycle trips, night
camps, pioneer homesteading and you have quite a diverse mix of summer fun.
Brochures are available in the front foyer or by calling the church office.
Expanding the Mission
Two summers ago Faith Lutheran Church participated in the "Expanding the
Mission" fundraising appeal for the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Ohio
(LOMO). LOMO provides oversight ministry that sees to the five summers
camps of the Lutheran church in Ohio. Last month, LOMO broke ground for the
New Adult Retreat Center located at Camp Mowana, Mansfield, Ohio. Camp
Luther along Lake Erie is looking forward to starting several projects this
summer. Two more cabins will be renovated as well as new roofs for 12
camper cabins plus another for the kitchen. Luther Memorial will have a new
shower house this summer and is looking to remodel the Priebe Center as
well.
Staff Luncheon in Honor of Kathy Zbinden's Retirement
Staff and friends of Kathy Zbinden, now retired Minister of Discipleship and
Hospitality, will be gathering June 6 for a luncheon in her honor
remembering her ten years of service to Faith Lutheran Church on behalf of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Kathy more than any other kept our attention as a
congregation on the reason for our being: winning new disciples to Jesus
Christ. Kathy, although retired from her position, will continue as serving
Faith but as part of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America.
Consider Joining Our Faith Community?
The spring Discover Faith seminar for those wishing to learn about the
Christian faith - especially those considering joining Faith Church - is
Sunday, June 3, 2001 starting with a pizza lunch at 12:00 PM and concluding
at 5:00 PM.
"Discover Faith" is intended for everyone who wishes to grow in their
spiritual life especially those contemplating joining our Faith family. The
seminar is divided into five parts, "Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?
Living the Gift, The Call of the Church, and Profile of a Disciple. A
special workbook written by Pastor Stan serves as the text. On Sunday, June
10, at 9:15 AM, an orientation session will be held for those making the
commitment to join our Faith family. New members will be received later
that morning at the 10:45 Celebration service.
The fall Discover Faith seminar will be held next October.
Pastor Resignation
May 1, 2001
Mr. Bill Beers, President
Mrs. Polly Dobkin, Vice-President
Faith Lutheran Church
2726 West Market Street
Fairlawn, Ohio 44333
Dear Bill, Polly, Members of Church Council, Brothers and Sisters of Faith,
I am writing this letter on the nineteenth of my anniversary as pastor of
Faith Lutheran Church. In these nineteen years it has been my pleasure to
serve the people of Faith. I have endeavored to do so to the best of my
ability using the spiritual gifts our Lord Jesus Christ has graciously given
me. It has been a rewarding experience for me and my family to have been
associated with the fine people of this congregation. However, I feel that
God is now calling me to a new challenge given my particular gifts and
passion for transformational ministry. So it is with a heavy heart that I
tender my letter of resignation on this the anniversary of my coming to
Faith, May 1, 1982. My last Sunday in the pulpit will be Sunday, June 24,
2001.
I have accepted a call from Messiah Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, Indiana, a
congregation of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, to be their senior pastor. In
brief, I have been called to lead a congregation that is looking to become
as much a transforming congregation as is Faith.
I wish the people of Faith well. I will continue to serve in the time
remaining and pray you all continue to grow as effective discipling
ambassadors for Christ.
Yours in Christ's Service,
Rev. Dr. Stanley C. Sneeringer
Pastor
CC: Members of Church Council
Members of Faith Lutheran Church
Request From Our Sexton
Upon leaving the building in the evening, PLEASE be sure that all the lights
are out--including those in the rest rooms--and the doors are locked.
Frequently, Bill Osborn arrives on a weekday morning with hall, fellowship
hall, rest room lights, etc. left on the entire night. It is just good
management of our resources.
Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly
Bill and Shirley Pope, John Maroni and Ben Emmert-Aronson along with Pastor
once again represented Faith Lutheran Church, Fairlawn, at this year's Synod
Assembly held at the Knight Center in downtown Akron, May 17-19, 2001. Most
notable was the re-election of Bishop Marcus Miller to another six year
term. He was re-elected on the first ballot capturing 78% of the votes
cast.
Other business included the reception of a report calling for the
restructuring of the Synod. This report was received and forwarded for
later review. A Festival Worship service was held at St. Bernard Catholic
Church in the evening honor those pastors who died this past year.
Delegates returned Saturday morning to conclude the Synod's business,
hearing reports, affirming salary guidelines, installing newly elected
members to Synod Council and honoring with "Jefferson Cups" those retiring.
The meeting adjourned at noon with prayer.
Ninth Biennial Convention
Ninth Biennial Convention of the Northeastern Ohio Synodical Women's Organization
Date: August 17-18, 2001
Place: Avalon Inn, Warren, Ohio
Theme: "Guided by the Spirit"
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-26
Friday evening will begin at 4 p.m. with registration and buffet dinner. That evening we will "Reaffirm our Baptism" following the Business session.
Saturday will be busy with more business sessions and Awareness sessions. These sessions provide a wide variety of choices: a Bible Study, a Labryinth, Tai Chi, a conversation with Sally Frank our Churchwide Treasurer or a Spiritual Inventory led by Deaconess Judy Hoshek. A wide variety of opportunity for your individual growth. Saturday afternoon will be highlighted with "Katie Luther Live!" as portrayed by Damarius Peter Pike. The Choral Worship Service will provide the inspiration for us as we conclude our Biennial Convention.
This is an opportunity for your personal enrichment, inspiration and renewal along with your Sisters in Christ of the Northeastern Ohio Synodical Women's Organization. For the specific details contact Vee Robinson at 330-666-6301.
If you are under the age of 40 you might consider applying for the NEW FOUNDATION GUEST program. Applications are available from Vee Robinson. One woman from each of the seven clusters will be chosen for this program. They will be guests of the Synodical Women's Board. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Women of the ELCA.
Explorer Club
Explorer Club Sunday, held May 21, was a wildly successful ending to another outstanding year. Explorers contributed to the Light Service with their greetings, readings, and music. The leaders were recognized for their dedication to Faith's children.
We want to thank one truly special woman, who comes every Sunday without fail. She should have received a perfect attendance award, but didn't. She should have received a hearty thank you, but didn't. Her name is Jean Butler. She calls herself our "office manager." She is that and so much more. She keeps us organized and focused; Jean is our rock and we think the world of her. Thank you, Jean - we love you!
Summer Day Camp
For Grades Completed K through Completed 5th at Faith Lutheran Church 2726 W. Market St. across from the Fairlawn Towne Plaza
Monday August 6th through Friday August 10th Daily from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. (aftercare/latchkey in accordance with demand)
Early bird registration is only $1.00 per hour before June 31st!!!
Activities will include youth worship, Christian education, skits, games, crafts, tie-dye (T-shirts provided), and "water down Friday!" Education centered on the Christian Calendar (Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter/Pentecost)
For more information or to register call John Maroni at 330-836-8811 or e-mail jpm1773@aol.com
Preschool News
Tired of the same old summer camps where you're not quite sure what your child is learning (if anything)? Not looking forward to hearing your child say, "Mom, I'm bored. Let's DO something!" Have we got the answer for you! Send your child on an educational "journey" to Africa, Australia, Asia, the Rainforest or Desert aboard Leo's Ark. Mr. Leo and Ms. Wendy (Faith's Preschool Director), along with their highly trained staff, have once again teamed up to create an age appropriate, hands-on camp experience that will leave your child talking for months! Our camps are outdoor, science\animal based adventures that interpret art, reading, physical fitness and much more. The campers will absorb limitless knowledge of God's creatures during their experiences throughout the week.
For more information and registration forms check the basket outside the Preschool office or call Leo at 330-328-7429. You can also get further information and download a registration form at www.leosark.bigstep.com. Hope to see many of you this summer!
Youth on Mission Team
Lutheran Brotherhood Cuyahoga Valley Branch #8596 and Lawrette McCann (District Representative) will match up to $450.00 of any donations made to the Youth on Mission Team for their trip to South Dakota.
Our last fund raiser for the Youth on Mission Team will be a car wash on Sunday, June 3, 2001 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. We need help in the following items: Old towels that mom says we can have, buckets, sponges, and rags, Ice and Lemonade,Youth and Adult volunteers
If the weather is bad, the wash will be postponed until Sunday, June 10th.
Golf Outing
Saint Luke Charity Golf Outing Wednesday June 27, 2001 10:00 a.m. Shotgun Start
Raintree County Club Uniontown, Ohio
This outing will benefit Saint Luke Seniors who need out help.
For more information call the church office at 330-836-8811
Our Shepherding Program
New Member Sponsor - Our Shepherding Program
It is an important decision to join a church. Incoming members are entering a new phase of their spiritual journey. The Holy spirit's work is the major reason people join a congregation: but programs, people and activities influence where they join. Sponsors provide support to new members by shepherding them into the life of the congregation.
After people are received into membership in Faith with their Sponsors standing with them, the sponsors continue their support by
(1) praying for the new members, (2) getting to know them to discover their needs, and (3) by seeking to involve the new member
in congregational activities.
New members need a friend, need to be understood, need to be wanted, need to be invited to participate, and need to be included in all phases of the life of Faith Lutheran. They provide Faith with new ideas and further growth. Shepherding sponsors provide a way of entrance, welcoming and nurturing for new members.
Baseball Game Lottery
The Annual Faith Baseball Game Lottery is coming up! The Cleveland Indians game is Tuesday, July 31st at 7:05 p.m. against The Oakland A's. Seats are $20.00 in the mezzanine, section 309. We also have reserved tickets to the Picnic Plaza at $14.25 per person It's ton of food and beverage.This year 50 seats are available! It's necessary a lottery will be held. Sign up posters will be in the hall across from the choir room under "sign up." Batters up!
Faith Lutheran Church Counselors
Cheryl Pelka of Lutheran Children's Aid and Family Services is now available every Wednesday by appointment here at Faith Lutheran Church. Fees are based on a sliding scale based on need. She is now taking appointments 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. Appointments may be made by calling her directly at (216) 281-2500.
Giancarlo - John - Scalzi is a psychotherapist, consultant and licensed social worker. He takes appointments on Thursday evenings. His counseling skills come also with the dimension of being Christ-centered. Fees for his services are based on a sliding scale and will be subsidized for members of Faith based on need. For more information please call (330) 653-3190.
The Toddler Nursery
Cindy Callen is the new caregiver for the children in our Toddler Room Nursery while parents attend church services and functions. She will provide a nurturing and caring environment and be willing to entertain and interact positively with a small group of children.
The hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to noon on Sundays. The caregiver will receive one Sunday off each month.
Responsibilities include caring for children of walking age up to 7 years old, maintaining a friendly, orderly, safe environment; and cleaning up the room after the children leave.
For more information please contact Susan Seeley at 330-864-0160 or thomasseeley@compuserve.com.
Lauren White and Danielle Lightle will be volunteering in the Toddler Nursery on the one Sunday each month that Cindy will not be there. Thank you Lauren and Danielle!
Faith Flashlight Band at 4th of July Parade
Last year, the Flashlight Band made its debut in the Fairlawn 4th of July Parade. Along with the Faith Explorers, who marched in the parade and passed out candy, they came home with the second place trophy for best musical entry! It was a real rush for the band to hear and see so many people along the route singing along to the songs and clapping their hands.
We want you to get that feeling, too! We are preparing for this year's float and we need people that are interested in designing, decorating, or participating in this Outreach Activity. We would also love to have parents of the Faith Explorers or youth join us to discuss ideas about making this an even better event than it was last year. We would like to have a meeting by Mid-May, so please sign up to help or contact Chris Sears for more information.
AMFS@apk.net or 330-665-3106
Lutheran Brotherhood
Since it's not fall, it must not be Stewardship time, right? Wrong!! All the time is Stewardship time. We just happened to choose this edition of The Beacon of Faith to start sharing information, ideas, and what the Bible has to say about Stewardship.
Stewardship is not confined to a time frame, nor is it limited to the giving of time, talents, and treasures. No, Stewardship is much, much more. Biblical Stewardship encompasses the whole of life. In other words, as children of God, every aspect of our life is Stewardship.
In this column we will share thoughts on Stewardship. The intent is to help all of us better understand what God expects of us. To kick this series off, we will start at the beginning - with a definition of Stewardship. Christian Stewardship is "the free and joyous activity of the child of God and God's family, the church, in managing all of life and life's resources for God's purposes."
Please read that definition again and again. It will serve us well to memorize what Stewardship is, and the definition will be the basis for all future Stewardship Corners.
TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!
This article submitted by Don Dillahunt, Lutheran Brotherhood Communicator in conjunction with Lawrette McCann and Stephanie Miller, Lutheran Brotherhood District Representatives.
Continuing prayers for:
Willis Pope, Jr.,Tom Parsons, Pat Flanagan, Eric Henkel, Colleen McMullin, Florence Anderson,
Justine Molnar, Paul Hecmanczuk, Milan Rolik, Mike, Nate
Intercessory prayers of members for friends/relatives:
Don and Dorothy Westling (Judy Rosebrock's parents)
Fred Rosebrock (Ken Rosebrock's father)
Veno Saveill (undergoing surgery (Irene's son)
Basil Richmond with congestive heart failure (Ivan Richmond's father)
Andy Hipsher recovering from back surgery
Jill Reues in cleveland Clinic for testing
Jim Rich diagnosed with prostate cancer (Ed Rich's brother)
Helen Jennings for cancer (Pat Bork's mother)
Anthony Dalessio undergoing chemotherapy (Karen Bach's brother)
Karen Gerber experiencing health problems (Diann Sullivan)
Rosella Jeck (Martha Gruetz' family)
Mary receiving chemotherapy (Ed and Ruth Simpson)
Elmer Smith diagnosed with prostate cancer (Kit Scheetz)
Dan Kmet recovering from liver transplant (Robert's brother)
Joe Paparone stuggling to return to health (Brother-in-law of Bill Evans)
Ray Sugget struggling with a brain tumor (Vee Robinson)
Kay LeMaster recovering from a stroke (Ron Garman's aunt)
Jed Schweikert undergoing chemotherapy (Eleanor Schweikert's son)
Lydia Ontko, diagnosed with cancer (Terri Dalski)
Sally Dalski being treated for Alzheimer's (Terri Dalski)
Andrew Leffler battling cancer (Kelly Lockhart)
Lydia being treated for Leukemia (Lynn Rich)
Prayers from our Website
Jim Walker being tested for cancer (Daughter Kelli Walker from Alaska)
Jennifer DePrizio by her father
Cheri Toribo's nephew Bob jailed for using drugs
Tony Martin for employment
Peydon that he will end his illicit affair
William Wedge in prison
Sherry that she might find a meaningful relationship
Immediate
Prayers of Health For
Carol Bouson in Barberton Hospital Marjorie Mazak
Prayers of Hope For
Ruth and the family of Mearl Norman as they mourn the loss of their loved one
Kathy and Bishop Marcus Miller on the death of Kathy's mother, Jessie Quickmeyer
Prayers of Joy for
The baptisms of
LeeAnna Redd
and
Joshua Ryan Alexander and for his parents, Stephanie and Christopher and sponsors Alissa and Gregory
Special Prayers for
Trinity Lutheran, Kent, and it's Pastors Elizabeth Hazelton and Douglas Fidler
and
St. Michael Lutheran Church and Pastor Thomas Fox
Weddings
WEDDINGS
John Wayne Hannah and Trisha Lynn Grady will be united in marriage on Saturday, June 2, 2001 at 4:30 p.m.
Jeffrey Michael Luecke and Stephanie Marie Robinson will be united in marriage on Saturday, June 9, 2001 at 4:00 p.m.
We ask God's blessings on these two young couples as they begin their lives together.
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