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June 2002 Newsletter
    
FALL PROGRESSIVE DINNER
For those of you who do not know about this culinary and social extravaganza,
you must try to attend. "Progressive" means that everybody progresses to the
homes of different parishioners for each course: appetizer, then salad, then
dinner, then the final destination for dessert.
Please plan to attend this event for a wonderful evening of food, fellowship,
and a great opportunity for every parishioner to meet many new people.
More information to follow...
LETTER OF CALL
TO AN ORDAINED MINISTER OF
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
In the Name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Jean M. Hansen
With prayer for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to do God's will,
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
a congregation of the
Northeast Ohio Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
meeting on
March 17, 2002
extends to you this call to serve as
Pastor
We call you to exercise among us the ministry of Word and Sacrament which God has established and which the Holy Spirit empowers: To preach and teach the Word of God in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions; to administer Holy Baptism and Holy Communion; to lead us in worship; to proclaim the forgiveness of sins; to provide pastoral care; to speak for justice in behalf of the poor and oppressed; to encourage persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel; to impart knowledge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its wider ministry; to endeavor to increase support given by our congregation to the work of our whole church; to equip us for witness and service; and guide us in proclaiming God's love through work and deed.
In accepting this call, you hereby promise to fulfill this pastoral ministry in accord with the standards and policies for ordained ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Therefore, be diligent in the study of Holy Scripture, in use of the means of grace, in prayer, in faithful service, and in holy living.
With this call, we pledge our prayers, love, esteem, and personal support for the sake of the ministry entrusted to you by God and for our ministry together in Christ's name. Specific responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and condition of this call are contained in a document related to this call.
In testimony of this call, we have subscribed our names on behalf of the congregation on this 18th day of March, A.D. 2002.
Bill Beers, President
Invitation
You are invited to join the people of
Faith Lutheran Church
in welcoming
Pastor Jean M. Hansen
during a Service of Installation
at Faith Lutheran Church
at 3 p.m.
on Sunday, June 9, 2002
Presiding Minister:
Bishop Marcus Miller
Northeastern Ohio Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America
A reception will follow the service.
HELP PASTOR JEAN
....GET TO KNOW YOU
One of the best ways to become acquainted with people is to visit them individually. With that in mind, Pastor Jean is setting aside some afternoons and evenings to make visits to people homes, or to meet with them in another setting of their choice.
Rather than going through the tedious process of setting up appointments by phone, and playing "phone-tag", a sign up sheet for visits is posted on the bulletin board across from the mail boxes. Please sign up for a date and time; Pastor Jean will contact you a few days before the visit to confirm.
Even if you have known Pastor Jean in the past, she would like to become reacquainted with you and your family.
Initial dates are in June, July and August.
7 p.m. on Tuesdays: June 18, 25 July 16, 23, 30 August 6, 13, 20, 27
7 p.m. on Thursdays: June 13, 20, 27 July 18, 25 August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
2:30 p.m. on Mondays: June 3, 17, 24 July 15, 22, 29 August 5, 12, 19, 26
Please sign up for these visits!
SUPPORT JOHN MARONI
Youth Director John Maroni will be leading the worship services on Sunday, June 30 and on Sunday, July 7, while Pastor Jean is on vacation. Please pray for him as he prepares for those services, and also throughout the summer.
This summer John is participating in Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Akron General Medical Center. He will be working as a chaplain; this involves visiting patients and being on call as well as attending seminars, debriefing sessions and writing papers. This program is a seminary requirement, and can be a challenge. Please remember him daily in prayer and with words of support.
Going on Vacation? Already??
The Pastor is Going on Vacation? Already????
In October - long before Pastor Jean knew she would be coming to Faith Lutheran Church - she scheduled an Alaskan vacation for June 30-July 11. The Church Council graciously agreed that a vacation after only two months at the church might be a good idea. Please remember her in your prayers.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, June 16 Father's Day Car Wash 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 29 Cedar Point 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
July 13 - 20 Mission trip to South Dakota
Mark your calendars
Faith's Golf Outings are scheduled at Pine Valley Golf Course at 3:00 p.m. on the following Sunday afternoons:
June 30th July 28th August 25th September 22nd
Watch your Sunday Bulletin for more details or call Sally Hauth at 330-825-8477.
Needed are people who will open their homes and provide a light supper following one of the outings.
Sunday, May 19, 2002, Explorer's Club Un-Rally Day
Explorer's Club has expressed interest in having Un-Rally Day during the 10:45 a.m. Celebration Service. At this time there will be a regular Sunday School and Light Service at 9 a.m. the ideas for service is to have a service similar to Explorer's Worship with children singing their songs (accompanied by Bob Hartz), short sermon, children's sermon, teacher recognition, student recognition and short student presentations. Last year's service was too long (almost an hour).
Service details will be worked out with Pastor Deborah, Pastor Jean, Dana Singer and Pat Gsellman, and Hans and Scott.
This may be a good time to try out the hospitality time from 9:15 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. between services. We need to keep the students and parents at church with food, music and activities. If the reception is held between the services, we will not have one following the 10:45 a.m. service.
PHOTO OP
Faith Lutheran Church has a terrific photo op for its members! After more than 10 years since our present church directory was assembled, Faith has entered into an agreement with LifeTouch to publish a new directory. Photos as well as addresses of our current members will be included. What a wonderful resource for our church members as well as for Pastor Jean.
Beginning in June, each Faith family will be asked to sign up for a photo session. Be thinking now of what day and time would be good for you. Sessions will be scheduled Thursday, July 18 and Friday, July 19 from 4-9, Saturday, July 20 from 10-4, Thursday, August 8 and Friday, August 9 from 4-9 and Saturday, August 10 from 10-4. Several poses will be taken during the session and you will be able to view and make your selection immediately. Each family will receive a free church directory and a complimentary 8x10 photograph as well as the oportunity to order additional packages for family and friends. In talking to members of another church who used this company, they indicated that they were extremely pleased with the photos and the lack of any high pressure sales.
In addition, the committee is looking for photos depicting life at Faith to be included in the introductory pages. These would include pictures of such activities as Explorers Club, Adult Sunday School, Confirmation, Clara's Club, Youth Group activities, W-ELCA, Music groups, Flashlight Band, Rally Day, Lay Weeders, Garden Club, Soup Ministry, Busy Fingers, Preschool, Boy Scouts, Open-M Ministry, and many more. If you have fairly recent pictures that you feel should be considered for the introductory pages, please lend them to Barb Beers to be scanned into the computer so we can have the best possible pictures telling Faith's story. All pictures will be returned to you. Please call Barb at 330-869-0864 or mail pictures to 2084 Brookshire Rd., Akron, OH 44313 or leave them in our box at church.
Please plan your summertime schedule to allow time for a photo to be included in this directory. Remember, the only way to be guaranteed your copy of the directory is to participate. We need you to make our directory complete!
YOUTH
Grades Completed 6 - 12 You can earn free admission to Cedar Point on June 29 That's a $39.00 Value just by participating in
The Details
Explorer Club
EXPLORER SUMMER CAMP! IT'S BACK! AUGUST 12 - 16, 2002 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Have a bunch of fun before school starts! Vacation Bible School is where you can bring a friend, share the fun, and discover Jesus!
PAID TO MEMORIZE
YOU CAN GET PAID TO MEMORIZE THE CATECHISM
In Luther's Small Catechism, the Apostles' Creed is divided into three articles: the Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit. For each article, Luther answered the question What does this mean or What is this. High School Students have until May 19th to memorize and recite each of the three explanations.
The first 12 students to do so will receive a $20.00 gift certificate to either Best Buy or Borders Books and Music.
See John for a copy of the Small Catechism or for more details. Good Luck!
Request from Busy Fingers
This group that makes quilts for "Good Neighbors" is looking for two (2) portable sewing machines. They must have zig-zag capability and be in good working condition. If you have one that you would like to donate, please call
Maxine Heldridge (330) 836-3248 or Charlotte Shuff (330) 745-1820
SUNDAY LEARNING LIFE
1) ADULT SUNDAY LEARNING LIFE 1) ADULT SUNDAY LEARNING LIFE GROUP has been doscussing Judaism and Islam. During the curent month, the group will not meet. Beginning in September, the group plans to learn about many other faiths including the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Roman Catholic Church, and various Protestant denominations and to compare each of them with the ELCA. For details, please call Sara or Jim Shook at 330-867-8598.
2) Women's Beginnings Life Group: The Women's "Beginnings" Life Group will be starting a new study.....
Walking in God's Promises Character Studies: Sarah by Elizabeth George
We meet at each other's houses usually every other week, depending on participants' schedules.
Young children are welcome. Next meetings:
Monday, May 20th at Cherli's Monday, June 3rd at Flo's Monday, June 17th at Kathy's
All meetings are at 10:00 a.m. Bring your Bible to share interpretations. Call Denise Henkel for information - 330-867-4569
What's new for the 7th/8th grade group? A new Life Group, that's what! At 9:15 a.m. each Sunday, the 7th/8th graders meet at the courtyard windows, near the church office. This Life group connects Bible scripture to everyday life. It's an interactive, informal gathering that helps kids connect to God and to each other.
We have been blessed with volunteers that change monthly: Beth Strimple, Pat Gsellman, Randy Cole, Tim Bullock, John Dietrich and John Daily, Bruce Lightle. Thank you all for making a difference!
Lutheran Brotherhood
- Aid Association for Lutherans
Charitable Gift Planning: Strategies to Help You Make a Difference
At this seminar you will receive helpful information on how to:
- Eliminate tax on IRA's!
- Convert a non-income producing asset into an income for life!
- Minimize any estate taxes you may incur at death!
- Reposition assets to benefit you, your family and your favorite church or charity instead of the government!
- Create an estate protection plan to benefit you, your family and your favorite church or charity instead of the government!
These are important issues. That is why Aid Association for Lutherans/Lutheran Brotherhood and your representatives, Dennis Gearhart, Paul Joestlein, Lawrette McCann, Stephanie Miller and Rick Papay invite you to attend this free informational seminar co-chaired by Branch 3461 of Fairlawn Lutheran.
Seminar details: Tuesday, June 4, 2002 at 2:00 p.m.
Refreshments will be served.
William Metzger CLU, CHFC, DSD will be the guest speaker.
Please call (888) AAL-8099 to reserve a place for yourself and a guest.
While insurance products and securities may be suggested as a solution to your needs, no products will be sold at the seminar.
Worship Ministry
Thursday, April 4, 2002, 6-7 p.m.
Present: Pat Gsellman, Joyce Lightle, Pastor Deborah, Hans Zbinden, Art Britton, Sally Hauth, Kurt Mackall, Sheila Knops, and Barb Dillahunt.
On behalf of Council, Pat Gsellman thanked and commended everyone involved in the Holy Week services. All the services from Palm Sunday to Easter were exceptional from the settings to the music. The Easter Sunday music was truly to the glory of God. It was one of the most inspirational services ever held at Faith Lutheran. Thank you.
Pastor Deborah started the meeting with a prayer.
2002 Goals
- Ushers: Art Britton still needs ushers for April and May.We may be asking for assistance prior to service for collection and communion.
- John M. needs help scheduling acolytes. Pat Gsellman will review with John. M.
Celebration Service: Pastor Jean and Hans (w/Scott) will work on incorporating more liturgy into Celebration Service.
- Providing a Hospitality Time (10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.) discussed. The idea is to provide a transition time with the Light Service people staying after and the Celebration Service people arriving early to join in fellowship.
- Refreshments should be store-bought so we don't put excessive demand on our cookie makers.
Use the Courtyard or front enterance area.
We could provide music (guitar, piano, etc.). Consider having youth perform. The Flashlight Band could perform.
The Light Service may request everyone to park in the back lot on some days so Celebration Service people can park up front.
During summer we could move outside by parking lot.
Sheila K. will write up a proposal and estimate a budget.
- Altar Flowers: Not enough people are signing up for flowers resulting in a significant cost to the Church. Sally H. will check with florist to find out if cost will increase if we don't have flowers every week. If the cost (unit price) does not go up significantly, flowers will not be provided on Sundays if no one signs up.
- Property Issues
- A majority of the guest parking spots are unused each Sunday and the maternity parking spot is always empty. It was suggested these signs be removed.
- With the elimination of the stairs in the rear a handicap parking spot(s) should be provided in the rear parking lot.
- The dumpster should be moved to the rear of the parking lot. It is very unsightly in its current location. It also takes up a couple parking spaces.
- The little Faith Church parking sign in the front of the building needs to be replaced (reinstalled).
- We need more parking lot lights.
- The parking lot lights and overhead outside door lights should be on from dusk to dawn.
St. Luke's Annual Appeal
GOD'S CALL TO SERVE
For Mother's Day or Father's Day you can give a gift that will be remembered for years to come. In response to GOD'S 4th Commandment "Honor they Father and Mother", a gift provides an ideal opportunity to express your feelings and support St. Luke.
The St. Luke Foundation, established in 1983, has provided over $750,000 in financial aid for residents who have outlived their resources and do not qualify for any other form of assistance. Currently, the Foundation's expenditures are over $10,000 a month. Last year the St. Luke Foundation helped an average of six individuals who required financial assistance, which amounted to nearly $120,000 and this year support for residents "in need" is projected to be about $125,000.
Your gift will insure that St. Luke Foundation monies will be there to help. Where would you go for assistance if your Mom or Dad needed this help? Helping St. Luke can be a rewarding time in your life. It shows that your Christian Spirit extends beyond the four walls of your church and home.
St. Luke Lutheran Community is a Not-For-Profit continuing care retirement community for senior adults with a tradition of almost 50 years of Christian service. Our corporate family consists of 55 Lutheran Churches covering Carroll, Cuyahoga, Stark, Summit, and Tuscarawas Counties.
Did you know that St. Luke is also part of Lutheran Services in America (LSA)? This group works with all the Not-For-Profit Social Outreach Ministries from both the ELCA and LC-MS. As a collective church body, we are second only to the United States government in the people we help each year.
Thank You For Supporting Our Ministry.
St. Luke Lutheran Community's Mission Statement
"In response to a call from God, the mission of St. Luke Lutheran Community, a not-for-profit ministry, is to provide a quality continuum
of care and services to older adults in an affordable and caring environment where the residents can live in comfort and dignity
in a loving Christian Community."
OPEN-M
Open-M's Summit County free clinic (medical and dental) is the one place our neighbors in Akron can seek medical care when they have no health insurance. The latest survey done by the Summit County Health Department estimated that there are approximately 20,000 children and 64,000 residents in Summit County without medical insurance. The growth of the health care ministry at Open-M has been outstanding. In 2001, care was provided to almost 1,800 patients. Unfortunately, medical appointments are now being scheduled for July.
There now are three dentists who rotate through the dental clinic schedule. The clinics are open the second and fourth Tuesdays and a Thursday morning with a trained pharmacist on duty to dispense the drugs.
Along with the increase in patient visits comes an increase in the need for pharmaceuticals. Thanks to grants and personal donations, the pharmacy became computerized. One volunteer pharmacist recounted that, during an 8 hour shift at a national drug store chain where he is employed, they consider filling 130 prescriptions to be a really busy day. On the night he told the story, the Open-M pharmacy filled 202 sets of doctor's orders for medicine. In the year 2001, the pharmacy filled 3,375 prescriptions at a value of $400,000 and it was done at a cost of just over $10,000!
With leadership by a physician from Children's Hospital, a new Pediatric Clinic is now open. This effort is focused on immunizations, well-child exams, and sick child care.
As noted, Open-M helps the poor and the working poor of the Akron area.
- Norm Schmidt
Summit County Children's Services
Summit County Children's Services has a proud history dating from 1887. A focus on America's children and child welfare dominated the period following the Civil War, and Ohio was one of the first states to adopt new laws to save its neglected children. In 1881, local concerned citizens joined a local congressman in signing a petition to establish a home for wayward children. By 1885, the Summit County Children's Home opened it's doors in temporary quarters at the County Home for the Aged on S. Broadway. Two years later, a home on S. Arlington (current home and offices) was purchased.
After the turn of the century, children's issues gained national attention. In 1904, the national child labor council was organized to look at child labor practices and abuses. In 1909, President Theodore Roosevelt called the first White House conference on children to set forth national guidelines for caring for children.
During the 1920's, local philanthropists donated gifts. When economic times worsened and the depression hit, Akron residents continued supporting the agency. In 1930, a children's charter called for national support of a child welfare system that provided services at the local or county level. In 1935, the Social Security Act provided the federal grants to states for dependent child and child welfare services. In the 1940's the Children's home established important links with a variety of state and federal agencies and services.
The Children's Services story will be continued next month.
Norm and Judy Schmidt
Lazy Days of Summer?
Not at Faith! Not this summer! In addition to the Preschool "Summer Camp" Program, and a week of Vacation Bible School, the following projects are being scheduled or planned:
- New lighting fixtures for the first floor educational wing, rooms 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 May 20, 21
- Carpet installation on the first floor hallways, during the week of July 29.
- Addition of a bathroom in room "D" upper level of the education wing, after May 20.
- Parking lot and driveway sealing and striping August 6, 7, 8
- Additionally, a proposal for more parking lot lighting is being reviewed, and the possibility of a new changeable copy sign for the front of the building is being considered.
Of course, all projects are subject to contractors schedules, and activities scheduled here at Faith.
Thank You's
To: Faith Lutheran Church
Attn: John Maroni
Dear Friends,
On behalf of Summit County Children Services and the children we serve, we would like to thank you for your outstanding support of the agency. Because of your efforts many children were provided with wonderful Easter baskets.
Children Services is committed to strengthening families in our community, but we cannot accomplish this task alone. Donations, such as yours, enrich the lives of children above and beyond what tax dollars do not provide.
Thank you again.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Felton, MBA Volunteer Program Specialist
And -
Recently the Children's Service Bureau held a volunteer recognition dinner. At the event Faith Lutheran Church was honored for the many ways YOU, the members of Faith, help Children's Service Bureau, make the life a little better for the children in their care. By providing Easter Baskets, school supplies, volunteering in the Toy Shop and the members of Faith that serve on the CSB Women's Board.
Faith was well represented at the dinner and Faith was given a lovely gold and glass clock.
(Faith is still trying to find the best place to display this beautiful clock. At the present time it is in Pastor Jean's office.)
From Geri Peterson
Dear Joyce, Pat, Pastor Deborah and Church Council Members,
I want to thank you all for the most inspiring Easter Sunday worship service that I can recall in my 68 years! The sermon and all the music were outstanding! Thank you all for your joyful participation.
I also want to thank the Youth for their excellent organization and hard work at the Easter Breakfast. They and their leaders are a dedicated group that Faith Church can be justifiably proud of!
And I don't want to forget the Palm Sunday drama ...the best presentation again, that I can remember. Thank you all.
He is Risen Indeed!
Sincerely yours, Geri Peterson
May 7, 2002
Dear Friends at Faith,
Thank you so much for the lovely send-off last Sunday. Thanks for all your kind words and good wishes. thanks for the scrapbook, which I will treasure. Thank you for the beautiful blue vestments - what an inspired gift idea, and how very generous of you. I only wish that Advent lasted longer than four Sundays! I shall just have to leave them hanging in the front of my closet all year 'round as a remembrance of Faith (as if I ever could forget!)
My time with you has been a blessing for me. May God richly bless you all in all your ministries to come.
Pastor Deborah Wissner
Deaths
We extend our deepest sympathy to Bettemae Ramsey and her family on the death of her father, Harold Staudt in Florida recently;
And to the friends and family of Lucille Loos who died the last week of May. Lucille's funeral will be held at Faith Lutheran Church
on Friday, May 31, 2002 at 1:00 p.m.
Prayers
Week of May 26
Health Concerns:
- (5/21) For Kelly Allen, member of Faith, who is expecting twins and is confined to bed.
- (5/26) For Stephanie Robinson Leucke, Faith member, who is having out-patient surgery on Wednesday.
- (5/27) For Joe Hayes who has liver cancer.
- (5/27) For Elizabeth who is suffering from clinical depression, and feels hopeless.
- (5/27) For Shirley who has lymphoma and is undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
-
(5/28) For Jacob Hurley, grandson of Faith members Carl and Donna Sterner, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
- (5/27) For Meline who has benign brain tumors and is undergoing non-surgical treatment.
- (5/29) For Dawn Harris, mother of Earl Harris - a friend of Ed Rich
- (5/21) For the Northeastern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as it meets in Assembly May 31 and June 1, and for Don and Barbara Dillahunt and Pastor Jean as they travel to the Assembly.
- (5-25) For David's 10-year-old son who has experienced neglect and needs emotional and spiritual healing.
- (5-25) For Michael and Chikira who are experiencing difficulties in their marriage, and for their family.
- (5-27) For the Lord's presence with Faith Lutheran Church, for blessing and inspiration, at the Installation Service on June 9 for Pastor Jean M. Hansen.
- (5/28) For the family of Faith member Lucille Loos who died on May 25. Her funeral will be held on Friday, May 31 at the church.
- (5/22) For Bettemae and Charley Ramsey, members of Faith, and family upon the death of Bettemae's father, Harold Staudt.
- (5/27) For the birth of Jacob Thomas Roose, son of Carl and Lynn Roose, Faith members. He was born May 8 weighing 8 pounds, 11 ounces.
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