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June 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.
Worship Notes
9:15 a.m. Worship - Railings Stay Down - For VBS
The railings around the altar were removed during the Season of Easter and for the Day of Pentecost (June 4). It has been decided that they will remain down until the end of June to facilitate Vacation Bible School activities in the Sanctuary June 19-23. Holy Communion will continue to be served in a continuous fashion until the railings return.
Come Up Front - To Enjoy the Postlude
Each Sunday we are blessed by the musical offerings of Faith’s gifted organist Bob Mollard. Unfortunately, the organ postlude often is lost in the activity of people leaving the sanctuary and greeting one another. So, we invite worshippers to pause now and then to notice the beautiful music that closes the service. Why not come up front to better hear what is being played? Also, the congregation will occasionally be invited to sit and listen to the music as we give thanks for the many ways that God’s love is communicated to us.
Calling All Good Samaritans
Some of you have commented upon the fact that I don’t contact everyone when an opportunity arises to help in a specific way outside the bounds of our usual monthly offering. My response has been that on a number of occasions I’ve asked for people to let me know if they want to be part of the “Good Samaritan” team, and you can still do so.
Now we have an opportunity for many to respond as Good Samaritans.
I have been contacted by the Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties asking for our help. Both Pastor Jean and I feel this is a worthwhile cause, so I will organize and help with this effort.
The Rape Crisis Center needs new, comfortable clothes to distribute to area hospitals. (A woman’s clothing is kept as “evidence” in rape cases.) For the next few weeks we will be collecting clothing for this outreach opportunity. You can bring the clothes (remember, they must be new) to my office or the church office between now and June 18. Following is a list of what they need:
Women’s underwear (all sizes) comfortable shorts (S, M, L, XL) T-shirts (all sizes) flip flops (all sizes) Thanks in advance for responding to God’s call to help in this important ministry.
What’s the Bid (New) Idea
Beginning in this newsletter, we will have a Faith Focus each month. We will recognize and celebrate individual groups or teams and learn a bit more about them. You will also hear these groups lifted in prayer on Sunday mornings. We ask that you take a moment to lift these groups, their leaders, and members as you pray for Faith, too.
VBS
Vacation Bible School is June 19 - 23 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for ages 3 through entering grade 6. VBS Family Night will be held on Thursday, June 22 at 6 p.m. Join us for dinner on the lawn, and music and fun in the sanctuary. Jacques the Parrot, Faith's VBS mascot, wants to be a pretty bird! You can help! Please sign up today to donate craft supplies for VBS. Place the needed item(s) in the treasure chest and put a feather on Jacques. Please bring in your donated craft supplies by Sunday, June 4th.
It's not to late to help out during VBS! All the planning is in place, but we need more dedicated volunteers to help children discover the treasure of God's love on Son Treasure Island! Those entering grade 7 through adult are welcome to join us for a fun, tropical escape complete with Bible stories, skits, music, crafts, games, snacks and more! Please contact Julie Magons (330) 336-5212 to set sail for your treasure-hunting adventure today!
Parents of 8th Graders
All parents of youth entering 8th grade this fall are asked to attend a brief meeting at 11:45 a.m. on June 4 in the Youth Room to discuss adjustments to the Confirmation program. Your input is important; please plan to attend!
Retreat
High School Overnight Retreat on Friday, June 16 to Saturday, June 17 at Leo and Wendy's home. You'll leave the church at 6 p.m. on Friday and return at 5 p.m. on Saturday. All youth entering 9th-12th grade in the Fall (and friends) are invited! (Yes, that does include all those students being confirmed in the Fall.)
Please be sure to wear old clothes and shoes!
What to bring: A pair of tennis shoes or boots for hiking, a snack to share, sleeping bag or pillow and blankets, bathing suit and towel (if you want to swim), change of clothes - you will very likely get dirty, pajamas or whatever you'll sleep in, any necessary items -toothbrush/paste, etc.
Faith Bake Sale
We need your help! - The Faith Bake Sale is scheduled for Saturday, July 15 and we need your help with Leo's Petting Zoo! Please call Leo at 330-414-3737 if you are interested!
Retreat
Middle School Day Retreat on Saturday, August 5 at Leo and Wendy's home.
You'll leave the Church at 10 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. All youth in the Fall Confirmation Class (those entering 7th and 8th grades) are invited!
Wear old clothes & shoes! (You may want to have an old pair of tennis shoes or boots for hiking.) What to bring: bathing suit and towel (if you want to swim).
Information Meetings Set
To Review Space Task Force Report - What’s Next to Meet Ministry Needs?
Sunday, June 11 - Following both worship services - 10:20 a.m. in the Sanctuary - 11:35 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall All congregation members are encouraged to attend one of these sessions!
A condensed version of the Space Task Force Report will be sent to members’ homes prior to June 11, along with the Church Council recommendations. Please review these documents and come to hear about the exciting ideas that are being developed to expand the congregation’s ministry by addressing space needs.
Synod Assembly
June 16-17
The Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly is June 16-17 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. This year’s theme is, “Living in God’s Amazing Grace.” The voting members from Faith are Bill Evans and Alison Seefeldt. They were selected by the Church Council to replace Don and Elaine Johnson who are unable to attend due to a schedule conflict. Pastor Jean and Carolyn also will be attending the Assembly.
Bill Evans is one of five lay people who are on the ballot for the position of Synod Vice President. The vice-president chairs the synod council and executive committee meetings and is an automatic voting member at the churchwide assembly held biennially. We give thanks for Bill’s willingness to serve, and will remember him in our prayers.
Faith Focus
With a successful season of Explorer’s Club behind us, it is appropriate to take time to recognize and celebrate all those who work so hard to help our children in their spiritual growth. Explorer’s Club faced a challenging year with new leadership and new times. Leaders and teachers rose to the occasion and we opened our year with a dynamic “Rockin’ Rally Day”. Attendance varied over the course of the year, but our instructors and helpers were dedicated to serving our kids.
Thanks to Heather Stafford and Barry White for leading this effort and their team, Maxine Heldridge, Deb Rose, Peter Lorzing, Kit Scheetz, Pam Goddard, Mary Gsellman, Beth Gsellman, Norma White, Denise Henkel, Christy Schmidt, Cindy Boswell, Kim Kennedy, Laurie Lappin, Beth Cook, Ann Britton, Lisa Bricker, Arthur Britton, Joe Dankoff, John Dietrich, Bob Hartz, Dineen Dowling, John Knops, Flo Mackall, Dana Singer, and all the helpers from Fall Festival and Winter Learning: Carrie Wells, Donna Watkins, Christy Schmidt, Nancy Williams, Dana Singer, LoraLee Daily, Kim Kennedy, Lorna Schnell, Sue and Dan Malkowski, Wendy Roddy, Patty Wyman, Amy Franks, Pat Gsellman, Chris Butler, Tyler Johnson, Anita Sears, Cindy Boswell, Stephanie Short, Norm Schmidt, Leslie Redd, and Barb Nonno.
Plans are already underway to continue dynamic children’s ministry here at Faith next fall. Please prayerfully consider how you might be able to help! There is far more to do than teach although teachers are always welcome. Several of our staff have requested some time off so that they can attend adult studies next year and get recharged. Training will be provided. The only requirement is that you love kids! Contact Heather, Barry, or Carolyn for more information.
Faith is Hosting a Synod Workshop.
The Evangelism Committee of the Northeaster Ohio Synod is hosting a workshop called A FAITH THAT CALLS MEN TO LIFE AND MISSION (see article in this newsletter.) Professor Roland Martinson will be speaking about how congregations can attract men and keep them! The event is May 13 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. here at Faith. We would like to have a great turn out for this event, and will even pay your registration fee. If you can attend, please contact Carolyn and she will register you.
Spring Clean-up Day
Saturday, May 20, 2006
9 a.m. to Noon
We need people to help with cleaning windows, courtyard maintenance, mulching and general clean-up. A lite lunch will be served. Hope you can help!
ATTENTION!!!
Do you use the Fellowship Hall Storage Room???
Any groups or individuals who have items in the Fellowship Hall Storage Room should be aware that the area will be cleaned out the week of May 29. All items that belong to particular groups (Boy Scouts, Mother’s Together, Pre-School, etc…) should be placed in their “designated” areas before then. Anything that belongs to individuals should either be labeled concerning its use or taken home.
Those items that do not have an obvious purpose, or are not in a group’s area, will be given away or thrown out. We want to thank-you in advance for your attention to this house keeping matter.
Meeting
Next Team Leader Meeting is Right Around the Corner!
At the Team Leader meeting in March, a large majority of those in attendance requested more frequent meetings. We’ve heard you and are granting your request! ALL TEAM LEADERS are encouraged to attend our next meeting on Saturday, June 3 from 9:15 – 11:30 a.m. Mark your calendars and plan to join us. Child care and refreshments will be provided.
Pastor’s Summer Study
“The Lutheran Course” - June 14-July 27 - Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.m. - OR
Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. - Fellowship Hall - An introduction for new Lutherans AND a refresher course for “old” ones!
A recently published book titled The Lutheran Handbook has been a best seller for Augsburg Fortress. In it there is a winning combination of sound theology and offbeat humor. “The Lutheran Course” is based on the Handbook and takes adult learners through the fundamentals of Lutheranism in 7 sessions. There is a different DVD presentation for each topic.
Topics Include: How to Tell the Difference Between the Law and the Gospel - Five Things You Should Know about the Lutheran Reformation - The Anatomy of Baptism - How to Receive Communion - The Three Most Rebellious Things Jesus Did - How to Read the Bible - How to Share your Faith with Someone
Mark your calendars now and plan to attend!
Attention Golfers
St. Luke Lutheran Community - 9th Annual Benefit - Raintree Country Club - Wednesday, June 28 -10:00 a.m. (Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.)
The event will feature a day of golf on the 18-hole championship course, cart, lunch, hole-in-one contests, raffle prizes and a buffet dinner in the club dining room. Proceeds will go to the St. Luke Foundation’s Resident “Assistance Program”.
Faith Golf Outings Save These Dates - June 25, July 30, August 27, September 17
Faith’s Good Samaritans Strike Again!
Thanks to the generosity of some members from Faith, we were able to provide Easter dinner, Easter baskets, groceries, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to three families in very dire straits. These Good Samaritans respond in love, without judgment, and without care about recognition or credit! A special thank you to Stephanie Short for coordinating, shopping, and meeting with the social worker. If you have never had a chance to be a Good Samaritan here and would like to, let Carolyn know and she’ll add you to the list.
Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ!
Janice and I want to thank you for the Easter card the church sent. The gift cards you sent will go a long way toward making our bills feasible. We appreciate the help you have given us. Even more, we are impressed that the help was given without our asking, and that it arrived unexpected. I can say for both Janice and I that we have never been a part of a church that did anything like this. Your benevolence is one of the many reasons that we have always felt welcome at Faith Lutheran, and it stands as one of the reasons we are proud to be named as members of Faith.
With the deepest sincerity thank you.
Thankfully yours, Lucius and Janice Wedge
WELCA
WELCA would like to thank members of the congregation for their BOLD response to the Lenten Challenge. Your gifts helped us to surpass our goal! These gifts to LWR will benefit many women and children in impoverished countries through their health programs.
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Bob Heldridge, Faith member Doug Winslow
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 of Karen Sue McNeil Morton, a former member of Faith Lutheran Church, who died on April 15. She is the niece of Faith member Jean Butler.
In Thanksgiving: For Davin Cole Narhi, son of Faith members Ward and Elissa Narhi, upon his baptism on Easter Sunday, April 16. For Mark Rudolf Hinderegger, son of Paul and Barbara Hinderegger upon his baptism on April 23.
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