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June 2007 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.
Change in June, July
Due to Pastor Jean’s traveling and vacation schedule, and the difficulty of finding an ordained person to serve as supply pastor on particular dates, Holy Communion will be held on the second and fourth Sundays in June and July at 9:15 a.m. worship. Therefore, Communion Sundays will be June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22.
Please wear your red, white, and blue
During our worship service on Sunday, July 1 we will have a patriotic focus. We encourage you to come and pray for world leaders, sing patriotic songs, and wear your red, white, and blue. See you there!
Greeters
In the gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, “Anyone who welcomes the stranger in my name, welcomes me. Anyone who receives a little child in my name, receives me.” Two Greeter Workshops were held in May in an effort to reinstate the Greeter Ministry at Faith. It may seem odd to design a “workshop” on how to greet people, but there are many important facets about being a servant of Christ on a mission to welcome those people who intend to worship with us. Just as we can tell the difference between a warm welcome and a cold shoulder, so can the guests who come through our doors. At Faith we want to extend the warm welcoming hand of God to everyone.
The Greeter plays a small but mighty role in a larger continuum of guest relations (which includes the pastor, the Kinship Café, the guest ambassador, the entire congregation!). Each Greeter has a wonderful opportunity to be that first contact with the Sunday morning experience at Faith. Visitors are made aware of Faith church’s presence from a variety of vantage points, but once they decide to make their way to our parking lot on a Sunday morning, we want to be waiting for them with a key player whose goal is to make them feel welcomed and put them at ease so they are prepared to experience the sacred in worship. Greeters are likened to a divine guest relations service!
How can we effectively greet on Sunday morning? Love our guests! If we prepare for our guests at Faith as we would guests in our home, we think of them, anticipate what might make them feel welcome and comfortable, and are proactive in planning for their needs. Be informed! Anticipate their questions. Know the location of the restrooms and the nursery; know about our Sunday school and youth opportunities. Be ready to tell about Faith’s activities if asked. Understand their uniqueness. People from all walks of life, experiences, personalities will visit us on Sundays. Some will be looking for a conversation. Some want to slide into worship unnoticed. Everyone is at a different place in their walk with Christ. We do well to notice where they are and act accordingly. Assume everyone is a newcomer. So often we worry we will insult someone who has been a member since diapers. But consider the following:
1) The risk of humiliation is worth the chance to make a newcomer feel welcome. 2) We are making an effort to reach out and greet others in the name of Jesus. If we are overcome with worry about mistaking a long-time member for a visitor, then we are focusing on ourselves and missing the point of the mission of being hospitable. Furthermore, if the long-time member is offended by our eagerness to welcome, then they, too, are missing the point of us being a welcoming church. 3) Start with your own introduction, Hello, may name is _________. Welcome to Faith! I’m glad to see you this morning.”, and a simple “I don’t believe we’ve met,” or, if you have but forget names, a simple confession, “I’m sorry I forget your first name,” is appropriate.
If you feel the nudge of the Holy Spirit encouraging you to serve as a Greeter for Faith, we welcome you to this ministry of welcoming! Please contact Dineen Dowling, 330-872-1869 or dineend@neo.rr.com for more information and about ways to sign up. Thank you!
WE’RE THE “WATER PEOPLE”
At our Easter Egg Pass Out this spring, many of our members were greeted by people who said words to this effect, “Oh, you are the church that passes out water on 4th of July”. We are becoming “known” in the community and that’s a GOOD THING!
NEW THIS YEAR will be a “pre-parade picnic”! We want to feed our band and water helpers before we begin the long trek. It will be delicious, too! (Watch the Weekly Beacon for time of this special addition.)
We want this to be a HUGE event this year with lots of people participating. Here’s how YOU can MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Pray for God to call many people to participate.; Buy a case (or cases) of water and donate them to the church.; Donate hot dogs, buns, or goodies for the pre parade picnic.; Let us know if you can work at a “water station” along the route.; Let us know if you will walk the parade route to pass out water.; Let us know if you can make signs for our water stations.; Let us know if you can help decorate the float for the band.
No matter how you help, we’d like to hear from you! Please contact Carolyn ( cjwaggs@aol.com 330-836-8811) or Dineen ( dineen@neo.rr.com 330-873-1869) and let us know!
VBS
MISSION: VBS Prayer Magnet Noisy Offering, AGENTS: EVERYONE! LOCATION: Faith Lutheran Church, DATE: Sunday, June 10, DETAILS: Make NOISY OFFERING and receive a VBS Prayer Magnet to place on your fridge
Vacation Bible School begins June 18th, and our Special Agents need your help to complete their mission! In place of collecting specific craft and snack supplies for VBS, our SonForce Kids Special Agents will receive a
No matter how you help, we’d like to hear from you! Please contact Carolyn ( cjwaggs@aol.com 330-836-8811) or Dineen ( dineen@neo.rr.com 330-873-1869) and let us know!
NOISY OFFERING on Sunday, June 10
Bring in your growing collection of quarters, dimes, nickels and pennies (we’ll also accept cash and checks!) and make some NOISE for VBS on your way to worship! All money collected will be used to purchase craft and snack supplies for Vacation Bible School, and for your donation, you’ll receive a VBS Prayer Magnet!
Meet our Graduates
Jeff Henke will receive his MD from the Ohio State University on June 7,2007. He will be doing his surgical residency in Phoenix, AZ.
Jennifer Lee received her M.S. in Applied Intelligence from Mercyhurst University. She will be working for the government in Washington D.C.
High School
Sean McClish, Chase Nelson, Andrew Rich, Eric Schwarze, Andy Simpson, John Singer, Megan Weidrick
Women’s Convention
Use Your Gifts Boldly NEOSWO Biennial Convention October 19-20, 2007
Kent State University Park - Professional Education and Conference Center North Canton, OH (near Belden Village) Registration Deadline: Friday, September 14, 2007
Join the Women of the ELCA, Northeastern Ohio Synod, as we gather to conduct business, elect degegates, enjoy fellowship and worship together. The weekend will begin on Friday at 3 p.m. with registration for the delegates and those who wish to observe the business sessions and participate in service projects and a prayer walk. Saturdays’s activities will begin with breakfast at the Conference Center at 7:30 a.m.
Registration includes a Friday reception, Saturday breakfast buffet, luncheon buffet, fresh fruit, “Starbucks” and complimentary parking at the Conference Center in addition to the Awareness Seminar and other convention activities. The registration cost is $95. There will be a keynote speaker and banquet on Friday night after the business meeting. The cost of the banquet is $30. Therefore, the entire package for the banquet, keynote speaker, reception and meals and activities is $125. Make checks payable to NEOSWO and mail by September 14 to Sandra Dodd, 330 Bernower Ave. SW, Massillon, Ohio 44646. Scheduled Speakers, Events and Awareness Sessions
Friday - Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Banquet Keynote Speaker, Prayer Walk, self guided, Service Project, hands on for everyone, Augsburg mini bookstore featuring WELCA and devotional items, Serve offers fair trade items from around the worldSaturday - Reverand Jim Kulma, Biblical Storyteller, Bible Leader, Prayer Walk, self guided, Augsburg and Serve, Awareness Sessions: Reverand Stephen Patrick and Musician Joanna Pretzel Anderson, Hymn Sing and Introduction to ELW Hymnal, Becky Johnson and Debbie Hoffman, visiting nurses who recently returned from the Dominion Republic, Churchwide Representative who will speak on using our gifts boldly
Thank You
To the many friends from Faith who have so graciously given of their time and energy to help us through this difficult and challenging time. How have they helped? Let me tell you. Lent us canes, walkers and a wheelchair.,Set up the family room for Bob’s needs.,Cleared snow from the driveway.,Prepared meals; brought fruit from Florida., Transported us to many appointments., Helped with various car problems., Visited/sat with Bob., Picked up prescriptions or medical equipment., Shopped for groceries., Set up “sit-schedule” for Bob once a week for three hours., Cleaned yard for spring—truly a family affair, Sent many meaningful cards., Also we are thankful for:, Visits from Pastor Jean who offered Communion and many words of wisdom and necessary prodding, and the very helpful talks and prayers with Carolyn.
Thank you all for supporting us both with your love and prayers. Mostly, we thank God for you! Love in Christ, Bob and Maxine Heldridge
Faith Participates in Dictionary Project
The church has received MANY hand-written thank-you letters from third graders who are students in a number of area schools. They each received a dictionary purchased with the offering from the West Akron Churches Thanksgiving Service. Here are a few examples, printed as they were written.
Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you for the gift of dictionary, we have lerned a lot of words I lerned what the word hare ment I thought it just ment the hair on your head well thank you agin my grads have gone up sence I got one I relly love the dictionary Thank you. Your friend, McKenna -- Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you for the gift of dictionairie. I like the dictionaries a lot. Your the best people ever. Your friend, Essence -- Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you for the gift of dictionary. I’m even doing a project with the back of my dictionary. I am so thankful for my dictionary. I love it. It was so nice of you for our dictionary. Thank you, Sincerely Maya -- Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you for the dictionaries you gave our class. I really appreciate that. I will take it everywhere I go in my life, home, school, anywhere. You are a real good citizen. I love them! Your friend, Christy R.
Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you so much for the dictionarys. They really come in handy. Most Sundays my mom will do church at home. There are lots of cool things in it. Your friend, Christopher G. -- Dear Rev. Jean Hansen, Thank you very much for the dictionary. It is very useful. You are very kind. I hope all of my classmates like the dictionary too. I am not so good at looking up words but I know that it is a gift. Once again, thank you very much. David #2.5 -- Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you so much for donating those dictionaries to us. I really like them and I will keep the dictionary for all of my life. I want to thank you for thinking of us and all the other kids. I will now know you forever. I needed a dictionary to look up words. Thank you! Your freind, Harmony -- The Rev. Jean Hansen
Thank you for our dictionaries, they are very helpful to us. We use them in almost every subject. They have more than just words in them, they have sign langage, diagrams, and facts about the book it self. The day we got them was the day we used them. We use them almost all the time. It was really nice of you to give us your dictionaries. We didn't have dictionaries of our own, And we really needed some. Thank you. Your friend, Neasia
Dear Rev. Hansen, Thank you for the dictionary. It helps me a lot. On weekends I take it home and look at it. It is the coolest dictionary. Thank you for giving everyone in my class one. Sincerely, Emily -- The Rev. Jean Hanset Thank you for the dictionaris. They are cool. And it helps us alout. It has good sign languveg, we all like the dictionaries. And I hope you make more stuff. Sincerely, Caelan
Mark Your Calendars
Men of Faith Ages 15—85+, June 2, 2007, 4 p.m. Contact Arthur Britton at 330-865-5501 for details.
Faith Golf Scramble
Good fun and fellowship!! Great Prizes? June 24, July 29, August 19, and September 16 Pine Valley Golf Club 469 Reimer Road, Wadsworth 3 p.m. Everyone is invited. Each outing is followed by a lite supper. Non-golfing significant others are invited to the suppers. Sign up sheets will be in the Narthex and outside the Fellowship Hall.
We are looking for those willing to host one of the suppers. If interested please contact Sally Hauth, 330-825-8477 or shauth @neo.rr.com
Pastor’s Summer Book Study
Each summer Pastor Jean offers an adult study; recently the Bible and The Lutheran Handbook have been featured. This year’s topic is the book Mother Teresa’s Prescription: Finding Happiness and Peace in Service by Dr. Paul A. Wright, M.D. The author, a cardiologist from Youngstown, Ohio experienced a dramatic shift in values and life-style, even in the way he practiced medicine, following his encounter with Mother Teresa. He details 10 spiritual attitudes that accompany such a life. The book is only 116 pages long and lends itself to group reflection and discussion.
BOOK STUDY - Mother Teresa’s Prescription: Finding Happiness and Peace in Service by Dr. Paul A. Wright, M.D. 7-8 p.m. on Wednesdays OR 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Thursdays (Same session both times, pick the one that works for you that week.) Five Weeks July 11/12 through August 8/9 Led by Pastor Jean The books will be available in the church office by June 25 for those who wish to participate in the study. A donation of $10 to cover the cost is appreciated, but is not necessary.
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Bob Heldridge; Faith member Tori Kesling; Faith member Karen Mallison; Faith member Judy Vernon;
Special Prayers: For all who are serving in the military, particularly those who are in the midst of conflict, that they would sense God’s presence. And that peace may prevail in our hearts and in the world, particularly in Iraq and all places where people are suffering due to war and violence.; For Leo, Wendy and Charlie Boes as they travel to Guatemala to bring home their 9-year-old daughter/sister Brenda, that they may have a safe and joyful homecoming.; For the Faith youth and adults who will be on a Mission Trip to Guatemala June 11-17, that they may have a safe trip and be strengthened by the Holy Spirit for service.
Thanksgiving: With Faith member Joanne Caton and Ken Frank upon their marriage on May 26, that they would sense God’s guidance daily.
Thank You
Our Guatemala mission trip is almost upon us and we wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone for your awesome support. Since November you have rallied around us by participating in our fundraisers and offering donations. The special offering on May 6 raised more than $2,600. This covered the remaining amount needed to make the mission trip a true reality. We look forward to sharing our experiences with everyone when we return. Thank you again for supporting this opportunity to reach out into the world and share the love of Jesus Christ with the people and children of Guatemala.
Youth Director Search
Faith Lutheran Growth and Learning Ministry is currently seeking applicants for Youth Director, a 20 hour/week paid staff position for an eighteen-month initial commitment to plan, direct and grow our Youth programs for students in grades seven through twelve. Congregational members and friends/acquaintances of members are invited to send a one-page letter/resume stating interest and qualifications to Karen Mallison, c/o Faith Lutheran Church, 2726 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44333, by June 15th. All responses will be confidential.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Faith member Brandon Lightle who earned the Boy Scout’s highest honor and was recognized as an Eagle Scout at an Eagle Court of Honor on May 17. We celebrate with him and his parents, Bruce and Joyce Lightle.
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