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March 2002 Newsletter
    
 Faith passes 30,000 !!
Greetings from Faith Lutheran Church!
I just wanted to drop everyone a line to let you know that the Church website just surpassed 30,000 front page views. Since 97, the church website has been access over 750,000 times!!!
In the spirit of the web ... Jean Gombert and I would like to direct your attention to the fact that you can (and should) send your Beacon of Faith info for the coming month through the on-line form. You will find it linked into the front page.
It is easier for you. Simply attach a Word document to your email and send it off or fill out the form on-line and forget all about attaching documents... Either way I have it set up so Jean and I BOTH get the Email that you send or the form that you fill out. By doing so you will insure that your newsletter item not only gets into print and out in the mail but will also make the On-Line newsletter by the first of the month.
Thank you for your support and make sure you check out the church website often for changes and innovations.
Best regards,
Ed Rich
WebMaster@FaithLutheranChurch.org
Church Council Changes
At the January meeting of the Church Council, Bill Beers, Council President,
accepted the resignation of John Warner from Church Council. In his letter to
the Council, John cited previous commitments that prevented him from giving the
level of attention to Council duties that he felt the congregation needed.
Bill reluctantly accepted his resignation and thanked John for the outstanding
service he gave during the past two years. The Council then appointed Deb Rose
to fill the remaining year on John's term. Deb was a candidate for Council at
the last Congrgational Meeting. Deb assumed her duties immediately following
the meeting.
Church Council liasion assignments have been changed to reflect the spiritual
gifts of the current council members. The following council members are
jointly responsible for liasion with all teams, groups and committees that
operate in the following five Ministry Areas:
Growth and Learning: Karen Mallison and Deb Rose
Care and Nurture: Lois Chaffee and Ann Snyder-Britton
Global/Witness: Randy Cole and John Knops
Worship/Music: Pat Gsellman and Joyce Lightle
Operations: Hal Wilson and Ole Latham
Leadership Development/Staff Support: Bill Beers and Barry White
Bill Beers will serve another year as Congregation President while Barry White
assumes the office of Vice President. Continuing in appointed offices are Kit
Scheetz as Council Secretary and Bettymae Ramsey as Financial Secretary.
Special Congregational Meeting
A special Congregational Meeting has been called for Sunday, March 17, 2002 for the purpose of voting on the Council recommendation to issue a call to Pastor Jean Hansen.
The Congregational Meeting will follow a dinner and time for the congregation to ask Pastor Jean questions concerning her expectations of her ministry for us.
The plans are for the evening to begin at 5:00 p.m. with dinner. A nursery will be provided. A formal announcement concerning the event and the Congregational Meeting will be mailed to you as soon as the details are finalized.
Please put Sunday evening, March 17, 2002 on your calendar now and plan to attend this important meeting.
Church Council acknowledges the outstanding effort put forth by the Call Committee on behalf of the Congregation. Please take a moment to thank Mike Chaffee, Steve Thompson, Anita Sears, Dana Singer, Don Dillahunt, Marilyn Wilson, Beth Gsellman, Ben Aronson for the wonderful job they did on our behalf.
Brief Vita of Pastor Jean Hansen
Pastor Jean M. Hansen
Pastor Hansen is originally from Nebraska and attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts-Journalism and Religion. She received her Master of Divinity degree in 1988 from Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio. Pastor Hansen currently resides in Wadsworth, Ohio, and is single.
Pastor Hansen is currently the Director of Pastoral Care/Chaplain at St. Luke Lutheran Community in North Canton. Pastor Hansen served as Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Sharon Center, Ohio from 1989 to 1998. Prior to serving at St. Paul, Pastor Hansen was a Pastoral Intern right here at Faith Lutheran Church in 1986-1987.
During her tenure at St. Paul, the congregation in Sharon Center grew from less than 300 baptized members to nearly 500. Average Sunday worship attendance grew from 90 to nearly 200. Regular giving by members more than doubled during the period the church completed a major building addition and added a full time associate in ministry and increased a part time staff member to a full time administrative assistant/volunteer coordinator.
In addition to her duties at St. Luke, Pastor Jean is currently the Chairman of the Synod Finance Committee. This committee manages the budget for the Synod determining how congregation Synod Benevolence contributions are used to extend the Kingdom of God in Northeast Ohio.
During the discussion with the Council, Pastor Jean indicated that helping each member of Faith Lutheran Church grow in his or her faith and extension of the love of Jesus Christ to those who do not yet know His love are high priorities for her ministry. Pastor Jean described herself variously as caring, open, giving, organized and intentional.
Call Committee Update
As you know, the Call Committee has been at work since last August. And by now, you all know that the Call Committee made a decision and recommendation to the Church Council on February 18. The vote by the Call Committee was unanimous. We have prayed and you have prayed for us, and we feel confident that God has guided our discussions and our decision.
The individual we are recommending, Pastor Jean Hansen, has gifts in many areas. You may recall that last fall we asked the congregation to rate the qualities you thought the new pastor of Faith Lutheran Church should have. Many of you responded to that request, and on the basis of those ratings we were able to ascertain four categories of characteristics that you wanted in a new pastor: preaching, administration, evangelism, and youth. In addition to those four, we added a fifth category: personality, because we thought that how a pastor relates to individuals is very important. Pastor Jean fits these categories very well and in several of them, has extraordinary talent.
What happens next is this: after the Call Committee made its recommendation to the Church Council, Council studied the candidate's vita and other documents. The Council then interviewed the candidate and agreed with our recommendation. Now, they will enter into negotiations with the candidate regarding salary and other conditions of employment. Council has arranged for the congregation to meet and talk with Pastor Jean on Sunday, March 17. They will also conduct a special meeting of the congregation that night for the purpose of conducting two votes of the congregation: the first to issue a call to the pastor and the second to approve a compensation package. We hope that a majority of our congregation will be in attendance on Sunday evening, March 17.
The members of the Call Committee are Michael Chaffee and Steve Thompson, co-chair, Marilyn Wilson, Dana Singer, Anita Sears, and before he left on vacation, Don Dillahunt. Our student members, who did not vote but have been great participants, are Beth Gsellman and Ben Aronson.
We want to thank all of the members of the congregation for your patience with us and your wonderful support. It has been a pleasure for all of us to serve on this committee. We're feeling very confident about the leadership of this congregation.
God has richly blessed Faith Lutheran Church and we look forward to working with you and the new pastor as we strive together to take our congregation forward in bringing the story of Jesus and his love, to this community and the world.
Anita Sears
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!
CONFIRMATION 2001-2002
Spring Quarter
Word and Sacraments
April 7 - May 12 10:45 - 12:15, students meet in the Youth Room for Confirmation
May 19 Picnic and Awards
First Communion for Fifth Graders
John Maroni would like to invite our Fifth Graders to prepare for their First Communion by meeting with him in March. On Saturday morning, March 9, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. those young people wishing to prepare for their first communion are asked to meet with him at the church in anticipation of Holy Communion on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2002. The office knows of the following young people eligible for their first Communion:
Alex Simpson, Zack Weidrick, Blake Stecker
If your son or daughter is not listed or is listed by mistake, please call the office immediately at 330-836-8811. Communicants will celebrate their First Communion on Palm Sunday, March 24, 2002 at the 10:45 a.m. Celebration Service.
Youth News
SHARING SEMINARY with john maroni
The next Meeting is Thursday, March 21 at 7:00 PM (this is a 1/2 hour earlier than usual)
the topic THE BOOK OF JOB
Christian theology is an ongoing discussion with roots in Judaism. You do not have to attend a seminary or be an academic in order to become involved in the discussion. Any person who questions the meaning of life or ponders the existence of God is already doing the work of theology.
On these occasions, I hope to share readings and information that will be beneficial to our understanding of the Christian faith. I do not presume to be an authority on the topics discussed. However, I hope to make myself available to answer or research your questions concerning Christianity and Lutheranism.
VIGIL OF EASTER
Faith Student Fellowship Invites People of all ages to a vigil of Easter - Holy Saturday March 30th 7:30 - 8:15 PM
ORDER OF THE SERVICE
SERVICE OF LIGHT We will begin outside near the Narthex and process into the sanctuary. Wear warm clothing if it is cold.
SERVICE OF READINGS People of all ages will participate in giving the Lessons.
SERVICE OF HOLY COMUNION Finally, in a unique setting and as one community, we will share the Lord's Supper together.
YOUTH ON MISSION
Our Mission Statement A place where teens come together to build friendships, character and a relationship with GOD by helping others.
Something exciting is growing in out Youth Room! No ..... we're not talking Fungi here, we're talking about teenagers gathering to put together something bigger than themselves.....Youth on Mission.
Our first mission trip to Pine Ridge, South Dakota was so inspiring, all who went wanted to make a commitment to return. But not just to return! They wanted to return better prepared to give of themselves, their minds, souls and spirits.....to better become "the hands and feet of God." Every person who experienced that trip came back with more. More what? More friends, more self-confidence, more knowledge, more empathy, more sense of adventure, many more aches and pains and most amazingly....more of a truer connection to GOD.
I think it was about then that our wise and wonderful Youth Director slyly pointed out that in order to make our dreams come true, we needed a mechanism to support our youth in their missionary growth.
So, this gathering of young minds is striving to establish not just a mechanism to return themselves to Pine Ridge next summer, but, to create a mechanism for all Faith Youth, present and future, to support a mission greater than themselves.
If you are a Teen or parent of a Teen or someone who thinks like a Teen, please know that you are welcome to join in on our Youth On Mission meetings that are held at the church the first Sunday of every month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. All questions can be addressed to me,
Mrs. Penov 330-634-8176 330-666-1295 (home) or penov@csbmrdd.com
or our fearless Youth director, John Maroni. 330-836-8811 (church)
W-ELCA
Wednesday, March 13, 2002 10:00 a.m. In the Fellowship Hall
Program: We will prepare the tables and food to serve at the "Upper Room" special Lenten Service that evening.
Devotions for the program will be given by Kathy Zbinden. Hostess will be Nancy Chrisman. A short business meeting will be held.
The Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA will be held in Philadelphia July 8-14, 2002. this is the opportunity for women of the ELCA to see their Churchwide Board in action and participate in the wide variety of diverse opportunities. Faith Lutheran has been the recipient of a substantial grant for the use of a woman of Faith Lutheran to attend this Gathering.
If you are interested in participating, call Vee Robinson, president of Faith W-ELCA, 330-666-6301, or Elaine Johnson, president NEO-SWO, 330-666-6949.
A bus is available for the NEO women to travel to Philadelphia with an overnight stop in Lancaster, PA. the bus will depart July 9 and return July 14. This will permit time for some sightseeing in the Philadelphia area. Total costs are not definite but it is estimated that the total cost will be approximately $500.00 which includes travel, housing, convention registration and meals.
This GRANT will be an asset to defray the expenses. The theme is "Listen, God is Calling." Why not respond and be a part of this exciting time?
The Triennial Gathering is an opportunity to enrich yourself through study and fellowship with your sisters in Christ throughout the ELCA. Come join with us.
"Listen, God is Calling"
The Gathering theme is a joyous call to gather as a community of women created, called and empowered by God. Listen to the "cry of your heart" and respond by studying the Gathering scripture, Ephesians 4:4-5. These verses offer many concepts which will enrich our interconnectedness: unity, giftedness, diversity and maturity. Paul tells us that we must grow up in Christ. This is applicable to us as Women of the ELCA. We can be enriched and blessed by our participation at the Triennial Gathering in Philadelphia. Each day will begin with praise, prayer and Bible study led by three of the ELCA's women bishops. Workshops will continue to deepen the power of these studies. the day will conclude in a mass gathering celebrating and uplifting the ministries of the ELCA. Also available will be the "Convention without Walls" offered in the surrounding communities enabling first-hand experiences with model programs and ministries. Three areas will be available for this enrichment:
1. Hearing God's Call-Growing in Faith and Wisdom
2. Experiencing God's Call: Learning How to Build Healthy Families
3. Living God's Call: Using Gifts and Skills in Service to Neighbor
The Northeastern Ohio Synodical Women's Board has created a "Grant for Triennial Gathering" which will assist our sisters in Christ to attend this Gathering. First of all we want you to attend this Gathering but if that is not possible perhaps you would like to assist a woman from the Northeastern Ohio Synod to attend by contributing to the "Grant for Triennial Gathering." The form for this is printed as an insert to this newsletter.
Adult Sunday Learning Life
1) ADULT SUNDAY LEARNING LIFE GROUP meets once a week at 9:15 a.m. in the library. "Honoring Our Neighbor's Faith" is their subject through May using a book by the same title as their primary discussion guide. In March, they plan to discuss Judaism and two world religions unrelated to Christianity. This LIFE Group's specific topics are:
March 3: "Hinduism" - As the oldest religion in the world, it encompasses many different spiritual practices which rely on the same ancient, sacred texts. This LIFE Group will review copies of one of the Hindu holy books, the Bhagavad Gita. They will discuss many Hindu concepts including Brahman, Atman, yoga, duality, good Karma versus bad Karma and reincarnation.
March 10 and 17: "Buddhism" - This LIFE Group will discuss the Buddist concepts of Nirvana, Karma, Meditation, Mindfulness, Egolessness, the Dharma (the teachings), the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path, and the introduction of Buddhist ideas to Americans via transcendentalist writers like Emerson and Thoreau. Modern Buddhist, inluding the Dalai Lama and Zen and Shin Buddhists, will also be discussed.
March 24: "Judaism" - The history of the Jews will be briefly traced beginning in the 12th chapter of Genesis with Abraham and Sara to the establishment of the modern State of Israel. The Torah, Holy days, festivals (including Passover with the Seder meal and retelling of the Exodus story), and modern movements of Judaism (Reform, Orthodox, Conservative, and Reconstructionism) will be discussed.
March 31: EASTER - No meeting of this LIFE Group on March 31.
Each of the above faiths will be compared to the ELCA. The comparisons will be made based on their teachings, types of worship, governments, and other characteristics.
In addition to the book, Honoring Our Neighbor's Faith, which was published by Augsburg-Fortress, they are using several other resources to prompt discussion including videotapes on world religions, text from internet sites for the specific faiths, and the Handbook of Denominations in the United States published by Abingdon Press. On future Sundays, the group plans to learn about many other faiths including Islam, the Roman Catholic Church, and various Protestant denominations and to compare each of them with the ELCA.
This Life Group is led by Sara and Jim Shook. Join them for one hour on most Sunday mornings. Church members and non-members are welcome to attend.
2) Women's Beginnings Prayer Group: Denise Henkel is gathering this women's prayer and study group around the kitchen table on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on member availability. They have coffee and bread or muffins. Children may come too. They are currently meeting around the topic "The Measure of A Woman," by Lisa Bevere. This group is especially for women who have flexible work schedules or are at home with children. Call her for details at 668-4039 (Denise) or 867-5469 (Cherli).
LIFE Groups
Women's Beginnings Prayer Group: Denise Henkel is gathering this women's prayer and study group around the kitchen table on Mondays or Wednesdays, depending on member availability. They have coffee and bread or muffins. Children may come too. They are currently meeting around the topic "The Measure of A Woman," by Lisa Bevere. This group is especially for women who have flexible work schedules or are at home with children. Call her for details at 668-4039 (Denise) or 867-5469 (Cherli).
Lutheran Adoption Network
Have you ever wondered if you could adopt a child from overseas? Lutheran Child and Family Services is now networked with other Lutheran agencies around the world to find "forever" families for children currently living in orphanages in Russia and in seven other countries. Although the staff of these facilities try to do their best for the children, resources are limited and often such basics as food, clothing, medical care, and individual attention are sorely lacking.
Lutheran Adoption Network agencies are trying to untangle the red tape, reduce the geographical, cultural, and legal barriers, and unite these children with loving parents. Applications are accepted from single adults as well as from married couples under the age of 50. Applicants should be in good health and with no criminal record.
Call LCAFS in Cleveland at (216) 281-2500 for more details.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT SOUP SUPPERS
We have openings for various church groups and teams to sign up for providing and serving soup at the Lenten Soup Suppers. These sponsorships go fast so call Pat Gsellman or contact the church office as soon as possible. The dates and availability are as follows:
Wednesday Lenten Services (Soup Suppers)
March 6 - OPEN
March 13 - Seder Meal (Kathy Zbinden) March 20 - OPEN SIGN UP NOW! Patrick D. Gsellman
Over the next several months, I will attempt to give you information about OPEN-M (Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministry). They are a wonderful organization that helps a lot of disadvantaged people in the Akron area and it is important for us to know, as a covenant church, what they do and how they do it. People who live in poverty have little money but they also have attitudes, born of experience, that work against their ability to make a meaningful change in their situation. Often, they did not finish high school and therefore lack a basic credential for meaningful employment. The longer a person lives in poverty, the more convinced they are that they will not be able to change - they lack hope and vision. They feel powerless in the face of most crises, and experience being overwhelmed by the issues of daily living. Many made bad choices at some point in their lives and are living with the consequences for years afterward. Many in our society make choices such as "do I want the movie theater butter or the low fat/low salt popcorn." "Should I buy the green SUV which is a lot of fun or do I go for the blue mini-van which is the more practical alternative?" For others in our society, the choices are more fundamental, "do I pay the rent, buy groceries, or go to the doctor?" For over 12 years, OPEN-M's program, MOVING FAMILIES OUT OF POVERTY has helped move people out of poverty and not just off welfare. They assist families to glimpse their dreams, uncover their strengths, gain necessary skills for the job market, and develop a self-confidence to break the cycle of poverty and to become independent.
- Norm Schmidt
As a covenant church for OPEN-M, you are invited to the Annual Dinner Meeting on Sunday, March 3, 2002 at 6 p.m. The most Reverence Anthony M. Pilla, D.D. will be the keynote speaker. Tickets are $10 per person. Call 330-434-0110 and ask for Betty to make reservations. - Norm Schmidt
Dear Editor of the Beacon of Faith:
I am trying to find a home for two stray cats that were living in the woods behind our new house. We have been caring for them but they really need a good home where they can live inside. There is a female who we just had spayed (short-haired) and a male (long-haired). Both are litter-trained and very affectionate. The female is a little over a year old and I am guessing that the male is about the same.
I am desperately seeking a good home for them so if you can help me out by placing this in the Beacon of Faith, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks. Loralee Daily 330-644-0928
Thank You
Dear Faith Lutheran Church,
Thank you very much for the generous gift of $500.00. We are still discussing what we will do with this gift. We have come up with some exciting ideas. We are very glad you enjoyed our message through word and music.
Yours in Christ, Hosanna Choir of Trinity
Editor's note: This thank you was signed by all the members of the Hosanna Choir.
From the Family of Irene E. Savell
Thank you for your help in providing the luncheon after my mother's service on the 23rd. It was so very kind of all of you to take the time. Jackie Lowe
Many thanks to the five church members who loaned us their cell phones and my thanks to the 20 "FLCFellowship Callers." who on Thursday, January 31 attempted to call every member of Faith. Finally my thanks to those members that were contacted. We did have a few un-answered calls, a few busy signals and a few telephone numbers that "Maw Bell" said: "disconnected," with no new information. Some messages were left on our members' "answering machines."
We did receive several prayer requests, for our "Prayer Chain" and one of our volunteers said the member he called said, "for the past few months I've been attending The Chapel - but since you called I will now return to Faith."
Our next calling event will be Thursday, September 5th at 6:30 p.m. Please consider joining this meaningful and rewarding "mission." Bill Pope
Dear Faith Members
Thank you for the beautiful flowers you sent after the death of my mother. Your cards, thoughts and prayers have helped us get through this difficult time. Thanks also to Pastor Deborah for her support and compassion. Sincerely,
Judy Lee and Family
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