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March 2004 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.
Special Music
Then Faith Lutheran Church needs you!
Do you like to sing in the shower?
Do you enjoy the old favorite hymns?
Do you wake up with a song running through your mind?
During the busy Lent/Holy Week/Easter season there is a tremendous need for "special music." Our Celebration Choir takes care of the majority of that need, but we would like to add another dimension this year. Therefore we are calling all singers to come to one or two Thursday night practices and learn music that will be presented at the evening worship on Maundy Thursday.
Now this is important. You do NOT need to be a professional singer. You do not even need to read music! Scott and Bob will help you learn. We want to involve as many people as possible from all of our worship times so that this group will be a true cross section.
Remember - - this isn't a life long commitment! There will be a practice Thursday, March 18 and Thursday March 25 at 6:30. We will provide child care, too!
Please prayerfully consider becoming part of this important ministry and joining us Thursday, March 18 at 6:30. See you there!
LENT
LENT is a time for reflection, repentance and renewal.
Wednesday Fellowship Meal
The Five Wednesday Evenings In March
6-6:40 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Menu: Soup, Bread, Dessert
Wednesday Worship
JURY SUMMONS!!!
The People vs. Judas Iscariot
The Five Wednesday Evenings In March
6:45-7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
In this five-part Lenten series the worshippers serve as jurors and congregation members portray the judge, attorneys, bailiff, court reporter and Bible witnesses to consider the eternal fate of Judas Iscariot. They will examine the facts and hear testimony concerning the one who betrayed Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Is Judas beyond forgiveness? The jury decides, and the congregation is the jury!
The trial will be set into a Service of Word and Prayer and will include scripture, hymns and prayers.
New Dimension II:
Living the Vision
The Five Wednesday Evenings In March - 7:35-8:20 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall
We will explore together how to "Live the Vision" here at Faith. The discussion will revolve around beginning more small group ministries, learning about Spiritual Gifts, and discussing ways to reach out to the community.
All youth and adults are asked to attend this gather- ing once during Lent. The same presentation will be given each Wednesday by Carolyn Wagar, Min- ister of Christian Growth and Discipleship.
ATTENTION PARENTS! - ALL FAMILIES are encouraged to attend on Wednesday evenings; childcare will be pro- vided for children age 5 and under.
Looking Ahead To Holy Week
Palm Sunday
April 4 - 10:45 a.m. Worship
The Explorer's Club will lead the procession to St. Hilary for the "Blessing of the Palms" liturgy and then will return for worship in the sanctuary during which the children will sing a song of cele- bration. All who wish to join in the procession should gather in the narthex by 10:40 a.m. that day.
On this day we will focus on the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The "Blessing of the Palms" liturgy will also be done during the 8 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. services.
Maundy (Holy) Thurday
April 8 - 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
During this service we will remember the last evening Jesus spent with his followers when he gave them a new commandment (the word Maundy is an English form of the Latin word for commandment.) That commandment was that we "love one another even as I have loved you." Then, Jesus gave the gift of himself in Holy Communion.
This traditional service will include Holy Communion and the "Stripping of the Altar" in preparation for Good Friday. Special music will be provided by a group of people who attend all three worship services.
Good Friday
April 9 - 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
As was true last year, Faith Lutheran Church will join with St. Hilary Catholic church for an inspiring Good Friday service. This is the most somber service of the year as we remember the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Members from both congregations will provide special music and participate in the service.
Easter Sunday
April 11
Details are yet to come on this wonderful day of celebration as we gather to rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Child care will be provided for every worship service.
My First 10 Weeks .
Minister of Christian Growth - Reflections On My First 10 Weeks . .
I've been here ten short weeks. Seventy Days. 1,680 hours. Not very much time, and yet I already feel so involved here at Faith. That is in very real part thanks to the kind of warm, welcoming people you are. Pastor, Judy, Wendy, and Kent all made me feel welcome immediately and we are becoming fast friends. The FlashLight Band invited me to sing with them, and I had a great time. Many of the rest of you have greeted me on Sundays, stopped by my office, called and chatted and have been very gracious in your welcome.
My sense of belonging is also, I believe, thanks to the fact that God really did direct me here and that my Spiritual Gifts of Administration, Leadership, Wisdom, and Faith are a good "fit" for this type of position.
It is interesting, exhilarating, and scary to be a new person in a brand new position and be able to develop that position within the parameters of the job description. One of the ideas I had was to host a Leadership Appreciation/Brainstorming Event. So that's what I did. The first week of February was the time and you all saw the invitations in the Beacon of Faith. I had no idea if this was a good thing or not! I had no idea if anyone would come! Those of you who know me best, knew that I was really nervous. And yet our God was so awesome, so faithful, that He called 49 of you to come out in snowy weather to listen and learn and share! What a great time we had! Many good ideas were shared, and it is obvious that people here are "on fire" for the Lord and ready and willing to work hard.
These are exciting times at Faith Lutheran Church, and I am so proud to be part of them! By the time you read this, I will have hosted the second group of Balloon Brainstorming events and hopefully the results will be equally exciting.
First Communion Sunday
First Communion Sunday - March 7 - 10:45 a.m. worship
Those children who participated in First Communion Class on February 29 will receive Holy Communion for the first time during worship at 10:45 a.m. on March 7 in the sanctuary. Please remember them in your prayers.
Easter Flowers
This year, in addition to the traditional lilies decorating the altar area on Easter Sunday, there will be a choice of tulips, hyacinths, and small daffodils. The price of the flowers is $7.00 each.
Look for order inserts in the Weekly Beacon or stop by the church office. The deadline is April 2.
Help Wanted
Don't stop reading! Every month I will put a "help wanted" section in the Beacon of Faith. These will be areas of greatest need. Please pray for these "tasks" and ask God to send forth the right people.
It is said that there are three kinds of people in every congregation: Property people, Program people, and People people! Which one are you? Which area really tugs at your heart strings? We have a place for all of you.
Property needs folks who want to come together to make decisions and/or get things done regarding our facility. Although we have a great Facility Manager in Kent, there are loads of things that don't fall to him to take care of. Who shovels the walks on Sunday? Who plants some great spring flowers? Who decides when rooms get painted? Who? Who? Who? If you love working in these areas, please call me so I can "hook you up" with the soon-to-be-formed property team.
Programs….they can be as many and varied as we have people. All you need is to have a desire to learn something and tell me what it is! Do you want time management? The book of Acts? Yoga? A Singles Group? Let's talk about it, pray about it, and see what happens!
One of my favorite songs is "People Need the Lord" and when I think about that song, I remember that we are Jesus to people here on earth. We have a need and (I think) an obligation to take care of people. One of the greatest needs is to create a team from our congregation who will "do for others." Make a meal for someone just out of the hospital. Drive somebody to the doctors. Do some grocery shopping.
Many of us at Faith are blessed with local family and friends to care for us. That isn't true of everyone, though, and so we have a great need. Call if you have a need or can fill a need.
Article 20 of the Augsburg Confession states, "It is also taught among us that good works should and must be done, not that we are to rely on them to earn grace but that we may do God's will and glorify him. It is always faith alone that apprehends grace and forgiveness of sin. When through faith the Holy Spirit is given, the heart is moved to do good works." May God bless you as you respond to His call.
Youth
All High School Youth are invited to attend the "Light Service" at 9:15 with Leo & Wendy. We will then go across the street to Panera for discussion regarding Pastor Jean's sermon. This will also give us the opportunity to get to know each other better and plan future events. Starting Sunday, Feb. 29 9:15 a.m.–12ish.
We are in the process of planning a group event
to view "The Passion of Christ" for the high school youth members. We are planning to also meet after the movie for discussion. Date & time will be released soon!
The Middle School Youth had a great time at the sledding event in February! The hills were FAST but luckily we only had a few bumps and bruises (and a broken sled thanks to Leo and Wendy.) We are looking forward to our next outings with this wonderful (energetic) group of kids.
"What Lutherans Believe"
"What Lutherans Believe" Class
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 1, 15 and 22
Fellowship Hall
This class is for those who wish to join Faith Lutheran Church and are not currently members of a Lutheran congregation, or those (members and non-members) who wish to "update" their understanding of what Lutherans believe.
Please contact Pastor Jean by March 28 if you are planning to participate. New members will be received during 9:15
Counters
We still need a few more counters of Sunday offering- it's only a four Sunday
commitment of approximately one hour and WE will train you!
Contact Vee or Bill Robinson (330) 666-6301 if you are willing to help.
Busy Fingers
Busy Fingers is in need of warm fabric -either used clothing or whole goods. Their current supply is very low.
To Have and To Hold:
To Have and To Hold:
Humorous Glimpses of the Ties That Bind,
and sometimes Knot!
A Couples Study
led by Dineen Dowling and Tom Antal
Still getting to know each other? Heard it all before?
Whether you've been together 60 minutes or 60 years,
you can renew and enrich your relationship!
Come join other Christian couples to laugh and learn.
Watch for more information!
OPEN M
In the nearly two years that I have been trying to inform the
congregation about the Salvation Army, Children's Services and OPEN M, I hope you have gained knowledge about these worthwhile organizations as I have. I have gained more respect for these organizations and the jobs they do in helping our community. This will be my last contribution to our monthly newsletter.
Pastor Tim Crouch, Resident Missionary and CEO of OPEN M has had some challenges, and still does. Physically he had several nagging things that led to a series of test after his annual physical last fall. At the bottom were two issues: He was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus that had made its way to the liver. Further, it was discovered that one of the major arties feeding the heart was severely blocked. The best way to attack the cancer would be through chemotherapy and have the heart blockage cleared so the doctors could be free to use whatever drugs would have been the best opportunity for success. He had the surgery for his arteries in November, but things went awry and open heart surgery was required to save his life. As of mid-February, he is beginning his second round of chemotherapy. After the first round of chemotherapy, all the lesions have decreased in size. Prayer is wonderful!
Last fall the annual OPEN M Golf Invitational was successful in that it raised, with the help of 100 golfers, $16,000 for the Summit County Free Clinic. The money raised will be used to purchase diabetic testing supplies and generic medications to be dispensed through the clinic pharmacy at OPEN M.
The Emergency Food Pantry at OPEN M saw a 6.5% increase in the number of families served over the previous year. OPEN M can purchase non-perishable items at 12 cents a pound. Operating four days each week, the pantry serves families for whom food shortage is an issue. An average of a three day emergency food supply was provided for 2,700 adults and nearly 3,000 children. I personally, with another gentleman, pick up at the Food Bank nearly one ton of food a week for distribution.
A growing core of churches and other groups have helped to extend the Hot Lunch Program at OPEN M. It begins on the third Monday and continues each weekday through the end of the month. The volunteers prepare and serve a hot, balanced meal to those who come through the doors. During the past year, 94 days of meals were served for a total of nearly 12,000 meals with an average of 126 persons each day.
Norm Schmidt
Service Ministry Team
Lenten Coin Folders
The Lenten Coin Folders are now in the church mailboxes. Although the folders promote the giving of coins, it is more desirable for the counters if a check or paper money is given.
The monies collected will be designated to Faith's Special Assistance Fund which is used to assist members of our congregation who are in need.
Please be generous in your donations.
EASTER BASKET PROJECT
Faith Lutheran Church will be collecting donations of completed Easter Baskets for the Summit County Children Services Board. If you would rather not make up an entire basket, but would like to bring in items for the baskets, that can be done also. In addition to candy we will be collecting personal items for boys and girls ages 1-18.
Examples of items, in addition to candy, that can be placed in the baskets are:
stuffed animals, paint sets, coloring books and crayons.....
puzzles, yoyos, toy cars, books, etc.
and grooming items such as: toothbrush, toothpaste,
shampoo and conditioner, combs.......
Because of liability, please do NOT include pocket knives, razors, etc.
Please wrap the baskets in cellophane and label the basket with the age and gender of the child. (1-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-13; 14-18) Please place the finished Easter baskets, and items for baskets we will make, on the table provided in the narthex no later than Sunday, March 28. They will be assembled that day and delivered to Children's Services on Monday, March 29.
Sponsored by your Service Committee
Wanted
Anyone who has church memorabilia (pictures or articles) that you think would be interesting to include in the church archives, please turn them into the church office.
Please include names and dates (if possible). Also, include your name so we can return them to you.
Letter From John Maroni
Greetings from Colorado!
I'm halfway done with my internship at Christ Lutheran Church (CLC) Highlands Ranch, a suburb in south
metro Denver. CLC is very similar to Faith in that it is also a transformational church. CLC has four services each weekend; Saturday at 5:30 and Sunday at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00. Worship ranges from traditional to contemporary and like the Flashlight Band, CLC has a band called Crossroads. Small group ministry is a priority at CLC and the groups are similar to the small groups at Faith. The most unusual small group is the Monday Night Football Small Group.
l was excited to hear that Wendy and Leo Boes joined the staff to work with the youth. Leo and Wendy are one awesome couple! Also, I see in the newsletters that new staff members are on board. This is a sign of growth. God is at work in and through Faith Lutheran!
A few weeks ago, I met a pastor at a synod assembly who was a charter-member at Faith. His name escapes my memory. He was at Faith before Pastor Stan came. He was very mature and wise in years. Today he is a pastor in Arizona. I was happy to learn that I am not the first member of Faith to
become a pastor. Faith has a history of equipping pastors and I am honored to be a part of that history.
Beatrice sends her greetings to the church and the youth! She is a healthy 90 pounds and just had her annual checkup. It's hard to believe that on March 16 she will be three years old. It seems like yesterday she was a little puppy that I used to bring to Confirmation class. She misses lying under Judy Lee's desk and getting petted in the office. I miss eating all the food in the office and keeping the refrigerator clean.
In six months, I will return to Columbus and begin my senior year at Trinity Seminary. In May 2005, I will graduate and become eligible for First Call. I am hoping to return to Colorado or perhaps somewhere in the
Pacific Northwest. However, I am open to go anywhere the Church sends me.
I greatly appreciate the financial and emotional support that I receive from all of you. Your cards hang in my office and your letters are precious. You have reinforced my sense of call to ministry, and I continue striving to answer that call to the best of my abilities. I look forward to seeing everyone when I return to Ohio in mid-
August.
May God's peace be with you all!
John
Boy Scout # 390
Boy Scout # 390
10th Annual
Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, March 6
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Cost: $5.00 for adults
$3.50 for children
children under 3 free
Tickets sold at the door.
WELCA
Wednesday
March 10 10:00 a.m
Happy Birthday, Ohio
Speaker: Lianne Neff Heppner
Please bring a bag of Easter candy (or if you prefer, some small toys or gift items)
to be used in the annual Easter Basket filling project.
Thank You
Dear Faith Friends,
We wish to thank our Faith Friends for the many thoughts and blessing you have bestowed upon us during our recent episode of being "under the weather". We never realized how vulnerable we were until we were both homebound because of surgery. Everyone has been so thoughtful and more than willing to help us. Thank you again for your thoughts, deeds and prayers.
Don & Barbara Dillahunt
As we start off in this new position we thank all of you for your kind words of support! It has meant the world to us to know that we have the members of the Church behind us in our endeavors!
Leo & Wendy
We would like to thank all of the parent and youth helpers who helped make the January Explorers Club learning program so successful.
Your enthusiasm and excitement for helping the children to discover God in the world of science was very much appreciated. Whether you helped one Sunday or for all Sundays, we could not have done it without you. What a great way to share God's love together.
We hope to see all of you again next year.
Blessings,
Flo Mackall and Lorna Schnell
Thanks Expressed To Callers
My thanks to the nine members of our congregation who joined me on Thursday, February 12 to share God's love with other members of our congregation as Fellowship Callers. Each person was asked to contact ten other members VIA phone and ask them, "How are you and your family?" We received three prayer requests, which I forwarded to the church office.
Twenty- three volunteers are needed to reach all members, so it was not surprising when one member said this was the first time he/she had been contacted in this manner.
Please consider assisting in this important mission on Thursday, September 9. For more information, please contact Bill Pope at 330 867 4046.
Bill Pope
Dear Partners in Mission:
In gratitude, I acknowledge the kindness and support that your congregation has shown to Heifer Project. When life makes so many demands upon us, it is inspiring to know that there are people, like yourselves, who take the time to remember those who seem to be forgotten.
In our current climate of great progress and wealth, the extreme poverty faced by so many of the world's people often exceeds or comprehension. However, with each contribution to Heifer Project, I am convinced that the common desire for a better life is an attainable goal for all people—not just a few. Working together, we can challenge world poverty and put an end to suffering.
I thank you for your prayers, your generosity and for being part of our mission.
Jo Luck, President and CEO
Heifer International
In Our Prayers
Health Concerns:
Faith member Barbara Dillahunt
Faith member Pat Gsellman
Faith member Ted Peterson
Faith member Pat Preston
Faith member Charlie Ramsey
Faith member Susan Thorkelson
Faith member Kathy Zbinden
In Times of Loss:
For family and friends of Faith member Larry Riggenbach
who died on February 13. His funeral was February 20.
In Thanksgiving:
Congratulations to Ken and Anita Wilson
on the birth of their son Gregory Peter
born on February 16, 2004.
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