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March 2005 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.
Lent
Mid-Week Gatherings Offer Meal and Dramatic Readings
Lent is a time when Christians focus on spiritual growth and renewal. In order to make that emphasis more of a reality in people’s lives, midweek soup suppers and worship are held on Wednesday evenings during this important time.
Wednesdays, March 2, 9 and 15. Soup suppers - 6-6:50 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall - Menu: soup, bread and dessert; Worship 7-7:45 p.m. in the Sanctuary Featuring “Watchers on the Hill” dramatic readings
The theme of mid-week worship is the significance of our Savior’s death. Dramatic dialogs will be presented by members portraying those who witnessed the death of our Lord. The cross is the focal point and the final words of Jesus are the common thread as each drama draws worshippers into the reality of Good Friday. The services will also include hymns and prayers.
Child care will be provided for children age 5 and under during worship. Parents are encouraged to bring older children to the services.
Palm Sunday, March 20
On Palm Sunday, March 20, a live donkey will lead a palm procession around the church (weather permitting) at the beginning of the 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services.
Worshippers are asked to gather in the Fellowship Hall by 9:15 a.m. and in the Sanctuary by 10:40 a.m. to receive the palms and join in an opening responsive reading. Those who wish to do so will then process from the Market Street doors, around the west side of the building, to the parking lot.
THE EXPLORERS’ CLUB will have a special part to play in the day’s festivities. They will gather in the Market Street entry and lead the procession for the 10:45 a.m. service. Upon entering the sanctuary, they will share special music and then be seated with their families.
A blessing of the palms liturgy will occur during 8 a.m. worship. (Please note that due to conflicts in service times we will not be celebrating Palm Sunday with our neighbors at St. Hilary Catholic Church.)
Maundy (Holy) Thursday, March 24
On Maundy (Holy) Thursday, March 24, worship will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. Holy Communion will be celebrated.
Good Friday, March 25
On Good Friday, March 25, Faith members and our neighbors from St. Hilary Catholic Church will worship together. This somber service will be at 7:30 p.m. in the sanctuary and will include the Meditation on the Cross. A combined choir, led by Bob Mollard, will provide special music.
Celebrate Easter - Easter Sunday, March 27
WORSHIP TIMES!
The most important day of the year for Christians, Easter Sunday, will be celebrated at three festival worship services on March 27 at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. in the sanctuary. The services will be very similar as we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus; there will be special music and Holy Communion.
Easter Breakfast will be served by the youth from 8:00-10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
Altar Flowers
No one has yet signed up to sponsor the altar flowers on Easter, March 27, If you would like to do so, please sign the chart posted on the bulletin board across from the Youth Room. Dates in the summer and fall are also available. Flowers cost $45 for two arrangements; checks may be written to Pam’s Posies. The flower arrangements may be given “in honor of” or “in memory” of a person or an occasion.
Please contact the church office with the wording that is to be printed in the Weekly Beacon.
Music Sunday
Help celebrate Faith’s 50th Anniversary year on Music Sunday, May 15. Join us to sing “THE CREATION” with BOUND and Bob Mollard, under the direction of Lowell Unger. Look for the rehearsal schedule next month. All singers, including choir alumni, are encouraged to be part of this celebration event.
First Communion Sunday - March 6 - 10:45 a.m. worship
First Communion
Those children who participated in First Communion Class on February 27 will receive Holy Communion for the first time during worship at 10:45 a.m. on March 6 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 and hyacinths. The cost will be $7.00 each. The deadline is Sunday, March 13, 2005.
EASTER IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER…
EASTER
Which means that again this year we are traveling not around the corner, but across the road. On Saturday, March 19 we need volunteers to gather in our fellowship hall. Once there, you will be given simple instructions and sent out “two by two” to deliver plastic eggs filled with an Easter invitation and piece of candy. Since this was such an easy, pleasurable experience last year, we are going to expand our “egg ministry” and send out groups at two times. You may choose whether to come for one time or both…whatever fits into your life that day.
We will meet at the church at 9:30 for a brief "training" and pairing up with a partner. Our second group will meet at the church at 11:00. there will be refreshments from 10:30 until 11:30. Choose the time that works best for you and your family or come and stay for both sessions. Reminder: this is a great activity to do with your children. Kids are the best "missionaries" out there!
Easter Breakfast
Faith Lutheran Youth - Traditional Easter Breakfast
Can you smell the sausage sizzling? How about the cheesy egg strata baking? It's almost time! Join us in celebration of this glorious Easter season for fellowship and good food.
Easter Breakfast serving from 8:00-10:30. Menu: Egg & Cheese Strata, Sausage, Coffee, Fresh; FruitPastries; Juice
All of your generous donations go directly to Faith Lutheran Youth! We hope to see you there. ATTENTION BAKERS: We need your help! Could you bake a pastry (of your choice) & drop it off at the fellowship hall by Saturday, March 26 between 1-3 p.m. The youth (and Wendy & Leo) really appreciate your help!
Gala Volunteer - Appreciation Evening
Volunteer - Appreciation
Monday, April 11, 2005 6:30 p.m. Entertainment and Dessert
Whether you’ve pulled weeds, made soup, baked cookies, set up chairs, taught our children, nurtured friends, helped with worship, prepared communion, passed out Easter eggs, cleaned windows, served on council, been a faithful prayer warrior, or anything in between, we want you to attend. Please join us!
"Marching Into Spring”
High School Youth - Join us on Wednesday, March 2 for our next "1st Wednesday Series." Instead of our normal discussion group & team building activities we'll join with the rest of the congregation for soup supper & fellowship. (See Wendy perform tonight in the weekly "Watchers on the Hill" drama.) Join us from 6-8 p.m. for this special event. Our regular series resumes Wednesday, April 6 with our discussion on "Family" & more team building.
Middle School Youth - No Confirmation Classes scheduled through March BUT we'd love to see you (& your families!) at the weekly soup suppers.
Calling All Youth… Our traditional Easter breakfast is just around the corner and we need your help! We'll be working on set-up and pre-food preparations on Saturday, March 26 from 1-3 p.m. On Sunday we'll need help with serving & clean-up from 7:45-11:30 a.m. Please complete the sign-up sheet (found in your church mailbox) and return to Wendy or Leo BY SUNDAY MARCH 13. Remember, this is a REQUIRED event for Confirmation students! All slots listed leave time available for you to choose between two of the scheduled Easter Sunday services!
Youth Team Meeting - Sunday, March 6th at Noon in the Youth Room.
That’s Our Preschool! Excerpts from a parent evaluation
Excerpts from a parent evaluation
Our family started our journey at Faith Preschool in 1997. I knew the minute I walked in the door to visit for the first time that this would be the place where our children would have their first school experience. Now, here we are, eight years later, preparing to say goodbye to what has been a huge part of our lives. I cannot think of one negative thing to say about those eight years.
Overall, I cannot think of a think I would change. We have been so pleased with everything at Faith over the last eight years. The professional attitude of all the staff and the enthusiasm and kindness shown to the children is fantastic. Every year, I am more impressed with the program, how well organized it is, and the general sense of calm and orderliness that exists in the school. The teachers we have had for both boys have been truly wonderful. There has been so
much creativity and love in everything the boys have done at Faith that their experience here has gone far beyond learning “things”. They have learned to enjoy school, play and share with friends, and listen to and respect their teachers. They have learned about God and the importance of caring for others. They learned everything we could have hoped for and more in their first school years.
I am truly sad to see this chapter in our lives come to a close. You have all been absolutely incredible and we have made some wonderful friendships that I hope will last for years to come. Thanks to all of you for everything. We love you all!!
Spring Clean-up Day
Saturday, May 14, 2005 - 9:00 a.m. to Noon
We need people to help paint, clean windows, courtyard maintenance, mulching and general clean-up. Let us look good for our 50th anniversary! If you know you can make it, please contact the individuals for the following areas:
Painting - Ole Latham; Windows - Judy Vernon or Jeff Mallisonl; Courtyard - Arthur Britton; Mulching/General Cleanup - DuWayne Hansen or Ken Jakubec
Space Forums Coming to Faith
No, Faith isn’t planning on going into space! Not quite yet! But we are interested in examining our building in terms of present programs and future needs. After all, the 21st century is upon us. Church Council has approved a Facilities Utilization Task Force to assess current and future space needs for Christian education and worship. Two open forums will be held in April to glean information from members and to assess where we stand with regard to available space. Please watch for the dates and time to be announced soon. We hope you will attend and enter into the discussion.
Dear FAITHful member,
We are now "officially" beginning the SOW and GROW campaign to boost our Endowment Fund. Please make an effort the look at the Endowment Giving Tree located near the rear east entrance of the church. Already, there is $13,000 in donations (since January) on the barometer. I was advised of another bequest this week...THE BAROMETER CONTINUES TO RISE !!!
Now with the official kickoff, in conjunction with our 50th year church anniversary, I hope to report continued growth each month. Remember, you can receive a leaf on that beautiful tree in your name (or titled as you wish) in several ways, WITHOUT ANY CASH OR CHECK CONTRIBUTION, if you choose. Simply use your will, trust or other estate planning method to make you contribution and you will be recognized by a leaf now.
Or, make a cash contribution of at least $1000 and a leaf will be added. Just contact me, Pastor Jean, or anyone on the Endowment Committee for details on how to memorialize your gift and lasting legacy. With your help, we will exceed our goals. Help make a difference... A LEAF IN YOUR NAME AWAITS YOU!
In Jesus' name,
Bill Evans, Endowment Committee Chairperson
Cookbook Recipes Needed
Deadline: Sunday, March 6.
For all team members involved in this process, there will be a meeting on Thursday, March 10, at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Any questions? Call Sheila Knops at 330-835-4505 or e-mail her at john.sheila @ juno.com.
Theme Selected For 50th Anniversary
The Church Council thanks all those who submitted ideas to the Anniversary Theme Contest. The entry that was selected as the theme for the congregation’s 50th anniversary is:
Faith Lutheran Church - Lifting High The Cross - Yesterday, Today and Always
We give thanks for this creative theme; its author wishes to remain anonymous.
Detour 717
This outreach service, held at 7:17 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month is …
Creative Fun Strengthening Worshipful … and your help is needed to keep it going.
Can You...Organize and Encourage Volunteers? Donate Food? Serve Snacks and Do Kitchen Clean-up? Create Power Point Presentations? Provide a Children’s Activity?
Help with Set-Up or Clean-Up? Please contact Carolyn Wagar to volunteer == Most importantly can you … Come and bring someone who does not have a church home? What about a new neighbor … a co-worker … an adult child and his or her family? EVERYONE needs a DETOUR now and then! Come and check out the service even if you do not yet know who to invite! NEXT OPPORTUNITY … MARCH 19
PLEASE NOTE … during the past four months DETOUR has developed into a gathering that is GREAT for all ages, but is enjoyed especially by the 30-50 age group and their kids. Consideration is being given to starting at an earlier time and adding family-oriented activities to the evening. If you have suggestions, or would like to help develop this focus, please contact Sheila Knops or Kurt Mackall.
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.
Individual items for baskets should be brought in no later that March 11 and placed on the table provided in the narthex. The baskets will be assembled on Sunday, March 13. For completed baskets, 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, on the narthex table no later than Sunday, March 20.
Congratulations to Faith member Norm Schmidt who received the OPEN M “Coach of the Year” Award for his volunteer work in that ministry's’ sports program.
Beginning Tuesday, March 1 the Fairlawn Al-Alnon Family Group will be meeting in Faith’s Youth Room every Tuesday from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. All are invited to attend.
AserCare...a family-centered hospice
Make a difference! Join the hospice team. AserCare Hospice is seeking a few exceptional people to become professionally trained hospice volunteers. Qualifications are: A BIG heart, dependability and a few hours a week of your time.
Free training begins in April. We serve families in Summit, Portage, Stark, Wayne and Medina counties. Call Patti at 1-800-833-5109 to learn more.
My thanks to the 20 members of Faith that volunteered to attempt to call all our members, just to share God's love with them. We made a special effort to contact all our members that were on the 'prayer list'. We had two newest members of Faith and a member of long standing, who had not previously participated in this ministry. We contacted; via phone about 60 members, and about 100 members via their phone answering machine. There were about 20 that either were not at home or their phone was busy. Our next calling event with be at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 8 - please mark your calendars and prayerfully consider participating in this ministry, and those answering these calls certainly are actively participating in this ministry.
God bless each participant. Bill Pope
Dear Friends,
Just a note to thank all of you for the beautiful Prayer Shawl. It means so much to know that we are in your thoughts and prayers. Unfortunately, I have been unable to attend church as often as I would like, but the Prayer Shawl is a great reminder of all my good friends.
Thank you for a very thoughtful gift.
Sincerely, Gwen Williamson
Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Boy Scout Troop # 390 - 11th Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Saturday, March 5 Our Boy Scout Troop # 390 will be hosting their annual spaghetti dinner on Saturday, March 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Dinner includes salad, spaghetti, rolls, beverage and dessert. Tickets will be sold at the door. The cost is $6.00 for adults, $4.00 for children and senior citizens, and kids under 3 are free. Please come and enjoy dinner and support Troop 390.
When God Says No
Gossip: The Spark That Ignites What Happened to God’s Day?
Marlene Unger will lead a discussion of these and other topics from Terry Pluto’s book “Everyday Faith”.
Hostess is Arleen Birdsell. Devotions by Kathy Zbinden.
WELCA
WELCA - March 9 - 10:00 a.m. = Fellowship Hall
Attention, Attention - - Another Women’s Retreat is On the Way!
Ladies, please mark your calendars for our next women’s retreat, May 6 and 7. We will once again travel to Loyola of the Lakes. The cost will be $80 which includes all meals, lodging, and supplies. (Please note that if you’d like to attend and money is an issue, we may be able to provide help.) We’ve taken your comments into account and you will have time for relaxing, renewing, and maybe even yoga! The “working title” for the spring retreat is, “God in the Dishwater: Finding God in the Everyday”, but don’t hold us to that…. Dineen and I will be open to guidance from the Holy Spirit (and your suggestions) for the next several weeks! Friends and relatives are welcome, but please call the church office or email soon to reserve your spot(s) since space is limited. - Carolyn Wagar
Float Organizers Needed
People are needed to oversee the July 4 Float project. The congregation’s participation in the Fairlawn July 4 parade has been a fun outreach project in recent years, and a way that the church is made visible to the community.
In the past band members have overseen this project, but they will not be doing so this year due to multiple ministry commitments, including the 7:17 DETOUR outreach service.
This volunteer opportunity involves registering for the parade, making arrangements for the trailer and a vehicle to pull it, decorating and recruiting congregation members to walk with the float along the parade route. The band is able to ride on the float and provide music, as has been true in the past.
The Fairlawn July 4 parade is held in the evening of July 4, a Monday this year. If you can volunteer, please contact Carolyn Wagar.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
FOR NEW BOOK AND BIBLE STUDIES
Between the Christmas holidays and the quick arrival of Lent, there has been no time for a new adult book study to form, but one is on the way!
Carolyn will be leading a five week book study on Wednesday mornings and evenings April 20 – May 18. Wednesday morning session will be 9:45 – 11:00 and evening session will be 7:00 – 8:15. You pick or choose which time is best for you. Child care will be provided and during the evening session, we will also have our kid’s choir!
Then in the summer, Pastor Jean will be leading a Bible study on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Her study will begin the week of June 22. More info will follow next month, but plan now to grow in the faith by attending!
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Corrine Anderson; For Scott Dunning, father of Faith members; Jasmine and Carly Dunning; Faith member Bill Ederer; Faith member Cherli Gsellman; Faith members Kay and Don Hill; Faith member Thelma Ottiger; Faith member John Rausch
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 Faith member Deb Rose, and her husband Ron, upon the death of Ron’s mother Norma Rose on February 10.
In Thanksgiving:With the family of Jessica Marie Shepherd, daughter of Myron and Karen Shepherd, who was baptized on January 30; With the family of Meghan Catherine Stein, daughter of Ed and Cathy Stein, who was baptized on February 27
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