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November 2000 Newsletter
    
Adult Learning
Beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays (except November 25th) a discussion course using a video tour of several biblically significant sites, will be held in the library. Filmed on location in Israel and Turkey, this in-depth video transports you to locations from which the early Christian Church, on fire with the message of Jesus, literally changed the world. Your tour guide is teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan, who challenges long held Western assumptions about even the most well known Scripture passages.
In November, we will visit Ephesus and Laodicea, two first century cities and the Roman province of Asia Minor. The churches in these cities were addressed by John in the book of Revelation.
Ephesus was Asia Minor's New York City. Christians were relatively few in number and were treated as second-class citizens. Instead of giving up in the face of such opposition, these believers worked all the harder to make Jesus' name known and to proclaim his message of salvation. This lesson will challenge us to be faithful.
Laodicea served as a banking center for Asia Minor. Through his compassion, Jesus literally "loved" others into the kingdom. Laodicea was a community that had forgotten that lesson.
This "tour-of-Bible-Lands" course is being led by Sara and Jim Shook.
Beginning on November 26, Cherli Gsellman will lead a two-week course on Dietrich Bonhoffer, a German theologian, who remained faithful to Christ even though he was tortured and finally killed by the Nazis in the last days of the European theatre of World War II. A video describing Bonhoffer's activities will be shown.
All interested adults are welcome to attend these classes.
Literature Group Begins January 2001
A new LIFE group focused on contemporary literature and the life of faith will begin January 7, 2001. The group will meet Sundays during the church school hour beginning at 9:15 a.m. in the church library. Church members and friends are invited to join the group and enjoy discussing eight contemporary American writers.
The primary reading material is the third volume of Listening for God published by Augsburg Press (2000). In addition to short essays about the life and work of each of the eight authors, the book contains the following short fiction selections: The Five-Forty-Eight (John Cheever), Mrs. Cassidy's Last Year (Mary Gordon), Pray Without Ceasing (Wendell Berry), Christmas 1967 (Oscar Hijuelos), Long Night (Reynolds Price), Satan: Hijacker of a Planet (Louise Erdrich), The Woman Who Prayed (Tess Gallagher), and O Yes (Tillie Olsen).
All of these authors in one way or another make God, religious devotion, theological enigma, or religious experience central to their writing. Members of the group will explore the ways these various writers address significant issues. Added interest will come when member examine their own perspectives on these issues and add their thoughts to group discussions.
For further information, please contact Steve Thompson who will lead the group (330-666-5065; st@uakron.edu). So that you have your own copy of the book in time for the first session, please let Steve know your plans by December 15 (the cost is $12). Not sure of your plans at this point?! Don't worry: the group will welcome you whenever you can join! Our policy is to have an empty chair at the discussion table at each session....that signifies our open invitation to all readers!
W-ELCA
Wednesday, November 8, 2000 10:00 a.m.
CHRISTENING WITH THE JUICE OF A WATERMELON? THE HUMOR OF LINCOLN
Norm Schmidt will be our speaker. Norm grew up in Lincoln, Illinois, 23 miles from Springfield. It was natural for him to develop an interest in our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Recently Norm attended a symposium on Lincoln and learned that there will be a presidential museum and library for Lincoln in Springfield, which will open in 2003. Norm will tell us about our Lincoln's natural wit, his spinning of yarns, and how Lincoln himself was often the butt of his own jokes.
BRING YOUR HUSBANDS NEIGHBORS FRIENDS RELATIVES and join us for this interesting talk!
Devotions will be given by Marlene Unger. .Hostesses are Marian McHenry and Judy Schmidt. A brief business meeting will be held by president, Elaine Johnson.
Women of Faith Annual Christmas Brunch Tinsel and Tea
December 9th 11:00 a.m. Church Fellowship Hall Catered Luncheon Cost - $7.00 per person
* Please bring an ornament for the ornament exchange
* Mark your calendars now and bring a friend. Sign-up sheet available in the narthex after November 5th.
* Questions: contact Lois Chaffee - 330-239-5505
Annual Christmas decorating
Please mark your calendars for Faith's Annual Christmas decorating party which will be held on Friday evening, December 15th. Pizza and soft drinks will be served at 5:30 p.m., followed by the decorating. Remember ....... many hands make light work!
Please RSVP to Sally Butler - 330-659-2441 Laurie Fenton - 330-659-2103 or Jan Rogers - 330-344-1281
so that we know how much pizza to order.
Explorers Club
¨ Children are encouraged to participate in the Christmas Pageant on December 3rd at the 10:45 a.m. Celebration Service.
¨ Rehearsal for the Christmas Pageant is held each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Pat Jackson has adapted "The Story of the Candy Cane" from the popular book Legend of the Candy Cane. Many, many thanks to Pat who shares her time so that all children can perform the true Chrismas message.
¨ First and Second Graders will meet their Clara's Club "Faith Guides" on Sunday November 12th, at the 10:45 a.m. service. Clara's Club is explained in detail on the next page.
Thanks to the generosity of the Wife's LIFE Group, the Explorer Club now has a huge collection of VeggieTales video-tapes. The VeggieTales series is known for its "Sunday morning values, Saturday morning fun" themes.
Clara's Club Covenant
Clara's Club is a part of Faith Explorer Club designed to bring together children and adults in the congregation. The Club is named in memory of Clara Frankenfield, a charter member of Faith Lutheran Church. The Club promotes faith, mentoring and service, all of which were near and dear to Clara's heart.
Adults are invited to serve as "Faith Guides" for first-grade Explorers (first- and second-grade Explorers in the inaugural year of 2000). Each Faith Guide presents a Bible to his or her Explorer at a special ceremony held during a church service. The guides promise to mentor their explorers by participating in events together and by checking in regularly with their young friends. Adults who participate in Clara's Club benefit from increased awareness of the church's education program and enjoy a special relationship with a young church member.
All first-and second-grade Explorers in the inaugual year of 2000 will receive a Bible from their Faith Guides at a church service. Explorers are encouraged to use their Bibles at home and to bring to Explorer Club meetings. Children who participate in Clara's Club have the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with an adult member of the church who will help guide them in their faith.
Faith Guides and Explorers may share a special bond for many years. Clara's Club participants may attend worship services and Explorer Club (Sunday School) meetings together. They may take part in special events planned just for them. They may correspond regularly by mail or talk to each other on the phone. With God's help important relationships are cultivated by this program.
Advent Preparation
Start a tradition! Share the first Sunday of Advent with someone you love. On Sunday, December 3, 2000 at the 10:45 a.m. Celebration Service, Faith's young people will present "The Story of The Candy Cane." You are encouraged to bring a grandchild, a grandparent, a friend or a neighbor. Perhaps this Christmas season will bring new joy to someone you know!
Busy Fingers
"Busy Fingers" is in dire need of heavier (warmer) fabrics such as wool, wool blends, corduroy, denim, or quilted materials.
These may be brought to the Church only after the Rummage Sale on November 4, 2000 and placed by the closet in the Fellowship Hall nearest the parking lot.
New Members Joining October 22, 2000
Scott and Kelly Allen by Affirmation of Faith
Reid Anderson Allen by Baptism
300 Sundale Rd.
Akron, OH 44313 330-836-7084
Sponsors: Chris and Anita Sears
Miss Trisha Grady by Letter of Transfer
33833 Twp. Road 20 First Lutheran, Southington, CT
Brinkhaven, OH 43006 740-599-6996
Sponsors: Myron and Karen Shepherd
Barry and Norma White by Letter of Transfer
3389 Glenbrook Dr. Lutheran Church of
The Redeemer, Monaca
Norton, OH 44203 330-706-0026
Sponsors: Bill and Barbara Beers
Care and Nurture
The TODDLER NURSERY is open from 9:00 a.m. until the end of Celebration Service under the watchful eye of Erica Oldham. Erica enjoys caring for our little ones and meeting the parents. When there is a large number of children in the nursery, parent volunteers are always welcome. Thanks to the parents who already do this.
The INFANT NURSERY is open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. with Nicole Jelar caring for the babies. The Infant Nursery, located between the Library and Kathy's office, is intended for non-walking babies.
Parents are asked to put your child's name on his/her diaper bag when brought to either nursery. Baby changing stations are located in both restrooms and in the Infant Nursery.
Lutheran Brotherhood
Lutheran Brotherhood College Scholarships
Did you know that Lutheran Brotherhood awards merit-based, renewable scholarships to LB members who attend college? The scholarships are highly competitive, and amounts depend on the type of college:
Lutheran Colleges - $2,000 other private colleges - $1,000 public institutions - $500
Applicants must have a Lutheran Brotherhood product. Application is January 15, 2001 for the 2001-2 academic year.
Lutheran College Scholarships, Stafford Loans and Seminary scholarships are also available. Applicants do not have to be LB members for these. For more information and applications, call your Lutheran Brotherhood representative, Lawrette McCann at 330-865-6994.
Lutheran Brotherhood Information Meetings
What are Living Wills and Durable Powers of Attorney for Health Care ???
A Living Will is a means to make your health care wishes known. A Living Will allows you to give instructions about your end-of-life medical treatment should you be unable to do so when the time comes.
The Health-Care Durable Power of Attorney is a document that lets you appoint an individual to make your health-care decisions if you are incapacitated. While living wills cover end-of-life care, the durable power of attorney for health-care can make decisions about any medical care, even if your condition is not terminal
For more information about these important documents, attend one of Lutheran Brotherhood's "Will and Trust Days" on the following date November 18, 2000 To attend, contact local Lutheran Brotherhood District Representative Lawrette McCann at 865-6994 for time and location .NO LUTHERAN BROTHERHOOD PRODUCTS are sold at these informational meetings.
Donald L. Dillahunt, Lutheran Brotherhood Communicator
Letter from Dee Emmert Miklos
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
I was truly amazed to learn that you have committed to pay for all of my tuition this year. It means a lot to me that you have continued to support me and pray for me during the past three years while I was placed at other churches.
During my senior year, I do not have a church assignment so I am once again able to worship at home. I have seen many of you at worship this past month and look forward to renewing many more friendships in the weeks to come. I am anxious to hear what God has been doing in your lives during the past three years.
It has been a pleasure to participate in the Light service. I was on the committee that did some preliminary research for the service, but I started seminary before I was able to see it to fruition. It's wonderful to see such a thriving outreach to the community.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers. I am living in Akron, but commuting to Columbus two or three days a week. (Sometimes I wonder whether I'm coming or going!)
God has richly blessed me these past three years. Having had a taste of being a pastor on internship, I look forward anxiously toward ordination which, God willing, will come next summer.
Grace and peace to you all,
Dee Emmert Miklos
Letter from Habitat for Humanity
Dear Rev. Sneeringer,
Thank you for taking the time to come out to our first Clergy Work Day. We greatly appreciate all you and your Church have done for Habitat. We look forward to a continued partnership.
God Bless, Holly Meller Habitat for Humanity
Joining Together in Thanksgiving
Fairlawn West United Church of Christ and Faith Lutheran will once again be
celebrating together at our annual joint Thanksgiving Eve Service at 7:30
PM, November 22, 2000 here at Faith Lutheran Church. In 1997 the United
Church of Christ and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to
enter into a full communion relationship with the other. This means we
recognize each other's ministries, pastors, etc. and may share equally in
Holy Communion. In fact, this year Rev. David Loar (Fairlawn West) and Rev.
Stan Sneeringer will co-celebrate Holy Communion at this year's joint
service. It will truly be a Great Thanksgiving. PRICE OF ADMISSION is a
canned good. All canned goods will be given to OPEN M -- Opportunity Parish
Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministries of which Faith and Fairlawn are both
covenant churches.
All Saints Sunday, November 7
Each year, Faith remembers those of its membership that have been received
by our Lord in death since last All Saints Sunday. Those members of Faith
include Roy Anderson (1/3/00), Lowell Chrisman (1/5/00), Dorothy Ederer
(1/17/00), Frances Scholl (2/6/00), Archie Linden (4/1/00), Betty Gross
(6/11/00), Flora Schild (7/2/00), Clyde Boose (9/5/00) and Clara
Frankenfield (9/13/00). In addition, we remember those others whose life we
also celebrated in death, specifically, Robert Warner (5/27/00). All these
of God's redeeming will be remembered in our Sunday prayers and with a rose
on the altar. Please remember them in your personal prayers and home
devotions at least once this month as fellow saints in light.
Still Looking for a Choir Director
Network. Network. Network. That's what it takes! Norm Schmidt taught
this pastor that mantra years ago when he led a workshop for Faith members
who were looking for new jobs. So you, the members of Faith, are our
greatest resource for finding candidates for the position of Celebration
Choir Director at Faith Lutheran Church. Please help us by keeping your
eyes and ears open for possibilities. Direct inquiries to the church office
330-836-8811 or by asking them to send a resume to 2726 W. Market, Fairlawn,
44333.
Calling All Writers!
The Beginnings LIFE Group is asking women of our congregation to share with
the Beginning's group personal accounts of ways they find time to pray.
These can be funny, heartfelt or serious. No time limit. The group would
like to eventually publish these stories in a booklet entitled: Time To
Pray? An Anecdotal Account of How, When, Where and Why women find time to
pray." Please share your stories with Amy Franks who will be collecting
these stories or drop them in the church office.
Advent Coin Folders
Once again members of Faith will be receiving Advent Coin Folders the end of
the month. In year's past, the proceeds have been forwarded to a social
service agency in the area. Last year's income went to the Pastor's
Discretionary Fund. Those funds are used to assist member of Faith and to
provide meals and gasoline for stranded motorists or others in need. Watch
for the folder in the mail at the end of the month. The Service Committee
will be making its decision this month where those proceeds will go.
Prayer Chain Goes Online
More than half of our Faith Prayer Partners now receive the weekly prayer
needs online. While the traditional phone tree is still available for those
who do not have Internet access, frequency and completing the tree is
becoming more difficult due to people's schedules. We would like to
encourage more Faith members to be part of this important ministry. If you
would like to be part of our praying ministry, please contact the church
office at 836-8811 if you would like to be part of the phone tree or simply
email Pastor Stan at pastor@faithlutheranchurch.org. By email you will
receive the prayer requests each week.
Volunteer Opportunities at OPEN M
There is a need at OPEN M (941 Princeton Street, Akron) for tutors 1 hour
per week on Tuesday and Thursday's from 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM to help with
students after school. A homework clinic is also held at the same time
Monday through Friday to help youngsters with their homework. If you have
an interest please talk to Pastor Stan or contact OPEN M at 762-5021.
Faith Lutheran Church Counselors
Cheryl Pelka of Lutheran Children's Aid and Family Services is now available
every Wednesday by appointment here at Faith Lutheran Church. Fees are
based on a sliding scale based on need. She is now taking appointments 10
AM 4 PM until 5PM. Appointments may be made by calling her directly at
(216) 281-2500.
Giancarlo -- John -- Scalzi is a psychotherapist, consultant and licensed
social worker. He takes appointments on Thursday evenings . His counseling
skills come also come with the dimension of being Christ-centered. Fees for
his services are based on a sliding scale and will be subsidized for members
of Faith based on need. For more information please call (330) 653-3190.
Leadership Development
Consider Joining Our Faith Community?
The spring Discover Faith seminar for those wishing to learn about the
Christian faith - especially those considering joining Faith Church - is
Sunday, March 18, 2001 starting with a pizza lunch at 12:00 PM and
concluding at 5:00 PM.
"Discover Faith" is intended for everyone who wishes to grow in their
spiritual life especially those contemplating joining our Faith family. The
seminar is divided into five parts, "Who is Jesus? Who is the Holy Spirit?
Living the Gift, The Call of the Church, and Profile of a Disciple. A
special workbook written by Pastor Stan serves as the text. On Sunday, March
25, at 9:15 AM, an orientation session will be held for those making the
commitment to join our Faith family. New members will be received later
that morning at the 10:45 Celebration service.
Annual Meeting, November 19th
The planning is completed. The budget will be ready. The nominations for
the various elected positions are being compiled. In a few weeks members
will be receiving the ministry proposal and budget for 2001. Following the
November 19, 2000 10:45 AM Celebration Service, the congregation will gather
in the Great Room of the Fellowship Hall to elect new saints to lead our
congregation, vote on the 2001 budget and hear any other reports that are
necessary.
A quorum of 60 members is needed to conduct business. A voting member of
Faith is confirmed, made a financial contribution of record in the past year
as well as having received Holy Communion. The Faith Unit of the Women of
the Evangelical Lutheran Church will be providing a light lunch.
Endowment Fund Recommendations Endorsed by Council
Upon recommendation of the Endowment Committee, two gifts were affirmed by
the Church Council at its last meeting in October. First, $1000 will be
forward to the St. Luke Foundation which helps support the St. Luke Lutheran
Community, North Canton. The St. Luke Foundation is critical to meeting
emergency costs and in helping several people who still need nursing home
care but whose funds have been exhausted. This Lutheran home provides a
critical service to the elderly. Lutherans have pledged never to abandon
those elderly in need.
A second gift is in the form of matching funds for St. James Lutheran
Church, East Cleveland. St. James is an African American Lutheran
congregation which has been growing by leaps and bounds in recent years.
Led by Rev. Dennis Mims, the congregation has seen exceptional growth on
Sunday morning and at its weekday youth ministry programs. As a way of
supporting this congregation as well as continue its commitment to remain in
the city, the representatives to our Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly
meeting last summer asked every congregation to help with the expansion of
the St. James sanctuary plus add additional facilities to reach inner city
children with hope and a place to gather. The Church Council and Endowment
Committee ask members to match their $1250 with another $1250 for a total of
$2500. If you share in the commitment to bring Christ to the inner city,
here is chance to make your contribution.
Have you forwarded your Estimate of Giving Yet?
As of this writing (10/17/00) 56% of the 218 Faith Lutheran Church Giving
Units have forwarded their Estimates to the church office. Even now the
Finance Team and the Church Council are trying to develop an accurate
program proposal reflecting our needs and providing for growth in our
ministry. This proposal will be sent to all members prior to our annual
meeting, Sunday, November 19, 2000 following the 10:45 AM Celebration
Service.
Please, if you have not yet had a chance to forward your "Estimate for
2001," please do so. We need everyone's input so that we can plan
appropriately. Thank you!
The AC is paid!
After waiting for nearly 30 years, Faith's main sanctuary is air conditioned
and all outstanding bills have been paid in just a little over one year.
Much of the work was already in place thanks to the farsightedness of the
original designers of the main sanctuary completed in 1971. All that was
necessary was the installation of the electric and compressor units. In
addition to the major expense of the air conditioning, Faith was able to
reseal our parking lot to prevent gradual deterioration. Thanks to all
those who helped make this possible. All of these expenses were handled by
the income to the Buildings and Grounds portion of our annual Resource
Development (Stewardship) program.
Is your spiritual gift "hands-on" skills?
Then boy to we need you! Listed below are several opportunities for you to
assist in the care and redemption of our facility. Materials are available.
Just talk to our sexton Bill Osborn or call the church office and we'll help
you get started:
1) Paint the rubber roof edge. The edge runs the circumference of the flat
roof.
2) Paint and caulk sanctuary windows: Exterior wood frames need to be sealed
before winter.
3) Assemble storage rack: The rack is in the basement (no it's not the
Spanish Inquisition kind!) and is similar to the one in the Great Room
storage room.
4) Wash elevated windows in Market Street entrance, exterior and interior.
5) Paint the storage shed with wood treatment.
6) Paint wood benches outside market street entrance.
7) Clean and paint handrail to the boiler room basement.
The Cross has been fixed!
With the arrival of three small leaks in the worship center, a "search and
repair" mission began last summer. Apparently, all three leaks were
originating around the area of the cross on our roof. A crane was hired in
July to hoist a repairman from Narzisi Construction (the firm who put the
cross there in the first place) to make immediate repairs. Meanwhile, it
was discovered three of the eight "feet" anchoring the crown of the cross to
the roof have been found to have cracks. These cracks are the result of
metal fatigue from years of wind, rain and occasional lightening strikes.
Preliminary estimates put the cost just under $10,000. Meanwhile, the
copper gutters on the east and west sides of the church were waiting to be
repaired. In October, these scheduled repairs were completed. Thanks to
the diligence of our Sexton Bill Osborn and the perseverance of Council
Member Tom Parsons, much of this work (approximately 70%) will be covered by
insurance through Remsburg Insurance. Remaining invoices will be delayed
until 2001 thanks to the graciousness of Narzisi Construction. Our thanks
to them, Tom and Bill for making much of this possible.
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