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November 2002 Newsletter
    
Member Visits
A new sign-up sheet for visits with Pastor Jean has been posted on the bulletin board across from the member mailboxes. The dates are in November and early December. This is a great way for Pastor Jean to become better acquainted with Faith members!
New Members Welcomed
New Members Welcomed on November 24
"Welcome to Faith" gathering on November 10 - We rejoice at being able to welcome new members in November. They will be formally received during 10:45 a.m. worship November 24, and will be introduced during the congregational dinner that follows the service and precedes the Annual Meeting. On November 10 new members will attend a "Welcome to Faith" gathering from 11:50 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Lunch will be provided and Team Leaders will greet them and share about their ministry areas.
Those new members, and current members, who have not yet let the church office or Pastor Jean know that they are attending the November 10 event should do so as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made for the meal and childcare.
Congregational Meal and Gathering on November 24
Agenda includes elections, budget, and staffing issues.
Members are asked to mark their calendars for November 24 and to stay, or return, for lunch followed by the Annual Congregational Meeting. The meal will be served at Noon that day in the Fellowship Hall. It is provided by the Women of the ELCA; a free-will offering will be received.
New members will be special guests; the gathering offers a great opportunity to get to know them better.
The meeting begins at approximately 1 p.m. Items on the agenda for the meeting include:
- Election of Church Council and Standing Commitee members
- Election of Synod Assembly delegates
- Report of the Congregation President
- Treasurer's Report
- Endowment Fund Report
- Stewardship/Finance Team Report
- Report on Staffing in the areas of youth, small groups, spiritual gift development and administrative management
- Adoption of the 2003 Budget
The participation of church members in this event shapes the congregation's future. Please plan to attend.
Celebration Sunday
Celebration Sunday - A Great Day for Giving Thanks
Celebration Sunday, October 13, was a success as the congregation wlecomed Bishop Kenneth Sauer and Pastor Paul Lintern as guest speakers. We give thanks for their presence and for the good memories and inspiration they shared as we celebrated the faith that built, sustains and will continue the ministry of Faith Lutheran Church into the future.
That day we also welcomed Robert (Bob) Mollard as the congregation's new organist, and we look forward to being touched by his music ministry.
Finally, we are grateful for the 107 "Estimate Of Giving" cards that were received that day, and are thankful for those cards that are still being returned. As of October 25, a total of approximately 140 cards had been received.
A full report of this year's stewardship program will be presented at the Annual Meeting on November 24.
"Clara's Club"
Sunday, November 17, at the 10:45 a.m. worship service will be the initial gathering of "Clara's Club". During the service there will be an acknowledgement of Explorers and their adult mentors.
Adults and their mentored child will meet three to four times before during a Sunday 10:45 a.m. worship service.
New adult mentors will be asked to purchase and autograph a Bible and present it to their child at the first gathering. All adult mentors and children are asked to worship together as "Clara's Club" members at these times.
There are no meetings to attend, and no reports to prepare. Additional time spent between an adult and the 'mentored' child is recommended.
Contact Bill Pope, 330-867-4946, if you are interested in this meaningful mission.
Explorer Highlights
Prepare the Way with Explorers this Advent!
Are you ready for the coming of the Christ Child? Let Explorer Club point you in the right direction! Join us for worship at the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, December 15.
Listen to the angelic voices of our new Explorer Choir! Witness a parable drama! Celebrate this season of preparation with inspiration from the youngest among us! What about the Christmas program, you say? Well, this year it's an Advent message. Expect your spirits to be renewed and better prepared to receive the newborn King!
Advent bible Study for members age 65 or older
Pastor Jean will hold an Advent Bible Study for congregation members age 65 and older, and their guests, in December.
The study will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 12 and 19 in the Fellowship Hall.
Refreshments will be provided. Please plan to attend!
2002 Council
2002 Council and Standing Committee Nominations
Please give careful consideration.....
As a voting member of Faith Lutheran Church, you attend Sunday worship services, receive spiritual guidance from the Pastor, and you can participate in a variety of organized activities that promote fellowship and meet the needs of the congregation and community. The Pastor, Church, and the activities would not be available but for the commitment of the congregation to support these functions. Like a family where each member contributes to its success, Faith's family needs members to help with its success.
Support comes in various forms. This is the time of year when Faith selects its leadership for the future. Some current Council members and Standing Committee members have completed their terms. Those positions need to be filled with new leadership. Positions are filled based on the recommendations of congregation members and by the commitment and desire of individuals to participate. Perhaps you haven't considered a leadership role before. Now is the time for you to take the initiative to nominate individuals with leadership potential, or to accept a leadership nomination. As an active member of the congregation, your action is needed.
Posts within each area are elected positions, and require a nomination for each potential candidate. Please nominate any voting member who is well suited for a particular position. Nominations muct be submitted by November 10th. The Nominating Committee will contact each nominee accordingly. If a particular position interests you, we encourage you to nominate yourself.
Nominations should be directed to members of the Nominating Committee: Loralee Daily, Jim Shook, Sally Hauth, Nora Schwarze, Bruce Lightle, or Ruth Simpson.
Summary of Duties:
Council:
Council members are responsible for the future vision, direction, and oversight of Church functions and services. Meetings are typically held once per month. Council directs much of its work through Congregational ministry areas which include:
· Ministry Development: Responsible for developing and coordinating leadership within the Church
· Growth/Learning: Involved with education (Sunday School/Explorers' Club, Faith Student Fellowship, etc. ....)
· Care/Nurture: Organizes congregational fellowship/care activities (Friendship Callers, Home Communion Team, Congregational Life Team, Rummage Sale, Progressive Dinners, etc. ....)
· Global Outreach: Involved with new members and community activities (Opportunity Parish Ecumenical Neighborhood Ministries [OPEN-M], World Hunger, Habitat for Humanity, Soup for Hospice, Faith's Website, new members, advertising)
· Operations Responsible for financial and property matters (Finance Committee, Building and Grounds, Courtyard Garden Club, Lay Weeders, etc. ...)
· Worship: Worship Services (times, altar set up, etc. ...)
Standing Committees:
· Audit Committee: Verify that the finances from the prior year are in order. Time commitment is approximately 10 to 20 hours during January through April.
· Endowment Committee: Recommend how interest dollars from the Endowment Fund should be allocated (scholarships, etc. ...). Quarterly reports submitted to Council with recommendations.
· Nominating Committee: Coordinate nominations and elections for Council and Standing Committee members, contact nominees.
· Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly Represent Faith Lutheran Church at an annual gathering of ELCA congregations. Attend assembly and prepare a summary of events.
Preschool
Preschool By-Laws Revision To Be Considered
Council will be presenting a revision to the by-laws as they pertain to Faith's Preschool, specifically the funtion of the FLC Preschool Board. The revision follows. Please read this carefully, as the Congregation will be voting on this revision at the Annual Meeting this November. Original by-laws pertaining to Preschool may be obtained from any Council member.
BY-LAWS (REVISION)
PROPOSED PRESCHOOL BY-LAWS (REVISION):
Section 8. Preschool Board
S8.01. There will be a board for Faith Lutheran Preschool. The board of directors will represent parents and members of Faith Lutheran Church. When possible, the majority of board members and the board president will be voting members of the congregation. The preschool director will be a voting member of the board. The board will be held accountable to the Church Council of Faith Lutheran Church. A representative from Church Council will serve on the board but will not serve as board president.
S8.02. The function of the board will be:
a. to carry out the statement of mission, vision and values of Faith Lutheran Preschool;
b. to assure adherence to the licensing standards of the State of Ohio;
c. to approve a yearly budget that has been developed by the preschool director, which will make the preschool self-supporting through tuition and registration fees;
d. to develop a handbook for the board which will be approved by Church Council;
e. to inform the congregation and the community of the philosophy and activities of the preschool.
W-ELCA
Wednesday, November 13 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall
"Wandering through Turkey" Slide Presentation by Dick Sefton
Faith members Dick and "Deanie" Sefton traveled to Turkey to visit sites of early Christian churches and current cities and the countryside of interest. With the present concerns of the Middle East it is helpful to revisit Turkey to get the character/individuality of that country.
It will be a great presentation for all who attend! Don't miss this one - everyone welcome!
Devotions by Barbara Dillhunt Hostesses: Betty Kesti and Kathy Zbinden
Christmas Tea
Christmas Tea Set For December 7
"Tinsel and Tea" Christmas LuncheonDecember 7th 11:00 a.m. Church Fellowship Hall Cost: $9.00
All women of Faith Lutheran (and adult guests) are invited to our 12th annual Christmas Luncheon and Ornament Exchange. Please join us for a lovely catered luncheon as we pause to reflect on the approaching celebration of Christmas. A sign-up sheet will be available in November. Note: A few table hostesses are needed to decorate a table in a Christmas theme. Please call Lois Chaffee at 330-239-5505 if you would like to help.
Cat's Meow
Start your Christmas shopping early. We are having CAT'S MEOW in Wooster make a replique of Faith Lutheran Church.
Delivery is expected the end of November. The cost will be $15.00 each.
Call the Church office (330-836-8811) or Bettemae Ramsey (330-836-5211) to give them your order.
Soup for Hospice
"Ken's Soupers" The annual meeting for all persons interested in the Hospice Soup Ministry will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Saturday, November 9th at 10:30 a.m. All those of you who are interested in this ministry, please plan to attend.
OPEN-M
This fall, two events occurred with OPEN-M; namely the third annual neighborhood picnic and the second OPEN-M golf invitational.
The neighborhood picnic was held on September 14th and was again well attended with great weather. Approximately 250 neighborhood residents, both adults and children, attended and about 30 volunteers from the covenant churches joined together for a day of celebration. The spirit of the community was high and everyone had a great deal of fun. There were many games and great picnic food. I was fortunate enough to dish out ice cream for two hours and even had a couple of scoops myself. Dave Johnson helped with the plate lunches. Music was provided by a professional disk jockey which promoted singing and dancing with a lot of smiles. One of the popular attractions was a large inflated "bounce house" into which children could climb and bounce. Boy, did they! Another was a clown and many of the children were dressed up in clown uniforms. Also, most of the kids enjoyed the face painting. It was an enjoyable day for all.
The OPEN-M golf invitational was again successful in raising funds for the free clinic. Members of the medical, hospital, and health care community were invited for a day of golf and good fun at Fairlawn Country Club. This year there were 100 golfers which included several Faith members. No, the Mazda convertible was not given away on the hole-in-one but one golfer did come inches from sinking it and driving home in the new car. That was exciting because I was the one watching it almost happen. The day was concluded with a tasty meal in the Country Club. I later inquired and found out that funds from the outing did cut some into the $70,000 annual budget for the Free Clinic.
Norm Schmidt
BROWN SUGAR
OPEN-M AND BROWN SUGAR
Hooray, we are once again the "Brown Sugar" church! Please bring your 2 pound bags of brown sugar in by December 1st and help those in need. There is a box in the Narthex and one in the Fellowship Hall. Thank you!
Norm Schmidt
Thanksgiving Preparations
Faith and St. Hilary Join in Thanksgiving Preparations for OPEN-M
For each of the past 23 years the churches of OPEN-M have prepared and served a Thanksgiving Dinner to people who lack the resources to enjoy their own. This year the congregations of Faith Lutheran Church and St. Hilary Catholic Church have been asked to prepare the turkeys.
Ten people from Faith Lutheran and ten from St. Hilary are being asked to work from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, November 25 to roast turkeys and prepare the dressing and gravy. The group will meet at OPEN-M at 8 a.m. to travel by van to the production kitchen at Kent State University. Or those participating may drive to the University to be picked up in the Stadium Parking Lot and taken to the kitchen.
Five people from each congregation are needed to work from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, to prepare the food for transportation to the eight locations where it will be served. On this day the group will meet at OPEN-M at 9 a.m.
About one-half ton of turkey and 800 pounds of stuffing will be prepared with guidance from experienced chefs and help from students.
A sign-up sheet has been posted on the bulletin board across from the youth room. Please consider giving of yourselves to assist with this project.
Our Prayers
In Our Prayers Health concerns:
· Faith member Bob Johnson
· Faith visitor Carol Roll
· Faith member Tom Parsons
· Ruth Ottiger, daughter of Faith member Thelma (and Kurt) Ottiger
· Faith member Jacob Hurley
· Faith member Kit Scheetz
· Faith member Walter Grigas
· Faith member Richard (Dick) Eichner
· Faith member Elsie Deason
· Faith member Audrea Woodall
Birth
Welcome to little Bethany Jewell born Tuesday, October 8, 2002 to Tonya and Scott McVey. She weighed 6 pounds 1 ounce and was 19 inches long.
Rev. Deborah Wissner
Rev. Deborah Wissner (our interim Pastor here at Faith from September 2001 to May 2002) will be installed Sunday, November 10 at 4:00 p.m. at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church, 833 Carroll St. in Akron. A dinner honoring her will follow the installation.
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