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November 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.
Annual Congregational Dinner and Meeting
November 21 - Noon - Fellowship Hall
All members are asked to attend this important gathering!
What is 7:17 DETOUR?
It's a new outreach ministry at Faith Lutheran Church, targeted at young adults, both single and married, in West Akron, Fairlawn, Copley and Bath.
When is 7:17 DETOUR?- 7:17 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month, starting November 20. Where is 7:17 DETOUR? - In Faith's Fellowship Hall. Why host 7:17 DETOUR? - In order to offer a Christ-centered experience to help young adults realize that Christ has not abandoned them, but is encouraging them to take a detour in their lives, a detour to Christ. Who is involved in 7:17 DETOUR?- The band...church staff…and FAITH members who: *Help with fellowship *Help with set-up *Supervise the Kids-Under-Construction Zone *Provide food and fuel *Pray for this ministry
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY *Bring people who would like to take a DETOUR in their lives!
Go to www.717detour for more information and call Sheila Knops, Kurt Mackall, Carolyn Wagar or Pastor Jean if you are willing to make the DETOUR happen! DETOUR is not an additional worship service for members. It is an outreach into our community, a worship event. There will be no Holy Communion, no "usual" sermon or prayers and no offering. Instead, it is a way to reach out - particularly to young adults in the area.
Calling All Voices of Faith!
This is an open invite for those of you who have sung as a Voice of Faith before, and for those of you who would like to experience a very rewarding form of discipleship. I am planning special musical presentations for Dec. 19 in the 10:45 service, and at the late Christmas Eve service. I need YOU to sing! The Celebration Choir will serve as the core "mentoring" group, so don't be concerned about lack of experience. Just come!
Rehearsals will take place during our Wonderful Wednesday Advent evenings Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22. Bring the family for dinner, rehearse with us for an hour, and have the kids home in plenty of time for bed. I promise this experience will be a very rewarding addition to your Christmas - er, I mean Advent season. Questions? bob@mollard.com, or 1 866 MOLLARD.
congratulations
Our Choir Director, Bob Mollard, was recently named Principal Keyboardist (Akron Symphony Guild Chair) for the Akron Symphony Orchestra. This follows last year's appointment as Associate Director of the Akron Symphony Chorus.
The World's Biggest Potluck
Northeastern Ohio Synod Worship Committee invites you to a Advent Worship and The World's Biggest Potluck @ Faith Lutheran Church - 2726 West Market Street in Fairlawn, Ohio November 28 - The First Sunday of Advent - 3:30 p.m. Worship Service - Special gift offering will benefit our synod mission partners. Potluck Dinner Follows - Please bring a dish to share.
Mission partners benefiting from the special gift offering: Trinity Seminary Colleges and Universities Social Ministry Organizations LOMO (Ohio Lutheran Campus Ministries) Every congregation in the Northeastern Ohio Synod (approximately 200) is being invited to attend this special gathering and the potluck meal that will follow the service. Members of Faith are especially asked to attend and to welcome our guests.
Advent Devotional Book
After a warm reception last year, we're doing it again! Explorers Club will be making an Advent Devotional Book to give to each family of Faith to use during this Advent season. Each member of Explorers Club (students and staff included!) will have an opportunity to submit a piece for this year's Advent Devotional Book.
Wait a minute… what is Advent? It is the first season of the church year, specifically the four weeks before Christmas. In worship we hear stories about John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. We hear about Mary and Joseph getting ready. Advent is a time of anticipation. It's a time of active waiting. We get ready for the birth of Jesus. We begin to prepare our homes and our hearts.
So, what is an Advent Devotional Book for? It is a book of devotions, scripture stories and illustrations made by Explorers children and staff. It can be read in the morning or evening, before meals or before bed, during the lighting of your own family's Advent wreath, etc. Our hope is that Faith members can use this discipline to keep Christ central in the chaos that so often precedes Christmas.
Devotional Books will be distributed to all Faith families and friends on the First Sunday of Advent, November 28. Questions? Dineen Dowling 330-873-1869.
Year of the Child
During our brainstorming session at The Year of the Child meeting, one of the most desired groups for children was a junior choir. We're going to give that a try! During December, children from age 4 through 4th grade will have an opportunity to do some singing. The group will be divided 4 years through 1st grade and 2nd - 4th grades. They will each meet for about 25 minutes and sing. While one group is singing, the other group will be having a story or craft time. Our songs and stories will focus on Advent and Christmas.
You are encouraged to bring your children to this "trial run" for an on-going junior choir. Kids love to sing, and great truths of the faith can be taught through song. Plan now to bring them! The dates are 12/1, 12/8, 12/15, 12/22. from 6:45 - 7:45.
YOUTH !
High School Youth members JOIN US on Wednesday, November 3 in the Fellowship Hall for our second Wednesday Night gathering. We'll work on more team building activities with Leo and take part in a discussion. We promise to have food this time!
On Saturday, November 13 the High School Youth will have their first OVERNIGHT retreat at Leo & Wendy's house & property. We'll leave from the Church at 2:30 on Saturday and return on Sunday at noon. Youth should bring everything necessary for an overnight stay including sleeping bags, pillows, blankets, etc. We will be sleeping indoors! We will NOT return to Church for the Light Service as was originally planned. Instead we will have our own youth service at the property. Please contact Wendy at #330-414-0300 for further information or if you have not received a permission slip.
The Middle School Class will begin their second movie & discussion in class on November 21. The movie for this 3 week period (Nov. 21, Dec. 5 & 19) is "Pay It Forward." Join Us!
2004 Confirmation Class!
Congratulations to our 2004 Confirmation Class! We welcome them in confirming their faith! Chris Butler - Sarah Carano - Sam Dankoff - Mary Gsellman - Tyler Johnson - Erin Latham - Brandon Lightle - JJ Sampson - Alee Singer
book study
Several people have come to the book study on "Today Matters" by John C. Maxwell. We have learned about twelve areas of our lives where we should make decisions and then follow our decisions each day to have a richer, more fulfilling life. As I contemplate these twelve areas, I also think of areas where the church must make decisions and commitment.
In the book "Habits of Highly Effective Churches" I have learned that there are six "pillars" on which the church must stand. Six areas that should be functioning smoothly for optimum results in our congregation. These areas are: worship, evangelism, education, community, stewardship, and helping the needy or social ministry. How do you think we're doing? Please pray about these areas and see where God leads your heart. Then call or email me and talk to me about what you think we should be doing. What area(s) are doing fine? Which ones need "tweaked"? Where should we pour our energies and resources? Think about it, pray about it, and communicate!
Prepare for Christmas
Attend our Wonderful Wednesdays as we Get Ready for the Miracle!
What: Family Nights - When: December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Time: 6:15 p.m. Dinner - 6:45 p.m. Getting Ready for the Miracle (learning activities and discussion groups for all ages)
Ages 4 - 1st grade: junior choir and Advent craft; Grades 2 - 4 : junior choir and Advent crafts; Grades 5 - 6: junior choir; Grades 7 - 8 junior hand bell choir; High School service project; Adult: Bible study or discussion groups
7:45 p.m. Closing devotion - 8:00 p.m. On your way rejoicing!
Please join us and help keep Christ at the center of your holiday preparations. Child care will be provided for ages 4 and under.
Special Synod Offering
On November 14 - A special offering for the Northeastern Ohio Synod will be received during all three worship services on November 14. In recent years support of the Synod has been declining, creating a significant financial shortfall and making it impossible to fully fund the Synod's budget.
The Mission Support (benevolence) that each congregation provides supports global outreach and aid; colleges and seminaries; campus, outdoor and social ministries; the establishment of new congregations and summer outreach programs. On a local level these funds pay for the Bishop, the Synod Staff, the Resource Center and the building in which it is housed, all of which are valuable resources for congregations.
The financial situation is very challenging; for this reason, each congregation in the Synod is being asked to bring a $1000 gift to the Advent Worship Service on November 28. It would be a reason to rejoice if Faith's gift exceeded that amount so that we may share our blessings with others. Please plan to give generously to the special offering on November 14.
Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God's mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy." 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
saying YES!
This year's stewardship effort was a big success. As of mid-October we have received 75% of your estimate of giving commitments. These include over $350,000 for the operations of Faith and over $27,000 for maintaining our building and grounds. When we complete the effort, we expect to fund all ministries proposed by Church Council for our 50th year, 2005.
Again, thank-you for being trustworthy stewards
Thank You!
Thank you to all who participated in the Great American Bake Sale.
Including matching funds from Thrivent we were able to send $4,184.42 to Share Our Strength to help the starving children here in America.
Brown Sugar
Brown Sugar Collection For OPEN M
We are the "Brown Sugar church" for OPEN M. So, bring in your brown 2 lb. sugar bags to help the disadvantaged. Are we up to the challenge of attaining our goal of 300 bags?
They are due by Sunday, November 30.
Think Endowment!!
What's with the tree by the men's restroom???
The mystery will be uncovered on November 21.
50 Years of Outreach
History Committee Report At Faith Lutheran Church - November is the month of Thanksgiving. We give thanks to God for the opportunity to extend his love to others. During this month the History Committee will be focusing on 50 years of outreach projects by Faith Lutheran Church. I have 46 general projects sponsored by the church and I am sure I have missed some as I poured through records. These 46 will be named and the following 14 projects have photos and information that can be viewed each Sunday during November.
Boy Scouts - Began 25 years ago at Faith with Pack 390 and Den 3390 and is still going.
Busy Fingers - Began in 1971 and is still "busy"!
Children's Services Bureau - LOTS of Easter baskets(1994) and school supplies(1985)given - on going.
Enviroman! - Remember him? Active in 1990 and 1991.
Great American Bake Sale - 2004, Our fellowship hall was full of goodies.
Habitat for Humanity - Faith joined in 1992 and still is pounding, siding, dry walling and painting.
Mission Congregations - Puerto Rico, early 90's; Africa in 1990 with Faith still giving support.
Mothers Together - Began in 1985 and still gathering new Mothers each year.
Open M - Faith joined this agency in 1996 and we still "open" our resources to them.
Prayer Shawl Ministry - Began in 2003 and keeps warming the hearts of many struggling people.
Rummage Sale - This project began in 1991 for one year, they said!!! Need I say more?
Salvation Army Giving Tree - Began in 1997 and still is at Faith every year at Christmas.
Hospice Soup Ministry -- Begun in 1993 - the "soupers" make superior soup!
AA and Al ANON - Began in 1985, two AA groups still meet at Faith.
These projects will be displayed on a triple bulletin board - two Sundays in the Narthex and two Sundays in the Fellowship Hall. Most of the outreach projects are on going and a contact person will be listed with each one. Also in bold black letters will be names of other projects worked on in the past. Stop by to see what help you have or can give.
Steve Thompson, History Committee Chairperson, Barbara Dillahunt, Outreach History Committee Chairperson, Outreach History Committee: Deb Allen, Jean Butler, Joy Dial, Barbara Dillahunt, Don Dillahunt, Maxine Heldridge, Jean Nouse, Vee Robinson, Norm Schmidt, Penny Thompson, Dave Wilson.
Rummage Sale
13th Annual Rummage Sale, Treasure Room, Bake Sale
Tired of storing junk? Now's the time to clean out those closets and cupboards, basements and attics! Wednesday, November 3 and Thursday November 4, 9:00 am- 5:00 p.m. Bring clean (not dirty) useable (not broken), saleable (not trash) items and clothing to the Fellowship Hall. "Treasurers" will be offered in the Silent Auction.
Friday, November 5 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. - Faith Members Only Sale, Silent Auction and Snack Shop Supper. Come for chili, dogs, and desserts. Come for fellowship and fun. Proceeds go to the John Maroni Seminary Fund.
Saturday, November 6 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 13th Annual Rummage Sale, Treasure Room, Bake Sale - Faith's Rummage Sale is Huge. It's the largest fellowship event of the year and the biggest service project. Proceeds support an extensive list of community charities.
Welca - "Bread U-Cation"
Wednesday November 10 10:00 a.m. - "Bread U-Cation" - Christianity through the eyes of businessman Rick Sands from the Great Harvest Bread Co. Devotions and Hostess: Marlene Unger - Guests welcome.
Leadership Event Hosted at Faith
November 13, 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - On Saturday November 13, our church will host an event to help churches with their leadership and volunteer programs. All team leaders at Faith are invited to attend and "grow in wisdom" as we listen to new ideas and share what works with other churches. Make the commitment, reserve your spot, and mark your calendar. (child care will be provided for members of Faith)
Call the church office or email Carolyn at FaithMInistry@sbcglobal.net to reserve a spot.
Advent "Tinsel and Tea"
Saturday, December 4, 2004 11:00 a.m. - Advent and Christmas will soon be here. Our 13th Annual Advent Tinsel and Tea ladies luncheon will be on December 4 at 11:00 a.m. If you would like to decorate a table in a holiday theme of your choice, please contact Lois Chaffee (330-239-5505).
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Bethany Downing; Scott Dunning, father of Faith members; Jasmine and Carly Dunning; Faith member Tom Parsons; Faith member Carl Sterner; Faith member Norm Schmidt; Faith member Barry White; Faith member Gwen Williamson
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 members Bill and Karen Johnson, and family, upon the death of Karen'sFather, Robert Cunningham, on September 22. For Faith members Jim and Charlotte Horvath, and family, upon the death of Jim's mother, Laina, on September 25. For Faith member Debbie Rose and her husband Ron, and family, upon the death of Ron's father on September 26. For Carolyn Wagar and family, upon the death of her father-in-law Gerald Wagar.
In Thanksgiving: We rejoice with Lori and Adam Ashenfelter upon the baptism of their daughter, Zoe Ann, on October 17.
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