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October 2000 Newsletter
    
Sundays in Oct
Covenant Players October 1
Getting your toes stepped on. That's not the kind of thing you'd expect to
enjoy, would you? Well then, you've got a surprise coming. Come Sunday,
October 1 at 8 AM; 9:15 AM or 10:45 AM, and experience the COVENANT PLAYERS.
As part of our Stewardship, Giving in Faith, The Covenant Players bring the
excitement and impact of Christian drama into the setting of worship. Their
plays are fresh, pertinent and thought-provoking. Founded by playwright
Charles M. Tanner over 35 years ago, this international repertory company
has 103 touring units performing in 76 countries. They challenge people all
over the world to take a closer look at themselves and the practice of their
faith.
They will be performing the drama "The 'E' Department. Watch yourself,
though! If you're not careful, you'll find yourself tripped up and
challenged--and having a wonderful time!
Stewardship Sunday, October 8
You have been hearing the last three Sundays in September, the miracles that
have been a part of the lives of Sheila Knops, Denise Henkle and Skip
Summerville. Undoubtedly, as a result you have been reflecting on your own
miracles of God in your life. Now, on Sunday, October 8, you will have the
opportunity to give thanks to God, to your savior Jesus, for the
miracles--great and small--that God has performed in your life. In that way
in turn, we as a people of God will be able to enable the miracle that is
God to happen in still more hearts and minds both inside and outside our
Faith Lutheran Church community.
After a "knock-em-dead" message from Pastor titled "Giving: One of the Seven
Habits of Highly Effective Christians," we will all be asked to make our
commitment at the altar that Sunday at whichever service you attend. Please
prayerfully consider joining Pastor with a 10% increase in your current
giving. If you can't, don't worry but give it a shot! Try it out and see.
You may surprise yourself.
Preschool Sunday, October 15
With over 140 children, two new classes and a host of new teachers,
Preschool Director Wendy Watson-Boes has led our preschool to its becoming
THE premier Christian preschool of the area. With classes filling up for
the next year in the spring of each year, the "word-of-mouth" network of
endorsements of Faith's preschool precedes our public reputation. Please
welcome the preschool students and their families to our annual Preschool
Sunday on Sunday, October 15 at the Celebration Service.
Rev. Tim Crouch to Preach Sunday, October 22
OPEN M is a matching grant organization of Lutheran Brotherhood. Volunteers
are needed at the Princeton Street OPEN M for clerical work whether home or
at the office. Helping applicants needing government sponsored health
program for children called CHIP: Children Health Insurance Program.
Reformation Sunday, October 29, 2000
Dr. Leland Elhard, (B.A., Capital University, 1953; B.D., Evangelical
Lutheran Theological Seminary, 1957; M.A., Ph.D., University of Chicago,
1963, 1965; Professor of Pastoral Theology, Trinity, 1981-) will be our
guest preacher at our one Celebration service at 10:45 AM. He will also
lead an adult forum at 9:15 AM on the subject of Discipleship.
Dr. Elhard will cap off Stan's sermon series, "Seven Habits of Highly
Effective Christians." Stan's series reflects the beginning of a year long
emphasis in the Lutheran Church, "Living Faith: Call to Discipleship." We
have been talking about seven faith practices this fall that are inherent in
being a Christian, being part of the church: Worship, Study, Service,
Prayer, Inviting, Giving and Encouragement. Dr. Elhard was Stan's advisor
for his Doctor of Ministry.
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.
Funeral Services
Pastor Stan Sneeringer officiated at the funeral services of Clyde Boose on
Saturday, September 9, 2000 and Clara Frankenfield on Tuesday, September 19.
Both Clara and Clyde were long time members of Faith. Clara was one of our
charter members. Both will be greatly missed. Please keep the families of
Clyde and Clara in your thoughts and prayers.
Weddings in October
Pastor will officiate at the wedding of Jeffrey W. Lothes and Amy N. Morse
on Saturday October 7, 2000 at 2:30 PM. We wish all Amy and Jeff a Godspeed
and Christ's blessings as they begin their new life together.
October Baptisms
October 8: Samantha Nicole Ahern, child of Anne and Joseph; Madison Brooke
Wondra, child of Chuck and Vanessa
October 22: Reid Allen, child of Scott and Kelly Allen
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.
FLC Friendship Ministry
On Thursday, September 7th, the FLC (Faith Lutheran Church) Fellowship
callers met at 6:30PM in our Fellowship Hall. After a prayer, pizza, and
some brief instructions we all attempted to call every member of our church
(just to say "Hi how are you? We hope you & your family are A-OK"). I
certainly felt that every caller enjoyed this (and I hope those called also
enjoyed it). I do wish to thank each and every one that participated. Our
next "call-a-thon" will be 6:30 PM on November 16th). If you would like to
help (provide a phone, make phone calls or do both), please call the church
office or Bill Pope (867-4946).
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.
Soup Supper for OPEN M
You all said you had a great time. You said we should do this again. Well - We Are! Our Third Annual Faith Soup Supper Mark October 27th on you calendar and keep it in mind. $5.00 entitles you to taste a dozen different kinds of soups and a dessert. Entertainment is provided. You All Come This is to be a fund-raiser for OPEN M-LWR plus a fun evening for Faith and friends.
The holidays are coming
but OPEN M needs your donations NOW!
Peanut Butter Macaroni and Cheese Tuna Fish Pasta and paper products are always needed and money is never rejected.
Won't you think of OPEN M now? Please
The Service Committee is still collecting chocolate pudding for OPEN M. Don't forget to bring your pudding and place it in the purple containers.
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, October 15, 2000 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,
October 22, 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.
The next Discover Faith seminar will be held March 2001.
Global Outreach
The Kenya Mission
Who: The Kenya Mission is a Lutheran Fellowship of over 40 individuals and
30 congregations that directly support the work of Lutheran Missionary Rev.
Robert Schmalzle and his family.
What: By supporting the Kenya Mission, we are also supporting the developing
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya. Pastor Schmalzle serves the
International Lutheran Congregation in Nairobi, which has ministry with
foreigners and refugees.
When and Where: Pastor Bob's call is through the Lutheran world Mission
Prayer League. He is a Board Certified Associate Missionary with the
Division of Global Mission (ELCA).
Why: The opportunity to directly support a missionary you personally know;
to be connected to the dramatic growth in the African Church; to have
specific mission needs for which you can pray; to have a direct impact on
our Lord's mission in a foreign land..are just a few of the many reasons for
you to be a partner The Kenya Mission Fellowship.
How: Individuals of Faith may supplement our congregation's mission support
by adding their own financial gift to our support. Special gifts may be
made by using the special white pew envelope and directing the funds
appropriately with a notation on the envelope. Information about the
Schmalzle's is posted on our bulletin board.
Operations
Brochures Available
Brochures are coming on line this month describing each of our groups here
at Faith Lutheran Church. These brochures describe the mission and goals of
each group. These brochures would be of particular interest to those who
wish to match their spiritual gifts with needs of the congregation plus
those who are seeking new avenues for spiritual growth. The first twelve
include:
1) Women's Life Beginnings LIFE Group
2) The Flashlight Band
3) Faith Explorers' Club: Sunday Morning for Kids
4) Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
5) Contemporary Authors LIFE Group
6) Faith (8 AM Usher and Altar Guild Ministry
7) Service Team Ministry
8) Faith Preschool
9) Home Communion Team
10) Congregation Life and Nurture Team
11) Courtyard Garden Club
If your group is not listed above and you wish to encourage new participants
to be a part, please submit the information about your group to the church
office.
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.
8) Take old paint and materials to "hazardous waste" drop off center
The Sky is Being Fixed!
With the arrival of three small leaks this summer in the worship center, a
"search and repair" mission has been going on. Apparently, all three leaks
are 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 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 are waiting to be
repaired. They are scheduled to be repaired this fall since the resulting
water falling on the walls and windows are causing cracks to appear in the
masonry and windowsills underneath. Both of these repair projects require
our immediate attention in order to prevent much more serious winter damage
later.
Thanks to the diligence of our Sexton Bill Osborn and the perseverance of
Council Member Tom Parsons, much of this work will be covered by insurance
through Remsburg Insurance. Our thanks to them, Tom and Bill more making
much of this possible.
Synod News
Synod Website
The Northeastern Ohio Synod is on the web. WWW.neos-elca.org will allow you
to read the latest new from the NEOS resource center, request a resource or
ask the Resource Center for help. You can meet the Bishop and the synod
staff, join an on-line discussion, and share some ideas even register for
synod events. You can also read the Bishop's monthly newsletter and check
out the synod Calendar.
Adult Learning
Beginning at 9:15 a.m. on Sundays (except October 29th) 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 October, we will visit Sardis and Pergamum, two first century cities in the Roman province of Asia Minor. The churches in these cities were addressed by John in the book of Revelation. As we study his writings in light of recent archaeological discoveries, we will ask the question, "Were these believers influencing their culture for Jesus, or were they becoming increasingly comfortable as part of that culture?" Though we may not come up with a definitive answer, in trying to find one, we will discover a way to powerfully critique our own Christian witness in an increasingly secular culture.
John labeled Pergamum as the place "where Satan has his throne" and "where Satan lives." This is a striking indictment of the pagan nature of the city, and hints at the difficulties early believers experienced as they tried to live Christian lives in that setting. But they remained faithful, even in the face of death. That pagan culture is remarkably similar to the one in which we life today. This discussion will challenge us to be faithful.
This course is led by Sara and Jim Shook. Join us on this faith-deepening tour of Bible Lands. All interested adults are welcome to attend.
W-ELCA
October 11th 10:00 a.m.
. A TRIP TO THE AKRON ART MUSEUM "The Lure of the West - Treasures of the Smithsonian American Art Museum"
At 10:00 a.m. Barbara Dillahunt will have devotions and our president, Elaine Johnson, will have a brief business meeting. (There will be no refreshments.)
Following this, we will car pool to the Akron Art Museum. Seth Thompson will give us a guided tour of the exhibit from the Smithsonian. It will include artifacts and pictures.
October 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. "A Peruvian Adventure!"
The Akron Wooster Cluster Fall Gathering will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church on S. Main St. Barbara Culler will give us some of the highlights of the trip she and her husband took to Peru last year. Faith Church Women are in charge of preparing the coffee hour. Your help will be needed to serve approximately 100 people. Please call Jean Butler if you would like to provide a coffee cake.
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 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
Bowling
Fairlawn and Faith Lutheran Churches' Sunday Afternoon Mixed Bowling League 2000-2001 Season
Calling al bowlers who just like bowling for fun. Watch for a sign-up poster or call Penny Thompson at 666-5065.
This is a non-sanctioned mixed league made up primarily of members from Fairlawn and Faith Lutheran Churches. The league's purpose is to promote Christian fellowship.
Meets: Two or three Sundays per month at Riviera Lanes beginning September 17 and ending March 25 for a total of 16 weeks. Adjustments in scheduling are made to avoid holiday weekends.
Time: Warm up begins at 3:45 p.m. Bowling begins promptly at 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $10.00 per person per Sunday covers bowling and prize fund.
Subs: You are responsible for getting a sub if you will not be bowling. Subs will pay $7.00. Regular bowler who is absent pays $3.00.
Explorers' Club
Explorer Club is all about Faith's young people. It's about having fun witha bunch of other kids while learning about the greatest book ever written. It's all about achieving goals and winning. Every Sunday.
But, have you ever wondered who coaches 81 Explorers each Sunday? Who impacts these teams of kids? Let us introduce you to the coaching staff!
3 1/2 year old Sue and Dan Malkowski Pam and Jon Hunt
4 yr./Kindergarten Diane Carano, Denise Henkel
1st/2nd Grade Lorna Schnell, Diana Bullock
1st/2nd Grade Melissa Johnson, Ed Simpson
3rd/4th Grade Denise Flanagan, Dave Nelson
5th Grade Loralee Daily, Laurie Fenton
John Knops
6th Grade Allison Seefeldt Ekechuku,
Skip and Susan Summerville
Explorers' Worship Cherli and Pat Gsellman
Each of these team leaders deserves a gold medal!
Explorer Dates to Note
October 27 - Church Soup Dinner Contest to support OPEN M
October 29 - Explorer Fall Festival for all age groups, held during regular Explorer Club.
December 3 - Christmas Pageant for all Explorers, held at the 10:45 a.m. Celebration Service.
Every Explorer was a gold-medal winner at the Rally Day Olympics in September! The hour was jam packed with events and games that required both individual effort and teamwork.
Guitarist bob Hartz led Explorers in the opening ceremonies. Then ..... the games began! Golf ball and spoon races, suitcase and dress-up relays and the carpenter shuttle were just a few of the events.
With 81 Explorers registered this year, 2000 - 2001 promises to be a gold-medal year!
Miracles Do Abound
Beginning Sunday, September 10, 2000 and continuing for three weeks, Faith heard personal stories of how God has been active in their life. Our Resource Development (Stewardship) theme this year is "Giving By Faith." It is based on Genesis 33:11: "Please accept my gift that is brought to you because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have everything I want." Our hope is to convey to you that we give first not to meet a budget, not to maintain the property or even to keep programs going but out of gratitude for the miracle that God in Christ daily works in us. I know that God daily works miracles in me as I believe God works miracles in all of us. Some call those miracles "coincidences." Others call these miracles "luck." But whatever you call them, it is God who is behind them.
Three of our members shared the miracle or miracles God has worked in their lives. Some were very simple; some quite profound. Whichever, they are still miracles.
And then, Faith will host on October 1, 2000, the Covenant Players, an international Christian drama company who will be bringing to our three services the message that Sunday titled "The 'E' Department." The group's director, Michael Black, and his wife will be the dramatists. On October 8, 2000 after reflecting on how God has impacted our lives, we will have a chance to thank him with our "estimates of giving" to the work of his church here at Faith Lutheran Church. God's blessings will be abundant.
Letters to Faith
Pastor Stan,
I am writing you and your congregation to thank you for the prayers that you sent up for me Sunday.
A member of your church, Mrs. Polly Dobkin, requested prayers for me because of a recent illness and surgery that I went through, and we all know the power of God's love.
Polly is a special person in my life, not only is she my supervisor at work, I truly believe she is a friend.
So again I thank you all and may God's love and blessings continue to grow in your lives and your church.
-Marty Maxwell
Dear Friends,
Summit County Children's Services wish to thank Faith Lutheran Church for its generous donation of school supplies. Our goal for this project was to ensure that every child get the right start in the new school year. Without your support this would not have been possible. On the packing night, 600 packets of school supplies were assembled. Additional donations received resulted in the total distribution of almost 800 packets of supplies and book bags. Supplies were provided to every child whose name was submitted by a social worker. Thank you again.
Sincerely, Joseph W. White, Jr. Executive Director
Dear Members of Faith Lutheran Church,
Thank you for your generous gift of $5,000 to be applied to the account of Dee Miklos. It is through the expression of Christian love by individuals such as you as well as the many congregations of the E.L.C.A., that we are able to provide financial support to our students. Gifts such as your assist men and women who have been called to serve as pastors, church musicians, lay ministers, and Christian educators.
Thank you again for your financial support. We are blessed by your partnership in preparing future church leaders. May God's blessings and peace be yours.
Melissa Curtis Powell, Director of Financial Aid
Trinity Lutheran Seminary
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