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October 2001 Newsletter
    
From Trinity Seminary
Report from Trinity Seminary - John Maroni
As I write this article, I am beginning my third week of class. Because my very being here at Trinity could not have been possible without the help of this congregation, I want to share a few words about what I am doing.
The degree I am working toward is called a Master of Divinity. When I learn exactly what the title means or implies, I will type another report. I do not entertain the notion that I will be mastering divinity (especially since I have not yet managed to master humanity). It's what the degree will allow me to do that is my primary concern. Completion of the M Div. along with other requirements, will allow me to pursue ordination in the ELCA.
The fact that our church is in Akron and the seminary is in Columbus poses some geographical obstacles. With the help of so many of you, I am working through these obstacles. Currently, I am maintaining my apartment in Akron and an efficiency dorm in Columbus. I drive to Columbus on Monday a.m. and come home Thursday p.m. Fridays and part of Monday I spend time at the church. My dog has been in good hands. John, Patti, Lauren and Jamie White are appreciated for taking excellent care of my best friend Beatrice, while I am in Columbus.
I want to send words of thanks and appreciation. First, to the congregation and council, thank you for all your emotional support, and monetary donation. I have also been the recipient of generous donations from, or in the name of Gordon Gombert, Hans and Kathy Zbinden, Lucille Loos, and Frank and Ruth Pamer. Thanks to all of you, I have been able to finance my seminary education with minimal student loans.
I also need to thank Chip Roberts. Chip shared with me a few of his "bachelor recipes" and they are proving quite effective. Thanks Chip!
The Lord bless and keep you.
John
Confirmation
We Celebrated The Rite of Confirmation on 30 September 2001
The Rite of Confirmation was celebrated Sunday, September 30, 2001 at the 10:45 a.m. Service of Worship. Our interim pastor, the Rev. Deborah Wissner, conducted the service. Also, Bill Beers (Council President) and John Maroni (Youth director) participated in this important service.
Members, family and friends of Faith Lutheran Church attended in support of our young adult members. Students confirmed were:
Clay Barcus, Victoria Schnell, Chris Garman, Nicole Schwan, Dale Gsellman, Lucy Sschwan, Tammy Lightle, Rebecca Schwarze, Ellen Mackall, Michael Sullivan, Adam McClish, Jamie White, Evan Nelson, Lauren White, Heather Parker
PARENT INVOLVEMENT
Parents were involved in the actual Rite of Confirmation by accompanying their children to the altar, participating in the laying on of hands as they knelt, and distributing to them their certificate of Confirmation. They also received a Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) with their name inscribed on the cover as a gift from the congregation.
RECEPTION
Following the service, a potluck reception was held in the Fellowship Hall.
Confirmation Class
Fall Quarter
The Ten Commandments
Sept 9 - Oct 14 10:34 a.m. - 12:15, students meet in the Youth Room for Confirmation
Oct 21 and Oct 28 Autumn Break
Winter Quarter
The Lord's Prayer
Nov 4 - Dec 9 10:45 - 12:15, students meet in the Youth Room for Confirmation
Dec 16, 23, and 30 Christmas Break
Winter II Quarter
The Apostles' Creed
Jan 6 - Feb 10 10:45 - 12:15, students meet in the Youth Room for Confirmation
Spring Quarter
Word and Sacraments
April 7 - May 12 10:45 - 12:15, students meet in the Youth Room for Confirmation
May 19 Picnic and Awards
Clara's Club
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. Each Faith Guide presents a Bible to his or her Explorer and promises to mentor their young friend.
This fall the Bible Presentations will be held at the 10:45 a.m. service on Sunday, October 14. Please plan to attend to show your support for these important new relationships. If you are interested in serving as a Faith Guide for one of the first-grade Explorers, please call Becky Strimple at 330-836-2089.
Explorer Club Spotlight
1. All new Firelight Bible-Learning Curriculum is being taught in all groups. Are you asking your children what they're learning?
2. We have 84 Explorers registered this fall! Average weekly attendance is 71. That's 84% of the Explorers are coming each Sunday!
3. We're working through some growing pains - busy hallways, overflowing classrooms, teachers who could use a pair of helping hands. Yours, perhaps?
4. SOS We need another leader to share in the teaching of the three-year-old class.
Explorer Fall Festival is Sunday, October 28 from 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. Witches, ghouls and goblins (and all other scary beasts) stay home! It's a costume party for the GOOD GUYS! Come in a non-violent costume. It's a morning of sweet treats and fun games. We sure could use some fun Dads and Moms to help out. Sign up with your child's leader.
W-ELCA
Wednesday, October 10, 2001 10:00 a.m.
A trip to the Copley Train Station with Mrs. Andre Martin-Sams
We will meet at the church at 10:00 a.m. for devotions, business and refreshments.
Arleen Birdsell will have the devotions.
Maxine Heldridge will be our hostess.
A Thankoffering will be taken at the meeting.
At 11:00 a.m. we will depart and travel by car to the Copley Train Station, which is on Copley Road West of the Circle, where there will be adequate parking area.
Everyone is welcome.
Fall Gathering October 25, 2001 Akron-Wooster Cluster ELCA At
Augsburg Lutheran Church Orrville, Ohio 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch $6.00
In-Kind Gifts Baby Bundles
1 Receiving Blanket Soap 2 Cloth Diapers 2 Diaper Pins Baby Powder Baby Shampoo 1 Small Bath Towel Brush
2 T Shirts (not one piece that snap at bottom) All items enclosed in a one-gallon zip-lock bag.
Reservations to Jean Butler 330-836-3316
"Tinsel and Tea" Women of Faith Christmas Brunch December 8 11: a.m.
I am looking for ladies who would host a table for our Christmas Brunch. This would mean decorating a table for 8 in a Christmas holiday theme of your choice. (Dishes, Glassware, Napkins and any Christmas decorations you might want to display on the table.)
Contact Lois Chaffee 330-239-5505 If you would like to host a Christmas table.
From Our Call Committee
The Call Committee extends a big "Thank You" to the 133 members of our congregation who filled out the "Ministry Priorities and Skills Rating Sheet." We asked for your help and you responded in a big way! Many of you also made some comments which will be taken into account. As promised, here are the top thirteen (due to ties) .Worship Leader, Preaching, Ministry to Youth, Ministering in Crisis, Interpretation of Theology, Evangelism, Confirmation, Counseling, Administration, Visitation, Recruit and Equip Leaders, Innovator, Children's Ministry.
We have completed the extensive Congregational Mission Profile and will be presenting it to Judy Hoshek from our Synod office on October 4. We will then be in a position to start the pastoral candidate review process.
As always, feel free to contact any one of us with comments, questions, concerns and ideas. We are here to serve and appreciate all of your prayers and support.
Michael Chaffee, Co-Chair - 330-239-5505
Steve Thompson, Co-Chair - 330-666-5065
Don Dillahunt - 330-867-3995
Anita Sears - 330-665-3106
Dana Singer - 330-836-9262
Marilyn Wilson - 330-666-3202
Ben Aronson - 330-873-9371
Beth Gsellman - 330-867-4569
Adult Sunday Learning
ADULT SUNDAY LEARNING LIFE Group meets once a week at 9:15 a.m. in the Library beginning on September 16. The TEN COMMANDMENTS will be their topic for about five weeks using Bible study guide booklets and videotapes. On September 16, they will begin with the Exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt into the wilderness to Mount Sinai. God called Moses up to the mountain top and gave him the Ten Commandments on stone tablets. The group will be discussing the boundaries given to us by God. But God's rules do more than restrict, they give freedom and promises. They are words of prevention, but also words of protection. They are words that define identity (ours and God's). They affirm our dependence on God and on each other. By studying these laws, you can better understand how to apply them and you will encounter God himself. Placing God first in everything and other details about the first commandment will also be discussed on September 16.
On each future Sunday, the group plans to consider details about two more of the other commandments.
This group is led by Sara and Jim Shook (330-867-8598). Join the group on Sunday mornings for helpful discussions on the basics of our Christian faith. All adults are welcome.
OCTOBERFEST!!
OCTOBERFEST!! SOUP SUPPER FUND RAISER FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19 5:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.
Come One, Come All!! For $5.00 you can sample all of our delicious soups plus a dessert and listen to German music! Additional desserts will be available also for only $1.00 each. There will be prizes for the 3 soups with the most votes! Tickets will be available each Sunday after services beginning October 7.
The dinner is being sponsored by the Service Team Ministry and proceeds will go to benefit both the food pantry of OPEN M and to help in the New York relief work with matching funds from Lutheran Brotherhood. Come and have fun while helping others in need.
Adults $5.00 Children $2.50
OPEN M
Remember how Faith Lutheran Church used to be known as the "Brown Sugar Church"?
Well, times have changed.
It seems that every year OPEN M gives out a list of items that are needed/desired for their food outlay and each year the churches involved with their projects are given a chance to sign up for the item they desire to give.
This year another church, other than Faith, picked "brown sugar" before we had a chance!
So Faith's committee went with another item on the list. This year Faith will be collecting 40 oz. boxes of Bisquick.
So the next time you go to the grocery store, pick up a 40 oz. box of Bisquick and bring it to the church, either on Sunday or any other day you happen to drop in.
Who Benefits from the Rummage Sale?
Rummage Sale - Is It Worth It? YES! ABSOLUTELY!
* The Rummage Sale is the BIGGEST fellowship event of the year.
* It's the Biggest fundraiser of the year.
* Proceeds benefit the needs of us all.
Hospice Soup Program 1997-2000
Battered Women's shelter
Faith Lutheran Church (tables, ladders, coffeemaker, Christmas decorations, carpet, paint, office remodeling, Explorer Club classroom tables, etc, etc, etc.) Youth Group matching funds Explorer Summer Camp (VBS)
OPEN-M, Haven of Rest Flood Relief, '93, Light Service Keyboard,
Newcomerstown Church Fire Fund Hurricane Andrew Relief '92
We've touched so many lives!
Rummage Sale Sat, Nov 3rd
Believe it or not! The rummage Sale is here again for the 10th year. It's time to let go of those old "treasurers."
Recycle them! Shop the Rummage Sale and buy some new old treasurers!
Many helping hands are needed!
- Bakers for our Bake Shop - bake ahead and freeze it.
- Set-up crew - Wednesday, October 31 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Sorters to distribute sale items Thursday, November 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Pricing crew
- Members Preview Sale and Dinner helpers Friday night, November 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- RUMMAGE SALE WORKERS, Saturday, November 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tear-down crew, Saturday, November 3 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Thank you for sharing yourself for the sake of others.
More Rummage Sale Notes
PLEASE Launder clothing, etc., to be sold. Repair seams and holes; replace buttons. Shoppers are more likely to purchase items that look nice!
CLEAN off the dust! It doesn't have to be perfect - just resaleable!
STUFF All working pieces should be included in a sealable bag. Electric goods should be in working order. If not, label what's wrong with it.
TAX DONATION FORMS are available.
WE NEED PAPER BAGS.
Mixed Bowling League
Calling all bowlers who just like bowling for fun. Watch for a sign-up poster or call Penny Thompson at 330-666-5065.
This is a non-sanctioned mixed league made up primarily of members from Fairlawn and Lutheran Churches. The league's purpose is to promote Christian fellowship.
Meets: Two or three Sundays per month at Riviera Lanes beginning September 16 and ending March 24 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. We bowl every other Sunday from 4 - 6 p.m.
Come join the fun!!! You don't have to be a great bowler, you just need to want a fun afternoon!!
Our Shepherding Program
New Member Sponsor
It is an important decision to join a church. Incoming members are entering a new phase of their spiritual journey. The Holy spirit's work is the major reason people join a congregation: but programs, people and activities influence where they join. Sponsors provide support to new members by shepherding them into the life of the congregation.
After people are received into membership in Faith with their Sponsors standing with them, the sponsors continue their support by
(1) praying for the new members, (2) getting to know them to discover their needs, and (3) by seeking to involve the new member
in congregational activities.
New members need a friend, need to be understood, need to be wanted, need to be invited to participate, and need to be included in all phases of the life of Faith Lutheran. They provide Faith with new ideas and further growth. Shepherding sponsors provide a way of entrance, welcoming and nurturing for new members.
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 a.m. to 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. 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 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.
The Toddler Nursery
Cindy Callen is the new caregiver for the children in our Toddler Room Nursery while parents attend church services and functions. She will provide a nurturing and caring environment and be willing to entertain and interact positively with a small group of children.
The hours are generally 9:00 a.m. to noon on Sundays. The caregiver will receive one Sunday off each month.
Responsibilities include caring for children of walking age up to 7 years old, maintaining a friendly, orderly, safe environment; and cleaning up the room after the children leave.
For more information please contact Susan Seeley at 330-864-0160 or thomasseeley@compuserve.com.
Lauren White and Danielle Lightle will be volunteering in the Toddler Nursery on the one Sunday each month that Cindy will not be there. Thank you Lauren and Danielle!
The Toddler NurseryLutheran BrotherhoodThank YouBaby Sitting
Lutheran Brotherhood
Stewardship Corner from Lutheran Brotherhood
Money is a neutral commodity, a means of exchange. It is neither inherently good nor evil. However, a wrong view of money can become a problem to us.
In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, we are warned about the dangers of a determination to get rich: "But people who want to get rich keep falling into temptation. They are trapped by many stupid and harmful desires that drown them in destruction and ruin. Certainly, the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people who have set their hearts on getting rich have wandered away from the Christian faith and have caused themselves a lot of grief.
When we have a consuming desire to get rich, when we are obsessed with money so that it becomes the focus of our time and attention, then we have made it the number one priority in our lives. In that spot, it replaces everything, including God. We begin to find our security in money, not in God and in God alone.
However, when our view of God is right and our view of money is right, we will realize that money cannot buy security; money cannot purchase happiness: money cannot guarantee peace or joy or contentment. God alone can provide these essentials as we "...strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness."
How do you view money? Is it at the center of your life, thereby perhaps replacing God's rightful role? And equally important, are you using the money God has given you to advance His kingdom and His righteousness?
Don Dillahunt, the Lutheran Brotherhood communicator for Faith Lutheran Church was named Volunteer of the Year at a dinner on
September 20, 2001. The award was given for his volunteer work with the Cuyahoga Valley branch #8596of the North Coast Lutheran Brotherhood Agencies.
Thank You
Dear Friends,
On behalf of Summit County Children Services, we would like to thank your members and friends for again this year donating school supplies. We especially want to thank Mrs. Jean Butler for her leadership in this project. We serve almost 2,000 abused, neglected and dependent children each day. This year, because of caring people like you, we were able to provide a record number 1,278 children with book bags and school supplies.
Our goal for the School Supply Project is to provide as many children as possible with the tools necessary to get the right start for the new school year. We are very grateful for the continual support of Faith Lutheran Church in helpling us reach this goal. Partnership with community businesses and private citizens enriches the lives of the children above and beyond what tax dollars provide.
Again, we thank you for your help. We hope you will continue to support this and other projects in the future.
Sincerely,
Carolyn Felton, MBA
Volunteer Program specialist
Baby Sitting
Baby Sitting Position Available
Mothers Together has an opening for a baby sitter position.
We meet here at Faith on Monday mornings from 9:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
Please call Missey Howald at (330) 922-4523 for details. Thank you.
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