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October 2003 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.
Celebration Sunday
Welcome The Covenant Players On Celebration Sunday, October 5
This year’s Stewardship Emphasis culminates with…Special Events Include:
8 a.m. Worship - Organist Bob Mollard will be the guest speaker/presenter as we
CELEBRATE the multiple gifts of God among us.
9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Worship – The Covenant Players Drama Team will be our special guests and will present a number of fun and thought-provoking dramas.
EXPLORERS CLUB members and leaders will attend the 9:15 a.m. worship service and sit in the front with their classes. (In terms of attendance, this will be a “regular” Sunday.) There will be a special presentation for the children.
The 9:15 a.m. service will be held IN THE SANCTUARY so that there will be room for
everyone to attend.
Estimate of Giving cards will be distributed, filled out and brought forward during all three ser vices as an act of worship. Please prayerfully consider your financial support of the
congregation during the coming year in preparation for this important day.
Let’s celebrate Making Christ Known!! Let’s Grow In 2004!
WELCA SUNDAY
October 12
Faith Unit of Women of the ELCA welcomes all women to be a part of our activities, service projects and meetings. The national theme “Listen, God Is Calling” challenges us “to mobilize to act boldly on our faith in Jesus Christ.” We meet to nurture our faith, have fun and share our spiritual gifts, abilities and blessings. WELCA Sunday emphasizes that we are a place for all women of the church.
CLARA'S CLUB
October 12 - 10:45 a.m. worship
Our newest youth members will be presented
with an autographed Bible.
All Clara's Club participants will be recognized
Reformation Sunday
October 26
The Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) Service will be held during 10:45 a.m. worship on October 26 in the Sanctuary. A reception will be held in honor on those being confirmed following worship in the Fellowship Hall.
And in the afternoon…
A special Reformation Celebration Service for area Lutherans will be held at 3 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Akron. Retired Bishop Kenneth Sauer will be preaching at the service. The church is located at 833 Carroll Street, near City Hospital.
Music Ministry
On October 17th, Out of the Mire, a Christian Rock band, will be playing here at Faith. The timing of this event will be from 9:00pm-11:00pm, and the cost will be $4.00 at the door. This will be a great opportunity for middle school.
and high school students to bring all of their friends to a fun, Christ-centered concert. Youth from various churches and the entire community are invited, so please come out and show your support; it will be a great witness to those who are not members of Faith. In order to make the event a success, we need adults who will serve as chaperones. Please contact Carrie Miller if you would like to help. Our youth are excited about this event, so it would be a great project to put your energy toward.
Road Trip
Road Trip for Middle School Youth
On October 18, all middle school youth are invited to travel with the youth group to Thiel College for a day of exploring the grounds and discovering what Lutheran colleges and universities have to offer. We will meet at the church at 7:30 a.m. and then travel to Greenville, Pennsylvania where we will meet up with other youth in grades 7 and 8. The program will conclude at 4:00 p.m., and we will return home at 6:00 p.m. Join us for a day of fun, fellowship, worship, and education designed especially for middle school students. Please return your permissions slips as soon as possible, so we can determine the number of participants.
Confirmation
LUTHER, a major motion picture, is coming to theaters in the Akron area early in October. Why not add it to your “movies to see” list?
The Confirmation Class will be going to see the movie the afternoon of October 4 (the time will be announced). Congregation members are invited to join them. Carrie Miller, Youth Leader, will look into buying tickets in advance. If you are interested in going with the group, please contact her by October 2.
ATTENTION YOUTH BEING CONFIRMED
Practice for the Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) Service will be at 7:15 p.m. on Tuesday,
October 21 in the Sanctuary. Please make every effort to be present for this 45-minute review of the service. If it is impossible for you to do so, make arrangements to meet with Pastor Jean on Saturday morning, October 25.
Sally Foster Fundraiser
October 3 is your last opportunity to purchase products from the Sally Foster fundraiser to benefit improvements to the classrooms used by the Preschool and Sunday School children. Be sure to stop by the Preschool office and pick up an order form from the basket on the door. ALL ORDERS MUST BE TURNED INTO THE PRESCHOOL OFFICE BY OCTOBER 3. If you have any questions, please contact Debbie Sinopoli, Sally Foster Fundraising Chair, at 330-836-1394. Thank you for your support.
Staff Update
Minister of Christian Growth and Discipleship - Call Committee Update
On September 4, the committee met with Deaconess Judy Hoshek of the Northeastern Ohio Synod to review the call process and discuss the position. Advertisements about the position have run on the website, in the Akron Beacon Journal and the Synod Newsletter.
Over a dozen resumes have been evaluated. Four candidates have responded to a request for written answers to a questionnaire that will help the Call Committee select candidates for interviewing. The committee met September 17 to select three initial candidates for interviews. If the interviews provide a strong candidate, the committee hopes to make a recommendation to council in October. If a selection is not made, additional applicants will be sought.
Please continue to support the Call Committee through prayer: Robin Horn– Chair, Randy Cole, John Dial, Ken Jakubec, Shirley Pope, and Sara Shook.
Clara's Club
Mark 9:30-41: (Jesus said) “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes not me but the one who sent me” Clara’s Club is designed to connect adult members of our congregation with a youngster. The adults are asked to guide their youngster on their Faith journey. Our first meeting is Sunday October 12 at the 10:45 a.m. service. Newest youth members will be presented an autographed Bible by their Adult Guide and all Clara’s Club participants will be recognized. Everyone is strongly encouraged to attend this service. If you “feel called for this ministry”, please call Bill Pope, 330-867-4946.
WHAT LUTHERANS BELIEVE CLASS
Thursdays, October 16, 23 and 30 - 6:30-8:30 p.m. Fellowship Hall
Anyone interested in joining Faith Lutheran Church who is NOT transferring from another Lutheran congregation, AND anyone who wishes to update their knowledge of what Lutherans believe, is welcome to attend these classes.
Please contact Pastor Jean by October 12 if you are planning to attend.
Happy 50th Anniversary!
Year 2005 will mark the 50th anniversary of Faith Lutheran Church. From its first meetings at Simon Perkins Junior High School in Akron in 1955 to worship in our present location on West Market Street, Faith church has been the spiritual home for thousands of area residents. As we look forward to celebrating this happy anniversary, we want to record the history of our first five decades in order to give us a sense of our legacy ...and a source of inspiration as we witness to Jesus Christ’s presence in us in the present day.
To that end, a group of congregation members have been meeting this fall to organize efforts to research our history during the next year or so and to plan interesting ways to present this research to the congregation and the community in the latter months of 2004 and 2005 (an actual 50th anniversary celebration event will take place in 2005 and volunteers will be sought to plan and conduct that; watch for details!)
Members of the history group include Charlie Ramsey, Judy Vernon, Ginny Greenawalt, Donna Sterner, Ed Rich, Ruth Simpson, and Steve Thompson (chair). We ask your help in (1) locating documents, pictures, and correspondence and (2) working as layperson researchers. Here are some specifics.
Documents
Do you have pictures, slides, video in your home that relate to events in the life of Faith Church? Do you have newspaper clippings, pamphlets, Sunday School materials, etc., or correspondence relating to special occasions? These don’t have to date back to the 1950’s or 60”s! We need documents, etc. from the recent past as well. If you entrust these to us, we’ll copy them and make sure the originals are returned to you.
Researchers
We need congregation members who have an interest in studying the documents, etc. and possibly interviewing present and past members to learn, not just the historical facts, but to obtain stories about individuals and groups and their experiences in faith at Faith. We have identified ten different research topics; each will be the focus of a separate research committee. There topics are: Music, Property/Building, Outreach, Worship, Education, Pastors, Lay Leaders, Youth, Benevolence/Finance; and Social Activities. After each research committee has developed facts and stories about its topic area, the committee will decide which means will be used to disseminate its findings (possibilities include “fast Faith facts” to include in the monthly newsletter, Power Point presentations, recordings of oral interviews with former pastors, etc.).
In addition to the above, we need persons who are interested in working with webmaster Ed Rich to establish a database of collected information. Also, we need photographers, cartoonists, graphic designers, story writers, data managers, and more! Can you help with any of this, large or small? We share a common heritage in the birth, life and death of Jesus, yes, and a common heritage in worship and service to our Lord in west Akron, Fairlawn, Copley, and Bath. Let’s prepare for a happy anniversary at Faith Lutheran Church! To discuss your possible involvement, speak to any member of the history group or speak to Steve Thompson at 330.666.5065 (email at st@uakron.edu).
Standing Committee Nominations
2003 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 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 member to assure 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. These 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. 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. A voting member is a confirmed member who has communed and contributed in the current or previous year. Nominations must be submitted by November 3. The Nominating Committee will contact each nominee accordingly. If a particular position interest you, we encourage you to nominate yourself.
Nominations should be directed to members of the Nominating Committee: Lois Chaffee, Donna Sterner, Jim Shook, Nora Schwarze, Ruth Simpson or Chris Wright-Penov.
Summary of Duties:
Council:
Council members are responsible for future vision, direction, and oversight of Church functions and services. Meetings are typically held once per month. Council directs much of its work through teams working in six ministry areas: They are:
- Ministry Development
- Global Outreach
- Growth and Learning
- Operations
- Care and Nuture
- Worship
Standing Committees:
Audit Committee: Verify that the finaces from the prior year are in order. Time commitment is approximately 10—20 hours during January through April.
Endowment Committee: Recommend how interest dollars from the Endowment Fund should be allocated (scholarships, etc.).
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 Assembly of Lutheran Churches.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army of Summit County is involved in a lot of services to people in the community. For instance, there are emergency services for individuals and families that need food, clothing, medicine, household items, transportation, utility payments, and counseling. During the holiday season, special aid is given to shoe in need which includes food, clothing and toys. Homeless families are provided with a warm, safe environment during this time of crises. They are given assistance with finding permanent housing. Continued follow-up is provided to help them develop a strong permanent situation that prevents them from future homelessness.
The mobile canteen, staffed by volunteers, takes food, blankets, personal care items and referral information to the homeless on the city streets. During the summer months, the mobile canteen is used to provide lunches to the area children. Being out of school in the summer, they do not get their school lunches and are often hungry. The last five days of the month, when food stamps and other support rations run out, hot meals are provided at the Akron locations for families.
School age children are provided with an after school program that includes meaningful opportunities for learning, resulting in academic, social, and spiritual growth. Children also receive a nutritious snack, time for physical activities and creative arts. Children ages 5-12 participate in a camp type atmosphere utilizing nature, which contributes to their physical, mental and spiritual growth. Children who may not normally have the opportunity to experience time out of the city are provided a six day, fun packed time at Camp NEOSA in Carrolton, Ohio.
Parents, often single, need affordable child care while they work or go to school come to the Army for this service. The Army is prepared to provide food, hot/cold beverages, blankets, and basic necessities to workers at any disaster site in the community.
And finally, the Army can provide assistance in locating loved ones through communication with its corporate offices.
Norm/Judi Schmidt
Service Team Ministry
Letters of Thanks
Dear Friends:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the abused, neglected and dependent children served by the Summit Children’s Services, I would like to thank you for your generous donation of school supplies. Without the support of donors like you, many of the children served by the agency would not have had school supplies.
With the support of organizations and people like you, many of the children will be able to have a better school year. Thank you again for your support of the children.
Sincerely,
Joseph W. White, Jr.
Executive Director
Dear Friends of OPEN M:
Thank you for your gift to OPEN M of Shoes. We appreciate your example of being aware of persons in need and your willingness to share what you have with others.
In Proverbs, the Bible directs us to do good to those who need it whenever we can. God bless you for your generosity.
OPEN M, like many others, has daily needs which must be met and being a ministry, our programs can only succeed with the help of others. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Yours truly,
Betty M. Eberly
Director of Administration
Thank you to all who had me in their prayers during the weeks following my motorcycle accident. The cards and phone calls were very uplifting during my time of recovery. I know God’s angels watched over me. -- Michael Chaffee
Thank you so very much for the beautiful prayer shawl and for your prayers for my health. God Bless You All! --
Gloria Boes
Dear Members of Faith:
My husband and I wish to thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl you sent; and for the loving thoughts and prayers that come with it.
How very nice to know we have your support especially during some pretty trying times. Our very best to you all.
Love,
Douglas and Esther Winslow
Dear Friends at Faith Lutheran,
Thank you for the lovely shawl. It is so warm and cozy. -- I love it!
Justine Molnar
Letter from John Maroni
Greetings from Colorado;
I have completed my first month of internship at Christ Lutheran Church in Highlands Ranch. I have enjoyed my time here so far. If you never visited Colorado, it is a really neat place. The mountains are always visible to the west. There is plenty of wide open space. And the sun shines nearly every day!
It took a few days for my body to adjust to the altitude and the dryness. It's amazing how our bodies are able to make such adjustments. My car also had to be adjusted in order to run with 25% less oxygen (due to the altitude).
I had to make some spiritual adjustments as well. I feel like a fish taken out of Lake Erie and dropped in a pond 1500 miles west. I feel God's presence is helping me make the transition from home to a place far away. We all undergo changes and transitions in life. As members of the body of Christ, we have a network of brothers and sisters wherever we go.
I will stay in Colorado until my year of internship is complete. I look forward to returning to Ohio in order to finish my final year at seminary. Once I graduate from Trinity in May 2005, I will become eligible for what is nicknamed the "draft." The bishops of the ELCA will read my application and determine where in the United States I am best fit to serve the wider church. I am willing to go wherever I am called.
I thank all of you for your support - be it cards and letters, or financial offerings. I could not have come this far with out your love and support.
With the help of God I will continue this journey! God's peace be with you all!
John Maroni
1734 W. Crestline Ave.
Littleton, Colorado 80120
Lock Update
Early in October all of the outside door locks will be changed. Anyone wanting access to the building should apply for an electronic “key” now
Entertainment Book 2004
Lutheran Chaplaincy Service
in cooperation with
Thrivent Financial for Lutheran
present
Entertainment 2004
Discount Book
The cost is $28.00 and it can be ordered
through the church office.
Walt Wangerin
Walt Wangerin -- The Voice of Lutheran Vespers
3:00 p.m. October 12 -- Fisher Auditorium, Wooster
Walt is a gifted storyteller, author and pastor whose words will captivate, entertain and challenge the listener.
Tickets are $10 each, or $50 maximum per congregation. Students are $5 and children under the age of 10 are free. Proceeds from ticket sales will purchase air time across Ohio to broadcast Luther Vespers.
(Lutheran Vespers is on AM radio 960 at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays)
If you are interested in attending please contact Pastor Jean by October 8 so that tickets can be ordered at the group rate, if possible.
Annual Soup Supper Benefit
All proceeds will benefit
the “Ark” Program
Sponsored by the
Service Team Ministry
Tickets on sale October 5
Adults $5.00
Children $3.00
The annual soup supper with many delicious soups will be held in the church on October 24. Yes, it is high school football night but, dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. so you will have plenty of time to still make the game. How many of the dozen or so soups will you be able to try?
Let’s try and help the Explorer’s Club get closer to their goal of $5,000.
Advent "Tinsel and Tea"
Saturday, December 6, 2003
11:00 a.m.
The last vestige of summer hangs on, but it’s time to start thinking about hosting a table for our annual advent “Tinsel and Tea”.
If you would like to host and decorate a table (for six or eight), please contact Lois Chaffee (330-239-5505). A Christmas or Advent Theme can be used in your decorating ideas which include dishes and napkins. Questions? Please call Lois at the above number.
Rummage Sale - Nov 8th
Wednesday, November 5 - 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Set-Up
Thursday, November 6 - 9:00a.m - 4:00 p.m. Set-Up
Friday, November 7 - 9:00a.m - 4:00 p.m. Set-Up
Friday Night, November 7 6:00 p.m. - (Preview Night - John Maroni Night)
Rummage Sale - Saturday, November 8 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns:
Faith visitor Betty Jacobs
Faith member Shirley Kmet
Faith members Ted and Geri Peterson
Faith member Beth Meyer
Special Prayers:
Faith member Michael Sullivan
For all military personnel who have been deployed to Iraq and
surrounding areas, and for their families, especially Erica Kovach,
daughter of Norma (and Barry) White. Erica is recovering her
hearing following an explosion in Iraq. We give thanks that
Robert Deme, son of Denise (and Pat) Flanagan, has returned
to the United States from Iraq.
Faith member Pat Preston
In Thanksgiving:
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With Faith members Brian and Kit Scheetz upon
the birth of John Brian Scheetz on September 7,
weighing 5 pounds, 10 ounces.
His grandparents are Faith members
Bill and Polly Dobkin.
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