|
September 2002 Newsletter
    
Sign Up for a Visit
Pastor Jean is continuing to visit people in their homes - or at a location of their choice - during July and August. This is an excellent way for her to become familiar with the congregation. She has set aside time on Monday afternoons and Tuesday and Thursday evenings. The sign-up sheet is posted across from the member mailboxes; please schedule your visit today!
Organist Search Committee Interviews Candidates
The Organist Search Committee has interviewed three candidates for the position of Organist at Faith Lutheran Church following the retirement of Hans Zbinden at the end of August. A decision will soon be made concerning continuing interviewing. It is hoped that the name of a recommended candidate will be taken to the Church Council in September.
In the Meantime, Faith member Tom Antal will be providing accompaniment for the 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services, beginning September 8.
Church Council Staffing Retreat
Faith Church Council recently held a retreat to discuss staffing changes. In addition to the positions of organist and youth director, there is still an unfilled Minister of Discipleship and Outreach position left vacant upon the retirement of Kathy Zbinden last year and Karen Bach left her part-time position this year.
During the retreat, council members reviewed Faith's Mission, Vision and Values and performed an assessment of our needs across all of our ministry areas. The Council members decided to focus on three areas:
1 Outreach
2 Youth (21 and under)
3 Development of spiritual gifts and leadership within the congregation.
Each of these areas may involve the use of small groups.
After several hours of discussion and prayer, it became clear that we either have a lot of little jobs or a couple of big jobs. The Council decided to begin developing descriptions for two full-time positions. The first is a more fully developed office administrator position.
The second position would coordinate ministry in the areas of family ministries (youth and learning) and spiritual gifts development. It is envisioned that the person will act as a facilitator helping members of the congregation to fill vital roles.
"Town Hall" Meetings
"Town Hall" Meetings Welcome Congregational In-put
All Faith members are invited to attend "Town Hall Meetings" during which the staffing recommendations that have been made by the Church Council will be discussed. Please come with your questions, comments and ideas. The meetings will be held:
at 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 29 in the sanctuary and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 30 in the Fellowship Hall.
September 11, 2001 Remembered
From 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11 the sanctuary will be available to anyone who wishes to come for a time of silent prayer as the United States remembers the terrorist attack on that date one year ago. Pastor Jean will prepare a liturgy/prayers that will be available in the sanctuary for individuals to use if they wish.
On Sunday, September 15, the anniversary will be remembered during prayers at all three worship services.
Other worship opportunities include:
7 p.m., September 10, candlelighting service sponsored by the Akron Area Association of Churches at the Fairlawn-West United Church of Christ.
Faith members are invited to attend a prayer service at 12:10 p.m. and 7 p.m. on September 11 at St. Hilary Catholic Church. Pastor Jean will be sharing the message at both of those services.
Confirmation Class
Confirmation Class Orientation Saturday, September 7, in the sanctuary
An Orientation meeting for all first and second year confirmation students AND their parents will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. on Saturday, September 7 in the sanctuary.
During this meeting requirements will be reviewed, and new materials introduced. The schedule for the year will be discussed, and final decisions will be made concerning class dates and times. Acolytes also will be trained at this time.
All parents of confirmation students were mailed a letter with the proposed schedule at the end of August. Please contact the church office if for any reason this information was not received.
The tentative plan is to hold classes every-other-week, with the same material being taught from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and from 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturdays. Students may choose which one of these classes to attend. If the size of either class consistently drops below six, one class time will be chosen.
Pastor Jean will be teaching the classes, with assistance from parents.
Attention Ushers! Acolytes To Serve On Communion Sundays Only
Beginning in September there will be acolytes at 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. worship only when Holy Communion is being celebrated. On non-communion Sundays the ushers will light and extinguish the candles before and after worship, and the pastor or worship assistant will distribute the offering plates.
Explorer Club
EXPLORER RALLY DAY! 2ND ANNUAL KICKBALL GAME SEPTEMBER 8, 2002 9:00 A.M. - 10:15 A.M.
All ages play ... shine or otherwise! Get your kickin' legs ready. DO NOT MISS THIS!
(Parents, pre-registration is GREATLY appreciated. Explorer registration forms are available in office and near coffee pots outside Fellowship Hall.)
Sunday morning Child Care is provided from 9 a.m. to 12 noon for all children from infant through age 5. Two child-care givers are in attendance during that time to assist with caring for those who are not yet in Explorer's Club.
Faith members Cindy Callen, Joanne Caton, Lauren White and Danielle Lightle will be sharing the Toddler and Nursery duties during that time. If you have little ones, give our child-care staff a chance to help you out during time of worship.
Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation) Date Set
Those youth who have completed their confirmation training will participate in the Affirmation of Baptism - otherwise known as Confirmation - service at 10:45 a.m. on September 22, 2002. Please note this date.
W-ELCA
"PATHS TO WHOLENESS" A RETREAT TO EXPERIENCE and UNDERSTAND SPIRITUALITY
September 28, 2002 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Coventry Oaks, Firestone Metro Park
Cost: $30.00 includes lunch payable to: Martha Bishop, treasurer 890 Waugh Dr. Hubbard, Ohio 44425
Last day to register - September 20, 2002
Who: Women of all ages interested in a richer prayer life and a holistic look at spirituality.
Sponsored by the Northeastern Ohio Synodical Women's Organization of the Women of the ELCA
For more information contact: Elaine Johnson, 330-666-6949 Vee Robinson, 330-666-6301
Wednesday, September 11, 2002 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall Program: "Afterglow" Elaine Johnson and Barbara Dillahunt
This is a program for everyone.
Elaine and Barbara's combined "Afterglow" will include Bible study, actions touching Faith Church and/or our W-ELCA Unit, casual observations and "fun stuff."
Elaine attended both the Northeastern Ohio Synod Assembly and W-ELCA's Triennial Gathering. Barbara and husband Don were Faith's delegates to the Assembly held in May. As President of the Northeastern Ohio Synodical Women's Organization (NEOSWO), Elaine was a delegate to the Triennual Gathering in July. She will highlight the meetings from a delegate's point of view.
The theme of the Gathering was "Listen, God is Calling." Barbara attended as a visitor and will share her highlights from that perspective.
Charlotte Shuff will be our Hostess. Vee Robinson, President, will conduct a business meeting.
Busy Fingers
Busy Fingers will resume sewing our quilts for Good Neighbors on Tuesday, September 3 at 9:30 a.m. An invitation to join us is extended to all women of Faith Church. Come!
Sally Foster Fundraiser
Sally Foster Fundraiser Coming This Fall
Again this year, Faith Preschool will hold a fundraiser to benefit both the Preschool and the Church. Sally Foster giftwrap will be sold from September 16 through October 4, with delivery of orders at the end of October - in plenty of time for Christmas. Those who have ordered in the past are familiar with Sally Foster's quality - we hope those who haven't will give it a try! The Preschool retains 50% of all sale proceeds, money which is then re-invested in needed improvements to Preschool and Sunday School classrooms. Please help support Faith Lutheran Church and Preschool by purchasing your giftwrap through this fundraiser. Watch for more information in weekly bulletins. Thank you!
Friendship Callers Needed
On Thursday, September 5, Faith Lutheran Church's Fellowship Calling event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The evening will begin with a prayer, pizza and soft drinks and then each volunteer is asked to call ten other members of Faith just to share God's love with them (i.e. - How are you and your family?) Then a few announcements about upcoming Faith events will be shared.
No requests are made for funds or volunteers, and both those calling and those receiving the calls report that it is a positive experience.
Thanks are given to those who have participated in the past; please consider volunteering for this ministry again. Please contact Bill Pope for further information.
Golf
Mark Your Calendars Faith's Golf Outing is scheduled at Pine Valley Golf Course at 3:00 p.m. on September 22nd. Watch your Sunday Bulletin for more details or call Sally Hauth at 330-825-8477
Christmas Tea Set For December 7
It's summer, but mark your calendars now for the Christmas luncheon "Tinsel and Tea" on December 7th in the Church Fellowship Hall.
Table hostess are needed to decorate a table in a Christmas theme. You will also need to provide Christmas dishes, (paper plates, etc. may be used) flatware, and napkins for a table of 6 or 8.
Please contact Lois Chaffee (330-239-5505) if you would like to host a table for this wonderful women's event. She will provide more details.
A Day of Celebration
A Day of Celebration On October 13 Mark Your Calendars
On October 13, Celebration Sunday, the culmination of the fall stewardship emphasis, the congregation will celebrate FAITH. The theme for the day is: "Out of faith came FAITH(Lutheran Church) and in faith FAITH ministers and multiplies!" Special events are planned for the day including:
*Bishop Kenneth Sauer will be one of our guests that day. He will preach at 8 a.m. worship and bring greetings during the 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services. Bishop Sauer is the congregation's first pastor (1955-1973) and retired Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod (ELCA).
*There will be a FAMILY FOCUS at the 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services. PARENTS AND CHILDREN are encouraged to worship together at both times. Pastor Paul Lintern, who takes his creative and musical ministry "on the road", will be our guest leader at both of these services. There will be activities particularly for the children at these services, and a meaningful message for the adults.
As an act of worship on that day, Estimate of Giving cards will be turned in during the services.
Please note these changes for October 13: There will be no Explorers Club on October 13, the choir and Light Band will have a day off to worship with their loved ones and ALL services will be held in the sanctuary.
The overall theme for this year's stewardship emphasis is "Where Your Heart Is..." based on Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." There will be a stewardship focus in worship during the three Sundays prior to Celebration Sunday. The themes will be :GATHERING, HEARING, SENDING.
Faith and St. Hilary
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.
Fall Progressive Dinner
Faith Lutheran Fall Progressive Dinner Saturday, September 14 $10.00 per person
A very pleasant evening is in store for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendar. Beginning Sunday, August 18th sign up sheets will be posted outside the fellowship hall and the main sanctuary. Directions will be provided for all host homes. For further information please contact Diane Christoff at 330-835-9669, or Linda Weidrick at 330-666-4952. Remember..."The more the merrier".
Choose the type of food dish that you would like to bring along and sign your name in that column on the sign-up sheet. The host will prepare the main course. If you sign up in the main course column you will be asked to bring a specific item. Hors d'oeuvres and dessert are your choice. You will be contacted during the week prior to the dinner with the exact number of people to prepare for in the food area you selected.
Meet at the first location at 5:30 ... Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, beverages and socializing, and then at 6:30 we'll be on our way to a Mexican Feast.
By 6:45 we'll be dining on ... Our choice of Chile rellenos, chicken enchiladas w/Spanish rice, corn salsa, tacos, taco salad, refried beans and sangria. At 8:15 we're off again ...At our final destination we'll be treated with evening's finale - dessert.
Choirs
We want our gifted Senior Choir, directed by Scott McVey, to grow! For that reason a mid-week practice has been added. The Choir will practice from 6-7 p.m. every other Thursday, beginning September 19, in the choir room. The group also will practice at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday morning, beginning on September 8. It is hoped that as many choir members as possible will attend both practices. However, this option will make it possible for those who have other commitments from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings to be a part of the choir. Anyone age 14 or older is welcome to participate. Some exciting changes are in store for 10:45 a.m. worship in which the choir will play a major part. Come and be a part of something new!
The Bell Choir, directed by Scott McVey, will be practicing at 6 p.m., every other Thursday, in the sanctuary, beginning on September 26. New players are MOST welcome ... come and learn something new and be a part of the new 10:45 a.m. liturgy!
Habitat Blitz
Thanks to everyone who donated food, supplies or time to fee the workers at the "Blitz" in Barberton. You were all so generous that there was enough for the workers on the next day.
Volunteer workers will be needed for dry wall, sanding and painting starting September 24. Call Don Dillahunt at 330-867-3995 if you can help. Work days will be Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Barbara and Don Dillahunt
Bowling
Fairlawn and Faith Churches Sunday Afternoon Mixed Bowling League 2002-2003 Season
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 Sept. 15 and ending April 5 for a total of 16 weeks. Adjustments in scheduling are made to avoid holiday week ends.
Time: Warm up begins at 3:45 p.m. Bowling begins promptly at 4:00 p.m.
Cost: $10 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. Regular bowler who is absent pays $3.
Banquet: Saturday, April 12, 2003, site to be determined.
Handicap: 90% difference between your average and 200 points. Questions: Call Bob Sandman (644-4679) or Penny Thompson (666-5065)
New Members
New Members To Be Officially Welcomed on Sunday, November 24
New members will be received during the 10:45 a.m. worship on November 24, and then will have the opportunity to meet other Faith members during the congregational dinner that follows the service and precedes the Annual Meeting.
Anyone who is interested in joining Faith Lutheran Church should sign up for an individual visit with Pastor Jean. A sign-up sheet with available dates is posted by her office. The visits may occur in homes or at the church. If none of the dates on the list are possibilities, please contact her individually.
There will be a "Welcome to Faith" gathering for all new members from 11:50 - 1:50 p.m. on November 10 in the Fellowship Hall. It is hoped that all new members will participate. Lunch will be provided, and members of the congregation will be invited to greet the new members and share about their ministry areas.
Those who are coming to Faith from a non-Lutheran background are asked to contact Pastor Jean by October 6 to make arrangements for a "What Lutherans Believe" group.
New members will be officially welcomed twice a year, in November and in the spring, on Pentecost Sunday (June 8, 2003), if possible.
OPEN-M
It has now been six years since the government enacted "Welfare Reform", scaling back its responsibility for the poor. The Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) Act is up for reconsideration this fall in Congress and this seems a good time to see some of the results.
* More people receive food from private charities, such as OPEN-M's food pantry (our pudding), over the course of the year than participate in the government's food stamp program.
* Women account for nearly 2/3 of the adults receiving emergency food aid.
* Almost half of the households receiving aid include children under the age of 18.
* People receiving food stamps made up nearly one-third of those seeking emergency food aid. They reported their food stamps, on average, covered only half their monthly need.
* In a survey done by the Unger Network of Ohio, half the people receiving food aid said they were regularly forced to choose between buying food or paying for utilities or heat.
* Working families make up 40% of the people receiving food aid.
Instead of homeless people dying from starvation on the streets, hungry Americans are working families, skimping on food to meet their monthly bills. They are children whose parents eat the It has now been six years since the government enacted "Welfare Reform", scaling back its responsibility for the poor. The Temporary Aid for Needy Families (TANF) Act is up for reconsideration this fall in Congress and this seems a good time to see some of the results.
* More people receive food from private charities, such as OPEN-M's food pantry (our pudding), over the course of the year than participate in the government's food stamp program.
* Women account for nearly 2/3 of the adults receiving emergency food aid.
* Almost half of the households receiving aid include children under the age of 18.
* People receiving food stamps made up nearly one-third of those seeking emergency food aid. They reported their food stamps, on average, covered only half their monthly need.
* In a survey done by the Unger Network of Ohio, half the people receiving food aid said they were regularly forced to choose between buying food or paying for utilities or heat.
* Working families make up 40% of the people receiving food aid.
Instead of homeless people dying from starvation on the streets, hungry Americans are working families, skimping on food to meet their monthly bills. They are children whose parents eat the family leftovers. They are the elderly poor, rural and suburban Americans, and the permanently unemployed who scrape together government payments like Social Security and food stamps. And they are people who have dropped from federal social services since the 1996 welfare overhaul who are finding their sole support in the lines at food pantries and at hot meal sites such as OPEN-M.
Norm and Judi Schmidt
Lazy Days of Summer?
Not at Faith! Not this summer! In addition to the Preschool "Summer Camp" Program, the following projects are being scheduled or planned:
* Carpet installation on the first floor hallways, during the week of July 29.
* Parking lot and driveway sealing and striping August 6, 7, 8
* Additionally, a proposal for more parking lot lighting is being reviewed, and the possibility of a new changeable copy sign for the front of the building is being considered.
Of course, all projects are subject to contractors schedules, and activities scheduled here at Faith.
Please Schedule Use of Church Rooms
It is very important that everyone - including groups from the church - schedule the use of rooms in the building. Groups regularly meet in the church on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings throughout the year. Preschool camps are being held this summer. Also renovation, repair and cleaning is done at particular times and may make it impossible to use an area. Please do not assume that a room is available; call the church office to reserve space. Your help in this matter is appreciated!
In Our Prayers
Lori, a friend of Faith member Joanne Caton
Jane Hemphill, friend of Faith member Lou Sullivan
Robert Lightle, father of Faith member Bruce Lightle
Jacob Hurley, Grandson of Faith members Carl and Donna Sterner
Donald Knitt, brother of Faith member Patti White
Lois, daughter of Faith member Wanda Hare and sister of Faith member Linda Weidrick
Faith member Audrea Woodall
Faith member, Mary Alice Boose
Faith member Ed Naher
Marriage Banns
Faith members Carrie Massuci and Brian Kandes announce their intention to marry on October 5 during an outdoor ceremony in Akron
And Mark and Robin Horn announce their intention to affirm their marriage vows in a wedding service on October 12 at Faith Lutheran Church. Pastor Jean will be presiding at both services. Please keep these couples in your prayers.
Marriage
Faith members Steve and Penny Thompson are happy to announce the wedding of their daughter
Kirsten Layne Thompson to Paul Andrew Ransdell at Edenton Street United Methodist Church in Raleigh, N.C. on July 27, 2002.
Both work in the Raleigh area and are at home at 108 Greenmont Lane, Cary, NC 27511.
The parents ask for your prayers of blessing on the couple as they start their lives together.
Lutheran-Catholic Covenant Celebration 2002
A Lutheran-Catholic Covenant Celebration will be held on September 19, 2002 at Walsh University in North Canton to celebrate the Lutheran-Catholic Covenant signed in October 2000.
The event begins at 2:30 p.m. and will include presentation by Bishop Marcus Miller and Bishop Thomas Tobin on implementation of the covenant. There will be discussion on local implementation of the covenant. Supper will be served at 5:30 p.m. and will be followed by Evening Prayer led by the two Bishops.
Individuals are asked to register for any aspect of the day in which they will participate. Advance registration will facilitate seating at the sessions. A fee of $6 must accompany the registrations of those who sign up for supper.
Pastor Jean is planning to attend. Anyone who is interested should contact her. The registration deadline is September 12.
|
