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September 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.
Youth
Is Your Child a Star?
Well of course he or she is - - all our kids are stars! and we have a way for them to prove it. This year, on Sunday afternoon, December 17, our Junior Choir will be presenting the kid’s musical “Star Journey”. This delightful program tells about the birth of the baby Jesus from the perspective on the stars in heaven!
Your child is invited to come to Junior Choir practice, learn the music, and be part of the event. (What a great family day this will be - - and a great time to invite friends and relatives to Faith.)
Junior Choir will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, September 20. Each Wednesday the children will meet from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Parents can stay and visit with each other, attend Christian caregiving classes in October, read in our library or run errands! Kids from four years old through 6th grade are welcome.
Later in the fall we will also be adding Saturday morning rehearsals. Children will not need to be at every rehearsal, but must attend most of them. For more information or to sign up your child, please call Michelle Borodkin at 330.864.3550.
RALLY DAY is COMING
And It’s just NOT for kids anymore!!!! Come spend a Fantastic, Faith Filled, Family morning with us. SEPTEMBER 10th, 2006 Is Explorers’ Club Rally Day Sunday AND Grandparents Day
Join us for worship at 9:00 a.m. (*Note- new worship time is for EXPLORERS’ Club Sunday ONLY) in the sanctuary. The FUN will continue in the FELLOWSHIP Hall at 10:15 a.m. as we are FLABERGASTED by Christian Ventriloquist Randy Malick.
A performance sure to be loved by Kids of any age! FOLLOWING Randy’s performance Lunch will be served! There will also be activities and a FAMILY sing- along led by Bob Hartz.
So come on everyone (all members of Faith) invite your family, especially your grandparents, to join in the FUN of Rally Day and help us honor them and all they bring to our life!!
Bring the whole FAMILY FOR a FANTASTIC, FAITH FILLED, morning of FELLOWSHIP, FLABERGASTING FUN, FABULOUS FOOD, and FOR SURE a good time!! Please note…Explorers’ Club will provide the food and drinks! Questions - please call Explorers’ Club Leaders Heather Stafford #330-721-6637 OR Barry White #330-706-0026
Confirmation Class
Confirmation Orientation and Acolyte Training will be held on Wednesday, September 6, in the sanctuary from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. All seventh graders and a parent are asked to attend; eighth graders are welcome to attend but are not required to do so.
Confirmation Class for 7th and 8th Grades with Lucius & Janice Wedge kicks off on Sunday, September 10, from 10:15 a.m. - 11:15 a.m. (special Rally Day time) in the Youth Room. We'll have an "icebreaking/team building" session with Leo and Wendy Boes. Class continues on the 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays of each month from 9:15 a.m. -10:20 a.m. (Check your calendars for exact schedule.)
Wednesday evening class with Pastor Jean begins on Wednesday, September 13, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Questions on any youth event??? Please contact Wendy Boes at 330-414-0300.
Attention 9th Graders
Don't forget - we have a class planned especially for you!
Can't you just feel the love on the 2nd, 4th & 5th Sundays of each month? (You should have received a calendar by now!) From 9:15 a.m. -10:20 a.m. in the Kinship Café (Taught by Leo & Wendy Boes - ooh, scary thought!)
We'll discuss topics you're dealing with in your life NOW!
Our first class is scheduled for September 24. Come with ideas of topics you'd like to discuss
High School Youth (10th-12th grade)
You've been asking, begging, pleading - even so, of course, we ignored you… Just kidding ! On the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month from 9:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.
we will be going over to Panera (yeah!). We will meet you there!!!
(Charlie's legs are too little to cross the street so fast!!!) We'll have coffee & yummies (bring a little $) and discuss the message for the day. We'll see you there!
Our first class is scheduled for September 24. Come with ideas of topics you'd like to discuss
High School Youth (9th-12th grades)
Fellowship & Fun - 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
(See your calendars for exact dates) Come to our first meeting on September 27 to discuss plans & activities for future meetings.
Trip to Guatemala
Summer 2007 Mission Trip to Guatemala - Informational meeting for high school youth and parents Sunday, September 17, following the contemporary service. All interested youth AND A PARENT are urged to attend! Questions??? Please contact Wendy Boes at 330-414-0300.
Stewardship
Every day is a walk with Jesus. We Christians believe life is spent in the presence of our Lord. Therefore, we can talk about every day as a day during which we walk with Jesus. Some days we feel Jesus’ presence. Some days we feel quite a distance from Jesus. We boldly proclaim that, regardless of how we feel, Jesus is there. Jesus walks with us every day.
As we who are Faith Lutheran Church consider our financial stewardship over the next few weeks, you will be asked to think about your use of money and possessions as a part of your walk with Jesus. This is most appropriate, because when Jesus walked this earth with his disciples, he often talked about money and possessions. If money was a part of Jesus’ first walk on this earth, it should be a part of our walk with Jesus today.
We believe that everything we have is a trust from God, given to us to care for and manage. What we do with our money is very much a part of our relationship with our Lord. This will be our focus in the coming weeks.
For three consecutive Sundays we will focus on our walk with Jesus, and how money plays an important part in this walk.
Then, on Sunday, October 1, each of us will have the opportunity to complete an estimate of giving card. On this card, each of us will indicate our plan for giving for the coming year. This will not only be a plan for giving to Faith Lutheran Church, it will also be a plan for how we will walk with Jesus in the coming year.
FYI
Calling All Adults - Keep Growing!
To feel really alive, and to make the most of the gifts God has given you, adults need to keep growing, too! This fall, Faith is offering several opportunities to enhance your Christian journey. Why not make the commitment to give one a try?
The Jesus Code
Applied Christianity I - “The Teachings of Jesus and Christian Personal Growth”. What good does religion have for you, if it doesn’t help you live your life? In the Red Letters of the Gospels there is a code for living. If Jesus mastered living, how does his mastership help you live your daily life? All are welcome. This is also an outreach program - bring anyone interested. Begins Sunday September 17 at 8:55 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Michael Sayre will be presenting this media-integrated class. Please note: This group begins earlier than Explorers’ Club, so we will provide “early care” for any children. Children will meet in the church nursery and be taken to Explorers’ Club at 9:15 a.m.
Sunday Scripture, Sermon, and Song
Have you had the mental stimulation and soul satisfaction from discussing a sermon with close friends soon after the worship service ended?
Have you wondered what a certain Bible passage meant to the author and how it might apply to you?
Have you wished you could remember more about the entire worship service?
Beginning at 10:30 a.m. on September 17, an adult discussion class based on the prior hour’s worship service will be held in the church library. We will first reread, review and interpret the Bible passages printed in the bulletin, spending more time on the scripture verses that the pastor has emphasized during the sermon. We will then discuss the theme of the sermon itself and the applications for our lives. We will also discuss the connections between the scripture lessons, hymns, prayers and sermon.
This class will be led by Sara and Jim Shook and will meet on most of the same Sundays that the Explorers’ Club meets. All interested adults are welcome, although this class is planned for those who have attended Faith’s 9:15 a.m. Traditional Worship service.
Christian Caregiving
On Wednesday October 4, 11, and 18 Carolyn will be offering a three week course on Christian Caregiving. All of us are called to respond to friends and family with Christian compassion, and this class will help teach the basics on how best to help. Two identical classes will be offered, one from 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. and one from 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. Child care will be provided.
Congratulations !
In the Best Restaurant 2006 edition of Northern Ohio Live, Beau Schmidt owner and chef of Beau’s Grill located in the Hilton Inn received the top votes in these areas:
Best Chef in Northern Ohio; Best Restaurant in the Akron Area; Best Place for a business lunch; Best Appetizers
Building and Finance Teams
The Building and Building Finance Teams met Wednesday evening, August 16, to review their tasks and meet the architect. As you recall, in July Church Council voted to hire Eric Beach of Hasenstab Architects, Inc. to create initial drawings for an expansion project using the parameters spelled out in the Space Task Force Report that was issued in April. That Report focused on two critical space needs at Faith: an improved entrance/gathering area and the need for additional education/youth space.
Architect Beach had reviewed the Space Task Force Report and began his discussion of the project by handing out a spread sheet which summarized the types and sizes of spaces described in the Report. These spaces, along with the necessary circulation, mechanical and wall space, came to an estimated 9,757 square feet. Then Mr. Beach shared two "bubble diagrams" which showed the possible placement of the entrance/gathering and education/youth spaces t which summarized the types and sizes of spaces described in the Report. These spaces, along with the necessary circulation, mechanical and wall space, came to an estimated 9,757 square feet. Then Mr. Beach shared two "bubble diagrams" which showed the possible placement of the entrance/gathering and education/youth spaces to our present facility. These elicited much discussion. Among the issues raised were the following:
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- the possibility of using the courtyard as an area for expansion;
- the problem of multiple entrances and the fact that most people use the education wing door to enter the building;
- the relationship of parking to the building entrances;
- the need for a dedicated space for youth activities;
- the negative impact current space limitations have on attracting families and making it possible to meet visitors;
- the need to have kitchen facilities, rest rooms, and church offices adjacent to newly created space.
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Members
The members of the Building Team: Dineen Dowling, chair; Diane Christoff; Bill Evans
DuWayne Hansen; Eric Henkel ; Tyler Johnson; Garth McHenry; Dana Singer; Judy Vernon
Members of the Finance Team: Randy Cole; Melissa Johnson; John Knops ; Kathy Kotowski; Bruce Lightle
Please share you ideas and concerns with any of these people.
Meeting Date
The next meetings of the Building Team and the Finance Team are scheduled for Wednesday, September 6.
Thank You
Dear Friends at Faith,
Words cannot fully express our deep thanks for all you did for us last Sunday July 30. For the gracious farewell...the gift cards. The wonderful quilt that will remind us of you, and the donation to OPEN M...we thank you for your kindness.
Many people who came to Faith in the afternoon were blessed by your gracious hospitality to the whole synod. We give thanks for those who parked cars, welcomed people to the church, arranged beautiful flowers, provided refreshments, provided music, and all who came back for the afternoon.
You have been a blessing to us during these years in Fairlawn and we thank God for you. We hold you in our hearts and trust that God will continue to do great things through you.
In Christian love, Marcus and Kathy
Thank You
Dear Friends in Christ,
Thank you so much for hosting the farewell open house and Evening Prayer service for Bishop Marcus and Kathy Miller. Every detail said “Welcome”, from the parking lot attendants and greeters to the decorated fellowship hall, delicious food and gracious hosts. We know how much time and preparation goes into an event such as this, and your staff and volunteers handled everything just perfectly!
Endings and farewells are always difficult, but your help in creating a special celebration to mark this farewell made wonderful memories for the Millers and those os us saying good-bye. Thank you for your partnership.
Many Sharing One Christ,Northeastern Ohio Synod Staff and Synod Council
Thank You
We thank those who made our prayer shawl and those who offered their healing prayers, and Pastor Jean for delivering the thoughts and prayers of the congregation.
Kay and Don Hill
Thank You
Dear Ms. Butler and Members:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, staff and children served, thank you and the members of Faith Lutheran Church for the generous donation of school supplies for our annual Project. With your donation, and others we receive from the community, we will be able to give supplies to more than 1,400 children in our care this year.
Every six years, Children Services has a county levy on the ballot that provides 65 percent of the agency’s funding . The other 35 percent of the agency’s annual budget comes from state and federal grants. This does not provide for Christmas gifts, school supplies, tickets to events and many other benefits that families take for granted. Donations such as yours help us provide these extras. Your contribution will help provide the necessary tools children need to be prepared for a successful year at school.
Summit County Children Services is committed to strengthening families within our community and we cannot accomplish this task alone. Partners with community businesses, organizations, the faith community and private citizens enrich the lives of the children beyond what tax dollars do not provide.
Again, thank you for your donation. Katerina Papas and Sandy DeLuca
Faith Focus - Prayer Shawl Team
The focus group for this month is our Prayer Shawl Team. This group of women knit and crochet shawls. While they work, they pray for God to bless whoever receives their shawl. Our prayer shawls are given to people who are recovering from surgery or illness, or have faced a loss in their lives. The community of Faith also prays for the recipients on the Sunday before the prayer shawls are distributed.
This is a dedicated, “behind the scenes” group of women who are putting their love of needlework to use for God’s glory. Thank a prayer shawl worker next time you see one! Penny Thompson, Dorothy Hansen, Ginny Greenawalt, Martha Gruetz, Marlene Ugner, Charlotte Schuff, Diane Christoff, and Nancy Chodera (Carolyn’s mom.)
Christmas Around the World
This Advent, join us for an international journey of Christmas around the World
We will discover the stories and traditions of how Christians in other countries celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will highlight foods, costumes, songs and decorations that surround the preparation of Christmas in foreign lands.
We are appealing to the members of Faith to share their stories, recipes, favorite ornaments or decorations, and annual family traditions with us. If you have a special way to celebrate Christmas that has roots in another country, please contact Dineen Dowling, 330-873-1869 or dineend@neo.rr.com. Let us lift up the many and various ways people around the world observe this sacred holiday!
Busy Fingers
Will resume meeting on Tuesday, September 5 at 9:30 a.m. Welcome to those who like to meet a great group.
WELCA
Wednesday, September 13 - 10:00 a.m.
“Butterflies and Blossoms”
After a brief unit meeting at church in the Fellowship Hall, we will carpool to Stan Hywet to visit the butterfly aviary and enjoy walking in their gardens.
Those who have a Stan Hywet Family membership are asked to bring it to share with all participants. If you have any questions about the program, please contact Kathy Zbinden, 330-836-3566.
Devotions: Bettemae Ramsey; Hostess:Maxine Heldridge
WELCA was pleased to have a large number of members and guests attend the May program. Pastor Jean presented her slides relating to her trip to Egypt and the problems Christians have living in Muslim countries.
Faith Golf Outing
…Followed by supper September 17, 3:00 p.m. Pine Valley Golf Course
Grab Your Calendars!
Our quarterly Team Leader meeting is Saturday, October 7 at 9:15 a.m. This will be a working meeting and we need your help. Child care and refreshments will be provided. The meeting will be over no later than 11:15 a.m. Please plan now to attend this time of fellowship, growth and positive Christian endeavor!
The new Christian Life and Nurture committee wants you to mark your calendars now for Saturday, October 14, for the Progressive Dinner. This event has been so much fun in the past that you’ll want to be a part of it! We’ll have appetizers at one stop, move on to the main dish, and then go to the last house for our dessert. Before we can firm up our plans, we need some volunteers to host the group at their homes. If you can help or have any questions, please contact Penny Thompson at 330-666-5065.
Women’s Retreat is
Just Around the Corner
Calling all ladies! Our autumn Women’s Retreat will be upon us soon! Plan now to attend October 27 and 28 at beautiful Loyola of the Lakes in Green, Ohio. We have been to Loyola in the fall before and the foliage is wonderful. In less than 24 hours you will have a chance to reconnect to God, yourself and others. It is very possible that this will be the ONLY overnight retreat for ladies until fall of 2007, so you won’t want to miss it! To reserve your space, call or email Carolyn TODAY! As always, guests are welcome.
In Our Prayers:
Health Concerns: Faith member Bill Robinson; Faith member Gene Phillips;
Special Prayers: For the Stephen Ministry program, a new ministry at Faith Lutheran Church.; 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 Time of Loss: For Faith members and Adam and Lori Ashenfelter upon the unexpected death of Lori’s sister Lisa, age 31, that they would be comforted at this time of loss.
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