First Christian Church  of Stow  (Disciples Of Christ)
Mid Week Reminder 

CORNER OF CONCERN:

 

“The Newsletter”

 

September 2010

 

First Christian Church of Stow

3493 Darrow Road

Stow, Ohio  44224

www.firstchristianstow.org

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

Welcome Sunday Breakfast and Worship

Sunday, September 5

 

Our annual “Welcome Sunday!” will be Sunday, September 5th, and will include an all-church pitch-in breakfast in Fellowship Hall between services, and the welcoming and installation of our new Youth Ministry Intern, Amber Bowers.

 

Worship times will remain at 8:30 and 10:45, with the breakfast from 9:30-10:30.  (No Sunday School classes this day.)

 

Please bring with you a breakfast dish or item to share—breakfast casseroles, donuts, fruit, bagels, (cold pizza!) are all great items to bring for this pitch-in breakfast.  Ham, coffee, juice, milk, and dinnerware will be provided.

 

Let us end our summer days together and look toward a new year in the life of FCC Stow as we worship with one another and break bread together as a church family.  All are welcome!

 

***********

 

 

Name The Newsletter!

 

 

After months of working on, and reworking, and fine-tuning the new look and layout of our church’s newsletter you now hold in your hand a nearly finalized and finished rendition of this monthly newsletter.  Special thanks to all who have offered their input and thoughts on how we can make this newsletter more user friendly, informative, and cost efficient.

 

But the new newsletter is not done yet!  And your help is needed to get it done.  Since this will now be a monthly publication a new name is needed!  All are invited and encouraged to submit name suggestions for our church’s newsletter.  (And please do so because right now the leading contender is “Jonathan’s Journal of Rumburg Ramblings” and no one wants that!)

 

You may submit your name suggestions to the church office or by emailing Kathy.  The new name will be unveiled in the October newsletter.

 

 

 

 


 


The Pastor’s Pen

 

            “People make us sick.  People make us crazy.  People make us better.”

            This quote, from someone whom I do not know, was presented during one of the Advance Conference keynote addresses I had the privilege to hear during my week as an Advance Conference Faculty member.  The theme for the week was “Growing Closer To God By Getting Personal With God.”  I like this quote because it speaks an oxymoronic message that we all know is the bittersweet truth!  The very things that make us sick and crazy, make

us better.

            God knows the capacity that each human life holds.  Humanity holds a capacity for good and a capacity for not so good.  It holds a capacity to make people sick or crazy, but also a capacity to make people better, too.  But have we ever considered that the very things people do that we think make us sick or drive us crazy are the very things that make us better?

            Jesus himself was just such a person who drove others crazy and made them sick with anger and frustration because he challenged and disrupted the status quo by healing the un-healable, confronting the day’s so-called leaders, offering teachings that convicted the rich and gave status to the poor, eating meals with the outcast, and then loving all without condition.  But he was also one who made us better.

            We are made better people by people, by one another.  But sometimes in order to be made better we are often challenged and confronted and convicted in such a way that it makes us sick and makes us crazy.  Is that such a bad thing though?  Not if we are willing and want to be better.  For how can we get better, how can we serve better, if we are not willing to be changed?  But that is where people are often made sick and crazy—when they are asked to change.

            Sure, we can stay the way we are, and keep on doing everything the way we always do it.  And truthfully, no one will be the worse for it.  But will people be better for it?

            If we want to draw closer to God, and get personal with God, then we must understand in order to draw closer to God, get personal with God, and ultimately serve others better and help them to get close and personal with God, that doing what we have always done will not get the job done.

            So may we all be mindful, and consider, how the things that make us sick, and perhaps drive us crazy are actually the very things that make us and our church better.

 

Your Pastor and Friend,

Jonathan

 

*************************************

 

Church Door Access Codes

 

         In an effort to maintain the best security for our church building it is wise to periodically change the church door access codes.  On August 1st the door codes were changed.  The trustees have provided the new codes to committee chairpersons.  If you are in need of an access code, please contact your committee chairperson, Rick Lloyd or the church office.

         Having an access code allows committees and members to have their meetings and perform their duties easier.  It also comes with responsibility and accountability.  Please do not share this code.

         Thank you,

         Church Trustees

 

*************************************

 

Save the Date!

Regional Asembly 2010  

       October 15 & 16

            One Body: Clothed in Love

                 Columbus Marriott Northwest

 

Special Opening

      and Closing Preacher

            Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins

General Minister and President

 

Bring the whole family!

Registration Packets are in the office.

********************************************************

 

Visioning Team Update


Our most recent meeting was held on Tuesday August 10.  We began the discussion of areas where our church has room for improvement.  We're happy to report that the list was shorter than the list of strengths from our July meeting.  We also discovered that some of our strengths are weaknesses and some of our weaknesses are strengths.  Perhaps we could use a little jujitsu on the weaknesses and flip them into strengths.  Some members of the church have already turned in their completed survey forms, and we hope

to have lots more by our next meeting on September 14.  During our September meeting we will go over the survey forms and see how our ideas match up with the congregation's ideas.  If you haven't already done so please turn in your survey form.  It is vital that this vision discernment process include the entire congregation; we want ideas from every member of

our church.

********************************************************

 

New Children’s

Sunday School Class

 

            The Christian Education team is excited to announce that we will be starting a new Sunday school class this fall.  It will be for third-fifth graders and will be taught by Lynn and John Fauvie.  They will be meeting in the Kingdom room (Junior Church room) during the Sunday school hour, 9:30-10:30.  John McCreight will continue to teach the Kindergarten-second graders and they will be meeting in the Israel room (the 4 year old pre-school room).

            We are very excited about the addition of this class and hope that the parents and the children will become just as excited and eager as we are.  And of course, parents will have the option to go to one of our adult classes during this time.

            This class will start on September 12, 2010.  Don’t forget about the Welcome Sunday breakfast on September 5 from 9:30-10:30.  If you have any questions about these classes please contact Cheryl Delaney, Lynn or John Fauvie, or John McCreight.

 

*****************************************************

 

 

Attention all Youth and their Families,

 

            Our annual kick-off picnic will be on Sunday, August 29th from 5:00-7:00 in the churchyard.  Please bring a side dish or a dessert to share and your own table settings.  We will provide drinks, hotdogs, and buns.  This is for the Chi Rho and C.Y.F. and their families.  Bring yard games and your own chairs!!

 

********************************************************

 

from the Directors of Music

      September begins the new year in church music.  We hope you’re having a relaxing summer.  For returning singers and ringers as well as new ones, here is our fall start-up schedule.  If you would like to be a part of one of our groups, there’s a place for you.

 

Choirs

      We have two children’s choirs: Acorn Choir for grades K-2 and Crusader Choir for grades 3-6.  The two rehearse separately (learning to play handchimes/handbells) and together (presenting musicals in December and April).  The children rehearse Wednesdays at 5:30, beginning Sept. 8.  Children’s Choir Directors Cora Dowey and Cheryl Delaney would love to tell you more!

      For girls in 7th-12th grades, there’s Grace Notes, and for boys in 7th-12th grades, Bass Notes.  These groups sing separately and together and will be joining our worship band to help lead worship.  We sing traditional and contemporary styles and welcome new singers.  Rehearsal times vary; speak with Cheryl or Ralph Lorenz to learn more.

      Our adult choir, the Chancel Choir, rehearses Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:00, beginning Sept. 9.  We welcome new singers, including high school juniors and seniors.   The only requirement is a love of singing—and laughter.  Talk to Ralph or Cheryl Neff Lorenz.

      Spiritus is a smaller, auditioned choir that sings more challenging and specialized music.  Our regular rehearsals are Thursday evenings, 9:00-10:00.  Ralph and Cheryl direct Spiritus.

Handbell Ensembles

      Our learning handbell group is Joyful Noise, rehearsing Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:00, beginning Sept. 8.  Joyful Noise is both Joyful and Noisy!  This fellowship of ringers is age-inclusive and open to all.  The only requirement is the willingness to learn and the love of Spirit-filled music.  To learn more, speak with director Barb Eppley.

      Our other handbell ensembles, Joy Bells and Celebration Ringers, do require a certain skill level and an open bell position to join.  Joy Bells will begin regular rehearsals at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 9, and Celebration Ringers will begin Sunday, September 12, at 12:15 after worship.  See Ralph Lorenz to learn about either of these ensembles.

Other Groups

      In Silent Praise, we “sing” with our hands, using the signs of American Sign Language.  This is a beautiful, expressive way to convey the meaning of music, and we learn each song together—no previous experience is necessary.  We welcome all ages from 3rd graders through adults.  We usually rehearse one Saturday morning a month from 10:00 to 11:30 in the Choir Room; our next rehearsal is Saturday, Sept. 25.  Contact Cheryl Neff Lorenz to learn more.

      The Way is our worship band; we rehearse as needed.  If you play an instrument and would like to help accompany worship music, speak to Ralph Lorenz.

      The First Christian Orchestra plays occasionally for special services.  Anyone who can play an instrument at the level of a hymn is welcome to join us.  See Ralph Lorenz for further details.

 

and from the

Drama Department

      In 2006 we added a new dimension to the performing arts at First Christian Church.  Building on the long tradition of children’s musicals, we produced a major adult musical, Godspell.  With the success of this wonderful show, we realized that God has blessed us with the resources to use drama in ministry.

      The Christian Performing Arts ministry is a place to provide church and community members an opportunity to develop their spiritual lives through the performing arts, and to create and foster a Christian atmosphere that ministers to the congregation and community.  With the help of God, we share the love of God through our words and actions.

      In 2007, we produced Children of Eden, and in 2009 Fiddler on the Roof.  Our next musical, planned for the summer of 2011, will be chosen and announced soon.  We also use drama in weekly worship.

      Speak with Karen Hoffman, our drama director, if you would like to participate in this exciting ministry, whether acting or behind the scenes.

********************************************************

 

PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS, PUMPKINS!!

 

            Does it seem too hot to talk about October already?  Well, it is right around the corner and before we know it our front yard will be a sea of orange.  The pumpkins are coming!

 

Here are some ways that you can help.

1.       Pray for the pumpkin patch that we can reach people in the community and show them God’s love and what First Christian Church of Stow has to offer.

2.       Sign up to work in the pumpkin patch.  It’s fun and you get to meet a lot of people.

3.       Come help unload the pumpkins.  It is a great way to get exercise and to fellowship with our church family.

 

            We already have a volunteer that will handle the money everyday.  Please consider what you can do to help?  Thank you again for your continued support. 

            The pumpkins will be arriving on Sat. October 2, at 9:00 a.m. so mark your calendars.  We need lots of helpers to unload the truck.  If you would like to volunteer for unloading please call the office or talk to Tim Neitz or Cheryl Delaney.  Sign up sheets will be in coffee hour.

 

The Pumpkin Patch team

 

*******************************************

 

 

In Sympathy

 

            The sympathy of the church is extended to Lib Cowles upon the death of her brother, Robert Green, on August 24th.  Robert was a resident of Chiefland, Florida and had been ill for some time.

 

 

 

********************************************************

 

 

 

 

FCC Garage Sale

Saturday, September 25

 

            FCC Stow is planning to have a BIG Garage Sale on September 25th to raise money for people who have little to live on.  We hope to raise as much money as possible to support Crop Walk, the Shalom Center in Chile, and our own Cleveland Christian Home. 

In order to do this we need your saleable cast-offs!  (Please no tired or worn out items.)  You can drop off your donations on: Saturday, September 18th from 8am to 1pm; Sunday, September 19, after church until 1pm; and Monday through Friday from 8am to 1pm. 

Help will be needed on the Friday before the sale to price all goods, and help will be needed to pick up large donations.  If you are available to help you can show up Friday, or contact Dave Harlow or Sue Vaughn.

            Additionally, for the sale day, Rae Howard has graciously volunteered to help make food available for our shoppers.  Rae will welcome your help and/or your baked or cooked donations. 

            Crop Walk raises funds to aid in natural disasters, such as Haiti and New Orleans.  It provides water wells, seeds, cows, goats and emergency food.

            The Cleveland Christian Home is a haven of rest, hope, and healing for children and youth and families struggling with mental illness, abuse or neglect.

            And the Shalom Center in Chile (a.k.a: Camp Christian South America) is the destination for the Ohio Delegation to Chile mission trip, led and coordinated by Jonathan Rumburg this January.

            So start your Fall cleaning now, and help support these important ministries!

            Thanks in advance for your support,

            Dave Harlow

Garage Sale Chair

 

*******************************************

 

 

 

New Pictoral Church Directory

 

We are pleased and excited to have Olan Mills scheduled to take our pictures and create a new pictoral directory for our church.  Our first scheduled sessions have already been sent off to Olan Mills and their representative will be calling everyone to remind them of their date and time. 

 

We also have currently scheduled Monday, September 27 and Tuesday, September 28 for photography sessions.  If our first sign-up dates did not work for you please try to plan for one of these days.

 

But what if you can’t be available for the 27th or the 28th?  Please let the church office know if you cannot make the dates we have scheduled.  Olan Mills is working with other churches in our area in September.  They can schedule you into one of the available time-slots at another church.  For our homebound members who cannot come to the church, we are planning to send one of our member-photographers to your home.  We will call and make an appointment.  If you do not hear from us soon, please call the church office.

 

We have been asked if you can submit a photo that you already have.  If your photograph was taken by a professional, Olan Mills must have a release from the photographer or the studio which took the picture in order to copy it.  If a family member took the picture we should be able to include it in the directory.  Our Olan Mills representative would have the final answer as to which photographs can be used. 

 

You do not have to be an ‘official’ member of our church to be included in our directory.  Regular visitors,” those who have been attending worship or any other function of the church regularly are invited and encouraged to participate.

 

For your participation you will receive a FREE 8x10 photograph of your choice.  Of course, you also have the opportunity to purchase additional photographs.  Each family will also receive a free directory.  These directories are very helpful for our members, new and those who have been here a while, to get to know one another and to put names with familiar faces. 

 

If we are able to stay on schedule and we expect to, we should a new directory in your hands before Christmas!

********************************************************

 

Sharing our Hearts, Our History and Our Healing: A Pilgrimage to Chile
January 1-January 11, 2011

 

 

            On January 1, 2011 the Ohio Delegation will begin its pilgrimage to the wonderfully restorative Shalom Center, or “Camp Christian: South America.”  The Shalom Center is a place of peace and environmental education in the heart of the mysterious, majestic Andes Mountains of Chile

 

Along this pilgrimage each will have a chance to stand on the lookout, overlooking the waterfall, walk the labyrinth in the stillness of a native forest, pray at the peace pole.  They will see first hand the power of the February earthquake and the restoration that has emerged.  They will immerse themselves in this incredible culture of hospitality and generosity.  And then, work along side fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and be part of the physical and spiritual construction of Shalom for our world.

 

            The Christian Church in Ohio supported the creation of the Shalom Center of the Pentecostal Church of Chile through the Keep the Fire Burning campaign.  And now we are continuing to support the Shalom Center, and the relationship our churches have fostered, by once again sponsoring The Ohio Delegation to Chile.

 

            For more information about how you can be part of this incredible ministry or if you are willing to help financially support this ministry, contact Jonathan, coordinator of the Ohio Delegations to Chile, at the church office.

 

*****************************************************

 

Coming Soon. . .

 

            Future Funds Chows will begin again in October.  Watch for it in our next newsletter.


Home
To send comments or questions, click on Webmaster