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First Christian Church of Stow (Disciples Of Christ) |
| Mid Week Reminder |
PATHWAYS
February 2012
You
show me the path of life. In your
presence there is fullness of joy...Psalm 16:11
First Christian Church of
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“Where there is no vision, the people
perish.”
Proverbs 29:18
If you were
in church on January 29 you participated in our Spiritual Renewal Vision
Presentation. We would like to thank
every member of our church for all that you did for us. We could not have done
it without your support, your prayers, your suggestions, your feedback, and
your assistance.
If you
missed the presentation and would like to learn about it, please contact one of
the Vision Team members: The members
include: Dave Brandon, Vicki Gessford, John Gustafson,
This
Pathways issue includes a copy of the final page of the printed
presentation....the sign up page. If
you've lost yours or haven't decided where you'd like to help, just fill out
your information and turn it in at the office, or put in it an offering plate,
or give it to a Vision Team member.
An inspired
vision looks ahead to show the way, but the actual journey is taken by people
who think and plan and do. That's what
we're asking you, the members of our church, to do: to turn our vision into a
journey that includes each member of our church, from the youngest to the
oldest, from the newest to the most senior.
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Week of Compassion
February 19-26
This year Week of Compassion invites
us to share, with the theme, “Sharing Brings Joy to Others.” Much of the time, our gifts bring joy to
others through the tangible results of our sharing: A family displaced by
natural disaster is grateful to receive food, shelter, and the comfort of a
safe place to begin to rebuild their lives. A woman who has
had to walk miles to carry potable water for her family smiles as she draws
water from a clean well near her home. A child excitedly arrives for the
first day of class at her village’s new school.
By giving to others, we share in the
joy that our gifts bring to those whose needs are met through the important
work of this ministry.
In his second letter to the
Corinthians, Paul reminds us of another way our giving brings joy to others. In
encouraging the Corinthian church to give, he reminds them that when the Jewish
believers receive gifts from their non-Jewish sisters and brothers, they will
be moved not only by the gifts, but also by the unity in Christ the gifts
represent.
Across social and economic lines,
followers of Christ reach out to support one another. The awareness of another’s need allows them
to recognize their own abundance as a gift from God. A gift they are called to share.
When we become aware of the needs of
our extended global family, we are rescued from the fearful sense of scarcity
our culture of consumption often instills.
We are awakened from isolation and reminded of all those around the
world with whom, in the Spirit, we are one.
Then we see others in need, not as recipients of our charity, but as
sisters and brothers with whom we are called to share abundantly.
When we share God’s abundance the
joy recipients experience extends beyond the tangible expressions they receive.
They suddenly become aware that there are those who share willingly and that
they too are beloved children of God, sisters and brothers of us all, and a
person of sacred worth.
This year, as you share your offering with Week of Compassion, remember all the ways
your gift brings joy to others. Sow
bountifully and share abundantly, knowing that you are not only helping change
statistics, you are also helping change lives. May we all give cheerfully and
multiply the joy!
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A Christian Men’s
Gathering:
Staying in Love with
your Wife
What Men Need to Know
and Do!
Saturday, February 4th, 9
a.m.-3 p.m.
Marriage is one of the greatest
gifts that God has blessed us with, yet we are constantly confused,
frustrated, uncertain, and tested. Wouldn’t it be helpful to
talk with other husbands and hear what’s worked for them and what hasn’t, and
to share our insight as well? The topic
of the day “Staying in Love with your
Wife—What Men Need to Know and Do!” is derived from Robert Lewis’ Men’s
Fraternity DVD series, “Winning at Work and At Home.”
Throughout this one day retreat we
will take steps to understand our marriage relationship and explore ways to
ensure it is a healthy, rewarding, and a reflection of God’s vision. Topics will include: “What men need to know
about women.” “Engaging
your wife successfully.” “How to
staying close to the woman you love.”
This workshop will be of benefit to any husband, whether you’re about to
be married, recently married, or have been married for decades.
Cost for this one day retreat is
suggested donation of $15 which includes light breakfast and lunch. Sign up by
contacting the church office or indicating your attendance on your Sunday
Connection Card.
For more information or questions
contact Jonathan.
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Laity
Sunday
Throughout the history of this
church Laity Sunday has been an important event on our yearly calendar. On Sunday, February 12, we will be
celebrating this special Sunday where the lay people of this church plan and
lead the congregation in worship. Men
and women who are normally seated in the congregation as our fellow worshipers
will be leading us in a wonderful Spirit-filled worship service. We are excited to have this opportunity to
hear what you, our sisters and brothers have to say.
Mark your calendars for this special
worship experience and join us at 8:30 or 10:45 on that day. Come, listen, worship
together.
JOIN US FOR A JOURNEY IN NARNIA
Beginning Feb 12th 2012
All Middle School and High School
students are welcome to join the High School Sunday School class in a study of
C.S. Lewis's book The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. We will be watching the
movie, while doing a comparision study of scriptures
relating to the events in the book and the movie.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday, the first day of
Lent, is February 22nd. There will be a
thirty minute, "lunch-break" worship service at noon in the chapel,
with communion, and the option of the imposition of ashes, either on the
forehead, or the hand. Lent is the time
when we commemorate Jesus' post-baptismal, forty days of fasting and temptation
in the wilderness, in preparation for the beginning of His ministry. We do this prior to Easter, with personal
introspection, and faithful preparation for our Savior's anguish in the garden,
agony and death on the cross, and joyful resurrection from the tomb. Some Christians also practice the spiritual
discipline of fasting during certain hours or days in Lent, or abstaining from
certain activities, to aid their preparation for marking Christ's death and
resurrection. The six Sundays during
Lent, and before Easter, are not counted in the forty days of preparation and
fasting, since each Sabbath is a celebration of Easter and a day of rest. Ashes were sprinkled on the head as a sign of
repentance according to the Old Testament scriptures and other writings of that
time. The modern use of ashes on the forehead or hand recalls that practice, and
reminds us that earthly things may become ash and dust, but the divine love of
God the Father, and Jesus Christ the Son, are eternally ours. Watch for a
bulletin announcement later this month, when the Lenten devotional books arrive
to aid you in your preparation for Good Friday and Easter. We hope to see you on Ash Wednesday, February
22nd, in the chapel at noon, and we wish you a spirit-filled, Lenten season of
preparation for our Savior's death and resurrection.
The Worship Ministry Team
Pastors
Class
Attention
all young people in fifth grade or older who have not been baptized. Pastor's class will start on February 26th
and will go until April 1st during the Sunday school hour
(9:30-10:30) in the church Library. If
you are interested in attending this class please contact the church office so
we know how many to plan for. Baptism
Sunday will be on April 15th.
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I
remember when I was “called” to ministry.
I was a shy, husky, fifteen year old kid with bad skin and worse hair
who didn’t want anyone to notice him.
But an invitation was made by the director of Lakeside Conference to
anyone feeling that God was calling them to Christian ministry. Without ever having thought about this
before, I found myself stepping forward.
I call it my “kick in the pants” moment because as I have since imagined
that moment as God standing behind me, and with a gentle and loving but firm
motion, God putting foot to bottom while saying, “Get in there, I want you to do something for me.” Perhaps some might find that imagine
startling, but please know that when you have an overwhelming and intense
moment like that, at the age of fifteen no less, jocularity is the best or
perhaps only way to muddle through it.
So I’ve found, anyway.
Nonetheless, it was my “call” moment. What was your “call” moment? Do you remember?
Perhaps you might think you’ve never had one. If that’s your line of thinking then let me
respectfully say that I whole heartedly disagree.
The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians,
“The gifts God gave were that some would
be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to
equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” Paul is telling us that at some point in each
of our lives God says to us, “Get in
there, I want you to do something for me.”
Each of us has been called into ministries of witness,
service, and reconciliation. Some are
called to be pastors, some teachers of perhaps Sunday School
or youth groups, some are called to be Elders or Deacons or Trustees or
Governing Board Chairpersons. Some are
called to be Financial Secretaries and Treasures and committee members and on
and on and on. In this church we have
had people respond to all those callings.
Additionally, our church has been blessed with numerous Timothy’s who
have been called to ordained ministry.
Each time God said to someone, “I
want you to do something for me” that person has said yes. And now we are blessed with one who has been
called to commissioned ministry— Cheryl Delaney.
What is Commissioned Ministry though?
Commissioned ministry provides the Church opportunity for
creativity and imagination in acknowledging the fresh work of the Holy
Spirit. These ministries may include:
Christian educators, ministers of music, youth ministers, nurses, chaplains,
bi-vocational ministers, recognized congregationally-based or
non-congregationally-based community ministers, or others. Wherever Regional nurture and authorization
are deemed appropriate then a person can be called to Commissioned
Ministry. Then, in accepting
Commissioned Ministry, that person being called covenants to obey God by caring
for the church, offering gifts of mind, body, and spirit to that service,
agreeing to fulfill the functions of a minister, and adhering to the
Ministerial Code of Ethics of the Christian Church
All that is to say is that a Commissioned Minister is
just that, a minister.
Cheryl Delaney heard God’s call of, “I want you to do something for me.” And she said, “Here I am Lord, send me.”
She will remain as our church’s Director of Christian Education, but her
roll as a servant of God has now grown wider.
Though we aren’t sure just yet how this new calling will impact the
church, because of her willingness to say “Here
I am, send me” no doubt our church and its ministries will grow even wider
as well.
Please plan on being part of Cheryl’s Commissioning that
will take place during worship on Sunday, March 4th, and will be
conducted by Rev. Dr. Bill Edwards, Regional Minister and President of the Christian
Church in
Your
Pastor and Friend,
Jonathan
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In
Sympathy
The church extends sympathy to
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From the Worship Ministry Team:
Hymnal Dedications
The Worship Ministry Team would like to thank those
who have donated new Chalice
Hymnals for the Chapel and
Sanctuary. Chalice Press did a final
printing of Chalice
Hymnal last fall, and we
appreciate all of you who took the opportunity to dedicate hymnals as a loving
tribute, helping the congregation worship now and for many years to come. Dedications are as follows:
In Loving Memory of…
and family
Dick Housley, by Bill and Betty Dowey
Jack & Dorothy
Olson, by John & Ingrid Willmott
Harry R. Haws, by
Faye Haws
Norma Haws, by
Faye Haws
Jane McCreight Opryszko, by The McCreight Family
(5)
Patricia Norton,
by Ann & Joe Halpin & Family
Faye & Ray Cundiff, by Betty Cundiff Lappin
Harley G. Lappin, by Betty Cundiff Lappin
Stephanie Stanley,
by Tom & Donna Stanley (5)
Anna McClarnon, my grandmother, by Marcie Shorter
Betty & Don
Beecher, my parents, by Cathy Beecher Hall
(2)
Elizabeth Haywood,
by Scott & Dianne Haywood
Raymond &
Cheryl Vesey, by Christopher Vesey
Walt Howard, by Marjorie Howard (3)
Beatrice Greer, by Marjorie Howard (2)
Leroy Younkin, by The Younkin Family (2)
In Honor of…
Our Family, by
Jerry & Beverly Wolf
Cynthia (Cindy) Waltrip Hagat, for sharing her
musical
talents to
glorify Jesus, by Fred Hagat
Dale Haywood, by
Scott & Dianne Haywood
*****************************************************
The Bird
Seed
Mary Martha
Guild members are taking orders for birdseed, corn, & deer feed. For more information, contact
Birdseed
Order Form
Name: _____________________
Phone: _____________________
Quantity Item Price
_____ birdseed 50 lb $26
_____ deer food 50 lbs $15
_____ sunflower seed 50lb
$48
_____ thistle seed 10
lb $17
_____ bag ear corn $15
Delivery? Yes___ No___
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Youth and Parents of FCC Stow,
Our Youth
program is about to get very exciting! I know you are all probably thinking I’m
just saying that to try to convince you to get involved. And you would be
right. I really hope it works, too. However I’m also writing this in hopes that
I can always do my part in including all of you in the vision of our Youth
program.
We are
building up to taking a mission trip this summer. Planning for the trip is
already underway.
One of the
first and I understand quite beloved fundraiser for this mission trip* is going
to be Sketti and Skits. It will take place Sunday,
February 26th. We will need lots of people to get involved to make
it a fun and successful event. (*some proceeds will go towards other youth
functions).
CYF/ Chi Rhio will also be working on several other things. Super
Bowl Subs are being sold to be picked up on Feb 5th. Mid-winter is
coming up in early March; there are plans for an Easter pie sale in the
makings; and Youth Sunday won’t be far away. Just to name a few.
Also new to
our Youth Program is a Sunday School class on C.S.
Lewis’ Narnia. It is open to high school and junior high youth and will starts
February 5th 9:30-10:30 in the CYF room.
None of
these events can happen without all of you. Both teens and parents must want
the program in order for it to work. That is why we are all a part of the
vision for this youth ministry.
God Bless,
Amber Bowers
Youth Leader Intern
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Praise and
Thanks: Ingathering Blessings
This past
Christmas, First Christian Church of
Cascade Imports Chancel Choir
Chi Rho/CYF Dorcas Rebecca Guild
Harvest Realty
Kara Lewis Kiwanis of
Redmon
Funeral Home
Lexi-Comp
Inc
Enjoy the
photos which will give you a small indication of the tremendous outreach
provided.
Ann Halpin,
WOC
*******************************************
Did you notice? No? How could you miss it! It’s the Brightest Pink I ever saw…
Did you
figure it out yet? I bet you did – it is
the new display on the World Outreach Stand.
Starting in
January the World Outreach Team would like to challenge you to a year long, MONTHLY donation campaign. That’s right – YEAR LONG!
We are
challenging you to bring one package of Socks, Underwear or T- Shirts for Men, Women or Children. The one thing we noticed the night of the
Ingathering is how fast the donated underclothes were taken.
With this
campaign, we would like to be able to help Good Neighbors, as well as, our 2012
Ingathering Families.
AND in addition to the new underclothes
we would also like to challenge you to bring one item of Non Perishable food (EACH MONTH) for Good Neighbors. They are hurting for food to feed all the
families they are currently helping.
Just to
make it interesting, we will keep count each month on how much is donated and
let you know in the Pathways if we are able to make a new record high each
month.
Go Team FCC – you can do it!
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Good Neighbors
Thank You
First
Christian Church of
EMERGENCY
FOOD ORDERS provided for 3,101. Over
$58,000 spent on food in 2011
SCHOOL
CLOTHES and supplies were provided to 449 children. Each child also received a shoe voucher.
CHRISTMAS
HELP was provided to 679 families representing 1,412 adults, seniors and
children. Families received a food
basket with gloves and 3-4 gifts for each person.
On the
behalf of the people served, THANK YOU FOR CARING.
*******************************************
from the Directors of Music
Thank You, Directors!
Ralph and Cheryl want to
take this opportunity to thank the directors of some of our music groups. They are sometimes overlooked and often
under-appreciated, so we’d like to tell you a little of what they do.
Barb Eppley directs Joyful
Noise, our beginning-intermediate handbell
ensemble. She’s gifted at teaching handbell concepts with clarity and humor. Joyful Noise also includes experienced
ringers, and Barb chooses music that has a bit of challenge for them as
well. She rings in our advanced
ensemble, Joy Bells, sings alto in Chancel Choir and Spiritus,
and she plays keyboards. Thank
you, Barb, for the skill and spiritual leadership you bring to Joyful Noise!
Cora Dowey has directed the
littlest singers, the Acorn Choir (grades K-2) for many years. She teaches them how to sing in a choir, how
to act a role in musicals, and how to behave onstage. She gets them started on ringing with handchimes. More
importantly, she teaches little singers about God and about their Savior, by
her words and by her example. Cora also
rings in Joy Bells and sings alto in Chancel Choir. Thank you, Cora!
Cheryl Delaney directs the
older children, the Crusader Choir (grades 3-6). Besides continuing their music education, and
their drama education (preparing them for the adult drama ministry!), she
teaches the Crusaders to ring handbells. Like Cora, Cheryl teaches the children about
God and Jesus Christ, showing them Love in words and deeds. In her “spare time,” she is the Director of
Christian Education here at First Christian, and is about to enter the
Commissioned Ministry… And she rings in Joy Bells, and sings soprano in
Chancel Choir and Spiritus. Thank you, Cheryl!
We can’t forget to tell you
about Cora and Cheryl’s valuable assistants, Lee Ann (Pinky) Veatch and Karen
Williams. They help keep young
personalities focused on the music at hand, as well as doing whatever various
(sometimes crazy) tasks are needed. (And
by the way, some of you may not know that Cora, Cheryl, Pinky, and Karen are
sisters… It’s true!) Thank you, Pinky
and Karen.
Like many unsung heroes in the church, these wonderful women of
God deserve our appreciation. Friends,
you have our deepest thanks.
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Save the Date
Super Soup Saturday
The Young Adult Group will be
hosting a Soup-off on Saturday, March 24 at 5pm as a fundraiser for Advance
Ministry events. Advance is the
Disciples of Ohio Young Adult group that serves post-high (18-29) with a Winter and Spring Retreat as wewll
as a week-long summer conference at
Without a vision the people will
perish.
(Proverbs 29:18)
This is so very true. I hope you didn't
miss church on Sunday! The Vision team made their presentation and now its our turn to get to work. Have you thought about how you
will contribute? There’s a part for everyone and everyone's part is vital.
Where does God want you to serve? Maybe you have some ideas about prayer and
worship. Does your interest lie with the sanctuary? Have you been thinking of
programs you'd like to see as part of our Christian education? Or maybe your
passion is with improving our communication and keeping connected to all of our
members. Without your help, it isn’t OUR vision, it’s THEIR vision. I ask that
you prayerfully consider how your talents can be utilized to make this vision a
reality.
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Did you know?
Did you
know that there are people who are highly allergic to anything scented? Some people are extremely sensitive to
fragrances which can result in serious allergic reactions. Allergic reactions
can include difficulty breathing, asthma, rashes, headaches, nausea, hoarse
voice or even loss of voice, and tingling of the lips. Fragrance allergic folks face difficulty when
they go out into public places because they can’t control that environment. They struggle with avoidance of areas where
there are air fresheners, candles are being burned,
perfumes being worn, and the list goes on and on.
So when at
church, what can we do to help? First,
we can limit the amount of perfume worn when we are going to be in close
quarters with other people. Second, we
can direct people with fragrance allergies in need of a restroom to the
restroom on the first level close to the old kitchen where there are no air
fresheners. Third, we can be
understanding and not offended if someone needs to get up and move away from
us.
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We believe and proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. We strive as a community of believers to
share the love of God with others, as taught by the scriptures and illiminated by the Holy Spirit.