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

CORNER OF CONCERN:

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 Stow

  3493 Darrow Road

Stow, Ohio  44224

www.firstchristianstow.org

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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, Anna Lloyd, Marv Mills, Al Naylor, Rev. Jonanthan Rumburg, Tom Safford, Marcy Schaffer, Amy & Rich Swaile

 

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 Ohio.

                        Your Pastor and Friend,

                        Jonathan

 

 

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In Sympathy

 

The church extends sympathy to Gary and Barb Eppley and their family upon the death of his father, Chester Eppley.  May God comfort this family in their grief.

 

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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…

Vernon & Alice and Gerald Mahlar, by Edith E. Briers

      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

 

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The Bird Seed Sale is Back!

 

Mary Martha Guild members are taking orders for birdseed, corn, & deer feed.  For more information, contact Sue Lloyd or Ann Halpin.

 

 

                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. Lake Charles, LA was hit by Hurricane Rita in 2005 and Ike in 2008. The recovery work there is far from over. We are hoping to take a mixed group of teen and post-high youth (minimum age requirement is 14 along with a few other requirements). We are looking at going the week of July 15. More details regarding cost and plans will be provided to you soon.

 

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 Stow provided food baskets to 43 families through our Christmas Ingathering program. In our longstanding tradition, we also provided gifts to the children of those 43 families.  With the help of several community sponsors, church members and friends, together, we provided gifts to 97 children!  This was  a greater number of families than we have ever attempted to assist.  With much prayer and consideration, the World Outreach Committee accepted this challenge.  The congregational response was amazing!  In addition to providing gifts for all the children, we had a donor who provided wellness supplies for the 5 babies in the group of children and a donor who provided extra groceries of cereal and breakfast foods for the large families.  In addition, the Fleece Ministry provided 70 fleece blankets for the children.   We are forever grateful to Jeane Galehouse who, as she has for many years past, made all the phone contacts to potential families for the program.  Special thanks to all those church members, families and friends who provided gifts or sponsored an entire family.  I would like to publicly acknowledge the companies and organizations below who were a vital part of this project; either by providing funds or sponsoring a family or several families:

            Cascade Imports        Chancel Choir

            Chi Rho/CYF              Dorcas Rebecca Guild

            Harvest Realty

            Hudson United Methodist Church Preschool

            Kara Lewis                  Kiwanis of Stow

            Marhofer Chevrolet    Mary Martha Circle

            Redmon Funeral Home

            Lexi-Comp Inc                        Stow High School Key Club

 

Enjoy the photos which will give you a small indication of the tremendous outreach provided. 

 

Ann Halpin, WOC

 

 

 

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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 Stow supports the work of the local Good Neighbors through our Outreach program.  They have sent a letter sharing some ot the things they were able to accomplish through our support and others like us.

 

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.

 

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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 Camp Christian.  For now, be sure to mark you calendars and start testing your recipes!

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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MISSION STATEMENT

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.


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