A Message from the Minster – In last month’s column I wrote, “My pastoral instincts are telling me that exciting new possibilities are just around the corner for our Youth Program.”  After interviewing several candidates, and struggling with budgetary limitations, our Search Committee for a new Youth Coordinator has recommended a course of action and a candidate to the Christian Education Committee, which has subsequently approved both.  The decision has been made to combine two part-time positions, Youth Coordinator and Director of Christian Education, into one full-time position filled by Toni Harris.  Having one person fill the combined roles is not out of the ordinary for a congregation our size.  In many ways it leads to increased efficiency.  For example: only one compensated person is required to attend Staff meetings, Christian Education Committee meetings and Church Board meetings.  Can one person handle both roles?  The job certainly becomes more manageable if certain tasks previously falling to the Youth Coordinator become lay driven, such as Workcamp currently is by Jimmy and Flip Eavenson, and High School Church School classes are by Gay Yonkers and Reed Fuller, and Confirmation Class is by Gordon and Elaine Ober with assistance from Rev. Horak. 

     Can Toni Harris handle the role?  Toni has given the answer to that question.  It is a resounding “No, not by myself.”  The job will require many, many church members (not to mention our youth) pulling together as a team.  But putting together effective teams to implement cutting edge ministry is Toni’s specialty.  This is the lady who brought us Nutcracker Sweets when she was a new member.  This is the lady who brought us the Rotational Method of Christian Education.  This is the lady who organized the best Annual Conference the International Council of Churches has seen in a long while.  This is the lady who is usually at the center of “What’s Happening Now” at The Church in Aurora.  She understands and appreciates the historic identity of Community Churches in general and The Church in Aurora in particular.  She has a demonstrated heart for young people as the longstanding Director of Littlest Choir and, more recently, Director of Christian Education (in fact, many youth already know her well from these programs).  She has talent, energy and an enthusiasm that is absolutely contagious.  This is how faith expresses itself in Toni Harris.

     January is an odd time to begin a new youth ministry.  Half the program year is up.  By the end of May much of youth ministry recesses for the summer (Workcamp and Church Camp being two notable exceptions).  As a youth member on the Search Committee, James Hogan asks all youth to give their full support to this new beginning.  As a Pastor, I ask the same of parents.  Toni will be asking just about everyone else to do one thing or another.  If you know of unchurched families with youth, they might be interested to hear about a congregation that is putting youth ministry at the forefront of its collective efforts.  Seriously, you will be doing them a big favor.

     Respecting the Past, Envisioning the Future –Bill

In the Pulpit during January –

January 7 – Rev. Schnell (Communion)

January 14 – Rev. Horak

January 21 – Rev. Schnell

January 28 – Rev. Schnell (Single Service at 9:30 followed by Annual Meeting)

 

Worship Attendance

November 26 – 9:30 - 168; 11:00 - 120; Total - 288

December 3 – 9:30 – 176; 11:00 – 164; Total - 340

December 10 – 9:30 - 173; 11:00 - 157; Total – 330

Vespers (December 10) – 349

December 17 – 9:30 – 211; 11:00 – 155; Total – 366  Christmas Pageant –141

 

NEWS OF OUR MEMBERS…Did You Know?  For more details, see the bulletin board in Fellowship Hall. 

January Potluck Dinner – Please note that the potluck in January has been changed from January 2 to January 9.  Please note the change on your calendar.

 

Sunday Morning Holiday Schedule – There will be one service at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 24.  That will be a family oriented service with the children “taking center stage” in place of a sermon.  Sunday evening, December 24, there will be a Musical Christmas Eve service with story and song at 9:00 p.m. and a traditional worship service with music and message at 11:00 p.m.  Then on Sunday, December 31 there will be one service in the morning at 10:00 a.m.  That is our annual Questions from the Pew service.  So be preparing your questions for Rev. Schnell.

 

VOA – BACK TO BASIC FOOD NEEDS…to help those less fortunate:  Hamburger Helper, Tuna Helper, canned meats, cereal and toilet paper.  These items are included in every one of our food orders.  Thank you for your continued cooperation and assistance.  A blessed New Year to all.

 

Do you know that the church spends more than $700 each year mailing the Spire?  And that’s using the least expensive bulk mail rates!  Won’t you help us save money (and perhaps a few trees, too) by agreeing to receive the Spire by e-mail?  If you don’t have a computer, you could help us by offering to pick up your copy of the Spire rather than having it mailed to you.  It is available on the Hunt Table in the Great Hall as soon as it is published.  Please prayerfully consider these options and contact the Church Secretary at pjaeger@alltel.net or 562-8266.

 

Church Office Closed – The office will be closed on Monday, January 1.

Congregational Meeting – There will be one service at 9:30 on Sunday, January 28, 2007, followed immediately by our annual Congregational Meeting at 11:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary.

3-H Circle welcomes all who have not left for the southern climate.  Join us for our January project:  the creation of WHEEL CHAIR CADDIES.  We will need extra hands – sewers and non-sewers – there are jobs for all.  Irons, ironing boards and sewing machines will be needed also.

            Relax after the busy holidays and know you are helping others in need.  Friday, January 5^th, at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.  For more information call Lillian at 330-562-7104.

 

Scholarship Fund – The Church in Aurora has been blessed by the Barkett Scholarship for many years.  This scholarship is an untouchable sum of money, the interest of which is used to fund the Barkett Scholarship.  Unfortunately, the Memorials Committee has had to supplement the Barkett Scholarship fund each year to make a meaningful contribution to a student’s education.

          For this reason, there has been established a new The Church in Aurora Scholarship Fund.  It is the intent of the Memorials Committee to have this fund provide additional monies.  This fund will be a separate and distinct fund.  As with the Barkett Memorial Fund, the principle is inviable and only the interest will be used for the scholarship fund.  The purpose is to establish a base where eventually the fund will be of the size that is significant.

          The Memorials Committee wishes church families to be aware of this scholarship fund and hopes they will be open to directing contributions to this fund.

 

NEW COMMUNION SET DEDICATED – As we started a new church year, we started with a new communion set with all of the pieces matching (and more importantly stacking properly).  We are grateful to the family of Mr. James O. Tavenner Sr. for their thoughtfulness and generosity in making this possible through Jim’s memorial fund.  Jim was a former Moderator of this church and he and his wife, Betsey, were faithful members and servants here for many years.  Before its first use on Sunday, December 3, we took a moment to dedicate the set as follows:

According to Noah Webster, to dedicate means to:  set apart and consecrate to a divine being, or to a sacred purpose.  It is an act which takes something ordinary and makes it extraordinary in the service of God.  That is our hope and prayer for this new communion set before us.

Let us pray.  Dear God, as all that we have is from You, part of our dedication here this morning is an acknowledgement that each of these pieces are already Yours.  But now we ask for Your blessing upon each piece and all who will handle them—this day and in the years to come.  May all who see these pieces be reminded of Your Son Jesus Christ, and the extent of His love for each of us. 

And just as we ask that all we say and do might bring honor and glory to Your name, so might every use of this set bring honor and glory to You as well.  To Your service we now dedicate this communion set, praising You from whom all blessings flow, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

 

New Book Study Group - A core group has expressed interest in starting a book study that will meet at the church on the first Wednesday of each month, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., with the inaugural gathering being January 3, 2007.  The first title being considered is The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, which may be obtained at Borders Books in Solon, or by mail from www.amazon.com.  Please read this book in preparation for January 3, and contact coordinators Bonnie Niebuhr (995-5084 or bjniebuhr@aol.com) or Rev. Schnell (562-8266 or bschnell@alltel.net) so that appropriate arrangements may be made for seating and refreshments.

 

Attention all Deacons!  The Deacons will meet December 17th at 12:15 in Hanson Hall.

 

NUTCRACKER SWEETS 2006 – Another successful show has come to a close.  Our attendance, as many shows are experiencing also, slipped a bit.  It did not detract, however, from the festive holiday atmosphere for three days as our church was transformed into this wonderful, bustling atmosphere.

          There are so many people to thank as we wrap up our 25^th year.  From the beginning with the ladies on the jury – the Sunday School teachers for clearing out their spaces and returning them for use on Sat. – the young people who helped us pack up the crafters and move ‘em on out – the ladies in the kitchen – the donations of food that poured in – the hostesses helping the crafters – the men that came through in the parking lot – the strong arms of the men who helped the crafters unload and reload – the posters and flyers that were printed and delivered – the publicity that was sent out to newspapers etc. – the many chair persons – I salute you all.

          Bill asked me on one occasion how many people (how many hours) it took for an undertaking this size.  I guesstimated over 4000 man hours are put in and hundreds of people have a hand in our success.  I would be remiss if I didn’t point out a very important and special person these past years and that would be my husband, Peter, who has helped me personally with every aspect of Nutcracker. 

          I will be handing a check for $15,000 to Martha Gray, our Women’s Guild president.  Our missions’ portion (25%) of $3750 will be going to Mobile Meals.  The remainder will fulfill wishes from our infamous “Wish List”.  Thank you to each of you who have helped and supported the Nutcracker these past five years.  It has been an extremely rewarding and fun experience. 

          I am handing the gauntlet to a very hard working dynamo, Joni Hanson, one of our Deacons.  She will need your help also and my hope is that you all continue to support this worthwhile project and say yes to Joni when she calls on you.

                             Muriel French, Nutcracker Sweets Chair 2006

 

Women’s Guild – We will welcome Jim Frame to Women’s Guild again on January 10, 2007.  This year his topic will be the Rotary float at the Rose Bowl Parade.  He will give us a look at the making of the floats, the people involved and then the parade.  Some of you that had a “sneak preview” of this topic know how entertaining it will be.

          January is our ever popular soup and salad lunch, so bring a soup, salad or dessert to share.  If you are unable to contribute food, the usual $4 will be charged and used toward paper products.  Please join us in Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m. on January 10^th.  Bring a friend!

 

MISSION OF THE MONTH – The Missions Committee has the wonderfully rewarding responsibility of researching dozens of charitable organizations as potential recipients of our tithing budget. The works of these organizations are powerful examples of God’s promise to care for those in need. We encourage you to support these charities in any manner you feel appropriate. The Missions Committee welcomes suggestions of organizations that you feel worthy of our support. Please forward any suggestions to the Missions Committee mail box, or directly to a committee member. All proposed recipients are reviewed for their effectiveness and alignment with our statement of purpose as printed in the Missions Committee Handbook.

          A special thanks to the many volunteers that rang the bell at Wal-Mart over Thanksgiving weekend for our local Volunteers of America. They raised over $900!! Thank you!!!

          This month our focus is on the Hospice program at Robinson Memorial Hospital. Please refer to the bulletin board in the Great Hall for more information on this valuable community resource.  

          In addition, this month we will be providing financial support for several organizations: World Vision(www.worldvision.org) , World Relief(www.worldrelief.org),  our local chapter of Habitat for Humanity(www.habitatofportage.org), and Freedom House (an organization in Kent that provides emergency shelter, case management, and advocacy services for veterans).

 

December Trivia – What ancient monogram for Christ appears in our church courtyard?      “CR”, Chi Rho, which are the first two letters of Jesus’ name in Greek.

 

January Trivia – What year did the confirmands first lay a stone marking their Confirmation?

 

Board Meeting – The Church in Aurora Board met on Monday December 11^th. 

Russ Post, Nominations chair, began the meeting by presenting the 2007 slate of elected and appointed nominees which were subsequently approved by the Board. 

Doug Kirsop, Stewardship, followed with an update of our 2007 Faith Promise campaign.  He noted that Faith Promises are down 7% from last year and significantly short of our goal.  The Board agreed that Stewardship should advise the membership of the shortfall, the expected impact on our ministries, and ask the membership to consider increasing their 2007 promises. 

Carol Guthrie, Treasurer, reported that Ytd Faith Promise receipts are also below plan, and that our operating surplus has fallen considerably compared to last year. 

The Moderators, Treasurers, and Stewardship agreed to begin an immediate review of year-to-date expenses and the 2007 Budget.  Resulting financial plans and strategies will be communicated to the Board and membership as appropriate.  

Tim Wagner submitted the C.E. report and advised that the Youth Coordinator (YC) Search committee and the C.E. Committee had recommended a candidate to the Elders. 

Peter French, Moderator, noted that the Elders are now responsible for discussions regarding job description, salary and benefits and the final recommendation to the Board for the staff appointment. 

Jan Morgan, Elders, advised that this final step was underway and should be completed shortly.  She also reported that the Elders have completed all job descriptions as well as performance review formats for both Pastors. 

Staff personal reviews by the Sr. Pastor are almost complete and the Elders will be completing the Sr. Pastor’s review shortly. 

Jimmy Eavenson updated the Board on Mission’s activities and advised that workcamp fund raising was proceeding very well.  31 youth and 9 adults have signed up to participate. 

Mary Wallace, Membership, reported that a follow-up letter had been sent out to recent new members.  She also noted that the committee is still cleaning up the church membership list, and is considering a new pictorial directory for next year.  Membership marketing ideas, based on two recently attended seminars, are also being reviewed by the committee.  Please contact Peter French, Moderator, if you have any questions regarding the Board Meeting (330-562-3352, pefrenchsr@aol.com).

 

Behind the Scenes – The poinsettias in the sanctuary look so beautiful, don’t they?  For the last two years, Joni Hanson has taken care of getting the flowers ordered and delivered, and keeping them alive through the holiday season.  She also took care of the Easter flowers this year.  Joni has been a very active Deacon since 2004.  She and her daughter taught a rotation in the Promiseland Church School Program.  Joni was the Assistant Chairman of Nutcracker Sweets both in 2205 and 2006, and will take over as Chairman in 2007.  All this, and she’s only been a member of the church for four years.  Thank you, Joni, for all you do.  Merry Christmas!

Promiseland News

A Special Thank You to our Jesse Tree Teachers…

         

In Isaiah 11, the prophet says “A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.”  Jesse was the father of David and can trace his ancestry back to Rahab, Boaz and Ruth.  From that point, the messiah would have to prove that his ancestry was from the house of David.

 

This Christmas have been pleased to welcome back June Lucal to teach our art workshop, Created by the Spirit.  In this class the children are learning about some people in the lineage of the Messiah.  They have been designing a booklet in the form of a keepsake ornament that contains a poem written by June to commemorate the lineage of Jesus.

 

We are pleased to welcome a newly retired teacher to our storytelling workshop, Mary & Martha’s Bed & Breakfast, Judy Strine.  Judy is portraying the character Rahab.  Rahab lived in Jericho and sheltered two Israelite spies as they were getting ready to enter the “Promised Land.”  She married an Israelite and became the great-great grandmother of King David.  Judy and the children are making a root vegetable salad to symbolize the root of Jesse.

 

Dana Shively and Fritz Mayer have again joined forces in the Puppet workshop to teach the children about the genealogy of Jesus. Using the Native American story, Knots on a Counting Rope, the children are enacting a puppet show illustrating how family stories are passed onto the next generation. 

 

Veteran teacher, Mary Wallace, has returned to teach our geography workshop, Where in the World Is.  In this workshop the children find the names of biblical characters in scripture and make a clothesline timeline to put the people of the Jesse Tree in historical perspective.

 

Jesus’ Baptism

 

The baptism of Jesus is found in all four Gospels, a rarity that few Gospel stories share.  It is a significant event when a voice in the wilderness is calling for repentance and a sinless man enters the waters.  It is even more extraordinary when we discover that the man is the Messiah, the Son of God, with whom God is well pleased.

 

Since birth, both John the Baptist and Jesus have been placed in time to play a certain role.  John is to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.  John follows the pattern of the prophets of the Old Testament.  He dresses in the same manner as Elijah.  He doesn’t eat meat or drink wine.  He is calling the people of Israel to repent, to change their ways, to have their lives reflect God’s grace.

 

Jesus enters into the picture.  He was about 30 years old.  The last time anything was recorded about his life was when he was twelve years old.  His parents lose track of him and finally find him in the temple.  Jesus’ response is:  “Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”  (Luke 2:49)  At his baptism, he enters into this scene of sinners who are repenting.  He enters as a human being and yet sinless.  Even as John protests that he is not worthy to baptize Jesus, Jesus understands that this is the will of God.  After his baptism, a dove descends on Jesus and a voice says “You are my Son, the Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”

 

Our own baptism affirms that God calls each of us a child of God.  As imperfect as each one of us is, God still is pleased with us.  The grace that embraces us is transforming.  We did not earn this grace.  It was freely given.  What John the Baptist says is, Show the world what grace really means!  If you are living within the embrace of the one, eternal God, live a life that is an example for others.

 

Jesus goes off into the wilderness after his baptism.  Jesus contemplates how he will reveal his relationship with God…how he will reveal the Kingdom of God.  Will he turn the stones into bread?  Will he worship Satan so that he can control the world?  Will he call on the angels in his darkest hour?  He denies all of these temptations, focusing on the will of God.

 

The people of Israel had great expectations for the Messiah.  He would be like the great King David; he would recapture the throne and roust out the Romans.  Israel would once again be a proud nation.  The Messiah would also be like Moses, leading the people of Israel back to a time of great awareness of the presence of God.  Jesus would be a drum major for justice, a voice for the poor, a blight on the self-righteous, and a paradigm for a new relationship with God. 

 

John the Baptist prepared the way.  Jesus did not come to earth in a vacuum.  God made certain that there was a receptive audience, a core group that would listen to Jesus and accept his credibility.  There was a high price to pay for that credibility.  That is the next chapter.

 

We are pleased to welcome three very familiar teachers in Promiseland for this session of workshops, Ruth Wise, Laura Holman and Mary Thomas.  They will be teaching story telling and movement classes in January.  An art workshop is being planned and as of the writing of this newsletter, we are still waiting for a teacher. 

 

We are currently planning to use six newly acquired “Body Sox” in our movement workshop in January.  This product is one that we have been looking forward to having for our children’s use.  We are very excited to be able to have them at long last.  “Body Sox” have earned the Early Childhood Directors Choice Award.  As the children crawl into a cocoon of stretchy walls, they increase body awareness, strength and creativity.  Their shapes become three dimensional, amorphous, and art-like.  “Body Sox” provide tactile stimulation and have been used in successful therapy with autistic children.  These products were initially designed by a professional ballet dancer who went on to become a dance and movement therapist and exercise instructor.  As a kinesthetic learner, she found with the design of this product a new way to enhance the joy of sensation and aliveness in our bodies.

 

Coming in February…..Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet

 

Found only in the Gospel of John, the experience of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples was an event that became the final opportunity for Jesus to share the love within this small community and to teach them one last time.

 

It takes place during Passover.  The setting is the last meal that Jesus shares with his disciples before his arrest.  The Gospel of John is different in its chronology of the events of Holy Week from the other Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke).  For the purpose of our upcoming lesson, we are basing the development of the story on John.

 

Jesus takes this opportunity to show his disciples about his love and how they can reflect that love to the world. The Gospel of John does not present the part of the story that describes the Eucharist.  John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus took on the role of both servant and host.  As host, he would have ordered the foot washing.  As servant, he would have washed the feet himself.