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Volume XLXIII 2009 Number 4
A Message from the Minister – I knew this was going to be hard for me. Carving out time for contemplative prayer each day during the season of Lent has been a humbling experience. After making a good start I slipped and let several days go by without keeping up my spiritual discipline even though it was really doing the trick in terms of evoking a calmer, more peaceful and a receptive spirit during these uncertain times. I guess it is as hard to begin new and constructive habits as it is to break old and not-so-constructive ones. Some among the congregation are keeping me accountable when they come through the receiving line on Sunday mornings by asking how it is going. After confessing my omissions last week, I found the encouragement to resume. Accountability transforms failure into a temporary setback that can be overcome. Recovery programs like AA are well acquainted with slipping back into old self-destructive habits. That is why they provide opportunities for regular, sometimes daily, accountability so that those who have slipped can find strength to rise again. Easter celebrates the resurrecting power of God made known to us in Jesus Christ and made available to us in our times of need. None of us is perfect, not even the exemplars of faith in the Bible. Peter slipped on the night Jesus was betrayed, as did all the other disciples. But together, and with the strength of a Higher Power, they rose to become the apostles and saints we revere today. Paul was not a saint because he was perfect but because he did not allow his imperfections, his weaknesses and his sinful past to keep him from striving toward perfection. He freely confesses, Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12-15). Maybe we have slipped in our Lenten disciplines, maybe we have slipped back into self-destructive habits or maybe we have slipped up in some other significant way. Maybe it is time to avail ourselves of the power of accountability to help us when we are powerless to help ourselves. Maybe it is time to seek out a Stephen Minister, support group or recovery group. Maybe it is time to press on, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. Don’t let a temporary setback keep you from rising to a new and better life by the resurrecting power of God. May Easter morning find you a persevering victory to celebrate and a living testimony to our risen Savior! -Bill
News of Members and Friends First Time Visitors – (2/22) Howard & Cindy Gordon of Shelby, OH (3/1) Theresa Roberts of Mantua, Norma Beguhl from Richland, MI (3/8) Jim Heisler of Garrettsville; Dean Beguhl from Richland, MI; the Boyds from Waite Hill, OH; Charles & Betty Sanguedolce from Mentor; Allyson Boyd Kneib; Tom & Cindi Ross Baptisms – Jewel Jaymes Vaccarino Memorials – Jim Shields; Hildegard Boyd; Gladys Hanes, mother of Georgia Hanes Reed Births – Hayden James, Great-grandson of Ingrid & Mike Cuppage, Great-great-grandson of Gil Gilbertson EASTER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Palm Sunday Cantata – The Chancel Choir will present "Touched by the Christ" at both services on Palm Sunday, April 5th. This is a compelling musical work recalling the final days of Jesus’ earthly life. It does so through the eyes of individuals who were directly impacted by His ministry. By the dramatic blending of personal narratives and inspiring music, "Touched by the Christ" is an invitation to walk the path to the cross. It is a reminder that He who changed the lives of individuals in the first century is still doing so today. An instrumental ensemble will enhance the beautiful choral music and the powerful narratives. Please join us for this special service.
MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE – Join us
for a special service on
Thursday, April 9, at
7:30 PM in the
sanctuary. Obedient to Jesus’ command at the Last Supper
on Maundy (mandatory) Thursday, the service will include
communion, music, readings and the extinguishing of
candles—moving from light to tenebrae (shadows). This
dramatic and ancient service remembers the death of Christ and
helps us more fully appreciate His Easter morning resurrection.
OFFICE CLOSED – The Church Office will be closed on Friday, April 10 (Good Friday). VOA Food Pantry Needs – This month the food pantry needs spaghetti sauce, rice and powdered milk. As always, your generosity is much appreciated by all those who need our help. Meet Our Newest Members - Frank McNamara is Cheerleader-in-Chief for Best Buy where he works in the warehouse. On his own time he helps out in the warehouse at the Volunteers of America operated by his aunt, Sue Altman. For a creative outlet he sketches comics. Frank is married to Julie, who works for Progressive Insurance as an Agency Processor. Julie’s creative outlet is writing poetry and prose, and she aspires to author a book one day. The McNamara’s have two boys, Dallas (7) and Logan (5). Marcy Kretzer is a former Administrative Assistant now trying her hand at Hair Design. She is a history buff and lover of Southern Gospel music, which is nice because her husband, Wes, is a member of the Gospel Echos Quartet. His day job is representing decorative lighting lines for Eskin Sales. The Kretzer’s rescue small dog breeds and currently care for three Chihuahuas, a Papillion Pomeranian and a Poodle, which actually belongs to Marcy’s mother, Annie Thornton. Annie retired after 36 years with Empire Diecasting. She and her late husband, Johnny, were married for 54 years and are the proud parents of daughter Marcy. Lately Annie has been setting aside her usual pastimes of reading and crafts to care for dogs. Lisa Pollock is a Nurse treating congestive heart failure patients at Meridia South Pointe Hospital where she met and married Brian, a Physician Intern. Now they are busy raising twin daughters, Madeline and Abigail (4 ˝), and a son, Hunter (3). Lisa enjoys crafts, decorating and cooking while Brian works on his 1975 Stingray or makes improvements on their home. The Pollock’s have a dog, Rocky, and a sugar glider named Brutus (a sugar glider is an Australian marsupial resembling a flying squirrel). We have Jim and Charity Omartian to at least partially thank for introducing Joshua and Katie Trook to The Church in Aurora. Joshua directs operations for a local warehouse while Katie is enrolled in a Masters of Fine Arts program, which helps to explain the latter’s passion for reading and writing fiction in general and short stories in particular. Both are currently reading baby books while enrolled in childbirth classes as they await the arrival of a bundle of joy in April. A former football player for Case Western Reserve, Joshua remains an avid football fan. Weights for Promiseland – Thank you to everyone who loaned us hand weights for a Promiseland lesson. They are ready to be returned. Please come to my office any time to retrieve them. Thank You. Toni Harris
The Church in Aurora Barkett Memorial Scholarship
– Applications have been mailed to all high school seniors.
If you have not received yours, and are interested in applying,
please contact Mr. Bush or Mr. Keister. Applications are
due no later than April
20, 2009.
Relay for Life-Aurora/Streetsboro – A Benefit for the American Cancer Society Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st Aurora High School Stadium 9 AM - 9 AMTo join the Relay for Life Church in Aurora Team, please contact Karen Pope at 330 562 - 3192 or Beth Morrison at 330 562 - 0452. The 2009 CIA Relay team looks forward again to CELEBRATING those of you who have survived cancer; REMEMBERING those who have not; and FIGHTING a most cruel enemy that has claimed far too many of our family members and good friends...many in the prime of their lives! The enemy goes on...but it won't survive if we FIGHT it together! Join Now!!PICTORIAL DIRECTORY: As the Church celebrates it's 200th birthday this year, we look forward to having a new Pictorial Directory. We have added two additional days for picture taking - Wednesday and Thursday, April 1st and 2nd. Register online. Go to www.ucdir.com, click on the yellow sunburst icon, enter OH962 in the Church Code field and aurora in the Church Password field then follow the prompts. This option is available Monday through Friday. If you do not have access to the internet, call Bonnie Niebuhr at 995-5084 for assistance. If you need a ride to the church to have your picture taken, call the Care Team at 562-3273. SAVE THE DATE! The annual C.I.A. WORKCAMP SPAGHETTI DINNER/SILENT AUCTION will take place Sunday, April 26, 2009, at 4:00 PM at the Aurora High School Commons. Tickets will be available beginning March 29. Even if you can't go to Workcamp, you can help us by donating new crafts, jewelry, art or other creative items you make. Please contact Charlie Poe at 440-429-5553. THANK YOU! The Shack by William P. Young will be discussed in the adult Sunday school class on Sunday, April 19th, at 9:30 AM in Hanson Hall. William P. Young's protagonist meets God in person in his novel that is spiritually profound, theologically enlightening and life impacting. Please read The Shack and join us if you are interested. Questions? Call Betsy Tomasko at 330-562-3505. 5th & 6th Grade Bake Sale - Mark March 29th on your calendar! It's time for the Seventh Annual Bake Sale and Raffle sponsored by the 5th & 6th grade Church School classes. All proceeds will be going to Heifer International, an organization that helps people help themselves. This year's goal is to raise enough money to fund a "knitting basket". Don't know what a "knitting basket" is? Ask a 5th or 6th grader.VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – Come and experience Camp E.D.G.E (Experience + Discover GOD Everywhere) this summer for VBS. The dates will be June 15th - June 19th. We are beginning to build our leadership team (adults and junior/senior high) to help run this exciting event. If you would like to volunteer in any way, please contact the VBS coordinator, Stephanie Tutkovics at 330-995-6443, or stephtut@hotmail.com. STEPHEN MINISTRY – Our Stephen Ministries Leadership Team is looking at offering another training course for Stephen Ministers in the fall of 2009. This course, known as the Stephen Series, is a 50–hour in-depth look at Christian caregiving. If you might be interested and/or would like further information, please contact Rev. Horak at 330-562-8266 ext. 222. The 3H Circle will meet Friday, April 3, at 9:30 a.m. The program will include making church greeting cards, bookmarks, welcome cards, etc. Joy Evans, Mary Schroeder and Barb Thayer will be teaching us how to do the crafts. This program was suggested by Bill Schnell when he spoke to the group in the fall and it promises to be fun. Visitors are always welcome! RUMMAGE SALE – As you begin your spring cleaning, please consider donating your unwanted items to the church’s Spring Rummage Sale. The dates for the sale are April 22nd and 23rd. You may place your donations on the stage in Fellowship Hall starting Monday, April 13th. If you would like to volunteer, please call or email Joy Evans at 330-562-5663 or jlevans33@yahoo.com. SAY CHEESE: There will be a congregational picture taken outside on the front lawn of the church to celebrate The Church in Aurora Bicentennial. The picture will be taken on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 10th, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Worshippers will exit the sanctuary through the front doors and children will be escorted outside by their teachers. If you usually attend the 11:00 service, please come early for the picture and meet on the front lawn. Everyone is invited to be in the picture, even if you are not a member of the church. Thank You Cleveland Foodbank: The Missions Committee is returning to the Foodbank. If you would like to be "hands on" involved in one of our missions, volunteer with us on Tuesday, April 28th, as we go to The Cleveland Foodbank. We will be leaving church at 5 p.m. for a 6-8 p.m. scheduled work time (or meet us at there). This involves light physical labor, is a rewarding experience and will give you the opportunity to get to know other church members. Please call Cindy Hollo at 440-562-1810 or email her at tweetyhollo@yahoo.com if you are interested in going. 3H PM – Please join us in the Stephen Ministry Room on Thursday, April 16, 6:30-8:30 p.m., as we continue making our prayer shawls and baby blankets while reviewing Chapters 12 and 13 of Beth Moore's book, PRAYING GOD'S WORD. ~ Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930The CARE TEAM is available for those who need meals during a time of recovery or a ride to an appointment or someone to pick up prescriptions or just a friendly visit. If they could help you, call Pat Way at 330-673-7917 or Rita Suchanek at 330-562-3273 or 216-570-9808! Pressure – A burdensome, distressing or weighty condition. Are you feeling pressure right now? Is it affecting your health, your attitude, or your relationships with your family and friends? Would you like to have someone to talk to, just to help you get through the next month or two? Our Stephen Ministers can help. Contact Russ Post (330/562-9789) or Susan Kray (330/562-1344). Hospice Volunteers Needed – Robinson Hospital is seeking volunteers for companion/respite care to provide relief time for caregivers of terminally ill loved ones. Vigil volunteers offer support to families when it appears death is imminent. Other areas where volunteers are needed are: Nursing Home Team, Flower-Arranging, Special Events, Office Assistance, Professional Services (legal & accounting), Bereavement Support and card makers. Volunteers receive training, ongoing education and support. Spring training starts on Saturdays, April 18 & 25, at Robinson. For information, contact Bernadette Thomas (330/297-8899), bthomas@rmh2.org. Neighbor 2 Neighbor - A new volunteer program is being formed in Northern Portage County to help those in our communities who cannot afford to make home repairs. An organizational meeting will take place on Thursday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. at Aurora Mennonite Church. For more information contact Clete Yoder 330-904-1747Mission of the Month – This month the Missions Committee is focusing on the West Side Catholic Center. For 30 years, the West Side Catholic Center has offered hospitality, hot meals, a women and children’s shelter, clothing, household goods, advocacy and emergency services to those in need at no charge. The West Side Catholic Center relies on hundreds of volunteers to maintain its services. Their volunteers consist of individuals, church and civic groups, student organizations and area businesses. Their mission is as follows: Grounded in faith, hope, love and respect for those we serve, the West Side Catholic Center assists all who come in need of food, clothing, shelter and advocacy. More information can be found at www.helpcleveland.org. Behind the Scenes – George Roemich has been a member of The Church in Aurora for more than half of his life. And it certainly has been the best half, as least as far as the church is concerned! During that time, George has served as the Associate Treasurer twice – first from 1994 through 1995, then again from 1998 through 2000. He served one term on the Stewardship Committee, acting as the Chairman in 1986. In 1989 he served as Co-Chairman of the Trustees. George served as an Archivist from 1998 through 2005. He was a member of the Endowment Committee from 2006 through 2008, and has been a member of the Chancel Choir for about 30 years. In fact, George is responsible for bringing Don Arbuckle into the choir and The Church in Aurora! George was instrumental in getting a camera installed in the church facing the altar so the choir can see what is happening on the other side of the chancel rail. Thank you, George, for all you have done and continue to do to make The Church in Aurora…. MORE THAN A LANDMARK |
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