April 1 – Rev. Horak (Maundy Thursday, 7:30 pm) April 18 – Rev. Schnell

April 4 – Rev. Schnell (Easter Communion, 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00) April 25 – Rev. Schnell

April 11 – Rev. Horak

February 17 (Ash Wednesday) – 49

February 21 – 9:30 – 169; 11:00 – 110; Total – 279

February 28 – 9:30 – 147; 11:00 – 152; Total – 299

March 7 – 9:30 – 157; 11:00 – 113; Total – 270

March 14 – 9:30 – 124; 11:00 – 178; Total – 302

March 21 (Choralier Cantata) – 9:30 – 154; 11:00 – 131; Total – 285

First Time Visitors – (2/14) Chris Faulds of Chagrin Falls, Lee McClain of Aurora (2/21) Valerie Strausbaugh of Garrettsville (3/7) Jason Pullin of Munroe Falls (3/21) Crystal Liptak of Macedonia,

Tiffany Neal of Twinsburg, Don & Phyllis Michaelson of Olmsted Falls

Baptisms – Presley Ann Courtad

Deaths – Gil Gilbertson; William Schroeder, father of Kevin Schroeder; Bob Harris Sr.

Births – Braden Allenspach, son of Jason & Shannon Allenspach

Connie Stowers has come to us from West Virginia via New Jersey. She is now retired after 33 years in the telecommunications industry, and 7 years with her late husband’s accounting business. Connie has relocated to Aurora to be near her daughter’s family. Her interests include light reading and cross stitch, and she would be an ideal candidate for our Prayer Shawl Ministry as she would like to learn how to knit.

Mike and Dawn Bowen have been attending The Church in Aurora for almost 10 years, so it is about time they made it official. Mike is a Pilot for Continental Airlines. He also enjoys flying radio controlled airplanes, as well as coaching girl’s fast-pitch softball. Mike is married to Dawn, who substitutes in the health department of our local school district. She combines an interest in photography with digital scrapbooking. The Bowen’s have a daughter, Lauren, who is almost 15 and plays softball, and a son, Connor, who is almost 12 and plays soccer. Rounding out the family is a new Samoyed puppy named Lillie and three rabbits.

Cathy Hujer is retired after 27 years in the banking industry. Her interests include the quilting arts, seamstress work and golf. She and her husband, Bob, have 4 grown children between them and 9 grandchildren. Cathy is looking forward to becoming a great-grandmother in the fall. She comes to us from the Methodist denomination in general and most recently from the Mentor United Methodist Church in particular.

Donna Lubin works in the Marketing Department for FOSECO. Her interests include reading and serving as a Girl Scout Leader for two troops. She is married to Joe who is the Human Resources Director for Mayfield Heights. Joe likes to keep physically fit swimming and golfing. He also coaches girl’s soccer. The Lubins have two daughters, Lauren (8) and Stephanie (almost 6). They love to travel to historical sites, Disney, out West and to visit family scattered throughout Ohio. They used to travel to Maine to visit Donna’s mother, but that proved too far so she is now residing with them here.

Arnold Coldiron is semi-retired from Aurora Plastics. He is married to Wanda, a former public school educator who became a fulltime homemaker when their son and daughter were born. Both share several interests. He enjoys growing vegetables, and she flowers. Both are avid archaeologists who are occasionally found on digs in Oklahoma unearthing things made 40,000 years ago. Both have been active church members, he on such committees as finance and building, and she on missions and prayer groups. The Coldirons are the proud grandparents of two boys who often come to church here with them.

Marilyn McCandless was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio where she and her late husband raised a daughter, Bonnie Niebuhr, who is a church member. While in Columbus she was active in political campaigns and a constant presence on the local talk radio scene. Now that she has relocated to Aurora to be near Bonnie and Jim, she continues to call in regularly on WNIR’s Bob Earley show. So while her eyesight has faded, her ears and voice are strong. Please don’t hesitate to approach her at church.

Christopher Scott works in the Surgical Processing Department of Hillcrest Hospital. He is married to Melanie, who is an embryologist specializing in in-vitro fertilization at the Cleveland Clinic (Beachwood). Chris likes sports in general and football in particular, being both an avid spectator and computerized fantasy sports aficionado. Melanie enjoys reading autobiographies and history. The Scotts have two daughters, Avery (6) and Reagan (3) and spending family time together is important to them. Most recently Avery and Melanie took a pottery class together. The Scotts come to us from the Methodist faith tradition.

VOA Food Pantry Needs – This month the Food Pantry needs fruit juices, canned fruit, jelly, spaghetti sauce, canned meats and stews and tuna fish. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Drivers needed! The Care Team has wonderful volunteer drivers. However, the majority have time constraints or prefer driving locally. We need a few volunteers to drive into metropolitan Cleveland, such as the Cleveland Clinic. If you would like to help fill this need for our members, please call Rita Suchanek at 562-3273 or 216-570-9808 or Pat Way at 330-673-7917.

Circle 3-H Baby Blanket Project – Annually, we make and donate baby blankets to Miller House, a women's shelter of Portage County.  If the congregation has blankets that you wish to donate, please bring them to the church office by the end of March.  If you have any questions, please call Joy Evans at 330-562-5663.

A Message from the Financial Office – In a continuing effort to keep expenses at a minimum, the church will send only three Contributions Statements this year instead of four. The first Statement will not be sent at the end of March. Please know that you can call anytime to check on the status of your Faith Promise. Any questions, call Carol Keister at extension 225. She is in on Mondays and Tuesday afternoons.

Meeting and Exceeding – Single Fathers/Divorced Fathers Study and Workshop.  Join Martin Braun in a study/workshop in dealing with social, spiritual and common struggles of the single father.  It is possible to be the father you imagined for your children and much, much more.  For more information contact Martin Braun at MartinBraun@neo.rr.com.

The WORKCAMP CREWS are attending TWO Workcamps this year, one in Clearfield, PA in June and the other in Rochester, NY in July. Our program is growing locally with participants from at least three area churches and six from Gahanna Community Church.  The 56 or so participants from these churches are looking forward to repairing many homes and bringing many people closer to Christ in the process. We so appreciate your financial support which allows us to do so. THANK YOU!

Bicentennial Merchandise – Enclosed in this issue of the Spire is an order form for remaining Bicentennial merchandise. Although collages may continue to be ordered on an individual basis as each one is custom made, all other items will be sold on a first-come first-served basis while supplies last. Order forms can also be found on the Hunt Table in the Great Hall, outside of Fellowship Hall or by downloading the form at the church’s website, thechurchinaurora.org.

AUDIO CD’S of the Sunday services are available in the library in the top drawer of the cherry chest to the right of the door. If you would like to purchase a CD, contact Phil Ticer at 330-995-9318.

Palm Sunday – In the Palm Sunday tradition, the Chancel Choir will present a cantata titled You Are The Christ. Through the words, both spoken and sung, we can share in Peter’s reflections on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. With a thoughtful and insightful narrative, Reverend Horak beautifully portrays Peter. The Chancel Choir musically imparts a vivid and powerful interpretation of the events of Holy Week. The cantata provides an inspirational and spiritual beginning for the days leading to Easter. Please join us on Palm Sunday, March 28^th, as we honor this special day.

DOUBLE THE MONEY!! Abitibi, our paper recycling company, is offering a special deal for the month of April. They will pay us TWICE the normal rate for every ton of paper we recycle! And now they will take phone books. (See the attached flier in this issue of the Spire for the complete list of acceptable items.) So please take this chance to help the church raise money. Drop off your paper in the bins in the south west corner of the parking lot. Ask your friends and neighbors to drop off their junk mail, newspapers, magazines, shredding (in plastic bags). If you own your own business, bring in the waste paper from the office. Every little bit helps the church to save money and also reduces the amount of waste in our landfills. It’s a win-win situation.

MARK THE DATE! The annual WORKCAMP SPAGHETTI DINNER/SILENT AUCTION will take place Sunday, April 18, 2010, beginning at 4:00 p.m. at the Aurora High School Commons. Tickets are available in Fellowship Hall and the Great Hall after both services—$7 adults, $5 children 5-12 and 4 and under FREE!  Even if you can't go to Workcamp, you can help us by donating new crafts, jewelry, art or other creative items you make. Contact any workcamper or the Eavensons for information.

Job Opportunities – Valley Christian Academy (in Aurora) is receiving applications for the following positions: middle school English Teacher, middle school Social Studies Teacher, part-time K-8 Art Teacher, part-time Librarian and part-time Business Office Assistance. Downloadable applications may be fond at www.valleychristian.com.

RUMMAGE SALE – The spring Rummage Sale is scheduled for April 21-22. Donations can be put on the stage beginning Monday, April 5. If you’d like to volunteer to help, call Joy Evans at 330-562-5663.

Equipping the Saints – In Ephesians 4 Paul talks about pastors and other leaders as gifts God has given the church "to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." Stephen Ministry has given us an organized way to equip those gifted for caring ministry so that they can build up the body of Christ by providing Christian care and support to those experiencing a difficult time. If you would like more information on our Stephen Ministry, please call Susan Kray (330/562-1344) or Russ Post (330/562-9789).

Women’s Guild – We all can remember where we were the day that President Kennedy was assassinated and some can remember the bombing of Pearl Harbor.  Just as vivid is 9/11, the day the Twin Towers collapsed in New York City due to a terrorist attack.  The Women's Guild will be having Hudson resident George Fleigh, a "Twin Towers Survivor", speaking about his experiences that day actually being in one of the towers.  It will surely be a memorable presentation. Circle D will share devotions and help with the lunch, which will be prepared once again by Twiinz Catering for just $5.00. Please mark your calendars and plan to join us at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall on April 14th.  Feel free to bring a friend.  

The 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!

3H PM – Please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Escape. Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930.

Keep saving your used cell phones and ink cartridges! Please deposit them in the basket on the desk in the Great Hall near the Nursery. This is a year-round WORKCAMP fund project. Thank you!

Volunteer Opportunity – Robinson Visiting Nurse and Hospice is in need of hospice volunteers for respite care (relief for caregivers) and vigil volunteers (support for families when death seems imminent). Other opportunities are available in the following areas: special events, nursing home teams, bereavement support, legal services, phone support and fundraising. Training for volunteers begins Saturday, April 10. For more information contact Bernadette Thomas (330/297-8899) or email at bthomas@rmh2.org.

Circle 3H will meet on the second Friday in April because the first Friday is Good Friday. So we will meet on Friday, April 9, for a brief business meeting in Fellowship Hall. Then we will head out to Hattie Larlham to deliver the prom dresses we have been collecting. Any questions, call Joy Evans at 562-5663.

After Church Meetings – If your group holds its meetings here at the church after Sunday services, please try not to meet in the library until 12:45 p.m. or later. There are many of the members of the church who want to visit the library to check out materials and that is the best time. If you want to meet earlier, please consider using Hanson Hall, Harris Study, the Stephen Ministry Room or the Escape. Thank you for your consideration.

Mission of the Month – This month the Missions Committee is focusing on Habitat for Humanity of Portage County and The Fuller Center of NW Portage County - Neighbor 2 Neighbor.

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian housing ministry dedicated to providing decent, well constructed houses for those in need. The Portage County organization is an affiliate of the international ministry. Houses are built or renovated using volunteer labor and donated materials. It costs Habitat approximately $90,000 to build a new home. Homeowners are required to participate in the construction of their own home and to help other prospective homeowners build their homes. The Church in Aurora continues to have many Habitat leaders and volunteers from its congregation.

The Fuller Center of NW Portage County - Neighbor 2 Neighbor is a faith-driven, Christ-centered, non-profit organization that promotes collaborative and innovative partnerships with individuals and organizations in an unrelenting quest to provide adequate shelter for all. The Church in Aurora has collaborated with the Aurora Mennonite Church to form a partnership that will focus on rehabilitating homes in Portage County.

Behind the Scenes – Anyone who has served as Moderator here at The Church in Aurora has truly blessed the church with their time and energy. It’s a BIG job! But you’ll usually find that they don’t rest on their laurels after having given so much. Take, for example, John McDonald. He served as our Associate Moderator during 2000-2001, and Moderator from 2002-2003. As the Chairman of Long Range Planning in 2000, John played a large part in the church-wide Envision survey to help plan our future. Besides that, he has been a very faithful member of the Chancel Choir. John was also a member of the Stewardship Committee from 1993-5, serving as the Chairman in 1994 and 1995. From 1996-8, he was a member of the Elders Committee, and chaired that Committee in 1998. He agreed to serve on the Christian Education Committee in 2007 and has signed on for a second term this year. Thank you, John, for all the time and energy you have given to keep our church…..

www.thechurchinaurora.org

A Message from the Minister – I wonder if Edison imagined the myriad applications for electricity when he invented the first commercially practical incandescent light bulb. Did he envision batteries and the cell phones that would be powered by them? Could the Wright brothers have envisioned the Airbus 380 with its 455 passenger capacity? Did Alan Turing, the father of modern computer science, foresee in 1936 today’s processing chips imbedded in everything from iPods to industrial robots?

A much more compelling question is what do we envision about the future today? Being in the midst of an uncommon economic downturn, it is probably understandable that some have a rather pessimistic view of the future while they wait for the other shoe to drop. Others tend to be more optimistic, seeing in present challenges future opportunities. For example, according to some petroleum analysts, peak oil has either been reached or will be shortly. That is when the world’s oil production capacity peaks and eventually begins to decline. This is not-so-great timing just as the consumption of oil in China, India, Brazil and elsewhere is exploding. You know what they say about supply and demand. In short, we should expect the price of gas and oil to climb as demand outpaces supply.

But maybe that is just the kind of economic pressure needed to encourage some needful changes. Imagine putting our best and brightest minds to work on creating an intelligent high-speed rail infrastructure linking Cleveland with Columbus, Cincinnati, Pittsburg, Indianapolis—you get the idea—with feeder systems to towns like Aurora. Imagine it all being operated on electricity produced by wind, solar, hydroelectric and nuclear sources. Imagine the jobs that would be created. Imagine the effect upon our nation’s foreign oil dependence. Imagine the stride forward in terms of carbon emissions. Imagine a period of economic expansion that could rival the one driven by information technology at the turn of the millennium.

As John Lennon put it, "You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one." Some of us think that America’s best days are ahead—indeed, the world’s best days are ahead as developing nations, well, develop—develop new industries, develop world markets and develop higher standards of living. We may differ on the details, and we may even differ on how bright a future lies ahead, but we would all agree that we hope for such a bright future even if the details are not so clear to us in this present season of uncertainty. St. Paul has written, Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for (Hebrews 11:1-2). It would be nice if our children and their children after them could one day look back and commend this generation for keeping the faith through a dark night until a new day dawned. I pray you will continue to gather in God’s House where believers keep the faith and never lose hope. Still More Than a Landmark --Bill

February 7 – Rev. Schnell (Communion) February 21 – Rev. Schnell

February 14 – Youth Sunday February 28 – Rev. Horak

February 17 – Rev. Schnell (Ash Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.)

December 20 – 9:30 – 156; 11:00 – 179; Total – 335 December 31 (Vespers Service) – Total - 83

December 24 – 5:00 – 221; 9:00 -- 150; 11:00 – 161; Total – 532 January 3 – 9:30 -- 113; 11:00 -- 91; Total – 204

December 27 – Total – 259 January 10 – 9:30 -- 146; 11:00 -- 145; Total – 291

First Time Visitors – (12/27) Mike & Betty Anne Winkler of Bluffton, SC; Rebecca Nazaretz of Arlington, VA; David & Jennifer Kaczmarek from Clarsville, TN; Gregory & Marne Miller from Jessup, MD (1/3) Kyle Hennis & Ashley Williams of Streetsboro (1/10) Daryl & Alice Mast of Aurora

Weddings – Allison Shuck & Jarrod McCleary

Memorials – Fred Lohr; Robert Thomas, father of Gary Thomas;

2010 OFFERING ENVELOPES are available; if you would like a box, call Carol Keister at 562-8266 X225 and leave a message.

VOA Food Pantry Needs – This month, the VOA is asking for toilet paper, fruit juices, small bottles of dish washing detergent, crackers and canned pastas (Spaghettios, ravioli, etc.). Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Annual Meeting – The Annual Meeting of The Church in Aurora will be conducted on Sunday, January 24^th, following the 9:30 service at 11:00 a.m. in the church sanctuary. Reports from 2009 will be presented, the 2010 church budget will be proposed, incoming elected and appointed officials will be voted on and installed, and any other business of the church will be discussed. The meeting agenda, copy of reports, and the proposed budget are available on the Hunt Table in the Great Hall. Since the ultimate authority of this church rests with its members, I am hopeful that you will attend. Child care will be available. Jim Maulis, Moderator If you picked up your Annual Report before January 11, please pick up the amendment that is available on the Hunt Table in the Great Hall.

SWEETS FOR THE SWEET! The ladies of Circle 3-H are once again making delicious varieties of chocolate Valentine's Day candy to benefit the Workcamp Fund, which will be sold on Sunday, February 14 after both services in Fellowship Hall! Love is evident at The Church in Aurora!

2009 FAITH PROMISES – Oops! Did you forget to send in the balance of your 2009 Faith Promise? It’s not too late. Just clearly indicate "2009 FP" on the memo line of your check. Questions? Call Carol Keister at 330-562-8266 X225.

Bicentennial Thank You – The Church in Aurora certainly celebrated its 200th birthday with zest at our gala over Thanksgiving weekend, and I just want to thank everyone whose enthusiasm, commitment and love for our church made the evening so very special.  The event would not have been nearly so much fun without the help and involvement of many wonderful people, and the Bicentennial Committee and I are exceedingly grateful for your contributions of time, energy and spirit.  Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, and here is to the next 200 years!

THANKS TO ALL WHO HELPED WITH THE 2009 BICENTENNIAL EDITION OF THE CHURCH DIRECTORY  It has been a privilege to coordinate the Church Directory project and it truly "takes a village" to create this lasting memory!  I would like to thank the following people for their time and talents:  Jim Maulis, for his vision, creativity, and expertise for making the Bicentennial Edition truly a piece of art, capturing the essence of our church!;  Russ Post, a talented photographer who took most of the colorful images found in the Directory!;  Patti Jaeger, Dana Shively, Cindy Hollo and Dotty Channel, who all served as advisors as well as worker bees in a wide array of activities.;  Mary Wallace who provided pictures for Then and Now; and to those who greeted members and families arriving to have their pictures taken -  Sara Akins, Jamie Calder, Muriel French, Becky Gang, Cathy Masch, Lin Reichelt, and Cindy Watson.  Sincerely, Bonnie Niebuhr

AUDIO CD’S of the Sunday services are available in the library in the top drawer of the cherry chest to the right of the door. If you would like to purchase a CD, contact Phil Ticer at 330-995-9318.

Knitters, Crocheters, and Quilters: Circles 3-H AM and PM present baby and children’s blankets to Safer Futures every spring. This winter would be a great time to sit by the fire or sewing machine and make a blanket for a child. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it would be a lasting remembrance. If you are new to one of these arts and would like to learn please call Joy Evans at 330-562-5663 and she can put you in touch with someone who can help you.

Love One Another As I Have Loved You – Loving and caring for one another is not just the pastor’s job—it’s something Jesus calls us to do! Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special gifts for caring can put those gifts to use in an organized way, bringing Jesus’ love and care to those who most need it. If you would like more information on our Stephen Ministry, please call Russ Post (330/562-9789) or Susan Kray (330/562-1344).

Workcamp Openings – There are two openings for WORKCAMP in June and July. If you are interested in attending, please call the Eavensons at 330-995-6268 for information as soon as possible! Participants who do not attend our church are welcome! The next WORKCAMP Participant and Parent meeting is Sunday, February 28, at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. We will be planning the SPAGHETTI DINNER/SILENT AUCTION. Please plan to attend!

CHURCH LIBRARY:  If you've read Three Cups of Tea (and I hope you have), you'll be delighted to know about Stones Into Schools, a continuation of Greg Mortenson's story of determination to build schools in the most remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.  This was a very dangerous mission, and I think that he must have a guardian angel on each shoulder.  This is an inspiring book about one man who has and is making a huge difference.

Rodney Stark has a different view of the Crusaders in his book God's Battalions.  He says that the Christians were conquered by the Muslims in the 7th century, and that years of their brutal rule led to an inevitable Christian retaliation.  He argues that in the end the Crusaders were neither greedy nor barbaric, but rather men of faith who sincerely believed that they served in God's battalion.

The Friday Night Knitting Club meets again in a heartwarming story, Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs.  Neda Jackson's who do i talk to?  is the second in her House of Hope series.  This is a new series that still has most of the characters from the Yada Yada Prayer Group helping others.  We were "left behind" for so long in Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins' earlier series, I'm relieved to see that their new series, The Jesus Chronicles, is supposed to be only four books.  They are the stories of the Gospel writers, John, Mark, Luke and Matthew, and their stories of the Lord Jesus.  Luke's Story is the first, and although he never met Jesus, he talked to other believers and listened to those who knew Him best, the disciples who spent three years with Him and His mother, Mary.  This looks like it will be good, and will probably inspire us to read the book of Luke for ourselves.

For those of you who like to listen to your stories, we now have Mitch Albom's, The Five People You Meet in Heaven on CD.  We also have his new book, Have a Little Faith, which is still on the N.Y. Times Best Seller List, as is Stones into Schools.

HOW DO I READ MY CONTRIBUTION STATEMENT? The bottom portion of your 2009 Contribution Statement (Fund Summary) summarizes your contributions for 2009. The Total YTD column, on the left, indicates your total 2009 Tax Deductible Contributions to the church. The column on the right – Pledge Balance – indicates the status of your Faith Promise. If an amount appears in this balance column, you have contributed less than your 2009 Faith Promise. Questions? Call Carol Keister at 330-562-8266 X225

UNWRAPPING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS – God has given us many gifts.  Some we know, some we need to discover, and some may be beyond our imagination.  Over the course of three Sundays, Feb 21, 28, and March 7, we will try to discover those gifts and how God wants us to use them.  Please join me from 6-9 on those evenings.  For more information and to confirm a spot in the class contact Rev. Horak or myself (330-562-3388). Reed Fuller

CLEVELAND FOODBANK: If you would like to be "hands on" involved in one of our missions, volunteer with us on March 29 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 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 Bob Morgan at 330-562-2928 or email him at rmorganoh@gmail.com if you are interested in going.

Women’s Guild – Can you imagine the sorrow and sadness a family would feel at the birth of a blind child?  Brenda Lahmers, from the "Brighter Futures" program, will visit Women's Guild in February to tell us how her program offers hope and help to blind infants and toddlers and their families.  This should be a most informative and interesting program.  We hope that you will plan to attend on February 10th, at 11:30 a.m., in Fellowship Hall.  We will be treated to a lunch prepared by "Twiinz Catering" for an affordable $5.00 and dessert by 3H Circle.  3H will also share devotions that day. Please plan to come and bring a friend.

The 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!

WANTED — USED INK CARTRIDGES AND CELL PHONES! Did you upgrade your cell phone this holiday season? Don't throw away your old one!  A drop-off basket is on the desk in the Great Hall near the nursery. Used printer ink cartridges are also recycled.  HELP SAVE OUR LANDFILLS while providing financial support for Workcamp! This is a year-round program. Thank you!

Mission of the Month – The Missions Committee has chosen to focus this month on Mercy Ships.

Mercy Ships is a global charity that operates a fleet of hospital ships that provide medical care, relief aid and training for long-term sustainable change in developing nations. Mercy Ships models its operations after the example of Jesus Christ, by bringing healing and hope to the poor no matter what their race, gender or religion. The Missions Committee’s 2006 donation helped launch their newest ship, the Africa Mercy, to be deployed in war-devastated Liberia.

Behind the Scenes – Pat Scott has been a member of The Church in Aurora for more than 25 years. From 1996-97, she served as a Deacon. Then in 1998, Pat became a member of the Fellowship Committee, where she served for three years. She also served one term on the Missions Committee. Pat has been a very active member of Circle 3H, serving as that group’s Secretary in 2002. She became a Stephen Minister in 1998. Pat is also a charter member of the Care Team. Over the past seven years, she has served as a driver, meal provider and weekly coordinator. The last few years she has helped to sort and process the Caring Tree gifts, and she volunteers at Nutcracker every year. Thank you, Pat, for all you do to keep The Church in Aurora…..