The Church In Aurora - Newsletters - General

August 2009

A Message from the Minister – For the first decade or so of my ministry here new member classes were pretty predictable. An orientation program was organized each quarter of the program year and resulted in 14 to 16 new members every time. And then about 2-3 years ago that abruptly changed as our new member classes were about half of what we had previously come to expect. After looking carefully at our staff and programming, nothing of note had changed to account for the fall-off. I took the issue to our local clergy group and found that our experience was uniformly shared by all of our local congregations. The next step was to watch for confirming reports in religious journals and news magazines and, indeed, a larger cultural shift was in the making (see April 13, 2009 Newsweek cover and story for a recent example).

The more pressing question was what to do about it? Since we could clearly no longer take new member classes for granted, perhaps an increased focus upon meeting the needs of our local community would create a more favorable impression upon those seeking a family of faith. Hence an Eldercare Seminar was organized bringing together in one place (The Church in Aurora) vendors and speakers representing public and private resources aimed at supporting those struggling to care for elderly loved ones (based upon the positive response a second Eldercare Expo is now scheduled here on September 27). Another example of community outreach has been opening the doors of the church during 4^th of July festivities making restrooms, refreshments and tours of the church available to the larger community (the Bliss family came through the doors of the church for the first time on July 4, 2008 and are now very active members).

This August I will complete a second residential component of continuing education in Transitional Ministry (for "Settled or called ministers with congregations undergoing major transition pressure"). The third and final component is a peer-mentored project in a church setting. I will be working closely with our Moderator, Jim Maulis, in potentially navigating some organizational changes which could, among other things, establish a "Community Outreach Committee." Such a permanent committee would be charged with continuously discerning those needs within our local area which The Church in Aurora is uniquely positioned to help meet, and coordinating congregational efforts toward those ends. This will not be a new focus for our congregation, but it will be a sharper focus supported by increased congregational resources.

Let us pray that these adjustments will enable us to more faithfully continue the ministry of Jesus Christ in our world while allowing our larger community to experience The Church in Aurora as "More Thank a Landmark." - Bill

In The Pulpit during August Worship Attendance

August 2 Rev. Schnell (Communion) June 21 258

August 9 Laity Sunday June 28 258

August 16 Rev. Schnell July 5 232

August 23 Rev. Horak July 12 210

August 30 Rev. Schnell

News of Members and Friends

First Time Visitors – (6/21) William Boyd of Aurora; Bernard & Diane Latshaw of Streetsboro

(6/28) Kirsten Myers of Houston, TX; Antoinette Creed of Aurora; the Mrklas Family of Streetsboro

(7/5) Nancy Hunter of Aurora, William Entsminger of Aurora, Richard & Sandra Wolf of Gibsonia, PA, Mary Argeros of Naples, FL, Eila Hattendorf of Aurora

(7/12) Jeff Wright & Kathy Thorn of Aurora

Births – Gavin Alexander Rumskey, son of Gary & Amy Rumskey; Colton John Logan, son of Tim & Amy Logan

Baptisms – Madelyn Brogan, daughter of John & Michelle Brogan, granddaughter of Linda Brogan;

Carmella Rose Spinelli, daughter of Steven & Jodi Spinelli;

Kylie Lynn Vesly; Kayden Mark Vesly;

Augusta Annabelle Jackson;

James Cameron Dub & Annie Grace Dub, children of Becki and Pauel Dub, grandchildren of Jim & Linda Lawyer;

Quinn Raymond Herakovic

Weddings – Renee Ann Dragomire & Matthew James Vincik;

Kelly Lynn Weaver & Brad Michael Wilk;

Faith Kvacak & Jeff Hansen

Memorials – Dolores Oberdorfer, mother of Diana Miller; Dave Thomas, brother of Gary Thomas

PRAYER CHAIN – If you have something you would like added to the Prayer Chain, call Martha Wagner at 330-562-3546 or twagner@windstream.net.

VBS follow-up….The children who attended CAMP Edge, this year’s Vacation Bible School, are responsible for making and filling fifty-five school back packs which are being sent by our Missions Committee to the Ramirez family in Guatemala. The Ramirez’ are Wickliffe Bible translators who live with their children in one of the poorest areas of Guatemala. They will distribute the backpacks throughout the town in which they live. Thank you boys and girls for your generosity and loving care for the world's less fortunate children.

VOA Food Pantry Needs – This month the VOA Food Pantry needs canned fruits, juices, mac & cheese and peanut butter. The pick up date will be August 2. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

What is Stephen Ministry? – Stephen Ministry is a system through which members of The Church in Aurora are trained and organized to help provide Christian care giving to members of our congregation and community. This multiplies the amount of caring ministry The Church in Aurora can provide by giving us a whole team of skilled caregivers who are equipped to bring Christ’s healing love to people who are grieving, in crisis, or experiencing other stresses in life. If you feel called to this specialized ministry, contact Russ Post (330/562-9789) or Susan Kray (330/562-1344). Training will begin this fall with a core group which has already answered the call to become Stephen Ministers.

BACKPACKS NEEDED: Circle 3-H is filling new backpacks for needy Portage County children at the August 7 morning meeting. The small ones for elementary children from K-4^th grade are best. They can be purchased at Walgreens, Target and other area stores. Please bring them to the church and place them in the box in the Great Hall. Thank you for supporting this 3-H project.

Wanted: Two teachers for our 7^th & 8^th grade Boys class this fall. Would be able to split teaching time for the year. If you are interested, please contact Toni or Cindi in the CE office.

Church Camp – This year’s camp will run from August 2 through 8 for youth entering 6^th grade through entering college. All the details plus registration forms for both campers and staff can be found at: www.sfacamp.org. There you will also find plenty of descriptive material, photos, videos, and more. If you need more information than that, contact Rev. Schnell (330/562-8266).

Congratulations to our High School Graduates!!!

In our last issue, two high school graduates were accidently left out. Sorry, Charlie and James!

Charlie Poe graduated with honors from Kenston High School. He was a 4-year member of the varsity swim team and served as Captain his senior year. Charlie was a member of the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus and the National Honor Society. He had lead roles in Once upon a Mattress, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and 42^nd Street. Charlie will be attending Miami University in the fall, where he was a recipient of a Music-Talent Scholarship. He will be majoring in Music Education and minoring in Theater Arts. Here at the church, Charlie was involved in the BASIC Choir, Handbells, Youth Group and Youth Cabinet. He attended Workcamp and volunteered at VBS.

James Hogan graduated from University School, where he played lacrosse and football. He was also the Concertmaster for the orchestra and won the Had Avney Music Award. James became an Eagle Scout in 2008. Like Charlie, James was a member of the Contemporary Youth Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. He will also attend Miami University, majoring in Music Education. Here at the church, James was involved in the Youth Group and a member of the Youth Cabinet. He played Handbells and sang in the BASIC Choir. James attended both church camp and Workcamp, and he volunteered at VBS.

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!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY LUNCH – On Saturday, June 27, 2009, CIA served lunch to the volunteers that are working on building two houses in Atwater. Food served was fried chicken, baked beans, rolls, vegetable and cheese trays, whole fruits, and cookies. I would like to thank all the following people for their donation of both time and food that was much appreciated and enjoyed by all the volunteers: Kim Williamson, Ginny Miller, Eva Holmes, Jenni Ticer, Sandi Kasunic, Deb Conti, Mindy Rogge, Bobbie Dennis, Linda Fritz, Deborah Davis, Laurena Entsminger, Joy Evans, Wini Hale Tucker, and Terry Smith. I would also like to thank Tim and Martha Wagner and Wini Hale Tucker for taking the food down to Atwater, serving, and bringing everything back to clean up. All of everyone’s time and good food was greatly appreciated. THANK YOU ALL for your help with making my first Habitat for Humanity lunch run smoothly! I was greatly blessed with such amazing volunteers! Also, I would like to, again, thank Margi McDonald for all her years of dedication. She held the position of the HFH lunch coordinator since the early 1990s! That is a remarkable dedication to be admired. I hope I can fill your shoes as well as you did! Plus, thank you for your time and patience in training and answering my questions. I look forward to many future HFH lunches! Thank you, Rebecca Bliss

3H PM. Please join us in the making of baby blankets and prayer shawls as we enjoy the book Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur. You are welcome to join us just for the study--please have read the chapters on Eve and Sarah for our September meeting. This year's meeting dates are: 9/10, 10/15, 11/12, 12/10, 1/14, 2/11, 3/11, 4/15, and 5/13. Your book is available by calling Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930.

Help With Yard Work - Do you know elderly or handicapped people in need of yard work or maintenance around their homes? The Green Team of the Youth Program of Family and Community Services may be able to help. They are currently looking for work at no cost to recipients. Contact Tracy Larlham at 330-297-6667x349 or tlarlham@portagefamilies.org.

Workcamp 2009 was a monumental experience for all 56 people involved. We are thankful to have had such meaningful experiences. Thank you for your wonderful support! It's not too early to be thinking about joining us for Workcamp 2010! If you are interested, please contact the Eavensons @330-995-6268 for exciting location information. To secure your place, a $50 deposit is due no later than September 14.

Circle 3-H Meeting and back to school picnic. August 7 will be the first meeting of Circle 3-H morning group. We will be filling backpacks with school supplies and enjoying a picnic lunch after the work is finished. Please bring a small picnic type dish to pass. We will provide beverages, plates and eating utensils.

SAVE the DATE – Our church will host an Eldercare Expo on Sunday, September 27, from 1:00-4:00 p.m. This year we will be having an open house format so that you may spend more time gathering specific information from the vendors. The keynote speaker from last year, Sarah Parran of Senior Care Connections, is returning to give us a one hour information session on Eldercare issues and she will take questions.

Immediately after Labor Day, we will need to publicize this event. If you are willing to help distribute posters to area businesses or help with the mailing, please call Dorothy Bell at 330-541-4106.

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.

Mission of the Month – This month the Missions Committee is focusing on Habitat for Humanity.

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. The goal of Habitat for Humanity of Portage County is to build five houses per year, and they are currently constructing numbers 54 and 55. 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.

Congregational members who have a charity they would like the Missions Committee to research for possible support should contact a committee member or leave a suggestion in the Missions mailbox.

Behind the Scenes – David Wong has been a member of The Church in Aurora for just over 13 years. But he has been a very active member. Shortly after joining, David became a Deacon. He even served as the Chairman of that Committee for two of his three years. His next stop was the Trustees, where he was very involved with the church’s computers. As soon as his term with the Trustees was over, David became a member of the Missions Committee. And next he joined the Elders. David was the Assistant Chairman of that committee in 2008 and is the Chairman this year. David has been a regular volunteer at Nutcracker Sweets and has also attended Workcamp. We thank you, David, for all that you have done (and continue to do) to make The Church in Aurora…