The Church In Aurora - Newsletters - General

Volume XLXIV January 2010 Number 1

A Message from the Minister –

Passing from one calendar year into the next is taking on special meaning this year as our congregation celebrates its Bicentennial. As you know by now, the actual 200^th birthday is on December 31^st and will be observed by an evening Vespers service at 5:00 p.m. Our Memory Moments from the archives shared each Sunday during the past year have taken us up to 100 years ago and the centennial celebration. It is our hope to continue offering Memory Moments as we recount our history from 1909 to the present. While we prepare to do that, it might be instructive to recall what life in America was like in 1909.

The average life expectancy was 47 years. Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub. Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone. There were only 8,000 cars and only 144 miles of paved roads. The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph. The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower! The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents per hour. The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year. A competent accountant could expect to earn $2000 per year, a dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year and a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at home. Most women only washed their hair once a month, and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo. Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic helper. Sugar cost four cents a pound. Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen. Coffee was fifteen cents a pound. There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day. Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write and only six percent of all Americans had graduated from high school. The American flag had 45 stars. The population of Las Vegas, Nevada, was 30.

One can only imagine what life in America will be like in 2109 when it is hoped our congregation will celebrate its 300^th birthday. By then the resolution of current debates about things like global warming should be ancient history, and the consequences of "peak oil" for alternative energy and transportation should be as old hat as a 1909 Ford Model R is today. George Friedman, in his book The Next 100 Years, forecasts "Russia's re-emergence as an aggressive hegemonic power; China's diminished influence in international affairs due to traditional social and economic imbalances; and the dawn of an American "Golden Age" in the second half of the century." Imagine that! Imagine the Browns winning the Super Bowl.

Okay, maybe that is a stretch. But one thing we know for certain is that God will be on his throne ruling over his kingdom and offering citizenship to all who will receive it. As it was in the beginning, so now and ever shall be. May the next 100 years find The Church in Aurora continuing the ministry of Jesus Christ. To the Tercentennial Committee searching the archives for its own Memory Moments, allow me to suggest a theme for your celebration: "Still More Than a Landmark." -Bill

-Bill

In The Pulpit during October

Volume XLXIIII January 2010 Number 1

A Message from the Minister –

In The Pulpit during January

January 3 – Rev. Schnell (Communion) January 24 – Rev. Schnell (10:00 Questions from the Pew)

January 10 – Rev. Horak January 31 – Rev. Schnell

January 17 – Rev. Schnell

Worship Attendance

November 22 – 9:30 – 170; 11:00 – 165; Total – 335 Christmas Pageant – 110

November 29 – 9:30 – 148; 11:00 – 120; Total – 268 December 13 – 9:30 – 145; 11:00 – 131; Total – 276

December 6 – 9:30 – 183; 11:00 – 127; Total – 310 Vespers – 291

News of Members and Friends

First Time Visitors – (11/15) Joanna Might of Aurora (11/29) John & Jody Nappier of Chagrin Falls, James, Shari, Dora & Josh Poliquin of Chagrin Falls, James & Julie Gosnell of Aurora

Memorials – Midge Meyer, friend of the Keisters; Donald Ray McVeigh, father of Mike McVeigh; Roselyn Smith, aunt of Kevin Horak; Robert Horak, uncle of Kevin Horak;

Baptisms – Anthony John Gliozzo; Benjamin Elliott Keckan, son of Mike & Sandy Keckan, grandson of Ken & Debbie Elliott

VOA Food Pantry Needs – Food Pantry needs this month include crackers, fruit juices, toilet paper, small bottles of dish washing detergent and canned pastas (Spaghettios and ravioli). Pick up date is Sunday, January 3. Thank you in advance for your continued 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 will be available on the Hunt table beginning Sunday, January 10^th. 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

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!

In His Service,

Ann Womer Benjamin, Chairman, Bicentennial Committee

RECYCLE THAT WRAPPING PAPER!!! Don’t forget that Christmas wrapping paper can be recycled in our recycling bin. Save the landfill space and help us earn some extra money!

LOST AFTER GUILD – A Longaberger pie carrier disappeared after the Women’s Guild luncheon. It was either on the rolling cart next to the freezer in the kitchen or on the floor under the coat racks in Fellowship Hall. It had an empty glass pie plate in it!!! It should have Tanya Shively’s name somewhere on it. If you know anything about it, please call Tanya or the office. There may even be a reward!!!!

Sub-Sandwich Sunday is approaching! Orders will be taken by the Workcamp crew on January 17th, 24th, and 31st for this popular SUPER BOWL event. A concurrent BAKE SALE will be held during sub pickup on Sunday, February 7, 2010. Contact Jenni Ticer at 330-995-9318 for more information.

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

Thanks to David Shively – Our aging sign in front of the church has been removed and replaced by a handcrafted new one which should hold up to the weather for years to come. The old sign has been framed by Don Arbuckle and is now on display in the Schnell family room. Thank you David for keeping The Church in Aurora in top form!

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.

TODDY'S CHRISTMAS SHOPPE was a wonderful success thanks to your donations and contributions! A little over $1100 was raised! What a wonderful way to reuse/recycle holiday items! Our Workcampers will be attending camps in PA and NY this year. Each dollar earned by our fund raisers is very important and much appreciated! As you put away your Christmas decorations, if you have items to donate for next year's shoppe, please put them in a box marked TODDY'S CHRISTMAS SHOPPE, and they'll be ready to donate and easy to find next December! Contact Flip Eavenson at 330-995-6268 for further information.

How Does Stephen Ministry Work? – When someone requests a Stephen Minister, our Referrals Coordinator will meet with that person, explain what Stephen Ministry is and help determine whether Stephen Ministry is the kind of care that person needs. Our Referrals Coordinator then matches that person with one of our available Stephen Ministers. The Stephen Minister will then call that person and begin meeting with him or her for around an hour each week as long as the need is there. Everything a care receiver says to his or her Stephen Minister is kept confidential. The Stephen Minister doesn’t try to solve problems; rather, he or she listens, cares, prays and helps the care receiver find his or her path to healing and wholeness. For more information, call Russ Post (330/562-9789) or Susan Kray (330/562-1344).

UNWRAPPING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS – The Bible says each of us have been given unique spiritual gifts to carry out God's work in the world. It is not necessarily easy, however, to discover our gifts or to develop and use them effectively. The program UNWRAPPING YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS is designed to help serve Christ in His church. The program will be offered at the church in three sessions from 6:00 - 9:00 on February 21^st, 28^th, and March 7^th. Additional information will be available in January and from Reed Fuller (330-562-3388).

Planning for the next 200 years – In listening to Dr. Livingston's message Sunday and in celebrating our bicentennial at The Bertram several weeks ago, I am reminded that because of generous people over the years we have the continuing work of The Church in Aurora uppermost in our hearts and minds. The Endowment Fund is an ideal place for people to insure that this work continues for another 200 years and longer. What a legacy we represent! The Endowment Fund continues to invest these dollars that are donated in memory or in honor of others. We accept $1 donations, $20 donations, $50, $100 or thousands, in addition to insurance policies or stock, gratefully. Now more than ever we need to insure that The Church in Aurora remains stable, healthy and financially sound for years to come. When the opportunity comes to mind, please think of the Endowment Fund.

Women’s Guild – What better way to start the new year than at the Women's Guild "Soup, Salad & Dessert Lunch". You can renew old friendships and make some new ones. Just bring a soup, salad, or dessert to share and bring a friend along, too. If you can't bring something to share you can contribute $4.00 to defray the cost of the paper goods.

George Roemich will present a wonderful program about Europe on a "Time" Budget. You will feel like you have taken the trip yourself after seeing George's beautiful pictures.

Tanya Shively will share devotions that day and will surely get us off to the right start for the new year.

Please join us on January 13th at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. You are sure to have a good time.

5th & 6th Grade Mission Project -- The 3rd annual Food Drive for VOA was very successful. Seventeen shopping bags full of groceries were collected. After hearing from Sue Altman about the VOA food pantry, everyone went to work. Thanks to the students and their parents, some needy families will have a more joyous holiday.

The next WORKCAMP Participant/Parent meeting will be held January 10, 2010, at 5 p.m. in Fellowship Hall. Planning for the Super Bowl Sub Sandwich/Bake Sale event, which will take place Sunday, February 7, 2010, and the Circle 3H boxed-chocolates sale on VALENTINE'S DAY, February 14, 2010, will be finalized at this time. Please plan to attend!

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 come on Thursday, January 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Escape. Baby blankets, prayer shawls and Mary will be our evening together. ~ Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930.

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. Used printer ink cartridges are also needed. HELP SAVE OUR LANDFILLS while providing financial support for Workcamp! Thank you!

The Missions Committee would like to thank the congregation for the record response to our request for Food Bank volunteers. Mark your calendars; our next visit will be the 5^th Monday in March, the 29^th. Sign ups will start the beginning of March, and we’ll be limited to 20 volunteers. Be sure to save the date!

Behind the Scenes – As our Bicentennial year draws to a close, it’s time to say a huge thank you to all the people who have worked so hard over the last three years to make this year so special – our Bicentennial Committee. Ann Womer Benjamin chaired the committee, which included Mary Wallace, George Roemich, Elaine Ober, Mary Thomas, Kevin Horak and Barb Kudley. Bicentennial events included an Ice Cream Social after the parade on the Fourth of July and a Community Service on Sunday the 5^th with moving patriotic music performed by the Chancel Choir. On November 1, we recognized our long-time members with white roses. The big blow-out event was the Bicentennial Dinner at The Bertram on November 28. Everyone who attended can tell you what a fantastic job they did. Mary Wallace spearheaded the Dinner Committee. Her committee included Barb Kudley, Dotty Channel, Ed & Lynette Mills, Dianna & Brian Miller, Donna Ridgley, Mary Ann Doerzbacher and Cheryl Miller. December 27 will be Heritage Sunday, when Rev. Horak will present a re-creation of a typical worship service from the early 1800’s featuring a sermon from Rev. Seward, Pastor here at the church back in 1812. He will even be dressed in historical attire. Then, to wrap up the year, there will be a Vespers Service on December 31, celebrating the true anniversary of the church’s first service. Throughout the year, the Committee has had special items for sale at Bicentennial Central in Fellowship Hall (special thanks to Becky Gang for decorating the cake you saw there and at the Bicentennial Dinner). One of the items was a picture of the congregation which was taken on Mother’s Day. It has been a fantastic year, and none of it would have been possible without all the work of these dedicated people. Thank you all for helping to make The Church in Aurora…