General Information- The Spire - Month

 Volume XLXI February 2007 Number 2

A Message from the Minster – This month’s column is the third and final in a series focusing upon our youth ministry.  In December’s column I wrote, "My pastoral instincts are telling me that exciting new possibilities are just around the corner for our Youth Program."  In January’s column that bit of pastoral prophesy was fulfilled with the announcement of Toni Harris becoming a fulltime staff person adding Youth Director to her present Christian Education role.  Toni has since been formally installed into her combined role and just 8 hours after that service of installation she was having her first meeting with 30 youth from our congregation.

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

Thank You – Martin, Darla, Hannah and Febi B. wish to thank our family, The Church in Aurora, for the wonderful support and generous acts of kindness during our moment of need over the Christmas holiday.  On the 23^rd of December our house caught fire and your love for us was immediately and warmly received.  Christ’s love for us and the celebration of joy and hope during the season were felt and will remain as an amazing testament for us that miracles do happen through Christ, our Savior.  Thank you!

VOA – The food pantry needs some winter type foods: coffee, syrup and boxed macaroni and cheese will be most appreciated.  Thanks for your continued generous response.

Wish List Reminder - All Nutcracker wish list requests are due back to the Women's Guild by January 31st.   If you have not done so, please complete and place in the Women's Guild mailbox outside of the church office. 

Notice the new Escape Newsletter? This new publication is completely compiled and formatted by Christene B., a junior at Aurora High School and member of The Church in Aurora Youth Group.  When you see her, tell her what you think of it.  If you are a Junior or Senior High School student and would like to help Christene, let her know.  Do we have any budding digital photographers out there?  Keep up the good work Christene! 

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE – Marking the start of the Lenten season and the imposition of ashes, this ancient rite has helped worshippers for centuries to prepare their hearts, minds and souls to receive the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ expressed in the events of the Easter Season.

Attention all Deacons! The Deacons will meet February 18th at 12:15 in Hanson Hall.

Calling all golfers, tennis players, runners, canoers, bicyclers……..Beginning this spring and running through the summer, we need some sports fanatics to help organize a mixed event in each of these sports for our youth.  If you golf, for instance, we need to set up one outing for adults and youth of The Church in Aurora.  We want to come together and experience your favorite sports, blending all of our ages.  Maybe we’ll learn a thing or two from each other.  One thing I can guarantee, we’ll get to know each other better.  I have already spoken to a couple of you, but we need more interested people to help plan.  Please call Toni Harris at the church (330 562-8266) or e-mail her at cedirector@alltel.net.  Don’t wait for someone else to come forward.  Volunteer now!!

LOOKING AHEAD TO LENT – Take a virtual tour of Israel and Turkey this Lenten Season. Rev. Horak will be leading a video series entitled, "The Dust of the Rabbi."

3H PM.  Please join us Thursday, February 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. as we work together on our service projects of blankets and prayer shawls/stoles.  Please be prepared to share Part 6, "The Necessity."  Any questions, please call Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930.  Looking forward to seeing YOU!

Faith Promise Update - Thank You!  Responses to our update and request in December included one-time gifts, increases in Faith Promises and Faith Promises from some who had not yet made one.  These additions along with your faithful fulfillment of 2006 Faith Promises will allow us to present a balanced budget that supports our staff, our facility, our programs and our mission throughout this year.  We are thankful for God's faithfulness expressed through so many!  With our thanks, The Stewardship Committee

Congregational Meeting – There will be one service at 9:30 (please note time change since the last Spire was printed) on Sunday, January 28, 2007, followed immediately by our annual Congregational Meeting at 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary.

REACHING OUT TO SERVICE MEN & WOMEN – Do you see or feel a need to remember those serving our nation in the armed forces, especially those from our congregation?  Do we need to be doing something beyond the holiday flurry of activities?  It may be as simple as sending a devotional booklet, card or brief note during the year, reminding them of our prayers and God’s love.  If you would like to help us reach out to this very special group of folks, let us hear from you.  Call Rev. Horak at 330.562.8266 ext.222 and let’s see what we can do together!

Circle D will meet Wednesday, February 7^th, at Walden Country Club at 12:00 noon.  Hostesses are Betty Martin, Sara Akins and Marilyn Gwin.  We gather together for a luncheon, devotions and a business meeting, followed by an afternoon of bridge and Skip-Bo.  We welcome new members.  Reservations may be made by calling 330-562-9253.

HABITAT LUNCH OPPORTUNITY – Our church again has the opportunity to provide and serve the Habitat for Humanity of Portage County lunch for the volunteer workers on Saturday, February 3, 2007 in Kent.  The house is on West Oak Street and is a challenging rehab project.  There may also be a need for more workers on that day.

Attention all knitters/crocheters – It’s later than you think, all of you making blankets, shawls, etc. Diane Brubaker (330-562-6935) is collecting completed articles which will be presented to recipients at the May 2007 Guild meeting.

"Get Acquainted with Jesus", a basic introduction to the life and teachings of Jesus that’s easy to use and easy to understand, will be offered for eight weeks beginning in February during the 9:30 worship hour.  This survey of Jesus’ life is a great way to learn in a short period of time.  If you have felt short changed because you grew up with little or no background in the Christian faith, this is an ideal study for you.  Please join the leaders of this study, our 9:30 Bible Study Group, in The Harris Study beginning on February 4^th.  If you are interested, please call the church office or leave a message for Toni Harris so that a study guide can be ordered for you.  Don’t put it off, call now!

SHERATON MUSIC CITY HOTEL. WITH OUR CURRENT NORTHERN WEATHER, THINK NASHVILLE AND MAKE PLANS TO BE THERE.  One of the programs will be taught by our own Toni Harris.  She will teach the Rotation Education System.  This is the system that our Church School classes have been following.  I look forward to attending, so I will be more informed.  Sound interesting?

CIA Book Group – Our February gathering will take place at the church on Wednesday, the 7^th, beginning at 7:00pm.  The book under consideration will be A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest Gaines, and the discussion will be led by Tim Wagner.  Our book for March will be My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult.

3-H Circle – Here is a chance to be a candy maker and help support our youth activity at the same time!!

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.

Date Change for the Choralier Cantata – The Choralier Cantata date has been changed to March 11^th at both services.  Rehearsal will be on Saturday, March 10^th, at 10:00 AM. There will be no Church School or Godly Play on that date.  Our regular Church School schedule will resume on March 18^th and the Littlest Choir will now sing at the 11:00 AM service on March 18^th. 

News from the Gathering – Wouldn't you like to experience something new on a Saturday night?  Doesn't singing praise to our Lord beat watching the Saturday night news?  Isn't a time of prayer important on Saturday as well as Sunday.  Then join "The Gathering" on February 10th at 5:00 PM.  We will lift our voices and hearts in praise and prayer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Women’s Guild – Our February meeting falls right on Valentine’s Day, February 14^th. To celebrate we will be treated to a delicious lunch prepared by "Dinners by the Dozen".  The cost is $8 and reservations are encouraged.  You can make a reservation between services on Sundays or with Anne Ramsay at 561 Willard Road, (330) 562-5256.  Please feel free to bring your "sweetheart" that day, too.

Super Bowl Subs!  The workcamp teens will be taking orders for subs in the Great Hall and Fellowship Hall on 1/21 and 1/28.  Order blanks are also included in this issue of The Spire.  Subs are $5 each and will be available for pickup after both services on February 4th in Fellowship Hall.   The teens will also be hosting a bake sale on February 4th, so stop by and pick up some treats!  Thanks so much for your support!

Board Meeting – The Church in Aurora Board met on Wednesday, January 10, 2007.

Carol Guthrie, Treasurer, reported that an influx of year-end 2006 Faith Promise receipts combined with reduced expenses resulted in a 2006 year end operating surplus of $23,544.69.  She also noted that prepaid 2007 Faith Promises were $103,526, or 21.2% of our 2007 Faith Promise total.  This is exceptional as we usually receive about $50,000-55,000 in prepaid Faith Promises.  Carol also noted that the church had received generous direct contributions for painting and I.T. expenses.  Carol was thanked by the Board for her six years of service as the Treasurer for The Church in Aurora.

Tom Siewiorek, representing Stewardship, reported a very successful year-end calling campaign and response to the second 2007 Faith Promise request.  As of Jan. 4, we had received Faith Promise responses from 404 giving units totaling $476,464.  Tom presented the 2007 Annual Budget, which was unanimously approved by the Board.  The Board approved budget will be presented to the congregation for their approval on January 28^th.

Mark Yonkers, Trustees, advised that work to repair the deteriorating exterior wall may also include repair of the leaking wall of the Harris Study. Mark Yonkers and Scott Holman will replace deteriorated exterior wood before the commencement of painting.

Ted Hollo, Elders, reported that Staff and Pastor year-end reviews had been completed.  He also announced that the Elders had completed their segment of the Youth Director search process and made a motion that Toni Harris be appointed to the combined position of Dir. of Christian Ed. and Youth Director, effective immediately.  The Board unanimously approved the appointment and Ted thanked all those involved in the process for their many hours of work.

Bernie Keister, who is leaving the C.E. committee at the end of January, was thanked by the Board for his two years of service.  Dotty Channel will be the new C.E. Chairperson.

Kay Oxford presented the Fellowship report and noted a successful potluck dinner with 30 in attendance.  She also reported that the church greens had been removed on Sunday, Jan. 7^th.  Her report concluded with a big thank you to Evan and Vickie Webster who have combined to give nine years of service to the Fellowship Committee and The Church in Aurora. 

Mary Wallace gave her last report as Chairman and as a member of the Membership committee (she was thanked for her service by the Board). She reported that new member orientation and breakfast had been scheduled, with "Joining Sunday" being February 11^th.

Peter French, Moderator, noted the following committee appointments which will be included in the slate of Nominees presented at the Annual Congregational meeting:

Deacons, Wendy Pace to fill the unexpired term of Margie Koppes ’08.

Christian Education, Gary Darbey, to fill the unexpired term of Bernie Keister ‘08.

Receptions, Brian Miller, to fill the unexpired term of Jean Rumbold ’09.

If there are any questions regarding the Board meeting please contact Peter French, Moderator, 562-3353, or pefrenchsr@aol.com.

January Trivia – What year did the confirmands first lay a stone marking their Confirmation? 1985

February Trivia – The Church used to have two indoor shuffleboard courts. Where were they located (if you look hard you can still see them)?

Calling all Workcampers (adults included)! Join Reinhold Krueger for a cookie/brownie-making bake-off in Fellowship Hall on Saturday, February 3, from 1 - 4 PM.  E-mail your favorite recipes to him by Jan. 28 so your ingredients will be on hand.  If you cannot attend, you're still responsible for providing bake sale items for Sunday, Feb. 4.

Wanted! Used Ink Cartridges and Cell phones—Did you upgrade your cell phone this holiday season?  Don't throw away your old one!  Please donate it to the Workcamp Fund.  A drop-off basket is in the Great Hall on the desk.  Used printer ink cartridges of all kinds are also needed. Contact Kim Williamson at 330-562-4930 for information. HELP SAVE OUR LANDFILLS while providing financial support for Workcamp!  Over $200 has already been raised!  Thank you!

Group Workcamps has extended an invitation for individuals aged 19 and up to attend a special Mission trip to Pucallpa, Peru (near Lima) April 14 - 22, 2007.  If you are interested, please contact the Eavensons at 330-995-6268 for further information ASAP.  (You do not need to know how to speak Spanish!)

Help Available – Need boxes or furniture moved about?  Have closets to rearrange?  Have odd jobs youths can help you with?  Need extra childcare helpers?  Due to popular demand, the Workcampers will continue assisting church attendees on an as-needed basis during the winter months.  Please contact Jenni M. at 330-562-9964 or Patty S. at 330-562-6088 to set up appointments. Thank you!

Calling All Pizza Lovers! Pizza Hut "Dough for Dollars" cards are being offered by the Workcampers for $10.  Each card entitles you to 12 FREE one-topping medium pizzas, one with every large pizza you order--carry out, delivery or eat-in.  It has no expiration date and can be used at any U.S. location.  The best part is that $5 from the sale of each card remains in the Workcamp Fund!  We're almost sold out!  Contact any Workcamper or the Eavensons.

MISSION OF THE MONTH – The Missions Committee has the responsibility of researching dozens of charitable organizations as potential recipients of our CIA 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 called to.  The Missions Committee welcomes suggestions of organizations that you feel are 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.

Behind the Scenes – With so many active adults here at The Church in Aurora, this article has tended to overlook the contributions made by our younger people.  Take, for instance, James Hogan.  James is only a sophomore in high school, but already he has been active in many aspects of our church life.  He has played the violin during our worship services, most recently gracing us with Gesu Bambino (while his mother, Karen, played the piano).  When a youth representative was needed for the Youth Director Search Committee, James was willing to serve.  He then played an active role in the installation service of Toni Harris.  James has also volunteered at Vacation Bible School, where he was a big hit with the kids!  He has been active in our Youth Group and has attended church camp three years.  Thank you, James, for showing us how bright our future is!

Thank You SO MUCH for supporting the Workcampers!