A Message from the Minister – Our annual "Questions from the Pew" service of a few weeks ago produced yet another bevy of thought-provoking questions, some of which I was not able to address in the limited time available (even running the service over a bit). One of the latter reads: "Where in the Bible did the Jews reject Christ as the Messiah?" I suppose texts like the following could provide a biblical basis for such a conjecture: He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John 1:11, KJV). If his own is to be understood as his own people, the Jews, then that would offer biblical support for the idea of Jews rejecting Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

However I had to use the King James Version of the Bible to produce the wording that would sound like it was making such a point. I also had to take the verse out of context, for the verse immediately preceding it says, He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not (John 1:10, KJV). So then, the world is the subject of these sentences and not the Jews. The world includes everybody in the world, and not just the Jews.

As it happened, Jesus’ own disciples rejected him. Indeed the preeminent disciple, Peter, rejected him three times saying , I don’t know the man! (Matthew 26:74). Whenever we reject Jesus’ claim and call, we reject not only him but the one who sent him. I think that happens for all of us much of the time. Thank the Lord that, just as he gave Peter a three-fold chance to repent, he gives us the same chances. And he forgives us over and over. This is food for thought as we enter the season of Lent—the preparatory season of repentance.

So we ought not to pick on the Jews, as has been the custom for the past 2,000 years. There has not been a century that has gone by without a major pogrom against the Jews, with the rationale being that they were "Christ Killers." Technically, the Jews did not crucify Christ. The Romans did. But more to the point, it was people who killed Jesus—people just like you and me. But somehow the Jews have become the scapegoat down through the centuries, perhaps because they are so small relative to other religious groups (nobody wants to pick on the big guy).

While preparing a Confirmation Class lately I came across some interesting statistics. Of the 6.2 billion people of the earth, roughly 2 billion are Christians (one half of whom are Roman Catholic), 1.2 billion are Muslim and only 14 ½ million are Jews. In other words, there are about 140 Christians for every Jew and about 83 Muslims for every Jew. Are the latter, in general, high achievers? In my limited experience I would say yes, probably because as a sub-culture their family values encourage achievement. As one saying puts it, "The tallest nail is the first to get pounded."

Are Jews pushy and clannish? Here I defer to a Rabbi with whom I have a very deep friendship. He says that there are foundations to every stereotype, including these. He says, "When you graduate summa cum laude from Harvard Law and have doors shut in your face because you are a Jew, you tend to get a little pushy and depend upon any cultural connections available to get where you need to go."

Well, this discussion is venturing into risky and problematic territory. Suffice it to say that Jews, Christians and Muslims are all people. As such we all share the same failings and foibles, such as the rejection of God and his will and ways. But we are all God’s children and he loves us with a perfect love—no exceptions. Hopefully we will learn to love one another more perfectly, and so fulfill the greatest commandment of them all as it is expressed in all the world’s enduring religions.

As always, I find your "Questions from the Pew" challenging and inspiring. –Bill

February 3 – Rev. Schnell (Communion)

February 6 – Rev. Schnell (Ash Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.)

February 10 – Rev. Schnell

February 17 – Rev. Schnell

February 24 – Rev. Horak

December 23 – 9:30 - 155; 11:00 - 117; Total – 272

December 24 – 5:00 - 226; 9:00 - 188; 11:00 – 156; Total – 570

December 30 – 11:00 - 158

January 6 – 9:30 - 142; 11:00 – 114; Total – 256

January 13 – 9:30 - 137; 11:00 - 127; Total – 264

January 20 – 9:30 - 139; 11:00 - 132; Total – 271

First Time Visitors – (12/30) Mark & Marietta Mason of Tennessee (1/6) Cherish Steffel of Aurora (1/20) Teresa Hawkins of Mantua

Births – Elijah Gerald Jackson, grandson of Lin & Jerry Reichelt

Weddings – Anna Marie Lebas & Mark Stephen Muroski

Memorials – Bob Albright; Ray Riley, father of Linda Raub; Jane Beazle;

Stephen Wong took first place in two events in the swim meet against Nordonia.

Dennis Mervis has been named President of Habitat for Humanity of Portage County.

Deb Simpson is producing "On Golden Pond", the next show at the Aurora Community Theater.

Caitlin Patrick and Jessica Cohen were members of the 200 Free Relay team that took second place at the swim meet against Chagrin Falls.

2009 WILL BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT! The church will celebrate its bicentennial that year and we are already getting ready. Let us know what you would like to see as part of that very special celebration. All ideas and suggestions can be forwarded on to Rev. Horak.

Sub-Sandwich Sunday is fast approaching! Orders will be taken by the Workcamp crew on Sundays in January for this popular SUPER BOWL event. The Aurora Farms Sub-Way is helping to sponsor this event! A concurrent BAKE SALE will be held during sub pickup on Sunday, February 3, 2008. Contact Jenni Ticer at 330-995-9318 or Martha Wong @330-562-4387 for further information.

Workcamp Meeting – The next Workcamp participant/parent meeting is Sunday, February 10, 2008, at 12:30 p.m. in the Escape. This is the primary planning meeting for our April 20 Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction fundraiser. PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND!  Contact the Eavensons at 330-995-6268 for further information.

Valentine’s Day Candy Sale – The wonderful ladies of Circle 3-H are once again making delicious varieties of chocolate Valentine's Day candy to benefit the Workcamp Fund. It will be sold on Sunday, February 10, after both services by the Workcampers! Love is evident at The Church in Aurora!

Trip to the Foodbank – An evening at the Foodbank: The Missions Committee is again looking for people who would like to be "hands on" involved in one of our missions, The Cleveland Foodbank.  Volunteers are needed for the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 19th. We will be leaving church at 5 p.m. for a 6-8 p.m. scheduled work time (or meet us at the Foodbank.)  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 330-562-1810 or email her at tweetyhollo@yahoo.com by Feb. 17th if you are interested in going or have any questions.

2007 FAITH PROMISES – Oops! Did you forget to send in your balance for your 2007 Faith Promise? It’s not too late. Just indicate on the memo line 2007 F.P. Thank you – Carol Keister, Financial Assistant, Receipts

The Missions Committee presents UNDIE SUNDAY.  Akron's Haven of Rest Ministries provides clothing for an average of 1,340 homeless and needy men, women and children each month.  They are in need of "undies" for the people they serve.  On Sunday, February 10, and Sunday, February 17, we will be collecting new underwear, including socks, in all shapes and sizes.  Give a Valentine of "undies" to those in need.  If you would prefer to give a cash contribution, please place money in the special green-edged offering envelope that will be in the pew or write Undie Sunday on the check's memo line. Look for the Special Offering envelopes or collection baskets on both Sunday Feb. 10th or 17th. Contact Cindy Hollo at 330 562 1810 if you have any questions

Eyes and Ears of Jesus – We are the eyes and ears of Jesus on earth today. It is our duty to be watching and listening to people around us, recognizing when they have needs for care. If you find someone with a need, listen and care. If you find the need is something greater than you can provide, tell the person about our Stephen Ministry and put him or her in touch with Russ Post (330/562-9789) or Susan Kray (330/562-1344). Jesus is depending upon us to be his eyes and ears on earth.

The Church in Aurora Hosts "World Day of Prayer" – Mark your calendars for Friday, March 7^th, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. with lunch to follow. All local churches will participate in an ecumenical celebration written by the women of Guyana. The theme will be "God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding". Watch for more information to come.

3-H Circle – Alert to 3-H Circle members! Two big projects are awaiting us at our February 1 meeting at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. First, when you arrive, freshly made candy will be waiting for you to wrap, label and package. You’ll be plenty busy, no waiting. Many hands make light work of this project for the Workcamp youth to sell in February. And then you can finish up the decorative touches on the 120 previously-made pillows for Portage County nursing homes. No winter blahs here, never an idle moment. We need you. For more information call 330-571-4500.

Wanted! Used Ink Cartridges and Cell phones—Upgrading your cell phones this holiday season? Don't throw away your old ones!  Please save them for the Workcamp Fund.  A drop-off basket is in the Great Hall. Large quantity pick-ups of laser print cartridges are available. Contact Kim Williamson at 330-562-4930 for information. HELP SAVE OUR LANDFILLS while providing financial support for Workcamp!

Women’s Guild – In February, the Women’s Guild will welcome another speaker from our congregation, Phil Potter. Phil will share his stories of his trips to the Grand Canyon with his wife, Lynn. He will also share some beautiful and breath-taking scenic photos. You’ll want to get on your hiking boots and "book a trip" by the time Phil is done.

We will be treated to a catered lunch from Nicky & Smitty’s Restaurant at the usual $4 charge. No reservations are required. Muriel French will share devotions that day.

Be sure to come to Fellowship Hall at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 13, for a wonderful afternoon. Don’t forget to bring a friend.

On Golden Pond – Enjoy a night out Saturday, February 16^th, at Aurora Community Theatre for a performance of On Golden Pond. Child care will be provided by the Workcampers, at the church, for a donation to the Workcamp 2008 Fund. Tickets ($12 each) will be sold after services in Fellowship Hall or contact the Membership Committee.

Board Meeting – The Church in Aurora Board met on January 14^th at 7:30 p.m. Peter French, Moderator, distributed 2007 attendance figures which showed a decline of 9.2% from 2006. He also distributed a table showing Endowment’s distribution of $101,056 to the church for the period 1999-2007.

Jim Maulis, Assoc. Moderator, reported on the activity of the church Marketing Committee which included the preparation of the church brochure "We’re called a Community Church for a Reason". This new brochure was mailed to all Aurora residents.

Jim Niebuhr, Treasurer, gave the year end Treasurer’s report, and advised the Board that we ended 2007 with income at 1.8% of budget, expenses at 4.9% below budget and a resulting budget surplus of $37,482. He also noted that this surplus includes the carry forward surplus from prior years of $23,545, netting an actual 2007 operating surplus of $13,937.

Tom Siewiorek, Stewardship, reported current 2008 Faith Promises are at 90% of our $517,880 goal, or $467,590.

Kay Oxford, Fellowship, noted that their committee will be planning a church night out at the Aurora Community Theatre, including baby sitting (with a donation to benefit Workcamp).

The Women’s Guild report confirmed a successful and enthusiastic Nutcracker Sweets meeting on Jan. 9^th. Guild also noted the beautiful church library presentation that had been prepared by Sara Akins, and is in the display cabinet right outside Fellowship Hall.

Bill Schnell, Pastor, provided some additional information on the "Enrichment Hours" program he is planning for the empty nesters in our community. More info will be available in the church bulletin.

Under new business, the Church Board approved the proposed 2008 budget of $570,482. Details regarding the 2008 budget are included in the Church Annual Report. Please contact Peter French or Jim Maulis if you have any questions regarding the Board Meeting.

January Trivia - How much money has the Endowment Fund distributed to The Church in Aurora since 1999?

A reminder of two CARE TEAM services brought to you year-round: If you missed a service and would like an audio tape, please contact Flip Eavenson at 330-995-6268, or borrow one from the church library (located in the top drawer of the cherry chest near the door). As the weather changes, please remember members of the CARE TEAM offer parking assistance during Sunday services to those in need. Please contact Flip Eavenson by the Saturday before, if you desire this "service with a smile"!  If you would like to learn more about or donate some time to the CARE TEAM, please contact Flip Eavenson at 330-995-6268.

Mission of the Month – This month the Missions Committee is focusing on the Cleveland City Mission.

Founded in 1920, the Cleveland City Mission currently serves over 11,000 clients annually within Greater Cleveland. This Christian ministry strives to meet the spiritual, emotional, and intellectual needs of its clients in three different locations. The agency’s goal is to provide a continuum of care that begins at each person’s point of immediate need and, with appropriate resources, moves the individual from crisis, to recovery and discipleship, to integration back into the family and society. Their mission statement is "Providing help and hope to all people through the transforming power of God’s love."

Behind the Scenes – The Church in Aurora has hosted 26 consecutive Nutcracker Sweets craft shows. It’s pretty amazing to think that Nutcracker has been around that long. What’s even more amazing is that there is at least one volunteer who has worked 25 of those shows. Carol Keister has been the money person for the Nutcracker for 25 years! That’s quite a feat. She has quite a track record when it comes to accounting, having served the church both as the Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer. She is also a member of the Counting Committee, not to mention her paid position as the Financial Assistant in charge of Receipts. But there’s more to Carol than numbers (she’s a retired math teacher). Carol has been a member of the Chancel Choir for more than 30 years and also plays in the Handbell Choir. She even served as a Deacon. Thank you, Carol, for the many and varied things you do for the church.

February 3, 2008

TENTH ANNUAL SUB SANDWICH SUNDAY IS COMING!! With tremendous support from the Aurora Farms Subway, the Workcampers will be selling sub sandwiches on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3^rd. Please stop by one of the sub sale tables in the Great Hall and Fellowship Hall on Sunday January 13^th, 20^th or 27^th to place your order. Sandwiches can be picked up after either church service on Super Bowl Sunday in Fellowship Hall. Please indicate how many subs you would like to order:

Turkey and Cheese _______

Italian Sub _______

Total number of subs __________ x $5 each = _________ due

Name ___________________________ Phone ________________________

If you have any questions, or would like to place an order directly, please contact Jenni Ticer at 330-995-9318 or email orders to jenniticer@roadrunner.com

Thank You SO MUCH for supporting the Workcampers!

Thank you to the Teachers of

Christmas Around the World

Our teens have been very involved this year in teaching in Promiseland. Charlie Poe Just finished his second workshop as he portrayed Jesus’ father, Joseph in Bedouin Encampment. In this class, the children enacted an old Appalachian folk song, "The Cherry Tree", a carol that expresses Joseph’s conflict and resolution about the birth of our Savior.

We were so happy to welcome Mitch & Wendy Wilson to Promiseland. The Wilson’s did a wonderful job teaching a cooking workshop where they led the children in a Moravian Love Feast, an ethnic expression of telling the Christmas story.

Our Movement workshop was led by Mary Wallace. Celebrating a Mexican Posada, the children studied the Mexican Christmas tradition as they enacted the struggles of Mary and Joseph to find a place for Jesus to be born.

Dana Shively, one of our very dedicated teachers, returned to teach the Puppet workshop, learning the Italian Christmas story of "La Befana", the person who finds the Christ child in all children.

Currently in Promiseland………

The Samaritan Woman at the Well

The Samaritan Woman at the Well is a story of exclusion and inclusion, outsider and insider, reconciliation and transformation. It is steeped in centuries of tradition, customs, laws and prejudice. Everywhere the woman looks, she is an outsider. Jesus will embrace her with the love of God, offering her the living water of full communion with God.

The schism between the Jews and the Samaritans starts about 700 years before Jesus appears on earth. Once a mighty kingdom of twelve united tribes, Israel has become divided. The Northern Kingdom is called Israel; the Southern Kingdom, which contains Jerusalem, is called Judah. In 721, the Northern Kingdom was defeated by the Assyrians and sent into exile. A small remnant was left in Samaria where other conquered peoples were shipped in. All of the groups got along, married and raised generations of children who were of mixed blood.

In the meantime, the Southern Kingdom was defeated by the Babylonians. They also went into exile. They became reflective, listening to prophets tell them that their own behavior had caused this. It was time to return to the faith. They wrote their history. They claimed their heritage. When they returned, they wanted to make sure that they stuck to the rules and maintained pure blood lines. When the Samaritans offered to help the Jews rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, the Jews refused. The enmity was sealed with laws that prohibited marriage and prevented the Samaritans from worshipping in Jerusalem. The Samaritans built their own Temple on Mt. Gerizim. It got to the point that when Jews would travel from Galilee in the north down to Jerusalem for Passover, they would travel out of their way to go around Samaria.

The Samaritan Woman at the Well is an outsider, even in her own community. For some reason, she has already had five husbands and is living with a man who is not her husband. The women of the town shun her. To avoid the gossip and the finger-pointing, she goes to the well when she knows no one else will – at midday, when the sun is at its hottest. That is where she meets Jesus. She is very suspicious; he was a Jew and shouldn’t even be there. He starts to talk with her; Jewish men don’t talk to women in public. Everything is wrong in this scene for her.

He offers her living water. As the conversation develops, he opens her heart to the opportunity to be in full relationship with God. He tells her that it doesn’t matter to God if she is a Samaritan or a Jew, living with a man or not. If she approaches God in spirit and truth, God will be there for her. That is the living water. It will sustain her as surely as the water of the well sustains her physical life.

This is so revolutionary that she realizes that if this is true, the Messiah must surely be coming. Jesus confesses that he is indeed the Messiah, the Christ. She is the very first person who hears Jesus say those words.

She races into town to tell everyone her news. She is an evangelist. The town sees that she has been transformed. She is in full relationship with God and is compelled to tell others. All of the barriers have been removed that keep her from having a relationship with her own people. She can be herself, reflecting the glory of God. She does not have to hide behind a mask or be ashamed of who she is. She is a child of God and that is all that is important.

Where do each of us go to have an encounter with Jesus? Where is our well where Jesus sees us for who we are, not for whom others have projected us to be? How do we tap into that living water that will sustain us so that we will never be thirsty again?

We welcome Kay Oxford as she returns to teach our Faith Today workshop. In this lesson the contemporary story of a Mayan woman is shared, as she is transformed by the love of Jesus. Kay and the children are creating heart-shaped frames for love scriptures.

Mary Thomas has returned to teach in Created by the Spirit, our art workshop. The children are making Mardi Gras masks while learning this celebration is really an anticipation of Lent, the time when Christians contemplate their relationship with Jesus Christ. As they enact the story with their masks, the children begin to understand how this is a metaphor for the Woman at the Well.

Ruth Wise is teaching is teaching our Bible Improv class by enacting the story and creating vignettes based on real-life experiences of inclusion and exclusion. The children are pondering how Jesus would have reacted to the situation and how that could guide their own behavior.

Coming in February … Zacchaeus

Please encourage your children to join in the fun as we learn through story telling, art, science and geography as well as making this Bible story relevant to the issues of today.