The Church In Aurora - Worship

A Message from the Minister – Some time ago I made reference in a sermon to the rather substantial number of worshipers from our 11:00 service who happened to relocate to ultimate retirement locations within the course of a year or so. Every year finds a few families making a move like that, but every now and then there is a fluke period that sometimes works for you and sometimes works against you. Thank goodness this fluke period has since subsided, but it has left us with empty pews to fill at the 11:00 worship hour. This is the hour when empty nesters typically come to worship. Those with children and youth attend the 9:30 worship hour because Christian Education is concurrently offered at that time. So the challenge for us at present is to reach out to the empty nester population in our town, and the best way to do that is to meet their needs.

I am a new empty nester myself. Having both kids away at college has freed up a lot of time. But much of that time is now consumed caring for elderly parents. When I was asked to be a Trustee with Power of Attorney to manage my Mom’s affairs, there seemed to be an abyss of uncertainty and effort associated with this pressing responsibility until I gathered a team of professionals who could help set up a system that now almost runs on its own. I think a lot of empty nesters are finding themselves overwhelmed with similar responsibilities. For many, about the time they become experts in managing the myriad details in an efficient and effective way, their task is ended as loved ones pass on. How helpful it would be to have geriatric professionals in one place to offer immensely useful information, point out pitfalls to avoid and display appropriate resources available to help adult children do right by their aging parents.

That is the kind of outreach The Church in Aurora will be making to empty nesters soon. An initial planning meeting has already taken place attended by professionals in the legal, nursing, assisted living, dietary, home care, financial, adult day care, hospice, long-term insurance and mental health fields. A second planning session takes place on Monday, March 17. The plan thus far is to offer a one day exhibition at The Church in Aurora on Sunday, May 4, from 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM. Advertisements will be placed in the local and county papers (twice each), and press releases will be circulated to other media outlets. Registered attendees will be offered both child and adult care services for young and elderly family members. Lunch will be provided during which a keynote presentation will be offered. Breakout sessions will be repeated three times allowing participants to choose among the many presentations they wish to attend. A vendor’s area will remain open during the entire event.

Special thanks goes to Dorothy Bell (a new member) and Karen Hogan for serving as coordinators of this event, to Bob Earley (another new member) for helping with publicity, and to Nancy Schnell for providing lunch and other refreshments. Among the professionals offering their expertise are church members Brady Krebs (Financial Advising), Barbara Werneke (Geriatric Dietician) and longstanding friend of the congregation, David Benjamin (Legal Issues). Proceeds from the estate of Bob Albright will provide the funding needed to offer this exhibition free to the public. The rest is up to you, meaning that you need to make this opportunity known to those acquaintances who are either caring for elderly parents now or seeing the responsibility on the horizon (which may include you).

Maybe some who attend the event will choose to attend our 11:00 service and ultimately join our family of faith (that is my not-so-hidden agenda). Regardless, our congregation’s theme for this year is "Raising Up A Family of Faith." That means attending to family needs - from the cradle to the grave. -Bill

In the Pulpit during April

April 6 – Rev. Schnell (Communion)

April 13 – Rev. Horak

April 20 – Rev. Schnell

April 27 – Rev. Schnell

Worship Attendance

February 17 – 9:30 – 132; 11:00 – 122; Total - 254

February24 – 9:30 - 155; 11:00 – 154; Total – 309

March 2 – 9:30 - 160; 11:00 - 106; Total – 266

March 9 (Choralier Cantata) – 9:30 - 72; 11:00 - 111; Total – 183 (Blizzard)

March 16 (Palm Sunday) – 9:30 - 192; 11:00 - 185; Total – 377

News of Members and Friends

First Time Visitors – (2/17) Joan Riede of Aurora (2/24) Dorothie Edinger of Medina; Laura Horvath of Aurora (3/9) John Kushan of Aurora (3/16) Greg & Debbie Partridge of Aurora, Tom & Carol Tonsing of Aurora

Memorials – Jeff Carlson, former member; Jim Jeromson;

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

Morgan Hauenstein and Andrew Wallace have been inducted into the National Honor Society.

Robby Albrecht was a member of a second place Destination Imagination team.

Broc Miller and Andy Weber were members of a Destination Imagination team that finished in third place.

Katie Albrecht, Maddi Griff and Lauren Bowen were members of a Destination Imagination team that finished in fifth place.

Hunter Flagg has been diving with the AHS Swim Team.

EASTER SEASON SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 20 – Maundy Thursday Service at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 21 – Good Friday, Church Office is closed.

Sunday, March 23 – Easter Sunday, services at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00

A Special Holy Week Observance – Jesus' last Supper was a Passover Feast. It was filled with symbolism and meaning which underscored the extent of the sacrifice He was about to make on the cross. To help us better understand this ancient feast and Christ's crucifixion, we will be re-enacting a Passover Feast (not the full meal) as part of our Maundy Thursday observance on March 20th at 7:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The evening will be filled with special readings, prayers and singing of hymns. Mark your calendars now to join us on this sacred evening.

VOA Food Pantry Needs – The VOA needs for this month include spaghetti sauce, canned spaghetti, ravioli, instant potatoes, pancake mix and syrup. Thank you very much for your generous donations.

Freedom House is Completed!! As soon as Inspectors complete their work, a grand opening will be scheduled. Stay tuned for details.

Job Opening – Are you interested in a part-time job at The Church in Aurora? We have a position available for an Assistant to the Director of Christian Education and Youth. Please check our web-site link (http://www.thechurchinaurora.org/christianeducomm.htm) or call Toni Harris at 330-562-8266 for more information.

Ride the wave of God’s love at WaterWorks!™ Park Vacation Bible School (VBS) June 16 – 20, 2008. We are currently building our adult and Sr./Jr. High leadership team to operate this fun-filled event. Won’t you please consider sharing your enthusiasm about God’s love -- contact VBS director, Jodie Fritinger, at 330-995-3480.

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.

We really are a church family, aren’t we? While being honored at being elected as your incoming Moderator, I took that opportunity to challenge each of us to be a friendly church, to extend a hand, grab a shoulder, to be a family. Little did I know that within a mere few weeks of those comments, I would lose my father, then shortly thereafter end up in the Cleveland Clinic for open heart surgery. It became obvious rather quickly that there is no friendlier, more supportive, or more loving church…..anywhere.

Thank you so much for the cards, calls, visits, gifts, support and encouragement that both Marian and I received during this period. We truly are a family, and I am grateful and appreciative of each and every one of you.

Jim Maulis

Workcampers can help! 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 as-needed basis during the winter months. Please contact Jenni Ticer at 330-995-9318 to set appointments. Thank you!

Don’t forget to recycle! Now that winter is almost over, so the bins will be easier to get to, don’t forget to bring your paper to the church. Every little bit counts. We can save room in the landfills and make a little extra for the church. Don’t forget recycling when you have parties – wrapping PAPER! And what about the content of your PAPER shredder? With the onset of warm weather, the kids could take a wagon around the block and collect newsPAPERS. Let your neighbors know about the bins and ask them for their PAPER. We have two bins now, so you should never come to donate and find it too full. It takes very little effort and time and can help the church AND the environment!

Bake Sale - Mark April 13^th on your calendar! It’s time for the Sixth Annual Bake Sale and Raffle sponsored by the 5^th & 6^th grade Church School classes. All proceeds will be going to Heifer International, an organization that helps people help themselves. This year’s goal is to raise enough money to fund something big, a water buffalo!

Spring Rummage Sale! Why not start your spring house cleaning now? And, as you’re cleaning, remember the Women’s Guild Spring Rummage Sale. The sale will be Wednesday, April 30, and Thursday, May 1. Set-up will be Monday and Tuesday, April 28 and 29. We can always use help with that. You can start to put your donations on the stage in Fellowship Hall on Monday, April 14^th. If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, call Joy Evans at 330-562-5663.

Book Study Group – The Book Study Group will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, to discuss the book Three Cups of Tea, the story of one man’s efforts to make a change through education, not war. Please join us.

The Cleveland Foodbank: Volunteers are invited for a rewarding evening of light physical labor and fellowship on Wednesday, May 14th. We will be leaving church at 5 PM for a 6-8 PM scheduled work time (or meet us at the Foodbank.) If you have never volunteered at the Foodbank, talk to anyone on the Missions committee or Rev. Horak and they'll fill you in on the positive feeling you come away with after just one evening. Please call Cindy Hollo at 330-562-1810 or email her at tweetyhollo@yahoo.com if you are interested in going or have any questions.

A most appreciative "thank you" to the members who sent cards and offered assistance during and after my most recent hospital stay. My medical team continues to care for those needs. However, the members of the church family aid greatly in helping restore ones mental health.

Now if I can get rid of my cane and the newfangled walker I have been using and if my immune system continues to be built up I just may be able to thank people personally."

Thanks for considering the above. We all know that this winter has not been easy and we all ask the question, "When will it ever end?" Tough life for us that stay in this weather. Not use to complain but in our case Linda must drive me daily to University Hospital for radiation treatment that is scheduled at 3:20 daily. Out of 45 scheduled I still have 9 more to go. As they often say, who's counting?

My very best, Al Zimmerman

3H PM – We will be gathering Thursday, April 10, at 6:30 p.m. Please have read Chapters 15 & 16. Also, bring your ideas about next year’s study and any suggestions regarding our blanket and prayer shawl ministries. ~ Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930.

The Annual C.I.A. WORKCAMP SPAGHETTI DINNER/SILENT AUCTION will take place Sunday, April 20, 2008, at the Aurora High School Commons from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets will be available beginning March 30^th. Prices remain: $6.00/adult, $4.50 ages 6-12, 5 and under – FREE! We have only 300 to sell, so see a Workcamper after services or contact the Trudick’s at 216-310-3169.

Even if you cannot attend, you can help us greatly by donating crafts, wooden furniture, jewelry, art, articles of clothing or other creative items you make. Please contact Alyssa Hilliard at 440-232-1964. THANK YOU!

Decorating Items Needed for VBS – If you have any of the following items that can be used as decoration from June 16 – 20, 2008, please contact Jodie Fritinger at 330-995-3480. Two lounge beach chairs; a beach umbrella; or a raft.

Endowment Fund – Many churches are faltering, or closing down. The Church in Aurora has life and is vibrant. We are not faltering, but have a good and active membership. The Church in Aurora Endowment Fund is growing because the members of the church have embraced this fund. Each gift to the Fund grows because it is invested. The proceeds of this growth are invested in the church building or other parts of the physical property. These growth funds help sustain the church, allowing the ministry to the congregation to continue

As it is said in 1 Peter, Chapter 4, verse 10: My good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.

In His Service

The Endowment Fund Committee

John and Betty Martin want to express their sincere thanks for all of your prayers, cards, thoughts and loving care during these past few months. We are truly grateful for our loving church family.

World Day of Prayer – Thanks to all who helped with World Day of Prayer: Bill, Kevin, Sally McGill and the voices from the choir, Anne Ramsay, Betsey Poe, Laura Holman, Tim Wagner, Elaine Duncan, Diane Brubaker, Ginny Miller, Winnie Tucker, Sara Akins and all the ladies who provided the wonderful luncheon, Tanya Shively and the Guild.

Workcamp Meeting – The next Workcamp participant/parent meeting is Sunday, April 13, 2008, at 1:00 PM in Fellowship Hall. This will be a meeting to finalize our plans for the Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction and we will assemble our baskets for the auction. Please bring all Auction items to this meeting. If you have any questions regarding your auction items call Alyssa Hilliard at 440-232-1964.

Circle 3-H news – The Friday, April 4^th, project will be making fleece baby blankets at Robinson Memorial Hospital. Be at the church at 9:00 AM sharp for car pooling and to receive printed directions. After finishing our blankets, we hope to have a tour of the hospital nursery. Lunch will be at Eat ‘N Park in Streetsboro. Please bring sharp, well-marked scissors. New members are always welcome – many Helping Hands bring Hope. More info?? Call Marion Tarbell at 330-571-4500.

An Evening with Frank Sinatra – Frank Sinatra is alive and well and will be singing for your listening and dancing pleasure on Saturday, April 26th. Watch for additional messages and flyers. If you have any questions contact Cindy Hollo at 330-562-1810 or email her at tweetyhollo@yahoo.com

Wanted! Used Ink Cartridges and Cell phones – Don't throw away your old cell phones! 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 – The Women’s Guild has a wonderful program planned for its April meeting. We will have Patricia and Ron Chapman speak to us about "Noah’s Lost Ark", a refuge and shelter for exotic animals. The shelter is located just south of Ravenna and is operated exclusively through private funding. Once you’ve heard the program you’ll want to visit the shelter when it opens to the public again in the spring. Anybody interested is welcome to attend. Circle 3H will prepare lunch and share devotions that day. Please join us on Wednesday, April 9, in Fellowship Hall at 11:30 AM.

Bill & Kevin’s Excellent Adventure – Not only was Lent and Easter early this year, our 13^th Annual Adventure is arriving early as well. On Friday, June 27, we will watch the Akron Aeros take on the Reading Phillies beginning at 7:05 PM. A caravan will depart the church parking lot at 6:00 PM sharp. Tickets are only $8 each (this includes a ticket to the ballgame and a fireworks display). But, it assumes we will have 25 or more sign up. So get your reservations in to Patti at the Church Office soon so that we may reach the target number and get the discounted price. For more information contact Bill or Kevin (330/562-8266).

Show Them You Care! – When you see people who are sad, lonely, or grief-stricken, don’t just tell them you care—show them you care. Ask how they are, listen to what they have to say, share the love of Jesus. And if their need is great, encourage them to consider Stephen Ministry as a way to receive the transforming love and care of Jesus. Show them you care, and you can make a real difference in their lives. Contact Russ Post (330/562-9789).

Hospice Training – Robinson Memorial Hospice is offering training to caring and compassionate volunteers in respite care and relief for primary caregivers at their hospital in Ravenna. For more information contact Bernadette Thomas (330/297-8899).

CARE TEAM offers 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 – 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 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.

This month we are focusing on two organizations, Hartville Migrant Council and West Side Catholic Center. The Hartville Migrant Council is located in Hartville Ohio, and has as it’s mission to supply a Christian Ministry to the migrant farm worker families in the Hartville Ohio area, to work cooperatively with agencies and organizations in the area, to encourage in the migrant farm worker a sense of personal worth, belonging, and responsibility, to enlighten the community to the opportunity and obligation of sharing equally all of the benefits and warmth of community life. More information on them can be found on their web site http://www.hartvillemigrantministries.org/about.html.

For 30 years, the West Side Catholic Center has offered hospitality, hot meals, a women and children's shelter, clothing, household goods, advocacy and emergency services to those in need at no charge. The West Side Catholic Center relies on hundreds of volunteers to maintain its services. Their volunteers consist of individuals, church and civic groups, student organizations, and area businesses. Their mission is as follows: Grounded in faith, hope, love and respect for those we serve, the West Side Catholic Center assists all who come in need of food, clothing, shelter and advocacy. More information can be found at www.helpcleveland.org.

Behind the Scenes – Can you believe it? Peter French, Sr. has never been featured in this section of the Spire! And he certainly has been a very major presence here at The Church in Aurora. Most recently, Peter served as our Associate Moderator, then Moderator, with his term ending just last January. He is a constant presence in the Chancel Choir on Sunday mornings. When Muriel was Chairman of Nutcracker Sweets, he was her right hand man, serving above and beyond the call of duty. And he has volunteered to remain involved now that Joni Hanson has taken over the reins. For at least seven years, Peter served as the Church Treasurer. He also has been a member of the Elders and Endowment Committee. Currently, Peter is serving on the Marketing Committee. Peter, there aren’t really adequate words to thank you for all you have done and continue to do for your church family here at The Church in Aurora. But THANK YOU!!!!

Promiseland News

Thank you to Zacchaeus Teachers

The story of Zacchaeus is a small story in the scriptures. It only takes up ten verses. And yet, it is a story that most of us learn as children. Perhaps it is because Zacchaeus was a short man and children identify with him as he hangs from a tree in order to see Jesus over the crowd. Perhaps it is because Zacchaeus doesn’t have to answer any questions in order to receive forgiveness. Or maybe it’s just that we would all love to have the opportunity to sit at a table with Jesus. For whatever reason this story charms us, the final sentence lets us know that this is no little fluff item stuck into the Gospels. In answer to why on earth Jesus would be a guest at the house of a sinner, he replies, "For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."

Once again Dana Shively picked up the ball and ran with it during our Zacchaeus rotation. When we were not able to come up with a male story teller, Dana and her puppets stepped right in for a successful Bedouin Encampment workshop. Kudos Dana!

Stephanie Tutkovics taught an art workshop, Created by the Spirit, where the children made mobiles of the Sycamore Tree, reflecting on the hopes and fears of Zacchaeus as he tried to see Jesus.

Kris Conces was a natural in Faith Today where the children created puzzles to understand how we all have many pieces of our own puzzle that come together that come together to bring us wholeness and peace.

Veteran Promiseland teacher, Christine Shock, led the children in an archeological dig in Where in the World Is. They were able to discover the many treasures that might have been in Zacchaeus’ home. They learned how he made his wealth and were able to create contemporary scenarios of how the lost are found.

We are Currently Studying Mary Magdalene

It’s been called the greatest story ever told. It is filled with a birth that is announced by the heavenly host, miracles, intense fellowship, a torturous death and an unexplainable resurrection. So much of the life of Jesus Christ must simply be taken on faith, on what we know in our hearts rather than our heads. The four Gospel writers found the events of Jesus’ life so profound that even as they attempted to write down the details, they don’t always agree. Each Gospel has a different account of the resurrection. That does not discount their truth. It merely serves to show how difficult it is to explain an experience that is beyond the ability to put into words. Read the last chapters of the four Gospels; the faith of the witnesses is clear and present.

Mary Magdalene comes through the Gospels as a clear voice of witness. With her first encounter with Jesus, her soul knows Jesus as the Christ. She is possessed by seven demons. It was believed that if a person had a mental disorder or physical disability, it was the handiwork of demons. For Jesus to dispel her demons and make her a productive member of society was surely the mark of the Lord. She was with Jesus at the foot of the cross and helped to bury him in the tomb owned by Joseph of Arimathea. They hastily wrapped his tortured body in linen, rolled the stone to seal the tomb, and returned to where they were staying, just in time for sundown. There they remained to observe the Sabbath until sunrise of Sunday. Undoubtedly, they pondered what Jesus had said about his being raised in three days. Mary Magdalene and some other women were the first to visit the tomb, expecting to properly prepare his body with precious oils before he was officially buried.

Mary Magdalene is often portrayed as a woman of ill repute. There is no scriptural evidence to support this claim. In fact, it was an image imposed on her by the church. It is a great disservice to Mary Magdalene to treat her as anything less than a woman who found relief from her illness through her relationship with Jesus Christ. As she is the first witness of the resurrection, talking with Jesus at the tomb, she was chosen by Jesus Christ to be the apostle to the apostles. He told her to tell the others that the resurrection had happened. He is alive!

The crucifixion and resurrection are difficult subjects to teach. A cruel and unusual death takes place. The question often emerges: "How could God let this happen?" A resurrection of the dead happens which is filled with mystery. And yet, the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection is the foundation of our Christian faith. When we have the opportunity to teach it to children, this is the chance to grapple with the hard questions. If we shy away from this, we rob the children of the opportunity to gather the first cornerstones of their faith on which an adult faith is laid.

Our teachers for this rotation are June Lucal in Created by the Spirit, Pete Conces in Bedouin Encampment, Dana Shively in Puppetry and Michelle Clark in Moved by the Spirit.

Coming Soon………

Paul…Who Can Be a Christian

Paul was himself a convert to the Christian faith. He was born and raised in Tarsus as a faithful learned Jew. He was a Pharisee and was very opposed to the teachings of Jesus. One day as he was traveling from Jerusalem to Damascus, he had an experience that changed not only his life, but the course of history. He encountered the risen Christ and became a faithful believer who spread the Gospel message with great passion. Because Paul traveled throughout the Roman Empire, he preached to both Jews and Gentiles. Paul was often not the first Christian who traveled to these different regions; from his letters, we know that people were familiar with the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus. Paul came to help them come to a deeper and fuller understanding of the Gospel message.

Watch for our last issue of Promiseland News of the Church School year for more about St. Paul and our latest workshops.