A Message from the Minister – Two months ago we looked forward in this column to an Eldercare Seminar being offered by The Church in Aurora to the local community, specifically to those struggling to care for elderly loved ones.  On May 4 we welcomed 16 vendors, 12 speakers, several program volunteers from our congregation and 74 registrants to our place of worship to learn about resources available to help us keep the commandment to honor our mothers and fathers and to love one another.

     One third of the participants returned feedback instruments following the program that gave high praise to our efforts along with invaluable feedback.  Interpolating from the results we found that 9% found out about the event from newspaper ads, 22% from a saturation mailing, another 22% from announcements at church and 35% from being referred by a friend (12% did not respond to the question on the evaluation).  It appears that the congregation fulfilled its duty to give a flyer to someone who might benefit from attending this seminar.

     There are some things we would do differently in offering future events of this nature, such as allowing more time to peruse the vendor area and restricting refreshments to snack food and beverages.  There are also some new possibilities that emerged from the feedback.  39% of respondents said that they would welcome a support group for caregivers being offered at The Church in Aurora.  Plans for a monthly gathering that could commence in September are now being considered as a result of that feedback.

     Some positive reinforcement was offered through written comments such as: “Thank you for developing this very valuable Eldercare Seminar,”  “I was extremely informed by everyone, these seminars are so vital to seniors,”  “What a wonderful event!  Well done!” “All the presenters were wonderful.  It was very worthwhile” and “Thank you for offering this.  I just wish there was more time—so much info!  It’s a great place to start & happy to have phone numbers to call for more information.”  A follow-up meeting with the planning committee is scheduled to see where we go from here.

     Beyond the help we have been able to offer those assuming great responsibility on behalf of their loved ones, it is good that news of this event has circulated so broadly and is helping to create a compelling identity for The Church in Aurora in our local area.  Many residents know us only as a beautiful edifice in the center of town.  We hope that through programs like our Eldercare Seminar they will come to know us as a body of believers concerned about pressing needs in our community and how we may work together to meet them.  After all, we are called a Community Church for a reason.

     So many worked in harmony with one another to create this opportunity.  At the center of all the planning was one individual and, as usual, it was not me.  I therefore close with a special note of thanks to Dorothy Bell who, having just joined our church family this past winter, has shown herself to be a fruitful laborer in the fields of the Lord by offering her incredible organizational talent to our Eldercare Seminar. 

     “Raising Up a Family of Faith” -Bill

SINGLE SERVICE SUMMER SCHEDULE TO BEGIN JUNE 8 – In past years, our single service format began the first week in July.  This year we will begin the summer format of one service at 10:00 AM beginning on June 8 and running through August 31.

I HAVE MADE A MISTAKE!!  In the last issue of the Spire, I asked that you not put plastic bags in the paper recycling bin.  I was wrong.  If you are bringing in SHREDDED paper they ask that you leave it in bags so it doesn’t blow all over the parking lot when they empty the dumpsters.  And a special thank you to Dotty Channel who brought several cartons of her company’s obsolete catalogs to our paper recycling dumpster!  That will bring us some extra dollars for the church budget.

VOA Food Pantry Needs – This month the VOA needs Tuna Helper, Hamburger Helper, canned meats and canned spaghetti sauce.  Thank you for your generosity.

VBS Registration is Now Open! – Registration forms are available at www.churchinaurora.org or in the church office.  You may also sign your child up in the Great Hall on June 1 and 8 after worship.  Completed registration forms and a $10 registration fee (per child) may be turned into the church office, Jodie Fritinger, or the VBS mailbox.  VBS will be held June 16 - 20, 2008, from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.  It is open to all children, age 4 to 6th grade.

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.

Church Pictures – The Bicentennial Committee is seeking any past or present photographs of the inside or outside of the church.  If you have any photographs that you are willing to share, please contact Mary Wallace at 330-562-2198 or drop them off in the Bicentennial mailbox at church.  We will make copies and return the originals back to you. Thank You!

Keep CIA a Caring Place – We can all help keep The Church in Aurora a more caring place with a bright smile, a sincere greeting, a warm hug, a word of encouragement.  As you greet people at church, let them know how much you care.  And remember, when you meet someone with extra needs, tell them about our Stephen Ministry.

The CARE TEAM is in need of someone who can make copies of tapes and/or make CDs of our Sunday services so we can continue delivering them to those who are unable to attend in person. Please contact Pat Way at 330-673-7917 if you have a few extra minutes each week and/or some computer skills. Thank you!

Thank You Loud and Clear – to the generous donors who have provided our family of faith with a new sound system that has dramatically improved the ability of worshipers to hear the Good News from God’s Holy Word.  A pat on the back to the Trustees under Don Motulowicz’ leadership for having an excellent system put in place.

Independent Living Unit Available - for low income seniors who are members of The Church in Aurora.  See Rev. Schnell for confidential consultation about a wonderful opportunity being offered locally.

Rummage Sale:  I would like to say a very special thank you to everyone who made donations and to our wonderful volunteer workers.  Because of you, we had another successful Rummage Sale.  We made $2,338.04.     ---Joy Evans

     Bill & Kevin’s Excellent Adventure – On  , 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 by the end of May so that we may reach the target number and get the discounted price.  For more information contact Bill or Kevin (330/562-8266).

     The Circus is Coming - Habitat for Humanity of Portage County is proud to announce they are again sponsoring the Carson and Barnes Circus for a return engagement at Sunbeau Valley in Ravenna Township on Friday, June 20, 2008. Purchasing tickets in advance will save patrons 33% of the price of tickets on circus day; (Advance Price - $6.00 for children under 12; $12.00 for adults 12 and over). The circus will give two performances at 4:30 and 7:30. Reserved seats for groups of 25 or more people are available at a $4.00 premium.  Anyone desiring tickets should contact the Habitat Office (330-995-3378) or Dick Rowley (330-562-1019).

     Church Camp – will be held August 3 – 9 this year at Tar Hollow in the Hocking Hills.  Camper and Staff applications are available online at www.sfacamp.org (staff persons are particularly encouraged to apply early for limited openings).  The registration fee per camper is $195.  This fee covers all expenses including meals, snacks, drinks, crafts, t-shirt, camp photo, and yearbook.  Discount offers: A $20 discount is offered for each camper registered and paid-in-full by June 14, 2008.  A Sibling discount of $10 is offered each camper from the same family (brother, sister).  For more information contact Tina Brizius (614-475-0740).

"THANK YOU" to the congregation from the Workcamp Crew!  Slightly over $7,000.00 was made at the Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction last month.  We are in great shape financially, mostly due to your wonderful support of all our fundraising efforts since last October.  Please keep saving your used cell phones and ink cartridges ALL YEAR, as this is an on-going project. Wilmington, NC, here we come!

CARE TEAM NEWS! After 6 1/2 years, it's time for Flip to take a breather, so for a few months the Care Team leadership will be changing.  For all your C.T. needs, please contact Pat Way @330-673-7917.  She and Rita Suchanek (330-562-3273) will continue to lead the Care Team in serving the greater church following our Mission statement:  "Providing temporary, urgent assistance when attendees of the Church in Aurora are in need."  Some examples are:  providing limited transportation to appointments, occasional meals, running local errands, giving referrals to social agencies when long-term or extensive, professional care is required and phone calls and/or visits to the homebound.   Please call us if we can be of service!

The final 2008 WORKCAMP parent/participant meeting is Sunday, June 8, 2008, in the Escape at 11:30 AM, the first Sunday of our 10 AM summer single service schedule. We will be commissioned during church on Sunday, June 29, prior to our leaving for NC on Saturday, July 5 at midnight (after the fireworks)!  Please plan to attend both activities.