Volume XLXII                                                    July 2008                                                        Number 7

A Message from the Minister – In the continuing effort to project an identity throughout our community as a caring congregation which is concerned with meeting local needs, we will be opening our doors during the 4^th of July parade that winds its way around the church’s property.  In the past, the front and side lawns of the church have been filled with residents young and old, in lawn chairs and at the curb, ready to catch the candy that is thrown from floats.  All the while the doors of the church have been locked to those seeking the use of our restrooms and a drink from our water fountain. 

     This year a different image will be projected.  The large doors to the front will be opened and attended by two church members who will welcome those seeking a look at our sanctuary.  All the while the pipe organ will be programmed to set a mood with quiet music.  Two other church members will be stationed in the Great Hall to direct guests to our restrooms.  Another two will be upstairs to provide tours of our historically accurate Promiseland Murals. 

     Finally, two will be at the glass doors ushering people in from that direction and offering bottled water.  The latter will be affixed with tastefully printed labels including information about the church and the following biblical text: Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13).

     We currently have a sufficient number of volunteers to staff this effort, but I would like to double the number so that everyone can enjoy a portion of the parade and festivities.  If you can spare an hour or two (out of the hot sun or rainy weather), please let Rev. Horak or me know soon (330/562-8266).

     As is our custom, church family and friends will also be carrying Old Glory behind a banner emblazoned with “The Church in Aurora.”  The American Flag we carry is as wide as both traffic lanes and requires 30 to 40 flag bearers to properly display.  Those wishing to walk the parade route with flag in hand should contact Nancy Schnell (330/995-5443).  Plan to arrive at Heinen’s parking lot no later than 10:30 AM (with good walking shoes and perhaps a bottle of water).  If you would like to provide candy for the crowd (or a donation for the same) also let Nancy know.

     As our Moderater, Jim Maulis, likes to put it: “We are called a Community Church for a Reason.”  Let us continue to look for ways, big and small, that we can make ourselves and our resources available to the larger community.  In the meantime, watch for the ad in the Aurora Advocate announcing our “Open Door” policy for the 4^th of July.  Raising Up a Family of Faith.  – Bill

OFFICE CLOSED – The church office will be closed on Friday, July 4.

 Akron Aeros Game – Don’t forget, those of you who purchased tickets, that Bill & Kevin’s Excellent Adventure to the Aeros game is on Friday, June 27.  We will meet here in the church parking lot at 6:00 PM for those who wish to carpool or caravan.

 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 to each camper from the same family (brother, sister).  For more information contact Tina Brizius (614-475-0740).

 CAARE – Stephen Ministers…

Create an

Atmosphere of

Acceptance

Reassurance (of God’s love) and

Encouragement

If you would like to talk to a Stephen Minister who “caares,” please contact Russ Post (330/562-9789).

 Congratulations to our high school graduates!  We would like to congratulate this year’s class of graduating high school seniors:

 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 Care Team needs, please contact Pat Way at 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!

 May ’08 Board Summary – The Church Board met on May 19^th and following is a brief summary. Moderator, Jim Maulis, appointed eight members to the Long Range Planning committee to be chaired by Ann Womer Benjamin with Gary Darbey acting as assistant chair.  The membership was approved by the Board.  He also appointed five members to a new, but short term, Budget Review committee, to be chaired by Peter French, to review the over-all budget, budget line items, faith promise campaign, scheduling, etc.  This committee was also approved by the Board.

     Ann Womer Benjamin gave an update on the Bicentennial Committee, and their plans to date for the church 2009 bicentennial celebration.  The celebration would have the kick-off on July 4, 2009, with the church well represented in the Aurora parade.  There will be a dinner/celebration on Thanksgiving weekend 2009, as well as banners, time capsule, souvenirs, etc., and a vespers service on December 31, the actual date of the church’s founding.

     Jim Niebuhr, Treasurer, reported that the 2008 revenues are running approximately 9.6% below budget, which is normal for this time of the year.

     Lee Dean, for the Elders, reported that they have approved an increase in wedding fees, specifically for the Wedding Hostess and organist.

     Don Motulewicz reported that the Trustees have finalized the installation of the upgraded sound system for the sanctuary and that all appears to be working well.  They are reviewing the electrical power amperage in the kitchen to see if it is sufficient, and are continuing to monitor the landscaping efforts, attempting to see continued improvement.

     Stewardship, through Tom Siewiorek, discussed the updated Time and Talent survey for this year, ideas for updating the faith promise campaign, as well as their goals for 2008.

     Dotty Channel, for Christian Education, once again expressed gratitude to Charity Omartian for all that she has brought to the youth group at The Church in Aurora.  Her surprise going away party was a huge success, thanking her as she leaves the church.  Dotty also reported that the Search Committee established to fill Charity’s now vacant position has found a replacement in Tracy France.  Tracy was also approved by the Christian Education Committee, the staff, and the Elders.  The Board approved the hiring of Tracy, effective June 15, 2008, once a background check has been completed.  Dotty also reported that one of their 2008 goals is to work closely with parents in an attempt to increase church school attendance.

     The Endowment Committee, through Rodger Shaulis, reported that the Endowment net worth is at $543,427.  Their committee will sponsor flowers for mothers on Mother’s Day, as well as sponsor the coffee hour.

     Barbara Tatum reported that Missions is very active, both in tracking income as well as a busy schedule of special mission projects to worthwhile organizations both locally and world-wide.

     Kay Oxford read a report from Gordon Ober of the Deacons, thanking Women’s Guild for the donation to fund new oil filled candles for the candelabras.

     The Deacons also submitted their 2008 goals, including defibrillator training.

     The Fellowship Committee has had their last Pot-Luck of the year, ending a very good season.

     Woman’s Guild purchased a new coffee maker for the church kitchen, and 25% of the profits from Nutcracker were presented to the Director of Freedom House.

     The Rev. Dr. Schnell reported that the Eldercare program was a success, with 99 people either attending or presenting.  A wrap-up meeting is scheduled.  He reminded everyone that the single service format at 10:00 a.m. will begin on June 8.  Charity will be in the pulpit on July 20.  Bill also expressed the need for the church to remain focused on reaching out to the community and not take getting new members for granted.

     The Rev. Kevin Horak gave an update on the commissioning of 12 new Stephen Ministers, 11 new Confirmands, and his involvement as well as continuing training in ministering to those hospitalized at a workshop at Robinson Memorial Hospital sponsored by the Portage County Pastoral Care Association, of which he is a member.

     Toni Harris, the Christian Education and Youth Director, reported on wrapping up a very busy year, with Promotion Sunday, Senior Recognition, etc., while preparing for Promiseland Drive-In as well as Vacation Bible School.

     A suggestion was made between Bill Schnell, Kevin Horak, and Ann Womer Benjamin that the church be opened during the 4^th of July festivities this year, offering cold water, a place to rest, tours if requested, etc.  The motion passed, once it was decided on the need to coordinate a group of volunteers to man the doors and Great Hall.

     Please direct any questions to Jim Maulis.     

 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

 Freedom House Grand Opening on September 11, 9-11 a.m.  Furniture is in place, dishes washed and placed in the cupboard and kitchen outfitted with glassware, utensils, etc.  This is due to the effort of Sara Akins, who found funds and shopped wisely.  As soon as A.T.T. completes the wiring, moving day will begin.  More to come.                             Elaine R. Duncan

 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

 Mission of the Month – This month the Missions Committee is focusing on Mercy Corps.

Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds.  Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.5 billion in assistance to people in 106 nations. The agency employs 3,500 staff worldwide and reaches nearly 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries.

Mercy Corps has been assisting families and communities in China since 2001. One of their programs – GLOW - is centered in Sichuan Province, the epicenter of the recent earthquake. Mercy Corps has procured critical supplies such as food, water, clothing and shelter and delivered them to affected families.

 Behind the Scenes – As this year’s session of Vacation Bible School comes to an end, we really need to say a big thank you to Jodie Fritinger.  Jodie was the director of WaterWorks, a theme park-based Bible School adventure.  Of course, we know she couldn’t have done it without the help of all the volunteers that she has thanked earlier in this issue.  But without her organization and planning, there wouldn’t have been anything for the volunteers to do.  Christian education is so important for the kids.  And this week of fun and learning is something they will long remember.  We should be glad that our church has people like Jodie who are willing to step up and take on the job.  We had a call from another church in the area that was unable to put on their own VBS and asked if they could refer their families here.  Thank you, Jodie, and all your volunteers, for all that you have done to provide the kids at The Church in Aurora with an unforgettable experience.