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A Message from the Minister – As reported in a recent sermon, Jim Ridgley won the silent auction at the Workcamp Spaghetti Dinner to pick a topic for a Sunday sermon. Instead of picking a single topic, Jim went to his Bible Study Group which meets on Sunday mornings and sought a group consensus. The group came up with nine topics in all and, rather than choosing, submitted them all to me with the intention that I should choose one from among the list. I have found them all thought-provoking and have decided to address several instead of just one. After preaching upon the first in the list, I now commend the second to your discerning attention. It asks: "As God is our creator, are we body and soul or body, soul and spirit?" The body represents the material aspect of our being—our bones, muscles, organs, connective tissue and so forth. It is easy to determine the material aspects of our nature because, like all material things, they can be seen and touched. The immaterial aspects of our being cannot be seen, touched or registered by any other sense. Thoughts cannot be weighed, nor can dreams, emotions, intuitions, instincts and the like, yet they are just as much a part of us as our toes and ears. Without them we are not fully human. Because the soul and spirit are both immaterial aspects of our makeup they are easy to confuse with one another, although I believe them to be separable. The soul is unique to each person. It is the interior depths of a person including the unconscious mind. Jesus refers to both the conscious and unconscious minds (not to mention the heart as an emotional response) when he articulates the greatest commandment to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). Unlike the term "conscious" you will not find the term "unconscious" anywhere in the Bible. The modern academic discipline of Psychology largely deals with the unconscious mind. Its reality is well documented, although not as well understood. I believe that the Bible speaks of this immaterial aspect of humanity when it uses the word "soul." By the way, the term is derived from the Greek aiolos, meaning "quick moving." Here is an interesting experiment. Use your conscious mind to think of nothing for a minute or two. Close your eyes and visualize a snowstorm or some other indistinct image. See how long that lasts before your quick moving unconscious mind takes over and projects a constant stream of images (in spite of the attempt of your conscious mind to remain blank). The Spirit, or Holy Spirit, is from God. It is freely offered to all, but not all choose to accept it. Therefore a person can have a soul (unconscious mind) and not the Holy Spirit of God. Some are described in the Bible as having evil spirits, but I consider those to be what Psychoanalyst Carl Jung called autonomous complexes of the unconscious. I mention them here because the Holy Spirit of God has the power to cast out such self-destructive "demonic" compulsions and possessions according to the Bible. St. Paul has written: Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? (I Corinthians 6:19). If we desecrate the temple, the Holy Spirit cannot find a home there. So while we ARE souls, we either do or do not choose to HAVE the Spirit of God. Back to the original question: I pray that you are more than body and soul. I pray that you are body, soul and spirit. Final answer! -Bill Volume XLXIIII July 2010 Number 7
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In the Pulpit during July
July 4 – Rev. Schnell (Communion).
July 11 – Rev. Schnell
July 18 – Rev. Schnell
July 25 – Rev. Horak
Worship Attendance
May 23 – 9:30 – 148; 11:00 – 105; Total – 253
May 3 (Memorial Day) – 9:30 – 116; 11:00 – 102; Total – 218
June 6 (Confirmation/Sr. Recognition) – 9:30 – ; 11:00 – ; Total –
June 13 (Workcamp Commissioning) – 218
News of Members and Friends
First Time Visitors – (5/23) Angie Hale of Macedonia; Eric & Sandy Ekstrand of Aurora (5/30) Doug & Jennifer Vermillion of Aurora (6/6) Rev. & Mrs. M. C. Groth of Parma
Births – Dagny Stromborg, daughter of Janice & Nels Stromborg, granddaughter of Alice Ann & Ken Wolf;
Cameron Elaine McCloud; Ava Leigh Scope; Berlyn Marie Pubentz, granddaughter of Sally & Lynn McGill
Deaths – Robert Lucal, father-in-law of June Lucal
Baptisms – Brennan Kurt Winkler, son of Kurt & Audrey Winkler; Cameron Elaine McCloud; Ava Leigh Scope;
Camilla Marie Brown, daughter of Allen & Natalie Brown; Hannah Christine Tuma, daughter of Chris & Mary Beth Tuma; Jack Evertt Schmittel, son of Matthew & Bethany Schmittel
VOA Food Pantry Needs – This month the VOA is asking for items people can’t get with food stamps. Those include toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, dish soap, laundry soap, bar soap and shampoo. Thank you so much for your generosity.
AUDIO CD’S of the Sunday services are available in the library in the top drawer of the cherry chest to the right of the door. If you would like to purchase a CD, contact Phil Ticer at 330-995-9318.
Congratulations to this year’s Confirmands, who became official members of our church on Sunday, June 6. They are:
Lauren Bowen Kyle Messner
Camilla Brown Claire Ober
Rebecca Clark Scott Schroeder
Alexandra Conces C.J. Suchovsky
Nicholas Groth Tyler Thomas
Peter Lebas Hannah Tuma
Carlie McClung Madeleine Tutkovics
Reese Mersinas Joseph Zidones
3H PM – Twelve Extaordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You! will be next year's study during our sessions of making baby afghans, prayer shawls and prayer squares. We will be meeting 6:30-8:30 p.m. the following dates: 9/9, 10/14, 11/11, 12/9, 1/13, 2/10, 3/10, 4/14 and 5/12. Books are available now for $10 and 3H dues for next year are $20. ~ Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930
We would like to thank everyone for caring about us during and following Carol's recent surgery. Your many acts of kindness are greatly appreciated. May God bless each and every one of you.
Carol & Bernie Keister
Thanks to Volunteers – Thanks ever so much to all the volunteers who worked at the May 17th Bloodmobile: Winnie Tucker, Barb Bigler, John Wise, Lillian Papp and Joy Evans.
Martha Wagner, Coordinator of Volunteers
Our High School Graduates – Congratulations to those in our congregation who graduated from high school this year. They include:
Marshall Brown graduated from Aurora High School. He was on the 2008 State Championship Football team and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Marshall is active in Boy Scouts, having become an Eagle Scout, Order of the Arrow and the Scouting Honor Society. He was on the Merit Roll and Honor Roll. Marshall will attend the University of North Carolina in Wilmington majoring in Religion and Philosophy.
Katie Buonpane graduated Summa Cum Laude from Aurora High School. She was a member of Student Council and National Honor Society and served as co-leader of the National Honor Society Relay for Life team. Katie was a member of both the Philharmonic Orchestra and Gemstone Show Choir. Here at church she has been a member of the Youth Group and a Vacation Bible School Leader. Katie will attend Miami University majoring in Chemical Engineering.
Evan Jones graduated from Aurora High School. He participated in Cross Country for four years and Track for two years. He placed all four years in the Chagrin Valley Conference, Districts and Regionals. Evan ran in the Cleveland Rite Aid Marathon this year, placing 174th out of 2081 runners. He participated in the Excell Tecc two year program. Evan served as a Shepherd in the Promiseland program for two years. He will attend Columbia College in Chicago, majoring in Film Directing and Cinemotography.
Jeff Grubbs graduated Magna Cum Laude from Aurora High School. There he participated in varsity soccer and basketball, and served as Vice President of Junior Achievement. He was also a member of the National Honor Society. Jeff will attend Michigan State University.
Hannah Masch graduated Magna Cum Laude from Aurora High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the school band, as well as Co-Captain of the swim team. Hannah attended The Church in Aurora Workcamp. She will be going to the University of South Carolina on a scholarhip.
Cole Messner also graduated from Aurora High School. He has had his own band, The Crazed, for many years and has performed around town. The Crazed were finalists in this year’s High School Rock Off at The House of Blues in Cleveland. Cole currently teaches guitar at Western Reserve Music in Hudson. He plans to attend Berkeley School of Music in Boston majoring in Music.
Michael McVeigh graduated from Aurora High School where he made the Honor Roll. He was Goalkeeper and Captain of the varsity soccer team. He also played varsity baseball. Michael was a member of Student Council and National Honor Society, and had the opportunity to be a foreign exchange student in Costa Rica. He will be attending Miami University majoring in Business and Sports Marketing.
Joe Nelson graduated from Hawken School, where he was a member of the Ecology Club and Red Key Club and was a member of the All-Conference Academic Team. He played varsity soccer, basketball and baseball all four years. He was the baseball Team Defensive MVP and First Team all Conference. He is a state certified soccer referee and summer baseball umpire. During the summer, Joe plays on the Northeast Ohio Summer Travel Baseball Team.
Sarah Poe graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kenston High School, in the top 15 of her class. She was a member of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra all through high school. Here at church she played in the Youth Handbell Choir and sang in BASIC Choir. Sarah will be attending the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, majoring in Viola Performance.
Also graduating are Evan Buehler, Erica Kovach, Lauren Lynde, Dana Mealing, Kelsey Mersinas, Timothy Patrick, William Seese, Sarah Smith and Alex Thomas.
Whatever You Did for the Least – In Matthew 25, Jesus says, For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…. We have many opportunities to respond to Jesus’ great love by showing that love to others. Stephen Ministry is one way our congregation shows that love to people who have deep needs for care. For more information, contact Susan Kray (330/562-1344) or Russ Post (330/562-9789).
The Circus is Coming – Habitat for Humanity of Portage County (which has built 56 homes in Portage County thus far) is sponsoring the world famous Carson and Barnes Circus on July 16 at the Portage County Fairgrounds located in Randolph. Advanced tickets may be purchased at the Aurora 5th 3rd Bank: $12 for adults, $6 for children 2-11 and children under 2 free. Box seats may be reserved for an additional charge of $6 per ticket—but they go fast! Remember that prices at the gate are several dollars higher. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to the fairgrounds early on July 16th to see the animals up close and to watch the big top go up (a huge tent which cost over a quarter of a million dollars). Show times for the circus are 4:30 and 7:30 PM. The circus will go on rain or shine.
CHURCH LIBRARY – Many of you have purchased Regina Brett's book, God Never Blinks, 50 Lessons for Life's Little Detours, so I've heard several positive reports on it. This is an honest, open account of all the mistakes she has made in her life, and yet she has overcome them, and learned to live happily after all. I suppose that we could say she is now living life to the fullest, as we heard in a recent sermon. It's moving, poignant, but also funny.
It's summer reading time again, and we have all the new titles in our favorite series. The Lumby series is my new favorite. The Promise of Lumby is the 4th in this series by Gail Fraser. Quirky characters, even a pink flamingo named Hank who thinks he's a bald eagle, but lots of memorable people, and a wonderful story. Debbie Macomber has a new story, Summer on Blossom Street. Lydia Goetz, owner of A Good Yarn knit shop is offering a new class, "Knit to Quit", for people who want to quit something, and start a new phase of their lives. The Angels of Morgan Hill is a departure from the previous Christmas stories that Donna VanLiere has written in the past (remember The Christmas Shoes?). This story about 9 year old Jane Gable is about family unity and overcoming racism and poverty in a small southern town. Kate Jacob's new novel, comfort food is not part of her "Friday Night Knitting Club" series, but about the host of a TV cooking show, "Cooking With Gusto". How she's planning her own 50th birthday party, which is no fun, when the network wants to bring in a young former Miss Spain as her co-host. This does not sit well with her, but what can she do? We all love feisty, but very proper Miss Julia, who always finds herself involved in other people's problems. In Miss Julia Renews Her Vows, she has a problem of her own. She wonders why her devoted husband Sam has told the pastor that they would attend marriage enrichment classes. When she finds out that Dr. Fred Fowler, someone she has crossed paths with before, and not in a pleasant way, will be there she is determined to come up with some excuse to head this off. No telling what she might do.
We have always known our church family is very special and that became even more apparent to us over the past several months. Throughout a lengthy hospital stay and now during recovery, our ministers, Bill and Kevin, have been a constant source of spiritual comfort. We firmly believe in the power of prayers and know the prayers said on Lynn’s behalf brought him safely through a critical surgery. The many gestures of care and concern – cards, delicious food, transportation – have helped make an anxious and stressful time less so. We are so very grateful to all for your love and compassion. With deep appreciation, Lynn and Sally McGill
Circle 3H – At the August 6 meeting, Circle 3H will again be assembling backpacks for 1st and 2nd grade children. Some will remain here in Aurora and others will be taken to Family & Community Services for distribution in Kent and Ravenna, where the need is great. Members of the congregation who wish to donate backpacks may bring them to the church. There will be a container in the Great Hall to receive them. Any questions? Contact Barb Bigler at 330-995-0193.
The Missions Committee would like to thank all who attended our last trip to the Cleveland Food Bank. Save the dates. Our next trips to the Cleveland Food Bank will be August 9th and November 29th. Details to follow in future Bulletins.
Roommate Wanted – A divorced father in our congregation is looking for a roommate to help share expenses in his Aurora home, perhaps another divorced Dad. Cost is $900 a month plus half the utilities. If you are interested, contact the church office.
Save the date
Saturday, September 18, 2010 we will host another Eldercare Event. It will be a day of workshops covering several eldercare topics like legal issues, insurance and financial issues, in-home care issues, defining dementia and how to cope with it, dealing with caregiver stress, what Medicare does and doesn't pay for, choosing a nursing home and how an ombudsman can help you, and that hospice isn't just for cancer patients. HomeInstead has been helping us with our Care For The Caregiver support group and they will help to sponsor this event. We appreciate our Women's Guild helping with financial support as well. Planning is still underway, so if you would like to help with this event, please contact Dorothy Bell at 330-541-4106 or eldercare@neo.rr.com .Care For The Caregiver Support Group
continues to meet on the first Wednesday of every month from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in Harris Study below the sanctuary. If we have a crowded room, we meet in Hanson Hall below the Fellowship Hall. It's a wonderful group to network and share resources to problem solve caregiver issues (whether you live with an elder or are concerned about one you cannot see often). When questions come up, we have been successful in identifying a speaker to volunteer to address that topic in the group the following month. HomeInstead continues to offer complimentary in-home eldercare while caregivers attend the support group. Meeting reminders go out by email which can serve as a networking tool between meetings, so contact Dorothy Bell at eldercare@neo.rr.com to be included (you can be blind copied in the message for privacy).College Graduates – Congratulations to those in our congregation who graduated from college this year. We apologize if anyone was missed. These are the people we are aware of:
Scott Finefrock graduated from Case Western Reserve University on May 16 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. He will begin a 5-year Doctoral program at Purdue University in the fall. He got married in Syracuse, NY on June 5 to Emily Longstreet, a classmate at Case. She will be working for Alcoa Aluminum in West Lafayette.
Matt Gaumer graduated from the Ohio State University back in December with a BS in Business Administration.
Christina Hodge graduated from Miami University with a degree in Middle Child Education (grades 4-9) with concentration in Math and English. She is busy job hunting in the Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland areas.
Lexi Hanson graduated with her RN from Lakeland College. She will continue her education one more year through the Ohio State University while she works. Lexi will take her state boards in the fall.
Briana Hanson graduates from Brown Mackie College with a degree in Criminal Justice. She will continue to manage SunFX Tanning Salon while she looks for a job in her field. Briana will be getting married here at the church on August 7.
Dan Silla will graduate from Ohio University on June 11th with a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Megan Williamson has graduated from Kent State University with her Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology. She will be starting into the Doctoral program in that field at Kent in the fall.
Ink Cartridges and Cell Phones – On-going WORKCAMP projects include collecting used cell phones and computer ink cartridges. The basket is always on the desk near the Nursery in the Great Hall. We have received hundreds of dollars over the past few years from this project. Thank you!
The CARE TEAM is available for those who need meals during a time of recovery or a ride to an appointment or someone to pick up prescriptions or just a friendly visit. If they could help you, call Pat Way at 330-673-7917 or Rita Suchanek at 330-562-3273 or 216-570-9808!
JULY 4TH OPEN HOUSE – We are looking for "Church Hosts" during our annual Open House on the 4th of July. The intent of this event is to simply demonstrate Christian hospitality to the community that gathers on our doorsteps—literally. We need welcoming "hosts" offering directions and insuring safety for our visitors. A sign-up sheet (with time slots before and/or after the parade) is in the Great Hall.
CHURCH SECRETARY ON VACATION from June 25 through July 7. There will be people in the office to answer the phone, but she will not receive her e-mails or voice messages until she returns.
Mission of the Month – This month the Missions Committee is focusing on Providence House.
Providence House was established in 1981 as a licensed non-denominational crisis nursery, caring for children under age six. They provide a temporary home-like setting and refuge for children who have been neglected, abused or are at risk and have no other appropriate placement alternatives. Providence House receives referrals from 35+ organizations including drug treatment centers and homeless and battered women’s shelters. Their goal is to instill healthy eating, sleeping and behavioral patterns that will continue after the child has left their setting.
Behind the Scenes – Ahoy, mateys! We’ve just finished another year of vacation bible school with a High Seas Adventure. And what an adventure it was! Everything went so smoothly and the kids had a great time. That wouldn’t have been possible without the hours of work and planning put in by Director Christene Buonpane and her Assistant (and mother), Sue Buonpane. But they couldn’t have done it without all the volunteers that pitched in to help. Thanks to Brittany Caldwell, Brandon Caldwell, Daniel Schmidt, Katie Albrecht, Paige Helmuth, Emily Seidel, Susan Piazza, Linda Pallotto, Olivia Calder, Holly Bartlett, Betsey Poe, Payton Messner, Becky Clark, Katie Clark, Josh Bliss, Amanda Sandstrom, Linda Brogan, Hannah Gang, Becky Gang, Elise Holman, Laura Holman, Nathan Pallotto, Rebecca Bliss, Sarah Poe, Sydney Shock, Jodi Fritinger, Marshall Brown, Camilla Brown, Ben Poe, Carrie Lang, Audrey Winkler, Liz Sutter, Cindi Gonzalez, Linda Lubin, Dawn Bowen, Julie Morris, Jen Kuty, Rachel Brandon, Carli Wazbinski, Nikki Wazbinski, James Hogan, Alyssa Crasi and Matt Vince. If we have forgotten anyone, you have our sincerest apologies!! Thank you for keeping The Church in Aurora…
