The Church In Aurora - Newsletters - General

Volume XLXII August 2008 Number 8

A Message from the Minister – I received a "Question from the Pew" regarding John 10:14-15: I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me-- just as the Father knows me and I know the Father--and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The question asks, "Who do you believe the ‘other sheep that are not of this sheep pen’ to be?" I posed this question to the staff. Rev. Horak’s response: "Aliens." Patti Jaeger’s response: "Gentiles." As usual, our Church Secretary takes the cake!

Jesus was a Jew. His twelve disciples were Jews. The first converts following his crucifixion were also Jews. The first big question to confront the budding Christian Church had to do with the growing number of Gentiles, or non-Jews, who were being attracted to this new expression of faith. The first Christian Council was called in Jerusalem to determine whether a good Christian had first to be a good Jew. In other words, did new converts to the Christian faith have to be circumcised as Jews, among other things Jewish? After arguments were heard on both sides of the issue, a vote was taken that from henceforth allowed Gentiles to become Christians without first becoming Jews. That did not end the controversy, however, as those who came to be called "Judaizers" continued to plague the likes of St. Paul by infiltrating the churches he planted so as to force Gentile Christians to be circumcised like their Jewish Christian fellow members.

While Jesus was a Jew, he had a heart for the whole world. He could not travel the whole world, given the limitations of his day, but he did travel through a nearby country called Samaria. The Jews had built a road around Samaria to avoid having to travel through that country. Jews considered Samaritans a mongrel people with a mongrel faith. They did not speak to them, do business with them, touch them or even look at them. Jesus was different. He met them on their turf, spoke with them, drank from their cups and loved them. He even told a parable where the good guy was a Samaritan and the not-so-good guys were religious leaders from his own faith tradition. He also looked forward to the day when Gentiles like Samaritans would be welcomed into the flock that took his name—the Christian Flock.

You and I and non-Jewish Christians everywhere can be glad that he did! You and I can also embody Jesus’ expansive, inclusive love that embraces the whole world (envision the "Parable of the good Iranian"). I just received an inclusive note from Janeen and Bill Carrell. Bill is a son of the church who completed Seminary and subsequently entered the ministry. Janeen had remembered my fondness for a bumper sticker on her vehicle and sent me one for mine. It reads: "God Bless the Whole World. No Exceptions. " Let us catch Jesus’ vision for "one flock" where each is a child of God who is loved with a perfect love—no exceptions!

Raising Up a Family of Faith. –Bill

In the Pulpit during August –

August 3 – Rev. Schnell (Communion)

August 10 – Ann Womer Benjamin (Laity Sunday)

August 17 – Rev. Schnell

August 24 – Rev. Horak

August 31 - Rev. Schnell

Worship Attendance

June 22 – Total – 175

June 29 – Total – 256

July 6 – Total – 168

July 13 – Total – 172

July 20 – Total – 197

News of Members and Friends

First Time Visitors – (6/29) Youth and Chaperones from WoodsWork Program at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park, Maryland (7/6) Don, Rebecca, Joshua, Jason & Jennifer Bliss of Aurora, Len, Vicky & Victoria McClearn of Aurora, James Pascoe of Aurora (7/13) Evan & Phyllis Case of Cuyahoga Falls; Don & Phyllis Michaelson of Olmsted Falls

Births – Jack Riley Raub, son of Jaclyn & Corey Raub, grandson of Dan & Linda Raub

Baptisms – Isabella McGuire Wurm; Austin Matthew Wurm; Dorian James VanVoorhis, son of Courtney & Michael VanVoorhis, grandson of Dale & Bonnie VanVoorhis; Addyson Corinne Rumskey, daughter of Gary & Amy Rumskey

Weddings – Sara Emily Ramsay & Daniel Lynn Wilson; Laura C. Vrabel & Andrew S. Bernhard

Memorials – A. Louise Mervis, mother of Denny Mervis; Herbert Kierspel, father-in-law of Kate Kierspel; Ned Moulton, brother-in-law of Jane Moulton; Laura Elizabeth Nelson, grandmother of Rebecca Kubbins; Ruth Morris, mother of Bill Morris; Robert Freed, brother of Margo Davidson; Florence Biener, mother of Jackie Ward

VOA Food Pantry Needs – This month the Food Pantry needs are canned potatoes, canned spaghetti and ravioli, canned stews and cake mixes. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE CHURCH PICNIC – Our annual Church Picnic will be held here at the church on Sunday, August 31, at 10:00 a.m. Place settings and beverages will be provided, but please bring a side dish or dessert to share. You may also want to bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on during the service and meal.

Dearest Church Members – We can’t begin to tell you how much your prayers and beautiful cards have meant to us since we’ve been members of our fine church. It’s what’s kept us going through all of Butch’s heart problems since December, and we still need you when he goes in the 27^th of June to have #6 & 7 stints put in the other side of his heart. Thank you and our loving pastors for never leaving us.

Love, Butch and Melva Wendell

GRILL(S) NEEDED – Does anyone have a large grill we could use for the church picnic on Sunday, August 31? We usually use the grill provided at Sunny Lake, but the picnic will be here at the church this year. If you can help us, please contact Susan Piazza at 330-995-0588 or call the church office. Thank you.

ENDOWMENT REPORT – The Endowment Committee continues its practice of publishing periodic financial reports in the Spire for the information of the congregation. Enclosed in this month's issue is a report of fund balances and performance statistics for the years ending December 31, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 AND for the six months ending June 30, 2008. While results are lower for the first six months of 2008, our balanced portfolio has declined by a lower percentage than the general market.

3H PM. It is time to be together in the Stephen Ministry Room making prayer shawls, blankets and sharing our reflections on Beth Moore's book, PRAYING GOD'S WORD (please read chapters 1 and 2 for our September meeting).

Our meeting times will be 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, 12/11, 1/15, 2/12, 3/12, 4/9, and 5/14--all from 6:30 - 8:30 PM.

Please let me know if you would like to join us, so that I may have a book for you. ~ Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930.

Audio Tapes of our services are available in the top drawer of the chest next to the door in the library.

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.

CIRCLE 3-H AM NEWS – BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC – Circle 3-H morning group will be holding its first meeting of the year on August 1, 2008. Please note this is a change from previous years when our first meeting was the first Friday in September. The reason for the change is an exciting preparation of backpacks for the less fortunate children of Portage County. We will be purchasing backpacks and filling them with school supplies for children age kindergarten to 12^th grade. The meeting starts at 9:30 AM, followed by a picnic lunch. Please bring a picnic type dish to place on the buffet table for our lunch. Beverages will be provided. Any questions please call Marion Tarbell 330-571-4500 or Martha Gray 330-689-0542.

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.

CHOIR DIRECTOR NEEDED – The Music Department is seeking a qualified person to fill the position of B.A.S.I.C. Choir Director this fall. The choir is comprised of youth grades 7 through 12. If interested, or you know of someone who might be, please call Sally McGill at 330 562 - 3445 for details.

Where credit is due……For the first time in our history, The Church in Aurora welcomed the larger community of Aurora during the City’s Fourth of July festivities. As the parade traveled in front of the church and up Pioneer Trail, our doors were open, the bell was tolling, and volunteers were welcoming any who entered, offering them water, restrooms, and tours of the church. It was a great success, allowing some who may otherwise not have been familiar with our church the opportunity to relax and to look around.

Thank you to all of those who gave up part of your holiday in order to serve others and to showcase our church. Special thanks to Rev. Bill Schnell and Rev. Kevin Horak for organizing all of the details and the volunteer schedule. We’re called a Community Church for a reason!

Jim Maulis, Moderator

ATTENTION KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS – Sixty-nine of the 99 counties in Iowa have been declared "disaster" counties due to flooding and tornadoes. And here’s your chance to help. Patti Jaeger will be accepting donations of hand made mittens, caps, scarves, afghans, prayer shawls, baby blankets, dishcloths, socks, infants, children’s and adult sweaters. They will all be sent to Cottage Creations Knitting Drive, which is working with the Red Cross and Salvation Army to get these items to those in need. Please have any contributions to Patti by October 15 as they need to be in Iowa by November 1^st. Any questions, contact Patti Jaeger at 330-562-8266 or 330-425-8838.

Gregory Edward Tomasko & Gwen Michaelsen Deighan

together with their parents invite you to the ceremony of praise and celebration as they

are joined together in marriage in the spirit of the One who created them on

Friday, August 8, 2008, at 3:00 PM at The Church in Aurora

SMILE –

Stephen

Ministry

Life

Encouragement

Are you or someone you know in need of a good SMILE? If so, please contact Russ Post (330 562 - 9789).

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

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

Freedom House Wish List – As with all new homes, Freedom House has needs for new and replacement items. I requested a list of the needs – and it is long. I’m going to list one half in the August Spire and the balance in September. There is one request that some one may want to give on their own. It is a Chess set. The items may be put in the VOA food bench in the Great Hall marked for Freedom House.

Powdered laundry detergent, all purpose cleaner, dryer sheets, Pepto Bismol, men’s flip-flops (for showering), ant traps/poison, window cleaner, Benadryl, coffee. In His Love, Elaine R. Duncan

June ’08 Board Summary – The Church Board met on June 16^th and following is a brief summary.

Jim Niebuhr, Treasurer, reported that the 2008 revenues are running approximately 10.6% below budget, which is normal for this time of the year. The new sound system was totally funded through the Trustee and Carillon/Sound System funds, including an additional $1,350 contribution.

Ted Hollo, for the Elders, reported that they have finalized the increase in wedding fees, specifically for the Wedding Hostess and Organist.

Don Motulewicz reported that the Trustees have changed landscaping contractors to Fitzgerald Landscaping. They are upgrading the electrical power in the kitchen for the coffee maker.

Stewardship, through Tom Siewiorek, discussed the changes and distribution of the Time And Talent survey for this year, as well as plans for the faith promise campaign starting October 12th.

Dana Shively, Clerk, read a report from Dotty Channel of Christian Education. Tracy France, the incoming Assistant to the Director of Christian Education, has passed the background check, which was her last requirement to take the new position.

The Endowment Committee, through George Roemich, reported that the Endowment net worth is at $561,044, with the total fund growth 3.79% behind from January 1^st.

Jimmy Eavenson reported that there were 41 going to Workcamp this year, 12 of which are from Gahana. Thirty to thirty five workers from Habitat have been invited to attend our church service on June 29^th. Distributions were made in May totaling $5,262.

Gordon Ober of the Deacons reported that the altar candles are going to be converted to oil, and that a new communion altar cloth is now in use.

The Rev. Dr. Schnell reported that there appears to be an interest in a follow-up Eldercare seminar program, perhaps in the fall. He reminded everyone that there will be a lay leader retreat on August 16^th. He also gave an update on the plans to open the church to the public during the 4^th of July parade. The Rev. Kevin Horak indicated a desire to further his education at a possible preaching conference in September. He has also been invited to serve as the Head Spiritual Director for an Emmaus Men’s Fall Walk in October.

Please direct any questions to Jim Maulis.

Workcamp 2008 was an awesome experience! We were a group of 41, ages 14 through 82, (including 12 from Gahanna) among 375 people in Wilmington, NC, who helped repair 51 homes, allowing many people to remain in their homes instead of needing to seek alternative living arrangements. We made many new friends, and we actually got to swim in a WARM ocean during our afternoon off! In years past, we had to go in 55 and 60 degree lake water to refresh ourselves. Brr! We wish to thank you, our wonderful congregation, for your financial help, which allowed us to help others during this amazing week of work, friendship and worship. We will share some of our experiences with you during church service on July 27. We invite you to join us next summer!

Behind the Scenes – Mary Wallace has been an integral part of the Promiseland Rotation church school since its inception almost five years ago. She served on the original planning committee and has been on the curriculum committee from the beginning, planning every lesson. That means she has helped plan over 144 workshops. Mary has also been a teacher and trainer for Promiseland and a Vacation Bible School volunteer. She is serving on the search committee to find an Assistant for the Christian Education and Youth Director. Outside of the CE area, Mary has been on the Membership Committee, serving as the Co-Chairman in 2004 and the Chairman in 2005. She is currently serving on both the Marketing Committee and the Bicentennial Committee. And she has also been very involved in the Workcamp Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction. And through all of this, she has never uttered a negative word! We all thank you, Mary, for all you do for us here at The Church in Aurora.