 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Volume XLXII October 2008 Number 10
A Message from the Minister – At 5:00 a.m. this morning electricity was restored at the Schnell household after being off for 60 hours because of the remnant of hurricane Ike. During the "dark periods" I would carry a lantern from room to room to do the things that needed to be done. Despite the lantern, I kept finding myself instinctively reaching for the light switches and flipping them on. Each time nothing happened I would be reminded once again how much we depend upon electricity to get by. I think that is how it must be for people whose spouses or children or parents have died. We all tend to turn out when someone has lost a loved one, and that is good. We bring food and such, but the most important thing we bring is our presence. Then, when the funeral is over and the myriad details are finally addressed and everyone returns to life-as-usual, old habits continue. Surviving family members continue instinctively reaching for their departed loved ones. While reading the morning paper they may call out, "Honey, did you see the front page?" Or, while rummaging through the closet, "Honey, where did I put my shoes." And then the silence, and we are reminded once again how much we depend on our loved ones to get by. These are the "dark periods" of life when the light of friendship is so very much needed. Let me encourage you to consider those among your circle of family and friends who have recently lost dearly loved ones. As you were with them in the first hours of their grief, try to be with them in the "dark periods" that follow. I have found that a personal contact around 6 weeks to 2 months following the loss of a loved one is especially welcomed. Open the door for your friend to talk about feelings and memories. Be willing to share their continuing grief and pain. You will bring healing and hope. Eventually the light of life will return, and you will be forever remembered as an angel of God’s mercy. And so God wants us to be in this family of faith that is so much "More than a Landmark." -Bill
In the Pulpit during October – October 5 – Rev. Horak (World Communion Sunday) October 12 – Rev. Schnell (Loyalty Sunday) October 19 – Rev. Schnell October 26 – Rev. Schnell Worship Attendance August 24 – Total – 191 August 31 (Picnic) – Total – 135 September 7 (Rally Day) – 9:30 - 140; 11:00 - 123; Total – 263 September 14 – 9:30 - 164; 11:00 - 105; Total – 269 News of Members and Friends First Time Visitors – (8/17) Tim & Brittney Ertle of Aurora (9/7) Deborah Davis of Aurora, Mike Russell of Kent, Nancy Gusley of Parma, Rae & Jim Dale of Aurora (9/14) Ralph Cooper & Erin Salser of Mantua, Marni Sawicki of Aurora Births – Madison Elizabeth Shaw, daughter of Ryan & Sara Shaw, granddaughter of Rick & Linda Shaw Baptisms – Emma Elizabeth Romanov; Ana Ruth Taber; Aubrey Isabella Kennedy Weddings – Brenda Moore & Shawn Russell; Sara Marie Ickes & Scott Thomas Wood; Erin Tracey Moore & Timothy Paul Henning Welcome to our new staff member – We would like to welcome Cindi Gonzalez to our staff. She has been called to step in as the new Christian Education and Youth Assistant. Cindi, husband Martin and daughters Kiley and Elena live in Hudson but are originally from the Chicago area. Cindi is enrolled in Hiram’s weekend college as a religious education major. She is an experienced Montessori teacher and trainer. She has also served as an instructor for Native American Studies at College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Cindi comes very highly recommended. She has impressed those with whom she has worked with her knowledge, her passion and spirituality. She has a deep love for children, is an engaging storyteller and has a deep connection to nature. She has a love of peace and justice and lives her life on these principles. She enjoys life and has a wonderful sense of humor. We are very excited to have her with us and want you all to meet her and welcome her to our church family. VOA Food Pantry Needs – This month the Food Pantry needs include toilet paper, paper towels, cereal, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter and jelly. Thank you in advance for your generousity. 27th Annual NUTCRACKER SWEETS - October 17th and 18th – Beginning September 28 we will begin sign-ups for Nutcracker Sweets in the Great Hall between services. Profits from Nutcracker benefit every department in our church as well as the chosen mission for this year Children's Advocacy Center. Get involved! It really is FUN! Please check your calendars and stop by to sign up. We need help in all areas and from all ages. For further info contact Joni Hanson at: 440-821-9377 /email: guss@roadrunner.com or Tanya Shively at 330-562-6261/email: ttshively@aol.com. Thank you in advance for your help!!!Did You Know? The Church in Aurora now has two brokerage firms through which members can donate their stock gifts to the church. We have had an account at Wachovia for a number of years, but recently opened an account locally here in Aurora at Edward Jones Investments to give our members an opportunity to transfer their stock by visiting a local broker. This also enables the church to negotiate competitive commission rates which increases the net amount the church receives. To make your donation and get account information, please contact Carol Keister, The Church in Aurora Financial Assistant for Receipts, at 330-562-8266 ext. 225 Mondays 9-12, Tuesdays 12-2. Nominating Committee – Have you filled in the Time and Talent Survey? Is there a committee for which you have a heart to serve? The Nominating Committee wants YOU! We are looking for candidates for church committees with terms starting in January of 2009. If you or someone you know should be considered for a position, fill in a Nominating Form found in the church office or the Great Hall. Self-nomination is allowed and encouraged! Please drop off completed forms at the church office no later than October 12. Questions? Call Elaine Ober at 330-562-4528 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. Community Housing Improvement Program – The City of Aurora was just approved by the State of Ohio to offer a program to Aurora residents to help repair or rehabilitate their home. Requirements: Owner occupied home, total income level of $39,500 for two in the family, $34,550 for one in the family. Repairs maximum $8,000, Rehab maximum $33,000. Zero interest loan, to be re-paid at the time of transfer of the home. A total of $270,000 is available for the program. Contact Mayor Lynn McGill, 330-486-7561, for additional information. Godly Play is a unique learning environment where children learn through story and hands on activities. This sacred space is tranquil and inviting with Mrs. Poe and Mrs. Catalucci gently guiding the children through their learning experience with soft voices and smiling faces. Each week the children will learn a new story and discover a new activity that pertains to both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Godly Play is offered for 4 year olds through fourth graders during our 11:00 service. CIRCLE 3H – Three H Circle has an exciting meeting planned for Friday, October 3, when we will have a personal tour of Freedom House in Kent, the Homeless Veterans' Shelter to which we contributed our funds last year and several members' time and energy for an afternoon of painting at the new building. There is a plaque in the case manager's office acknowledging our contribution. We will meet at the church at 9:30 a.m. and carpool to Freedom House; after our tour, all those who wish will have lunch at Pufferbelly's. It is suggested that we each bring an item from the Freedom House wish list, which includes: coffee, creamer, powdered laundry detergent, window cleaner, dishwasher detergent and non-abrasive sponges. The official dedication of Freedom House took place on September 11 in a ceremony appropriately recognizing the contribution of veterans in World War II and Vietnam, and attended by many dignitaries including representatives of the Ohio senators and representatives, as well as Portage County officials. At the end of the program, presided over by Matt Slater, Director of Freedom House, the ribbon was cut and all present were invited to tour the very impressive house, after which a cookout lunch was served. Balance – Stability produced by even distribution of weight or forces. Our lives are delicately balanced. A small shift in one area of life can set us off balance. A major change can send us spinning out of control. Stephen Ministers can help when life gets out of balance. They listen and care and, most importantly, bring the stability of Jesus’ love and grace into people’s lives. If your life or that of someone you know has shifted out of balance, consider Stephen Ministry and call Russ Post (562-9789) or Susan Kray (562-1344). FAITH PROMISE CAMPAIGN – Our Faith Promise campaign is rapidly approaching. It will be launched on Loyalty Sunday, October 12. This is when you will be asked to determine your financial commitment to our church family for the coming year. In early October you will receive an all-church mailing that will include the Faith Promise Campaign goal for 2009 and a Faith Promise Pledge Card. Spire articles throughout the campaign will keep you aware of our progress. You will also be able to monitor the progress of the campaign by observing the giant thermometer in the Great Hall. Over the next few weeks Stewardship will be working with the newly established Budget Review Committee to establish budget levels for 2009 and a Faith Promise Campaign goal. The new budget will include a small increase for the church staff, increased utilities and insurance, the Bicentennial events and support for our youth. Faith Promise cards will be mailed October 1. We are asking that you return them on or before Loyalty Sunday. Your prompt response will help build momentum and spare us an additional contact during our follow-up campaign. We truly appreciate your generous support in the past. Your continued support will help keep The Church in Aurora as "More Than A Landmark" in 2009 and beyond. Stewardship Committee: Tom Siewiorek (Chair), Ed Williams (Vice Chair), Brady Krebs, Demas McVay, Gene Strine and Joe Vero. 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. 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. 3H PM. Please join us in the Stephen Ministry Room Thursday, October 9, 6:30-8:30 PM, making prayer shawls, blankets and sharing our reflections on Beth Moore’s book, PRAYING GOD’S WORD (please read chapters 3 & 4). ~ Kathleen Horak, 330-562-1930. Thanks to volunteers! Cheers and thanks to Joy Evans, Kathy and Jack Kinley, John Wise, Winnie Tucker, Lillian Papp, Tim and Martha Wagner for volunteering on September 15th at the Red Cross Blood Drive. WOMEN’S GUILD – The Women’s Guild Rummage Sale is coming and we’re all busy collecting bags full of old clothes, books, dishes, jewelry and various other "tschatkes". Marlene Mrochek is coming to Women’s Guild in October to show us how to decorate our homes with these sentimental items. Lunch will be the ever popular Casserole, Salad, Dessert luncheon. Bring one of those to share if you are able. If not you can contribute $4 to defray the cost of paper products. It should be a fun day and a good one to share with a friend. Join us on October 8th at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Everyone is welcome! A BIG THANK YOU TO HABITAT COOKS – On Saturday, September 13, we served lunch to volunteers working on the Habitat for Humanity houses in Atwater. There are 4 houses in a row which are being built by the Habitat of Portage County volunteer work crews. Our lunch menu of fried chicken, baked beans, fruit salad, relish and cheese tray and cookies was much appreciated by the volunteers. Our wonderful cooks were Diane Brubaker, Bonnie Charvat, Elaine Duncan, Phyllis Grumney, Marilyn Gwin, Lynn Limbach, Ginny Miller, Lillian Papp, Mary Schroeder, Pat Scott, Betsy Tomasko, Wini Hale Tucker, Martha Wagner and Kim Williamson. Ed and Lynn Limbach graciously delivered and served the food in Atwater on a very rainy day! We say "many thanks" to those who made this lunch possible. Please stay tuned for the next opportunity! Margi McDonald - Lunch Coordinator 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 presented 9 - 11- 08 – The Lord must have been pleased with the celebration of Freedom House, by the weather and the attendees that came. The food was plentiful and tasty and the company was interesting. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit there, just as 3-H will be doing. We have a lot to be proud of in Portage, with three homeless shelters. I n His Love…..Elaine R. Duncan Special Thank You – For those of you who may have not ventured downstairs as late, you may want to see the new granite countertop, sink, and faucet that has been installed in the Hanson Hall kitchenette. This beautiful upgrade has been donated in recognition of the Church in Aurora’s milestone Bicentennial celebration courtesy of our facility manager, Bob Messner, his wife Kelly, and her employer, Kelly and Company. This is a great, and unexpected, kick-off of the 200th anniversary of the Church in Aurora. Thank you Bob and Kelly for your generosity! Jim Maulis, Moderator Audio Tapes of our services are available in the top drawer of the chest next to the door in the library.
Board Meeting Report – The Church Board met on August 18th
and following is a brief summary.
Jim Maulis, Moderator, reported that the church attendance for the 2008 church calendar year is down approximately 4% from last year. It was reported that the open doors, tours, and water bottles during the city’s Fourth of July festivities was a big hit, with many members of the community stopping in. The Moderator appointed a small sub-committee to review and update the church background check policy for church volunteers and employees. Representing the Bob Albright estate on behalf of the church, Nancy Schnell and Betsy Tomasko were in attendance to discuss the problems in selling Bob’s manufactured home. Sue Tinlin was there to help with the listing and offer her expertise. After a lengthy discussion, it was decided to lower the asking price to $7,500, while at the same time explore other options for the disposition. Jim Niebuhr, Treasurer, reported that the 2008 revenues are running approximately 5.6% below budget, which is normal for this time of the year. He gave an update on what expenses were currently above or below budget. David Wong, for the Elders, reported that a Basic Choir Director has not as yet been found, and that Sally McGill will include this position in her duties. They thanked Ann Womer Benjamin and the other lay leaders for their involvement in Laity Sunday on August 10th. Don Motulewicz reported that the Trustees were pleased with Fitzgerald Landscaping as the new landscaping service. The new fire alarm system is currently being installed. A video will be made of the church and all of its contents to be stored off church property for insurance purposes. The water problems in Harris Study will be corrected by Keith Miller in the near future. Stewardship, through Tom Siewiorek, discussed the distribution of the Time and Talent survey for this year, copies of which will be available to the Nominating Committee. The faith promise campaign will start on October 12th. Dotty Channel of Christian Education reported on the plans for the upcoming Rally Day, as well as the status of the Promiseland rooms upstairs which are 2 years ahead of schedule. The chosen candidate for the assistant to the Director of Christian Education did not accept the position, and the search committee has once again began a new search. The Endowment Committee, through Rodger Shaulis reported on the decrease of the endowment fund by approximately 1.4% due to the poor economy. They continue to meet and evaluate investment strategies. The current asset value is $518,265. Jimmy Eavenson of Missions reported on the success of Workcamp this summer. Due to excellent fundraising they already have some seed money for next year. Gordon Ober of the Deacons reported that the altar candles are going to be converted to oil. The Rev. Dr. Schnell reported that the church office computers were not working well. This will be referred to the IT Committee, Jim Maulis, and the Treasurer. Rev. Kevin Horak reported on his continuing education and involvement at an Elder Abuse seminar, a preaching conference, and serving as the Spiritual Director for the Men’s Emmaus Walk in October. Toni Harris gave an informed report on the upcoming Rally Day as well as planned youth activities, CE brochure, and teacher placement for the upcoming year. Please direct any questions to Jim Maulis.
Mission of the Month – The Missions Committee has chosen
October as USO month. In 2005, we sent several boxes of
the below mentioned items to one our own servicemen. This
year, we have the privilege to send our boxes to Marine Squadron
VMFA122, which has just been deployed to Iraq. They are
scheduled to be gone at least 6 months. Please help us
support our brave men and women by letting them know that we
care.
The items most needed are: Personal Hygiene: Deodorant Mouthwash (travel size/no glass) Dental Floss Chapstick Shaving cream (travel size) Eye and ear drops Bug Spray (OFF Deep Woods towelettes) Toilet paper (single roll or travel size) Food Items: Tuna, Vienna Sausages (small cans) Dry Powder drink mixes (small or individual) Jelly (small/no glass) Tea bags, coffee packs (individual) Fruit snacks (roll ups, raisins, dried fruits) Peanuts, trail mix (small packs) AND last but not least because there is NEVER enough; SLIM JIMS AND BEEF JERKY We will be in touch with this squadron and keep you posted as to any other needs they may have. Any personal letters or cards will be greatly appreciated. Remember this squadron will be gone for the holidays. If you would like to give a monetary donation it will be used to pay for postage for, hopefully, many boxes that we will be sending. Missions will have a box in the Great Hall for these items beginning the first Sunday in October. If you would like more information on the USO, please see our bulletin board beginning September 21. You may also like to see more on the USO by going to www.usocleveland.org. Behind the Scenes – You don’t have to have been a member of The Church in Aurora for a long time to make your presence know. Bob Earley has been a member for less than two years, but he has jumped in feet first as far as getting involved is concerned. Bob became a member of the Membership Committee last January and is serving as the Co-Chair. He was very active in helping raise funds for Workcamp, including auctioning off some of his items at the Spaghetti Dinner. He volunteered to work at the Open House here at the church last 4th of July. And this fall he is one of the teachers for the High School Sunday School Class. Thank you, Bob, for all the contributions you have made. |
