When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,

While change is a constant in life, it is more pronounced at some times than at others.  Following a long presidential campaign with “change” as the primary buzzword, a transition in the Oval Office is taking place causing some to hope for the best and others to fear for the worst.  Only the future will tell, so in the meanwhile we must live with a certain measure of uncertainty.

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Following the deepest economic crisis since the Great Depression many have watched housing values and portfolios plummet; dreams dashed for retirement or college education for children or other significant plans; the prospect of unemployment looming for many.  It is easy to imagine the worst for ourselves and those we love.

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

We are reminded by the season of Thanksgiving to engage in a spiritual discipline that can lift us from the depths of despair to the heights of hopefulness.  It has been said that “Attitude is Everything.”  The spiritual discipline of focusing our attention upon what we have rather than what we do not have is transformational.  It transforms our attitude into a positive force required to reach for a better day that is within our grasp.

And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Maybe your 401k isn’t what it used to be, but you’ve got your health.  Or maybe you have a measure of health that still opens doors of possibility for you.  Maybe you belong to a family who loves you, or maybe you belong to a family of faith who is there for you in times of need.  Maybe you have a roof over your head and food enough to eat this Thanksgiving.  The more we engage in the spiritual discipline of counting our blessings, the more blessings we find to count.  It is surprising what the Lord has already done for us.  We already possess the better part of what is required for life to be good, full and abundant.

As for the future, there will be bumps in the road to be sure but “This too shall pass.”  A brand new day is coming.  Something big could be right around the corner.  Let us not lose heart.  Let us count our blessings for a happy and hopeful Thanksgiving this year.  –Bill

In the Pulpit during December

December 7 – Rev. Schnell (Communion)

December 14 – Rev. Schnell

December 21 – Rev. Horak

December 28 – Rev. Schnell (Questions from the Pew)

Worship Attendance

October 26 – 9:30 – 115; 11:00 - 153 – Total – 268

November 2 (Necrology Sunday) – 9:30 - 204; 11:00 - 131; Total – 335

November 9 – 9:30 – 165; 11:00 – 107; Total – 272

November 16 – 9:30 - 150; 11:00 - 156; Total – 306

News of Members and Friends

First Time Visitors – (11/2) Jan Beatty of Aurora, Jerry Cavanaugh of Mantua

Baptisms – Avery Lauren Brookhart; Ethan Christopher Molek; Stella Louise Mauceri, daughter of Brandy & Philip Mauceri, granddaughter of Jim & Marion Maulis; Gabriella Marie Santin

Memorials – Michael Kish, son of Monica Ferencz; Janet Clem

Births – James Eldridge Kuty, son of Jenni & Tom Kuty, grandson of JoAnn French and Peter & Muriel French

FAITH PROMISE CAMPAIGN – Update

     We are well into the Faith Promise campaign.  Pledge cards are coming in at a steady pace.  Thus far they are very favorable.  Overall the average Faith Promise has increased over last year.  The total dollars pledged, as of November 10, is $388,795.  This is 71% of our goal of $543,744.

     Obviously, the challenge is still there.  Many of you have not made a Faith Promise as of this writing.  We have heard from 220 giving units out of a possible 419.  This is 53%.  We need to hear from everyone.  Please respond quickly so this can be accomplished.

     To help bring the campaign to a timely conclusion follow up activities are being implemented.  The week of November 10^th a special mailing will go out to everyone who has not responded.  Later in November the calling campaign will begin.  So PLEASE submit your pledge cards.  Let us know your intentions.  This will spare you from additional contacts by our volunteer callers.

     Pledge cards are available in the Great Hall near the thermometer that tracks our progress in reaching the Faith Promise goal.

     Your generous support in the past is truly appreciated.  Making a pledge is a way of showing by your faithfulness that we are “More Than A Landmark.”                                The Stewardship Committee,

     Tom Siewiorek (Chair), Ed Williams (Assistant Chair), Brady Krebs, Demas McVay, and Joe Vero

A Good Friend is a Blessing From God – Why not thank God for the gift of friendship and bring a friend to church on Sunday, November 23^rd.  This day will be designated as "Honor a Friend Day" at The Church in Aurora at both the 9:30 and 11:00 services.  There will be a special sermon, music on friendship, a gift for your friend and a yummy coffee hour.  Please call and invite your special friend!  Don’t miss this special day.  If you have any questions, please call Mary Wallace at 330-562-2198.

Meet Our Newest Members -

     Ralph Cooper is a Sales Manager for Autozone.  He enjoys virtually every spectator sport, but most especially football, basketball and baseball.  Ralph is an avid bowler with his partner, Erin Salser.  Erin is an Assistant Manager for KB Toys, and is continuing her education in the paralegal field.  Ralph and Erin have two children, Kylie (almost 5) and Katie (16 months).

     Rebecca Bliss is an Accounting and Benefits Manager for Ohio Technology Products, Inc.  Her interests include sewing, crafts, outdoor activities with her children and supervising her husband, Don, in remodeling their home with his woodworking skills.  Don’s day job is as a Process Engineering Manager for Pepperl & Fuchs, Inc.  The Bliss’ have three children: Joshua (10), Jason (7) and Jennifer (4); and pets galore.

     Tim Ertle is a Physical Therapist for the Cleveland Clinic in Beachwood.  Tim loves spending time with his kids in the outdoors, and spending time without them on the golf course.  He is married to Brittney, who is also a Physical Therapist working at Aurora Manor.  She enjoys reading and running (not at the same time).  The Ertle’s have two children: Tyler (4) and Cooper (5 months); and a cat, Sammy.

     Carol Tonsing is an Educator for the Nordonia Hills City Schools, holding the English Department Chair.  As you may imagine, her primary passion is reading.  She is married to Timothy, who is in Sales with Nordec, Inc.  His passion is golf and time with his family.  The Tonsing’s have two children: Tyler (7), and Connor (almost 4).  They also have a dog with a million dollar name: Bently.

     Deborah Davis is reinventing herself.  After 30 years in the horticulture business (including 17 with Sea World and 5 with the Columbus Zoo, and currently with Daisy Hills Greenhouse), she is now beginning part-time as a Non-Medical Personal Assistant.  This change is in keeping with her interest in Health & Wellness in general and Nutrition in particular.  Deborah is managed by her three cats.

     Laurena Entsminger was formerly a Zookeeper for the Cleveland Metro Zoo and developed a professional association with Deborah Davis.  Deborah opened the door for Laurena to work at Sea World, which opened the door for her present employment at Barrington Golf Club as a Horticulturist.  Laurena loves animals, has rescued 4 kitties and 1 dog and is otherwise available for pet sitting and care giving.

     Betsy Kubbins is a wife to Norman, a mother to Hannah (8^th grade) and Norm (4^th grade), a caring owner of 2 dogs and 3 cats, and the operator of a pet sitting and dog training business.  Betsy enjoys reading, walking, garage sale shopping and spending time with her family.  She is also a political junkie who likes to stay informed. 

     Clark and Sara Case share a thirst for knowledge and an interest in photography.  Clark is a Product Manager for Rockwell Automation.  His other interests include woodworking and building things (current project is a tin can banjo).  Sara likes to travel abroad and gather recipes that she can reproduce at home.  The Case’s have two children: Ella (5 ½) and Philip (almost 3).  They also have two dogs: a dobie mix named Elsa and a blue tick hound found wandering the Grand Canyon named Earl.

Counting Committee Meeting – On Sunday morning, December 7, between services at 10:35 AM the Counting Committee will meet in the church office to discuss the schedule for 2009 and to address any problems and questions that may have arisen.  Please bring your calendars to facilitate the sign up process.  Thank you.

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

WOMEN’S GUILD – Women's Guild will celebrate the Christmas season with a lunch at The Bertram Inn on December 10, 2008.  The program for that day will be "Songs of the Season with Flute and Harp" as performed by Joan Horine and LeeAnn Anderson.  Sally McGill will share one of her lovely and inspirational Christmas devotions.  The cost per person is $25.00 and all reservations must be in by December 1st.  Reservations can be made between church services for the next three Sundays or can be left in the Women's Guild mailbox or be mailed to Anne Ramsay at 483-15 Concord Downs Lane, Aurora.  This day of festivities begins at 11:30 AM on December 10, 2008 at the Bertram Inn.  Please join us!

CIRCLE 3H – The 3H Circle ladies at their November meeting prepared over 160 mugs filled with Christmas candy.  At the next meeting at 9:30 AM on December 5, the group will pack decorated gift bags with the candy, as well as wrapped items such as gloves, sox, and hats.  These will be sent to several spots in Portage County, including Freedom House, the homeless veterans' center, Community Services, and the VOA.  Many hands make quick work; visitors always welcome!

Toddy's Christmas Shoppe – The Workcamp crew is accepting articles for Toddy’s Shoppe.  Please bring gently used Christmas donations to the office prior to November 24.  Contact Flip E. at 330-995-6268 for more information.  Join us after services and during special events November 30 thru December 21, 2008.

MOM’S MORNING DAY OF RENEWEL – a group for new moms

     Mom’s morning day of renewal is a support group, a prayer group and a place to explore your faith.  It is a way to meet other moms to share, encourage and to help you feel good about who you are by bringing inspiration to your new role as a parent.  We will explore topics significant to being a new mom such as

       Stress, worries and anxiety (Support systems)

       Everyday Spirituality (Meeting the spiritual needs for you and your family)

       Remembering Yourself (Personal goal setting)

       This group is open to moms of infants through preschool and will meet on the third Tuesday of each month beginning in January of 2009.

     Please register in advance for child care.   Contact Cindi Gonzalez with any questions at 330-562-8266 Ext. 229 or cgonzalez@thechurchinaurora.org.

ATTENTION ALL COMMITTEE CHAIRS – Annual reports from each committee will be due on Monday, December 15.  If possible, please submit your report by e-mail or on disk.  Any questions, please call Patti in the church office at 330-562-8266.

We Appreciate You - Your pastors are grateful this Thanksgiving for the congregational outpouring of love and affection received during Pastor Appreciation Month.  If our long tenures are not expressive enough, please know that we feel so blessed to be yoked in ministry with you and with one another.  You make ministry a surpassing joy that we plan to celebrate throughout the coming “Congregational Appreciation Year!”  God bless you!  Bill & Kevin

Congratulations – to Rev. Schnell upon his election and installation to a two-year term as Vice President of the Ohio Council of Churches, whereupon he will succeed to the office of President.  Through his service The Ohio Fellowship of Community Churches in general and The Church in Aurora in particular should expect to make a big impact upon the statewide ecumenical movement in keeping with the Community Church Tradition.

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.

Compassion: Sharing the Suffering of Another – As we look at Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection we observe the ultimate example of compassion.  He now calls us to follow his example and to be deeply concerned for one another.  Stephen Ministry is a ministry filled with compassion.  It provides compassionate Christians with a place where they can use those gifts in ministry as a Stephen Minister.  It also provides a haven where those in need of compassion can receive it in a confidential relationship with a Stephen Minister.  If you would like to know more about Stephen Ministry, please call Russ Post (330/562-9789) or Susan Kray (330/562-1344).

Parenting:  The Early Years – Bible Study in six sessions - 10 Biblical traits your kids will remember you for with teaching from Drs. Les & Leslie Parrot

• The three step approach to avoid becoming the parent you don’t want to be
• How to make your child’s perception of you as positive as possible
• The best way to give children the praise they crave
• How to hear what your child isn’t saying to you but wants to
• The immeasurable value of commemorating milestones
• The key to building a lifelong bond of deep connection

Beginning in January 2009.  Watch the upcoming Spires for details

An Update from the Weavers – After living full time in our motor coach for a year and a half, we have finally moved into our new home in Utah.  Our travel chapter was absolutely wonderful and one we cherish.  We were able to see family, friends and places throughout the journey.  We have been living up to our desire and commitment to stay in touch with friends, visiting childhood friends in Florida and Illinois, work friends all across the country, new friends we’ve met during our travels, and old friends in Aurora and Albuquerque (the Konings) and elsewhere.  Staying connected is so important and a real blessing!

     We moved into our new home here in the mountains outside Park City, Utah, a month ago, and can accurately say it is not just a house, but our home.  All the boxes are empty, pictures and art displayed, and furniture in place.  Our views are even more spectacular than we had hoped, and everything we designed into the home is great!  We hope any friends who come out to visit this beautiful state will plan to stay with us…there is a room with a view with your name on it!!!

     We have joined an Episcopal church in Park City.  The church is very active, particularly in Missions.  We have already enjoyed participating in two mission trips to help with Hurricane Katrina relief in Mississippi.  Other Mission relationships are active with Ute Indians, a clinic in Burma, with an Episcopal church in Mexico City, and with a local Latino congregation.  Lots of opportunities to serve!

            Blessings to all, you remain in our prayers.               Marti & Jay Weaver

3H PM.  Please join us Thursday, December 11, 6:30-8:30 PM, in the Stephen Ministry Room as we share chapters 7 & 8 from Beth Moore's book PRAYING GOD'S WORD and our work on prayer shawls and baby blankets.  Kathleen Horak ~ 330-562-1930.

Disciple Bible Study—What is The Disciple Bible Study?  The Disciple Bible Study is a program that gives each member the opportunity to read and study the Bible in a small, committed group.  It is a 34 week course split into two 17 week sessions.  The first session will cover the Old Testament and the other will cover the New Testament.  At the end of the 34 weeks a graduation service is offered and the participants receive a certificate of completion.  Each session will meet once a week on Sunday evenings for 2 1/2 hours.  The program will be lead by a trained facilitator and each participant will work with the Bible and study manual, which they would purchase.  The price of the workbook is $33.  The format of each session would open with a prayer; include a 20 minute video pertaining to the session, group discussion and reflection time with emphasis on prayer.  This program requires each participate to commit to both 17-week sessions as well as up to 30 minutes of daily readings and reflection.

Promotion

     Toni and Cindi have already planned a few ideas for promoting this great opportunity and some of their ideas include the following.

·         Flyers and write-ups about the Study for the newsletters and the church web site.

·         Inviting the facilitator to a few Sunday services to speak briefly about the Study.

·         After Thanksgiving, Cindi will set up an information table in the foyer after Sunday services with information and registration materials.

·         Send out personal invitations to congregation.

Study Calendar

     We would like to start the first session of the Old Testament on January 11, 2009.  We would take a break over Easter Sunday and end on May 9, 2009.  The second session would start in September, take a two-week break over Christmas and end with a 2-day retreat in January.  Again, this is a committed bible study and each participant would have to commit to this time frame.

A Huge Thank You from the Missions Committee to everyone who donated items for the USO boxes for troops in Iraq.  We were able to send 12 large boxes to our “adopted” Marine Squadron.  They will be thrilled.  Thank you so much for your generosity!

Wanted! Used Ink Cartridges and Cell phones – Used ink cartridges and cell phones are accepted year-round.  A collection basket is on the desk in the Great Hall.  Your continuous donations have helped raise over $700 for the Workcamp crew!  Thank you!

Recycle Your Junk Mail – Did you know that the recycling bins in the parking lot will accept all those catalogs you are getting now around the Christmas season?  Bring in your unwanted catalogs, newspapers, junk mail – anything made of paper – and help the church earn a little extra money to help with the bills this winter.

Mission of the Month – The Missions Committee has chosen to divide the Vespers and Christmas donations equally between Mercy Ships and the Portage County Salvation Army.

     Mercy Ships is a global charity that operates a fleet of hospital ships that provide medical care, relief aid and training for long-term sustainable change in developing nations.  Mercy Ships models its operations after the example of Jesus Christ, by bringing healing and hope to the poor no matter what their race, gender or religion.  The Missions Committee’s 2006 donation helped launch their newest ship, the Africa Mercy, to be deployed in war-devastated Liberia.

     The Salvation Army first established its presence in Portage County in the mid 1940’s.  Their countywide office, now located in Ravenna, provides Christmas baskets, toys for children and back to school supplies.  They provide a wide variety of family programs including Shoes on my Feet, Character Building for children, Bible Study for all ages, Emergency Financial Assistance, and a Food Pantry.

Board Meeting Report – Jim Maulis, Moderator, made the Board aware of the current situation on the sale of Bob Albright’s manufactured home, explaining that there was an offer of $4,000 for the home, of which the church would realize $1,500.  After discussion, it was decided to authorize the sale for no less than $2,500.  Due to an anticipated shortfall in 2009 Faith Promises, Jim asked all committees to please scale back on expenses as much as possible through 2008 in an effort to gain a surplus for a roll-over into 2009.

     Ann Womer Benjamin, Associate Moderator, reported that the Bicentennial Committee has a Birthday Dinner subcommittee, new church stationery has been designed, an ice cream social is planned for the Fourth of July, a brochure is planned, and banners are designed to hang on the church.

     The Church Treasurer, Jim Niebuhr, reported that 2008 receipts are running behind the 2007 figures for the same time period, and that interest income is down.

     Tom Siewiorek from Stewardship reported on the recent activity of the stewardship campaign for 2009.  While the proposed 2009 budget only represents a 1.1% increase, there is a concern about meeting the goal due to the economy.

     The Trustees, through Don Motulewicz, reported that an area around the Harris Study is being excavated in an effort to solve a water problem.  He also reported that the new fire alarm system is installed, tested, and ready.  We will have a fire drill in the near future.  The new furnace and air conditioner is installed on the rooftop and is functioning properly.

     Joe Lykins, representing Endowment, reported on the losses that have hit the Endowment funds during the present economic downturn.

     Martha Gray, of Women’s Guild, reported that they have donated $900 to the Trustees to help pay the balance due on the new furnace.  They also had new handrails installed on the steps to the stage.

     Rev. Schnell reported that we may have approximately nine family units joining the church in November.  He also reported that The Church in Aurora will be hosting the Ohio Council of Churches at a Bishop’s Retreat in late October.

     Rev. Horak reported on a record-breaking attendance in our Confirmation class.  He also served as Spiritual Director at a recent Walk to Emmaus.

     Toni Harris, Director of CE, reported that our new assistant, Cindi Gonzalez, is working out very well and is already involved.  Cindi will be organizing a Mom’s Morning Renewal ministry for new mothers.  CE will have a new adult Bible study, and a new study for parents called Parenting.

     Please direct any questions to Jim Maulis, Moderator.

Behind the Scenes – David Shively isn’t even an official member of the church, but boy is he busy behind the scenes!  He helps to move the Promiseland Drive-In cars in and out of Fellowship Hall every year (he helped design and build those cars also).  He installed the rails going up to the stage before Nutcracker this year.  And while he was here, he heard the sliding door covering the kitchen window was broken, so he fixed that too!  David constructed the frame for the church sign out front.  He designed and built Sally McGill’s chair in the choir loft, helped Re. Horak repair the lights for the Crismon tree.  David built the wall that divides the CE Director’s office and the Promise Temple.  He designed and built the bell choir music stands and continues to order parts and make repairs on the bells and bell cases.  And when he put his tools down, he helped with the shopping for the kitchen at Nutcracker.  And these are just the things we could remember off the tops of our heads!  Thank you, David, for all that you have done and continue to do to make The Church in Aurora…..