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I Bible Studies and Small Groups Enhance Faith Life By Tim M Keller, Small Group Coordinator, [email protected] The traditional cornucopia as a Thanksgiving decoration is also known as the horn of plenty. In it is a plethora of different fruit and vegetables symbolizing abundance. It is akin to the body of Christ. Through Christ we are all tossed into same basket with other fruits and vegetables (some are fruitier than others!) But it is through this “togetherness” that Christ plans on supporting us and encouraging us. Being gathered together around the WORD of God is tantamount to our growth and encouragement in the church. Here, our abundance is found in the LORD! This Fall, we are offering a variety of Adult Sunday School selections with something for everyone. Consider joining us to unpack what the Bible teaches about an abundant life and His Master for Plan for each of us! [New studies listed later in this issue] TOWN HALL MEETING NOVEMBER 25 Church Council is recommending some by-law changes to the congregation for consideration - you will find the suggested by-law changes in your mailbox at church, with the changes shown in red. A townhall meeting will be held on November 25, at 10 am in the Chapel, to go over the changes and answer any questions you may have. The changes will be voted on at our annual meeting on Sunday, December 2, at 12:30 pm in the Chapel, along with other items of business such as reports, elections and the budget for 2019. MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE – A MUST VISIT IN DC By Kim Hornyak, Director of Adult Ministries I led the Adult Ministry group on a trip this past October to Washington DC specifically to visit the brand-new Museum of the Bible. This was my second visit to the museum and I was even more impressed! The museum’s collection is extensive and presented in a high tech, engaging and experiential manner, which appeals to all ages. The research behind all of the exhibits is substantial and is continually being reviewed. [Recently, five fragments, which were believed to be from the Dead Sea Scrolls were removed because testing revealed the fragments to be forgeries.] A thorough visit of all the museum offers, including several outstanding docent-lead tours on various topics related to the exhibits, can take one to two days. Be sure to check out the trip pictures and a map from the Museum of the Bible located in the fellowship hall on the Adult Ministry bulletin board. Turn the page for pictures and attendee comments. MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAIRLAWN LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL NOVEMBER 2018 connections God’s Mission is that we exist to glorify Him and make disciples. The VISION of FLCS on how we will live God’s mission: We will embrace people and walk with them in a RELATIONSHIP with Christ. Our focus is on families with children at home and adults over age 55. Strategies: Identify Connect Bless Invite Embrace Instruct Disciple Values – As believers in Christ at FLCS, these are items we value: Caring relationships Family focus Committed leadership Community outreach Christian education Worship and music
Transcript
Page 1: November 2018 Connections Newsletter-WEB€¦ · In Luther’s words, the catechism “is a short summary of the entire Holy Scripture.” It is a summary and guide for believers,

I

Bible Studies and Small Groups Enhance Faith Life By Tim M Keller, Small Group Coordinator, [email protected]

The traditional cornucopia as a Thanksgiving decoration is also known as the horn of plenty. In it is a plethora of different fruit and vegetables symbolizing abundance. It is akin to the body of Christ. Through Christ we are all tossed into same basket with other fruits and vegetables (some are fruitier than others!)

But it is through this “togetherness” that Christ plans on supporting us and encouraging us. Being gathered together around the WORD of God is tantamount to our growth and encouragement in the church. Here, our abundance is found in the LORD! This Fall, we are offering a variety of Adult Sunday School selections with something for everyone. Consider joining us to unpack what the Bible teaches about an abundant life and His Master for Plan for each of us! [New studies listed later in this issue]

TOWN HALL MEETING NOVEMBER 25 Church Council is recommending some by-law changes to the congregation for consideration - you will find the suggested by-law changes in your mailbox at church, with the changes shown in red. A townhall meeting will be held on November 25, at 10 am in the Chapel, to go over the changes and answer any questions you may have. The changes will be voted on at our annual meeting on Sunday, December 2, at 12:30 pm in the Chapel, along with other items of business such as reports, elections and the budget for 2019.

MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE – A MUST VISIT IN DC By Kim Hornyak, Director of Adult Ministries I led the Adult Ministry group on a trip this past October to Washington DC specifically to visit the brand-new Museum of the Bible. This was my second visit to the museum and I was even more impressed! The museum’s collection is extensive and presented in a high tech, engaging and experiential manner, which appeals to all ages. The research behind all of the exhibits is substantial and is continually being reviewed. [Recently, five fragments, which were believed to be from the Dead Sea Scrolls were removed because testing revealed the fragments to be forgeries.] A thorough visit of all the museum offers, including several outstanding docent-lead tours on various topics related to the exhibits, can take one to two days. Be sure to check out the trip pictures and a map from the Museum of the Bible located in the fellowship hall on the Adult Ministry bulletin board. Turn the page for pictures and attendee comments.

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAIRLAWN LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL NOVEMBER 2018

connections

God’s Mission is that we exist to glorify Him and make disciples.

The VISION of FLCS on how we will

live God’s mission:

We will embrace people and walk with them in a

RELATIONSHIP with Christ.

Our focus is on families with children at home and adults over

age 55.

Strategies:

Identify Connect Bless Invite Embrace Instruct Disciple

Values – As believers in Christ at FLCS, these are items we value:

Caring relationships Family focus Committed leadership Community outreach Christian education Worship and music

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Museum of the Bible Trip Kim Hornyak coordinated a trip to the Washington DC area – the group visited the Museum of the Bible, the

National Cathedral, Arlington National Cemetery, and the Flight 93 memorial. Travelers attended Sunday church service at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Falls Church Virginia. Photos courtesy Dave Polcyn.

This was an awesome experience. We are looking forward to one day making a second trip there, so we can dig further into all there is to absorb. -Paul & Janis Mack The Museum itself was very spacious and spotless…the exhibits were easily observed despite the numerous visitors. I especially liked the ever-changing ceiling in the atrium, the “fly-by” of buildings with Bible verses on them in Washington D.C., and the live actors at some of the exhibits. There was a room [for] children…with a climbing/playground area and games based on Bible stories, like pretending to be Sampson pushing the pillars of the palace apart. The information presented was factual - not preachy or trying to convert people but letting them come to their own conclusions. -Cindy Kessler

I was surprised by the amount of family friendly and youth friendly approaches that were taken. There was an interactive video and walkthrough of the Old Testament that was very well done and gave great visuals to many of the epic stories of the Old Testament such as creation, Exodus from Egypt, etc. It also gives a very nice overview of the history of the bible and how it has been used both positively and negatively by humanity throughout history. It’s worth taking some time to go see! - Pastor Adam

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Card and Game Party Mondays, November 12 & 26, 1:00-3:00pm, Fairlawn Lutheran Fellowship Hall Join in the fun of playing card games, dominoes and other board games. Bring a snack to share if you like. Please RSVP Kim Hornyak at [email protected] or (330) 836-7286.

MahJong Mondays, November 12 & 26, 1:00-3:00pm, Fairlawn Lutheran Fellowship Hall Learn how to play the ancient game of Mahjong or join in a game if you are experienced! Please RSVP Kim Hornyak at [email protected] or (330) 836-7286 and indicate whether you are a beginner or an experienced player.

Thanksgiving Prayers and Luncheon Wednesday, November 14, 11:30-1:00pm

Time to gather as a faith family, along with the Fairlawn Lutheran students, for a Thanksgiving “feast”, fun and giving thanks to our Lord for all His gifts. Reservations are required, by Thurs., Nov. 1. Please invite a friend or neighbor!

Stan Hywet’s Deck the Halls

Friday, November 30, 6:00pm All ages welcome to attend this festive evening! $22 adults (18+), $9 youth, 5 & under are free. College students with a valid student ID qualify for the youth rate. Please invite a friend or neighbor! Paid reservation due by November 11. Checks made payable to Fairlawn Lutheran Church and may be left in the Adult Ministry mailbox.

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service Wednesday, November 21, 6:30pm, Fairlawn Lutheran Chapel Join us as we give thanks for the many blessings of life at this worship service.

Coming in December…

Christmas Cookies and Caroling, December 8 Christmas Movie and a Lunch, December 12

FREE BEGINNER GUITAR CLASSES FOR LEARNERS OF ALL AGES Thanks to Bob Rees for offering free beginning guitar lessons Wednesdays at 8:00pm in November! Bring a guitar and a friend!

Fairlawn Lutheran November 2018 Events

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New Bible Studies Begin in November NEW STUDIES SUNDAYS AT 10AM

Catechism 101/New Member Class

In Luther’s words, the catechism “is a short summary of the entire Holy Scripture.”

It is a summary and guide for believers, as they learn and reflect on the truths of God’s Word. In this Foundations in Faith series we will explore Luther’s Small Catechism and is designed as an introduction or refresher course. Ideally, participants will learn how the

catechism presents God’s Word in a clear, understandable way, in order to bring God’s people to faith in Christ and to a daily life shaped and empowered by Word and Sacrament. (Led by Pastor Gau-Choir Room)

Stress Busters Life can be overwhelming! Is there a source of relief from the tension and stress? Yes, God promises to never leave us or forsake us. He promises to supply all of our needs according to the riches of Christ Jesus. We will spend some time looking at specific life situations that are stress producing and seek the wisdom of God’s promises to enable us to hold up under the stress.

(Led by Pastor Jeff Stephens – Fellowship Hall)

Family Foundations How do we keep a Godly focus on our marriages and families? The family as a God designed unit has been under attack for decades. It is interesting to note that many of us have a vision for our careers, what about a vision for marriage or families? According to the Bible, we are provided with a strong vision of what marriage and families should be like. We will draw a profound portrait of marriage and families from the pages of Scripture that points us back to the relationship between God and man. The result is a vision

for marriage and family that is refreshingly frank and unsentimental, yet hopeful and beautiful. All welcome! (Led by Tim/Heather Keller - Library)

The WHOLE BIBLE Did you know that the Bible has an overall story arc? The Bible is not just a collection of 66 books, but one single overarching story. The bible is not about what we must do, but about what He has done for us and why this is important and significant for contemporary human beings today. In a few weeks, we will cover the WHOLE bible from creation through His return. How exciting it is to see the BIG PICTURE! (Led by Blaise Congeni/Dave Kohlmeier - Chapel)

NEW WEEKDAY STUDIES

Women of Faith We will start our new study on Monday, November 5 – Max Lucado’s “Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm In A Chaotic World”. It's a five-week session held Mondays at 6pm. Contact: Lisa Sears (330) 441-8368.

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Bless Others

We will seek to bless those inside and outside the church with the physical, emotional and spiritual resources God has given Fairlawn Lutheran Church. There are so many ways to serve both at church and in our community, so use your time, treasures and talents to be a blessing to someone else.

2018 is HAVEN OF REST’S 75TH YEAR of helping and serving many needy people in our community. Please consider donating extra food items and coffee in the food donation box during the month of November. The Mission has sent out a special request for donations of regular coffee, and we are sending a budgeted $200 for this special holiday request. Human Care Team Contact: Jacquie Kyle 330-666-5725, [email protected].

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS PARTY Thank you to all who donated toys and gift cards to needy families at Haven of Rest. The gifts will be distributed at the Happy Birthday Jesus party at Haven of Rest on December 1. You can help at the party! 9:00-12:00: Decorate & set up for party; 1:30: Assist at the party which begins at 2:00. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Beverly Baddley at Haven of Rest 330/535-1563 ext.137

HAVEN OF REST NEEDS TOILETRIES Haven of Rest distributes gift bags of toiletries to needy and homeless men, women and children who come to the Mission on Christmas Day.

For Adults – shampoo, conditioner, large bars soap, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand and/or body lotion, hair brushes, disposable razors, chapstick, Kleenex For Babies – baby wash, wash cloths, baby lotion, anti-rash cream, nail clippers, bibs, bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers, teethers, rattlers

Should you wish to donate any of these items, drop them off at Haven of Rest Donation Drive-thru no later than Dec. 5. The Donation Drive-thru is located at the rear of the Client Services Center Building across the street from the Mission, at 207 E. Market St. Drive-thru hours are 8:00am-6:00pm M-F and 9:00am-5:00pm on Sat.

HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE OUR NEIGHBORS

1. A free Thanksgiving Eve dinner will be served at OPEN M, 941 Princeton St., Akron, on Wednesday, November 21, from 5-7pm. Our congregation/school has offered to donate 20/25 pies (any flavor). Please sign up on the Mission Tower to donate pies or to volunteer to deliver pies on Tuesday, November 20, from 2-4pm. Volunteers are also needed to help with the meal 4:30-7:30pm, or with prep in the morning. All ages welcome! Contact: Nathan Kreis, [email protected] or call 330-434-0110, ext.409.

2. In November, help fill 212 Family Christmas Food Baskets by donating boxes of Rice-a-Roni. Our

donation box will be in the Narthex and boxes of Rice-A-Roni will be delivered to OPEN M on Monday, November 26. Please help us make our goal. Thank you! Contact: Barb Reynolds, [email protected]; Shirley Juhasz, [email protected].

Again this year as part of the “Christmas for the Love of Children program” our congregation is sponsoring seven children by donating a budgeted $350 for 2 gifts of $25 for each child. Thank you, everyone!

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VOLUNTEER AT THE 14TH ANNUAL ST. LUKE PARTY Thursday, December 6, 6:00pm-9pm

Each year Fairlawn Lutheran coordinates a Christmas party for the residents of St. Luke Lutheran Community (Portage Lakes). We decorate, carol, provide desserts and gift bags and chat with the residents & caregivers – it is great fun for everyone! Children are welcome with a parent. You can help in several ways: Help plan the party Bake cookies Prepare gift bags - Tuesday, December 4, from 1-3pm in the Fellowship Hall. Attend the party – join the carpool

SIGN UP ON THE MISSION TOWER in the Narthex to assist with this event.

AKRON PREGNANCY SERVICES (APS) GIVING TREE & DIAPER AND FORMULA TREE

On Sunday, November 25, the traditional Akron Pregnancy Services Giving Tree will be set up in the Narthex. It’s a Christmas tree that holds 100 tags, each one listing a gift needed for young client families of APS. Choose an angel gift tag, buy the item listed, wrap, attach the tag and return to tree by Thursday, December 13. Gifts will be delivered to APS on Friday, December 14. A basket of Christian books suitable for young children will be under the tree to include with your gift, or you may want to put in a book of your own choosing.

In addition, Cathie Lucarelli and Fairlawn Lutheran School will carry on the tradition of a Diaper & Formula Tree to accompany our traditional Giving Tree for Akron Pregnancy Services, from Sunday, November 25 – Thursday, December 13. APS and their client families are always so grateful for all these wonderful gifts.

MATCHING GIFTS FOR HURRICANE FLORENCE AID THROUGH THRIVENT Thrivent Financial will match personal contributions to up to $1 million to organizations assisting those affected by Hurricane Florence. Contributions can be made on the Thrivent.com disaster response page. Thrivent will match funds until December 31, 2018, or until the match goal is met, whichever is achieved first. Thrivent will also cover any processing fees so that 100% of donations go to the charities. For information on Thrivent Choice, Action Grants, and other Thrivent questions, contact Jim Kroeger, FLCS Thrivent Congregational Advocate, [email protected] or by phone at 330-864-8389.

SALVATION ARMY BELL RINGERS NEEDED IN NOVEMBER! We’ll be ringing those bells for the Salvation Army again this year, on Saturday, November 17, at Montrose Acme #15 (inside) from 10am-4pm, in one-hour slots. Sign up on the Mission Tower. This is a great opportunity for families – children welcome to help! Human Care Contacts: Marie Tuccillo, (330) 864-6498, [email protected]; Jean Wurzbacher, (330) 657-2088, [email protected].

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BOXES DUE NOVEMBER 9 It is time for packing boxes for the Samaritan Purse “Operation Christmas Child” Program. Boxes and instructions are available in the Narthex. Boxes need to be returned to the school by November 9, 2018 so they can be delivered to the collection site and be shipped out for delivery by Christmas. This Fairlawn tradition has been a fun way to share Jesus with children around the world.

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Confirmation Mentor Program Continues With a new group of seventh graders entering Confirmation this Fall, Kim Hornyak and Pastor Adam recruited several adults to serve as confirmation mentors to the students. These are members of the church who are unrelated to the student and have strong faith and significant life experience to mentor young teens. Mentors and students meet once monthly and discuss questions about faith in a venue of their choice. Thank you to Kim Hornyak for coordinating a luncheon for seventh and eighth grade confirmation students, their families and their adult mentors.

A group of mentors and students who were confirmed last year talked to the group about their experiences and relationships. Not only were the students able to discuss their faith with someone with experience and insight, the mentors and students often shared hobbies and skills with one another. Kate Johnson was able to share her love of sewing with Emma Gibson, and Emma used her artistic skills to make a gift for the Johnsons. Cindy Kessler and Molly Gilreath enjoyed attending events together that interested them both. Dave Glass described his relationship with Griffin Albright and how they were able to coordinate their visits despite everyone’s busy schedules. If you look back at the pictures from the last Confirmation Sunday, you’ll see the mentors accompanying and laying hands on the students with whom they were matched. The connection and appreciation by the student and families is apparent on their faces. It is critical that young people have adults in the church they know apart from family. The relationships built can have a significant impact on their faith moving forward and can provide benefits for both the mentor and the student. A big thank you to those who have volunteered to build relationships with our students as they work toward confirmation!

Safety Update While we want to provide a welcoming atmosphere to those entering our doors, we also have a responsibility to keep our employees, members and school children and teachers safe. Our safety team, led by Eric Jorgenson ([email protected]) and Ken Peace ([email protected]), has been working to implement best security practices at Fairlawn Lutheran. Because we have a school, we have specific security requirements we must meet that may not be required if we were solely a church. In addition, there are many times throughout the week when only a handful of people are working in the church at a time (i.e. altar guild, church employees, groups meeting in the evening, cleaning crews) – we need to implement safety measures that don’t leave these people vulnerable by allowing access to people with unknown motives. You can help! Follow these simple steps to make sure we always know who is in our building:

1. Make sure someone from your group is attending the doors if you leave them unlocked for a meeting. 2. Do not “hold the door” after you have been buzzed in for someone you don’t know. 3. If you see someone in the building who looks “lost” direct him or her to the church office. 4. If someone does follow you in a door as you are buzzed in, please notify the church office right away.

COMING SOON! NEW DOOR SECURITY This month, a new security system will be installed that includes intercoms with cameras built in. Those answering a “buzz” from the intercom will be able to see who would like to enter and hear them clearly. In addition, the church is purchasing 3 iPads, one for the school, one for the church office, and one that will roam. The iPads will alert when someone buzzes at one of our doors - full-face video and clear audio enable the person inside the church to easily recognize and hear who would like to enter, then “buzz” the guest in using the iPad. Does your group meet at the church after the church office is closed? With the new system, we will no longer need to leave the doors unlocked and unattended. Groups meeting in the evening can take an iPad into their meeting rooms and buzz late comers in as they arrive. The Safety Team will provide more information and training when the security system is installed.

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School Expansion Study Complete Fairlawn Lutheran has the completed study on the opportunity to create a school beyond preschool and Kindergarten grades. The committee charged with this task gave an update at a Town Hall meeting, and provided a detailed report called “Fairlawn Lutheran School Expansion Study”. From the report: “The report evaluates the market feasibility of expanding educational services at the Fairlawn Lutheran School from pre-K and Kinder to Pre-K through eighth grade. Based on our findings contained within this report, there is indeed a market for a Christian School in Fairlawn…but its success will depend on a sustained, targeted marketing and recruitment plan, competitive tuition rates, eligibility to receive Ohio’s EdChoice Scholarship applicants, and the employment of a measured expansion plan.” Key findings from the report by Urban Decision Group include the following:

There are relatively few private schools in the area and even fewer Christian schools…there is an opportunity to provide a continuum of educational services that may be attractive to those who would prefer a private and/or Christian education and those whose children attend an underperforming public school.

A significant factor in the success of a new school would be in attracting 1) income eligible students and 2) those eligible as a result of attending a poorly-performing school. Each would require a different marketing and recruiting strategy.

The target market, children between the ages of 0 and 14, are found immediately west of rt. 77, between 2 and three miles from Fairlawn Lutheran. This is a positive because these potential students are close to the school and there is low competition west of Fairlawn. This area is also predicted to grow as new single family housing development continues.

The target areas near Fairlawn Lutheran have higher than average incomes, making the households less sensitive to tuition costs. Of those households with lower disposable income, the EdChoice scholarships would play an important role in whether they would pay for private education.

Year one estimated total enrollment is estimated at between 12 and 14 students per grade, with 23-26 students per grade after five years.

Upon examination of all the quantitative and qualitative data, including the results produced by spatial models, it appears Fairlawn Lutheran is in a good position to pursue a measured, school expansion strategy up to and including the eighth grade, over a five-year period. Research suggests there is a strong correlation between religious affiliation and/or past private school attendance themselves, and the desire for parents to send their children to a private school. The areas west of Fairlawn Lutheran, especially the new housing developing west of Interstate 77, contain favorable demographics and are expected to improve. With any feasibility study of this nature, there are plenty of unknown variables that can impact an institution’s success. The analysis of the [data] that is known or can be estimated/projected indicates that the conditions are…favorable for the expansion of school services.” Next Steps: The school expansion committee will create a proposed business plan that will be presented to the congregation. The congregation will ultimately vote on whether or not the school will be expanded.

FUNDRAISERS PROVIDE PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT AND SCHOLARSHIPS

The students and staff of Fairlawn Lutheran School say THANK YOU for your generous support of our “No Sale” fundraiser. You have helped us raise $5,100! All fundraising monies this year will be used for new playground

equipment.

Your gifts to the school scholarship fund have helped three families this year to be able to send their children to Fairlawn Lutheran School. To date we have used $7,000 from the scholarship fund to pay tuition for the 2018-2019

school year. You have been a blessing!

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Birthdays

1 Ken Braman 10 Carlton Miller 18 Nathan Schultz 1 Trevor Chuna 10 Ilona Stroupe 19 Don Seagren 1 Tom Hessel 11 Paige Rusyniak 19 William Shriver 1 Tom Zeigler 12 Landry Chuna 21 Walter Kiekhaefer 2 Jim Kroeger 12 Vince LaPorte 22 Autumn Terpenning 5 Ken Peace 13 Barbara Beck 22 Mary Yoder 6 Gus Saiben 15 Jeremy Schultz 26 Drew Meyer 6 Woody Woodward 15 Ryan Stouffer 27 Lisa Tobin 7 Jim Lewis 15 Charles Vehlow 29 Juliette Keller 9 Ed Paul 16 Marilyn Doty 30 Elaine Daubenmire 10 Chad Hull 18 Bob Kronenberger 10 Luke Juengel 18 Hannah Mariani

Special birthday wishes to our only nonagenarian this month, Ed Paul.

Anniversaries 3 Wayne & Robin Porter 14 Skip & Diane Bray 9 Sin & Nancy Mariano 22 Paul & Lynn Flanick 9 Brian & Andrea Downey 23 David & Lisa Sears 13 Paul & Linda Liesem 27 George & Alice Strickler

Congratulations to David and Lisa Sears, who are celebrating 30 years of marriage!

Parish Arts Series: Dr. Jonathan Moyer, “Organ Expressions”

Sunday, November 18, 2018, 4pm

Jonathan William Moyer maintains a dynamic career as church musician, concert organist and pedagogue. The Baltimore Sun has described his playing as “ever-expressive, stylish and riveting.” He is an assistant professor of organ at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and is music director and organist of the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, Ohio. He specializes in a vast repertoire from the Renaissance to the 21st century, and he has performed

throughout the United States, Europe and Japan. All are welcome to attend this free concert and no tickets are required. Contact: Gary Pinter, 330-867-3082. See the entire 2018-19 Parish Arts Series concert schedule at www.fairlawnlutheran.org.

Apollos Fire Concert: O Jerusalem, Crossroads of 3 Faiths Friday, November 16, 8:00pm, Fairlawn Lutheran Sanctuary

In this new program from Jeannette Sorrell, music and poetry evoke a “tour” of the Jewish, Christian, Arab, and Armenian quarters of Jerusalem. Selections from Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 echo the rapturous singing of Jewish cantors in the temples. Medieval harp, oud, and exotic percussion blend with Arabic love songs and Sephardic ballads. The performers, including musicians of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian backgrounds, join in celebration of brotherhood and sisterhood. Afterward, enjoy fresh dates and Middle Eastern baklava with sparkling cider – and meet the performers. Tickets required – purchase at apollosfire.org or call (216) 320-0012 or (800) 314-2535, x 1.

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By the Numbers Our Finance Team provides all of the information about our budget for connections. Do you have questions about the information below? Contact Rick Porter at [email protected].

CURRENT YEAR    LAST YEAR    CURRENT BUDGET 

  Income  Expense    Income  Expense    Income  Expense 

MONTH    January    $49,440   $69,429     $55,858   $69,696     $58,702   $63,593  

February    $58,471   $63,395     $64,059   $61,117     $58,702   $63,593  

March    $56,146   $60,346     $57,211   $72,069     $58,702   $63,593  

April    $71,371   $58,387     $65,899   $53,730     $73,377   $63,593  

May    $57,238   $60,895     $51,030   $57,688     $58,702   $63,593  

June    $54,910   $59,277     $45,602   $62,511     $58,702   $63,593  

July    $59,151   $51,068     $48,698   $55,329     $73,377   $63,593  

August    $52,614   $58,911     $59,442   $55,026     $58,702   $63,593  

September    $46,877   $60,647     $55,905   $64,813     $73,377   $63,593  

  YTD Income     $506,218         $503,704         $572,343     

YTD Expense        $542,355         $551,979         $572,337   FAIRLAWN LUTHERAN INCOME & EXPENSE YEAR-TO-DATE Through September 30, 2018

Mortgage Balance as of  9/30/18    =  $249,931.00 

ATTENDANCE MAY 2018 JUNE 2018 JULY 2018 AUG 2018* SEPT 2018 OCT 2018

Sat. 4pm - Average Attendance 32 28 36 37 27 28

Sun. 8:45am - Average Attendance 158 139 145 100 115 141

Sun. 11:15am - Average Attendance 106 94 102 67 78 105

Total Month's Individual Attenders 1180 1069 795 882 730 739 *On August 26, we had our outdoor service with 194 attendees at the 10am single service. GIVING STATEMENTS Third quarter 2018 Financial Giving Statements were distributed via church mailboxes in mid-October. Please look yours over to be sure it reflects what you remember giving. Year-end statements will be distributed in January. Note that beginning next year we will not be issuing printed quarterly statements. Only the year-end statements will be printed and distributed, but you can look at your giving balances at any time by logging in to your REALM account. Just check the Giving tab on your profile page.

$460,000

$480,000

$500,000

$520,000

$540,000

$560,000

$580,000

CURRENT YEAR LAST YEAR CURRENT BUDGET

YTDIncome

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CORE TEAM: SEEKING NEW VOLUNTEERS The Core Team is a group that manages the use of Realm (our current database system and communication tool). We meet for an hour every other week and need additional help. Please consider serving the church on this team. Contact one of the Core Team members: Kim Hornyak, Becky Leu, Ron Kyle, Elaine Daubenmire or Jeff Stephens for more information.

THANK YOU A huge thank you to former member George Smith for the care and cleaning of our Paraments. As you may know, there was a ceiling leak in the Sacristy and the Altar Paraments were wet and stained by the leak. George owns Sun-Way Cleaners, at 130 Akron Road in Wadsworth. George said he misses seeing all his friends here at Fairlawn Lutheran and to tell everyone he said “Hi”. And…George did not charge us for the wonderful attention he gave to restoring our Paraments. Thank you so much, George! -Mary Dee Raabe, Altar Guild Thank you to everyone for the kind words and cards on the death of my grandma, Estrella Perez. Special thanks to the staff who attended the funeral and calling hours and especially to Pastor Gau for his visitation at hospice and for presiding over the funeral. We’re so thankful for our church family!

-Allyson Robinson, Robinson Family, and Harris Family

PASTORS ATTEND CONFERENCE

Pastors Gau and Thompson (and Pippin) attended the Lake Erie Region Pastoral Conference of the English District in Dorr, Michigan, and were reunited with our former Visitation Pastor Ryan Beffrey!

CHURCH OFFICE The church office will be closed Friday, Nov. 23, and Monday, November 26, in observance of Thanksgiving.

connections INFO DUE NOV. 18 Information for the December 2018 issue of our church newsletter is due on November 18. Please e-mail: [email protected].

Find hundreds more photos of Fairlawn Lutheran events on our Facebook page – Fairlawn Lutheran Church and School. The school has its own

Facebook page – Fairlawn Lutheran School.

Contact

Senior Pastor Rev. Jim Gau [email protected] Associate Pastor & Director of Youth and Family Ministries Rev. Adam Thompson [email protected]

Visitation Pastor Rev. Jack Kozak Director of School Ministries Cathie Lucarelli [email protected] Director of Adult Ministries Kim Hornyak [email protected] Organist & Choir Director Gary Pinter Office Administrator Elaine Daubenmire [email protected] Communication Manager Allyson Robinson Worship Team Leader Al Hedervary Pastors Emeritus Rev. Larry Leuthaeuser Rev. Charles Lentner Office Hours 8:30am-3:00pm

Page 12: November 2018 Connections Newsletter-WEB€¦ · In Luther’s words, the catechism “is a short summary of the entire Holy Scripture.” It is a summary and guide for believers,

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SATURDAY WORSHIP

4:00pm Traditional Worship SUNDAY WORSHIP

8:45am Traditional Worship 10:00am Christian Ed Hour 11:15am Contemporary Worship Communion offered weekly at all services

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

CONTACT

Office: 9:00am-3:00pm M-F

Church: 330-836-7286

School: 330-864-7724

Web: www.fairlawnlutheran.org www.fairlawnlutheranschool.org

Email:

[email protected] [email protected]

Fairlawn Lutheran will embrace people and walk with them in a RELATIONSHIP with Christ.

Join Us!

Thanksgiving Eve Service Wednesday, November 21

6:30pm

MahJong, Card & Game Party Mondays, November 12 & 26

1:00pm

3415 West Market Street Fairlawn, Ohio 44333


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