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july 2020 Issue: 692

“Making God the Foundation of every Day Living”

The Herald First Congregational Church of Tallmadge

United Church of Christ A Stephen Ministry Congregation

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Pastor’s Message, Worship Schedule 2-3

What’s New From Executive Council ? 4

Financials, Condolences, Prayer List 5

Congratulations High School Graduates 6 –7

2020 Memorial Scholarship Winners 8

Youth Ministry, Thank yous 9

Mission Possible VBS 10

Online Giving, Church Lead-ership Positions 11

Greetings and blessings from myself, our staff, and leaders, and the many members of the communion of saints here at FCC. I extend our love, support, and care in this time and season of challenge. Yet through our trials, we have grown. We have dis-covered new ministries and gifts. People have come forward to help our ministry and mission to continue to find new avenues of growth.

As I write this pastor’s reflection, I want to thank our leaders over the past year for your service of time and talents on behalf of God and FCC. We are thankful for your valuable ideas, challenging thoughts, time, and work. God sees this and is pleased. I want to thank our out-going Moderator, Tim Burns, for being a conscientious, fair-minded, and always diligent servant. Tim has provided me with special insights, advice, counsel, and prayerful encouragement during the past two years. More importantly, he has served our congregation with honor and true Christian character. I also thank Jim West and Larry Davies for their service as Vice-Moderators during stints over the past two years. It has been great working with you all. I look forward to serving with our new leaders over the next two years.

One of the saddest things for me personally, about the loss of in-house worship, is that I miss seeing you all. I miss hearing the wonderful music of our church members singing hymns and hearing the Chancel Choir, soloists, Grace Notes, WAMM children’s choir, and the Bell Ensemble. I suspect these “losses” are high on other members’ lists as well. Through Nancy’s and choir members’ gifts of time and talent, we have enjoyed music, hymns, and some solos during our online and parking lot worship. Rachel and Wendy have been adding “themed” praise songs during parking lot worship at the request of a number of our families who are bringing children and youth to parking lot worship. It’s not the same, as the saying goes, but until we can worship in the assembly of God’s people again, I am appreciative of these gifts being shared and for the technology crew who has been facilitating this opportunity for us.

As we continue our trek through the COVID-19 phase of our lives, I have some good news to share with you about happenings at FCC…

Parking lot Worship is a success with around 50 cars and over 100 people averaging since the first Sunday in May. Worship on June 28 will include a “BLESSING OF THE ANI-MALS” as part of the service. Bring your pet and join in a parade of animals (if you wish to) and a blessing for all who attend! Many people have assisted with Parking lot and online worship (see the list at the end of my pastor’s reflections). (Continued on next page)

85 Heritage Dr.

Tallmadge, OH 44278 (330) 633-7848

Phone: 330.633.4931

Fax: 330.633.7010

Website:

www.fcctallmadge.org

Facebook:

First Congregational Church of

Tallmadge, Ohio UCC

Youth Instagram:

fcc_youthministry

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Pastor’s Message Continued……. The Executive Council has approved the Trustees protocol for opening our church grounds and facility. A copy of the protocol will be made available to all church members (more on this topic later in my message). We are working together to determine a date for opening our church for worship and other uses. The staff has been working hard to provide a variety of worship, Christian Education, Youth, and adult experiences since March 15, while also managing our financial stewardship responsibly. The PPP loan/forgiveness opportunity has given us an edge to potentially end 2020 in a positive financial place, but only if we continue to find ways to balance our budget. I’ve been making “socially distanced” home visits to members at homes – lawns, garages, and driveways, and in some cases in homes at opposite ends of a room. I am masked and gloved for people’s protection. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to visit hospitals and retirement communities.

CHURCH PROTOCOL IS PASSED The Executive Council passed a protocol that enables us to open our grounds and building for use by church members and the public. A brief summary…The church will be cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized on a regular basis. Trustees are looking at various options to provide updated cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing. Members and visitors need to be masked when entering the facilities and immediately apply sanitizing lotion or go to the restroom to wash your hands. We are not requiring gloves, but you may wear them if you have them. Please bring your own mask. (NOTE: FAY JAMES has made wonderful multi-layered masks for people in our church. Currently in stock are sizes: child, small, medium, large, and extra-large. See Cathy Cotter or Pastor Dave if you would like one of Fay’s custom made masks. The masks are free for the asking. Thanks, Fay!!!) We ask anyone who wishes to have a meeting at the church, or any function, to call the church office and request the use of space so that we can arrange for the set up, cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing of the space and needed items such as chairs, tables, etc. Outside groups will need to sign a covenant agreement for the use of the building or grounds.

ONLINE AND PARKING LOT WORSHIP FACILITATORS Thanks to the following people who have helped to provide online and parking lot worship from March 22 through June 14: Tech support: Mike Carter, Anne Pertick, Vince Scovern, Tim Burns, Cathy Cotter

Video: Anne Pertick, Tim Burns

Staff: Cathy Cotter, Nancy Lynn Robinson, Wendy Brown, Rachel Tassile, Steve Ristich, Bill Hoover, Pastor Dave

Worship Participants: Jim West, Lindsay Williams, Sara Ickes, Scott Tassile, Rachel Tassile, Wendy Brown, Nancy Lynn Robinson, Cindy Dodge, Erin Hoffman, Denise Haynes

Vocalists/instrumentalists: Cindy Dodge, Erin Hoffman, Denise Haynes

Parking Lot: Dianne Drummond, Jack McKee, Steve Ristich, Wendy Brown, the Headley family, the Ickes family

Set up/Take Down crew: Jim Taylor, Shawn and Bill Galloway, Steve Ristich, Tim Burns, Vince Scovern, Anne Pertick, Pastor Dave

Bulletin/Communication/Website: Cathy Cotter, Anne Pertick

Worship Coordinator: Pastor Dave

Lastly, what a wonderful opportunity provided for our VBS participants this summer with “Mission Possible” at home and online. Check out our website and Facebook.

Blessings,

Pastor Dave

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JUNE 21 - THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST FATHER'S DAY Romans 6:1-11 Theme "The Old Self and the New Self"

A Special Remembrance to every father and man in attendance A special "honk your horns" for Fathers in attendance

JUNE 28 - FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Matthew 10:40-42 Message "Being A Welcoming Church" Bring your pets to worship this week for a special “Blessing of the Animals” and “Pet Parade.”

JULY 05 - FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST SELF SERVE HOLY COMMUNION – BRING YOUR OWN ELEMENTS Matthew 11:16-19 Message "What We Can't Take for Granted" Wear one of the country's colors - red, white, or blue - or all three. Decorate your car window with a sign..."Freedom in Christ" JULY 12 - SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Matthew 13:1-9 Theme "Planting with Mixed Results" JULY 19 - SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Matthew 13:24-30 Theme "The Reality of Wheat and Weeds" JULY 26 - EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Romans 8:28-30 Theme "Predestined, Justified, Glorified"

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

“Blessing of the Animals”

Sunday, June 28th

during our

10 AM Parking Lot Worship

Bring Your Pets to Worship!

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FCC of Tallmadge Executive Council

Summary of June 9, 2020 Meeting

As has been our practice over the past several months, this was a Zoom meeting. This presents some challenges

but I think we have adapted to the technology. I suspect all are looking forward to a time we can meet again in

the usual way.

Even with COVID-19, it is time for election of officers and members of boards and committees. The details

are still being worked out, but voting will be handled by mail. The new slate of officers will assume their posi-

tions on July 1. Many thanks to those who have chosen to give of their time and energy to serve our church.

The on-line Vacation Bible School is off to a good start. The curriculum, written by Wendy Brown and Rachel

Tassile, is centered around significant biblical characters. The first to make an appearance was Moses.

Written material is being sent to all 32 families participating in this program. This Bible School is a community

outreach with many of those participating outside our immediate church family.

Heartfelt thanks to those who have worked so diligently to provide structure for our worship services during

this difficult time. Beginning with the services in the sanctuary that were broadcast on-line and then transi-

tioning to the parking lot services— all of this has been a daunting task. We now are planning how to transi-

tion back into the sanctuary for worship knowing it will be a difficult process. Pastor Dave, along with the

staff and a dedicated group of volunteers have put in many hours of work and planning to make this out-

reach possible. If you would like to help with the Parking Lot Worship, please contact the church office. Come

and be a part of this service to the Lord and community outreach.

Nancy Lynn Robinson, our Choir Director and Organist, is providing music for the Parking Lot Worship. If you

would like to be a part of the music program, with either your voice or musical instrument, please contact

the church or Nancy Lynn.

There was a lengthy discussion concerning the composition of the Reference Team as we move forward in

our work with Mediator David Brubaker.

If you have any questions please contact me:

Timothy Burns, Moderator timburns999@gmail.com 330.703.4807

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Please Remember in Prayer :

Noreen Ashley

Tim Ashley

Biff Baker

Janette Beckwith

Marilyn Berta (Coletta

Spoler’s daughter)

Mark Clark

Bea Clarke

Claidman DelToro

(acquaintance of Denise

Haynes)

Jackie Fabrezewski

(Esposito’s daughter)

Betty Gulledge

Marianne Hannum

Bev Haught

Jan Hetzel

Donnie Joyner

Zell Lambert

Jim Mayfield

Hannah McConihe

Katie Moore

David & Jackie Parker

Wilma Pohly

Ed Powell (Sharon Letz-

ler’s brother)

Ronda Read

Barbara Sherrick

(Jim Harris’s sister)

C.J. Smith

Betty Vestal

Alzheimer's Care Giver

Support Group

Confidential Names on our

Prayer List

MONTHLY FINANCIALS

Condolences

The congregation extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Shirley Braidich,

mother of Ann Carter.

May, 2020 actual operating income of $29,074 was $9080 above the monthly income budget. Operating expenses

for the month were $22,423 resulting in a surplus of $6,650 in May, and a year-to-date deficit of ($9,040). Oper-

ating expenses are really our ministries and missions at work, and are dependent on Faith Offerings. During this

unusual time our ministries do not stop. We look forward in prayer to a theology of generosity, and the ability to

continue growing our ministries. Contact the Church office to find out how to sign up for automatic monthly giv-

ing. Offerings may also be mailed to the Church or sent from your bank’s online system. We will also have online

giving capabilities very soon.

The Prayer Chain Connection

Bless be God who did not refuse me the kindness I sought in prayer. Psalm 66:20

Please remember in Prayer

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Congratulations High School Seniors

Morgan Heerema

Morgan is the youngest child of Jeff and Jen Heerema and the

granddaughter of Frank Heerema. She is graduating from

Tallmadge High school and will be heading to Kent State

University this fall. Some of her high school activities include

Art, Drama and Biomimicry clubs. Outside of school she has

been involved at Asian Sun Martial Arts for many years, earn-

ing her 4th Degree Black Belt. At FCC she has been an active

part of Sunday school and VBS, has helped set up for breakfast

with Santa, and has also been a part of the church pageant and

cherub choir. Morgan continued her acting at Tallmadge High school where she played Ms. Robson in the dra-

ma class play, “Teach Me How to Cry.” This is one of mom and dad’s favorite memories, as she did an amaz-

ing job. We wish you the best for next year as you continue your journey.

Kellie Melissa Gwiazda

Kellie is the daughter of Karen and Steve Gwiazda and granddaughter

of Joan Haby. She is graduating from Brecksville– Broadview Heights

High School. Kellie was involved in many school activities, with some

of the highlights being Baton Twirling, Yearbook and band. She found

time to give back to the community as well, through her involvement

with Suicide Awareness and Prevention, Girl Scouts and American Le-

gion Post. She earned her Gold Award for Girl Scouts and was part of

the Art Honors Society. At FCC, Kellie participated in the church mis-

sion trip, lock-ins and breakfast with Santa. Her mom’s favorite

memory is watching her make a difference and become a leader in her own community, as well as watching her

in her many activities. In the fall, Kellie will be heading to Ashland University to continue her education.

Jesse Kanatzar

Jesse is the middle son of Jodi and Joe Kanatzar. He has lived

in Tallmadge since he was three and started going to FCC soon

after joining the Cub Scouts troop that met at the church. Jesse

has played many sports throughout school and began to focus

on football and wrestling as he got older. Two of his great ac-

complishments were graduating with honors and earning a

spot at the state wresting tournament. Jesse will attend John

Carroll University in fall with plans to play football & wrestle.

Jesse, we wish you all the best in your next stage of figuring

out God’s plan for you.

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Alexander Charles Peters

Alex is graduating from Tallmadge High School. He is the son of

Joni and David Peters. He participated in many church activities

as a younger child, like VBS and Christmas pageants. Alex will be

continuing his college education at Stark State in the fall. Joni and

David have enjoyed watching him grow into a handsome, smart,

responsible and kind young man. Ryan, we wish you all the best

in your next step. May God guide you as you learn more about

yourself and discover your purpose and the plans God has for

you.

Cara Marie Mayfield

Cara is the oldest child of Christine and Robert Shannon Mayfield and

the granddaughter of Robert and Linda Mayfield. She too is gradu-

ating from Tallmadge High School. She enjoyed her years there play-

ing for the girls soccer team, earning a letter for her contributions

during her junior and senior years. She is graduating with the honor

of Magna Cum Laude. As a child she attended VBS and as a youth she

enjoyed youth fellowship events (snow tubing was her favorite) and

being a VBS helper for quite a few years. Her parents are proud of

her many accomplishments but two of their favorites were her nomi-

nation for Prom Court her senior year and grading with high honors. Cara, we wish you the best as you contin-

ue your education at Kent State University.

Katie Lally

Katie is the daughter of Kristin and Chuck Lally, the grand-

daughter of Bill and Ann Emmitt. She is graduating from

Tallmadge High School with Summa Cum Laude honors. She

will be attending OSU in the fall where she will major in Inter-

national Studies and minor in Korean. She was accepted into

the Scholars program at OSU for International Studies. Katie

would like to work in the political section of the US Embassy

and Consulate in the Republic of Korea or the US Embassy in

Seoul, Korea.

First Congregational Church wishes you all the best. Completing your high school education is

a great milestone in life; be proud of your hard work. God had great plans for you, we wish

you best of luck to discover those plans and be the best YOU that you can be. We ask God to

bless you path along the way. —The Board of Christian Education

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Congratulations

2020 Memorial Scholarship

Winners

THE WATTS, HOLCOMB, SCHWENDEMAN, AND STARKEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE PRESENT-

ED TO RILEY WILLIAMS. Riley will be a junior at Hiram College in the fall, majoring in Political Science

and Communications with a minor in Psychology. She has been a part of Hiram’s Eclectic Scholars

(Honors) Program and Hiram’s Garfield Center for Public Leadership since 2019. Riley serves as the

Vice President of Active Minds Hiram, a club focused on increasing mental health awareness on cam-

pus. Over the years Riley has participated in various youth ministry activities, mission trips, and lead-

ership retreats through FCC and was the youth representative on the Senior Pastor Search Com-

mittee. Riley is the daughter of Scott and Beth Williams.

THE ATWOOD AND WATTS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE PRESENTED TO MAX DRUMMOND.

Max will be a junior at Heidelberg University this fall, majoring in Communications. Max has been a

part of the school newspaper and DECA at Heidelberg and attends weekly bible studies through FCA.

He was very involved in FCC through Sunday School and Youth Group, attending mission trips, help-

ing with VBS, Breakfast with Santa, and the Super bowl Sub Sale. He also spent time volunteering for

Habitat for Humanity. In high school Max won the Pat Baugh Award in football for being a good man

on a off the field. Max is the son of Dan and Dianne Drummond.

THE HERITAGE AND WOODS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE PRESENTED TO LINDSAY WILLIAMS.

Lindsay will be a senior at Kent State Stark, majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology.

She currently serves as Assistant Director of WAMM and has been a member of the Grace Notes

choir for 4 years. Lindsay is an active member of Thrive, a college ministry at Maranatha Bible

Church. She is a seasonal worker for the Akron RubberDucks and an assistant dance teacher at

Tallmadge Academy of Dance. Lindsay was an active member of Youth Fellowship and has attended

several mission trips. Lindsay is the daughter of Shelly Poff Williams.

THE GILBERT, NEITZ, AND BOSCHERT MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS ARE PRESENTED TO CHARLOTTE

SCHERER. Charlotte will be a junior at Hiram College, on her way to earning a Bachelors of Science in

Nursing. At Hiram, Charlotte has spent time volunteering in the costume department and as an or-

ganic chemistry tutor, and is a member of the National Nursing Student Association. Charlotte has

worked for the Hiram Physical plant/maintenance department and for Hometown Bank. She has

been a member of the church choir for 7 years here at FCC as has helped with VBS, Lock-ins, Break-

fast with Santa, Sunday School, and in the nursery. Charlotte has been very involved in Girl Scouts

throughout the years and last year volunteered as a Girl Scout Co-Leader. Charlotte is the daughter

of Garry and Jennifer Scherer.

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BBI, The Bureau of Bible Investigation , would like to introduce to

you our Special Trained Agents. Although we are unable to host

an in-person VBS this summer, we are very excited about this at

home version.

Mission: Possible.

We have 6 Trained Agents who will share a special “spy trait” (which also happens

to be a trait of good Christians). Each week, our registered families will receive a

red envelope in the mail that will share the following information:

1. A video on our website with scripture about the Special Trained Agent

2. A video from the Trained Agent sharing his or her “spy trait”

3. A song related to the BBI skill of the week

4. An activity where the kids will use their agent decoding skills to figure out the

mission of the week

5. An activity to drive home the mission of the week; physical tasks, science ex-

periments, kindness tasks and family activities

If you didn’t sign up and would like to, you still can through our church website

(fcctallmadge.org). You will be off a few weeks, but it still will be fun. If you don’t

want to register, you can see the videos each Monday on our website. Our actors

did a great job, as did our videographer, Anne. You can search our hashtag on so-

cial media if you want to see more pictures. #

We had many people come together to make this happen and the time and crea-

tivity they gave to develop the curriculum was what will make this a huge success.

Zachary Brown Bobby Higham Anne Pertick

David Brumbaugh Cadence Ickes Lily Scherer

Mike Carter Sarah Ickes Vince Scovern

Amber Headley Katie Lindhe Rachel Tassile

Kyle Herron Helen McKee Scott Tassile

Thank you all so much, this wouldn’t be as great without your help.

Wendy Brown (AKA Iron Heart)

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Over the quarantine, the youth continued to meet on Wednesday evenings for Zoom meetings. With

the start of summer, the Youth Stay-at-Home Mission trip entitled “Local Impact 2020” has been

released! The Youth have until August 1st, 2020 to complete 5 challenges. Each challenge includes a

service project, a family activity lead by the youth participant, and some discussion questions. For those

who participate, we look forward to having an ice cream celebration outside, and socially distant, in Au-

gust. If you know a youth who is participating, don't forget to encourage them to stick with it!

—Rachel Tassile, Youth Ministries Coordinator

JULY UPDATE

Thank you for all the kind cards and well wishes from a

loving church. Love, Steve Ristich

Hope and I thank Pastor Dave and Brenda as well as our

loving church family for your prayers and cards of encour-

agement as we continue our recovery from surgeries.

Ron & Hope Mitchell

I would like to personally thank everyone who has helped me at First Congregational Church in my four

years as Vice-Moderator and Moderator. I have had such pleasant experiences with all of the staff dur-

ing that time. We have been blessed with the best staff members, and I have enjoyed all of my time

working with them. I am grateful that I have also received so many uplifting thoughts, cards and letters

from members of the church which made me feel so thankful. There are too many people to thank, but

to Ginny Collins, who was Moderator before me, I am so grateful for our time together. In these kind of

roles, being in close contact with those who minister to the church has also been very special too, and

being close to Dr. John, Dr. Matt, Pastor Sarah, Rev Gary, Rev Neal has been special. To Pastor David and

Brenda, a special thanks and continued prayers for you, for your guidance and help, and to your ministry

here. Thank you all…

Peace, Timothy Burns

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Congregational Meeting Update: Leadership Positions

At this time if year, our church historically has held a congregational meeting in the sanctuary to review

the past year, talk about what is upcoming, and to vote on any changes in leadership positions for the

next twelve months. Because of the restrictions that the virus has put on us, it is unwise and unsafe to

call for an in-person congregational meeting during the month of June to vote on leadership positions,

which transition into the July 1 2020 and run through June 30 2021.

At the June 9th Executive Council, a vote was passed on the list of leaders submitted by the Nominating

Committee to be then approved by the Congregation. Currently, the plan is to send this list of leaders to

each member of the congregation via US Mail, with a method to reply back to the office, as a way to

have each member be able to vote as they would in the congregational meeting, and have a small team

tabulate the votes, check them against the membership list, verify enough votes to constitute a quorum,

and then relay those results back to the congregation. This method is thought to be the best way of in-

suring the most complete, even and consistent way of allowing us to transition to the new leadership po-

sitions while keeping as safe as possible.

Please look in the mail soon for this correspondence, as we all hope that over the next several months

we can continue to manage our church's operation better and better in these difficult times.

Timothy Burns

Moderator

Giving is changing here at FCC. Very soon you will be able to

give to the church via our website and via text messaging. Keep

an eye out for more information about these great new options!

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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

PO BOX 420

TALLMADGE OH 44278

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

TALLMADGE OH

PERMIT NO. 30

Spiritual/ Pastoral Care Ministry Contacts

Pastoral Staff Rev. David Brumbaugh Senior Pastor 330.633.4931 cell phone: 717-466-1216 dbrumbaughfcc@sbcglobal.net trumpet@dejazzd.com

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group & Elders Ministry Roberta Nehrenz 330.634.0713 rgnehrenz@att.net Heart’s in Service Janet McCaulley 330.633.3775 Barbara Rowles 34babs@sbcglobal.net

Prayer Chain Diana Caldwell 330.265.5723 dianasl@neo.rr.com

Yarning for Peace Dee West 330.633.4421 dwest890@aol.com

Staff E-Mail Addresses Cathy Cotter Administrative Coordinator tallmadgefcc@sbcglobal.net

Rachel Tassile M.S. & H.S. / Youth Ministries Coordinator rachel.tassile.fcctallmadge@gmail.com

Wendy Brown Director of Family Ministries wbrownfcc@sbcglobal.net

Nancy Lynn Robinson Choir Director / Organist nrbgp@aol.com

Bill Hoover Finance Administrator bhooverfcc@sbcglobal.net

Teresa Snyder Head Custodian (Mon-Fri, Day Shift) budrose42@yahoo.com

Steve Ristich Assistant Custodian (Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs. and Sunday)

DATE: June 17, 2020

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