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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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] [email protected]
Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group & Elders Ministry Roberta Nehrenz 330.634.0713 [email protected] Heart’s in Service Janet McCaulley 330.633.3775 Barbara Rowles [email protected]
Prayer Chain Diana Caldwell 330.265.5723 [email protected]
Yarning for Peace Dee West 330.633.4421 [email protected]
Staff E-Mail Addresses Cathy Cotter Administrative Coordinator [email protected]
Rachel Tassile M.S. & H.S. / Youth Ministries Coordinator [email protected]
Wendy Brown Director of Family Ministries [email protected]
Nancy Lynn Robinson Choir Director / Organist [email protected]
Bill Hoover Finance Administrator [email protected]
Teresa Snyder Head Custodian (Mon-Fri, Day Shift) [email protected]
Steve Ristich Assistant Custodian (Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs. and Sunday)
DATE: June 17, 2020
___________________________________________________________________