FAITH NOTES Faith United Methodist Church 300 Ninth Street NW North Canton, Ohio 44720 Phone: 330.499.6040 Fax: 330.305.1600 E-mail: ncfaith@faithumchurch.org Website: www.faithumchurch.org
MARCH 2014
March 2014 - Pastor's article Shortly we will be walking with Jesus. Some of you have traveled the road with Jesus for much, if not all, of your lives. Perhaps you are just beginning the walk. You may be taking off on a spiritual sprint. Maybe you are moseying. It is possible that you are stopped alongside the path - admiring the scenery or recovering from an injury. On Sunday March 16th we will begin a new mini-series from The Story in which the Holy Spirit will cheer us on as we walk, run, rest with Jesus. I have been at all the above-mentioned placed in the journey with Jesus. I've circled around and taken in the same road many times over. This last summer I began to read a book "Running - The Sacred Art." From it, I picked up a set of questions that I apply toward much of my journey; "Am I moving away from something?" "Am I moving toward something?" "In what ways am I noticing that God is moving with me?" "Who are those in the 'cloud of witnesses' traveling with me?" Hebrews 12:1 encourages us: Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We need to be careful not to become too self-important in all this running, walking, moving, journeying and traveling. It is not we who position ourselves with God. If we succeed in doing so it is often only for a fleeting moment. God positions Godself with us. This is the good news. God runs with perseverance the race and we get the benefit of God's first action. In the physical discipline of running this is called "drafting." In the spiritual discipline of moving with God, God's grace in Jesus breaks down the life-resisting powers of sin and death. On April 19th we will gather for Faith's 3rd annual Run to Resurrection. On this spring morning we will walk and run with perseverance knowing that it is Jesus who travels with us and urges us onward. See you at the finish line. Pastor Cara GOOD NEWS! - The "Run to Resurrection" is for those who DON'T run too! ALL come...walk, volunteer, sing, worship, and cheer on.
Circle of Faith
Lydia Circle will meet on Wednesday, March 12th at 12:00 pm in Robinson Hall. Dot Fisher will discuss her recent adventure. Please call Emmajo Shearer for information at 330-966-8730
Circle of Love Circle of Love will meet on Thursday, March 27th at 7:00pm in the parlor. Debbie Porter will talk about the District Lending Library and present a book review. All are welcome! Please contact Patti Deems with any questions. 330-494-7168
Circle News
Circle of Faith will meet on Monday, March 10th at 9am at Sally Greg’s house. The life story of Lyn Molnar will be shared by Lyn. Call Esther Brunt for information 330-499-7293
From UMW Watch the Sunday bulletins for more Information about the circles. All are welcome to come to one of the meetings to see which circle best meets your needs. All Daughters Banquet May 5, 2014 Watch for further information!
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Over 50? Single? Lots of activities are being planned for the coming months. Watch the bulletins and Faith Notes for information. Friends are always welcome. If you have questions, call Bev Temple 330-244-8518.
Men meet each Thursday at 7:15 AM at Susanna’s on Main St. in North Canton. All men are welcome. No reservations required. Social coordinator is Dale Walters.
Canton Calvary Mission requests soup for March The Mission feeds over 500 families monthly and appreciates all donations of non-perishable foods, personal hygiene and paper products. A marked box is located in the gallery for contributions to the Food Pantry. Thanks for your generous support!
Faith UMC Food Pantry Needs
Silent Basket Auction to Support Youth Mission Trip
Hunting for Happiness As I walk through the checkout lanes at different stores I have always been amazed at the number of tabloids that fill the shelves. Lining those rows are articles about celebrities whose marriages are falling apart, who have landed in rehab (yet again), or some other story about how terrible their lives are. I have often wondered about why we care so much about their lives, but more importantly why they feel as though their lives are so empty. They have the nicest possessions, unlimited amounts of money, and “friends” everywhere they look. On the outside they appear to have everything but inside they are crumbling. Read the full story at http://faithumc-refuge.tumblr.com/
As I think about my own life, there are several things that I believe will make me happy but they often times leave me with fleeting feelings as the next best thing comes along. For many us we find ourselves looking for happiness, which is only temporary, rather than looking for joy in life. As we have journeyed together through several snow days this year, I find myself needing to be reminded of the joy that I can experience in life, which is constant and steady rather than relying on temporary happiness. We can find joy with our families (despite their dysfunction), with our possessions (even if they aren’t the latest and greatest), and most importantly in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Today, I would like to leave you with a couple of questions to discuss with your students. “Where do you look to find happiness? What would it take for you to be truly happy? As you wrestle with these questions I challenge you to think about how you can begin finding more contentment and happiness with what you currently have rather than struggling up a slippery slope looking for happiness. Youth Mission Trip News: Our mission trip planning, events, and fundraising for our trip to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky next summer are in full swing. Here are some ways that you can help us raise the necessary funds to make this trip a possibility. We are currently distributing M & M tubes filled with candy for you to take and enjoy at your convenience. All we ask in return is that you enjoy the candy and fill the tube back up with change, cash, or checks and return it to the church. We also have our donation boards available in both the gathering area and outside the youth room for your convenience. Our students are always looking for opportunities to serve others throughout the year. If you have any questions about our trip feel free to contact Susan Arnold (sarnold@faithumchurch.org) or Donny Bell (donnybell@gmail.com) or Matt Hart (mhart@faithumchurch.org). Thank you for your partnering with this life-changing ministry!
Arts and Music Openings at Faith UMC
MEMBERSHIP CARE
Troop 12 News and Information March 2014 Thank you to the congregation for your financial support of our Pancake Breakfast! The pancakes hit the spot on a cold and snowy Sunday morning. The money we raised will help defray the costs of our Spring Camping Trip to Niagara Falls later in the month of March. Thank you again!
March 1: We began the new month by participating in a 10 mile hike through Cuyahoga Valley State Park. It was a great way to begin the new month and provided an invigorating way to begin an early Saturday morning.
March 21-24: We are looking forward to our Annual Spring Camping Trip to Niagara Falls. We hope to enjoy the sights and beauty of Niagara Falls. Thank you for your Pancake Breakfast donations which will directly benefit necessary items for this trip.
Needing Sunday School Teachers
The following is from a story written by a young woman experiencing a very difficult time. A good way to describe Stephen Ministry is Christ caring for people through people and that's exactly what this woman talks about in her story. Through her caring relationship with her Stephen Minister, she encountered Jesus in a tangible, personal, life-transforming way. She explains that in the beginning, "I wasn't sure how I'd feel about sharing deep, personal things with someone I didn't know very well. I soon realized that she was a safe person with whom I could truly share anything. My Stephen Minister did a wonderful job of creating a warm, caring space for me to process my emotions and work through my issues. What I needed the most was her unconditional love--to know that no matter what I shared with her, no matter what I'd done, she cared for me. Her care showed God's love for me."
First Tuesday Teresa Purses will lead our gathering on Tuesday March 4, 2014 at 8:30 a.m. in the Chapel. Get up and get going to worship, learn, share, and celebrate the gift of a new day! We’ll go out for breakfast too. On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, Cheryl Froelich has re-scheduled her presentation on road rage (appropriate for April Fool’s Day) at the new
Time Change Sunday, March 9th It’s that time again... No Pun intended, sort of, to change the clocks. Set your reminders to change your clocks.
Lent ~ Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is the forty day period (not counting Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday (the day before Easter) in which we are called to open our hearts before God for honest examination in a spirit of confession, penance, & redirection as we approach the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday. The word Lent comes from an old word for spring. Lent is a season of renewal. It’s a time of rebirth in nature and spiritual rebirth within ourselves as we renew our commitment to God and strengthen our faith. Christians gather for a special worship service on Ash Wednesday to guide us in beginning our Lenten preparation for Easter. The worship service usually includes the Imposition of Ashes, the marking of the worshipper’s forehead with ashes in the form of a cross. In the Bible, sprinkling oneself with ashes was traditionally a sign of one’s sorrow for having committed sins. Ashes are a powerful symbol of our mortality. They are also a sign of repentance, purification, & reconciliation. The purpose of Ash Wednesday is to help us develop a spirit of humility and sacrifice as we look to the cross. Fasting and giving up something can be a part of Lenten preparations, but so can taking on some things. In what ways might you focus on your relationship with Jesus this Lent? How is Jesus calling you to walk with Him? Daily Bible reading and prayer, worship, study and fellowship with other Christians, reflecting on the ways you give of your time, talents, and resources, reaching out to others in service and mission for the glory of God are all ways in which we can focus more fully on our spiritual lives and experience God’s love during this holy, sacred season. Incorporating these types of spiritual practices into our lives during Lent can help us grow closer to God by cutting out distractions and helping us to refocus our time and talents. Devoting more time to God and His work can help build and renew our faith. Check out the opportunities and resources available at Faith UMC to guide you in this year’s Lenten journey. Prayerfully consider what God is calling you to set aside or take up as you begin the journey to the cross this Lent.
“Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.” Joel 2:13
Ash Wednesday Services at Faith UMC —March 5 @ 12:00 pm & 7:00 pm Labyrinth will be available in the Family Life Center from 10:00 am – 8:30 pm
Lent Devotions & Resources: Look for this year’s Lent devotions that will focus on Faith UMC’s 2014 focus, Seeing Christ Being Christ. Each week during Lent a different ministry group will be sharing how they have experienced Seeing Christ Being Christ in their ministry, the ways this ministry helps others to walk with Jesus or serves to support our congregation and community as we journey through the season of Lent. We also have several devotional booklets & resources for individuals and families available to guide you in daily Scripture reading & reflection for the season of Lent. Please see the literature racks in the Gathering Area or outside the Family Life Center for more information. Spiritual practices resources can also be found on our faith formation blog: www.faithumchurch.wordpress.com. Visit Faith’s Library/Media Center to explore additional resources to help you dig deeper into the sermon messages, small group studies, and our Seeing Christ Being Christ theme!
Wednesday Night Lent Experiences Intergenerational opportunities at Faith UMC to help people of all ages grow in faith and experience the love and grace of Christ more fully this Lent. Join us each Wednesday Night during the season of Lent as we explore, discover, and experience spiritual practices that lead us to walk with Jesus this Lent! Each week will focus on a different means of grace with activities for adults, youth, and children. Dinner begins at 6:00pm in Robinson Hall. Lenten programs begin at 6:30pm.
Lenten Study & Prayer Groups Lenten Conversations: Encounters with Jesus- Thursdays at 7:00 pm, March 6, 13, 20, April 3, 10 – Jim Skinner, facilitator. The Lenten Season is traditionally a time for reflection on our relationship to Jesus the Christ in preparation for the celebration of Easter. This 5 week Lenten Study will focus on Jesus’ encounters with 5 different individuals. Using the Biblical stories and some contemporary articles, we’ll reflect on their encounters with Jesus and what meaning their stories have for our lives and our relationship to Jesus.
Lenten Prayer Study-Thursdays at 9:30 am beginning March 6- Kathy Schmucker, facilitator We live in a world of noise. Everywhere we go, we hear sounds that compete for our minds and hearts. In this study we will explore six specific prayer practices to help us focus on God this Lent. Whether you are new to prayer, already have a daily prayer routine, or if your life seem too busy to pray we hope to discover new depth and fulfillment in our relationship with God as guide and companion in our lives.
The Story for Lent – Several groups meet throughout the week to discuss The Story! Lent is a great time to further explore how God’s story connects with our story! Consider getting involved in one of The Story Groups meeting on Sundays at 9:30am, Mondays at 10:30 am, Mondays at 7:00 pm, Tuesdays at 7:00 pm, or Wednesdays at 6:45 pm. All are welcome!
Want to learn more about nurturing your faith? For more information or questions about faith formation opportunities and resources or about starting or getting involved in a small group, prayer group, or Bible study experience at Faith UMC, visit our website or contact Kathy Schmucker, Faith’s Director of Christian Education & Spiritual Formation. 330-499-6040, kschmucker@faithumchurch.org
Additional Small Groups and Sunday School Classes
Weaving Faith Into Life
Sunday School at Faith UMC Psalm 78:4 “We will tell the next generation the praise worthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders he has done.” Join us as together we grow and learn to KNOW, LOVE & SERVE the Lord!
The Story for Kids: Faith Nursery, Room 18, 8:30, 9:45, & 11:00 Babies and Toddlers (birth through age 3) are cared for in a nurturing environment where little ones experience God’s love.
Children’s Sunday School at 9:45 & 11:00 am, Following Children’s Message Preschool Ages 3-5 – Room 20 Grades K-2 – Room 6 Grades 3-5 – Room 8 Out of the Box Youth Grades 6-12 at 9:45 & 11:00 am in the Youth Room Adults @ 9:45: The Story: Faith Meets Life in the West Parlor Faith Bible Study: Genesis to Revelation in the Conference Room Adults @ 11:00: The Story in Room 16 **Please stop by the Children’s Welcome Station near the Sanctuary and Family Life Center to sign in children, make their Sunday School name tags, and find information for families! Look for Family Devotions and Weekly Parent Pages on our Story website for suggestions and ideas to share The Story at home with your family!
Faith’s Education & Spiritual Formation Ministry Team is excited to invite you to check out our Virtual Store! Visit our website and click on the special links to Cokesbury & Amazon! All purchases made through these online links will help support our ministries!
Cokesbury Catch all the weekly events at FUMC via “The Buoy” * Simplify information with one digital resource * Lesson your carbon footprint * Help us save Sign Up at: marc.fumc@gmail.com
Friday March 14, 6:00 – 8:45 PM) Friday Night Out (Faith Date Night – Develop the Heart) Registration is now open for this Spring’s Emmaus Walk! Dates of Next Walks: Mens: March 13-16 Womens: March 20-23 Learn more about this experience of Christian spiritual renewal and leadership development by visiting the Emmaus page of our church website for more information! http://faithum.weebly.com/emmaus.html Pick up an Emmaus brochure in the church literature racks or contact Pam and Tom Wig for more information.
Faith UMC has a strong desire to focus on nurturing family relationships. We invite anyone: to come join us for a short program focusing on nurturing family relationships, followed by an evening of childcare (ages birth-6th grade) enjoy some time to yourselves to focus on the relationships in your life. Please register online at www.faithum.weebly.com/friday-night-out-datenight.html. For information contact: Tallie Paz at tallepaz@gmail.com or Kathy Schmucker at kschmucker@faithumchurch.org with questions or if you'd like to be involved in any way with this ministry!
The Sparkle Egg – A Lent Experience Jill Hardie, author of The Sparkle Box will be coming to Faith UMC to share her new book, The Sparkle Egg. Join us for this special program for all ages on Wednesday, April 9th beginning with dinner at 6:00 pm followed by this special program and activities at 6:45. Bring a friend and join us for this special event!
March 7th & 8th Friday 6pm —9 pm, Saturday 9am —3pm Cost $20 Join us as we gather as sisters in Christ for fun, worship, food, fellowship, spiritual refreshment and renewal! Guest Speakers will lead us in music, worship, reflection, and mission throughout the weekend! 1. Register at the church office or on our website. 2.Bring bath towels and personal care and toiletry items to support local missions for women. Special presentations and experiences throughout the weekend by Pastor Cara, John Buchanan, Andrea Lewis - Community Housing Specialist for PAL a mission for homeless young adults, Shirley Offineer – one woman’s story of overcoming, and more! Bring a friend! Questions? Contact Pam Wig or Kathy Schmucker 330-499-6040
Peaking Ahead to Summer Ministries Vacation Bible School ~ July 14-18 Does the idea of helping kids and families experience the unconditional love of Christ touch your heart? Nothing compares to the extraordinary love of Jesus. Jesus’ love is one of a kind! Get involved in planning and preparing for this year’s VBS and experience the love of Jesus at Faith UMC! For more information contact Sandy Vaughn or Kathy Schmucker.
Camp Read-A-Lot ~ July 3, 10, 24, & 31: Did you know… 63.1% of public school 8th graders and 66.3% of public school 4th graders in the state of Ohio are unable to read at grade level (www.childrensdefense.org) 20% of students in North Canton City Schools qualify for free and reduced lunches. If children and adults struggle to read, how will they ever read the Word of God? Plans and preparations are beginning to be made for this summer’s literacy program. Contact Paulette Baker, Laura Luikart, or Kathy Schmucker if you are interested in being part of this year’s planning team. Donations of new or gently used children’s books, especially beginning readers and beginning chapter books are much appreciated! We are also in need of donations of fleece for Camp Read-A-Lot’s blanket service project. Each blanket will need 1 ½ yards of 60 inch wide solid color fleece in any color.
Sun
Sat
6:00p Women’s Retreat
7
15
7:00a Men’s Life Study 9:00a Women’s Retreat Continued
8
Fri
6 9:30a Lenten Prayer Study 1:00p Prayer Shawl 7:00p Lenten study
14 6:00p Friday Night Out
22 7:00a Men’s Life Study
Thu
5 All day Labyrinth 9:00a Women’s Bible Study 12:00p Ash Wed. Service 5:00p Carol & Cherub Choirs 6:00p Faith Connections 6:30p Sewing for Missions 6:45p ‘The Story” cont. 7:00p Ash Wed. Service 7:00p Confirmation 7:30p Chancel Choir
13 9:30a Lenten Prayer Study 1:00p Faith Stitchers 6:30p Stephen Ministry, Supv. 7:00p Stewardship Ministry 7:00p Lenten Study
21 Scout Campout Friday-Monday
Wed
310:30a “Story” Bible Study 7:00p Covenant Bible Study 7:00p Meditaion Class 7:00p Men’s Basketball 7:00p “Story” Bible Study
4 8:00a First Tuesday 9:00a Library Volunteers 9:00a Quilts to Share 9:30a Celebration Bells 1:30p UMW board meeting 6:30p Women’s Bible Study 7:00 Young Adults 7:00p Boy Scouts 7:00 Church Board
12 9:00a Women’s Bible Study 12:00p Lydia Circle 5:00p Carol Choir 5:15 Cherub Choir 6:00p Faith Connections 6:45p New Member Class 7:00p ‘The Story” cont.
20 9:30a Lenten Prayer study 1:00p Faith Stitchers 1:00p Alzheimer’s Group 7:00p Trustees Meeting 7:00p Lenten Study
Tue
1
10 9:00a Circle of Faith 10:30a “Story” Bible Study 7:00p Covenant Bible Study 7:00p Meditation Class 7:00p Men’s Basketball 7:00p “Story” Bible Study
11 9:00a Library Volunteers 9:00a Quilts to Share 9:30a Celebration Bells 11:45 Second Wind 6:30p Women’s Bible Study 7:00p Young Adults 7:00p Boy Scouts 7:00p WA Interview Orient.
19 9:00a Women’s Bible Study 5:00p Carol Choir 5:15 Cherub Choir 6:00p Faith Connections 6:45p New Member Class 6:30p Sewing for Missions 6:45 Sparkle Egg Program 7:00p ‘The Story” cont. 7:30p Chancel Choir
9:30 Confirmation Hike
17 10:30a “Story” Bible Study 7:00p Covenant Bible Study 7:00p Meditation Class 7:00p Men’s Basketball 7:00p “Story” Bible Study 7:00p God & Me Class
18 6:00a Men’s Prayer Group 9:00a Library Volunteers 9:00a Quilts to Share 9:30a Celebration Bells 6:30p Finance meeting 6:30p Women’s Bible Study 6:30p Nominating “visits” meet. 7:00p Young Adults 7:00p Golf League
29
Faith Kitchen
28 9:00a Women’s Bible Study 6:45p New Member Class 7:00p ‘The Story” cont. 7:30p Chancel Choir
26
24 10:30a “Story” Bible Study 7:00p Covenant Bible Study 7:00p Meditation Class 7:00p Men’s Basketball 7:00p “Story” Bible Study
3110:30a “Story” Bible Study 7:00p Covenant Bible Study 7:00p Meditation Class 7:00p Men’s Basketball 7:00p “Story” Bible Study 7:00p God & Me Class
25 6:00a Men’s Prayer Group 9:00a Library Volunteers 9:00a Quilts to Share 9:30a Celebration Bells 6:30p Women’s Bible Study 7:00p SPRC. 7:00p Young Adults 7:00p Boy Scouts
279:30a Lenten Prayer study 1:00p Faith Stitchers 6:30 Stephen Ministry 7:00p Trustees Meeting 7:00p Lenten Study 7:00p Circle of Love
Mon
2014 EVERY SUNDAY 5:30 Joy Unlimited 6:30 REFUGE
2 COMMUNION Pastor Steve preaching 8:30 Organ Offertory 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Chancel Choir 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School 10:00 Confirmation Mission Team auction display 6:00 Youth Concert
9 LENT I Pastor Cara preaching 8:30 Organ Offertory 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Chancel & Cherub Choirs 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School 11:00 Confirmation Mission Team auction display 1:00 Eagle Scout Ceremony 5:00 Youth Concert 16 LENT II Pastor Steve preaching 8:30 Carol Choir 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Celebration Bells 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School 10:00 Confirmation Brunch after all services 6:00 Fun Over 50 Singles
23 LENT III Pastor Cara preaching 8:30 Joy Unlimited 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Chancel Choir 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School
30 LENT IV Pastor Steve preaching 8:30 Chancel Choir 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Joy Unlimited 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School 10:00 Confirmation
FAITH NOTES
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Canton, OH Permit No. 1809
Faith United Methodist Church 300 Ninth Street NW North Canton, OH 44720 Worship with Us: Sunday Services: 8:30, 9:45, & 11:00 Sunday School: 9:45 & 11:00
Get to Know Us: Reverends Steve & Cara Stultz Costello, Co-Pastors Sharyl Syler—Dir. of Administration & Finance Marc Biss—Communications Coordinator Kathy Schumucker—Dir. of Christian Ed. & Spiritual Formation Matt Hart—Dir. of Youth Ministry Sue Capestrain—Administrative Assistant Jan Bilek—Treasurer Susan Arnold—Youth Anministrator Alina Dorto—Dir. of Faith Friends Preschool
Contact Us: Phone: 330.499.6040 Fax: 330.305.1600 Email: ncfaith@faithumchurch.org Website: www.faithumchurch.org
WAIT!!! AM I HEADED FOR “FILE 13”??
Mar 2 COMMUNION Pastor Steve preaching 8:30 Organ Offeratory 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Chancel Choir 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School Mar 9 LENT I Pastor Cara preaching 8:30 Organ Offeratory 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Carol & Cherub Choirs 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School Mar 16 LENT II Pastor Steve preaching 8:30 Carol Choir 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Celebration Bells 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School Mar 23 LENT III Pastor Cara preaching 8:30 Joy Unlimited 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Chancel choir 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School Mar 30 LENT IV Pastor Steve preaching 8:30 Chancel Choir 9:45 Praise Team 11:00 Joy Unlimited 9:45 & 11:00 Sunday School
WORSHIP IN FEBRUARY
Mailed on February 27 , 2014
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Sewing for Missions 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30 PM, RH Sue Bell, Contact The Barbara Whitacre Prayer Shawl Ministry 1st Thursday, 1-4 PMin the Parlor Mike Flechtner, Contact Bixler Library Tuesdays, 9:00-11:00AM Nancy Share & Betsy Gorrell, Chairs Faith Stitchers: Bring handwork 2nd, 3rd & 4th Thursdays, 1-4 PM in the Parlor Quilters/Sewers Tuesdays, 9-11:30 AM Rooms 5 & 6 Nan Davis, Chair
Volunteer Opportunities