Thank you to all the wonderful people who made this year s VBS a HUGE success!

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1 CONNECTIONS

2 INSIDE THIS ISSUE Anniversaries 2 Attendance 2 Birthdays 2 Calendar 11 Discipleship Youth News 4 Family Firework Social 7 Financial Update 8 Human Care 10 Intentional Thank You 9 New Member Welcome 2 Stewardship Monthly 8 Pastor Jim s Message 3 Sunday School 4 Update - Crum, WV 9 VBS Thank You! 2 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic 7 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JUNE ATTENDANCE 6/7 8:45am :15am 85 6/14 8:45am :15am 75 6/21 8:45am :15am 85 6/28 8:45am :45am Tim & Heather Keller 14 Gene & Ann Fiocca 2 Barb & Paul Hinderegger 17 Chris & Laura Manuel 3 Jeff & Nancy Markle 18 Jim & Claire Gau 6 Mike & Rebecca Rusyniak 18 Art & Carol Weitzel 8 Judy & Larry Leuthaeuser 19 David & Lisa Stouffer 9 David & Joanne Kohlmeier 28 Dante & Sandra Cannata 11 Mark & Melissa Ludwig 28 Charles & Ellie Lentner 11 Floyd & Bernadette McMullen 29 Richard & Bonnie Damerow HAPPY BIRTHDAY 1 Randy Popa 16 Katie Ward 2 Paula Vehlow 17 Elizabeth Evans 2 Sarah George 17 Debra Labay 2 Hannah Gibson 17 Jody Jenkins 3 Laura Manuel 17 Robbie Starkey 4 Carlene Fulton 17 Bennet Duehning 4 Yvonne Smerick 18 Reid Yoder 4 Tom Cadotte 18 Olivia Porter 4 John Hoffman 20 Brian McCarty 8 Mary Miller 21 Holly Strachan 8 Michael George 22 Mario Signore 8 Chris Congeni 23 David Brinkman 9 Don Tonn 24 Karen Kronenberger 9 Jerry Gould 24 Earl Evans 10 Mario Muratori 26 Ann Congeni 10 Amy Furukawa 27 Cornelia Juron 12 Cathy Morrison 28 Bruce Hollingsworth 12 Terry Leidal 28 Roger Stewart 13 Lynn Hastman 29 Frances Harris 13 Judy Kotick 29 Lauren Jones 14 Kate Johnson 30 Deedra Zwisler 15 Samantha Hessel 30 Tim Keller 16 Donald Farrow 31 Diane Bray 22 Walt & Kate Johnson 30 Andy & Joyce Morton September Connection NEWSLETTER Articles due by Aug. 17 th to Kim at kim.hornyak@fairlawnlutheran.org Thank you to all the wonderful people who made this year s VBS a HUGE success! P A G E 2

3 PASTOR JIM S MESSAGE Interesting how fast time flies! This past June marked our one-year anniversary at Fairlawn Lutheran. I remember those first few months of feeling like spinning in circles as I tried to get a grasp on activities and ministries, and all the people's names to learn! Well, Claire and I are still learning about Fairlawn and all that God has graced her with, and will be for many years to come. When we first visited, over 2 years ago, one impression we came away with was the genuine love and service of the saints. That impression has only deepened in the past year. You all are some of the most loving people we have ever met. And my, how you love to serve! I am still amazed that when a need or opportunity arises, hands go up and the work gets done. Now that we are "grounded" a bit more, I am greatly looking forward to year 2. For instance, we are nearing completion of our Vision process that will propel us for years to come. Also, new staff will be called here over the coming months. As we move into year 3, and 4, and beyond, what else does God have in store for us? What has He planned that we have yet to discover? I don't know the answers to those questions. But I do know that God loves us and faithfully leads us. I also know that His blessing rests on you, His saints, as you go about His work. We are so excited to be walking this path with you. And we do so with complete confidence in our Savior and great joy in working by your side. Peace in Christ, Pastor Jim and Claire James, Jessica, Lauren and Bennett Duehning Hello from the Duehning family: James, Jessica, Bennett, and Lauren! James was raised Lutheran in Texas. Jessica grew up Presbyterian in Missouri. After college we moved to Kansas City, Missouri where we bounced around a few churches, but never found a great place to raise our family. After moving to Fairlawn for James job in June 2014, we came to Fairlawn Lutheran because it was close to how he was raised in Texas and close to our home. During our first visit, which also happened to be Pastor Gau s first day, Pastor Gau asked Bennett to come see his train collection. We were also astounded by the openness of all the members in welcoming us into their family. Also, during our first visit we met Karla and talked about our interest in enrolling Bennett into the preschool program. And within a few weeks Jessica was recruited to help with VBS. We were hooked on Fairlawn Lutheran Church and School due to their family friendly atmosphere and the way the church family welcomed us to join them in worship. We look forward to raising our family with you and growing our faith P A G E 3 Bruce and Kristina Hollingsworth Bruce and Kris have been married for 37 year. They have 2 boys, Allen 34 who lives in Atlanta, GA and Brian 32 who lives in Parma, OH. Bruce has worked for J. D. Williamson Construction Company for 35 years. Kris currently is a "nanny" 3 days a week to twin 3 1/2 year olds, Anna and Joey. Bruce is originally from Cuyahoga Falls and Kris is originally from Fairlawn. Vince LaPorte & Jennifer Meier Vince I was born in the Bronx, New York and moved to Westchester County, New York, as a teenager. I am the oldest of three children. I graduated from Pace University with my undergraduate degree and Manhattanville College with my graduate degree in physical education. I moved to Ohio two years ago to pursue my teaching career. I am currently a dean of student life at a school in Akron, and I am busy preparing myself to become a husband. Wish me luck! Jennifer- I was born and raised in Brookfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I am one of five children. I moved out to Ohio a year after I graduated college for a teaching job. I currently teach kindergarten at a charter school in Cleveland. While in Ohio, I met my fiancé, Vince, and I am busy planning our July 2016 wedding. Melanie McCoskey

4 DISCIPLESHIP NEWS Junior Youth Room Request: The Junior Youth will be taking over an empty classroom in the lower level. We would like to make the room comfortable and inviting for them to spend time in. So-o-o-o we are hoping that FLCS members may have the following to re-purpose from your home, or donate new: clean bean bag chairs, low beach chairs, extra large pillows and maybe even a small two-seat settee, and a small area rug. We would also like a set of corn hole boards and bags to use for youth events. Finally, we are in desperate need of a good vacuum cleaner that will stay in the youth room. Thank you for your consideration and generosity. Please contact: Jan Seymour or jseymour@neo.rr.com. FLCS Sunday School Talents are Needed: In preparation for the upcoming Sunday school year the Discipleship team is looking for individuals to teach the 7th & 8th grade class on Sunday mornings. If you have a passion for God s Word and a love of middle schoolers please consider doing a shared teaching position. Please contact Jan Seymour or jseymour@neo.rr.com. The start of school is around the corner, and so is the start of Sunday school! The curriculum has been ordered, and our Sunday school staff is coming together nicely. However, there is still room for YOU to assist with the Christian education of the youngest members of OUR church family. We welcome all willing volunteers to lead the weekly opening, teach, or assist with a class on a regular basis or as a substitute. There will be a one hour orientation meeting for all Sunday school staff members in between services on Sunday, August 23rd. FLCS Sunday school is open to all children ages 3 through 6 th grade. A registration form is included on the next page; only one form is needed per family. Registration forms will also be available on Sunday, August 30 th at the Registration Round-up in between services. Please return completed registration forms to the church office or bring it with you to the Registration Round-up on August 30 th. Please contact Barb Hinderegger at bhinderegger@gmail.com or Arin Sloan at asloan4113@gmail.com with questions or to let us know how you would like to assist with Sunday School. Important Dates: August 23 rd 10:00-11:00am Sunday School Staff Orientation August 30 th 10:00-11:00am Sunday School Registration Round-up September 13 th 10:00am Rally Day September 20 th 10:00-11:00am Regular Sunday School Classes Begin P A G E 4

5 SUNDAY SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM PLEASE COMPLETE & RETURN Sunday School Registration Form Fairlawn Lutheran Church & School, 3415 W. Market St., Fairlawn, Ohio Child s Name Age Birthdate Baptism Date School Grade Entering in Fall 2015 Allergies or other medical conditions Please describe any learning or modifications that would benefit your child Child s Name Age Birthdate Baptism Date School Grade Entering in Fall 2015 Allergies or other medical conditions Please describe any learning or modifications that would benefit your child Child s Name Age Birthdate Baptism Date School Grade Entering in Fall 2015 Allergies or other medical conditions Please describe any learning or teaching modifications that would benefit your child. Street address City State Zip Home phone ( ) Parent s Cell ( ) Parent(s) name(s) Will a parent usually remain at the church during Sunday School? yes no What is the best phone number to reach you at during Sunday School? I would like to volunteer to help with Sunday School. Please contact me. yes no Preferred contact method: phone: P A G E 5

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7 FAMILY FIREWORKS AND POPCORN SOCIAL THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! On June 28 th, our congregation hosted the re-energized Family Fireworks Popcorn Social. Thank you for your for dry weather prayers! Despite a rainy start to the day, God provided us with great weather for the event. We hosted around 500 visitors, many of whom were very thankful for all of the extra food and activities. This event could not have been possible without the help of many volunteers. The Fireworks Steering Committee wishes to thank the following individuals for helping to make this event a success: Rod & Nancy Parks, John & Betsy Tancous, Jacquie & Ron Kyle, Barb Beck, Jeanne & Kit Nelson, Ken & Vicki Peace, Karla McDivitt, Mike & Becky Rusyniak, Mario Muratori, Lloyd & Grace Goettler, Barb & Paul Hinderigger, Alex Morrison, Nina Wahl, Gayle & Jan Seymour, Melanie McClosky, Betty Huber, Tracey & Gary Reinecke, Alyssa Lance, Linda & Dave Polcyn, Joyce & Andy Morton, Bill & Karen Feth, Al & Gina Hedervary, Devon Brinkman, Shirley Juhasz, Bob & Betty Hessel, Randy Popa, Rick & Barb Porter, Tom & Holly Strachan, Georgia Stenger, Jerry & Ursula Gould, James Duehning, James Techau, Pastor Jim & Claire Gau, Jeri Montalto, and Arin Sloan Volunteer Appreciation Picnic Sat., Aug pm Copley Community Park - Pavilion B The staff of Fairlawn Lutheran Church and School are hosting this picnic to say THANK YOU to all our fabulous volunteers who generously give of their time and talents to serve alongside us in God s kingdom. Please RSVP to Kim Hornyak, so we know how many to plan for, at kim.hornyak@fairlawnlutheran.org. P A G E 7

8 FINANCIAL ACTIVITY REPORT FINANCIAL UPDATE Month of June, 2015 OPERATIONS Income $55,380 Cash Expenses $49,249 Net Cash Income / (Loss) $6,131 Year-to-Date Income $356,738 Cash Expenses $358,168 Net Cash Income / (Loss) ($1,430) STEWARDSHIP MONTHLY THOUGHT Business is the new black. It s stylish. We spend an inordinate amount of time comparing how busy we are with everyone else. We compare our schedules, our kid s schedules, how productive we are and how much we have because of it to everyone around us. And if we don t do or have what the next guy does or has, we just get busier and produce more so that we can. This consumes our conversations and thoughts. And this should give us pause: Who is consuming whom, here? Are we the consumer or are we those consumed? It s no accident that our adversary the devil is described as a lion prowling around seeking to devour us, to consume us. He gives us the liturgy of this world, the liturgy of productivity and consumption. For if he can keep us busy in much-ness and many-ness, he can be satisfied. And this is why the Lord, after finishing all His work of creation, rested on the seventh day. This is why He established the Sabbath day to give His people rest from all their work. As they rested, He continued to work for them, to satisfy them, to fill them with His gifts food from heaven by His Word and Promise. That day came when from our Lord's cross and in His death, He proclaimed, "It is finished" (John 19:30). And so His work of redemption was complete. And so His body rested in the tomb, the belly of the earth. Though He is the Lord God who always works, yet as the Lord rested on the original Sabbath, now Jesus kept the Sabbath by resting in the tomb and rising from the dead to live forever. For this is why He came. This is why He became man: to draw all to Himself so that He could give rest and refreshment to the weary and the heavy laden. The Sabbath is a gift, not a burden. It is a gift of time free from the liturgy of this world, the liturgy of productivity and consumption. Sabbath is time for rest and refreshment, a time free from anxiety to enjoy the gifts God gives, all of them His Word, His Promises, His Sacraments, His creation, everything. It is a foretaste of the rest we shall enjoy in heaven. Sadly for many of us rest has become work. It s become drudgery. We long for it but we aren t able to do it because there s so much to be done and so little time to do it. But really what s the rush? Why are we so hurried and harried? Have we forgotten that Jesus is raised from the dead and lives forever? Sabbath is God's gift of time free from all of the anxiety and hurry of this world so that we can rest, be refreshed by the gifts God gives. Society won't do it for us. They are addicted to the liturgy of productivity and consumption. Though we are in the world, we are not of it. We are the people of God, His own children by water and Word, joined to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus lives. And so shall we. So rest in the promise of our Savior that sin, death, and time have not hold on you because Jesus is raised from the dead. Jesus lives. And so shall we, forever. Living Each Day as a Steward! P A G E 8

9 INTENTIONALLY SAYIING THANK YOU! Fairlawn Lutheran Brown Baggers Vi Bahm Fred Pinter Ann Congeni Kathryn Pinter Chuck Eckberg Lisa Stouffer LaDonn Eckberg Eileen Wahl Judy Johnson George Wahl Shirley Juhasz Phyllis Woodward Jim Kroeger Woody Woodward Jacquie Kyle Mary Yoder Judye Matson The Brown Baggers were founded by Kathryn Pinter in March of Kathryn will celebrate her 93rd. birthday in August and is still among the packers each month. The Brown Baggers assemble at least 100 brown bag lunches the fourth Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. They are delivered to the St. Bernard Hunger Center in downtown Akron for distribution the next day. Each lunch contains a meat and cheese sandwich, fruit, and dessert. The Brown Baggers rely on donations from individual congregation members that are recorded on their church statements as well as an occasional contribution from outside the church. Last, but not least, the money collected in the plastic jug by the mailboxes is used toward expenses. The group has been self-sustaining so far, having never been subsidized by the church budget. FLCS Fireworks Social Thank you to Erin Sloan and Jeri Montalto and their amazing team for a phenomenal community event! Many people experienced the community outreach of Fairlawn Lutheran Church and School. UPDATE ON CRUM, WV MISSION TRIP. Monday, July 20, Barbara Beck and Marilyn Horsey, pictured to the right, are packing children's books donated by Mr. & Mrs. Richard Kotick. These books were mailed by David Sears to Sister Therese Carew at the Christian HELP Thrift Store in Kermit, WV for use and distribution to children in that locale. Such donations are Always welcomed by Sister Therese and her staff. P A G E 9

10 HUMAN CARE JACQUIE KYLE Each month FLCS members donate non-perishable food items for our Harvest for Hunger which supports either Haven of Rest or OPEN M. The food collection for August supports the OPEN M FOOD PANTRY. Please place food in the box inside the church front door. Thank you for caring and sharing. SIGN UP ON MISSION TOWER to help prepare food, serve, and/or bake cookies for OPEN M s FREE HOT LUNCH held on Tue., Aug. 18, 10:30am-2pm. We need people. August is vacation time for some people so please help! Questions or need a ride: Jacquie Kyle, , jmkyle@msn.com. Presentation by Charlene Kish, CEO, Concordia at Sumner Sunday, August 23 from am Fellowship Hall Last November the Church Council of FLCS voted to become a supporting congregation of Concordia of Ohio who operates the caregiving Lutheran facility, also known as Concordia at Sumner, located on Ridgewood Road in Copley. Both FLCS, and Concordia at Sumner, wish to develop a mutually beneficial relationship. Concordia is able to enlighten our congregation s members on later-life issues which may be valuable for themselves or a family member. On the other hand, many of our church and school members can share the love of Christ with the residents at Concordia of Sumner through programs or even one-on-one sharing. This presentation, to be introduced by Chaplain Charlie Lentner, will introduce us to Concordia at Sumner and provide a background on options for elderly living. It will hopefully be the beginning of an ongoing relationship between FLCS and Concordia at Sumner. If you are unable to attend but would like information, contact Grace Goettler at gtgoet@gmail.com or P A G E 1 0

11 AUGUST 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 EACH SUNDAY.Join Us! 8:45am Liturgical Worship 11:15am Contemporary Worship 2 3 6:00pm Golf Tee-Time 6:30pm Admin. Team Meeting 4 9:30am Staff Meeting 6:30pm Facilities Team Meeting 7:00pm Cottage Mtg - Corbett Home 7:00pm Prayer Ministry 8:00pm AA 5 6:00am Men s Bible Study - Cracker Barrel 9:30am Moms of Faith Bible Study 6 1:30pm Prayer Shawl Meeting 6:30pm Discipleship Team Mtg 7:00pm Worship Team Practice 7 9:30am FAA 7:00pm Cottage Mtg - Fischer Home 8 11:00am Vivian Noffsinger Memorial Service :00am School Staff Mtg 6:00pm Golf Tee Time 6:30pm School Ministry Board 11 9:30am Staff Meeting 7:00pm Prayer Ministry 8:00pm AA 12 6:00am Men s Bible Study - Cracker Barrel 9:30am Moms of Faith Bible Study 13 6:30pm Church Council 7:00pm Worship Team Practice 14 9:30am FAA 1:30pm Assimilation Team Meeting 15 7:30pm Youth Event at Rinky Dink September Connection Newsletter Articles Due in Church Office 12:00pm Red Cross Blood Drive 6:00pm Golf Tee-Time 18 9:30am Staff Meeting 6:00pm Evangelism Team Meeting 7:00pm Prayer Ministry 8:00pm AA 19 6:00am Men s Bible Study - Cracker Barrel 9:30am Moms of Faith Bible Study 20 7:00 pm Worship Team Practice 21 9:30am FAA 22 11:00am Volunteer Appreciation Picnic Copley Community Park - Pavilion B 23 10:00am Speaker Charlene Kisch, CEO Concordia at Sumner 10:00am Sunday School Staff Orientat5ion 30 10:00am Sunday School Registration Round-up 24 9:30am Kindergarten Open House 10:30am Kindergarten Parent/Guardian Orientation 6:00pm Golf Tee-Time 7:00pm Stewardship Meeting First Day of Kindergarten 9:30am Staff Meeting 7:00pm Prayer Ministry 8:00pm AA 26 6:00am Men s Bible Study - Cracker Barrel 9:30am Moms of Faith Bible Study 1:00pm Brown Baggers 27 2:00pm Alzheimer Support Group 7:00pm Worship Team Practice 7:30pm CLT Meeting Camp Fairlawn - End of Summer/Back to School 9am-1pm 28 9:30am FAA 4:00pm Bye-Hammer Wedding Rehearsal 29 3:30pm Bye-Hammer Wedding BRAILLE WORKSHOP 9am. M, W,Th 12:30pm..M-Th 3:30pm M 7pm.Th P A G E 1 1

12 Blood Drive Mon., Aug. 17 Noon-6:00pm