connections Your Real Valentine Lent and Easter Schedule We will embrace people and walk with them in a RELATIONSHIP with Christ.

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1 connections MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF FAIRLAWN LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL FEBRUARY 2017 Your Real Valentine Ah, the month of love! Who is your valentine? Valentine s Day is one of those celebrations that can be a good day or a bad day. For those that have a valentine in their life, it is often a day of love and affection. Remember giving a valentine to your sweetheart in grade school? Who was your first kiss? How did your marriage proposal go? How much chocolate and pink stuff did you get this year? For those who don t have a valentine, this can be a sad day. Perhaps you have lost your valentine; perhaps you ve never had one. Yet all of us do have a Valentine! Even if the love of your life isn t in your life, and even if he or she is, you have a Valentine the best one Jesus Christ. He has sent you a love letter, called the Bible, where He tells you how much you mean to Him. Jesus loves you so much He died for you and gives you new life. What a gift not chocolate and a mushy card something far better. He gives you life, His life. As we celebrate the day of love, remember the greatest love of all your Valentine, Jesus Christ. In His love, Pastor Gau Lent and Easter Schedule Ash Wednesday Service & Lenten Dinner Wednesday, March 1 5:30pm dinner, 6:30pm service Lenten Dinner and Service Wednesday, March 8 5:30pm dinner, 6:30pm service Lenten Dinner and Service Wednesday, March 15 5:30pm dinner, 6:30pm service Lenten Dinner and Service Wednesday, March 22 5:30pm dinner, 6:30pm service Lenten Dinner and Service Wednesday, March 29 5:30pm dinner, 6:30pm service Lenten Dinner and Service Wednesday, April 5 5:30pm dinner, 6:30pm service Palm Sunday Sunday, April 9 Services at 8:45am & 11:15am Maundy Thursday Service Thursday, April 13, 6:30pm Good Friday Service Friday, April 14, 6:30pm Easter Sunday Sunday, April 16 Services at 8:45am & 11:15am Easter breakfast served between services God s Mission is that we exist to glorify Him and make disciples. The VISION of FLCS on how we will live God s mission: We will embrace people and walk with them in a RELATIONSHIP with Christ. Our focus is on families with children at home and adults over age 55. Strategies: Identify Connect Bless Invite Embrace Instruct Disciple Values As believers in Christ at FLCS, these are items we value: Caring relationships Family focus Committed leadership Community outreach Christian education Worship and music

2 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Invite a Friend! FEBRUARY 2016 RSVP to Kim Hornyak for all events at kim.hornyak@fairlawnlutheran.org 55+ Exercise Class Tuesdays at 10:00am, Fairlawn Lutheran Fellowship Hall 14 & 21 ONLY Join certified personal trainer Amanda Mosteller and friends for an hour of exercise which is appropriate to your fitness level. $10/class ($5/class with 10+ participants, so bring a friend!) Hofbrauhaus Lunch & Western Reserve Historical Society Visit February 9, 11:30am Plan on a great German lunch at the Hofbrauhaus in Cleveland followed by a visit to the Western Reserve Historical Society in the University Circle neighborhood. Senior admission is $9.00 and parking is $8 for the first 2 hours, $1 each add l half hour (Daily Max $15.) Special Card and Game Party with the FLCS Kindergarten! February 13, noon-2:00pm Our Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Meyer, has chosen fun and challenging games for the young and young at heart to play. Don t miss out on this fun afternoon with God s precious little ones! NOTE: This event will be held earlier than usual at 12-2:00pm. Cleveland Stories Dinner Party ~ The John D. Rockefeller Story Myth Versus Fact February 15, 5:30pm, Music Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave. in Cleveland. This weekly series, arranged in conjunction with the Western Reserve Historical Society, combines great food with great stories! FREE ADMISSION for the story at 7pm. An optional dinner at 6pm is available for $20. The menu includes lobster bisque, oysters & pearls (fried chicken thighs and mac & cheese) and chocolate mousse. Storyteller Dan Ruminski takes audience members on a trip through John D. Rockefeller s past to reveal the truth about this entrepreneur, his time in Cleveland, and shed light on both his personal and business life. Reservations, and optional dinner payment, are due by Feb. 13 to the church. (checks made payable to Fairlawn Lutheran Church. We will meet in the church parking lot at 5:30pm and carpool to Cleveland for those choosing the dinner option. If you are attending the story portion only, please plan to arrive at the venue by 6:45pm.

3 Psalm Walk February 16, 11:30am, Mugrange Park 4985 Windfall Road, Medina Come in comfortable walking shoes and apparel as our group walks the paths of Mugrange Park marveling at both God s creation and His Word. The group will stop at various points to read portions of an appointed Psalm and dig a little deeper into each verse. Weather permitting, we will meet at the park entrance (1/4-mile north of State Rt. 18). If you need a ride or would like to carpool, please contact Kim Hornyak. Be sure to bring a sack lunch to eat at the pavilion if it is not too cold, otherwise we will have our lunch at Kim's house which is about 5 min. south. Lunch and Learn Series: Senior Scams - Presentation by Home Instead Senior Care February 23, noon, Fairlawn Lutheran Fellowship Hall Bring a sack lunch to eat while listening to this informative presentation. Dessert and beverage will be provided compliments of Renaissance of Richfield Senior Care Living Community. Card and Game Party February 27, 1:00pm Join in the fun playing euchre and games. If you have a new game, or a family favorite, please bring it along. Snacks to share are always welcome, too. Be sure to invite a friend to join us for a few hours of fun and fellowship! March 5 Weathervane Playhouse (ticket payments were due Jan. 26 th ) March 7 Remember When Talk by The American Toy Marble Museum Speaker March 13 & 27 Card & Game Party March 20 Warther Museum Tour & Lunch Dover, OH March 23 Painting with a Twist March 30 Lunch & Learn Topic: Hospice & Palliative Care PAST EVENT FUN In January, we had fun sampling wine at Wolf Creek Winery (left) and enjoyed a tour of A Christmas Story house and lunch at Sokolowski s in Cleveland (right). Summer Road Trip to The Creation Museum & Ark Encounter Organizational Meeting Sunday, February 26, 12:30pm, Fairlawn Lutheran Library There is an organizational meeting for anyone interested in a summer road trip to The Creation Museum and Ark Encounter in Williamstown, KY. This trip is open to all ages, friends and family! Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old. The state-of-the-art Creation Museum allows you to venture through biblical history, stunning exhibits, botanical gardens, planetarium, petting zoo, zip line adventure course, and much more.

4 Your Youth Board 2017 The Youth Board is a group of Senior Youth who, along with adult advisors, plan events and activities for the Youth Group. The idea is to help the youth develop leadership and communication skills while, at the same time, helping them to take ownership and responsibility for the Senior Youth program. President: Charlie Vehlow I am a Senior at Woodridge High School and I attended preschool at Fairlawn Lutheran Church and School when I was younger. I enjoy studying the Sciences and singing along to percussion. I look forward to helping expand and improve youth leadership and increase the reach of our church. Jeff Gillette: Vice President I have been at this church since I have been in 3rd grade. I am a junior at Revere High School. Cross country is currently the only sport I do. I enjoy the lock-ins at youth group. Sarah George: Treasurer I am a freshman at Firestone High School. This year, I am serving as the Treasurer for the Youth Board. I've been a member of Fairlawn all my life and I'm looking forward to getting more youth involved in the activities we are planning. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and singing. Jr. Officer: Elena Robinson I currently go to church at Fairlawn and we moved here about a year and a half ago. I will occasionally help with the younger kids and my mom, Allyson, works as a secretary in the main office. I go to Revere Middle School and am in 8th grade. I know a few kids in the youth group as some of them go to Revere. One thing I like that there are so many different youth events that you can go to that it doesn't matter if you miss one. Parent Liason: Mario Muratori I have been a member of FLCS since 1995; my wife and I were the last couple married in the chapel and my daughter, Sophia, was the first baby baptized in the new sanctuary. Over the years, I have been blessed to be involved with our youth; I have gone on mission trips nationally and internationally and local field trips. I have been blessed to be involved with many fundraisers: the Rummage Sale, Spaghetti Dinner & even enjoyed the Car Wash/community bath. I was able to play a small part in our annual Easter Egg hunt & Fourth of July events. I am a socially oriented person who thrives on helping make others smile & enjoy life a little more than if I weren't around them. Pastor: Pastor Adam Thompson I have been serving as Associate Pastor of Fairlawn Lutheran since July I am looking forward to helping the youth grow in Christian community and their faith in Jesus Christ. I am originally from St. Louis, MO. I have two siblings, an older sister and a younger brother. I enjoy playing all kinds of sports, but I particularly enjoy softball and tennis. PAST EVENTS In December Youth enjoyed an Ugly Christmas Sweater party, a game night, a lock-in and more! Check out the Family Ministry Calendar to see what s going on this month! (Left 2) The morning after the Youth Lock-in. 5 th -7 th graders were invited for dinner, then senior youth stayed all night. A tired crew enjoys breakfast. (Right) A few of the Ugly Christmas Sweater party attendees and their festive outfits.

5 Family Ministry To support parents in teaching the faith to their children and modeling Christian life. To reinforce God s Good News in children and walk with them in a relationship with Christ. SCHOOL FALL ENROLLMENT BEGINS NOW Now is the time to enroll for fall classes at Fairlawn Lutheran School! We have options for 2s, 3s, 4s, young 5s and Kindergarten. Before and aftercare options are available. The blue reenrollment packets are available at the welcome desk. Contact: Karla McDivitt , karla.mcdivitt@fairlawnlutheran.org. THANK YOU A big thank you to those who have volunteered to serve the family ministry during our recent transition period, before Pastor Adam was called to family ministry. Barb Hinderegger and Arin Sloan lead a dedicated group of teachers that provide a well-run Sunday School program. Jan Seymour stepped up to lead the youth program after former leaders took a new position at another church. Jess Duehning paved the way for a new series of familyfriendly events. A variety of volunteers have stepped up to help with Christmas programs, the rummage sale, reading to the school children, and much more. SAVE YOUR STUFF Just in time for spring cleaning! The Fairlawn Lutheran Rummage Sale is coming on April 22 please start saving items you may want to donate. The sale proceeds benefit the youth program at Fairlawn Lutheran. SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday School classes resumed in January following a break for Christmas and the New Year. Students will study the New Testament during the next several months focusing on how Jesus shows he is true God. In February children will learn that through many miracles, Jesus showed His power over sin, death, and the devil on our behalf. We continue to collect an offering each Sunday morning and save it to support the Drinkable Book. The children have given over $300 in offering since September which will purchase 12 drinkable books. We are hoping to reach our goal of 20 books ($500) by the end of May. We give thanks for the teachers, substitutes, and leaders who give of their time and talents to support this ministry each week. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Parent Ministry Opportunities for parents to gather together, learn about God s Word and support each other in creating Christian homes and teaching their children about Jesus. Family Fellowship Creates events designed to provide worship, service and fellowship opportunities for families, but is open to all. Nursery Open to infants and toddlers on Sundays and during events as needed. Sunday School Children age 3 to grade 7 learn about their faith in fun, age-appropriate ways using music, stories, crafts and snacks. Junior Youth Group Provides fellowship events for children in grades 5-7 in hopes they become a positive peer group. Confirmation Preparatory course for seventh and eighth graders who will confirm their faith. Senior Youth Group Provides fellowship, service, Bible study and worship opportunities for teens in grades Contact: Pastor Adam Thompson pastor.adam@fairlawnlutheran.org (call or text).

6 Youth & Family Ministry Moves Forward with New Vision Now that we have a dedicated Director of Youth and Family Ministry in Pastor Adam Thompson, we are building on these efforts and charting a course for ministry. Family Ministry is not a whole new program that we are adding to the mix, but rather a culture that we are trying to form in all of the existing programs that involve youth and family, says Pastor Adam. There will be some new Bible Studies and groups geared specifically to the needs of families, but they will work in and with the current ministries of Fairlawn Lutheran. Here is a look at some of these groups and how they are changing with the new vision of Family Ministry. The Senior Youth Group (grades 8-12), has a brand-new leadership format. It has moved to a model where the Youth themselves lead the events and activities. This group of people is called the Youth Board and it meets monthly to gather details for future events, debrief the previous month s events, and come up with ideas to improve for the future. The idea is to help the youth develop leadership and communication skills while, at the same time, helping them to take ownership and responsibility for the Sr. Youth program. This group also meets Sundays for Bible study between services. The Junior Youth Program (grades 5-7), meets once per month for a fun social activity or service opportunity. The main goal of Junior Youth is to begin to help children form lasting social bonds with other Christian children their age, that will likely carry on when they join the Sr. Youth group in eighth grade. It will have the bonus of providing the time and space needed for the parents to begin to get to know one another as well. The new Confirmation Program is a two-year program for seventh and eighth grade children. The first year focuses on learning the Bible. During the second year, the focus shifts from Scripture to the specific teachings of the Lutheran church in the Small Catechism. The primary driver for learning the material is through the practice of daily family devotions rather than memorization. Through this approach, the Word of God and the teachings of the church are brought into the home in a way that not only focuses on knowing basic Christian teaching, but also helps them take root in day to day living. The Sunday School program (age 3 grade 7) remains largely the same. The only difference for the parents is the expectation to ask your children about what they learn with the encouragement to incorporate it into your family s devotional practice. The Family Fellowship Group, formerly the Young Families Group, will continue to plan social and service activities for all families. Its goal is to provide opportunities for fellowship and service. Fairlawn Lutheran School is a ministry of Fairlawn Lutheran led by Karla McDivitt. In order to reach out to the community, the school now sponsors monthly Free Family Fun Nights during the school year that are open to all families with children ages 2-6. Each event features a different theme, hands-on learning and fun, and a faith connection. Young Adults Meet Up for Lunch A new group for young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 is meeting for fellowship and Bible Study. Join us after the late service on Sunday, February 19, for lunch. More details coming soon on this event and others planned for this group. Contact: Pastor Adam Thompson, , pastor.adam@fairlawnlutheran.org. Superbowl Watch Party February 5, 6:00pm (6:30pm kickoff) Haven t made superbowl plans yet? Join us in the Youth Room and watch the game with your friends on the new big screen! Bring a snack/appetizer if you like. Friends and family welcome. Contact: Pastor Adam Thompson, , pastor.adam@fairlawnlutheran.org.

7 Here I Stand 2017 Conference for Senior Youth Informational Meeting: Sunday, February 12, 12:30pm Fairlawn Lutheran Senior Youth will be attending the 2017 Here I Stand Conference in Valparaiso, IN, July 25-28! It provides worship, fellowship and learning opportunities for students in a format that is smaller and less expensive than the large youth gatherings we attend every few years. Learn more at an informational meeting, Sunday, February 12, 12:30pm (after the second service) in the Fairlawn Lutheran library, and check out the website: This year s theme: On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted 95 Theses on the Door of Castle Church in Wittenberg. It was like a blog post that went viral. He wanted to discuss the Gospel: that man is justified before God by faith in Christ and not by works. Just a few years later, in 1521, Luther got his chance...or so he thought. The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire ordered Luther to either recant this Gospel or become an outlaw. Everyone had already decided that Luther was guilty. And in a way, he was! He was teaching the truth of the Gospel that had become clear to him back in 1517, Jesus saves sinners by grace alone that is received by faith alone, and this is found in Scripture alone. "Unless I can be instructed and convinced with evidence from the Holy Scriptures or with open, clear, and distinct grounds and reasoning and my conscience is captive to the Word of God then I cannot and will not recant, because it is neither safe nor wise to act against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen." "Here I stand." That's daring to be...lutheran! What words! What a theme! So on this 500th anniversary of Dr. Luther's firing the Gospel shot heard around the Church, Higher Things is excited to continue to stand and confess the Gospel with Dr. Luther at our 2017 Summer Conference. Contact: Pastor Adam Thompson , pastor.adam@fairlawnlutheran.org. February Youth & Family Calendar 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Confirmation 6:30pm Teacher: Pastor Adam Sunday School 10am 6 7 Youth Board 5:30-6:30pm Sr. Youth Tobogganing Contact: Charlie Vehlow 12 Confirmation 6:30pm Teacher: Pastor Adam Youth Conference Info Meeting 12:30pm Sunday School 10am 19 Confirmation 6:30pm Teacher: Pastor Jim Parent Night 6:30pm Jr. Youth Bowling 2-4pm Contact: Cindy Gilreath Sr. Youth Game Night 6-9pm Contact: Charlie Vehlow Sunday School 10am 26 Confirmation 6:30pm Sunday School 10am

8 At Church and in the Community HUMAN CARE SERVES LUNCH AT OPEN M Volunteers served lunch to several groups, including an excited bunch of kids, in January. OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW The kitchen has been fitted with new appliances! The old range, dishwasher and refrigerator were removed to make way for new versions as well as a new warming cabinet. Facilities is working to ensure that all of the appliances are installed and electrical and other needs are being addressed. Thanks to Don Raabe and Facilities and to Mary Dee Raabe, Cindy Kessler and Barbara Beck for their work cleaning the kitchen and getting it ready for installation.

9 Worship Worship is a time of renewal and praise have you invited someone to join you at worship lately? Stewardship Notes We ve all heard that stewardship is giving to the church of our time, talents, and treasure. This alliterative trinity helps us see that giving is not just about money, but about our whole lives. For God has given us everything we have and enjoy as we confess in the meaning to the First Article of the Apostle s Creed. And what we confess first among those is that God gives us our body and soul, our eyes, ears, and all our members, our reason and all our senses. Only then do we confess that he gives us material things. Thus the time, talents, and treasure trinity places before our eyes the fact that we are to give something of all of these things toward the mission of the church in thanksgiving for what God has provided. For everything we have and indeed everything we are comes from God s fatherly divine goodness and mercy. The problem with this alliterative trinity comes when we replace one little word with another little word when we replace the word and with the word or. It is always written with the and, but when we read it, we read it with the or. Thus this quite helpful trinity, which extolled that everything that we have and are is a gift from God and which is to be pressed into the service of God in His church, turns into a trinity that we can pick and choose which of the trinity we use into the service of God. The giving of our time, talents, and treasure turns into the giving of our time, talents, or treasure. Then the question arises: Can we give of our time and talents instead of our treasures? Or perhaps it is the other way around: Can we give of our treasure and not of our time and our talents? But these are the wrong questions. The right question is, can we give of our time and our talents in addition to our treasure? Yes, indeed, we are called to give of all three. The things that God gives us are not to be pitted against one another. They are given to us and we are to press them all into God s service for benefit of His church and our neighbors in need. Thus we give all three. We give our treasure in the form of a generous, first-fruits, proportion of our income. We give of our time in generosity for the benefit of Christ s holy church. We give of our talents in the same manner. Since God gave us all these things, we are called to give generously of all these things in faith toward Him and in fervent love to our neighbors. For God has provided all these things to us. Out of His fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, He gives us each time, talents, AND treasures as a means to bless those around us. We serve our neighbors with these things, blessing them with the blessings in which God has blessed us. We give of our time, talents, and treasures to our families, our society, and to our church, our local congregations. And we do this because we know that we are not our own. Rather, we belong to God. We have been bought with a price with the holy precious blood and innocent suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. He gave everything His time, His talents, and His treasure to have us as His own and to live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence and blessedness. We have these things as gifts and blessings from God. Let us then press them all into service for the sake of His love time, talents, and treasures together. Acolyte Training February 4 If you are in Grades 5-10 and are interested in becoming an acolyte, there will be a training session on Saturday, February 4, at 10:00am in the sanctuary. Existing acolytes are also encouraged to attend. Contact: Paul Hinderegger at phinderegger@gmail.com. Acolyte Schedule 2/5 8:45am Candle Quinn Robinson Cross Alex Robinson 2/12 8:45am Candle Maddox Albright Cross Griffin Albright 2/19 8:45am Candle Mark Hinderegger Cross Molly Gilreath 2/26 8:45am Candle Damon Furukawa Cross Luke Furukawa Contact: Paul Hinderegger, phinderegger@gmail.com.

10 Bless Others We will seek to bless those inside and outside the church with the physical, emotional and spiritual resources God has given Fairlawn Lutheran Church. There are so many ways to serve both at church and in our community. So use your time, treasures and talents to be a blessing to someone else. LOVE GOD, LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR is the familiar sign on the Human Care Mission Tower. In 2017, our congregation and School will continue to show our love for God by serving His people through volunteer and/or financial support of these Christian-based organizations: Akron Pregnancy Services Concordia at Sumner Haven of Rest/Harvest Home Lutheran Bible Translators missionaries in Ghana: Paul, Ali, children Hannah, Eli, and Eden Federwitz LCMS US & International Disaster Relief OPEN M (Opportunity for People Everywhere in Need Ministry) St. Luke Lutheran Community-Portage Lakes The Salvation Army We invite everyone to join in this New Year to love all our neighbors - especially the needy and less-fortunate ones. We received thank you letters from Akron Pregnancy Services, Haven of Rest called to thank Lutheran Women s Missionary League for their holiday donation; OPEN M, regarding our Christmas Mission activities with them; and St. Luke Lutheran Community-Portage Lakes thanking us for the resident Christmas Party. We are blessed to be a blessing. THANK YOU We have been so blessed by YOU at Christmas. December brought a wonderful response from both old and new friends. With your help we were able to provide an average of at least three gifts to over 150 people, most of them children, plus diapers and formula. Several families were adopted and others were gifted right from the Giving Tree Room where gifts were available from 29 churches and organizations. You touched the lives of so many people. What a display of Jesus love! Please pray for the clients hearts that have been touched through Christmas, and that they continue to seek more of Him in their lives. And may you know His love for you in deeper ways in ALWAYS AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES Donate glasses to LWML via the box in the Fellowship Hall. Donate pop can tabs to Children s Hospital via the container near the mailboxes. Collect Box Tops, Acme Receipts, and Campbell s Soup Labels for Fairlawn Lutheran s school place in the box in the Fellowship Hall. Recycle your paper in the dumpster in the parking lot to benefit Fairlawn Lutheran s School. OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER Braille Ministry Producing the Bible in Braille. Tom & Barb Cadotte , tomcadotte@hotmail.com Brown Baggers Packing lunches for the homeless. Ann Congeni acongeni@aol.com Human Care Ministry Partnering with local missions to help others in our community. Jacquie Kyle jmkyle@msn.com Meals Ministry Provides meals to church members for bereavement, illness, new baby. Prayer Shawl Ministry Making blankets for the ill or grieving. Donna Hessel eyeletstitch@yahoo.com Visitation Ministry Visiting homebound church members. Mary Yoder myoder@cutlerhomes.com Dawn Bethel, Akron Pregnancy Services

11 Akron Pregnancy Services (APS) Human Care Team Contact: Jacquie Kyle Giving Through Local Missions FLCS celebrated Sanctity of Human Life on Sunday, January 22, the 44 th anniversary of the January 22, 1973, Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court case decision, which affirmed the legality of a woman s right to have an abortion under the 14 th Amendment. Akron Pregnancy Services asked, What does it take to save a life? And then answered, It is the Lord who gives & saves LIFE. The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Job 33:4. APS provides practical help to women dealing with pregnancy-related issues, including pregnancy testing, material goods, one-on-one sessions, groups and classes. Call Marilyn Turner at to get information and dates about her next P.A.T.H. (Post Abortion Truth and Healing) class. Volunteer training begins the first Tuesday in April from 6pm to 9pm at APS and continues every Tuesday and Thursday through April. If interested, please call Janelle at LCMS Life Conference The 2017 LCMS Life Conference was held on Jan , 2017, in Arlington, VA. The event was open to LCMS members and guests as they proclaimed God s truth that life is sacred from the beginning until the natural end. Haven of Rest/Harvest Home 175 E. Market Street Akron, OH Human Care Team Contact: Gina Hedervary genius080291@yahoo.com The Donation Drive-thru is located at the rear of the Client Services Center Building across the street from the Mission, at 207 E. Market St. Drive-thru hours are 8:00am- 6:00pm M-F and 9:00am-5:00pm on Sat. Code ZERO Haven of Rest Ministries has issued a Code Zero alert to raise awareness that the Mission is open 24/7 to provide people with a warm, welcoming place to come in from the freezing cold temperatures. Guests may also sign up for a meal and/or shelter for the night. The Mission s goal is to assist those in need and see that everyone has a warm place to stay. For more information, please contact Haven of Rest. Current needs: Spray deodorant Coffee, Tea bags and beverage mixes punch, hot chocolate, etc. Canned items: fruit and vegetables, baked beans, kidney beans, potatoes Men s pants, particularly sizes waist Boys & Girls pants sizes 2 14 Infant girls pants sizes 0 24 months Women s undergarments Men s athletic shoes Twin & Queen sized sheets, White pillowcases, White face and bath towels Donations should be taken to Haven of Rest s donation drive-thru at the rear of their Client Services Center. OPEN M Human Care Team Contacts: Jill Croft ljchipps@gmail.com Jacquie Kyle jmkyle@msn.com FOOD COLLECTION: In February, we will be collecting nonperishable food for OPEN M. Please place in food box in Narthex. All non-perishables are needed and welcome. A free hot lunch was served on Jan. 24 at OPEN M, our first of five this coming year, to hungry men, women and children, including the 3-5 year olds in the BUILDING BLOCKS class for Kindergarten readiness. Thanks to all our many preparers/servers and our cookie bakers, and especially to our new volunteers!

12 Learn Growth in knowledge of the faith is an integral part of growing as a disciple of Christ. Check out classes available to you and bring a friend! Those who may not be comfortable at church yet may enjoy a small group setting. SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION HOUR (10:00am) Pastor s Bible Study, Fellowship Hall Chapel Bible Study, Chapel Open to all - led by Pastor Gau. Open to all led by Blaise Congeni. Sunday School, Downstairs Preschool Area For all children age 3 through grade 7 Children will be led in worship, prayer, games, Bible stories, crafts and more as they learn about Jesus. Youth Bible Study, Youth Room For all youth in grades 8-12 Pastor Adam will lead topical Bible study for eighth graders and high schoolers. SMALL GROUPS AND BIBLE STUDIES Empty Nesters Bible Study First and Third Fridays, 7:00pm, September-June, members homes This group of mature couples combine topical studies and social activities. Contact: Jan Seymour , jseymour@neo.rr.com Men s Promise Keepers Bible Study Wednesdays, 6:00AM, Cracker Barrel in Montrose This diverse group of men enjoys fellowship, friendship and the study of a variety of topics. Contact: Ron Gsellman , ron@gsellman.com Faith Builders Bible Study Second and Fourth Mondays, 7:00pm, members homes Mature group of singles and couples interested in growing their faith through Bible study on contemporary topics. Contact: Rod Parks (330) , rparks1221@yahoo.com, Bob Fischer (330) , rfischer80@neo.rr.com Moms of Faith Tuesdays, 10:00AM, Fairlawn Lutheran Church Library Moms of all ages discuss a variety of topics. BABYSITTING PROVIDED! Contact: Arin Sloan , asloan4113@gmail.com Women of Faith Mondays, 6:00pm, Fairlawn Lutheran Church Bible study and topical study Contact: Lisa Sears , dl_sears@yahoo.com Saturday AM Bible Study Saturdays, 8:00am, Fairlawn Lutheran Church Library Discussions include in-depth Bible study as well as interesting modern day topics. Contact: Ron Gsellman , ron@gsellman.com

13 By the Numbers Fairlawn Lutheran Church Financial Activity Report YTD OPERATIONS BUDGET 12/31/16 DECEMBER 2016 Income $110,506 Cash Expenses $ 52,796 Net Cash Income $ 57,710 $740,000 $720,000 $700,000 $680,000 Income Expense YEAR-TO-DATE Income $736,016 Cash Expenses $700,764 Net Cash Income $ 35,252 Attendance ATTENDANCE 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 8:45am :15am :00am TOTAL ATTENDANCE 1/1 1/8 1/15 1/22 1/1 New Year s Day The City Training 2.0 Location: The City Kiosk at the Welcome Center Time: Sundays, 9:45-10:15am Date and Topic February 5 Adding a Profile Picture February 12 Adding Skills to Your Profile February 19 Managing Your Notification Settings February 26 Creating an Event in Your Group If possible, bring your electronic device. If you have additional questions, please stop by to get help from the Core Team.

14 Birthdays & Anniversaries 1 Donna Fogliano 2 Nancy Gross 3 Arnold Sndmann 3 Thelma Allen 3 John Heil 4 Judy Ramsier 4 Gregory Sloan 6 Corinne Sheets 6 Alice Richards 8 Caroline Himes 8 Josh Juengel 9 Molly Gilreath 10 Elena Robinson 11 Mike Robinson 13 Ron Chism 15 Grace Mehl 16 Barb Porter 16 Kate Morrison 17 Bill Feth 17 Kellin Reynolds 18 Thomas Hunter 18 Lorraine Signore 18 Josh Morton 19 Rex Miller 20 Jerry Hood 24 Carolyn Rees 24 Chad Tyulty 26 Paul Liesem 26 Kristen Popa 27 Walt Yoder 28 Beverly Myers 2 Gus & Ann Saiben 5 Ralph & Carol Vanderveen 10 Ron & Jacquie Kyle 12 Kit & Jeanne Nelson 18 Jim & Judy Johnson 21 Richard & Judy Kotick Special birthday blessings to nonagenarians Thelma Allen, John Heil, and Rex Miller, and especially to Arnold Sandmann who turns 100 YEARS OLD this year! Special congratulations to those celebrating milestone anniversaries this year: Ron & Jacquie Kyle are celebrating 55 years of marriage and Gus and Ann Saiben have been married 65 years! PARISH ARTS SERIES For nearly two decades, the Parish Arts Ministry of Fairlawn Lutheran Church has brought free quality concerts to the Akron area, making it possible for anyone to attend. These free concerts are made possible by sponsorships and free will offerings. Contact: Gary Pinter gjp997@roadrunner.com. Singing Angels Sunday, February 26, 2017, 4pm, Fairlawn Lutheran Church The Singing Angels, founded in 1964, is a non-profit organization dedicated to youth development through the highest level of artistic achievement in the performing arts. Comprised of over 150 singers publicly auditioned from ten counties across NE Ohio, their membership encompasses all races, creeds, and economic levels. Their performances include a wide variety of styles, including Broadway, pop, gospel, patriotic, barbershop harmony, and light classical repertoire. This performance will feature the Children s Earth Anthem, composed by Charles Eversole, and commissioned to be performed nationwide in celebration of the 2016 centennial of the National Park Service. Charles Eversole: Artistic Director Baldwin-Wallace Men s Chorus Sunday, March 19, 2017, 4pm, Fairlawn Lutheran Church The 110-member BW Men s Chorus is an offering of the BW Community Music School and is open to men from throughout the Greater Cleveland community (including BW faculty, staff and students). This collaborative effort brings outstanding male chorus singing to NE Ohio. This year the Chorus is celebrating their tenth anniversary. The group has performed to standing-room-only audiences, has collaborated in concert with several outstanding music organizations and has received rave reviews from throughout the Greater Cleveland Community. The chorus performs a wide variety of chorale literature written especially for the male voice. This includes classical literature, as well as some pop and Broadway. Directed by Frank Bianchi

15 Contact Senior Pastor Jim Gau Associate Pastor Director of Youth & Family Ministries Adam Thompson Visitation Pastor Ryan Beffrey Pastors Emeritus Larry Leuthaeuser Charles Lentner Director of School Ministries Karla McDivitt Director of Adult Ministries Kim Hornyak Part Time Companion Care Giver Needed Pat Harter, Ruth Hoffmaster s daughter is looking for a companion caregiver to spend a couple of hours a day with Ruth. This is a paid position. Please contact Pat directly for details at plharter1950@gmail.com or call Thrivent Choice Dollars Expire Soon Thrivent members, check your account - all 2016 Thrivent Choice Dollars have been made available for members to direct. Members are designated Choice Dollars that they can direct to churches and enrolled charitable organizations Thrivent Choice Dollars expire on March 31, connections Information due February 18 Information for the March issue of our church newsletter is due on February 18. Please churchoffice@fairlawnlutheran.org. Organist & Choir Director Gary J. Pinter Worship Team Leader Al Hedervary Office Administrator Allyson Robinson Elaine Daubenmire Find hundreds more photos of Fairlawn Lutheran events on our Facebook page Fairlawn Lutheran Church and School. The school has its own Facebook page Fairlawn Lutheran School. Church Office Hours 8:30am-3:00pm M-F

16 Fairlawn Lutheran Church & School 3415 West Market Street Fairlawn, Ohio CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED SUNDAY WORSHIP 8:45am Traditional Worship 10:00am Christian Education Hour and Sunday School 11:15am Contemporary Worship Communion offered weekly at all services Join us! Superbowl Watch Party February 5, 6:00pm Young Adult Meet Up Lunch February 19 Free Singing Angels Concert February 26, 4:00pm 55+ Exercise Class February 14 and 21, 10:00am Fairlawn Lutheran School enrollment for Fall begins now! CONTACT Office: 8:30am-3:00pm M-F Phone: School: Web: Fairlawn Lutheran will embrace people and walk with them in a RELATIONSHIP with Christ.