Table of Contents Sections New Youth Director. Pages 2. Sabbath And Renewal Leave 3-4. Membership Care Ministry Team. Service in Mission Ministry Team

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1 May 13th - May 26th Pages 2 Table of Contents Sections New Youth Director 3-4 Sabbath And Renewal Leave 4 Membership Care Ministry Team 5 Service in Mission Ministry Team 5 Youth Ministry Team 5-6 Worship Arts Ministry Team 7-11 Spiritual Formation Ministry Team 12 Calendar Note: If you don t see your Ministry Team/Group it s because you didn t submit anything for THIS Navigator. The Navigator is a bi-weekly -blast. If you need to submit something send to the Comm. Team Communications-Team@faithumchurch.org

2 Introducing Faith UMC s New Youth Director: Amy Ferguson Amy was born in Hartville, Ohio, and has lived in Canton for the last 15 years. She was involved in mission work all throughout high school and from high school went into a discipleship training program with Youth With A Mission. Afterwards, she traveled to India on a mission trip for 2 months, which proved to be a life changing event. She is currently enrolled at Malone University where she is majoring in Theology and greatly enjoys being able to study the topics she is most passionate about. Amy has 2 children, Elijah (7) and Eden (1.5), who make her laugh daily. Her husband James is the Modern Worship Coordinator at Faith UMC for the 9:45 Service. James also has 2 children, Levi (6) and Hannah (4). Amy is excited for the ability to serve in the same church as her husband. She is very excited to have the opportunity to serve as the Youth Director at Faith UMC. She is particularly looking forward to connecting with the youth during 5th/6th Grade Transition Retreat, Youth Annual Conference, VBS, the Senior High Youth Mission Trip, Middle School Mission Week, and all youth related events. Amy has a diverse background in church activities from missions trips, worship leading, hospitality, and youth ministry. She is looking forward to using her gifts to serve at Faith UMC. Amy has a deep appreciation for the United Methodist Church, in particular the heritage of the Wesley brothers ministry. In her spare time she enjoys relaxing with her family, studying the faith, and listening to NPR. Amy has always resonated with music as well and enjoys writing songs as time allows, but her favorite thing to do in the whole world is to snuggle with her kids and watch movies with them. Amy s first day as Youth Director will be on May 19th when she attends the 5th/6th Grade Transition overnight retreat.

3 Sabbath And Renewal Leave What does it mean to take Sabbath? By Barb Rich, Member of the Sabbath and Renewal Group Faith UMC fully supports Pastor Steve s Renewal Leave from mid-june 2017 to early October Our congregation sees the benefit of such a time to renew, refresh, and grow spiritually not just for our Pastor, but for ourselves. The Renewal Leave supports our 20/20 Vision goals to include deepening discipleship and encouraging the congregation to participate in spiritual practices that will nurture our individual (and corporate) faith journey and support continued growth in vitality. The purpose of the Renewal Leave for Pastor Steve is: - a felt call to renew the practice of regularly taking Sabbath in his own life, as well as, - feeling a call to invite and help Faith s congregation to experience Sabbath and to grow with him in the practice of Sabbath as a lifestyle... - knowing full well that to make such a shift in our lives will not happen overnight, but will be a journey over time and one that will require intention on everyone s part. 1. Sabbath is rooted in our Jewish heritage. In the book of beginnings, Genesis, God teaches the people of Israel to share in the blessing of this 7th day. For God took pleasure in what had been made and on this day of rest declared love toward humanity, and all creation, in the form of time shared with them. 2. It is the Fourth Commandment 8 Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:8-11, NIV. 3. And in Deuteronomy the commandment to observe the Sabbath day is tied to the experience of a people newly released from bondage. Slaves (which they were under Egyptians) could not take a day off; free people could. Together, these two renderings of the Sabbath commandment summarize the most fundamental stories and beliefs of the Hebrew scriptures: creation and exodus, humanity in God s image, and a people liberated from captivity. One story emphasizes holiness, the other, social justice. Sabbath crystallizes Torah s portrait of who God is and what human beings are most fully meant to be. [Dorothy Bass, Keeping Sabbath: Reviving a Christian Practice.]

4 Keeping Sabbath [Shabbat] for the Old Testament religious Jew began a couple hours before sundown on Friday and lasted til sundown on Saturday. The historic practice of setting aside one day a week for rest and worship promises peace, joy and blessings in meals shared, scripture readings, music, prayer, taking walks, resting, and play. It is a festive celebratory time spent with family, friends, being with/assisting the sick or the alone, and being in nature. For the Jew, Shabbat powerfully alters their relationships to nature, work, God and others. It is a shared way of life, activities which become part of our natural rhythm. Jesus, a Jew himself, took Sabbath. There are many New Testament stories which tell how Jesus constantly reminded the Pharisees and other Leaders of the Jewish people that God created Sabbath for us and our needs, not rules to be kept, but as a connecting point between ourselves and God. Here too we often read of Jesus going off to a quiet place - away from the crowds. Jesus saw the importance of a time of rest - to be able to hear God s voice, to be present to God so that He could be present with the people and the world around Him. This gave Jesus, and can give each of us, a sense of balance, and a renewed energy for the coming week/tasks, and the knowledge that we are only days away from another Shabbat [Sabbath]. It is hoped that by participating in this Sabbath journey we each will experience the joy of knowing that God just wants to spend time with us meaningful, quality time which will bring joy and peace to our weary minds, bodies and hungry souls. Membership Care Ministry Team Happy Mother s Day: On behalf of Faith United Methodist Church, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Mother s Day on Sunday, May 14th. We extend our deepest sympathy to: Don Adolph, Christy Kraemer, Brian Adolph and family on the death of Pat Adolph, who passed away April 26. A Birthday party and open house to celebrate Delbert (Deb) Larrick s 100th birthday will take place at the Landings of Canton on Sunday, May 28th from 2 to 4 pm. All are welcome. Birthday cards may be sent to Deb Larrick at 4550 Hills and Dales Canton, Ohio 44708, Room #110. Flowers on the altar, Sunday May 28th, are in honor of Deb Larrick s 100th birthday and in remembrance of beloved wife, Clara Larrick.

5 Service in Mission Ministry Team Canton Calvary Mission: is collecting boxed potatoes and macaroni and cheese for the Mission during May. Faith Kitchen: We would like to begin asking for a specific item each month to be donated to Faith Kitchen. There is a bin in the hallway marked Food Pantry/Faith Kitchen where the items can be placed. Listed below are the items we are requesting each month beginning in May. Please feel free to place this information in any and all publications. If you have any questions don t hesitate to ask Fran Henne. For May, we would like jams and jellies. Thank you. Amanda and Quinta: Amanda and Quinta were featured in a newsletter, see full article here: Youth Ministry Team Youth Mission Trip Bake Sale: Please join us after all three services this Sunday May 14th for the Youth Mission Trip Bake Sale. All proceeds will go toward the Youth Mission Trip this summer to Jonesville, VA. You will find us in the gathering area with some yummy treats. Please come say hello and enjoy a breakfast treat or two. Youth Annual Picnic: All Youth, Parents, and Adult Volunteers are invited to Price Park on Sunday, May 28th for the annual end of the year picnic. We will be meeting at Pavilion # 2 which is the one closest to the restrooms. The picnic will be from 6-8:30. Look for more details in the coming days. Thank you to all for another great year. Youth Annual Conference: Youth Annual Conference registration continues and as we reach the end of April and begin a new month, keep in mind the deadline to register is Sunday, May 21st. Also, keep in mind that the weekend does include a trip to Cedar Point. So you receive a day at Cedar Point, 3 days at Lakeside, and more for just $80. See Scott Sigman or Pastor Steve to register. Questions? Call Scott at or spsigman@gmail.com. Worship Arts Ministry Team Sound Board: Volunteers are needed to operate sound and lights for the 11:00 service. Training will be provided, and no minimum commitment is required. Contact: John Whitacre at jwhitacre48@gmail.com or West Liberty University Singers HOMESTAYS NEEDED The West Liberty University Singers will present a concert at FUMC on Friday, May 19th at 7:00 pm. FUMC will provide homestays for 40 wonderful college singers from Thursday evening to Saturday morning. The singers will stay Thursday evening, sing in Cleveland Friday during the day, and return to FUMC Friday evening for their concert. Homestays will provide housing Thursday and Friday evenings. Have a spare bedroom or a basement? Please consider hosting a student pair. Contact Daniel Parsley, Worship Arts Coordinator, at dparsley@faithumchurch.org

6 Schola Walsh Chapel- May 21-3:00 pm Join the FUMC Schola Cantorum, Sunday, May 21 at 3:00 pm at the Walsh University Chapel for their final concert of the season, Celebrate. This hour long concert includes works by contemporary composes Ola Gjeilo, Alice Parker, and more. Join us as we fill this beautiful space with song. Free will offering to benefit FUMC Choral Scholar program and the Stark County Hunger Task Force will be taken. WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY SINGERS CONCERT FRI MAY 19 7:00 PM LOVE OFFERING TAKEN. FREE WILL OFFERING TAKEN. THIS IS THE CLOSING CONCERT OF THE SOLI DEO GLORIA SERIES. Led by Dr. Scott Glysson, WLU Singers is an elite group with membership gained by audition with the director. The choir represents the college at on and off campus events and maintains an active performance schedule. The choir also tours both nationally and internationally, with recent and future engagements including Washington D.C., Italy, Spain, The Republic of Ireland, Cleveland, Columbus and Toronto.

7 Spiritual Formation Ministry Team Safe Sanctuary Orientation: Sunday May 21 at 12:15 pm, Wednesday May 31 at 9:30 am An opportunity to learn more about Faith s Safe Sanctuary practices of hospitality and welcome, receive updated training, ask questions. Wednesday Night Faith Connections: Mark your calendars for Summer Wednesday Night Faith Connections Dinner and Programs. June 7 at 6:00 pm. All are welcome. Discipleship Sermon Series and Resources: Faith UMC s Discipleship Group encourages you to check out the Discipleship Survey and Discipleship Resources as we engage in Faith UMC s Discipleship Sermon Series. Books and resources can be found on the Discipleship Resource shelf in the adult section of Faith UMC s Library. These resources were made possible by 2020 funding. Be sure to also pick up a Discipleship Prayer Stone Bag to guide us in praying for our growth in discipleship as individuals and as a congregation. A Book Review from Faith UMC s Discipleship Group As disciples move from the Growing phase to the Maturing phase, leadership development becomes an important aspect of discipleship. This does not mean that disciples stop growing spiritually. Through accountable discipling relationships they are encouraged to continue exploring their spiritual life. The focus of Christian Education, however, becomes the development of leaders for ministry, mission, and administrative tasks. The book Leading Small Groups with Purpose is written by Steve Gladen, Small Group Pastor at Saddleback Church. The author oversees more than 3500 adult small groups. The book gives the reader excellent advice for beginning and sustaining a healthy small group. He uses practical suggestions broken down under a Crawl Walk Run template. This makes his advice valuable for anyone new to or a veteran of small group leadership. Some quotes from the book include, Trust God will be on your side. Remember this is God s group, not yours. Your small group is a strategic part of your church. Start with your own spiritual health assessment. Book review submitted by Discipleship team member, Sue Schillings. The book Leading Small Groups with Purpose can be found on the Discipleship Resource shelf in the adult section of Faith UMC s Library. These resources were made possible by 2020 funding. Access the Discipleship Survey on Faith UMC s website:

8 Adult Faith Formation and Discipleship: The Common Table Cultural Cooking Class Faith s Welcoming the Stranger ministry is hosting the Common Table, a multicultural cooking experience. Immigrants and refugees will share their cooking skills, spices and their stories during the first half of our time together. We ll then share a meal during the second half. The first class is Sunday, June 4, 12:30 3:00 pm in Faith UMC s kitchen and will feature Fatima from Morocco. Class size is limited to 12 people. Suggested donation for the class is $30 per person for meal ingredients and supplies and an honorarium for our guest cooking instructor. Register online at Coordinator: Donna Benzing Online Study Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living begins this week. Contact Kathy Schmucker or Bethany Sedziol if you are interested in participating. This study is an online group that you can do at your own pace as well as participate in a private Faith UMC social media discussion group. Theology for the Times Discussion with Pastor Cara, Friday, June 2nd at 12:00 pm at Beyesley s Restaurant. John: The Gospel of Light and Life, Men s Life Study, alternating Saturdays at 7:00 am at Beyesly s Restaurant May 27, Facilitator: Kim Reynolds. Serendipity Bible Study, Faith Meets Life Sunday School class, Sundays at 9:45 am, May 14 and 21. Facilitator: Janice Golden. First Tuesday Prayer Service on June 6th at 8:30 am in the Chapel will celebrate School s Out for Summer Vacation. Molly Meister will reflect on the school year and efforts at hospitality in the classroom making sure each student feels a sense of belonging and capability. Please join us for worship, sharing, and fellowship. Coordinator: Jan Baker Welcoming the Stranger meets the last Thursday of the month, May 25 at 1:15 pm. We welcome anyone to join us who has a passion for advocating for and working with refugees, to help them find a safe and welcoming place to live and thrive. Prayers of Jesus, Women s Study, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. Facilitators: Laura Luikart and Sue Bell. Faith 101, Sundays at 9:45 am now through May 28. Learn about the Christian faith and Faith UMC. A great opportunity for those new to faith and/or new to Faith UMC or those who ve been involved at Faith for a while and want to learn more. Facilitators: Pastors Steve and Cara. To learn more about other opportunities for adults happening at Faith UMC, visit our website or contact Kathy Schmucker, Spiritual Formation Director, at kschmucker@faithumchurch.org or call , ext 107 or

9 Butterfly Project: The caterpillars are growing and most have now transitioned into a chrysalis. We now wait for the butterflies to emerge from their chrysalis. We will release them in Faith UMC s Memory Garden on Sunday, May 21st at 10:45 am (between 2nd and 3rd worship services. Check out the caterpillars at the Children s Welcome Stations in the Gathering Area and Family Life Center and check out the progress of our caterpillars. Summer Story Time: Preschool and young elementary-age children, along with a parent or care-giver, are invited to come for reading fun and activities. Tuesdays June 13, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8 at 11:00 am Come check out all the great books available at Faith UMC s Library. Learn more about Summer Story Time at: Children and Families Outreach Programs: Camps change lives and transform the world. There is still time to register your children and youth (grades K-12) for a week of life changing experiences. Faith UMC wants to help your children attend Summer Camp this summer. We have scholarships available. Please contact Kathy Schmucker or Kathy Myers or visit Faith s Summer Camp website for more information: Attention College and Graduate Student Fall 2016 or Spring 2017 Graduates: Faith UMC wants to recognize our college/graduate students who have completed their educational journey during worship on June 4th during our 9:45 Worship Service. If you have a college/graduate student that you would like to have recognized, please contact Scott Sigman or Kathy Schmucker by phone in the church office or via at kschmucker@faithumchurch.org, by Tuesday, May 30. Employment Opportunity: Paid Part-time Child Care Providers Needed Faith UMC is hiring additional childcare providers to meet our growing needs for childcare. We are looking for a few individuals who would be available to work flexible hours on an as-needed basis. Please prayerfully consider anyone you might know who is a high school graduate with a heart for sharing Jesus s love with children and might benefit from some extra income. For more information and an application: Spiritual Practices and Resources: Two-Click Shopping Helps to Support Faith Cokesbury We know 1-click shopping is convenient, but Faith s Spiritual Formation Ministry Team encourages you to make an extra click to help support Faith UMC. Check out the shopping links on Faith UMC s home page. 1.) Shop Online through the special links on Faith s website and support Faith s Spiritual Formation Ministries. and click on the special links to Cokesbury and Amazon. 2.) Purchases must be made through the special links from Faith UMC s website for Faith UMC to receive the rebate from your purchases. Once you click on those links, you use your personal Amazon and Cokesbury accounts to place your order. 3.) The more items ordered, the higher percentage of rebate we earn. Help spread the word about how to support Faith UMC through these online shopping links. Thank you for your support.

10 Children and Families Faith Formation and Discipleship: Faith UMC Children s Sunday School 9:45 and 11:00 am on Sunday mornings for Preschool, Ages 3-5, Grades K-3, Grades 3-5, Toddlers May Theme: Peter Rocks. May Anchor Point: Like Peter, we can tell the good news about Jesus. May Bible Verse: I tell you that you are Peter. And I ll build my church on this rock. (Matthew 16:18) Try these Family Devotions with your family: Bible Story for May 14: PETER AND TABITHA (ACTS 9:36-43) Create Together: Doodle Prayers Of Healing Supplies: paper, colored pencils Give each person a paper and colored pencils. Talk about people in your family, among your friends, or in your church who are sick. Invite everyone to choose a person who is sick and to create a doodle prayer for them. To begin, have everyone write the name or draw a picture of that person on the paper. Doodle around the name or picture with doodles of hearts, crosses, circles, bandages, swirls, and so forth. Let everyone doodle and pray as long as they want. Come back together later to share about the prayers you all created. PRAY: Dear Jesus, we may not have the power that Peter did to instantly bring someone back from the dead, but our prayers have great power. They can help heal people and give them strength. Amen. Serve Together: Make Chemo Care Kits Supplies: cloth bags with handles, fuzzy socks, gum, travel-size hand sanitizer, soft hats or caps, travel-size lotion, soft travel pillow, small storage bags SAY: People who have cancer sometimes have to take medicine that kills many cells in their bodies. These medicines are like poisons. People taking chemotherapy can often feel tired, sick, and not like themselves. We re going to make care kits we can share with people who have to take chemotherapy. As a family, put together two or three chemo kits. Place lotion and hand sanitizer in a storage bag and add one to each kit. Also add a package of gum, one or two pairs of fuzzy socks, a soft hat or cap, and a soft travel pillow. PRAY: God, help bring comfort to those in chemotherapy. May these kits bring them renewal. Amen. Weekly Family Devotions available at the Children s Welcome Station Download the Deep Blue Adventure App: Robot-Making Contest: You are invited to make a robot to help decorate for our upcoming VBS. What you need to know: Robots can be any size, small to large Prizes will be awarded for creativity, artistic expression, automation/movement, use of unusual materials, use of recycled materials, etc. Please bring your robots to Faith UMC by Wednesday, June 14. Prizes will be awarded during VBS week, June All entries will be displayed during VBS and returned to their owners after VBS Celebration Sunday on June 25.

11 Children and Families Outreach Programs: SUMMER IS COMING TO FAITH UMC Online Registration for Faith s Summer Ministries Now Available. Share Faith s website with your friends, neighbors and family and invite them to join you for an exciting summer. Opportunities to Serve this Summer. Get involved this summer and make a difference in the life of our children and families. Contact: Spiritual-formation-Leader@faithumchurch.org Summer Sunday School: Sunday mornings at 9:45 and 11:00 Share the love of Christ with children this summer by serving in our Summer Sunday School as a preschool or elementary age teacher or helper. Training and materials are provided. Vacation Bible School: June 19-23, 9:00 am - noon Maker Fun Factory: Created by God, Built for a Purpose Summer Wednesdays :July 5, 12, 19, 26, 9:30 am 11:30 am Camp Read-A-Lot: A summer literacy program for kids entering grades K-3 Created by God: For kids entering grades 4-6 Summer Arts Camp: August 7, 8, 9, 6:30 8:30 pm An evening experience for all ages Summer Story Time: June 13, 27, July 11, 18, 25, August 1, 8 Share a great story with kids this summer.

12 Calendar