THE COLUMNS. April 2016

Transcription

1 Newsletter of the Richfield United Church of Christ THE COLUMNS April 2016 Spring Fling Potluck The WPM board will be hosting a SPRING FLING potluck on April 24th following the 10:15 service. We will be serving pulled pork sandwiches and providing table service and drinks. Congregation members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to share. Part of this event will be a basket raffle to raise money for our friends at Feed My Sheep soup kitchen. We will be selling tickets for the basket raffle on April 17th and the 24th. Basket Raffle Items We are going to hold a basket raffle at our SPRING FLING and are looking for donated items or baskets filled with goodies to raffle. Money raised will go to help our friends at Feed My Sheep Soup Kitchen who are in need of operating funds. Suggested themes for donation items might include: Amish goodies, gardening, kid s summer fun, movies, games, tv snacks. We would prefer new items, or very gently used, donated by April 10th. A warm meal is something we take for granted, so let s help those who may not be as fortunate! If you have questions, please see Phyllis Sommers or Marilyn Scarbrough. Life of Paul Thank You We had four weeks of fun! Our thanks to all of our Life of Paul staff. Paul: Rev. King The Jailer: Tim Hnath The Seeker: Libby Hackworth Our Church Leaders Church of Rome Maryke Bard & Anna Gerber assisted by Beth Gerber, Dawn & Jim Schilling Church of Corinth Sally Gill & Jessie Monegan Church of Jerusalem Marilyn Scarbrough & Maya The News Staff Editor in Chief: Scott Luther Roving reporters and photographers Maggie Gerber & Jessie Shepker The Market Place Nagwa Ahlborg, Abbey Sobieraj, Kat Miller Patty Ellis, Lew Monegan Junior assistants: Tegan & Lilly The Craft Tent Sarah Luther & Danielle Schwaben The Catacomb Carpenters Lew Monegan & Todd Bard

2 The primary elections have come and gone. But the political season is still heating up. The only time I did not vote was when I was in El Salvador. I tried to vote, but it took so long for the mail-in ballot to make the round trip that voting was impossible. I felt bad that I could not participate in the political process. Other than those years, I have always voted. And these days, no one in Richfield has a poorer excuse than I not to vote my polling location is just down the hall from my office! I certainly hope that every one of you who can vote, does so. When I think of the great sacrifices that generations have made to give all women and men the right to participate in the democratic process, I consider it morally reprehensible to NOT vote. I have strong political opinions. I enjoy staying informed and debating politics with friends and family. I tune in for Republican AND Democratic debates. There are some political issues that I feel passionately about. But I staunchly avoid getting political in the pulpit. And as I have conversations with you, dear members of the congregation, I strive to listen more than I speak of politics. Rev. Dr. Rita Root, (Associations General Minister of the Eastern Ohio & Western Reserve Associations of the UCC) has shared the following: In this time of political campaigns, clergy have the same rights as other individuals to engage in the process--as individuals. It becomes problematic when pastors of churches use their position as a pastor to influence the political process. With respect to Facebook, a pastor should not be using the church's Facebook page to express any opinion on the candidates. But it would be very restrictive to prohibit a pastor on his or her personal Facebook page from engaging in discussion or expressing opinion. Clergy should not announce their own candidate preferences or personally endorse any candidate at a church service, at a church function, or in a church publication. I certainly agree with this. But I feel more restrictive about my own behavior. I m glad to listen to your perspective, but I try to keep my political views close to the vest. A bumper sticker on my car, yard sign in my yard, or Facebook post on my personal page (not the church page) is permissible. But I am still reluctant to do so. Sure, I could rightly claim that it s just my personal opinion. But I still think that it ends up looking like the pastor is endorsing this or that candidate. No matter what, I would end up irritating half the congregation; who wants that? Issues are another matter. On issues such as slavery and civil rights, our church has historically raised its voice. Faith, morals and the Bible lead us to certain behavioral courses of action that are sometimes expressed in public policy. I m glad to engage on that level, to share ideas in conversation, on Facebook, or even the pulpit. From time to time, timely issues may be explored or even endorsed in church. However, candidates or political parties should never be endorsed or condemned by the church. I respect the diverse ideas and perspectives that each of you bring. I hope you get active and support your favorite candidates. Get loud and get political. But if you don t see me doing that, please don t think me apathetic. I keep my cards close to the vest not out of apathy or fear, but out of a profound respect for your views, for this congregation, our diversity, and the sacred freedoms and privileges we have as we engage in the political process. But when my son Ian has the microphone during Children s Time, God only knows what will happen. April Sermons and Scriptures April 3 Sermon: To Touch the Wounds of Christ Scriptures: Acts 5:17-40 John 20: Rev. John King April 10 Sermon: Just Three Questions -- I Mean, Just One Question Scriptures: Acts 9:1-21 John 21:1-19 April 17 Sermon: Like a Shepherd Scripture: Revelation 21:1-6 John 10:11-30 April 24 Sermon: How Will They Know? Scriptures: Acts 11:1-18 John 13:31-35

3 Moderator s Moment I am excited to be given the opportunity to complete my term as moderator. As always in an active and robust congregation, there is endless work to be done. Your boards and council are always in action, making sure that the building is maintained, the worship experience is fulfilling, that the children's programming meets the needs of the all of our children and that the policies and practices of our church meet our mission. With a new Retirement Village manager ready to start work it will also be a good time to review how the board members are selected, how the money is managed and to whom the manager reports. We are always monitoring building upkeep and what projects will require funds. We would like to upgrade the electricity in the kitchen and are seeking out an expert who might be interested in the job. We are also researching the possibility of purchasing an automated external defibrillator (AED) to have on site in case of a cardiac emergency. Richfield Adult Mission Group On April 24, the Adult Mission Group will be traveling to W. Virginia for a week of volunteer mission work. We never know for sure what that week will entail, but we always leave knowing we have improved the lives of those we have helped. Jesus taught us to help and love others and we demonstrate this through our outreach. Each of these trips costs roughly $4000 for van rental, fuel, food, lodging, and a donation to the sponsor organization. With your support, we have been able to fund these trips. The recent bake sale raised over $575. Sales from Bud s birdfeeders and Dorothy s art collection raised about the same. Our thanks to all of you for your continuous support. Adult Mission Trip - April 10 Meeting The Adult Mission Group will hold a meeting on Sunday, April 10, after the 10:15 service. Please attend if you are going on the April 24 trip so that the paperwork and count for transportation can be finalized. Spring Cleaning Time - June Garage Sale It is not too early to begin setting aside your "too good to throw away" treasures for the mission group s next fundraiser, the Richfield community garage sale on June 4. We have very little storage space, but would be happy to pick up as the date approaches. See Betty or Pieter van der Meer ( ) if you have questions, or ask any other mission group volunteer. These things happen because your fellow congregation members raised concerns, your boards take those concerns seriously and your support will make them happen. These items are above and beyond what happens on a regular basis at RUCC like the potlucks, Easter brunch, Seder meal and Life of Paul! As we enjoy spring and spend valuable time with our church family, please take a minute to reflect and thank those who work extra hard to make it all happen. They have my deepest thanks and love. May God bless you and keep you, Maryke The WPM Board would like to thank all of our chefs who helped make our Easter brunch a success. This has become quite an Easter tradition and the perfect way to start our Easter celebration. It is always fun and delicious to see what new recipes our cooks come up. Thanks again for your help. Lenten Collection Thanks to all for your donations of 184 cans of vegetables and over $90 cash for the Feed My Sheep soup kitchen. We appreciate your kindness and know that your help will go to feed those who are less fortunate.

4 Youth Group 411 April Events Sunday, April 3 Youth Class 9:15 am in Youth Room 10:00 AM - Come help with ushering, greeting Bring a dessert to share & assist serving social hour Confirmation Class after Morning worship 11:45 am Sunday, April 17 4:30 6: 00 pm ~ Youth Group Pizza and Games Night Round Two Bring your favorite game to play. There will be really good pizza!... To all who donated Love Box items. We received several nice thank- you notes from recipients.... To the WPM Board for orchestrating the Soup Sale to benefit the youth fund and to all who made soup! Delicious!... To all who purchased sub sandwiches. Your support of our youth and their activities is Awesome!... To all who attended/supported the Shrimp Boil! Wow! Such fun and good food! We cleared over $500 toward our mission trip expenses.... To Jesse Shepker and Maggie Gerber (and two Pilgrim youth) for attending the junior high event at Pilgrim Hills. The weather was gorgeous for the last weekend in February and we all had a great time! April Need a Theater Fix? The Sound of Music at Revere Revere Players presents The Sound of Music, April 14, 15, 16 at 7:00 pm; April 17 at 2:00 pm; All Revere students $5; senior citizens and visiting students $8; adult presale $10. At door $12. FREE senior citizen show will be on April 13 at 10:00 am. Breakfast will be served before the show at 9:00 am in the high school cafeteria. This is a high school musical at its best! Come and support these amazing young artists! Online Course: World Religions Through Their Scriptures Harvard Ed X is offering a FREE online course entitled, World Religions Through Their Scriptures. There are 6 components, one offered each month from March through August, covering Religious Literacy, and Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and Judaism through their respective scriptures. I ve (Marilyn Freeman) already started with March, so if you would like to check it out and join me in this journey, here is the link: Or just Google Harvard Ed X and the course title. Barb Simmons College Scholarship Applications Applications for the Barb Simmons Scholarship should be returned to the church office by April 1. Interfaith Open House The World Tour of Richfield Religions on Saturday, April 9, will begin at 8:45 am at RUCC and end at 2:00 pm. The Sikh community will offer a meal at 12:45. A dress code guideline for all the attendees is posted on the Interfaith Open House RSVP sheet in the Fellowship Hall.

5 Ushers for April March 6: Youth Group Jeff Braun Victor Stanko Karen & Tom Kiska April Lay Readers April 3: Devin Capps Bob Neillie Boards and Council Meetings Monday, April 11 7:00 pm church boards meet 8:15 pm church Council meets 6:00 pm Miller scholarship meeting Men s Health Group The next scheduled meeting of the Men s Health Group will be Thursday, April 14. For more information, contact Bob Ehlers. Book Club The next Book Club gathering will be on Monday, April 25, and the reading selection is After You, by Jo Jo Moyes. Book club meets on the fourth Monday of the month and new members are always welcome. Gathering Room Gallery The artwork of Dave Szalay will be featured in the Gathering Room Gallery during the month of April. Dave teaches at the University of Akron and is an accomplished graphic designer/illustrator with an interest in storytelling and visual narrative. Stop in the Gathering Room to view his unique style. There will be a Meet the Artist reception on April 17 after the 10:15 service. New Letter From Leidy A new letter from our 10-year-old sponsored child Leidys, who lives in Cartagena, Colombia, has arrived. Dear Sponsors, Cordial greetings and let me tell you that I went to the beach with my family and I have been very happy because I am attending church on Sundays and on Wednesday evening. I am part of the choir and I want to do well this year in school. I did well last year and I want to progress with my family and I want to help them. I am grateful for the skirt and the blouse and the shoes you gave me. I would like to be a professional. With affection, I say goodbye, Leidys Diaz Sampayo April Birthdays 4/2 Janet Anderson 4/2 Patty Ellis 4/3 David Butera 4/5 Alice Klagge 4/6 Grace Dabernig check 4/7 Thomas Kiska 4/7 Willem Ackermann 4/9 Caroline Neillie 4/10 Donna Treubig 4/12 Jack Monegan 4/13 Maggie Gerber 4/14 Taffy Douglas 4/17 Wade Luther 4/18 Carl Ahlborg April Anniversaries 4/3 Jerry & Jean Gentner 4/11 Frank & Barbara Sterenberg 4/11 Gordon & Kathy Brown 4/18 Shannon & Mary Lou Best 4/19 Vicky and John Bryg 4/21 Christopher & Kathy Hayes 4/20 Kara Hamilton 4/22 Gary Wayne Lindsey 4/24 Bud Wisnieski 4/25 Dorothy Hooper 4/25 Lori Walentynowicz 4/25 Melissa Tallant 4/26 Chris Stanley 4/27 Mary Lou Best 4/28 Jane Ellis Scharff 4/28 Jim Schilling 4/29 Ronald Luther 4/29 Tom Tallant 4/30 David Hayes Thank You This winter we had a request from Jamie Brown to help collect gloves, hats & scarves for her students at Voris Community Learning Center, an Akron public school. Bags and bags of warm items were brought in and $65 collected to purchase more. Below is a thank-you note from Jamie. A picture of some of the kindergarten class in their new hats is posted on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. I don t have enough words to express my gratitude for all of the donations! The children lit up with excitement when they received their new hats, gloves & scarves. They continue to thank me weeks later! I could not have done it without the help from all of you! Over 150 students were able to benefit from warm things. Thank you a million times over! God bless! Jamie Brown

6 Richfield United Church of Christ 4340 W. Streetsboro Rd. Richfield, Ohio Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4 GATHERING OF THE CHURCH FAMILY EVERY SUNDAY 8:00 AM Early Worship Service 9:15 AM Sunday School for all ages 10:15 AM Worship Service 11:15 AM Coffee Hour 11:30 AM Choir Practice EVERY WEEK MON 7:30 PM AA WED 8:00 PM AA SAT 8:30 PM AA WEDNESDAY 6:30 AM MEN S GROUP THURSDAY BELL CHOIR PRACTICE AT 7:15 PM SCOUT PROGRAMS AT RUCC TUESDAY: AT 7 BOY SCOUTS MONDAYS: BEAR CUBS AND WEBELOS I & II WEDNESDAYS AT 6:30 WOLF CUBS (1ST & 3RD OF MONTH) April Activities April 3: Youth Group greets, ushers & hosts coffee hour Youth class at 9:15 / Confirmation Class April 5: Hobbitts Church Board meets at 7 pm April 6: Red Cross Blood Drive at RUCC 1-6 pm April 8: Cub Scout Pack Meeting at 7 pm April 9: Interfaith Open House Tour April 10: Mission Group Meeting following the 10:15 service April 11: 6 pm Miller scholarship meeting/7pm Church Boards /8:15 Church Council April 14: Men s Health Group meets at 2:30 pm in the Gathering Room April 17: Meet the Artist Reception / Youth Group meeting 4:30-6 pm April 24: Spring Fling Potluck after the 10:15 service April 24: Mission Trip begins April 25: Book Club at 7 pm in the Gathering Room Richfield United Church of Christ Phone: Fax: Richfielducc@windstream.net Web page: richfielducc.com