Revelation of First Evangelical Lutheran Church 19419 Royalton Road Strongsville Ohio 44149 440.238.7890 www.firstchurchalive.org November 2018 When I was little one of my favorite family celebrations was Thanksgiving. Every year my grandmother would prepare the most delicious meal and together, no matter what else was going on in the world, we would enjoy the time that we were given and all that was before us. It was our family s opportunity to once again discover what mattered most in our lives as we gave our attention to one another and to that which was most important. For me it was having everyone together around a table that seemed to speak of love and admiration for the blessings that we had been given. The theme for the day was gratitude and I personally had much to be grateful for as everyone that I loved most in the world was there beside me. But as you might image that thanksgiving table has changed greatly over the years. The location is now hundreds of miles away from where it all began, the menu is no longer as traditional as it once was, and sadly there are loved ones who no longer gather with us. Today the table is smaller with only five of us usually in attendance, however the gratitude from which the meal began is still present as even today we give thanks for the blessings that surround us and the important pieces that fill our lives and hearts. You see one thing has most certainly stayed the same through all of these years because gratitude is still one of the most important aspects of the thanksgiving experience. I read recently that people aren t hardwired to be grateful. And like any skill worth having, gratitude requires practice. There are three stages says Dr. Robert Emmons, author of Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier : recognizing what we re grateful for, acknowledging it, and appreciating it. Emmons goes on to say: Gratitude helps us realize what we have. The awareness of what we re grateful for can lessen our tendency to want more all the time, people aren t hardwired to be grateful. And, like any skill worth having, Gratitude puts situations into perspective. When we can see the good as well as the bad, it becomes more difficult to complain and stay stuck in a particular place. Gratitude makes us happier. It strengthens relationships, improves health, reduces stress, and, in general makes us more content. I believe there is truth in what Emmons writes. Gratitude does indeed make a difference in our lives. It changes our viewpoint and can even bring a greater sense of happiness. So, let me encourage you to think about that within your own life. And to get there here are 9 simple ways to cultivate a great sense of gratitude in your life: 1. Notice your day to day world from a point of gratitude and be amazed at all the goodness we take for granted. 2. Gratitude requires humility, which the dictionary defines as being modest and respectful. Explore where it fits in your life. 3. Vow to not complain, criticize or gossip for a week. If you slip, rally your willpower and keep it going. Notice how much energy you were spending on negative thoughts. 4. Keep a gratitude journal. All it requires is writing one or more things down on a daily basis. No fancy notebook, no computer programs required. 5. Give at least one compliment daily, whether directly to a person or by sharing your appreciation of something. 6. Sound genuinely happy to share in conversation with people. Whether they respond with surprise or delight they ll feel valued. 7. When you find yourself in a bad situation ask: What can I learn? When I look back on this without emotion, what will I be grateful for? 8. If you identify something or someone with a negative trait switch it in your mind to a positive trait. 9. Join a cause that is important to you and make an impact. The happiest of Thanksgivings to each and every one of you! May this year be an opportunity to cultivate a greater sense of gratitude into your celebration and into your life. In Christ, Pastor Kathy
WORSHIP NOTES FOR All Saints Sunday, November 4 10:30 AM One Blended Service, Eucharist Pub Church Tuesday, November 6 6:30 PM TGI Friday s Pentecost 25 Sunday, November 11 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship 11:00 AM ELW Setting 3 Pentecost 26 Sunday, November 18 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship, Eucharist 11:00 AM ELW Setting 3, Eucharist Thanksgiving Eve Wednesday, November 21 7:00 PM Community Ecumenical Service at Strongsville UCC Christ the King Sunday, November 25 8:30 AM Contemporary Worship, Eucharist 11:00 AM ELW Setting 3, Eucharist STEWARDSHIP Please help us wrap up our annual stewardship campaign by returning your completed pledge card if you have not already done so. If you need a pledge card, they can be found in the pews, in the back of the church, or the church office. Completed pledge cards may be placed in the offering plate, emailed to firstelcastewardship@gmail.com, mailed or dropped off at the church office. Thank you for completing your pledge as soon as possible so that we can finalize our 2019 budgeting. Let's all honor God and the many gifts he has provided by offering our own generous gifts.
UPCOMING EVENTS COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES DO YOU HAVE A STUDENT IN COLLEGE, MILITARY TRAINING, OR ATTENDING A VOCATIONAL SCHOOL? PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN THEM UP FOR A CARE PACKAGE. SIGN UP SHEETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE WELCOME CENTER SO PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO SHARE WITH US THEIR ADDRESS AND THEIR FAVORITE SNACKS. DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 4. FUEL 9-12TH GRADE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AT 9:30 AM YOUTH 9-12 TH GRADE WILL BE ASSEMBLING COLLEGE CARE PACKAGES TO SEND OUT TO OUR YOUTH WHO ARE ATTENDING COLLEGE AWAY FROM HOME. COMMUNITY ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE STRONGSVILLE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 7:00 P.M. ALL ARE WELCOME! MEN S BASKETBALL MEN OF FIRST CHURCH ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR WEEKLY EVENINGS OF FUN, FELLOWSHIP, AND EXERCISE PLAYING PICK-UP GAMES OF BASKETBALL ON THURSDAY S AT KINSNER ELEMENTARY, 7:30 PM. ALL MEN 18YRS OLD AND OLDER ARE WELCOME! OVER 50 S GROUP WILL MEET TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 AT 12:15 PM. BRING YOUR BAG LUNCH AND MEET IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18 AT 9:45 AM VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING: 2019 BUDGET CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT REGARDING QUORUM BYLAW ADDITION FOR STANLEY SCHOLARSHIP FUND DECORATING FOR CHRISTMAS SAVE THE DATE PLEASE JOIN US AFTER THE 11:00 AM SERVICE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 FOR LIGHT REFRESHMENTS/ LUNCH AND CHRISTMAS DECORATING THE CHURCH AND WONDERFUL FELLOWSHIP. SIGN-UP SHEETS WILL BE AT THE WELCOME CENTER OR CONTACT RENEE SADLER AT SADLERRENEE@YAHOO.COM.
"The Power of Honest Conversation about Race" On Sunday, November 18th, 3:00-5:00 p.m. we are pleased to host Dr. David Pilgrim, founder and curator of the Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia located on the campus of Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. Dr. Pilgrim is also the Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at Ferris State, and is one of the country's leading experts on multiculturalism, diversity, and race relations. Dr. Pilgrim will give a one hour presentation on "The Power of Honest Conversation about Race" using artifacts from the museum, followed by a brief break for refreshments, then we will have an hour of "engagement time" in small groups that will be led by Dr. Pilgrim. The event is free and open to the public, and is appropriate for ages 12 and older. Child care will be available.
One child. One hour. One church. One school. As my thoughts turned toward November and Thanksgiving, I decided to ask our mentees why they were thankful for their mentors. Their heartwarming responses reveal how much they appreciate their mentors and how the mentors affect the lives of children in such positive ways. A sampling of response is listed below. She is fun and nice. We do work together, and I like to play games with her. She is kind and helps people when they don t understand something. She knows a lot about me especially that I like juice and pretzels. I like having fun. I have someone to play board games with. He s a person I can talk to always. He makes me feel nice about myself. And he s funny! My mentor is really nice. She is my first mentor, and that is important. My mentor is funny and nice and helpful. My mentor is my best friend. She s nice, and she helps me and we get to read together. He helps me with math and stuff. He helps me get better at things I m learning in school. I too am personally very grateful for the opportunity to work with these wonderful mentors and their faithful prayer partners. The support of the school staffs, Church Council, the church congregation, and the KIDS HOPE USA Leadership Team are also very much appreciated and help to make this amazing program work so well. Thank you for making this success possible. God has blessed this program richly, and for that I am eternally grateful! For the kids, Gloria Reichert Director KIDS HOPE USA Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; His love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34
MISSION EVENTS Holiday Food baskets Harvest Weekends has now become Harvest Months! We will begin collecting non-perishable food items each Sunday before Thanksgiving starting Sunday, November 4 to fill food baskets that are donated to less fortunate in our community. These food baskets go a long way to helping their Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations a little brighter and a little stress free. Each week we will be asking for donations of specific categories of food items: November 4 - Canned Fruits & Vegetables, Peanut butter and Jelly November 11 - Boxed Potatoes, Gravy, Stuffing, and Rice November 18 - Cereal, Mac & Cheese, Pasta, and Spaghetti Sauce We will also be accepting donations of whole turkeys which can be left in the freezer in the fellowship hall kitchen and monetary donations to help fill the baskets with perishable items, such as milk, bread, eggs, and butter. Please use the envelopes marked Food Baskets located on the Welcome Center and place the envelope in the offering plate. Also: Donations of empty packing boxes will also be very much appreciated. Volunteers will be needed to help pack the food baskets on Tuesday, November 20 and Thursday, December 20 at 9:00 AM. If you are able to help, please call: Reiner Mueller at reinermueller@sbcglobal.net Save the Date for The Sharing Tree Watch for the Children's Sharing Tree on Sunday, December 2. All gifts need to be returned no later than Sunday, December 9. Help us brighten Christmas for a local child in need. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:10
WOW EVENTS Women's Book Club We continue to meet at The Market District on Pearl Road in Strongsville, one Saturday per month at 9:00 AM. Dates & book selections are: November 10, 2018 ~ When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi January 26, 2019 ~ Time Keeper by Mitch Albom February 16, 2019 ~ Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult March 16, 2019 ~ Educated by Tara Westover April 13, 2019 ~ The Chilbury Ladies Choir by Jennifer Ryan May 18, 2019 ~ Handmaid s Tale by Magaret Atwood We have been able to secure copies for the group of When Breath Becomes Air from the Cuyahoga County Public Library. These have been distributed by personal arrangement. Please sign up at the Welcome Center. You may also contact Jeanine Kowalewski at jkowalewski13@yahoo.com.
NOVEMBER VOLUNTEERS One Worship November 4 November 11 November 18 November 25 Communion Communion All Saint s Day Acolytes Ellen Kolman 10:30/11:00 Megan Uline Eva Hinojosa Eva Hinojosa Ty Worsencroft Owen Smith Dylan Bresnahan Ushers Maureen Shorts 8:30 Alice Treiber Dave Bewie Ron Shorts Mary Barnes Margaret Bewie Shelley Fetzer Al Hoffman Kurt Blankenship Herb Simpson Shelley Hoffman Joy Blankenship Pam Simpson Dawn Evangelista 10:30/ 11:00 Alan Evangelista Jim Zakrajsek Ron Warzel Wayne Mosley Dawn Evanglista June Zakrajsek Mary Jane Warzel Steve Harris Jerry Krueger Reiner Mueller Chuck Kaskey John Brinzo Barb Krueger Rolf Gaab Sandy Kaskey Alfonso Hinojosa Readers & CA 8:30 Audrey Kuntz - R Stacey McNamara RCA TBD - RCA Barb Krueger Comm Assts: Joy Blankenship Gayle Kovach Kurt Blankenship Bonnie Bailey Don Nielsen Maureen Shorts Connie Nielsen TBD 10:30/11:00 Dennis Beckman - R Claudia Lenarz - R Curt Dean - RCA Pierre David - R Comm Assts: Herb Simpson Janet Kaiser Beth David Pam Simpson Jerry Krueger Greg Rath Brenda Jacob Barb Krueger Sandy Rath Linda Walker Nursery 8:30/10:30 Bonnie Bailey Bonnie Bailey Counting Teams Sam Reichert Terri Mosley Wade Zwingler Jim Gist Terri Mosley Rolf Gaab Bob Snyder Mary Whitecar Sheri Gist Jackie Wojciehowski Heather Snyder Pat Sauernheimer Gary Walters John Brinzo Bob Jacob Daphne Leon Mary Walters Dick Kiplinger Altar Guild Barb Krueger Sandy Rath Pat Sauernheimer Dawn Evangelista Beth David Lynn Stenger Billie Hoffman Janet Kaiser Marsha Stephens Shelley Hoffman Karen McFarland Sandy Kaskey Sheri Gist Jacquie McLemore Tricia Nolder
November 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 10:00 Prayer & Care 4 5 6 7 6:30 Praise Band 7:30 Men s Basketball 8 9 10 9:1 5 Sunday School Daylight Savings Ends College Care Package forms due! One Worship Service 10:30 AM 11 7:00 Bible Bonanza 7:00 Confirmation 7:00 AA 12 6:00 Crossroad Stitchers 6:30 Pub Church 7:00 Toastmaster s 7:30 Al-Anon 13 7:30 Chancel Choir 14 6:30 Praise Band 7:30 Men s Basketball 15 16 17 9:00 WOW Book Club 9:30 Strongsville Food Bank 9:30 FUEL preparing College Care Pkgs. 9:45 Sunday School 12:15 Over 50 s Group 12:00 Bell Choir 18 9:45 Sunday School 9:45 Congregational Meeting 12:00 Bell Choir 3:00 Dr. Pilgrim program 25 9:45 Sunday School 7:00 Bible Bonanza 7:00 Mentor Groups 7:00 AA 19 7:00 Bible Bonanza 7:00 Confirmation 7:00 AA 26 7:00 Council Meeting 7:00 Toastmaster s 7:30 Al-Anon 20 8:30 KHUSA Leadership Team 7:00 Cabinet Meeting 7:00 Toastmaster s 7:30 Al-Anon 27 7:30 Chancel Choir 21 10:00 Lydia Circle 7:00 Community Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service at United Church of Christ 28 6:30 Praise Band 7:30 Men s Basketball 22 Office Closed! Happy Thanksgiving! 29 23 24 30 12:00 Bell Choir 7:00 Bible Bonanza 7:00 Mentors Meet 7:00 AA 7:00 Toastmaster s 7:30 Al-Anon 7:30 Chancel Choir 6:30 Praise Band 7:30 Men s Basketball Pastor Charles Knerem Pastorchuck1@gmail.com First Evangelical Lutheran Church 19419 Royalton Road Strongsville OH 44149-4995 Pastor Kathleen Kluck Office hours: Monday & Friday 8-2, revklk@gmail.com Tuesday Thursday 9-2 Email firstchurchalive@hotmail.com 440-238-7890