November 4- November 17, 2017 Pages Table of Contents Sections 2 4 4 5 6 6-12 12 13 Pastoral Reflection/News Membership Care Ministry Team Service in Mission Ministry Team Worship Arts Ministry Team Youth Ministry Team Spiritual Formation Ministry Team Communications Ministry Team 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 email-blast. If you need to submit something send to the Comm. Team Email: Communications-Team@faithumchurch.org
Pastoral Reflection Sabbath Renewal Reflection 2 Mount Rainier, Washington June 25-30 In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, - Genesis 1:1 One of my goals for renewal leave was to spend some one-on-one time with each of my two sons, Eli (15) and Atticus (12). After my week at the Grunewald Guild in Leavenworth, WA (See Reflection 1 in 10-21-17 Navigator), Eli met me in Seattle. We spent a day site-seeing in the city, a day whale watching (saw a pod of Orcas, a right whale and a humpback!), and two days hiking in Mount Rainier National Park. I don t think I had ever spent more than a day with Eli just the two of us certainly not since he became a teenager. So, I didn t know what to expect for our five days together on the northwest point of the country. It was better than I could have imagined! Hiking Crystal Mountain was an all-day event. The weather was perfect. I marveled at my firstborn son as he effortlessly led the way, frequently pausing to encourage me to keep up, You can do it dad! Come on! How could it be that just yesterday (actually 15 years ago) I held this boy in my arms and rocked him to sleep? What a gift! At the top of Crystal Mountain at almost 6:00 pm, we were given a rare blessing a clear view of Mount Rainier without heavy clouds or fog. It was 72 degrees where we stood, yet snow was visible all around. It is humbling standing before such a majestic scene. How small am I in comparison! Then, I thought about God s steadfast love as firm and as beautiful as Mount Rainier. I thought about all that snow and what we heard all day as we hiked up the sound of running streams coming down the mountain. I tried to imagine how much life is supported by the flowing snowmelt. To think that God has known me since before I was a child, even since the beginning of time; to imagine that even in the vastness of creation and time, God remembers and cares for me! Could it be DAD! It s time to go! Eli snapped me out of thought and back to place and time. Just in time, too! The gondola was closing at 6:00 and if we hurried we could ride down. I was so spent from the hike up, I don t think I could have made it back down. So, we ran to the Gondola and caught the last ride down. What a blessing to be a child of God. What a blessing to be a dad. On a journey into faith together, Pastor Steve
Raising The Roof! Praise God for Mike Wadlington, Trustees, 20/20 & FUMC Congregation While doing routine maintenance in the attic last spring, Head Custodian, Mike Wadlington noticed signs of a roof leak around the steeple. Upon receiving the report, the Trustees promptly had the roof assessed and began accepting bids for the necessary work. Buxton Roofing arrived early Monday morning, October 30 with a crew, materials, equipment and cranes! By the end of the day the Narthex roof had been replaced, the steeple removed, and Mike had scraped and painted the steeple under structure and installed vents. On Tuesday, removing the old shingles revealed several more sections of roof in need of repair. Nevertheless, the crew is on track to finish the job before this Sunday, Nov. 5. The estimated cost is $40,000 which is being paid for out of the 20/20 Acting on Faith Facilities Maintenance fund. Praise God for the 20/20 Acting on Faith initiative and all of you who have made pledges and given to 20/20. Because of 20/20, the Trustees were able to act swiftly without needing to go to the congregation with a special appeal for funds. Thank God for Mike who noticed the problem before it caused significant damage to the interior that would have been very costly to repair.
Membership Care Ministry Team Birthdays: Alva-Ree Bolovan will be 91 years young on November 14 Winnie Burt will be 95 years young on November 22 James Riddle will be 94 years young on November 22 Carolyn McQueen will be 90 years young on November 23 We express our deepest sympathies to: John Brideweser on the death of his brother, Dr. William Brideweser, at the end of September. North Canton Community Thanksgiving Worship Service: When: Tuesday, November 21, 7:00 pm Where: St. Paul Roman Catholic Church (location confirmed 9/18) The Rev. Jared Williams, Grace United Methodist Church, preaching. Service in Mission Ministry Team Canton Calvary Mission is requesting spaghetti sauce and pasta for the month of November. Faith Kitchen: For November, we would like Coffee and Hot Chocolate. There is a bin in the hallway marked Food Pantry/Faith Kitchen where the items for the month can be placed. Community Christmas - Coats For Christmas Faith United Methodist Church will again be collecting coats for the Community Christmas of Stark County. New and gently used coats will be accepted between October 2 and December 4. Hats, mittens, and gloves are also accepted. Boxes will be placed in the gallery and the entrance to Faith Friends School. Contact: Dennis Flechtner 330-418-2822
Worship Arts Ministry Team Audio/Visual help needed. All three Services are in need of volunteers who are able to be trained to help put together PowerPoint/MediaShout presentations and to run them during the services. We also could use people who are interested in helping with sound, as well. Any level of commitment is welcome. Interested or want more information? Contact: James Ferguson at jferguson@faithumchurch.org Tim Eck, the Worship Arts Coordinator at teck@faithumchurch.org A Letter from Pastor Cara - A Way Forward Conversation My Dear Friends - We have an opportunity to change the shape of the human community. God has created us in God s image for one another. We are at a defining moment: will we celebrate and guard the community or will we participate in its demise? Your body of Christ at Faith is going to join the throng of people desiring to hold it all together. This means: coming to the table together to have the difficult conversations, perhaps reaching a point where we feel that we may just fall apart, sticking with the conversation because we know that God is with us and moving together toward a more full reflection of God s kin-dom. I am inviting you to join me in this venture. Please come to a series of 3 conversations. - Wednesday, November 8 at 6:45pm at Faith UMC Discussion in preparation for the November 14 conference-wide event - Tuesday, November 14, 6:00 9:00pm at Western Reserve UMC Western Reserve UMC, 4580 Canfield Rd, Canfield, OH 44406 Conference-wide event clergy and laity encouraged to attend - Thursday, November 16 at 7:00 pm at Faith UMC. Debriefing discussion about the conference-wide event Advance registration required. Download the recommended reading resources, Be Strong and of Good Courage and Wonder, Love, and Praise Sharing a Vision of the Church here - http://www.eocumc.com/gc/index.html. This same link is where you need to register to attend the November 14 conversation at Western Reserve UMC. The table will not be complete without you. Attending all three conversations will provide the most benefit to each and all. Please indicate your intentions to participate so that we can plan for your presence. Peace and Grace. Cara
Veterans Sunday The veterans ministry provides a scholarship each year as part of Faith UMC s scholarship program. Our scholarship is funded through donations and gifts given by you. So, on Veterans Sunday, November 12, we graciously ask that anyone wishing to make a donation to please contact the church office. Thanks and Blessings, Your Veterans Ministry Youth Ministry Team We will begin Confirmation classes for grades 7 and 8 beginning in January of 2018. If you are a student in those grades or if you have never been in a confirmation class and are interested in attending, please let Amy Ferguson or Pastor Steve know. We are also looking for mentors who would love to journey with the youth during this amazing experience. We will be having an informational meeting on Thursday, November 30th in the Youth Room if you would like to learn more. Spiritual Formation Ministry Team Wonderful Wozny Gift Rhonda Wozny served in several Faith UMC children s ministries the summer of 2015. Her time of service may have been brief, but she touched the hearts and lives of the children, youth, and adults she served alongside in beautiful and life-changing ways. The people of Faith UMC were blessed by Rhonda s prayerful presence and her beautiful godly spirit. Rhonda s family is now blessing our congregation with a generous gift to further honor Rhonda and her passion for children and youth. On behalf of the family and in memory of Rhonda Wozny, you are invited to submit a request for funding that will support an initiative that meets the spirit of her love and care for the spiritual growth of children and youth. Learn more about the mission of the Wonderful Wozny Work and the application process at www.faithumchurch.org. Applications for Wonderful Wozny Work funding requests are available in the church office or email Sharyl Syler at ssyler@faithumchurch.org.
A message from UMC Discipleship Ministries. Melanie Gordon, Director of Ministries with Children: Safe Sanctuaries is a social structure that is consistent with the gospel (Book of Discipline 122) allowing our sanctuaries, classrooms, ministries, mission encounters, camps and retreats, and all spaces where we gather to serve and worship God to be places of trust. This is an overt expression in making congregations trusting places where children, youth, and vulnerable adults may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith. We know that abuse happens in the church settings, in churches of all sizes and in all areas of ministry. Policies and procedures will not eliminate abuse, but we can reduce the risk by developing and following policies, guidelines, and a set of procedures. Living into Safe Sanctuaries protects our children, youth, and vulnerable adults; protects those in ministry with them; protects those in our care from physical, emotional, and spiritual harm; and honors those who God entrusts to our care. Training, screening, awareness, ongoing education, and safety procedures are necessary within the church to protect our children, youth, and vulnerable adults. These policies and procedures may seem difficult at first, but as you live into it the processes become more natural. As you develop and update your resources for keeping our most vulnerable safe from sexual abuse, remember that resources are available through Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church. Faith UMC s Safe Sanctuary Ministry Group thanks the leaders and staff of Faith United Methodist Church for making the implementation of Safe Sanctuary training, practices, and procedures an important aspect of ministry at Faith UMC. To learn more contact: Faith UMC Safe Sanctuary Ministry Group Group Leader: Dave McDaniels Members: Patti Deems, Gary Jones, Steve Costello, Kathy Schmucker, Sharyl Syler, Amy Ferguson, Dave McDaniels, Jack Baker, Jim Blake, Mike Howard
Messy Church: An experience for all ages to worship, learn, and grow together. Saturday, November 4 at 4:00 pm. Messy Church is a new intergenerational experience that is happening at Faith UMC on the first Saturday of each month at 4:00 pm. At Messy Church, people will be able to engage with the day s Bible story through hands-on activities followed by a time of learning and worship and then end our time together with dinner and fellowship. Contact Bethany Sedziol or Kathy Schmucker for more information. Creating the Font On Wednesday, November 29, 6:45-8:00 in the West Parlor, the group who created Faith s new Baptismal font (Jim Benzing, Wes Bullock, Al Martinsen, Aaron Vaughn, and Suzie Thomas) will be sharing about the collaborative and creative process that resulted in this beautiful work of art. All are welcome to come. You are also invited to come for Wednesday dinner at 6:00!
Fall into Faith and Get Connected at Faith UMC First Tuesday Prayer Service, The Iona Community in Scotland is an ecumenical Christian place centering on social justice and powerful worship. On Pastor Steve s renewal leave this summer, he visited this special, breathtaking place. On November 7th at 8:30 am in the Chapel, Pastor Steve will share about his experience there. You are invited. Coordinator: Jan Baker Faith 101 Sundays at 11:00 am. Learn about the Christian faith and Faith UMC. Facilitators: Pastors Steve & Cara Deeper Connections: The Parables of Jesus, Women s Study on Wednesdays at 9:30 am. Facilitator: Linda Reynolds A Life Worth Living Mondays at 7:00 pm. Facilitator: Wes Bullock Nehemiah: A Heart That Can Break, Women s Study on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. Facilitators: Laura Luikart and Sue Bell The Bible Jesus Read Sundays at 9:45 am. Facilitator: Janice Golden Meditation Group, Contemplative Walk with Christ, A Heart of Stillness: A Complete Guide to Learning the Art of Meditation Mondays at 7:00 pm. Facilitator: Sam Purses Miracles, Men s Life Study, Saturday November 18 at 7:00 am at Beyesly s Restaurant, Facilitator: Kim Reynolds Winter Adult Groups are now forming. Contact Kathy Schmucker if you are interested in coordinating an adult group experience for winter! 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 330-499-6040, ext 107 or 330-224-6138.
Friday Night Out Opportunities to Serve Friday Night Out happens on the 2nd Friday of the month from October May. It is an opportunity for families to come to Faith UMC, learn about deepening their relationships and enjoy an evening of childcare and activities for children from infant to 6th grade. If you are interested in being part of this year s Friday Night Out team, contact Lorrie Goss, Kathy Schmucker, Gary Jones or Pam Wig. Wednesday Night Faith Connections: Leave the cooking to us and join us for fun, food, faith, and fellowship! Cherub Children s Choir at 5:15, Carol Children s Choirs at 5:00 pm. Dinner at 6:00 pm followed by program and activities for all - children, youth and adults. Wonder Kids for grades K-5, Little Wonders for kids under 5, Wednesday Youth, and Adult Groups. Do you enjoy cooking and serving others? Faith UMC s Thanksgiving Dinner will be Wednesday, November 15. Contact John Hartzell if you would like to assist with cooking, set up, and clean up for this special meal as we gather to give thanks at Faith UMC. Wednesday Wonder Kids Schedule: November 8 Minecraft Bible Study. Read 1 Kings 8:1-66. Bring your devices and join us for this special night as we explore the Bible using Minecraft games. November 15 Thanksgiving Dinner Join us for dinner with your church family, games and mission activities. Visit our website for the evening s schedule and more information about Faith s Wednesday Night activities for all ages. http://www.faithumchurch.org/wednesday-night-faith-connections.html
Thanks to everyone who participated in this year s Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Packing Party! Join us for the Blessing of the Boxes during worship on November 12. Children and Families Faith Formation and Discipleship: Faith UMC Children s Sunday School Deep Blue Learn and Serve 9:45 and 11:00 on Sunday Mornings Preschool Ages 3-5, Grades K-3, Grades 3-5, Toddlers November Theme: The Wise King November Anchor Point: We can ask God for what we need. November Bible Verse: God gave Solomon wisdom and very great understanding. (1 Kings 4:29) Weekly Family Devotions available at the Children s Welcome Station Try this Family Devotion with your family: WONDER TOGETHER READ: 1 Kings 2:1-4; 3:1-15 SAY: When Solomon became the king of Israel, it was a big transition. Everyone was used to King David making the decisions. Even Solomon was used to his dad being in charge. When it was Solomon s turn to be king, he could have made some bad decisions. He could have focused on himself and having money and power. He could have ignored God or the people of his kingdom. But Solomon didn t do that. Instead, he asked for God s help because he didn t know what would happen next or what he should do. Because he asked for wisdom, God helped him and now he is known as the wise king. Next time there are changes happening in your life, try asking God for wisdom so you will be able to make good decisions. ASK: David gave Solomon a lot of advice about how to be a good follower of God. I wonder, what advice would you give to someone younger than you about how to follow God? I wonder, was there ever a time when you felt like you were too young and inexperienced to do something important? PRAY: Dear God, thank you for leaders who inspire us to be brave and wise. Amen. Advent Devotions: The First Sunday of Advent is December 3. Faith UMC will once again create an Advent devotion resource for our congregation. If you would be interested in writing a prayer or devotion or creating some artwork for this year s devotion resource. Contact Kathy Schmucker or Pam Wig.
Cokesbury Two-Click Shopping Helps to Support Faith A reminder that if you order from Amazon or Cokesbury to please order through the link on Faith s website so that the church receives credit and a rebate from your purchase. Communications Ministry Team Faith UMC and Special Event Advertising Flag Banners: On behalf of 20/20, the Communications Ministry requested and made 4 large Faith Banners and 2 Special Events banners to be used on N. Main Street for Sundays and other events. We need volunteers to sign up to place the banner before 8:30 am and to take them down after 11 am services on Sundays. You MUST have someone for each in order to proceed. The banners are located in lightweight travel black cases behind the sanctuary and are easy to use with a hammer to stake in the grass. We have two locations on N.Main street approved for use: the dentists office at the corner of 9th and the Howard Hanna building on the corner of 7th. The instructions are in the bag but you can see anyone on the Communications Ministry, Jennie Ford, Len Terlizzi, Mike McConnell, or Dave Shilling in order to be shown how and if you d like to sign up. Thank you for helping grow the Ministries of Faith UMC deep and wide. Happy 200th Anniversary Crossroads United Methodist Church On Sunday November 12, Crossroads United Methodist Church (formerly First Methodist Church 120 Cleveland Ave SW in downtown Canton) has invited Faith UMC to help celebrate their 200th anniversary. In 1956 Faith United Methodist began as a new church start from this downtown church. If you would like to help celebrate this milestone anniversary the service begins at 10:00am with a reception following. Bishop Tracy Malone will be the guest preacher. If you have any questions contact Barb Terlizzi at 330.494.1782.
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