Newsletter
"First Things":
October 2007
Contents...
Church
News
Session News
Campus/Youth/Children
Fellowship/Study Groups
And
More
From the Pastor's Pen
Dear Members and Friends of First Church:
Don’t you just love the fall season of the year? If the weather is
just right, it can truly be a spectacular time of the year with the
bright colored leaves. Some years the reds, oranges and yellows can be
positively magnificent. It is hard for me to look out at nature and
not believe there is a God who is the supreme Creator of it all. The
fall season is also a time when things get back to normal after the
summer season- with school, church and community programs/events.
I love how Reginald Holmes puts words to paper as he describes what
autumn is all about in his poem, What Is Autumn? I invite you to read
it out loud, slowly, and take in the word pictures that he paints on
the tapestry of paper.
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What Is Autumn?
Autumn is the lonesome sound
Of wild geese flying high.
Autumn is the sunset’s gold
That paints the western sky.
Autumn is the purple haze
That tops a mountain crest,
Autumn is a leafless tree
That holds an empty nest.
Autumn is a sparkling frost,
The yellow harvest moon;
Autumn is a flock of ducks
Upon the quiet lagoon.
Autumn is a field of corn
With pheasants on parade;
Autumn is the fallen leaves
When summer glories fade.
Autumn is the time to let
Our gratitude take wings…
Autumn is the time to thank
Our Maker for these things. |
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This autumn, may we pause to give thanks to our Creator God for the
beauty of His creation and the bountiful blessings He has bestowed
upon us. And may we gather each Lord’s Day to glorify His Holy Name.
See U in CH_RCH.
Yours in Christ,
Mark
From the Pulpit
- October 7 World Communion Sunday
- Scripture: John 3:16-18
Sermon: “CODE BLUE" - Pastor Mark Ford
October 14 - Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Sermon: “THE SEASONS"
October 21- Scripture: Luke 17:11-19
Sermon: “A SEASON OF THANKSGIVING”
October 28 - Scripture: Psalm 23; Luke
15:11-32
Sermon: “DELIGHTING IN GOD’S GRACE”
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Church News
Ford's Focus
It takes a village to raise a child is a popular
phase that was birthed in the Continent of Africa. This pithy
statement has been the inspiration for thick books by powerful
people who understand “no man is an island.” Many of us can remember
the time when the extended family like Aunts and Uncles played a
greater role in our lives. The neighbor down the street was “another
mother or father figure” who would correct us when we had it coming.
The world was different then in so many ways. Today in the urban
setting few know their neighbors and too often there is conflict
among neighbors. To a great degree “kids in the urban setting” are
raising themselves, but in reality no one “raises themselves.” The
truth is many children are being raised by television like HBO, MTV,
VH1, and other “adult like channels.” Another baby sitter is violent
video games and the internet that preys on unsupervised children. If
electronics are not the baby sitters than too often the “gang
leader, or the drug dealer will gladly offer their services for a
“price.” The next time you are in the Middlebury area drive down the
streets and observe how many kids are roaming the streets looking
for something to do or just “hangin out.”
We in the church can view this absentee parent as a societal evil
where we curse the darkness or view it as an opportunity to light a
candle and fill the vacuum. Perhaps you have noticed there are many
children who hang out in our parking lot. This is a good thing. I
think this is happening for a couple of reasons. Number one, we have
had some single parent families move in on Agate with
children. Many of the children attended summer’s Best Two Weeks and
have found our church a loving and safe environment. I get
excited when I consider what we as a church do to provide creative
activities for these wonderful and vulnerable children. There is
tutoring, recreation, computer skills, and numerous other skills that
could be provided by good people like you and me. I know Ryan
Lawrence, our Youth Director, has sought to provide some of these
activities but due to the lack of help they were either dropped or
scaled back. My heart was touched by the announcement by our
Children’s Director, Ann McCord, for Children’s Workers on Sunday.
Friends, these are some very practical ways that we can do our part in
the village to “help raise these urban Children regardless of where we
may live. May I gently urge all of us to do “our part”? If we don’t,
someone else will and we all will agree the alternative in all
likelihood will not be positive. Thank you for caring.
Kill Your Hunger Pangs at
the Youth Fundraiser Lunch
On October 21st, there will be a Youth fundraiser dinner. All
proceeds go toward the youth summer mission trips. Come help out and
feed your stomachs too. The menu is yet to be announced.
Men's Group
MEN OF THE CHURCH: YOU ARE INVITED TO THE THURSDAY MORNING MEN’S
GROUP AS THEY BEGIN A NEW STUDY BOOK- “QUIET STRENGTH” BY TONY DUNGY-
HEAD COACH OF THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
 Beginning
Thursday, October 11, the Thursday Morning Men’s Group (we meet at
6:30 a.m. in Mark Ruppert’s office) will be starting a new study book
written by Tony Dungy- “Quiet Strength.” This resource addresses six
tough questions men ask. Or, more accurately, don't ask -- though men
crave the answers. Each of the six Bible studies is crafted especially
for men, and provides biblical answers, relationship-building
discussion questions, fun activities and character-building insights
from the life of Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
Readers find six studies that answer these questions:
What's my game plan?
What's my strength?
What's success?
Where's my security?
What is my significance?
What's my legacy?
If you are interested and would like more information, contact the
church at 330-434-5183 or fill out a Yellow Card indicating you would
like to be a part of the group. The cost for the study book will be
$10.00. (PLEASE NOTE: the first Thursday of the month, October 4, we
meet for breakfast at Country Diner across from City Hospital at 6:30
a.m. Join us for a time of food and fellowship.)
WHY PARTICIPATE IN A WEEKLY
SMALL GROUP FELLOWSHIP
Copied from the book "When God Whispers Your Name"
by Max Lucado which you may find in our church library:
"Let us not give up the habit of meeting together,
as some are doing. Instead let us encourage one another" (Heb. 10:25
TEV, emphasis mine).
“I'm writing this chapter on a Saturday morning in
Boston. I came here to speak at a conference. After I did my part last
night, I did something very spiritual: I went to a Boston Celtics
basketball game. I couldn't resist. Boston Gardens is a stadium I'd
wanted to see since I was a kid. Besides, Boston was playing my
favorite team, the San Antonio - Spurs.
As I took my seat, it occurred to me that I might
be the only Spurs fan in the crowd. I'd be wise to be quiet. But that
was hard to do. I contained myself for a few moments, but that's all.
By the end of the first quarter I was letting out solo war whoops
every time the Spurs would score.
People were beginning to turn and look. Risky
stuff, this voice-in-the-wilderness routine. Then I noticed I had a
friend across the aisle. He , too,
applauded the Spurs. When I clapped, he clapped. I
had a partner. We buoyed each other. I felt better. At the end of the
quarter I gave him the thumbs up. He gave it back. He was only a
teenager. No matter. We were united by the higher bond of fellowship.
That's one reason for the church. All week you
cheer for the visiting team. You applaud the success of the One the
world opposes. You stand when everyone sits and sit when everyone
stands. At some point you need support. You need to be with folks who
cheer when you do. You need what the Bible calls FELLOWSHIP .
And you need it every week. After all, you can only go so long before
you think about joining the crowd."
Eggs Just Aren’t for Easter
 The
Ohio Egg Artists Guild, which along with FPC First Contact Ministry
Team presents the egg show each Palm Sunday Weekend, meets monthly in
our building for fellowship and to learn egging techniques. This is
another small group you might consider being a part of if you like the
thought of learning how to create decorated eggs other than the kind
you simply dip. It can be a rewarding hobby and a lot of fun. October
9 we will meet at the Chapel Hill Panera's at 5:00 p.m. for supper and
meet at the church at 6:30 to elect officers for the remainder of
07-08 and learn about the technique of acid etching (using vinegar)
white and brown eggs. October 13 at 9 a.m. we will meet at the church
to carpool to Alcraft supplies near Youngstown. This would be a good
time to "hatch" your own ideas of decorated eggs: to see a technique,
to see supplies available, and to see where Pysanky egg decorating
began. Our November meeting will be a trip to the Ukrainian Museum
outside of Cleveland and lunch on Saturday, November 3. Contact
Suzanne Gibson if you are even a little bit interested.
Food Pantry
The Deacons’ Food Pantry served 515 families in
the month of August. A total of 1803 people were served. We also
served 200 people total at the both of our Walk in Meals.
THANK YOU!
Thank you very much for your generous contribution
to the Deacons’ food pantry. Your generosity kept us afloat. We
continue to see over 500 families a month so it is an on going need
with a monthly bill of approximately $2000 dollars. The generosity of
the congregation makes it possible for us to see this number of
families. Your continued support of this mission would be very much
appreciated. Again, thank you.
Sincerely,
Rita Vincent
A Flu Vaccine Clinic
A flu vaccine clinic will be held at First
Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 4th, following the worship
service. If you have Medicare B, there is no charge.
Bring your card with you for verification. Most HMOs have
their own sites. All others will be charged $25. This
can be paid with cash or by check. Please indicate on the back
of the fellowship card or call the church office 330-434-5183 if you
are interested.
Packages of Love
 The
Deacons’ Team First Caring Friends would like to mail care packages to
each of our 20+ students here at First Church. For us to do this we
need the help of our entire church family. These are very small items.
If you are able to donate one small item or a monetary gift it would
be appreciated by our team. Some suggestions are:
Gum, Pens, Snack Foods, Mints, Quarters ($2.00) for
Laundry, Home-made Cookies, some kind of small devotional cards or
Bible Verses, or even some kind of Stress Ball.
Thank you in advance! See me to make donations or with questions.
- Donna Snyder
Session News
Session Highlights
Approved- the motion from the Community Ministry/Mission Team
to declare Sunday, October 21,as World Food Day and include in the
Sunday bulletin an insert for “Bread For The World.”
Approved- the motion from the First Contact Ministry Team for
a Letter of Transfer for Robb and Barbara Courtney.
Approved- the motion from the Stewardship and Finance Team to
sign a new lease with Hope Daycare.
Approved – the motions from the Property and Maintenance Team
to: contract with Quality Carpet to 1) install new carpet in the
hallway on the second floor outside the church offices, 2) install
new carpet and flooring in the nursery, and 3) contract with
AmeriSeal to address the water leaking in the educational building
(the Youth Room and Tent Room- 3rd floor) and the
sanctuary (above the door entering the flower room).
Campus/Youth/Children
Wide World of Youth
We are heading into Outstanding October! Read
all about it on the Youth page.
Fellowship/Study Groups
Tuesday Club
The Tuesday Club will meet at 1:00 pm on October 16th, Lembo’s
Italian Restaurant, 1186 Canton Rd, Akron. Call the church office if
you have any questions
Morning Circle
Morning Circle will meet Monday, October 1, at 10 a.m. in the
church parlor. We will studying, from the PW study book of Jonah and
Ruth, Lesson 7. Scripture reference is Ruth 2. Women of the
congregation are invited to attend and to bring a friend.
WNGs
They that hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They
shall mount up with wings as eagles..." Isaiah 40:31
Women of the church are invited to participate in the Wednesday
Night Intergenerational Caring Group at 7:00 pm.
Evening Circle
Evening Circle will meet on Tuesday, October
16th, 7:30 pm. We will be studying Genesis.
First Faithful Friends
FIRST FAITHFUL FRIENDS will meet at the Montrose Appleby's
Monday, October 1, at 6:30 p.m. for food and fellowship. Bring
your calendars and let Suzanne Gibson know if you plan to join us so
we will have enough seating available.
Men's Bible Study
There are two men's bible study groups at First Presbyterian Church.
- Wednesday
morning at 6:30 am
- Friday
morning at 6:30 am
Contact the church office for more information.
Loss Support Group
The next meeting of the Loss Support Group will be on October 16th
at 7:00 in the parlor. This group is for those who have
experienced a type of loss - the death of a loved one or a friend or
animal, a change in a relationship, the loss of a job, etc. All
are welcome to join our group that meets once a month.
And More
Newsletter Deadlines
The deadline for the November issue of First Things is
October 14, 2007.
Plain English
You get in life what you have the courage to ask
for.
Presbyterian
Church (U.S.A.)
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