From First Congregational Church

OCTOBER 2018

The Spire

Office Hours Monday—Friday

9:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

We don’t think

for you—

We care for you.

Senior Minister:

Bruce Haapalainen

Church Cabinet Liaison:

Ellen Eckert

Director of Children’s Ministry:

Sarah Ramos

Administrative Assistant:

Dee Vail

Financial Secretary:

Kim Stover

Music Director:

Richard Wink

Maintenance Services:

Jon Hall

Custodial Services:

Larry Scott

Moderator:

Joyce Adair

RUMMAGE SALE HELP IS

ALWAYS NEEDED!!!

SALE BEGINS SUNDAY SEPT. 30

FOR CHURCH MEMBERS ONLY!

PUBLIC SALE OCT. 3 & 4 (Wednesday, 9 am - 4 pm; Thursday, 9 am - 12 noon)

YOU MATTER! Week of September 24

Pledge Cards were mailed.

Sunday, October 21st, is Harvest Sunday! Our

Stewardship goal is to have pledge cards turned in

on that Sunday or before! Following worship we

will be celebrating with cider and apple donuts

from Apple Hill Orchard.

Br uce’s Blog Taking the Stew out of STEWardship

One day a man, a brand-new church member, asked his friend to explain the stewardship

letter he had just gotten. “Why are they writing about ‘seeds?’” he asked. “Whenever it says

‘seed’,” the friend replied, “insert the word ‘check’.” “So, then what’s ‘planting a seed’?”

“Simple, that means writing a check.” “Ok, I get it but then they end by saying, ‘To whom

much is given, much is required.’ What’s that?” “That means, ‘If you can do it, we’re hoping

you’ll plant an even bigger seed than last year!”

While that story may make you smile, it is not really all that facetious. In listening to our

members and friends over these many months, we all agree it’s time to take the next step in

the life of our church to launch an even deeper plunge into Youth Ministry and Outreach to

our Community. Our staff and building are great tools for growing in numbers and in spirt.

Our Outreach, Activities, Programs and Mission come from You – U MATTER! To help take the

“Stew” out of STEWardship this year, please consider doing two things. First, take the time to

consider (and yes, pray) about what you can offer in a pledge and turn your card in. Then,

please make sure you encourage others to review their materials and ask any questions they

have before returning their cards. Please let them know THEY MATTER.

In Noah benShea’s story Jacob, the Baker, Jacob tells a man that the poor are responsible for

his freedom. The man doesn’t understand so Jacob explains, “Either the key to a man’s wallet

is in his heart, or the key to a man’s heart is in his wallet. So, until you express your charity,

you are locked inside your greed.”

Our budget is the life and breath of our Ministry and Mission. It is a flesh and blood member

of our staff, the same way we are the arms and legs and hands and feet of God’s love and

grace in the world around us. Our budget is how we will do God’s work in 2019. A very big

part of that work will be in finding and utilizing the services of an Associate Minister. An even

bigger part will be your pledge, so FCC can move forward.

Stewardship is a systematic way to give time, abilities and material possessions, believing they

are all a trust from God. Using them in God’s service to benefit God’s world is the best way to

acknowledge God’s love.

Upcoming Messages

Oct. 7 The First Last Supper (World Communion) Mark 14:12-15, 17, 22-24 Oct. 14 Eyesight & Insight Mark 8:22-25

Oct. 21 When the Enemy Is Us Mark 9:38-41 Oct. 28 Do Not Hinder Mark 10:13-16 Nov. 4 Faithless Fig Trees and Phonies Mark 11:12-21

PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION PART 4

October 27, 9:30 - Noon, Blymyer Hall

Topics:

Review & Initial Questions

Vocabulary

World Religions Yesterday & Today

Comparison of Religions

Origins/Development of Religion:

World View, Individual and Societal Perspectives, Faith/Spirituality/Religion/ Creed/Purpose, Commonalities & Differences

5 Signs When Religion Becomes Evil

Pros and Cons of Religions in the World

Mindful Movement

Wednesdays from 9 to 10:30 am, beginning October 24

Are you looking for ways to stay calm, bright and inspired throughout the fall season and

beyond? Please join instructor Claudia Cummins for a weekly opportunity to stretch,

strengthen, breathe and rest, using the principles and practices of yoga and other ancient

spiritual traditions. All levels are welcome and students are encouraged to tailor the ses-

sions to suit their own needs. Please join us! Questions, contact Claudia at clacum-

mins@gmail.com.

October In-"SPIRED" Gathering Plan to join us on Thursday, October 25, for the In-”SPIRED” Gathering

which will feature author Shary Williamson and The Woodland Elves.

Shary’s career as an educator spanned four decades in Florida, Virginia

and Ohio. The Woodland Elves is a book series for all those with a child-

like spirit. It has been featured in newspapers and radio programs world-

wide. Since the birth of the elves, Shary and the team have gone to many

schools, libraries, museums and art galleries. The presentations have

been described as “personal, inspiration, creative and informative!” It will inspire all ages to

read, write and express their own creativity!

Reservations are due by Monday, October 23. The cost for the catered lunch is $10 and can

be paid at the time of your reservation. You won’t want to miss the chance to “enter the

world” of The Woodland Elves.

2018 Spire

Publication Deadlines

Issue Deadline

November October 15

December November 19

January December 12

When: Monday, Oct. 8, 1:00 pm,

Parlor

Book: A Wrinkle in Time

by Madeleine L’Engle

On Saturday, October 27, Church Life if bringing you GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER. This event is loosely named after the movie released in 1967. The purpose of the event is to get to know other church members better. We will meet in Blymyer Hall at 5:30 pm for appetizers and fellowship followed by a trivia contest. The most exciting part of the evening is the host/hostess drawing names from a basket filled with attendees names. They don’t know who will be coming to their house nor do the attendees

know where they will be dining and who they will be dining with.

This year our “theme” is football with a quiz on college and NFL team statistics. Brush up on your knowledge of the sport. The winner will receive a $25 Visa gift card.

There is a sign-up sheet on an easel outside the church office or you may call for reservations. The cost is $12 each and can be paid in the church office. Reservations must be made by October 21.

FCC Soaring Social Group Our traditionally beautiful September days are a perfect time to decide to travel along with us. We warmly welcome and enjoy having new people.

Wednesday, October 17: We are off for a fall drive to Holmes County. Lunch will be at an Amish restaurant in Berlin. Then onto Walnut Creek and a great country market passing Coblentz Chocolates on the way!! (How’s this for living off the land?) We will leave from Tower Lakes parking area by 9:50 am. Reservations are need by October 12.

Friday, October 26, 8:00 pm: For Halloween fun join us at the Mansfield Playhouse for the Mel Brooks super comic adaption of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. In order to get our seats, reser-vations are need by October 10. Senior rates are available.

For questions and to make your reservations, please call Lucy Amsbaugh, 419.756.6871.

Trustee September Summary Meetings this summer have focused on matters associated with the Church’s properties:

The parking lot construction is nearing completion. The city and the church have been extra cautious with the final north phase of the project to insure that storm water is properly managed and we do not worsen our neighbor’s chronic drainage issues.

The restroom tower and west elevator are also very near to completion. Once the new restrooms are available, work will begin on the east elevator phase of the project.

The footprint of the east elevator is in the space now occupied by the business hallway ladies’ restroom. While construction will be disruptive, the current (soon to be retired) elevator will usually be available to provide access to the sanctuary level. Church staff will keep the congregation informed concerning access matters as the project progresses.

September Stewardship Meeting Summary The YOU MATTER campaign is up and running. We hope everyone will help with our quest to

bring a much needed Associate Minister. And right along with it, our objective to give special

attention to our Youth Program.

Pledge cards were mailed the week of September 24. If you do not receive one, please contact

the church office.

The campaign will conclude with Harvest Sunday on October 21.

Stewardship Minutes will be part of the worship service in the coming weeks.

September News from the Deacons The Deacons were sadden to learn of the passing of Clarence Baughman. Board duties are being reviewed to see where we can streamline the work being done by

multiple boards/committees to minimize the duplicate actions. The loose offering from World Communion on Oct. 7 will be donated to the Friendly House. The Deacons are working on finalizing plans for the Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve

Services.

September Missions Committee Recap We discussed various non-cash missions. We look forward to implementing new projects soon! We are still actively involved with our long-term mission projects and sincerely appreciate the

generous support from our congregation! These projects include: A. Daysping Assisted Living. The complete list of desired items is posted on the wall outside Ellen’s office. The collection box has been temporarily moved to the main office. B. Collection of non-perishable food to be given to our three area food pantries (Salvation Army, Grace Episcopal Church and Catholic Charities). C. Collection of Boxtops for Education. The donation canister is located on the table at the top of the stairs near the sanctuary. These Boxtops are given to Mansfield City Schools as a means to purchase items as needed.

OUR BOARDS AT WORK...

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Younger Youth News Church School Children Singing Sunday, October 14, the church school children will sing during the 10:30 am Worship Service.

Honey Haven Retreat Our annual Honey Haven Retreat will be Sunday, October 14. There will be a light lunch served for the children attending and we will plan to leave the

church around 12:30. Information and a sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the Sunday School hallway.

Celebrate Our FCC 3rd Graders! Join us on Sunday, October 21, when we present Bibles to our 3rd graders during the 10:30 Worship Service. Everyone is welcome in Blymyer Hall following the service to celebrate our third graders and Harvest Sunday!

The United States Postal Service requires a Statement of Ownership to be published

once a year for our Periodical Postage Permit.

Blood Pressure Checks!!! October 14 November 11 December 9

Blood Pressure checks are available in the Business Hallway.

Within Our Fellowship Deaths: The congregation and staff wish to

extend their sympathy to the family and

friends of:

Mary Jisa - Mary passed away on Sunday,

August 26.

Joel Black - Joel passed away on Monday,

August 27.

Jack Wise - Jack passed away on Monday,

August 27.

Mamie Harenberg - Mamie passed away on

Sunday, September 16.

Mary Ann Schroeder - Mary Ann passed

away on Sunday, September 16.

2019 Flower Chart You may now sign-up to give

flowers during the 2019

calendar year. The chart is

located on the bulletin board

outside of Blymyer Hall. A reminder card

will be sent to you in advance of your

scheduled date.

FROM FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH The Spire

640 Millsboro Rd.

Mansfield, OH 44903

Phone: 419-756-3046

Fax: 419-756-5834

www.mansfieldfcc.com

¬

World Communion Sunday gives congregations a unique opportunity to

experience Communion together. The first Sunday in October has become

a time when believers in every culture break bread and pour the cup in a

shared meal. Whether in a grand cathedral, mud hut, in a meetinghouse or

storefront, World Communion Sunday is both a profound worship

experience and a time for learning more about our wider community of

faith. Join us at 8:30 or 10:30 on October 7th!

THE SPIRE (UPSSS613-080) is

published monthly throughout

the year by the First Congrega-

tional Church, 640 Millsboro

Road, Mansfield, Ohio,

44903. Second class postage

paid at Mansfield, Ohio.

Subscription rate $25 per year.

POSTMASTER: Send address

changes to The Spire, First

Congregational Church, 640

Millsboro Road, Mansfield,

Ohio 44903