September 2010 Newsletter and Calendar
Click here to view the September 2010 Calendar.
From The Pastor
Happy new year! Of course I know it isn’t January 2011 yet, but it is the beginning of a new program year at the church so we have much to anticipate and celebrate.
We are wasting no time in getting back into the swing of things. The choir returns on September 5th. That same Sunday we will begin a Sunday School class for our preschoolers. That means I will now be delivering a children’s message for them during the worship service. I know how much some of you enjoy these talks, so if ever there is a Sunday with no children present, I will share that message anyway.
New this year will be a Thursday evening study group using the Living the Questions curriculum. The Sunday morning group found this material to be enlightening and helpful to those struggling with what it means to be a faithful Christina in today’s world. Each lesson is independent of the others so participants are able to come to any, or all of them, as their schedule allows.
In an effort to help members get to know one another better and enjoy an inexpensive night of entertainment, we will be hosting a Movie Night once a month. More information can be found elsewhere in this newsletter.
Charles and Robin have been rehearsing some beautiful organ/piano duets to share with us this Fall. They haven’t decided yet when they will be blessing us with their talent, so be sure to be here every Sunday - you don’t want to miss it!
Something else you won’t want to miss is the joint worship service and pot luck being planned with the Unitarians (you know, “the strangers in our basement!”). It will probably take place in October. There is sure to be great food and good fellowship.
Some things are still up in the air, like a “hands-on” mission project providing a meal once a month for the Boys & Girls Club children. The Board of Evangelism & Outreach will keep us posted on that one.
No one likes to see the summer end, but as you put away your beach gear and get out the rake, think about the upcoming good times awaiting you with your First Congregational family.
Shalom, Rev. Kure
GO BOB GO!
You’ve probably heard about the Rev3 Ironman Length Triathlon Cedar Point is hosting September 12th, but did you know our Ohio Conference Minister will be participating? The race features a 2.4-mile swim in lake Erie, a 112-mile bicycle race and a 26.2-mile marathon. Anyone taking part in this grueling event is to be admired, but even more so Bob Molsberry, who has been wheel chair bound since an accident several years ago. He will ride in a handcycle for the bicycle race and a racing wheelchair for the marathon.
Although Bob says his motivation for racing is a response to and a reaction against his physical disability, he wants it to be about more than himself. For that reason, he has set up a website link to Runners Feeding Others (runnersfeedingothers.com/Sandusky.htm) to benefit Care & Share of Erie County. Visiting the site and making a donation in support of Bob and the other Rev3 participants, will help feed the needy in our area. “It’s a way for me and other participants to leave something behind when we race, other than discarded water bottles and banana peels,” Bob says.
Bob should be passing by First Congregational UCC in Berlin Heights around 12:30 p.m.. They have invited us to join them in cheering him on after a cookout scheduled for noon. If you would like to join the fun, please sign up on the bulletin board in the sanctuary so we can let them know how many to plan on for lunch. They will be taking a free-will donation.
What's Going On?
Supper Club
Supper Club Wednesday, September 15th. We will eat at 6:00 p.m. in the Parkvue Place Multi-use Room. Gene will be grilling brats and making his sauerkraut casserole. Please bring a side dish to share. Sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the sanctuary.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR PRESCHOOLERS
The Board of Christian Education is happy to announce the beginning of a Sunday School class for preschoolers to be taught by Sarah Roberts, beginning September 5th. Madison Leffler will be her helper. The children will have their own opening ritual in the nursery before coming into the sanctuary for a children’s message. Then they will return to the nursery for crafts and activities. Children through kindergarten age are welcome.
We officially said goodbye to Gil Vaugh, former director of the Boys & Girls Club of Erie County, with a brief tribute prior to our Chicken BBQ August 14th. He in turn honored his wife, Pamela for enabling him to care for the children of the community by taking good care of their own children, Taylor, Carlee and Kelsey.
CHICKEN BBQ PROFIT
Thanks to the hard work of chairperson Don Schlett and all those who volunteered and sold tickets, the proceeds from our August 14th Chicken BBQ were $1,050. There were 206 tickets sold prior to the event and 41 at the door.
The quilt raffle brought in another $119. We are grateful to Kristi & Sandy Knight, PJ Shaw and Evalyn Vroman for donating their beautiful creation.
STUDY GROUP
In response to a request from those who are not early risers, the “Living the Questions” curriculum used on Sunday mornings last year, will be offered in a weekly evening study group this Fall. This 21-session exploration of progressive Christianity is open to anyone who has wrestled with basic questions about Christianity. Through weekly readings, discussion and 20-minute video clips, participants will explore what a meaningful faith can look like in today’s world.
The group will meet Thursday evenings in the Boardman Room from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m., beginning September 23rd. Please let Rev. Kure know if you plan to attend so she can give you the study materials.
The Sunday morning group will also continue to meet and always welcomes new members. Their first meeting will be September 25th.
Congratulations Kevin Guimbellot!
Kevin graduated August 7th from BGSU. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies. Kevin plans to start grad school in January.
RELAY TEAM WINS TWO AWARDS
At the Relay for Life wrap-up meeting/potluck held in August our team was named “Best Rookie Team” and won the “Best Banner” award. A big thanks goes to Sue Pfaff, team captain, and Jen Brinker for making the banner. Total collected was $1,522.98.
Rev. Kure will be on vacation September 16-22.
If you have a pastoral need during that time, please contact Rev. Jerry FEnske at St. Stephen United Church of Christ (419-626-1612) or on his cell phone, 952-797-3590.
SHORELINE SERVICES
Come and join us for the last two Shoreline Services of the season! The speaker for August 29th will be Sondra Anderson. The offering focus will be Crossroads, our local homeless shelter.
Jan Barron will be our final speaker of the season on Labor Day weekend. She has chosen Helpmates as the offering focus. There will be special music that day and we will conclude by celebrating holy communion.
MOVIE NIGHT
With the economy the way it is these days, many of us are looking for inexpensive entertainment. Look no more! Beginning Wednesday, September 22nd, we will have a once-a-month movie night at the church. Charles Wansitler is getting things organized and has selected The Secret of Bees to be shown that night. Everyone is invited to come and bring friends. Popcorn will be provided!
AN INVITATION FOR THE LADIES
F irst Christian Church (3410 Hayes Ave. Sandusky), will host its annual Ladies Rally on September 21ST at 6:00 p.m. This year’s message will be presented by Jim Andrews. Jim is from Bellevue and creates beautiful chalk drawings as he shares his faith.
The $5.00 a person cost includes a Chicken Parmesan dinner with roll, salad and dessert.. You may make your reservations by calling the church office from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (419-626-1962). Reservations must be made by Tuesday, September 14th.
Volunteers of America GARAGE SALE
Volunteers of America is Holding a GARAGE SALE and needs your donated items
They are looking for furniture, household goods, collectibles, books, tools, toys and clothes in reasonably good condition and clean. Donated items can be dropped off at 1843 Superior Street, now through September 20th between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m..
The sale will be held Friday, September 24th. From 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Crossroads Homeless Services Shelter, 1843 Superior Street.
Proceeds will help them continue to help others through providing emergency shelter and services to those in crisis and by promoting self-sufficiency through their various housing programs. Items not sold will be used to assist residents at the shelter and/or programs participants.
Thank You’s
Since our last publishing we have received words of thanks for our quarterly donations from: Care & Share, Volunteers of America, Serving Our Seniors, Big Brother Big Sisters, CUE Seminaries, SOLT Haiti Mission, and the Boys & Girls Club.
We also received a thank you from Victory Temple Soup Kitchen for the $100 donation from our Sugar Bowl Fund.
MEMORIAL GIFT
Mr. & Mrs. Don Schlett Sr. made a memorial contribution in memory of Matthew Schlett. The Board of Christian Education has used some of the money in this fund to buy resources for the preschool Sunday school class.
Happy Birthday and Anniversaries
Daryl Becker 9/1
Calieb Wigner 9/4
Brienna Marcy 9/9
Irene Meyer 9/10
JD Hall 9/12
John & Jan Brewer 9/15
Roberta Aros 9/17
Don Schlett 9/19
Mark & Cathy Pifer 9/20
Jackie Niven, Jaclynn Wigner 9/30
Prayer List
Current
Harry Boguszewski, Jan Brewer, Cantelli Family, Carolyn Castle, Davis Family, Juli Dodd, Jim Ferguson, Bobby Gilbert, Anne Gilcher, J.D. Hall, Sue Heys, Linda Horrack, Keller Family, King Family, Mary Mathias, Julanne Owings, David Petersen, Cathy Pifer, Lillian Quillen, Roberts Family, Marnay Schrock, Nina & Vickie Seitz, Anthony Simione, Simonds Family, Ireland Thomas, Jean Thompson, Sam Waugaman, Aubrey Widman, Dan Wigner & Family, Don Young.
Ongoing Concerns
Jan Barron, Bowyer Family, Brock Family, Joey Helm, Emmett Jackson & Family, our military personnel and their families, Jack & Donna Mineo Family, Elmer Novak, Esther Rowland, Marc Vadeboncoeur & Kevin Guimbellot, Virginia Wilkins
Homebound Members and Friends
Dorothy Kubicka, Ruth Lively, Elmeda Schwartz, Marian Shadle.
Boys & Girls Club News
With another school year coming upon us we are preparing for some changes at the Boys & Girls Club. As you all know our past Executive Director, Gil Vaughn, is no longer with the Club. At this time we are not replacing his position. Our board has taken on extra duties of an Executive. We are also not going to be having as many programs, unless we are able to get volunteers who would like to help with programming.
We are looking for volunteers to help with homework Monday thru Thursday from 2:45-4:00 p.m. and Arts and Crafts on Friday’s from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m. We also need someone who would like to help serve snacks to the members on a daily basis, or help with reading, computer room activities and various other programs. If anyone is interested, or would like more information please contact Laura at the Club (419-624-9250) after September 7th from 2:30 to 7:00 p.m.
We are also still providing transportation for the members from the schools to the Club.
Ms. Nancy has done a great job this summer with her field trips, programs and other activities at the Club. She has really helped the members get to experience a lot this summer. So with it just being the two of us for the summer, I have to give her a BIG THANKS. We had a lot of new faces this summer who will not be returning for the school year due to many going back home or it was just a summer thing. But all in all, we had a great summer and a nice new crowd of members!
Upcoming Events:
Club Closed for Shutdown– August 21st - September 8th
School Starts - August 30th
Club Reopens 2:30-7:00 p.m. September 9th
Check out the Boys and Girls Club Website.
Reports From Boards And Committees
Board of Trustees
Richard Aros, Chairperson
The trustees received a bid for re-sealing and re-striping the parking lot. It was completed several years ago and needs to be done again. The total for this project is $2,430.00 This includes fixing the areas in the elevator corner that has caused leaking into the basement. The funds will be taken from the Building Fund and the repairs and maintenance budget. George Gilbert will speak with the library director to inform her of their tenant’s continual use of our parking lot.
Cost estimates are being obtained for the Boardman Room and the Boardman Room kitchen. Cabinet bids will be obtained. George Gilbert will continue talking with the library director to see if they want to rent parking spaces from the church. Tim Work will repair the emergency light in the Fellowship Hall. George Gilbert will look for a plumber to fix the leaking faucet/pipe in the boiler room.
Submitted by Roberta Aros
Board of Evangelism and Outreach
Kim Nemeth, Chairperson
We received many thank you letters which were reviewed at the General Board meeting. The CROP Walk is October 3rd. This event raises money for food banks locally and around the world to fight hunger. At this point we have three members signed up to walk. If you are interested, please contact Kim Nemeth.
We reviewed requests from various organizations asking for money. After thoughtful consideration, we decided to send a contribution to Victory Kitchen.
Board of Elders
Harry Boguszewski, Chairperson
Things have been going well. I don’t have anything else to report because of my absence due to illness. The Elders, as usual, have done a nice job! As we go into the Fall we will keep you updated on happenings.
Christian Education
Sam Waugaman, Chairperson
We are getting ready for Sunday School to begin on September 5. We presently have two (maybe three) children to participate in the pre-school. The Board of Christian Education is providing lesson plans for our Sunday School teacher, Sarah Roberts, to use each week. The lessons will follow the theme of worship that day and coincide with the children's time. Children will enjoy songs, poems, crafts and stories during Sunday School. Resources have been purchased with funds from the Matthew Schlett Memorial Fund.
God Speaks Through Stories is on hold right now with the Boys and Girls Club. We are waiting to hear what their plans are for the school year.
The Bible Study Group will be meeting on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. except on Supper Club Nights.
Submitted by Halley Leffler
ONA Committee:
Sam Waugaman, Chairperson
Members met August 18th. Rev. Kure told them about her participation in the 25th Annual Gathering of the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns. They also began a discussion about sexual ethics in the Bible by sharing the development of their own personal sexual ethics.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, September 29th at 7:00 p.m.. Rev. Kure will continue to the lead the discussion as they take a closer look at specific scripture passages related to sexual ethics.