Grace Note
Messiah Lutheran Church
5200
Mayfield Road Lyndhurst, Ohio 44124
(440)
442-6941 office@messiahlyndhurst.org
The Rev. Thomas Fox pastor@messiahlyndhurst.org
___________________________________________________________________________________
November, 2006
In
Christ’s Name,
Pastor Fox
A
NEW, INTERACTIVE CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM will be held on Sunday,
December 17 from 4:30 - 6:30 PM. The
Christian Education Committee will host this program for all ages at the church
in the Fellowship Hall. Come be part of
the show as you experience dinner at the Bethlehem Inn, meet fellow travelers,
including a young couple expecting their first child, see the amazing night sky
awash in light from a huge star, and rub elbows with wise men and shepherds. Adult volunteers are still needed for minor
speaking parts. Bring a potluck
contribution and be prepared to experience the sights, sounds and smells of
Christmas! Call Amy Kovach with any
questions or to
volunteer.
THE
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE will meet on Tuesday, November 14 at 6:00 PM in the large
conference room.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Christian Education Committee is pleased to host two (Yes, 2!)
Christmas Programs this year. The Children's
Christmas Program will be on Sunday, December 10 at 10:00 AM in
the Sanctuary, immediately followed by a cookie and punch reception in the
Library. There will be no Sunday
School. Rehearsal for the program
will be on Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m. to 12 PM followed by a pizza
lunch.
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS: The
High School class will now meet twice a month on the 1st and 3rd
Sundays. All high school youth are invited to join us for a discussion
based curriculum along with service projects and fellowship. Contact
teacher Sue Joliat for additional information. The High School class is sponsoring a church
wide paper recycling project for the 2006-2007 school year. Look
for the bright green boxes placed in each classroom as well as the copy room
and offices. Help us take care of the wonderful earth God gave us -
RECYCLE!
THE ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS is exploring how Lutherans interpret the Bible. The classes are based on a video series by Dr. Mark Allen Powell, a professor at Trinity Lutheran Seminary with a clear, common sense way of looking at the Bible. Pastor Fox leads the discussion in the conference room each Sunday morning at 9:45 am. All are welcome to attend.
A
BIG THANK YOU to
all the volunteers, parents and kids who helped make the Halloween Trunk-or-Treat
successful! Our Christmas Family will
appreciate our gifts of clothing, toys and household items.
COLLECTION
BOXES FOR OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD will begin in November.
Each Sunday School room will be
equipped with a small box. Kids are
asked to bring small, inexpensive items to fill the boxes. Donations will go to help deserving children
this holiday season.
COLLECTION BOXES FOR TOYS FOR TOTS will be in place from November 5th through December 10th. Please bring in gently used or new toys, games or books that we can donate to the annual Toys for Tots campaign. Donations will be delivered to New Covenant on December 11th.
THE LUTHERAN COURSE IS GOING STRONG ON WEDNESDAY
NIGHTS AT
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL STAFF HAS SEVERAL
BOXES OF COOKBOOKS to sell through the holiday season. From
November 12th through December 17th, there will be a
table set up after both
Sunday
worship services. Prices remain the same
at 1 cookbook for $15.00 or 2 for $25.00. Remember each cookbook is
complete with a full history of the church as well as over 200 favorite family
recipes.
If you are unable to come to church and would still like to buy a few cookbooks
for gifts, we can deliver the books to you. For more information, contact
Joanie
McTernan, 440 449-4019.
WOMEN OF MESSIAH: Please
start to collect items for Church Women United’s annual campaign to support
Transitional Housing, Domestic Violence and The Zelma George Center. Bring the following basic necessity items to
church labeled C.W.U.: light bulbs, single bedding, paper
products, cleaning supplies, towels and washcloths, toothbrushes, soap, hair
products and white socks. I
will deliver the items on December 8th and hope my car will again be
filled with your donations. Thank you for your
generosity.
Bette
Schmidt, C.W.U. Representative.
FAITH CIRCLE
will meet on Thursday, November 16th at Noon. Bring a sack
lunch. Dessert will be provided by hostess Nancy Durst. Pastor Fox will
continue a Bible study on “Women of the New Testament.”
THE MEN’S LUNCHEON IN
NOVEMBER will be held on November 17th (one
week earlier than usual because of Thanksgiving) at Milano’s Restaurant,
located at Cuyahoga County Airport on Richmond Road. Please notify Tom
Short, 216 291-0769, or the church office if you plan to attend.
OUR THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE for New
Covenant Hunger Center continues through November 19th. We are
looking for any non-perishable food plus canned green beans and gravy for their
special Thanksgiving Dinner for those in need.
Mary Lou Bregitzer
THE
BOOK CLUB selection for November is The
Namesake, from Pulitzer Prize winning author, Jumpha Lahiri. From Amazon.com:”This
is the story of Gogol Ganguli, born to an Indian academic and his wife.
Gogol is afflicted from birth with a name that is neither Indian nor American,
nor even really a first name at all. Awkwardness is Gogol’s
birthright. He grows up a bright American boy, goes to Yale, has pretty girlfriends,
but like many second generation Americans, he can never quite find his place in
the world.”
Amazon continues with, “There
is no cleverness or showing-off in The Namesake,
just beautifully confident storytelling. Gogol’s story is neither comedy
nor tragedy, it’s simply that ordinary hard-to-get-down-on-paper
commodity: real life.” Join us November
14th at 7:00 PM in the library!
HAVE YOU SHARED YOUR FAVORITE GRACES AND BEDTIME PRAYERS YET? It’s not too late! Joanie McTernan, 440 449-4019, is still gathering them so please call her with questions or contributions.
2007 ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS are being sold for $25 to support the Lutheran Chaplaincy Service. They are available now
and provide hundreds of dollars in savings on dining, recreation and travel! Buy one or two to use yourself and then buy others as gifts! See Rick and Emilie Quellmalz (440 442-4534) and Tom and Phyllis Short (216 291-0769) to purchase – or look for them at church on Sundays through November.
PLEASE KEEP
IN YOUR PRAYERS:
Pastor
Cline, Ruth Pittard, Nancy Durst, Lawson and Phyllis Anderson, Ken Wilt,
Barbara Budzinski, Adam, Marya Cline, Jack Ferree, Chrissy, Alma Fanto, Avis
Slavin, Sharon Smith, Rita Klein, Maggie Stinsiano, Grandma Best, Charles
Schlick, and Alice Short.
MEN
AND WOMEN ARE NEEDED for our Messiah Prayer Partners. All that is
required is a willingness to pray. If you have questions about this Ministry
of Prayer or want to join with those people already a part of Prayer
Partners, please call Carol Pearson, chairperson, at 440
449-3161 or Pastor Fox at his office.
OUR MESSIAH
WOMEN’S “SMALL GROUP” IS GROWING! In fact
God is calling so many of us to come together in faith and fellowship that we
are outgrowing the Laurenson’s house!
And that’s no problem because God has a place on
Mayfield that can hold a lot more people!
And it would also have a place to provide child care for those who need
it. So please keep the first
Thursday in December open and watch the December Grace Note for details
about our expanding group. In the
meantime – if you know you want to become a part of our fellowship, please
email Toni so she can be certain to keep you up to date on
decisions as they are made: tonilaurenson@adelphia.net.
WOULD YOU
LIKE TO RECEIVE A COPY OF THE GRACE NOTE BY EMAIL EACH MONTH? To be put on the distribution list, email tonilaurenson@adelphia.net. You will still get a hard copy in the mail
but you’ll have other information in a more timely way!
MESSIAH
WILL SOON HAVE A WEBSITE! Philip Skaggs is hard at work designing and building it now. One of the many features of the website will be access to current
and past editions of Grace Note. Many
articles in the newsletter contain phone numbers and, while you may be
comfortable having your phone number sent to members and visitors, you may not
have the same comfort level having it posted on our website. We respect your right to choose whether or
not your phone number is included with your article. If you never want your number posted, please email tonilaurenson@adelphia.net.
Toni will track those names and be
certain to remove those phone numbers from issues before they are sent to
Philip to post. Thanks.
BY POPULAR DEMAND - ELISE’S LEMON-RASPERRY BAR RECIPE;
1 cup butter, room
temperature
3/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 cup powdered
sugar
1/2 cup flour
2 cups
flour
1 1/2 t baking powder
6
eggs
1/2 cup raspberry jam
2 1/4 cups sugar
Heat oven to 350. Beat butter in large bowl 'til fluffy. Add powdered sugar and beat 'til combined. Gradually beat in 2 cups flour. Press dough onto bottom of well-greased 13x9 inch pan. Bake 18-20 minutes or until golden.
Combine eggs, sugar, lemon juice, 1/2 cup flour and baking powder in large mixer bowl; beat 2 minutes. Pour over hot crust. Bake 25 minutes longer or until custard is set and top is golden. Remove to wire rack.
Place jam in microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high 30-45 seconds or until melted. Gently spread over lemon bars. Cool completely. Store in refrigerator.
WELLNESS NOTE
What is mind-body medicine?
When you think you’re
in danger, your body responds with a burst of chemicals that are designed to
spur you into action. This reaction
happens whether you’re frightened by an intruder or anxious about giving a
presentation. Known as the
fight-or-flight response, it’s one example of how your body reacts to your
brain’s input.
Since the 1960’s, scientists have studied
how this kind of mind-body connection can influence your health. Mind-body medicine explores the link between
your health and your brain, mind, emotions, social connections and
spirituality. Evidence suggests that
treatments honoring this link may contribute to better health. Examples of
mind-body treatments include:
Meditation: When you meditate, you focus on the moment by concentrating on an object, a sound or your own breathing. Used with traditional medications or treatments, meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety or depression.
Cognitive behavior therapy: working with a licensed mental health professional, you examine how your thoughts influence your behaviors. You can then learn how to alter
your thinking patterns and behaviors for better health. This type of therapy is used in treating depression, anxiety and pain.
Biofeedback: Feedback from a monitoring device can help you learn how to control certain body responses, such as your heart rate, muscle tension and blood pressure. For example, with biofeedback, you might learn to recognize and then release your muscle tension. Biofeedback has proved useful in treating headaches, high blood pressure, asthma and hot flashes.
Progressive muscle relaxation: With this technique, you tense and then relax each area of the body. It’s been shown to be effective at treating insomnia, among other problems.
* There are many other mind-body treatments, including tai chi, yoga, hypnosis and guided imagery. Most mind-body approaches have few risks, but if you have a disease or condition or are taking medications, talk with your doctor before trying one of these treatments.
Source: Mayo Clinic Health
Quest, 8/2006
Submitted by Peg Wilt and Kathy Strom,
Co-chairpersons Wellness Committee,
Nancy Coleman, Secretary
October 17, 2006
COUNCIL
MEETING
Pastor’s Report: Pastor reported that he made 13 hospital/nursing home visits, six home visits, had ten office visits of an hour or more at Messiah, and ten committee and group meetings. He began catechism and Sunday School classes.
Treasurer’s Report: Chris reported a $6,700 deficit at the end of September. We are $13,000 behind in pledges. We should end up close to budget on the expense side. It appears that we will be short $400 on the Courtyard Project. The Endowment Account shows a principal balance of $78,000, and to date interest earnings of $4,100.
Property Committee: Work Day projects were accomplished. The committee is looking into roof repairs and will set up a list of priorities.
Christian Ed: The high school class will meet on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. There will be four LYO meetings this year for 7-12 graders. The committee will host the coffee hour on November 12th.
(continued on next page)
Youth: Pastor Fox is taking the leadership. The first of four meetings will be at Pastor’s home on November 11, from 5:00-7:00 PM.
Worship: The worship service at Patterson Farm on October 15th was attended by approximately 120 people, and 47-50 people attended the Fall Fun Fest in the afternoon. On November 4, nine committee members will attend the NEO Synod Seminar on the new worship hymnal.
Evangelism: Charlotte Miller passed around the completed brochure that is ready to go to the printer.
Social Ministry: Food is being collected for New Covenant. Also being collected are green beans and gravy for their Community Thanksgiving Dinner. There is no longer a need to collect magazines for the troops in Iraq. Michael Lester will record the service on Reformation Sunday for shut-ins. Entertainment Books are being sold for Lutheran Chaplaincy. Approximately ten men have been attending the Men’s Luncheon
Stewardship: Consecration Sunday will be held on November 5, prepared by Christine Maharg. Letters have been sent to the congregation to inform them. The Leadership Dinner will be on October 30th at the Slovenian Hall.
Finance: The Finance Committee is recommending that the Endowment Fund be separated from the Temporarily Restricted
Funds (Memorial Funds, Capital Reserve Fund, Synod Ministries, etc.) so that the Temporarily Restricted Funds can be accessed when needed.
Budget: The 2007 Proposed Budget was presented. Discussion followed and some changes were made and returned to the Finance Committee for presentation to the congregation for their approval.
Congregational Meeting: The date will be November 26, 2006.
Nominating Committee Report:
Vice President/President:
Elise Hassink
Church Council: Sue
Joliat
Church Council: Chris
Kovach
Nominating Committee:
Karen Dlugosz
Nominating Committee:
Carla Wollens
Nominating Committee:
Karyn Schmidt
Carillon: Memorial funds from the Awig family are being used to purchase a new carillon.
REMINDER! MESSIAH WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD. This Grace Note includes a brochure describing how you can help bring the story of God’s love to children around the world by filling a shoe box with simple gifts. Boxes must be brought to Messiah by November 19TH.
Messiah Lutheran Church Congregational Christmas Program
Sunday, December 17, 4:30 p.m.
Ò
What is this program?
This program is a family-oriented, congregational experience that will
allow all attending to participate in the nativity. You do not need to act to attend. Your very presence will make the nativity
come alive as all attendees become part of the drama.
Ò
Why are we doing a Congregational Program? The Christian Education Committee has a
mission to bring education about the Bible to all members of Messiah Lutheran
Church. Often times we think of Christian
Education as only Sunday School. While
Sunday School is a critical part of Christian Education, we can do a better job
reaching the entire Messiah population using a variety of mediums. This program is an opportunity to engage all
generations of Messiah in a unique way.
Ò
Does this program replace the Children’s Program? NO! This program is in addition to the
Children’s Program. The Children of
Messiah will present a very simple Christmas Program on Sunday, December 10 at
10:00 AM for the congregation.
Ò
How will I experience the nativity? In many of our Christmas traditions we read
or hear about the magic of Jesus’ birth.
Yet, seldom do we use all of our senses to understand the total impact.
We will eat together as travelers did historically with the Innkeeper. We’ll hear about the sightings of a strange
star from shepherds and sing together a carol or two. We’ll see the new baby in the stable. In short, we hope to involve all of your senses in this
experience.
Ò
What will we do at the program? We will all meet in the Fellowship Hall where we will enjoy a
potluck supper “hosted” by the Innkeeper (Pastor Fox) and his family. Throughout the course of our meal, we will
learn more about life at the Inn. We’ll
also be interrupted by a young couple wanting a place to stay. However, the Inn is full and we, as a
congregation, must make hard decisions about giving up “our” rooms for this
family. We’ll also be interrupted in
our meal by shepherds who have seen a bright star. As a congregation, we’ll follow these shepherds to the stable
(the Sanctuary). Remember, there is no
electricity in Bethlehem, so you’ll need your lantern (flashlight) to find your
way. Once we’ve reached the stable,
we’ll “see” the new baby, hear about his arrival, and join in song to celebrate
this amazing event. The Innkeeper will
help us understand what we’ve just witnessed through a short talk. Then, we’ll go back to the Fellowship Hall
for dessert and a closing prayer.
Ò
How
long will the program last? The program is intended
to last two (2) hours. We will start at
4:30 p.m. and finish at 6:30 p.m.
Ò
What
should I bring with me to the program? Please
bring a potluck item to share (a side dish or salad) and a flashlight (one per
family).
Ò
How should I dress? Dress
casually and comfortably. This program
is not about getting dressed up for church.
It is about putting your mind, heart and soul into feeling the presence
of God.
