MESSIAH MEMOS Issue 3: May 2015 Messiah Fairview Park At Worship this Month May is a busy month at church, as we continue to celebrate our Lord’s resurrection, and as we thank God for our holy calling as Christ’s Easter people. Here are some things to look forward to, and to note on your calendars— May 9/10. Mother’s Day isn’t a church festival, but even so, we’ll make a point this weekend of thanking God for blessings beyond compare, which he gives us in and through our mothers. Thursday, May 14. “Ascension Day is my handsdown favorite day in the entire church year!” So says Pr. Burce, who thanks God that he gets to serve a congregation where Ascension Day is still celebrated. There’s a service in the morning, at 9:10, with Messiah School, and another in the evening, at 7 p.m. The Rev. Mark Rollenhagen, Mission Pastor at Faith Lutheran, Lakewood, will preach at the evening service. We’ll make a point that evening of thanking God for the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and for the men and women who carry it out. Among them are Pastor Richard Gahl, who is observing the 50th anniversary of his ordination this year and Judy Hoshek, who served as assistant to the bishop of the Northeast Ohio Synod. We will note these with great thanksgiving. A wine and cheese reception will follow the service. May 17. Confirmation. 13 sons and daughters of Messiah will be confirmed on this day, in a special 2 p.m. service. We encourage you to make this your service for the day, and to support these children of ours with your presence and prayers. May 23/24. Pentecost. Everyone in America will call this the “Memorial Day weekend” and will celebrate the onset of summer. In church it’s the 50th day after Easter, and the great day when the Holy Spirit made Easter faith come alive and the Church was born. See the great account in Acts 2. It’s an event to celebrate with great joy. The color for the day is red! EASTER VIGIL 2015 1 From the Deaconess— He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! We celebrate this jubilant event of our Lord’s resurrection as we sing “alleluias” Deaconess and songs of joy for the six Jeanette Rebeck weeks of the Easter season. The enthusiasm of Easter reminds us that it is a wonderful time to rejoice in Jesus being raised from the dead. But in spite of that truth, I sometimes find I cannot always muster an “alleluia” on the days when I might feel restless, sad or experience daily anxieties. One consoling aspect is that Easter is more than a feeling moment. It is about faith that the risen Lord is still near— Jesus Christ is still very present in our day-today lives. God surprises me through what I call “little Easters” of my life throughout the year: Watching the green shoots of plants and flowers break through the soil Holding a newborn baby Reading Holy Scripture and hearing the Word needed for that day Feeling a peace that passes all understanding while standing at a graveside Being reminded how much you are loved by something someone does for you Take some time in the coming weeks of Easter to celebrate the simple little surprises that God has in store for you. May your spirit be refreshed and you are once again reminded that Jesus is alive and loves us so much! He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Deaconess Jeanette Rebeck THANK YOU SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION LEADERS: A special thanks to all who used their gift of teaching on Sunday mornings this past school year! Preschool-Kindergarten—Jacob Pierse, Hannah Dudra 1st & 2nd Grades—Darlene Howes, Colleen Parrot, Nancy Richter 3rd & 4th Grades—Jason Epperson, Sharon Foote, John Hayduk Superintendent—Kristine Kascak Bethesda—Ann Kreps, Brad Paton, Chuck & Sharon Raquet, Martha Trapp, Laura Uhle Adult Forum—Pastor Burce, Ron Coulter, Dave Rebeck, Susan Westcott and Guest Speakers High School—Haldor Gudmundson, Kate Ilg, Darlene Waugh, Kristin Zollos Confirmation Leaders 5th & 6th Grades—Paula Brinkmann, Pastor Burce, Tim Neumann, David Ressler, Sharon Ratvasky, Deaconess Jeanette Rebeck, David Ressler, Michael Waugh 7th & 8th Grades—Pastor Burce, Ron Coulter, Marla Wood Kay, Joe King, Jenna Peyton, Deaconess Jeanette Rebeck, Amy Roman, Peggy Shauer 7th & 8th Grade Adult Small Group Guides— Corbin Blackburn, Charlie Duncan, Brian Howes, Chris & Kate Ilg, Michele Kvintus, Deanna McLeeson, Brad & Katelyn Milius, Dennis Rehor, Sarah Smith, Bonnie Thiel 2 From the Principal— Admissions We’ve already begun to welcome new students and families to Messiah School for the upcoming year! Classes are already forming! If you know a student or family looking for academic excellence in Christian community (especially a future preschool or Kindergarten student), please encourage them to consider Messiah among their options. Did you know we offer morning and fullday preschool? I would be delighted to hear from interested families at 440.331.6553 or [email protected]. Full Scholarships for Kindergarten, First and Second Grade Students With the recent expansion of the Ohio EdChoice program, full scholarships are now available to incoming Kindergarten, first, and second grade students who qualify based on income. Scholarships are renewable through 8th grade. This is tremendous news, but first round applications must be submitted this spring! A second application window is open in the month of July. Please set up an appointment with Mrs. Casselberry by May 20 to apply. [email protected] or 440.331.6553. Families who do not qualify for the EdChoice Income-Based Scholarship may qualify for other partial need-based scholarships. Spring Fun & Fitness Please mark your calendars for the Messiah School 5K & Fun Run/Walk on May 9, and the Messiah School Golf Outing on May 30. Register for the 5K event by visiting active.com and sign up your foursome for the Golf Outing by visiting our website. Both events will raise much-needed funding for the scholarships that every student receives. Hope to see you there! Please continue to pray for our school as we continue to pray for our congregation. God bless you! Your servant in Christ, Helen Casselberry, Principal Messiah Lutheran School’s 7th and 8th graders participated in Messiah’s Science Fair on February 3, 2015. From the thirty-four participants, six students were selected to represent Messiah at the Northeast Ohio Science and Engineering Fair held at Cleveland State University. Congratulations to second place award winners: Noah Brewer, Grace Hessler, Ryan Sczcepinski, and Clarice Turba, and third place award winners: Lily Bacon and Gabby Bayness. In addition, Lily and Gabby received a special award from the US Navy and Marine Corps Office of Naval Research. Ryan received a special award from the American Society of Civil Engineers. And Clarice received an award from the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine. Congratulations to these students and their families for representing Messiah Lutheran School so well. Special thanks to those who served as judges for our school fair, including Don Braun and Bob Rami, from our church and school community. 3 Mission and Outreach A Note of Thanks... Dear Church and Friends, Thank you for all you do to help the Hunger Center. Your monthly donation and food collection help to stock our shelves. We are helping over 175 people in our community monthly, we couldn’t do this without your support. So thank you so much. Sincerely & God Bless, Carol Napp, Director, Fairview Park Hunger Center 500 Years of Reformation: Looking Ahead to 2017 October 31, 2017 will mark the 500th anniversary of that momentous day when Martin Luther posted his 95th Theses, a sharp theological objection to the practice of selling indulgences. Within weeks the great, unstoppable movement known to history as the Reformation was underway. Lutherans around the world have begun laying plans to celebrate this anniversary. We’d like to start some planning already now, right here at Messiah. Would you care to help, as a member of a special “Reformation ‘17” team? If so, drop a note to Ron Coulter, [email protected] ________ Thank you so much for the generous annual contribution from your congregation. This gift will help us continue to expand our mission and ministries to prepare each child for both their As we move toward this Reformation anniversary, there may be some at Messiah who would like to learn more about Luther and his thought. If so, check out a website called the Luther Reading Challenge, hosted the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France. Launched just within the past week or two, it will provide a steady stream of Luther’s work to explore, digest, and respond to. www.lutherreadingchallenge.org earthly and eternal life. As you know, our students face difficult challenges. Luther Memorial provides a safe haven for them—a place where they are loved and nurtured. We strive to help them reach their full potential in the classroom and at the same time grow in their understanding of the Gospel. Knowing that we have supporters like Messiah behind us encourages and strengthens us. Thank you again for supporting our scholars at LMS. May God bless your generosity. Yours in Christ, “God’s Global Barnyard” It’s time to bring in your “barnyards” of coins for our Sunday School Project by Sunday, May 3rd. You may also make a contribution with a check made payable to Messiah Lutheran Church. We will send ELCA World Hunger our contributions so they can purchase animals for families in countries across the world. Animals provide food to eat, fertilizer to grow crops and baby animals to sell at the market—from little chicks to cows. Thank you for your generous support! —Deaconess Jeanette Rebeck Peggy Sexton, Development Director 4 Announcements Sound System Notes The past several weeks have seen a major upgrade to the sound system in Messiah’s sanctuary. Your feedback is helpful and important as we continue to fine tune the settings. If you’ve had difficulty hearing what’s being said at worship, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Fill out a comment card at one of the Welcome Tables, or drop a note to Marty Uhle, [email protected]. Special hearing-assist devices are available for people with hearing aids. On Wednesday, April 29 there will be an event with an audiologist to learn about these devices. If you missed the event, contact Marty Uhle. Jean (baritone) and David Gooding (piano) as they roam about the Great American Songbook. Finally, May 12th we welcome Mary Beth Ions (violin). Vacation Bible School Join us for Messiah’s 2015 Vacation Bible School! New Member Class Pastor’s “Christian Faith” class, exploring the essential core of the Church’s Easter message will begin Wednesday, May 6th at 7 pm and runs for 6 weeks. Designed for adults, this class offers an excellent chance to think deeply about things once encountered in confirmation classes long ago. It’s also an essential first step toward membership in the congregation for people coming to Messiah from other Christian traditions. Call the church office to register: 440-331-2405. Do you know someone who is interested in Messiah and want to learn more? Pass the word. LeaderCast Cleveland The Senney Honors Academy is proud to host Leadercast in Cleveland, May 8th, 9 pm—4 pm at Lutheran West High School. At Leadercast, local business leaders and young professionals gather in Lutheran West's Jochum Performing Arts Center to hear world-renowned leaders, broadcast live from Atlanta to hundreds of host sites across the world. We invite you to join us! Speakers include Rudi Giuliani, Malala Yousafza, Seth Godin, Bill McDermott, Andy Stanley and more. Tickets on sale at Lutheranwest.com/Leadercast Final Music for Tuesdays Concerts Please join us on Tuesdays (May 5 and 12) at 12:10 pm for our final concerts of the season. May 5th features Monica Berens (mezzo), Will During the week of July 27, 2015, from 9:00 am – Noon, Messiah Lutheran Church will be offering a community Vacation Bible School for children ages 4-10. $20.00/child (covers the cost of a CD, all materials, and registration). Snack provided each day. Volunteers are encouraged to speak directly with Julie Bacon at jbacon3 @roadrunner.com or 216-362-0614. Registration coming soon. Messiah Summer Camp Students entering grades 1-2 are invited to “Invention Convention Camp.” This camp will follow Vacation Bible School, July 27-31, in the afternoons. Registration coming soon! Lutheran West Summer Camp Summer is just around the corner and Lutheran West has a full schedule of summer camps for students in grades 1-12th. Camp enrollment has begun; sign up early to reserve your place! Check out camp details and print registration forms at: www.LutheranWest.com/camps Photo Directories Available Our Messiah Church & School directory is available for those not pictured. They are located and available for purchase at the Atrium hospitality table. Make checks payable to Messiah Lutheran Church; marked “Church Photo Directory.” 5 Youth News Mother’s Day Carnation Sale Breakfast Thank You On Saturday and Sunday, May 9 & 10, youth of Messiah will have a variety of carnations available for sale between services in the atrium. Show your appreciation to your mom, grandmother, aunt or special person in your life. The price for one carnation is $2, two flowers are $4.00 and 3 for $5.00. All carnations come wrapped with bows and cards. Advance orders are not necessary. Profits help fund the Youth Gathering in Detroit this July. Thank you for supporting our Palm Sunday Breakfast. We served over 250 meals and provided countless fellowship opportunities. Our newly added children’s craft table was a success. By eliminating ticket prices, we hoped to provide an opportunity for all to share a meal together during Holy Week. Purchase Stock in Our Youth Sponsor a youth for the National Youth Gathering. Select an envelope between $1 and $100 from our sponsorship board. Use this as your personal donation for the amount on the envelope or a donation of your choice. To show our appreciation you will receive a stock certificate, pen, business card about your sponsored youth and a personalized postcard written to you from Detroit. What a great way to show your support and meet a youth from our congregation. Thank you in advance for your continued support. The following youth and adults are headed to De- Messiah’s Motor City Car/ Motorcycle Show and Food Truck Fest Join us on Saturday, June 20, Noon—4 pm, for a car show and food truck fest. There is something for everyone. Classic cars, great food, entertainment provided by DJ Frank & Cookie LaManna and more. Door prizes, best of show, raffles, cotton candy, food trucks and an opportunity to win a 2015 mountain bicycle. Questions? Or to enter your car or motorcycle? Contact Scott Pierse at 216-978-8775. Admission is free! troit: Michael Boothe, James Clark, Beth Coulter, Ron Coulter, Oliver Donohoe, Ben Dudra, Jason Epperson, Grace Gentile, Grant Howes, Brenton Kucera, Jonas Kukelhan, Casey Main, Ryan McNamee, Karissa Monson, Abby Pierse, Emily Ratvasky, Mandi Ressler, Beth Schultz, Christina Stover, Laura Stover, Lizzie Szabo, Jared Waugaman, Darlene Waugh, Ante Zrnich Recycling Continues Bring your scrap metal, aluminum, copper, disposable roasting pans, etc. to Messiah as we continue to recycle scrap metal the second Saturday of each month. The next date is May 9th, 9:0010:30 am. Appliances, larger items – need a pick up? Call Ron Coulter at 440-667-0452. With your help, we have raised over $1,500. Let’s save our environment together. Thank you for your continued support For several months you have been hearing about a wonderful mission trip and National Youth Gathering this summer in Detroit. Messiah will be sending a team of 20 youth and 4 adults to these events. The cost is approximately $825 per person. With Messiah’s help, the help of Thrivent Financial, and some very dedicated youth selling Malley’s candy bars, we have raised $12,175 of our $21,300. 6 Messiah’s Annual Trash to Treasure Sale & Bake Sale TEE-IT-UP for Messiah’s Annual Charity Golf Event In Messiah’s Gym on June 11, 12 & 13 from 9:00 am—3:00 pm each day. Begin your spring cleaning and bring your items to Messiah for our annual sale. Your help is needed to make this sale a success. No experience is necessary. Participate in this opportunity and meet more people from Messiah. The proceeds from the sale are used to support various ministries at Messiah. Drop off begins on Sunday, June 7 from 9 – 11 am and Monday & Tuesday, June 8 and 9 from 9 am – 7 pm. Questions: Call Jim Schultz at 216-315-2569. To volunteer – contact Darlene Waugh at 440-331-2405. Do you have items to be picked up? Call Brad Paton at 440-840-1861. Register your foursome for this year’s Tee It Up Golf Outing on May 30th at Forest Hills Golf Course, Elyria Ohio. Registration begins at 8 am with a shotgun start at 9 am followed by dinner, raffle, and prizes. We have a great selection of raffle prizes, including: Anthony Varejao autographed basketball, Joe Thomas autographed jersey, Westwood Country Club basket, plus a variety of gift certificates for your home, for local events and more. Contact Scott Straffen at (440)731-7125 or email at [email protected]. Hole sponsors and foursomes are needed. Proceeds benefit Messiah School Scholarship Assistance for all students. Registration forms outside the church office and on our website under May 30 on the calendar. ELCA World Hunger “Walk for Water” The ELCA World Hunger “Walk for Water Project” works to equip rural communities around the world with easy access to clean water. This project will be highlighted at the ELCA Youth Gathering this summer. We have collected $300 of our $2000 goal; there’s still time! A generous family in the ELCA is offering to match funds raised up to $500,000! Let’s be part of this generosity. Donations can be put in the wishing well outside the church office or via check marked “Walk for Water.” Let’s help ensure the well does not run dry! PIERSTORF MEMORIAL FUND—provides interest-free loans to Lutheran students who are or will be enrolled full time in a four-year undergraduate program at any accredited college or university. This year, the maximum interest-free loan is $3,000 for the school year. For more information, visit www.pierstorf.org. Download the 2015—2016 application from the website. The deadline for all applications is Tuesday, June 30, 2015. Please share this information with students who are headed to college this fall. 7 Stewardship Note Earth Keeping by Pr. Richard Gahl One of the early surprises for the new seminary graduate, a city boy serving two semi-rural congregations, was a visit from the county farm agent dropping off materials for the annual Soil and Stewardship Sunday. The Sunday after Ascension Day was set-aside in Indiana for this practice. I quickly learned that for centuries in Europe congregations processed into the fields around the church to pray for blessings on the crops that had been planted. The Sunday was still at that time named “Rogate” for the practice of prayer for the harvest. The Allen County farm agent was introducing the young pastor to the stewardship of the environment or earth keeping. But while the Church had long been a leader in caring for the environment it also became evident that misinterpretations of Genesis by some were being cited to justify practices with negative effects on the earth. Genesis 1:26 charged Adam and Eve with “dominion” over the earth. While it might appear that this assignment of responsibility gave license to grab anything we wanted (we were in charge and should arrange things for our personal benefit), Genesis had something else in mind. Genesis 2:15 focused this “dominion” or “rule,” with the concept of “taking care” of the land. In fact that Aaronic benediction spoken at the end of many worship services used the same word, “the Lord bless you and keep you.” The idea is to cherish, protect and care for the garden. It’s about being responsible for earth keeping. This year the Sunday after Ascension is May 17th. Permit me to suggest that we take personal time of prayer for blessings on the harvest and for our own earth keeping. One of the current observations for urban life is that fresh fruits and vegetables are not always available for the poor in our communities. Community gardens are popping up in many areas of the city. That’s a good thing! We pray that those gardens will result in healthier diets for many. For Online Giving To Messiah Messiah’s website, www.messiahchurchfairview.org offers a way to contribute online. Look for the “Donation” tab at the top of any page on the site. Clicking on it will take you to a secure giving page supplied and managed by Vanco Services, through Wells Fargo; Contribute by using your online bill-pay feature; Contribute with your smart phone by using our QR code. When giving online, consider using the electronic check option. This is much less expensive for the Church than debit/credit card transactions. Summer Schedule Summertime is on the horizon and that means an adjustment to our weekly Sunday communion schedule. Beginning May 24 through Labor Day, Sunday morning Holy Communion is at 8:30 and 10:00 am. Throughout the summer, we suspend the Education Hour and pick it back up on Rally Day (the Sunday after Labor Day). 8 Is this You? “I treasure my church. I want to volunteer some time to one specific task at church. I’m able to organize and coordinate activities. I talk easily to strangers. I want my church to be known for the warmth of its welcome”. Is this you? Our worship team is looking for you. Drop us a note via Mrs. Casselberry [email protected] Is this You? “I enjoy helping other people. I live in Fairview Park or North Olmsted. I’m a regular at the late service. I have room in my car, and would be happy to give a ride to a senior member who doesn’t drive anymore.” Is this you? Our pastoral team is looking for you. Drop a note to Deaconess Jeanette, jrebeck @messiahfp.org. Gourmet Prayer Submitted by Priscilla R. Hinsch FAMILY NEWS The Healer By Patricia Richards BAPTISMS Lord, today I feel so sick In my body and my soul, And I’m going to ask you, Jesus, If You’d like to make me whole. Lord, You mended broken hearts, And healed all kinds of diseases; And I know You’re here beside me – The Balm of Gilead is Jesus. Dear Jesus, please touch and heal me – I know You feel what I feel; I believe you’ll make me better, Because by your stripes I’m healed. GRACE JEAN KAY (STEVE & MARLA KAY) IN MEMORY B. WILLIAM HUNGER OCT. 16, 1928—D. MARCH 21, 2015 B. JUNE ROBERT SPICER 18, 1936—D. APRIL 19, 2015 TRANSFERS LUIS & NORA MARTINEZ TO BOCA RATON, FL 9 5K Registration Click here to go to the registration page...or visit active.com to register online. 10 May Sun April 26 8:30a Holy Communion 9:50a Education for All 11a Holy Communion 12:30p Faith & Family Event 1-3p Thrivent Open House 7p Men’s Tennis 3 8:30a Holy Communion 9:50a Education for all 11a Holy Communion 12-2p Detroit Gathering Devotions 7p Men’s Tennis 10 Mon 27 17 28 Wed 29 Thu 30 Fri 7p Joy Ringers 7:30p Men’s Basketball 4 12:10p Music for Tuesdays 7p Cub Scout Pack 815 7p Boy Scout Troop 421 5 8p Young Men’s Bible Study Sat May 1 2 8a-5p CitySERVE 9:10a School Chapel 10a Bible Study 7p Choir Rehearsal 5:30 p Holy Communion 7:30p Adult Volleyball 6 7 8 9:10a School Chapel 10a Bible Study 9 8a 5K & Walk 9-10:30 Scrap Metal Recycling 10 a Confirmation Rehearsal 5:30 p Holy Communion 7p Joy Ringers 12:10p Music for Tuesdays 7:30p Men’s Basketball 7p Boy Scout Troop 421 7p New Member Class 8p Young Men’s Bible Study 11 12 13 14 10a Bible Study Ascension Day 7p New Member Class 8p Young Men’s Bible Study 7:30p Men’s Basketball 7a Faith at Work 12:10p Music for Tuesdays 7p Boy Scout Troop 421 7p Cub Scout Pack 815 9:10a School Chapel 7p Ascension Service with Reception 18 19 20 21 22 23 7p Boy Scout Troop 421 7p New Member Class 8p Young Men’s Bible Study 7:30p Adult Volleyball 5-7 pm Wedding Rehearsal 5:30 p Holy Communion 26 27 28 29 30 Mother’s Day 8:30a Holy Communion 9:50a Education for all 11a Holy Communion 7p Men’s Tennis Tue 7p Church Council 7p Joy Ringers 8:30a Holy Communion 9:50a Education for all 7p Choir Rehearsal 7:30p Adult Volleyball 15 16 5:30 p Holy Communion 9:10a School Chapel 10a Bible Study 7p Joy Ringers 11a Holy Communion 7p Trustees 7p Men’s Tennis 7:30p Men’s Basketball 24 25 8:30a Holy Communion Memorial Day Offices Closed 9:10a School Chapel 10a Bible Study 10a Holy Communion 2p Blackburn-Kessler Wedding 7:30p Men’s Basketball 7p Boy Scout Troop 421 7p Cub Scout Pack 815 7p New Member Class 8p Young Men’s Bible Study 8a Golf Outing 7:30p Adult Volleyball 5:30 p Holy Communion 11 Messiah Lutheran Church 21485 Lorain Rd, Fairview Park, OH 44126 Phone (440) 331-2405 www.messiahchurchfairview.org Messiah Memos Non-Profit Org. US. Postage PAID Cleveland Ohio 44126 Permit No. 3829 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Dated Materials Issue 3 May 2015 Upcoming Dates May 2: CityServe May 9: 5K & Fun Run May 14: Ascension Day May 17: Confirmation May 24: Pentecost May 30: Golf Outing June 11-13: Garage Sale June 20: Car Show July 12-19: Detroit Youth Gathering July 19-24: Confirmation Camp July 27-31: Vacation Bible School Drawing in to Christ . . . Building up in Christ . . . Sending out for Christ. . . To the glory of God, through the strength of the Spirit. 12
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