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

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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
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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.
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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
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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.”
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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.
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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).
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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
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Messiah Lutheran Church
21485 Lorain Rd,
Fairview Park, OH 44126
Phone (440) 331-2405
www.messiahchurchfairview.org
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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.
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