From First Congregational Church

SEPTEMBER 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

Wednesday, September 5

6:30 pm Chancel Choir Resumes

Sunday, September 9

9:15 am Adult Study Resumes (details inside)

10:30 am Youth Programming Resumes

11:30 am Kick-Off Luncheon

Monday, September 10

10:00 am Monday AM Bible Study Resumes

Tuesday, September 11

3:00 pm Balance Class Resumes

7:00 pm Ladies G.I.G. Resumes

7:00 pm Men’s G.I.G. Resumes

Sunday, September 16

11:30 am Congregational Meeting

Sunday, September 23

10:30 am Hemlock Trails Worship/Lunch

Sunday, September 30

11:30 am Rummage Pre-Sale

Br uce’s Blog

The MARKs of Jesus

While the fight is on in some quarters as to who you should like – LeBron or Mike – I like Mark.

In almost 40 years, I have read and re-read him, led Confirmation Classes that were a simple

study of Mark and taught Mark. I have never done a message series on the Gospel of Mark . . .

until now. Our Fall 2018 Message Series will give us the chance to consider the most often

over-looked of the Gospels. There are many reasons to take the time to digest the Gospel of

Mark. Among them are:

Mark is the first Gospel written.

Mark identifies with people tempted to buckle under the pressure of public scrutiny.

Mark, in fact, does fold when Paul wants to lead him and Barnabas into the uncharted

wilds of Asia Minor. He turns tail and goes back home to Jerusalem. Barnabas

“rehabs” him with encouragement and Mark is eventually invited back into the fold.

Mark isn’t as interested in history as Matthew, he doesn’t dissect then reconnect Jesus’

teaching like Luke and he certainly isn’t a poet/philosopher like John.

In just 16 chapters, 678 verses and 11,304 words, Mark combines iron-clad brevity with

passionate urgency in his desire to communicate the Gospel of Jesus to the early Church and to

us. With two different endings tacked on later to “finish” his work and no birth narrative

whatsoever, he gets right to the basics. Like a reporter following a hot news story, he answers

the “Who?” “What?” “When?” “Where?” and “Why?” of the life and ministry of Jesus.

What’s not to love? There are some passages unique to Mark’s Gospel, but over 90% of Mark is

included in Matthew, and about 50% is in Luke.

Beginning with the “Highlights” on September 6th, every week there will be questions to think

about before you come and hear one of the “Marks of Jesus.” If you want to get a head start in

thinking about Mark for the Fall, you can start now. If you devote just 15-20 minutes a day to the

project, you should be through his book in a week. If you don’t have a Bible or have trouble

understanding the version you have, I can help. Go to https://www.biblegateway.com/. There

you will find around 150 different versions. The ones I use often are the New Living Translation

and the New Century Version. If you want something really modern, try The Message. I grew up

on The Living Bible and The Revised Standard Version. Whatever you choose, we have an

embarrassment of riches!

On September 9th we will begin our time with Mark. I hope to see you there!

Upcoming Messages

Sept. 9 The Son of… Mark 1:1-4

Sept. 16 12 Years a Slave Mark 5:21-43 Sept. 23 All By Itself (Hemlock Service) Mark 4:26-29 Sept. 30 Crumby Christians Mark 7:24-30 Oct. 1 The First Last Supper Mark 14:12-15, 17, 22-24 World Communion

Coming This Fall... ...Wednesday morning Yoga with Claudia Cummins. Complete details will be available in the October issue of The Spire.

OFFICIAL NOTICE CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2018

Immediately following the 10:30 Worship Service, the First Congregational Church will hold a Congregational Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is

to approve the 2019 Proposed Church Operating Budget AND to approve proposed changes to the Endowment Policies. The meeting will take place in the Sanctuary. For those with small children, babysitting will be provided.

There WILL be a Chapel Service that day.

Balance Training Class WHEN: Tuesdays, September 11 - October 30 TIME: 3:00 - 3:45 pm WHERE: Blymyer Hall

Please call or email Dee in the church office by Wednesday, September 5, to indicate your plan to attend. We need 10 or more participants in order to proceed. Bring a friend. Balance Training is a gift to give yourself and others.

“Fitness is a big part of successful aging and balance exercises are a key component of any older adult’s fitness routine.” Mayo Clinic Health Letter

CHOIR ALERT! Jump at the chance to join the choir! We meet on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 pm and on Sundays at 9:30 am to prep for the 10:30 worship service. The first practice is Wednesday, September 5; we will sing on Sunday, September 9. Potential new members--the ability to read music is a plus but not a necessity. Remember, making music raises your I.Q. and lowers your golf score. True!

Bible Studies Resume Sunday Mornings (beginning Sept. 9), 9:15 am, Sauter Meeting Room: Great Figures of the New Testament. Professor Amy Levine is the presenter. The study will consist of a video presentation followed by thought provoking discussion.

Monday Mornings (beginning Sept. 10), 10:00 am, Sauter Meeting Room: We will be studying the letters of Paul to the Thessalonians, considered Paul’s first letters to one of the churches he founded. All are most welcome for what usually ends up being a free-wheeling, wide ranging discussion of our Scriptures.

2018 Spire

Publication Deadlines

Issue Deadline

October September 17

November October 15

December December 12

When: Monday, Sept. 10, 1:00 pm,

Parlor

Book: I Know Why the Caged Bird

Sings by M. Angelou

GIG’s Resume Ladies’ GIG will begin its fourth season Tuesday, September 11 at 7 pm. The purpose is to jointly examine scripture, videos, and other literature to inspire each participants own unique spiritual journey. The topic for the first session will be announced at church in early September. Church members and non-members are warmly welcome. For questions, please contact Melissa Barkett at 614.309.2736.

Men’s GIG will also resume on Tuesday, September 11 at 7 pm in the library. Our study for the fall will be based on Max Lucado’s book, TRAVELING LIGHT, on the promises of the 23rd Psalm. Lucado says, “We're worn out from carrying excess baggage filled with fear, worry, guilt, discontent, perfectionism, anxiety, or grief. Where do we turn for help? The verses of Psalm 23.” Join us for a study of thought and encouragement. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Bruce.

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.

Friday, September 7: We are going to historic Oberlin, Ohio for lunch at the Inn. We will take time to see the famous Oberlin College campus and check out the downtown area. We will leave Tower Lakes parking lot at 10:30 am. Your reservation is needed by Tuesday, September 4.

Friday, September 17: Before summer officially ends we need to visit the mother load of ice cream in Utica. The plan is for lunch at the Velvet Ice Cream Factory. Along the way we will look for private stands with traditional early fall items. We will leave Tower Lakes parking lot at 10:15 am. Reservations are needed by Wednesday, September 12.

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

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

At Hemlock Trails the failed water pressure tank was replaced and dead trees near various structures were taken down.

The nearly 60 year old cabinets in the parsonage kitchen will be replaced. Combined with new counter tops, appliances and other enhancements these improvements will help to provide a comfortable home for our minister and his family.

Trustees contracted with Steve Spayde to landscape the new parking lot areas so they will be attractive and easy to maintain. Appropriate screening will buffer the parking lot from our neighbors. The shed will be relocated to the back of the Marion Avenue lot to serve both the needs of the church and the parsonage.

August Stewardship Meeting Summary Annual Budget Meeting will be held September 16.

The committee has been and will continue to meet to work on our direction for this year’s

cause. This year’s theme is: YOU MATTER.

A time line has been established for the implementation of the Stewardship Campaign.

Pledge cards will be mailed mid to late September. The campaign will conclude with Harvest Sunday in October.

August News from the Deacons Reviewed the Deacons involvement with the Congregational Way to be held August 26,

between services. Reviewed the Deacons duties for the Chapel service and made sure everyone knows where to

put the offering after the service. Deacons will be available on Kick-Off Sunday (Sept. 9) to assist with getting people to Blymyer

Hall following the 10:30 service. The loose offering from the August 19 Communion Services was sent to CHAP. Thoughts and plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas services were opened for preliminary

discussion. Deacons meetings will begin at 6 pm moving forward.

OUR BOARDS AT WORK...

September In-"SPIRED"Gathering It’s a field trip for the In-”SPIRED” Gathering! We are going to Flying

Horse Farms in Mt. Gilead on Thursday, September 27th. This is the

camp for children with major illnesses that we have supported. The cost

of the box lunch is $8. We will meet at the church at 11:00 to carpool.

Paid reservations are due by Tuesday, September 25, and will be taken

after church or by Dee in the church office.

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Hemlock Trails Worship/Lunch

As we look forward to fall, one of our big events is the annual service/lunch at Hemlock Trails. It is scheduled for Sunday, September 23 at 10:30 am with lunch to follow. The setting and time of year makes this outdoor service very special. Church Life will provide: meat, table service (plates, napkins, silverware, cups, etc.) and beverages. Those of you with last names beginning with A-F are asked to bring a dessert; G-Z are asked to provide a salad or side dish. Be sure you allow for 10-12 servings of whatever you are asked to provide. You may also want to bring a lawn chair.

The Chapel Service will be held as usual at 8:30 here at the church.

IN CASE OF RAIN, THE SERVICE/LUNCH WILL BE HELD AT THE CHURCH.

Small Group

Resumes The “Thursday Hookers” will take up their hooks and needles and begin meeting

again every Thursday at 3 pm in the church conference room starting September 4. Be-ginners are encouraged to join us for crochet and/or hand embroidery lessons. Seasoned crafters are welcome to bring your current project and join our social circle for fun and fellowship. Evening sessions can be scheduled for those who are interested but can’t attend during the day. Call or text Peggy Harrison at 419.961.4651 for details.

Additions to our Library Be sure to “check-out” the books recently

added to our library. The complete list is

located inside the door on the left.

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

Blood Pressure checks are available in the Business Hallway.

Special Thank You Thank you so much to all of you who

helped us by donating food, food

related items and money for our VBS

KING’S KITCHEN area. We fed lots of

families for dinner each night and also

hungry VBS kids Bible related snacks.

I appreciate your kind generosity. You

made this KINGDOM ROCK!!

Marlene Bisel

Within Our Fellowship Death: The congregation and staff wish to

extend their sympathy to the family and

friends of Charma Behnke. Charma’s

mother, Kathaleen Moreland, passed away

on Saturday, August 18.

FROM FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH The Spire

640 Millsboro Rd.

Mansfield, OH 44903

Phone: 419-756-3046

Fax: 419-756-5834

www.mansfieldfcc.com

¬

HEMLOCK TRAILS

WORSHIP SERVICE/LUNCH

Sunday, September 23, 10:30 AM

In case of rain, the service/lunch

will be held at the church.

(see inside for complete details)

8:30 am Chapel Service will

be held as usual at the church.

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