Faith UNITED METHODIST CHURCH“LOVING GOD, SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS”

September 2011 NEWSLETTER

Wednesday Bible Study begins Sept. 14th at 7pm

“In The Dust Of The Rabbi: Becoming A Disciple” - a study by Ray Vander Laan"Follow a rabbi, drink his words, and be covered with the dust of his feet,": says an ancient Jewish proverb. Come, discover how to follow Jesus, as you walk with Ray Vander Laan in this faith lesson as you explore Israel and Turkey and what it means to be a disciple.

September WorshipSeptember 04(12th Sunday after Pentecost) Rev. Nathan Howe “Getting Dressed” Psalm 148; Romans 13.8-14

September 11(13th Sunday after Pentecost)

Rev. Donna Van Trees “Letting God In” Matthew 18:21-35; Romans 14:1-12

September 18(14th Sunday after Pentecost) Rev. Nathan Howe “The Bread of Heaven”

Psalm 105.1-6, 37-45; Exodus 16.2-15

September 25(15th Sunday after Pentecost)

Rev. Donna Van Trees “Where We're Going”

Philippians 2:1-13, Matthew 21:23-32Heritage Festival Outreach

On Saturday, September 17, we will once again offer hospitality to our community in the form of free family games and refreshments on the lawn of Washington Street UMC before and after the Heritage Festival parade.

We will need helpers to set up (beginning at 7:45 am), operate the games before the parade (8:30 am to 10:00 am) and after the parade (11:00 am to 12:00 pm), and tear down (12:00 pm to 1:00 pm). If you would be willing to help in any of these ways, please contact your church office as soon as possible. Thank you!

Faith UNITED METHODIST CHURCH75 North Sandusky Tiffin, Oh 419-448-6748

Sunday worship 8:00 am 10:15 am 6:30 Pm

Sunday school 9:15 am

Tenth Anniversary of September 11, 2001

On Sunday, September 11, all are welcome to join us on the front lawn of Faith UMC for a candlelight prayer vigil. We will gather at 8:00 pm to remember the events of ten years ago and to pray for peace throughout the world.

Liturgists8:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m.Sept. 04 - Jane Schubert Meredith Glover Readers8:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m.Sept. 04 - Sandy Yarbrough Donna EdelmanSept. 11 - Jane Schubert Laura O’MillianSept. 18 - Tim Everhart Angela GerdingSept. 25 - Bonnie Scherger Larry MesserAcolytes 8:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m.Sept. 04 - Ryan Depinet/Josh Briggs Cassi Traunero/Claire GloverSept. 11 - Josh Briggs Cali Wilson/Paige NimocksSept. 18 - Cali Wilson/Paige Nimocks Evan/Larry MesserSept. 25 - Ryan Depinet Abby Glover/Mallory Rife Greeters/Ushers8:00 a.m. 10:15 a.m. Dave, Linda, Eric and Ryan Depinet Pre: Steven and Angela Gerding Post: Al and Donna Perrine

Faith UMC WorshipACOLYTES NEEDED!

Notes from the Choir Loft Welcome back choir! I hope you are looking forward to the new choral year! Some beautiful anthems are waiting “in the wings.” Each brings its own inspirational message and the melodies often remain long after practice has ended. It was good to sing for the first service of Faith UMC so we’ve had a brief preview of the joy working together will bring.

Thank you to all who have so generously supported the music program for many years. That includes the folks in the choir as well as those who contribute words of encouragement and monetary support.

The first practice for the new choral year is Thursday, September 8 at 7:00 PM.

The choir will offer their first anthem during the worship service on the following Sunday, Sept. 11. There’s always an open invitation to any person interested in joining. Plan to attend a rehearsal and see what an enjoyable time we have because of the wonderful people who are a part of the choir. If you have any doubts, please be assured there is a lot of camaraderie among the members.

In addition to new music, it’s important to welcome new singers. We need YOUR help. It’s always a joy when more folks join. Don’t worry if you can’t come to every rehearsal – we try to practice the anthems far ahead of when we plan to use them. We all learn together and sometimes have the most fun when making the most mistakes! And don’t worry about thinking you can’t sing well enough. YOU can!! I’m looking forward to seeing both seasoned singers and new singers on Sept. 8.

I will be training new acolytes soon. Candidates must be fourth grade or older, be able to sit through the church service and be able to reach the candles.

Anyone interested, please see or call Jane Schubert at 419.448.8267. Thank you.

Sing ~ cerely,Nancy

Thank You to all our Worship Volunteers!

* JUNIOR CHURCH * Andrea Traunero is searching for members who are willing to accept the challenges of teaching Jr. Church classes on a rotating basis approximately once every eight weeks. If you are interested, please call her at 419.443.8820 or speak with her when you see her in worship on Sunday.

Sunday School: 9:15 am – 10:00 am

Children and YouthThe Beginners Class The PRIMARY Class

Age Group: 3-and 4-year-olds Age Group: K – 1st Grade Teacher: Jane Schubert Teacher: Jackie RenningerLocation: Room between Rev. Donna’s office and Lounge Location: Downstairs next to the elevator

The Intermediate Class The Jr. and Sr. High Class

Age Group: 2nd Grade – 5th Grade Age Group: 6th Grade – 12th Grade Teacher: Sue Klopfenstein Teachers: Jodie and Charlie ReinboltLocation: Downstairs in the Junior Room Location: Room in SW corner of the Sanctuary

ADULTS

The Beginners Class The Faithful Followers

Teacher: Jane Schubert Teacher: Karl HankinsLocation: Room between Rev. Donna’s office and Lounge Location: Upstairs off the Sanctuary

The Pilgrims The wired word

Teachers: John and Judith Munn Teacher: Greg GloverLocation: Downstairs in the south end of the Junior Room Location: Downstairs in the north-side room

Nursery and Junior Church Children are always welcome to be with us in worship. However, we also offer two other opportunities for children during the 10:15 am worship service.

Every Sunday, all children pre-Kindergarten are welcome in our Nursery, located upstairs next to the elevator, across the hall from Rev. Donna’s office.

On the first three (or four) Sundays of the month, children Kindergarten – 6th Grade are invited to join us for Junior Church, downstairs in the same room where the Intermediate Sunday School Class meets (on the north end of the Junior Room, near the Fellowship Hall).

Children are asked to remain with us in the Sanctuary until after the Children’s Time when Junior Church begins. On the final Sunday of the month, children are welcome to remain with us throughout our morning worship service. The Junior Church program runs from Labor Day through Memorial Day every year.

Opportunities to Grow in Our Faith

There are three options for Adult Sunday School every week. The “Faithful Followers” and the “Pilgrims” classes both follow curricula based on study books by James W. Moore.

If you have suggestions for future classes or other educational offerings, please contact any member of the

Grow Team - Jane Dietrich, Team Leader.

Throughout the week

Weekday Bible StudyThere are two opportunities for ongoing Bible Study during the week; please know that you are welcome to join us for either opportunity at any time. We meet Wednesday mornings at 10:30 am upstairs in the Lounge and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm downstairs in the Junior Room. The curriculum for both studies is based on The Upper Room.

Short-Term StudiesFrom September through December, we are offering a series of short-term classes. Each is scheduled for Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm. Please feel free to join us for any or all of these offerings.

UMC Social Principles: September 13, 20, 27; October 04

The Social Principles are a prayerful and thoughtful effort to speak to contemporary human issues from a sound biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in The UMC and its predecessors. Though they are not church law, they are a call to faithfulness and are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit. Please join us as we consider our history of concern for social justice and the role and content of the Social Principles.

Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity: October 11, 18, 25; November 08, 15

Money is a powerful force in our world. It can provide for basic necessities, the accomplishment of life’s goals, and security for our families. It can also corrupt, leading to greed, debt, and a never-ending feeling of not having “enough.” This study is an invitation to rediscover the Bible’s wisdom on prudent financial practices, helping us to find the keys to overcoming fear and discovering joy through simplicity and generosity. Together, we will consider what our commitment of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness to the church might really look like in the midst of an international financial crisis.

The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem: November 22, 29; December 06, 13, 20

This upcoming Advent, please join us for this DVD-based study which aims to help us retrace the actual path of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. By traveling to the holy land and considering their journey, we will consider our own preparations for re-discovering the Christ-child at Christmas.

Opportunities to Grow in Our Faith

The Journey:

Walking the Road to Bethlehem

If you have suggestions for future classes or other educational offerings, please contact any member of the

Grow Team - Jane Dietrich, Team Leader.

Ida Albert Albert Allman Fred Avery Sharon Blust Steve Brickner Tyler Burton Caleb Marion Drake Krista Harrison

Emma Hensen Karen Hernandez Kay Hicks Yolanda Hicks Janice Holm Nancy Hull Anne Kenworthy Keith Klair Joe Kidwell

Kelly Pelayo Sherrie Perry Jacke Renninger Doris Rose Lori Sauber Sheryl Steinmetz Tony Bernita Watkins

Pastoral Care It is the desire of both Rev. Donna and Rev. Nathan to visit those in the hospital, or recuperating at home or in a rehab center. Please help us by calling the church office and letting us know which hospital and if surgery, when. If on a Sunday morning you mention it in the greeting line, please write it down and hand it to one of the pastors. With so many things going on in a Sunday morning, details can be lost. Please don’t assume that if you tell the hospital that you are a member here that they will notify us. They rely on volunteers, and sometimes we have received a call after persons have been discharged. If you know of someone in the hospital – call us and make sure that we are aware. Thanks for you help in this!

Prayers, care and thanks

The following people have received our special prayers our last newsletter.

Those unemployed Those in nursing homes

Our homebound members All Military personnel

Special Prayers

PRAYER REQUESTS We are in the process of changing the Prayer Requests system in the bulletins. Each request will be kept for two weeks and then removed. If you feel a request should be repeated for a time you will need to contact the office.

We will also be restructuring the Prayer Chain soon. If you are interested in being part of this kind and helpful program, please contact the office.

Vision Teampreviously Ad. Council.

Finance Teampreviously Finance,

Endowment, Memorial

CONNECT TEAMpreviously the Evangelism/

Hospitality Committee

SPRCRemains the same

Lay Leadershippreviously the

Nominating Committee

CELEBRATE TEAMpreviously the

worship Committee

TrusteesRemains the same

GROW TEAMpreviously the

education Committee

SERVE TEAMpreviously the

MISSION Committee

Faith UMC’s Leadership Teams

I wish to thank Rev. Donna and all those who visited, sent cards and had me in their prayers during my stay in the hospital for surgery and extended recovery. Marion Drake

Perhaps you sent a lovely cardor sat quietly in a chair.Perhaps you sent a floral pieceif so, we saw it there.Perhaps you spoke the kindest wordsas any friend could say.Perhaps you were not there at all;just thought of us that day.Whatever you did to console our hearts,we thank you so much whatever the part.

The Family of Opal “Faye” SimsMailboxes in the Narthex

There are mailboxes located in the Narthex for each Team Coordinator for the Stewardship Teams, the Ministry Teams, the pastors, and staff? You can leave information there for them.

vision team: Members at large will be added to in Jan. 2012, but all members of Faith UMC are welcome to attend

Shalom,Pastor Nathan

Dear Friends,

We have made history! August 7th found us in a wonderful day of worship and celebration. Washington Street UMC and Ebenezer UMC are now one worshiping Body. What a glorious day! We worshipped and we ate together – Holy Communion in worship and then what a brunch between the two services – it was magnificent! We United Methodists sure know how to cook! We were blessed to have the choir come together for this special occasion, and many remarked at what a glorious service it was. To God be the Glory!

That was just one of many steps that we are called to take. We are in the midst of launching out as Faith UMC and discovering all of our gifts and graces that God has granted us. It’s like learning to walk, we may stumble a little along the way, but God’s unfailing grace and strength is there to sustain us and help us find our way. I’m excited about the opportunities that we will have for growing our faith, as well as our fellowship.

We move forward with many projects reminding us that we are in process. The lounge is being transformed – a dream of some for many years. Lovely furniture from Washington Street will be furnishing that room, money from memorials designated for that room, and a gift of money from the Choir will bring it’s finishing touches. Other rooms are being made ready to receive furniture, and the room on the west side of the sanctuary is being transformed into Rev. Nathan’s office. As I write this, there is scaffolding in the sanctuary with new wires being run for the a/v system that will incorporate some of the equipment from Washington Street. The trustees and a group of gifted people are trying to assess what we need, what we don’t need as we move forward.

May we all be prayerfully seeking ways that God is calling us to be a part of the transformation – not just the physical transformation, but the spiritual transformation as God melds us into one.

We are not sure what to expect, but we know that God is making a way for us to become Faith UMC as we live out of faith. Who can imagine what we will be like in a year, in five years? My prayer is that as we move forward, we honor God in all that we do, and that together we will discover how great our God is as our faith is deepened and our service is empowered.

Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This summer, while visiting a friend in New York City, at one point we drove past a billboard by the roadside that caught my attention. It was an advertisement for United Airlines and referenced their recent merger with Continental Airlines with the following line: “Who’s merging isn’t nearly as exciting as what’s emerging.”

That billboard has stuck with me, and I like that line. In many ways I think it applies quite well to our recent experiences here at Faith UMC. The two congregations—Ebenezer and Washington Street—which came together to form this new congregation through God’s grace each can boast of rich histories and many years of faithful service. And yet, we know that it is not the richness of our individual histories that makes Faith UMC exciting right now. What is exciting about this congregation is what is emerging: a faith community in the fullest sense of that phrase.

Through the power and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, new life is emerging among us. New friendships are beginning to blossom, and new ministries are taking root. The ideas for new directions being inspired here at Faith UMC are many and varied, and I praise God for the receptiveness of this congregation to the movement of God’s Spirit among us.

As we lean together into the future to which God is calling us, then, may we do so with continued openness, courage, and excitement. May the Holy Spirit dwell among us richly, may we live with one another out of the depth of our faith, and may God continue to grow new life in the rich soil of Faith UMC.

To God be the Glory! Rev. Donna

From Our Pastors...

Faith UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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September 2011At Faith UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Celebrate Team

7:oo pm

Heritage Festival

Outreach

Candlelight Prayer Vigil

8:00 pm

UMC Social Principles

Class 7:00 pm

Bible Study 10:30 am

Bible Study 10:30 am

Bible Study 10:30 am

Vision Team 7:oo pm

Cub scouts 6:oo pm

Wt. watchers 6:30 pm

UMC Social Principles

Class 7:00 pm

Cub scouts 6:oo pm

Wt. watchers 6:30 pm

UMC Social Principles

Class 7:00 pm

Cub scouts 6:oo pm

Wt. watchers 6:30 pm

UMC Social Principles

Class 7:00 pm

Cub scouts 6:oo pm

Wt. watchers 6:30 pm

Praise Service 6:30 pm

Praise Service 6:30 pm

Praise Service 6:30 pm

Birthday & Anniversary

Table by Youth Group

Bible Study 7:00 pm

Bible Study 7:00 pm

Bible Study 7:00 pm

TOPS 8:30 am

Choir practice 7:00 pm

TOPS 8:30 am

Choir practice 7:00 pm

TOPS 8:30 am

Work mission meeting. 7:oo pm.

TOPS 8:30 am

TOPS 8:30 am

Choir practice 7:00 pm

Sharing kitchen at st. Paul’s 8:30 am

Sharing kitchen at st. Paul’s 8:30 am

Wedding

Weddings 3:30 pm

Mens group 7:45 am

Labor day office closed

Choir practice 7:00 pm

1 - Jan Foy, Kris Klopfenstein 2 - Violet Albright Bernice Bock Ann Haaser James Snyder Deborah Weber3 - Austin Arnold Matthew Ash4 - Jennifer Albert David Depinet Ryan Depinet Cindy Jordan Martha Kagy Tim Renninger5 - Andy Main Kim Newman Bill Seigley Sean Smith Andrea Traunero6 - Norma Babcock Dianne Roberts Bradley Willman7 - Jessica Cook Kelly Gerbino Robert Norcross Marilyn Rumschlag9 - Joseph Jordan Patty Lonsbury10 - Tyler Spoon11 - Shawn Laudenslager12 - Shirley Galaba Pierre van der Westhuizen13 - Monique Clagg14 - Ryan Baker15 - Maxine Cochran Joyce Drake

16 - Doreen Lemons Emily Hurt17 - Kaleb Fair Kaylee Fair Lynn Lash Ethan Shoemaker Ella Mae Watts Angie Williams18 - Eric Hossler Mason Ryan Link19 - Blake Hoover20 - Harry Geren21 - James Dryfuse Richard Edelman, Emily Ellis Todd Ley Daniel Snyder22 - Jane Dietrich Trent Dundore Danny Fuller Megan Brickman Jenny Scott 23 - Brad Mesnard Calvin Snyder24 - Elizabeth Cramer Gary Fout Kristine Gottfried Jesse Robinson25 - Chip Hossler Cheryl McKenrick26 - Don Ellis Alexander Fritsch Forrest Kisabeth Jennifer Reedy Dusty Strausbaugh27 - Diana Cramer Chloe Fertig29 - Samuel Christian Laurie Richey30 - Lucille Butzier Jonathan Knaur

SEPTEMBER birthdays

1 - Kris & Susan Klopfenstein2 - Robert & Carolyn Norcross6 - Paul & Gina Shoemaker7 - Dennis & Roxanne Gribben 8 - Bill & Jean Seigley 11 - Jonathon & Jennifer Kiser Brad & Kim Newman12 - James & Lois Eisenhard13 - Brent & Jennifer Albert14 - Tom & Deborah Cook Steve & Angie Gerding

16 - Mr. & Mrs. Barry Abbott18 - Kevin & Amy Baker19 - John & Laurie Richey Jeff & Amanda Smith21 - Daniel & Meg Eborg24 - Charlie & Jodie Reinbolt25 - Jason & Hollie Borer Eric & Michelle Miller27 - Steve & Tracy Frederick30 - Mark & Patty Lonsbury

september anniversaries

NAMI(NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS)

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is offering two FREE education programs this fall. Peer to Peer recovery education classes for adults living with mental illness will meet on 10 consecutive Wednesdays, 2pm-4pm, starting September 14 at Pontifex, 416 W. State St., Fremont.

The Family to Family program for families of persons with mental illness will be held 12 consecutive Thursdays for 6:30pm to 9pm, starting September 15 at First United Church of Christ, Fremont. To register, please call the NAMI office at 419-334-8021 or email information@namissw.org

The Board of NAMI of Seneca Sandusky & Wyandot Counties would like to thank you, your staff and your congregation for hosting our recent Family to Family Education Program. The course is taught by volunteers and is free to the public. You were instrumental in reaching out to area families who want to learn how to help their loved ones who have a mental illness. The program informs, supports and empowers these families. There is nothing else like it in our area.

Hospice Care Volunteer Training Community Hospice C a r e Vo l u n t e e r Training Classes will begin Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, 6:30-9:00pm and will run weekly ending on Oct. 24, 2011.

If you are interested in volunteering in the office or with fundraising events you would only be required to take the first class.

Direct Care volunteers sitting with patients/families would be required to participate in all seven classes. Classes will be held at the Community Hospice Care office, 181 E Perry St., Tiffin, OH. Any individual interested, please phone Community Hospice Care office at 419-447-4040 or 1-800-834-8100, Monday thru Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Thank you for helping to make our volunteer program at Community Hospice Care stronger.

Sincerely, Melissa Bowers, Volunteer Coordinator

IN THE TIFFIN COMMUNITYMothers of

Preschoolers (MOPS) Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) is looking for compassionate people to volunteer in our 3-5 and 0-3 year old rooms at the Tiffin YMCA on 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 9 to 11am. If you can help with all or some dates, please call Vicky at 4 1 9 - 9 3 4 - 1 9 7 8 o r e m a i l h e r a t mommaxone@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your support!

MOPS at the Y

Faith UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

“LOVING GOD, SERVING OUR NEIGHBORS”

75 North Sandusky Tiffin, Oh 419-448-6748

Faith News Going Green! Starting with the October News, we will be saving some trees and cash! We will be emailing the newsletter to those who have given us their email addresses, we will have others available in the Narthex to be picked up by those who do not have email. If you want us to continue mailing your newsletter, please contact the church office.

FAITH UMC’s E-mail Address: ebenezerumc@sbcglobal.net

Faith UMC75 N. Sandusky St. Tiffin, OH 44883

PLEASE NOTE: Our Email Address Will Be Changing AsSoon As Our New Website Up And Running!

“As we continue to grow into

God’s plans for Faith UMC, we are

experimenting with different

formats for the newsletter.

We welcome your feedback, and in

upcoming months will do our best

to continue to meet the needs of the

congregation with regard to

communicating information about

our many ministries.

Thank you for your continued

patience.”

Non-Profit OrgUS Postal Permit #287

Tiffin, OH 44883

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED