Pastor’s Pen 2

Operation Christmas Child 3

OCC News 4

Bible Studies /Prayer Concerns 5

Hub Happenings 6-8

AMPLife News 8

Worship Opportunities

9

Inside this issue:

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Issue 9, Volume 16

September 2015

Page 1

Everybody hopefully was taught how to share when they were little.

Now is the time to put what you were taught to use. Operation

Christmas Child isn’t just a Vine Fellowship thing. Please feel free to

tell your family and friends about it and see if they could donate an

item or two. By giving a list of the items we are collecting and and

inviting them to bring them into church or offering to bring them in for

them, you are giving them a chance to be part of this important

ministry.

Items for the shoe boxes are slowly trickling in. We still are in need

of a lot of items. So far we have only 1 t-shirt and need a lot more

wash cloths, coloring books, toothpaste and stuffed animals.

However, we Do Not Need any more pencils or toothbrushes!

Please make sure that what you buy is appropriate, new and that you

do not deviate from the list below. If an item has a sharp point, I can’t

send it (it could be used as a weapon). If an item is liquid, I can’t send

it (it could leak and ruin the rest of the shoe box) and if an item is war

related I definitely can not send it due to the fact that a lot of the shoe

boxes go to war torn countries.

All items can be place in the green bin in the front hall marked

“Opearation Christmas Child Shoe Boxes”. Please see page 3 for the

entire list of items that are needed.

Keep this date open - we will be filling the shoe boxes on November

6th at 6:30 pm at the HUB - (pizza included for those who come to

fill boxes). Hope to see you there.

Operation Christmas Child

Shoebox Ministry

Important Dates

September 5 - Sister Talk - 12 - 2 pm.

September 12 - Cuyahoga Critters - 10 -

11 am.

September 13 - Choir begins - 10:15 am

September 16 - Life Styles 9 am - 5 pm.

September 17 - Bell Choir resumes - 7:30 -

9:00 pm

September 29 - Roaring 20’s - 7 pm - 8

pm.

ISS U E 9 , V OLUM E 16 Page 2

Pastor’s Pen Dear Members and Friends of

The Vine Fellowship Church:

Over the past several weeks I

have been thinking about the

word “transformation.” Paul

uses that word in his letter to the Romans, Romans

12:2 where he writes, “do not be conformed any

longer to the pattern of this world, but be

transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Paul

is writing to the Christian community in Rome and

so he is addressing the church, the followers of

Jesus.

Living in a society that is becoming increasingly

“Christian neutral” at best or less tolerant, we are

going to have to earn the right to be heard as never

before. But it is going to take developing

relationships with those who are not followers of

Jesus for them to be willing to listen to our story-

and every follower of Jesus has a story.

So what would it look like if our church was seen

as a “transformational church?” What that means

is that the church is seeking to make disciples

(remember we are commanded by Jesus to do this

in Matthew 28:19-20) so that lives are being

transformed by the transforming power of Jesus

which then transforms the culture around them.

What a “shot in the arm” that would be for any

church and community, right?

During September and part of October we will be

involved in a sermon series entitled: “The Church

that Transforms” as we see what it takes on the part

of the church to be a transforming agent for Jesus.

But before I leave this page I want to share a piece

I read by David Roher entitled, “Transformation”

where he writes the following about, of all things,

the motor home. “The motor home has allowed us

to put all the conveniences of home on wheels. A

camper no longer needs to contend with sleeping in

a sleeping bag, cooking over a fire, or hauling

water from a stream. Now he can park a fully

equipped home on a cement slab in the midst

of a few pine trees and hook up to a water

line, a sewer line and electricity. One motor

home I saw recently had a satellite dish

attached on top. No more bother with dirt, no

more smoke from the fire, no more drudgery

of walking to the stream. Now it is possible

to go camping and never have to go outside.

We buy a motor home with the hope of seeing

new places, of getting out into the world. Yet

we deck it out with the same furnishing as in

our living room. Thus nothing really

changes. We may drive to a new place, set

ourselves in a new surrounding, but the

newness goes unnoticed. For we’ve only

carried along our old setting. The adventure

of new life in Christ begins when the

comfortable patterns of the old life are left

behind.”

I pray that you have a great September and as

we move from summer to fall, let’s remember

what David Roher said, “The adventure of

new life in Christ begins when the

comfortable patterns of the old life are left

behind.” Pray that The Vine Fellowship

Church and those who are a part of our

fellowship would truly seek to be

transforming agents for Jesus. After all, that

is what He told us to be.

Yours in Christ and on the Journey together,

Mark

Page 3 F IRS T THI NGS

Per Capita Per Capita for each member is $32 this year.

$7.07 - goes to General Assembly

$21.68 - goes to Presbytery

$3.25 - goes to Synod

The Chancel Choir will begin our season on Sunday, Sept. 13. Come a little early (before 10:15) so we can quickly prepare an anthem or two for the service. They will be easy tunes. Then on Thursday, Sept. 17, we will begin our regularly scheduled rehearsals, 7:30-9. If you have a friend who likes to sing, bring them along.

Items that are being collected for Operation Christmas

Child shoeboxes are:

$7.00 per shoe box for shipping

t-shirts for both girls and boys (S, M, L—no XL

pleasewith no writing on it)

Regular Size Spiral Notebook

Toys for boys - Slinkies, action figures, trucks,

puzzles, marbles, jacks, hot wheels, yo yos, etc.

Toys for girls - dolls, doll bottles, jump ropes,

puzzles, tiaras, miniature barbies, marbles, etc.

Toothpaste (normal size please)

Bars of soap in a plastic ziplock bag (normal size please)

Wash cloths

Hair accessories—barrettes, headbands

Coloring books

Combs/ brushes

Small stuffed animals

Pens

Small balls

Playdoh

Operation Christmas Child Item List

August Session Highlights

The Personnel and Leadership Team reviewed the applications for

the (part-time, 6 hours per week)

position of Clerical Assistant and has decided that this position is not

warranted at this time until further

study is completed.

Session approved (Personnel

and Leadership Team) that a task force be established … to evaluate

the mission of the HUB and the

Church.

Session Highlights Choir News

As Americans gear up for anotherThanksgiving,many are expressing their gratitude by sharing their

blessings with children facing poverty,including Iraqi and Syrian children who have escaped brutal

ISIS attacks and are now living in refugee camps.

For months, U.S. residents, families and groups have been filling empty shoeboxes with items such

as toys, school supplies, hygiene items and notes of encouragement. This week, Nov. 17-24, they

will drop their lovingly packed shoebox gifts at one of more than 4,000 collection points in all 50

states and Puerto Rico.

Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind, will deliver those gift-

filled shoeboxes using any means necessary—boat, plane, dog sled and even elephant—to reach

the hands of needy children. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Samaritan’s Purse will airlift 60,000 of the gift-

filled shoeboxes from Baltimore for special delivery to Kurdish-controlled regions of northern Iraq,

where they will work with local partners to deliver the gifts to Iraqi and Syrian children living in refu-

gee camps and surrounding areas.

Said Randy Riddle, Domestic Director for Operation Christmas Child. “The children who receive

these gift have so little. For many, the shoebox will be the first gift they ever receive. Receiving a

shoebox gift can have a lifelong impact on a child who longs to experience joy and hope.”

Anyone can participate now in this life-changing project for children around the world. For more information about how to participate in Operation Christmas Child. Shoebox gifts are collected all year at the Samaritan’s Purse headquarters in Boone, North Carolina. Participants can also build a shoebox through an online tool offering a personalized and convenient way to send a gift to a child in one of the hardest-to-reach countries.

Using special tracking technology, participants can follow their boxes online and discover the country in which their gifts will be delivered to children in need.

The shoeboxes from the Vine Fellowship went to children in the country of Madagascar last year.

Page 4

Operation Christmas Child (OCC) News

F IRS T THI NGS

Evening Circle

Evening Circle will meet Tuesday September

15th at 7:00 at the home of Edie English, 2586

Sylvan Rd., Cuyahoga Falls. Call Edie with

any questions at 330-929-4520.

Tuesday Club Tuesday Club will meet for lunch on Sept 8 12:30

at Lembo’s Italian Restaurant, 1186 Canton Rd.

Join us , you will be welcome. Call Rita 330-

633-5183 for reservations.

Page 5

Bible Studies and Fellowship Opportunities

F IRS T THI NGS

WNGs “They that have hope in the Lord shall renew their

strength… They shall mount up with wings of ea-

gles.” Isaiah 40:31

Women of the church are invited to participate in the

Wednesday Night Intergenerational Caring group at

7:00 pm. Contact Pat Franklin if you have questions.

Men’s Thursday Morning

Bible Study

Every Thursday morning a group of men of all

ages meet together either at Panera Bread in

Montrose or at the HUB at 6:30 am for Bible

study and fellowship. If you would like to join

this study, please contact Tony Miller @

330-825-9254.

Women’s Bible Review Fellowship Women of all ages: The Women's Bible Review Fellowship will meet Tuesday, September 15, 2015, @ The Hub from 1-3 p.m. Join us for fellowship as we gather for study TBA. RSVP to Suzanne for chair setup @ gibsongirlmanor@yahoo.com or by calling 330.322.7966 to leave a message by Monday, September 14.

Prayer Concerns Pray for our military: Scott Bakerink (nephew of Dick & Ann McCord) - Army Boot Camp, Paul

Jones - Air Force

Please continue to pray for: Frank Weaver, Helen & Don Harrod, Arnold Ruppert, Rev. Dr.

Nancy Kahaian (Interim General Presbyter, Eastminster Presbytery), Rev. Dick Ferris, Jimmy

Bach, Tim Rothwell, Carol Comer, Colina Wells, Bradon Lewis, Frank & Shirley Jenkins,

Linda & Tom Flanagan, Phyllis Spindler, George Chima, David Cook, Mia and the

Wilson/Weaver families, The Middle East, The Persecuted Church, The recent senseless

shootings in this country. Our friends at the Copley United Methodist Church, The PCUSA,

President Obama and elected officials.

Page 6 F IRS T THI NGS

Life Line Screening Event at The HUB Community Center

Wednesday, September 16, 2015 9 am - 5 pm

Do you know how to recognize the warning signs of a stroke? If you or someone you know is ex-periencing any of the below symptoms, call 911 right away. It is important to seek medical treat-ment immediately. · Sudden Numbness · Difficulty Speaking · Severe Dizziness · Loss of Coordination · Sudden Loss of Vision · Sudden Intense Headache · Brief Loss of Consciousness Protect your health by finding out your risk of having a stroke by participating in the Life Line Screening that will be at The Hub Community Center on Wednesday, September 16, 2015. Through ultrasound we evaluate the carotid arteries for the buildup of fatty plaque, which is the leading cause of stroke. Register today for the Stroke, Vascular & Heart Rhythm package, which includes four screenings: carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and atrial fibrillation. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6441 <tel: 1-888-653-6441 > or visitwww.lifelinescreening.com/community-partners

Hub Happenings - www.thehubcopley.com

Sister Talk

Sister Talk - with Marrissa Neal A One day Women's Worship Experience Sister Talk is a one day unique worship experience and free worship atmosphere for all women de-spite age, race, background, or denomination, that encourages women to create a love relationship with Jesus the Christ that is more passionate, more intimate and more committed. We meet three times a year, May, September, and November, to encourage one another in the Word of God, be refilled in His presence, and to be made ready to take his love to the world! The time in Christ is free with a complimentary lunch provided!

Join us on Saturday, September 5, 2015 from 12 pm -2 pm at The HUB Community Center located at 3676 Community Lane (off S. Cleve-Mass Rd.), Copley 44321. You may also visit our website

ISS U E 9 , V OLUM E 16

Tai Chi and New Self Defense Class at The HUB Community Center in Copley

The HUB Community Center, located at 3676 Community Lane, Suite 100 in Copley (off S. Cleve-Mass Rd.) is adding an additional Tai Chi Class and a new Self Defense Class on Friday nights from 6 pm - 7 pm.

Sanda (literally "free fighting" or an "unsanctioned fight") is a Chinese hand-to-hand self-defense system, captured in a specialized Kung Fu curriculum. It was originally developed by the Chinese military based upon the intense study and practices of traditional Kung Fu and modern combat fight-ing techniques; it combines punches, kicks, knees, elbows, wrestling, throws, joint locks, and weap-ons defenses.

Sanda Self Defense program is a long-term program, designed to teach you the best self-defense techniques from the White Birch Kung Fu, Tai Chi, San Shou, Chinese Weapons, and Grappling pro-grams. All self-defense, no sport fighting.

You'll learn

how to punch and kick, how to throw your opponent to the ground, how to escape chokes and controlling grabs, how to fight from the ground when he's on top of you, and how to survive an attack from a knife, gun, or club.

This program gives you rank in our Kung Fu system, providing step-by-step instruction and practice in moves that become increasingly more difficult to master.

As always, the classes are for 13 years and older and no prior experience is necessary. The cost for the class is $5 per session and no prior registration is necessary. Drop-in with a friend any Friday night and check it out!

You can also visit our website at www.thehubcopley.com or call 330.329.5990.

Page 7

HUB Happenings Continued

Cuyahoga Critters

Cuyahoga Valley National Park invites you to learn about the animals that call the park home through the use of American Indian stories, pelts, and skulls. Saturday, September 12 from 10 am - 11 am The HUB Community Center 3676 Community Lane Copley 44321 (Off S. Cleve-Mass Rd.) Call 330.576.6608 to make a reservation.

Roaring Twenties

Grab your flapper dress and sport your pinstriped suit for this lively event that will transport you to the 1920s. Our costumed volunteers will bring the past to life as they explore prohibition to bootlegging. Presented by Pam Machuga and the National Park Service. Tuesday, September 29 from 7 pm - 8 pm The HUB Community Center 3676 Community Lane Copley 44321 (off S. Cleve-Mass Rd.) Call 330.576.6608 to make a reservation.

Find a number less than 100 that is

increased by one-fifth of its value when its digits

are

reversed.

The answer to last

months riddle is - a sponge

Body Sculpting with Terry is a results-oriented strength

training fitness class, using a set of 3-5 pound dumbbells. It is

designed to build, sculpt and tone muscles, strengthen core, im-

prove strength and flexibility - all while burning fat and calories.

It fires up your metabolism helping you to lose weight and

inches, and it’s FUN!

If you would like to take a free trial class, join us on

September 8 at 5:30 p.m. at The Hub Community Center, 3676

Community Lane, Copley, OH 44321.

Then, if you would like to commit to an 8-Class Session

($48) - classes will start on Tuesdays at 5:30

p.m. beginning September 15 (and going forward, September

29, October 13, October 27, November 10, November

24, December 8 and December 22).

If you wish to attend the free trial class on September 8

a t 5 : 3 0 , c o n t a c t D e n i s e N e g o w s k i

at hubevents1@gmail.com . For the free trial class, you will

need a set of 3-5 pound weights, a fitness mat and a bottle of

water.

After attending the free trial class, if you wish to register

for the first 8-Class Session (or if you have any questions) con-

tact Terry directly at fit.and.happy.terry@gmail.com. Be pre-

pared to pay by check ($48) on the first day of class. Terry will

need a minimum of at least 5 participants to make it hap-

pen! Define Yourself!

Disclaimer: Unfortunately, Body Sculpting With Terry is

not able to offer refunds for missed classes, but there would

be the opportunity to make up classes at the Fairlawn Com-

munity Center on most Mondays or Thursdays.

Page 8

Hub Happenings Cont. Riddle of the Month

NE WS LE TT ER TI T LE

AMPLife Sports Camp Receives Grant

At the end of camp we were elated to open up the mail and receive a grant from the

Welty Family Foundation Advisory Committee in the amount of $2,500. This grant was given to apply to the cost for transportation during our camp. During the two weeks

we rented a van to transport inner-city youth to the camp each day and we rented a school bus to transport youth to and from the Copley High School swimming pool and

an evening out to the Golf Improvement Center in Medina. Then, at the middle of Au-gust we received $6,000 from the W. Paul Mills and Thora J. Mills Memorial Foundation

that will be used to fund three things: Signage for the entrance to the church/Hub; re-placement of carpet in the Main Hall; and food for the AMPlife Sports Camp. We truly

have been blessed.

September Birthdays

September 1 - Peg Danko

September 2 - Kelly Bartilson

September 5 - Cheryl Barsan

September 7 - Wendy Wilson

September 9 - Eric Miller

September 15 - Cassidy Myers

September 19 - Aquinna Miller

September 20 - Norma Smith

September 22 - Ella Wilson

September 27 - Dick McCord

V OLU ME 1, ISS UE 1 Page 9

September Worship Opportunties

Worship in September

Sunday, September 6th Communion

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture: Acts 4:23-36

Sermon: “Do I Have a Witness?”

(A sermon series: “The Church that Transforms”)

Sunday, September 13th

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture:

Sermon: “”

Elder Bobby Wilson, preaching

Sunday, September 20th

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture: Acts 6:1-5

Sermon: “The Church that Prays Together…”

(A sermon series: “The Church that Transforms”)

Sunday, September 27th

11:00 a.m. Worship Service

Scripture: Acts 13:13; 15:36-40

Sermon: “Be Willing to Fail”

(A sermon series: “The Church that Transforms”)

As a caring Christian community, The Vine Fellowship Church welcomes all people as we proclaim, witness and teach

the good news of Jesus Christ through worship, prayer and service

FI RST PRESBYTERIAN C HURCH/

T HE VINE FELLOWSHI P CHURCH

The Vine Fellowship Church

Sunday School begins at 9:30 am

Traditions Worship begins at 11:00 am

Mark T. Ruppert - Pastor

Charles Kobb II - Director of

Music Ministry

Denise Negowski - HUB Coordinator

Elaine Stone - Pianist

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

www.thehubcopley.com

Plain English

Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and

permanently set.

September Prayer Gathering- Monday, September 21st at the H U B ( 3 6 7 6 Community Lane) from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: THE DATE HAS BEEN CHANGED DUE TO

LABOR DAY BEING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7th.

The Vine Fellowship Church

3676 Community Lane

Copley, OH 44321

Phone: 330-576-6608

www.thehubcopley.com

www.thevinefellowshipcopley.org

Prayer Meeting