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APRIL 2018

Issue: 666

“Making God the Foundation of every Day Living”

The Herald First Congregational Church of Tallmadge United Church of Christ A Stephen Ministry Congregation

WORSHIP SERVICE

Worship:

8:30 am & 10:00 am

www.fcctallmadge.org

Phone: 330.633.4931 Fax: 330.633.7010 Address: 85 Heritage Drive Tallmadge, OH 44278

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Prayer Chain, Condolences, Thank Yous 2

Executive Council, OGHS 3

Women’s Fellowship, Women’s New Initiative 4

Announcements & Events 5-7

April Calendar 8

General Operating Fund, Upcoming Sundays 9

To the First Congregational Church of Tallmadge, UCC Family, Pastor Dave will soon arrive and First Congregational will begin a new era of ministry. We rejoice in God’s faithfulness and look forward with eagerness to ways God will continue to lead us in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in this community and throughout the world. God’s love is strong and God’s grace is forever. Let us rejoice in blessings now and always. Thank you for the love and hospitality you extended to me these past several months. You have been most gracious in receiving me as your pastor. Your words have been kind and your love has been constant. You lifted me up in prayer and I sensed God’s Spirit among us. I pray the ministry of the church has been strengthened in our time together. Please love Pastor Dave and extend to him the grace you offered me. May the mercies of Christ bind you together in fellowship and purpose. May you grow together in love and ministry as you seek to serve and glorify God and become the church God calls you to be. Peace, Pastor Neal, Interim Transitional Pastor nealsadler@yhoo.com 330-633-4931 – church 630-408-4457 – cell 330-952-0912 – home

Spiritual Care Corner

At the beginning of Paul’s Second Letter to the

Corinthians, he writes, “All praise to the God

and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah!

Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel!

He comes alongside us when we go through

hard times, and before you know it, he brings

us alongside someone else who is going

through hard times so that we can be there for

that person just as God was there for us. We

have plenty of hard times that come from fol-

lowing the Messiah, but no more so than the

good times of his healing comfort—we get a full

measure of that, too.” (II Corinthians 1:3-5 The

Message) This passage describes simply how

Christian care unfolds. God touches our lives

with love. We share that love with others. And

God’s community of love grows.

Join us on April 8th for worship followed by a cake and punch reception, to thank Rev.

Neal and Carolyn Sadler for their gifts they so graciously shared with this congregation.

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Noreen Ashley Tim Ashley Janette Beckwith Jackie Beedee Nancy Beken Ed Belisle Marilyn Berta (Coletta Spoler’s daughter) Cliff Birdsall Shirley Braidich (Ann Carter’s Mother)

Nancy Burgess Chris Caldwell (friend of Christie Speicher) Carol Carter Nancy Dove Bill Galloway Betty Gulledge

Judy Hamrick Jan Hetzel Karen Holland (Helen McKee’s sister in

law) Zell Lambert Carolyn Lent Katie Lindhe Jim Mayfield Hannah McConihe Helen McKee Alexa Meighen (Preschool family) David & Jackie Parker Wilma Pohly Dee Powell (Sharon Letzler’s Mother)

Lyn Sax

Barbara Sherrick (Jim Harris’ sister) Christie Speicher John Strott Janet Terrell Betty Vestal Steve Wood Olive Yohey Marcia Zuravel 1st Battalion 145th Armored Regi-ment (Ohio Nat’l Guard) Alzheimer's Care Giver Support Group Senior Pastor Search Committee

Please Remember in Prayer :

The Prayer Chain Connection

There are ten church members dedicated to service through praying for individuals’ concerns and celebrations. Prayer requests may be known by filling out a yellow colored prayer card and placing it in the offering plate on Sunday morning, or in the prayer box in the narthex. You may wish to call Dorothy Taylor at 330.633.3008 or Karen Sauerbrey at 330.920.1285. Thank you.

Our sympathy to Kenny & Cindy Dodge and family on the loss of Kenny’s Aunt, Rosemary Evilsizer. Rosemary

passed away on February 15, 2018.

Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Jean DeWitt. Jean passed away on March 4 , 2018. A

memorial service was held on March 9, 2018 at First Congregational Church. The Rev. Neal Sadler officiated.

Our deepest sympathy to Kevin, Corrine, and Aaron Gasaway on the loss of wife and mother, Susan Gasaway.

Sue passed away on March 10, 2018. A Celebration of Life took place on March 17, 2018.

Our sympathy to Jeff & Cheryl Hayes, on the loss of Jeff’s cousin, Deanna Gutowski. Deanna passed away

March 20th, 2018.

Condolences

Dear Members, Thank you very much for your donation. We have gotten 8 new families since January 1st. Thank you for helping us take care of our community. Candy Lorkowski, Chairman of Tallmadge Good Neighbors Thank you! The altar flowers on Sunday, March 4th, are in remembrance of Ellie Grace Mocny who passed away 1 year ago on March 4

th. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Congregation for all of the support you

gave our daughter, Nicole, this past year. We may not be as involved with the Church as we were in the

past, but it is nice to know that our church family is always here for us. God is Good. Marty & Linda Reisig

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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING MISSION MOMENT

What makes a house a home? A house is a structure with walls, a roof, doors and windows. The house becomes a home when it is a place where you can feel safe and loved. Roger Doris and his family built their house in Haiti in 1989. It was definitely just a house – built of

mud and sticks like so many are built in Haiti. In 2000 and 2001, they replaced the mud walls with concrete blocks and added a tin roof. They felt safe as their house was now a home. In 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti and extensive damage was done to Roger’s house. The walls cracked and the wood support columns failed. Overnight, Roger and his family were stripped of their feeling of safety and faced living in fear and insecurity with no more peace of mind. OGHS responded to help Roger and his family build a new house. Their badly damaged house has become a home again where they can feel safe and everyone has peace of mind. The new home has sturdy support columns made

of rebar and a strong foundation. Roger describes the house as a “miracle.” Each of God’s children is loved. Each one deserves to be safe and pro-tected, no matter where they live. Our neighbors in Haiti needed us and we were there to help. Your OGHS gift puts you where hurting people are. You are there providing well pumps for clean wa-ter, seeds, and trading for sustainable agriculture, and rice and oil to provide nourishment and cooking supplies. You are there through medical kits, school supplies, temporary shelters and safe housing projects where they are most needed. “We are the agents of transfor-mation that God uses to transfigure this world” (Archbishop Desmond Tutu).

WHAT’S NEW FROM EXECUTIVE COUNCIL?

• Our beloved transitional interim minister, Rev. Neal Sadler, will celebrate his last worship service with us on April 8. He and Carolyn will be missed.

• Income from pledges has taken quite a dip. Please make sure you are up-to-date with your pledge.

The Atrium Loan balance is $175,653. • The Mission Trip to Washington, D.C. was moved up to June 3rd to 9th to accommodate three of our students who will be

attending Boys’ and Girls’ State sponsored by the American Legion. Congratulations! • Vacation Bible School is getting organized. Lists will soon be published for needed items. If you would like to help, even for one

day, or on one project, please see Wendy Brown. • The Executive Council heard a presentation from Sgt. Dennis Eichler from the Tallmadge Police Department about Active Shooter

Training. We will be pursing this training in the near future. • The church financial review is proceeding. Our Financial Team is gathering papers and writing policies. • The Honeybaked Ham sale is going well. We will receive 20% of the sales. • The next WNI program will be a firefighter from Tallmadge talking about his experiences in last summer’s conflagrations. Men

and children are welcome to this program on April 9. • The new defibrillator is ready to be installed, and we are looking at various training programs. • Music Appreciation Sunday will be on April 29. • Social Action has added Shelter Care as one of its missions • Christian Education has received several camp scholarships for UCC summer camp. • The Sunday School class K-Cups and Conversation is going well with many different people attending. • Christian Education is considering starting a Sunday School class for widows and widowers. • Rev. Neal had four suggestions for us as a church as we go forward with our new Sr. Pastor Rev. Dave Brumbaugh. They were:

ᴼ Be open to the suggestions that Pastor Dave may have, even if this includes restructuring our Committees/Boards/Executive Council system

ᴼ Shut down the rumor mill. Keep what is said at meetings confidential. ᴼ Look seriously at term limits on positions and Board/Committee membership. Allow for some sabbatical time away

from church work. ᴼ Let go of grudges and hurt feelings before Pastor Dave comes – start fresh and don’t weigh him down with trying to

solve issues that have long since passed.

If you have any questions about these items, please see me or Tim Burns, Vice Moderator. Ginny Collins, Moderator

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APRIL 5 @ 10:30 AM

KAREN BENNETT: SING-A-LONG

FOLLOWED BY LUNCH $6

Sign up on the Welcome Center

Nancy Burgess

Bea Clarke

Anna Davis

Becky Gustavel

Shelly Hargrove

Marilyn Johnson

BJ Kitz

June Kolb

Carol Kroah

Richean Kuzior

Gwen Lane

Carol Law

Judy Looman

Linda Lorkowski

Kathleen Maddox

Christine Mayfield

Janet McCaulley

Irene Metz

Arlene Miller

Ann Minar

Rebecca Moore

Susan Neitz

Sandra Pressler

Janet Terrell

April Co Chairs: Rhonda Read, Kim Fulton

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

WNI Style Show and Salad Supper

On Monday, May 14, 2018 WNI is sponsoring a spring style show and salad supper at 6:30 P.M. in the Fellowship Hall. Circle the date on your calendar as this is always a great event!

The Dress Barn will be providing the style show with our own ladies as models. Watch for more information in the church bulletin.

Monday, April 9th @ 6:30pm

Tallmadge Firechief Mike Passarelli

Firechief Passarelli will share his experiences while fighting wildfires in

Idaho. Presently, others like Mike continue this invaluable effort in our

western states. This timely and informative meeting is open to all.

Sign up in the atrium

Sundays April 1st and 8th.

Program Chairs:

Carol Penn (330)673-2435 and

Sandy Pressler (330)699-2528.

Service Project:

First Steps (formerly Pregnancy Care)

A list of needed items is on the Welcome Center.

WNI

Presents:

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The Cherub Choir will join the Junior Choir on Palm Sunday

March 25. The combined choir, under the direction of Karen

Jones, will sign the Lord's Pray-er during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. We will not wear robes

because of the signing.

Elaine and Lisa

Middle School Fellowship

Our last Fellowship for Middle school was held on March 18. We will plan some fun activities over the next few months. Keep an eye out for dates and details.

High School Fellowship

Mar. 25 @ 11:00 in Youth Room

April 8 @ 11:00 in Youth Room

April 15 Time TBD Go to Play:CLE

April 22 After Worship Spring Hike

Faith and Family

Faith and Family posts many details on Fa-

cebook and through text (remind app); if

you would like to make sure you have all

the last minute details, please see Wendy

Brown or Sarah Ickes to add your name to

those groups.

Parents Night Out:

On April 28, Faith and Family invites you

to enjoy dinner at Hibachi Japan in

Cuyahoga Falls at 5:00 pm.

Dinner will be followed by a comedy

show, Don Jamieson at the Funny Stop, at

7:30 pm. If you are unable to do both but

would like to join for one or the other,

that would be fine too. Sign up on the Welcome

Center or with Amy Sledzik (330) 983-6897.

YOUTH ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

Acolytes NEEDED There are only a few more weeks to fill for acolytes. Please see the list of Sundays that we need acolytes. The link to sign up is below. This is for students in 4th- 8th grade. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HCWVsp8b07JSdyfZohsRtYEL_Wi6puk1_LpxT7i54gE/edit?usp=sharing .

4/1/2018 8:30 Easter Service Need 2 people

4/1/2018 10:00 Easter Service Need 2 people

4/15/2018 Need 2 people

4/29/2018 Need 2 people

5/6/2018 Need 2 people

5/13/2018 Need 2 people

Senior High Sunday Meeting

We are trying something different at the request of the Senior High Sunday School Class; we are going to run Sunday school (now called Sunday meeting) at 11:00 AM instead of 9:00 AM. There is going to be discussion about the scripture used in worship as the lesson. Following the Sunday meeting, we will have fellowship opportunities until 12:30 PM. Hope to see you all there at 11:00!

High School Youth -

Play:CLE

Plan to go to Play:CLE on April 15th in

the mid-afternoon.

This is an indoor adult playground -

ropes course, rock wall,

zip line and par core course.

***Watch for more details in the bulletin or texts.***

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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

Come meet and dine with your neighbors

Wednesdays April 11th and May 16th

85 Heritage Drive, Tallmadge 44278 (330) 633-4931

No RSVP Needed

Take-out Available

Spaghetti, 2 meatballs, salad:

$7

Spaghetti, marinated chicken, salad:

$8

Spaghetti, chicken, 2 meatballs, salad:

$9

$6.00 children 8 and under

Men’s Ministry

Saturday, April 21 @ 9:00 am

in the David Bacon Room

The discussion topic will be based on Chapter 3 of

Patrick Morley’s book, the Man in the Mirror -

Biblical Christian or Cultural Christian?

Mindfulness Class is on Sunday mornings from 9:15 to 9:45 am.

Come to receive and share some loving kindness.

Yarning for Peace will meet

on Monday, April 9th

@ 1:00 pm in the

David Bacon Room

Congregators

Our luncheon will be at Lembo’s

on Canton Road on April 3, 2018

@ Noon .

We welcome new members 55 or over. Questions? Please call Janet Davis (330)633-2296

K-cup and Conversation:

Sunday Morning Adult Education Opportunity

Christian Education has a new adult class that began on

February 18th.

Class is held on Sundays at 9 AM in the Da-

vid Bacon room. This is an open forum

where adults can drop in for conversations

about faith, God, family, relationships, par-

enting, social issues, prayer, worship and

so much more. Everyone is invited. Each

week, we will have pastries and many K-

cup options.

If you attend 8:30 worship, come when the service is fin-

ished. If you are in the choir, come at the beginning and

leave in time to practice. Can’t wait to see you there.

Congratulations to our

4th Graders on their

First Communion!

•March 4, 2018•

(back row) Zoey McCullough, Molly McGee, Cadence Ickes, Lillian Scherer (front) Madison Birch, Ian Hoffman, Bobby Higham.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

Mother's Day hanging baskets will go on sale

April 15th through the next two Sundays.

For a list of plants visit the table in the

Atrium.

FOR THE FIRST TIME we will have an

assortment of tomato, pepper, and flower

plants for sale on the days of pick-up of

hanging baskets. These are slightly larger

than bedding plants and will be sold on a

first come, first serve basis. You may

purchase these even if you do not buy a hanging

basket. Again visit the table in the Atrium for more

information.

Any questions. Call Kim Fulton. 330-958-1779

SOCIAL ACTION CORNER

“Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” Mark 12:31

Since 1972, Shelter Care, a local, non-profit agency, has provided a continuum of care for children and youth between the ages of 6 and 21 who have suffered emotional, physical, and sexual abuse through an array of residential and non-residential services. Shelter Care provides residential care-from short-term crisis intervention to intermediate or respite care, as well as long-term care en route to independent living. They are funded in part by the Summit County Department of Job and Family Services and they are a state- licensed, certified and accredited agency. Unfortunately, they are expecting funding cuts this year and so our special Easter offering/donations will help to “fund the gap” so these vital services can be provided without interruption.

There are 5 types of services provided.

1. The Shelter Home (ages 11-18) pro-vides long-term residential care for 6

months to 2 years. They utilize a family model with a full-time married couple who provides stability while teaching responsible family living. They also re-

ceive 24-hour support from a qualified staff of counselors and case managers.

2. Safe Landing (ages 11-17) provides emergency shelter, short-term residential care and immediate assistance to both the young person and family in crisis. There are 2 local shelters: one for boys and one for girls, both of which have a capacity for 12 youth each.

3. The Highlands Teen Pregnancy Shel-ter (ages 14-21) provides residential treatment services to pregnant and par-enting teens and their infants upon deliv-ery. The program has the capacity for five teens and their babies. The program ser-vices focus on prevention of high-risk behaviors and choosing responsible, con-structive choices for the teen mothers and their children. General operations cost are $120/day for teen moms and $75/day for infants. When teens are re-ferred the costs are paid by these agen-

cies. However, 80% of their teen moms are walk-Ins. 100% of the girls/teen moms attend school and 97% of them did not get pregnant again. After-care ser-vices are provided as a support system for these teen moms and their babies when they leave the shelter.

4. The Respite Program (ages 6-17) pro-vides planned periods of respite for chil-dren living with their biological families who are undergoing periods of stress and crisis. Child Guidance and Family Solu-tions is the referring agency and which allows 2 children to reside in a home.

5. SOS Street Outreach Services (ages 16-22) assists homeless and at-risk youth through the operation of a drop-In center and a variety of outreach activities. Pro-vides access to shelter, showers, food, counseling, job support, education assis-tance and emergency bus passes. Note: The Special Easter Offering will be divided between Faithful Servants and Shelter Care, Inc.

Christian Education will be hosting a Yankee Candle

Sale! Look for a table in the atrium for more infor-

mation. The catalog orders will be accepted through

March 25th and online orders may be placed through

April. Visit: www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and

enter group # 999980030 (First Congregational Church).

All candles will be delivered in time for Mother’s Day.

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April 2018

Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat.

1 Easter

7:00 am Sunrise Ser-vice 8:30 am Worship 10:00 am Worship

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Church Closed

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7: 00 am Bible Study Bagnoli’s 12:00pm Congregators

2:00 pm Elders Fellowship

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9:00 am Quilters

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10:30 am Wom-en’s Fellowship Luncheon

7:00 pm Chancel Choir

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8 Communion Pastor Neal’s Last Sunday at UCC Tallmadge

8:30 am Worship

9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship fol-lowed by a Reception 11:00 am High School Fellowship

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1:00 pm Yarning for Peace

6:30 pm WNI

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7: 00 am Bible Study Bagnoli’s

6:30 pm Commit-tee Meetings

7:45 pm Execu-tive Council Meeting

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9:00 am Quilters

4:00 - 7:00 pm Spaghetti Dinner

6:30 pm Stephen Ministers

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HERALD

DEADLINE

6:30 pm ONA 7:00 pm Chancel Choir

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14

15 8:30 am Worship

9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship TBD: High School Fellowship to Play:CLE

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7: 00 am Bible Study Bagnoli’s

6:00 pm Card Making

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9:00 am Quilters

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7:00 pm Chancel Choir

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21

9:00 am Men’s

Ministry

9:00 am WNI

Board Meeting

22 8:30 am Worship 9:00 am Sunday School

10:00 am Worship

After Worship High School Fellowship Hike

6:00 pm WJHM

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24

7: 00 am Bible Study Bagnoli’s

25 9:00 am Quilters

6:30pm Stephen Ministers

26 7:00 pm Chancel Choir

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28

5:00 pm Faith and

Family Parents

Night Out

29 Music Appreciation

8:30am Worship 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 am High School Fellowship

30

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General Operating Fund Note:

Greeters: March 25 Cliff Birdsall and Margarete Boschert April 1 8:30am James and Kathy Harris 10:00am George and Roberta Nehrenz April 8 Jack and Nancy Nagel April 15 Ken and Diana Caldwell April 22 Mike and Lori Bell April 29 Stephen Ministers

March 25 Terri Poff, Ann Emmitt, Bill Emmitt, Gary Marlow March 29 - Maundy Thursday @ 7pm Jane Huffman, John Huffman March 30 - Good Friday @ 7pm Jane Huffman, John Phillips April 1 Dave Marconi, Jon Sauerbrey, Larry Robinson, Chris Bauch April 8 Dee West, Jim West, Al Lytle, Mark Bowers April 15 Jon Sauerbrey, Larry Robinson, Sandy Haydu, Bonnie Fordham April 22 Terri Poff, Ann Emmitt, Bill Emmitt, Gary Marlow April 29 Ginny Collins, Mike Collins, Larry Bagnoli, Ken Caldwell

March 25 Rick & Cindie Anderson, Denise Haynes April 1 Easter Flowers April 8 Marilyn & Keith Johnson, Dave & Donna Marlow April 15 Salmond, Bowers, Fickes April 22 Mike & Ginny Collins April 29 Eleanor Hall, Denise Haynes

Worship Attendance: February 25 8:30 Worship 26 10:00 Worship 169 March 4 8:30 Worship 19 10:00 Worship 195

March 11 8:30 Worship 17 10:00 Worship 153 March 18 8:30 Worship 23 10:00 Worship 157

Ushers:

UPCOMING SUNDAYS :

Preaching Schedule: March 25 Rev. Dr. Neal Sadler April 1 Rev. Dr. Neal Sadler April 8 Rev. Dr. Neal Sadler April 15 Angel Dague (Rahab Ministries) April 22 April 29

Acolytes: March 25 Sarah Foster, Matthew Foster April 1 April 8 Amelia Ross, Cadence Ickes April 15 April 22 Sarah Foster, Matthew Foster April 29

Pastoral Search Fund:

2018 Jan. 2018 Feb. 2018

Beginning Balance: 13,506.46 12,083.31

Additions: 0.00 337.00

Expenditures: (1,423.15) (1,050.97)

Ending Balance: 12,083.31 11,369.34

February 2018 operating income of

$29,924 was $600 below the

monthly income budget. Operating

expenses for the month were

$32,515 resulting in a deficit of

($2,600) in February, and a year-to-

date deficit of ($6,711). With ex-

penses running well below budget,

the deficit is due to a shortage of

Faith Offerings. Contact the Church

office to find out how to sign up for

automatic monthly giving. And,

don’t forget to buy SCRIP cards on

Sunday mornings.

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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

PO BOX 420

TALLMADGE OH 44278

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

TALLMADGE OH

PERMIT NO. 30

Spiritual/ Pastoral Care Ministry Contacts Pastoral staff Rev. Dr. Neal Sadler Transitional Interim Pastor 330.633.4931 nealsadler@yahoo.com

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group & Elders Ministry Roberta Nehrenz 330.634.0713 rgnehrenz@att.net Heart’s in Service Janet McCaulley 330.633.3775 Barbara Rowles 34babs@sbcglobal.net Prayer Chain Dorothy Taylor 330.633.3008 treatgirl@outlook.com Stephen Ministry Ron Mitchell 330.633.4055 Mitchell_rd@hotmail.com Tom Letzler 330.699.9794 tletzler@neo.rr.com Sharon Letzler 330.699.9794 Yarning for Peace Dee West 330.633.4421 dwest890@aol.com

Staff E-Mail Addresses

Beth Loresch Administrative Coordinator bethfcc@sbcglobal.net

Cathie Lojkovic Communications Coordinator cathiefcc@gmail.com

Wendy Brown Director of Family Ministries wbrownfcc@sbcglobal.net

Nancy Lynn Robinson Choir Director / Organist nrbgp@aol.com

Bill Hoover Finance Administrator bhooverfcc@sbcglobal.net

Teresa Snyder Head Custodian (Mon-Fri, Day Shift)

Steve Ristich Assistant Custodian (Mon,Tues,Wed., Thurs. and Sunday)

DATE: March 21, 2018

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