C:\MyFiles\Newsletter\All 2011 Newsletters\July

First Congregational UCC
An Open & Affirming Congregation
Offering God’s Extravagant Welcome
431 Columbus Avenue
Sandusky OH 44870
firstconguccsandusky.com
July/August 2011
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Welcome To The Family!
On June 12th, Pentecost Sunday, we received Ken Frederick and Kim Files
& Katie Badamy into membership. Kim, a machinist at Extol of Ohio, was also
baptized. Katie is self-employed with Insurance
Solutions of NCO and works at home so she can
care for their newborn daughter Olivia.
Ken, a Vietnam vet and resident at the Ohio
Veterans Home, transferred his membership from
First Congregational UCC in Columbus. Because
Ken was not able to be with us that morning
Meredith Hickey stood in for him. After the service
several members went out to the OVH to welcome
him into our family.
I’m looking forward to a busy month, filled with exciting travel and wonderful
opportunities, but the fun actually began last week right here in Sandusky. Once again, I
volunteered at Stein Hospice’s Camp Good Grief for children.
Although the week at camp is both physically and emotionally draining, I always look
forward to being with the children. Each of them is dealing with some kind of loss, whether it
be the death of a loved one, divorce or a parent away in the military or jail. A lot of time is
spent helping them learn to cope with their loss.
This year my favorite coping lesson came from a Laughing Kookaburra brought to
camp by the trainers at Kalahari. Did you know the hysterical laughing sound that bird
makes is actually a means of survival? As long as they laugh, their enemies know they are
alive and well, and will leave them alone. Of course, much like human laughter, the sound they make is
contagious. In no time that bird had all the children giggling, a great way to relax the body and release
endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. For a few minutes troubled hearts were soothed.
We never know who might be hurting, so share a laugh with someone every day. You will both be better
because of it.
Shalom ~ Rev. Lenore
Rev. Kure will be out of the office for the first two weeks of July,
returning for worship on July 17th, and to the office on July 18th. She will be
attending UCC and Kiwanis meetings. During her absence, Liz Proudfoot will
be available for pastoral concerns (419-502-6672), while Bob Bottoms (419483-5849) will preach the first two Sundays in July.
Sunday, July 17th - Worship at Shoreline
and Enjoy Breakfast Back at the Church
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On Sunday, July 17 we will worship together as a congregation at the 8:00 a.m. Shoreline service.
There will be no 10:00 a.m. service that day. Our speaker will be Joyce Oyler and the offering focus will be
Outdoor Ministries.
Following the service, everyone is invited back to the church for a breakfast. Even if you are unable to
join us for the service, we would be more than happy for you to join us for breakfast. It should begin around
9:00 a.m.
Relay for Life 2011
We had a great response to our Relay for Life this year. Our goal was to raise $1000, but we smashed
through that to raise a total of $1655.50, which earned us a Rising Star award! Our team this year included
Erin, Abe & Eli Haprian, Meredith Hickey, Jim Harmon, Marv Keller, Sue Pfaff, Randi, Chris & Heyley Ketchum,
Lenore Kure and Sue Nottke. Randi raised the most money on our team, bringing in $372. Sue Nottke did
the most laps - 56. Our youngest member, Heyley Ketchum, did 26 laps. We were rained out that night, but
Sue and Rev. Kure were among the few who stayed at the track.
Many thanks to our team and to all who supported us. If you would like to be a part of the team next
year, please let Sue Pfaff or Rev. Kure know - they are already planning for it!
Stars & Stripes Festival, July 4th
Our booth this year will be #56, by the sunken
garden, between Threads of Hope and Youssouf Sy
(see map above).
We will provide our usual comfort station and have free
temporary patriotic tattoos for the children.
We need volunteers to help set up and take
down and also to apply the tattoos. If you are available
to help at any time throughout the day, please contact
Liz Proudfoot (419-502-6672)
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Special Music for Summer
We will be welcoming several guest musicians to provide special music as part of our
summer worship services. Pianist Ryan Hamilton played on June 26th, flutist Tamara Kagy will
play on July 3rd, vocal solist Joelean Ostheimer will sing on August 7th, and the Sound
Foundation is scheduled for August 14th. We thank these artists for uplifting our worship with their talents.
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The July Supper Club will be held on Tuesday the 19th, at Jackie Niven’s home, 126
Greenbrier Lane, Sandusky, beginning at 6:00 p.m.. Everyone is asked to bring a side dish. There
is a sign-up sheet at the back of the sanctuary.
The August Supper Club will be a weenie roast on August 16th at Diane & Bruce Wagner’s
campsite in Port Clinton, at 6:00 p.m.. Directions will be made available to those who need them.
SHORELINE WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Please join us for worship at Shoreline Park. We meet at 8:00 a.m. in the pavilion, rain
or shine. The Park is located at Franklin & Water Sts., next to the Yacht Club. The speakers
and offering focus through the end of the summer are:
July 3
Pat Scheid
Stein Hospice
July 10
Kelly Wilson
Humane Society
This service will include a blessing of the pets.
July 17
Joyce Oyler
Outdoor Ministries
No 10:00 service - everyone is invited back to the church for breakfast.
July 24
Roger Kleckner
Microloans
July 31
Rosalyn Shepherd SCAASP
August 7
Angela Williams
ARC of Erie County
August 14
Becki Catri
Mission Trip
August 21
TBA
TBA
August 28
TBA
TBA
September 4
Mel Saylor
Stein Hospice
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Since our last newsletter, we have received letters of thanks for quarterly missions
from Crossroad, and from Volunteers of America (Crossroads facility). We also received
general thank-yous from Big Brothers Big Sisters for the Bowl for Kids Sake, and from NuVizion UCC.
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Virginia Neuman made a memorial contribution to Shoreline ministries in memory of Sondra
Hotchkiss. Sondra was a member of our Shoreline “congregation.” She passed away May 29th.
If you like to sing and have fun, consider joining the choir! The first rehearsal will be
August 28th. Practice is Sunday morning for 15-20 minutes after worship. The choir
will resume singing during worship on September 4th.
The choir will sing the responses during worship and lead the congregation
in singing the hymns. Anthems will usually be sung on the first Sunday of the month.
Selections are promised to be easy pieces, so come and make a joyful noise!
An Invitation
Due to the success of “Living the Questions’ and the “Capital Punishment” discussion series, Rev.
Lenore, Meredith, Bob, Phyllis, Liz & Pat cordially invite YOU to join the discussion/study of the Book of
REVELATION
Sometimes funny - sometimes serious - ALWAYS interesting - so come join the next discussion starting
Thursday, September 8th at 7:00 p.m., continuing for 8 weeks. Attend all or as many nights as you can - but
whatever you do, don’t be left behind!!!
Future discussion will include the DVD series In the Footsteps of the Rabbi, lessons on Creation and
the Environment, and the book Bulletproof Faith.
Mark your calendar NOW and see you there... If you have any questions, please ask any of the abovementioned people.
The Sandusky Gazebo Concert Series 2011
Monday, July 4 10:00 a.m. Vacationland Band
11:00 a.m. Sandusky 8th Grade Jr. High Band
12:00 p.m. Sandusky High Band - Parade
12:30 p.m. Erie County O.S.U. Alumni Band
1:30 p.m. Margaretta High School Band
2:30 p.m. S.M.C.C. High School Band
Thurs., July 7 7:00 p.m. The Patriots Band
Thurs., July 14 7:00 p.m. Sandusky 7th Grade Jr. High Band
7:30 p.m. S.H.S. Jazz Ensemble
Thurs., July 21 7:00 p.m. Wayne Golob Polka Band
Thurs., July 28 7:00 p.m. Pantasia Steel Drum Band
Thurs., Aug. 4 7:00 p.m. Vacationland Band
Thurs., Aug. 11 7:00 p.m. North Coast Big Band
Thurs., Aug. 18 7:00 p.m. Erie County O.S.U. Alumni Band
Genuine Tailgate Party, organized by First Presbyterian Church & Sandusky Power Squadron
In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held inside Adams Junior High School next to the Gazebo
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Congratulations to Angela Wigner and Scott Ward! Rev. Kure officiated at their
wedding on June 4th at Scott’s home. Angela is the daughter of Marcia & Dan Wigner.
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JULY
Marc Austin
Shawn & Alice Marcy
Lillian Quillen
Fred Nottke
Marv & Debbi Keller, Andy Nappi
Judy Harris
AUGUST
Bill Mayo
Russell Petersen
Marc Vadeboncoeur & Kevin Guimbellot
Andy & Ruth Nappi
Matthew Lickfelt
Rich Aros, Gene Finnegan,
Natalie Yeckley, Diane Wagner
Omar III & Bertha Meyer
Jud Brandes
Leslie Conant & Marnay Schrock
Andrew Lickfelt
Mary Fenker, Gene Finnegan & John Rainey
Scarlet Berry
Jeanne Gilbert
Scott Truman
Marc & Tina Austin, Michael Ryan
Bob & Phyllis Bottoms
7/11
7/12
7/14
7/15
7/22
7/26
8/1
8/2
8/3
8/5
8/11
8/15
8/16
8/17
8/18
8/19
8/20
8/21
8/23
8/26
8/29
8/31
This is the July/August edition of the newsletter. There will not be another one until September!
While many lucky out-of-school youth will look forward this summer to exciting camps or trips to Disney,
many more will find themselves with few structured activities, parents who are working all day – and too much
time to get into trouble with gangs, drugs, or other violence. The Boys & Girls Club of Erie County in Sandusky
is offering young people a safe, positive place to spend the summer months while also fighting the effects of
“Summer Brain Drain.”
The Boys & Girls Club of Erie County provides a low-cost youth development curriculum during the summer
for all children ages 6 to 18 for only $5 for the entire summer. The price includes plenty of fun activities, field
trips and daily breakfast, lunch and snack.
Beyond playing sports and hanging out in a safe environment, children who participate in the summer
program at Boys & Girls Club spend valuable time learning. Throughout the year and especially during the
summer, Club professionals make education fun and turn every day Club activities into exciting high-yield
learning activities. Hands-on activities, educational trips and reading clubs are hallmarks of high quality
summer programs in Boys & Girls Clubs.
For our nearly 15-year history, our trained professionals and dedicated volunteers have helped Club
members expand their horizons, stay on a safe, healthy path and BE GREAT!
- by Bobby Taylor, Lorain County Boys & Girls Club
Stein Hospice is offering their LifeCourse™ in Sandusky on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. (Beginning July
20 ) and on Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. (Beginning July 21st). Please see the flyer at the back of the sanctuary
for more information.
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There will be a blessing of the pets during the Shoreline service on July 10th (8:00 a.m.,
rain or shine). All pets welcome!
The July Movie Night has been set for Tuesday, July 26th at 6:30 p.m.. The movie will be Year One, a
new comedy interpretation of the Old Testament, starring Jack Black. Please join us!
Kelly Altenberger & Louis Escobar, Barbara Billman, Thelma Carney, Cooper Family, Betty
Delapp, Ken Frederick, Ray Harp, Ed Hessler, Hotchkiss Family, Homer Keller Family,
Melissa, Dave Petersen, Scheid Family, Angie Schlett, Sean, Shawn, Frank Swinehart,
Doris Ulmer, Dan & Marcia Wigner, Ann Wright, All the graduates
On-going: Jan Barron, Bowyer Family, Brock Family, Joey Helm, Emmett Jackson & Family, our military
personnel and their families, Jack & Donna Mineo Family; Elmer Novak, Esther Rowland, Virginia Wilkins.
Homebound members: Maxine Blakeman, Irene Meyer, Elmeda Schwartz
REPORTS FROM OUR BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Christian Education
Sam Waugaman - Chairperson
Greetings from the Board of Christian Education. Last month we finished the children's activities with
a memorable Father's Day card and hand decorated bookmark tie from the children in the nursery on Father's
Day. The cards and ties were given to all the men in attendance at First Congregational on Father's Day. A
special thanks to Randi Ketchum and Taylor Vaughn for their help in the nursery. Taylor will continue to be
the caregiver in the nursery for the remainder of the summer.
The adult education classes have finished their series on capital punishment and look forward to moving
on to the next series. Read through your newsletter for more information on what the next series is. We hope
you can attend.
Board of Evangelism & Outreach
Kim Nemeth - Chairperson
We reviewed thank you letters and requests for donations. We voted to make a $100 donation to ErieHuron Counties CAC to help fund their Summer Food Service Program. We rescheduled the visit to the LGBT
Community Center of Cleveland for June 22. We Scheduled our volunteer day at Care and Share for
November 19th from 8:15 to 11:00 a.m.. Plans for the July 4th Stars and Stripes Celebration were completed.
We took the special offering for Blankets + on June 19th.
At the General Board Meeting we had a presentation by Rosalyn Sheppard and Betty Maceo regarding
the SCAASP (Sandusky Churches Adopt-A-School Partnership). The plan is to have every school in Sandusky
adopted by 3 or more area churches. Through volunteers they would offer mentoring, tutoring, school events,
teacher support, parent involvement events, clothing/supply drives and whatever else the churches can come
up with to benefit the students, schools and community. They already have received commitments from 5
churches so far to adopt Osborne, Mills, Hancock, and Adams. They want at least 3 churches for each school
so that volunteers won’t get burned out. The goal is for this to be a lasting endeavor for many years to come.
They are following a program called NCAASI (National Church Adopt-A-School Initiative) which was started
through Pastor Tony Evans of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship Dallas, Texas. They want to impact the lives of the
students in a positive uplifting way, utilizing God’s Christian warriors to interact with, inspire, tutor, mentor, and
support our area children and show them how much God cares about them through the actions of His people.
If this is a program we want to be involved in it involves a firm one-year commitment and we will need
someone to chair this project. If anyone is interested or would like more information please contact Kim
Nemeth (419-656-1746).
Board of Trustees
Tim Work - Chairperson
June 14, 2011 Board of Trustees meeting
Johnson and Roe submitted an estimate of $10,000 for a landscape plan which the Trustees chose not
to accept.
Leimeister submitted an estimate of $900 for tree and brush removal which the Trustees approved and
this was approved by the full board.
The air conditioning has been fixed in the office. Gilbert supposedly fixed it last year so someone will
check to make sure we do not get billed twice.
The elevator repair bill from 2010 was originally submitted as $1600. It was negotiated to $750.
The fireplace room has been painted thanks to Don and is ready for carpet installation. Josh Grimm
will do the necessary tile work on the fireplace hearth. Robin found ceiling tiles at a reasonable price and they
should be installed in August or September.
Workday was a success. The kitchen was cleaned thoroughly and the outside area cleaned and
detailed.
Board of Elders
Harry Boguszewski - Chairperson
Summer is upon us and we are finally getting some nice dry weather. Things are running smoothly with
the Elders as everyone has his or her own area that he or she takes care of. We are looking at purchasing
some newer banners for the sanctuary. We are also going to have some type of celebration in early fall for
those longtime members who have given so much over the years of their faith, talents and financial support.
If anyone would like to have some input into this celebration please talk to one of the elders.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
2
8
9
July 2011
3
4
5
6
Communion
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
7
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Gazebo Concert
7:00 p.m.
14
Gazebo Concert
7:00 p.m.
15
16
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
21
Gazebo Concert
7:00 p.m.
22
23
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
28
Gazebo Concert
7:00 p.m.
29
30
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Stars & Stripes
Festival 10 - 4
10
Board of Elders
11:00 a.m.
11
17
18
PFLAG Picnic
Potluck at
Shoreline Park
5:00 p.m.
24
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Board Meetings
General Board
7:30 p.m.
12
19
Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m.
25
31
20
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Supper Club
6:00 p.m.
26
Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m.
13
27
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Movie Night
6:30 p.m.
At Grace Episcopal:
M & W 10 am BonesandBalance* Basic
Tu & Th 10 am BonesandBasic* Plus
Unless otherwise noted, our typical Sunday Schedule is:
8:00 a.m. Shoreline Worship
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:00 a.m. Fellowship
Office Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Boys & Girls Club Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 - 3:30; Closed July 4th
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
At Grace Episcopal:
August 2011
1
2
Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m.
7
8
Communion
Board of Elders
11:00 a.m.
14
Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m.
22
28
29
Choir Rehearsal
Resumes
3
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Board Meetings
General Board
7:30 p.m.
16
Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m.
21
PFLAG 5:00 p.m.
4
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
10
11
17
23
18
24
30
12
13
19
20
26
27
Gazebo Concert
7:00 p.m.
25
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
31
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
6
Gazebo Concert
7:00 p.m.
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
5
Gazebo Concert
7:00 p.m.
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Supper Club
6:00 p.m.
Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting
10:00 a.m.
Tu & Th 10 am BonesandBasic* Plus
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
9
15
M & W 10 am BonesandBalance* Basic
Helpmates
1:00 p.m.
Unless otherwise noted, our typical Sunday Schedule is:
8:00 a.m. Shoreline Worship
10:00 a.m. Worship
11:00 a.m. Fellowship, Choir Rehearsal
Office Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Boys & Girls Club Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Club Closed from August 15th - September 9th