Franklin Circle Christian Church
(Disciples of Christ)
"Widening The Circle For All God's Children!"
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Growth Activities - Click Here
Spiritual Growth Resources - Click HERE
NEXT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION TEAM MEETING: TBD
Mid-Week Bible Study To Explore Groundbreaking Book:
When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner
20th Anniversary Edition, with a New Preface by the Author
About this book
As a young theology student, Harold Kushner puzzled over the Book of Job. As a small-town rabbi he counseled other people through pain and grief. But not until he learned that his three-year-old son, Aaron, would die in his early teens of a rare disease did he confront one of life's most difficult questions: Where do we find the resources to cope when tragedy strikes?
"I knew that one day I would write this book," says Rabbi Kushner. "I would write it out of my own need to put into words some of the most important things I have come to believe and know. And I would write it to help other people who might one day find themselves in a similar predicament. I am fundamentally a religious man who has been hurt by life, and I wanted to write a book that could be given to the person who has been hurt by life, and who knows in his heart that if there is justice in the world, he deserved better. . . . If you are such a person, if you want to believe in God's goodness and fairness but find it hard because of the things that have happened to you and to people you care about, and if this book helps you do that, then I will have succeeded in distilling some blessing out of Aaron's pain and tears."
Since its original publication in 1981, When Bad Things Happen to Good People has brought solace and hope to millions. In his new preface to this anniversary edition, Rabbi Kushner relates the heartwarming responses he has received over the last two decades from people who have found inspiration and comfort within these pages.
About the author
Harold S. Kushner is the author of several bestselling books on coping with life's challenges. He has been honored by the Christophers as one of the fifty people who have made the world a better place. He is Rabbi Laureate of Temple Israel in Natick, Massachusetts.
Join us every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel for the Mid-Week Bible Study
This study will continue throughout Pastor Allen's Study & Renewal Leave. We will have a limited number of the book available for purchase at $9 each.
Inquirer's Class Study: January-April 2008
Crossing the Racial Divide:
America's Struggle for Justice and Reconciliation by Sojourners resources.
During the months of January and February we will attempt to go beneath the surface of “diversity” rhetoric and get to the heart of our assumptions about race and privilege. The resource we will be using, “Crossing The Racial Divide,” draws voices from the streets and from the gospel to provide insights into institutional racism and white supremacy. We will explore practical models for dismantling racism and for reconciliation with justice. This class is ideal for individuals and communities looking for biblical models to combat racism.
You are invited to join this Sunday School class, 9:30 a.m. each Sunday, even if you have never attended before, or haven't attended for a while.
If you would like your own copy of the study guide we will be using in this course (not necessary to take the course), they are $7 each, due on the first day of the class.
“Sojourners was founded in 1971 to articulate the biblical call to social justice, inspire hope, and build a movement to transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world.”
Upcoming Dates From The Christian Education Team:
After School Program begins as YEP! (Youth Enrichment Program) on Saturday, February 2. Every Saturday and Sunday, 2-5 p.m. in the gym and computer lab (thru June). -- Michelle Brown
Every Sunday, from 1-2 p.m. Michelle is going to be offering a Youth Worship Service, either in the chapel or in the gym (space available). -- Michelle Brown
Youth Sleep Over, Friday, February 1 - Saturday, February 2 (to make Sub Sandwiches for Sub Sandwich Sale) -- Patty Groetsch
Easter Party for Children & Youth -- Colleen Munley
Saturday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gym/Kitchen/Parlor
Spaghetti Dinner (fundraiser for Camp Scholarships)-- Patty Groetsch
Sunday, April 13 (after worship service)
Vacation Bible School -- Michelle Brown
August 4-8, Monday - Friday, 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (entire building)
A Reflection:
Planting Purposefully by Janelle Eccleston
I first started attending Franklin Circle Christian Church broken in spirit. I came cracked and broken, bereft and lonely, but with an air of great conviction that with God I could pick up the broken pieces and clear it of the debris which was keeping me from living a more meaningful and beautiful life. Jesus said, " If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer" (Matthew 21:22 NIV).
About the same time I started attending FCCC I began plans for a garden behind my house. I have no yard- just the foundation of an old garage, the base still visible, the building gone now cracked and broken. The old foundation of a once strong building, it now lay finally neglected and uncared for, sitting in a heap, ugly to the eye. I started wondering, how can that same wasted space, cracked, ragged and broken become useful again? I stood on the porch and scrutinized a small flower that had managed to push through the asphalt. At that moment the realization came to me - new life can grow even where others thought it could not "Ah Lord God! behold, though hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: (Jeremiah 32:17).
Just as I kept returning to FCCC Sunday after Sunday, cultivating new acquaintances and friendships, I also began the process of cultivating a moderately small garden on the broken foundation in the rear of my house. For starters I had to rid the space of it's clutter. I began to pick up the pieces and clear the space of debris. I would need to replace the rocky soil with perfect dirt.
My new church family and my garden; soon I was learning how closely the two pursuits closely resembled each other. I prayed and asked God to help me to start throwing out all the things in my life that were unproductive. Over the course of my life I have struggled with loss of family support, due much in part by going "outside" my race [to have a relationship] and having biracial children, but also because of poor choices, including 8 years of drug addiction ( now clean 11 years), and ultimately being infected with HIV (17 years). I had conditioned myself to live a life built on guilt and shame. Instead of eliminating the sources of my pain, I allowed emotional thorns to embed themselves in me and fester. Just like the plot of land behind my house, I let the rocks and debris build up over years of neglect until I had settled for a situation which was barren and where I was unable to bloom into the beautiful flower I now know that God had created me.
Each morning as I worked removing the shards of brick and heaps of pulverized stone to clear the way for my new garden, I felt a sense of God's presence, calling me to a new life, a new way of living. Slowly the unpromising and scanty portion of land began to look like a place in which could support as beautiful and bountiful garden as any.
Attending my plot of land and attending Sunday's services became intertwined as a time of growth and renewal, a time of new life, a time of hope. Every morning as I toiled under God's sky, week by week with much care and preparation according to a plan provided to me by a friend on how to build a garden on top of asphalt, I also took time to think about Pastor Allen's previous sermon or literature on Disciples of Christ. One thing that kept standing out for me was God's grace. I heard the Pastor's voice in my head, "God's grace can not be earned, it is just given." For me grace implies unconditional love and acceptance with no condemnation. For years I had tried to earn my father's love; love that required me to be different than I was in order to be accepted. I was ultimately unable to use love I must earn. Ultimately the relationship was hurtful and did not produce growth. How wonderful to find a "new" Father who loves me without conditions; an "unmerited favor " that says I am accepted just like I am as I confess my belief in Jesus Christ and accept Him as my Savior!
Soon I began to see my plot of land have some semblance of a garden and I realized I would now need to make an investment in garden tools. One by one I accumulated a myriad of tools; some new, some borrowed, and some I found deep in the old basement of my house. At the same time I was also in search of new tools to build my new life.
NEW TOOLS; Unlike the new tools I went to Home Depot to purchase, the tools I needed for my new life were given to me free. I learned to re-pot myself, so to speak, fertilizing and feeding my wilted bloom with prayer and scripture reading so that my roots can reach into a greater faith in God. I learned to plant only what I wanted to reap. Just as I kneeled to poke a tiny seed into the ground, I learned to kneel in prayer. I began to sow faith for a healing. I began to create a strong and solid foundation.
BORROWED TOOLS; I have no particularly strong spiritual background, however soon it became evident deep roots are not always necessary. Sometimes developing strong roots can support life as well as those that run deep. Redwood trees have shallow roots, but are noted for their strength and longevity because they share their root with others. As Redwoods grow they borrow whatever is around them and incorporate it into their basic structure. My borrowed tools remind me that to thrive we, too, must share our roots with others. Community and fellowshipping require us to ask for what we need from each other, as well as asking God in prayer for the help we need.
TOOLS FOUND; Sometimes the tools we need for change are right here all along; we just have to dig deep to find them. Brokenness may seem bad, but through my own brokenness I became desperate enough to find the time to seek God. I learned that God was here with me all along, even when I did not know it, "...Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not " ( Genesis 28 :16).
By officially becoming a member of FCCC and being baptized, I am like the delicate seedlings given the best environment possible to foster growth. I may plant the seeds, but God waters them. By anchoring my roots firmly in new circumstances I know there are many blessings to be harvested. My life is like my garden; watching it grow, sometimes in small degrees, sometimes in overnight spurts, I am waiting for the harvest- the fruits of my labor. It is exciting taking a seed and watching it grow into a mature plant. Deciding which new sprouts of green are weeds and which are the plants intended is not always easy. Slowly I try hard to pull the right ones. My tomato plants recently had to be staked to give them strength to carry the heavy plants. I too, now have a community of other believers to help give me strength. God is here to help me with everything in my life that has overgrown or broken down. Just like the new life that grows in my backyard, my life is no longer strewn with jagged obstacles. Instead of settling for a barren patch of earth, or a barren life, I have found ways to bring them both back to life. God helps me to clear the clutter as He clears the way for a better future.
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New Members/Inquirers Classes
New Members/Inquirers Classes - New Class Forming
With all the new members joining our congregation, we are now having to have regular a New Members/Inquirers Classes! Fall 2008 another class will form and be devoted to helping our new members, as well as others interested in knowing more about the church and membership, gain the knowledge they need to more fully participate in the life of Franklin Circle Christian Church.
Plan now to attend these classes. Using a variety of media (videos, guest speakers, articles, music, and even a game!) we will explore what it means to be a baptized Christian, a member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as a member of Franklin Circle Christian Church.
We will be using “A Handbook For Today’s Disciples In The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ,” however only those who pre-register will get their free copy. Register by calling the church office at 216-781-8232 or via e-mail at PastorAllen@FranklinCircleChurch.org. All who attend all three classes in this series will receive a special certificate of accomplishment and a surprise gift! This class will meet in the Parlor. Plan now to attend!
Pastor's Class Forming
A Pastor's Class for youth 12 and older will also be forming this spring. If you or someone you know is interested in deeper discipleship, baptism, and becoming a member of the church please have them contact the church pastor as soon as possible. This class could either be in a weekend retreat format, as offered last winter, or in a series of weekday afternoon/evening classes. Youth must attend this class to be baptized at Franklin Circle Christian Church.
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Past News:
Winter 2008: Wednesday Bible Study To Focus On Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods
Our church's Mid-Week Bible Study will begin the new year by doing an intensive series on methods of Bible study. Using the book Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods, members of the group will each take a method described, learn it, and then teach the rest of us how to use that method. The author, founding pastor of Saddleback Church in California, says the key to transformation is found in scripture.
This easy-to-understand guide offers 12 different Bible study methods to help students explore biblical truths, apply them to your life, and grow as a disciple. Rick Warren's Bible Study Methods will help you develop a customized, personal approach to exploring and studying the riches of God's Word.
Chapters/methods that students will be able to choose from include:
o Devotional
o Chapter Summary
o Character Quality
o Thematic
o Biographical
o Topical
o Word Study
o Book Background
o Book Survey
o Chapter Analysis
o Book Synthesis
o Verse Analysis
Bible Study Methods such as the ones we will cover in this class will help participants develop a customized approach to studying, understanding, and applying the Bible. Everyone is welcome, no matter what level of experience with scriptures one has, and new people are always warmly welcome. We meet at 7 p.m. every Wednesday evening, beginning January 2, in one of the classrooms off of the Chapel.
For a flyer/poster in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format, click HERE!
Winter 2008 Bible Study Schedule
January 2 - Introduction: Pastor Allen Harris
January 9 - Chapter 1, Devotional Method led by Jane Cheiky
January 16- Chapter 2, Chapter Summary Method led by Brenda Torrey
January 23 - Chapter 3, Character Quality Method led by Norma Stearns
January 30 - Chapter 4, Thematic Method led by Jane Cheiky
February 6 - Ash Wednesday - NO BIBLE STUDY
February 13 - Chapter 5, Biographical Method led by Joe Stanley
February 20 - Chapter 6, Topical Method led by ______________
February 27 - Chapter 7, Word Study Method led by Andrea King
March 5 - Chapter 8, Book Background Method led by Sharon Thomas
March 12 - Chapter 9, Book Survey Method led by _______________
March 19 - Chapter 19, Chapter Analysis Method led by _______________
March 26 - Chapter 11, Book Synthesis Method led by Jane Cheiky
April 2 - Chapter 12, Verse-By-Verse Analysis Method led by Sharon Thomas
FALL 2007:
Children's Sunday School
The 3-5 yrs. Class is going to be looking at the Fruit of the Spirit. The children will learn through story time, crafts, and coloring sheets. Teachers are Tara Bobak, Samantha Raspe, and Tori Scheeff.
God's Little Pooh Bears (ages 6-12 yrs.) will be learning all about Noah's ark. The children will be learning about the different animals and making their own ark. There will also be coloring sheets, stories, and a field trip at the end of the lesson. Their teacher is Michelle Brown.
Mid-Week Bible Study
Fall 2007 - Begins Wednesday, September 5
Part of what undergirds our church's commitment to "the priesthood of all believers" is consistent and quality Christian Education. There are two occasions for this for adults to deepen and broaden their faith: Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday morning and Mid-Week Bible Study on Wednesdays.
Mid-Week Bible Study meets every Wednesday (except for Wednesdays November 21 and December 26) from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the chapel. The fall topics are outlined below. New members of the class are always welcome. The study is co-led by members of the class under the guidance of Pastor Allen.
Every Wednesday (except for Wednesdays November 21 and December 26) at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel
Fruit Of The Spirit (Please choose one evening to lead)
September 5: Love - Pastor Allen
12: Joy - Norma
19: Patience - Tammy
26: Peace - Brenda
October 3: Kindness - Joey
10: Goodness - Jane
17: Gentleness - Pastor Allen
24: Faithfulness - Tammy
31: Self-Control - Joey
Discipleship - “How can we be better disciples of Jesus Christ?” ~ A Study Of Romans 12
November 7, 14, & 28
Advent/Christmas - Biblical Foundations For Christmas Carols and Songs
December 5, 12, & 19 (NO Study on December 26)
Adult Sunday School 
Adult Sunday School Classes are on break for the summer. They usuall meet at 9:30 a.m. Sundays in classrooms off of the Chapel.
Children and youth will continue their Sunday School classes all summer, which run concurrent to the morning worship. Everyone gathers in the sanctuary at 10:30 a.m. and then children and youth retire to their classes at about 10:50 a.m.
Everyone is urged to consider attending at least one spiritual nurture opportunity in order to better help their faith -- and the church -- grow. New teachers and topics are always sought.
FALL 2007:
Sunday School: Adult Bible Study and The Present Word -- Ralph Eyring
The three units in this quarter trace the story of God's creative power from the creation of the universe through human creation to the creation of a covenant people. When the people were threatened with starvation and death, God preserved their lives and continued to bless them.
September - Unit 1, "God Created a People," is a five–lesson unit that examines Israel's earliest stories. The first two lessons focus on God as the creator of the universe and humanity. The third and fourth lessons consider God's creation of two different family lines from Abraham. The fifth lesson explores the continuation of the family of promise through Isaac and Rebekah.
Sunday School: Inquirer's Class -- Pastor Allen
The fall Inquirer's Class will be devoted to basic Bible Study skills using the Faith Crossing Series book, "ABC's Of The Bible" by Jon Berquist. Twenty-six key verses draw us into the fascinating world of the Bible offering an introduction to topics from how to read the Bible to finding meaning in its scriptures.
Coffee and hot tea are available prior to class. Classes run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 p.m. in classrooms off of the chapel.
Books/Curriculum for spiritual growth:
The Present Word
This is the curriculum used in the Adult Bible Study led by Ralph Eyring each Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. Click on the logo to the left or go to: http://www.pcusa.org/presentword/index.htm to learn more about the curriculum and upcoming themes.
New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
This is the version that Pastor Allen recommends for worship and study.
Click on the picture to the left to go to a searchable version of the Bible at http://bible.oremus.org/ or click HERE to purchase your own copy of this version at http://www.Cokesbury.com
For more information on how this version was prepared, go to http://www.ncccusa.org/newbtu/aboutnrs.html
River's Edge Retreat Center
http://www.riversedgecleveland.com/index.htm
Overlooking the Rocky River and the Cleveland Metroparks, situated on nearly 40 acres of greenery that is home to our retired Sisters and the natural inhabitants of the land…..graced with pathways that lead to areas that represent spiritual landscape archetypes…..housed in a century old, beautifully maintained building, renovated to include a new worship space, state-of-the-art meeting facilities, overnight accommodations and an indoor pool.….imbued with a peaceful and serene spirit and blessed with a warm and welcoming staff... River’s Edge is a place that you will want to visit.
River’s Edge is many things for many people, but what holds it together is the core of our mission: realizing the interconnectedness of all life. Whether you come here for a quiet retreat, a conference on a justice or ecological issue, a yoga class, a business meeting, or just time away, you will know that you are part of something much greater.
It isn’t by accident that our Center is named River’s Edge. In the early days, the Rocky River was where our sisters ‘fetched water’ to be nourished and refreshed. Today, standing at that river’s edge is a powerful symbol of the prophetic witness to which we are called. In these times more than ever, we are drawn to follow our own spiritual paths, yet we can’t do that without bumping into each other along the way. Individually and collectively we can make a difference! We can be a quiet influence or a prophetic voice.
I welcome without exception all who share our concerns and values to join us, regardless of religious persuasion or socioeconomic status.
Sr. Rita Petruziello
Executive Director, River’s Edge
Journals/Magazines for spiritual growth:
Alive Now Magazine
Alive Now magazine helps small groups and individuals find Christian meaning in their lives as they face challenges at home, at work, and in the community.
This innovative, devotional magazine explores contemporary issues from a faith perspective, encourages spiritual growth, and revitalizes your faith. Each thematic issue is divided into sections that include inspirational stories, meditations, poems, prayers, quotes, scripture readings, and reflection questions.
Ordering Alive Now for delivery in the U.S.:
Prices for U.S. Subscriptions:
1 year -- (6 issues) US $14.95
2 years -- (12 issues) US $23.95
1. Order by Mail:
Alive Now
P.O. Box 37142
Boone, IA 50037-0142
2. Order by telephone: Call 1-800-925-6847. Mention Order Code: IAG6EL.
3. Order Online using our secure server. Click HERE for individual subscriptions.
Upper Room Devotional
Available at the church for 85 cents each. They are located in the basket at the back of the sanctuary.
For a daily on-line devotional, please go to http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/
For information on purchasing your own subscription, click on the logo to the left, or call 1 (800) 972-0433.
Weavings Journal
http://www.upperroom.org/weavings/index.asp
Weavings journal is a bi-monthly publication that seeks to promote informed, committed spiritual growth with attention to the corporate dimension of the spiritual life. Such growth, to which laity and clergy alike are called, embraces all those expressions of discipline and discipleship that mark the Christian's response to God's work of weaving together the torn fabric of life.
Weavings invites participation in the spiritual life, seeking to provide a forum in which our life in the world and the spiritual resources of the Christian heritage can encounter and illuminate one another. The journal strives to create a space in which contributors and readers can converse on important matters of common concern. Organized by themes, each issue presents a broad range of materials.
Websites for spiritual growth:
Day 1
Day1 is the voice of the mainline Protestant church, presenting outstanding preachers from the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, and other denominations. Our website features an extensive library of lectionary-based sermons in text and audio, and other helpful information for lay persons and pastors. Click on the logo above or go to http://www.day1.net/
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Some cool videos sent in by church member:
The Lord's Prayer sung in the original Aramaic, on YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAEIrp4MFBE
The 23rd Psalm as read by a child, on GodTube:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=9e7c4b40cf5a13cea6ca
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