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
NEW: Pooh Bear Friendship Camp is offered here at Franklin Circle Christian Church for the littlest ones,
for children completing the 1st and 2nd grades.
July 13 (7 p.m.) - July 19 (3 p.m.)
Contact Michelle Brown at DOCMICHELLEDOC@aol.com for more info & to register.
*** Power Up With Jesus ***
Vacation Bible School 2008
August 4-8 at 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
There will be Drama, Music, Crafts, Lesson, Computers, and Supper
All children 3-12 years old are welcomed.
Staff:
VBS Director -- Michelle Brown
Crafts -- Norma Stearns & Andrea King
Computers -- Jean Borrelli
Drama/Lessons -- Patty Groetsch
Kitchen -- Colleen Munley
Music -- Pastor Allen
Pre-School -- Jane Cheiky
Theme Song: "Every Move I Make"
Meal Song: "Give Thanks"
Monday & Friday -- Wear your FCCC T-Shirts!
Menu:
Monday, August 4 -- Hot Dogs, Mac & Cheese
Tuesday, August 5 -- Grilled Cheese & Soup
Wednesday, August 6 -- Sloppy Joes & Fries
Thursday, August 7 -- Pizza & Pop
Friday, August 8 -- Spaghetti & Salad
Next
Meeting: July 17 @ 7 p.m.
Upcoming Dates From The Christian Education Team:
Vacation
Bible School Planning Meeting: Thursday, July 17 @ 7 p.m.
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Past News:
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.
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.”
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/
____________________________________
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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