Our Church's Newsletter is "The Messenger"

NEW!  Download The Latest Messenger HERE!  NEW!

Welcome to our new Messenger Newsletter Editor, Cody Corrigan!

To get news, information, and feedback to Cody, e-mail him at

Messenger {at} FranklinCircleChurch {dot} org

For Current FCCC News Stories, Click HERE!

To Download Recent Issues Of The Messenger, Click HERE!

For Archives Of Past News Stories for 2006, Click HERE

For Archives Of Past News Stories for 2007, Click HERE

For Archives Of Past News Stories for 2008, Click HERE

For Archives of Past News Stories for 2009, Click HERE

June 2010

2010 Regional Assembly, October 15-16, 2010:
It will be held at the Columbus Marriott Northwest, 5605 Glazer Parkway, Dublin, Ohio.

Coffee Hour Hosts Sought

If you would like to host a Community Hour in the coming months, please sign up on the list hanging in the chapel near the Coffee and Tea Nook. If you would like to know more about what this entails, there are gold-colored information sheets hanging on the bulletin board near the list, or chat with Steve Rubin or Jane Cheiky.

For a full listing of who has signed up and when, click HERE!

May 2010

Members 411

We celebrate the selection of Tori Scheeff as District 2 CYF President at the recent Mid-Winter Retreat! G o Tori!  Thanks to the CWF and Youth who cleaned the Chapel area for several special events in early March.  A special thanks goes to the folks who helped take Easter flower orders and then set up the beautiful flower arrangement in the sanctuary for Easter: Michelle Brown, Norma Stearns, Joe Stanley, and Eleanor Eyring!  Starting with the May 4th Primary, Franklin Circle Christian Church will now be a neighborhood polling place for elections!  We are excited about having our community use our building for such an important purpose. We celebrate the news that Jamie Podmore and his girlfriend, Jasmine, gave birth to a baby boy on April 8.  We also met Taneka Wiley’s newest addition to her family, a baby girl: Michelle Isis Ann Wiley, born in January at Lakewood Hospital to Taneka and Lamar Carr.

Thank You, Michelle!
A very special word of thanks goes out to Michelle Brown who resigns as Messenger Newsletter Editor with this issue.  She began her work on the newsletter in June of 2006. Michelle has been a trooper working with late articles from the Pastor, ornery copy machines, and super-vigilant Bulk Mailing Personnel.  She has put her heart and soul into the Messenger and for this, we are forever grateful.

The officers would like to put together a Newsletter Team to work with Yvonne Hathorn, Administrative Assistant, so that no single person has to take the entire burden of putting together our newsletter.  Even so, we will need one person to be the go-to Editor.  If you are interested in being the Editor, or being on the Team, please put together a “sample” of your work.  For those wanting to be editor, please submit a “mock front page and inside page” to show us how you would get word out about FCCC! We would like to have an editor chosen by May 1st.

Forum To Focus On Depression & Suicide

The May Widening The Circle Forum will focus on the place of depression in our communities, and the related issue of suicide. We welcome Doris Matthey on Thursday, May 20 at 7 p.m. here at the church to talk about these important issues, and to lead us in a discussion about how we, as neighbors and people of faith, can help those struggling with depression. Doris has worked for the Benjamin Rose Institute and Interfaith Hospitality Network, in addition to her leadership at Urban Hope, the Unitarian Universalist community on Lorain and W. 32nd St. Doris is also on the board of the Cuyahoga County Mental Health Board.

As always, there is no charge for this event. If childcare is needed, please call the church ahead of the event to let us know and it will be provided.
 

Pentecost Offering Supports New Church Ministry In Many Ways

New Church Ministry of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) works in concert with general, regional and local Disciples ministries and global/ecumenical partners to extend witness into neighborhoods and mission fields in the United States and Canada. All of this is made possible with the support of the Pentecost Offering. This year’s Pentecost Offering, will be May 16 and May 23 at Franklin Circle Christian Church.

The Pentecost Offering raises awareness and support for New Church Ministry. And because of the New Church movement, 657 new churches have started since 2001 and more than 42,000 new Disciples have been reached and the momentum continues to grow. The goal for Disciples is to start 1,000 new churches by 2020.

Expanding the Table is once again the theme for the Pentecost Offering. According to Rick Morse, vice president of New Church Ministry, as the Christian Church, we welcome and embrace with the love of Christ, all who will come to the table. The good news is that our Christian table is constantly expanding and reaching beyond social and economic boundaries to extend a witness. By supporting the Pentecost Offering you are expanding the efforts of the New Church Movement

Money collected through the Pentecost Offering is evenly divided between New Church Ministry, which represents the wider church, and the region where the giving congregation is located. The portion that goes to New Church Ministry is used to support the wider church in recruitment, training and coaching of new church planters. Regions use their portions to help meet the more local and regional needs of the new church movement.

Our challenge remains great and assistance is needed to help New Church Ministry help Disciples share the witness of Christ and to continue to expand the table, reaching more people and bringing God’s message to new places and new communities. To support the Pentecost Offering, use the special offering envelopes provided in the Sunday Worship Bulletin, or mail it in to the church office clearly marked “Pentecost Offering.” For more information about the Pentecost Offering, call Rick Morse, vice president of New Church Ministry at 800.274.1883. You can also visit the New Church Ministry website at www.newchurchministry.org to obtain additional information on the Pentecost Offering.
 

We Need Memorial & Graduate Names!

May 30 is Memorial Day Sunday. As we do each year, we will recognize those who have died since the last Memorial Day, 2009. If a close family member of yours has died during this time and you would like for us to remember him or her, please let Yvonne know in the church office. Please give us your name, the name of your loved one, and your relationship to that person. Even if you think we know, please make sure we have the information. Thank you.

Also, please let the church office know if you or someone near to you is graduating from a school or university. We would like to honor all graduates in June, and your help in this will be gratefully appreciated.
 

April 2010

Opera 101

What is this opera stuff I’ve heard about? I know some people that went to the opera, but what happens there? Why do folks go to the opera?
 

Come and see for yourself, as we will see and hear some opera. It’s everything you wanted to know about opera, but were afraid to ask! Now you can.

You invited to attend Opera 101 on Thursday, Apr. 29 at 7:00pm in the Chapel.
Cliff Wilson will present the program with the assistance of Larry Crell. Bravo!
 

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Night At The Apollo Talent Show
FCCC Shows What Its Got!

The Anti-Racism Team would like to invite everyone to join us on Saturday, April 17 at 7 p.m. for an all-church talent show, "A Night at the Apollo" Your talent is needed and wanted! Maybe you would like to form a small group to sing or dance, or perhaps you play a musical instrument or excel in gymnastics and could put together a short exhibition? We know FCCC is full of marvelous talents and this will provide an opportunity for those who are interested, to share them with us, not to mention how much enjoyment a show like this will be!

Sign up with Janelle Eccleston by April 14 to get your act in the show. Janelle’s e-mail is: janelle.eccleston@hotmail.com, (Note: recorded accompanist music can be played, but you will have to provide your own live accompanist if you want one.) Acts should be about 3-5 minutes.

We will have a karaoke machine for those of you who are brave enough to try singing “on the spot!” The choir will also be making its “debut.”

Invite your friends and family to attend this fun family event! Refreshments will be served. There is no charge, but a freewill offering will be taken.
 

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Youth News!

In March, we sent 5 of our youth to Hiram Conference Mid-winter Retreat. The focus for the weekend was Conflict: Managing Stress in Your Life. Westlake Christian Church hosted the retreat; there were over 100 adults & youth in attendance. A great turn out! During the retreat each district elected new officers, Tori Scheeff is President of Dist.2, and her fellow officers are from Disciples Christian Church and Fifth Christian Church. They will work with Merydyth McKenzie, Katie Keresman & Andrena Sharp-Jones, our Dist 2 Advisors.

In April, during spring break, the youth group had a sleepover & we painted the youth room. Some final touch ups still need to be done, but we are on our way to a bright & fun youth room. We are looking for a sofa for the youth room. If anyone has an old sofa they would like to donate, please contact Colleen Munley.

During the sleepover we planned many things for the upcoming months. We are volunteering for the River Sweep on May 8th. This is a clean up day of the waterways in Cuyahoga County. We will be working with Al Betts to clean up the fenced in area and keep the grounds garbage free. We will again work the booth at Open Air @ Market Square. We are planning car washes again this summer. Of course we can’t forget attending camp. It will be a very busy spring & summer.
 

Our Choir Needs Your Voice!!!

We may not have a director yet, but we DO have a direction – We’re moving forward, and we need you to make it happen!!! No previous experience is required, and you don’t even have to know how to read music. The only requirements are a willing heart and the desire to sing to and about our Lord! By the time you read this, we will have “debuted” our choir at the “Night At the Apollo” Talent Show.

If you’re interested in joining our choir, or just want to learn more, please see one of the following people: Janelle Eccleston, Jada Eccleston, Larry Crell, or Jake Pruitt. You could also let Pastor Allen or anyone from the Anti-Racism team know, and they’ll be sure to pass it along to us.

We have also begun the search for a director for our fledgling choir. Interested candidates should:
• Have a desire to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ through music
• Be able to read music
• Be knowledgeable in both traditional and contemporary worship styles
• Be willing and able to lead members of varying degree of experience and ability
• Possess basic piano skills
• Be committed to the mission of our choir AND the mission statement of our congregation

To tell us more about yourself and submit a resume, please email FC3Choir@gmail.com.
 

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New Member Classes & Dinner!
* How can I deepen my journey of faith?
* What does this church have to offer me in my walk with Christ and what do I have to offer the church’s ministry?
* Who are the Disciples of Christ?

On two Mondays in April, the 19th and 26th, our church will offer New & Inquiring Member Classes for all persons who have recently joined our congregation, as well as those who are interested in learning more about Franklin Circle Christian Church, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), as well as about what it means to be a Christian. This will be an opportunity to not only learn about the church, but also about how you can best share your gifts and graces in and for the community.

You are strongly urged to be at both classes to get the most out of the sessions. Please RSVP by either e-mailing Pastor Allen at PastorAllen@FranklinCircleChurch.org or calling Yvonne in the church office. Certificates will be given to all who complete both classes.

The Evangelism & Publicity Team will also be hosting a New Member Dinner for all those who have joined our church in the last few years. It will be on Saturday evening, May 1.  Invitations will be sent to all New Members.

Softball Team Seeks New & Familiar Players Alike

Once again Franklin Circle Christian Church will sponsor a softball team as part of the Zone Recreation Center programming. Players are needed, and anyone age 15 and older (women) and 16 and older (men) are invited to play. Please talk to Andrew “Tiny” Byrd, our coach, to sign up (216-624-0179 or 216-688-1336).

As soon as it gets warm, practices will begin on Tuesday and Thursday evenings every week, from 5 to about 7 p.m. at Michael J. Zone Center (W. 65th & Lorain Ave.) Until then, there are “inside” practices and exercises here at the FCCC gym on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Games begin in June every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., depending upon the schedule. Each team member is asked to donate $2 a game to help pay for the referee. Tiny has been raising money to pay for the Team Registration Fee and for Team t-shirts by collecting cans to recycle.

If you are interested or need more information, please contact Tiny at the above numbers. And, of course, if you are just interested in watching, fans are always welcome at the games!

April Forum Asks, “How’s Your ‘Cultural Competency?’”

On Thursday, April 15 at 7 p.m. Franklin Circle Christian Church will welcome William Avery and Molly Holland, founders and leaders of the Organization For Cultural Competency at our Widening The Circle Forum. This monthly forum, open to the community as well as the congregation, seeks to build a stronger foundation for healthier neighborhoods as well as for the church’s commitments to being a hospitable, inclusive, and diverse community of faith.

From the organization’s website:

Cultural competency is the ability to function successfully with people of other cultures. The Organization for Cultural Competency, which is composed of associates from different cultural and racial backgrounds, uses common values and interests to bring together people from diverse racial, religious, and cultural groups to create strong communities and organizations in Northeast Ohio. The mission of the Organization for Cultural Competency is to foster awareness and appreciation of one another’s cultures and to provide a means by which groups, organizations, and communities can open dialogue and find resolution to issues arising from diversity and cultural differences. Their vision is to create communities and organizations where the skills and talents of each individual are recognized and utilized to the fullest extent possible and without regard to racial or cultural differences. We achieve this through group conversations, community meetings, and workshops. (http://www.choosediversity.org/index.html)

There is no charge for this forum, and all are welcome. Refreshments will be provided. There is ample secured parking. For more information, go to the church’s website: www.FranklinCircleChurch.org or call 216-781-8232.

Our Widening The Circle Forums are a means for our congregation, neighborhood, and broader community to explore in a creative manner critical issues of diversity, hospitality, and inclusiveness. This is part of our commitment to be an Open & Affirming, Anti-Racist/Pro-Reconciling, and Accessible Congregation.

The Widening The Circle Forums are usually planned on a monthly basis and include a creative or interactive element (film, speaker, interactive exercises, etc.) ample time for discussion, and refreshments. There is never a charge, and suggestions for future topics, speakers, films are always encouraged.
 

FCCC T-Shirt Order Form

     (Right Click on the picture to download a form in .pdf format)

March 2010

February 2010

Member 411
We welcomed Larry Crell into membership on Sunday, January 3. Larry has been visiting with us for much of this past year, and has become a cherished part of our Mid-Week Bible Study, and a resource for technology and worship. Larry grew up in the Cleveland area, and comes to us by transfer of membership.


We celebrate that Cassandra Linder was named Employee of the Month at Lutheran Hospital for October 2009. Belated thanks go to Caroline Rubin and Cheryl Yurcak for several days of assistance to the Pastor in the fall. A special word of thanks to those who have given greatly of themselves in the absence of our Church & Financial Secretary, Carole Sauer: Randy Buckingham, Michelle Brown, Cheryl Yurcak, and Al Betts. Wally Kuroiwa, husband of the Rev. Jayne Ryan Kuroiwa, retired from his position on Justice & Witness Ministries at the United Church of Christ National Offices in December! Thanks to Joe Stanley and Cheryl Yurcak for taking the lead in both decorating the sanctuary and chapel for Christmas, but also in organizing a team to “undecorate!”

We mourn the deaths of two who were related to our church community. Elizabeth “Betty” Allen, died on Christmas Day. Betty was a longtime member who had been confined to home for many years. We also lost Rev. Judy Ponting, Licensed Minister at North Eaton Christian Church on New Year’s Day. Judy preached at Franklin Circle Christian Church on numerous occasions, and was a dear friend to all. Both will be missed greatly.


Volunteers Needed!
 

Your presence is needed in two ways to sustain our Third Sunday “FCCC & Friends” Meal! The initial success of the Third Sunday Meal has worn the original group of volunteers out, and now it’s your turn! Volunteers are needed on the Third Sunday of each month, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., in order to help prepare and serve the meal, visit with the guests, and clean up afterwards. Volunteers can hear the entire Sunday Worship Service over the church’s sound system, and even have Communion brought to them!

If you would like to volunteer, please let Beverly Wurm know when you see her at church, or by calling her at 216- 310-6810. When you arrive, just head downstairs to the gym to check in with Bev. If you are unable to volunteer the entire time, then volunteers are most needed from 12 noon to 2:30 p.m. in order to relieve the morning crew and clean up the gym and the kitchen.
 

And if you can’t volunteer, then we ask that on Third Sundays you join us after worship downstairs in the gym for our Community Hour. Coffee and pastries are always available, and you are welcome to join in fellowship those already gathered for a meal. And, of course, if you’d like to sit down and eat lunch, you’re welcome to do that, also!

Weekly Offering Envelopes Are Now Available
 

Many folks find the Weekly Offering Envelope service our church provides to be a great help in preparing for and giving our offerings on a regular basis. It helps many of us remember to be regular in our giving, as well as a way to be sure our gifts actually make it to the church either for Sunday worship or via mail using the preprinted address.

But not only do the Weekly Offering Envelopes help the individual giver, they make work for the Treasurer and Financial Secretary much easier! Having the specific individual or family Envelope Number speeds up the recording process and insures accurate records are kept.
 

If you have pledged to the church for the 2010 year or are a regular giver, you probably already have offering envelopes prepared in your name. They are available at the church before and after worship, and during office hours on weekdays. If you do not have envelopes prepared already, they are easily obtained. Just let Randy Buckingham, Treasurer, know you want a set by leaving a message in the church office or on the phone voicemail.
 

If you would like to have your envelopes sent to you, please let us know that and we will mail them as soon as we can. Thank you for your giving to the Mission of Christ through this congregation!

 

Water Is Life!
Week of compassion helps bring water to thirsty communities.
 

As drought devastates parts of Kenya, killing crops and livestock, Church World service and Week of Compassion help Kenyan communities gain access to year-round water sources through construction of sand dams.
In the community of Kaikungu, for example, 6,500 people are benefiting from four new sand dams, along with two shallow wells, two reserve tanks, and two water kiosks (water distribution points). Community members have also learned about health, hygiene and sanitation.
 

With adequate, safe water nearby, the people of Kaikungu are using the time they save to farm and to engage in other income generating activities such as basket weaving or buying and selling goods. in addition, girls, whose job it is traditionally to fetch water, are now able to attend school regularly. Having a secure, ongoing source of water also allows families to garden and to plant trees for fruit, for firewood, and for shade.
 

Sub-surface sand dams are a simple solution for arid areas. a concrete and masonry dam built across a seasonal stream slows the flow of water and collects sand against the upstream side. The sand acts as a natural filter and reservoir. During dry periods, shallow wells are dug in the sand to draw out stored water. Your gift to Week of Compassion brings water to parched lips! When the offering is taken in February, or if you would like to send your gift in by mail, please give generously!
 

For more information on the web, go to: http://www.weekofcompassion.org/
 

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The Messenger

Starting with the December 2008 issue, every Messenger will be available in .pdf (Adobe Acrobat) format.  To download the FREE software needed to view this, click HERE or on the logo to the left or go to:http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

2008

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April Issue

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August Issue (Please Note: A Corrected Version of Jay Cheiky's Article Will Be Made Available On This Website And At Church.  Our Apologies, Jay!)

September Issue

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2010

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September