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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.
T-Shirt Orders NOW Being Taken!
Click on the order form to download your own form in .pdf
format, or simply e-mail all the relevant information to Cheryl
at cyurcak@aol.com



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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
December Issue
2009
January Issue
February Issue
March Issue
April Issue
May Issue
June Issue
July Issue
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
October Issue
November Issue
December

2010
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
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