FINIAN'S RAINBOW

November 21 - December 7, 2008

"When the idle poor become the idle rich
You'll never know just who is who or who is which.
Won't it be rich, when everyone's poor relative becomes a
Rockafellertive and palms no longer itch?
What a switch!?" - Finian McLonergan

This delightful fantasy about a crock of gold, an Irishman and his young daughter and….a leprechaun!.... is cleverly combined with social-conscious conflicts in America involving sharecroppers, labor exploitation, racial prejudice, poll tax, right-wing reaction, and the greed for gold that lurks in most people's hearts. The setting is the mythical town of Rainbow Valley in the southern American state of Missitucky.

The show's composer Burton Lane has commented: "I love what the show has to say. What it does is to take a very serious subject, racial discrimination, and treat it the way a child would. A child has no racial prejudice, and Og, the leprechaun, is a child. When Og meets the bigoted senator, who is fuming because he has been turned Black, he says to him, 'I think it's very becoming…I was green a few weeks ago. Don't you find an occasional change of color interesting."
The remarkable score includes "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?", "Look To The Rainbow" and "Old Devil Moon."

The production will open on Friday, November 21 and continue through Sunday, December 7. Performances are Fri.-Sun. Nov. 21–23, Fri.-Sun., Nov. 28–30, and Thurs.-Sun., Dec. 4–7. Curtain times on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm. All offerings are at St. Patrick’s Club Building, located at W.38th and Bridge Avenue*** in Ohio City and include free parking. Season Packages are now available for as low as $30 and individual tickets are only $6. Packages and tickets are available by calling (216) 961-6391 or by ordering online at www.nearwesttheatre.org.

To purchase tickets, call: 216-961-9750

Curtain time for all productions:
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturday performances @ 7:30 p.m.
Sunday performances @ 3:00 p.m.

Election gives ministers hope: Gay clergy feels respect is assured

by Robert Schoenberger/Plain Dealer Reporter

Friday November 07, 2008, 4:08 PM

To read this article on its original website, and to read the accompanying blogs, go to: http://www.cleveland.com/religion/index.ssf/2008/11/election_gives_ministers_hope.html

It didn't really hit Allen Harris until John McCain conceded. Barack Obama was going to be the next president of the United States.

"Oh my. We're going to do so much," the minister of Franklin Circle Christian Church in Cleveland said as he watched McCain on television at the Union Station restaurant and bar in Ohio City.

But the night was bittersweet for the gay Disciples of Christ minister. California banned same-sex marriages, possibly overturning a wedding Harris performed in August for longtime friends. (The organization that pushed for the amendment said it would not sue to cancel the marriages of 18,000 gay couples in California, but it expects them to end up in court. Gay and civil liberty groups have filed several lawsuits challenging the new amendment.)

For Harris and several other gay and lesbian ministers gathered to watch election results Tuesday, it's impossible not to take such election results personally.

Many of them described Ohio's constitutional amendment push four years ago as a referendum on their lifestyles. Harris said he feared for his life during the peak of that campaign.

And it wasn't the first time he felt personal judgment mixed with politics. As a teenager growing up in Roswell, N.M., Harris was inspired by a political candidate.

"I was really taken by his energy and enthusiasm," he said of Ronald Reagan in 1979.

A family from his church was backing the former actor, so he joined their efforts, canvassing neighbors and carrying signs.

It wasn't until years later when he was in college that he discovered his political views were far more liberal. And it took even longer to admit to himself that he was gay.

As a choirboy and former president of his church youth group, he still felt the ministry was right for him. But his Disciples of Christ church rejected his bid to become ordained, telling him to seek psychiatric counseling for his "condition."

His home church eventually left the Disciples of Christ over gay-rights issues. He gained ordination at another branch [region] of the church, but that first rejection stung. If the church where he sang in the choir "couldn't see I was meant to do this, who would?"

Ron Lewis/Associated PressThe Rev. Michael Schuenemeyer, center, minister for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues for the national office of the United Church of Christ in Cleveland, rallies against California's Proposition 8, banning gay marriage.

Michael Schuenemeyer, minister for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues for the national office of the United Church of Christ in Cleveland, was watching election results with Harris.

He said cultural wedge issues such as gay marriage have been painful for the gay clergy because the focus on sexuality ignores the spiritual path he and his peers have chosen.

"You compromise American values when you vilify other people for political gain," Schuenemeyer said.

Again, for him, it's personal. While campaigning against the California ballot initiative the week before the election, he married his partner, Rowen Garcia.

Still, he sees Obama's election as a sign of hope.

Obama's win in Ohio was especially significant. Schuenemeyer, Harris and others in the crowd believe that Kerry lost Ohio because of the gay-marriage fight in the state.

"To see Ohio go for Obama means a lot. We're not invisible to him. He respects our quest for equal rights," Schuenemeyer said. Obama opposes gay marriage, but he supports civil unions that give same-sex couples the same legal rights and
privileges as married couples.

Harris said he does not expect Obama to immediately address gay issues. A troubled economy, two wars and urban poverty issues should come first. But for the first time in eight years, he's hopeful that he and his partner, UCC minister Craig Hoffman, will be able to live together in peace.

"I have a really calm reassurance that the American dream, the American system of government can work."

Dear Franklin Circle Christian Church Folks,
I regret to inform you that two persons related to our congregation have died within the past week. On Wednesday, October 15 Ronda Peters died at her home in Lorain, Ohio following an apparent heart attack. Her funeral will be tomorrow, Friday, at 11 a.m. in Amherst, Ohio. The details are below.
Then yesterday, October 22, Robert Streidl, husband of Leila Streidl, died while at the Eliza Jennings Home here in Cleveland. His funeral will be on Monday, October 27th, at 10 a.m. here at Franklin Circle Christian Church. The details are also listed below.
Please join me in expressing our deepest sympathy to both the Peters family and the Streidl family on their losses. The deep and abiding care this congregation shows for others is always a gift.

Your Pastor,
Allen

Ronda Ann Peters Arrangements:
A memorial service will be held tomorrow, Friday, October 24 at 11 a.m. at Family Fellowship Foursquare Church, 780 Cooper Foster Park Rd., Amherst. Additional information and online registration book are available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com

Ronda's obituary can be found by clicking HERE.

Robert Streidl Arrangements:
Visiting:: Sunday, October 26th - 3-5 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m.
Marten's Funeral Home
W.99th & Denison Avenue

Funeral: Franklin Circle Christian Church
     Monday, October 27th
     Viewing: 9:30 a.m.
     Service: 10:30 a.m.

Interment: Brooklyn Heights Cemetery

Reception at FCCC following the burial.

The November 13 Widening The Circle Forum will be a “fireside chat” with Pastor Allen about the commitment he has to the Church as a place of radical hospitality, God-blessed diversity, and intentional inclusiveness. This will be a relaxed and informal chance to share your thoughts about the direction of the congregation in recent years, especially following the congregation’s vote in October to expand the Mission Statement to make the congregation Open & Affirming. It will also be a opportunity to ask questions about and understand more deeply your pastor’s vision for this congregation.

The forum will be at 7 p.m. in the Friendship Room off of the 2nd Floor chapel. There will be coffee, tea, and light refreshments.

November Circle Service Spots Helps Families

As a means of helping our congregation and neighbors show that, through our faith, we “seek to meet the spiritual needs of a culturally diverse community” and that “empowered Disciples will serve and glorify God,” Pastor Allen is inviting folks to explore service and volunteer opportunities in our community. We will do this in concrete ways.
You are invited to join Pastor Allen on two upcoming Circle Servant Spot volunteer “outings.” On Thursday, November 6, we will join with Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2592 W. 14th St., to help with their Interfaith Hospitality Network overnight hospitality of families with children. Volunteer shifts are either 2-3 hours or the overnight shift. There are 3 hospitality jobs:1) cooking and hosting dinner; 2) spending the evening with guest families tutoring or playing games; 3) sleeping overnight in the congregation.

In December we will once again be receiving the gift of clothing, toys, and household items from the good folks in Employee Services of Metro Hospital. Dee Stearns, Norma’s daughter-in-law, is heading this up. Volunteers will be needed around December 16-18 to receive, organize, and distribute these gifts.

Your help is needed! To sign up for these Circle Service Spots, please speak to Pastor Allen.

An expanded set of volunteer opportunities is on our website on the “Getting Involved” page. Just click on the orange “Getting Involved” button on the left side of the page.

October 2008

October 3, 2008 Message From Ohio City Near West Development Corp.:
A message from Abe Bruckman, OCNW Director of Real Estate Development:

We have been notified by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority and by Mr. David Ellison that his project funding request for an "enhanced transit waiting environment" has been approved for funding through GCRTA as part of their "TLCI" program. The site is located at W. 41st and Lorain (the SW corner). This is a high profile site used by thousands of commuters daily, a "gateway" location into Ohio City and the City's near west side.

Enhanced Transit Waiting Environment - What it is: Custom bus shelter and better-than-average site amenities that will include new GCRTA signage package, public art, and integrated site design, landscape treatment, bike rack, waste receptacle, site accent lighting, and security measures.

TLCI (Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative): A Federal funding program administered through GCRTA and NOACA (NE Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency).

Award Amount: $25,000. Project Cost: Approx $57,000 (hard cost. Does not include soft costs - staff time at D.H. Ellison for renderings and technical research. Staff time of OCNW assisting the preparation of TLCI proposal packet and outreach to GCRTA).

Timeline: According to GCRTA, the legal/contractual end of this will be worked out through Oct./ November of this year. This means a likely start of construction to be in the first or second quarter of 2009, or as soon as weather conditions permit site work.

Our Role: OCNW was the steward of this property for a number of years, and this organization was instrumental in helping Mr. Ellison get funding to move this project along (the pending transit project, and some of the demolition work underway on the site).

Next Steps: There will be a public outreach component, public art and historic signage components for this project that will engage the community more actively. The community in a larger sense stands to benefit from this project in many ways, which we will explore later in the fall of the year.

Circle Service Spots Encourage Volunteerism

As a means of helping our congregation and neighbors show that, through our faith, we “seek to meet the spiritual needs of a culturally diverse community” and that “empowered Disciples will serve and glorify God,” Pastor Allen is inviting folks to explore service and volunteer opportunities in our community. We will do this in two ways.

First, each month we will have a Circle Service Spot Mission Moment at the end of one of the Sunday morning worship services where the congregation will hear about an organization or institution in our immediate neighborhood that is providing service and offers volunteer opportunities. There will be a chance to visit with the representatives and learn more at the Community Hour following the service.

We will begin with two programs that are hosted by Franklin Circle Christian Church. On Sunday, October 12 Sr. Donna Wilhelm of InterAct Cleveland will speak. On Sunday, November 9 Sr. Patricia Gentile of the Women’s Outreach Center will speak.

Second, you are invited to join Pastor Allen on actual Circle Servant Spot volunteer “outings.” On Thursday, October 30 we will volunteer at the Catholic Worker Drop-In Storefront, 4241 Lorain Ave., from 7 – 9 p.m. On Thursday, November 6, we will join with Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 2592 W. 14th St., to help with their Interfaith Hospitality Network overnight hospitality of families with children. If you are interested in either of these Service Spots, please speak to Pastor Allen.

An expanded set of volunteer opportunities is on the “Getting Involved” page. Just click on the orange “Getting Involved” button on the left side of this page.

As Chair of Mission Council I wish to thank Mission Council members for their understanding as we have not meet due to illness . I wish to thank everyone for their prayers, cards, phone calls and visits during my illness. I feel truly blessed to have FCCC extended family.
Exciting endeavors have been presented to us for review and details will be forth coming after further information gathering.

New Members Dinner In February 2009.....
Computers for After School Program.....
Attending Conferences......
Christmas Lights.......

Please fill out a lavender endeavor sheet and turn in for Mission Council meeting on the first Sunday of each Month. Not too early to plan 2009 events. 2008 Holiday event endeavors should be turned into Mission Council by Oct. 5th.

If you take public transportation, there's a good chance your trip could change this fall.
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority has proposed dropping or reducing service on nearly half its bus routes.

According to the proposal:
-All community circulators would be discontinued.
-A dozen regular bus routes, including those with stops at hospitals, colleges and Park-N-Ride lots, would be chopped.
-And 21 other routes would lose some hours or stops.
One rail route would also be affected. Service on the lightly used Waterfront rail line might be reduced to rush hours and special events only.

RTA faces a $20 million deficit next year because of the skyrocketing price of diesel fuel, rising personnel costs combined with stagnant tax revenue and limited government support.

In addition to reducing service, RTA is looking into cutting its payroll and raising all fares.
One-way cash fares for bus and rapid trips, for example, could increase from $1.75 to as much as $2.50. And regular monthly passes could jump from $63 up to $95.

"We're not happy about having to do this," RTA spokes- man Jerry Masek said. "We're in business to provide service, but we also have to balance our budget."

RTA plans five public hearings during the first week of August to hear from riders.
The board is scheduled to vote on the proposals Aug. 19. Approved changes would take effect in October. "We're looking for ideas," Masek said. "We will listen to riders."

When deciding on possible cuts, RTA targeted duplication in service and low ridership routes, he said. Riders on the community circulators, for example, can usually find regular bus service in their areas, he said.
A number of the changes won't leave riders without service, but they could lead to more transfers and longer waits between buses.

Anita Wright of Cleveland takes a bus to and from her job at Wendy's in East Cleveland.

Her trip on the No. 36 takes about 10 minutes. If the route is cut as proposed, she could still get to work but would need to take two buses. And the trip, Wright said, would probably triple in length. "I might look into biking," she said.
© 2008 cleveland.com All Rights Reserved.

Do you know someone who might like the benefits of a new construction, highly energy efficient, affordable, and accessible home?

Then tell them about
Green Cottages: Energy Efficient, Accessible, Affordable

Starting prices: $109,000 (2 bedroom) and $125,000 (3 bedroom)

Five new construction, single-family homes in Cleveland’s EcoVillage neighborhood (near the W. 65th St. RTA station). These Land Trust* homes offer the benefits of green building and accessible design, priced affordably for Cleveland's moderate-income families.

Features include:

* 2-bedroom (1150 sq ft) and 3-bedroom (1350 sq ft) models available
* Full basement, 1.5 car garage
* Superior energy efficiency, very low utility costs (estimated $36 a month year round!)
* Open floor plans, with ramp access to the rear entrance
* 3-bedroom model has 1st-floor bedroom

Located in the EcoVillage on Cleveland's near West Side, with proximity to Urban Community School, Zone Recreation Center, the Gordon Square Arts District, downtown, and the lakefront. Quick access to the Rapid.

Income limits (per household size) to qualify for a Land Trust Green Cottage:

1

$34,800

2

$39,750

3

$44,750

4

$49,700

5

$53,700

6

$57,650

7

$61,650

Orientation/ Information sessions:

If you know someone who might qualify for a Green Cottage, please ask them to attend any one of these information sessions at the Land Trust office, inside the Lutheran Children’s Aid building, 4100 Franklin Blvd.

Thursday, July 10, 6-8pm

Friday, July 25, 4-6pm

Wednesday, July 30, 10:30-12noon

They can also call Doris at 216.333.3432 or see www.cclandtrust.org

Construction is scheduled to start this summer.

*The Cuyahoga Community Land Trust substantially lowers the price of quality homes and offers good mortgages through conventional lenders, helping moderate income families become stable homeowners. The Land Trust creates opportunities for homeownership now and secures affordability for the future.

The Cleveland Green Building Coalition and Detroit-Shoreway Development Corporation are collaborative partners in the Green Cottage home project.

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR ANNUAL LAND TRUST PARTY
Saturday, September 20, 6-9pm (approx.) at Saigon Plaza, W. 54th and Detroit Ave.

2008 Regional Assembly
October 17-18, 2008 ~ Dublin, Ohio
Ephesians 4:11-13
"Body Building: Strengthen Your Congregation for Mission"

- Workshops to Strengthen Your Congregation
- Structured Youth Workshops at Camp Christian
- Ministry Fair & Exhibitions
- Clergy & Lay Luncheons
- Women’s & Men’s Luncheons
- Merit Awards Dinner
- Discussion Forums
- Fellowship with the Region-wide faith community

Crown Plaza Hotel
600 Metro Place North - Dublin, OH 43017
Registration Rate: Adults $35; Youth (3rd-12th grade) $25.00; Child (infant – 2nd grade) $20.00

[Note: The grade should be the one the youth/child will be in Fall of 2008]
Room Rate $99.95, Includes Full Breakfast Menu for Two
(You must reserve before September 23 to receive this rate)
Detailed posters and registration forms are available from the church office

Councilman Joe Cimperman invites you to an important public meeting: CLEVELAND PORT RELOCATION PLAN

Presentation by: Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority

* When: Monday, June 16th, 2008 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
* Where: Our Lady of Mount Carmel (School Gym) 6928 Detroit Avenue

The community meeting is free and open to the public. We hope that you will be able to attend!

For additional information, contact: Rose Ann DeLeón of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority at (216) 377-1335 or (216) 334-9286.

-----------------------------------

For Immediate Release: June 6, 2008

COMMUNITY INFORMATION MEETING SCHEDULED TO PRESENT CLEVELAND PORT RELOCATION PLAN

CLEVELAND, O. – The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Buffalo District and the City of Cleveland invite the public to an informational community meeting to learn about the future plans for the Port Authority’s relocation of commercial shipping docks from their downtown location to the development of a new, 200-acre land area on Cleveland’s lakefront near East 55th Street.

The Port Authority presentation will highlight the future potential of maritime commerce in the Great Lakes and will present the proposed conceptual layout for maritime docks with highway and rail access potential. The presentation will also highlight the proposed International Trade District adjacent to the new site. The Army Corps will discuss the consideration of the site within their Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP) as a new facility to hold dredged material which is necessary to maintain the Federal Shipping Channel in Cleveland Harbor.

The Port Relocation Plan was originally presented to the public on February 19, 2008 at a meeting held at St. Philip Neri Community Center. The site was approved by the City of Cleveland Planning Commission on March 7, 2008.

21st CENTURY VISION TEAM INVITES DISCIPLES TO DISCUSS IDENTITY
     The 21st Century Vision Team, an advisory group to General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins, is inviting congregations, regions, general ministries, colleges and universities and others to engage in a conversation about Disciples identity. The team developed an identity statement and principles last year to undergird the work of transformation taking place in our Church today. An online survey was created to solicit comments about the statement and principles. Almost 1,500 people participated in the survey over an eight-month period.
     The results from the survey and a downloadable copy of the identity statement and principles reflecting changes made based on feedback from the survey are now posted on the Disciples home page: www.disciples.org/21cvt
     The team is now encouraging Disciples to engage in a church-wide conversation about the principles and identity and how your church/region/constituency is or could be living into this identity. Those who participate are asked to share their thoughts and ideas on how to "give life" to the identity statement in their ministry. To become a part of the conversation, visit: www.disciples.org/21cvt

Search Committee Update ~ April 2008

The Search Committee for our new Associate Pastor For Youth has been busy the past few months. We met on our own, and then with our Regional Minister, the Rev. Dr. William Edwards, to clarify what our task is and what kind of a person we were looking for in an associate pastor. We discussed extensively the difference between “calling” a pastor and “hiring” someone for the position. We then received resumes from persons interested in the position as well as profiles from the Ministerial Search & Call process of our denomination. Each resume was prayerfully read.

Most recently, we have been conducting initial phone and in-person interviews with candidates. When we narrow the position down to one or two people, the Search Committee will have a full in-person interview. The final candidate will be presented to the Board, and upon their approval, the candidate will come for a site visit to meet the congregation, and the congregation will decide whether or not to call that person as our Associate Pastor for Youth.

The Search Committee includes: Patty Groetsch (chair), Pastor Allen Harris, Nim Bryant, Rhaseem Carter, Carrie Culleen, Colleen Munley, Samantha Raspe, and Brenda Torrey. We solicit your prayers during this very important process.
~ Pastor Allen

Help combat child abuse and neglect by participating in the Walk & Run for the Kids on Saturday, April 5th at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Come on out to the Zoo with your friends, your family, or your co-workers for this 5K run and walk - all ages and abilities are welcome!

Registration includes all-day admission to the Zoo and Rainforest, a t-shirt, a light breakfast, and an indoor family fair with balloons, face painting, arts and crafts, music, and more! Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., followed by a 5K run at 8:45am and a 5K fun walk at 9:15am. Join the Walk & Run for the Kids and have a great time helping a great cause!

All proceeds benefit the Cleveland Christian Home, a haven of hope and healing for children, youth and families struggling with mental illness, abuse and neglect. Registration deadline is Monday, March 31 at 9 p.m. Forms are available at the church or by calling 216-476-0333. Online registration can be found at: http://www.cchome.org/index/upcoming-events. Walk-Up Registration will be available at the Zoo (an additional $5.00 late fee will be charged)

Relive Old Memories at the Camp Christian Reunion
Camp Christian - Magnetic Springs, Ohio on May 3 & 4, 2008
     Remember the Vesper Spot? ... the Dining Hall? ... and, sitting in the green chairs, talking with friends for hours?
     Great news! These things don't have to be just memories. No matter how long you've been away or where you've been, it's time to come home to CAMP CHRISTIAN. See what's changed ... what's the same, and find out what's happening with old friends. Whether you attended only a weekend, a year, or years and years ...
the event is for you!
     Cost $60.00 per adult ~ $50.00 for ages 6-12 ~ $40.00 for ages 3-5 ~ Under 3 free ~ $180.00 cap per immediate family. *Registration cost covers lodging for one night, 4 meals, and all activities.
>     WHO: Anyone ages 19 and over who has ever attended Camp Christian in the 50+ years of its existence, and their families.
>     WHAT: Reminiscence, relaxation, renewal and rededication
>     WHEN: 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3 to noon Sunday, May 4
>     WHY: You miss Camp Christian, and Camp Christian misses YOU!
     Children: A fully-staffed children's program for children ages 12 and under will run concurrently with the adult program during the day and evening. You are responsible for your child(ren) at bedtime.
     Registration Form: You can obtain a registration form from your pastor or church secretary. You can also download and print one off at www.ccinoh.org .
     Deadline: Please return the registration form to the Regional Church Office or register online no later than April 21.
     Questions: Contact Rev. Dr. Brenda Webster at 614-433-0343 or via e-mail: bwebster@ccinoh.org

Disciples Host Diverse Meetings This Summer
Every other year, when the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is not meeting, the diverse constituency groups of the church do meet. This summer there's a place for everyone to go!

July 10-13: The National Hispanic and Bilingual Fellowship of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada will hold its 14th Assembly at Hilton Hasbrouk Heights, New Jersey. For more information, go online: http://www.obrahispana.org/

July 25-28: The 20th Biennial Session of the National Convocation will meet at the Marriott Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. The National Convocation represents African and Caribbean American Disciples. For more information, go online: http://www.disciples.org/convo/biennial.htm

August 6-9: North American Pacific/Asian Disciples of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Convocation will meet in New York City. For more information, go online: www.napad.net

August: Gay, Lesbian and Affirming Disciples Alliance (GLAD Alliance) is still finalizing plans, but hope to have their annual event in Southern California in August. Watch their website for more details: http://www.gladalliance.org/events.html

Important Documentary On The Cuyahoga To Air In April
A powerful documentary on the importance of the Cuyahoga River to Cleveland and all of Northeast Ohio will air in April. "The Return Of The Cuyahoga" will air on WVIZ/PBS on: Tuesday, April 22 at 9 p.m.; Thursday April 24 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 26 at 9 p.m.; and Sunday, April 27 at 7 p.m.
Pastor Allen viewed this documentary at the recent Cleveland International Film Festival and recommends it to the congregation. Since our church is so close to the river, and its health affects the health of those who live in urban Cleveland more than anybody else, it would be important for our church members to see and discuss this film. For more information, go on the web to: http://www.wviz.org/index.php/WVIZ/programming/the_return_of_the_cuyahoga/

On March 4 and 18 our church will offer New 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.

Please Note: This year we will be doing something a bit different: we will begin our classes by gathering for dinner at 7 p.m., and then proceed to the church for our class, which will conclude at 9:30 p.m. On March 4 we will meet at 7 p.m. at the new restaurant Latitude 41' at 5712 Detroit Ave. for dinner. We will pick a different spot at which to eat for our March 18 class. We will then travel to the church for our class.

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 the church office.

Interact Cleveland Appoints Donna Wilhelm, ssj-tosf, Executive Director

The board of trustees of InterReligious Partners in Action of Greater Cleveland (InterAct Cleveland) on January 21, 2008 unanimously voted to appoint Donna Wilhelm, ssj-tosf, to be its executive director. Wilhelm is only the third executive director since the organization was founded in 1991. InterAct has its offices at and is hosted by Franklin Circle Christian Church.

The Rev. June W. Begany, InterAct president, praised Wilhelm for “her strong leadership to move InterAct forward into its vision of interreligious community.” “I believe InterAct's mission is a critical one for our time. I feel called to this role, and I am not only eager to press forward but both thrilled and humbled by the responsibility placed on me by the board,” commented Wilhelm on accepting the post.

Wilhelm joined the InterAct board in 2004 and became president in 2006. (A complete biography is available on the InterAct website).

The board appointed her acting executive director in September 2007. Rabbi Melinda Mersack, who filled Wilhelm's term as president, chaired the executive director search committee which was guided by Janus Small Associates. The committee unanimously agreed on Wilhelm. Other search committee members from within and outside the InterAct board were Dr. Ali AlHaddad, the Rev. Daniel E. Budd, the Rev. Dr. Robert J. Campbell, Allison Hauserman, and Leona Jackson.

For additional information about InterAct Cleveland, call (216) 241-0230 or e-mail partners@interactcleveland.org , or visit www.interactcleveland.org.

Have you ever lost a pet? The death of a pet is just as critical as the loss of a loved one. Pets are also family. Kris Mahoney is starting a hotline for those who have lost a pet to call. You can get Kris' phone number by calling the church office at 216-781-8232 or by e-mailing Michelle Brown at DOCMICHELLEDOC@aol.com. There is Suneshine after the rain. There is hope after death.

Invitation From OCNW Historic Heritage Committee:

Victorian Reflections- a Time for Pain and Pleasure is a one-woman performance by long time Ohio City Resident Paula Slimak, who playfully reveals the secret of the "wasp waist", when fashion was the rule and the ruination of the poised and seemingly proper lady. Paula performs in authentic dress from her collection. In both whispers and witticisms, she shares intimate thoughts that embodied the style conscious lady.

Paula holds a Bachelor of Arts and master degree from Kent State University and was a one-time Cleveland television reporter, teacher and consumer lecturer. In her presentation, she will give us a glimpse into the Victorian era. This is truly a “must see” event!

So step back in time with us on March 6, 2008 at Franklin Circle Christian Church at 1688 Fulton Road at 7:00PM. A $5.00 donation to benefit the restoration of the Monroe Street Cemetery Gate House is suggested. We hope to see you there!

Summer Camp & Conference Schedule
Please note: Franklin Circle Christian Church folks typically attend the camps marked with an *, though they are welcome to attend other camps for their age group. More details, and registration materials, will follow.

Partnership Camp is offered for those who have finished the 3– 5 grades. This we do with our partners in the United Church of Christ and it is called Partnership Camp. There are three such camps:
*Otter - June 15 – 21   Held at Camp Christian
Badger - July 6 – 12 Held at Templed Hills UCC Camp
Beaver - July 20 – 26 Held at Templed Hills UCC Camp

Chi Rho Camp is for those who have finished 6th– 8th grades. Our theme this year will be God – “Gifts and Celebrations of God’s Love. There are currently four Chi Rho camps:
Hocking – June 8 -14   for districts 4, 7, 10/11, 13/14
*Portaghoga – July 6-12   for district 2, 3, & 15
Maumee – July 13-19   for districts 1, 5, 6
Miami – August 3-9   for districts 8, 9, 12

CYF Conference is for those who have completed the 9th– 12th grades. Theme this year is: “The Gospel of Luke” and “Peacing the Puzzle of Me.” There are four CYF Conferences:
*Hiram - June 22- 28 for districts 2, 3, 15
Phyo -   June 29 – July 5 for districts 4, 7, 10/11, 13/14
Lakeside July 20-26 for districts 1, 5, 6
Wilmington July 27 – August 2 for districts 8, 9, 12

*Advance Conference is for those who are Post-High School to 29 years of age. This conference will take place August 10-17.
*Adult Conference is for those from age 30 until they “Cross the
Jordan” and will take place at the Northwest Christian Church in Columbus June 16-20.

There are also 3 newer camps. *Adventure Camp is going on a canoe trip in Michigan and studying “Boat Stories of the Bible”. This camp designed for youth in high school or adults. *Camp Good Hope (Bereavement Camp) is for youth K-12 that are experiencing loss. There is a *Grandparent Camp for children in grades 1 or 2 and their grandparents. Both Camp Good Hope and Grandparent Camp are offered twice this year.

Join Cynthia Harris On A Bible Walk
     Take a magnificent walk through the Bible on a memorable day: Good Friday, March 21, 2008! It will take place in the city of Mansfield, Ohio. You will take an unforgettable walk of faith thru the Bible. Have the opportunity of seeing how God's Word is brought to Life. An unforgettable experience, you really do not want to miss.
     The trip will include: Life of Christ Museum, Miracles of the Old Testament, Museum of Christian Martyrs, and Heart of the Reformation. It is non-denominational and handicap accessible.
     Please arrive at Lakefront Lines, 13315 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, Ohio by 7:30 a.m. We will be departing no later than 8:00 a.m. and returning around 5:30 p.m. The cost of the trip is $53.00 and lunch is included.
     If you are interested, please call Cynthia Harris at 440-237-4304 or Gwen Harris at 440-979-1016. There is limited seating, so please reserve your place now. $25 deposit due no later than Thursday, February 28.

Ohio City Near West Development Corporation (OCNW) has hired Nate Coffman as Executive Director. Nate has been passionate about the redevelopment of our center city and is excited about the opportunity to continue the revitalization of one of Cleveland’s most important neighborhoods. For the past nine years Nate has worked for the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland (HBA). He brings a wealth of development and non-profit management experience and looks forward to bringing his experience and energy to the Ohio City neighborhood. Nate's first day in the office will be Monday, February 4th, so please extend him a warm Ohio City welcome!

Now Accepting Applications
“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our heads - O Prosper the work of our hands!” Psalm 90:17.
Are you looking for a way for God to prosper the work of your hands? Have you recently graduated from High School, in College, and looking for a summer job with meaning? The Christian Church in Ohio is now taking applications to be a Camp Christian Ministry Associate for summer 2008. Camp Christian is truly a place where people encounter Jesus Christ in a real and significant manner. You can be part of that wonderful ministry in 2008. For more information and to request a application contact Pastor Allen or the Regional Church Office at 614-433-0343 or ccio@ccinoh.org. Applications are due March 1.

Week of Compassion Offering -- February 17-24

Through Week of Compassion, North American Disciples reach out in the name of Christ to:

• provide emergency and long-term assistance to people in the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, droughts, civil war and other natural and human catastrophes. In a typical year WOC responds to a disaster about once every two days.

• respond with help, hope and hospitality to people who have been uprooted and displaced from their homelands by war, environmental catastrophe, famine and natural disaster. Many of the world’s 25 million refugees are children.

• support self-help programs of development and rehabilitation that empower people and communities to stand against and rise above hunger, poverty, disease, illiteracy, and other forces of injustice that deny and destroy human dignity. WOC supports projects in more than 80 nations on every inhabitable continent of the earth.

• encourage and support volunteer groups in "hands-on" mission and service opportunities. Annually, WOC partners with more than 50 Disciples work groups in mission projects in North America and abroad.

Through world-wide partnerships Week of Compassion shares in a remarkable network of service and caring that is efficient, effective and faithful. WOC’s administrative costs are typically less than eight percent annually. Disciples through WOC also participate with Christians in nine other Protestant denominations in One Great Hour of Sharing, thus multiplying the effectiveness and extent of our witness many times over.

Please give generously to this special "over-and-above" offering when we receive it February 17 and 24.

InterAct Cleveland's Homeless Stand Down

On cold winter nights, where temperatures can reach below freezing, there are around 4,000 individuals who are homeless. This year in Cleveland, due to shelters closing, more individuals and families experience homelessness.

The InterAct Cleveland Stand Down is three days in February when Clevelanders come together for respite, renewal and reconnection. Live entertainment plays while volunteers and guests eat together and converse. Haircuts, health screens, and hot meals are provided each day, ending with bag lunches, clothing articles, and personal care kits for the guests when they are ready to leave.

We encourage InterAct members to join in as volunteers for the event to learn about the truth of homelessness in Cleveland by helping, by conversing and striking up diologues with those you meet. This event is for Clevelanders standing together.

The days of the event are:
February 1st, a Friday, from 9 - 2 at the Cleveland Convention Center
February 9th, a Saturday, from 10 - 3 at Pilgrim Congregational Church
February 18th, a Monday, from 10 - 3 at Trinity Cathedral

If you are able to help and would like more information please contact Pam at pmarvinney@interactcleveland.org or call her at 330-461-0439. Thank You

As a volunteer for the WSEM Food Centers at Brookside, Community Corner and Near West and St. Patrick’s Church, you have spent countless hours and years helping those we serve.

You serve, not seeking fanfare, but out of your own personal ministry.

Please join the WSEM Food Centers, St. Patrick’s Church and Franklin Circle Christian Church at a celebration in honor of your service to those in need on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 6 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Church, 3602 Bridge Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44113

A service to thank WSEM Food Center volunteers will be followed by a dinner in St. Patrick’s lyceum hosted by the WSEM Board of Trustees

Service ~ 6-6:30 p.m.
Reverend Mark A. DiNardo, St. Patrick’s Church
Reverend Allen V. Harris, Franklin Circle Christian Church

Dinner ~ 6:30-8 p.m.
WSEM Board of Trustees

RSVP by April 14.

For more information, call 216.651.2037, ext. 309.

You are invited to connect with Franklin Circle Church in a new way. If you are regularly on the Internet, please join www.MyChurch.org. You can become a "member" of Franklin Circle Christian Church and have access to an online calendar and receive updates as news happens and scheduling changes take place. Check us out at: http://www.mychurch.org/churches/OH/Cleveland/164086/Franklin-Circle-Christian-Church . And, of course, please check out our own church's website regularly: www.FranklinCircleChurch.org .

Members 411

Two members of our church, Janelle Eccleston and Brenda Torrey, plus Pastor Allen, participated in the extensive 2 _ day Anti-Racism/Pro-Reconciliation Training at Camp Christian in mid-November. Along with Michelle Brown, and a few other members of the church, these folks will form a team to help lead our congregation to become an anti-racist and pro-reconciliation congregation. Watch this newsletter for more information on this process.

Congratulations to Beverly Wurm who has been accepted into the 24th Class of the Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland program. This is a unique 12 week training program that was developed to provide Cleveland residents the opportunity to be reflective about their leadership activities, recognize their role as a neighborhood leader and affirm the importance of their efforts, break down the isolation that many leaders were experiencing, and provide information, new techniques, and resources so that they could plan a future course for themselves and their neighborhood.

The program objectives are to build upon neighborhood leaders' experience; encourage and assist the establishment of networks among neighborhoods, their leaders, and their institutions; to broaden participants understanding of community; and to enhance the ability of neighborhoods to resolve problems on their own or in cooperation with other neighborhoods and institutions.

You may recall that Pastor Allen participated in this program, in the 17th Class, back in the spring of 2002. For more information, and an application form, go to: http://www.nhlink.net/neighborhoodleader/description.htm

Words are inadequate to express the deepest gratitude Franklin Circle Christian Church and I as their pastor have for your generosity. We were honored when you first chose for your holiday charity drive the ministry our church has to the homeless and needy of our neighborhood on the Near West Side of Cleveland. We were literally stunned at how abundant that generosity was in the end!

On Tuesday afternoon we unloaded 67 bags and boxes of good, quality clothing for people who are in need to wear this winter. Over 28 bags and boxes of toys, Christmas decorations, and household items were brought in to help make Christmas a beautiful reality in the homes of families in need. And then, if that wasn't enough, $855 was given for our Emergency Fund, which goes to pay everything from the gas bill, to that last little bit needed for rent, to food and toys for the holidays. We were overwhelmed literally and emotionally!

Thank you all for your heart-felt gifts to our church's outreach ministry this winter. Thanks, especially, to Dee Stearns and to Dori, her assistant, for their hard work in organizing this and seeing it through to wonderful completion. We are deeply and profoundly grateful for your help in making this Christmas a special time for more of God's People in need.

Sincerely,
Pastor Allen Harris
and all the staff, members, and friends of
Franklin Circle Christian Church