What's New Archives 2009

Lake Catholic High School Band & Chorus Christmas Concert

When: Thursday, December 17, 7-9 p.m.
Where: Franklin Circle Christian Church, 1688 Fulton Road, Cleveland (near W. 28th St. & Franklin Blvd.)

Lake Catholic High School Concert Band & Concert Chorus, under the direction of R. Scott Posey, will perform a Christmas concert featuring favorite music from the holiday season. The event is free, though an offering will be taken for the church’s Emergency Assistance Fund. There is ample secured parking. For more details, call 216-781-8232 or go to www.FranklinCircleChurch.org.

Thank You, Eleanor!
Thank You, Norma!
On Sunday, December 13 a beautiful flower arrangement was placed at the front of the sanctuary and corsages given in celebration of the gifts given by Eleanor Eyring, Decorating Committee Chair of the Worship Team for many, many years, and for the work of her most able assistant, Norma Stearns. These two women, along with a host of volunteers, have over the years brought beauty and inspiration to many people through the sanctuary decorations and flower arrangements throughout the seasons, especially the Fall/Thanksgiving arrangements, the Poinsettia and Christmas decorations, and the Easter Flower and Sanctuary displays. We also remembered former Decorating Committee Chairs, including Eleanor Mock and Leila Murduck. We rejoice in the good work of these two saints!
~ Pastor Allen, Carrie Culleen and the entire Worship Team

Members 411
On Sunday, December 6 we welcomed into membership Cody Corrigan by reaffirmation of his faith and transfer of membership. Cody grew up in Northeast Ohio and shares his life with his partner, Jake Pruitt, who joined in August. Cody has already become an active part of the Outreach Ministries of this church, working with the Third Sunday Food & Friendship Meal, the Disciples Closet clothing room, and the Fourth Sunday Food Bag Ministry. Welcome, Cody!

Member News…
Sharon Thomas received the 2009 Bridget Murtagh Award from the Community Advisory Board for her volunteerism in the local HIV community, her support for the advancement of clinical trials, and her dedication to the health and welfare of persons living with HIV/AIDS… While he might not “have an app for that,” Mike Belsito DOES have an App Stand for that! Mike is one of the creators of a new product for iPhones called an AppStand. For more info, to order, and to see Michael pitch his product, go to: http://www.appstandstore.com/appstand.html … Cheryl Yurcak is a proud mother as she celebrated the graduation of her son, Jason Boggs, from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania on December 19. Rachel (Adams) Moviel was hired this fall as a musician with Grace Church in Middleburgh Heights...

It’ll Be “Animal Planet” At Winter Mid-Week Bible Study!
Starting Wednesday, December 30 the Mid-Week Bible Study will explore all the animals of the Bible. From the snake in the Garden of Eden to the steeds of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, each week we will explore all the animals mentioned in the Bible, and find spiritual truths and deeper biblical meanings in their place in scripture.
Please join us every Wednesday evening (through Ash Wednesday – Feb. 17) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Chapel (2nd Floor of the Community Building). In addition to a vigorous and often lively discussion of scripture, Hot Coffee and Hot Tea, and a wonderfully fun atmosphere of fellowship, await you.

Franklin Circle Anti-Racism Team Meeting Report for November
by Janelle Eccleston

The Anti-Racism Team met November 5 for their monthly meeting. In attendance was Pastor Allen, Brenda Torrey, Michelle Brown, Janelle Eccleston, and we welcomed Jada Eccleston, our newest member to the team.
The meeting focused on a discussion of the caucus we held on music style in worship service and then planning what direction we want to go as a team. It was agreed that the caucus was successful in most respects. Those who attended the caucus were split into two groups: Caucasian and People of Color. The question posed was based around what types of music and music related programs the congregants would like to see being sung and done in worship service. After both groups wrote down their ideas, the groups were brought back together to share their ideas. The list for white congregants was quite a bit longer than the list for People of Color, but their group was also much smaller. What was interesting was that every suggestion on the list for People of Color was also included on the list made by the Caucasian group. We found it interesting that both groups made comments that they would like the music to uplift them and give them a joyous feeling throughout the day even after they left worship service!

One suggestion that the team is working on immediately is the formation of a Gospel choir. We are currently looking for someone to help lead us in that endeavor. We are also inquiring within the congregation for those who would be interested in singing in the choir. Anyone who would be willing to lend their talents to this endeavor may contact Pastor Allen or any other team member.

It was unanimous that we as a team keep our focus on only one agenda at a time, which is music style for now. The team is in agreement that our efforts toward anti-racism and pro-reconciliation at Franklin Circle will be much more fruitful if we narrow our focus and do a good job at one thing at a time.

The team also discussed parishioner resistance to change any of the ways we conduct worship service as far as music genre. Many exciting things are happening at FCCC however the heart of our ministry never changes and we always have an unchanging message. It is quite normal for us as Christians to get sentimental about our church, but as we incorporate some new tradition, we don’t throw out the old ones. The Anti-Racism team is working hard to help make our worship service an experience that is joyful to everyone within our community which includes many People of Color, who may or may not be parishioners at FCCC. We believe that some additions of musical genre would be helpful in assimilating guests to members. To make this possible we need an enabling environment and must work as a community to carry our goals to fruition. Just as we are united in faith and purpose the team endeavors to be united and intentional with the whole of the congregation to make our church the most anti racist and pro-reconciling church around! For those who may be anxious about change, I will leave you with a message from the Bible:

“ Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God: and the
Peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
And minds through Christ Jesus” ~Philippians 4:6

Volunteers Needed For Thanksgiving Day Meal
In partnership with St. Augustine’s Church in Tremont, Franklin Circle Christian Church will be offering a Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, November 26 from 1 – 3 p.m. here at our church. Volunteers will be needed to set up the facility and heat the food (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.); to serve the food and visit with our guests (1-3 p.m.) and to clean up following the event (3-5 p.m.). If you can volunteer, please call Bev Wurm, Chair of Mission Council, at 216-310-6810 or the church office at 216-781-8232.

Help Needed With Monthly Food Bags
On the last Sunday of each month we offer to anyone present at the end of our worship service a fully stocked bag of groceries, carefully selected to make several meals, either for an individual or for a family. The following items are needed each month, and the bags are prepared on the last Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. in the church’s gym. You can donate the items themselves, or monetary donations made out to “Franklin Circle Christian Church” with “FCCC Food Bags” in the memo line.

Breakfast: Cereal (small bags), breakfast bars, instant oatmeal packs, fruit cups, small juices;

Lunch: Canned tuna/chicken, canned soup/chili, canned stew, peanut butter, jelly, ready-to-eat puddings/Jell-O;

Dinner: Canned ravioli/beefaroni, small canned hams, canned chicken and dumplings, canned vegetables, box tuna helper, spaghetti/pasta/rice, canned tomato sauce/tomatoes, instant mashed potatoes (envelopes), mac & cheese;

Miscellaneous items: toilet tissue, tea/coffee bags, small dish soap; small detergent.

For more information or to volunteer, call Bev Wurm, Chair of Mission Council, at 216-310-6810.

Gospel Choir Exploratory Group Forming
At its October 13 meeting the Worship Team has called for an exploratory group to form to start a Gospel Choir here at Franklin Circle Christian Church. If you are interested in working with this group, contact Carrie Culleen, Worship Team Chair, or Pastor Allen Harris. We hope to have this group off and running as early as possible in order to get a choir started soon after the first of the year.

Community Advent Book Submissions Needed
The Evangelism & Publicity Team, under the leadership of Cheryl Yurcak, is receiving meditations, stories, favorite hymns, poems, and drawings for a Community Advent Book to be offered to members, friends, and visitors of our congregation, as well as to folks in our neighborhood and broader community. You can submit your items directly to Cheryl by handing them to her on Sundays or by e-mailing them to: cheryl33315@yahoo.com. There is a simple form available to help you with this IF needed. You can submit items in any format. The deadline has been extended to Sunday, November 15.

Donations Needed Around The Church:
-- Household-size snowblower/snowthrower
-- Weed “whacker” or cutter (gas-powered)
See Herschel Thomas, custodian, or Al Betts if you have either of these items.

The Anti-Racism team met September 2, at 4:30 p.m. along with Anne Sowell, co-chair for the Anti-Racism/Pro- Reconciliation Commission at the regional level of the denomination. FCCC's current team consists of Pastor Allen Harris, Brenda Torrey, Michelle Brown, and Janelle Eccleston. It is our goal to remain visible within the church as we continue working toward becoming a truly intentionally diverse and inclusive church and responsive to our community's needs. Our goal includes fostering reconciliation between People of Color and people who are Anglo/Caucasian through relationship building. We want to continue to feel the presence of Christ in shared worship and in the fellowship of the congregation.

Are we, as a congregation, intentionally racist? As a team working against racism, we would answer no, not in the sense of personal prejudice and bigotry. However systemic, institutional racism runs much deeper than our individual actions and thoughts. Racism includes culturally engrained systems of power and structures which we are often not even aware of. As a team we hope to be an accountable group of people trained in anti-racism so we can help lead the congregation toward ensuring full participation of people of color in the life of the church.

One of the ways in which this can happen is by engaging our members in dialogue, especially those whose voices are not always heard. This dialogue can often be accomplished by the process of caucusing. The team's first attempt to meet with only our non-white members to caucus was not successful. The team has discussed this endeavor and thinks perhaps the tool of caucus was not explained and/or understood well enough by our congregants to be successful. In that light we are planning another attempt at caucusing when we will all meet at the same time and break into groups of white and non-white participants. We would meet at a convenient time, perhaps during a community hour. After each group has engaged in conversation we will come back together as a whole to discuss what we have learned. As a team we believe this would feel less divisive.

In this regard you are invited following worship and community hour on Sunday, October 11 to discuss, using the caucus format, the question, “What would you like to see in the music and worship life of Franklin Circle Christian Church?” No decisions will be made, but your insights and ideas will be recorded.

In a nutshell, caucusing is simply one tool we can use to dismantle racism by providing a safe and nurturing environment where we can all talk about race honestly, and then learn from each other's perspectives about how race affects us as individuals and collectively as well. It will give us all a chance to take a different look at our church and find out where we may be lacking in becoming a truly inclusive community of God, as well as what we are doing well. The Anti-Racism team is looking to expand our team with new members. We are in need of members who are people of color, but also welcome anyone who has a true desire and is willing to commit some time to an intentional growth in diversity at FCCC. Please see Pastor Allen for details about bow you can become involved. The next tentative date for a meeting is October 7, 2009 from 4:30-6:00 p.m. in the chapel.

New Members/Inquirer's Classes –
New Class Forming Fall 2009
October 26 & November 2
from 7 to 9 p.m.

With all the visitors coming to worship and Bible Study and new members joining our congregation, we now have enough folks for a New Member/Inquirer’s Classes!

Another class will be offered to help our new members, as well as others interested in knowing more about deepening their spiritual life, the church and membership, in order to gain the knowledge they need to more fully participate in the life of Franklin Circle Christian Church. Plan now to attend these classes on two consecutive Monday nights: October 26 and November 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.

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 by October 15 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 both sessions will receive a certificate for attending. Plan now to attend!

Community Advent Book
by Cheryl Yurcak, Evangelism & Publicity Team Chair

Even though we are in the midst of Fall, the holiday season will soon be upon us. Christmas each year brings new memories for all of us, but what about the memories of past Christmas’s? Better still, what event or tradition makes your Christmas one to remember?

The Evangelism and Publicity Team would like to hear from you about what is memorable during the holiday season. We want to put together a booklet, to be shared with members and visitors during Advent that is a combination of all our thoughts and reflections of this special time of the year. We feel that sharing our thoughts is a good way to share the wonder of God’s gift to us – the birth of His Son.

So gather together your stories, favorite hymn, poem, or even a drawing from our children and youth, and turn them in to Pastor Allen or Cheryl Yurcak by November 1st, and we will put together the best Advent booklet that there could be, because it will be a community Advent event! You can e-mail them to Cheryl at: cheryl33315@yahoo.com

Jason & deMarco Tickets Available, Volunteers Needed

     Nationally-known recording artists, Jason & deMarco, will be in concert at our church on Sunday, September 27 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person General Admission and are available from many member who are selling them, as well as from the church office during regular business hours. Church members may check out books of tickets, in increments of 5, from one of the J&D Team Members after church on Sunday. All tickets should be sold and money turned in by September 21.
      Members of the church are also asked to pick up a poster and flyers to hand out and spread the word about the concert. This is FCCC’s chance to shine, and show both our faith and our Open & Affirming commitment.
The press about the singing duo is amazing. The Dallas Voice says, "Jason & deMarco have developed a beautiful and highly unusual duet technique." DNA Magazine declares, "The duo aims to mix a spiritual message with a strong mainstream aesthetic and their symbiotic approach is definitely working."
     Their award-winning Showtime documentary film, "We're All Angels" gives an in-depth look at this couple who are both professional and romantic partners. On stage and in the movie they confront their audiences with compelling issues such as spirituality and its relationship to sexuality, the power of music, obligations to community, self-acceptance, and the resistance of many within the Christian community to their love for each other.

     Opening for the duo will be local artist, Diana Tyler, who offers her gifts with vocals and guitar. She is a member and is on staff of the Washington Ave. Christian Church in Elyria, Ohio and has performed here before.
     Volunteers are needed for the evening to help insure all of our guests as well as the performers have the safest and most fulfilling experience possible. To sign up to volunteer, please call Pastor Allen at the church during the week.
      More information about the concert, including ticket info, can be found at www.FranklinCircleChurch.org or by calling 216-781-8232.

Adult Class To Relive General Assembly, Pastor’s Study Leave
     For the months of September, October, and November Pastor Allen’s Sunday School Class will bring back to life experiences from this summer’s General Assembly and last Spring’s Study & Renewal Leave. The class, called the Inquirer’s Class, meets at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday in the Parlor and concludes at 10:00 a.m.
     In September Pastor Allen, Claire Munley, and Rev. Jim Schimmel will report back from the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), held in Indianapolis, Indiana the July 29 through August 2. Each Sunday these FCCC delegates will share information about the worship services, meal events, business sessions, exhibition hall, and other important aspects of our denomination’s biennial meeting. There will be sharing of photos and videos from the event.
      Then starting in October, Pastor Allen will present information gleaned from his Study & Renewal Leave from last Spring. A great deal of exciting learnings came from the Worship On The Edge Conference at Middle Church in New York City. Videos and audio recordings from most of the workshops and worship services were brought home to share.
      A detailed listing of topics and dates will be shared later in August, and will be available on the church’s website on the “Spiritual Growth” page.

On Friday evening, November 13th and Saturday, November 14 at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Tremont, John Dominic Crossan will speak. Prof. Crossan co-wrote the book that Pastor Allen referenced in Lent: "The Last Week: A Day-By-Day Account Of Jesus' Final Week In Jerusalem" and has written at least twenty other books. He has also gathered fame for being part of the fascinating and sometimes controversial "Jesus Seminar," which looked at the historicity of the life of Jesus in the gospels. He has been interviewed on NPR's "Fresh Air" with Terry Gross, ABC's "Prime Time" and "Nightline," CBS's "Early Show" and "48 Hours," and NBC's "Dateline."

Since our Blessing of Graduates ceremony we had in July, we have learned of other students we would like to lift up and celebrate their accomplishments. First, we celebrate with Marion Carney, as her son Mario Rios Jr., enters the sixth grade at Bolich Middle School in Cuyahoga Falls. It is our understanding that Mario is very excited as he begins his middle school journey. Also, Hannah Eccleston and Kara Eccleston, niece’s of Janelle Eccleston graduated from high school this past June and are now attending Oklahoma State University

Have a favorite recipe and family story you would like to share with your church family? Now’s the time! The Evangelism & Publicity Team is putting together a church family cookbook. I have already collected many recipes from some of our members… now what is the story behind that wonderful recipe? A couple of words will do. Don’t hold back. Please contact Patty Groetsch by e-mail at FCFamilyCookbook@aol.com or mail the to the church c/o Patty Groetsch with your questions, stories, and recipes!

On June 20 Franklin Circle Christian Church To March
In Pride Parade For The First Time

All members and friends of Franklin Circle Christian Church are invited to march in the 21st Celebration Pride Parade on Saturday, June 20, 2009. The festivities seek to celebrate the gifts, graces, and presence of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons in our city, as well as those Straight allies who support equal rights for all persons. It also happens to be the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots/Rebellion in New York City that began the modern LGBT-rights movement.

Breakfast
If you would like to first have breakfast, PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays) is hosting a free breakfast at Old Stone Church, 91 Public Square, at 10:00 a.m. (I highly recommend coming to this event!)

Parade
All parade participants will assemble on West 3rd Street at Rockwell Ave. downtown at 11 a.m. on June 20. The parade steps off at 12 noon, and as many of us as possible will wear our FCCC t-shirts and march behind our NEW PARADE & FESTIVAL BANNER! The parade route is north on W. 3rds St., east on W. Lakeside Ave., north on E. 9th to Voinovich Bicentennial Park. You do not have to be LGBT to march! In fact, we NEED our non-LGBT Allies to show their support! We will have our own “songbook” to sing songs to the crowds as we march!

T-Shirts:
** If you do not have an FCCC t-shirt there are still a few left of 2X, XL, and L sizes. They are $5 a piece. Speak to Cheryl Yurcak or Pastor Allen if you would like to purchase one. Please do this before the day of the Parade!

Festival/Booth:
At the Festival at Voinovich Park a rally and speeches will take place, along with lots of entertainment! There is a suggested donation of $10 for the festival (they take cash/checks only). The festival grounds will include entertainment stages, a food court, the Youth Towne, Senior Space, Children’s Pavilion, and many community group booths! Franklin Circle will be sharing a booth with other like-minded congregations. You are invited to come by the booth (usually grouped with other religious and spiritual organizations) and spend some time visiting with folks who walk by and telling them about Franklin Circle Christian Church and God’s ever-widening circle of love!

Parking:
Parking is difficult, so if you are able to take Public Transportation downtown, that would be best. If you need to park, you may want to find a place in-between Public Square and Voinovich Park so you don’t have to walk so far either at the beginning or the end of the day. You may choose to park in one of the parking garages, so bring cash.

For more information about Pride, go to their website: www.clevelandpride.org.

Disciples from all walks of life will gather in Indianapolis from Wednesday, July 29 to Sunday, August 2, 2009 for the church’s biennial Assembly. Attendees will come from across the United States and Canada – and in many cases from around the world – to worship, learn, fellowship and discuss the future of our Church.

The 2009 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will center its work around Revelation 22:2: ……“And the leaves of the trees shall be for the healing of the nations.” In choosing this verse as the centerpiece and guiding scriptural reference, organizers seek to complement the Disciples’ new identity statement (We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world) with a theme of relevance, energy, conviction – and healing.

The theme and logo for the Assembly select several key words from the Revelation text, which is expressed simply as ….For the healing of the nations….The logo was designed by a Disciples layperson and depicts dozens of hands representing the many leaves of the tree. Organizers stress the hands are intentional, to represent hands raised in prayer, hands poised for work, and hands used for healing.

During the five-day event, Assembly participants are invited to examine what it means to strive to be whole and to bring healing – not only for ourselves but for all God’s creation. The theme of healing will infuse the entire General Assembly, and will be explored through worship, learning track sessions, resource groups, and mission work. Well informed theologians, clergy, scholars and lay leaders will share their insights on the General Assembly theme and its implications for our work, our witness and our future. In addition, people of all ages will engage in discussions on the Church’s future and what it means to be a mission-driven and priority focused church in the 21st Century.

The theme of the Assembly also underscores the Church’s desire to create church-wide events that are “green” and ecologically responsible. The emphasis on “greening” the Assembly, means the event will serve as a model for the ways Disciples and other people of faith can create meetings and moments of worship that minimize negative impacts on the environment. Practices learned and shared at the ’09 Assembly will assist congregations, regions and individuals in becoming better stewards of the Earth.

As always, the thousands of Disciples who will gather in Indianapolis for the Assembly will seek to affirm and declare the gospel with faith, energy, and commitment. Attendees will learn spiritual and practical skills that allow each of us to become part of the movement for wholeness in the world.

Hotel space will be in ample supply at the upcoming event. Attendees will be able to pick from a variety of quality, yet affordable downtown hotel properties, all within easy walking distance of the Indiana Convention Center.
The presence of children, youth and young adults will be well-integrated into all aspects of the ’09 Assembly, with a host of activities and learning options for people of all ages.

To register and to learn more about the Assembly schedule, speakers, guidelines for greening, and the sights and sounds of Indianapolis visit www.disciples.org

May 2009 Pentecost Article

Pentecost Celebrates Church’s Urban Ministries

Sunday, May 31 is Pentecost Sunday for most Christian Churches, celebrating the event recorded in the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 2, which is generally seen as the “birth” of the church. At our 10:30 a.m. worship service that day Franklin Circle Christian Church will offer to the congregation and community-at-large a celebration of music, drama, art, prayers, and preaching focused on the celebration of God’s Spirit as a living, dynamic, and readily available presence for urban churches, the City of Cleveland, and for our world.

Pastor Allen will preach his first sermon that morning after having returned from a Study & Renewal Leave, the second of two focused on the worshiping life and organizational practices of vibrant diverse urban congregations. His travels led him to explore congregations of various denominations in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, Washington, DC, New York, NY, and, of course, Cleveland, Ohio. Of particular interest to Rev. Harris was how congregations of diverse racial identity and economic circumstances can worship and serve together honestly, effectively, and (especially) joyfully. Worship on May 31 will include a photographic journey through the cities and congregations Pastor Allen visited as well as the creation of a City Of God banner during the worship service.

Pentecost Sunday also happens to be the eighth anniversary of Pastor Allen’s installation as pastor of our 167-year young congregation. We will also celebrate the fact that this past year our church officially named and claimed its ministry as an Open & Affirming, Anti-Racist, and Accessible congregation.

The scriptural account of Pentecost tells of the day when the disciples of Jesus, after his resurrection and ascension into heaven, gathered in the temple in the city of Jerusalem, along with pilgrims of many nations, races, and languages. The Holy Spirit of God comes upon the disciples sounding like “a mighty rush of wind” and looking like “tongues of fire.” Suddenly everyone could understand one another despite their radical differences. This image, of God’s Spirit coming upon those gathered in the city so that a unity could flourish within diversity, will direct Pastor Allen’s sermon, titled “One Amazing Day In The City!” Pentecost is usually commemorated 50 days following Easter.

An offering will be received for the ministries of the congregation and for the development of new congregations in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). A reception will follow, where additional information about Pastor Allen’s Study & Renewal Leave will be available.

Everyone is welcome, visitors, neighbors, and members alike and all are invited to wear an item of clothing that is red, the traditional color of Pentecost.

Pentecost Special Offering Supports New Church Ministry
Offering May 31 and June 7

Purpose: Gifts made through the Pentecost Offering directly support new Disciples faith communities, providing for assessments, training, coaching, project funding, congregational materials and extensive assistance that help new congregations at the beginning of their life cycle.

Recipients: The Pentecost Offering directly supports the development of new churches all across North America and in every region. Half of the offering remains in the region from which it originates, usually going directly to new church plants. The remaining half supports the work of this movement across the life of the church, with training, coaching and other church-wide efforts to empower new churches. Like the early church, God calls us to respond faithfully to those who seek God. Today’s Disciples are called to support the new church movement with new levels of commitment and enthusiasm! We act in faith. Truly we are not given a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Rather we bear witness that we are children of God.

At Franklin Circle Christian Church we remember the many people who helped to fund our church over 167 years ago, and as it grew and flourished on the Near West Side of Cleveland. We also remember how our congregation was a major force in planting new churches across northeast Ohio in the late 1800’s and into the 20th century. Please give as generously as you can to this over-and-above offering on May 31 and June 7.

Mid-Week Bible Study Continues!
“Women Of The Bible” Is Our New Theme
On Wednesday, April 15, at 7:00 p.m., our successful Mid-Week Bible Study will start a new theme, “Women Of The Bible” that will run through June. Members of the class will explore the biblical narratives of women in both the Hebrew Scriptures and in the New Testament Christian Scriptures. Mary, the mother of Jesus… The woman at the well… Sara… and many others.

Please join us for this wonderful and insightful time exploring our most treasured resource: Holy Scripture. No previous Bible Study experience is needed!

Mark your calendars!! We will be having a safety workshop on April 25th from 1 to 4 p.m. Stations will be set up to address:

There will be light refreshments and a free gift to all those who attend. You must be over 18 for the gift - sorry! If you have any questions or plan to attend please contact Jean Borrelli or Patty Groetsch at 440-356-0547. Registration deadline for this workshop is April 20th. Let's have a safe and happy spring. Hope to see you there.

The Youth Group is very excited to paint and decorate their room. They have decided to paint a mural on one of the walls. We are asking for paint donations. Don't go out and buy paint for us, we are looking for any paint you may already have in your home. Any amount or color would be very helpful, murals often need many different colors and we can mix similar colors. Please bring your paint to church on Sundays or call Colleen Munley at 216-543-7165 to make arrangements for pick up. Thank you!

Three of our youth attended C.Y.F. State Conference at Hiram College March 13, 14, and 15: Jesse, Cristina, and Tori. All had a wonderful time. We would like to thank the Mission Council for supporting this trip. Those who attended created a slide show of pictures from their trip. Their presentation was during Community Hour on March 22nd. If you missed the presentation and would like to see their pictures, please let us know, we'd be happy to show them to you.

As a service project, the youth group will be attending the regional work day at the Cleveland Christian Home on April 4th. We'll have a great time in fellowship and we'll have fun getting dirty! More on that next month.

Have a favorite recipe and family story you would like to share with your church family? Now's the time!! The Evangelism & Publicity Team is putting together a church family cookbook. I have already collected many recipes from some of our members... now what is the story behind that wonderful recipe? A couple of words will do. Don't hold back. Please contact Patty Groetsch at 440-456-0547 or 216-375-5210 with your questions, stories, and recipes!

Deadline for your recipe and story is August 1st. Don't wait... we want to hear from you!

Vacation Bible School will be August 3-7 from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. We want to invite all children to come and we need adults to volunteer! There are many ways you can help, from making cookies to volunteering to help teachers. Please contact Michelle Brown or Jean Borrelli if you can assist us.

Go Light Your World ~ Easter Special Offering 2009
We are a family whose hearts are blazing; So let's raise our candles and light up the sky, Praying to the Creator, in the name of Jesus, Make us a beacon in darkest times

As a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a beacon of light in the darkest of times. The Easter offering, supports the General Ministries of the Christian Church as together, we bring the light of Christ to dark corners of the world.

In 2008, the Office of Disciples Women coordinated an all women blitz-build thru Habitat for Humanity in Beaumont, Texas. Not only did they provide a family with a home, but they deepened their own spiritual journey and helped one young woman express her faith in Jesus for the first time. She was a participant in the build, brought along as a friend and at the end of the trip she was a person reconciled with God and her family. Her candle of faith now burns bright.

The Division of Overseas Ministries is working faithfully to rebuild a hospital in the Bolenge region of the Congo. The hospital was first built by the Disciples in the 1920's and for over 80 years it stood as a beacon of light in a war torn region. The reopening of this hospital will be a beacon of light in the darkest of times.

The Pension Fund is a beacon of light for the faithful servants, primarily missionaries and small or rural church pastors, whose pensions today are insufficient to meet the basic necessities of life. Through the Easter offering, the Pension Fund increases pensions through the ministerial relief fund, which is supported by the Easter offering. The ministerial relief fund shines the light of Christ into the world.

Your gifts to the Easter offering are a beacon of light. Your gifts call us forward to be one family, a movement for wholeness. You are invited to give generously and faithfully, as together we GO LIGHT OUR WORLD! This offering will be received in our congregation on April 5th and 12th. For more information on the internet, go to www.Disciples.org.

We are looking for endeavors of all types. Please pick up a lavender endeavor form on the table in back of Church or on the information table in the Chapel. If you have questions concerning endeavors please don't hesitate to ask, anyone in the Church. If they don't know the answer they will direct you to someone that can.

We discussed designing a survey form for the FCCC supply bags to gather information on your opinions and suggestions. We discussed a new hospitality form that will be coming around for sign up in the next couple weeks. We previously gave our blessings to the purchase of a new 100 cup coffee unit, purchase of hospitality supplies, supplies for last supper performance and CYF conference in March for our High School Youth.

The Mission Council will host a light luncheon on April 5th following Church service and before the Metropolitan Chorus performance. Please plan on joining us in the gym.

We are asking for teams planning events this summer to please turn their endeavors in as soon as possible so we have time to review and follow through.

Please continue to pray for those who are ill and those who are in need.
Bev Wurm

Join us in the Chapel
Enjoy a casual Lenten service
With contemporary music, skits,
A time for testimonials and more

Franklin Circle Christian Church will again present the Last Supper as a dramatic presentation at the Maundy Thursday Service the evening of April 9.

All are welcome to participate: actors, stagehands, costuming, and scenery folks are needed. Please see Joe Stanley at church, or e-mail him at joeychosen {at} gmail.com

Rev. Elwell has been hospitalized and is recovering. Please keep him in your prayers.

We will welcome as our guest preacher on Sunday, March 1, the Rev. Richard Elwell. Rev. Elwell has most recently been serving as the Pastor of First Christian Church of Ashtabula, Ohio. Formerly he served in our area as pastor of Olmsted Christian Church. He has served churches in Ohio, Illinois, and New York and is a graduate of Phillips Theological Seminary in Oklahoma. He is also a longtime and dear friend of Pastor Allen.

Rev. Elwell won the 2008 preaching contest where contestants had to sermon on mission and/or stewardship based on Matthew 25, the last judgment. First prize was a cash gift to be used toward a mission trip of the winner’s choice. Rev. Elwelll used it to spend 10 days at the Southwest Good Samaritan Mission in Los Fresnos, Texas. While there he says he “learned what real poverty was about.” Rev. Elwell learned of their work at an orphanage as well as their “casita project,” (building one room homes). The other emphasis was their work with refugees, and he met and spoke with several refugees.

He also helped the center prepare for the “Ride for Refugees” that gathers donations for the center, from Kansas to Texas. His sermon, “What Kind Of Stranger Are You,” will be based on his experiences in Texas. He will also be available to talk with during Community Hour. Please join me in welcoming Rev. Richard Elwell on March 1st.

The Spring Disciples Men's Rally will be Sunday, March 1 at Bethany Christian Church, 3940 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44105.

Registration is from 2 - 3 p.m., and the program begins at 3:30 p.m. The Registration fee is $6. Please RSVP by February 17 by calling Bethany Christian Church 216-342-1132.

The Census Bureau is now recruiting workers for the next several years. Call toll free 1-866-861-2010 for more details.

Important Upcoming Dates:
Sunday, April 26, Board Meeting in the Parlor (following Community Hour)
Sunday, May 7, Congregational Meeting in the Sanctuary (following Worship Service)
Sunday, June 28, Board Meeting in the Parlor (following Community Hour)

April 4 – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Work Day at the Cleveland Christian Children's Home

April 11 – Saturday, All Day -- Run/Walk For The Kids for the Cleveland Christian Children's Home, at the Cleveland MetroParks ZOO!

What Is Lent?
Lent, in some Christian denominations, is the forty-day-long liturgical season of fasting and prayer before Easter. The forty days represent the time Jesus spent in the desert, where according to the Bible he endured temptation by Satan. Different churches calculate the forty days differently.

The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer—through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-denial—for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, which recalls the events linked to the Passion of Christ and culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
In Western Christianity, Lent begins on Ash Wednesday (February 25 this year) and concludes on Holy Saturday (April 11). The six Sundays in Lent are not counted among the forty days because each Sunday represents a "mini-Easter", a celebration of Jesus' victory over sin and death.

The number forty has many Biblical references: the forty days Moses spent on Mount Sinai with God (Exodus 24:18); the forty days and nights Elijah spent walking to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:8); God made it rain for forty days and forty nights in the days of Noah (Genesis 7:4); the Hebrew people wandered forty years traveling to the Promised Land (Numbers 14:33); Jonah in his prophecy of judgment gave the city of Nineveh forty days in which to repent (Jonah 3:4); Jesus retreated into the desert, where he fasted for forty days, and was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-2, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-2).

The forty days of Lent are marked by fasting, both from foods and festivities, and by other acts of penance. The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer (justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbor). Today, some people give up a vice of theirs, add something that will bring them closer to God, and often give the time or money spent doing that to charitable purposes or organizations.

Franklin Circle Welcomes
the Metropolitan Chorus
Sunday, April 5 at 2:00 p.m.
** Light Dinner Before **

The Metropolitan Chorus is pleased to present their 2009 Spring Concert Series entitled "Lord Of All." For more than 40 years the Chorus has been sharing the message of Christ in music with people from various racial, ethnic, economic, and denominational backgrounds. The Chorus presently consists of about 20 members from churches of the greater Cleveland area.

The group is led by Director, Sue Cowen, and Accompanist, Helen Sommer. A freewill offering is taken at the concerts to assist the Chorus in fulfilling its mission.

Hello,

Click HERE to download the OCNW 2009 membership form. Members are required to sign up each year unless they voted in last years election. Those who voted are automatically renewed. (The annual meeting [which will be awesome this year] is on Wednesday nite April 22nd. There's gonna be give aways, raffles, and contests you'll even get to vote on an upcoming community benefit project of the 3 finalists... it'll be a fun nite and you wont want to miss it.

Please print the PDF app attached and get it back to me or to the OCNW office. The cut off date to become a member is March 23rd.

Look for more emails from me as details are laid out in the coming weeks...

Thanks, and here's to a very successful 2009. The organization is poised to do even more Great things this year.

Thank you,

Roger

ps. this is the resident form, if you need a 'business form' email me and I'll fwd one to you!
Becoming a member of Ohio City Near West Development Corporation is one way you can demonstrate your support for the neighborhood. There are three categories of membership:

Voting Member--Resident
Voting Member--Business (representing a business in Ohio City)
Non-Voting Associate Member
I sent this to you because you fit one of these categories.... Please forward this to all residents you know in OC!

Dont forget the Weekend in Ohio City tickets are now on sale at www.ocnw.org and the 2nd annual Blues and Brews fest is in its planning stage... as it the Run Crawl ... there are always volunteer opportunities available..

Roger Scheve, 440-477-1188 Realtor RE/MAX Beyond 2000

Weekend in Ohio City, May 16-17

If you’ve ever attended Weekend in Ohio City, you know how much fun it is to get a glimpse into the extremely cool homes of one of Cleveland's most exciting neighborhoods.

“Weekend in Ohio City is a great event for both the neighborhood and for Northeast Ohio in general,” noted Margaret Latch, chairperson of the 2009 event. “We get people from all over Ohio—and even neighboring states. And many people have attended for years. It’s truly an event that people really look forward to every year.”

Weekend in Ohio City comprises two popular events: Evening in Ohio on Saturday, May 16, and the Ohio City Home Tour on Sunday, May 17. Both events offer attendees the chance to experience the vast diversity in housing options in Ohio City and see how neighborhood residents have applied their skills and creative talents to bring alive their visions for their homes.

Evening in Ohio City is one of Greater Cleveland’s most popular social events, and typically sells out weeks in advance. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and features progressive food, wine and beer tasting in six unique homes in the neighborhood. Guests are escorted by Lolly the Trolley to each site, where they spend 30 minutes touring the home, enjoying wine and craft beers from Ohio City’s own Great Lakes Brewing Company, and sampling the food from a variety of Ohio City restaurants and caterers. At the end of the evening, all guests gather for coffee and dessert and to share their experiences of the evening.

The following day, the Ohio City Home Tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring nine homes not included on the previous night’s event. Among the homes highlighted on the Home Tour in 2008 were a 140-year-old Italianate saved from demolition and transformed into a showplace residence with Ohio City’s only in-ground swimming pool; a stately Victorian home featuring skylights, exposed brick fireplaces, and keepsakes and art gathered by the owners from around the world; and a circa 1886 structure boasting loads of original woodwork and a state-of-the-art tree house.

Tickets for Evening in Ohio City are $110 per person if purchased before March 15, $125 per person after, and include wine and beer, hearty hors d’oeuvres, guided tours of host homes, a complimentary souvenir wine or beer glass, transportation to all homes via Lolly the Trolley, and admission to the Home Tour the next day. Tickets for Sunday’s tour—which include entrance to all tour sites and rides on Lolly—are $18 if purchased before May 15 or $20 on the day of the event.

This year, a volume discount has been implemented for both events. Any person purchasing six or more tickets for Evening in Ohio City receives an additional $5 off the current ticket price on each ticket. For the Home Tour, an individual buying six or more tickets online before May 15 can do so for $15 per ticket. Tickets for both events can be purchased in advance either at www.ohiocity.com or 216.781.3222.

We hope to see you once again this May during Weekend in Ohio City!

New Members/Inquirers Classes –
New Class Forming Winter 2009
2 Mondays – February 23 & March 2
from 7 to 9 p.m.

This winter another class will be offered to help 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 on two consecutive Monday nights: February 23 and March 2 from 7 to 9 p.m.

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 by February 15 will get their free copy. We will also preview the new DVD on Disciples Identity and Believes, “A Movement For Wholeness.”

Register by calling the church office at 216-781-8232 or via e-mail at PastorAllen@FranklinCircleChurch.org . Those who attend both 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!

Disciples give high marks to Watkins inaugural sermon (1/27/09)

By Cheryl Heckler, DisciplesWorld contributing writer

INDIANAPOLIS (1/27/09) —

It was:

– An opportunity for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to take advantage of its 15 minutes of fame.

– A gracious message about equality among men and women, black and white, rich and poor.

– A call for all God’s children to work together NOW on the problems facing the United States and the world.

These are the predominant observations by Disciples members, leaders, and pastors about the sermon General Minister and President Sharon E. Watkins delivered at the National Prayer Service on Jan. 21 from the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

Those in attendance at the closed event included President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, along with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and former President Bill Clinton along with more than 1,900 invited guests.

Elected in 2005 to lead the 700,000-member Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Watkins said she received a very positive response from across the spectrum of religious orientation as well.

“It’s been pretty amazing,” she said.

Watkins said her idea for the sermon began with reflection on her own spiritual and professional development — from a church pastor through the position of general secretary “challenged to navigate so many elements at once.”

She said “If it is that way for me in my little world, how much more challenging will it be for him.”

Watkins said she was determined to focus her sermon more broadly than on President Obama as an individual. “I wanted to reflect the Disciples teaching that we have been one human family from the very beginning and to focus on those elements that draw us to our best selves.”

Asked how she is handling her new celebrity status, Watkins referred to her experience as just “15 minutes of fame.”

Bill Edwards, regional pastor and president of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Ohio, said Watkins’ sermon was “a great opportunity to give a message about who we represent as Disciples.”

Edwards said he spoke to several people who were excited to have the denomination represented in such a significant way during the inauguration.

“She gave an affirming message that it is not about him but that this is a time that calls upon all of us for action and working together,” he said.

Edwards added that he believes Obama’s presidency will bear witness about what God can do in our world. — “that the challenge can only be met by what we do together as a people of faith.”

Beth Dobyns, acting regional minister for the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Illinois-Wisconsin, presented Watkins with a Celtic cross, a ceremonial piece in polished brass, engraved with "Wholeness in a fragmented world, 1-21-09."

Regarding the gift, Dobyns wrote to her colleagues that the Disciples are ready for greater national exposure. “Won't it be great if people begin to ask, ‘Who are those Disciples, anyway?’ We are all ready to have that conversation.”

Dennis Smith, a professor at Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Okla., where Watkins received her doctor of ministry degree, told the Yale Daily News, “Of course I was a little bit biased, but as a critic of sermons she did an especially outstanding job.”

According to the News, Smith praised Watkins’ ability to weld together numerous faith traditions and said while Watkins acknowledged the nation’s Christian background, she never explicitly called the country a “Christian nation.”

+ To see the Sharon preach her sermon click HERE on (Windows Media)

+ To read the sermon, click HERE or go to: http://www.nationalcathedral.org/worship/sermonTexts/sew090121.shtml

+ To read Connie Schultz's commentary on the Sermon by Rev. Watkins, click HERE! or go to: http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1232791280151770.xml&coll=2

A Good Old Fashioned Revival (The Franklin Circle Way!)
+ Sunday, January 11 at 10:30 a.m. (potluck dinner following) with The Forgiven Band
+ Monday, January 12 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Guest Choir from Bethany Christian Church (tent.)
+ Tuesday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. ~ Guest choir from Fifth Christian Church

A new year is a good time for a revival of our spirits. So, let’s have Revival!

For three days in January our congregation is going to “pull out all the stops,” as the musicians would say. On Sunday morning our regular service will instead be a “revival” with Pastor Allen preaching and our musicians, Jim Robinson and Scott Posey, filling in most of the rest of the service with vibrant song and music. A Potluck Celebration will follow in the gym, with fried chicken, rolls, and drinks being provided and everyone attending asked to bring food to share (see the guide below).

n Monday night, we will be gifted with the God-given musical talents of one of the choirs of Bethany Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). On Tuesday night we will welcome “Joyful Praise,” the adult choir of Fifth Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), under the direction of the Rev. John Engram, Interim Choir Director. Both services will also feature Pastor Allen as preacher.

Key to a revival is the critical job of each and every member and friend of the church committing to attend all three revival services AND inviting friends and colleagues to come. Our goal will be 5/2: every FCCC regular participant will invite at least 5 people to the revival and will have at least 2 of those invited actually attend at least one of the services!

We invite you to make time for one, two, or all three of these services to revive your spirit and set your hearts and minds on what God would have us be about in the coming year. For updated information, go to our website: www.FranklinCircleChurch.org.

Sunday Potluck Guide: (last name begins with…)
A – F: Green Beans or Corn (plain or casserole)
G – L: Scalloped Potatoes
M – R: Salad (tossed or jello)
S – Z: Pie (any kind)

Members 411
Virginia Collins thanks the congregation for all the calls, cards, visits and prayers of concern for her during hospitalization and rehabilitation. Perhaps you saw Hannah & Michael Belsito with their nephews and nieces pictured in the advertisement for Cleveland’s Winterfest in the recent Cleveland Magazine insert. We recently received an “Excellence In Evangelism Award” from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). We were recognized as being in the top 10% of churches of our size for the number of baptisms we had in 2007!

Congregational Meeting Report
     On Sunday, December 7 the congregation voted to approve the 2009 Operating Budget. The total estimated for all expenses is $238,566, a $7,704 increase over 2008. This represents a 3.5% Cost of Living Adjustment for church staff and an extension of some monies for the second half of the pastor’s Study & Renewal Leave set for April-May. We currently have received 28 pledges for $31,183 for 2009. If you have not yet made your pledge, please do so as soon as you can.
     The second item of business the congregation approved was to change the search process for a full-time Associate Pastor For Youth to a part-time Youth Director. This will allow the congregation to proceed more quickly with hiring someone, and open up possibilities for future, focused staff positions. It will also allow us to becoming an Urban Diverse Teaching Congregation for seminary students or recent seminary graduates. For more information, or to see the presentation prepared for the Board, please contact Pastor Allen.

January 18 Sunday Worship To Be Led By New Worship Team
“The Soul Has No Color”
   The Worship Team, led by Carrie Culleen, has invited the New Worship Initiative Team (NWIT), led by Colleen Munley, to take leadership of the regular Sunday morning worship service on January 18. This will be an opportunity for the congregation to experience and celebrate the style and format of worship normally offered on the fourth Thursday of each month.
     The theme for the worship service is “Celebrating Diversity” in honor of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the weekend of his birth. The theme will also give us an opportunity to celebrate our new Open & Affirming statement. Worship will be in the Chapel at the regular 10:30 a.m. time slot and the Team will lead the congregation using some of the familiar means of contemporary worship: new music, words to the music and images projected for the congregation, extensive lay leadership, testimonials from the congregation, drama and movie clips, and (what Pastor Allen likes the most) the opportunity to have coffee, tea, or hot chocolate during the service!
     This is not a permanent change, but an opportunity to introduce more people to the style and content of our second service. The NWIT will be surveying congregants on that Sunday and taking that information, along with other data received during the last year of Special Services, in order to revamp and reintroduce the contemporary service later in the spring.
     Please invite friends and family who you think might enjoy such a service to worship on Sunday, January 18 at 10:30 a.m.

January Forum For Teachers, Parents, & Caregivers
     The January 15 Widening The Circle Forum at Franklin Circle Christian Church, 1688 Fulton Rd. on Cleveland’s Near West Side, will focus on exploring children and youth books that deal with diversity, justice, and multi-culturalism. The forum, set for 7-9 p.m. will seek to help parents, teachers, caregivers and other interested persons better nurture our children in such issues as race and reconciliation, differences in ability, economic differences, varieties of family configuration, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender diversity.
     It is anticipated that a librarian from the Cleveland Public Library system will be present to share books and other resources available through the library system. These will include fiction, non-fiction, and teaching resources.
     There is no charge for this event and all are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be served, and there is ample parking. For more information, go to www.FranklinCircleChurch.org/WideningTheCircleForums.htm.