Fairlawn West

Hosting supper at Miller Ave UCC on Sun Jan 29

2012-01-24T02:08:00.000-08:00

We will begin around 4:00 pm.

Sent from my iPad

Here and now...December 21, 2011

2011-12-21T11:12:00.001-08:00

Here and Now*…a weekly letter from Pastor David Loar Dec 21, 2011

A few days before Christmas I turn 63. The number has some significance. It is 5 years older than my dad was when he died. Yet, he seems to me to be older and wiser than I am/was. I am the oldest pastor to ever serve Fairlawn Community Church which started in 1946 and Fairlawn West United Church of Christ which merged in 1972. I suspect I am also one of the oldest in the vein of the former West Congregational Church which started in 1888. When I arrived here in 1995 my children were the youngest of any pastor of Fairlawn Community/Fairlawn West. My tenure now at 16+ years is the 3rd longest in the combined history of the congregation since 1888. With all of that said...I don't feel that old!

I have realized though for the past few years that my ability to envision and imagine ministry in the times we are in is not as "native" as it use to be. That is, I have the passion for ministry in this time, but my ability to see it clearly is not as it was a decade ago. I can visit any number of churches serving younger people on the internet and see what they are doing and then wonder how we could do those things here. But then, I am just the older man trying to copy things of younger folks. That doesn't mean that we do not do ministry for older folks. The world, though, that we older folks live in has drastically changed as well. And yet, our minds are grooved deeply in the way things were. If we did church as we did it 10 years ago we would not even be serving ourselves let alone so many others who are seeking meaning, purpose, spirit and God in their lives.

It is very clear that this congregation is not what it was 10 years ago. I am heartened by that. The average age of this congregation has gone down I figure around 10 years over the last 5 years. There are so many of you who are new from other experiences of life and world. And there are other folks coming seemingly every Sunday to experience worship as we do it and to join mission as God has called us to serve. So, how do we begin to use all these new and varying resources that are now among us?

For me the issue is not "how do we strengthen this church?". It is "how do we grow and shape this present community of believers in and followers of Jesus Christ?". That excites me. It is calling forth rather than retrenching in. It is the image of new wine in new wineskins rather than being in old wineskins which bursts open and sours the flavor of the wine. Jesus came up with that one!

There are times I realize and am forced to acknowledge that I am part of the "religious establishment" that Jesus confronted in his day. I have tried for years to deny that, but no matter what, as a "church professional" it is the case. That doesn't mean I am outside the circle of followers of Jesus. As much as he railed against and confronted the religious establishment, there were some such as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea who were able to transcend their roles in the establishment and be of service or support of Jesus. My hunch is that Jesus is not primarily in the church these days, but he can use the church. The body of Christ is both in the church and far beyond the church.

Ready, set, go. Its time. Whoever we are and wherever we are...we have a purpose in the ministry of Christ called by God to this time and place.

Just a few reminders...

Christmas Eve worship service Saturday, December 24th 7:30 pm

No worship service Sunday, Christmas, December 25th...but a day to celebrate the incarnation of God coming to us as one of us.

David Loar will be on vacation December 25-30. The Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer of Miller Ave UCC will be on call. 330-854-4354.

New Thursday evenings "Bible reading and reflection group" begins on 12th Night, January 5, 2012, at 6:30 pm in the parlor.

Visit our "What's Happening" page to be up to date http://fairlawnwest.org/whatshappening.htm

Grace and peace,

David Loar

Pastor of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, Akron, Ohio

*(The title for this weekly letter to the congregation of Fairlawn West UCC is the life and mission of Jesus Christ. Albert Schweitzer described it this way: "He comes to us as One unknown, without a name, as of old, by the lakeside; He came to those…who knew Him not. He speaks to us the same word: 'Follow thou me!' and sets us to the tasks which He has to fulfill for our time. He commands. And to those who obey Him, whether they be wise or simple, He will reveal Himself in the toils, the conflicts, the sufferings which they shall pass through in His fellowship, and, as an ineffable mystery, they shall learn in their own experience Who He is.")

Fairlawn West UCC newsletter Dec 16, 2011

2011-12-16T10:09:00.001-08:00

Hi folks...dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Here are some updates for the next weeks of our life within the body of Christ as Fairlawn West United Church of Christ.

POTLUCK AND LONGEST NIGHT/WINTER SOLSTICE SERVICE

On Wednesday December 21st we will be having our monthly congregational potluck supper at 6:00 pm. At 6:45 pm we will have a service called "The Longest Night" and in recognition of the solstice, that not everyone feels the joy of Christmas in this season often due to pain and loss in their life. We have hosted this service here many years ago.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICE

Our Christmas Eve service on Saturday, December 24th will be at 7:30 pm in the sanctuary. This year we will have a time of singing with the children of the gospel carol "Children, Go Where I Send Thee." Also, the younger kids will be given glow lights at the time that the older children and adults will be lighting the candles for the singing of "Silent Night."

NO WORSHIP SERVICE ON DECEMBER 25TH

We will not have a service on Sunday December 25th. There will be a service on Sunday, January 1st at 9:30 am.

REV LOAR ON VACATION

David Loar will be on vacation with his family visiting Martha's family in Crossville, Tennessee December 25 to December 31.

ALISON OSWALD ON MATERNITY LEAVE

Alison, our office secretary, will be on maternity leave from December 19th to the middle of March for the birth of her daughter in January. We have lined up people to be in the office for each day of the week during that time. Monday-Mary Austin, Tuesday-Clare Llewellyn, Wednesday-Jake Nash, Thursday-Karen Myers, Friday-Pam Reid & Susan Kolarick.

PRESCHOOL

The Preschool Christmas Party is Wednesday, December 21st at 11:00 am. Feel free to drop in. Our new ad in the Westside Leader is posted on the main bulletin board. You can see it in this week's edition and it will run again next week.

EVENING BIBLE READING AND REFLECTION

For 11 years we have had a Bible reading and reflection group that met for over 10 years at the food court at Summit Mall and now meets on Thursdays at 9:30 am in the Vista Room in our building. On Thursday, January 5th/12th Night, we will begin an evening group at 6:30 pm in the Vista Room. We meet for one hour to read through and reflect on books of the Bible. We will start with the Gospel of Matthew.

OUTREACH SERVING FUTURE DATES

hosting Family Promise families in our building January 15-22

meal for Miller Ave UCC "5th Sunday" at 4:00 pm on Sunday, January 29th

SABBATH a book by Wayne Muller

"Sabbath requires surrender. If we only stop when we are finished with all our work, we will never stop, because our work is never completely done. With every accomplishment there arises a new responsibility... Sabbath dissolves the artificial urgency of our days, because it liberates us from the need to be finished."

ADVENT/CHRISTMAS QUOTE by David Loar

in this last week of Advent, it is now time to slow down and listen and wait even more. the demonic tempts us through the culture around us to speed up and become more anxious, especially in the week before Christmas. to be a follower of Jesus in this culture is to be counter-cultural as it was in the time of Jesus. The institutions and governing claim to be part of the movement, but they only have a thin veneer and tip of the hat recognition of this time in God's true time. It is not easy to be a follower of Jesus in this culture at this time of year, but it is very rewarding.

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, 2095 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44313; 330-864-2179; office@fairlawnwest.org

http://www.fairlawnwest.org

bulletin board from the Magnificat in The Message

2011-12-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

created by Kasey Ziska at Fairlawn West UCC

2011-12-11T17:31:00.000-08:00

sanctuary before the service on Dec 11 2011

2011-12-11T17:26:00.001-08:00

Here and now...letter from Rev David Loar

2011-12-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

Consumer Reports recommended messiah

“Stop trying to protect, to rescue, to judge, to manage the lives around you . . . remember that the lives of others are not your business. They are their business. They are God’s business . . . even your own life is not your business. It also is God’s business. Leave it to God. It is an astonishing thought. It can become a life-transforming thought . . . unclench the fists of your spirit and take it easy . . . What deadens us most to God’s presence within us, I think, is the inner dialogue that we are continuously engaged in with ourselves, the endless chatter of human thought. I suspect that there is nothing more crucial to true spiritual comfort . . . than being able from time to time to stop that chatter . . . ”
― Frederick Buechner, “Telling Secrets”

Buechner has been one of my favorite writers and speakers since the early 1970′s. His book “Telling Secrets” I share with many other people.

I am observing the Christian season of Advent up to the season of Christmas which begins on December 25. This is an ancient practice. The observance of Advent in our time fits with what Jesus said that he came to fulfill the law not to condemn it. This ancient practice is today counter-cultural even though it is far more traditional than what is happening around me. It fulfills what God intended for the world from the beginning.

In the practice of Advent is quiet and preparation for the coming & the return of the Savior. It is both/and. That doesn’t make sense in the modern contemporary world, yet it is what God did and is still doing. It takes time and quiet to live into this. You can’t “understand” your way into it. That is very counter-cultural today to not be able to “get it” so you can figure it out, control it and then do it “right.” This is more about being than doing.

Buechner writes about the internal quiet. That is what we need in this external raucous world we live in. It is what we need for Advent. There are many competing voices claiming to soothe, heal and ease our pain…just as there were at the time 2000 years ago. Jesus of Nazareth was only one of many would be claimants as the Christ/Messiah/Savior of that day. How could you sort out who was the one sent from God? Jesus was the least likely candidate because he didn’t meet any of the long held expectations and stereotypes of what a messiah would be. Consumer Reports would not have him on their recommended product list for messiahs.

How do you know who Jesus is today? How do you know what you are waiting for? How do you know who he is among us now? It is easy to to do Christmas! It is not easy to hear the voice of God direct us to the real messiah in a consumerist culture with many competing products that want our time, our devotion and our money with the promise we will transcend the difficulty, struggle and hurt in this world if we will consume them. The Messiah has far more competitors today than he did 2000 years ago. However, the internal human desire for something to “save” us is the same as It was then. And we think we know the “recommended” one just because we do church, or claim to be Christian or live in the so-called American Christian culture. All of that just makes it that much more difficult to discern (sort out) WHO is the ONE. It deludes us into thinking we know and just need to do “it” again this year to get it right. IT IS NOT THAT EASY!!! It is all the trappings of Christianity and Christmas of our culture that in fact have turned this into a difficult “where’s Waldo?” journey of Advent to hear the voice of God.

So it is time to LISTEN to the voice in our head . Is it it God’s? Time and quiet will tell.

Here and now...a regular letter from Rev David Loar

2011-11-25T07:20:00.001-08:00

Here and now...

It is November 25th. I shared in a wonderful family centered Thanksgiving yesterday.

Today I am getting ready for Lunch on Us at Miller Ave UCC in south Akron in a neighborhood where folks don't have much else than family...if they have family. We expect to feed 125 people and I am grateful for the Fairlawn West folks who have offered to cook and serve...and share fellowship with all the folks present.

Sunday begins the season of Advent in preparation for the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace. I know a few of our folks who will be fasting during Advent. That is a very good spiritual discipline to help be focused on the meaning of Christmas for we who follow Jesus. Another is the giving of alms to the poor. This is an ancient Christian discipline which helps us to focus on the other...not ourselves. Two very good programs for alms giving are Charity Water and One Day Wages.

Now is a good time to slow down and pray and listen to God. Something big is coming. If we are too tired or too distracted, we will miss it. There is no question about that. When during then rest of the year people tell me they are angry with God or frustrated with God, I can lay odds they were not prepared for the coming of God's child and thus they haven't really met God yet. They missed it even though they participated in a season called "Christmas.". I feel sorry for those folks and pray for them.

Remember how Jesus keeps telling us about the first being last and the last being first. Jesus' rule is upside down from the way the world does things. So instead of a big build up to a climax at a holiday, Jesus and Advent slow us down so we are rested and attentive when he is born. Otherwise Christmas is a quick tip of the hat and we rush off to whatever is next to try to make us feel good and pump us up.

Oh how I look forward to the peace and quiet and rest of Advent...and just being with God, the light of the world, in the darkest of times.

Grace and peace,
David

God is in the sheep and goat business, sermon

2011-11-20T15:57:00.001-08:00

God is in the Sheep & Goats Business, 11/11/20, David Loar at Fairlawn West UCC, Akron, OH http://youtu.be/973El0AlM6Q

David Loar

I am changing my email back to deloar@yahoo.com from canoeheaven@gmail.com
http://www.loar.biz

The Caller newsletter for Nov 18, 2011

2011-11-18T08:24:00.000-08:00

The Caller – newsletter of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ “offering hospitality to all God's children”

Fri, November 18, 2011

Available in pdf format

In prayer...

-Jane Davis, Life Care Center of Medina 2400 Columbia Road, Medina, OH 44256

-John (& Julia) Glass, 647 Cliffside, Dr, Akron 44313. 330-836-4418.

-Florence Steigle, 1047 Edgemere Ct#1, Akron 44321 (Sumner on Ridgewood)

Giving Plan for 2012 and the Joash Box

This Sunday we encourage you to bring in your Giving Plans and place them in the Joash Box in the front lobby. Joash was a king of Judah who placed a chest outside the sanctuary to collect offerings from the children of God to restore the Temple. Forms for the Giving Plan are available in the front lobby or you can simply contact our Financial Secretary, Kasey Ziska what your offering plan is for 2012, financialsteward@fairlawnwest.org .

Lunch on Us at Miller Ave UCC for the people in the neighborhood

Lunch on Us is held the last two Saturdays of each month at Miller Ave UCC in the Summit Lake neighborhood as folks often find their food running out towards the end of the month and as a way to just sit down and visit with one another. We are hosting LoU on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26^th. We will probably be serving around 100 people. The menu will be chili, shredded cheese, crackers, chips, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate and lemonade. If you could make chili or cookies, and/or help serve (we will meet at the church bldg at 11:00 am and end the meal around 1:30 pm at Miller Ave UCC at the corner of Miller Ave and Edison St in south Akron).

Potluck and Hanging of the Greens Wed Nov 30^th, 6:00 PM

We will have our monthly potluck on the 30^th in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring food to share with others. After the meal we will do the hanging of the greens for the Advent and Christmas season.

Fairlawn West Preschool

The Preschool now has openings for children age 2,3, and 4. If you know of families with children this age, please invite them to consider the excellent program we offer.

Transgender Day of Remembrance Observance Today in Cleveland

The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder on November 28th, 1998 kicked off the “Remembering Our Dead” web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Rita Hester’s murder — like most anti-transgender murder cases — has yet to be solved. Although not every person represented during the Day of Remembrance self-identified as transgender — that is, as a transsexual, crossdresser, or otherwise gender-variant — each was a victim of violence based on bias against transgender people. The deaths of those based on anti-transgender hatred or prejudice are largely ignored. Over the last decade, more than one person per month has died due to transgender-based hate or prejudice, regardless of any other factors in their lives. Day of Remembrance publicly mourns and honors the lives of our brothers and sisters who might otherwise be forgotten. Through the vigil, we express love and respect for our people in the face of national indifference and hatred. Day of Remembrance reminds non-transgender people that we are their sons, daughters, parents, friends and lovers. Cleveland is holding the Transgender Day or Remembrance (TDOR) on November 18th starting at 5:45pm with a walking vigil from the Free Stamp on the corner of 9th and Lakeside over to Cleveland City Hall where the rest of the program will be. Jake Nash of our congregation is helping to organize the memorial and David Loar will be giving the invocation.

Other activities:

-Transgender Support - Group 4^th Thursday of the month

-Centering Prayer gathers the 1^st Sunday of the month at 10:45 am and the other Sundays of the month at 8:45 am in the Fireplace Room

-Bible Reading & Reflection – Thursdays at 9:30 am in the Vista Room. We are now reading the teaching letters of Paul beginning with Galatians

-Food Pantries-bring in staple foods, paper products and personal hygiene products for the Miller Ave UCC and Williard UCC Food Pantries. Miller Ave can use dry cereal, pop tarts, canned foods with pop tops, toilet paper, and corn bread

Sunday Worship

Sun Worship 9:20 am in the sanctuary

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, 2095 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ

330-864-2179 office@fairlawnwest.org http://www.fairlawnwest.org

Info updates, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs

The Rev. David Loar is in the Pastor’s study Mon 8:30 am to 10 am & 11:15 am to 12:30 pm, and Wed, & Fri from 9am to 12 noon and at the Nervous Dog Coffee Bar, 1520 W Market Street on Fri from 1:30-4:00pm for conversation. He can be reached other times at 330-760-7169 pastor@fairlawnwest.org

Ministries of Outreach and Service

-Family Promise hosting homeless families every 9 weeks in our building for supper, overnight sleeping, and transportation. Contact David Loar if you would like to help. pastor@fairlawnwest.org; 330-760-7169. Next time we host is the week of October 30th.

-Fairlawn West Preschool. Janet Black & Pam Stanley, Co-Directors. 330-864-4685, preschool@fairlawnwest.org

-Williard Food Pantry, 742 Johnston St, Akron. Serving the 3rd Tues of the month & the following Saturday, 9 am-12 pm

-Donate canned and staple foods, and personal hygiene items for the Williard UCC and Miller Ave UCC food pantries in the front lobby. The need is great!

-Lunch on Us on Saturdays throughout the year at the Miller Ave UCC Mission in south Akron for around 125 individuals who are homeless and/or low-income. We are hosting Nov. 26^th and will need your help in meal preparation and serving.

Newsletter Oct 28 2011

2011-10-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

The Caller – newsletter of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ “offering hospitality to all God's children”

Fri, October 28, 2011

Available in pdf format

Spaghetti Supper for Williard Food Pantry Fri Nov 11

Each year we do the spaghetti supper to raise a significant amount of support for the Williard Food Pantry which is the 2^nd largest serving food pantry in the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. For many years the money we raise for the food pantry is the largest annual single donation for their work. We need all of you to help out with the dinner. Contact Minnette Beeson or John Gossett. You can become patrons and donors with gifts in the $25 to $100+ range and have your name listed in the program. Tickets are now available on Sunday mornings and by contacting the church office. The seatings for the dinner are at 5:30 and 6:30 pm. The Spaghetti Supper is always a great time and its helps hundreds of hungry people in our community.

In prayer...

· Jane Davis, Life Care Center of Medina 2400 Columbia Road, Medina, OH 44256

· John (& Julia) Glass, 647 Cliffside, Dr, Akron 44313. 330-836-4418.

· Florence Steigle, 1047 Edgemere Ct#1, Akron 44321 (Sumner on Ridgewood)

· Bill Barr, father of Erin Nash is in the Cleveland Clinic

Family Promise host week Sun Oct 30 to Sun Nov

We will be hosting Family Promise overnight for the week of Oct 30^th 4 families with a total of 8 children who are seeking permanent housing since they lost their previous residences. We were the founding congregation of Interfaith Hospitality Network which became Family Promise some 8 years ago. We now host families in the network every 9 weeks along with the other hosting congregations and over 50 other congregations in the Akron area. We are responsible for van drivers every day of each hosting week morning and evening to transport the families to the Family Center in south Akron at the corner of Miller Ave and Edison Street. We also take children to their various schools and child care settings in the mornings. We open up our building and make sure things are ready in our kitchen every day at 4:30 pm. Marian Bickley has done this almost exclusively. This week due to family commitments she is not able to do it on Friday and Saturday. We provide the meals, evening hospitality and overnight hosts every Sunday and Saturday night. The Unitarian Universalist congregation in Fairlawn and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church over the other nights of the week. We do the set up of the bedrooms in rooms in our bldg on the 1^st Sunday and then to take down the beds on the last Sunday and transport them to the next hosting congregation which is Northwest Church of Christ in Tallmadge. We take the beds each time in a rented U-Haul truck that we pay for and also take the Family Promise van to them. Also, the Family Center must have a paid staff person or a volunteer from the host church in the day time with the families every weekend. We pay $80 for each day to have a staff person cover. Thanks to all of you who have made this mission possible for people in our community who are scared, and seeking safe shelter. “When did we see you homeless? When you did it for one of the least of these….”

“Here and now…”

You can read the latest edition of David Loar’s reflection on daily life as a disciple of Jesus at http://discipledavid.wordpress.com. He just posted the latest letter today on walking by faith rather than by moral rules…on living from trust to trust rather than frustration to frustration.

Quilt Raffle

The Sewing Group (Marian Bickley, Bonna Thompson, and Dorothy Morra) is providing their annual quilt for raffle to raise money for ministries of this church. You can buy tickets in the front lobby on Sundays or by contacting the church office. With money from last year’s quilt they helped to buy our new commercial refrigerator. The old one would seem to conk out every week we hosted homeless families for Family Promise.

Lunch on Us at Miller Ave UCC for the people in the neighborhood

Lunch on Us is held the last two Saturdays of each month at Miller Ave UCC in the Summit Lake neighborhood as folks often find their food running out towards the end of the month and as a way to just sit down and visit with one another. We are hosting LoU on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 26^th. We will probably be serving around 100 people. We will prepare the meal on Friday the 25^th in our kitchen or portions of it prepared by those of you who offer, at your homes. We will leave the Fairlawn West bldg on the 26^th to go to Miller Ave. We will serve the meal and share the tables with all those who come. Even if you can’t serve, we would like folks just to be at table to eat and visit. We will end up between 1:00 and 1:30 pm. We haven’t planned a menu yet. Help us to help others. Mark the Connection Card on Sunday or contact the office, if you can help.

Fairlawn West Meals

We began last month twice a month meals for the Fairlawn West community. We will continue in November. On Sunday, November 13^th we will do the Soup and Salad lunch after the worship service in the Fellowship Hall. If you can, bring a soup or salad to share. Last time some of stayed and cleaned up the courtyard. This time, if you are so inclined, we will clean up the wood chips from the four stumps along the front on Market Street. But mainly, come and eat.

We will share in our Community Potluck on Wednesday, November 30^th at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall and then decorate the building for Advent and Christmas afterwards.

Fairlawn West Preschool

We have had a major transition in the Preschool. This has caused some serious issues which has meant that we have been represented by attorneys from Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs. Our two new Co-Directors, Janet Black and Pam Stanley have done an unbelievable job over the past three weeks. Megan Gossett of our congregation who is a teacher in the preschool has withstood some serious harassment. David Loar has had some serious threats and derogatory comments made to him and about him to others. The leadership of this congregation has been united and steadfast in making sure that the preschool is both secure for children and a nurturing, growing setting. The Preschool Board is presently seeking one additional member to join Mary Austin and Martha Loar. Thanks to Ellen Beckle who is the director of a preschool at Columbia UCC in Barberton who is a member of our church and is giving great assistance to our co-directors. We are starting to work in developing a curriculum since the school has not had an intentional curriculum which also includes a clear spiritual center to it that reflects the core values and bedrock beliefs of this congregation. We have had the unbelievable gift of two of our new folks around our church who have volunteered in the last week to work with us. One has a master’s degree in young child curriculum development and the other is working on his PhD in early childhood education! God surely makes a way!!! Both Janet and Pam are on the same page with the church and our direction for the preschool. As rough as it has been for the past three weeks, each day things are leveling out…AND we are very excited about the steps we are beginning to take for the future of the preschool. We ask for your prayers. If you have any interest in helping with the preschool in reading, working with children and so on, please contact the preschool at preschool@fairlawnwest.org or 330-864-4685. Here is the letter that was sent home to parents at the time of the transition 3 weeks ago.

Other activities:

Transgender Support - Group 4^th Thursday of the month

Centering Prayer gathers the 1^st Sunday of the month at 10:45 am and the other Sundays of the month at 8:45 am in the Fireplace Room

Bible Reading & Reflection – Thursdays at 9:30 am in the Vista Room. We are now reading the letter of James.

Food Pantries-bring in staple foods, paper products and personal hygiene products for the Miller Ave UCC and Williard UCC Food Pantries. Miller Ave can use dry cereal, pop tarts, canned foods with pop tops, toilet paper, and corn bread

Sunday Worship

Sun Worship 9:20 am in the sanctuary

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, 2095 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ

330-864-2179 office@fairlawnwest.org http://www.fairlawnwest.org

Info updates, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs

The Rev. David Loar is in the Pastor’s study Mon 8:30 am to 10 am & 11:15 am to 12:30 pm, and Wed, & Fri from 9am to 12 noon and at the Nervous Dog Coffee Bar, 1520 W Market Street on Fri from 1:30-4:00pm for conversation. He can be reached other times at 330-760-7169 pastor@fairlawnwest.org

Ministries of Outreach and Service

-Fairlawn West Preschool. Janet Black & Pam Stanley, Co-Directors. 330-864-4685, preschool@fairlawnwest.org

-Williard Food Pantry, 742 Johnston St, Akron. Serving the 3rd Tues of the month & the following Saturday, 9 am-12 pm

-Donate canned and staple foods, and personal hygiene items for the Williard UCC and Miller Ave UCC food pantries in the front lobby. The need is great!

The Caller Oct 7 2011

2011-10-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

The Caller – newsletter of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ

“offering hospitality to all God's children”

Fri, October 7, 2011

Available in pdf format

Monthly Potluck, 1st one on Tues Oct 11th

In addition to the monthly Sun soup and salad we are also starting a monthly evening potluck. The first one will be on Tues Oct 13 at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a dish to share and your own table service. If you forget either, we will have sufficient to share and provide. We will share in table fellowship and a short video clip about using contemplative prayer to more simply follow Jesus.

Spaghetti Supper for Williard Food Pantry Fri Nov 11

Each year we do the spaghetti supper to raise a significant amount of support for the food pantry. We need all of you to help out with the dinner. There is a planning meeting Sunday after the worship service. If you can’t make that, email the office or mark the Sunday Connection Card that you are willing to help.

In prayer...

· Jane Davis, Summa Akron City Hospital, Room 338, 525 East Market Street , Akron OH 44309

· John (& Julia) Glass, 647 Cliffside, Dr, Akron 44313. 330-836-4418.

· Florence Steigle, 1047 Edgemere Ct#1, Akron 44321 (Sumner on Ridgewood)

· We lift in prayer Bea McDowell who died two weeks ago and her family. Her daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Phil Lloyd are part of our community. Bea’s memorial service was here on September 29. Bea contributed vision, energy and resource for many things in our community from the arts, to many charities that help people with needs, public service facilities and health care.

Family Promise host week Sun Oct 30 to Sun Nov 6

At this time there are four families who are looking for permanent housing who are in the network. That means we will need to use more space than we have in recent years. Also, some of our regulars who have helped with overnight and meals will be gone that week. So we are looking for some new folks to step up and help. Plus, there are others of you who have helped many times in the past whom we will rely on as well. We need meal providers and overnight hosts for Sun the 30^th and Sat the 5^th. We also need van drivers in the early morning and around supper time to transport families to and from the Family Center in south Akron. Please email the office or mark the Sunday Connection Card to help.

Mission Trips

Eye Care & Surgery Mission Trip to Santiago de Maria, El Salvador - Feb 4-18, 2011

This is led by David Loar's brother, Phil, and is part of an ongoing mission for over 25 years to provide eye care and eye surgery for people whose lives are greatly impacted by the lack of quality health care and adequate vision. Volunteers are needed who do not necessarily have expertise in vision care, but professionals in the eye care arena are greatly needed. The cost is $650.00 plus your airfare and any spending money you would want. You can also help for one week which will cost $375.00. For more information, check with David Loar.

Building Mission to Tijuana, Mexico - Feb 11-18, 2011

This trip is sponsored by the Eastern Ohio Association of the United Church of Christ. There will be an informational meeting and supper about this trip on Sun Oct 16th at Paradise UCC, 619 E Main St, Louisville, OH (east of Canton). 3:30-6:30 pm. For more info contact Steve Schroer 19-271-4361 or John Muskopf 330-262-6766.

“Here and now…”

You can read the latest edition of David Loar’s reflection on daily life as a disciple of Jesus at http://discipledavid.wordpress.com

Transgender Support Group

The Transgender Support Group meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 6pm in the Parlor. It is led by Jake Nash of our community.

Bible Reading and Reflection Group

The Bible Reading & Reflection meets Thursdays at 9:30am in the Vista Room here in our bldg. We are now reading in 2 Kings. This is more interesting than it sounds learning about the time that much of the Hebrew scriptures (Old Testament) that Jesus refers to occurs. There is a lot of fickleness among the covenantal people and particularly their leaders. They like to play both sides of the track with going to the Temple to worship Yahweh, but also worshiping the local cultic religion shrines that were often sexually oriented. Very few of the kings focused solely on God. And even those that did did not necessarily have a good ending to their life. To understand Jesus and the Greek scriptures (New Testament) we MUST know these more ancient scriptures as well.

Centering Prayer

The Centering Prayer gathering is the 1st Sunday of the month in the Fireplace Room after the worship service and at 8:45 am the other Sundays of the month at 10:45 am. For more info on centering prayer, find the brochure in the front lobby.

Worship and Prayer

Sun Worship 9:20 am in the sanctuary

Centering Prayer

1st Sun of the month 10:45 am in the Fireplace Room

All other Sun of the month 8:45 am in the Fireplace Room

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, 2095 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ

330-864-2179 office@fairlawnwest.org http://www.fairlawnwest.org

Info updates, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs

Ministries of Outreach and Service

-Fairlawn West Preschool. Julie Staiger, Director. 330-864-4685, preschool@fairlawnwest.org

-Williard Food Pantry, 742 Johnston St, Akron. Serving the 3rd Tues of the month & the following Saturday, 9 am-12 pm

-Donate canned and staple foods, and personal hygiene items for the Williard UCC and Miller Ave UCC food pantries in the front lobby. The need is great!

The Caller Sept 16 2011

2011-09-16T09:42:00.001-07:00

The Caller - offering hospitality to all God's children

Fairlawn West UCC newsletter

Fri, Sept 16, 2011

Jazz Quartet to Provide Music in Worship Sun, Sept 18th

The Jack Schantz Quartet will provide the music for our service on the 18th at 9:20 am. Jack is the head of the jazz dept at the University of Akron. Andy Michaelic who led music for us in the ChristStream service we did for a number of years in the Fellowship Hall was a student of Jack's. The quartet is playing for their prelude on Sunday a song Andy often played for us "Black Orpheus." Members of the quartet include Rock Wehrmann, Mark Gonder who played here some in the past with Andy, Mike Forfia and Theron Brown. You can learn more about the quartet at http://www.schantzquartet.com/

Soup, Salad...and Weeding, Sun Sept 25th

Sun, Sept 25th after the worship service we will be having a soup and salad lunch, which will become a regular monthly gathering. Following the meal on the 25th, those who can, are invited to join the weeding crew in the courtyard. Bring your gloves and long sleeve shirts.

Wedding Invitation

Megan Kinnison, who has been part of our church community for a number of years, will be marrying Tim Collins on Fri, Sept 30th at 3:30 pm in the sanctuary. Megan and Tim invite us to share in their wedding service.

Monthly Potluck, 1st one on Tues Oct 13th

In addition to the monthly Sun soup and salad we are also starting a monthly evening potluck. The first one will be on Tues Oct 13 at 6:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a dish to share and your own table service. If you forget either, we will have sufficient to share and provide. We plan also to have a short video or experience after each supper.

Blessing of the Animals, Sun Oct 2nd

The Feast of St. Francis is on October 4th. We will share in a Blessing of the Animals in honor of this day on Sun Oct 2nd at 2:00 pm. Weather permitting we will outside. If not, we will be in the Fellowship Hall. Bring your pets. If you can't bring it, bring a picture.

In prayer...

· Jane Davis, Manor Care, 9055 West Sprague Rd, Parma, OH 44133

· John (& Julia) Glass, 647 Cliffside, Dr, Akron 44313. 330-836-4418.

· Florence Steigle, 1047 Edgemere Ct#1, Akron 44321 (Sumner on Ridgewood)

· Bea McDowell, Hospice on Ridgewood

Box City - Family Promise fund raiser, Oct 1-2

Spend a night in a cardboard box to raise awareness and money to help knock out family homelessness. Collect pledges. Bring a cardboard box to sleep in or on. More details at http://familypromisesc.org/campaigns/card-board-box-city/ It will be in the parking lot of Bath United Church of Christ on Bath Rd off of Cleveland-Massillon Rd. Starts at 6:00 pm with registration and supper. Evening activities from 7:30 to 10:30 pm for all folks. Quiet time begins at 11:00 pm. Breakfast and tear down by 7:00 am. There are brochures in our front lobby and a poster on the lobby window.

Mission Trips

Eye Care & Surgery Mission Trip to Santiago de Maria, El Salvador - Feb 4-18, 2011

This is led by David Loar's brother, Phil, and is part of an ongoing mission for over 25 years to provide eye care and eye surgery for people whose lives are greatly impacted by the lack of quality health care and adequate vision. Volunteers are needed who do not necessarily have expertise in vision care, but professionals in the eye care arena are greatly needed. The cost is $650.00 plus your airfare and any spending money you would want. You can also help for one week which will coast $375.00. For more information, check with David Loar.

Building Mission to Tijuana, Mexico - Feb 11-18, 2011

Worship and Prayer

Sun Worship 9:20 am in the sanctuary

Centering Prayer

1st Sun of the month 10:45 am in the Fireplace Room

All other Sun of the month 8:45 am in the Fireplace Room

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, 2095 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ

330-864-2179 office@fairlawnwest.org http://www.fairlawnwest.org

Info updates, Twitter, Facebook, Blogs

Tonight Sept 14 6:30 pm Fr Wm Meninger

2011-09-14T06:53:00.001-07:00

Just a reminder that tonight Wed Sept 14 Father William Meninger will conclude his workshop on the enneagram and spiritual transformation. 6:30 pm in our sanctuary.

hosting Family Promise Families Aug 14-21

2011-08-12T19:58:00.001-07:00

We will be hosting three families in our bldg for supper, overnight, and breakfast for this week. These are families who have young children and are looking for permanent housing. If you would like to help host with us during this week, contact our office at 330-864-2179 or office@fairlawnwest.org

http://familypromisesc.org/

Fr William Meninger on Christian Transformation & Contemplative Prayer

2011-08-05T14:04:00.001-07:00

We are hosting Father William Meninger on Tues and Wed Sept 13 &14, 2011, 6:30 pm both evenings. This is a rare opportunity! Visit this web page for more info http://fairlawnwest.org/meninger.htm Father Meninger who is one of the two major figures in helping the present day church recover the ancient Christian practice of centering prayer will speak on Christian Transformation using the enneagram as a sacred tool in that journey.

The Caller info update from Fairlawn West UCC

2011-07-27T12:44:00.001-07:00

The Caller from Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, Akron, OH July 28, 2011

secretary@fairlawnwest.org http://www.fairlawnwest.org 330-864-2179

I am on vacation July 29-Aug 4. The Rev. Tom Gerstenlauer of Miller Ave UCC will be available for pastoral needs. The BASIC Band and lay readers from the congregation will be leading the worship service on Sunday.

I have started a new blog with favorite quotes that I have been writing down since 1971. I have already received some widespread appreciation via folks on Facebook and Twitter who have started reading it. You can find it at http://quotesnottoforget.blogspot.com/ . You can read my new weekly reflection letter to the congregation "Here and Now..." at http://discipledavid.wordpress.com as well as other reflections on the journey of a disciple.

David Loar, Pastor

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Family Promise hosting

We will be hosting families in our building the week of August 14 to 22. At this time there are three families in the network. Below are the tasks we will need folks to serve in:

Overnight Sun Aug 14 and Sat Aug 20

Supper Sun Aug 14 and Sat Aug 20

Early evening hosts Sun Aug 14 and Sat Aug 20

Drive families to/from Family Center in the van every day 7:30 am and 5:00 pm (we can use you one or more times)

Set up bedrooms in our bldg after the worship service on Sun Aug 14

Take down the bedrooms, put laundry/bedding in trash bags and load truck with beds Sun Aug 21 after the worship service

Take home a bag or more of laundry to wash

Help drive truck with beds and van to the next host congregation in Tallmadge

Indicate on the Connection Card which of these you can help with or email secretary@fairlawnwest.org

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Please keep Jane Davis and John Glass in your prayers. Jane is at home now.

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Habitat for Humanity House Blitz

Blitz Building Week starts Friday, August 19. The address of the house is 693 Corice Street, Akron. It is 2 blocks north of Lovers Lane and east of I-77. You can get off at the Lovers Lane exit, got east on Lovers Lane, turn left on Coventry and then right on Corice. We are asked to host one of the lunches that week for the workers. If you could help with that, indicate so on the Connection Card or email office@fairlawnwest.org. There will be a phone number to call each night to see what work will be done on the next day. Presently you could call the Habitat office for more info 330-745-7734. We will post the info number when it is available.

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Three Courses this Fall

We will offer three courses this starting in September, open to everyone and to folks beyond the life of our congregation. Once we know who will be in a course, we will set up a convenient time for all. We may also do a day time and night time double schedule to be more convenient for folks who could do one or the other.

A. The Y Course

Come and meet some elephant dung, a plastic windmill man, the world's least successful kite flyer, and more. All in a quest for answers to life's biggest questions, like:

-Can anyone know "for sure" about anything they can't see, hear, touch, smell, feel or taste!

-Why so many religions—and "so what" anyway?

-What about life after this one—and why does heaven sound so boring?

-Can there really be a God in a world with so much suffering?

If you think "God questions" are only ever dealt with by those with no sense of humor, be ready for your illusions to be shattered.

B. Apprenticeship with Jesus A 30-Day Experience, Learning to Live Like the Master

Ask a crowd of Christians whether they believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and all hands will go up. Ask the same crowd whether they live like Jesus, and most of those same hands will come down. Why is this? Why is it so hard to bridge the gap between belief and real life?

Our way of living the Christian life is often more about intellect than experience. In this winsome book Gary W. Moon offers a thirty-day apprenticeship with Jesus, a journey in which you can actively practice being with Jesus day in and day out. Each day's readings uses compelling stories and Scripture and suggests an apprenticeship activity to help you bring your faith into real life.

C. Scripture & Discernment: Decision Making in the Church

By Timothy Luke Johnson who is one of the best New Testament scholars of our day, writes this book to help the church to recover the foundational spiritual ways of deciding God's will for its life and its mission. Luke Timothy Johnson begins his study of the practical issue of how decisions are made in the church by admitting to a bias: that there ought to be a connection between what the church claims to be, and how it does things. Because the church claims to be a community of faith, it does not reach decisions simply on the basis of good management policy, or the analysis of market trends, or efficiency, or even ideological consistency, but in response to God's activity in the world that presses upon us and urges us to decision.

Faced with how to respond to God's leading, the church decides what to do on the basis of two realities: Scripture and discernment. Because it calls the church into being Scripture is the fundamental authority in the church's life. Yet it is not enough for a congregation simply to turn to the Bible when a decision must be reached, for Scripture does not directly address all issues which face the church today, and those it does often reflect greatly differing historical and social contexts than our own.

Thus, added to the authority of Scripture in the church's decision making is a process of discernment, in which the members of the community--under the guidance of the Holy Spirit--recall how God has worked in their lives as individuals and as a community and discern together God's direction for the future. Johnson argues that this very pattern of decision making can be found in Scripture itself, notably in one of the central events of the book of Acts. Beginning with the conversion of Cornelius and culminating in the Apostolic Council of Acts 15, we see how a string of smaller narratives combine to tell the story of God's movement within their midst, and how this narrative became the basis for the reinterpretation of Scripture and the inclusion of Gentiles into the fellowship of the church.

Looking at a number of thorny issues facing the contemporary church, Johnson demonstrates how the interaction of Scripture and discernment can and must become the basis for how we respond to the decisions with which the church wrestles today.

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Sunday worship service at 9:20 am

Rev. Loar will be gone from the evening of Sun Aug 14 to Sat Aug 20 to help his daughter Kate drive back from her internship in Santa Barbara, CA

May 20 2011 newsletter

2011-05-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

Our newsletter was posted today at

http://fairlawnwest.org/newsletter.htm

http://fairlawnwest.org/newsletter.pdf

articles include:

- Loar's Log…

-Congregational Meeting on donation to Miller Ave UCC Mission

-Notice to end bldg agreement with New Covenant Community Church

-Family Promise hosting week of May 29th

-June 12^th Pentecost

-Serve around the grounds

-Discipling classes

-Personals

-Documentary on the origins of the Bible June 13th

- Church Calendar

- Prayer Gatherings

newsletter April 1

2011-04-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

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Fairlawn West UCC email news April 1, 2011
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- Loar's Log…

- Outside Clean Up Sat April 2

- Tetelestai, Passion musical drama, April 21 & 22

- One Great Hour of Sharing offering April 3

- Church Calendar

- Spirituality of Work

- Prayer Gatherings

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LOAR'S LOG...David Loar, Pastor

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We are coming close to Holy Week. We have a context this year of the war in Libya and the devastation in Japan which can help to raise the questions of the meaning of the Cross.

I am very grateful for the leadership of the Council and the Trustees. We have spent intentional time in spiritual reflection when we meet…which changes everything! As the Apostle Paul wrote, “we do not live as those who have no hope.” I am becoming more and more aware of how anxiety has become the dreaded monster of our time. There is much medication out there for anxieties. I often wonder what God is seeking to do with our anxieties since a lot of scripture is written around very, highly anxious situations. Jesus said, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (from Matthew 11:28-30)

The ways of the world are often shaped by despair. So what does Easter mean in a despairing world? Remember, for the real church, every Sunday is a celebration of Easter. Not with a rah, rah pep reality, but a deep confirmation of faith that God has broken into the reality of this world NOW with the reality of heaven. Ask Jesus about that.

Grace and peace,

David

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OUTSIDE WORK/CLEAN UP DAY SAT APRIL 2

Please come help us spring clean the church gardens next Saturday (April 2nd) from 9 am until noon. Come for all or part of it as your schedule permits. Bring your own equipment if you have it, such as: gardening/work gloves, leaf rakes, garage brooms, clippers, black garbage bags, wheelbarrows, drinking water, etc. Let's have some fellowship while we make God's house more inviting!

Thanks,

Kathy Sasowksy & Katie Byard Carney

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TETELESTAI

This musical drama of the events of Holy Week will be hosted by us on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, April 21 & 22. It will be the end of a 6 week run done by the cast all over northern Ohio. We expect the sanctuary to be full both evenings. If you are called to help serve Christ's body in promoting and/or hosting this, please reply to office@fairlawnwest.org Tetelestai home page

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ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

We will receive this special offering on Sunday, April 3. Right now funds from last year's offering are being used in Japan and across the Pacific in response to the earthquake and tsunami. Funds continue to be used in West Virginia from flooding a few years ago and along the Gulf Coast in response to Hurricane Katrina among other settings. For updates on the catasrophes and efforts to recover visit Church World Service. For more info on the United Church of Christ OGHS

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CHURCH CALENDAR

We now have online an updated church calendar at http://fairlawnwest.org/calendar.htm .

THE SPIRITUALITY OF WORK

Here is a great article by Sister Joan Chittester about the most troubling issue for most of those in the church – how do I maintain a spiritual life in the midst of my work setting. http://www.csec.org/csec/sermon/chittister_3913.htm

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PRAYER GATHERINGS

The Praise to God and Prayer for Others gatherings are on all but the 1st Sunday of the month following this worship service in the Northeast Room. This is an important part of our mission to pray for others.

The Centering Prayer gathering is the 1st Sunday of the month in the Northeast Room after the worship service and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 8:45 am.. The prayer time is 20 minutes. For more info on centering prayer, find the brochure in the front lobby. Please join this group when you can.

12 Step Recovery Groups

Meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous, and Sexaholics Anonymous meet regularly in our building. Check the bulletin board in the main hallway for more information.

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Fairlawn West United Church of Christ

2095 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44313

330-864-2179 (this number has been down for a number of weeks and is still not working, but the phone company said they "will get to it." Call Alison Oswald our secretary 330-612-2642 or Pastor David Loar at 330-760-7169 until the church lines are fixed.

www.fairlawnwest.org

fairlawnwest.blogspot.com latest info on Fairlawn West

discipledavid.wordpress.com David Loar's blog

Facebook - Twitter

We are an ONA/Open & Affirming church of the UCC

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CANCEL CIRCULATION: For exclusion from our distribution data-base simply send us an email with the word CANCEL in the subject line. mailto: office@fairlawnwest.org
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Caller March 11, 2011

2011-03-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

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Fairlawn West UCC email news March 11, 2011
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- Loar's Log...

- The Trees

- Family Promise Hosting Week March 13-20

- Tetelestai, Passion musical drama, April 21 & 22

- One Great Hour of Sharing offering April 3 &

info on the Pacific earthquake & tsunami

- March is Disability Awareness Month

- Rod Flauhaus starts Photography Business

- Renovare - Spiritual Tools for Lent

- Preschool Hires Consultant

- Annual Interfaith Dinner

- Shane Claiborne of "New Monasticism" Speaks at Malone Univ

- Prayer Gatherings

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LOAR'S LOG...David Loar, Pastor

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

A group of us gathered in the sanctuary Wednesday night to enter the season of Lent. We ask for your prayers and support as we seek to follow the discipline of the Christian journey in these 40 days.

This Saturday, remember to turn clocks forward 1 hour. Our worship theme for Sunday is "...and the angels came." March 4:1-11

It says that the angels came to care for Jesus after his 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. I suspect a lot of us would like to have angels come to care for us. Where are they?

The weather this winter has clearly worn down a lot of us. Join us on Sundays for 20 minutes ofcentering prayer which provides a powerful restoration. This Sunday, March 13th we will gather at 8:45 am in the Northeast Room near the main restrooms.

May you servants of Christ receive the gift of heaven!

Grace and peace,

David
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THE TREES

What's happened to the trees in front of our bldg along Market Street?! They were taken down. The power company really mangled them last year when they went through to cut space for the power lines. They are required by law simply to cut back for the lines and not to shape. But due to the large size of the trees and the length of time since they were pruned for the power lines, there was no way to reshape them in an appealing way. We do plan to do new plantings over the next year.
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FAMILY PROMISE HOSTING WEEK MARCH 13-20

We need people to help with meals, early evening visiting/hosting with the families, and staying overnight on Sun March 13 and Sat March 19. We need van drivers every day of the week at 7:30 am and 5:00 pm. We need folks to help set up this Sunday and to take down and the load the truck with the beds on the 20th. reply to office@fairlawnwest.org An updated schedule of the week is available online

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TETELESTAI

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

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MARCH IS DISABILITY AWARENESS MONTH

Debbie Eisinger provided us with the link to a good web site with info about Disability Awareness Month. Visit www.r-word.org
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ROD FLAUHAUS HAS NEW PHOTOGRAPHY BUSINESS AND ONLINE PICTURES AVAILABLE

Rod has played often in our BASIC Band on Sundays. He is started this new business and you see more at www.rodflauhausphotography.com
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RENOVARE - SPIRITUAL TOOLS FOR LENT

The observance of Lent is not possible alone. It must be entered into very intentionally which is what Ash Wednesday offers us as a community. Renovare is a wonderful site that offers great assistance in practicing a disciplined spiritual life. It is an asset for Lent.www.renovare.us It was interesting to see later on the evening of Ash Wednesday on tv Digger Phelps former Notre Dame basketball coach and longtime commentator on ESPN being part of the NCAA basketball coverage, and still having on his forehead the cross of ashes. This created quite a stir across the internet with a number of younger basketball fans asking what that was. It led to sharing by a number of others.
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PRESCHOOL HIRES CONSULTANT

The Preschool Board (Dee Ghinder, Mary Austin, Martha Loar) have hired Janet Black as a consultant for 10 weeks to help the school to center its curriculum around the core values and bedrock beliefs of Fairlawn West. Janet presented an initial proposal with observations about the present curriculum and atmosphere of the school. She will be working with the staff and teachers directly in this process. This has been an intentional goal of the Board for a number of years.

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ANNUAL AKRON AREA INTERFAITH DINNER

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 6:30 PM, Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Road, Fairlawn, OH, Across from Summit Mall. Featured Speaker: Mr. Daniel Flowers. President and CEO of The Akron Canton Regional Foodbank and also 2011 AAIC Award Recipient

Dinner $15 - reservations are required

Reservations due by March 15. For more information:

Please contact Susan Davis at 330-329-5132 or Susie@susanydavis.net

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SHANE CLAIBORNE SPEAKS AT MALONE UNIVERSITY

Shane Claiborne one of the founders of the New Monasticism movement around the world and a leader in helping Christian to simplify their life, will be speaking at Malone Univ on Civil Disobedience: Should Christians Break the Law at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 22 at 7:00 pm in the Johnson Center.

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PRAYER GATHERINGS

The Praise to God and Prayer for Others gatherings are on all but the 1st Sunday of the month following this worship service in the Northeast Room. This is an important part of our mission to pray for others.

The Centering Prayer gathering is the 1st Sunday of the month in the Northeast Room after the worship service and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 8:45 am.. The prayer time is 20 minutes. For more info on centering prayer, find the brochure in the front lobby. Please join this group when you can.

12 Step Recovery Groups

Meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous, and Sexaholics Anonymous meet regularly in our building. Check the bulletin board in the main hallway for more information.

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Fairlawn West United Church of Christ

2095 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44313

www.fairlawnwest.org

fairlawnwest.blogspot.com latest info on Fairlawn West

discipledavid.wordpress.com David Loar's blog

Facebook - Twitter

We are an ONA/Open & Affirming church of the UCC

email newsletter Feb 18, 2011

2011-02-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

Email Newsletter - Fri, Feb 18, 2011
Fairlawn West United Church of Christ, Akron, OH
offering hospitality to all Gods children - an open and affirming church
http://www.fairlawnwest.org

office@fairlawnwest.org 330-864-2179

blogs: http://fairlawnwest.blogspot.com http://discipledavid.wordpress.com

Facebook

Meetings Summaries and Minutes

Summary of Jan 8, 2011 meeting

The new Council and Board of Trustees met together on Monday, Feb 14 for an orientation. A lot of time was spent with each person sharing their spiritual journey. It was a very powerful time. The two bodies will be meeting together on the third Mondays of the month at 7:00 pm starting in March.

Minutes of the Jan 30, 2011 Annual Congregational Meeti

Call for Research Participants

Jon Halsall of our congregation is working on his PhD at Kent State Univ. He is asking to meet with as many of us as possible individually for interviews for his research project:

As members of Fairlawn West, you are no doubt aware that this is a unique congregation within the United Church of Christ. I believe that language researchers have much to learn about the ways that this congregation uses language to shape its identity in general and as an open and affirming church. This is why I have chosen Fairlawn West to participate in the research study for my dissertation atKent State University.

You are invited to participate in this research study that will explore the unique identity of Fairlawn West in relation to its use of language. Briefly, if you decide to participate in the study, you will be asked to set up a time to be interviewed. The interview will be approximately 45 minutes in length. Consent forms, which detail study procedures, will be available after Sunday worship so that you can make an informed decision. If you decide that you would like to participate, you can see or contact me at any time to sign up. Thank you for your consideration.

Jon Halsall

216.527.4864

jhalsall@kent.edu

Good short video inspiration Everybody Matters

Fairlawn West Preschool Registration

starts Tues, Feb 22nd. $95 registration for 1st child, and 1/2 off for siblings. call 330-864-4685. Presently on the agenda of the Preschool Board is a consideration to grant tuition discounts to families who are active in the life of the church, but this is not final yet.

Baldwin-Wallace College lecture series by colleague of Thomas Merton

2011 Moll Lectures, March 2 & 3, "In Praise of the Useless Life" by Brother Paul Quenon, a Trappist monk at the Abbey of Gethsemani. Wed 7:30 pm in Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, 56 Seminary St, Berea. Thurs 10:00 am in the chapel. Thurs 2:00 pm with a panel discussion in Strosacker College Union, Sandstone 3, 120 E Grand St, Berea.

We are hosting “Tetelestai” April 21 & 22 a musical drama about the passion & resurrection. Please indicate on the Connection Card if you will help us in hosting the cast and the many guests we will have.

We are hosting the Family Promise “Walk a Mile in My Shoes” fundraiser on Sunday, February 27. Start now to get pledges for you to walk the mile around the park next door to us and join many other walkers from other congregations who support this ministry for homeless families. Brochures to walk and to pledge are available in the lobby. We will also need people in the building to act as hosts. Sign up with the Connection Cards. We host families again the week of March 18. http://familypromisesc.org/

The Centering Prayer gathering is the 1st Sunday of the month in the Northeast Room after the worship service and the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 8:45 am.. The prayer time is 20 minutes. For more info on centering prayer, find the brochure in the front lobby.

Taize Worship 4th Fri of the month Feb 25, 6 pm in the parlor, a 1/2 hr service of quiet, prayer, scripture and song.

Jan Bier of our church has begun again treatment for cancer. You can follow her journey and share prayers and reflections with Jan at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/janetbier

The office will be closed Monday, February 21st in observance of President’s Day.

Bible Reading & Reflection, Thursday 9:00am in the food court of Summit Mall. We are reading through 2nd Samuel which is the life of King David

The Rev. David Loar is in the Pastor’s study Mon, Wed, & Fri from 9am to 12 noon and at the Nervous Dog Coffee Bar, 1520 W Market Street on Fri from 1:30-4:00pm for conversation. He can be reached other times at 330-760-7169 deloar@yahoo.com

Williard Food Pantry is open and seeks volunteer servants this Sat, Feb 19 8:00 am to 12 noon. 742 Johnston St, Akron.

Habitat for Humanity Dinner

Tues, March 15, Guy's Party Center, 500 East Waterloo Rd

5:50 hors d'oeuvers, 6:00 pm dinner, 7:00 pm program

reservations due by March 8 Patrons $50/person, Other $25/person

Annual Dinner, HFH of Summit Cty, 2301 Roming Rd, Akron, OH 44320

Jan 14 2011 newsletter

2011-01-15T01:48:00.000-08:00

January 14, 2011

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ

Greetings in the season (the season after Epiphany) where we are learning about who is this one who has come...Who really is this guy Jesus? What do you know about him, really? We can never know enough about him. But then, its just not what we know, but what we have experienced of the risen Christ as well. Use this season well! The Jesus Creed

Now here are things that are happening and bits of pieces of news:

- Congregational Annual Meeting, Sunday, January 30th around 10:45 am following the morning worship service. It will be in theFellowship Hall. Here is the proposed 2011 budget. The nominees are: Council - 2011/2012 term Mary Austin, Kate Lowery, _____ (open slot). Unexpired 2010/2011 term Betty Dalton. Trustees - 2011/2012/2013 term Kathy Sasowsky, Eileen Cox. 2010/2011/2012 unexpired term Ben Ziska. Preschool Board - 2011/2012/2013 term Martha Loar. Treasurer - 2011 term Julia Hines. There will be on the agenda an item about a new front sign to be shared with New Covenant Community Church.

- "Lunch on Us" at Miller Ave UCC Mission (corner of Miller and Edison, one block west of South Main Street). The last two Saturdays of January - 22nd & 29th - at 11:00 am our congregation is hosting these meals which serve on average 125 people. We will prepare the meals on the Friday evenings before in our kitchen. On the Saturdays we will meet at FW to travel down to Miller Ave. The neighborhood around Miller Ave called the Summit Lake area, is severely declining. There are many vacant lots from torn down houses, many boarded up houses and many homes in disrepair who have people living in them. These monthly meals provided by area UCC congregations the last two Saturdays of each month not only provide food for hungry folks, but a place of community and relationship. If you could help with menu planning, shopping, preparation, and/or serving, let David Loar know, deloar@yahoo.com, 330-760-7169.

- 2011 offering envelopes are available. Kasey Ziska our Financial Secretary will be passing them out in the front lobby after the Sunday morning worship service or contact the office to have them sent to you - office@fairlawnwest.org

- The Centering Prayer gathering will be every week on Sunday mornings at 8:45 am for 20 minutes in the Northeast Room. The once a month gathering on the 1st Sunday of the month will continue after the worship service in the Northeast Room. Brian Comunale has just returned from a 9 day silent centering prayer retreat in the mountains of east Tennessee. He also continues with training and practice with the Contemplative Outreach Northeast Ohio which we are invited to be a part of also.

- Family Promise. There are now two families in the network, a single father and a child and a single mom with two children. For the third year in a row, we will be hosting the "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" fundraiser for FP on Sunday, February 27th in the afternoon. Walkers from the 50+ congregations that make up Family Promise will walk a mile with the anticipation that the weather will be cold and snowy. We will be looking for walkers and sponsors to pledge money for the walkers.

- The Fairlawn West Preschool will be open for registration for the 2011-2012 school year starting on Tuesday, February 22nd. The school fills up quickly just from returning students, so if you are interested or know of someone who would be interested, contact our director Julie Staiger preschool@fairlawnwest.org , 330-864-4685. The registration fee is $95.00 for the 1st child and 1/2 off for additional children. Spots are reserved once the registration is paid. The preschool is in the mornings and extended care is available prior to the beginning of the school day and through the afternoon.

- Weekend Custodian. We have continued the employment of Walter Richmond as our weekend custodian. Walter is a senior at Garfield High School. He worked for us this summer doing a lot of work outside and clean up and repair in our bldg through a federally funded youth work program. Daniel Hauenstein continues as the Mon-Thurs evening custodian. Julia Hines is the supervisor of the custodial crew.

- The summary of the December Council of Elders meeting.

- The Fairlawn West office will be closed on Monday, January 17 for the Martin Luther King holiday.

- The Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Day Coalition present "Walk the Journey, Pass the Torch, and Embrace the Dream" Sunday, January 16th at 5:00 pm at Wesley Temple AME Zion Church, 104 North Prospect Street, at the corner with Perkins/MLK. The speaker is the Rev. Dr. Vince L. Monden, the pastor of Wesley Temple.

- Interfaith Service at Temple Israel, 133 Merriman Road, Friday, January 28, 7:30 pm. This is the annual shabbat service that the Temple invites youth groups from the area to share in worship and learn more about Judaism. Adults are welcome to. The sanctuary is usually packed for this service.

- "Religion and the Death Penalty", program Tues, Feb. 15th 7:00 pm at Fairlawn West. This is sponsored by Summit County chapter of Ohioans to Stop Executions with the invitation being extended by the Rev. Mark Frey (pastor of Bath UCC), Chloe Ann Kriska (Akron Area Interfaith Council), Karen Leith (Catholic Commission of Summit County), Sister Mariellen Phelps (Dominican Sisters of Peace), Minister Gloria Slaughter (House of the Lord).

- a great web site to visit Nooma

David Loar's blog

-Sunday worship 9:20 am

-Prayer for Others & Praise of God, 2nd-5th Sundays of the month 10:45 am Northeast Room

-Centering Prayer, 1st Sun of the month, 10:45 am Northeast Room (staring Feb 6th the prayer group will also meet every Sun at 8:45 am in the Northeast Room)

-Bible Reading & Reflection, Thursdays, 9:00 am at the Summit Mall food court, presently in the book of 1st Samuel.

-Council of Elders, 1st Saturday of the month, 9:00 am

-Board of Trustees, 3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 pm

-Fairlawn West Preschool Board, 3rd Thursday of the month, 4:30 pm

"offering hospitality to all God's children"

We are an Open and Affirming Congregation of the United Church of Christ

2095 West Market Street, Akron, OH 44313 330-864-2179 office@fairlawnwest.org http://www.fairlawnwest.org

get regular updates of news from Fairlawn West at: http://fairlawnwest.blogspot.com/ and Facebook

summary of Council of Elders meeting Dec 18

2011-01-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

The Council of Elders (Mary Austin, Paul Richert, Alison Oswald, Dick Pasher) met on December 11 with an opening devotional and a discussion of the Core Value "gathering as a community known as the body of Christ". Steve Myers, treasurer, walked us through the budget for 2011. We will be operating with a 60,000.00 + deficit. We recommended the budget to the congregation at the annual meeting. We discussed the AOK fund task force work. We talked about the progress of the work of the nominating committee. The task force has met and begun to discuss some policies on how to use the fund and ways to administer the fund. We discussed the visitation ministry that John Gossett is developing. We took time in the middle of the meeting to read a devotional to help us to keep centered spiritual with God in the midst of all the business. We had an hour long conversation about our relationship with New Covenant Community Church. We are repaying NCC several thousand dollars because of our agreement that says their fee is 1/2 of our building expenses. They pay a monthly fee based on past years costs. This year we at Fairlawn West have tried to be more resourceful in the ways we care for the building and to be more energy efficient which has meant our costs were down $20,000 from the previous year. It is felt we need to have a bit more conversation within our own leadership and then approach the 3x3 shared team with New Covenant to consider changes in the agreement. We closed with a prayer for Dick and Dottie Pasher and then all shared in the "Go forth into the world...".

Lunch on Us at Miller Ave UCC Jan 22 & 29

2011-01-03T09:38:00.001-08:00

We are hosting "Lunch on Us" Saturdays Jan 22 & 29 at Miller Ave UCC Mission in the south Akron Summit Lake neighborhood. Join us in preparing meals for 125 and serving them.

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T08:39:00.001-08:00

Christmas Eve service at 9:30 pm

Fairlawn West UCC newsletter Oct 30 2010

2010-10-30T05:46:00.001-07:00

We are now officially an Open and Affirming Congregation within the United Church of Christ. To learn more go to http://fairlawnwest.org/openandaffirmingpastoralletter.htm

The Living More Simply group meets on Sunday nights at 6:30 pm in the Fireplace Room. We are beginning to look at ways of planning square foot gardens for the church court yard and at home.

The 21st Spaghetti Supper fund raiser for the food pantry is this Friday starting at 5:30 pm. Please support the Williard UCC food pantry. Also you can buy tickets for our quilt raffle which was made by our Sewing Group.

Every Sunday morning after the worship service is a time of prayer for others the 2nd through the last Sunday of the month. The 1st Sunday of the month we gathering for contemplative prayer.

This Sunday is the remembering of the saints who have died in the past year in the tradition of all Saints Day.

Special offering is being received for the Habitat for Humanity house.

The NEW COURSE on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm will begin the 12 week viewing and discussion of the video "Healing and Recovery." This group is open to all and gathers in the Pastor's Study.

The Council is meeting on Sat Nov 6 to spend time reflecting on its purpose and the mission of Fairlawn West. Please keep them in your prayers.

You can visit with David Loar at the Nervous Dog Coffee Bar, 1520 W Market Street on Fridays 1:30-4:00 pm. It is a good time and place for conversation about life and what it means to have a spiritual life.

Thurs morning Bible reflection at the Summit Mall food court at 9:00 am is reading through 1 Samuel which is a foundational book in understanding the mission that Jesus comes to fulfill.

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ
2095 W. Market Street, Akron, OH 44313
330-864-2179
http://www.fairlawnwest.org office@fairlawnwest.org
offering hospitality to all God's children - an Open and Affirming Church of the UCC

Newsletter Sept 17, 2010

2010-09-18T06:24:00.001-07:00

Here is our email newsletter for Setp 17, 2010
http://fairlawnwest.org/newsletter.htm

We vote tomorrow, Sept 19 following the 9:20 am worship service on our Open and Affirming Mission Statement.
"As a community of faith, we declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming church. We welcome people of every ability, age, economic status, gender, nationality, race or sexual orientation to join us in the full life membership and ministry of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ.

"We believe that every person is a child of God, made in god's image, loved by God, and invested with dignity and worth; and that discipleship requires us to "Welcome others as Christ welcomes us" (Romans 15:7). As an Open and Affirming Congregation, we embrace diversity in our congregation and in our community.

"To exclude persons from the church and society because of sexual orientation or on any other basis withers away the Body of Christ. When one part of the body suffers, all others suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). Instead, we vow to do all within our poser to promote justice and healing through our commitment to being an Open and Affirming Church.

"We give glory and thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for the many diverse gifts and talents that God has given all of God's children."

Sept 3, 2010 newsletter

2010-09-03T11:09:00.001-07:00

Here is our newsletter for Sept 3, 2010

Open & Affirming Mission Statement

2010-08-29T05:12:00.000-07:00

http://fairlawnwest.org/o&astatement.htm We are voting on Sunday September 19th to adopt this Open and Affirming Mission Statement

newsletter for week of Aug 29

2010-08-27T12:58:00.001-07:00

Here is the newsletter for the week of Aug 29

Fairlawn West UCC Aug 13 2010

2010-08-13T12:15:00.001-07:00

FairlawnWest News Aug 13, 2010

http://www.fairlawnwest.org

weekly updates http://fairlawnwest.blogspot.com

*We are preparing to take a congregational vote September 19th to become an "Open and Affirming" Congregation in the United Church of Christ. On Sept 12th we will see the documentary "For The Bible Tells Me So" and have a potluck lunch after the worship service. To become O&A, we will officially adopt a an O&A Mission Statement. The one below is proposed by our O&A Task Force.

"Mission Statement to become an Open and Affirming Congregation within the United Church of Christ"

As a community of faith, we declare ourselves to be an Open and Affirming church. We welcome people of every ability, age, economic status, gender, nationality, race or sexual orientation, to join us in the full life membership and ministry of Fairlawn West United Church of Christ.

We believe that every person is a child of God, made in God's image, loved by God, and invested with dignity and worth; and that discipleship requires us to "Welcome others as Christ welcomes us" (Romans 15:7). As an Open and Affirming Congregation, we embrace diversity in our congregation and in our community.

To exclude persons from the church and society because of sexual orientation or on any other basis withers away the Body of Christ. When one part of the body suffers, all others suffer with it (1 Corinthians 12:26). Instead, we vow to do all within our power to promote justice and healing through our commitment to being an Open and Affirming Church.

We give glory and thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for the many diverse gifts and talents that God has given all of God's children.

(prepared by the Fairlawn West UCC Open & Affirming Task Force: Betty Breth, John Gossett, Barb Greve, Dick and Dottie Pasher, Rev. David Loar)

*Habitat for Humanity house - 1180 McIntosh Ave. in Kenmore. Blitz week continues through Saturday, August 21st. Volunteers are needed to help with the luncheon on Friday, August 20th. Volunteer workers are also needed now until the house is completed in November. See Mary Mounts after worship or give her a call at 330-864-6679. http://www.hfhsummitcounty.org/item/269

*A Centering Prayer Workshop, Sat, Aug 21, 9 am-3 pm in Twinsburg. There is more information on the front lobby window. http://coneo.org/default.aspx

*NEW COURSE "Wrestling with Angels" series is canceled this Wed and will meet again at 7 pm on Aug. 25.

*Rev. David Loar is in the Pastor's study Monday and Friday from 9am to 12 noon and at Nervous Dog Coffee Bar at 1520 W Market Street on Fri from 1:30-4:00pm for conversation. He can be reached to schedule other times at 330-760-7169.

*Other upcoming gatherings:
- Living More Simply group, Sun, 6:30 pm, Fireplace Room, Chapter 2 of "Voluntary Simplicity"
- Preschool Board, Thurs, 4:30 pm
- hosting Labyrinth in the Fellowship Hall for a group from Emmanuel UCC, Doylestown
- Taize worship service, Fri, 6:00 pm, parlor, afterwards a discussion to consider going to once a month rather than once a week

*Some background for Sunday's theme "Sin is Not a 4 Letter Word":

From Dallas Willard, pastor, author and prof of philosophy at the Univ of Southern Calif http://www.dwillard.org/biography/default.asp :

In today's presentation of the gospel, Jesus' death is primarily presented as a ransom that deals with guilt and the effects of guilt regarding our standing before God. But there is more to life than guilt. Once you have been forgiven, you still have to live. Jesus is about the redemption of actual life from actual sin. It is by entering into his life, which is still ongoing on earth, that we are delivered from actual sin. The New Testament is absolutely clear on this. You just take Colossians 3, Philippians 3, 1 John and Titus 3. All make it clear that the righteousness which is by faith is a matter of being delivered from the evil that is around us in action and that we are in danger of falling into ourselves.

Faith in the living Christ raises us above merely being delivered from the consequences of sin. We need a doctrine not only of justification but of regeneration. We need a picture of our life in God that does not leave most of our life untouched. What has happened today is that we've reduced salvation to justification. We've reduced the saving work of Christ to his death on the cross. So what relevance has the resurrected Christ? None! Apparently, we would have gone to heaven even if Christ had never risen from the dead, because the payment was made in full on the cross. At that point, we would have all gone to heaven because God could not have found anything against us; it would have all been forgiven. Nothing else would have been available to us to make us ready for heaven, so that we would be comfortable when we get there! I shudder when I think of many people who are professing Christians today winding up in heaven; I don't know what's going to happen to them. I think they could not be very happy in heaven if they have not gotten acclimated here.

Fri, July 16 update

2010-07-16T08:57:00.001-07:00

Rev. David Loar WILL NOT be at the Nervous Dog Coffee Bar on Friday afternoon, July 16th or 23rd.

We are hosting homeless families through Interfaith Hospitality Network/Family Promise the week of July 18-25. We still need a few spots filled in our hosting roles for the weekend. If you can help, contact deloar@yahoo.com .

Sunday the 18th our theme in the worship service at 9:20 am is "Listening to Our Ancestors." The Living More Simply group will gather at 5:30 to provide a potluck supper for the families we are hosting. The Open & Affirming Task Force meets at 10:45 am. The Open & Affirming book discussion of "The Children are Free: Reexamiing the Biblical Evidence on Same-Sex Relationships" will be 5-6 pm.

email newsletter July 9

2010-07-09T16:33:00.001-07:00

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ
http://www.fairlawnawest.org office@fairlawnwest .org
2095 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
330-864-2179

Open and Affirming Congregation
July 18-Aug 1 Sundays 5-6 pm study group of the book "The Children are Free - Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships" all are invited to be part of this group leading up to our vote as a congregation
Sept 12 Sunday, following the worship service a potluck lunch and then view the dvd "The Bible Tells Me So". A very good reflection on the church, scripture and particularly our misunderstanding or lack of understanding on passages often quoted to condemn homosexuality.
Sept 19 Sunday, Congregational Meeting to vote on becoming an O&A congregation

Interfaith Hospitality Network/Family Promise
We are the host church the week of July 18-25 for at least two families that are in the network. We are seeking van drivers for morning and evening all week, overnight hosts for the 18th and 24th, meal preparers for the 18th, and early evening hosts on the 18th and 25th. A number of folks have already indicated they will help and we will be in touch with you the coming week, but we still need more people to help. We also need folks to help set up the beds and rooms on the 18th and to take them down the 25th. contact office@fairlawnwest .org

Miller Ave UCC Vacation Bible School Sack Lunches
Miller Ave UCC in the Summit Lake neighborhood between Summit Lake and south Main Street serves a community that is probably the most blighted in Akron. Many lots are now empty, many houses boarded up and the remaining houses have large numbers of people living in them along with many long term senior citizens who have been in the neighborhood for much of their life. David Loar is now a member of the Miller Ave Mission Board which is made up of a number of representatives from area UCC churches who support the mission, members of the neighborhood and other interested folks.
One of their most successful programs is the Vacation Bible School for children of the neighborhood which is staffed by folks from The Chapel. We at Fairlawn West will provide on Tues July 20th & Thurs the 22nd sack lunches for 60 children. We will assemble the lunches at our bldg on Mon the 19th. Then at 11:15 am on both days we will deliver the meals and pass them out. If you can assist with this, please contact office@fairlawnwest .org
Another ministry is "Lunch on Us" which usually serves 150 people a Sat noon lunch. We will be hosting Lunch on Us on Sept 18. Plan to help this great service in Christ's name.

Secretary for Pastor & Church
Alison Oswald will be transitioning in to being the Pastor/Office Secretary starting the end of July. Mary Austin will continue into the 1st week of August. Alison and her husband Andy have been members of Fairlawn West for 2 years. Their son Griffin is 5 months old and you will see Griffin in the office as well. Alison has her degree from Kent State in library science and has also served the National Heart Association in developing school fundraisers.

Bookkeeper
Julia Hines has found due to her school schedule she is not able to devote the needed time to the bookkeeper role (financial secretary). We are now posting the position for 15 hours a week. We have one potential candidate in conversation, but in case that does not work out, we will still receive applicants for the next week.

Living More Simply Group
We are now starting to read through the book "Voluntary Simplicity" by Duane Elgin. The group meets on Sundays at 6:30 pm. We also share in good whole foods potlucks and buying organic, locally raiseda and grass fed meat as well as gardening and other food processing and cooking ideas. We raised $275 for the UNICEF campaign to end international child labor and slavery through our yard sale two weeks ago.

Marian Moore
We give thanks to God for the life of Marian Moore who died at age 90 last Friday. Her memorial service was in our sanctuary on Monday. We lift in our prayers her daughter and son-in-law Jan and Bob Bier and her granddaughter Kara Kaufmann (and husband Andy).

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Fri June 25

2010-06-25T04:13:00.001-07:00

Fairlawn West UCC update

-Don't forget the Yard Sale for Justice tomorrow/Sat in the front yard of the church facility from 9 am to 1 pm. The proceeds from this sale will go to the UNICEF program to end international child labor. Bring your stuff to sell. Invite people to come to buy.

-Worship Sun at 9:20 am. The theme is "Jesus Speaks to the Disciples" (that's who we are as the church). David Loar won't be at the Nervous Dog Coffee Bar today/Fri.

-The following quote is from an article by Bob Buford in Learnings which is is a weekly email newsletter for church leaders from the Leadership Network. Buford became a multi-millionaire and then through his Christian faith developed an organization with Peter Drucker called Halftime which is helping people move beyond making money in their life and using the last half of their life to be significant in the world.
"...last Thursday's Wall Street Journal (June 17) carried a remarkable story. The one sentence opening paragraph said this:

"Warren Buffett and Bill Gates called Thursday on their billionaire peers to give away half of their wealth."

The story continues, "The pronouncement of Messrs. Buffett and Gates stems from a series of dinners the two men held over the past year to discuss the effects of the recession on philanthropy with some of the nation's richest people. … The result of the dinners is an invitation called the Giving Pledge which asks the nation's billionaires to publicly commit at least half of their wealth to philanthropic and charitable groups within their lifetime or after their deaths. … The goal is to create an expectation in society that the rich should give away their wealth and create a peer group of wealthy people who can offer advice on philanthropy. … "One of the most important things about philanthropy is that people do what they are passionate about. They won't do it otherwise" said Melinda Gates.

… New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said, "I am a big believer in giving it all away and have always said that the best financial planning ends with bouncing the check to the undertaker."

Yard Sale for Justice Sat June 26 9 am - 1 pm

2010-06-23T11:16:00.001-07:00

Bring your stuff to sell on Sat the 26th before 9 am. We will give you a table to put it on to sell. The sale is in our front yard from 9 am to 1 pm. Any proceeds you make the church will give to the UNICEF program to end child labor internationally. We realize that a lot of our "stuff" was produced and manufactured in other places in the world by children in very poor and sometimes slave like conditions. So we figure any money we make off this stuff should go to end these horrible conditions.

http://www.unicef.org/protection/index_childlabour.html

June 18 newsletter

2010-06-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Here is our email newsletter sent out today with a host of info.

how do we evaluate our lifetsyle in light of the narrative of the Bible?

2010-06-13T14:06:00.001-07:00

The article "The Liturgy of Abundance, The Myth of Scarcity" by Dr. Walter Brueggemann, UCC pastor, professor emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary in Atlanta and was Pastor David Loar's prof of OT at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis.

http://www.religion-online.org/showarticle.asp?title=533

update on Fri June 4

2010-06-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

Fairlawn West United Church of Christ
2094 W Market St, Akron, OH 44313
www.fairlawnwest.org
office@fairlawnwest.org

We are seeing a video Sunday of an interview with Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove on what it means to live a resurrection life. He was the chief of staff of a Republican senator from the south and had plans to enter politics himself. Until one day in Washington D.C. his life was turned around as he reflected on scripture. Jonathan is an Associate Minister at the historically black St. Johns Baptist Church, and is engaged in peacemaking and reconciliation efforts in Durham, North Carolina. The Rutba House, where Jonathan lives with his wife Leah, their son JaiMichael, and other friends, is a new monastic community that prays, eats, and lives together, welcoming neighbors and the homeless. A native of North Carolina, he is a graduate of Eastern University and Duke Divinity School. Jonathan directs the School for Conversion, an alternative seminary that hosts courses around the country. An evangelical who connects with the broad Christian tradition and its monastic witnesses, Jonathan is a leader in the new monastic movement and conversations about Christianity in the 21st century. He speaks often to churches and conferences of the "new evangelicals," but also connects with Mainline and Catholic audiences who are interested in reconnecting with ancient Christian practices.

Gatherings:

· Prayer & Praise time, Next Sunday at 11am in the Fireplace Room. We lift up the week's prayer concerns.

· Contemplative/Centering Prayer, meets today, the 1^st Sun of the month, 11am in the Fireplace Room. 1/2 hour.

· Living More Simply will meet today at 6:30pm in the Fireplace Room. We will watch the "Stuff" segment of the DVD series ""Simply Enough" which is hosted by Tony Campolo & Shane Claiborne.

· NEW COURSE meets on Wednesdays at 7:00pm in Pastor Loar's Study. We are watching the video series "Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People."

· Bible Reading & Reflection, Thursday 9:00am in the food court of Summit Mall. We are reading through the book of the prophets who are under the umbrella name of "Isaiah."

· Friday Taize worship service, 6pm in the Parlor. Prayer, scripture, song & meditation.

· 12 Step Recovery Groups

Meetings for Alcoholics Anonymous, Emotions Anonymous, and Sexaholics Anonymous meet regularly in our building. Check the bulletin board in the main hallway for more information.

Centering Prayer will gather in the Fireplace Room at 10:50 am. All are invited to share in 20 minutes of this contemplative prayer form.

The Living More simply group meets tonight at 6:30 pm in the Fireplace Room. New folks always welcome. We will be viewing the section of the "Simply Enough" series on money. We are now ordering copies of the book "Voluntary Simplicity" by Duane Elgin for the next series of learning and growing after the dvd series. If you would like to order a book, let Rev. Loar know.

Rev. Loar and Julia Hines will be at the Ohio Conference of the United Church of Christ Annual Gathering the end of this week at Heidelberg University.

Start planning now to have your table at the Yard Sale for Justice in our front yard on Saturday, June 26. Bring the items you want to sell that morning. Tables will be available for you to place your items. All proceeds go to the UN Program to Combat International Child Labor. This is sponsored by Living More Simply group.

Rev. David Loar is in the Pastor's Study Monday and Friday from 9am to 12 noon and at Nervous Dog Coffee Bar at 1520 W Market Street on Fri from 1:30-4:00pm for conversation.

Worship on Sunday at 9:20 am in the cafe. Taize prayer and song and meditation service on Friday at 6:00 pm in the parlor.

update May 29, 2010

2010-05-29T05:05:00.001-07:00

What does God provide for us to wear to protect us from the threats of the demonic and the eroding power of the world around us? That's where we are going this Sun. Check out Ephesians 6:10-18 Worship service starts at 9:20 am with music and singing led by the BASIC Band.

There will be no Living More Simply group on the 30th, but it will meet at 6:30 pm in the Fireplace Room on June 6th.

The office is closed on Monday for the Memorial Day holiday.

We have mailed out a new printed newsletter that we will send out periodically to complement the usual email newsletter.

Make sure you have signed up to serve on Mitzvah Day.