As the body of Faith United embarks on this new phase of our spiritual journey let us do so with these words from scripture in mind:
The wise build their house upon a rock… Matthew 7: 24-27
The foundation (rock) is Jesus Christ… 1 Corinthains 3:10-11
We engage in this building project in a manner which is intended for the glory of God in Jesus Christ. We are making the chancel area an accessible space so that ALL may lead and participate fully in worship.
Week 1 - Astounding Progress!
A pre-production meeting was held on Friday February 7th to “cross all the ‘T’s’ and dot all the ‘I’s’” in regard to beginning the construction phase of the Sanctuary Refurbishment project. Along with Joe Caplea (Architect) those excitedly gathered were Denny Flectner, Bill Henne, Pastor Cara and Jim Hinderer (representatives of the Sanctuary Refurbishment Team), Roger Miller (NC Building Inspector), Gary Coen (NC Fire Inspector), Brad Detwiler and Dave Smith (General Contractors from Scheetz), and Mike Wadlington (Faith United Head Custodian). Schantz Organ Company also came on Friday to cover the organ pipes and console.
Sunday following worship a small team of people (Bev Kimble, Deb and Mike Wiley, Pastor Cara, Kathy Schmucker, Barb Rich and Butch Ransom) cleared the sanctuary of hymnals, pew pads, prayer cards and chancel furniture in preparation for construction to begin the next day.
Early Monday morning the activity began! Over the last few days the piano has been moved, some pews have been removed and the existing choir loft and the chancel area have been razed in order to make way for the new 2-stair chancel. Framing for the platform began on Thursday and was complete by Friday afternoon. I asked Contractor Dave if the whole project was going to move along so quickly. Essentially he indicated that ‘It is much faster to demo than to build.’ In the second week the more detail oriented work of installing decking and building the ramp will begin.
Peek BUT Don’t ‘Sneak’
To get a sense of the project progress please DO come into the Narthex and look through the windows – OOOOO and Ahhhhh all you desire from that vantage point. Though for reasons of safety, entrance to the Sanctuary is strictly off limits.
Sunday Logistics
Alternate “Sanctuaries”
8:30 Worship will be held in Robinson Hall
THE ORIGINAL SANCTARY SPACE OF FAITH METHODIST
- Please enter through one of the first two doors to receive welcome, bulletin and hymnals
- As you are able, please plan to help shift the worship space back to program space by helping to take down chairs.
11:00 Worship will be held in The Family Life Center in the familiar traditional worship style.
Music ensembles: The Sacristy (room behind the altar area) IS ACCESSIBLE to instrument/robe storage.
- When bells are playing on Sundays, they will rehearse in the alternate “sanctuary”
- Choir/Schola will rehearse in the Chapel/alternate “sanctuary”
- Special music will rehearse in the alternate “sanctuary”
Parking:
The ONLY parking spaces that are impeded are three spots in the East Lot. Please feel free to park where you desire.
9:45 WORSHIPPERS – You will be sharing your West Lot spaces with those who will be arriving for 11AM worship. Perhaps you might consider parking in the East Lot and walking through the building to the Family Life Center to make room for persons who may have challenges with mobility.
Weekday Logistics
Please direct questions about any weekday engagements that may be effected by the Sanctuary Refurbishments to Pastor Cara.
The writer of 1 Peter encourages us, “Come to him, a living stone…and like living stones let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.” By grace we, the people of Faith United, have been built into a spiritual house in all times and seasons. By grace, God’s love will be revealed in and through us in this building season.
With great appreciation for each and all of you –
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Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent, is February 26.
Services: Faith United will hold Ash Wednesday Services at 12:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
The 7:00 service will be an inter-generational service for all ages with worship music led by Faith United’s Chancel Choir.
Dinner is served at 6:00 pm in Robinson Hall. Please RSVP for dinner through Realm or to the church office at 330-499-6040.
Labyrinth & Prayer Stations: Faith UMC’s 36ft Indoor Prayer Labyrinth will be available to the congregation and community for prayer and reflection in our Family Life Center from 10:00 am—8:30 pm. To learn more about Faith United’s Labyrinth visit our website at
https://www.myfaithunited.org/labyrinth/.
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Opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal
Dates of Next Emmaus Retreat:
Men's: April 16-19, 2020
Women's: April 23-26, 2020
Emmaus retreat weekends fill up quickly. Contact Kathy Schmucker, Pam Wig, Laura Luikart, or Betty Fulton as soon as possible to register for the Spring Emmaus weekends.
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Adult Group Opportunities:
- Faith 101, Sundays at 9:45 am in Room 5 beginning February 2. Facilitators: Pastors Steve and Cara. Review the Christian Faith, Methodism, and Faith United with Pastors Steve and Cara. Whether you are new to Faith United or you have been here for a while, this class is a way to rediscover the wonder and power of the Christian faith, the mission, history and theology of the United Methodist Church, and the unique expression of both at Faith United. *
- The Way of Forgiveness, Sundays at 11:00 am now through March 15. Facilitators: Pastors Steve and Cara * It takes a lot of willingness and practice to see life from God's perspective. Perhaps nothing goes more against the grain of human nature than the ideas of forgiving those who wound us and accepting forgiveness from others. The Way of Forgiveness explores how to deal with these issues to preserve "the beauty of our souls" and to fulfill the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.
- The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Walk, Women’s Bible Study Wednesdays at 9:00 am beginning February 19. Facilitator: Linda Reynolds. How do we walk with Christ--daily follow him, grow in him, and faithfully serve him? In the Gospels, Jesus modeled for us the Christian spiritual life. The apostles taught it in their writings. The Church has, through the last 2,000 years, sought to pursue this Christian spiritual life. This study focuses on five essential spiritual practices that are rooted in Jesus' own walk with God and taught throughout the New Testament. Each of these practices is intended as part of our daily walk with Christ while also being an essential part of growing together in the church.
- Theology for the Times, Friday, February 21 at 12:00 pm at Beyesly’s Restaurant.
- Lent for the Soul: We are Beloved, Fridays at 10:30 am beginning February 28. Facilitators: Kathy Schmucker and Pam Wig. Be transformed by God’s love this Lenten season. This 6-week Lenten journey follows stories of Jesus' experience of God's love. The incarnate Son of God was made fully human, which means that Jesus had to fully mature in strength and wisdom to learn that he was beloved. Just as Jesus learned of his belovedness, we, too, can cultivate the wisdom and knowledge that we are deeply loved. Includes optional prayer bead devotion resources. Optional opportunity for those interested in lunch afterwards for continued fellowship.
- John: The Gospel of Light and Life. Faith Meets Life Sunday School Class, Sundays at 9:45 am in room 16 beginning March 1. Facilitators: Janice Golden and Kim Reynolds. *^ John notes that his aim in writing the gospel is that readers will not only believe in Jesus Christ, but that they “may have life in his name.” This study follows the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the Gospel of John exploring the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament.
- The Fingerprints of God: Recognizing God’s Touch on Your Life, Women’s Bible Study, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm beginning March 3. Facilitators: Sue Bell and Sue Schillings. The God who raised mountains and set the mighty waves in motion wants you to feel His tender touch. Author, speaker and recording artist Jennifer Rothschild understands that God guides us on pathways we cannot navigate alone. God’s essential touch separates us from all other created beings. His touch warms, affirms, and guides us; it communicates value and self-esteem. During this 6-week study we will explore six things we can experience because of God’s touch: honor, intimacy, shelter, guidance, redemption, and refinement.
- Liturgy of the Ordinary, Men’s Life Study, meets Saturday, February 15 and 29 at 7:00 am at Beyesly’s Restaurant. Facilitator: Kim Reynolds.
- Is It Possible…? Wednesday evenings following Wednesday Dinner and Worship. We are calling anyone who wants to join us as we engage this question, “Is it possible…?” Facilitators: Pastor Cara, Tom Strauch, and Cindy Wilcox. *^
*Denotes groups when nursery/childcare and activities for children are available.
^Denotes groups when youth activities are available.
Winter and Lent groups are now forming. To learn more about these and other opportunities for adults happening at Faith United, visit our website, Realm or contact Kathy Schmucker, Spiritual Formation Director, at
kschmucker@faithumchurch.org or call 330-499-6040, ext 107 or 330-224-6138.
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Wednesday Dinner & Worship
every week at 6 pm.
Leave the cooking to us and join us for an evening of food, fun, faith, and fellowship!
Contact Kathy Schmucker, Bethany Sedziol or John Hartzell to learn more.
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Wonder Kids Grades K-5
Following 6:00 pm dinner and worship, kids learn about faith through Bible stories, games, activities, service and mission projects, and worship experiences.
Children in Kindergarten-5th Grade are invited to join us during the month of February to learn about Lent and prepare to participate in our Ash Wednesday Service, February 26!
Little Wonders childcare and activities for young children in the nursery.
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Faith United Children’s Sunday School
9:45 & 11:00 on Sunday Mornings
Deep Blue Loving God, Loving Neighbor
Weekly Family Devotions available at the Children’s Welcome Station
Try this Family Devotion with your family.
Read: The Servant Girl (2 Kings 5:1-19)
Bible Story Focus: The servant girl teaches us that even if we’re not in a position of leadership and power, we can still be leaders.
Wonder Together: How does your church family help one another?
Memory Verse: “He did what was right in the Lord’s eyes.” (2 Kings 22:2)
Pray Together: Share joys and concerns, and then pray, Dear God, thank you for the leaders in our communities. Help us also lead following the examples of Deborah, David, the servant girl, and Josiah. Amen.
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2019/2020 Children/Youth Emergency/Permission Registration Forms
For the safety of our children and youth, our Safe Sanctuary Policy asks that parents/guardians of children from birth through high school graduation complete an emergency form for children participating in church activities each year. On this form, you can designate the activities your child has permission to participate in so that you only need to complete one form per child. Click this link to register your children:
http://tiny.cc/Forms
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Are you somebody?
Kids need somebody to help them learn about Jesus and grow in their faith.
Madelyn shares that her favorite thing about church is choir, Wednesday dinners, and the kids programs. Kids like Madelyn need adults in their lives who model Jesus’ love to them so that they can learn to live, love, and serve like Jesus.
Prayer fully consider how God is calling you to be somebody for the kids at Faith United. There are many opportunities to serve: Sunday School Teacher or Helper, Nursery Care, Wednesday Night Wonder Kids, Messy Church, VBS,and Camp Read-A-Lot.
Bonus: Helping others learn about God is a great way to grow in your personal faith!
Contact Kathy Schmucker, Bethany Sedziol, or Pam Wig for more information!
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Maundy Thursday Drama
You’re invited to be part of Faith United's powerful Maundy Thursday drama, A Journey into Faith. We are looking for men, women, and children to be part of one or two short scenes. Roles will require a small amount of memorization. No prior experience is required. We will perform on Thursday evening April 9, and we’ll have several rehearsals leading up to the performance. Please contact Kevin Crowl (
kevin.crowl@gmail.com), Tom Strauch (
magic12no9@gmail.com), or Barb Rich (
bsrinoh@gmail.com) if you are interested or for further information.
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Canton Calvary Mission is looking for 100 people to take the "100 Plumbers Challenge!"
According to Google, a plumber is "a person who installs and repairs the pipes and fittings of water supply, sanitation, or heating systems." You may
not be handy with a pipe wrench , or have never dug a trench with an excavator, but you can still accept this challenge to help with a plumbing repair!
On November 12, the main outside water line from the Mission to the street broke. It not only caused a flood in the kitchen and adjoining area, but resulted in the Mission being without water for 4 days and having to cancel programs and services during that time.
We have received the bill for $17,609.86. We are hoping to find some "plumbers" willing to help us with this repair. It would take 100 people to give a gift of $170 to cover the cost. We will gratefully accept gifts of any amount.
Checks should be written to Canton Calvary Mission, with "plumber" on the memo line, and mailed or delivered to Canton Calvary Mission, 1345 Gibbs Ave NE, Canton, OH 44705. Gifts may also be given through PayPal on our website,
www.cantoncalvarymission.net.
Thank you in advance for taking the "100 Plumbers Challenge!"
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Mission Trip to Peru
Kaitlyn Schmucker and Amanda Mills will be traveling on a mission trip to Peru this July with the UMVIM! The cost of the trip is $2,300 per person. You can support their trip through a direct donation, by purchasing a “Spirit Lead Me Where my Trust is Without Borders” t-shirt, or by attending the Peruvian Dinner on Saturday, February 22nd from 4pm-7pm located at the Fellowship Hall of Mogadore United Methodist Church. Your prayers and any way you could support the medical missions’ trip to Quispicanchi-Cusco, Peru will be greatly appreciated!
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Faith United Library and Media Center News
Faith United’s Library team would like to extend a big thank you to the congregation for the success of the Book Giveaway held in January. First, we wish to thank those who contributed by donating books from their home-collections. So many good books! We also received $220+ which will be used to buy books for the adult section of our library. Many of the more current donated titles were placed in the library collection for others to enjoy.
Faith United’s Library has continued to increase its readership. Faith Friends Learning Center students visit the library each Tuesday with approximately 90 people participating in that program weekly. In addition, our adult readership continues to increase each year. We welcome and encourage you to visit.
Black History Month is currently being celebrated. Books related to this subject are located on the red cart just inside the door.
Lenten materials will be available in late February for the upcoming Lenten season. Look for them soon.
Thank you for making Faith United’s Library such a special place.
Contact Betsy Gorrell, Nancy Share, Donna McDaniel, or Kathy Schmucker for more information.
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Messy Church Interactive Worship Experience
Sunday, March 8 at 4:00 pm.
An experience for all ages to worship, learn, and grow together!
Messy Church is an inter-generational worship experience where people engage with the day's Bible story through hands-on art and creative activities followed by a time of learning and worship and then end our time together with dinner.
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Faith United’s updated data base system exists to help you get connected! If you organize a ministry, lead a group or ministry team, we want to help you connect with persons participating in your ministry and help the congregation learn more about your group and how they can get involved. Whether your group’s purpose is to serve the church or community, help others grow in faith, outreach, music, fellowship, prayer, Bible study, an ongoing group or a group that is only needed for a short time, we want to help you. Stop by the church one of the following times to learn how to use Realm for your group:
- Thursday, February 20 at 10:30 am
- Tuesday, March 3 at 5:30 pm
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Safe Sanctuary Orientation will be available on Sunday, February 16 at 12:30 pm. Anyone who serves in ministry with children, youth and/or vulnerable persons needs to attend an orientation annually. Choose the date that best fits your schedule. For questions contact Kathy Schmucker, Pastor Steve, or Dave McDaniel, Safe Sanctuary Ministry leader.
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Employment Opportunities
North Canton Faith UMC is seeking to hire a
part-time Administrative Assistant to work 20-25 hours per week. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who feels called to use their administrative gifts to serve on a talented and passionate staff team in an active and dynamic environment to help accomplish the church's mission. Please visit our website
www.myfaithunited.org and click on "Employment" in the top menu for full details and to apply. Submit cover letter, resume, and completed application by February 18. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of February 23.
North Canton Faith UMC is seeking to hire a Church Journalist/Communications Coordinator to work approximately 10 hours per week. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who feels called to use their writing, photography, and coordinating gifts to capture and tell the story of God's work with a talented and passionate staff team as well as professional Marketing Firm – Crowl Marketing | Creative. Please visit our website
www.myfaithunited.org and click on "Employment" in the top menu for full details and to apply. Submit cover letter, resume, and completed application by February 19. Interviews are tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of February 22.
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Our Altar Flower Calendar for 2020 is ready for you to sign up. Flowers are $28 and can be given in memory or honor of loved ones. The calendar is located across from Robinson Hall. Flowers can be designated for the sanctuary or Family Life Center. They add such beauty to our Sunday services!
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Communications
Want to submit to The Navigator. Just email your content and any supporting images to
Communications-Team@faithumchurch.org. The deadline for submission is one week before issue date. Please indicate on the subject line of your email the dates and if your announcement is for the Navigator, bulletin or both.
The next two issues are February 29 and March 14.
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Sunday, February 16
8:00 am - 12:30 pm Scout Pancake Breakfast - Wesley Hall
8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am - Worship Services
9:45 am & 11:00 am - Sunday School Room 6, 8, 18, Youth
9:45 am - 11:00 am Faith Questions Study - Room 16
9:45 am - 10:45 am Faith 101 - Room 5
11:00 am - 12:00 pm "Forgiveness" Study - Room 5
11:00 am - 12:00 am Confirmation Class - Robinson Hall
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Youth Group - Youth Room, FLC
Monday, February 17
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm "Making Sense of the Bible" Bible Study - Parlor
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Meditation Group - Conference Room
Tuesday, February 18
6:00 am - 7:00 am Men's Prayer Group - Room 5
9:00 am - 11:00 am Library Time with FFLC - Library
9:00 am - 11:00 am Quilts to Share Room 5, 16
9:30 am - 11:00 am Celebration Bell Choir Rehearsal - Room 8
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Welcome Team Meeting - Conference Room
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Emmaus meting - Conference Room
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm "Discerning the Voice of God" Bible Study - Parlor
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Finance Meeting - Conference Room
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Boy Scouts - Robinson Hall. FLC
Wednesday, February 19
9:00 am - 11:00 am "The Walk" - Parlor
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm Joyful Noise Children's Choir - Room 8
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Dinner/Programs - Robinson Hall, Parlor, 16
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm WonderKids (K-5th) - Rooms 5, 6, FLC, Chapel, Little Wonders - (Nursery)
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Is It Possible? - Parlor
6:39 pm - 8:30 pm Sewing for Missions - Robinson Hall
6:45 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Youth
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary
Thursday, February 20
7:30 am - 8:30 am Women's Prayer Breakfast@Samantha's on Market
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm Alzheimer's Support Group - Room 8
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry - Parlor
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Community Assistance - Conference Room
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Cub Scout - FLC, Wesley, 6, 8, 16, LL
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Trustees - Conference Room
Friday, February 21
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Theology of the Times - Beyesly's Restaurant
4:30 pm Scout Campout
Sunday, February 23
8:00 am - 1:00 pm Basket Auction Tables in GA/Youth Rm
8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am - Worship Services Scout Sunday
9:45 am & 11:00 am - Sunday School Room 6, 8, 18, Youth
9:45 am - 11:00 am Faith Questions Study - Room 16
9:45 am - 10:45 am Faith 101 - Room 5
11:00 am - 12:00 pm "Forgiveness" Study - Room 5
11:00 am - 12:00 am Confirmation Class - Robinson Hall
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Youth Group - Youth Room, FLC
Monday, February 24
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm "Making Sense of the Bible" Bible Study - Parlor
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Meditation Group - Conference room
Tuesday,
February
25
6:00 am - 7:00 am Men's Prayer Group - Balcony
9:00 am - 11:00 am Library Time with FFLC - Library
9:00 am - 11:00 am Quilts to Share Room 5, 8
9:30 am - 11:00 am Celebration Bell Choir Rehearsal - Room 8
9:30 pm - 11:00 pm Coffee Talk @ Cultured Coffee and Waffles on Portage
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm "Discerning the Voice of God" Bible Study - Parlor
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Boy Scouts - Robinson Hall
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm SPRC - Conference Room
Wednesday, February 26
9:00 am - 11:00 am "The Walk" - Parlor
10:00 am - 8:30 pm Ash Wednesday Labyrinth - FLC
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service
5:15 pm - 6:00 pm Joyful Noise Children's Choir - Room 8
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Dinner/Programs - Robinson Hall, Parlor, 16
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm WonderKids (K-5th) - Rooms 5, 6, FLC, Chapel, (Little Wonders - Nursery)
6:45 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Youth
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Chancel Choir - Chapel
Thursday, February 27
7:30 am - 8:30 am Women's Prayer Breakfast@Samantha's on Market
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry - Parlor
6:00 pm -7:00 pm Emmaus - Agape Room 16
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Circle of Love - Parlor
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