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February 18 - February 25, 2023 | |
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"The youth are not the church of tomorrow;
they are the church of today."
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Sunday School Opportunities
- Nursery Care & Preschool Sunday School (up to age 5), during worship in Room 18.
- Adult Sunday School opportunities are listed on the church calendar/website.
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Worship at Crystal Park UMC
Traditional Worship at 11:00 am
2219 Mahoning Rd NE, Canton, 44705
Preacher: Rev. Paul White
Sermon: "Super Sunday"
Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9
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Join us for an evening of fun, food, faith and fellowship 5:45 - 6:30 pm
Leave the cooking to us and enjoy a great meal and mid-week worship! We strive to serve healthy adult and kid friendly, gluten-free, low carb, and peanut/tree nut free options each week. A great time to connect with others. Groups and activities for adults, youth and kids follow worship. Childcare where little ones learn about God is available during adult groups.
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What is Lent?
Ash Wednesday (February 22) marks the beginning of the season of Lent. Lent is the forty-day period (not counting Sundays) between Ash Wednesday and Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). Lent is a time for preparing for Easter by spending time with God. Lent is a season of renewal: a time to explore, refocus and renew our faith commitment and grow closer to God. Many Christians prepare for Easter by fasting, prayer, repentance, sacrificial giving, moderation and spiritual discipline. Lent can also be a season to begin a new spiritual practice to deepen your relationship with God. May the worship experiences and resources be meaningful ways for you to connect with God during this season of Lent.
Click here to download this year’s Lent Devotion booklet: Seeking: Honest Questions for Deeper Faith
Click here to download Lenten Daily Prayer Cards
Click here to visit our website to learn more about Lent, Holy Week and Easter
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Feasibility Study:
First Impressions Gatherings
Thursday, February 23, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Sunday, February 26, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
The First step of our feasibility study with Horizon’s Consultant Craig Miller will be two “First Impressions” gatherings. These gatherings are designed to share the vision that would be supported by a campaign to raise approximately $1,000,000 over three years, and more importantly, to receive your feedback. As the name of the gatherings implies, these meetings will give Craig and all of us a sense of our first impressions as we consider this next step toward living into the vision we believe God has called us to. All are encouraged to attend one of the two gatherings. Both gatherings are intended to be identical in format. Two dates are provided to accommodate more people and varied schedules.
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New Member Sunday will be February 26
If you are interested in becoming a member or learning more about church membership, contact Pastor Steve, Pastor Jake, or Kathy Schmucker.
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Pastor Steve to be Appointed to Mentor UMC
It was announced in worship that Bishop Tracy S. Malone intends to appoint me to serve as the senior pastor at Mentor United Methodist Church in Mentor Ohio, in the Western Reserve District effective July 1, 2023. I am grateful for this new opportunity to serve in a new setting while at the same time sad to be leaving the amazing people of Faith United where I have been incredibly blessed to serve for 14 years (11 years as co-pastor with my wife Cara and 3 years as Senior Pastor with Rev. Jake Heskett as the Associate Pastor).
One of the strengths of Faith United is that it truly is a lay led, mission-centered, church. It has a long history of supporting and loving its pastors without becoming a pastor-centered church. Many members of this church, probably over 80% of the congregation, have experienced pastoral transitions and understand the missional purpose of the itinerant system of moving pastors in the United Methodist Church.
From UMC.org, “The goal of the appointment process is to match as much as possible the gifts and graces of the particular pastor or deacon with the ministry needs of a particular congregation or ministry setting. In this “serial leadership” of consecutive pastors and deacons — no two are alike — over time, the combination of skills blends to form a broad base of developed ministries.” Click here to read more.
I am confident that through the prayerful work of our bishop and her cabinet, the next Sr. Pastor to serve at Faith United will be the right servant leader with the right gifts for this season of mission and ministry at Faith. I am certain that he or she will be blessed as I have been to serve such a healthy and missional congregation. You will be blessed too.
At the same time, grief is real! Every day now I find myself basking in memories I will always treasure. You have taught me so much! Thank you for seeing past my faults and always giving me grace and more chances to grow. Thank you for loving me and my family. What a gift, as a United Methodist pastor, to get to raise my children in one home, at one church.
Between now and my last Sunday (sometime in June), I will cherish our time together while doing all I can to help us (the church and me) have a smooth and healthy transition. You are in my prayers, and I am grateful for your prayers.
Sincerely,
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Pennies for Paraguay
As summer comes to an end in the southern hemisphere, the 2023 school year is getting underway in Paraguay. Thanks to your continued generosity, we were able to send almost $2,000 to the school to support four students. Letters from Fabricio, Carlos, Luana, and Sofia continue to express their sincere gratitude for your financial support. Year-round donations are crucial to continue this ministry. There is a metal bucket sitting on the radiator in the hallway outside the library to accept loose coin donations. Checks can be made out to the church, with “Pennies for Paraguay” on the memo line. Larger coin collections can be dropped off in the church office. Thanks again for your contributions since 2001. Lives are being changed in Paraguay!
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Faith United is seeking a Part-time Administrative Assistant
Responsibilities include general administrative and database support for church programs, and office tasks including maintaining weekly newsletters and sending congregational e-mails and communications. The candidate must be proficient in Word and Excel. Church database experience is a plus. Some work schedule availability. Salaried position of 20 to 25 hours per week; approximately $19,000 annual salary. Send resume & cover letter to resume@faithumchurch.org by March 5th.
For a detailed job description click here to visit our website.
Faith United is also searching for Part-Time Child Care Providers - flexible hours on an as needed basis. For more information and an application email
kschmucker@faithumchurch.org or visit our website.
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Adult Connect Groups
Lent and Spring groups are now forming! Contact Kathy Schmucker for information on starting or participating in an adult group.
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The Book of Acts, Monday Night Bible Study, 6:30pm, Ron Luikart, Parlor/Zoom
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Seven Words: Listening to Christ from the Cross, Tuesday Women's Group, 6:30pm Zoom, Coordinators: Sue Bell and Sue Schillings beginning February 28
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The Chosen: Season Two, Wednesday Women's Group, 9:00am, Linda Reynolds
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After Dinner Table Talk, Wednesdays, 6:30pm, Room 5
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The Gospel of Matthew, Wednesdays, 6:30pm, West Parlor, Pastor Jake
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Fellowship of Love Women’s Group, Thursday, February 23 at 7:00pm
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Prayer Shawl Ministry, Thursdays, 1:00pm, Coordinator: Mike Flechtner, Parlor
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Theology for Our Times, Fridays, 1:00pm, Coordinator: Tom Strauch, Zoom
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Sewing for Missions, Wednesday, March 1, 6:30pm Coordinator: Sue Bell
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Visio Divina Lent Art Study, Thursdays March 2, 16, 30 at 7:00pm, Zoom. Facilitator: Kathy Schmucker
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Resilient, Men's Life Study, Saturdays, March 4 & 18, 8:00am Beyesly's Restaurant, Jim Skinner
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Second Wind: A Seniors and Retirees Fellowship Group, Tuesday, March 14 at 1:00pm. Coordinator: Joanne Fox
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Book Discussion Group: Lessons in Chemistry, Thursday, March 30 at 7:00pm. Coordinators: Jan Baker and Deb Howard.
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Common Ground - Mom's Group, 9:45-10:25am, Sundays, Coordinators: Rebekah Heskett and Bethany Sedziol, Nursery
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The End of Me: Where Real-Life in the Upside-Down Ways of Jesus Begins, Sundays, 9:45-10:45am Coordinator: Bob Snyder, Conference Room/Zoom
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Through the Year with John Wesley - Text group with Pastor Steve & Pastor Jake
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Click here or scan for more details about all the group opportunities and programs happening at Faith United.
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Opportunity for spiritual growth and renewal
Emmaus weekend retreats are offered twice a year in the spring and fall.
Dates of Next Emmaus Retreat:
Men's: April 13-16, 2023, Women's: April 20-23, 2023
Click here to learn more about Emmaus. Emmaus retreat weekends fill up quickly. Contact Kathy Schmucker or anyone from Faith United's Emmaus team for more information as soon as possible to register for the Spring Emmaus weekends.
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Casting Call for "Pieces"
A Maundy Thursday Drama
Hello all!
My name is Tyler Kirker, and I am Faith United's Creative Writing Intern.
I am looking for 7 actors of any age or gender to perform in a one-act play that will be written and directed by me for the church’s Maundy Thursday service on April 6.
Rehearsals will take place during the last week of February, all of March, and the first week of April, prior to our performance on Maundy Thursday.
We will likely rehearse 2 to 3 times each week. No previous acting experience is required!
If you are interested in being involved, please text me at 330.904.2889 or email me at tgkirker1@malone.edu by tomorrow, February 19.
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Faith and Environment Weekly | |
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Youth engagement is pivotal to climate programs.
Young people can be builders and guardians of their environment, with the right support and training. Youth can assume several roles in projects, including builders, knowledge brokers, and community guardians. Where projects implement practical solutions and physical outputs youth are more likely to participate as it enhances their skills and their perception of effective outcomes that slow climate change.
Youth can vitalize climate action in communities and countries.
Youth entrepreneurs are one key group among a broader range of stakeholders applying for grants. Empowerment of youth is essential to help educate and equip the next generation to address the urgency of climate change with increased awareness and practical tools, and also to engage youth leaders in fostering new ideas and innovative approaches for vulnerable countries and communities to adapt to climate change. In the path towards resilience, youth must be seen as active agents of change who are dynamic, creative, innovative, and open-minded, characteristics that ultimately help them to propel societies.
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The Takeaway – Ensure that your kids, our youth, understand the serious threat of climate change.
Click here for more information:
The views of this, and other F&E articles, do not necessarily reflect the views of the congregation, nor every member of the F&E group. Intent & Responsibility Statement. Article Edited by Tom Strauch on behalf of the Faith & Environment Ministry Group. Text your comments to Tom Strauch at 330.283.9883
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Faith United welcomes children of all ages in worship. Our worship experience is enriched as we gather together to experience and praise God.
Celebrate Wonder home activities are available in the weekly worship emails for Nursery-5th Grade. Pick 1-2 activities to do and learn and wonder about God together. View each week's Bible story and music videos on Amplify Media.
Kids, remember to bring your Liturgical Prayer beads to worship this Sunday and Wednesday to add the next beads. It is time to add a bead for Ash Wednesday and Lent! If you haven’t received your starter beads yet, join us on Sunday or Wednesday to learn more!
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Wednesday Wonder Kids
Grades K-5 gather from 6:30-7:30pm following dinner and worship to learn about faith through games, Bible stories, activities, service and mission projects and worship experiences!
Little Wonders, up to age 5, learn about God in a loving, caring environment.
Contacts: Kathy Schmucker, Kristin Krach, Bethany Sedziol, Rebekah Heskett.
Sing-along choir for preschool and elementary students occurs Wednesdays at 5:00pm. Toddlers can join in for the last 15 minutes. Come sing, play instruments, make a joyful noise for the Lord! Contact Sandy Wallace for details.
Any children, preschool – 5th grade who would like to sing during the 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday service, please contact Sandy Wallace or Kathy Schmucker for more details! Come sing and help our congregation enter into the season of Lent! A rehearsal will be held Sunday, February 19 at 11:00 am (following worship that begins at 10:00 am), and on Wednesday, February 22 at 5:00 pm. A recording and lyrics will also be available so you can practice at home.
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Families with children aged 5 and under are invited to a Teddy Bear Tea Party Sunday March 5, 11:30 am at the church. Kids and their adults can bring their favorite stuffed animal and join us for lunch followed by a story, craft and fun activity. For more information contact Kathy Schmucker, Rebekah Heskett, and Bethany Sedziol.
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Make East Ohio Summer Camp a part of your family’s story and experience: a summer full of fun, faith formation, adventure, and growth. East Ohio Conference Summer Camp Registration is now open. Early Bird Registration deadline is March 15 to save $20 and receive a limited-edition camp shirt. Faith United wants to help make summer camp part of the summer story for kids and youth.
East Ohio Camps provide a wide range of camp experiences ranging from day camps to weeklong overnight camps with a variety of interests and themes. Camp Scholarships are available. Invite a friend to come with you! Visit the Summer Camp page of Faith United’s website here or contact Kathy Schmucker and Matt Kluchar for applications and more information. Camp brochures containing scholarship applications are available at the Information Display Board in the Gathering Area.
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Don’t miss out on the fun this summer!
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VBS (Vacation Bible School) – June 12-16, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm for ages 4 through 6th grade!
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Camp Read-A-Lot for students entering grades K-3 Wednesday evenings in July.
There are opportunities to participate and serve in each of these ministries!
Contact Kathy Schmucker or Sandy Vaughn.
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2022-2023 Children/Youth Emergency and Permission Form.
For the safety of our children and youth, our Safe Sanctuary Policy asks that parents/guardians complete an emergency form for children (birth through high school graduation) participating in church activities each year. Designate the activities your child has permission to participate in so you only need to complete one form for the year.
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Outreach opportunity for the youth on
Saturday, February 25th
We'll be joining in the Faith Kitchen food distribution at Crystal Park UMC
2219 Mahoning Rd NE Canton
. Students will need to be dropped off at Crystal Park at 9:00 am and picked up at 12 noon. Dress to work outside. Transportation not provided.
Also, we'll be having some fun that same evening. We'll be going to glow night at Sky Zone in Belden Village. Students can be dropped off at Faith United at 5:40 pm and picked up at 8:30 pm. The church will pay for admission and provide bus transportation.
A permission form is needed for both events; click here to print & complete.
Contact Matt Kluchar for other Middle/High School youth events and details.
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Youth Mission Fund
Order gift cards year-round! Part of each order benefits the Youth Mission Fund. Check out available cards and contact Matt Kluchar to order.
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Click on the image for more information on
how to get logged Into Amplify Media
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The Upper Room Devotional and the Daily Bread are available for pick up in the church Gathering Area on the Information Display Board. | | | | |
