Please Welcome our Five New Staff
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Sarah Philips – Organist, January 1, 2020
Sarah is very excited to join the ministry team at Faith United! She has both Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University, where she is currently a vocal coach and accompanist in the musical theater department. She also coaches for Opera Westminster, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.
Sarah and her husband live in Poland, Ohio and also maintain the family homestead across the line in rural Pennsylvania. In this new position Sarah will build upon and strengthen the excellent Faith United Music program.
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Mike Wiley – Chancel Choir Director, January, 2020
Michael Wiley is the adult choir director at Faith United in North Canton, OH. He is the current middle school choir director at Revere Middle School in Richfield, OH.
He has taught at Timken High School and Louisville Schools. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from Kent State University. Michael is a part of the Cleveland Chamber Choir, has performed in Opera Cleveland productions of Falstaff, La Boheme, and Don Giovanni. He has also been part of Opera Circle’s productions of I Pagliacci, Don Pasquale, and Madame Butterfly.
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Dennis Sarver – Worship Arts Coordinator, January, 2020
Dennis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Akron. He has been a music educator for the past 39 years. Currently, Dennis is at Rittman Exempted Village School District in Rittman, Ohio, teaching grades K-4 Music and also serving as an administrative assistant. Dennis, his wife Julie, and their three sons have been members of Faith United for nearly 20 years. He is excited to be serving on staff as the Worship Arts Coordinator at Faith United.
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Dustin Smith – Communications, Outreach and Marketing (COM) Coordinator, March, 2020
Dustin has worked as a freelance cinematographer in Cleveland making independent films and shorts. He has also been a wedding videographer. Dustin has attended the University of Akron with a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and a minor in Public Relations. In college Dustin was a part of the Akron radio station WZIP for a brief time until he attended the Chapel and volunteered in their video and media production. As Communication Coordinator, Dustin will create videos and photos for the church’s social media platforms, and will oversee all media volunteers and interns. Dustin lives in Akron and enjoys cooking, playing music, traveling, and taking a lot of photos and videos.
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Amanda Englehart – Administrative Assistant, March, 2020
Amanda transitions to our staff after being a member and volunteer since 2017. She serves within the Youth Group and Confirmation. She is a native of Dover, Ohio, and currently lives in Green with her husband, Steven and their 1 year old daughter, Olivia. In her spare time, Amanda enjoys being outside, camping, spending time with her nephews and reading mystery books. She is excited for this career shift and learning more about how the church functions in the background.
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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
No matter our age or how long we have had a relationship with Jesus, we are on a spiritual pilgrimage of learning and discovery. We are seeking to know and to experience more fully the love and grace of God through Jesus Christ. We are seeking to know the mind of Christ and how to pattern our lives after the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We are seeking how to be open to the call and movement of God and the transforming power of God’s Spirit in every aspect of our lives.
The season of Lent is a time to reflect on our call to discipleship and our journey of faith. These 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter can be transformational should we choose to surrender ourselves to this holy invitation.
During Lent we are invited to slow down, take a step back from the busyness of our daily routines, and intentionally create space for the inward work of “cross examination.” Taking time to reflect on our personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Its' a time to self-examine our faith and ask has it become ritual or stagnant, have life circumstances caused us to question or doubt our faith, or do we find we are lacking in faith?
We are invited to a season of study, fasting, praying and self-denial … choosing to take off and let go of the things that trip us up and weigh us down … anything that has become a barrier in our relationship with Christ, our relationship with each other, and our relationship with our neighbors.
This “cross-examination” calls us to examine whether our love and actions reflect what we profess to believe about the gratuitous love, humility, compassion, and grace of God and who we profess to be as servant leaders of Jesus Christ. Are we a credible witness? Does the light and love of Christ shine in and through our life?
I invite you to observe a holy Lent. I invite you to a journey of surrender. I invite you to surrender yourself to a journey of learning and discovery through scripture, prayer, fasting and self-denial. I invite you to be humble and courageous … being open to what God reveals to you about your personal spiritual growth, your connection with one another, and your relationship and ministry with your neighbors.
I offer this prayer from Ephesians 1:17-19 (CEB) as a blessing for your journey of surrender:
“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, will give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation that makes God known to you. I pray that the eyes of your heart will have enough light to see what is the hope of God’s call, what is the richness of God’s glorious inheritance among believers, and what is the overwhelming greatness of God’s power that is working among us believers.”
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Lent Resources and Worship Engagement
Look for devotion booklets and resources for all ages as well as family Lent experiences in the literature kiosks in the Gathering Area, outside the Family Life Center and Worship Engagement Shelf. Visit Faith’s Library and Prayer Room (Room 5) for additional resources to inspire your faith journey this Lent.
2020 Lent Reflections: Journey with Jesus
This Lent Faith United’s Spiritual Formation Ministry team will provide a question for reflection for our congregation to guide us in and through the season of Lent. Look for an opportunity to use your photography skills, social media, art and creativity as we reflect this Lent.
3rd Sunday in Lent March 15: Read Mark 14:12-72
4th Sunday in Lent March 22: Read Mark 14:1-11, Mark 8:29-37
Lenten Calendar for Children, Youth, and Families
The Upper Room is offering an online Lenten Calendar designed specifically for children, youth, and families, featuring daily spiritual practices to guide you and those you love through Lent and Easter week. Learn more at UpperRoom.org/Lent.
Coats, Sheets, Blankets and Towels for Palm Sunday
Again this Palm Sunday (April 5) we will welcome Jesus by collecting donations of clean and gently worn used or new coats for Faith Kitchen and Community Christmas. This is a great time of year to find coats on clearance at great prices! We will also collect NEW sheets, blankets, and towels for the Hartville Migrant Center. Bring them all to worship on Palm Sunday! The items needed are listed below:
6 - Twin sheet sets
6 – Full/Queen Sheet Sets
12 - Blankets
18 - Pillows
18 - Pillowcase
18 - Wash cloth
18 – Bath Towels
18 – Hand Towels
12 - Body wash
6 - Sets of 4 razors, 12 sets of razors (men, women or generic)
18 - Deodorant ( men and women)
12 - Roll of paper towels
18 - Toothbrush
18 - Toothpaste
12 - Hand soap
12 – Comb
12 - Hairbrush
12 - Ajax or Pinesol
12 - Shampoo
12 - Conditioner
12 - Shaving cream
12 - Dish soap
12 - Packs of 4 rolls of toilet paper
12 - Ajax/Pinesol
12 - Laundry Detergent
12 – Large reuseable bags (Marc’s sells a nice size that will hold all the items nicely.)
The small and liquid items can be placed in a tote near the Children’s Welcome Table in the Gathering Area. Coats, sheets, towels, pillows, blankets can be brought to worship on April 5 to be gathered during the Children’s Palm Procession.
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Youth Basket Auction
"The Youth would like to thank everyone for all of the support given to the Basket Auction Fundraiser! We were able to raise $2,500 for our Mission Trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan this summer! Thank you!”
Amy Ferguson
Faith United Youth Director
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Messy Church Interactive Worship Experience
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The Story of Easter
Sunday, April 5 at 4:00 pm.
An experience for all ages to worship, learn, and grow together!
Messy Church is an intergenerational 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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9th annual Run2Resurrection
Saturday, April 11th at Faith United Methodist Church.
Registration can be found through a link on the church website. The 1 mile fun walk begins at 8:30am with the 5k run beginning at 8:45am.
A monetary donation or a non-perishable food donation will act as the registration fee. All proceeds of the race will go toward Faith Kitchen.
Come experience the last 7 sentences of Christ's life as you walk and/or run through the scenic neighborhood around Faith Church.
Plan to eat at Taggart's Ice Cream restaurant on Tuesday, April 14th as Taggart's will be hosting an all-day fundraiser. Taggart's will be donating 10% of the entire days' proceeds (both eat-in and take-out) to Faith Kitchen.
Volunteers will be needed. Please see Greg Brokaw, Taylor Sowers or Aaron Stryker with any questions.
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Easter Lily
Easter is quickly approaching! It is on April 12 this year. Please consider adding to the beauty of the the season in our “alternate sanctuary” in Robinson Hall and in the Family Life Center by purchasing an Easter lily to display. The lilies are $8.00 each. You can sign up in the Gathering Area until April 5.
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Church Scholarships
Attention High School seniors and post high students - Church scholarships will be available for pick up in the church office on March 29 and need to be returned by May 4th.
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Sanctuary Refurbishment Update
"Now Bezalel and Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the LORD has put skill and understanding to know how to perform all the work in the construction of the sanctuary, shall perform in accordance with all that the LORD has commanded." – Exodus 36:1
Meet Dave and Brad, the General Contractors from Scheetz who are facilitating the God-honoring work being accomplished in our sanctuary. They are the Bezalel and Oholiab among us! I invite you to pray for them and to thank them when you have the opportunity.
Great progress is being made: the former chancel area and choir loft has been removed, the new chancel framed and subflooring installed, the West Chancel closet has been constructed. We are now waiting for the beautiful maple flooring and the custom-constructed closet doors to arrive. In the meantime the choir has chosen new chairs and risers, carpet and laminate options have been explored, a hearing loop has been researched, and the extensiveness of the painting project is being assessed.
Because of the generosity of the Faith United congregation (YOU!) through the “2020 Acting on Faith” Campaign, all the construction work needed to complete the chancel refurbishment is funded. Thanks to the foresight of those who gifted the ministry of the church through the Endowment choir risers and furniture are completely funded. Several ‘add on’ projects have been vetted to which you can contribute should you feel called to do so. These projects are:
- Laminate flooring under the pews with carpeting in the aisles and narthex (Stop in the office for a look at the samples!)
- Wallpaper removal and painting of the sanctuary walls and ceiling.
- Installation of a ‘hearing loop’ system. If you are unfamiliar with a system such as this:
Benefits to the individual:
- All hearing aid and cochlear implant T-coils work with all loop systems
- Improves the signal (what you want) to noise (what you don’t want) ratio, sending sound directly to the ear
- Offers an easy and invisible solution to a invisible problem
- Easy activation. Switch to T-coil
- No juggling between hearing aids and headsets like FM and Infra-red OR pairing like Bluetooth
Benefits to organization:
- Looping system helps communicate more efficiently and confidentially
- No limit to the number of users on the system
- ‘Loop Listeners’ can be purchased for those without suitably equipped hearing aids. The vast majority of hearing aids ARE suitable.
- Hearing Loops are ADA compliant
Should you feel called to contribute to these projects please contact Pastor Cara at cstultzcostello@faithumchurch.org or Debbie Wiley, Chairperson of the Sanctuary Refurbishment Team, at dsmithwiley@gmail.com.
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Faith Kitchen
A cooperative ministry of Faith United and Crystal Park United Methodist Church serving those who are hungry and food insecure on the last Saturday of every month.
March Areas of Greatest Need…
- A truck or large vehicle which can be employed once or twice a month for food pickup at the Akron/Canton Food Bank
- A driver(s) for the above vehicle
- Friday morning volunteers (the Friday prior to the last Saturday of each month)
If God is calling you to use your gifts to serve the people of Canton through this ministry, please be in touch with Pastor Cara at
cstultzcostello@faithumchurch.org.
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Lent and Spring Adult Group Opportunities:
- Liturgy of the Ordinary, Men’s Life Study, Saturday, March 28, 7:00 am at Beyesly’s Restaurant. Facilitator: Kim Reynolds.
- The Way of Forgiveness, Sundays at 11:00 am now through March 15. Facilitators: Pastors Steve and Cara *
- The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Walk, Women’s Bible Study Wednesdays at 9:00 am. Facilitator: Linda Reynolds.
- Lent for the Soul: We are Beloved, Fridays at 10:30 am. Facilitators: Kathy Schmucker and Pam Wig.
- Theology for the Times, Friday, March 20 at 12:00 pm at Beyesly’s Restaurant.
- John: The Gospel of Light and Life. Faith Meets Life Sunday School Class, Sundays at 9:45 am in room 16. Facilitators: Janice Golden and Kim Reynolds. *^
- The Fingerprints of God: Recognizing God’s Touch on Your Life, Women’s Bible Study, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm. Facilitators: Sue Bell and Sue Schillings.
Note: Wednesday groups begin with dinner and worship at 6:00 pm in Robinson Hall. Leave the cooking to us!
*Denotes groups when nursery/childcare and activities for children are available.
^Denotes groups when youth activities are available.
Spring 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!
Lent reflections and fellowship
Program and activities for children, youth and adults
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.
March 18: Journey with Jesus at the Last Supper
March 25: Journey with Jesus in the Garden
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: Jesus Washes Feet (John 13:1-17)
Bible Story Focus: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet to teach them, and us, the importance of serving one another.
Wonder Together: How can you serve like Jesus?
Memory Verse: “If I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you too must wash each other’s feet.” (John 13:14)
Pray Together: Share joys and concerns, and then pray, Dear God, thank you for the many things Jesus taught us. May we love and serve others just like he did. Amen.
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East Ohio Conference Summer Camp Registrations are now open!
Faith United wants to help your kids and youth in grades 1 - 12 get to camp this summer!
Camp scholarship applications are available in the church office.
Check out the Summer Camp video on Faith’s website!
You will see from the testimony of our children and youth that summer camp makes a tremendous difference in their lives. Faith United wants to do all that we can to help kids get to camp this summer.
Pick up a campership packet at the church or download from the Summer Camp page of Faith United’s website to take advantage of the scholarship opportunities available.
You are encouraged to invite a friend, especially someone not connected to any church, to go to camp this summer. Imagine how life changing that gift could be for a student and their family!
How can you help support camperships for our students?
- Contribute to Faith United’s Camp Fund (online or by marking your check Camp Fund and payable to Faith United Methodist Church.)
- Order through the Amazon and Cokesbury links on Faith United’s website. Rebates received help to support Faith United’s ministries with children.
Together we can make sure that every child who wants to experience camp can do so!
Contact Kathy Schmucker or Tallie Paz for campership information. We want to help your kids get to camp this summer!
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Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on Faith United’s 2020 Summer Events!
Rocky Railway VBS 2020 for kids ages 4 – 6th grade.
June 22-26, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
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Camp Read-A-Lot for kids entering grades 1-3.
Wednesdays July 8, 15, 22, 9:30 am – 11:30 am,
July 29, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Share the dates with your friends and family.
Prayerfully consider how God is calling you to be involved in our summer community ministries as a station leader, crew leader, or behind the scenes helper.
Contact Kathy Schmucker, Pam Wig, Bethany Sedziol and Amanda Mills to learn how you can serve during our summer community ministries.
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Can an hour or two of your time matter in the life of a child and the future of our church?
Jesus is Calling…
Did you know?
- 85% of first-time faith commitments are made between the ages of 4 and 14.
- Our ministry to children and families is vital to our church and community.
- Sunday School, Nursery, Vacation Bible School, Camp Read-a-Lot, Wednesday Night Faith Connections and Messy Church are some of the ways in which we have a tremendous opportunity to touch the lives of our children and families with the love of Christ.
- We have children who are excited to experience God! They need YOU to point them to Jesus!
Prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to nurture their spiritual lives. Training is provided.
For more information contact Kathy Schmucker, Spiritual Formation Director, Kristin Krach, Childcare Coordinator, Bethany Sedziol, or Pam Wig.
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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 March 28 and April 11.
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Shopping?
A reminder that if you order from Amazon or Cokesbury please order through the link on Faith’s website so that the church receives credit and a rebate from your purchase.
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Sunday, March 15
8:00 am - Third Sunday in Lent
8:00 am - 12:30 pm Scout Pancake Breakfast - Wesley Hall
8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am - Worship Services
8:30 am - 12:00 pm New Members Received all 3 services
8:30 am - 10:30 am New Member orientation - Room 5
9:45 am & 11:00 am - Sunday School Room 6, 8, 18, Youth
9:45 am - 11:00 am John Study - Room 16
11:00 am - 12:00 am Confirmation Class - Parlor
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Cub Scout Pack - Family Life Center
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Youth Group - Youth Room, FLC
Monday, March 16
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, March 17
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
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm "Fingerprints of God " Bible Study - Parlor
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Finance Meeting - Conference Room
6:45 pm - 8:15 pm Is It Possible...? Sub Group - Room 5
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm Boy Scouts - Robinson, FLC
Wednesday, March 18
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
6:00 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 - Chapel
Thursday, March 19
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 - 4:00 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, March 20
10:30 pm - 12:00 pm Lent for the Soul: We are Beloved - Parlor
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Theology of the Times - Beyesly's Restaurant
4:30 pm Scout Spring Campout
Sunday, March 22
8:30 am, 9:45 am, 11:00 am - Worship Services fourth Sunday in Lent
9:45 am & 11:00 am - Sunday School Room 6, 8, 18, Youth
9:45 am - 11:00 am John Study - Room 16
11:00 am - 12:00 am Confirmation Class - Parlor
Monday, March 23
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, March 24
6:00 am - 7:00 am Men's Prayer Group - Balcony
9:00 am - 11:00 am Quilts to Share Room 5, 8
9:30 am - 11:00 am Celebration Bell Choir Rehearsal - Room 8
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm "Fingerprints of God " Bible Study - Parlor
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm SPRC Ad Hoc - Room 8
6:45 pm - 8:15 pm Is It Possible...? Sub Group - Room 5
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Boy Scouts - Robinson Hall
7:00 pm - 8:00 pm SPRC - Conference Room
Wednesday, March 25
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
6:45 pm - 8:00 pm Wednesday Night Youth
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Chancel Choir - Chapel
Thursday, March 26
7:30 am - 8:30 am Women's Prayer Breakfast@Samantha's on Market
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Prayer Shawl Ministry - Parlor
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Celebrate Arts Team - Room 5
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Circle of Love - Parlor
Friday, March 27
10:30 pm - 12:00 pm Lent for the Soul: We are Beloved - Parlor
Saturday, March 28
7:00 am - 8:30 am Men's Life Study - Beyesly's Restaurant
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Faith Kitchen
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