Worship Sunday, December 19
4th Sunday in Advent
Sermon: "Seeking Sanctuary (Love)"
Preacher: Pastor Steve Stultz Costello
In-Person and Live-streamed: 8:30 Traditional,11:00 Modern
Face masks are required, regardless of vaccination status.
|
|
Worship Series Resources: |
|
Sunday School Advent Opportunities for All Ages!
Weekly in the Gathering
Area 9:30-11am
- Sunday Sunday Activities for Advent, Close to Home, and Celebrate Wonder
- Learn the tradition of the Nativity
|
|
|
Worship at Crystal Park UMC:
Traditional Style Worship at 11 a.m. | 2219 Mahoning Rd NE, Canton, 44705
|
|
Sermon: "Seeking Sanctuary (Love)"
Preacher: Rev. Jake Heskett
|
|
Enjoy the Sounds of the Season with
A Chorus For A Cause
Bring the family and join us this Sunday, December 19 at 3:00pm for their Holiday Concert in the Sanctuary.
|
|
Advent and Christmas Opportunities |
|
Advent is a season of waiting and watching as we prepare our hearts and lives to experience that wonderful gift of Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.
Advent Resources:
-Advent Calendar: Hang the calendar on your fridge and count down the days of Advent by completing the daily action prompt together as a family.
-Amplify Media has several Advent and Christmas videos available for all ages for individual or family advent devotions.
Contact: Kathy Schmucker, Director of Spiritual Formation
Family Worship Kits in the Gathering Area if you still need one.
|
|
Advent Photo-A-Day Challenge
A daily word that connects with our Advent theme. Take or find a picture, song, or poem that expresses this idea. You can also create your own image with any art or nature materials. Share on social media with @faithnorthcanton. Let us be on the lookout for our God who is coming near to us in this holy season.
|
Christmas Eve Services:
December 24:
3pm - Traditional Worship at Crystal Park UMC
5pm - Modern Worship
7pm - Interactive Family Worship
Dress as your favorite nativity character! "Flame-free" candlelight service is safe for all.
9pm - Traditional Worship with Communion
|
|
|
Worship Sunday, December 26
Faith United - One Worship Service at 10:00AM
Sermon: A Service of Carols and Mission
Preacher: Pastor Steve Stultz Costello
Crystal Park - Traditional Worship Service at 11:00AM
Preacher: Russell Bowman
Worship Resources will be available in the December 26 email
|
|
UMCOR Disaster Response and Recovery
“As search and rescue efforts continue and damage assessments begin, UMCOR continues to support Conference Disaster Response Coordinators after recent devastating tornadoes. Solidarity grants to provide immediate funding are being released and UMCOR will be working with impacted areas to journey from the chaos of response on through long term recovery."
Please continue to hold victims, survivors and relief workers in your prayers and make a gift to UMCOR’s U.S. Disaster Response and Recovery Fund here. Donations can also be given through Faith United. Mark your donation "UMCOR Disaster Relief" or select the fund when giving online.
|
|
"GONDER AVENUE PROJECT"
Invest Health Gonder Place SE Medical Service/Food Project
Faith United is teaming up with other local churches and partners to assist in an initiative that will be a faithful commitment to serve and support families in high-poverty areas.
As of 12.3.21 Churches and Partners along with Faith United are:
- Crossroads United Methodist Church
- Church of the Lakes United Methodist Church
- Lemmon Development Company
- The City of Canton
- The Stark Metropolitan Housing Authority
- The Tuscarawas District of United Methodist Churches
- Tuscarawas District Urban Action Team
This investment will 1) provide primary and preventative medical and behavioral health care services and 2) open a Southeast Neighborhood Marketplace, which will bring a full-service grocery store to this neighborhood, an UNDERSERVED population of the Canton southeast quadrant near the Coleman Community Center on Sherrick Road.
In demonstrating the spirit of LOVING OUR NEIGHBORS, Faith United has had a long history of answering the call of Christ: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Mathew 25:35
Faith United is one of several local United Methodist Churches embracing the Gonder Avenue Project with our commitment to support this investment with $10,000 annually for 10 years. The Endowment Committee from our church has approved our grant proposal and agreed to commit $5,000 per year, leaving $5,000 to be raised by our congregation. Currently, through the generosity of our congregation, we have contributions of just over $3500. Our goal is to receive a total of at least $5000 by year-end.
With additional financial support from our congregation, Faith United (with the other churches and partners noted above) will provide SUSTAINABLE ASSISTANCE that will have a significant impact on the lives of the folks in this HIGH POVERTY AREA of Canton southeast.
Please consider how your generosity can help Faith United live into our call in a new way with this investment initiative. Contributions can be made through Faith United. Please note 'Gonder Project' in the memo.
|
|
Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming January Opportunities! |
|
The Bible Year-2022 Church-wide Reading and Study Project |
Let’s journey through the Bible together in 2022!
By studying the Bible daily, you’re enriching your spiritual life and developing a deeper faith. Imagine how reading the Bible together as a congregation will make a difference in our church and community! This might seem like a daunting task, but The Bible Year has divided the Scripture into 365 small daily goals.
- Weekly scriptures will be in the Navigator starting January 1.
- A devotional with summaries and key themes to help you better digest and understand the scripture readings is available at the Book Resource Table in the Gathering Area.
- Participate in monthly reflection and discussion with Pastor Steve, Pastor Jake and Spiritual Formation Director, Kathy Schmucker on the last Sunday of the month at 6:30pm via Zoom.
-
Weekly videos to enhance your Bible reading experience are also available on Amplify Media through our church subscription. Click here to access all the Amplify Media resources, which includes the the audio version of the complete Common English Bible
-
For more information about The Bible Year, contact Kathy Schmucker, Pastor Steve, or Pastor Jake.
|
|
|
|
What’s Your Word January Prayer Experience |
What’s your word for 2022?
A star word, or word for the year, is a word of intention, rooted in the spiritual practices of the desert mothers and fathers who would seek a word to reflect on for the coming year.
Self-guided prayer stations will be available in the Chapel January 9–16 during church hours to guide you in discerning your word for 2022
|
|
|
|
Get To Know You Lunch - Sunday, January 9, 12:00pm |
Want to learn more about Faith United? Come to our Get To Know You Lunch and enjoy lunch with Pastor Steve, Pastor Jake, and some of the church staff. Call the church office at 330-499-6040 for more information.
|
|
|
|
Adult Connect Groups
Check out some new Adult Groups beginning in January. You can visit our Programs and Group Page or Find Groups in Realm to see more group opportunities. Winter groups are now forming. Contact Kathy Schmucker for information on starting, or participating in, an adult group.
-
Elijah: Faith and Fire, Wednesday Women’s Group, 9am, starting January 5, Linda Reynolds, Zoom
-
Becoming Heart Sisters, Tuesday Evening Women’s Group, 6:30pm, starting January 11, Sue Bell & Sue Schillings, Parlor/Zoom
-
Book of Luke, Monday Night Bible Study, starting January 17, Ron Luikart, Parlor
-
Faith 101, Wednesdays, 6:30pm, starting January 19. Parlor/Zoom.
-
Book Discussion Group, The Splendid and the Vile, Thursday, Jan 27, Parlor
-
Bible in a Year Monthly Discussion and Reflection, January 30, 6:30pm, Zoom.
-
Men's Life Study, 8:00am, January 8 & 22, Kim Reynolds, Beyesly's Restaurant
-
Theology for Our Times, Fridays at 1:00pm via Zoom. Resumes Jan 7.
-
Into the Deep, Diving into a Life of Courageous Faith, Spiritual Seekers, Sunday School, 9:45am, Bob Snyder, Conference Room/Zoom
Pick up study books in the Gathering Area weekdays 8am-4pm. Contact your group facilitator or Kathy Schmucker for other arrangements. Suggested donations can be made by cash/check, or online. Do not let book cost prohibit you from participating. Kindle/eBook versions can be ordered through the Cokesbury link below.
|
|
Faith & Environment Weekly:
The World is choking on plastic.
Discarded plastic is ubiquitous, fouling our water, permeating our land, and endangering the health of us all, humans and animals alike.
The World is choking on plastic. 5,000,000,000,000 (five Trillion!) plastic bags are used worldwide every year, and those bags can last more than 500 years. Discarded plastic is ubiquitous, fouling our water, permeating our land, and damaging the health of both humans and animals. What can we do?
- Use reusable bags when you’re shopping.
- Avoid plastic wrap, clam shell containers, and plastic food storage bags
- Stop using trash bags; compost food waste & use a garbage disposal
- Opt for brands that use paper, glass, or metal packaging.
- Get only plastic items #1 or #2 and recycle them
|
|
Wednesday Night Faith Connections Dinner and Worship
Wednesdays at 5:45pm
Join us December 22 for an evening of fun, food, faith, and fellowship! Enjoy a great meal and mid-week worship socially distanced in Robinson Hall. Contacts: Kathy Schmucker or John Hartzell
|
|
Spiritual Practices 101 is a video resource you can explore to help you live more deeply into essential practices we have discussed at Faith United. Trying new ways of praying, studying scripture, and other practices that help you stay close to God is vital to our growth as disciples of Christ. Check out all the Spiritual Practice 101 videos here. Contact Kathy Schmucker if you have a spiritual practice you would like to learn more about or one you would like to share that helps you connect with God.
|
|
January/February issue of the Upper Room Devotional and the Daily Bread are available for pick up on the Book Resource Table in the Gathering Area
|
|
Advent Sunday School activities are in the Gathering Area each week between worship services.
Celebrate Wonder activities are available in the weekly worship emails to guide children Nursery-5th Grade, and families, through Bible stories, creative experiences, and spiritual practices. Read more.
|
|
|
Amplify Media Cokesbury Kids has special videos for Advent! Follow these steps to register for your free subscription, or contact Kathy Schmucker.
|
|
Faith United welcomes children of all ages in worship. Our worship experience is enriched as we gather together to experience and praise God.
- Worship Kits and worship manipulatives available to guide children as they pray & learn about God.
- Family Prayer Ground with rocking chairs at the front of the sanctuary for families to have a comfortable, close-up view of worship. (One family at a time for COVID safety)
- Rocking chairs in the Narthex.
- Nursery care is in room 18 for children up to age 5 during both services, pending volunteer availability.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
Students grades 6-12 are invited to come on Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm. Get to know our new Youth Director Matt and have fun being back together!
Come early at 5:45pm for dinner and worship in Robinson Hall and then come down to the Youth Room. We can't wait to see you!
|
|
Matt will begin transitioning into his new role over the coming weeks. Be on the lookout for more information on Youth Activities!
|
|
Crystal Park Cooperative Parish News |
|
Faith United has an exciting way to support you living out your faith. Amplify Media is a video library with thousands of videos for adults, youth and kids that you can view from your phone, tablet, computer, or tv.
These resources can be used for individual or group studies, and has a special section just for kids! Follow these instructions to access your free account. Questions? Contact Kathy Schmucker, Spiritual Formation Director.
|
|
Opportunities to Serve this Winter
We long to be able to offer our many programs, but are in need of volunteers. We also respect and understand people's health concerns. There are many opportunities to serve:
- Sunday School teachers and helpers at 9:45am
- Wednesday Wonder Kids
- Wednesday Night Faith Connections meal team
- Nursery and Childcare on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings
- Youth Sunday School, Wednesday nights, and Sunday evenings
- Adult Group Facilitators and Coordinators
- Library Readers for Faith Friends Learning Center classes
Our children need our church. They need Jesus! And they need YOU!
Faith United’s Spiritual Formation and Youth Ministry Teams need your support to guide our children and youth as they grow in faith. Contact Kathy Schmucker or Pastor Jake, if interested.
|
|
Faith United Open Positions
Faith United is hiring for the following position(s):
|
|
Check out the Advent and Christmas Books and Resources available in the Library!
Type Advent or Christmas in the search bar to see available resources.
|
|
Cokesbury is a great resource to purchase Bibles, devotionals, gifts & more! Please use this link when ordering. The church receives credit & a rebate from your purchases.
|
Order gift cards year round from The Youth Mission Team. Part of each order benefits the Youth Mission Fund. Check out this listing of available gift cards and contact the church office to order.
|
|
Resources to help
enhance your viewing
and using of Faith
United's digital offerings:
|
|
|
Saturday, December 18
11am-1pm Faith Kitchen (Crystal Park)
Sunday, December 19
8:30am-9:30am Traditional Worship - Live Stream (Sanctuary)
8:30am-12pm Nursery Care & Preschool Sunday School (Room 18)
9:30am-11am Sunday School Activities all ages (Gathering Area)
9:45am-10:45am Into the Deep Sunday School (Conference Room)
11am-12pm Modern Worship - Live Stream (Sanctuary)
Tuesday, December 21
9:30am-11am Celebration Bell Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
6pm-9pm Boy Scouts Christmas Party (Robinson Hall)
6:30pm-7:30pm Finance Ministry Team (Zoom)
Wednesday, December 22
5:45pm-6:30pm Church Wednesday Night Dinner (RH)
6:30pm-7:30pm Sensory Inclusive Christmas Eve Service (Chapel)
7pm-7:30pm Praise Singers (Sanctuary)
7:30pm-8:30pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Thursday, December 23
5pm-6pm Love Your Neighbor Team (Conference Room/Zoom)
Friday, December 24
3pm-4pm Crystal Park Traditional Christmas Eve Service
5pm-6pm Modern Worship Christmas Eve Service
7pm-8pm Family Interactive Christmas Eve Service
9pm-10pm Traditional Worship Christmas Eve Service and Communion
Sunday, December 26
10am-11:30am One Worship Service
The Church will be closed on December 27, 28, 31 and January 3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
