Worship Sunday, February 27
Women of the Hebrew Bible
"Finding God in Shadow"
Preacher: Pastor Steve Stultz Costello
In-Person/Live-streamed: 8:30 Traditional, 11:00 Modern
Face masks are required, regardless of vaccination status.
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Worship Series Resources: |
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Sunday School Opportunities for All Ages in the Gathering Area 9:30-11am
Women of Faith congregational poster, write and recognize those women who have been pillars to the foundation of your faith.
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New Member Sunday is February 27
If you are interested in becoming a member or learning more about church membership, contact Pastor Steve, Pastor Jake, or Kathy Schmucker.
New Members will be received in both worship services, and New Member Orientation is during the 9:45am hour in the Parlor.
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Worship at Crystal Park UMC:
Traditional Style Worship at 11 a.m. | 2219 Mahoning Rd NE, Canton, 44705
Sermon: "My Journey in Faith"
Preacher: Bob Vandervaart
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The Bible Year - Church-Wide Reading and Study |
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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! |
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This Week's Readings:
February 27 Day 58:
Judges 6:1 – 8:35
February 28 Day 59:
Judges 9:1 – 12:15
March 1 Day 60:
Judges 13:1 – 16:31
March 2 Day 61:
Judges 17:1 – 21:25
March 3 Day 62:
Ruth 1:1 – 2:23
March 4 Day 63:
Ruth 3:1 – 4:22
March 5 Day 64:
1 Samuel 1:1 – 3:21
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“Get into the word of God and let God’s word get into you.”
– Bishop Tracy Malone
As you read consider the following question: What is God revealing to me today, and how will I apply it to my life?
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Haven't started yet? Behind on readings? No problem! Figure out a reading schedule that works for you!
- Devotionals with summaries/key themes to help understand the verses are stocked on the Book Resource Table.
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Weekly Amplify Media videos to enhance your reading experience.
- Monthly reflection and Zoom discussion with Pastors Steve and Jake and Spiritual Formation Director, Kathy Schmucker on the last Sunday: 6:30pm
- Check out "Basic Bible" on Amplify Media to learn how it is organized and general themes found throughout.
Missed a week? Open up previous Navigators here for the daily readings
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What is Lent?
Ash Wednesday (March 2) 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. It’s a time of rebirth in nature and spiritual rebirth within ourselves as we renew our commitment to God and strengthen our faith.
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. Lent is a season to explore, refocus and renew our faith commitment and grow closer to God. May the worship experiences and resources available be meaningful ways for you to connect with God during this season of Lent.
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In person Ash Wednesday Services at Noon and 7:00pm in the Sanctuary.
Services will also be livestreamed.
Lent Resources
- Lent Kits will have materials and devotions for Lent and Easter for all ages, a vase for our Lent worship series, daily prayer cards, and many other resources.
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Download this year’s Lent Devotion booklet here.
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Download Lenten Daily Prayer Cards here.
- Lent kits, devotion booklets and prayer cards are available on the Gathering Area book resource table.
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COVID-Safety Guidelines - Update
Beginning March 6, masks will now be Optional for worship services, group meetings and coming into the church. Individual ministry teams and groups may choose to keep masks, contact your group leader with questions. Watch Pastor Steve's announcement below.
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Adult Connect Groups
Winter groups are now forming. Contact Kathy Schmucker for information on starting, or participating in, an adult group.
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Unlikely Entrepreneur, Men's Life Study, 8am, March 12 & 26, Kim Reynolds, Beyesly's Restaurant/Zoom
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Making Sense of the Bible, Wednesday Women’s Group, 9am, with Linda Reynolds, Zoom
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Bible in a Year Monthly Discussion and Reflection, Sunday, February 27, 6:30pm, Zoom with Pastor Steve, Pastor Jake, and Kathy Schmucker
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Savior: What the Bible Says About the Cross, Tuesday Evening Women’s Group, 6:30pm, Sue Bell & Sue Schillings, Zoom
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Book of Luke, Monday Night Bible Study, Ron Luikart, Parlor
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Theology for Our Times, Fridays, 1:00pm, Tom Strauch, Zoom
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Into the Deep, Diving into a Life of Courageous Faith, Spiritual Seekers, Sunday School, Sundays, 9:45am, Bob Snyder, Conference Room/Zoom
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Wellness Wheel, Sunday, March 20 at 9:45am, Parlor/Zoom
Full to the Brim Visio Divina Lent Art Study, March 10, 22, 31, April 12 at 7:00pm, Via Zoom. Facilitator: Kathy Schmucker.
- Visio Divina, Latin for “divine seeing,” is a method of meditation, reflection, and prayer through a process of intentional seeing. Engage in exploring the art featured in the Full to the Brim Lent series as we blend visual meditation with group discussion, insight from the artists, and bible study. Participate in one or all of the sessions!
The Conversation Book Study, Wednesdays, March 9, 6:30pm, Facilitators: Retired Judge Mike Howard and Krista L. Allison, Parlor/Zoom
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Loving your neighbor is action-oriented discipleship. Author Dr. Robert Livingson's non-accusatory approach to racial issues invites everyone to participate in a dialogue to bring about positive change for the entire community. Faith's Love Your Neighbor Team invites you to join in our efforts to build deep understanding and design intentional actions. Listen to Mike Howard explain more.
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Click here or scan for more details about all the group opportunities and programs happening at Faith United.
Pick up study books in the Gathering Area. 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.
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Wednesday Night Faith Connections Dinner & Worship
Join us for an evening of fun, food, faith, and fellowship! Enjoy a great meal and mid-week worship socially distanced in Robinson Hall.
Groups for adults and kids follow worship. Childcare available during adult group times for little ones to learn about God in a loving, caring environment.
Contact Kathy Schmucker or John Hartzell for details.
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The March/April issue of the Upper Room Devotional and the Daily Bread are available for pick up on the book resource table in the Gathering Area. |
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Spiritual Practices 101
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. View our Spiritual Practice 101 videos here. Contact Kathy Schmucker to learn about a certain spiritual practice more or to share one that helps you connect with God.
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Faith and Environment Weekly
Trees manage storm water run-off
We know that trees provide many benefits: shade, oxygen, habitat, wood/paper products, etc. But one equally beneficial contribution is the role that trees play managing storm water runoff. This water typically flows off impervious surfaces like roof tops, driveways, and roads.
When it comes to storm water management the goal is to slow the water down, spread it out, and soak it up as much as possible before it reaches our water bodies. And trees, native trees in particular, help with storm water management through the ability of their deep root systems to soak up large quantities of storm water, minimizing runoff. For example, one mature sugar maple can reduce runoff by approximately 1,900 gallons each year. Additionally, tree roots help hold soil in place, minimizing erosion and reducing the sediment that reaches our water bodies.
The National Tree Benefit Calculator Website is a great resource to learn more about the benefits of planting and maintaining trees. Check it out!
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Sunday School activities are in the Gathering Area each week between worship services.
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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 and even has special videos for kids! Follow these steps to register or contact Kathy Schmucker.
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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.
- Worship Kits and worship manipulatives are available
- Family Prayer Ground 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 and Family Prayer Ground.
- Nursery care (birth-age 5) during worship, pending volunteer availability in room 18.
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Family Sing A Long
Wednesdays, 5:00pm. Come sing, play instruments, make a joyful noise for the Lord! Preschool/Toddlers can join in for the last 15 minutes. Contact Sandy Wallace for details.
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.
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East Ohio Conference Summer Camp
Registration is now open.
Every summer has a story! 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 experiences, from day camps to weeklong overnight camps, with a variety of interests and themes. Camp Scholarships are available for kids and youth.
Visit Faith United's Summer Camp Page or contact Kathy Schmucker and Matt Kluchar for applications and more information. Grab a Camp brochure with scholarship applications from the Book Resource Table in the Gathering Area.
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Crystal Park Cooperative Parish
Upcoming Preachers and News
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March 6
Dan & Ben Griffith
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March 13
Rev. Jake Heskett
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March 20
Rev. Steve Stultz Costello
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Thank you to everyone who provided coats, hats, scarves, and mittens for our Faith Kitchen families in January. They were deeply appreciated.
For March, we invite you to help us by donating laundry and dish soap to be distributed in March at Faith Kitchen. We will need 200 of each. You can place the items in the Faith Kitchen bin near the gathering area.
In March and April, we will collect cake mixes, icing, and spices for the special baking/spice bags to be distributed in April.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support of this outreach ministry.
The Faith Kitchen Ministry Team
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Paraguay Student Update:
We have just received letters (written last year) from our sponsored students.
Here are some of their comments to you:
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Fabricio: I missed some classes because my father died this year. I remembered that my father wanted me to study a lot, so I did very well. Thank you for helping me with my students.
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Nicolas: Thanks to your support, I can continue to improve, study and progress. I hope to go to college tp become an architect.
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Carlos: I am very grateful for the scholarship you provide. Thank God everything is going well.
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Sofia: Thank you for the support you have given me during my years of school. I love you very much.
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Luana: As a way of thanking you for your support, I will continue with very good grades. I love you all.
Many plans are underway to find people to replace Sue Givens. We may be able to communicate with our students by email. From the letters quoted above, hopefully you can see how important our support is for these students. Continued donations help keep these young people in school. Thank you!
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Begin the season of Lent exploring some great resources for your spiritual journey!
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.
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Opportunities to Serve this Spring
There is a saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This congregation is a village for many children and youth! We are longing 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
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. If interested, contact Kathy Schmucker, Matt Kluchar, or Pastor Jake.
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Faith United is hiring for the following position(s):
Part-time Child Care Providers - Faith United:
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Check out the books and resources available in the library to nurture your spiritual journey!
Type a topic in the search bar to see available resources.
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Saturday, February 26
11am-1:30pm Faith Kitchen at Crystal Park
Sunday, February 27
New Members Received at both Services
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)
9:45am-10:45am New Member Orientation (Parlor)
11am-12pm Modern Worship - Live Stream (Sanctuary)
2:30pm-5:30pm Cub Scout Pack Meeting Blue/Gold Ceremony (Sanctuary)
6pm-7pm Youth Group (Youth Room)
6:30pm-7:30pm Bible Year Discussion & Reflection (Zoom)
Monday, February 28
9am-11am Stephen Minister Meeting (Room 5)
6:30pm-8pm "Luke" Bible Study (Parlor)
Tuesday, March 1
9am-12pm Library Story Time (Robinson Hall)
9:30am-11am Celebration Bell Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
2:30pm-3:30pm Women's Emmaus Accountability (Zoom)
5:30pm-9pm Boy Scouts Banquet (Robinson Hall)
6:30pm-8pm "What the Bible says about the Cross" Study (Zoom)
6:30pm-8pm Ministry Council (Zoom)
All Day March 2-March 9 Labyrinth & Prayer Stations (Chapel)
Wednesday, March 2
9am-10:30am "Making Sense of the Bible" (Zoom)
12pm-1pm Ash Wednesday Service (Sanctuary)
5pm-5:45pm Sing Along (Room 8)
5:45pm-6:30pm Wednesday Night Dinner (Robinson Hall)
6:30pm-7:30pm Wonder Kids (Chapel/Room 6)
6:30pm-7:30pm Wednesday Night Youth (Youth Room)
6:30pm-8pm Little Wonder Kids (Nursery)
7pm-8pm Ash Wednesday Service (Sanctuary)
8pm-9pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
Thursday, March 3
10am-11am Safe Sanctuary Team (Zoom)
6:15pm-8:45pm Stephen Ministry Training (Parlor)
6:30pm-8pm Cub Scouts (FLC, Room 6, 16, LL, LL2)
7pm-8pm Worship Times Task Group (Zoom)
Friday, March 4
1pm-2pm Theology for Our Times (Zoom)
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