Navigator June 18 - June 25, 2022

June 18 - 25, 2022

Worship Sunday, June 19

The Surprising Acts of God:

Transformation

Preacher: Rev. Jake Heskett

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9, Acts 9:10-20

In-Person: 8:30 Traditional, 11:00 Modern

Livestream Link for 8:30am

Livestream Link for 11:00am

Also available via Facebook Live

Worship Resources:

Sunday School Hour for All Ages 9:30-11am

Sunday School activities in the Gathering Area. Stay as long as you like.

Worship at Crystal Park UMC:

Traditional Worship at 11 a.m. | 2219 Mahoning Rd NE, Canton, 44705

Preacher: Rev. Steve Stultz Costello

Sermon: The Surprising Acts of God: Transformation

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9, Acts 9:10-20

Monumental VBS is THIS WEEK

June 20-24, 9am – 12pm

Kids will explore the vastness of God’s power and the depth of God’s love for each of them. Join us for a week full of faith discoveries, memorable music, and epic adventures that help kids encounter God’s power and love as we celebrate God’s greatness!

Preschool ages 4 and up,
Students entering Kindergarten to 4th grade
Students entering 5th and 6th grade (Adventure VBS)

There is still time to sign up to volunteer! Contact Kathy Schmucker or Sandy Vaugh.

VBS Set Up tomorrow after Modern Worship. Many hands will make set up go smoothly and efficiently! Come transform the church into a monumental experience celebrating God’s greatness!

VBS Celebration Sunday will be June 26 at both services

A Special Message From Pastor Jake

I am not sure that I have an overarching preaching philosophy, but if I did it would certainly include a statement about my preaching being an outpouring of what God has or is teaching me. Another way to say it might be to “preach what you practice and practice what you preach.” I have learned and preached about the importance of sabbath – of intentionally setting aside your work, your to do lists, to focus on your relationship with Jesus more intentionally and to consider your own personal, spiritual and emotional well-being.

Recently I have been reminded of that as I talk to so many colleagues and friends who are burning out in ministry (and in other professions). After listening to and learning from these colleagues and friends, it has become clear to me that one of the greatest contributing factors to burnout is a failure to rest and take a sabbath.

In the United Methodist Church, pastors are encouraged to take an extended renewal leave of 6 months every 6 years, and a brief renewal leave of 1 month every quadrennium. I have almost a decade in ministry and have not yet taken a dedicated renewal leave. I am eager to share that Rev. Angela Lewis and Rev. Cara Stultz Costello (our Superintendents), the Staff Parish Relations Committee of Faith United, the Leadership Board at Crystal Park, and Pastor Steve have supported and encouraged me to take a one-month renewal leave beginning July 1^st. I wanted to share this news with all of you and share why I think it is important for me and for our church.

I love ministry. This first 10 years of my career has been incredible! I have seen God do so much! And I intend to be in ministry for as long as God calls me! I am grateful that after 10 years in ministry (2x the average time a person spends as clergy), I do not feel burned out, and can still say that I am passionate about the work I do. I am not taking renewal leave because I am burned out. I am taking it because I want to ensure that I don’t. I want to be proactive about staying creative, healthy, and energized in leading the Church. I want to continue to love what I do!

As we emerge from the pandemic, now is the best time for a leave. Our congregation is entering a new season, and God is going to do incredible things. This leave is part of my commitment to being the healthiest, most faithful, and best leader that I can be. We have a strong staff and under the continued capable leadership of Pastor Steve, my responsibilities will be covered.

Some who have heard about this already have asked me how I intend to use this leave. I intend to focus on three things – rest with my family, personal growth in areas that will help me be a better leader, and activities that allow God to renew my spirit. I will return from leave on August 1^st, and you will get to hear all about my time!

I would love your support and your prayers as I prepare for this renewal leave. If you have any questions, please email me or grab me after service! I want to publicly thank all those who have encouraged this leave already: both of our Superintendents, the leadership for both Faith United and Crystal Park, as well as Pastor Steve and the staff.

In Christ’s service,

Pastor Jake

There will be a special charge conference on June 22 for the purpose of voting on proposed changes to the Endowment Fund Policy. All Church members may attend, but only church board members may vote. The meeting will begin at 5:30pm in the Chapel.

VISIONING TEAM - 2022

Faith United's Visioning Team believes that our best days are ahead of us! We believe that God is doing a new thing, casting a renewed vision for us and we want to hear from you about what that vision might include! This past Sunday we started sharing some of our hopes and dreams for the future of Faith United on the whiteboard located in the gathering area. We invite you to continue to share your ideas in person, on the whiteboard, or electronically via google form.

As you consider God's vision for Faith United, we invite you to keep God's mission for the Church in mind. That is to be, make, and mature disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Consider the question, "How can we reach new, younger, and more diverse people?" We also recommend reading “God’s Mixed Ecology” – a 13-page article to help us think in new ways with our visioning.

Watch for updates on our visioning process each week.

Transcribed from the Visioning Whiteboard:

Create more opportunities for Faith United to meet unexpected needs at once
The church has left the building – as a practice – worship –service – ministry – making disciples for Jesus Christ
More programs for kids
More involvement outside of Sunday services
Something for young families
Pastors – please visit people or call those who have had or will have surgery – just a call to show you care
Expand our presence within the local community
Faith United initiate a “North Canton for All People
Bring co-ed sports back
Create programs for young adults and young families

The Bible Year - Church-Wide Reading and Study

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 Week's Readings:

June 19 Day 170

Proverbs 23:1-35

June 20 Day 171

Proverbs 24:1-34

June 21 Day 172

Proverbs 25:1 - 26:28

June 22 Day 173

Proverbs 27:1 - 29:27

June 23 Day 174

Proverbs 30:1-33

June 24 Day 175

Proverbs 31:1-31

June 25 Day 176

Ecclesiastes 1:1-2:26

“Get into the word of God and let God’s word get into you.” – Bishop Tracy Malone

As you read consider: What is God revealing to me today, and how will I apply it to my life?

Devotionals to help understand the verses are available on the Book Resource Table.
Weekly Amplify Media videos to enhance your reading experience.
Monthly reflection and discussion with Pastors Steve and Jake and Spiritual Formation Director, Kathy Schmucker on the last Sunday, at 6:30pm via Zoom
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

For more information, contact Kathy Schmucker, Pastor Steve, or Pastor Jake.

Adult Connect Groups

Get connected at Faith United, Summer groups are now forming! Contact Kathy Schmucker for information on starting, or participating in, an adult group.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit, Men's Life Study, 8am, June 25, Kim Reynolds, Beyesly's Restaurant/Zoom
Bible Year Monthly Discussion and Reflection, 6:30pm, June 26, Zoom
Theology for Our Times, Fridays, 1:00pm, Tom Strauch, Zoom
Mom's Group, 9:45am, Sundays, starting July 10, Rebekah Heskett and Bethany Sedziol, Nursery
Prayer Shawl Ministry, Thursdays, 1:00pm, Mike Flechtner, Parlor
The Conversation Continues.
Loving your neighbor is action-oriented discipleship! Our Love Your Neighbor planning team will be coordinating experiences throughout the summer to continue conversations to guide us to build deep understanding and design intentional actions that move us toward bringing about positive change in our community. All are welcome. Contact Mike Howard, Teresa Purses, Pastor Jake, or Kathy Schmucker for more information.

Click here or scan for more details about all the group opportunities and programs happening at Faith United.

Faith and Environment Weekly

Online Disinformation Uses Culture Wars to Delay Climate Action

Many companies use disinformation to obscure the facts of climate science.

Disinformation is false information deliberately, and often covertly, spread in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth.

“We will not be able to stop climate change if all conversations are flooded with disinformation,” wrote Michael Khoo, who specializes in climate change and disinformation. One study found that false information spreads faster online than accurate information, with falsehoods being 70% more likely to be retweeted on Twitter than the truth. The window to act is brief and rapidly closing; this approach has devastating consequences.

Environmental advocates are urging governments and Big Tech companies to do far more to stop rampant online disinformation campaigns of “fake news” on their platforms; posts with misleading or false information about climate change continue to flourish online. The team recommends that governments formally recognize the threat of “climate disinformation,” adopt a universal definition for it, and pass policies that limit the legal immunity of social media companies regarding user posts.

Your Takeaway: Be cautious about your sources of information. Go to the source; climate scientists are best. And don’t pass along misinformation; verify before you hit send. Learn More Here

Sunday School activities are in the Gathering Area weekly between worship services.

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 which has special videos for kids! Follow these steps to register or contact Kathy Schmucker.

Parents, please fill out the Children Registration/Permission form for 2022. This covers all events and Sunday School programs.

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 to guide children as they pray and learn about God
Family Prayer Ground at the front of the sanctuary for families to have a comfortable, close-up view of worship.
Rocking chairs in the Narthex and Family Prayer Ground.
Nursery care & Preschool Sunday School (birth-age 5) during worship in room 18.

Registration open!

July 13, 20, & 27, 6:00 – 7:30pm

Participate in fun summer activities designed to keep reading skills sharp. Students will read great stories and even get some books to take home and keep for their own.

Dramatic play, games, art, and service projects will provide opportunities for the children to build their vocabularies and expand their comprehension.

We’ll also work on sight words, fluency, letters, and sounds. The program is led by teachers and trained literacy volunteers.

Students entering grades K-3

We need volunteers to make Camp Read-A-Lot possible! Contact Kathy Schmucker to find out ways you can be involved.

Teddy Bear Picnic - July 6, 5:30-6:30pm

Families with children age 5 and under are invited to a Teddy Bear Picnic at the church! Kids and their adults can bring their favorite stuffed animal and join us for a light dinner, story, craft and blessing of the stuffed animals. For more information contact Kathy Schmucker, Rebekah Heskett, and Bethany Sedziol.

East Ohio Conference Summer Camp Registration

There is still time to register. Scholarships are available!

Every summer has a story! We want to help make summer camp part of the summer story for kids and youth! East Ohio Camps provide a wide range of experiences with a variety of interests and themes. Visit our Summer Camp Page, contact Kathy Schmucker or Matt Kluchar, or grab a camp brochure from the Gathering Area information board for details.

Middle school/High school Sunday school is cancelled for 6/19.

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to Sunday School at 9:45am each Sunday in the Youth Room.

Contact Matt Kluchar for other Middle/High School youth events and details.

Crystal Park Cooperative Parish Preachers

June 26

Dr. Teresa Purses