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The Pilgrim Spire

April 2019

P i l gr im Un i ted Ch urch o f Chr i s t 1 30 Broa d B lv d .

C uyahoga Fa l l s , OH 4422 1

Pastor’s Parable

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office: Phone: 330.928.4847 Fax: 330.928.1017

Staff & E-Mail:

Pastor: Reverend Kirk Bruce pilgrimpastor@ameritech.net

Faith Formation Director: Marilyn Freeman pilgrimce@ameritech.net

Music Director: Kyle Kelvington kelvingtonk@gmail.com

Secretary: Kelly Gerstenberger pilgrimoffice@ameritech.net

Website: www.pilgrimcf.org

You’ll find electronic versions of The Pilgrim Spires; Calendar; Facility Use Policies; Wedding & Funeral Information; History and more!

The Pilgrim Spire is published once a month. If you have something to share with your fellow Pilgrims, please contact the church office to have it included in the next edition of . . . The Pilgrim Spire.

An electronic version of the Monthly Spire is available by email, if you would like to save postage. Just contact the church office.

Address changes? Contact the office.

Thank you!

I woke up this morning and realized our spring break trip is only a few days away. As this message arrives at your home Cheryl and I will be experiencing what is to come to Ohio, warm weather. We will endeavor to bring some home with us. When we were first married, Cheryl’s grandparents were frequently going on cruises. We thought to ourselves, that sounds nice when we get old. I looked in the mirror the other day and some grey haired, old man was staring back at me. Life is filled with many changes and it is a privilege to be able to experience them. Now is the time to take advantage of the opportunities that are before us. Lent is well under way and Easter is not too far off. Lent is a reminder to keep on looking for the presence of God, and Easter is our assurance that God is here with us. I believe the worst experience in the world is to be abandoned. Our little dog, Mocha was abandoned, lost, and alone. We got her from a shelter and when I first brought her home she followed me everywhere. I would go to the bath room and she followed me there. I took a shower and she peaked around the shower curtain just to make sure I was still there with her. For these past two weeks we have also been dog sitting for my dad. Mocha again felt abandoned. She told me the other day, “I wasn’t enough of a dog and so you had to bring someone else in.” She has been acting up and taking off until three in the morning. This morning I went outside with her, just the two of us, and she felt like she was in heaven. God wants us to know that he is here with us. We may

choose to act up, run off, and do things we shouldn’t do, but

He is still here, loving us, ready for us to come home. Easter

is our time to come home again.

See you Sunday. Shalom, Pastor Kirk

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Diaconate: Monday, April 8 @ 6:30 pm

Stewardship: Sunday, April 14 @ 11:45 am

Trustees: Monday, April 8 @ 6:30 pm

Faith Formation: Sunday, April 14 @ 11:45am

Music Committee: Sunday, April 14 @ 11:30 am

Council: Monday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Date—Name (Age)

4/2-Barbara Filing

4/8-Luke Bruce

4/12-David Filing

4/14-James VanHorn

4/19-Laura Obenreder

4/19-Shari Schneider

Date—Name (Age)

4/21-Donna Shisler

4/22-Kelly Gerstenberger

4/27-Gabriel Ing (12)

4/27-Stella Subichin (4)

4/28-Kim Cole

4/28-John Richards

4/28-Lisa York

Date — Name (Years)

BIRTHDAY’S ANNIVERSARY

MEETINGS

DIACONATE

FAITH FORMATION

Faith Focus Lessons for April & May

April 7th Lent V: Thankfulness: The Ten Lepers Meghan Howell April 14th Palm Sunday: Palm Parade Marilyn Freeman April 21st Easter Sunday: Jesus Lives! Easter Party Marilyn Freeman April 28th Sharer of the Good News: Philip & the Ethiopian Marilyn Freeman

May 5th Jesus’ Miracle: Healed by Jesus x May 12th Mother’s Day Special Marilyn Freeman May 19th Jesus’ Miracle: Calming the Storm Marilyn Freeman May 26th Flower Box Planting Marilyn Freeman

Please volunteer for any of “X’s” below: Altar Flowers Liturgist Fellowship Hour 3/31/19 Mary Anne Reiser Sandi Ignizio X 4/7/19 X X X 4/14/19 Petrusky’s X X 4/21/19 Lilies (Sign-up in Social Hall) Cheryl Bruce X 4/28/19 X Janis Morgan X

Sign-up is located in the Social Hall on clipboards!

Easter Lilies You can help fill the Pilgrim Sanctuary with beautiful Easter Lilies.

The cost is $12 (payable to Pilgrim UCC) and you may dedicate the Easter Lily to the celebration or memory of someone special.

After Worship on April 21, 2019, you may take home your lily or deliver it to someone of your choice. Sign-up in the Social Hall!

Call the church office at 330-928-4847 for more information.

Thursday, April 25, 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Gaiety & Games

Bring your favorite game to share. We had lots of fun with this, so we’re trying it again.

Do you know someone who is dealing with a health issue that may need support?

Prayer Shawls are available. Please see Marilyn Freeman.

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Spirit of Service Projects We are collecting the following items to complete the listed Service Projects.

A collection box will be in the Social Hall. Chemo Kits: fuzzy socks, books, magazines, crosswords, word searches, Sudoku, note cards, stationery, lip balm, Lubriderm lotion, lozenges-hard candy in ginger, citrus, peppermint, root beer, gingersnap cookies, soft hats, stretchy head wraps, Biotène toothpaste/mouthwash, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, fragrance free/skin sensitive lotions, anti-nausea wrist bands, wet wipes/hand sanitizer, tea – ginger, peppermint, neck pillow, decks of cards Blessing Bags: toothpaste/toothbrush, socks – clean white, assorted sizes, combs, wet wipes/hand sanitizer/ soap, Bandaids/first aid cream/travel size first aid kit, shampoo, comb, deodorant, Kleenex, beef jerky, granola bars, crackers, trail mix, wash cloths, women’s feminine products, small note book/pencil, sunscreen/lip balm Nursing Home Care Kits: unscented lotions and soaps, nail polish and nail care items, shaving cream, razors, non-slip socks, toothbrush/paste, shampoo, comb Packaging: new or gently used book bags/back packs, ladies purses (great way to recycle!), big socks— especially the blessing bags, gently used back packs Monetary donations to purchase any needed supplies is an option. Church World Service School Kits: 8 pair of blunt scissors, 31- 70 page count spiral notebooks, 26 new pencils with erasers, money donations to pay for shipping school kits Service Projects: Assemble the chemo kits/blessing bags/nursing care kits; packing CWS school kits; making tied blankets. Knit/crochet prayer shawls and or baby hats are welcome. Please being a personal story to share that celebrates what is right with our world. All of our kits and blankets will be accompanied by a handmade card with a hand written note of prayer and blessing.

Please Come and Join our Spirit of Service

We are collecting items for our Spirit of Service Project in July. Here is a list of desired items. Please these items next to the “Heart” collection box in the Social Hall on Sunday.

CAN YOU HELP?? Breakfast With the Easter Bunny/Easter Egg Hunt

Volunteers are urgently needed to help with assorted tasks this year! Donate small pieces of individually wrapped candy for the Egg Hunt... There is a box in the Social Hall for the candy donations! Donate cakes for the Cake Walk... See a Faith Formation member to sign-up to make or donate a cake (s). Friday, April 19th, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 (noon) Fill eggs with candy, set-up tables & chairs, decorate, hide the eggs, fill gift bags... Saturday, April 20th, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m. Craft helpers, game helpers, Egg Hunt Guides, Easter Bunny “people” & more!

CAN YOU HELP?? Please see Mitzi Stanley, Evelyn Ing, or Marilyn Freeman to sign-up to assist in any way you can. Your time and talents are appreciated!

Sunday, April 28th at 2:00 p.m. PET BLESSING EVENT Bring your real pets, virtual pets, pet pictures and/or pet memories and we’ll bless all God’s critters! Even snakes!

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The Blessing Jar: Having our daughter, her husband, and 4 month old son, back in Ohio, from England, for 17

days. Our chickens have survived the winter and are laying more eggs as the days get longer. Seeing the daffodils and crocus’ beginning to peak out of the ground with their green leaves. Visiting with an old friend and realizing how long it has been since we talked. Learning to play the violin. The vet was able to help our elderly dog with his hip arthritis with additional medication. Sherman’s healing from recent surgery.

Book Club anyone? I have come across two books recently that I think would be interesting studies and generate good conversation. “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond TuTu. This book captures a week-long visit of these two men as they explore the nature of true joy and confront obstacles to joy. They offer Eight Pillars of Joy, which are the foundation for lasting happiness.

I found it to be a delightful read. Marilyn Freeman, Faith Formation Director

The collecting of candy has begun! Pilgrim will fill the Easter eggs for the annual Easter Egg Hunt happening on April 20th. Candy must be small enough to fit inside a plastic egg & wrapped individually wrapped. A box will be in the Social Hall soon. Interested in assisting with egg-filling, pancake breakfast cooking, or donating a cake for the cake walk? Please let Mitzi Stanley, Evelyn Ing, or Marilyn Freeman know. Your time and talents are appreciated!

The second book is from Parker Palmer, “On the Brink of Everything.”

He explores his view of life from where he is now - 80 something, addresses creative ways to engage with younger generations which are vital to energize both, reflects on the spiritual life, work and vocation, staying engaged with the world and your soul, and “Over the Edge: Where We Go When We Die.”

“Welcome to the brink of everything. It takes a lifetime to get here, but the stunning view and bracing breeze in your face makes it worth the trip.” (On the Brink of Everything, Parker J .Palmer, from the

Prelude). Marilyn Freeman, Faith Formation Director

FREE COMMUNITY LUNCH

Join the Free Community Lunch Team as we serve a meal on April 13th ~ 12 noon !

Volunteers are needed to prepare, deliver, serve, & clean up!

The Free Community Lunch program has received a grant to. . . 1. Construct and maintain a blessing box on Pilgrim’s property. 2. Serve “Lunches to Go” three (3) times a week over the summer, for children who are on free and/or reduced lunches in the community. Volunteer opportunities, will be available!

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PRAYERS FOR PILGRIMS

STEWARDSHIP

Donna recovering from hospital stays. That it is safe to worship - no matter the faith - anywhere. Rev. Steve Szilagi (S.A.R.A.) recovering from cancer. Dr. George Szilagi, a dentist in Hungry and son of Jean and Steve Szilagi, who has stage 4 cancer. Nancy who has shingles. Give her strength to endure the horrible pain of this disease. Our great, great nephew, who continues to struggle with issues related to his pre-mature birth. Craig, as he endures chemo and radiation for brain cancer. The flooding in Nebraska and Iowa effecting many communities. Jack Dainel, of Lynchburger, Tennessee, dealing with floods. Extra prayers for Aunt Linda for help to care for her loved one, Don. Sonny, has cancer and given only a year, at the most, to live. My son Mark, recovering from surgery. Sherman for continued healing and strength. Jackie, sole caregiver of her husband, needing prayers of strength. Jane and her family, dealing with health issues. The children separated from their parents at our border. Our countries politicians and legal leaders to make the fair, unconditional decisions for all people.

Thank you for your generous donations to

Chicago, United, & Eden Seminaries on February 24th!

$180.00 will be sent on April 15th.

Benevolence dollars of $2,817.00 received as of Mach 17th.

April 15th the following charities will share in these dollars: OCWM—Living Water Association (10%) & National (10%) Offices, Disaster Response (7%), Ohio Camp Fund (4.8%), United Church Homes - Chapel Hill (12.5%), Sharing America’s Resources Abroad (7%), Hope Homes (12.5%), Family Promise (7%), Pilgrim’s Free Community Lunch (12.5%), Pilgrim’s Scholarship (16.7%), and Crossroad (profits from the soda/pop machine).

Pilgrim’s Annual Scholarship Applications are available now!

Step 1—Pick-up an application Form from the Faith Formation bulletin board! Step 2—Complete the application. Step 3—Answer the questions listed on the bottom of the form on a separate sheet of paper. Step 4—Submit the form to the Pilgrim United Church of Christ office by May 1, 2019. Then wait to hear from the Stewardship Board by May 25, 2019!

The One Great Hour of Sharing offering will take place on Sunday, March 31st during 10:30 a.m. worship.

Please prayerfully consider your gift to One Great Hour of Sharing, one of the United Church of Christ’s, 5 for 5 offerings.

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TRUSTEES

TREASURER

End of February 2019 Income: $26,000 Expenses: $36,000 Difference: $10,000

Thank you to everyone for keeping current on your offerings. John Richards, Treasurer

Pilgrim will be encouraging all Members, Friends, & Groups using Pilgrim help contribute to the . . .

“Lent Load of Love”

Our “Advent Avalanche” of food for Good Neighbors was so very well supported by so many people, and Good Neighbors of Cuyahoga Falls was very grateful for the generous gift!

So—let’s do it again! A “Lent Load of Love!” Fill the bin with non-perishable food, taxable, and toiletry items. All donations will be taken to Good Neighbors the week after Easter.

Picture shows Jackie Wanclovic volunteering at Good Neighbors. Downloaded on 2.27.2019 at http://www.good-neighbors.org/good-neighbors-cuyahoga-falls.html

Have an idea or saving money, or a future project? Write your ideas down. Give the ideas to one of the Trustees or the church secretary.

GOOD NEIGHBORS COLLECTION FOR LENT

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The Office received a call from Carol Letvin recently. She and Jim have settled on a place in a location they love. Jim is doing the painting and some electrical work. They are tentatively planning to come back to the area March 31st - April 7th.

MEMBER UPDATE

Downloaded on March 27, 2019 from: http://thegardenofhope.org/phenomenal-free-printable-easter-coloring-pages/free-printable-easter-coloring-pages-for-preschoolers-free/

Downloaded March 27, 2019 from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/25332816634758375/?lp=true

Happy Easter 2019 . . . Here are two Easter coloring pictures.

Enjoy!

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Sunday Monday Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 1 - 1:30 pm AMMS - Tae Kwon Do, SH

2 10:30 am Bible Study, AL 8 pm BHG AA, HR

3 11am Staff Mtg., Office

1-2:30pm AMMS- Dance, SH 2-8pm WRSS - Violin, AL, CL 5pm Hand Bells, MR 7pm Bible Study, HR

4 3pm-12am AMMS Set-Up Dad’s & Donuts, SH 3:30-7 pm AMMS - Parent/Teacher Conferences, CL 4-9pm WRSS-Cello, #28 6-8pm CS #3186 Den Mtgs., AL, CL, N, CR #27 & #29, AT 6:30-8:30pm Moonlight Serenaders, MR 7–9 pm EA, HR

5 7-8 am AMMS - Dad’s & Donuts, SH 3-6 pm AMMS - Open House, CL 3:30-7 pm AMMS - Parent/Teacher Conferences

6 10 am - 12 Noon CS Pack #3186 - Committee Mtg., AL 8:00 pm AA, SH

7 9:00 am Choir, HR 10:30 am Worship, SA-Rev. K. Bruce 11:30am Fellowship, SH 11:45am SARA mtg., HR 3:30-5pm GS, AL

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1 - 1:30 pm AMMS - Tae Kwon Do, SH 3:30-7 pm AMMS - Parent/Teacher Conferences 6:30 pm Diaconate Mtg., AL 6:30 pm Trustees Mtg., HR

9 10:30 am Bible Study, AL

6:30 - 8:30 pm NW, AL 8 pm BHG AA, HR

10 1-2:30pm AMMS- Dance, SH 2-8pm WRSS - Violin, AL, CL 5pm Hand Bells, MR 7pm Bible Study, HR

11 4-9pm WRSS - Cello, #28 6-8 pm CS #3186 Den Mtgs., AL, CL, N, CR #27 & #29, AT 7–9 pm EA, HR

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13 9 am - 2 pm FCL, SH & K 8:00 pm AA, SH

14 Palm Sunday

15 1 - 1:30 pm AMMS- Tae Kwon Do, SH 6:30 pm Council Mtg., HR

16

10:30 am Bible Study, AL

8 pm BHG AA, HR

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2-8pm WRSS-Violin, AL, CL 5:00 pm Bells, MR 7pm Bible Study, HR

18 Maundy Thursday

4-9pm WRSS-Cello, #28 6-8pm CS #3186 Den Mtgs., OFF-SITE 6:30pm Palestinian Meal/Seder, SH 7:30pm Tennebrae Service., SA 7–9 pm EA, AL

19 Good Friday

10 am - 12 pm FF Set-up of Holy Saturday Event. 5:00 p.m. May Spire DEADLINE

20 Holy Saturday

& Passover 8:30-10:30 am Break- fast w/Easter Bunny; Games; Crafts; Story, Pictures, Calk Walk, Age Divided Egg Hunt

12 Noon - 3 pm AA - Akron Multi-District Mtg., AL

8:00 pm AA, SH

21 Easter Sunday

22 Easter Monday

Offices are Closed

23 10:30 am Bible Study, AL 6:30 - 8:30 pm NW, AL 8 pm BHG AA, HR

24

2-8 pm WRSS-Violin, AL, CL

5:30 pm Bells, MR 7pm Bible Study, HR

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1-3pm Gaiety & Games SH 4-9pm WRSS - Cello, #28 5-8pm Donato’s Night, State Rd. & Chestnut Blvd 6-8pm CS #3186 Pack Mtg., SH 7–9 pm EA, AL

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27 12-4pm Akron Multi- District AA Spring Conference with Speakers & Lunch, SH & K

8:00 pm AA, SH

28 9:00 am Choir, HR 10:30am Worship, 11:30 am Fellowship, SH 2pm Pet Blessing, Courtyard

6 - 8 pm GS, AL

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1-1:30 pm AMMS- Tae Kwon Do, SH

30 10:30 am Bible Study, AL

8 pm BHG AA, HR

Pilgrim United Church of Christ

Room Key: AL=Adult Library AT=Attic C=Classroom CL=Children’s Library HR=Heritage Room K=Kitchen MR=Music Room N=Nursery RGR=Rev. Greene Room

SA=Sanctuary SH=Social Hall

Group Key: AMMS=Absorbent Minds Montessori School AA=Alcoholics Anonymous BHG=Broad Highway Group CS=Cub Scouts EA=Emotions Anonymous FF=Faith Formation GS=Girl Scouts NW=Needle Work WRSS=Western Reserve Suzuki School

April 2019 ~ Calendar

9:00am Choir, HR 10:30am Worship, SA 11:30am Fellowship, SH 11:45am FF, AL 11:45am Stewardship HR 2:45-5:15 pm GS, AL 6-8 pm GS, AL

9:00 am Choir, HR 10:30am Worship, 11:30am Fellowship, SH 3:30-5:15pm GS, AL

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April 2019 The Pilgrim Spire

Pilgrim United Church of Christ † 130 Broad Blvd. Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221

Address Correction Requested

Sunday Schedule:

10:30 am Worship Nursery Care available

11:30 am Fellowship

Contact us at: www.pilgrimcf.org 330.928.4847

Pilgrim United Church of Christ Staff:

Pastor Rev. Kirk Bruce,

pilgrimpastor@ameritech.net

Faith Formation Director Marilyn Freeman,

pilgrimce@ameritech.net

Music Director Kyle Kelvington,

kelvingtonk@gmail.com

Secretary Kelly Gerstenberger,

pilgrimoffice@ameritech.net