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The Pilgrim Spire

August 2017

P i l g r i m Un i t ed Ch ur ch o f Ch r i s t

130 B r o ad Bo u l eva rd

Cuya h og a Fa l l s , O H 44221

Pastor’s Parable

CONTACT INFORMATION

Office: Phone: 330.928.4847 Fax: 330.928.1017

Staff & E-Mail:

Pastor: Reverend Kirk Bruce pilgrimpastor@ameritech.net

Secretary: Kelly Gerstenberger pilgrimoffice@ameritech.net

Faith Formation Director: Marilyn Freeman pilgrimce@ameritech.net

Music Director: Kyle Kelvington kelvingtonk@gmail.com

Cleaning Services: “Peter” Paugh

Website: www.pilgrimcf.org

You’ll find electronic versions of The Pilgrim Spires; Calendar; Facility Use & Facility Use Policies; Wedding & Funeral Information; Act-It UP! Community Theatre; 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.

Would you prefer to receive this via email? Please contact the church office.

Address changes? Contact the office.

Thank you!

With Kirk on Vacation, a trip to the archives produced this gem. Kelly

A Sunday School teacher was teaching her class that God made the sun and rain, the trees, the animals, and everything else that there is. “God makes everything,” she said. One little boy decided to challenge her on that and shouted back, “Well he didn’t make my bed this morning!” God makes just about everything else. Maybe there are few things He doesn’t though. I know that He doesn’t make us do what we should. God invites us, He challenges us, He cajoles us, He even asks us, but he never makes us. If we are to love Him, we must love Him willingly, and do joyfully what we should.

Loving God is far easier than we often make it out to be. There are not nine things, or ten laws, or fifteen principles. Jesus said it simply, “Love God and each other.”

It was the prophet Micah, seven hundred years earlier who said it this way, “Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”

Loving God is far easier than we want to make it. The hardest part is not, not knowing what to do, the hardest part is doing it. We all have the power, and the ability. Are we willing?

See you Sunday. Shalom, Pastor Kirk

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Meetings are open to all!

Evangelism: Monday, July 31 @ 7 pm

Faith Formation: Tuesday, August 8 @ 7pm

Diaconate: Monday, August 14 @ 6:30 p.m.

Act-It UP! Community Theater: Wednesday, August 16 @ 7:30 pm

Community Connections Committee (CCC): Monday, August 21 @ 6:30 p.m.

Council: Monday, August 21 @ 7:00 p.m.

Stewardship: Sunday, September 3 @ 11:45 am

Music Committee: Sunday, September 10 @ 11:30 a.m.

Trustees: Monday, September 11 @ 6:30 p.m.

To Be Announced: Sharing America’s Resources Abroad (S.A.R.A.)

Pilgrim UCC is looking for . .

SINGERS Sunday Mornings

The Choir will begin Sept. 10th. Please Contact: Kyle Kelvington Music Director

Save Our Steeple Campaign Update

Donations received as of 7/23/2017 totals:

$180,846.88

of our $250,000 goal.

Date—Name

08/01 - Jaden Sandlin

Alice Woodburn

08/07 - Avery Haller

08/08 - Sara Mohn

08/10 - Gary DeHart

08/14 - John Howell

08/15 - Meghan Howell

08/16 - Simon Howell

Becky Sandlin

08/20 - Mary Ann Reiser

08/22 - Sue Gillman

08/27 - Jaden Haller

08/29 - Evelyn Ing

Happy Birthday Happy Anniversary Date—Name

08/12 - Jack & Lois Bruce

08/24 - Dan & Kelly Gerstenberger

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County Will be building three homes in Cuyahoga Falls this year. More information may be found on the bulletin boards across from the office and in the Social Hall. If interested in lending a hand, leave a message in the office at 330-928-4847.

A Note from the Treasurer . . .

Look for this information in the September Spire!

John Richards

Women’s Retreat November 3 - 5, 2017

at

Punderson State Park Newbury, Ohio

The registrations are in!

Contact: Marilyn Freeman

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LEARN TO . . . KNIT OR CROCHET

TUESDAY, August 22nd from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the

Rev. Greene Room of

Pilgrim United Church of Christ, 130 Broad Blvd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 330-928-4847

Materials to bring: Crochet with Janna Redd - Bring size “h” or “i” crochet hook and worsted weight yarn. Caren yarn is recommended. Knitting by Bobbi Babbit - First project, a dishcloth, will teach casting on of stitches, knitting, & pearl stitches. Bring size 6, 7, or 8 needle (not the long needles) and a ball of crochet cotton (Sugar’s cream or Bath cotton - Pat Catan’s carries these).

Prayers for Pilgrims Please Pray For. . .

Family and friends of Joan Subichin & Marshal Hyden, whose mother died July 14th. Family and friends of Shannon Sandlin, whose father died recently. Shannon to “Let my Dad soar free.” Bless all creatures great and small. Jim recently diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer and starting chemo-therapy and radiation therapy. Families getting in vacation time before school begins again. People grieving the loss of a loved one or friend. The health of all and those in pain & suffering and those that feel or are alone, that the Lord provides help through friends. Alice & her family for patience, strength and support. Chandler & his family for strength and patience with his chemo treatments. For our first responders and safety forces. Larry recovering from surgery. For Ethan Perkins Rio and his family. All families getting ready for the new school year.

August Riverfront Cruise-In . . . Cuyahoga Falls Car Show

The Youth Group & Marilyn Freeman will be grilling hot dogs and selling them for $1. They will also be selling soda/pop and water for $1. Coney sauce has been for a topping. Donations of hot dogs, buns, soda/pop/water, baked goods will be accepted to sell each week. See Marilyn.

August 7th: Studebaker-AMC-Packard August 14th: Cars of the 50’s & Rockne’s Night

August 21st: Cars of the 40’s & Older August 28th: Resto Mod & Custom & Prostreet

http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/506218/543030.html?70

http://www.autabuy.com/ViewPhoto/?I=/ pho-

tos/2016/11/08/23290734_437250965504659_Orig.jpg&Sho

wAdSense=1&K=1957%20CHEVROLET%20210%20PRO%

20STREET

https://www.pinterest.com/engraver26/british-

classic-cars-of-the-40s50s60s-70s/

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From the Stewardship Board . . .

Reminder: Weekly & Monthly Offerings Needed Yes, talking about money and the financial health of Pilgrim is hard. It is also necessary, especially as summer approaches. Our basic expenses for utilities do continue. The following is a list the utilities and amount paid in July 2017:

City of Cuyahoga Falls Utilities $795.30 Includes: Electric, Water, Storm Sewer, & Sanitation Dominion East Ohio Gas $ 42.71 AT& T - Basic Phone $ 75.71 AT& T - Internet Access $ 69.38

We thank everyone who have made it a point to keep current on your pledges and those who give regularly to Pilgrim.

Gardening anyone? If you just love playing in the dirt (like me!), OR would like to learn something about gardening, OR want to help grow food to feed people and raise money for our Free Community Lunch Program, please let me (Marilyn Freeman) know. There is always a list of garden chores! Garden picture and updates are posted on our Face Book pages, so check us out!

Thanks to several people who continue to donate to the Car Show Concessions—hot dogs, buns, condiments, beverages and financial. We have netted close to $500.00 to date. This will be added to the Youth Fund. Come on down and check out the old cars any Monday from 4 -8 pm (weather permitting) and join us for a hot dog/brat and a beverage!

Help is NEEDED by anyone available ON

6 - 8 pm August 2nd Pilgrim’s Social Hall

Evangelism has given a limited number of coupons to Good Neighbors to give to families

with school CHILDREN to receive back-to-school hair-cuts.

Stylists have agreed to give/share their time and talents

to bring a new look and smile to a child.

To volunteer or ask questions contact:

Janna Redd, Evangelism Chair, at 330-352-3831

SAVE-THE-DATE

FRIENDS & FAMILY

SUNDAY

SEPTEMBER 10TH

INVITE YOUR

NEIGHBORS

AND/OR

FRIENDS!!

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

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We also participated in Random Acts of Kindness by assembling:

93 goody bags for the Cuyahoga Falls Police Department and 80 bags of candy gifts to the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department

As a thank you to all those who keep our community safe.

Check out the pictures on the church website, Face Book Page and Pilgrim Group page.

They are also printed out and hanging in the social hall.

The Great Summer Serve – August 13 – Youth 9 -12 Grade

Join senior high students from all across our associations for a day serving the people of Avon and Avon Lake, an epic worship service, crazy games, lunch, and a dinner cookout. This will be a day of making our communities better places little by little.

Rev. John Dorhauer, UCC General Minister and President, will be with us during worship.

Cost for the event is only $10 per person & includes a t-shirt, lunch & dinner.

Youth should wear sneakers, bring work gloves and a water bottle.

Assist Avon Lake is providing Blessing Bags for individuals entering group homes as part of recovery from heroin addiction. Each bag is filled with essential daily necessities. Our hope is to fill 150 bags.

Your contribution as individual churches will be greatly appreciated.

The registration deadline is Wednesday, August 2.

If you are interested in going, please let Marilyn Freeman know ASAP. I will register us as a group. We will need to leave Pilgrim UCC 8:15 am—earlier if Richfield Youth are going, too.

Your response to our first SOS event was amazing!

All of the gathered supplies created 15 Chemo-Care bags & 23 Blessing Bags for homeless persons.

We cut and tied 12 soft fleece blankets.

All of these items will be delivered to various agencies - chemo therapy units, Haven of Rest Ministries, & some of the Chemo-Care bags to friends.

Support the Mission Trip Fund!

The program began with receipts dated: August 1, 2017 through December 30, 2017

Receipts are due by: January 7th

Place receipts in the collection box in the social hall!

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The bulletin boards have several postings that may be of interest to you or someone you know! From rehabilitation facilities to medical transport, summer movie schedule at Cinemark for the kids to newsletters from Open M, The Grief Place and others. Take a moment to take a look. You may find something of interest!

Dear Pilgrim UCC, On behalf of Hope Homes Foundation (HHF),...thank you for your generous gift. The goal of Hope Homes continues to make a difference in every cause we can. With the help of donations from supporters such as you we will continue to see improvements. Thanks again for your generous support to Hope Homes. Best Wishes, Paul M. Herrera, CEO Hope Homes Foundation

Dear Friends, ...With your generous gift...to Chapel Hill Community, United Church Homes (UCH) can realize its vision “Where the Spirit creates Abundant Life in Community.” Because of you, the life of a resident is impacted; certain needs are met, special memories are restored, and endless love is spread. THAT is why your donation matters, and we graciously thank you for your support. ...We promise you that your gift will be used to better the lives of the people we serve. Thank you. With Gratitude, Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, Executive Director, Ruth Parker Center of Abundant Aging, UCH Dear Pastor Bruce (and Pilgrim Members and Friends), Thank you so very much for allowing us to utilize your church space on Wednesdays for our Suzuki lessons and an-nual Ribbon Festival. The work we do weekly with our wonderful children and their families, enable them to go out into the community with their music. Our students perform for community events such as the Akron Police Association me-morial scholarship fundraiser, Akron Children’s Hospital as well as at area churches, foodbanks and nursing homes. Our students also perform with various area youth orchestras within the schools and community. Without seeing them on a weekly basis, we would be unable to prepare our students for the varied community performances that they — and we — are asked to participate in. Enclosed please find our...contribution for the 2017-2018 academic year. We appreciate use of your church and make an effort to treat all spaces with respect... . Thanks again for making us feel so welcome in your church community. We look forward to sharing our music with your congregation again this year! Most Sincerely, Marlene Moses, Director, Western Reserve Suzuki School Thank you very much for your donations to the Cooper Cancer Center. Your bags really put a smile on our patient’s faces. Yours in appreciation, Support Services Team, Cooper Cancer Center

To our Friends and Supporters in the Faith Community: Hospice of the Western Reserve, a 501c3 non-profit hospice agency that provides compassionate end of life care to patients all over northern Ohio-needs your help. ...Two flyers that feature info on becoming a volunteer and...the upcoming Warehouse Sale that benefits our patients (posted on the bulletin boards in the Social Hall and across from the church office). ...We would be glad to come present at any of your services or gatherings, to talk about our volunteer opportunities. Your help is greatly appreciated. ... Kindest regards, Nikki Matala, Volunteer Recruitment Manager, Hospice of Western Reserve

Image above from—http://www.cleveland.com/

metro/index.ssf/2015/03/

hospice_of_western_reserve_and.html

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August 2017

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday KEY:

AL = Adult Library

AR = Art Room

AT = Attic

CL = Children’s Library

CR = Classroom

RGR = Rev. Greene Room

HR = Heritage Room

K = Kitchen

N = Nursery

SH = Social Hall

OS = Off Site

SA = Sanctuary

1 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Fairy Tales Week 8 pm FOTS AA, HR

2 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Fairy Tales Week

3 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Fairy Tales Week 7–9 pm EA, HR

4 7:30 am - 8:30 pm Project Panda K, SH, HR, RGR, CL, AL, CL, N, AT

5 10 - 10:45 am WRSS Nat’l Anthem Practice, SH 8:00 pm AA, SH

6 9:30am Faith Form 10:30am Worship - Rev. Jim Nelson 11:30am Fellowship Team #1

7 Car Show 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Under the Sea Wk 5:30 - 8 pm Summit County Teen Institute, SH 6:30 pm Diaconate Board Mtg., AL

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8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Under the Sea Wk 7/8pm VBS/Faith Formation, @ M. Freeman’s Patio 8 pm FOTS AA, HR

9 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Under the Sea Wk .

10 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Under the Sea Wk 7 - 9 pm EA, HR

11 6 - 10 pm FOTS-AA, Set-up Confer-ence & Mtg., SH, K

12 8 am - 5 pm FOTS-AA Conference, SH, K Event: 10 am - 4 pm 8:00 pm AA, SH

13 8 am Great Summer Serve, Sr. Hi Youth Avon Lake UCC 9:30am Faith Form 10:30am Worship - Rev. Kirk Bruce 11:30am Fellowship Team #2 3-6 pm Howell B’day Party, SH, K

14 Car Show 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Through the Decade 5:30 - 7:30 pm WRSS-Pizza Party & Social, SH 6:30 pm Diaconate & Trustees Board Mtg., AL, HR

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8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Through the Decade 8 pm FOTS AA, HR

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8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Through the Decade . 7:30 pm AIU– Pro-duction Mtg, AL

17 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Summer Camp - Through the Decade 7–9 pm EA, HR

18 DEADLINE for September SPIRE! 8 am - 3 pm AMMS Teacher In-Service, CL’s

19 12 - 5 pm J. Burns - Baby Shower, SH, K 8:00 pm AA, SH

20 9:30am Faith Form 10:30am Worship - Rev. Kirk Bruce 11:30am Fellowship Team #3

21 Car Show 8 am - 3 pm AMMS Teacher In-Service, CL’s, AL 3-5:15pm Prayer Mtg. On Now Digital, AL 5:30 - 8 pm Summit County Teen Institute, SH 6:30 pm Community Connections Committee Mtg. AL 7:00 pm Council Mtg., HR

22 8 am - 3 pm AMMS Teacher In-Service, CL’s, AL 6:30 - 8:00 pm Knit & Crochet, RGR 8 pm FOTS AA, HR

23 8 am - 3 pm AMMS Teacher In-Service, CL’s, AL 6 - 9 pm AMMS - Meet the Teachers, CL, Playground (SH Back-up Weather)

24 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Teacher In-Service, CL’s, AL 8 am AMMS - SetUp Parent/Kindergart-en Orientation, SH 5-8 pm Donatos Night, State Rd 5:30 - 7:30 pm Event 7:30-8pmTake Down 7–9 pm EA, AL

25 8 am - 4 pm AMMS Teacher In-Service, CL’s, AL

26 10 am - 1 pm Amy Sauriol Piano Party, SA, SH 8:00 pm AA, SH

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9:30am Faith Form 10:30am Worship - Rev. Kirk Bruce 11:30am Fellowship Team #4

28 Car Show 8 am - 4 pm AMMS First Day of School

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8 am - 4 pm AMMS 8 pm FOTS AA, HR

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8 am - 4 pm AMMS

31 8 am - 4 pm AMMS 7–9 pm EA, HR

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August 2017 The Pilgrim Spire

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

Address Correction Requested

Sunday Schedule:

9:30 am Faith Formation 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

Cleaning Service Peter Paugh

Secretary Kelly Gerstenberger,

pilgrimoffice@ameritech.net