THE CALL
Fairmont Presbyterian Church THOUGHTS FROM BRIAN I have one recommendation to improve your spiritual wellbeing this autumn: turn off your television. We are now in the home stretch of a particularly nasty season of partisanship in America. All our media outlets want to motivate us on the basis of fear. Cunning experts in media relations seek to manipulate us into dividing our community into two opposing camps and then nurture fear and distrust. It is easy to blame the politicians and the media, but the uncomfortable truth is the only reason they do it is because it works. The one thing I know for sure about Jesus’ political platform was that he was opposed to fear. He saw it for what it was, the power of the enemy keeping us in bondage. After the resurrection his first announcement was: “Be not afraid!” That means that Christians have a special role to play in American politics and I am not talking about supporting one party or the other. We are obligated to model life without fear. That means showing the world assuming good will on the part of others. It means practicing how to listen to each other and not merely throw sound bites. It means charitably characterizing those who disagree with us, not to make fun of their positions, but in such a way that they would agree that it is a fair representation of their positions. It will mean no longer labeling people but rather seeing each person as a beloved child of God. And to do this it will be a lot easier if we all turned off the TV for the first five minutes of every news program when they present all the hysterical stuff trying to get us scared or angry.
Christian politics is not the same thing as partisan politics. We are called to show the world a new and better way. Our parties will not change, our politics will not change, our nation will not change, until our hearts change. And that is precisely what Jesus has called us to do.
October 2018 Volume 73, Issue 8
NOTES FROM KELLEY My father is an avid bird watcher. With the gift of retirement and good health, he has had the opportunity to travel around the United States and Canada attending bird festivals, hiking in nature, and visiting family. I have attended several bird watching festivals with my father, my favorite being the Festival of the Cranes in the Bosque del Apache near Socorro, New Mexico. We greeted the sunrise beneath the beauty and awe of over 33,000 snow geese and 8,000 sandhill cranes as they lifted skyward on their way to their morning feed. It was a breathtaking sight. When my father’s work transferred him to Canada for a few years, the opportunities for bird watching were abundant, and I soon found myself birding in Canada with my father. Most recently we have attended the “Biggest Week in American Birding” at the Black Swamp Bird Observatory in Oregon, Ohio near Lake Erie. Over 35 species of Warblers use the Mississippi Flyway to pass through Northwestern Ohio on their migration journey. I am fascinated by birds. The details of body and wing, the vivid and mundane colors, the myriad of songs, the varied calls, the age-long migration patterns, and mostly, the ability to fly. The hands of our Creator God are evident in the beauty and, even, simplicity of birds. I am grateful for such as these in creation. The Psalmist declares, “Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.”
WORSHIP AND MUSIC
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
October 7: World Communion Sunday
Kidz Korner
Lesson: Mark 10: 35-45
2018-2019 Schedule
Sermon: “Imitation”
9:30am: Cherub Choir (children’s music room) 10am: Mini Missionaries (PreK), Room A 10am: Junior Apostles (grades K-5), Room B Following Time with Children: Mini Missionaries (PreK), Room A Following Time with Children: Junior Apostles (grades K-2), Room B Nursery Care: 8am-12pm for children birth-2 years
October 14 First Lesson: Psalm 90: 1-17 Second Lesson: Mark 10: 17-31
Sermon: “The Impossible”
October 21: Children’s Sabbath First Lesson: Psalm 8 Second Lesson: Mark 10: 13-16 Sermon: “I’d Like to Invite the Children Forward” October 28: Reformation/Heritage Sunday (Single service) First Lesson: James 3: 13-18 Second Lesson: Mark 9: 30-37
Bible Stories: First Friday of each month, on the Zoom app from 8-8:30pm (beginning Oct. 5) Trunk or Treat: October 27, 4:00pm-5:00pm Bring your little ones in costume or trick or treat from car to car in this safe spin on traditional Beggar’s Night! The event will be held in the lower parking lot of the church. There will be face painting, a photo booth, and plenty of apple cider available! We need trunks! We can’t have Trunk or Treat without your help. Please indicate on the Friendship Pad if you will bring your car and enough candy for 300-400 kids on October 27th. Dress up your car and yourself, if you wish, and park on the side of the parking lot closest to the playground. We always have fun! If you are interested in having an “allergy friendly” trunk, please let Rachel know.
Sermon: “So, How Does This Salvation Thing Work?” Choir Director Search Update: Our choir director search team, comprised of members of the personnel team, choir, and Judy Bede, is currently reviewing applications and will begin interviewing applicants in the next few weeks. Stay tuned! If you or anyone you know is interested in the position, please visit our website to view the job posting. In the meantime, Judy Bede will be serving as an interim choir director. Thank you to Judy, and thank you for your patience during this time of transition at Fairmont!
PYC PYC meets on Sunday evenings during the program year from 5-7pm at the church. The Sunday evening schedule looks something like this: 5-5:30pm: Games in Room 109 5:30-6:30pm: Dinner in Fellowship Hall 6:30-7pm: Bible/book study in Room 109 Feel free to drop in any time, and please see Rachel to find out how you can help with PYC this year! We always need volunteers to provide dinner. Upcoming events: Field trip to Tom’s Corn Maze 2 Sunday, October 28th, 4pm
Coins 4 Kids—Fairmont family, we need your help! Over the past several years, all coins collected during the offering have gone into our Coins4Kids fund, a special fund to help offset the cost of Kirkmont camp for our children and youth who attend. From this fund, Fairmont is able to pay half of the camp cost for each attendee, helping our parents and encouraging them to send their kids to Kirkmont. From Kirkmont’s website: “Kirkmont Center, an independent non-profit organization, was founded by the Presbyterian Church USA in 1963. Today we are a camp and retreat center serving public and private school groups, non-profit organizations, youth groups, sports teams, music and art associations, churches and faith based groups of all denominations, families, businesses, and individuals. Our goal is to provide you with a renewing camp, outdoor education, or retreat experience.” Our numbers at Fairmont are growing, and we have more children and youth attending summer camp at Kirkmont. As a result, our Coins4Kids fund is shrinking faster than it is being replenished. It is a good problem to have, but we need your help to keep the fund growing for our children and youth. Please remember to bring your coins to put in the Sunday morning offering plate. You can also write a check with “Coins4Kids” in the memo line. Thank you for your help in encouraging our growing young Christians!
WOMEN OF FAIRMONT THANK YOU! On behalf of all Presbyterian Women, we want to thank you for your generous donations to the Thank Offering on September 16th. Many life changing ministries will receive funds to help those in need at home and around the world. This was our opportunity to say “thank you” for the many blessings that we have and to give to those less fortunate. Thank you! Coordinating Team: The Coordinating Team will meet Monday, October 1st at 6:30pm in the Upper Room. Circles meet monthly for Bible study and fellowship. Information available at the time of printing is listed. Contact your Circle leader if you have questions about where you will meet. Circle 1: Monday, October 8, 7pm, Chapel Circle 2: Wednesday, October 17, 10am, Sherwood home Circle 3: Wednesday, October 17, 10am Circle 6: Wednesday, October 17, 7pm Circle 7: Saturday, October 20, 9:30am Circle 8: Monday, October 22, 7pm, Parlor
BUILDING AND GROUNDS Construction Update: Good news! The upstairs bathrooms are now finished and usable. Enjoy the fresh new look! The downstairs men’s room will now be under construction and will be out of order until it is complete. Thank you for your patience!
BUDGET AND STEWARDSHIP Connections—The Crusades and Violence in the Christian Tradition: Why do Christians occasionally murder lots of people in the name of the Prince of Peace? About nine hundred years ago, several thousand Europeans walked across two continents to “liberate” the holy land from the Muslim domination. Why? Was it a crime or an act of faith or something else? Come on Wednesday nights to the chapel at 6:30 p.m. as we learn more about the turbulent period of the crusades and how the Christian faith roused thousands to violence. 3
Thank You! Thank you for your generous financial support throughout 2018. Because of your generosity we have been able to expand the array of our programs and ministries especially for younger people, send our youth to church camp and on mission trips, make major improvements to our building, refurbish our hand bells, hire new staff, and expand our support to mission partners, all while welcoming new members. All of it depends on your generous support. You are making Fairmont a great and thriving house of faith. Thank you!
Octo Sunday
Monday Office closes at noon 6:30pm: Dayton Opera Chorus
Tuesday
1
6:30pm: WOF Coordinating Team Meeting
7
World Communion 8:30am: Casual Service 9:45am: Contemplative Worship (chapel)
Office closes at noon 6:30pm: Dayton Opera Chorus
8
7pm: Circle 1
Wedn
2
11am: Fit 4 You (fh) 12pm: AA (C)
6:30pm: Praise
12pm: OA (rc)
6:30pm: Conne (chapel)
6:30pm: Scout meeting (109)
7pm: Quartet P
7pm: Team Meetings
7:30pm: AA (01
11am: Fit 4 You (fh) 12pm: AA (C)
9
5:30pm: GIFT 6:30pm: Praise
12pm: OA (rc)
6:30pm: Conne
7pm: Trustees, B&G, Finance
7pm: Quartet P
10:30am: Traditional Service
7pm: AA (012)
5pm: PYC 8:30am: Casual Service
9:30am: Acoustic Grace
14
9:45am: Contemplative Worship (chapel)
Office closes at noon
6:30pm: Dayton Opera Chorus
15
No Preschool
11am: Fit 4 You (fh)
16
8am: Men's Bre 10am: Circle 3 10:30am: Circle 6:30pm: Praise 6:30pm: Conne 7pm: Quartet P 7pm: AA (012) 7pm: Circle 6
23
6:30pm: Praise
12pm: AA (C)
10:30am: Traditional Service
12pm: OA (rc)
2:00pm: Movie Matinee
7pm: Session (109)
5pm: PYC
21
8:30am: Casual Service 9:45am: Contemplative Worship (chapel) 10:30am: Traditional Service 9:30am: 3rd Sunday Mission 2:00pm: Out of the Darkness Walk 5pm: PYC Reformation Heritage Sunday
28
Office closes at noon 7pm: Circle 8
22
11am: Fit 4 You (fh) 12pm: AA (C)
12pm: OA (rc)
6:30pm: Conne (chapel)
7pm: Deacons
7pm: Quartet P 7pm: AA (012)
Office closes at noon
9:45am: Contemplative Worship (chapel)
29
11am: Fit 4 You (fh) 12pm: AA (C) 12pm: OA (rc)
30
6:30pm: Praise
6:30pm: Conne (chapel)
7pm: Quartet P
10:30am: Single Service
7pm: AA (012)
4pm: PYC field trip to Tom’s Corn Maze 4
tober
nesday Band (fh)
ections
Thursday
3
1pm: Creative Crafters (fh)
Friday
4
7pm: NA (012)
Practice (cr)
Saturday
5
11am: Fit 4 You (fh) 12pm: OA (rc)
9:30am: Dayton Opera Chorus
6
9:30am: Dayton Opera Chorus
13
9:30am: Dayton Opera Chorus
20
5pm: Theology on Tap (off site)
7pm: Choir Rehearsal
12)
(fh) Band (fh)
10
7pm: NA (012) 7pm: Choir Rehearsal
11
ections (chapel)
11am: Fit 4 You (fh) 12pm: OA (rc)
12
6:30pm: Scout Pack Meeting
Practice (cr)
eakfast
17
e2 Band (fh) ections (chapel) Practice (cr)
Band (fh)
ections
24
1pm: Creative Crafters (fh)
18
7pm: NA (012)
11am: Fit 4 You (fh)
12pm: OA (rc)
Band (fh)
ections
9:30am: Circle 7
5pm: Theology on Tap (off site)
7pm: Choir Rehearsal
1pm: Rug Hooking Group (fh)
25
11am: Fit 4 You (fh) 12pm: OA (rc)
7pm: NA (012)
Practice (cr)
19
7pm: Choir Rehearsal
31
Practice (cr)
5
26
4pm: Trunk or Treat
27
MISSION BEYOND THE CONGREGATION Helping Hands, Helping Hearts 3rd Sunday Mission Project – We have had a special request from the therapists at Artemis Center for another load of Snack Packs that they provide to children in their sessions. They particularly appreciated the individual, hand-written notes of support, encouragement, and love in each pack. Join us October 21 in Fellowship Hall after each service to pack a few Snack Packs and write encouraging notes to these kids in crisis. Artemis Center provides support for those experiencing and recovering from domestic violence. 5th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk - The Mission Team is proud to announce that Fairmont will be a sponsor for the 5th Annual Dayton Out of the Darkness Walk which is part of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The Walk will be held Sunday, October 21 at 2pm at Oakwood High School. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is the largest private funder of suicide prevention research in the country. The Dayton walk is one of over 400 walks being held across the country. We have several Mission team members walking, coordinated by Sally Kaskocsak. It is free to walk in the event but we do encourage fundraising and require registration for liability purposes. Registration can be done at www.outofthedarkness.org or the day of the walk, but it is easier if done ahead of time. Last year there were over 1100 walkers who raised over $69,000. If you can’t walk but still want to donate, you can donate to Sallie Luther, www.afsp.donordrive.com/ participant/1555462 (or my team, Spirit of Susan). Anyone is welcome to join this team. You can be a virtual walker! What do you know about The Artemis Center? Artemis Center’s Breaking the Cycle Benefit Breakfast is Thursday Oct. 18 from 8-9am at Sinclair College’s Ponitz Center. Your Fairmont Church pledge already supports Artemis in their work to help those dealing with domestic violence, so no further contribution is expected. We are sponsoring a table so interested members may learn more about Artemis’ work. To attend contact Dave Diller or the office.
JFK After-School Program – We need you one day a month! Our members have done crafts, played games, helped with homework, read books, and otherwise shared our love with kids in our community. These kids are great fun! We have members who go 1st or 3rd Tuesdays or 2nd or 4th Wednesdays, but you could go any day. If you are interested in participating, you can easily come along to see what goes on; just ask any member of the Mission Team for details on how you might be involved. House of Bread—Thursday Nov. 1. Sign up on the Mission bulletin board and save the date to slice, dice, and serve a hot meal to the guests. How Else Can You Serve as a Disciple? We continue to collect assorted items at the top of the stairs: soda can pull-tabs (Ronald McDonald House), Box Tops (J.F. Kennedy Elementary), jars of peanut butter, and men’s belts (House of Bread). Remember to bring items for the food pantry!
DEACONS Chancel Flowers—There are still dates available to donate chancel flowers. If you've never participated in this ministry before all you need to do is sign up for a Sunday and the flower team will get in touch with you to ask what flowers you would like and what dedication you would like in the bulletin. The florist will bill you, and it costs about $40 for both arrangements depending on the flowers used. The sign-up sheet is on the wall next to the upstairs coat closet. Card Ministry—Did some part of the service resonate with you? Did a prayer request make you think about reaching out to someone? Was something really well done and you would like to offer thanks? The Deacons have started a new ministry to allow you to do so. Cards made by our craft group are available on the table under the mission board. You can fill out a card with the recipient’s name and your message, and place it into an offering plate or in the box on the office door. The Deacons will get it to the recipient!
Food and Fellowship will be resuming in the fall. It is a time for extended fellowship following either service. We will be looking for groups or individuals to host these times. It can be as simple as bagels and cream cheese, or as elaborate as the Deacons March Madness Pizza party, or somewhere beJFK Elementary School Supplies Drive: We are still collect- tween the two. The sign-up sheet will be available on the new ing school supplies for JFK. Please leave your donations in 6 bulletin boards in the Black and White Narthex. the Black & White Narthex.
Driving Members—We are still looking for members who can help our less mobile members get to appointments. If you are able to help, please fill out our sign-up sheet in Fellowship Hall. You will be contacted if your availability matches a member’s need.
Safeguarding our Children: This fall church leaders on Session and Trustees have focused on providing a nurturing and safe environment for our youngest members. We have been hard at work implementing our child protection policy, conducting First Aid, CPR, and child abuse prevention training for all our children’s ministry volunteers along with implementing background checks on all volunteers. Meanwhile, we are installing security monitor cameras throughout the church with a particular focus on our preschool. All of these efforts are intended to provide the safest environment possible for our most precious resource: our children.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Fairmont Men’s Breakfast– The October Men’s Breakfast will take place on October 17th at 8am at Bob Evans. Please RSVP by calling the church office or filling out the Friendship Pad by noon on October 16th.
Creative Crafters will be meeting in Fellowship Hall on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 1-3pm. All levels of "craftiness" welcome! If you have any questions, please call Brenda Anderson or Barb Miller, or just come to a meeting!
Reformation Heritage Sunday: October 28 (wear your kilt!) Join us on Sunday October 28 for a special service of worship at 10:30 a.m. as we celebrate our Reformation Heritage. Fairmont is a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the American descendant of the Church of Scotland. Come and join us as we celebrate the heritage of our fathers and mothers in faith. All things Scottish are most welcome and this will be a kilt and bagpipe friendly worship service. Remember if you do not have your own family tartan, by virtue of your church membership you are always entitled to wear Clergy Ancient, the tartan of our denomination. Following worship all are invited to come and join in our high Scottish tea in the Fellowship Hall.
Making Music with Acoustic Grace– We continue our monthly gathering in Fellowship Hall to play and sing for about 50 minutes starting at 9:30am on Sunday, October 14. Song/chord sheets are provided. All skill levels welcome!
WITHIN THE FELLOWSHIP
Fairmont Movie Matinee: The Kingdom of Heaven, October 14, 2:00 pm: In conjunction with our Fall Connections class, the Crusades and Violence in the Christian Tradition, we will be showing the 2005 Ridley Scott epic, The Kingdom of Heaven, a dramatic account of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 1180’s and the events leading up to and following the Battle of Hattin. The film will be shown at 2:00 p.m. in our newly refurbished Fairmont Cinema room on Sunday October 14. This film is rated R for violence and may not be suitable for younger viewers.
PRESCHOOL CORNER Registration for Preschool for the 2018-2019 school year is still open. Registration forms may be found under the Preschool tab on the church website. A non-refundable $50 registration fee is due at the time of registration. Contact Tracy at 299-3539 or tlandgren@fairmontchurch.org.
Contemplative Worship in Chapel—Are you yearning for more silent, contemplative worship on Sunday mornings? From 9:45am-10:15am, there is a time for self-guided silent worship in the Chapel. We provide spiritual readings and tools to guide your time of silence. You may also use this time for quiet prayer, reflection, and preparation for our communal worship together as God’s people. 7
A Note From the Director: We are so excited for another year of learning! Thank you to Fairmont’s congregation for all of the love and support you have given our preschool over the years. Stop by anytime to visit the preschool! -Tracy
Fairmont Presbyterian Church 3705 Far Hills Avennue Dayton, OH 45429 937-299-3539
Website: www.fairmontchurch.org Facebook: Fairmont Presbyterian Church - Kettering, OH Twitter: @FairmontChurch Instagram: fairmontpresbyterianchurch
STAFF Pastor/Head of Staff: Brian Maguire Associate Pastor: Kelley Wehmeyer Shin Director of Christian Education: Rachel Boden Interim Choir Director: Judy Bede Organist: Judy Bede Praise & Worship Leader: Jerry Mahn
Preschool Director: Tracy Landgren Preschool Teacher: Amber Reshad Preschool Aide: Liz Lewis Administrative Assistant: Jennifer Mason Bookkeeper: Martha Keil Custodian: Louis Weyrauch
October Birthdays Lynne Hibbs
10/01
Raymond Johnson 10/02
Taylor Kabacinski 10/11
Mark Anderson 10/18
Jackie Susnik
10/12
Russell Mantia
10/18
Mindy Ellis
10/19
Barbara Shinn
10/02
Allison Ross
10/12
Asia Schramm
10/03
Samuel Boden
10/12
Doris Williamson 10/21
Becky Ross
10/04
Dawson Sennet
10/12
Oliver W. Newton 10/21
Althea Harper
10/05
Jean D. Webster 10/13
Robert Wunder 10/22
Joseph Bausman 10/07
Lucille Helker
Lauren Grieco
Jerry Hisel
10/08
Harry Bradbury 10/14
Christina Harper 10/08
M. Elaine Harris 10/14
10/14
10/23
Anna Jane Warner 10/23 Lois Hines
10/25
Donald Specht
10/08
Katherine Gonzalez 10/14
Esther Kremer
10/29
Charles Ross
10/08
Caroline Buchheit 10/14
Sarah Bugden
10/29
Pat Goss
10/10
10/30
Jane Davis
10/15
Judy Dunlope
Ashley Bowden 10/10
Jean Bartlett
10/16
Donna Wentzel 10/30
Sue Wildasinn
Pam Ridings
10/16
Emily Bruzzese
10/11
DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT CALL The deadline for next month is Friday, October 26, 2018. Please submit articles to: rboden@fairmontchurch.org. 8
10/30