vol. 14, issue 6
The Messenger June 2018 New Covenant Community Church
1587 West Exchange Street, Akron, OH 44313 330-253-6989 | www.covenantakron.org | office@covenantakron.org
Ecumenical in Outlook, Presbyterian in Heritage
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From Our Governing Board... I hope you all had a very enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. The Governing Board met on Wednesday evening before Memorial Day, and we continue to consider a number of strategic items that have not yet been adopted. One item, which has been adopted, is the New Covenant Community Church Restricted Endowment Fund. The purpose is to have a long-term, hopefully growing fund that will aid our church’s well-being over the years through solid returns. There is also the possibility of using the principal in the fund, if absolutely necessary, but not under ordinary circumstances. Overseen by an Endowment Committee consisting of our Treasurer, the Moderator of the Finance Committee, and the President of the Congregation, the fund is available to receive bequests from wills or trusts as well as designated gifts should members or friends so desire. For example, memorial gifts could be designated to this Endowment Fund, which is at Huntington Bank and is operative now. More information will be forthcoming soon regarding this new fund. This summer, the Presbyterian Church USA General Assembly is scheduled for June 16th – 23rd and the Annual Convention of the International Council of Community Churches (ICCC) for July 16th – 19th, both in St. Louis. The Board named Sue Smith and Jaci Chetelat as our delegates to the ICCC. Rev. Tom will also be attending as an observer. Finally, we look forward to Sunday, June 10th, when we will celebrate the graduations of Robert, Jakob, and Margaret, as well as the completion of Ruth’s coursework. The next Sunday, June 17th, we change to our summer schedule with worship beginning at 10:30 am. Summer is here, enjoy God’s glorious season… Hal
Begins Sunday, June 17th Worship at 10:30 am
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From Our Pastor... “For learning about wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight, for gaining instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity; to teach shrewdness to the simple, knowledge and prudence to the young—let the wise also hear and gain in learning, and the discerning acquire skill, to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles.” Proverbs 1:2-6 Several years ago, my wife Cathy and I participated in leading a delegation to Greece and eventually to Ephesus. Our guide was a young woman who was extremely bright, intellectually engaging, and a joy to visit with. On one occasion, as she was explaining the difference between older, more austere Doric columns and the more decorative and artistic Ionic columns. “You will notice,” she said, “that the Doric columns are quite functional, but they are simple, and they lack the creativity and the sense of beauty that can be seen in the Ionic columns.” And then she continued, “After the Doric columns were constructed, the artisans viewed their work, and agreed that they could improve on it. And so they developed the more elegant Ionic columns. But we have seen this transformation throughout human history. After creating something good and functional, people see a way to improve upon it and make it better. Even God, after creating the man, looked at what had been made, and said, ‘I can improve on this and make it better.’ So God then created the woman.” I share this refreshing anecdote, not only hoping that it will provide a smile, but also as an example that the world is blessed with opportunities for us to learn and to experience new interpretations. As individuals blessed with intelligence and love, with the ability to make things creatively and form intentional communities of nurture and support, we can continue to learn from our environment and from the sisters and brothers who inhabit the planet with us. God opens our eyes to the wonder around us, so that we will regard nothing that is human as being foreign to us since everything human may reveal a message from God. Our love for learning more about the Christian faith and contemplating new Biblical insights displays new vistas with which we will never be bored and always find more to study than we have the time to pursue. While we eagerly watch for the sun in the morning and often collapse into our beds weary at night, we can still rejoice in the new knowledge that has been generated, the old wisdom that has been reshaped, and the opportunity to employ what we have learned in serving God more faithfully and making the world a better place. (continues on pg. 4) 3 of 11
Continued from pg. 3 As the author of Proverbs indicates, learning is an essential element for a healthy community, for true learning embraces the qualities of character and common life, and inspires us to be more attune to the movement of God’s Spirit, so that we may faithfully wrestle with the riddles of life. Indeed, in every setting, our journey of faith always reveals new insights, as our intellectual and spiritual lives are forever stimulated for new discoveries. Regardless of our age, we realize that every study of one area touches a dozen others, and every moment we are invited to an eternal exploration of God, humanity, and the world. Blessings, Tom
Bible Study Opportunity On Thursday evening, June 7th, at 6:00 p.m., we will begin a summer Bible Study on the book of Matthew. All people are invited to join this faithful group as they discuss how to interpret the Biblical material in our contemporary setting. In approaching our Bible Study, we remember the words of the 17th-century English scholar John Selden – “Scrutamini scripturas. (Let us examine the Scriptures.) These two words have undone the world.” Please join us on Thursday, June 7, at 6:00 p.m. for a time of learning from one another and with one another.
Bad Pun Alert!!! § Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during a root canal? He wanted to transcend dental medication. § A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. “But why?” they asked, as they moved off. “Because,” he said, “I can’t stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer.” 4 of 11
Believing that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, the vision of the Solar Under the Sun is to illumine our fellow human beings with hope and life through solar energy. Solar Under the Sun trains volunteers to design and install solar power systems in communities in the developing world where access to electrical power is unattainable. Because we recognize that each person has different gifts, our Solar Schools (at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, AR) offer two separate courses that run concurrently. Individuals in our Solar One course are trained to (1) build a mission team, (2) establish partnerships with communities in need, (3) plan and organize the project, (4) raise funds, and (5) nurture cultural awareness and spiritual development. This course includes: • Exploring theology of doing mission in partnership • Developing partnerships and organizing skills • Forming teams (Trip management and Leadership) • Evaluating sites for solar projects • Negotiating covenants • Increasing cultural awareness
Individuals in our Solar Two course are trained in the technical aspects of solar power systems. They will learn to assess the power needs of a community, design a system to meet those needs, and lead an installation team. This course includes: • • • • • •
Assessing electrical needs and loads Understanding system components and operation Designing an off-grid solar energy system Leading an installation project Practicing safety and maintenance Teaching in-country partners to operate and maintain systems
With installations in Honduras, Haiti, Kenya, Ukraine, and Uganda, Solar Under the Sun is lighting the way and you can be a part of it! Please visit www.solarunderthesun.org to learn more about how you can support this wonderful mission. 5 of 11
Fellowship Update... Thursday, June 21st – “Anything Goes” – Porthouse Theater The play begins at 8:00 pm with a potluck picnic on the grounds beginning at 6:30 pm. Jackie Horton is in charge and will let people know what to bring. The Fellowship Committee will provide paper goods, tablecloths, plastic silverware, and cups, along with both red and white wine. If you want another kind of beverage, please bring or plan to purchase your own. Tickets to the performance will be distributed that evening. Committee members need to arrive by 6:00 pm to reserve tables. Tuesday, June 5th – Akron Area Interfaith Council Meeting (AAIC) The next AAIC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 5th, from 10:30 am to 12:00 noon, at the First Congregational Church (292 E. Market St.). The topic of discussion, led by members of Temple Israel, is “How to Promote Interfaith Dialogue and Action.” Save the Date! Saturday, August 25th – End-of-Summer Party This end-of-summer party will have a “Caribbean Nights” theme and will take place on Saturday, August 25th, at either 5:30 or 6:00 pm, at the home of Ken and Nancy Williams. Betty Miller and Nancy are coordinating this fun evening, which will feature Caribbean dishes prepared by attendees. Recipes will be provided. Lively Caribbean music will add to the festivities. Details will be available in mid-July.
You’re Invited to a Reception Honoring Our Graduates Sunday, June 10th, following the Worship Service 6 of 11
Garden News... Betsy Davis and Bev Cinovec finished planting the garden last week. It includes collards, tomatoes, peppers, beets, carrots, beans, squash, cucumbers, and potatoes. Now we hope and pray for plenty of sun and regular rain to help our garden grow. Prior to planting, we tackled the task of re-mulching the area between the beds over a layer of preen in hopes of discouraging the growth of weeds that have been prolific. We thank Ken Williams, Tom Ulrich, Nancy Clem, and Bev Cinovec for their teamwork in moving the mulch from the drive into the garden.
AAIC Update... Unfortunately, I do not have the final totals for our church’s contributions to the 2018 Fairlawn Hunger Walk. I will receive them at the June 5th AAIC meeting. I do know that our congregation had a record number of walkers (about 24) with the extended families of Marty Pastor and Heidi and Ken Heischman helping to swell the total. Donations were also up significantly from NCCC. Thank you so much. It was great to see first-time walkers participating! Next year’s walk on May 5th will be the 10th anniversary of AAIC sponsoring the Hunger Walk. Please save the date! I am looking forward to our June 5th meeting at the First Congregational Church, featuring a talk by Temple Israel members entitled, “How to Promote Interfaith Dialogue and Action.” The discussion actually should be right in line with Pastor Tom’s sermon of May 27th. I continue to be amazed at my friends on the Council, all representing different faith groups, who continue to work together to promote interfaith understanding in this complex, often troubling world we live in today. The AAIC is voting this month on a new dues structure that would make it easier for both younger people to become involved as well as having more than one member from a congregation be part of the group. I will report next month. Nancy Williams 7 of 11
Hearty Congratulations to Our 2018 Graduates All are invited to join us this coming Sunday, June 10th, following the worship service, for a reception (in the Fellowship Hall) celebrating our graduates. Please take a moment to read about each of them on the following pages!
Jakob Bryson is the oldest child of Jenni & Mike Bryson, grandson of Sandi & Bill Cole, and great grandson of Ruth & Lev Anderson. Jakob has always been involved with his church family at NCCC. From his baptism to his confirmation, he attended many years of Sunday School—Mary Dietz always recalled those early years particularly fondly. Jakob sang in the Children’s Choir, performed in various theatrical numbers, and now plays several instruments in the Praise Band. In addition to his involvement in church, Jakob was also involved in various school activities, including Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Pit Orchestra, and light and sound for Drama Club. Outside of school, Jakob was, and continues to be, involved with ETC, a local show choir group that performs in local community shows and competitions around OH, WV, and IN. Jakob also spent 2 years in the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, one of Northeast Ohio’s top audition symphonies, for which he is Principal Tuba.
Jakob graduated May 21, 2018 from Woodridge High School. He will be attending the University of Akron in the fall, majoring in Brass Performance and minoring in Jazz Studies. Jakob plans on pursuing his Master’s, and eventually his Ph.D. He will be taking this summer to travel. In June, he will be travelling with the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony to Italy to headline the Florence International Music Festival, as well as perform a number of other concerts in other cities in Italy. In July, Jakob will be heading out west for a two-week camping excursion with his family. Following that will be a few “local” road trips with friends, then gearing up for beginning classes in August. (bios continue on pg. 9) 8 of 11
Margaret Roth, daughter of Bob and Jackie Roth and older sister of Robert,
graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree on May 12, 2018. Arguably the youngest founding member of Covenant Community Church, Margaret has faithfully attended Sunday School and church since her earliest days. Her church family remembers her antics during the children's sermons, her prowess with a pogo stick (thank you Rev. Smith), and her generosity in sharing chicken pox with the entire church nursery. Margaret has used her time and talents to serve her church as a member of the kids’ choir, candle-lighter, Vacation Bible School helper, Easter egg hunt organizer, and hair coloring assistant to interim pastors. As a member of the Youth Group, she traveled to New Orleans to assist with Hurricane Katrina clean-up efforts. Most recently, Margaret has taken on the role of audio/video technician for Sunday services and adds her artistic flourishes to the Sunday morning PowerPoint slides. Margaret received a Cameos of Caring scholarship for exemplary bedside manner from the local healthcare community for the 2017 – 2018 school year. She hopes to use her talents in either a pediatric or labor and delivery hospital setting. (Continues on pg. 10)
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Robert Roth, son of Bob and Jackie Roth and younger brother of Margaret, graduated from Revere High School on May 20, 2018. He cannot remember a time when he did not attend New Covenant Community Church Sunday School and church. Robert often assists with communion setup, has employed his oratory skills as a liturgist, and was Rev. Smith's assistant instructor to the 2016 confirmation class. He has also been spotted doing the heavy lifting in the community garden and mentoring Vacation Bible School boys.
At an early age, Robert fell in love with words and their power. He was a member of Revere's Speech and Debate team advancing to the state level three times in extemporaneous or congressional competitions. When not competing on the podium, Robert could be found running on Revere's Cross Country and Track teams. Robert is also a proud alumnus of Boy Scouts of America Troop 1 having had the privilege of attaining Boy Scout nirvana (i.e. Philmont high adventure camp and hiking the Appalachian Trail). His wide circle of friends are attracted to Robert's positive attitude, humor, and love of a good prank (feel free to ask about Saran Wrap snack vests or catching a pond on fire). Robert plans to attend Miami University of Ohio in the fall majoring in Political Science. He hopes to pursue a legal career. (Continues on pg. 11)
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Ruth Friedman, our church secretary since August 2016, has finished the two years of coursework associated with her graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Counseling. This summer, Ruth is completing her clinical practicum at the University of Akron’s Clinic for Individual and Family Counseling. Her practicum training will conclude in early August. At that time, she plans to return to Columbus, with her two cats and two pups, where she lived for the 10 years prior to joining us here in Akron. Ruth is currently interviewing for clinical internship positions in the Columbus area. Her internship will run from Fall 2018 through Spring 2019, when she is expected be awarded her degree and apply for dual licensure as an Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor. Ruth has served at NCCC since August 2016, and she is incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to get to know members of our community, especially the Tuesdaymorning “finance crew!” NCCC has provided her not only with the perfect part-time job but also with a group of people among whom she has felt valued and welcome. The gift of our community has enabled her to cope with the strangeness and the loneliness of leaving her longerterm career at The Ohio State University and her Columbus friends to pursue the counseling career to which she feels called. Ruth will continue to serve as our secretary through early August, and she has offered to help in whatever ways she can to help us secure her replacement.
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