From our July 2010 Newsletter - The Pillar
PPRM – LISTENING SESSION
The next Listening Session hosted by your Pastor Parish Relations Ministry (PPRM) will be held in the parlor following the worship service on July 18. These sessions are an opportunity for BUCC members to express their views about any aspect of church leadership. So bring your coffee and share your thoughts with us. And if you can’t attend, we invite you to speak with any PPRM member or leave a note for us in the church office. PPRM members are Pat Bailey, Bill Harris, Paul Nicholas (chair), Tina Ortiz, Kathy Smith, and Bridget Whyte.
FINANCE
Joy Garapic
On Sunday, June 13, the collection for Strengthen The Church totaled $464.00.
FACILITIES
Lenore Harris
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU to the June 5 clean-up crew who accomplished an amazing amount. Weeds, brush and even tree branches were cut from the west bank, a sewer catch basin and its sump pump were inspected and cleaned, and the north-east corner of the rental house's rear porch was jacked up and propped. Our willing workers were: Matt Wolbert, Doug Lightbody, Bill and Mindy Harris and Jesse Wade. Nate Miller had weeded flower beds earlier in the week. Weed control and some curb debris clean up still remain for some willing volunteers.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Kate Klonowski
If you are interested in helping out the Christian Education program by volunteering to teach the children one Sunday this summer, please sign up during coffee hour or contact Kate Klonowski. Curriculum will be provided. Thanks so much for being a part of our vibrant religious education program!
JULY WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
Your friendly worship participation scheduler, Jon Thompson, here. If you are signed up for any aspect of worship participation, as in usher, greeter, counter, and so on, I would greatly appreciate it if you would take a moment to go to the back of this Pillar and review the list of worship participants for July. I'm aware that July is a month when people are out there doing all sorts of fun things. I've had conversations with a few people in which they have told me when they are not available for July, but certainly not with everyone. If, in reviewing the list, you find you are not going to be available for a date for which you are scheduled, please let me know. If you are able to switch with someone, you can let me know that, or if you want me to handle it, you can let me know that as well. I'd like to avoid Sunday morning surprises and ensuing chaos if at all possible. Thank you! Have a blessed, blissful summer!
FROM THE BLESSINGS JAR
In honor of Celia Kelly who gave me a piece of equipment to complete my I Pod.
GET READY TO PARTY
The annual church picnic will get under way on July 25 at 2 p.m. The Membership Ministry will again supply hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages. Please get on the signup sheet for a dish to share. This year we are having a dessert contest (anything sweet). Bring your bathing suits and towels, fishing poles, favorite card games and come enjoy the company.
9256 Highland Drive
Brecksville
440-343-6354
Kathy and Alan Smith along with the Membership Ministry
ATTICS OF BRECKSVILLE
Caroline Chandler
The most recent installment of Attics of Brecksville occurred June 12. Pilgrim Hall and the library were filled with many vendor tables loaded with treasures. Buyers streamed in and snapped up bargains. Over $700 was collected from table rentals and donations. At this time we have over $4000 in the pew cushion fund. Heartfelt thanks to those who participated or helped in many ways.
A PROPHET AMONG US
There is a prophet in our midst who has been pointing out the dangers associated with the effects of oil and gas drilling on the environment. While the major emphasis has been on the effects of surface drilling on ground water, the potential effects are applicable to off shore drilling. Who is this prophet and where can we get some more information? His name is Jim Cowden, and an article he published in the Sun-Star Courier last August is posted on the stewardship bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall.
COFFEE AND THE BIRDS
What is the relationship between coffee and birds? Just this. Shade-grown coffee has a beneficial effect on migratory birds. Coffee beans grown under the shade of trees in Latin America and the Caribbean come from farms that retain trees for shade for the coffee beans. These same trees provide habitat for migrating birds. The alternative, more modern, method involves growing newer hybrids in sunshine (also requiring more chemical fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides). Interested in learning more? A fact sheet is posted on the stewardship bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall. This sheet lists some practical things we can do to promote shade-grown coffee and to help save birds, as well as some internet sites for more information.
RENTAL TASK FORCE
Volunteers are needed to serve on a Task Force aimed at finding renters for our CE Wing, left vacant with the end of our lease with the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District. Please contact Evie Novak (440-582-4539) with your questions or to express your interest.
SARA ACTIVITIES
A report on SARA activities in the Ukraine is posted on the OCWM bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall. The work of a SARA surgeon volunteer is outlined, as well as a special need. As we can see, the need is ongoing. On another topic, SARA volunteers located an inexpensive source of children’s vitamins (badly needed because of the poor diet of children in the Ukraine). Bob Chandler took it upon himself to volunteer funds from the BUCC SARA account to cover the cost of the vitamins, including any shipping costs. The cost is estimated to be between 400 and 500 dollars. Where do you think the funds are coming from? They are coming from redemption of aluminum cans which BUCC members and friends have been recycling. Oh yes, guess how many vitamins will be provided. Would you believe 30 thousand? God is still working in mysterious ways.
CRAFTERS 4 CHRIST
Crafters4Christ meet the last Wednesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the BUCC parlor unless announced otherwise. All are welcome! Bring any craft projects you are working on, new ideas, and/or a desire to learn a new craft! If you are unable to attend meetings but are interested in participating in one of our craft efforts, please contact Tina Ortiz or Kate Klonowski for patterns you can work on any time!
FOOD PANTRY
Toothpaste, Shampoo, and Toilet Paper
DID YOU KNOW?
Submitted by Max Roha
Did you know that the original church building was built without a basement? When a basement was added in the early 1900's to provide Sunday school space, it was necessary to install an extensive series of pipe-pillars to support all of the existing load points. These provided places for hanging curtains to make classrooms but also a maze of obstacles used by the students as a play area. It is said that our newsletter’s name is a remnant of these pillars of our old church building.
From our June 2010 Newsletter, the Pillar
MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY
BUCC Booth at Brecksville Home Days –
Come Join the Fun !!!
Brecksville Home Days festival is June 25-26-27 this year, and BUCC is once again providing a chock-full-o'-fun booth for the community. This is a congregation wide effort, and everyone is welcome to "work the booth" for an hour or 2 during the festival. (Really, it's no work at all. It's just a big excuse to have a lotta fun with your BUCC friends!)
Our current plan is to provide helium balloons with BUCC information on them, as well as create fun tattoos for the children visiting our booth. This is a great opportunity to meet children and families of the community that may not be attending our church. We encourage you to sign up for whatever hours you are able to help.
The hours that we will be at the booth are Friday, June 25: 5-11 p.m., Saturday, June 26: 1-11 p.m. and Sunday, June 27: 1-11 p.m. Please be sure to sign-up and look for Diane Gressley 440-417-2675 and Joice Maatz to provide additional details.
FACILITIES
Lenore Harris
Our thanks to Jim and Betty Kaul for their gift of seven hostas for the new landscaping. A few other plants are available for adoption.
On April 24, an ambitious and damp crew under the direction of Kathy Lander planted and mulched the first part of our new landscaping. The hardy volunteers were: Jane Cribbs, Zack Novak, John King, Maya McKeigan-Moore, Paul Nicholas and Doug Lightbody. Wes Novak spent all morning washing the windows. Many thanks to all of our fantastic volunteers and to all of you who signed up to work on the parking area clean-up on May 22.
A new maintenance contract has been negotiated with Schindler Elevator. We are receiving a 15% decrease in our rate and a 4% cap on yearly increases.
FINANCE
Joy Garapic
This year's Mother's Day collection was for Womankind Maternal and Prenatal Care Center. The total received was $621.
The balance of the pew cushion fund is $3,428, which does not include monies collected for table fees at the Attics of Brecksville.
"YOUR GENEROSITY TODAY ENSURES OUR VIBRANCY TOMORROW . . .
GOD IS STILL SPEAKING"
On June 13, OCWM (Our Churches Wider Mission) will be asking the congregation to contribute to the annual "Strengthen the Church" offering. Your gift will help BUCC ministries, our UCC Conference (The Western Reserve), and the Stillspeaking Ministry.
A gift to this campaign helps to build the future of the UCC by funding new and renewing churches, youth ministries, and leadership formation, both lay and pastoral. Strengthen the Church pays special attention to ministries for women and people of color.
The Stillspeaking Ministry has reached out to an estimated 25 million people to spread the message of God’s Extravagant welcome. This is especially true for those who have felt excluded and alienated in other Christian churches.
Starting May 30, and each Sunday thereafter, there will be a flyer in the bulletin which will show the unique and wonderful ways in which Strengthen the Church has helped some UCC churches. Please read the flyers, entitled "Spread the Love!" and plan to give generously to this important offering.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Kate Klonowski
We (Christian Education) Want YOU! . . . to be a teacher for our youth education classes this summer! Don’t think we are not talking to you personally, because we most certainly are. Yes, you. Stop looking behind you. Before you make some weak excuse about how it’s "not my thing" or "I don’t know how to teach" or "I have a plane to catch as soon as I’m done painting my nails, washing my hair and mowing the lawn . . . and yes, I know I’m at church anyway so I’m obviously making up excuses so I don’t have to do something that puts me outside of my comfort zone" we should tell you that there is nothing to fear! In fact, we have made this opportunity to reach out to the youth of our parish SO appealing, that you would be crazy not to want to teach! Every Sunday, from June 13 until September 5, there will be TWO slots open each week for potential teachers – that means you get to bring a friend/child/parent/significant/etc. with you to share the joy. It’s like getting a two-for-one offer on love and practically a free pass to heaven on top of it all. And if you act now, we’ll even tell you EXACTLY what to do, so you won’t have to guess, fake or figure out how you will pass the message of Jesus on to our kids. Don’t miss out on this chance of a lifetime to be the voice of compassion and insight to our young parishioners. Please sign up during Coffee (Happy) Hour or contact Kate Klonowski at 216-534-3498 or klonowski314@hotmail.com to ensure your spot! Hurry . . . sign up will fill up fast so act before you miss out!
CONGRADULATIONS!
BUCC would like to extend a well deserved "Congratulations" to our 2010 Graduates!
Michael Van Duyne, son of Carol VanDuyne, is graduating from Independence High School. Michael will be attending Kent State University in the fall, majoring in the Athletic Trainer Program.
Shannon West, daughter of Lori and Len West and granddaughter of Barbara Gartland, is graduating from Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School. Shannon will be attending Ohio University in the fall, majoring in psychology.
Alex Alberg, grandson of Dan and Jan Renovetz, is graduating from Marriotts Ridge High School, Howard County, Maryland. Alex will be attending University of Maryland in the fall, majoring in computer engineering.
WHO SAYS?
Who says used aluminum cans are worthless? Members and friends of BUCC are disproving that by recycling aluminum cans and other metal items. Last month, another 32 pounds of cans were redeemed, returning another twenty-one dollars to the SARA fund. To date, 1830 pounds of cans, etc have been redeemed, resulting in $1096.50 for use in shipping items to the Ukraine and helping to meet other SARA needs.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONFIRMANDS . . .
On May 23, Pentecost Sunday, Emily Kelly, Julia Maraczi, Emma Novak, Matthew Walters, and Spencer Whyte officially affirmed their baptismal faith at our morning worship service. We are proud of their dedication in this past year to learn more about the Church and the Christian faith, and of their on-going commitment to grow in their personal faith. Also, a note of thanks to Kai Maatz, our Youth Ministry advisor who audited the class in order to get to know our students on a deeper level, as well as to deepen his own faith.
WOMANKIND
A big THANK YOU for all the wonderful donations to Womankind for the Mother’s Day collection. We raised over $500.00 and had a ton of fantastic donated baby items. If you are still interested having items picked up from your house (I am in touch already with a number of folks . . . you have not been forgotten!) please feel free to contact Kate Klonowski at 216-534-3498 or klonowski314@hotmail.com.
FOOD TO HUNGER CENTERS
Last month, another 32 bags of food (plus empty bags) were taken to Community Corner hunger center on Detroit Avenue. Thank you to all who provided these items. They are especially appreciated now, as the need for food items has intensified due to current economic conditions. Everyone’s steadfastness in providing food items is appreciated. Just this year, 61 bags of food, 2 bags of clothing, one bag of school supplies, as well as empty bags (always appreciated) have been donated to help meet the need. Thank you to everyone who has participated.
FROM THE BLESSINGS JAR
"I am so blessed by the prayers, cards, and good wishes from so many during my recent stroke recovery. I thank God for my return to near normal – whatever normal is at near 90. – Kirk Sanderson
Getting paid for transporting someone to and from does not make me feel comfortable. Therefore, the Blessings Jar is the winner. – Nancianne Martin
RENTAL TASK FORCE
Volunteers are needed to serve on a Task Force aimed at finding renters for our CE Wing, left vacant with the end of our lease with the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District. Please contact Evie Novak (440-582-4539) with your questions or to express your interest.
IT’S DIVA-LICIOUS!
Never known for being faint of heart, the North Coast Men's Chorus is jumping into the deep end for its June show, or perhaps off a cliff. The subject of the show will be the lives and music of 35, perhaps more, of the women who have inspired us all to new heights of awe and loving devotion – the divas of stage, recordings, and movies. Starting with Edith Piaf, Josephine Baker, and Mae West, moving on to Ethel Merman and Judy Garland, marching onward with Diana Ross, Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler and Madonna, and arriving at the feet of Cher, Lady Gaga, and Cyndi Lauper, we will take you on a musical journey the likes of which you have never heard nor seen. NCMC is known for putting on shows with great music and dance and lots of humor, and "Divalicious!" will be no exception. Come join the fun on Saturday, June 19, at 8:00 p.m. or Sunday, June 20, at 3:00 p.m. The venue is Waetjen Auditorium in the music building at Cleveland State University. Tickets are available online at www.ncmchorus.org or from Jon Thompson for $10 to $35 in advance or $15 to $40 at the door. Please see Jon for more information or for ticket forms.
FOOD PANTRY
Powdered and Canned Milk
CRAFTERS 4 CHRIST
Crafters 4 Christ is officially underway! Our meetings will be held on the last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the parlor. New crafters are always welcome. Bring your craft supplies and new ideas! If you want to learn a new craft, this is the place to be. If you have any questions, please contact Tina Ortiz or Kate Klonowski.
On a similar note, we will be starting a collection for craft items for SARA (Sharing America’s Resources Abroad) later this summer, so don’t get rid of that yarn stash or those quarter flats just yet. We will be sending items to the Ukraine to help our crafty sisters abroad. More details to come!
PRISON MINISTRY
The next orientation for prison ministry will be on Saturday, June 26 from 8:00 a.m. until noon at the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility in Highland Hills. If you are interested in attending, please R.S.V.P. to Kate Klonowski (or call Kate at 216-534-3498 with questions) by June 23 so you can be included on the gate pass. You will need an official state ID/Drivers License, names and full contact information for three character references, and you must wear closed-toed shoes.
STEWARDSHIP OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Are you interested in improving the quality of the water in our local streams? If so, the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District is affording an opportunity to improve the water quality on Big Creek. The date is Saturday, June 5. The time is 9:00 a.m. to noon. The place is either Brookfield park (Brookfield Avenue between Bellaire and West 130th) or Snow Road Picnic Area (Big Creek Parkway off Snow Road). Bags and work gloves will be provided. Details can be found on a flyer posted on the Stewardship bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall.
ADOPT – A – PLANT!
Plans have been drawn up to start revitalizing the landscaping around the church. The front entry will be the focus for the first stage and will be done in stages. In order to complete this project, we required 8 Hostas at a cost of $4.00 each), 4 Nepeta Walker’s Low (at a cost of $3.75 each) and 1 yard of Hardwood Mulch (at a cost of $30.00 delivered). Kathy Lander, our resident landscaper and the designer of our new look, is able to secure these items at the above discounted prices. If you would like to help defray the cost of this stage of the landscaping project, please contact Lenore Harris.
LITERACY PROGRAM
Anyone interested in working on a summer literacy program for kids in the inner city should contact Kate Klonowski for more details. We will be partnering with St. John’s A.M.E. and several other churches to work with young elementary students in the mornings through the week. Look for more information in the bulletin in coming weeks.
ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY
Our second Adopt-a-Highway pick-up will be Saturday, June 1, at 9 a.m. We especially encourage all youth who were recently confirmed to learn one way of being good stewards of God's green earth. One of their parents/grandparents will need to sign a release form.
Those who participated in May were: Bob Ehlers (Richfield UCC), Kathy Lander, Jan Renovetz, Betsey Wilson, Matt Wolbert, Cliff & Jane Cribbs. Won't you join us? If you haven't already signed up with Jane, please see her before or after church.
GET READY TO PARTY
The annual church picnic will get under way on July 25 at 2 p.m. The Membership Ministry will again supply hamburgers, hot dogs and beverages. Please get on the signup sheet for a dish to share. This year we are having a dessert contest (anything sweet). Bring your bathing suits and towels, fishing poles, favorite card games and come enjoy the company.
- Kathy and Alan Smith along with the Membership Ministry
ATTICS OF BRECKSVILLE
Caroline Chandler
Even if you are not working at Attics of Brecksville, please come and support our vendors. The money from table rentals and donations will go toward new pew cushions, which we will all enjoy every Sunday.
Some of the items for sale will include lead soldiers, jewelry, kitchen ware, Royal Doulton Bunnykins figurines, glassware, yarn, purses, Barbie dolls, cosmetics, and other treasures from our attics and basements. The date, again, is Saturday June 12. The time is 9:00 a.m. until whenever. The place is Pilgrim Hall.
