From our March 2010 Newsletter - The Pillar

FINANCE
Joy Garapic

During the months of January and February our church sent $1,443.50 to Wider Ministries of the United Church of Christ for Haitian relief.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Diane Lightbody

Each Lenten season the youth of our congregation, with the support of the Christian Education Ministry, participate in a Lenten Mission Project. This year we will be raising funds to support the UCC’s efforts in providing earthquake relief to Haiti. Look for information on the Christian Education Bulletin Board (in the hall between the upper commons and the Narthex) about the project. As another way to raise money for this good cause, we will hold the BUCC’s Second Annual Car Wash (and Hot Dog Stand) after services on April 28 (rain date May 2), all proceeds will be combined with other funds raised for the Haitian relief. We will be sending home information to parents shortly regarding the fund raising efforts.

We are also encouraging our youth to help out a little closer to home. To that end, do you have job that needs doing around the house, yet you are unable to attend to it? We will try to match up your job with our students and get it done for you! Keep in mind that painting a house, or fixing a roof, would be a little out of our skill set (not to mention our safety requirements), however, raking, cleaning debris from yards, moving wood piles, and the like would be right up our alley! In lieu of paying for the efforts to complete your task, please consider making a donation to either our Haitian Relief Mission project, or a donation of food items or funds for our local food banks. Either donation can be accepted when your job is completed. If you have need of such work, please sign up on the Christian Education Bulletin Board (in the hallway between the South entrance and the Narthex). We will then contact you to discuss the job, and a date that will work for you to get the job done.

NEWS FROM MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY
Kathy Smith

- March 12 at 5:45 p.m. we will carpool from BUCC to St. Michael Holy Name Society church hall – 6540 Brecksville Road, Independence – for a fish fry of tilapia, shrimp, cod, or combo – or pierogi. The meal includes coleslaw, rolls and beverage. Call Kathy Smith at 440-343-6354.

- On April 18 we will have a potluck after the service – bring your crock pot to our pot luck – we will have a sign-up sheet with lots of available things to place in those crock pots.

FACILITIES
Lenore Harris

- Kathy Lander is working with Facilities to develop a landscaping plan for the church. Kathy is one of the newer members of BUCC and a landscape architect. Be on the look-out for a "planting Saturday" this spring.

- The old Parlor galley kitchen has been removed and rewiring of the area started. Within the next few weeks we will be picking up the cabinets, sink, and faucets from IKEA, and the installation will begin. Eventually a small refrigerator and microwave oven will be added.

NOTES FROM FRIENDS

To the entire Congregation of Brecksville United Church of Christ, Thank you for the beautiful flowers you provided for Mom’s wake, and for the presence of so many of you at the funeral home. Your cards, prayers and countless expressions of support have been a true comfort and blessing to us. Peace and blessings to all of you, ~ The Debick Family.

AN INTRODUCTION TO SHAMANIC SPIRITUALITY

Tuesday, March 9, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at BUCC

Shamanism has been called the first spiritual practice of humanity. The most basic belief of shamanism is that everything exists as Spirit in its ultimate nature. Every person, every animal, every tree, even every illness. And Spirit can be accessed and engaged, in ways that bring about positive life-change. Spend an evening learning about shamanism and how it can show us, as our ancestors have known, that alternative realms of Spirit, including our visions and dreams, may be real, accessible, and tangible to us all.

Presenter Neal Szpatura is a shamanic practitioner, writer, Tarot reader and intuitive consultant. He has studied with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies and in independent study with its faculty, as well as with indigenous teachers from North and South America, Africa, and Australia. He teaches shamanic practice, dreamwork and intuitive development and works with clients on sacred path issues.

Please join us in the parlor on March 9 for this fascinating and enlightening presentation. 8

SUMMER CAMP IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER

Winter winds are blowing and the snow is piling up, but before any of us know it, spring will be here, followed by summer and fun-filled days at UCC summer camp! It's important to think about camp now since those that register before March 31 will enjoy the lowest rate available. There is a huge variety of camping opportunities that will be presented at one of the two Ohio UCC camp locations, Templed Hills (near Bellville) or Pilgrim Hills (near Brinkhaven). There are camps for all ages of children, and camps that adults and children can attend together. There is a poster in the window of the church office which details all the camps available with costs listed.

Full information regarding the camps can be found online at www.ocucc.org. At that site, click on the link front and center on the page regarding summer camp registration. The Ohio Conference is encouraging everyone to register and pay their fees online this year by credit card. If you aren't able to do that, there is information about requesting materials to be sent in the mail. The toll-free number for the Ohio Conference office is 800-282-0740. A $75 deposit is required to hold a spot, with the balance due two weeks prior to the start date of the camp. The Ohio Conference provides a 10% discount if three or more immediate members of a family sign up for a camp.

One other note: there is camp scholarship money available from BUCC's Christian Education ministry. Please see Jon Thompson or any other CE member for more info. Summertime fun and wonderful memories await! Let's all go to camp!

A PLEA

The food pantry is in need of extra TLC through these difficult months. Please consider donating a few extra non-perishable food items over the next few weeks. Check out great sales at your local supermarket and stock up on good eats for our less fortunate friends. Thanks so much!

FROM THE BLESSINGS JAR

Dick and I are thankful for Kristen, our VNA home health aide, who comes early every morning (no matter how bad the weather is) to help me get him out of bed, dressed, and into his wheelchair. She is truly a blessing! - Marge Culver

Thanks to the Chandlers for giving me a ride to the airport.

MUSICAL NOTES
Dave Debick

It's not too late to join seasonal choir as we prepare for our special Holy Week services  (Palm Sunday – March 28; Maundy Thursday – April 1; Easter – April 4.) Practices are Thursday evenings from 7:00-8:00 p.m. during the six weeks of Lent. Seasonal choir provides a great opportunity to enter into the Lenten spirit of reflection as we prepare to commemorate events that are central to our Christian faith: Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem; the Institution of Holy Communion; Jesus' tragic death and subsequent glorious Resurrection. If you enjoy singing choral music but don't have time to commit to choir year-round, seasonal choir may be just what you're looking for. All are welcome.

Thanks again to everyone who made our Arundo Winds concert on February 7 so successful: greeters, ushers, counters, set-up and clean-up folks and servers. A special word of thanks to the many people who provided such delicious food for the reception following the program. The hospitality we show our audiences before, during and after our concerts is always greatly appreciated.

On Sunday, April 25 at 4:00 p.m., the final program in our 2009-2010 free concert series will feature the Ohio State University Women's Glee Club, directed by Dr. Richard Schnipke. Having recently been recognized for excellence in performance by the American Choral Directors Association at their Chicago convention in 2006, this auditioned ensemble is open to women of all majors, freshmen through graduate level. The group sings a variety of treble repertoire, frequently featuring the poetry and music of women artists. Plan to join us on April 25 for what promises to be a first-rate performance.

EARTH DAY

The 40th anniversary of Earth Day will be observed with an EarthFest celebration at the Cleveland Zoo on Sunday, April 18. The dates of training sessions for volunteers to help with the activities are posted on the Stewardship bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall. There will be activities for all ages.

Also on Sunday April 18, Lake Metroparks in Lake County will be having games and science activities to educate and inform on land management issues, as well as renewable energy sources and wildlife and habitat preservation.

Also, the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District will be having presentations and workshops in April. Amy Roskilly at 216-524-6580 ext. 22 (or roskilly@cuyahogaswcd.org) can provide further information.

A MESSAGE OF THANKS TO THE MEMBERS OF BRECKSVILLE UCC

My heartfelt appreciation for your prayers, cards and countless expressions of caring following the death of my mother on January 30. Your spiritual support has helped immensely with the healing process. - Dave Debick

THANK YOU

To my church family: Thank you for all of your prayers, cards, and phone calls while I was down. I am doing fine and enjoying being back to church. - Love, Phyllis

ADULT IMMUNIZATIONS

Are you interested in the latest recommendations on immunizations for adults? Are you wondering if your immunizations are up to date? An article outlining the latest recommendations for adult immunizations can be found on the Stewardship bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall. A quick peek at the information may answer any questions you may have.

LETTERS

The following is an excerpt of a Christmas letter received by Ann & Bill Toneff from former Interim Minister Rev. Jim Smith: ". . . I don't know the editor [of The Pillar], but then, I do see a lot of new names that I don't recognize. That is certainly a good sign that the church is attracting new members. It really sounds as though things are going very well under Dave's pastoral leadership."

COOKIERAMA DISPERSES FUNDS

Are you aware that there is a fund to replace the 40 year old pew cushions in the sanctuary? Cookierama decided to split the proceeds from the December sale between OCWM and the fund for new pew cushions. Each fund was given $1,100. Watch this space for news of a fund raiser to finance new cushions. The total cost of pew cushions with high density foam (which provides longer durability) for the sanctuary is $6,715.00. Contributions to this fund are welcomed.

PRISON MINISTRY

If you are interested in learning more about opportunities to volunteer at the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility in Highland Hills, Rev. Gregory Clark of One Accord Ministries and I will plan a brief information night (TBD) to explain more about what is involved. The detention facility houses approximately 250 boys aged 12 through 21 who are in great need of mentoring (spiritually, socially and educationally), and the commitment is reasonable. A 4-hour training class provided by the ministry is required. Please contact Kate Klonowski at konowski314@hotmail.com or call 216-534-3498 for more details.

TUTORING MINISTRY

Marion Sterling School, a high-needs elementary school in the heart of Cleveland is looking for tutors to help out on Tuesdays after school from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. If there are a lot of people interested, we might be able to arrange an additional day as well. You do not need to commit to anything long-term, just be willing to help out some of the sweetest, but most in-need kids in the city. Matt and I have both tutored there, and it is a highly rewarding experience. If you have never tutored before, please don’t let that stop you! Any one-on-one guidance the children can get will help them so much. If you are interested in getting started or have questions, please contact Kate Klonowski at konowski314@hotmail.com or call 216-534-3498.

ATTENTION YARN-O-PHILES!

During these freezing winter months it’s easy to remember how important it is to stay warm and cozy. There are many knitting and crochet opportunities out there to help folks who need a little extra yarn love. If you are interested in helping out or starting a knitting/crochet ministry, let us know! Some ideas for projects include: helmet liners for deployed soldiers, baby hats for hospitals and women’s shelters, mittens for the mitten tree, prayer shawls for the sick, and any other ideas you have! Let’s get together for some fun, fellowship and warm fuzzies! Contact Kate Klonowski at klonowski314@hotmail.com/216-534-3498 or Bettina Ortiz at culinarybee@gmail.com and we’ll make plans on where and when to meet.

FOOD PANTRY

Spaghetti Sauce & Pasta

From our February 2010 Newsletter - The Pillar

FINANCE
Joy Garapic

A check in the amount of $971 was sent to the Western Reserve Association of which $871 was given for the Christmas Fund, and $100 toward CUE.

Please mark February 28 on your calendar for our Sunday afternoon bowling trip! The fun will start at 1:00 p.m. at Northwood Lanes (located at 10435 Valley View Rd, Macedonia, OH). Even if you don’t bowl, feel free to join us for pizza and refreshments. Please look to the bulletin for further details.

SPIRITUAL LIFE|
Jon K. Thompson

CHANGE IN SCHEDULING OF WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS
After two years of faithfully and diligently scheduling participants for all services at Brecksville UCC, Bridget Whyte has handed this duty off to Jon K. Thompson. Her hard work on this important task is much appreciated!

Please contact Jon by phone at 216-741-2314 or e-mail jothompaz@yahoo.com, with any scheduling issues. Please be sure to check the participant listing at the back of each Pillar to see if you are scheduled in a given month. Keep in mind that if you are scheduled and are not planning to be at church that Sunday, it is very helpful if you can trade with someone or find someone to replace you. When a change is made, notify the church office or call Jon. If you are unsuccessful in finding a replacement, please let Jon know that.

Lastly, new service participants are always welcome. If you are not currently signed up to serve as an usher, greeter, or in some other capacity, please drop Jon a note to express your interest.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: ASH WEDNESDAY IS FEBRUARY 17
The Spiritual Life Ministry will hold its traditional Soup Supper and Ash Wednesday Service on this date. Plans are not finalized for this event, but it is probable that it will begin at 6:00 p.m. in Pilgrim Hall. Please watch the church bulletin for further details.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

There will be a Congregational Meeting on February 21, 2010, to be held after our 10:00 a.m. service.

A PLEA

We have noticed that the donations from our congregation of food for the hunger centers has slowed down from earlier times. This comes at a time when the needs for of people in the community served by the hunger centers (Brookside, Community Corner) has dramatically increased. Therefore, we are asking that we all think of those people without food or other resources, and increase our donations of food. Equally important is sending money to the Cleveland Foodbank, at 15500 South Waterloo Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44110. Not only is the money used to purchase perishable items, but the foodbank can purchase food at a lower price than individuals can. We are confident that this congregation will respond to the need as they have in the past.

ARUNDO WINDS TO PERFORM AT BUCC

On Sunday, February 7 at 4:00 p.m., BUCC will host the second program in our 2009-2010 free concert series. The Arundo Winds from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music will play classical repertoire by Polish, French and Brazilian composers. A free will offering will be received and a light reception will follow the concert. Please plan to join us for this diverse musical program.

MUSICAL NOTES
Dave Debick

On Thursday, February 18 from 7-8 p.m., seasonal choir will begin weekly rehearsals in preparation for Holy Week (Palm Sunday is on March 28 this year, Maundy Thursday on April 1, and Easter on April 4.) If you enjoy choral singing but cannot commit to choir year-round, seasonal choir provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy music and fellowship while exploring events that are central to our faith, most importantly the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Please consider joining us on our annual Lenten spiritual/musical journey.

RECYCLING PROJECT

There's a debate at church.

A group wants to collect aluminum and glass. They want to recycle as an example to others that our church commends a conservative, humble life-style.

Some members aren't sure. It's not neat. It's a big job needing lots of volunteers. Does this project belong in the church?

Help us Lord, to see our church
less as a museum,
more as a working clinic
healing the sick
helping the weak
teaching the world.
A living message to the world
that we care about people,
the earth, and God's plan.
by Judith Mattison in "Help Me Adapt, Lord"

FOOD PANTRY

Craft Cupboard – School Supplies – Pencils, Paper, Crayons, etc. THANK YOU

THANK YOU

Many thanks to those of you who called, sent cards, delivered energy-packed food and visited. It raised my spirit several notches during and after my short hospital stay.

People do care and they do something about it. I feel very fortunate to be on the receiving end. Your kindnesses are so appreciated. – Nancianne Martin

A HEALTHIER PLANET

The recent AARP bulletin contained an article concerned with ways to create a healthier planet. The article containing ways to help clean the planet earth is posted on the Stewardship bulletin board in Pilgrim Hall. The first way listed is to make wise consumer choices. The website for the Natural Resources Defense Council is listed, with tips on how to avoid toxic chemicals in the environment, reduce unwanted mail, and other tips. For the other ways, please consult the article.

ILCU
Janet Renovetz

Happy New Year, 2010 to all of you. Winter has arrived in northeast Ohio. There will be some gray days ahead, brisk temperatures, snowflakes falling – you know the routine! I am hoping to try and brighten the days of our members who can’t get to church by calling and/or sending out cheery cards. Perhaps you can join me. Please check our list of these members. If I have overlooked someone, please call me at 330-467-9357 and I will remedy this.

DID YOU KNOW?
Submitted by Max Roha

Did you know that the three historic stained glass windows in our South Entrance were recovered from our 1800's building destroyed by the 1965 fire? They are three of four such windows that were on the west side of the old sanctuary. The windows were still on the ground after removal from the ruins when some boys started throwing stones at them. Mr. Martini, a building contractor who was not a member of BUCC, saw the problem and quickly got trucks and men to remove them to safety at his facility. They were subsequently returned to our own facility and planning begun on their restoration and incorporation into our building. The fourth window is most badly damaged and restoration will be difficult.