MARCH 2010

As we continue down the Lenten path on our journey towards Easter, we look outdoors and recognize that the fullness of winter calls us to slow down and turn toward one another for warmth and conversation. During Lent, we are called to take time out from our busy daily lives and share moments to turn inward. There are several spiritual disciplines which come to mind: Hospitality, Keeping Sabbath, Discernment, Forgiveness, Fasting and Testimony.

What challenges do you face each day? Perhaps the project at work isn’t completed on time and to your satisfaction? Maybe there is a circumstance where you disagree with a colleague or member in church over who should take the lead on a task? Perhaps your feelings are bent out of shape because of an oversight on a matter you feel competent to comment on? When these real life questions arise, Parker Palmer, a noted author and teacher, invites us to consider the spiritual discipline of discernment,

“When this happens to me I often wonder how my soul knew what my head and ego did not know or care to act on. I value the way my soul can take on risks and pull me out of my comfortable existence, calling me into relationship…” (Center for Courage & Renewal)

In 2009, I took a five-month sabbatical. Part of it was a need to physically “unpack” after moving my home and life from Texas to Illinois. The other part of it was to “unpack” my relationship with God in a personal way and discern the paths where God calls me to ministry. Discernment, as a discipline, always aims at enhancing one’s participation in the work of God. It is always undertaken for the glory of God and the healing of the world. As the weeks stretched out to months, I began to relish reading the Bible, silence and prayer. After years of taking shortcuts in meal preparation, I delighted in purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market in Macomb. An apple tree in the back yard urged me to make creative dishes from the bounty of its branches. (Or at least to compete with the birds) With time, I found my bearings again and identified the strengths that I bring to ministry.

As a congregation, we practice discernment in our daily work as Christians in the world and as the worshipping community called First Presbyterian Church of Canton. We find God’s transforming activity in our midst and trust that the decisions we arrive at are based on the glory of God. We invite others to share in God’s activity and imagination in this place. Sometimes this can be hard work; it is hard work to be still and honestly listen to another sister or brother in Christ. It is hard work to depend on the wisdom of the collective community about God’s direction for the community by opening up to new ideas.

One beautiful thing about the journey of Lent is we each have 46 days to consider, discern and practice a spiritual discipline. I invite you step into the journey and practice. It will help you discover ways to live that heal and bring life. None of us can count on a change in our lives as a certainty; every one of us stumbles, and sometime we run away from what we confront. Even so, we find precious opportunities to meet another pilgrim on the path and become more alert for the activity of God in our midst.

See you on Sunday,

Marisa Events

LENTEN EVENTS

Meal: 6:00 P.M.

Program: 7:00 P.M.

March 3

Christian Education Team:

Spaghetti Casserole, Chicken

Alfredo Casserole, Garlic

Bread & Green Beans

March 10

Mission Ministries Team:

Chicken & Noodles, Green

Beans, Jello-O Salad, Rolls &

Desserts

March 17

Congregational Care Team:

Bar-B-Q’s, Coleslaw, Chips &

Desserts

March 24

Discipleship Team:

Chili and Cornbread;

Relishes & Desserts

Matthew 21:1- 11

Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately. This took place through the prophet, saying,

“Tell the daughter

of Zion

Look, your king is

Coming to you,

humble, and mounted

on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking,

“Who is this?”

The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

2 Meagan Jackson

3 Jesse Walker BAL

5 Carroll Ludlum

7 Matthew Alwood

7 Jackie Young

7 Andrea Moss

8 Linda Harbaugh

8 Martha Turner

10 Karol Herink

13 Jennifer Picton

14 Merrill Turner

14 Darin Atkins

15 Eulala Hoke

16 Don Bozell

17 Marlow Hauber

21 Angela Miller

22 Vernon Garretts

23 Nancy McNally

24 Terry Frame

26 Kelsey Garlish

26 Amy Herink

26 Joe Herink

26 Tim Herink

27 Mark Sawyer

28 Kelli Allard

28 Margaret Herink

28 Kerri Walker

29 Ada Fawcett

30 Edgar Reid

31 John Harbaugh Jr.

Minutes of the Regular Vision Team (Session) January 11, 2010

A regular meeting of the Vision Team of the First Presbyterian Church, Canton was held in the fellowship hall at 7:00 p.m. January 11, 2010. The meeting was called to order with prayer by the Moderator Chris Deacon. A quorum was present.

Present: The Moderator and Elders: Gary Atkins, , John Harbaugh, Linda Harbaugh, Caryl Harrison, Larry Hobbs, Ed Patton, Ralph Simpson, Anne Stevens, Dixie Thompson, and Randy Wilson.

Excused: Betty Cooper, Rick Jackson

Others Present: Moderator: Reverend Chris Deacon; Ed Goodwin, Interim Search Chairman

Approval of Agenda: It was approved to move the Interim Search Team report and the Resources report to the beginning of the agenda.

Minutes: The minutes of the December 14, 2009 regular session meeting were approved.

Interim Committee Report

1. The Presbytery of Great Rivers Policy for Pastor Compensation was reviewed in regard to our budget for our interim pastor. A range for minimum and maximum salary was established.

2. Two candidates have been interviewed and two have been observed while preaching. Two other candidates were determined not to be a good fit.

3. One promising candidate will meet with the Vision Team on Sunday, January 17 at noon for the purpose of hearing a sermon and interview.

Resources:

1. The financial report was presented for December 2009.

Receipts: $5,763.72

Receipts,

year to date: $232,489.87

Disbursements,

year to date: $260,639.22

Balance,

year to date: -$28,149.35

2. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to receive the treasurer’s report and place it on file for the auditor.

3. It was noted that Christmas and December offerings were both noticeably low.

4. The team recommends that we publish receipts, the amount needed to meet the

budget, and attendance weekly in the bulletin and on the screen before worship.

5. It is also requested that each team carefully weigh the necessity of each expenditure before proceeding and limit expenditures to the minimum.

6. Two bids have been submitted regarding the steeple repair. This item is on hold until we receive clarification on several points.

Clerk’s Report:

1. Serving and preparing

communion in February will be

Rick Jackson and Ralph

Simpson, home communion

will be John Harbaugh and

Betty Cooper. Moneybag will

be Anne Stevens.

Report of the Moderator:

Nothing to report.

Ministry Team Reports:

Education:

1. New committee members Claudia Moss and

Minna Long were welcomed.

2. In an effort to support the congregation’s Mission Study as we prepare to call a new pastor, it was discussed at our December meeting to develop a Mission statement for the Christian Education Department stating our purpose and plan in education.

The following Mission Statement was developed and approved by our committee:

“As church members and volunteers we commit to partner with families in raising children in a loving Christian environment, that in God’s timing will lead a child into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.”

3. Pathways to the Promised Land’s current rotation is “Visit of the Wise Men”. Teachers for this rotation include: Jayme Watson in Soul Food, Ryan Watson in Church Mouse, Mildred Conrad in Thou Art and Ralph Simpson in Show of Faith.

4. A “Good Attendance Reward Party” is planned for February 7^th for children ages

2-12.

5. Bible School dates have been set for Sunday June 13 through Thursday June 17^th.

6. Paula Arrenholz is teaching the Jr/Sr High class.

7. Amy has scheduled January 30^th at 10am for volunteers to come and paint the Youth room.

8. The previous year’s goals from the Director of Children’s Ministry and the Director of Youth were reviewed.

9. The next meeting will be held on February 1, 2010 at 6:30pm.

Mission:

1. Nothing to report.

Discipleship:

1. Christmas caroling was a big success.

2. Amy Sawyer started Sunday morning Bible study from 9:15-10:15

3. Rev. Roger Ruhman was pulpit supply for January 3. Rev. Susan Krummel from Great Rivers Presbytery preached on January 10. Rev. Lara MacGregor will be here on January 17 and 24. She is also available January 31 and most of February and March.

Evangelism:

1. Nothing to report.

Congregational Care:

1. Met January 5, 2010 to discuss the responsibilities of the team.

2. The team will continue to send cards and care packages, and will be responsible for church dinners.

3. The parlor has been rearranged to provide a comfortable sitting area for members to relax or enjoy a book from our church library.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to accept the committee reports.

Other Business:

Annual Meeting:

1. The annual meeting will be Sunday, January 31.

2. Reverend Chris Deacon will moderate.

3. The meal will be a “full” potluck. Everyone is asked to bring either one meat dish or two side dishes.

Elect 2 Elders to Nominating Committee:

Betty Cooper and Rick Jackson will be asked to join the Nominating Committee.

Lenten Events:

Discussion of the Lenten events was tabled until after the meeting with the potential interim.

Committee Members:

Linda Harbaugh needs a full list of members of each committee for publication in the directory.

Cancellation Procedures: Arrangements have been made with local radio and television stations in the event that services should be cancelled due to weather.

There being no further business to come before the session, the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev. Chris Deacon at 8:36p.m.

Respectfully,

Dixie Thompson, Clerk pro tem

Minutes of the Special Vision Team (Session) Meeting, January 17, 2010

A special meeting of the Vision Team of the First Presbyterian Church of Canton was held in the fellowship hall at 1:02 p.m. January 17, 2010. The meeting was called to order with prayer by the Moderator, Chris Deacon. A quorum was present.

Present: Elders: Betty Cooper, John Harbaugh, Linda Harbaugh, Caryl Harrison, Larry Hobbs, Rick Jackson, Ed Patton, Ralph Simpson, Anne Stevens, Dixie Thompson, and Randy Wilson.

Absent: Gary Atkins

Others Present: Moderator: Reverend Chris Deacon; Ed Goodwin, Interim Search Chairman

Interim Search Committee:

1. Having met with candidate, Marissa Rozdilsky, over lunch informally prior to the meeting, members of the vision team shared their impressions in regard to Mrs. Rozdilsky's suitability for our congregation’s needs as an interim pastor.

2. Having heard Mrs. Rozdilsky present a sermon, members of the vision teams discussed her style and message.

3. A salary proposal was reviewed and discussed.

4. The timeline and procedures to put an interim in place were reviewed.

5. A motion was made, seconded, and passed to extend a call to Marissa Rozdilsky to serve as interim pastor as stipulated by the search team proposal, effective as soon as possible. Her earliest availability is February 15, 2010.

There being no further business to come before the session, the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Rev. Chris Deacon at 1:20 p.m.

Respectfully,

Dixie Thompson, Clerk pro tem

WHAT IS PER CAPITA?

The official definition: “Per capita is an opportunity for all communicant members of the Presbyterian church through the governing bodies to participate equally, responsibly, and interdependently by sharing the cost of coordination and evaluation of mission; and of performing ecclesiastical, legislative, and judicial functions that identify a Reformed Church, while at the same time strengthening the sense of community among all Presbyterians” (GA Minutes, Part I, 1995).

In essence: Per capita is a set amount of money (apportionment) per member that congregations pay to the larger Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Said another way, it is a Presbyterian Covenant Community Fund – part of the glue that holds Presbyterians together. Because every Presbyterian shares in the benefit of the PC(USA)’s system of government, the expenses associated with coordinating and performing the functions of that system should be shared by everyone as well.

WHO PAYS PER CAPITA, AND HOW MUCH?

Congregations (through their sessions) pay an annual amount of money per church member – per capita apportionment – to their respective presbyteries.

The per capita amount requested from a congregation is a combined total of requests from that congregation’s presbytery, the synod in which the presbytery is located and the General Assembly – based on their respective budgets for the coming year(s).

http://www.pcusa.org/percapita/faq.htm

The per capita for First Presbyterian Church comes from the Mission Ministries Team budget, regardless of whether church

members contribute. Essentially, the fewer members who pay their per capita, the less money is available for the team, as representatives of the congregation, to share with those in need in our community and in our world. Presbytery of Great Rivers has set this year’s Per Capita at $26.00. Please remember to submit your per capita because our first quarterly payment is due soon.

For your convenience, an envelope has been included. You may mail the envelope to the church, or better yet bring the envelope to worship and meet and hear our new interim minister, Pastor Marisa.

PRESBYTERIAN DISASTER ASSISTANCE

OUT OF CHAOS, HOPE

CONTINUES TO RESPOND

TO HAITI EARTHQUAKE

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, working in collaboration with partners, continues to provide basic humanitarian aid for those most impacted by the January earthquake and to

assess ongoing recovery needs. More than $510,000 has been sent to help with relief. The

Haiti response reveals challenges in humanitarian work.

The job is not going to get any easier. In the end, everyone affected by the earthquake is vulnerable in some way, and in coming months Haiti faces a rainy season and the threat of storms, floods and hurricanes. “How do we prepare for that?”

In other words, the challenges in Haiti are just beginning.

Watch your Sunday Bulletins for One Great Hour of Sharing Information!

Offering will be taken

Palm Sunday

March 28, 2010

March 14

by Beth Simpson

Children’s Bell Choir

Four brave, ambitious and daring kids have taken up my offer of joining a Children’s Hand Chime Choir. The kid’s have been graciously patient with me as I attempt to learn how to direct them in music. We have been practicing two different music pieces, one of which they will perform during Worship service on March 7^th. All kids ages 1^st – 6^th grade are welcome to join. If you are interested, please see me and I will fill you in on the details.

March Kids’ Club

Who: Kids ages 2yrs–6th pizza

grade

What: Games, Movie, and Pizza

When: Friday March 19^th

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Where: First Presbyterian Church

Fellowship Hall

Kids are invited to come join us as we play games, watch a short movie and make our own personal pizzas!

Summer Church Camps camp

Summer will be here before we know it! If your child is interested in a Summer Church Camp opportunity, please let me know and I can provide you with information for camps in our area

Vacation Bible School

Mark your calendars!! Vacation Bible School will be June 13^th-17^th.

Last Months Kid’s Club Events

Last month we managed to get in two kid’s get-together’s. Twelve kids joined me for an afternoon of skating at Skateland on Feb. 7^th. Then on Feb. 14^th, there was enough snow on the ground that I invited the kids to meet me at Big Creek Park for an afternoon of sledding together. Don’t be fooled, the parents had as much fun as the kids!

kids

by Beth Simpson

Prayer is the most powerful form of communication that we have. When we pray, we talk directly to God, making our relationship with him stronger. February’s workshop rotations focused on “Prayer & The Lord’s Prayer”. The kids learned that when they pray, they are talking directly to God. They can pray anytime, anywhere and about anything. God loves us and wants to hear what is in our hearts. We can assure children that God knows what is best for us and will work everything out in time. Sometimes we don’t see the answers right away to our prayers, sometimes we must wait because God has a better idea. Regardless, it is important to keep praying and not give up hope. To teach his disciples to pray, Jesus gave them “The Lord’s Prayer”.

Dixie Thompson was in Soul Food & Discovery Zone. The focus of her workshop centered on the A.C.T.S. elements of prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. She discussed with her class each line of the Lord’s Prayer and helped the children choose which element the lines represented. Dixie reinforced the lesson with a Prayer Bread baking activity in the kitchen. While the bread was baking, the kids helped Dixie make a “Prayer Sandwich” using foam “food” which had a line of the Lord’s Prayer on one side and the explanation on the other. While the kids munched on their bread, they were given two special invitations: a “Presidential” invitation and a “Heavenly” invitation and then talked about how we “visit” God through prayer and what we should say and do when we talk to God.

In the Church Mouse, computer lab, Linda & John Harbaugh began their class by reading Matthew 6:1-14 about the Lord’s Prayer and prayer in general. They then discussed with their classes about what prayer is and things we want to include when we talk to God. To learn more about the Lord’s Prayer, the older kids piloted their own airplanes using the software program “Galilee Flyer”. “Say Your Prayers with Angelina” software taught the younger classes about different kinds of prayers. Angelina read and sang various prayers to them. Using the “Children’s Activity Bible” software the kids heard about Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount and the Lord’s Prayer. The kids did a “Prayer Fingers” activity before finishing up their class coloring prayer sheets on the computers.

Ralph Simpson and Mildred Conrad were taking turns teaching in the Show of Faith workshop. Ralph welcomed the older groups with examples of different ways people communicate in today’s world. He emphasized that “prayer” can always be used as a form of communication with God. He also defined and gave examples of 4 different types of prayer: Arrow, Sun, and Heart & Hands Prayers. For the video lesson he showed the segment of Jesus teaching his disciples the Lord’s Prayer from the Matthew Visual Bible video. The older kids then hopped on the stage and acted out The Prayer Pair skit together. Mildred began her classes with the younger children by reading the story book “The Story of the Lord’s Prayer” to her class. After the story the kids settled into the theater chairs, with popcorn in hand, to watch the movie “Talk to God, He Listens”.

God’s Treehouse workshop was led this time by Minna Long. Her class studied different Bible translations to discover the variations in wording of the Lord’s Prayer. The kids then made a “Prayer Viewer” which used explanations of the lines of the Lord’s Prayer to help the kids better understand what the Prayer is saying. The kids played a “silent” Simon Says game, finding it very difficult to follow and understand what to do. Minna compared this with Jesus’ disciples trying to understand how they were to pray. Using “How Should We Pray?” sheets, the kids matched up parts of the Prayer with contemporary examples. Minna used a puppet with the younger kids to help explain the Lord’s Prayer. They then make Prayer Sack puppets as they talked about how to pray.

In Thou Art, Marilyn Telander began by discussing with her classes about what prayer is, how we do it, and what we say to God. “The Lord’s Prayer in Color” activity she does with the classes used 11 different colored candles to help the kids understand and remember each line of the Prayer. For their craft project, the older kids made their own prayer journals. The younger classes made a Prayer Rock to take home as a reminder to pray often. Thank you Rick Jackson for helping out too!

YOUTH AND DISCIPLESHIP

Teen Talk

Say What?

I would like to introduce a new section for teens. My goal is to give teens something to think about; report on what has happened; and update you on what is to come. Plus give (with lots of help from books) a little bite-size advice for parents with teens.

The Youth Room Under Construction!

On Saturday, January 30^th, Ralph Simpson, Dylan Simpson, Colton King, Claudia Moss, Anne Stevens, and Amy Sawyer painted the youth room. Later light fixtures were added by David White. We have visions of more room décor changes to come, but are grateful for the progress so far. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible!

Pointers for Parents

According to Dr. Les Parrott, “So many times when it comes to helping struggling teenagers, we focus on ‘What do I do? Give me some action steps.’ Before you even get to that, you need to first focus on who you are.” As Emerson once said, “Who you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you are saying.”

Think About It

Why is it important to stop temptations in their tracks? Because temptations are like stray cats – feed one, and it will soon return with all its friends!

Do you avoid tempting situations? When you find yourself in a potentially dangerous situation, do you immediately run the other way?

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. “

2 Timothy 2:22

From Youthwalk Devotional Bible

Movie and Popcorn

Last fall we tried watching the movie The Ultimate Gift, but the DVD was messed up. It seemed like a really cool movie. We were glued to the screen when it stopped working. We will be trying again – this time with a new DVD. If you and a friend would like to join us we’d love to have you.

Who: 7^th – 12^th graders (friends welcome!)

When: 6:00 – 8:30 on Saturday, March 13^th

Where: The Youth Room at FPC (First Presbyterian Church)

From Surviving to Shining

Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew to let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. We know we are to bring glory to God through our lives. However, there are numerous stumbling blocks that get in our way. I know I encounter them daily. My goal with this column is to encourage you to get through the surviving and begin shining for God

sun

Life’s Challenges: Get Bitter or Get Better

Throughout life we are each dealt challenging circumstances that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If you think of life on earth as training for heaven, each challenge might be a specific lesson to help us learn. These do not go away when you become a Christian. In fact, sometimes they become even more challenging. I frequently hear of people who do amazing work for the church that encounter very tough situations. When we face such opposition we have a choice, we can become bitter or become better. We either resent the challenge or the person we are dealing with and refuse to let go, or we work it out for God’s glory and become stronger.

The Bible talks about a root of bitterness that grows until it destroys us. Sadly, just like the Israelites wandering the desert, we too cling to bitterness and go on grumbling. The bitterness and grumbling is what keeps us from promised land living. Jesus tells us that in the way we forgive others or let go of resentment is the same way that God will forgive us (Matthew 7:1). As we hang on to bitterness, we distance ourselves from God.

Now, during this Lenten season, is a good time to reflect on what bitterness has infected your life. First pray to God and give him the bitterness in your life, then listen to the steps to take to reunite yourself with God. Afterwards, watch God allow love and acceptance to flow freely from your heart.

Save The Date!

Mark your calendars for Church Camp on August 28^th & 29^th at Living Springs Camp, near Lewistown. Everyone is welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult family member. Expect costs to be $20 per person. More details to come!

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES

Alan and Linda Dilts

March 16

Mark and Amy Sawyer

March 17

Top Ten Reasons Presbyterian Don't Want to Change

10. Doesn’t someone else get paid to do that?

9. But my goal is ________.

8. My voice isn’t what it used to be; so I can’t sing in the Choir.

7. I don’t believe in tithing!

6. We’ve been doing it this way since _________, we can’t change now.

5. Let someone younger do it.

4. I already have put in my time, it’s someone else’s turn.

3. I already did it once!

2. WE’VE never done it that way before.

We’ve NEVER done it that way before.

We’ve never done it THAT way before.

AND

1. We have assigned parking spots and assigned pews!!

Adult Bible Study Begins February 28, 2010

Sunday Mornings 9:15 a.m.

OLD SONGS FOR A NEW MILLENNIUM

A STUDY OF PSALMS

Written by Fane Downs

The Sunday morning Bible Study begins at 9:15 a.m. The study will be led by Pastor Marisa. The study will examine the book of Psalms through nine lessons. The Book of Psalms is known as the “people’s book” as together the multiple psalms find repetition of feelings in the range of human experience. The repetition can be categorized into nine types of songs: celebration, instruction, remembrance, trust, vengeance, confession, praise, individual lament, and communal lament.

The curriculum we will use is a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Horizons Magazine publication written by Fane Downs.

Lesson 1: O Sing a New Song! Psalms of Celebration

Lesson 2: Who May Abide in God’s Tent? Psalms of Instruction

Lesson 3: We Will Tell the Coming Generation Psalms of

Remembrance

Lesson 4: God Is My Light and My Salvation Psalms of Trust

Lesson 5: Lift Yourself Against the Fury of My Enemies Psalms of

Vengeance

Lesson 6: Create In Me A Clean Heart Psalms of Confession

Lesson 7: How Long, O God? Psalms of Communal Lament

Lesson 8: Why Have You Forsaken Me? Psalms of Individual Lament

Lesson 9: Let Everything That Breathes Praise God! Psalms of Praise

Come and join us on Sunday morning to learn more about how God’s Word teaches us yet again about the One we worship and serve and about ourselves.

PRESBYTERIAN PERSONALS

By Mary Wilson

· Jackie Trotter was one of several Master Gardeners honored at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.

· Peggy Glatz was a member of the cast in the production of Broadway, Too! at Spoon River College.

· In December, Alexa Varvitsiotis was one of several students eating lunch at McDonald's with their school principal. All were recognized for being caring, honest, responsible, and respectful toward others.

· Adam Stevens was pictured in the Ledger with one of his students at Eastview Elementary School who was named a Buzzy's Best recipient.

· Giovanni Pacotti-Long, grandson of Minna and Tony Long, was pictured in the “Our Little Valentine” section of the Ledger.

· FFA Week was February 20 - 27th. Brock Long serves as Vice President for the organization.

· Jack Gibbs will be the master of ceremonies at the YMCA 120th Annual Meeting.

· Honor Roll students are Jace Chamberlain, Katelyn Garlish, Amy Herink, Joe Herink, Tim Herink, Allison Jackson, Colton King, Jordon Knous, Mykaela Knous, Brock Long, Kenneth Meyer, Nathan Miller, Avery Pelekoudas, Jonah Pelekoudas, Elyssa Sebree, Ethan Sebree, Isaac Essex, Alex Walker, Dalton Simpson, Dylan Simpson, and Tyler Telander. If I have missed anyone, please let me know.

· Sympathy to Peggy and David Glatz on the death of her stepfather, Kenneth Rohrer, on February 18, 2010 in Canton.

NEW MEMBER CLASS

BEGINS MARCH 7, 2010

Sundays Following Worship and Fellowship

A new member class will begin for five (5) weeks beginning March 7, 2010. Since the earliest of days in Christian history, Easter Sunday is the traditional day to receive and welcome new members of the church.

The class will be “brown-bag casual” and families are invited to eat together, if you would like.

If you are a new member and desire to unite with the congregation, a transferring member from another congregation, or if you are a member who wishes to reaffirm Baptismal Covenant, this class is for you.

If you wish to learn more about this class or membership, contact Pastor Marisa at the church office

Frances Bacon once said, “It is not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us whole.”