BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Our scripture for the month is Amos 9:13-15.              A variety of maintenance tasks have been completed this past month and we really must thank Stu Hitchcock and Rex Luckage for getting them done. And thanks to Dave Pinney for firing up the boiler. The pilot lights were shut down for the summer so our gas bill was almost nil for a few months.

           

A big “attaboy” to Steve Ruggles for accepting the position of Trustee Chairperson. Jack Acri resigned from the board to assume the duties of Council President. With the continued support of the congregation, Steve is certainly up to the task. There is never a shortage of stuff to do!

 

Stewardship:  Since I was appointed Council President, talking about money isn’t technically part of the job description. But since my stint on Trustees, I’ve learned a few things about money: it’s amazing how much and how little we can do with the money we have; it’s inspiring how generous some givers are; we don’t like to talk about it.

So often we don’t talk about money because “it’s not polite.”  But money is what the Trustees do. And that money, or the things it can buy, comes from you. For instance, have you called the church recently? If you have, your call was handled by the new phone system. But with our policy of fiscal restraint, how did we afford it? It was donated by members, a married couple. All we had to pay for was installation.

 Our old system had literally fried and a new system would have cost upwards of $5,000. These fine people saw a need, and filled it. Thank you!

Just like when the projector needed replaced, and it wasn’t in the budget, these same members took care of it. Not for recognition, but because they saw things needed done and they took action. They wanted me to tell you this because they sincerely hope that others will be inspired to generosity – to do the important things that need done.

The other day a friend said to me, “Somebody asked me, ‘Does God get the 10% after taxes?’ and I didn’t know what to tell him.”  I said, “The answer is First Fruits.”  In Exodus 23:16-19 we see “first fruits” first mentioned.  We are to give God the very best of the harvest – not whatever is left over after we’ve had our fill. God gives us everything and we owe our tithe on the full measure that He has given us. Why would we give God leftovers when He pours blessings abundantly on us? Do you have something in perfect condition that the church could put to use? Are you giving as you have been blessed?

The annual harvest is in. God knows how He has blessed us. Do we know? Even in those times when we think we have not seen any blessings and we’re not sure how we are going to make ends meet, we need to trust God and share what we can.

Spiritual Life Board  

We will have a guest speaker in worship on Sunday, November 4th. Tammy Snowden is one of the missionaries that our church helps support. She will be joining us to share inspirational stories about her life in mission work.

Advent season will soon be upon us! Hanging of the Greens will take place to decorate the church for Advent and Christmas on Sunday, November 25 at 2 pm. We are asking each Special Ops team to help with a portion of decorating the church or refreshments on that day. Everyone is invited to attend as we decorate the church to prepare for the Christ child to enter our lives once again.

White and red poinsettias will be available for purchase this Advent season for $7 each. The flowers add vibrant color to the church sanctuary for Christmas worship and you may take them home after the service. Special poinsettia order envelopes will be available throughout November in the pews to prepay your order.

 

CHRISTIAN ED

A "spooky" good time was had by all at last Sunday's Family Night Halloween Party.  There were about 65 present for a fun-filled evening complete with food, games and fellowship.  Special thanks goes out to Bill & Nicole Ruggles for organizing all the games and activities for over 20 small children.  It really was a great evening.

We could still use some help with substitute teachers for Sunday School.  Please contact Kandy or Debbie if you would be willing to give of your time.  Kandy will be teaching an adult Sunday School Class beginning October 28 on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month.  This class will take place between the morning worship services.

As most of you probably already know, the youth have been trying to raise money to take a mission trip with the Mission of Love.  Some upcoming fundraisers to watch for will include a sub sale for Super Bowl Sunday and on the 5th Sunday of December they will host a "Potato Bar" after the combined worship service that morning.  Please plan on supporting these events for our youth.

 

BENEVOLENCE BOARD

There were five members present at our meeting.

Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard served 26 families (63 people) for September, 2007.

The Cupboard has also been moved.  Instead of being in a pre school classroom it is now in the room behind the Sanctuary.  The cupboard is open to anyone in need every Saturday from 10AM till Noon.

Due to a significant decline of incoming Benevolence Funds, we had to make major cuts in our 2008 budget.  For those who do not know, The Benevolence Board is responsible for three different accounts: Benevolence, Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard and Kid’s Kupboard.  Contributions earmarked for Benevolence are intended for giving to world, national and local missions.  Donations to Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard are used to help stock our cupboard within the church, and assist those in need of food throughout the year.  Offerings to Kid’s Kupboard are utilized to help our local school district with school supplies.  Each of these accounts are separate and monies are not to be taken from one to help another.

When money is given to the church through envelopes, electronic giving, or through some other way, unless it is designated for a specific place (Benevolence, Women’s Fellowship, Youth, etc.) it goes into the general fund.  Please remember, if you want your money to go to a specific organization within the church, be sure to mark it on your envelope.

 

Blanket Sunday has been set for November 18, 2007 .

This is an event sponsored by Church World Service.  More than 8,000 congregations & groups across the U.S. hold Tool & Blanket Events.  This  provides help to people In 80 nations, including the U.S.   Money is collected to provide tools/blankets for disaster areas, and places that have people in need. There will be more information to come in the church bulletin.

Tami Snowden will be speaking at both services on November 4, 2007. She is with Pioneers, a mission that The First Federated Church and The Benevolence Board support.   Tami was a resident of North Jackson for many years and left to fulfill her mission. We are so glad she is returning to speak and thank us for all we do for her and her mission.

We received a thank-you from The Salvation Army for our donation of $500.00 and from The Rescue Mission for our $300.00 contribution.

We reviewed our correspondence and closed our meeting with prayer.

Finance Team

Financial Report – General Fund

YTD thru October 22, 2007:

Income                     $123,425.73

Expense                   $110,060.62

Credit                       $  13,365.11

 

Financial Vision for Next Year

It’s the time of year when folks begin planning for 2008 and the church is no different. There are so many exciting things happening within our church and we need the gifts and support of all to make it happen. Tithing to the church (giving 10% of income) is a biblical call to put God first in our lives rather than place our own wants in front of everything. Tithing today is something that only a small percentage of givers currently achieve. The rest of us strive to increase our giving by a percentage each year as our faith journey continues. As you prayerfully reflect on your financial status and plans for the future, please consider increasing your giving as your part of the church’s mission and ministry.

 

The Church Takes Stock

Did you know that you could donate stock to the church as part of your tithes and offerings? The transfer of securities to First Federated Church can give you major tax advantages over a donation of cash:

·    You receive a tax deduction for the full value of the stock at the time of donation (not just the amount you paid for the stock), if you held the stock for at least one year.

·    In addition, you avoid paying capital gains tax and do not pay commissions for selling the stock. (Brokerage fees are paid out of your donation, however.)

If you’re considering a securities transfer before the end of 2007, please contact the finance team for more information. Finance team members: Pam Yeager, Anne Acri, Sheila Factor, Barb Carte, and Debbie Luckage.

 

Electronic-Giving: Contributions Made Easy!

Would you find it helpful to have your offerings debited directly from your bank account as you do other monthly drafts? Our church now offers E-giving for those of you who wish to have your contributions transferred electronically to the church's account. If you travel or have a seasonal residence, this is particularly helpful in keeping up with your intended offerings. It allows you to avoid having to make up the difference later.

 

If you currently give electronically and wish to increase your E-giving amount, please fill out an updated authorization form (available in the literature rack in hallway). Return the form to the finance office in an envelope marked, “giving increase”.

 

FRIENDSHIP OPS

The Friendship Ops group usually meets the last Wednesday of every month at 2:30.  In November that will be on the 28^th.

This group gets together to send out birthday cards; get well cards, and sympathy cards to members of our congregation. 

A Congregation Banquet

The 5-year plan for our congregation will be presented at a congregational meeting to be held at the Jackson Township Building on Saturday, Nov. 3rd from 6 pm – 9 pm. There will be a celebration including a buffet dinner followed by a presentation on the exciting future plans for our congregation. We are asking for $10 donations for the dinner and a reservation sheet will be available soon.

HANGING OF THE GREENS

Wouldn’t it be fun to have a lot of people come out filled with the Christmas spirit to decorate the church?  Having Christmas music playing, eating cookies, - complete with activities for the kids!  On November 25 at 1:58 p.m., your mission should you choose to accept it, is to come and decorate the church for the holidays.  Everyone is welcome but the special Ops teams have been assigned specific areas of the church to decorate:

HUNGER FIGHTERS –outside decorating

YOUTH –foyer and hallway

REBELS WITH A CAUSE – tree and          sanctuary

BREAKFEAST CLUB – parlor

COLLECTIVE SOULS –movie, fun & games     with the kids

FRIENDSHIP OPS –Christmas cookies, coffee & snacks

Here is the ADDED CHALLENGE – Don’t merely get the job done.  Be innovative!  Spend time thinking about how your teams can make your area extraordinary!  Get extra decorations if necessary, replace old broken ones, add your own special flair.  But most importantly, come and have fun!

LUNCH BUNCH

The Lunch Bunch meets the last Tuesday of every month.  Every month this group goes to lunch at a different restaurant.  They usually meet at the church and car pool to the restaurant that they chose for the month.  If you’d like to join them, and would like more information call Phoebe Dickerhoof at 538-3126.

 

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Our next meeting will be held on Nov. 7, at which time we will set up the mitten tree.  We ask that during the holiday season you donate hats and gloves to put on the tree.  All the items will be given to local children in need.

Women’s Fellowship will be holding their annual Christmas Dinner on Dec.  3^rd.   The doors will open at 6:00PM, with dinner being served at 6:30.  Everyone is welcome to attend!  Please sign up at the church if you are planning to attend!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A SENIOR - BECOME A CAREGIVER

We need people to provide in-home care for the older adults in our community.  The appreciation you'll receive and the difference you'll make in the life of a senior will reward you in more ways than just a paycheck.  At Home Instead you can enjoy a flexible schedule - part time, full time, days, evening, nights, and weekends - you choose what you would like to work.  Please call Deb Luckage at 330 729 1233 if you are interested in applying.

NEEDED!

Cleaning person for the pre-school, to work Monday thru Thursday from 3:00 to 5:00.  Easy, Light work, $8/hr.  Contact Paulette @ 330-533-3307.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Everyone is invited to go Christmas caroling to our shut-ins on Sunday evening, Dec. 16 at 6:00 pm. This annual event helps bring a feeling of holiday cheer and caring to those who can¹t make it to church to enjoy the music of the season. Whether you can sing well or not, please join us ­ we will make a joyful noise!  When we have completed our holly jolly rounds, we will return to the church for pizza and refreshments. Please contact the church office if you have anyone that you would like us to visit.

FLOWER CALENDAR

A flower calendar is now on display for you to buy flowers. You will be able to purchase flower arrangements in honor or memory of a loved one or for an event such as a Birthday, Anniversary, or death of a loved one.  The flowers will be set in the sanctuary for that particular Sunday and then you can take them home after the second worship service.  The two flower arrangements will cost $50.   If you would like to buy flowers just place the money in the offering envelope, and write on the envelope what day and what occasion the flowers are for.  Once money is received in the treasurers’ office the finance team will write your name on the calendar which will be on display out in the entrance hall.