Pastor’s    Page                                   

I don’t as a rule watch much TV.  Many shows don’t interest me and evenings are usually interrupted with meetings of some sort so I don’t get involved with mini-series etc, but I do try to catch the news.  I don’t particularly like the news.  I think that the reporting is often biased.  I find it mostly sensationalism.  What will make for good ratings? Crime?  Political  Scandal?  Embezzlement?   Reporters only give half of the details and if it isn’t entertaining it may not be reported at all.  Still I feel that I need to at least be aware of what is happening in the world and on people’s minds.

When I watch the news, I remember a class I took years ago when in school.  The teacher told us that as a rule of thumb, “Only believe ½ of what you see for yourself and none of what you hear.” In seminary I learned that every issue is messy and has many layers of thickness.  Usually, if someone brings forth an issue it is not necessarily the “real” issue.  Critical thinking skills are necessary to be employed.

In recent days the United Church of Christ has been the focus of negative media attention. The reports that I have seen are disturbing to me.  But I believe the media has very little interest in the church or for that matter, the center of their attention, Dr. Jeremiah Wright, retired pastor of Trinity UCC, on the south side of Chicago.  I don’t think the church or Dr. Wright is the real issue.  So what is the real issue?

Is it power?  Is it money?  Is it political?  Is it racial?  How could that be?

I have to remind myself that the news bytes and segments of Dr. Wright’s sermons were taken out of context and over the years Trinity UCC has been a very dedicated church connected with global issues.

As for us in Berlin Heights, we are a self-governed church and must continue to tell our faith story to our community and to be a partner with other faithful people around the world.  (I doubt the media will broadcast it though.)  We are a diverse group who must do our humanly best to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Resurrected One.

Blessings and Peace.

Rev. Joyce Schroer

News from the Diaconate

Our next meeting is scheduled to be held Tuesday April 29th at 7:00 PM.  At our last meeting we noted how professional our Hand Bell Choir looks with their matching pink shirts and the new tables and cloths.  We would like to share our appreciation to the Link Family for this memorial donation in memory of Joe.  Thank you.

It was also noted that we are very crowded in the Chancel area is so we decided that we’d ask the Trustees to remove the first pew on the East side of the sanctuary to make space for the new bell tables.  Only on special Sundays do people sit in this pew and the old tables took this space anyway.  If we need to we can always bring in folding chairs.   

From the Moderator

Dear Friends,  

Perhaps many of you have been following the IRS issue of the United Church of Christ related to Senator Barack Obama of Illinois.  By now, many of you have probably already heard that the Internal Revenue Service has made the decision to investigate The United Church of Christ’s tax exempt status.  In its letter, the IRS stated that their concerns were due to “articles posted on websites” that stated “United States Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama addressed nearly 10,000 church members gathered at the United Church of Christ’s biennial General Synod at the Hartford Civic Center, on June 23rd, 2007” As this story continues to be discussed in the coming days, I wanted to address, directly, the two points contained in the IRS letter.

·         The first is to know that the invitation to Senator Obama to address Synod was given before he was a Presidential Candidate.  He was invited, as a member of our  denomination, to reflect on the connection between public service and personal faith; not to give a campaign speech.  He was one of more than 60 speakers that addressed Synod in a variety of venues from a variety of perspectives throughout the week.

·         Secondly, the Obama campaign tables that were set up outside on the sidewalk were not there by the invitation or consent of the UCC.  These tables were set up in public space on the sidewalk and those individuals supporting Senator Obama's campaign needed no permission from the United Church of Christ to set up there. Nor was the United Church of Christ in any position to object, much less preclude, citizens from exercising their constitutional rights on such public space. I understand that this news will cause many in our church to have some degree of concern and, possibly, worry as people try to figure out what this means as some of those voices that believe the actions of the IRS are justified are raised.  As you hear these concerns, please do share with them the points I have shared with you and pray with your brothers and sisters that we may seek to discern the ways that God is still speaking in this moment.

· That last point is no less important than any of the others preceding it.  Within this moment many of us see yet another opportunity to share with others about The United Church of Christ.  Encourage those you    encounter as a result of this recent news to look at our website (www.ucc.org); share your own testimony about what this denomination means to you; and invite them to come to church with you to learn more about who we are.

Sen. Barack Obama on Tuesday tried to stem damage from divisive comments delivered by his pastor.  Reverend. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, Obama expressed understanding of the passions on both sides in what he called "a racial stalemate we've been stuck in for years." While Obama rejected what Wright said, he also embraced the man who inspired his Christian faith, officiated at his wedding, baptized his daughters and has been his spiritual guide for nearly 20 years. "I can no more disown him than I can disown the black community," Obama said, speaking in front of eight American flags. "I can no more disown him than I can my white grandmother — a woman who helped raise me, a woman who sacrificed again and again for me, a woman who loves me as much as she loves anything in this world, but a woman who once confessed her fear of black men who passed by her on the street, and who on more than one occasion has uttered racial or ethnic stereotypes that made me cringe." "I confess that if all that I knew of Reverend Wright were the snippets of those sermons that have run in an endless loop on the television and    YouTube, or if   Trinity United Church of Christ conformed to the caricatures Wright's being    peddled by some commentators, there is no doubt that I would react in much the same way," he said. "But the truth is,  that isn't all that I know of the man." He said he came to Wright's church because he was inspired by message of hope and his inspiration to rebuild the black community.  "We do not need to recite here the history of racial     injustice in this country," Obama said. "But we do need to remind ourselves that so many of the disparities that exist in the African-American community today can be  directly traced to inequalities passed on from an earlier generation that suffered under the brutal legacy of slavery and Jim Crow." Obama said anger over those injustices often find voice in black churches on Sunday mornings. "The fact that so many people are   surprised to hear that anger in some of Reverend Wright's sermons   simply reminds us of the old truism that the most segregated hour in American life occurs on Sunday  morning," he said.

                                                                                 Excerpts from Barack Obama speech text as published by Associated Press.

As is always the story of the Church, it is within these moments of adversity and challenge that the Holy Spirit is also breaking through.  Let us all invite and celebrate the presence of the Holy Spirit in this moment as we remain true to our vocation as Christ’s Church and are held in the care of a God who loves us more than we can possibly imagine.                                                                                                        In Christ’s Love, Deb Oehling

“Guest Night”  

Women’s Fellowship is sponsoring “Guest Night” on April 1st.  We will be going to Perkins Restaurant in Sandusky.  Time 6:30pm   Reservations must be made by March 30.  The program “A Time of Sabbath” will be led by Rev. Joyce and Steve.        Contact Pauline Malone.

Vital Churches “Go Green”

Stewardship has never been just about money. A new UCC

resource, Stewards in the Household of God, guides church

members of all ages beyond the offering plate to the very purpose

God gave human beings: governing creation in order to assure the

well-being of all. We are stewards in the household of God!

This 35-page booklet takes congregations through twelve aspects

of stewardship – one for each month of the year. During April, as

churches celebrate Integrity of Creation Sunday on April 20, and

Earth Day takes center stage in our culture on April 22, “Stewards

of the Earth” calls us to the work of tiqqun olam, Hebrew for

“repair of the world.”

Your congregation’s gifts to Our Church’s Wider Mission help

build networks among all parts of the UCC so that we can tap our

collective wisdom and resources. For example, go to www.ucc.org

and you’ll find a Pastoral Letter on Environmental Stewardship

and links for practical action items, worship and Bible study

resources, eco-justice resources, a story of how one church has

made progress, a blog or forum for idea sharing, actions the

national ministries are taking in our 110-year-old Church House,

wisdom from our Environmental Energy Task Force, and help at

www.uccvitality.org for vital churches to go green.

In our year-round stewardship journey, UCC congregations are

centers of hope and transformation all across the country. Each

congregation, large or small, urban or rural has a vital God-given

ministry in its community!

April   2008                     God is still speaking,

  What's In America's Trash

Excerpt from epa.gov website

Earth Day Celebrations:   Party for the Planet — Toledo Zoo  

                                     Saturday, April 19, 2008   10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

                                     Party for the Planet  -  Cleveland Metroparks Zoo  

                                     Sunday, April 20, 2008     10 a.m. - 5 p.m                                       

              Check out www.clemetzoo.com  or www.toledozoo.org

FUN ACTIVITY: 

A recycled plastic milk jug or    detergent bottle becomes a great ball catcher for young kids just learning how to catch.

What you will need to make 

BALL  CATCHER.

Instructions:

1. Wash and let dry the milk cartons well before starting. Note: It may be easier to cut the bottom off of the containers first.

2. Use the sharp scissors to cut the milk carton or detergent bottle. First cut off the bottom, then cut a U shape under the handle.  Make sure you don't cut into the handle so you can hold on the  ball catch.

3. Use the colored electrical tape or "Painters" paint markers to   decorate the milk cartons.

Have fun playing catch and toss

with these fun toys.

Notes: 

The milk carton or soap container can be hard to cut,

so have an adult do it. 

SPAGHETTI  DINNER  -  10% to benefit Community Center

Saturday April 5th 5-7 PM at Berlin Twp.  Conservation Club, 12217 Chapin Rd.       10% of profits will be donated to the Berlin Heights Community  Center. For $5.00 you get spaghetti & meatballs, slaw, breadsticks,   dessert, coffee or soda.  Tickets are available at Village Baskets, from club members, and at the door.  Carryout’s available. \

UPCOMING ATTRACTION

The next show at the

Berlin Heights Community Center

is titled

      Berlin Heights Tonight

It’s an original script by Glen Bernhardt in the style of a late night talk show.  It will feature some of the towns “characters” with names changed of course!  Glen states we will recognize some of these “colorful” people who reside in town.  The date is Friday, May 2 with an old fashion TV dinner of homemade Swiss steak dinner, mashed potatoes and gravy, tossed salad, rolls and pie.   The   tickets will be $15.00 each and available in April at our local   businesses.  Look for poster about the play in April. 

 The “Church Secretary”: A Missionary?

April 23 is Administrative Professional’s Day—you can tell if

you’ve bought a greeting card recently and noticed the section of

cards thanking and honoring administrative professionals of all

kinds.

In the United Church of Christ, with help from your congregation’s

gifts to Our Church’s Wider Mission, we are proud to sponsor the

UCC Office Support Staff Network. The Network annually brings

together church administrative professionals from local churches,

Conferences, and the national offices.

Administrative personnel are vital to the smooth functioning of

offices in every field or business. This is just as true in churches.

The role of “church secretary,” as it has traditionally been known,

is critical. Without them, many of the things we take for granted in

church simply wouldn’t happen. That includes a friendly

greeting—representing you, your church, and your mission in the

community—for any who call the church office for any reason.

That’s why a “church secretary” IS a missionary! Creating and

copying the church bulletin, scheduling appointments for the

pastor, fielding comments from church members—isn’t all of this

part of the “mission” of the church? Mission isn’t just what we do

for others, far away. It’s the church being an effective presence

among us, right here!                         Mission Moment

 ANGEL  FOOD  MINISTRIES

APRIL  MENU

 2 lb.  Fully Cooked Meatloaf

 1 lb.  Beef Fajita Strips

 3 lb.  Breaded Frying Chicken

 2 lb. St. Louis Style Ribs

 2 lb.  Lasagna Dinner Entree

 1 lb.  Gourmet Sausage

 1 lb.  Fully Cooked Meatballs

 16 oz.  Broccoli

 15 oz.  Refried Beans

 12 ct.  Tortillas

 26 oz.  Pasta Sauce

16 Oz.  Pasta

 6 oz.  Pancake Mix

 16 oz.  Fresh Carrots

 3 lb.  Golden Yukon Potatoes

 4 oz.  Chicken Noodle Soup (Makes 64 oz.)

 4 lb.  California Oranges 

 1 Dessert Item

Regular Menu is $30.00. 

A regular menu must be purchased before you can buy any special unit. 

Angel Food reserves the right to     substitute food products. 

APRIL SPECIAL #1

7.5 lb. Family Variety Grill Box - $20.00
(2 lb. Meaty Baby Back Pork Ribs, 2 lb. Thick Cut Country-Style Pork Ribs (4 x 8 oz.), 1.5 lb. Thick Cut Sirloin Filet (Baseball Cut 4 x 6 oz.), 1 lb. All Beef Patties (4 x 4 oz.), 1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage)

APRIL 2008

APRIL SPECIAL #2

4 lb. New York Strip Box - $19.00
(4 lb. New York Strip Steaks (8 x 8 oz.))

APRIL SPECIAL #3

4.5 lb. Stuffed Chicken Breast Combo - $18.00
(1.5 lb. Cordon Bleu (4 x 6 oz.), 1.5 lb. Broccoli Cheese (4 x 6 oz.), 1.5 lb. Chicken Breast Kiev (4 x 6 oz.))

APRIL SPECIAL #4

Senior Convenience Meal Box - $18.00
(Five Delicious Individual Dinner Entrees with 2 sides each: • Grilled Chicken Breast w/ Rice & Gravy, • Salisbury Steak & Gravy, • Macaroni & Cheese, • Chicken Tetrazzini, • Beef Chili Macaroni Casserole: Includes five breads, milks, margarine, and desserts.)

** One or more specials available only with the purchase of a regular unit. **

ANGEL  FOOD  APRIL  2008 

ORDER DATES FOR ANGEL FOOD : 

SATURDAY,  MARCH 29

10AM-11AM  BHCC

WEDNESDAY,  APRIL 9

11AM-1PM BHCC

THURSDAY,  APRIL 10

5PM-6PM BHCC

SUNDAY,  APRIL 13  11:30AM

FOLLOWING WORSHIP IN THE FOWLER  ROOM  AT THE CHURCH.

DISTRIBUTION  DAY FOR ANGEL FOOD : 

SATURDAY,  APRIL 26TH.

10AM – 11AM    *****NOTE TIME CHANGE

 THANK YOU

I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts gifts, cards and support over the past several months.  I am still dealing with health issues on a daily basis but it sure beats the alternative of not being with my family and friends. One day good, one day bad; just like the weather in Northern Ohio, wait five minutes and it will change.  God never told us what trials and difficulties may lie ahead,  he  just assures us that he will be with us.                                                                                                                                    Mike Oehling

REMEMBER  IN  PRAYER

Otis Malone, Jim Schwetz (Trish Bragdon’s father), Jim and Faye Waldron, Clara Neiding, Don Smith, Jennifer Burnham, Rob Stilgenbauer, Walter Knott, Bob and Georgiana Brunow and Holly and Esther Schedley, Alex Dandar, Marilyn Baker, Corrie  Hill, Jeff Sutton, Dave Smith, Cinda Willis, Kayla  McDonald, Cindy Hillman, and the family of Tom and Melanie Jensen. 

Parish Nurse News

Dear Friends and Family,

                This month is Child Abuse Prevention Month.  Anyone who has ever shopped at a grocery store or mall with children knows  that it can be a trying experience, even stressful! Here are tips that may help you on your next shopping trip:

Before you go-

Find out how everyone is feeling. Is your child too tired or hungry to shop? Are you? Try to plan your trip when everyone is rested. If possible arrange for a sitter.

Have a talk with your child before shopping. Let the child know the family shopping rules.

Make your expectations clear.  For example “Stay close to me”, “Use your inside voice”, “When we leave if you have remembered the rules, you may pick out a special treat”.

Before you go make sure you and your child have comfortable shoes and clothes.

When you arrive at the store, keep your child in sight.  Hold hands.     Put them in the basket or let them hold onto the cart.

At the Store-

Give your child some choices. For example “Do you want red or green apples”.

Give your child some responsibility such as helping to pick the hardest apples.

Never leave your child unattended in the cart.

Reinforce good behavior.  Keep your child involved throughout the shopping process.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good ,

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” Galatians 6:9.

Love in Christ,    Deb Oehling

What does "CUE" stand for ?

CUE is the acronym that stands for:

C:  Chicago Theological Seminary, Chicago, IL

U:  United Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN

E:  Eden Theological Seminary, St. Louis, MO

How many students are currently attending these seminaries?

For the 2006-07 academic year:

Chicago:  Total enrollment, 231 students; 133 FTE (full-time equivalent)

United:     Total enrollment, 221 students; 108 FTE

Eden:       Total enrollment, 212 students; 141 FTE

What is the current cost to each seminary per student per year?

For the 2006-07 academic year:

Chicago:  $31,940 

United:     $31,506

Eden:       $32,528

What can my church do to help support theological education at these seminaries?

Churches are encouraged to make support for theological education a priority in their annual budgets and/or take a special offering in support of theological  education each year. 

SUPPORT OUR CUE SEMINARIES WITH

GENEROSITY, GRATITUDE and JOY!

News from Mexico

I just wanted to send an e-mail and say thanks.  Mom forwarded many of your emails with suggestions for ways to help Raquel get a visa to visit the United States. Basically she was told that she was young, female and poor.  It is very difficult for Mexicans to get visas and Raquel was quite sad when she was denied.  She said that she almost got hit by a car after the interview by not paying attention to the road traffic. 

Right now things are better. As things are, I don't think that she will receive a visa next year or the following year either.  I just don't think it is right.  I also don't want to rush into marriage although we have talked about it.  I don't want people to think I am marrying her just to give her a visa.  In the future I may have to hire a lawyer to give her a better chance.  In the meantime, she wants to return and complete school. 

 I appreciate knowing that when I need help you are there and the response is overwhelming.  Thanks again and keep those of us on the other side of the border in your prayers.                                         Ryan Schroer

News from Point of Light Missions                                

A trip is being planned to Back Bay Mission  August 9-16.  Details are still pending.  Check your calendar and if you think you’d like to     consider this opportunity let Mary Ann Robinson know.  We will compile a list of names and as soon as we can, schedule a time to make more definite plans

One Great Hour of Sharing

Thank you to everyone who supported our special offering both during Sunday School and Worship.  Soup labels surrounded the sanctuary symbolically showing our willingness to share with those less fortunate.  Favorable comments came after tasting our Cream of Sharing Soup.  We realized $398.21 for One Great Hour of Sharing.

Victory Temple Soup Kitchen Volunteer Sign-Up I

is posted. On the fourth Thursday’s, April – September, we send 3 or so volunteers to help prepare or serve food at Victory Kitchen.  You need to arrive around 11:30 AM and work until 2:30 or 3:00 pm.  Take a turn and see how rewarding this mission really is.

 Esperanza Annual Golf Scramble

 May 18th @ 3:00 PM

at High Acres on Frailey Rd.

Point of Light Missions is making plans for our    annual golf outing, scheduled for May 18^th.  This is one of our biggest fund raisers for mission work.  If can’t be there that day but would like to help support this event you can sponsor a “hole” for $50.00. What this means is, you and / or your family will be recognized with a flyer at your “hole”.  You will also be acknowledged at the picnic dinner afterwards and have your name listed in the Steeple News.  If this is something you would like to do, simply make the check out to Point of Light Missions and note that it is for a “hole” sponsorship.  Becky Coleman will  contact you to get ideas for the design of your flyer.  Thank for your continued support!

Secret Prayer Pal  Program

Something new from Point of Light Missions!  We are going to start a “Secret Prayer Pal” program.  To participate, you need to fill out a form, and turn it into Rita Holler or Becky Coleman.  This is open to men and women that are 18 years old or older.  Extra forms will be on the marble table outside the Fowler room or in the narthex.  Forms will be available through April 20th .  That week. we will draw names for your “Secret Prayer Pal” and pass along their form to you.  Remember your pal in prayer and at special times during the year.  Gifts or cards can be left in the narthex to be found by your pal on Sunday mornings!  If you have questions or would like more information see Rita or Becky.

First Congregational U.C.C.

Berlin Heights

“ Secret Prayer Pal ”   2008

Name _____________________ Marital Status     S   M   D   W

Address ___________________   Spouse’s Name ____________________________________

__________________________     Children’s Names / Ages _____________________/________

Phone Number ____-____-_____                          _____________________/_________

Occupation _________________                _____________________/_________

Birthday ____________________                                      _____________________/_________

Anniversary_________________   Favorite Color_______________________

Hobbies ______________________________________________________________________________

Likes ________________________________________________________________________________

Dislikes / Allergies ______________________________________________________________________

Favorite Food / Beverage ________________________________________________________________

Favorite Restaurant ________________               Favorite Store ______________

Do you like :  Coffee:                Y   N                 Tea:                 Y   N                 Wine:     Y   N 

Favorite Reading / Author ________________________________________________________________

Favorite Music _________________                    Favorite Flower ______________________

Favorite Sport / Team ___________________________________________________________________

NWOA Spring Meeting

“Witnesses of Amazing Grace”

1 Corinthians 3: 10

April 26, 2008 at Galion, OH

CELEBRATE BEING THE CHURCH TOGETHER

·  Come for worship and fellowship

·  Celebrate with music

·  Opening worship music by First UCC’s Bell Choir and Senior Choir

·  Consider persons ca