Steeple News

June 2008Walking Together  

in All

God’s Ways

                             —uccstewardship.org

Pastor’s Page

I want to share some good news with all of you.  Worship attendance has averaged 97 people since the beginning of this year.  It is all due to the importance that you give to the worship of God.  Granted we have an excellent music program, tremendous Sunday School teachers, and a so-so pastor but it’s not what we do, it’s the work that you do through Christ.  I think that is good news!

Currently I am reading a book written by Paul Nixon called “I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church”.  His premise is that “God intends every servant of the Resurrected Christ to be a servant of life.”  As I think about how many new faces we see and how many well-known faces we see, I think we have good news to share.

• Thank you for inviting friends, thank you for being welcoming, thank you for asking folks to join us for coffee fellowship.  These are steps in being hospitable and most folks want to be part of a church that welcomes them.These are indicators of a church filled with servants for life.
• Thank you for lifting up the community in prayer.  Over and again folks tell me how much they appreciate that we pray not only for one another but for folks we may not even know.  We hold our community in esteem.  We open our doors for community activities and see as part of our mission to be here for the community.  This is an indicator of a church filled with servants for life.
• Thank you for having a sense of humor.  I enjoyed the chance to laugh until the tears rolled down my cheeks at the Berlin Heights Community Center’s recent production, Berlin Heights Tonight by Glen Bernhardt.  Churches and communities need to have fun and delight in one another in order to be servants for life.

Thank you for being just who you are – a living, thriving, energizing church serving a Resurrected Christ.   

 Sincerely,

 Rev. Joyce

Outdoor Worship and Day Camp

                        Sunday, June 8th

    Worship will begin at 9:30 AM.
    A Potluck dinner will begin at 11:30 AM.

Please bring your own table service and a covered dish

From the Desk of the Moderator:           

Dear Friends, 

What a joy it is to see so many of you and so many new faces in worship on Sunday morning. First congregational United Church of Christ  is  alive with music, youth, sunshine, love and joy.

Summer will soon arrive and we will all say “Boy is it hot!” Our summer hours begin on Sunday May 25,   with   worship  at  9:30 and fellowship  hour 10:30. 

The kids will all be having a great time at VBS and the special July summer programs.  Remember to find  time  to  sit  outside on the porch or deck, visit with family and friends,  enjoy an  ice cold lemonade and life in general.

Watch for the family day camp service on June 8^th and our joint service with the Methodists in August 3^rd at   Basket  Festival   stage.

We are working on  a  special float in Berlin Heights Basket Festival parade on Sunday. Looking  for  adults who have been a member for years to participate in the  Berlin Heights parade.  The  theme is  an “Grand Old Parade” and our church is 185 years old this year.                           

 In Christ’s Love,

 Deb Oehling

Noise vs. Roulade
Fact or fiction? 

Come and find out! Series begins this July 8th. 
Kids who have finished kindergarten to sixth grade are encouraged to come. 
Don’t forget to ask a friend!

“Camp Victory” debut July 24, 2008   

Your church family will be camping at Camp Sandusky and working at Victory Kitchen.

            Details to follow. 

            All are welcome!

                     Youth Night   June 6, 2008     

Thanks to all the hole sponsors! 
Our golf scramble  was a huge success!  We raised over $1800.00  toward our mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico in 2009
An additional 49 donors provided gifts and certificates for gift that we given as prizes. Thanks to these donors:  Cracker Barrel, Lake Erie Monsters, Mahoning Valley Scrappers, Lake County Captains, Miller Boat Line, Puttin’ Stuff, Seneca Caverns, Cincinnati Bengals, Ghostly Manor, Pittsburgh Steelers, Matus Winery, Martin & Carole Janizeh, Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cincinnati Zoo, Lyman Harbor, Anonymous, The Coleman Family, Mystic Belle, Tranquility Spa & Salon, Pizza Hut, Quaker Steak & Lube, Fisher Titus Medical Center, Bob & Tina Coleman, Cinemark Movies, Cleveland Browns, Wendy’s, Kelble Brothers Inc., Bob & Barb Bement, Community at  Parkvue, Goofy Golf, Cleveland Cavaliers, Firelands Habitat ReStore, Walmart/Sandusky, Burnham Orchards, Dan & Amy Pogacsnik, Mortensen’s Greenhouse, Quarry Hill Orchard, Sue Englert, Blue    Marble, Toledo Mud Hens, Columbus Blue Jackets, Akron Aeros, Christian Roberts Salon, Ballreich Brothers, WKFM/L96 & WLKR/95.3, Pampered Chef/Kyle Case, Berlin Fruit Box Company, and Meadow Brook Farm.

  The winner of the basket raffle were:  Sandy Shively,  the family fun basket, Barb Bement, the Browns basket, Bob Bement the OSU and the Golf Baskets, Ron Leaman, the Wine Basket and Nan Link the Indians Basket.   

Echoes Trip to Wayne County       

July 8th   Cost:  $58.00

                Check made out to Berlin Echoes Due by June 3rd.   

• 7:30am— Bus arrives at Berlin Park  

• 9:00am  Arrive at Buehler’s for cooking demo/ refreshments  

• 10:30am  Mishler Weaving Mill 

• 11:45am  Lunch at The Barn Restaurant and visit  Shops of Buchanan Place  

• 1:30pm Simply Smucker’s—retail store  

• 3:15pm Shisler’s Cheese House 

• 5:30pm  Berlin Heights

Call Ellen Mittendorf  419.588.2123

Prayer Request  

Clara Neiding, Carl Wright, Walter Knott, Faye Waldron,    Don Smith, Cindy Hillman, Treina Neelon, Larry Scherer, Walter Meagrow Sr., Cathy Heintzelman, Don Church,     Barbara Jean Hast Sauvby, Ronda McKinney, Gert Whidden, families dealing with stressful situations, and couples going through difficult times.

In Loving Memory

  With gifts from the Memorial Fund, 4 new blue children’s tables and 36 new children’s chairs have been purchased as well.  They are scheduled to arrive just in time for Vacation Bible School.  “Whoever welcomes in my name one of these children, welcomes me.” Mark 9:37

In Memoriam
Services were held at Hinman-Tanner Funeral Home for Phyllis Hinman.  Phyllis died April 27, 2008.  We extend our sympathy to her family.

Baptism Scheduled
The Joe and Lily Burnham are planning on having their daughter Audrianna Rae baptized on June 1^st during worship.  Audrianna was born June 1, 2007

THE   U  IN  JESUS
Before U were thought of or time had begun,
God stuck U in the name of His Son.
And each time U pray, you'll see it's true,
You can't spell out JesUs and not include U.

You're a pretty big part of His wonderful name,
For U, He was born; that's why He came.
And His great love for U is the reason He died.
It even takes U to spell crUcified.
Isn't it thrilling and splendidly grand
He rose from the dead, with U in His plan?
The stone split away, the gold trUmpet blew,
and this word resUrrection is spelled with a U.

  When JesUs left earth at His upward ascension,
He felt there was one thing He just had to mention
'Go into the world and tell them it's true
That I love them all - Just like I love U.'
So many great people are spelled with a U,
Don't they have a right to know JesUs too?
It all depends now on what U will do,
He'd like them to know,
But it all starts with U.
Will YOU pass it on?

When Jesus died on the cross he was thinking of you!

Angel Closet

Thank you for the recent donations to the angel closet.  Of special need are summer clothes, men’s shorts, and clothing for teens and children.  The      angel closet will be open on Saturday May 31st at 10 AM – 12 Noon.  Or call Lisa Robson at 440-839-5191.

Canes for Agape House

Hand carved canes and hiking sticks are available at Phillips Orchards.  These have been carved by Bob Bement and all the proceeds will be donated to Agape House in Sandusky, OH.  Agape House is a Center for people with HIV/AIDS.  Come see the interesting designs.

                   Equal Exchange Coffee                         

  A new order is being placed for Equal Exchange Coffee.  When it arrives, it will be in the Fowler Room on the  credenza.  This is sold on an honor system.  Please put your money in the envelope provided.

Sanctuary Re-roofing to Begin

  Sometime during the first weeks of June Mel Yoder Roofers are scheduled to begin the big project of removing and replacing the sanctuary roof.   Special donations toward this project would be greatly appreciated.       Thank you.

June 2008

Angel Food

Regular  Menu

1.5 lb.  Rib Eye Steaks  (4X60z)

1.5 lb.  Hamburger Patties (4X6oz)

2 lb.    Pork Riblets

4 lb.    IQF Chicken Legs     Quarters

2 lb.    Breaded Chicken      Tenders

20 oz. Supreme Pizza

1 lb.    Mild Italian Sausage

2 lb.    French Fries

16 0z.  Sliced Carrots

16 oz.  Mixed Vegetables

32 oz.  Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf Stable Milk

6 oz.  Pancake Mix

15 Oz.  Pork and Beans

14 oz. Ketchup

7.5 oz.  Macaroni & Cheese

1 Dozen Eggs

1– Dessert

All this for the low cost of $30.00

Barb Bement 440.839.2264

A regular menu must

be purchased before a

June Special # 1

6.5 Family Grill Box—$20.00

(24 oz. T-Bone Steaks (2X12oz)

2 lb. Meaty Baby Back Ribs

2 lb. Thick Cut Pork Chops (4X80z)

1 lb. Bratwurst Sausage)

June Special #2

5 lb. Steak and Meat Combo Box—$20.00

(2 lb. N. Y. Strips (4X8 0z.)

2 lb. Sirloin Strips (4X8 0z.)

1 lb. Hamburger Beef Steaks (2X8 0z.)

June Special # 3

10 lb. Breaded Chicken Breast Strip Box—$16.00

(10 lbs. of Breaded Chicken Breast Strips)

Order Dates: June

Saturday, May 31 10-11 BHCC

Come on  May’s distribution and check out the groceries 

Thursday, June 12      5-6 BHCC

Sunday, June 15 following  Worship in Fowler Room

Hunger Fund
Have you ever noticed that on the first Sunday of each month a coffee can that has been relabeled to read, “HUNGER FUND” is located both on the Narthex table and on the organ sound box? This offering is used for local folks who are in need of hunger assistance.  As you might expect November and December are the months when we get the most requests.  But since the first of this year we have already had several requests.  We do have some canned goods on hand and we often     purchase an extra box of angel food which can be kept in the freezer.  We also have 2 “gift certificates” good at ALDI’s stores.

  So far this month we have had requests for 4--$25.00 ALDI vouchers,     1 unit of Angel Food, and a box of canned goods.  Give generously to the Hunger Fund.

  Victory Kitchen

  A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board.  Each month we try to send 2-3 volunteers to help prepare and serve food.  We leave Berlin Heights about 11:30 and return about 3:00.  It is a great way to serve in a local mission.

Children’s Church Activities
June 22nd-  Children’s Church
June 22nd-  Children’s Church
July 8, 15,22, 29- What does Joyful Noise and Roulade share?

Kids Say The Funniest Things

A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class.  As she ran she prayed, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late! Dear Lord,  please don't let me be late!"

While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running again!  As she ran she once again began to pray, "Dear Lord, please don't let me be late...But please don't shove me either!" 

May the blessing of the Lord be upon you.”         Psalm 129:8 

2008 Collage Graduates

  Sue Frausto                          May 2^nd from BGSU Fireland, bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development

Matthew Janizeh                (nephew of Bill and Becky   Coleman.

                                                Graduate of Woodbury University, CA.

Lori Lindner                          May 17^th Lourdes Collage, associate degree in Natural & Behavioral Science, she received the Dorothy Rigoni award and her diploma from BGSU in nursing

Jennifer Lindner                  May 2^nd BGSU, bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Jennifer carried a 4.0 average.

Church Family Invited
June 7, 2008
Rylie Holler     3:00 p.m.     Berlin Heights Community Center
Kellen Link      2-6 p.m.       826 Gloucester Dr, Huron

  June 13, 2008
Matthew Lux   6-10 p.m.      8 Whipporwill Lane

Holy Joe Café  Coffee for the Troops

At this time our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan find themselves in difficult and life threatening situations.  This exacts an extreme physical, emotional, and psychological toll on them.  Our chaplains are the first line of defense against the issues faced by our troops.  Through Holy Joe’s Café Ministry, the support that is offered to them is so effective and well received, that the outreach program has grown to assist over 20 chaplains.

If you want to support this ministry:

1.  Connect by internet:   http://equalexchange.store.yahoo.net
2. Select the “Percolator Coffees”
3. Select the coffee you’d like to send.
4. Enter the shipping address:
First Name:  Holy Joe’
Last Name:  Café
Address:  C/O Cooper/Atkins Corporation
33 Reed’s Gap Rd
Middlefield, CT 06455
Enter ID:  IRAQ001
Pay for your order by credit card
Enter this number: 34-6549193
Submit your order

Delegates vote to start new UCC church in Northwest Ohio

On April 26, delegates to the 45th annual meeting of the NWOA-UCC voted to go support the Church Development Team (the same team that helped “birth” Nu-Vizion” a few years ago) in going forward with a new church start in Toledo. The name of the church will be “The Village Church of Northwest Ohio” and it will be shepherded by Pastor Cheri Holdridge, a United Methodist pastor seeking dual standing in the UMC and the UCC (United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ). This “regional” congregation will have its epicenter in South Toledo, with primary outreach ministry in Old South Toledo. It will have a long-term vision to expend its energy to become a multi-site movement that will spread across the region. The Village Church of Northwest Ohio will reach persons who live and work in the city, who long for authentic relationships and community, who seek balance in their lives of prayer and action, and who will offer compassion and seek justice for persons living in poverty. Pastor Cheri says The Village Church of Northwest Ohio will not build its own church facilities, but will partner with other churches and organizations to share worship space.

A Special Thank-You
Two new carpets have been purchased for the nursery and kindergarten Sunday school classrooms.  One has a Noah’s Ark Theme the other Jesus and the   Children.  These were purchased with donations from Gail Eakin and The Eric Robson Family.  They are so colorful and add such a warm inviting feeling to these classrooms.  Thank you!
Geraniums and Dusty Miller line our front sanctuary steps ready to welcome you to worship.  Thank you Kathy Deehr and Fran Malone for your donation and hard work planting these lovely flowers.
We also appreciate the donation of geraniums from Colonial Gardens and the truck load of wood mulch for the community center.  Thank you Hollie Beatty for securing this donation for us.

Dear Friends,
This is late in coming.  It has been 2yrs since Garryn and  I have
moved to Berlin Heights. Not only have you helped us heal but
to thrive. Thank you for showing us Jesus.  We are blessed by our
church family.                                        Marianne & Garryn Snyder

Parish Nurse News

Try the following tips to help plan a week that will leave you feeling good, inside and out. If you are receiving treatment for a mental health problem, these tips can help you manage your illness and support your treatment and recovery.

· Sunday-Relax. Try meditating, taking a walk in a natural setting, or reaching out spiritually or through prayer.  Quiet reflection  can improve your state of mind, strengthen your sense of self and community, and give you time away from a hectic schedule.

· Monday- Make a plan. Decide what tasks you need to complete for the week and make a plan for when and how to do them.  If you are overscheduled, decide what can wait a week or two. 

· Tuesday- Surround yourself with supportive people. Make plans with family  and friends, or seek out activities at which you can meet new people. Reconnect with someone you have lost touch with and create new memories.

· Wednesday- Take care of your body. Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health.  Be sure to eat nutritious meals, avoid cigarettes, drink alcohol only in moderation, drink plenty of water, get enough sleep and exercise regularly.

· Thursday- Give of yourself. Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else.  You’ll feel good about doing helping someone in need---and it’s a great way to meet new people who share your interest and passion.

· Friday- Broaden your horizons. Expand you interests.  Explore a new hobby, plant a garden, plan a road-trip, try a new restaurant, take dance lessons, or learn to play an instrument or speak another language.

· Saturday- Value yourself. Treat yourself with kindness and avoid self criticism. Take stock of the qualities you like about yourself.  Take some time every day to relax, reflect and rejuvenate.

  “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine, but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Proverbs 17:22      So for your health remember to laugh everyday.

                                                                Love in Christ,    Deb Oehling  

Adventure Park  Vacation Bible  School

June 9-13 

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 daily

Items needed for VBS:

• plastic bread wrappers (bags)

•  20 oz. water or pop bottles with lids

•  magazines with beautiful pictures

• plastic butter tubs

• knit (stretchy) fabrics about 12" x 12" square

The cost for VBS this year is $10.00 for the week.
Daily offering will go to Heifer Project International.

Biloxi  or  Bust!

It’s that time again for everyone to pack up their clothes, dust off their tools and climb aboard the “White Lightin” as we head for Mississippi. We have seven brave souls signed up and are hoping to get more.  We can take up to 14. “Mario Oehling” will not be doing all the driving this year; we will have three “NASCAR” drivers. We can take seven more and are looking for folks who have some building skills, such as plumbing, carpet or tile installers, painters, electrical workers and wood workers.  Yes, the weather will be hot but there are such things as balmy breezes off of the ocean and there will be a shrimp boil the last day. So sign up now before all the spots are taken.  We will have a great time.  We are planning on at least one overnight both going and coming. (Yep, no all nighters) The cost of the whole trip is $375. , which includes transportation and meals; the first    installment of $175.00 is due by May 31, 2008. Please prayerfully  considering joining us and if you know others who might be interested feel free to invite them along.

National Youth Event 
July 24-28, 2008
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
The NYE Planning Team has been working diligently and is excited to invite you to NYE for four days of inspiring worship, diverse workshops, exciting speakers and fun for high school youth (age 13– 18) from July 24—28, 2008 at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.  We hope to see your youth group at this amazing event! 

Camp Good Grief 2008 

June 23rd—27th   10:00am—2:00pm
Osborne Park
3910 E. Perkins Ave.
Huron, OH 44839

Camp Good Grief is designed for children, ages 5-12, who have experienced the death of a loved one.  The children will learn about healthy coping mechanisms to help them through the healing  process. 
Registration includes the completion of an application, interview, and $10.00 materials fee (scholarships are available). 
Registration deadline is June 13, 2008

Kids Say the Funniest Things
A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took   Jesus with them to  Jerusalem . A small child replied, "They couldn't get a baby-sitter."

June 1 Audrianna Burnham
June 2     Dave & Monica Klarer
June 3     Julie Whittington
June 4     Matt & Brook Wilson
June 4     Bill Deehr
June 6     Dick & Kathy Hughes
June 6     Darrin & Cindy Hildebrand
June 7     Mike Old
June 7     Brittany Schuster
June 8     Connie Deehr
June 10   Sandy Shively
June 11   Sharon Bittner
June 11   Katie Ortman
June 12   Tammy Shupe
June 12   Korey McDonald
June 15   Jack Plunkett
June 15   Abbi Plunkett
June 16   Jim & Lov Deitz
June 17   John & Kay Hartman
June 17   Bob Bement
June 19   Chris & Wendy Harper
June 19   Natalie Beatty
June 21   Julia Frausto
June 23   Pauline Ward
June 23   Sarah Gibbs
June 24   Kathy Old
June 25   Don Smith
June 26   Dave & Tammy Shupe
June 26   Steve Deehr
June 26  Peg Puder
June 26   Kay Otto
June 27   Kirsten Lux
June 30   Roger Wallace
June 30   John Carson