Hiram Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 6868 Wakefield Rd, PO Box 937 Hiram, OH 44234 NON-PROFIT ORG. 330-569-7697 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT No. 7 Hiram, OH 44234

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED september 2020

Returning Anew:

It is so good to return from another time of rest and restoration. This return coincides with so many more: the students of have returned to campus for a new semester; students in our congregation and community are returning - or still preparing to return - to a new semester of school; and some of us are returning to work as our traditional rhythms and

current pandemic-rhythm so permit. It is a return to what is known, and this return especially -

like all returns - is new.

I think of the wisdom of the saying that each time one visits or returns to a river, they are

gazing upon an entirely new river. Sure, the trajectory and the grand outline of the waters may look familiar, but the pace, volume, and temperature are different; the erosion of the banks has continued revealing something new; the ecological community that inhabits the space holds a constancy and is also new. iALERT…If the weather is bad on Sunday mornings, please remember to check for church cancellations through the iALERT system. Find cancellations on Channel 3, at www.wkyc.com and on news radio WTAM 1100. As we enter a season well-defined by the concept of return within a time filled with uncertainty, may our memory be a gift unto us - that we know the way; a source of confidence that we have been here before. And, as we enter this season, may we continue to abide in the spirit of grace that will allow us to sense all that is new before us. May we extend grace to our COMING EVENTS: friends, family, colleagues and neighbors who are struggling with their returns - and with the

change around us. May we extend grace and gentleness to ourselves as we understand well that yes, we know the way and we have been here before, and this is entirely new. Wednesday, September 16, 5:00pm – Hiram College Virtual Lecture – see page 3 for details.

Grace and peace be with you in the return that you are entering, the returns you long for, and Friday, September 18, 4:30-7pm - Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner Take-out at Hiram Christian Church! Kiwanis of the Western Reserve will have their last Drive-Thru Dinner of the year on the 18th. The same the grief and the wonder of a return as it reveals all that is new. God and your church great spaghetti dinners, but they will be TAKE OUT ONLY in the drive-thru set up in the Hiram Christian community are present to accompany you through it all. Church parking lot. Entry is through the routes 700 & 82 driveways, the alley behind the church is exit only. Included is your choice of meat or marinara sauce, salad, garlic bread, plus a special treat from Peace, Maggie’s Donuts! Sorry, no beverages. Adults are $8.00, children 8 and under are half-price at $4.00. The Minister’s schedule in September: Co-host to be announced. Rev. Chris McCreight Rev. Chris has online office hours Wednesdays 2-4pm

https://zoom .us/j/3305697697?pwd=MXdCeVVnYWVT Stewardship: If you would like to financially support the ministries of Hiram Christian Church, please K09vS0c5YVpaa24rQT09 Password: 6868 know that you can donate online from our website (HiramChristianChurch.org) or you can set regular contributions using BillPay from your bank. Thank you for being a part of Hiram Christian Church. or please connect with Rev. Chris at [email protected] or 330-977-7834.

Stewardship: p. 2 Hospitality ______p. 7 Building Updates: In the Life of the Congregation: We applied for and received a grant from the Hiram Community Trust to repair and improve the Prayers of comfort: accessibility ramp to the sanctuary. The planning process is underway and bids are being reviewed. Kathy Muscari’s beloved aunt, Joan Rogers in NJ passed away due to many health issues. She would Hopefully we will be ready to begin construction soon! have been 86. Prayers for the family. * Prayers for family and friends of Margaret’s cousin Charlie Evans who passed unexpectedly. * Prayers for the Howell family at the loss of their grandmother. Board Meeting: * Prayers for the Martell family on the death of their father. Prayers for his wife and three children. * The next HCC board meeting will be Tuesday, September 22 at 7:00pm on Zoom: Prayers for Margaret’s niece, Erin in Indiana. Her mother-in-law in Puerto Rico was diagnosed with the https://zoom.us/j/98594692407?pwd=Uko1aWNqUmhrUVNCV2t5U05QbEhVdz09 virus and died within 24 hours. Her husband is in the Navy in California. Meeting ID: 985 9469 2407 Passcode: 197066 Prayers of healing and strength: Partners in Ministry: Peg Ehrlinger is recovering from shoulder surgery. Prayers for recovery, healing, and comfort. * Damaris Peters Pike is recovering from surgery. Prayers for her recovery, healing and comfort. * News from Little Village: Margaret Green Masters had a total hip replacement, and is recovering. Prayers for healing and The board of Little Village Early Learning Center has chosen to suspend its operations for the 2020- comfort. * Prayers for Emliss Ricks' brothers, Barry and Kevin. Kevin’s cancer has returned. * 2021 academic year. Upon reviewing the public health requirements and looking at the financial Blessings on Margaret’s young friend, Rachel as she travels to the Netherlands to begin a feasibility of re-opening, it was determined that a postponed re-opening is the best way forward. In the graduate program for the next 2 years. Comforting thoughts for her parents (Beth and Dave) as they meantime, the Church has revised the monthly amount of cost-sharing from LV to keep it in line with send her forth on a great adventure. * Prayers for Jennifer's mom as she sustained injuries in a car Church operating expenses. Members of LV will soon be preparing the space for hibernation to ensure accident. * Prayers for Hiram alumna, Nicole Walls and her daughter, as her daughter recovers from materials remain together and clean, and to provide accessible space for the Church to use in this eye surgery and removal of a tumor. * Prayers for Rick's son, Dillon, who has had hard times and is time. losing his apartment. * Prayers for Peg's father, Joe. * Prayers for a premature baby, Beckett, who was born 16 weeks early. Doing well so far but lots of prayers needed. * Prayers for Steve, friend of 4C’s: Monetary donations to be sent to: The 4C’s, P.O. Box 227, Mantua, OH 44255. Joan and John. He is dealing with depression. NGCC: Needs include: Pork n Beans; boxed potatoes; tuna / hamburger helper; peas; carrots; boxed tea bags; Jello; pudding; canned chili w beans. Hours are Sep. 14 & 28 3-5:30pm and Sep. 9 & 23 9- Prayers for our students, nation and churches: 11:30am at their location at the Garrettsville YMCA. Monetary donations can be sent to: NGCC, PO Let’s pray for the people of Louisiana and Texas and other places due to the hurricanes. * Prayers and blessings on Isaac as he begins Seminary at Vanderbilt in Nashville. * Prayers for those dealing with Box 294, Garrettsville, OH 44231. fires in California including Kristen's friends, the Andersons, and for the Covenant Church Camp in News from the UH Portage Medical Center Pastoral Care Office: Mission Springs. Prayers that their community members also get to safety, and for protection for first The Pastoral Care Dept. would like to make everyone aware that there is now a new service available responders. * Prayers for Mrs. Delaney and all the teachers who are returning to school. Prayers for to your congregation: our Dial-A-Prayer line – that has been in service for patients and staff for many teachers, kids’ families and school officials as they make decisions about the start of school, moving years- is now accessible from outside the hospital. The number is 330-297-2545. The message is forward. * Prayers for our brothers and sisters in Beirut. * Prayers for our country. changed once a week. Blessings and celebrations:

Blessings for birthdays- Sydney Shawgo, Jane Moody. * Gratitude for Isaac, Sarah and Valeria and for Thinking in Hymns – Ann Patella Inspired by words of Pastor Sarah Smith, my recent hymn thoughts have been about the Holy Spirit. their inspiring words. * Congratulations and good wishes to Jennifer Williams as she travels to Texas Sarah pointed out that many Christians rarely think about the Holy Spirit, and I realized that I had for a teaching position. never actually prayed to the Holy Spirit.

The next morning, I was struggling with a prayer for God to help a person very dear to me. Suddenly, a hymn line came to me: “Come, Holy Spirit, come.” Yes! I could visualize the Holy Spirit, like a

dove, coming to my loved one, surrounding them with healing love. That hymn line is from “Like the Murmur of a Dove’s Song,” #245 in our Chalice Hymnal. Cards and Caring Team has published a list of names and addresses for our friends who are unable to attend regularly or who “ head south” for the winter. Please remember to send cards or call our friends And when I checked the hymnal, I could see that I have other favorite hymns that are prayers to the and keep them in your prayers. Lists are available in the back of the Sanctuary. Holy Spirit:

“Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove” #248 We Will Pray for You and Yours: Our prayer chain goes out to 40+ people over email. We pray for you and your “Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me” #259 loved ones. If you have a request, please contact Nancy Schauer ([email protected] or 330-569-7416) and “Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart” #265 let us know of your request. If you’d like to receive emails we’d be happy to add you to the group (also, if you want to discontinue receiving, let us know). Hymn thoughts have once again enhanced my prayer life.

Spiritual Formation (cont.): p.p. 66 p. 3

From CCinOH: Dear Friends, Thank you for your consideration of support for the Christian Church in Ohio and Camp Christian Renewal Initiative. Through the years, our ministries have thrived because of active participation and continued generosity from people like you. We ask that you please prayerfully consider a donation. Gifts of any amount to this initiative will help us reach our goal to continue the work of Camp Christian and the church in Ohio not just now, but in each new season that God calls us towards. Our initial financial goal is to raise $75,000 so that we can: • Extend an offer to a Regional Minister at the end of 2020 • Fully open Camp Christian for the Summer of 2021 • Explore new Ministry Opportunities through the findings of the Regional Transition Team • Jump-start a renewed purpose, strengthen relationships and support local ministries and leaders • In 2021 we aim to embark in creative new ministry pathways, and as a part of that, we want to create long-term planning and funding for the Region and Camp Christian so that we can ensure the longevity of this faithful ministry of the Christian Church in Ohio. •

• Update: As of 8/28/2020, $55,000 has been raised!

Online help for seniors: Generationsonline.org offers free tutorials, advice and apps for getting you or an older friend or

relative online and using the internet, Zoom, email and more on various devices. “Generations on Line exists because age must not close the door to opportunity for sharing wisdom, learning

new skills, connecting to others, or accessing online resources.”

Words of gratitude: From Margaret: Thanks for cards and prayers for me. One week out from surgery and doing well. It is getting easier to maneuver and pain is minimal.

From Sandy Coffman & family: I want to thank everyone for the prayers and condolences for my family during this very difficult loss of my son Daniel Coffman. My church family has been so supportive. Thank you so much.

From the secretary: Thank you Betsy Siman, for all your hard work battling weeds around the office building as well as in the memorial garden! Thank you to the newsletter team for returning to duty to make this mailing possible!

More Blessings: On September 12, 2020, Cathy Ricks will receive the Kent Environmental Council Edith Chase Award for Conservation. Congratulations, Cathy!

On September 25, 2020, Bob and Hope Cisney will celebrate fifty years of marriage. Congratulations to them! Cards and notes can be sent to: 6644 Hankee Rd., Mantua OH 44255

Prophetic Witness: p. 4 Spiritual Formation p. 5 CROP Walk: PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW It is happening, so save the date! On October 18, it will be a real (not virtual) walk outdoors, following In 1983 our church established a scholarship fund at Christian Theological Seminary, a Disciple’s the same path as last year. Kate Hankinson is our coordinator for this year and can be reached at School in Indiana, to be made available annually to a member of the congregation who is a student [email protected] or 330-606-3440. In the meantime, she has set up an online link so you preparing for Christian ministry or to a student at CTS. Listed below are the recipients over the years. can get started with registrations and donations: Many familiar names! We are delighted this year to be able to award Isaac Ackermann a $1,001.00 https://www.crophungerwalk.org/hiramoh/hiramchurch scholarship to Vanderbilt Divinity School to support his studies for the ministry.

Ohio needs poll workers – encourage someone you know to consider working on Nov. 3: CTS Scholarship Recipients **WANTED: Election Protection Volunteers. Sign up for a position today!** 2020-21 Isaac Ackermann, Disciples Divinity House, Vanderbilt Divinity School It only takes one person to make a difference. Why not you? 2019-20 William Smith and Denise Robinson, CTS students You can serve as a poll worker in Ohio if you: 2018-19 Mary Elliott – CTS student o Are a U.S. citizen o Are at least 18 years of age and registered to vote or 17 years old and a senior in high 2017-18 John Ray – CTS student school. 2016-17 Marilyn Sikes – CTS student o Are a resident of the county in which you plan to serve. 2015-16 Jonathan Cahill - University of Chicago, Divinity School o Are not running as a candidate for the election in which you are working. 2013-14 Brian Carr - Methodist Theological Seminary Ohio o Have not been convicted of a felony. 2012-13; 2011-12; 2010-11 Aaron Boyle – On Election Day… 2009-10 Steven Gower – Vanderbilt, Disciples House of Divinity o You’ll help voters sign in and find their voting location. 2008-09; 2007-08 Steven Gower – Vanderbilt, and Sarah Woodford – Yale Divinity School o Make sure voting machines are working properly. o Help enforce the rules that maintain the fairness and security of the day’s election. 2006-07; 2005-06 Tyler Delaney – Vanderbilt Divinity School o Work from 6 a.m. until your polling place finishes tallying votes, which would be sometime 2004-05 Charles (Chad) Delaney – Vanderbilt Divinity School after 8 p.m. 2003-04 Chad Delaney and Jason Bricker – Vanderbilt Divinity School Call or email your local board of elections to find out how to apply for this rewarding paid job 2002-03; 2001-02 Heather Waltz – Lexington Theological Seminary opportunity. Every county has a different deadline, so make sure your application is in as soon and Jason Bricker – Vanderbilt Divinity School as possible. Being a poll worker is a demanding job, which is why we need capable, patient voters like 2000-01 Heather Waltz and Lori Smallwood – both Lexington Theological Seminary 1999-00; 1998-99 Lori Smallwood – Lexington Theological Seminary you to rise to the challenge. and Brandon Gilvin – Vanderbilt Divinity Worship: 1997-98 Christal Williams and Stephen Lantis - CTS students Worship Plans Thus Far: 1996-97 Elizabeth Wiemer and Christal Williams – CTS students The board has chosen to continue worship online at least through the month of October. We 1995-96 John O’Hara – Western Theological Seminary understand the desire to return to our traditional format once more, and we continue to remember that 1994-95; 1993-94 Jodi Bebout – Christian Theological Seminary the elements that go into a worship service: gathering, singing, passing the peace and the trays - 1992-93 Faith Proietti – Ashland Seminary combine to make the event incredibly risky with this particular virus. 1991-92 Tom Smith – CTS student

The board will continue to assess the public health information each time they gather and look for the 1990 –91; 1989-90; 1988-89 Jeffrey Jackson – Lexington Theological Seminary time when we can prepare for a healthy return. In the meantime, it must be mentioned again and 1987-88; 1986-87; 1985-86 Charlene Moss – Pittsburgh Theological Seminary again: we are grateful for the spirit of patience and the generous commitment you offer to this church. We are finding new ways to worship, learn, and serve, and we will continue to do so. We are also here Christian Education: - 10:15-10:45AM Sundays starting Sep. 13 to encourage one another in this time when we can feel quite distant from one another. Let us continue Sunday School/Children’s Church will begin on September 13. We are back to “The Neighborhood” to be good neighbors to one another and Christ’s Church for all. with Zoom. Our time together will begin 45 minutes before worship, and will last a half hour. The actual meeting time will be emailed as well as activities, and parent pages. The lessons will follow the Worship stays online on Zoom, but moves to an 11:00am start time – same Narrative Lectionary which will be used in worship, so kids will get a heads up on the scripture Join Zoom Meeting lesson for the day. https://zoom.us/j/3305697697?pwd=MXdCeVVnYWVTK09vS0c5YVpaa24rQT09 Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/3305697697?pwd=Z1VJQy9CQjBNNnZYbFRQaE5ZVEgwQT09 Meeting ID: 330 569 7697 Passcode: love Meeting ID: 330 569 7697 Passcode: 6868