Dear Avon Lake UCC Friends,

WORDS OF WELCOME       

Join me in welcoming Jana Goots to our church family! Jana has been worshiping with us for several years and is now “making it official.” Jana and her husband Dave were married in our sanctuary; they now live in Elyria. Jana has two grown children. She is a Mental Health Consultant with the McKeon Education Group. 

THE HOLIDAY SEASON

As Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, we in the church are aware that this time of year is complicated and often stressful for many people. We have expectations that our celebrations will or should be perfect. We worry about money. We’re afraid of conflict around the dinner table, as ultra-Republican Uncle Bill talks to ultra-Democrat Aunt Nancy. It may be the first holiday season after a divorce, or the first holiday season after a death. Should you try to keep your traditions? Change them all up? Do you ever feel that you’re the only one who feels melancholy when everyone around you is “merry and bright”?

On Sunday, November 20, at 3 PM, I will facilitate a conversation on “Grief Support For the Holidays.” All are welcome. We will talk about grief in the broadest sense. Anyone who is feeling uncertainty or dread about this season is welcome. We will share coping tips.

A similar session will be held Monday, November 21, at 7 PM, led by Kim Langley. Kim is an excellent speaker, author, and long-time friend of this congregation. Kim is calling her session, “A Balm for Blue Holidays: Finding comfort and creativity after significant life change or loss. Here is her description of her presentation - “As the holidays approach some among us are keenly aware that a death, divorce, health crisis or move will have an impact, and it can’t be business as usual. We may be trying to make peace with stark or subtle changes: absent friends and family, climate-related disasters, the divisions among us, or simply trying to prepare a Thanksgiving or other holiday meal that seems overwhelming, if not impossible, this year. No matter which holidays you celebrate, there might be new or refreshed traditions, habits and practices that bring comfort, consolation and even hopeful transformation and serve as a healing balm for the wounded spirit. Join Kim Langley, author of Send My Roots Rain: a companion on the grief journey, so that with support and validation, we may find it easier to offer a welcome to winter, to changed holiday experiences, to our own anxieties and hopes.”

Please come to either session - or both - and this is an excellent opportunity to invite friends/neighbors/co-workers who might benefit.

On Sunday, December 4, at 3 PM, we offer our Service of Remembrance in the sanctuary - we will share brief meditations on how we enter the Christmas season if we are experience sadness and/or loss. Scott will offer music, and we will place ornaments on the Tree of Remembrance.

If you are struggling with facing the holidays this year for any reason, we hope these programs will help you. Please contact me, Beau, or Cheryl if we can help in any other way. Stephen Ministers are available to meet with you as well. 

FILM SERIES

Below in this email you will see a link that will allow you to watch the film, “Race to Be Human.” We screened it in the sanctuary last night. It contains excellent information about understanding race and racism and suggestions about how we can do more to learn about each other and act with empathy. I highly recommend it. Our last film is “The Upstanders” about bullying. I hope many parents and teachers in the congregation will be here for the film and discussion Wednesday, November 16 at 7 PM. Please note the link to the survey after you watch each film, too. 

STEPHEN MINISTRY APPLICATIONS

Please contact me if you have questions about our Stephen Ministry program. We are currently recruiting students to a new class that will begin sometime in 2023. Participants meet in a small group for 50 hours of training, then are commissioned and serve the church by offering a listening confidential ear to those in a time of life change or crisis. Download your applications here.

WOMEN’S RETREAT

Give yourself a gift at the beginning of 2023: 24 hours away, farm-to-table chef-prepared food, an excellent presentation on “wintering.” Meet new friends! See registration info in this email; contact me if you have questions.

THANK YOU!

I am grateful for those who have made a commitment to support the church financially in 2023. Knowing what resources we have helps us plan ministry and mission for the coming year. If you have questions about giving, I’m happy to talk with you. Information about how to give is included in this weekly email.

Grace and peace,

Kelly

pastor@avonlakeucc.org

Thank you to those who have been able to set up a log-in in our new database system called Realm. For those of you who haven't yet, you'll need to request an invite to set up your log in to access your profile. It only takes a couple minutes!

After you have your login and profile set, please download the Realm Connect app for mobile phones.

For Apple mobile devices.

For Android mobile devices.

If you have any difficulties, please contact the church office (440-933-3241; office@avonlakeucc.org) Someone on staff will help you!

Thank you for your continued support of the mission and ministries of Avon Lake UCC. As we prepare the 2023 budget, we request that you make your pledge towards the 2023 campaign using this secure online form. https://onrealm.org/avonlakeucc/-/form/pledge/2023offering

For more information, including a short message from Sr. Minister Kelly Brill, see this announcement that was emailed again Tuesday. If you have questions about your donations or pledges, please contact Rev. Kelly Brill or Kelly Smolik, Business Manager, business@avonlakeucc.org.

We've held 3 of our 4 film screenings and had a productive conversation last night following "RACE to be Human." If you could not make it, but wish to view it at home, follow this link below. You’ll be asked to register for free access (same login if you already viewed ANGST or LIKE) and have until Monday night to watch. 

Click HERE to go to movie dashboard for RACE to be Human where you can view the film and resources.

After viewing RACE (at church or home), please visit HERE to go to the survey evaluation.

Next week’s film is The Upstanders. Shame and stress are key drivers of the cyber-bullying epidemic. Only talking will eradicate it. The Upstanders movie helps all individuals and communities stand-up against it. Essential viewing for all teens and parents. Wednesday, November 16 at 7:00 in the Sanctuary. Al are welcome! Free popcorn and soft drinks!

Your 2022 Fall Food Drive kicks off Sunday, November 6 and will run through November 20. We will be taking donations via Realm and the Connect app, avonlakeucc.org/donate, checks, or cash. 

Please use the “Mission Food Drive” drop down under “Fund” for on-line donations. If you choose to write a check, please indicate “Food Drive” in the memo line and mail to the church or drop off in person. For in person donations, we will be taking donations before and after services at a table by the new Courtyard Cafe. Your donations will be used to support the needs of our seven local agencies:

• Haven Center in Lorain the only 24/7 homeless shelter for families in Lorain County;
• St. Paul’s UCC which is our sister church in Ohio City, Cleveland;
• Avon Lake CRS (Community Resource Services) serves our residents who are suddenly in a need of emergency assistance;
• Mercy Resource Mothers in Lorain supports new, single expecting mothers through their pregnancy and baby's first year;
• Primary Purpose (male addiction rehab home);
• Road to Hope Margeau’s House (female addiction rehab home);
• Genesis House (Lorain county’s center for Domestic Abuse).

The need is great and ongoing! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Judy Srail at judysrail@gmail.com or 440-787-9833. Thank you in advance for your unwavering help and support!

This Saturday morning! 8:00 – 9:00 AM.

Men of the church community are invited for morning conversation, coffee and donuts. We will meet in the Ed Wing and will discuss the recent Men’s Retreat and look ahead to 2023 as we share ideas and plans for future gatherings, including next year's retreat. We'll have a brief presentation about Stephen Ministry from Teri Ann Jasany.

Safety Training - THIS SUNDAY



A new role has been created to help keep the congregation safe during unexpected events. This individual will be an active part of our Sunday Morning Worship program, greeting newcomers, directing people with questions, and engaging in general hospitality. During the service, this new position will also walk the inside halls and monitor the grounds for activity.

Come and learn what you need to do to be prepared as a safety leader during the worship services. Using simple methods and of observation and hospitality, you can help keep everyone safe. No prior experience is necessary, and no group or team membership is required.

Training will be November 13 following 11:00 service for about one hour. RSVP on your Realm Connect app or email beau@avonlakeucc.org.

The new women’s Living In Faith Together (LIFT) community group is meeting this month on Monday, November 14 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Join us as we learn about how women manifest and manage anger differently from men, effective anger management strategies, and create your own anger iceberg and a personal origami strategy selector (known to us in our childhood as a “cootie catcher” or a “fortune teller”)! As usual, we will have plenty of time for connection and sharing and will incorporate a new relaxation strategy for anger management as well as a beautiful blessing to send us on our way until next month.

Please RSVP for the November meeting here or on your Realm Connect app so we are able to estimate the supplies needed for the origami project!

NOTE: Please do not let transportation be a barrier to attending! If you need a ride, please reach out to one of our organizers (below) and we will set you up with another member-remember, we are all about making connections! 😊

NEW - we're going to The Cleveland Botanical Gardens on Thursday, December 1, departing ALUCC at 5:30 PM. Register here.

Next Meeting: The December meeting will be held on December 6 at 7:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, please contact Cynthia Herr Kotora at ckotora1983@gmail.com; Patsy Coniku at patsyholianconiku@yahoo.com; Lynn Miller at Lynntwin@mail.com.

The Stephen Ministry team is looking for new members.

We hope to have a new training class in the near future. Interested? Have questions? Current Stephen Ministers would be happy to talk with you about their reasons for being part of this rewarding lay ministry. You can identify them by their blue name tags. You can also find them in the Prayer Room after Sunday services.

Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of congregations to increase care and outreach to hurting people. Through Stephen Ministry, congregations equip and empower a team of laypeople—Stephen Ministers—who provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing grief, unemployment, hospitalization, loneliness, divorce, financial stress, a serious illness, or other life difficulties. Let us know if you would like a Stephen Minister . . . or if you’d like to BE one. For more information, contact Rev. Kelly Brill, pastor@avonlakeucc.org, or Rev. Beau Dansizen, beau@avonlakeucc.org.

Download your application here or pick one up at at the Welcome Desk.

ALUCC Book Club

All are welcome the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM in the Ed Wing Conference Room 104 at the church, for about an hour. Please use the back entrance.

November 22: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman, Discussion lead by Judy Reich.  Several copies are available at ALPL, book discussion shelf.

December - No meeting

January 24: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson (lead by Bonnie Fraser)

Save the date for a special end of year concert by Anne E. DeChant! Anne E. and the full band - Paul, Chuck, and Rob - invite you to a Special End of Year Concert with Tim Longfellow featured on the Grand Piano and Accordion. ALUCC Music Director, Scott Ewing joins Anne E. and the band for a few tunes. A must see concert to round out 2022!

Anne E. will return 20% of ticket sales to support our work with our mission partners.

Join us for a night of fun and live music in the Sanctuary on Saturday, December 17 at 7:00 PM. Purchase your tickets in advance HERE.

“There’s virtue in honesty, and in intuition, and in openness, and in tough-minded decency. Those things may or may not make for fine art. In the hands, heart, and voice of Anne E. DeChant, they may, they might, and they do.”

- Peter Cooper, Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame

As those of you on Medicare know from the news and your mailbox, it is once again time to look at the available Medicare Plans and the Part D Drug Plans. The deadline for changes is December 7.  You can go to medicare.gov to compare plans. For the drug plans you can enter any prescription drugs you are taking and compare their cost with each plan. If you need help, I am glad to help look at the cost comparison with you.

Caregiver's Support Group will meet on Tuesday, November 15 at 7:00 PM.

Grief Support Session prior to the holidays: On Sunday afternoon, November 20 at 3:00 p.m. Kelly will lead a session entitled, “Coping with Grief During the Holidays”. Whether or not this is your first holiday season after the death of a loved one, the holidays can be an especially difficult time. Preparing yourself can help. Understanding what you might expect and planning ahead to adapt your celebrations this year are all recommended strategies. Kelly will share some information and give you a chance to talk with others who are also walking the grief journey. Feel free to invite a friend.

Additionally, Kim Langley is providing a program entitled “Coping with the Holidays” for the Stephen Ministers and church family; all are welcome to attend this program on Monday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m.

Our Tree of Remembrance will go up this year when the church is decorated on Sunday, November 27.  If you have lost a loved one and would like to add an ornament to this beautiful tree this year the ornaments must be ordered by November 27. Forms will be at the Welcome Center; they can be returned with a check, or with payment through REALM or our online donation.

Save these dates:

November 20 - Grief Support for the Holidays, 3:00

November 21 - A Balm for Blue Holidays, 7:00

November 27 - decorate the church, following worship

December 04 - Service of Remembrance, 3:00

December 07 - Sr. High Mission Trip Meeting

December 17 - Anne E. DeChant Concert, 7:00

December 18 - Compline Prayer Service, 7:00

Christmas Eve - Services at 5:00, 9:00 and 11:00 PM

January 27-28 - Women's Retreat

January 29 - Annual Meeting

The 2023 ALUCC Women’s Retreat theme is WINTERING WELL, with well-known and well-loved facilitator Kim Langley: "Let’s make friends with winter, or at least call a truce.  We’ll learn to find meaning and comfort in the holy dark of winter. Through poetry, ’quick writes,’ and shared wisdom, we’ll explore how to capture some winter joy and quiet optimism for ourselves. Bring your favorite writing tools for journaling. Join us in ’wintering well’, as together we retreat inward and reflect deeply, preparing to return to our lives with greater intentionality and vision."

Start the new year with this gift to yourself at the beautiful Bellwether Farm where you’ll enjoy farm-to-table, chef-prepared food. Free time options include yoga, walking, visiting the farm animals, games, and conversation. You can be social or spend time alone; it’s up to you! Meet some new friends, reconnect.

For more details and to reserve your spot - register here via Realm.

Your help is welcomed! Sign up below to assist in worship on Sunday by being a greeter, usher or Sunday School teacher.  Thank you!

Sunday School and Nursery

Greeters and Ushers

Midweek Meditation: If anyone is interested, Lynn has a "Meditation Cheat Sheet" with basic instructions and some recommended resources. Email Lynn for a copy.

Looking to try out or change up your meditation practice? Join Lynn Miller each Wednesday at 8:30 AM for 30 minutes of silent meditation in the Ed Wing, Room 104. Yes - that's right - we sit for 30 minutes focusing on our breath and clearing our minds, enjoying the silence that can be hard to find in the week. A Zoom link is available if you prefer to meditate with us from the comfort of your home...the office or wherever! Please contact Lynn at Lynntwin@mail.com if you would like a Zoom link. 

Our Prayer List can be found in Saturday's email and will be available on The Current, our weekly printed newsletter that is available in the Gathering Space following worship. If you would like us to pray for a family or friend, please e-mail pastor@avonlakeucc.org or beau@avonlakeucc.org or office@avonlakeucc.org to have them added to the weekly prayer list.