Page 1

Keith

August 2019

Interpreter An Open & Affirming Congregation

Th

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~ A Note From The Minister Take a moment and consider your passion. What is

it that inspires you? Our mission group, working for

months trying to determine our purpose, may have

stumbled upon what it is that we are called to share.

We want to inspire you to dream a new dream for

our church. Don Nichols asked you to write down

your passion on cards. He collected them and

arranged them in in categories. I can’t speak for

everyone on the group, but the number of items on

the list was daunting. And the list seemed to lack

passion. Each item seemed to be a problem that

needed to be addressed. Needless to say, I found

myself floundering. Each ministry opportunity

appeared to be just one more way for our church to

stay busy. At the end of the meeting, we began to

ask the deeper questions regarding passion.

By encouraging the congregation to be open to the

leadership of the Holy Spirit in both usual and

unusual ways, the “sounding the call” ministry

model (we are all ministers) recognizes and affirms

the Spirit’s leading through any church member. It

provides a medium through which a specific mission

or ministry idea is tested. The “sounding the call”

ministry model frees church members to work where

they are concerned, where their gifts can be used

most effectively, and where they can obey their own

sense of calling to the work of God.

If a Dover church participant feels passionately

about an issue, mission, or ministry that person may

“sound a call” for the formation of a new mission

or ministry group. I hesitate to write this, but there

are a few rules—passion rules.

1. Is the call incredibly Good News?

God does not call us to things out of a sense

of guilt or dread. We are truly called when

we approach something with joy, excitement

and hopeful expectation. Some feelings of

fear and inadequacy may come, especially at

first, but no major undertaking should be

started without a sense that it is Good News.

2. Is the call almost impossible to

accomplish?

God does not call us to small or simple tasks.

Nor does God leave us to our own strengths.

The call of Abraham and Moses are two good

examples of how God asks “big things” of us

and remains faithful to us as we seek God’s

will. The overall call or goal can be broken

down into a number of steps or stages, but the

vision of what God is calling us to must be

worthy of the kingdom.

3. Is there a good chance that you will fail?

Even as we attempt great things for God, we

remember that God’s love and grace are

constant, regardless of the outcome or

“success” of anything we undertake. Our

responsibility is to be faithful to our

perception of God’s call. If one does that, no

project is really a failure. Our mission is not a

way of gaining God’s favor. Rather, it is a

way of living out the grace and love of God,

as individuals and as a community of faith.

4. Does the call give expression to the

liberating voice of Jesus Christ? Jesus Christ came offering freedom to

captives, freedom from physical, emotional

and spiritual injustice. We embrace that call

as well, as we find creative ways to release

the freeing power of God in Jesus Christ.

Anyone who can answer these questions

affirmatively and with passion should contact the

Mission Group leader, Don Nichols,

at 330-204-8642.

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~ Notes From Council June’s Meeting

Church Council did not meet in July.

These are the highlights from June’s meeting.

Moderator Laura Emmer called the meeting to order. Joys and concerns

were shared by Council members and Keith Stuart led the opening prayer.

Minister’s Report

Keith made 339 contacts in March by telephone, email or visitation.

Three persons have expressed interest in joining the church.

Studying the possibility of replacing some or all of the appliances in Thomas Hall kitchen.

Working on upgrading the office computers from Microsoft Office 7 to Microsoft Office 10 so that the

Church Window’s data base and accounting software will be supported.

Treasurer’s Report

Total income for the month of May was $28,559 and expenses were $26,986.

Year-to-date income was $150,296 and expenses were $170,725.

Christian Education

Work is progressing on creating Sunday School curriculum.

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 15-19 at Dover Church 200 children are enrolled.

Other Business

The Corn Roast is August 7.

The Church Picnic is September 15.

Respectfully submitted,

Kurt Wiant, Council Clerk

PASSAGES

We extend joyful congratulations to

Kia Frank & Jamie Kunselman

who were married at Dover Church

on June 15.

We extend joyful welcome and Christian love to

Bexley Clapacs

who was baptized at Dover

Church on July 28. Her

parents are Allie & Heather

Clapacs.

Articles of 150 words or less

about your group’s activities & events (submissions will be

edited for clarity and length).

The deadline for

submissions for the

September edition is

Monday, August 19.

Page 3

DID YOU MOVE, CHANGE YOUR PHONE

NUMBER OR EMAIL?

Please keep the church office

informed of changes in your address,

phone number or email. We use

your email to send out the Church

Mouse and our monthly newsletter.

CHECKS TO DOVER CHURCH

~ The church office receives many

checks over the course of a month.

Many are just made out to Dover

Church with no indication as to

what it is for.

Please help our Financial Secretary by writing what

the check is for on the Memo line.

~ For Your Information

BOOK GROUP

We are taking a break in August.

Our next gathering will be

Monday, September 9, at 1:30

p.m. to discuss the book A

Gentleman of Moscow by Amor

Towles. Synopsis coming.

We meet in the parlor, join us. Our discussions are

always lively, friendly and fun.

A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING

EVENING BOOK CLUB Monday, August 19 , 6:45 p.m.

“A Little Bit of Everything”

book club will discuss the

novel There There by Tommy

Orange. It is the story of 12

urban Native Americans who

converge and collide on one

fateful day.

This is a stunning novel that grapples with a complex

and painful history, an inheritance of beauty and

profound spirituality, and a plague of addiction, abuse,

and suicide.

The author is an enrolled member of the Cheyenne and

Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma. and currently lives in

Angels Camp, California.

Join us in the parlor as we share our thoughts and

insights found in this selection.

MICAH’S CAFÉ

Located in Dover Church’s old Bridal

Room, Micah's Cafe is serving fresh

brewed coffee, tea and hot chocolate.

Munchies are available too. We have

mints, almonds and biscotti.

All proceeds will go to mission projects. To help,

please contact Martha at martygras2@gmail.com.

SIXTH ANNUAL

Wednesday, August 7,

at 6:00 p.m.

On the Church Lawn

(weather permitting

in Thomas Hall if not).

Bring a covered dish to share and a

lawn chair to sit on.

Our ‘Corn Master’ is Rev. Keith.

Mark your calendar.

There is a sign-up sheet

in the foyer.

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~ Thank You ~ Coming in September

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, September 8, 6 p.m.

Dover Church

Dr. Nate Bergman, DO

Kemper House, speaker

Dr. Bergman will present

ways to

achieve optimal brain

health for adults

at every age and stage.

Sign up at our Hub and invite your

friends and family.

To everyone at Dover Church,

I want to thank you for your prayers,

your cards, your calls, your beautiful

flowers and your help in driving

Walter to Church.

We are blessed to have such a caring church family!

Good Bless You All,

Angie Kalix

Thank you Dover UCC family for all the

well wishes and wonderful gifts I

received on Senior Sunday.

I am forever grateful for the love and support you

have given me through the years.

Thank you again for everything!

Love,

Maggie Gamble

Dear Members of Dover Church,

Thank you for supporting Domestic Violence &

Child Advocacy Center. Your donation allows us to

continue to help people experiencing abuse to find

strength and support as they determine their bast

path toward health and safety.

The mission of Domestic Violence & Child

advocacy Center is to empower individuals, educate

the community and advocate for justice to end

domestic violence and child abuse.

It is with heartfelt appreciation that we thank you on

behalf of the men, women and children we serve.

Melissa Graves

Chief Executive Officer

Table For 8 Returns!

Beginning in September, Table For

8 will resume. All members and

friends of Dover UCC are invited to

participate.

What is it?

Groups of eight persons, couples and singles,

meet for a meal once a month for four months.

The purpose is to become better acquainted

with members of our church family. The

groups are randomly assigned and change for

each four-month cycle.

How does it work?

There are no “rules” for these gatherings−just

fellowship and fun. Some groups may choose

to dine out for dinner or brunch; some take

turns hosting in their homes for a Pot Luck.

Or they may pack a picnic and head for a

park.

To participate in the 2019-2020 cycle, please sign

up. Fill out a registration form found at in your

bulletin and at The Hub.

Please sign up by August 18.

Even if you were a part of Table For 8 before,

you need to sign up again.

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BLESSING BAGS

Blessing Bags are totes filled with basic

necessities including: hygiene products,

water, a blanket, socks, underwear and

‘meals ready to eat.’

Please take one if you drive where the homeless are

asking for help; you’ll be able to help on the spot.

You’ll find them in Thomas Hall.

ON DOVER’S WEBSITE

www.doverucc.org

~ PLAY IT AGAIN ~ Want to hear Keith’s terrific sermon

again? At the home page, click on the

‘Who We Are’ drop down tab and select

Worship Services & Sermon, then

Sermon Archive.

~ CONTRIBUTIONS ~ To make your contributions to Dover

Church: at the home page click on the

‘Supporting Dover-Our Offerings’

drop down tab and follow the directions.

~ PICTURES~ Photos of current church activities

are posted under pictures. To have

your activity included, just email

photos to the church office.

STREET MINISTRY

Our next outing for Street Ministry will be Sunday,

August18, after worship.

We always take food to share with those on the

street. If you don’t feel comfortable going on an

outing, please consider donating sandwiches or

soup. And, we have a dedicated group of sorters

who take your donated clothing and sort it into sizes

and types. To volunteer for, contact Bette English

at 440-835-5235.

Please, do not donate any clothing, toiletries or

underwear we have enough and no more room for

storage.

~ For Your Information

SCHEDULE CHANGES

Because of the Labor Day holiday, the Calling and

Caring committee and Worship committees’

September 2 meetings will be held one week before

on Monday, August 26, at 7:00 P.M.

Also, The Church Office will be closed on Monday,

September 2.

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MEN OF DOVER RETIRED

(OR NOT) LUNCH

The third Tuesday of each month

at 12:00 Noon

join us at Mahle’s Restaurant on

Detroit Road in Westlake.

A time to enjoy a good lunch

and the fellowship of other Dover UCC men.

Reservations not needed.

~ More Info

AUGUST GATHERING

The “Consider the Women”

dinner and book discussion series

will conclude at Merwin’s Wharf,

located at 1785 Merwin Avenue, in Cleveland, on

Tuesday, August 27, at 6:00 p.m.

We will enjoy dinner and discuss the final chapter of

the book about “Mary”. If anyone wants to carpool,

we can meet in the church parking lot at 5:30 p.m.

After serving my four year term as First Lady of

Soul Sisters (FLOSS), I've decided to not seek re-

election. I've thoroughly enjoyed the time but it's

time for a new leadership. Lanni Lantery has agreed

to take over the role so I know we're in good

hands. She's has lots of great ideas planned for the

coming year. Stay tuned for details.

Martha Vivona

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FUNDRAISER

Recently, I was speaking with Dave

Wohleber (the man who mows Dover

Church’s lawn and plows the parking

lot in the winter) and found out that for the past 25

years, he has ridden in the MS 150, a bike ride

supporting Multiple Sclerosis research through

pledged donations. This struck a cord with me as we

have people in our church family who are dealing

with MS.

This year, the date for the ride is August 3 & 4. It is a

150 mile ride from Brunswick High School to

Ashland University and back. Donations collected

from this effort stay in the area and are used to fund

groundbreaking research to cure MS.

You can help those church members and friends and

family and hundreds of others in northeast Ohio by

pledging dollars to fight MS. Go to Dave’s

fundraising site listed below to learn his story. The

pledges aren’t due until October 1. Please help save

lives and ease the struggle of those who live with this

disease every day.

Thank you,

Janice Mattingly

Dave’s fundraising page

http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Dave-

Wohleber

GEN SILENT

Sunday, August 25, at 12 noon

Church of the Redeemer

23500 Center Ridge Rd. Westlake

Gen Silent is the critically acclaimed documentary

about LGBT older people transitioning to assisted

care faced with the decision of going back into the

closet to survive.

The film documents the wide range of quality of

paid care-givers—from those who are specifically

trained to make LGBT seniors feel safe to the other

end of the spectrum, where LGBT elders face

discrimination, neglect, or abuse.

There will be a brief discussion and answer session

following the film led by Beth Long-Higgins.

The is no charge, but

reservations are requested

phone: 440-331-0834 or

email: church@corucc.org

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~ From The Minister of Justice

New Leadership Coming November 1, 2019

Keisha Krumm, a veteran Industrial Areas

Foundation (IAF) organizer for more than 17 years,

is coming to Greater Cleveland Congregations as its

Lead Organizer. Keisha is joining us from our sister

IAF organization, Milwaukee-based Common

Ground, where she has served as Lead Organizer for

the past eight-and-a-half years.

Keisha also worked for 10 years as an IAF organizer

in Los Angeles and Seattle/Tacoma. During her time

as an IAF organizer, Keisha has built community

organizations and developed leaders to tackle issues

like job creation, quality education, affordable

physical and mental health care and racial justice.

Keisha has a master’s degree from the Mennonite

Brethren Biblical Seminary in Christian Community

Development. She is a devoted wife and mother who

has committed her life to seeking justice.

Keisha, her husband Stuart, and their daughter Olivia

will be moving to Cleveland prior to her start date.

Justice

A team of representatives from GCC and the

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s office visited San

Antonio’s mental health care center as part of a study

to determine how to proceed in Cleveland and

Cuyahoga County. CareSource and the Gund

Foundation are contributing their support of the

campaign.

Administrative Judge Russo has initiated a campaign

to reform the bail system in Cuyahoga County. This

will involve both the municipal courts county courts

GCC is part of an effort to establish a National Gun

Safety Consortium. In Ohio; Cincinnati, Columbus,

Dayton and Toledo have each contributed $10,000 to

the effort. Gun fairs are now displaying smart gun

attachments for sale and there is growing support for

more thorough background checks.

Strengthening Our Power Campaign

GCC is hosting breakfast events to invite 20

congregations to join its ranks.

GREATER CLEVELAND CONGREGATIONS NEWS

“The Old Testament is not just

about ancient religious

communities. It concerns God's

justice and redemption at work in

the world today. Thus, the Old

Testament is not to be read today for the sake of

church in-house religious purposes. It is to be read to

make the reality of God's power amid the issues of

human power clear for our time. Such a reading is

complex and multifaceted, but to read for any lesser

purpose is to cut ourselves off from the enduring

power of God's word” These words from Bruce C.

Birch, Walter Brueggmann, Terence E. Fretheim,

David L. Petersen in their book A Theological

Introduction to the Old Testament, remind us ‘that

the word of our God will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8).

Isaiah was speaking to the Israelites who were

dispersed in Babylonia after Jerusalem and the

temple were destroyed. To those who wandered

about in the absence of God, Isaiah offered

assurance that the Lord of creation, the God who had

covenanted with Abraham, who had freed them from

the grasp of Pharaoh, who had led them through the

wilderness, and brought them to the Promised Land

was still with them.

God was renewing the call we claim as we at Dover

claim to be our mission, “to seek justice, love

kindness, and walk humbly with our God.” This we

do in the turmoil of our time. We speak of love

when others shout words of hate. After pausing to

give thanks and offer praise to God each Sunday, we

continue our worship by doing God’s work in the

world. Sometimes it’s a tough job, but God never

promised a rose garden.

John Rinehart, Minister of Justice

GOD’S WORK IN THE WORLD

Page 8

~ From the Parish Nurse

WHY MOSQUITOES LOVE YOU AND HOW TO KEEP THEM AWAY

You may not think of mosquitoes as

particularly discriminating creatures,

but they seem to have likes and

dislikes. You may know this if you

frequently find yourself the victim as

those around you escape unscathed.

It turns out they are drawn to different types of

people. Here are several reasons mosquitoes may

find you particularly tasty, and how to keep them

away.

The first thing that attracts the mosquito is the

carbon dioxide given off in a human victim’s

breath. For this reason, heavy mouth breathers

and pregnant woman may initially attract more

mosquitoes. A mosquito can detect strong

concentrations of carbon dioxide from as far as

150 feet away.

Human sweat provides a cocktail of aromas that

are attractive to mosquitoes by releasing

chemicals onto the skin and into the air.

Individuals who sweat profusely, people who are

active or in constant motion and those who

haven’t showered in a while, may find

themselves more attractive to pesky mosquitoes.

Sweat itself does not have an aroma, but the

bacteria that live on human skin react with sweat

to form chemicals that give off a particular odor.

Terminix states that the uric acid, lactic acid, and

ammonia produced by bacteria give off particular

smells that may attract mosquitoes differently.

Each individual person has a different mix of

bacterial flora inhabiting the skin. Therefore,

mosquitoes may be attracted to one person over

another, depending on the person’s particular

skin flora.

A study in the Journal of Medical Entomology

found that mosquitoes were more likely to feast

on victims with blood type O. Subjects with

type A blood were far less likely to suffer

mosquito bites than those with O, B, or AB

types.

If you notice more mosquitoes buzzing around

after you’ve consumed a bottle of beer, that’s

because the ethanol given off by your skin is also

attractive to mosquitoes. The consumption of

alcohol raises your body temperature, which

causes you to sweat more. Insect Cop reports

that mosquitoes carrying diseases such as

malaria or dengue fever are particularly attracted

to the smell given off by beer drinkers.

The size of your mosquito bite does not reflect the

strength of the mosquito that bit you. The reaction to

bug bites depends on your immune system. Children

generally react more violently to bug bites. They

may find themselves with large, red, itchy bumps

that are difficult to avoid scratching. There is no

evidence that proves certain foods attract or repel

mosquitos.

The best way to protect yourself against

mosquito bites is to avoid areas where they

congregate, basically, near water sources.

Keep your yard free from standing water and

empty any outdoor birdbaths, flowerpots, or

buckets that may collect water.

Ensure your windows and screen doors are free

from rips or tears that could allow mosquitoes to

enter your home.

If you must be outside during the prime

mosquito hours between dusk and sunrise, wear

long pants and long sleeves and use mosquito

repellent.

Blessings,

Julie Kiefer, RN, Parish Nurse

Page 9

Informal Worship in the Chapel ................................ 8:15 a.m.

Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary ...................... 10:00 a.m.

The first Sunday, children & youth are in worship.

Coffee Hour ............................................................. 11:00 a.m.

Worship Schedule

04 11 18 25

Greeters Kevin Kurth

David Edsall

Keven Kurth

David Edsall

Carol Filak

Inge Moorman

Carol Filak

Inge Moorman

Lay

8:15 a.m.

Mary Mann

8:15 a.m.

Noreen Thompson

8:15 a.m.

Pete Thompson

8:15 a.m.

Judy Askin

Reader 10:00 a.m.

Sue Weber

10:00 a.m.

Jane Coil

10:00 a.m.

Sandy Burkey

10:00 a.m.

Larry Coil

Media

Dody

Chadwick

Sharron

Wilkins

Walter

Kalix

Dave

Kuhar

Flowers

Jane & Larry

Coil

Lucy Bufkin

Jacquie DelMonte

Lanni Lantery

Barb White

Sandy & Gary

Burkey

Coffee

Hour

Kay Cilimburg

Georgann Yonkers

Westlake

Christian Church

First Service

Attendees

Georgann

Yonkers

~ Worship Ministry

Ushers August Dody Chadwick, Loreen & Buzz Flesher, Sue Jachnick, Michel Trainer

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please pray for God to be with these individuals, and for them to feel God’s presence in the

midst of their concerns:

Marilyn Ashbaugh, Marie Black, Emily Borocz-Johnson, Gerrard (friend of Kevin Kurth),

Mary Gerdel, Sofia Greer (friend of Jeff & Amanda Hughes), Paul Horning, Nanci Keller

(Amy Keller’s mother-in-law), Jason (David Wakelee’s partner), Helen Libens, Shirley

Lustek, Guy Mann (Jim Mann’s father), Gail Mendel (Bobby Mendel’s mother), Les

Nichols, Melissa Nolan, Tanya Popi (Dover Church Custodian), Patty Porter (friend of Jane

& Larry Coil), Susan Reynolds (sister of Denece Praeger) Linda Reynolds, Donna Shiley, &

Pat Daily (friends of the Koehlers) Ruth Schneider, Jennifer Shultz (friend of Lauren Falcone), Helen Sima

(neighbor of Kevin Kurth), Mateo Smith-6 years old (family friend of Deanna Dunbar), Glenda Speicher

(Linda Pepin’s twin sister), Winnie Streicher (neighbor of Betty & Mike English), Robin Thomas, and 18

month old Evelyn Turk (child of a friend of Lauren Falcon).

Page 10

Rev. Keith Stuart ...........................................Pastor

Rev. Scott Patterson ...................... Pastor Emeritus

Rev. John Rinehart .................... Minister of Justice

Craig Reynolds............................... Music Director

Jan Jones ................................................... Organist

Vicki Thompson........................................ Organist

Virginia Lockmeyer ....... Administrative Secretary

Gail Schuenemann ...................Financial Secretary

Julie Kiefer, R. N. ............................. Parish Nurse

Serving the Church

Laura Emmer ........................... Council Moderator

Kathleen Poe ................... Council Vice Moderator

Kurt Wiant ....................................... Council Clerk

Larry Coil .................................. Council Treasurer

Martha Vivona ..................................... Lay Leader

Meghan & Craig Jenkins .................. CE Directors

Amanda & Jeff Hughes ................. Youth Advisors

Katie Alexander and

Georgann Yonkers ............ Assist. Youth Advisors

Katie Alexander .................................... Child Care

The vision of Dover UCC is to seek justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God.

OPEN AND AFFIRMING STATEMENT

Dover Congregational United Church of Christ is an Open and Affirming congregation. We affirm

that God’s grace is available to all. We welcome people of all ages, genders, races, views, abilities,

sexual orientations, expressions and identities, ethnic, educational and economic backgrounds into the

full life and ministry of our church. We declare this in the name of God, whose Son, Jesus Christ,

welcomed all people into God’s circle of grace.