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March 2020 Issue: 689

“Making God the Foundation of every Day Living”

The Herald First Congregational Church of Tallmadge

United Church of Christ A Stephen Ministry Congregation

Worship 8:30 am & 10:00 am

www.fcctallmadge.org

Phone: 330.633.4931 Fax: 330.633.7010 Address: 85 Heritage Drive Tallmadge, OH 44278

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

What’s New from Executive Council? 2

Pastoral & Staff Relations Announcement, OGHS 3

February/March Worship Schedule 4

Prayer List, Condolences, Thank Yous 5

Spaghetti Dinner, Yarning for Peace, Congregators, Lenten Bible Study 6

Youth Ministry Update , Treehouse Preschool 7

WAMM, 4th Grade Commun-ion, Book Study, OGHS Chil-dren’s Collection 8

Basket Raffle, Steve Nelson Concert, Board of Christian Ed., Church Email sign-up , Hot Chocolate Bar 9

Sundays/Finance March Calendar 10-11

LIVING WATERS MINISTRY COMMITTEE The Oversight Committee of the Living Waters Association has been gathering information from individuals, myself, the Staff Pastoral Relations Committee (SPRC) and the Executive Council. The Oversight Committee has reached conclusions with recommendations for First Congregational Church. These conclusions and recommendations will be shared with the Executive Council at the March meeting. It is important that everyone in our church understands the importance of this process and respects the work of our General Minister, Nayiri Kargian, and the time and effort put into this effort by seasoned pastors and lay people who serve on the Oversight Committee. I believe that following the recommendations to be of the utmost importance in assisting FCC with healthier methods of organization, conducting ministry, conflict resolution, and working to resolve past and present issues that will assist us in becoming a healthier church. My thanks to everyone who has been cooperating with the Oversight Committee during this process. Please see the Pastoral & Staff Relations Committee Announcement on page 3 for more information. EXCITING PLANS There has been a great number of exciting plans shared at our recent congregation meeting, at staff meetings, at Executive Council, and with leaders of our church. Many in our church are putting in great effort to find ways to uplift our times of fellowship, worship, Christian Education ministries, and other opportunities in our church. Among these are: finding ways to express appreciation for Treehouse Preschool staff and the connection with FCC; the Steve Nelson concert on March 14 at 7:00 P.M.; hosting an outdoor movie on our front lawn for members and neighborhood; continuing to ferment our wonderful relationship with the scouts and Troop 361; growing new fund raising events to assist with our financial needs at the church; and facilitating more "community connection" events such as our Faith and Family Valentines dinner dance (147 people attended!)

THE TALLMADGE MINISTERIUM Pastors of Tallmadge based churches have met for a second time, this past week (February 13th) at FCC for lunch, bible study, and a meeting. We agreed that the basis of our meetings is to uplift God's presence in our community through the early church confession: "Jesus is Lord." It is exciting to be with sisters and brothers of our faith to pray, to uplift one another's churches and ministries, and to be a support to one another. In Christ, Pastor Dave

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The Board of Deacons - Richard Thomason, along with Pastor Dave, will be meeting with our fourth graders on

February 16 and 23 to discuss the meaning of Communion. They will celebrate the sacrament of Communion

on March 1 with their parents. The board has also taken responsibility for arranging funeral dinners for the

church.

Board of Music Ministries - Musician Steve Nelson will be in concert at our church on Saturday, March 14 at 7

PM. The concert is be presented as a community event.

Board of Christian Education - A total of 130 Super Bowl Subs were sold with approximately half going to local

safety forces. The t-shirt sale is continuing through February 23. The Soup Challenge / Pot Luck Lunch has

been postponed.

Board of Trustees - Our church and Pastor Dave hosted the Tallmadge Ministerium Pastor’s Meeting on

February 13 at Noon. The Boy Scouts are planning a Rummage Sale for May 30. More details to come.

Board of Stewardship - As many of you know, our wireless frequencies will soon be history and we need a

new sound system, beginning with a new base station. The cost is estimated at around $21,000 - almost

$14,000 has already been donated. The entire system, including a new PowerPoint system, will cost consider-

ably more. We are considering a campaign similar to our successful “Raise the Roof” fund raising effort.

Women’s Fellowship / WNI - There will be a joint meeting in April with Kim Fulton providing a craft. We made

$600 on the Acme Cashback Program.

Men’s Ministry - We are studying the book “The Man in the Mirror”. The next meeting will be either Saturday

February 15 or 22. The meetings include a guided discussion about topics related to spiritual growth.

Faith & Family Ministry - The Valentine Dance will have 149 participating: 81 adults and 68 youth.

The Women’s Book Club, led by Wendy Brown on Sunday mornings, is going well. The WAMM choir, led by

Cindy Dodge, Erin Hoffman, and Lindsay Williams continues to be a positive experience for all involved.

If you have any questions about these items, please feel free to contact me:

Timothy Burns, Moderator timburns999@gmail.com 330.703.4807

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Pastoral & Staff Relations Committee Announcement

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February & March Worship Schedule

FEB 23 – TRANSFIGURATION SUNDAY Epistle Lesson: Revelation 3:14-22

Gospel Lesson: Matthew 17:1-9 Message “The Church at Laodicea: Repentance Paves the Way for Better Days” FEB 26 – ASH WEDNESDAY —IMPOSITION OF THE ASHES & INTINCTION COMMUNION

7:00 P.M. — Liturgy of Death and New Life Inner Conflict: Romans 7:14-25 Life in the Spirit: Romans 8:1-17 Future Glory: Romans 8:18-39; 10:5-13

MAR 01 – FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT— FIRST COMMUNION

OGHS PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT Epistle Lesson: Romans 5:12-19

Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:1-11 Message “A Remedy to Temptation” MAR 08– SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT—MOVE CLOCKS FORWARD 1 HOUR

SPECIAL MUSIC—WAMM CHOIR Gospel Lesson: John 3:1-17 Message “Nicodemus Gets a Lesson”

MAR 15– THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT Gospel Lesson: John 4:5-42 Message “A Woman Gets Life Water” MAR 22 – FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT Gospel Lesson: John 9:1-41 Message “A Blind Man Sees” MAR 29 – FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT Gospel Lesson: John 11:1-45 Message “Lazarus Rises” APR 05 – PALM SUNDAY – CELEBRATION OF THE PALMS —COMMUNION SPECIAL MUSIC—WAMM CHOIR OGHS DEDICATION SUNDAY Matthew 21:1-11 Message “A Noisy Tribute”

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Please Remember in Prayer :

The Prayer Chain Connection

" Let us draw near to You with a true heart in full assurance of faith."

—from Hebrews 10:22

Noreen Ashley

Tim Ashley

Biff Baker

Chris Bauch

Janette Beckwith

Marilyn Berta (Coletta

Spoler’s daughter)

Nancy Burgess

Carol Carter

Mark Clark

Bea Clarke

Suzanne Creswell

Jackie Fabrezewski

(Esposito’s daughter)

John Glanzer

(friend of Sandy Farabee)

Betty Gulledge

Marianne Hannum

Bev Haught

Jan Hetzel

Donnie Joyner

Fred Kerscher

Zell Lambert

Jim Mayfield

Hannah McConihe

Katie Moore

David & Jackie Parker

Wilma Pohly

Ed Powell

(Sharon Letzler’s brother)

Ronda Read

Barbara Sherrick

(Jim Harris’s sister)

C.J. Smith

Janet Terrell

Betty Vestal

Marcia Zuravel

Alzheimer's Care Giver

Support Group

Confidential Names on our

Prayer List

Condolences

Our Deepest sympathy to the family and friends of ………

Olive Yohey, who died January 17th

Richard Emmitt, father of Bill Emmitt, who died January 21st

Bev Green, who died January 22nd

Lyvonne Getz, who died February 6th

—WORDS OF THANKS—

On behalf of my family I would like to extend our sincere thanks to this Church family and to our Choir family. The

loss of a job 2 weeks before Christmas was quite a shock. However, we can see God’s hand in all of this and His

hand was most evident in the outpouring of love and support by our friends and family, especially our church

family. We were overwhelmed by all of it and this church body truly gave us a Christmas to remember. We felt

like George and Mary Bailey living out the last scene of It’s a Wonderful Life. We sincerely appreciate all of you

and your compassion and generosity. Please continue to be in prayer for our family and especially that Kenny can

find the next path on his career journey. In Jesus’ love and ours. —The Dodge Family

Thank you to everyone that supported our Super Bowl Sunday Sub Sale! We had over 126 orders with a good

majority being donated to our safety forces who were very appreciative and said they were delicious! Watch for

upcoming fundraisers to make our mission trip and Nation Youth Event possible. —Dianne Drummond

I would like to thank prayer chain for all the calling and praying that was done for my daughter. April is improv-

ing and I thank you. Thank you for all your prayers. —Love, Teresa Snyder

We’d like to thank Pastor David for his visits and prayers before and after Dave’s surgery. The surgery went well.

Thanks for all the prayers and cards. —Dave & Sharon Bible

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To the Table Let’s All C

ome

Spaghetti, 2 meatballs, salad: $7

Spaghetti, marinated chicken, salad: $8

Spaghetti, chicken, 2 meatballs, salad: $9

Children 8 and under: $6

good food.

great community.

@ FCC in the Fellowship Hall

Yarning

for

Peace

Yarning for Peace will meet on

Monday, March 2 at 1:00 in the David

Bacon Room. We always welcome new

members!

CONGREGATORS

LUNCH

Tuesday, March 3rd at 12pm

@ Delanie’s

Call Larry Bagnoli

with questions:

330-620-5904

SOUP CHALLENGE! The Soup Challenge will be rescheduled for another date. Watch the Bulletin for details.

LENTEN BIBLE STUDY

Once again during the Wednesdays of Lent, Pastor Dave invites our congregation and visitors to join him in a bible study, based upon the book, "THE FIVE LANGUAGES OF APOLOGY," written by Dr. Gary Chapman, who also wrote the book "THE FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES." The bible study will take us on a five week journey of exploring Gary Chapman's five "languages" of apology, which include: 1) Expressing Regret; 2) Accepting Responsibility; 3) Making Restitution; 4) Genu-ine Repentance; 5) Requesting Forgiveness. All of these points have biblical merit and practical benefits.

Join us for interesting discussions, snacks, and beverages on these Wednesdays: at either 10:00 A.M. or 6:30 P.M.: March 4, March 11, March 18, March 25, and April 1.

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Thank you to all the volunteers and students that made both the Catalyst and the Ignite Lock-ins a blast!

Many memorable moments were had at both lock-ins.

February was the event month for the Youth Groups. There was a youth event every weekend from lock-

ins to fundraisers and the ‘Guys and Girls night In,’ which included parents!

March 1st is the informational meeting for both the National Youth Event and the Local Impact 2020

missions trip. The meeting will be held at 4:45 pm between Catalyst and Ignite. Coming to the meeting

does not mean you are committing your child to attend. It is purely informational.

Catalyst and Ignite are starting two very exciting series in March that correspond with a video. We look

forward to great discussion and a time of reflection and bonding.

Stay tuned for more fun upcoming events for the Youth!

MARCH UPDATE

Treehouse Preschool Contributions

Our annual meeting brought to light some miscommunication and/or questions about Treehouse Preschool,

specifically relating to funds that Treehouse Preschool has contributed to the church. Below you will find a list of

the contributions made by Treehouse during the 2018-2019 term.

Yearly contribution $3500.00 Blinds in room 209 $ 380.00

Purchased Wendy’s computer $ 600.00 Extra contribution $ 500.00

Contribution to mission trip $ 550.00 Snow removal $1000.00

Contribution to Boston trip $ 550.00 Custodial bonus $ 200.00

Yearly contribution Women’s Fell $ 200.00 Total $7480.00

If you need more information about our annual funds, you are more than welcome to come ask Wendy, or even

look up financial information shared in the annual reports. We will be sharing more information each Herald so

keep an eye out for what is next!

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Fourth Grade Communion

Every year, the Board of Christian Education organizes classes for all 4th

grade children to make sure they understand the meaning of and

symbolism behind communion. The Deacons and Pastor Dave will lead

these classes on February 16 and 23 in the Library at 9:00 AM. On

March 1, the 4th grade students will take communion together with their parents in worship.

Women’s Book Study

“Your life is supposed to be a journey from one unique place to another; it’s not

supposed to be a merry-go-round that brings you back to the same spot over

and over again.” - Rachel Hollis, author of Girl, Wash your face, stop believe in

lies about who you are so you can become who you were meant to be. All

women are in invited to join the conversation about the weekly chapter read-

ings in Girl, Wash your face. We meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 AM in the

David Bacon Room. Please join us for any week you are able, or any part of the

hour you are able (choir members are most certainly invited to join us until

choir begins). This is a great book for all ages and it should lead to great con-

versation and sharing of life experiences. Wendy Brown will lead the discussion.

WAMM Choir

Erin Hoffman, Cindy Dodge and Lindsay Williams will be the directors of WAMM choir for the rest of

this school year. They have some exciting plans for the children to use YouTube to help them sing and

learn the motions. If your child is at least age 3 and would like to join the choir, they can come to the

fellowship hall after the children’s message during the worship service. Looks like some exciting new

things happening with the WAMM choir. Following choir, the children will also talk about the scrip-

ture and lesson of the day. Feel free to talk to them about the lessons and songs they learned each

week. The WAMM choir is planning on singing on March 8, April 5 and May 10.

One Great Hour of Sharing—Children’s Offering

Every year, the children of our church participate in a special UCC mission

offering called ‘One Great Hour of Sharing’ or OGHS. During this program,

many UCC churches around the world collect an offering to help individuals and

communities who suffer the effects of a disaster, conflict or severe economic

hardships. Children will be collecting money during the month of March to

support this program. Special boxes will be passed out on March 1 to be

returned to the church office March 27.

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‘Grace on Display’ with Songs

When: Saturday, March 14th, 7:00 PM

Where: FCC in the Sanctuary

Cost: FREE Admission

Steve Nelson:

Pastor/Teacher

Soloist/Speaker

Evangelist/Revivalist

Author/Poet

He has overcome Chronic Pulmonary Sarcoidosis

through fervent prayer and a desire to serve God.

When you see and hear Steve, you are truly

witnessing “Grace on Display.”

A free will offering will be collected.

NEW BOARD OF CHRISTION EDUCATION

MEMBERS NEEDED!

The Board of Christian Education is seeking

new members and a chairperson or co-chairpersons

for the 2020-2022 term. We currently meet the 1st

Sunday of each month following the 10 am Worship

Service. Our board organizes fun activities, fundrais-

ers for youth, and educational opportunities for

children of all ages, as well as VBS. We can always

use new ideas and encourage input from all board

members. Contact Dianne Drummond or Wendy

Brown if you are interested in becoming chair or

joining the board.

Basket Raffle March 1

Treehouse Preschool will be hosting their annual raffle basket fundraiser from

Feb. 24-Mar. 5. These funds will support capital improvements to the

classrooms. The baskets will be on

display beginning Feb. 24 and can be

seen in the hallways. Tickets are

$1.00 each or 6 tickets for $5.00.

If you would like to purchase tickets,

you can do so through the office or

on Sunday, March 1 we will have tickets available in the atrium. You can

print your name and phone number on each ticket and drop it in the bag

with the same number as the basket.

EMAIL SIGN-UPS

Would you like to receive emails from the church with

information concerning changes in church events or

deaths of church members? Would you rather receive

the Herald via email? Please email Cathy Cotter,

tallmadgefcc@sbcglobal.net, and let her know to add

you to the email list.

Hot Chocolate Bar March 1

On Sunday March 1st, we are going to have a hot

chocolate bar for all people, young and old. Come

create the perfect cup of hot chocolate– white, dark,

strawberry, mint, marshmallow, whip cream. It will be

ready at 8:30 AM so come early and enjoy some

fellowship before Sunday school or after worship.

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Ushers February 23 Terri Poff, George & Roberta Nehrenz, Gary Myers

February 26 (ASH WED) 7 pm Richard Thomason, John Huffman

March 1 Larry Robinson, Dave Marconi, Larry Bagnoli, Gary Myers

March 8 Al Lytle, Tom & Linda Kester, Mark Bowers

March 15 Dave Marconi, Bonnie Fordham, Sandy Haydu, Gary Myers

March 22 Terri Poff, George & Roberta Nehrenz, Gary Marlow

March 29 Al Lytle, Jim & Dee West, Gary Myers

April 5 Larry Robinson, Gary Marlow, Larry Bagnoli, Ken Caldwell

Altar Flowers

February 23

March 1 Gary & Kim Fulton

March 8

March 15

March 22 Denise Haynes

March 29 Keith & Marilyn Johnson

April 5

Worship Attendance

January 26 8:30 am 16 10:00 am 136

February 2 5:00 pm 20 10:00 pm 144

February 9 8:30 am 16 10:00 am 156

February 16 8:30 am 26 10:00 am 122

Upcoming Sundays

Acolytes

February 23 Matthew Foster

March 1 Ryan Peters

March 8 Joey Kanatzar

March 15 Madison Birch

Kaitlyn Poff

March 22

March 29

April 5

Greeters

February 23 Margarete Boschert

March 1 Dave & Sharon Bible

March 8 Chip Novak

March 15 Karen Huth

March 22

March 29

April 5 Ryan Peters

Sign up in the hallway outside of

the mailroom. $28 per

arrangement. Fill out the form and give it and the

check to Cathy Cotter.

January, 2020 operating income of $45,610 was $17,500

above the monthly income budget. Operating expenses for

the month were $35,368 resulting in a surplus of $10,240 in

January, and a year-to-date surplus of $10,240. Operating

expenses are really our ministries and missions at work, and

are dependent on Faith Offerings. We look forward in pray-

er to a theology of generosity, and the ability to continue

growing our ministries. Contact the Church office to find

out how to sign up for automatic monthly giving. And,

don’t forget to buy SCRIP cards on Sunday mornings.

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March 2020

Sun. Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. 1 8:30am Worship

9:00am Sunday School

9:00am Book Club

10:00am Worship

11:00am Christian Ed

4:45 pm Mission trip and

NYE meeting

3:30 pm Catalyst

5:00 pm Ignite

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1:00pm Yarning for

Peace

1:00 pm Bell

Ensemble Practice

7:00 pm WNI Board

Meeting—library

7:00 pm Heritage

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10:00am

Stephen’s Leaders

12:00pm

Congregators @

Delanie’s

2:00 pm Elder’s

Fellowship

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9:00am Quilters

10am Bible Study

6:30 pm Bible

Study

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7:00pm

Chancel Choir

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9:30 am Grace Notes

8 Daylight Savings Time

Begins

8:30am Worship

9:00am Sunday School

9:00am Book Club

10:00am Worship

3:30 pm Catalyst

5:00 pm Ignite

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1:00 pm Bell

Ensemble Practice

7:00pm Heritage

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6:30pm Committee

Meetings

7:45pm Executive

Council

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9:00am Quilters

10am Bible Study

4:30-7:00pm

Spaghetti dinner

6:30 pm Bible

Study

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9:00am Herald

Deadline

7:00pm

Chancel Choir

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9:30am Grace Notes

7:00 pm Steve

Nelson Concert

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8:30am Worship

9:00am Sunday School

9:00am Book Club

10:00am Worship

3:30 pm Catalyst

5:00 pm Ignite

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1:00 pm Bell En-

semble Practice

7:00pm Heritage

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6:00 pm Card

Making

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9:00am Quilters

10am Bible Study

6:30 pm Bible

Study

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7:00pm

Chancel Choir

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21

9:30am Grace Notes

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8:30 am Worship

9:00am Sunday School

9:00am Book Club

10:00 am Worship

3:30pm Catalyst

5:00pm Ignite

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1:00 pm Bell En-

semble Practice

7:00pm Heritage

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9:00am Quilters

10am Bible Study

6:30 pm Bible

Study

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7:00pm

Chancel Choir

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9:30am Grace Notes

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8:30 am Worship

9:00am Sunday School

9:00am Book Club

10:00 am Worship

11:15 am SPCM

3:30 Catalyst

5:00 pm Ignite

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1:00 pm Bell En-

semble Practice

7:00pm Heritage

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10:30am

Alzheimer's

Caregivers Group

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FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

PO BOX 420

TALLMADGE OH 44278

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

TALLMADGE OH

PERMIT NO. 30

Spiritual/ Pastoral Care Ministry Contacts

Pastoral Staff Rev. David Brumbaugh Senior Pastor 330.633.4931 cell phone: 717-466-1216 dbrumbaughfcc@sbcglobal.net trumpet@dejazzd.com

Alzheimer's Caregiver Support Group & Elders Ministry Roberta Nehrenz 330.634.0713 rgnehrenz@att.net Heart’s in Service Janet McCaulley 330.633.3775 Barbara Rowles 34babs@sbcglobal.net

Prayer Chain Diana Caldwell 330.265.5723 dianasl@neo.rr.com

Yarning for Peace Dee West 330.633.4421 dwest890@aol.com

Staff E-Mail Addresses Cathy Cotter Administrative Coordinator tallmadgefcc@sbcglobal.net

Rachel Tassile M.S. & H.S. / Youth Ministries Coordinator rachel.tassile.fcctallmadge@gmail.com

Wendy Brown Director of Family Ministries wbrownfcc@sbcglobal.net

Nancy Lynn Robinson Choir Director / Organist nrbgp@aol.com

Bill Hoover Finance Administrator bhooverfcc@sbcglobal.net

Teresa Snyder Head Custodian (Mon-Fri, Day Shift) budrose42@yahoo.com

Steve Ristich Assistant Custodian (Mon, Tues, Wed., Thurs. and Sunday)

DATE: February 19, 2020

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