1. Art and Diseño

News
February 2015
Church Potluck and Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Come and join us as we gather in the gym for a time of fellowship over a pot luck lunch after morning
services. Meat and beverages will be provided. Please bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share! We
will then transition to the sanctuary for our annual meeting. All members will want to be present for the
election of servant-leaders and approval of the 2015 budget. LIFE Groups will not meet this evening or
the following Friday, February 6th.
Sweetheart Banquet
Friday, February 13th: 6:00-8:30pm
Mark your calendars and ask that special someone to accompany you to the annual Sweetheart Banquet
on Friday, February 13th from 6:00-8:30pm in the Seasons Room. You’ll enjoy wonderful cuisine followed
by the Youth Talent Show! Cost is $15 per person, or $25 per couple. All proceeds from this event will go
towards the youth 2015 Mexico Missions trip. Childcare will be provided.
12th Annual Sportsman’s Dinner Outreach
Saturday, February 28th: 5:00pm
On Saturday, February 28, 2015 we will host our 12th annual Sportsman’s Night Dinner outreach. Tickets
are available in the lobby on Sunday mornings or throughout the week in the church office from 8:00am4:30pm. Please pray about whom you can invite and how you can be involved!
Donations Needed: We are also in need of donations of wild game including deer, moose, elk, caribou,
duck, pheasant, rabbit, and squirrel. If you have questions or something to contribute, please contact Bill
Crowe at 330-697-9187 or Bill Azzarello at 330-688-7433.
Cookie Bakers Needed: Do you like to bake? We need your help! If you would like to help us bake 3 dozen
chocolate chip, peanut butter, snicker doodle, or oatmeal cookies that are 2-3 inches in size for the
Sportsman’s Night Dinner, please sign up at the table in the lobby. Please deliver cookies to the church on
Friday, February 27th.
Women’s Retreat
March 13th & 14th
All women are invited to join us for a weekend full of fun, fellowship, relaxation, and encouragement at
the Bertram Inn in Aurora on March 13th & 14th. A $25 non-refundable deposit is due at sign up. Total
cost for staying the night (4 per room) is $80. Other room options and prices are available. If you would
like to come for just the sessions, the total cost is $55. Please see the information table in the lobby to
pick up a flyer and to sign up. The last day to register is Sunday, February 15th. You must be paid in full
by Friday, March 8th. Questions? Please contact Sharon Eleo at [email protected] or 330-929-7888.
John Kitchen, Senior Pastor
Life that is Life
I just finished leading a memorial service for someone—someone young. Death had not been expected. Life
was the probability. But death came. It has been shattering for the family, as one would imagine.
Just a few hours before this I was meditating on Paul’s words to the Philippian believers, written from prison.
His circumstances were reversed: death was a possibility, though he had optimism for a release from prison and
continued earthly life and ministry. Nevertheless, his circumstances were frightening—more for his friends than for Paul
himself. As he wrote he aimed to steady their nerves and reinforce their faith. So he began to speak of how he’d come
to view life and death. He said, “For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
The basics are pretty obvious: Life = Jesus; Death = Gain.
But what does that mean . . . really? Let’s start with the first: Life = Jesus.
There is great economy in the Apostle’s words. Literally, says “to live, Christ.” Is Paul merely using artful
expression or is he describing an existential reality? Is his brevity mistaken for more than he intends? Or has he taken off
his sandals because he is walking on holy ground and measuring his words lest he misspeak?
The life of the indwelling Christ was a daily, moment-by-moment reality for Paul. He seems to have especially
sensed this reality in times of extremity: “we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;
persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so
that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for
Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh” (2 Cor. 4:8-11). The actual, fleshly, earthly
engagement of life and all its realities is the arena wherein Jesus personally shows up with the manifestation of His life
in and through His child. It is not merely an inward thought, feeling or attitude. It is that, but it is more than that. The
life of Jesus is “manifested” in us and through us. It finds expression and evidences itself. Thus Paul can say, “to live is
Christ.” He can confess in another place “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). He reminds the
Colossian believers that it is “Christ, who is our life” (Col. 3:4). Jesus commanded His followers, “Abide in me, and I in
you” (John 15:4a). This is mystery deep, but it is also life indeed.
The Lord Himself, by “the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (v.19), takes up residence in the believer. He Himself is the very
eternal life He promised us. His life is my life. And moment-by-moment, circumstances-by-circumstance, thought-bythought, conversation-by-conversation, relationship-by-relationship Jesus aims to manifest His life in me, to me, and
through me. He intends that I live by His indwelling life.
This is the privilege and calling and hope of the believer. This has dramatic, transforming implications for our
minds/thoughts/reasoning, our words/relationships/interactions, our service/ministry/witness, and our bodies/health/
healing … for all of life!
And Paul, with equal brevity can say: “… to die is gain.” Death = gain. But honestly, that just doesn’t compute
for most of us. And the only way it will is for us to first begin to live out the reality that “to live is Christ.” The one leads
necessarily and supernaturally to the other. Until I have tasted of the life of Christ now as an abiding, sustaining,
empowering, sanctifying, satisfying reality, I will never truly believe “to die is gain.” When I do, I will … for to die is to
enter more immediately into the life and reality of Christ’s life.
To live = Jesus. To die = gain. They are not merely parallel statements; there is a causative relationship between
them. First the life of Jesus manifested in me, to me, and through me in the details of daily life. As satisfying as that is
(and it truly is!), once you’ve tasted of His indwelling life the notion of the unfiltered presence and life of Jesus as a
manifested reality is too all consuming and the child of God begins to anticipate the release that physical death will
bring … and they find themselves genuinely confessing: to die = gain.
Life = Jesus; Death = gain. Both are truly true. But they are only true in experience when we settle the first part:
“For to me …”
How do I come to this place?
I’m afraid you won’t like the answer.
Ready? Here it is: disappointments.
Sorry, but it’s the only way.
When I realize that this life can never keep its promises, I will be ready to look elsewhere. Not merely to another
day, but to another life. The life of eternity is available to me in time. The life of God manifested in my mortal body,
mind, emotions, and will. When I decide that He alone, His life alone, is “For … me” then I am ready to experience the
indwelling of His divine life.
For Adults
Nominating Committee Report - The Nominating Committee’s 2014 report has been posted on the
bulletin board in the lobby. Please prayerfully consider those nominated for election at our Annual Meeting
to positions of service.
Baptism Class - Have you followed the Lord in baptism? If you have trusted Jesus Christ as Savior and He
is your Lord, then in obedience to His command, you should be baptized. A baptism preparation class will be
held on February 8th at 9:00am in room 216. Baptisms will be on February 22nd.
Easter Choir - Interested in singing in the Worship Choir for Easter morning, April 5th? This is for
anyone 18 years old and older. Talk to Julie Kitchen about the rehearsal schedule. We will start midFebruary.
Prime Timers - All senior adults are invited to our next meeting on Thursday, February 19th at 12:30pm in
the Seasons Room as Rayette George shares with us. Please bring a sandwich. Dessert and beverages will be
provided.
Gospel Meets Symphony - Several members of our congregation are participating in the Gospel Meets
Symphony concert on February 21, 2015. Check it out online at akronsymphony.org!
Marriage Conference - Family Life will be hosting “A Weekend to Remember” for engaged and
married couples in Cleveland on February 20th-22nd and in Akron on March 6th-8th.This is a great
opportunity to get away for the weekend and focus on strengthening the foundation of your marriage. For
more information and a special discount, pick up a packet on the lobby table or contact Pastor Don at 330688-7433.
Deeper Life Retreat - All senior adults are invited to the Central Districts annual deeper life retreat on
March 18-20th at the Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek, Ohio. Rev. Myron Daum the lead pastor at North-Mar church
will be the guest speaker. Come for three days of spiritual refreshment, Bible teaching, hymn singing,
fellowship, Amish shopping, and much more. Brochures and registration forms are available on the lobby
information table. Registration with full payment is due by February 2nd.
Severe Weather - In the event a service is cancelled, Stow Alliance Fellowship will use the iAlert
system to inform the congregation of the cancellation. This is the same service used to notify the
public of school closings.
Especially For Men
Men’s Gathering - Men of all ages are invited to join us for breakfast and fellowship on Saturday, February
7th at 7:30 am in the Seasons Room. Come and bring a friend!
Men’s Basketball - Plays on Saturdays from 9:00—11:00am. Come and join us! Please note that there will
be no basketball on Saturday, February 28th.
Stewardship Update Through January 20, 2015:
TITHES & OFFERINGS
Actual
Budget
Amount Over/(Under) Budget
Month
Year-to-Date
$ 43,103
38,007
5,096
$ 43,103
38,007
5,096
$ 11,908
6,504
5,404
$ 11,908
6,504
5,404
GREAT COMMISSION FUND
Actual
Promises
Amount Over/(Under) Promises
PRAISE Plan - Parking Lot Project
Please prayerfully consider your participation in the
PRAISE Plan. Information about the “PRAISE Plan” and
how you can be involved is available in the lobby. All
2015 donations to “Building Fund” will be applied to the
parking lot portion of the PRAISE Plan.
Goal
Received to Date
400,000
319,472
Especially For Women
MOPS: Mothers of Pre-Schoolers - MOPS is a group offering hope, encouragement,
community, and mothering support to mothers of children from birth through 5 years old. Come
join local moms on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 9:30 - 11:30 am. Our next meeting will be on
Tuesday, February 10th. Childcare will be provided.
Alliance Women’s Girls Night - Come develop and deepen relationships with other women in our
church! All women are invited to join us for a night of fun games, devotions, and relaxing fellowship together
in the youth room from 7:00-8:30pm on Tuesday, February 24th. Childcare will not be available but you may
bring your children if necessary.
Children’s Ministry
Kid’s Choir - Kid’s in grades 1-5 are invited to sing for our Spring Missions Sunday (March 22) and Easter
morning (April 5). Rehearsals will be Wednesday nights from 6:30-7:00pm and Sunday mornings at 11:30am.
More details will be available soon. Please see Julie Kitchen if your child is interested in being a part of the
kid’s choir.
Stow Alliance Preschool
Acme Receipts - The preschool is collecting receipts from Acme in order to raise money for needed
classroom supplies! They will receive 5% cash back on all Acme brand purchases. Receipts dated through
February 4th, 2015 can be turned in to the office through the end of February. Thank you for supporting SAP!
Youth Ministry
Super Bowl Bash - All Jr & Sr. High and 4:12 students are invited to join us on Sunday, February
1st at 6:00pm for our Super Bowl Bash. Please bring $5 and a snack or dessert to share with
everyone. Please contact Ryan Gopp with your homemade Super Bowl halftime commercial!
JH Believe Conference 2015! - One of the best Junior High events in the country is
coming to the Cincinnati area February 20th-21st. Great speakers, artists, music, a visit to the Creation
Museum, and more combine to make this an amazing weekend for the Junior High students! Cost is $70 per
person. The deadline to sign up is February 11th. Please mark your calendars for our upcoming parents
meeting on February 8th. See Michael Ray or Pastor Delroy with any questions or also check out
www.ciy.com/believe.
Legacy - Legacy is an opportunity for 6th-12th graders to be involved in singing, drama, and dance. We
meet on Sunday afternoons from 4:30-5:30pm in the music room. We will be singing for the Spring Missions
Sunday (March 22), Easter (April 5) and an Outreach concert in early June. Please see Julie Kitchen if you
would like to join!
Sports Ministry
Co-Ed Volleyball - Come join us every other Saturday of the month at 7:00pm in the gym for volleyball!
We will play on February 7th & 21st.
Co-Ed Indoor Soccer - Please note that indoor soccer will only play on Saturday, February 14th from
5:00-7:00pm this month. Come and join us!
Our SAF Family
February Birthdays…
Lara Ward
2/1
Lottie Masl
Kenny Steedly
Carl Valenti
2/2
Kim Moore
2/3
Madison Davis
Rhonda Graham
2/5
Joe Dias
Ken Hall
Dave Kupchella
2/6
Terry Osman
2/7
Charles Bennett
Drexal McAmis
John Scheftic
2/10
Harold Rowland
Tucker Trowbridge
2/11
Madison Cowley
Jerry Hurd
2/13
Joe Stoner
2/21
2/14
Nate Gilley
Ann Smith
2/22
Jeanne Crowe
Lisa Gopp
Ross Gunther
2/23
Andy Angell
Shannon Fleming
Ashlee Miller
Val Trowbridge
2/16
Gregg Henderson
David Robinson
Martha Schneider
Corinne Teare
James Falbo
Daniel Masl
2/25
Marlene Osborn
Rae Jean Wilson
2/17
Dwight Husk
2/26
Logan Henderson
Peyton Soliwoda
Megan Trowbridge
2/18
Dick Donze
2/27
Micah Loudermilk
Caleb Sprague
2/28
Jim Russell
2/19
February Anniversaries…
John & Sharon Feskanin
Richard & Lisa Sprague
2/7
If you are not currently on our birthday and/or anniversary list and would like to be,
please call the church office and let us know!