Www.hilltopchristianchurch.org



Letter From the PastorWell, I’m still feeling a little hungover from VBS, but I absolutely loved it. The response and support from our congregation was amazing. I can say with confidence that if they are able, every child that attended will come back to VBS next year. Thank you again for making it possible. It makes me feel good that people are excited about where we’re heading as a church.That being said, I have shared with the congregation about my struggles with depression. These past few days, I have found my heart a bit heavy even after such an awesome week. I began to think about other churches that turned me down as a pastor and revisiting the hurt. I also lamented how things ended at Struthers Parkside. As I thought about this, and where I might be if I had been hired by another church, I knew that God had led me to the place that was best for me.I can’t believe it is coming up on a year since I have been with you at Hilltop. In that time, I believe my family and I have settled in to a good home. I have been able to see the heart of our church, and I am humbled to be your shepherd. I see myself growing in my abilities and I appreciate that you are giving me the space and patience to do that. I will continue to put my heart and soul into being the best pastor I can be for you.As I get more plugged into the community, I’m finding out just how special Mantua and the surrounding areas are. Even though the community isn’t as thriving as it once was, there are people with hope and vision for the future. We are a part of that. If this past year has been any indication about what the future holds, I look forward to it with great anticipation. Rev. Matt KlucharPRESIDENTIAL PONDERINGSa.k.a. Notes from the Chairman of the BoardWhen I accepted the position of Chairman of the Board here at HIlltop, I first asked many members, "What do you want to see brought back from your favorite times here at the church?". With a variety of answers, we first brought back Sunday dinners by adding a 5th Sunday potluck, making a time for Gathrering and fellowship a few times a year.Vacation Bible School was also requested and, as you'll read in this Hilltopper, we hosted our first VBS in over a decade. It was a splash with all involved.As I enter my third year as Chairman, my final goal is a HUGE one ... hosting a traditional "old time" Christmas celebration complete with a countdown to the lighting of a huge Christmas tree on the front lawn, followed by caroling, hot chocolate, cookies, crafts, and a visit from Santa! The tentative date for this event is December 7th so mark your calendars early and plan on bringing the whole family to this heart-filling event.Until next issue,Eric CAMP EXPERIENCEHello,I would like to thank Mrs. Barb and the CWF for sending me to Camp Christian. It was my first time away from home so it was scary at first. But everyone was so nice and the food was great. My favorite part was fishing on the 4th of July. The songs were really fun. Each day we learned a religious holiday but at camp we called them holy days. I can't wait to go back next year. Thank you so much.Jessica Davis Thoughts from an Elder: Care Groups Are ComingAs in society in general, so it is with the elders - some things go away and come back then go away and come back again and again. So it is that we await Chairman Barb's assignment of congregational members into care groups to be given to each elder. There will be one obvious difference in this year's version -- instead of having one Care Elder, each of us will have two Care Elders watching out for us. You should be hearing from your elders well before our next newsletter goes out. Though not intentional, it is good timing since the holidays can prove to be a difficult time for many. If you aren't sure just what having a Care Elder means, let me give you an idea of what to expect. Your Care Elder will be the formal point of contact between you and Pastor Matt as well as between you and the Board of Elders. This doesn't mean that you can't approach Matt or any of the elders with your concerns or needs, it just means that there is someone officially assigned to act as a kind of liaison between you and the spiritual leaders of Hilltop....someone to contact with concerns and joys ... someone who will be praying for you.Why Care Elders? Well, consider the mission of the elders.... spiritual leadership, protecting, and loving the congregation. Just as a shepherd cares for his flock, so the elders care for the members of our congregation. And this is one way we employ to make sure you feel cared for. We will strive to fulfill our mission by following the command in I Peter 5:2-3, to shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock.Consider praying for us as we strive to carry out God's charge in HIs will and just as your Care Elders will be praying for you.Carol Denzingerour ministries: the return of vbsThis summer marked a return of a wonderful community building event connecting Hilltop Christian Church to several families and extended families with young children in the Mantua area.? First off, our Hilltop congregation should be so proud of all the members who made this possible!? For fear of leaving anyone out, names won’t be named, but quite possibly could include everyone!? Members purchased and prepared materials for snacks and crafts weeks ahead of time, volunteered time before to plan and during to facilitate wonderful, bible based activities for the children, and daily folks assisted with clean up & preparation for the next day’s activities.? Another special shout out goes to the Upreach team and youth director Elizabeth Orlando (relative of the Summerlins) of Disciples Christian Church, Boardman for providing us a fantastic curriculum, designed by Liz herself, and many of the supplies and resources as well as large banners and decorations!? This labor of love was largely a non-budgeted event and financially cost the church very little.? When viewed in the context of all of the Biblical teachings and messages of God’s love and protection to children of this community, the spending was minimal and the rewards immeasurable!? In transitioning to a new school year should the congregation begin to discern is there more we can do on an ongoing basis to nurture the spiritual development of our community through its children?? Hilltop Birthday Celebration October 13, 2019 will see Hilltop celebrating its 130th birthday!! And we certainly plan to celebrate!!Groundbreaking for our 130-year old sanctuary began in April of 1889. It was completed just 8 months later with the dedication happening in time for Christmas to be celebrated in the new facility.On October 13th, ALL are invited to join in a special sermon and birthday celebration. The day will include two special features. One will be a boulder (graciously donated by Ross Kotkowski and Lakeside Sand and Gravel). The second will be a booklet of Hilltop Memories as contributed by each of you and put together by a committee headed by Barb Blazek.The boulder will be set in the front yard as a testament to the rock on which we as believers stand. The congregation will have the chance to vote on a message that will be engraved on a plaque to be applied to the boulder so that all who see it will know the foundation of our church. Details of this incredible event are still in the formative stage, with a committee being formed to make this a wonderful celebration. We are asking everyone for some help in making this day full of Memories. Please send your Memories of this wonderful Church family and the friends you have had here over the years. The plan is to pull all the memories together so they can be shared with everyone.Please send your memories to the church by mail or e-mail. Or send to Barb at 5606 Allyn Rd. Mantua OH 44255 or by e-mail to her at doc7460@. She has already shared the following to stimulate our memories: With growing up in the church and making it my home, I have many memories. For one, Ethel Booth playing the piano. Also, Beniece Chadwick and the quilts she made for others. What are your memories?After the sermon there will be food, drinks, and of course, birthday cake!So please mark your calendar for October 13th. We'll look forward to having you join us in the Sanctuary and at the party on the front lawn where the rock will be located.Thank you for your help. Watch for a flyer to be coming your way soon.In Christ's love,Barb and committeeHILLTOP CALENDAR Upcoming events, birthdays to celebrate, and anniversaries to commemorate.July3rd??????? Matthew Kluchar4th???????????Barb Blazek4th USA5th???????????Lois Summerlin8th???????????Tom Bosh12th????????Leona Livezey21st????????Sandy Engelhart27th????? Jim OsterAugust1st???????????Mark Mikula5th - 9th Vacation Bible School8th???????????Sharon & Bill Davis9th???????????Katherine & Drew Stamm10th????????Pam & Stan Foster13th????????Ralph Livezey17th????????Joe Blazek24th????? Stan Foster26th????? Karen Jahn26th????? Leona & Ralph Livezey4572 West Prospect StPO Box 515Mantua, OH 44255E-Mail:secretaryhilltop@Website:Church:330-274-2771?NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE PAIDPermit No. 2MANTUA, OHIO 44255-3432175462280E-Mail:secretaryhilltop@Website:Church:330-274-2771?4572 West Prospect StreetPO Box 515Mantua, OH 44255 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download