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Fairmount
Presbyterian Church |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I contact Fairmount? |
Phone: 216-321-5800
(see staff list for individual extensions.)
Fax: 216-321-1044
Mail: 2757 Fairmount Blvd.,
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
E-Mail: worship@fairmountchurch.org
(see staff list for individual e-mail addresses.)
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Is Fairmount handicapped accessible? |
Yes! The parking lot behind the church which is accessed from Scarborough Road is always available for persons with mobility issues. (On Sunday morning we ask members and regular visitors to keep this lot available for first time visitors and persons needing handicapped accessibility options.) A ramp entrance with an automatic door is located in this area. Wheelchairs are also available for use in the church. The lower level of the building and the second floor may be reached by means of an elevator located opposite the main church office. The Sanctuary, Chapel, church office and many meeting rooms are all on the ground floor. All other areas of the church are easily reached using the elevator.
A second handicapped access is located on the east side of the narthex (Fairmount Blvd. or "tower" entrance to the sanctuary). An elevator chair lifts persons up to the sanctuary level.
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I (or someone I know) needs to talk to a pastor. Who can I call? |
It often happens that in times of crisis a person seeks to find comfort and assistance in a community of faith. Fairmount pastors welcome the opportunity provide this ministry as they are able. Please call the church office to arrange an appointment with a pastor.
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May I get married at Fairmount? |
Weddings at Fairmount are an especially beautiful opportunity for expressing our relationship to God. The staff of the church takes very seriously its understanding of weddings as religious ceremonies. They are also fun, joy-filled, tasteful and appropriate. Although church members are given preference, non-member weddings are welcome. Couples wishing to be married at Fairmount are encouraged to call the church office as soon as possible to discuss details and arrange to meet with a pastor.
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Who may be a member of Fairmount Presbyterian Church? |
Anyone who is Baptized and is willing to profess publicly that Jesus is Lord of his or her life may become a member. Membership is not restricted in any way based on gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical disability, age, geographical location, worldly condition, or marital status. Persons who hold different theological positions consistent with the Reformed Tradition are welcomed as members. Fairmount celebrates the diversity of it's congregation!
| How Do I Join Fairmount? |
After visiting Fairmount several times a person may wish to become a member. Invitations to upcoming inquirers' classes are automatically mailed to anyone who lives in the area and has signed the pew pad as a visitor several times. A prospective member may also call the church office to arrange class attendance or to speak to a pastor. Inquirers' classes consist of three sessions on the meaning of membership at Fairmount. These classes are held for three consecutive Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. or a "3 in 1" class may be offered on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon. Following three hours of class time participants are invited to meet with the session (governing body) of the church and to indicate their intention to join. During the worship service new members are welcomed by the congregation.
| Why should I consider church membership? |
Church membership is more than simply "joining a church". A public profession of faith along with the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion are visible signs of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and acceptance of his Lordship in all of life and of entrance into the active membership of the church.
Only communicant members in good standing are elected to leadership positions in the congregation (Elder, Deacon, Trustee) and only members may vote at congregational meetings held throughout the year to elect officers, approve the church budget, and approve the terms of call of pastors. In addition, use of the facilities of the church for weddings and funerals carries discounted fees for members. Beyond these restrictions, all activities, services and programs of the church are available to members and non-members alike.
| I am new in town--should I change my church membership? |
Many people who move to a new city believe it is important to become part of a faith community in their new home. If you are a member in good standing of most Protestant Churches, you may join Fairmount by "Certificate of Transfer". Often a person who is temporarily located in a new city (such as a student) may choose to become an "Affiliate member". Persons who have never been a member of a church join by "Affirmation of Faith". This is often accompanied by the Sacrament of Baptism. Persons who have been members of a church but for any number of reasons are not able to secure a Certificate of Transfer join by "Re-affirmation of Faith." Any of the Pastors or the Pastor's Secretary are able to explain the details and procedures of all of the these options.
| What does it cost to be a member? |
In a word -- "Nothing!" There are no dues or membership fees. Membership is open to any person who professes Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. However, in many instances in the Bible, the faithful are assumed to tithe; that is, to give a tenth of their income to the religious establishment.
Faithful church members understand that their church does not operate entirely on prayer. Nor is the mission of the church the product of a person's good will alone. Three things are necessary from church members for the church to operate as God's presence in the world: Their time, their talents and their currency. In what proportion these gifts are offered in Christ's service is the prayerful decision of each individual.
| What kind of church programs and activities are available at Fairmount? |
Fairmount Church offers a wide variety of opportunities and activities in fulfillment of it's statement of mission. All programs, within the parameters set by the nature of each activity, are open to all persons--members and non-members alike.
Praising God through worship and music;
Serving God through community outreach;
Learning about God through education;
Enjoying God through the life of the congregation.
Most of our website focuses on the content of these program areas. We hope you will spend time exploring the many opportunities available as they are presented here. If you have additional questions please send an E-mail or call the church office.
| How Can I Participate in Church Programs and Activities? |
Programs and activities of the church are open to anyone who wishes to participate.
Often people who join in Sunday worship will meet others who share their interests and find a ready invitation and welcome to church activities.
If there is a particular program offered by Fairmount that interests you, please call or e-mail the church office for more details and the name of a contact person.
| I have an idea for a program I wish were available in the area. Would Fairmount be interested in my idea? |
Sure. Recently one of our members saw billboards in another city about "It's Never Right to Hit a Child". He thought this would be a great campaign for Cleveland. His pastors at Fairmount helped him proceed with his idea and to secure funding. I'm sure you have seen this same sign on billboards and buses here in Cleveland.
There are many ways Fairmount might be of help. The best way to proceed would be to e-mail a pastor with an outline of your idea. At the very least we will try to suggest other people or agencies who might be interested in helping you.
| Are the church facilities available for use by outside groups? |
Our facilities are used by many outside groups who share the following characteristics:
The activity is not in conflict with the values expressed in our statement of mission or with the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (USA);
The activity is not-for-profit and no admission fees are charged;
The participants are respectful of the church property and of other groups who may be in the building at the same time.
No activity is planned for Saturday or Sunday afternoon or evening or on Holidays when the church is closed.
Contact the church administrator to make arrangements.
| What Kind of Youth Programs are Offered? |
A full range of youth programs are offered:
N*R*G --fellowship group for grades 6, 7, 8 on the first Sunday afternoon of each month (October through May).
CHEER --fellowship group for grades 9 - 12 Sunday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (September through May)
Confirmation Class for 9th grade on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.
Breakfast Club for grades 7 and 8 on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.
CHEER A. M. church school for grades 10 - 12 on Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m.
T'nT (Twenties and Thirties young adult group) for ages 20 to 39.
Details and schedules for these groups and other activities are found in the section on Church Life
| Is there a Singles Group? |
Starting Anew is a group specifically for people who have lost a spouse or significant other through estrangement, death or divorce.
All other Adult fellowship groups, service groups, and study classes welcome singles, re-singles, married and couples.
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