february 2018 church events from the pastor · worship & holy communion 8 & 10am lenten...
TRANSCRIPT
I wanted my Dad to finish a meal as he always had done. I wanted him to beat me at checkers. I wanted him to remember how the game was played. I had hoped that the day would not end with tears. I hated the journey we were on.
I think I knew where this was all headed….Death. His dear heart would not beat again. His breathing would go shallow—and stop. I would never hear him call my name again. At least, not here on earth. I hate death. I really do. I hate it.
And ya know what? My God does too. He hates death.
He hates it when a heart stops. He hates it when lungs stop breathing. He hates it when the body he shaped no longer moves to praise Him or thank Him. God hates death. He hates it so much he “Gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but WILL HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE!”.
This Lenten Season, I am dedicating a new series of messages to my Dad. I am grateful for the hours Jesus stood beside our family on a journey we were so fearful to walk. I have been searching the scriptures to discover those moments when Jesus stood with those who faced death. I found something amazing, Did you know that every time Jesus encountered death--- there was a resurrection??
FEBRUARY 2018
Pastor Matthew S. Lash6517 Finzel Rd
Whitehouse, OH 43571
419-877-0607
FROM THE PASTOROne year ago, my Dad was on a journey. I guess, at the time, I was not completely clear on what that journey was all about.
Every Sunday I visited him, I had hoped that the journey would take a different turn. I wanted my Dad to remember more. I wanted him to be able to stand and walk.
CHURCH EVENTS
FEB 4Youth Committee Meeting
FEB 5Growing & Learning Committee
Meeting
FEB 6Outreach Committee Meeting
FEB 11 – Youth Winter Jam Christian Concert
FEB 12Worship Committee Meeting
FEB 14Ash Wednesday
Afternoon Worship & Communion – 12:00 pmSoup Supper – 5:30 pm
Worship & Message – 7 pm
FEB 17 - 6pmYouth Night – “Mystery Trip”
FEB 20 – 1 pmBook Club
FEB 21 – LENTSoup Supper – 6 pm
Worship & Prayer – 7 pm
FEB 22Church Council Meeting
FEB 24 & 25Clean & Feed – Collection of Soap for Salem and Food for
Zion’s Food Pantry
FEB 28 – LENTSoup Supper – 6 pm
Worship & Prayer – 7 pm
I hope you will be still with awe this upcoming Lenten season. I hope you will be be still before the power of our God. I hope you will know the God and Savior who hates sin and death so much, He sent His only Son to a Cross to destroy it! He comes to give us life again!
My Dad took his last breath at 7:15 p.m. on Ash Wednesday, March 1st. Someone told me, “It’s over”. They were wrong. The journey didn’t end there. My Dad took a new breath just seconds later when God and his Only Son, Jesus welcomed him to a resurrected home!
WHEN MY THIRD DAY---IS YOUR DAY! I dedicate these sermons to him. He is enjoying His Third Day. Come and give thanks for those in the scriptures who are set free from sin, death and the power of the devil.
Journey from death to resurrection this Lenten season!
Peace.
Pastor Matt
WORSHIP“Irejoicewiththosewhosaidtome,“LetusgotothehouseoftheLord!”(Psalm122:1)
WORSHIP LIFE in FEBRUARY
The month of February will invite us to walk through the shadows of death without fear, but with confident faith. Our Wednesday evening Lenten services will enjoy the confident words of King David’s 23rd Psalm.
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, February 14. Our Sunday mornings will focus on some of the greatest accounts in the scriptures---leading God’s children from death to resurrection!
May these winter months be blessed with inspiring worship and growing at Community of Christ! What a great season to, yes, bring a friend!
Weekend of February 3 & 45th Sunday of EpiphanySaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage “He Healed ME!” Sunday, February 4Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am
Weekend of February 10 & 11The Transfiguration of the LordSaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage “He Silenced ME”Sunday, February 11Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am
LENTEN WEDNESDAY WORSHIPAsh Wednesday, February 14Evening Soup Supper 5:30 pm (volunteer to bring soup, salad or dessert)Message “My Shepherd from Life…to LIFE!” Afternoon Worship & Message 12pmWorship & Message 7pm
Weekend of February 17 & 18First Sunday of LentSaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage WHEN HIS THIRD DAY—IS YOUR THIRD DAY!“From Panic to Proclamation!”Sunday, February 18Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am
Wednesday, February 21Lent: “I Look to the Shepherd!”Soup Supper & Fellowship 6pmMessage “Green Pastures & Quiet Waters…”Worship & Prayer 7:00-7:30 pm
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HEY!! WORSHIP SUNDAY SIGN UPS!!!
We gladly welcomed new volunteers to participate in our worship services on Sunday, January 21st!
We are looking for children, teens and adults to share in the reading of God’s Word!
• Are you interested in distributing the Lord’s Sacrament?
• Is your child excited about acolyting or carrying the Lord’s Cross in worship?
• Have you considered being an assisting minister; participating in the liturgy and distribution of the Lord’s sacrament?
ALL CONFIRMED MEMBERS & FRIENDS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE!
We will provide simple training and love to have you participate!
Weekend of February 24 & 25Second Sunday of Lent (Presider, Pastor Ron Heinz)Saturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage WHEN HIS THIRD DAY—IS YOUR THIRD DAY!“Nain’s Only son….”Sunday, February 25Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am
Wednesday, February 28“I Look to the Shepherd!”Soup Supper & Fellowship 6pmMessage “Restores & Guides Me!” Presider, Pastor Ron HeinzWorship & Prayer 7:00-7:30 pm
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Prayers of the Church Weekly prayers will appear in the bulletin for weekend worship. We encourage you to follow along with the prayers and use the prayers as a meal time prayer during the week as well. Let us remember the needs of others in our congregation and those who rejoice in the week ahead. Please contact the office for ALL weekend prayer requests.
Children & Students—Acolyte & Crucifer Volunteers! Please sign up on the volunteer list to serve as acolytes and crucifers on Saturday or Sunday mornings! We are grateful for the service of our youngsters & teens!
Ash Wednesday, February 14! Join us on the journey, forty days of Lent that will lead us towards the Cross and the empty tomb of Easter. We will offer TWO WORSHIP SERVICES: 12:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. *A SOUP SUPPER WILL BE HELD AT 5:30 P.M. NOTE: ONE HALF HOUR EARLIER ON ASH WEDNESDAY. Please plan to join us each Wednesday evening during the Lenten season for worship and prayer.
“I Look to The Shepherd”---Lenten Wednesdays Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me, follow me all the days of my life! This beautiful music, this beautiful Psalm will bless our Lenten season this New Year. Pastor Matt, along with Pastor Ron, will share a series of messages based on the song of the Shepherd boy, King David. Booklets by author, W. Phillip Keller, A Shepherd Look at Psalm 23 will also add to our appreciation of this cherished Word of God! Please invite a friend to join you these inspiring evenings.
WHEN THE THIRD DAY—IS YOUR DAY!
“I Want to Know Christ and the Power of His Resurrection!” (The Apostle Paul). The Gospel of Jesus Christ---Christ has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come again! On Sunday mornings, beginning February 18, Pastor Matt will preach a five week series of messages that remember the movement from Death to Resurrection for those who encountered Jesus!
Our Lenten walk takes all of us from the dark walk of sin, to the joyful dance of eternal life! Please plan to be with us on Sundays during Lent for some of the greatest chapters in the Bible! First Message: “From Panic to Proclamation!”
Looking Ahead to Holy Week 2018 Community of Christ is offering a series of events for all ages; children,
teens, adults, seniors. We invite you
to remember the upcoming Holy Week
as a family dedicated to our Savior;
Monday, March 26 BIBLE, BREAD & BREAKFAST Early morning Bible
study with Pastor Matt, (studying the
lessons Jesus taught in Holy Week).
We will conclude with Holy Communion and enjoy breakfast at
Cracker Barrel. 8:00-9:30 am.
Tuesday, March 27 HOLY WEEK IN A CHILD’S EYES Enjoy pizza with Pastor Matt! Pastor will lead an
interactive experience for children
(pre-school & elementary, all ages) to
understand the teachings of Jesus,
the Last Supper and the Cross. Each child will complete a craft. We begin at
6:00-7:30 pm. All ages. Parents
welcome J
Wednesday, March 28 “THE JAZZ PASSION” Our Director of Music,
Eric Dickey, with musicians and
vocalists will present an inspiring
rendition of Holy week music and our Lord’s Walk to Calvary.
Maundy Thursday, March 29 Worship, the Lord’s Supper and Stripping of the Altar. 7:00 pm. Come and reflect on this last evening of our Lord’s earthly life.
Good Friday, March 30. Two
worship services to remember the
death of Jesus. Traditional Seven Last Words Remembrance 12:00 noon. Service of Darkness 7:00 pm.
WORSHIP“Irejoicewiththosewhosaidtome,“LetusgotothehouseoftheLord!”(Psalm122:1)
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The Adult Choir and Bell Choir at Community of Christ Church are
OPEN to new members…so don’t be shy!
Anyone interested in singing just come to the Sanctuary on a
Wednesday night at 7pm. And to ring bells meet us on Thursday night at 7:30pm.
Contact Eric Dickey with any questions. 419-877-0607
CHOIRS AND YOU
FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
NO Choirs on February 20, 21, & 22.
Let us prepare to walk the Lenten path…
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SONriseFun and educational for all our elementary children! Each
Sunday is SOMETHING NEW! Join SONrise on Sunday,
Enjoy some great storytelling from Karole Sigg! Everyone has a part in the story! SONrise is great for three and four
year old’s too! Our second week will include a craft, followed
by activities and Krystal Bells in the last few weeks of
February!
Our theme: I BELIEVE…In Jesus, His Only Son, our Lord!
Come and know Jesus our baptized Lord!
Word of God! Word of Life!
Pastor Matt invites you to join him for a study of the 1 & 2 PETER. The disciple wrote these inspiring words of HOPE in 60-62 A.D. The Word of God continues to shout HOPE to us in 2018!
We meet in the library beginning at 9:15 a.m. All are welcome to join us!
Pastor’s Winter Bible Study—ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING!!
Join Pastor Matt as we take a closer look at words of JOY and ENCOURAGEMENT from the Apostle Paul! We are living in stressful and anxious times. Let us find our peace in God’s Holy Word!
Come each week and enjoy our discussion of faith, trust and the hope we have in the very presence of Christ our Lord! Our study is supplemented by Pastor Max Lucado’s best seller, Anxious For Nothing.
We meet on Thursdays from 1:00-2:15 p.m. Our evening class meets from 7:00-8:15 p.m. Our class concludes on February 15th. All are welcome!
IS YOUR CHILD DESIRING HOLY COMMUNION????
Our winter classes for Holy Communion will be held on three MONDAYS from 5:00-6:00 p.m. All children (usually 2nd/3rd grade or higher) who are interested in receiving Holy Communion during the Lenten and Easter season are encouraged to attend. Please call the church office to register your child.
Dates: March 5, 12, 19
First communion will be celebrated on Palm Sunday, March 25.
Questions? Contact Pastor Matt or the Church Office – 419-877-0607.
PARISH EDUCATION“Theydevotedthemselvestotheapostles’teaching,tofellowship,tothebreakingofbread”(Acts2:42)
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WINTER JAM---CHRISTIAN MUSIC CONCERT! Interested??? The popular annual event is held at Little
Caesar Arena in Detroit on Sunday, February 11th! We
will leave the church parking lot at 3:30 p.m.
The cost is only 15.00 for an evening of bands, music
and entertainment in a brand new venue! Bring a friend!
Wanna go?? email [email protected]. OR SIGN UP ON THE KIOSK! C’mon celebrate your faith
with awesome music!
YOUTH NIGHT AT C OF C SAT. FEB. 17!! It’s a mystery trip! Yes….we are going somewhere?? Dinner & event! Looking for a winter surprise? Willing to give something
very mysterious a chance??? I double dare ya!
SEE YOU SAT NIGHT, FEB 17, 6pm !!!!!
PIZZA PAPALIS & TOLEDO WALLEYE HOCKEY!! Great Pizza and great fish—Walleye hockey! Sunday, March 11. Bring a friend! Time: 3:30-8:00 p.m. (Game time: 5:15 p.m.) Cost: 20.00. Sign up or contact Michelle
419-877-0607 or [email protected].
TEENS SERVING OUR CHURCH! We need servants for ASH WEDNESDAY and all the
Lenten soup suppers;
February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14 & 21.
We need a minimum of 6 teens for each supper. All
proceeds support our retreat ministries.
Please plan to serve as many Wednesdays as you are
able. Sign up on the Kiosk today! Thank you!
Confirmation Students & Parents!
Our confirmation
students are
studying the TEN COMMANDMENTS this winter! Our
class meets from
4:45-6:00 p.m. every
Tuesday.
Our time together
includes Bible
adventure,
interactive learning and small group
discussion!
Our teens will be
participating in worship this winter
too! If you have a
teen in 7th or 8th
grade, and this
program interests you, please contact
the church office.
Please sign up for upcoming winter events or contact Michelle and let her know you will be attending
YOUTH MINISTRIES“Teachthemtoyourchildren,totheirchildrenafterthem”(Deuteronomy4:9)
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Community of Christ Book Club 2018 Selections
February 20 - Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott
March 20 - Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
April 17 - Orphan Mother by Robert Hicks
May 15 - Killers of the Flower Moon by David Gran
June 19 - Dry by Jane Harper
Welcome New Members toCommunity of Christ!
We are grateful to receive new members into
our church family! Our new members were received into fellowship on January 21.
Jeffrey & Sandra Rice, Kelly
James Buchanan
Brian & April Smucker, Mallory, Audrey, Lydia
Sara Hoffman
Please check out their pictures on the
bulletin board and introduce yourself!
OUTREACH“Serveoneanotherinlove”(Galatians5:13)
"Beloved, let us love one
another, because love is
from God; everyone who
loves is born of God and
knows God" (1 John 4:7).
Last fall we volunteered with Food for Thought at Trinity
Episcopal Church in downtown Toledo making sandwiches on Friday night and helping to pass them out
to people in need of food in downtown Toledo on
Saturday mornings. We have returned a few times since
and would like to get a communication chain going so we
can share rides, etc.
If you are interested in being part of this communication,
please reach out to Susan Nofzinger to give her your contact information: Name, Phone Number, and email
address. Susan’s email address
This will help us create an email chain to help coordinate
rides and send out reminders when the days are
approaching. This is NOT a commitment for you to go. It
just keeps you in the loop so you can join us whenever you are able and those of us going on a given date know
who to expect.
Any questions? Feel free to contact Sarah Rockwell @ 419.261.2843 or Susan Nofzinger @ 419.878.0938.
Dates for this year’s participation (the 2nd weekend of each month):
Feb: 9-10
March: 9-10 April: 13-14
May: 11-12
June: 8-9
July: 13-14 August: 10-11
Sept: 14-15
Oct: 12-13
Nov: 9-10 Dec: 14-15
Volunteer Opportunity
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STEWARDSHIP“Forwhereyourtreasureis,thereyourheartwillbealso.”(Matthew6:21)
SYNC OUR CHURCH DIRECTORY to your Mobile Device.
1. Go to your device’s App store.
2. Search for Instant Church Directory.3. Enter your email as it’s listed in our
church directory. If email not listed
please email
[email protected] to have
your email added.4. Follow the directions on screen to
complete the login process.
2017 GIVING STATEMENTSWe have provided your statementof giving for the past year. You may
pick it up on the table outside the
office. We will be mailing those
statements that are not picked up
the week of January 28th. Thank you for faithful contributions!
BUILDING RENOVATION THERMOMETER RISES!Our contribution towards the
property contingency fund have
risen to above $20,000! THANK YOU!
Please remember the “building fund” (noted on your offering
envelope) is directed to the
outstanding loan for our sanctuary.
Your EXTRA offering towards
property renovations supports
many upcoming spring projects.
PHOTO DIRECTORYGrab a copy! Please pick up a copy our most recent pictorial directory! A great way to get to know names and faces!
Congratulations Pastor Matt!
35th Anniversary of your Ordination
&
6th year anniversary with
Community of Christ!
Church Council Installed with Prayer
Pastor Matt formally installed our 2017 Church council leaders on
Sunday, JAN 14.
The following members gather on the second Tuesday of each month at 7pm.
Our next council gathering is Thursday, FEB 22 at 7pm.
Meetings are open to all members. If you would like to address concerns or ideas, please contact the church office
so we may add your name to the evening agenda.
COUNCIL MEMBERSPresident, Brian Jones
Vice President, Sarah RockwellSecretary, Cammie Abraham
Worship, Max KohrParish Education, Barb Thober
Youth, Kevin SwaglerFinance, Jeff Baden
Social Action, Carol WeimkenProperty, John Zimmerman
Outreach, Greg MyersFellowship, Rick Yokum
Concert Committee, Stephanie PhillipsAppointed Treasurer, Joseph Perkins
Appointed Financial Secretary, Michelle Gebhart
*All minutes of church council meetings are available on our web site.
MEMORIAL GIFTSWe are grateful for memorial gifts that have been
received to bless our faith community.
COPIES OF THE C of C CONSTITUTIONAs a supportive partner and congregation of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are
guided by a constitution with specific
congregational by laws. Copies are available in the
gathering area on the table located left of the office.
Feel free to pick up a copy!
CHURCH LIFE
Growing & Learning Committee(Sunday School,
Bible Study, Parish
education)
Feb 5
May 7
Aug13
Oct 29
Worship Committee(Planning &
enhancing our
worship life)
Feb 12
Mar 2
May 7
Sep 10
Nov 12
Youth Committee(Children & Youth,
teen activities &
ministries)
Feb 4
May 6
Aug 26
Oct 28
Outreach Committee(Welcome visitors,
assimilating members,
media, identity build)
Feb 6
Apr 17
June 5
Aug 28
Oct 2
UPCOMING COMMITTEE MEETINGSInterested in participating in planning, sharing
new ideas and getting involved in a variety of
ministries???
Here are some tentative dates for future planning;
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We extend our prayers to Betty Dick and family on
the loss of her sister, EVELYN BEAUDREAU.
We extend our prayers to the family of JIM FORBES. Brother of Molly Wachtman, who
recently passed away.
We pray for the family and friends of CHESTER HICKS; father of Lisa (Mick) Delas and grandfather
to Mark, Grant and Nicole. Funeral services were
held on January 20th by Pastor Matt.
We pray for Marie Archer and family at the loss of
her Dad, BERNARD BOWMAN.
We remember in prayer, Becky King and family at
the loss of her father, RALPH HUSS.
Please remember the following members who
are ill, shut in, or recently hospitalized’
Kay Terveen - Home recuperating from heart
surgery
Jim Stiles - Recuperating
Dayle Reed - Care for cancer
Cindy Wixey - Care for Alzheimer’s
Norma Ruhe - Shut in residing at Swan Creek
(100 years old)
Dana Chafin - Recuperating from brain surgery
Glenn & Rosa Lee Johnson – Shut ins
Todd, Ally, John Cranmore – Moved due to fire
Please remember them in your daily prayers.
Thank you.
Prayers of God’s PeopleI My Church
SYMPATHY, PRAYERS & THANKS
May the Lord Bless you with His Peace.
02/10 Johann Wagner
02/10 Renee Mruzek
02/12 James Gill
02/12 Pam Karg
02/13 Jeff Bright
02/13 Morgan Graceffo
02/14 Sharon Miller
02/15 Brynn Burdo
02/15 Collin Keil
02/16 Cameron Happel
02/16 Cheri Outly
02/16 Kenneth Kuhlman
02/16 Kevin Outly
02/17 Kelsey Verhoff
02/18 Lou Ann Brettel
02/18 Mark Petrell
02/19 Scott Petrell
02/20 Laurie Mauro
02/20 Michelle Reid
02/20 Vince Mauro
02/20 Wayne King
02/21 Jason Moser
02/23 Barbara Thober
02/23 Don Myers
02/25 Zachary Boltz
02/27 LuAnn Shuman
02/28 Emma Abraham
02/28 Mike Carman
02/28 Paul Rasmusson
02/28 Wilbur Wagner
02/01 Jeff Baden
02/01 Nancy Shaw
02/02 Rosa Lee Johnson
02/03 Jane Schmenk
02/04 Emily Pollock
02/04 Hunter Fry
02/06 Jeannine Fuhrhop
02/06 Kara Keil
02/06 Kirk Klostermeier
02/06 Paul Marshall
02/06 Shawn Miller
02/07 Brad Archer
02/07 Jerry Jones
02/08 Mackenzie Barney
02/09 Greg Wobser II
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I would like to thank my church family for all the prayers, calls, food and cards during my hip replacement &
recovery. Our God is great & I thank Him for all of you. - Becky King
Dear Community of Christ,
Thank you for (a) your Angel Tree Work with Salem and the families of the North End and (b) your generous and timely donation of warm materials (hats, gloves, coats). The love of God is warmth; may you always
feel that warmth. In Christ, Salem’s Council & Pr. Mike Hanck
Reminder --- Prayers of the Church – In order that we keep
our prayer concerns current and fresh in worship---we update
our prayer concern list every two weeks. The concern you
provide will be included in the prayers of the congregation for
two weeks.
If you would like to MAKE or RENEW your prayer request,
please use the form available in the gathering area or contact
the church office – 419-877-0607 -
Thank you. Continue to pray for another!
Would you like the NEWSLETTER in your mail box?Simply call the church office and we would be happy to send
it to your mailbox! A limited number of newsletters are
copied and available in the gathering area. The newsletter is
always available on our web site, www.commofchrist.org.
Our Church Office Hours will remain 8:30-3:30 pm (Monday through Friday). Our office manager will be
available during these hours. Her hours have been increased
to serve as Pastor’s executive assistant eight hours a week.
This was approved following the staff’s task force
recommendation to provide additional lay support staff for the
pastor’s office. These duties and activities will be reviewed
at the end of 2018.
Church Calendar of Events Be sure to check out the church calendar for important
dates for upcoming events at our website –
www.commofchrist.org.
www.commofchrist.org6517 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571
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4th Sunday---“Clean & Feed!”We will begin setting
aside the fourth Sunday of the month
for us to share love
offerings with Salem Lutheran, Toledo &
Whitehouse Food
Pantry!
Please bring bars of soap for Salem’s
neighborhood
families and food for
those who have needs
here in Whitehouse.
Baskets will be placed
near the doors on
Sunday, FEB 24 & 25.Thank you for your generous offering of
support!