OCTOBER 2017

Pastor Matthew S. Lash6517 Finzel RdWhitehouse, OH 43571

419-877-0607www.commofchrist.orgpastormatt@commofchrist.org

DATESTOMARKONYOURCALENDAR:October1- BigStuf RetreatRegistrationOpens!October8 - OperationChristmasChildKicksOff!October29- ReformationSundaywithTowerBrassQuintetNovember4- ChristmasPageantRehearsalsBegin!November5- AllSaintsRemembranceNovember12- StewardshipSunday/CommitmentSundayNovember19- GlobalMissionSundayNovember22- ThanksgivingeveWorship7:00p.m.

When Your Son Gets Married….

He would come to me with baseball mitt in hand, “C’mon Dad, play with me! Play with me!”. Many times, I said “YES”. Sometimes I said, “No”. He would bounce a basketball in my direction and ask me to watch him take ‘shots’ in the driveway. Many times, I said, “YES”. Sometimes I said, “No”. He would ask me to ride a bike to 7-11 to enjoy a frozen Coke….again, sometimes, I said, “YES”. Sometimes I said, “No”.

Today, my little boy is now 25 years old…he lives 800 miles away…and he is busy. The days for playing catch, shooting baskets, and grabbing a soda pop at the local store are gone. My opportunity to say, “YES” has passed. And I will be honest, today, I regret every “No” I spoke because I was too preoccupied, too tired, too this, too that….Yep, the Cat is in the cradle…and little boy blue and the man on the moon….

On Saturday, October 14th my son, and his bride to be, Miss Ashleigh Watson will stand before me (and about one hundred other family and friends) and they will say YES to one another. YES to a life of fidelity. YES to love and commitment. YES to sharing an even greater love as husband and wife. YES to welcoming God into the very heart of their home and marriage.

At the end of the ceremony, Dad will say YES to his son and his lovely bride and I will do what Dads can only dream to do---Bless ‘two who have become one’ in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Perhaps, a ‘make up’ for the times I said, ‘No’.

And by the way---What’s the big deal about 500 years of Reformation history??? God says YES. God has said YES since the first day He created light and oceans, sun and moon, stars and seas—and even YOU. And what is best of all…God has never said NO to me. He always has enough time. My Father always has enough attention.

My God always has enough…G R A C E.

Say Yes. For all the best reasons. Say Yes.

Peace

Pastor Matt Lash

FROM THE PASTOR

500th Year of Reformation

“Amazing Grace—How Sweet the Sound!”

Community of Christ Celebrations!

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WORSHIP“Irejoicewiththosewhosaidtome,“LetusgotothehouseoftheLord!”(Psalm122:1)

Worship Life in OctoberWorship rejoices in the Gospel news that we are saved by grace through our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord! Worship strengthens the muscles of a believing heart. Worship offers me the opportunity to pray for a neighbor and foster a closer relationship with God’s people! We hope you will join us during the month of October and the upcoming holiday season!

Weekend of September 3017th Sunday of PentecostSaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4:00 p.m.Message ”When you Question Authority…”Sunday, October 1Worship & Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.

Weekend of October 7/818th Sunday of PentecostSaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4:00 p.m.Message ”Renters!”Sunday, October 8Worship & Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.

Weekend of October 14/1519th Sunday of PentecostPresider, Pastor Fred ShumanSaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4:00 p.m.Sunday, October 15Worship & Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.

Reformation Sunday, October 29 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of Grace filled Reformation history! We will welcome Tower Brass to bless our weekend worship! INVITE A FRIEND TO ENJOY THIS INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC ON SUNDAY MORNING! God’s gift of grace to His people! Celebrate our Lutheran heritage.

First Communion Sunday A very blessed Reformation Day for our children! Fall classes in October. All 2nd-3rd graders invited to join us.

All Saints Sunday, November 5th Please come and remember the names of those who rest in the Lord’s presence. A sign up for ‘names’ of loved ones and friends will soon be posted.

WELCOMEYOURCHURCHANDBISHOPDANIELBEAUDOIN!Thursday,October196:30p.m.FallGathering—ACelebrationofDiscipleship!WelcomeBishop.Rev.DanielBeaudointoCommunityofChristBringyourfavoriteCHOCOLATEdessert!

WeekendofOctober21/2220thSundayofPentecostSaturday,Worship&HolyCommunion4:00p.m.Message”WhatareyourIntentions??”Sunday,October22Worship&HolyCommunion8:00&10:00a.m.

WeekendofOctober28/29ReformationFestival!CelebrationofGrace!Saturday,Worship&HolyCommunion4:00p.m.Message”It’sAllAboutGrace!”Sunday,October22Worship&HolyCommunion8:00&10:00a.m.

Thanksgiving Celebration! We will gather on Thanksgiving Eve for a traditional hour of Word and Sacrament. Plan to bring your family to worship at 7:00 p.m. The holidays are coming! 😊

Parish education“Theydevotedthemselvestotheapostles’teaching,tofellowship,tothebreakingofbread”

(Acts2:42)

Holy Communion Classes A fall session will be held for all third graders and young people who wish to prepare for the sacrament of Holy Communion. Three sessions will be held on Wednesday afternoon beginning October 11th.

First communion Sunday will be held on Reformation Sunday, October 29. Call the church office to register your youngster. If you have questions about your child’s preparation, please speak with Pastor Matt.

Planning for the Pageant!!PARENTS----YouhavereceivedanemailfromPastorMattinregardstothe2017Christmaspageant. Pleaserespondifyouplantohaveyourchild/teeninthisyearsplay.

PastorMattiscurrentlyworkingonanewplay. Wewouldlovetohave25-30studentsInvolvedinthepageant. TeensmayearnCommunityservicehours.

PAGEANTREHEARSALSWILLBEGINONNOVEMBER4TH IFTHEREISSUFFICIENTINTEREST.THANKS!!!Hopeyousharemyenthusiasm!

--PastorMatt

SONrise welcomes YOU on Sunday Mornings!!Our ALL NEW program for pre-school and elementary age children begins at 9:00 a.m. (note NEW time). Our theme for the month,“I BELIEVE…GOD BLESSES THE FAMILY! ”.

October 1: Welcome our StorytellerOctober 8: Craft and LearningOctober 15: Games & ActivityOctober 22: KRYSTAL BELLS & MUSIC!October 29: REFORMATION FAIR—ALL AGES!

Join us for GREAT MUSIC, BIBLE MEMORY, PRAYER, CELEBRATION OF OFFERING AND BIRTHDAYS!

Parish education“Theydevotedthemselvestotheapostles’teaching,tofellowship,tothebreakingofbread”

(Acts2:42)

Pastor’s Weekly Bible Study—GOLIATH MUST FALL! We face ‘giant’s’ in every season of our lives! Our young people face giants and our seniors face concerns---‘Giants’. Join us for a biblical journey through the account of David and Goliath. Join us on Thursday afternoons, 1:00-2:15 p.m. Pastor Matt leads our fall study each Thursday. October Dates: 10/5, 10/19, 10/26/ Please plan to join us.

Adult Bible Study—REFORMATION WITH ROMANS!Join us for a faithful look at Paul’s letter to the Romans! The most significant letter in the life and walk of young Martin Luther! We will study one chapter per week. Bring your favorite Bible and join us in this season of Reformation! Sundays in the library. YOU ARE WELCOME! Class begins at 9:15 a.m.

Confirmation – JUNIOR HIGH MINISTRY! We are enjoying an awesome fall study about WHAT TEENS IN CHRIST BELIEVE! A fun study of the Apostle’ Creed! Our confirmation instruction is a two year program for Junior high & high school students. We gather on Tuesdays from 4:45 -6:00 p.m. *Bell choir rehearsal follows our confirmation class. Please contact Pastor Matt about including your teen in our confirmation program!

Youth ministries“Teachthemtoyourchildren,totheirchildrenafterthem”(Deuteronomy4:9)

OCTOBER10/1, 11:15 am - Big Stuf Orientation10/21, 5:30-9:30pm - “Scream Acres” Halloween Event

NOVEMBER11/12, Thanksgiving Canned Drive Competition, Benefits Anthony Wayne Spirit of Giving, Junior High VS High School/College Kid Night11/13, Buffalo Wild Wings Fundraiser11/17, 7pm, Christian Concert (Newsboys) Huntington Center – tickets $1811/19, 11:30-12:45pm, Big Stuf Gathering #1 – Lunch

DECEMBER12/10 – Youth Pageant Coffee Hour hosted by Teens – 9am12/13, 5-8pm, Teens serve Advent Meal (Curt CloningerConcert)12/16, Christmas Scavenger Hunt/Christmas Party! Great fun…Buffalo Wild Wings...YUM!

JANUARY1/14, Little Caesar Fundraiser Kick OFF1/14, Youth Led Worship (participate in all parts of the service and morning) Looking for volunteers, even a Preacher!1/14, Teen Bricks & New Year’s Party 4:00-7:00 P.M1/28, 11:30-12:45pm, Big Stuf Gathering #2 – Lunch

MARCH3/7, Teens Host Soup Supper, 6pm3/11, 3:30-8pm - Toledo Walleye Family & Teen Night, Pizza Papalis3/14, Teens Host Soup Supper, 6pm3/21, Teens Host Soup Supper, 6pm3/25, 11:30-12:45pm - Big Stuf Gathering #3 – Lunch

APRIL4/14, Youth Event / The Amazing Race4/29, 11:30-12:45pm - Big Stuf Gathering #4 – LunchJUNE/JULY6/10-6/16- Big Stuf Retreat6/27-7/1 - ELCA National Youth Gathering

FEBRUARY2/14 – Teens Host Soup Supper, 6pm (Ash Wednesday)2/18 – Winter Bowling Event/The Escape2/21 – Teens Host Soup Supper, 6pm2/28 – Teens Host Soup Supper, 6pm

C OF C Teens Start Strong!! Our teens enjoyed an evening of pizza, ‘Faith talk’, fun and crazy games---and some relaxing time on Saturday, September 16! Here is a listing of upcoming events

Big Stuf Orientation Gathering, Sunday, October 1 11:15 a.m.

Please gather in the fellowship hall for a brief presentation and orientation for our summer retreat, BIG STUF 2018! All Junior high & High school FAMILIES encouraged to attend!

Scream Acres---Halloween Fun! Saturday, October 21 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Even if you don’t like Haunted houses, come along! Enjoy a carmel apple! Dinner & ‘Faith Talk’ (topic: FEAR) begins at 5:30 p.m. Bring a friend!

Concert---Church Night with The Newsboys!

Contemporary Christian Rock hits the Huntington! Date: Friday, November 17. Sign up is required! Sign up today!

Name Tag Sunday! A great way to get to know each other”. We have received positive responses to our ‘name tag’ weekends. We will invite you to wear a name tag on Reformation Sunday, October 29. Pick your favorite color and wear one proudly!

OUTREACH“Serveoneanotherinlove”(Galatians5:13)

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 neighborhoodfamilies and food for those who have needs here in Whitehouse. Baskets will be placed near the doors on Sunday, October 22nd. Thank you for your generous offering of support!

Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Childwill be underway later this month. This year “shoe boxes” will be provided for you to fill. Watch for the display in the Gathering Space around OCT 8th. The last weekend to accept donations will be Nov 5th. The cost for postage has increased to $9 and please NO candy or toothpaste.

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION! We are planning to welcome New members to Community of Christ on the weekend of October 1st! If you are interested in joining C of C, please call the church office. Pastor Matt would love to speak with you!

Coffee Hour Fellowship We can enjoy fellowship and refreshment on Sunday morning IF we have many volunteers and assistance! We also appreciate those who remain after 10:00 worship and clean up the coffee pots. Please contact the church office to be placed on a rotation calendar.

College Students and Families! Update our records for us! Please provide the church office with a picture of your college daughter or son! We would like to post their year, and the University they currently attend! Our Sunday school students and youth group will be keeping in touch with our college students this year!

Our Fall Commitment Sunday will be on Sunday, November 12. Watch for more information for your opportunity to share a joyful commitment to the Lord! Let us be cheerful givers to the Lord!

stewardship“Forwhereyourtreasureis,thereyourheartwillbealso.”(Matthew6:21)

Global Mission Sunday! We will pray for the many missionaries who faithfully stand for the Gospel of Jesus in foreign lands! Join us on Sunday, November 19 as we share the good news of many young people who share the Gospel overseas! We will receive a free will offering for ELCA Global missions on November 18 & 19!

The BISHOP is coming... Thursday evening - OCT 19Our Bishop will lead us in worship, along with our own Eric Dickey at the organ. There will be a brief presentation and a delicious dessert buffet!

WE ARE ASKED TO DONATE ‘CHOCOLATE’ DESSERTS. Please SIGN UP if you are attending and/or donating desserts.

Our Church Council will gather on the second Tuesday of the month. You are always welcome to be part of the conversation. If you would like to address the council or share a concern or joy, please call the church office to be put on the agenda.

You will be welcomed to share your thoughts at the beginning of our meetings. We meet in the Sunday school classrooms beginning at 7:00 pm. Please pray for our church leaders.

Council Minutes are available in the gathering area. We invite you to keep in touch with all the important decisions that are being made at church council each month.

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Church CouncilSecond Tuesday of the Month - Next meeting OCTOBER 10

Church lifeTheyenjoyedthefavorofallthepeople.AndtheLordaddedtotheirnumberdailythosewhowere

beingsaved”(Acts2:47)

Ladies Night Out!Tuesday, October 24th, 6:00pmLaBanda Mexican Grill in Waterville by Kroger!

Church activities

Community of Christ Book Club2017-18 SelectionsOctober 17 - Wangs vs the World by Jade ChangNovember 21 - When Breathe Becomes Air by Paul KalanithiDecember 19 - Christmas Get-together

January 16 - Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel BarberFebruary 20 - Hallelujah Anyway by Anne LamottMarch 20 - Boston Girl by Anita DiamantApril 17 - Orphan Mother by Robert HicksMay 15 - Killers of the Flower Moon by David Gran

June 19 - Dry by Jane Harper

Helping us celebrate our 500th

anniversary of Reformation, the Tower Brass Quintet will be performing during the 8 & 10 am service on Sunday October 29th.

Don’t miss this amazing ensemble!

Tower Brass QuintetSunday, OCT 29

SYMPATHY & PRAYERS

We express our sympathy and love to Linda Ayres and family on the loss of her sister in California.

Our prayers continue for those who receive care in nursing homes and assisted living homes;

Cindy Wixey, Continuing care, ToledoHelen Nation, BrowningGlenn & Rosa Lee Johnson, Lakes of MonclovaJohn Sheets, Lakes of MonclovaDavid Schwartz, GenesisNorma Ruehle, Swan Creek

Blessed birthday greetings to our CENTURY MARKER Member, Norma Ruehle who has turned 100 years old!

10/7 Susan Dentel10/8 Dayle Reed10/9 Matthew Davis

10/10 Samuel Essig10/11 Jill Bocian10/11 Emily Steinman10/14 Glenn Johnson10/14 Alicia Lipinski10/14 Neil Nutter10/14 Richard Knight10/14 Dawn Ray10/14 Sara Boehly10/15 Melanie Moser10/15 Teegan Winkelman10/16 Dean Nofzinger10/16 Carter Owens10/18 Kraig Keil Jr.

10/1 Linda Ayres10/1 Karen Schroeder10/1 Vicki Keil10/1 Kurtis Lutz10/1 Austin Freeman10/1 Jillian Dewitz10/2 Norma Ruehle10/2 Marie Sheets10/2 Debbie Warner10/2 Mary Jo Bright10/3 James Fischer10/3 Grant Delas10/4 Keith Carpenter10/4 Elizabeth Brenneman10/5 Helen Nation10/5 Kyle Ruhe10/7 Lori Malicoate

10/18 Brandy Outly10/19 Carol Heuerman10/19 Jeffrey Johnson10/19 Natalie Dewitz10/20 Mike McSurley10/20 Zoe Spilker10/20 Andrew Carman10/22 Doris Disher10/23 Ellen Nowak10/24 Melissa Sigg10/26 Evonne Johnson10/26 CJ Moser10/29 Flo Hannum10/29 Pat Lutz10/30 Greg Brenneman10/30 Paige Wesolowski10/30 John Cedargren10/31 Autumn Gebhart

KeepingYOUinformedsoYOUcanbeinvolved!

6517 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571 ~ 419-877-0607

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