sidebysideministry.com & friend us on Facebook at John-Paul Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran and St. John Lutheran, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio

Our Vision: “To be a vibrant, Spirit-filled people, participating in God’s work in the world.” Our Mission: “Loving God and loving neighbor, we witness to Christ’s saving grace,

that others may believe and find life.”

Side-by-Side Ministry December 2015

From Pastor Chris… Expect the Unexpected!

We all have expectations—of what the day will be, of what a career will be, of what a relationships or marriage will be, of what being a parent will be, of what retirement will be, of what life will be. Sometimes our expectations are met and some-times we are disappointed. Sometimes our expectations are exceeded, and sometimes we have to lower our expectations to fit our reality. When we look closely at the Christmas Story in the Gospel of Luke, we find God turning the world’s expec-tations upside-down. Some will be disappointed that their expectations of a powerful, mighty Messiah will be met with the cry of a vulnerable infant, working class parents, and the smell of an animal stall. Not what anyone expected! The story of Christmas is filled with the unexpected—a little known priest receiving the first visit from God’s angel in about 400 years, a old woman beyond child-bearing age giving birth to a prophet, a virgin giving birth to God’s Son, lower class grungy shep-herds being chosen to see and hear the angel chorus. Do you see the pattern? With God we are to expect the unexpected. Like Zechariah and Mary, we respond, “How can this be”?

Step into the unexpected story of Christmas, and maybe you will see yourself and your own expectations of life turned upside-down. If our expectations are for what the world can offer, we will be disappointed, but if we open our hearts and minds to what God is doing and to what God expects for us, we will find treasures that are more amazing than we can even imagine.

You Are Invited to Enter the Unexpected Story of Christmas!

“How Can This Be?” or, “You’ve Got to be Kidding, God!” An Old Man Luke 1:1-25 Sun., Nov. 29 An Angel & a Virgin Luke 1:26-38 Wed., Dec. 2 @ St. Paul An Old Woman Luke 1:39-45 Sun., Dec. 6 Lowly Servants Luke 1:45-56 Wed., Dec. 9 @ St. John A Baby Luke 1:57-66 Sun., Dec. 13 Ancient Prophecy Luke 1:67-80 Wed., Dec. 16 @ St. Paul

The Word Became Flesh John 1:1-18 Sun, Dec. 20 *Wednesday Advent Meal at 6 pm, and Worship at 7 pm; youth will lead these mid-

week services, including the sermon message. *Sunday Worship – 8:45 am at St. John, 117 Stone Street, Marblehead; 10:30 am at St.

Paul, Danbury, 541 Church Road

Children’s Christmas Program and “Happy Birthday Jesus” Party Sun., Dec. 13, 6:30 pm at St. Paul

Christmas Eve Worship Shepherds and a Manger Luke 2:1-20 Thurs., Dec. 24

5:00pm @ St. Paul (w. puppets) 7:00 pm at St. John 10:30pm at St. Paul (Music 10:10) All services include candlelight and the Sacrament of Holy Communion (open to all)

Special Events

Traveling

Christmas Party November 30th—December 3rd

If you want to experience the true meaning of

Christmas, consider helping us take Christmas

joy into homes and nursing care centers, as

part of our Blessing Cup Team Ministry.

A schedule is posted at each

church to help with your plan-

ning. Please join us for one

visit, for all visits, or for any-

thing in between.

Christmas Luncheon Sunday, December 6, 12:00 p.m.

at the Victorian Inn St. John women (WELCA) invite both congregations to their

annual Christmas Luncheon. Enjoy a jump-start to the

Christmas season with this festive meal, joyous conversation,

and fun time. Tickets are $13.00 each.

Reservations may be made by calling the

church offices or through Myra Prokop at

St. John and Louise Rogers at St. Paul by

Nov. 30th

Wreaths Across America Thanks to those who have donated, and to Charlie Scott for

being our local contact. We are happy to be part of a na-

tional movement to put a wreath on each Veteran’s grave

in America in December, including those in St. Paul’s

Cemetery.

Page 2

Toys for Tots

St. Paul has a drop-box for Salvation Army’s annual collection of toys. There is need in Ottawa County for all ages, but the need for gifts for teens is estimat-

ed at 400. You are encouraged to bring any un-wrapped toys or gifts to St. Paul on or before our

December 9th Joint Midweek Advent Worship at St. John.

Carols at the Cradle

Sunday, December 27th, Worship times

Sing your favorite carols and learn the stories behind them. Experience the “surround

sound” of voices as, together, we joy at the wonder of the Christ child.

Sunday School

Christmas Program “Sing a Song of Christmas”

Directed by Sunday School Staff

Sunday, December 13th

6:30 pm at St. Paul

Followed by our

Birthday Party for Jesus!

Everyone is invited!

(Sign up to make cup cakes on our Events’ Board)

Not Older, Just Better

Monday, December 14, 11:30 at Marge Bridgett’s home

Senior Singles and friends are invited to enjoy what has become an annual Christmas lunch at

Marge’s.

Building Friendships

Bible & Discipleship Studies

Page 3

“Not Older, Just Better” - Not Older, Just Better is meeting at Marge Bridgett’s home for what has become an annual Christmas tradition. Come on Monday, December 14th at 11:30 a.m.. Call Marge at 419.798.8816 if you have questions/need a ride. Dartball—please see the attached church calendar for dates and locations. Tuesdays at the Danbury Senior Center Come Tuesdays at 5:00. Call in your reservation in to Paula by the Friday at 419.798.4101. Picture Directory Updates - More information will be available soon. The new directory is at the printers! A big thank you to Brenda Rettig and Jo Meyer for their tremendous and tedious work in ac-complishing this gift for us!

Sunday Morning, 9:00 a.m.— Adult Bible Study continues their study of the book of Genesis

Women’s Bible Studies (WELCA – All women are invited to par ticipate! )

St. John Women meet on second Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., no meeting in December .

St. Paul Women will meet 3rd Thursdays at 1:00.

Weekly Wednesday Bible Study – Meets every Wednesday at 11:00 am at St. Paul. All Ladies are welcome. We

are studying the Characters of the Old Testament. Please join us as we dig deeper into the Lord’s would. Good dis-

cussion and laughter.

“HomeRun Parenting” Event for Parents of children and youth

Keeping Social Media Use Healthy and Wise

Monday, December 14th, 6:00 pm at St. Paul Lutheran Church (Includes a family meal!)

In a recent meeting with school officials, I learned that cell phones are no longer a luxury, but a necessity in our technology-driven world. BYOD means “Bring Your Own Device”. Students use QR scanning for homework assignments, take informal assessments by responding through their phone (yes/no), and parents have instant information on

how their child is doing. Cell phone and internet use is here to stay, and it is imperative for parents and other adults to under-stand the pros and cons, and learn how to teach and monitor proper use for the safety and health of our children. So, BYOD

and come. Call 419-734-9359 to register.

(Sponsored by Heartbeat and the SidebySide ministries of St. Paul and St. John Lutheran churches, & presenter, Scott Frank.)

The Couple Check-Up $15.95 by David H. Olson, Amy K. Olson-Sigg, Peter J. Larson Would you wait 100,000 miles to change the oil in your car?

Would you go 25 years without a dental checkup?

Would you have a physical exam only once in your lifetime?

Your relationship deserves a checkup too! Pastor Chris wanted to share this information with your from “Prepare/Enrich” resources she uses

for Pre-marital counseling. This new resource for married or committed couples is available to use in the privacy of your own home, or with Pastor Chris. There is an online survey for couples

to complete as part of this check-up. Highly recommended by Pastor Chris for any couple!

PAGE 4

Special Events, cont…

The Daniel Plan meets at St. Paul on Saturday mornings at 8:30. You may join in on the fun at any time! There is no real beginning or end to the Daniel Plan.

“The Daniel Plan is a faith based plan to guide you to a healthier lifestyle.” For more information call or text Linda Merckens at:

419-707-2212

7th and 8th graders

Confirmation Classes

Classes meet Sundays at 9:00 a.m.,

Wednesdays in December

Dec. 2 @ St. Paul, 6 meal, 7 help with worship

Dec. 9 @ St. John, 6 meal, 7 help with worship

Dec. 16 @ St. Paul, 6 meal, 7 help with worship

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve!

SIDE BY SIDE YOUTH & Families

Sunday School Teachers

Volunteers for December include:

Thank you, Stacey Johannsen!

Please contact Chrissy French (419) 341-4653 with any questions and/or to offer your help.

Senior High

Side-by-Side Youth

Youth Sunday—1st Sun. of each Month

Sign up on the easel on the ramp at church to help with greeting, ushering, lecturing

(reading). Watch for texts and calls from Chris and Helmi. See Pastor Chris is you can help

with Special Music.

Sing A Song of Christmas

Sunday School Christmas Program

Sunday, December 13, 6:30 pm

Play practice will be every day during Sunday school. Additional play practice information will be sent home with all participants. The last day of Sunday school play practice will December 13th.

***There will be no Sunday school December 20- January 3.

Church Nursery

We have a gift in Cindy Coles, our Nursery Supervi-sor!! Thank you, Cindy, for your faithful and trusted

caring for our kids during worship!

**Anyone who can be on-call to give Cindy a break when she needs to be elsewhere, please let her or

Pastor Chris know.

Serving Others

Noisy Offering on December 13th, for Toys for Tots—Bring in a toy or a donation.

Blessing Cup Teams—Wine and bread will be consecrated Nov. 29h for the Traveling Christmas Party. To be part

of this fellowship of Christ’s love, please contact Marge Bridgett or Myra Prokop or sign up on the Event’s Board

Celebration Chorus - Practice on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., after Advent Worship at the church where we worship.

Community Garden - Direct questions for 2015 to Emily Glynn 314-517-2402 or Betsy Deer 419-310-4406.

Council Nights– Thursday, Dec.10th at St. Paul, 6:15 St. Paul, 7:00 St. John. (No Joint Parish Board Meeting.)

Danbury Food Pantry - No distribution in Dec. Holiday Bureau’s greatest needs are canned goods, paper products,

cleaning supplies, disposable diapers. A mitten tree is up in St. Paul’s for your donation of hats, gloves, scarves, ect.

Prayer Chain – St. Paul contact Joan Harris at 419.734.3971 or 419.341.6373 or harris2110@roadrunner.com.

St. John contact Myra Prokop at 419.798.5101 or taylorsresort@frontier.com. God promises that our prayers are

heard!

Prayer Shawl Plus Ministry - Prayer shawl meeting will be on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at 10:00. Contact

Janice Beachy at 614-563-0664.

SNAP Ministries (Suppor ting Native Afr ican Pastors) For current ministry information go to snapminis-

tries.org (Welcome. to Home).

Bibles were given...on Sunday, November 15th, to Meadow Rohrbach, Austin Walker , and Hadleigh Lerch

from St. Paul, in honor of the promises made in their baptisms to place God’s Word in their hands. All made a com-

mitment to make Bible reading a regular part of their week.

PAGE 5

Thank You

St. Paul Chicken Dinner—was held on November 11th. A special thank you to Ruth Scott for chairing the dinner.

Thank you to everyone who donated time and talents- setting up, preparing, serving and cleaning up. A special thank

you to everyone who brought in delicious pies. A very special thank you to Dayton Farms for donating all of the ap-

ples and Bergman Orchards for donating apple cider. The financial report is pending. We were 54 dinners short of

our goal.

Operation Christmas Child—Thank you, THANK YOU! In this season, as we remind ourselves of all that God

has given us, I am so thankful for the loving, warm and generous hearts of the members of St.Paul and St. John. Your

care and compassion has made our Operation Christmas Child campaign a resounding success. Our congregations

collected over 70 shoeboxes for those in need. For most of the children, your shoebox will be the only Christmas

gift he/she will receive. The children will also receive a book about Jesus in their own language and participate in a

Discipleship Program which has led many to the Lord. St. Paul served as a collection center for Ottawa County and

many thanks to those wonderful people who helped staff the collection hours, put up the sign, packed cartons, and

helped transport them to the collection center: Laurel Berhent, Jan Kimerline, Cheryl Laubner, Myra Prokop, Sandy

Zollos, Marv and Bill Rettig, Rich Kihlken, Jan and Dave Hirt. On behalf of Samaritan’s Purse and Operation Christ-

mas Child, thank you again.—Jean Rhodes

Ever Thought About Becoming a Pastor?

December 7, 7:15 pm at Pizza Hut in Port Clinton (Rt. 53)

High School—Adults, Come meet with Pastor Chris and Cathy Schibler, Asst. to the Bishop for an informal conversation about the process and a chance to ask questions. No commitment, just for exploration

ST. JOHN BEACON LIGHT

FOR DECEMBER, 2015

Page 6

St. John Council Highlights The Beacon Light December 2015

Council Highlights: Council met November 19, 2015. The secretary’s report was read and accepted. The treasurer’s report along with bills paid was read, accepted and filed for audit. The financial secretary’s report stated that we had $5,963.89 total receipts for the month of October.

Pastor’s report was presented noting the upcoming activities. Pastor reported that the Intern committee had completed the application for a 1 year intern. A motion was made, seconded and passed that the application be sent to Trinity.

Under new business the 2016 budget was presented and will be presented to the congregation Sunday. Under old business it was decided to replace the rollers on the copier before considering purchasing a new copier.

Brenda Rettig and Jo Myers did a presentation of the new directory. Council voted to do the directory in

black and white as it was much cheaper than color.

SPECIAL DATES:

Birthdays: Linda Otermat December 12

Anniversaries: Curt & Maryanne Laubner- December 19

Jim & Karen Ruth- December 21

Baptisms: Ted Dress- December 4

Jim Benya– December 9

Bill Smith– December 14

Dedication of Organ & Piano Lamps Wednesday, December 9

7:00 Worship at St. John

In honor and memory of our sisters in Christ,

Jane Sommers and Phyllis Dress

Dedication of Art Work Wednesday, December 9

7:00 Worship at St. John

In honor and memory of our sister in Christ,

Nancy Meuschke

Poinsetta Orders

Please contact Linda Merckens for information. Order forms will be available soon.

Page 7

Special Notes from Louise:

Please sign on the easel for January to help with our mutual ministries.

-Please pick up your offering envelopes as soon as possible for yourself and your family. They must all be picked up before the first of the year.

Portals of Prayer- We have both regular and large print, be-ginning with January

December 2015

St. Paul Lutheran Church “Messenger”

October 2015 budget highlights:

General Fund- Est. Budget needs per month- $8,400.00

Income- 10,565.33

Expense- 9,083.44

Restricted Funds- Income- 991.53

Expense- 945.85

St. Paul November19, 2015 Council Highlights.

-Council will start inquiring on plans and cost of renovating the sanctuary, along with acdepting ideas from the congregation on fund raising for the renovations.

-Approval was given to Brenda Rettig and Jo Meyer on going forward with the picture directories in black and white.

-Tim Mackey and Charlie Scott will be asking for volunteers to join in creating a new cemetery constitution.

Congregational Meeting Highlights – November 22nd

-The proposed budget was approved for 2016.

-Election of officers for 2016: President- Tammy Davis, Vice President- Tim Mackey, Secretary- Chrissy French, Financial Secretary- Beth

Lambert.

Our Annual Meeting with reports will be in January.

The reports are due before then.

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger

St. Paul Women of the Church:

-The regular December meeting will be Dec. 17th at 1:00 pm with a pot luck. All women of the congregation are

members and encouraged to attend.

-St. John WELCA’s Chr istmas par ty is December 6th at the Victor ian Inn.

-The Monthly Project Contributions for December are: canned goods and

paper products for the Holiday Bureau. Also, disposable diapers for Holiday Bu-

reau or Food Pantry

-The Traveling Christmas Party and Blessing Cup visits are November 30-

December 3

-Thankoffering Sunday was November 22nd . The Women of the Church brought their Thankofferings and food

offerings to church. The Thankoffering was sent in to the Women of the Church offices to be used for the world

wide missions and programs they support. Thank you to Linda Otermat for her message of Thanksgiving.

Altar Guild

-Altar Guild - St. Paul Altar Guild will be taking orders for Christmas poinsettias. Please watch for the or-

der forms, and have your Poinsettia orders in by December 13th. Our Advent schedule: We meet for work ses-

sions on November 28th, Dec. 5th at 8:00 am to decorate. Dec. 19th at 8:30 am flower delivery and assembly of

cookie trays. December 20th cookie sale after service.

We are missing from the office the old church record book. If you know where it might be, please see that it

gets back to church.

St. Paul December Special Dates

Page 8

Birthdays

2 Evan Sandvick, Robert Biers, Sr.

3 Susan Koch, Tammy Davis

5 Deborah French, Marla Hirt, Guy Tibbels

8 Dillon Ringeisen, Roberta Gangl

9 Douglas Waugh

10 Matt Batcha, Christina Grimm

11 Zachery Tokar

12 William Covey

13 Lauren Indorf, Chris Freeh

14 Julie McDonald, Janis Zura

15 Brooke Butler

18 Jim Boss

19 Mike Doski

20 Pat Puntel

21 Aubrey Harris, Meadow Rohrbaugh, Penelope Sandvick

22 Gary Cove, Jean Rhodes

23 Jackie Grosswiler

25 JESUS

26 Steve Schenko, Brynn Schenko

28 Bonnie Dubbert, Linda Tvorik, Brandon Mooney, Emmett Mackey

19 Adam Steinbrick, Kaydon Glovinsky, Nancy Nielsen

31 Ted Dayton, Haley Strimpfel

Wedding Anniversary

3 Mike & Vicky Doski

9 Kevin & Kim Oxendale

11 Guy & Rose Tibbels

14 Bill & Bonnie Biers

23 Jenna & Mark Sandvick

Baptismal Anniversary

1 Bryan Ahrens

2 Bradley Zura

3 Elaine Mackey

4 Olivia Goff

5 Scott Mackey

6 Marcy Bergman, Kimberly Oxendale

10 Matthew Sandvick, Derek Mackey

15 Scott Bradbee

16 Paul Hallier

17 Jack Peters

21 Jim Lenner

22 Dave Hirt

23 Vincent Manuella, Dominic Manuella, Luco Manuella

25 Dawn Mullins, Sandra Lambert, Ashley Henninger

Page 9

Mutual Ministries

Our Intensive Prayer List

Let us hold up in prayer Barb Agne, Barb Batcha, Joan Benya, Cleo Bodi, Ben Chapman, Karen Carpenter, Gary Cover, Rebecca Dress, Betty Dubbert, Jack Easton, David Heinzl, Bill Hirt, Steve Hosko, Ruth Keller Nelf Ki-merline, Joyce Linder, Rev. Sarah MacDonald, Alice Peroni, Sandra Reep, Kathy Stine, Sarah Tanner, Pat Thursby, Gordon Wahlers, Sally Willis, Steve Young, Kim Zachariah. We pray for family and friends who are serving in the military.

Alan J. Glasmyer passed away on November 3rd. He was remembered during our Worship Service November 8th. May God comfort all who mourn his passing.

Lydia Jane Lammers passed away on November 14th. Her funeral was Saturday November 21st at Neidecker LeVeck & Crosser Funeral home. May God comfort all who mourn her passing.

The Messiah Community Choir

You are invited to join in singing Handel’s Messiah. They are practicing on Thursday evenings at 8:00 pm at St. John Lutheran Church, Port Clinton. The Messiah concert will be presented Sunday, December 13at 3:00 pm at St. John Lutheran Church, Port Clinton.

December 6 December 13 December 20 December 24 December 24 December 27

Greeters Maddie Harris Betty Easton Larisa Kerik Vicky Doski Linda Dubbert Betty Easton

Lectors Tammy Davis Chris French Dave Hirt Tammy Davis Dave Hirt

Ushers Jim Kovach

Abbey Cameron

Shirley

LaCumsky

Jim Kovach

Jack Easton

Marge Bridgett

Dave Hirt

Shirley

LaCumsky

Crystal Chapman

Dalton Chapman

Ryan Chapman

Marge Bridgett Jack Easton

Dave Hirt

Acolytes Daleigh Lerch

Ryleigh Lerch

Erik Wadsworth

Ginny Cameron

Kenneth Kerik

Will Tibbels

Daniel Lambert

Mason French

Nate Ahrens

Maddie Harris

Matt Seamon

Nolan Chap-

man

Hospitality

Bulletins Mary Sennich Jo & Jerry Meyer

Steeple Lighting Dee Warren Jo & Jerry Meyer

Perpetual Light Jim Warren