st. john’s lutheran church the voice newsletter page 1 our ... · chool, catechism and adult...

St. John’s Lutheran Church

September 2017 The VOICE Newsletter

Our Mission Statement: Saved by the Grace of God to Witness and to Serve Others - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From the Pastor Greetings Christian Friends! May God’s Grace be with you!

This is a time to experience God’s Grace!

It’s back to school for many students and teachers in our families and communities. This

is a time for new beginnings, a time to learn, a time to meet new people and a time to try

new things. No matter what age we are, the time is now to invite God into our lives in

new and familiar ways. This is a time to experience God’s Grace! How can we do this?

Here at St. John’s & beyond there are many ways & opportunities for each of us to

explore & feel God’s Grace.

*Attending our Worship services each week will fill you up with the Love of the Lord as

we pray, praise and hear the Word and are nourished…body and soul through weekly

communion. Invite a friend!

Beginning on Rally Day, September 10th…our new Sunday school season begins. Our

youngest children will have their very own special time in the chapel during the

scripture readings and adult message time.

In between services there are Sunday school opportunities for all ages!

For the adults, we will be offering the Bible study by Bishop Beaudoin, “A Study of

Ephesians: The Gift of God’s Grace.” This begins Sunday September 10th and on

Wednesday evenings at 6:15pm in the Lounge beginning September 13th. The study will

last 8 weeks. Let’s learn more about God’s Grace!

*Save these important dates to experience God’s Grace by commemorating the 500th

Anniversary of the Reformation at these upcoming events:

September 10th at 3pm in Findlay at St. Michael the Archangel. This Catholic and

Lutheran service of worship and music will be presided over by both bishops of the

Northwestern Ohio Synod and the Toledo Roman Catholic Diocese. God’s Grace will be

present and palpable at this very special ecumenical event!

Sept. 10 is Rally Day! We will return to regular worship times at 8:30 and 10:45.

Sunday school, Catechism and Adult Bible Study will resume at 9:45.




October 21st 10am-2pm the NWOS Reformation Crawl will take place here at St. John’s

and at many other congregations in Northwestern Ohio. Come and learn about the

history and current ministries at St. John’s and/or tour other churches to witness God’s

Grace in action in our lives today.

October 29th

“The 500th

Anniversary of the Reformation”

As Lutherans let’s make this “500th Anniversary of the Reformation” a very extraordinary

day in our lives! We will have a special presentation about Martin Luther by Dave

Polzin between our worship services for all ages to attend.

Then at 4pm let’s travel to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Pemberville where the

Lutheran congregations in our area are invited to attend a spiritually fulfilling service of

worship and music and a message given by our very own Bishop Daniel Beaudoin.

Following the service will be a reception with German food and faith filled fellowship for

all! Come! Be a part of this great commemoration where God’s Grace will be the focus

and bring much joy!

*In this time of new beginnings, transition, change and many heartbreaking and difficult

things happening in our personal lives and in the world around us…we need God’s

Grace more than ever before. As followers of Jesus we are called to:

LOVE GOD and to LOVE ALL of GOD’s PEOPLE,

and to share the GOOD NEWS so others may know God’s Grace. When we trust and

believe in God…the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and serve others

compassionately as the hands and feet of Jesus Christ, we live each day with much

HOPE…knowing God is with us.

May God’s Grace, YES…God’s Amazing Grace,

Bless you and your family today and everyday!

I am praying for each of you to recognize & embrace the gift of God’s Grace!

In Christ, Pastor Cindy Ritter

2017: The Year of Grace Memory Verse

(Chosen by Bishop Daniel Beaudoin)

Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing;

it is the gift of God"




1. DAILY PRAYER In our prayers (from August bulletin):

Alana Gribble, health concerns

The Family of Carol Taylor, upon her death

Scott & Danielle Gribble, prayers of comfort

The Family of Libbe Rose, child of Grant & Cara Hale, grandchild of Warren & Ann Hale, Great-grandchild of Chuck & Helyn Kurfess, upon her death

2. WITNESS/INVITING OTHERS - Do take the opportunity to invite others to join us

for summer worship on Sunday Mornings.

3. SERVING OTHERS

5. WEEKLY WORSHIP

Sunday Summer Schedule 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service

9:30 a.m. Fellowship 10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Fellowship

Sunday Schedule (BEGINS SEPTEMBER 10) 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service

9:30 a.m. Fellowship 10:45 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Fellowship

Go to www.ustream.tv/channel/stjohns-stonyridge for a live broadcast of our Sunday morning worship services. To protect the privacy of our members, the services are broadcast with

audio only, except for the Gospel reading and sermon, when the video is turned on. Expect ads to pop up, since our webcast subscription is free. Sermons are recorded and saved on the site for 30 days.

4. GENEROUS GIVING

Financial Giving as of August 20, 2017

General Fund Income (Year-to-Date)

Budget Actual Difference $178,820 $194,010 $15,190

Benevolence Fund (Year-to-Date)

Budget Actual Difference $19,221 $22,276 $3,055

(Copies of current Financial Reports are in the holders located to the right of the Prayer Desk in the Narthex.)

Worship Attendance August 6 ~ 147 August 13 ~ 142 August 20 ~ 181

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/stjohns-stonyridge




6. DAILY BIBLE READING2017 Daily Bible Reading Schedule. See the yellow sheets next to the Prayer Desk in the Narthex. Take a moment each day to read and reflect on God's Holy Word.

Sept 1 Philippians 1 Sept 2 Psalms 103-105 Sept 3 Psalms 103-105 Sept 4 Philippians 2 Sept 5 Philippians 3 Sept 6 Philippians 4 Sept 7 Colossians 1 Sept 8 Colossians 2 Sept 9 Psalms 106-108 Sept 10 Psalms 106-108

Sept 11 Colossians 3 Sept 12 Colossians 4 Sept 13 1 Thessalonians 1 Sept 14 1 Thessalonians 2 Sept 15 1 Thessalonians 3 Sept 16 Psalms 109-111 Sept 17 Psalms 109-111 Sept 18 1 Thessalonians 4 Sept 19 1 Thessalonians 5 Sept 20 2 Thessalonians 1

Sept 21 2 Thessalonians 2 Sept 22 2 Thessalonians 3 Sept 23 Psalms 112-114 Sept 24 Psalms 112-114 Sept 25 1 Timothy 1 Sept 26 1 Timothy 2 Sept 27 1 Timothy 3 Sept 28 1 Timothy 4 Sept 29 1 Timothy 5 Sept 30 Psalms 115-118

SOCIAL MINISTRIES Sunday Specials for September

Shared Bounty is collecting dish soap

Food Pantry is collecting jars of turkey gravy and boxes of stuffing mix

Please place in the bin in the coatroom. Thanks in advance for your support! ~ The Food Pantry is currently serving 146 families. ~

*****Thank you to all of you who have been so generous with your donations to Shared Bounty. Because of limited storage, we ask that you NOT bring any summer clothes after September 1

st. Thanks again

for your generosity to this ministry!

PASTORAL ACTS Baptism

Karson Murphy on 8/20/2017

Funeral Carol Taylor on 8/11/2017




MEMORIALS

In honor of Frank Reed’s birthday Sharon & Ted Bitter

In loving memory of Carol Taylor Earl Hagg Evelyn Emch Tom & Judy Smiczek Tim & Patti Bihn Joan & Steve Swartz Bill & Judy Trombly Kate Warns Leann Peiffer Thelma Schaller Jan Rucki Shirley Johnson Clarence & Maxine Haas Margaret Sheldrick Janet Reitzel & family Fred Brinker & Anita Nietz Howard & Phyllis Bookenberger Dick & Betty Bahnsen St. John’s WELCA Kara Marsee & Rhonda Kirby Stephen & Evelyn Janick Pastor Cindy Ritter Pastor Jim & Chris Budke Joe & Nancy Nycz Jennifer Reitzel-Martinez Mary Lou Welling Thomas & Cynthia Walston Mike Sibbersen Bill & Carolyn Staib & family Aleatha Michel Larry & Darlene Michel David & Linda Polzin Barbara & Leroy Lashaway Tom & Denice Huth Bob Johnson Ella Freeman Myrl & Sheri Bretz Lowell & Arlene Baker Larry & Karen Nicely Sandy Baker Deebel Elinor & John Baker Mike & Sherry Bowers Sue & Gary Zdawczyk Julie Swords Les & Rhonda Bockbrader Grace Baker & Jim Jodi Stewart & Char Mr. & Mrs. Carl Dierkshiede Barbara Shamp Lori, Daniel, & Katie Dewyre Judy Holliday Mr. & Mrs. Lyle Schulte Ralph & Miriam Aufdenkamp Jery & Rita Friess Ruth Powell

September BIRTHDAYS (Those over 74 years young!)

September 1 Ray Swartz 4870 Libbey Rd., Perrysburg, 43551

September 1 Arlene Baker 6433 Five Point Rd., Perrysburg, 43551

September 4 Jane Sibbersen 3630 Hanley Rd., Perrysburg, 43551

September 17 Kathryn Dreier 524 Woodpointe Dr., Woodville, 43469

September 17 Walter Minarik 23781 Bradner Rd., Genoa, 43430

September 27 Eloise Schober 5110 Libbey Rd., Perrysburg, 43551

September 30 Jim Umbaugh 3690 Lakepointe Dr., Northwood, 43619




FELLOWSHIP

Men's Breakfast

Men's Breakfast at Panera on Rt. 20 in Perrysburg from 7:30-9:00 a.m. will be on

Saturday, September 2nd

. All men are invited.

The North Central Conference of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

in America invites you to our Fall Assembly on Saturday, September 30,

2017 at Peace Lutheran Church in Port Clinton, OH. The program for the

half day session will be Jeff Wilbarger from the “Daughter Project” and will

conclude with lunch. All women are invited. Come and hear this

informative program. All details can be obtained from the bulletin board

across from the Pastor’s office in the Narthex. Deadline for

registration is September 16, 2017.

“Martin Luther” – a one night movie event will be held at the Maumee Indoor Theater on September 22

nd from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tickets are free.

Call Sara Ashley at 419-874-4378 to reserve your seat. Please bring a non-perishable food item for the local food bank. This event is hosted by Thrivent Financial Toledo Area Associates. Our synod-wide, diocese-wide Service of Prayer commemorating the 500

th

Anniversary of the Reformation will be held on Sunday, September 10th

at

3:00 p.m. It will be held in Findlay at St. Michael’s Catholic Church

(practically across the street from the NWOS Offices). Co-led by Bishops

Daniel Beaudoin and Daniel Thomas, the “Common Prayer” format will be

used.




This fall we will have a 3-session Bible Study on the Apostle’s Creed. Groups of early

Christians needed a tool that explained the basics of the faith for teaching and

evangelism. The Apostle’s Creed is one of the oldest unifying symbols of Christianity.

The September Bible Study will be Session 1, “I believe in God,” found in the

September issue of Gather magazine.

The Bible Study begins at 1:30, Wednesday, September 13, in the Lounge. All are

welcome.

COMFORTERS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF will be tied on Thursday,

September 7, in the Parish House from 9:00 to 11:30. The Committee can always use

material, such as sheets, blankets, tablecloths, for backs and filler. There is a box in

the coatroom for these items.

DATES TO REMEMBER:

Thursday, September 7 – Tie Comforters

Wednesday, September 13 – Bible Study (Rebekah Circle)

PRAY FOR SPECIAL CONCERNS EVERY MONDAY AT NOON. Pray for students

and teachers as they return to school.

The “bereavement/funeral” and “flower ministry” teams are in need of any empty containers (cool

whip, cottage cheese, square cookie) to send leftover food and flowers to folks. Your donations will

be greatly appreciated. Please place in the kitchen, sacristy, or church office.

On Sunday, August 13th, the following “Call Committee” members were installed at St. John’s:

Emily Cajka Emily Bockbrader Melissa Heilman

Jamie Pustay Diane Boelkens Linda Henry

Jeremy Orth Paul Bamford Susie Bame

Please pray for them and our church as we search for our next Lead Pastor.




As all from St. John’s are aware we have a very special little girl, Alana

Gribble, from our congregation who is currently experiencing serious health

concerns. Alana has been undergoing radiation and drug treatments and has

a long and difficult journey ahead of her. Alana began attending St. John’s

regularly with her parents, Scott and Danielle, and Grandma Terri, when she

was only days old and continues to do so weekly even through her treatments.

On October 15, 2017 following the late church service, the Prayer and

Retreat Committee will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner and Music Event. The

purpose of this event is to raise funds to help Scott and Danielle cover medical

and other expenses.

While a free-will donation for the dinner will be taken at the event, we are

asking you request tickets ahead of time just to give us a number to plan

dinner for. These tickets will be available starting on September 17, 2017

from a Prayer and Retreat Committee member.

In addition to dinner and music, there will be a Silent Auction. The

committee is asking the congregation for donations of items (please only new

items) to auction off. Examples could be a craft item or an item from your

employer or a basket of items you put together. Please consider doing this

and let a committee member know of your donation.

St. John’s is a loving and generous congregation and we now have the

opportunity to help one of our own. Please plan to attend this event, to enjoy

dinner, music, and fellowship while aiding Alana and her family.

We also ask that you keep Alana, Scott, Danielle, and Terri in your

prayers.

The Prayer and Retreat Committee

Clyde and Susie Bame

Joe and Nancy Nycz

Donna Powers

Jim Umbaugh




SOAR Spiritual Outreach and Renewal

At the Maria Stein Center

Women’s Renewal Weekend

Many of us that have attended a renewal weekend have experienced God’s miraculous

presence. It is awesome to sit quietly and be reminded that God is at work in our lives

with His grace and forgiveness. It is humbling to realize that through all of the days of

our lives – the mountaintops and the valleys – our God has been and continues to be

our loving and sustaining strength and power.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Expect to be pampered and loved

Expect the opportunity to let go of the burdens you carry

Expect to be well fed

Expect to slow down and take some time for yourself

Expect to feel free to participate in any way you feel comfortable

Expect to meet others to share your joys and concerns

Expect God to break into your life in surprising and miraculous ways

Please call and let us know that you would like to attend the SOAR weekend on

October 6th-8th 2017

Call Donna Powers at (419)304-5002, Sandy Welling-Miller at (419)698-

4455 or email [email protected], or Bobby Henry at (419)283-2558 or email

[email protected]. *We will carpool from St. John’s arriving at Maria Stein on Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and returning

around noon on Sunday.

mailto:[email protected]





From the Christian Learning Directors

St. John’s Sunday school program

Join us for Rally Day on Sunday, September 10, for Sunday school kickoff! Bring your children to grow and learn about God! Our Sunday school is open to all children ages 3 and up. Families do not have to be members of St. John’s to attend classes and do not have to attend each week to participate in classes. The classes are Sunday mornings from 9:45–10:30 a.m. For information, email Rachael Swartz at [email protected] or call the church office at 419-837-5115 On Sunday, September 10th, congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will again join together for “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday. As we observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, we are reminded of the gospel’s promise that we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbors. Our Sunday school kids will be participating in “God’s work, our hands” on Sunday, September 10th. We will be introducing the idea of volunteerism – the act of providing an act of kindness or service without asking for any kind of reward. What are the benefits? The benefits are so great when a family gets involved in volunteering no matter what the capacity. Firstly, children learn what a difference they can make in the lives of others. That what they do can change someone’s life for the better. During the Sunday school hour, we will be putting together special treat bags to present to local fire and policemen. We will deliver them at noon on Sunday, September 10th. For more information, email Rachael Swartz at [email protected]. We’d like to get as many families as possible to join us!

Sunday School Volunteer Opportunities

Sunday school would not be successful without the support and involvement of volunteers!

Please consider serving God through Sunday school if you are a high schooler, adult, parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, friend, etc.

You don’t have to make a weekly commitment! We look forward to expanding our Sunday school with your support!

Email Rachael Swartz for more information at [email protected]







Attention All 8th

– 12th

Graders 2017-2018:

The National Youth Gathering

The National Youth Gathering, themed This Changes Everything, is rapidly approaching. This year’s ELCA National Youth Gathering is on June 27- July 1, 2018 in Houston, TX. Registration starts on September 15, 2017, due on that day is a $150 non-refundable deposit. The total cost of the registration is $350 (this price is only good through November 15, 2017), which is due by May 15, 2018. The total cost of registration is covered by the students. The cost of everything else (flights, hotels, etc.) is covered through fundraising and by the church. If you know your child wants to go please turn registration fee, along with a note card with your student’s information to the church office. Please put National Youth Gathering on the envelope and make checks payable to the LYO. Please remember that the $150 is a non-refundable deposit. I would like to have the registrations by Sept. 30, 2017. This is a great event to help our children explore and grow in their faith and service of others. If you would like to know more about the gathering please feel free to visit www.elca.org/youthgathering. If you have any question please do not hesitate to ask. Email Christi at [email protected] Luckey Fall Festival

The Youth Group is having a rummage sale at the Luckey Fall Festival. But we

need your help. We are asking for donations from the congregation to help us in our endeavor. We are looking for kitchen items, tools, Halloween costumes, toys, games, etc. (PLEASE NO CLOTHES). We need to have these items by September 17th at the latest. We will be collecting the items in the upper rooms of the Parish Hall. If you have bigger items you would like to donate, please contact Christi Kieper at [email protected] to arrange a pick up time or storage of the item. All proceeds of the Rummage Sale will go towards the National Youth Gathering in Houston, TX, in the summer of 2018.

Also, for youth and parents interested in attending the youth gathering - we will be looking for volunteers to run our tent. Look for sign-up sheets coming soon.

Thank you, Christi Kieper

http://www.elca.org/youthgathering






Children’s Chapel

A new and exciting change will also happen at Rally Day – the introduction of

Children’s Chapel. At each service before the pastor begins her

message, the children will be dismissed to the chapel to participate in a special time

devoted to them. During this time, parents can focus on the message in church given

by the pastor. Children’s Chapel will take the place of the children’s

message usually done during each service. Young children up to catechism age are

welcome and encouraged to attend! If this new ministry excites you and you are

interested in leading a Children’s Chapel, please email Rachael at

[email protected] ! You don’t have to make a weekly

commitment!

Are you interested in learning how to beat debt, build wealth, invest for the future, and give like never before? Financial Peace University (FPU) is a biblically based curriculum that teaches people how to handle money God’s ways. The classes are appropriate for any adult, regardless of your current financial situation. St. John’s will host a nine-week

session of Financial Peace University this fall. A free preview will be held on Sunday, September 10, at 6:30 pm. Classes will begin on Thursday, September 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Child care will be provided.

The cost of the class is $93. The materials included with your class fee are:

Membership for you and your spouse

Access to the online resources and tools

A copy of Dave Ramsey's Complete Guide to Money book

FPU Class workbook

FPU Envelope System

FPU Progress Chart

And more... For more information or to register, contact the church office (419-837-5115) or visit: https://fpu.com/1046973


https://fpu.com/1046973




LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF BABY CARE KITS We are on the “home stretch” for collecting items for 2017. Especially needed to round out our supplies for this year’s kits are:

1. Girls and boys t-shirts – size 6 months up to 24 months (PLEASE NO ONESIES WITH SNAPS IN THE CROTCH!)

2. Girls and boys gowns, sleepers (WITHOUT FEET) or 2-piece pajamas (WITHOUT FEET) size 6 months up to 24 months

3. Girls and boys socks – size 18-36 months 4. Hand towels – dark colored preferred

Gently used items (without stains or rips) are welcome. There is a box in the coatroom for donations. IF YOU HAVE OTHER ITEMS (AS NOTED IN PREVIOUS ARTICLES) ON HAND, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DONATE THEM AT THIS TIME AS THEY MAY BE ADDED TO OUR INVENTORY FOR NEXT YEAR.

Questions? Please Call Ellie Schober (419)837-5992. Thank you for your help! ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` The women of SOAR will be having a “Fabulous Fall Bake Sale” on Sunday, September 17th. This will be held after both early and late services. We are doing this as a fundraiser for our October retreat to the Maria Stein Center. Please stop by the tables in the Narthex and choose some tasty treats. Help us support our attendees for a spiritual weekend of oneness with God. Suggested donations will be available that day. Remember to check us out! ```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

“Come Lift Your Voice in Song” Psalm 100: Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

It is time to return to our choir rehearsals for Sunday morning worship. The “Festival” choir (high school/adult) will rehearse on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. beginning September 6th. The choir for our younger folks will be a bit different this season. The age group will range from 4th through 8th grade. It will be called the “Jubilation” choir. They will rehearse on Thursdays at 6:30 beginning September 14th. There will still be opportunities for the younger children to sing during the year. Please consider this wonderful experience to lead worship and praise God!




THANK YOUS Thank you to Dayschool for serving during Sunday’s fellowship time in August.

THANKS to all who brought in cookies & snacks. Health care workers will be serving in September.

Thank yous were received from the following: Lutheran Social Services for the donation of $45.54 Genacross for the donation of $103.83

Luther Home of Mercy for the donation of $145.20 (7/19/17) and $267.79 (7/24/17) Redeemer for the donation of $1,084.71 I want to take the time to thank you and tell you how much we at Redeemer appreciate your support for the Summer Youth Program. From gift cards, to art supplies and program to involvement in Summer-in-the-City – every bit of it helps us to provide a stable, secure, safe place for the youth to be during the summer months. Some of the children whose lives you touched do not have the freedom to let go of the stress when they are home. It’s a joy to see them smiling and enjoying the projects you brought and just a few hours away from the hardships of poverty. So, may God bless you all in your generosity and compassion for all His children! Leigh Ann Meinecke I would like to thank St. John’s for the lovely bouquet of flowers and to Maggie Reed for delivering them to me. I would also like to thank Pam Brackney for bringing communion to me. It was very much appreciated. Marilyn Rudolph A big thank you for the beautiful altar flowers and to Jeff and Sami Sibbersen for bringing me communion and their nice visit. Mary Lou Welling Thank you to everyone for your prayers and to Pastor Cindy for her visits and prayers when I had my surgery. You’ll never know how helpful your cards and calls were. Thanks Barb for bringing me the altar flowers, they were so beautiful! Janet Reitzel

Mark your Calendars for October

October 6 SOAR Retreat at Maria Stein October 15 Gribble fundraiser October 21 Reformation 500 Crawl October 22 Trunk or Treat and Chili Cook-off October 26 Social Ministries fundraiser at McDonald’s October 29 Reformation Day

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