The Acts of St. Lucas June & July 2015

For with God, Nothing will be Impossible. (Luke 1:37)

Sunday, May 17, 2015:

Confirmation/Baptism Sunday!

At the 10:30 a.m. service on

Sunday, May 17, 2015, the

St. Lucas faith community

rejoiced as Dan Maza

affirmed his baptism through

the Rite of Confirmation

having completed the two

year Catechism program, and

as Jaycovy Green and

Jerimiyah Flowers received

the Sacrament of Holy

Baptism having completed

instruction in Luther’s Small

Catechism in the first year of the Catechism class. May the Lord Bless and

Keep these three young men so that they grow to be ever stronger disciples of

Lord Jesus!

Congratulations To Graduates!

St. Lucas Lutheran Church congratulates those listed below and asks our faith community to pray for the following:

Angie Storer, daughter of Mark Storer, as she graduates from the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, one of our ELCA seminaries! Angie will be

placed in parish ministry in the Northeast Ohio Synod (Cleveland/Akron/ Canton/Youngstown areas) upon graduation.

Jill Hojnacki, who after 43 years of college, graduated from Lourdes University on Saturday, May 16,

2015 with two Bachelor of Science degrees (environmental science and biology) and a minor in chemistry!

Erica Steinmiller, granddaughter of Rosetta Steinmiller, who graduated from Florida State University with a degree of Juris Doctor Cum Laude on May 3, 2015!

Nicholas Gillenwater, son of Heidi Gillenwater, who graduated from Anthony Wayne High School! Nick will

be enrolling at Heidelberg University to study international business.

Retirement Congratulations!

We wish Karen T. Biscay many, many happy years of retirement as she starts the next big adventure of her life after retiring from the positions of Chair of the Music Department and Director of Choirs at Lourdes University! Best Wishes!

From WELCA: A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the May 2015

Rummage Sale! Proceeds to the WELCA treasury were $1,400.50! As always,

this money will be used to help St. Lucas in many ways! THANK YOU!

Pictured from left: Dan Maza, Jaycovy Green & Jerimiyah Flowers

Pictured from left: Dan Maza,

Jaycovy Green, Jerimiyah Flowers,

and Pastor Martin Billmeier

Pastoral Acts by Pastor Martin Billmeier

Summer 2015 Thoughts…

Greetings in Jesus’ name,

Here is a summer potpourri of topics:

This year St. Lucas participated in “Summer in the City,” an urban mission immersion experience held June 22-

28 by Glenwood, Olivet, Redeemer, St. Lucas, St. Paul’s and Salem Lutheran Churches. Participants spent time

learning about and participating in the ministries of each participating church on scheduled days during the week.

For example, the group was at St. Lucas on Monday night, June 22nd

for a supper and orientation time, again on

Wednesday, June 24th for breakfast and participation in the Thrift Shop and Cindy’s Corner Café, and once again

on Saturday, June 27th for the 4:00 pm Worship Service followed by a lock-in for the high school youth in the

group. On other days, the participants were at the other congregations to experience their special ministries.

Please pray that the Summer in the City Program will have a lasting impact on those who attended!

It is always a pleasure to offer blessings to the Moms and Dads (and those performing in those roles) on Mother’s

Day and Father’s Day in May and June each year!

We had wonderful month of May at St. Lucas. Our rummage sale was not just a time to raise funds, but also a

time for people to work together in Christian love and welcome all the guests who came to the sale. We baptized

two youth and confirmed another in May. We celebrated Pentecost and Holy Trinity Sunday with beautiful

worship. We had a good group and fun learning at the Pastor’s Retreat at the home of Bill and Jeanie Dennler.

We truly are a community that is blessed. Please remember your church, St. Lucas, in your prayers each day,

thanking God for all the blessings we have received already and asking that God will continue to raise up workers

in the vineyard here and supply all the resources we need to be a lively, welcoming, and faithful community of

Jesus Christ.

During the summer months our offerings tend to go down because attendance is down when people are traveling

more and going out of town. It is human nature not to make up a missed offering. We have nine households

whose offerings we receive each week in the mail, because they have gone to their bank website and arranged

through their “bill-payer” feature to have their offering sent weekly. Please consider making such an arrangement

yourself (if your bank offers a bill-payer service and your summer attendance is spotty) so that you continue to

support the mission of the church even when you are not in attendance.

God’s blessings,

Pastor Billmeier

St. Lucas Choir Completes Year

The St. Lucas Choir

completed its season of

song in early June! We

are so fortunate to have

the choir’s outstanding

musical contribution

each Sunday between

the end of August until

the beginning of June

each year! Thank you

to each of you who give

so generously of your

time! (Picture to left: Choir

at Manhattan’s for End of Season Dinner. Picture to right: Last song until September)

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Acts of Education

by Sharon Schaefer, Sunday School Correspondent

Thanks over and over to our dedicated Sunday School teachers and

Sunday School Superintendent!

The last day of Sunday School was May 31, 2015. We, at St. Lucas, were once again blessed to have excellent teachers for the

children/youth/adults who attend! Sandy Harden taught Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten, Pat Bair and Yvonne Reed taught the

Elementary Students, Katina Werner taught 7th grade through High School Students, and Mark Storer taught the Adult Class. Mark

does continue to offer a Summer Sunday School with dates to be announced. If you are interested in attending his class during the

summer, please let the office know (e-mail or call: stlucasoffice@gmail.com or 419-243-8189) and they will get a message to

Mark. He travelS extensively for work and family – that is the reason for a varied schedule during the summer. If you see one of our

teachers, please thank them for what they do for the students of St. Lucas. They get many return blessings too, as I'm sure they would

tell you. Also, special thanks to Joe Carriel for his work as the Sunday School Superintendent.

NEW WINDOWS ROCK!! (as the kids say)

This was the second winter with our new windows and we who spend time in the Sunday School Building are very grateful for the

warmth that now prevails. The drafty former personality of our building has been banished. Thanks be to God!

We need all the POSITIVE we can get!

As you all know, I am a music lover. I know most of you are, too. Many times even during the course of one week I can be touched

somehow by hearing a song at a certain time that fits my mood and fills a need inside me. Does that happen to you, too? Hearing this

song motivated me to do a little research about the one and only Dolly Parton. She is such a gifted songwriter, which it seems no one

even knew until that song, I Will Always Love you, was made so famous by the late great Whitney Houston. In Dolly's career, she has

written and performed over 800 songs. She is still singing and writing from her heart. The song I heard recently was written in 2007

and released on the album Backwoods Barbie. It was co-written with Kent Wells. Background vocals were provided by two gospel

singer sisters, Sonya Isaacs and Rebecca Isaacs Bowman. It seems Dolly is asked quite frequently about her happy demeanor and how

she keeps her good attitude even in adverse circumstances. Here are her lyrics for the song Better Get to Livin' :

"People always comin' up to me and askin' "Dolly, what's your secret?

With all you do, your attitude just seems to be so good. How do you keep it?"

Well, I'm not the Dalai Lama, but I'll try to offer up a few words of advice.

You better get to livin', givin', don't forget to throw in a little forgivin' and lovin' on the way.

You better get to knowin', showin' a little bit more concern about where you're goin'

Just a word unto the wise, you better get to livin'.

A girlfriend came to my house, started cryin' on my shoulder Sunday evening.

She was spinnin' such a sad tale. I could not believe the yarn that she was weavin'.

So negative the words she had to say, I said if I had a violin I'd play.

I said you'd better get to livin', givin', be willin' and forgivin', cause all healing has to start with you.

You better stop whinin', pinin', get your dreams in line, and then just shine, design, refine, until they come true.

And you better get to livin'.

Your life's a wreck, your house a mess, and your wardrobe way outdated.

All your plans just keep on falling through, overweight and underpaid, under appreciated.

I'm no guru but I'll tell you this I know is true.

You better get to livin', givin', a little more thought about bein,' a little more willin' to make a better way.

Don't sweat the small stuff, keep your chin up.

Just hang tough and if it gets too rough, fall on your knees and pray and do that everyday.

Then you'll get to livin'.

The day we're born we start to die. Don't waste one minute of this life. Get to livin'.

Share your dreams and share your laughter. Make some points for the great hereafter.

Better start carin' Better start sharin' Better start tryin' Better start smilin' and you Better get to livin'."

Copyright Dolly Parton 2007

Thanks, Dolly, for your inspiring words! You can see Dolly perform her wonderful song (and others) on YouTube. You can also

check out the Isaacs Family Gospel Singers on YouTube.

Students of all ages are welcome at St Lucas Sunday School, ages 3 through Adult. Sunday School meets weekly from the

Sunday after Labor Day through the end of May. Adult Sunday School meets in the summer, too. Attending/participation

questions? Please text/call Sharon at 419-351-5804 or email stlucasoffice@gmail.com, and put Sunday School as the subject.

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Youth Fundraiser

The CYF2G (Confirmed Youth and Friends Fellowship Group—the St. Lucas

Youth Group) has been receiving donations for a garage sale! Among the many

items donated so far, is a walker with a fold down tray (in like new condition) and

a wheel chair. Currently, both of these are on display in the St. Lucas Thrift

Shop. Please contact Joyce Mason, Katina Werner, or the St. Lucas Office

(stlucasoffice@gmail.com or 419-243-8189) if you would like to check out

either of these really especially nice items.

Also, if you would like to donate something (gently used and nice quality) to be

included in the sale, please contact Katina Werner or the St. Lucas Office (419-243-8189 or

stlucasoffice@gmail.com) to make arrangements. Proceeds from the sale will be used to help defray costs for

those attending the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, Michigan, July 15-19, 2015.

The date for this sale has not yet been determined or announced—please keep watching the Weekly Parish News (yellow

sheets included with the Worship folder) and The Acts of St. Lucas Newsletter for more details as they become available.

ELCA Youth Gathering (held every three years)

Detroit, Michigan July 15-19, 2015

Expected attendance: 34,000 Lutheran Youth from all over the USA!

CYF2G* attending: Seven St. Lucas Youth with

Two Adult Chaperones!

Cost per person

for registration: $250.00

Cost per person

for hotel: $288.00

Incidental expenses

per person: $ 61.00

Donations (of any amount) to help with the various costs related to this trip are still being sought.

If you are interested in helping out, please see Katina Werner or contact the St. Lucas office

(419-243-8189 or stlucasoffice@gmail.com) for more information. Thank you!

Please pray for the St Lucas Youth and Youth Leaders as preparations

are finalized and the trip takes place! Thank you!

R.A.Y. Days! (Rent A Youth Days!)

Do you have some extra work that needs done around your house? How about that yard barn

that needs cleaned out? Maybe your basement needs some attention? Are your attic floor

boards creaking with the weight of several generations of “we’ll do it later?” What about those

icky weeds in the flower beds or garden? Well…there is a solution to all of these (and much,

much more) problems that exist around your house: Rent A Youth (RAY Days)! Yes,

members of CYF2G (the St. Lucas Youth Group) will come to your house and take care of

any chores with which you might need help. This is an easy and uncomplicated way to get

your work done AND support the Youth Group! Please contact the St. Lucas Office (419-243-8189 or

stlucasoffice@gmail.com) and ask to have Katina Werner contact you!

*CYF2G = Confirmed Youth

and Friends Fellowship Group

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Youth Group News! From Pastor Billmeier and Katina Werner:

Hello All,

Please read the forwarded message below from our youth leader, Katina Werner. It is

long but incredibly well written and informative about this great program God is doing at

St. Lucas, and, I didn't see any typos despite she's not feeling well and sleep

deprived! The immediate need is donations for the national youth gathering in

Detroit. The long term need is more youth leaders. Enjoy this great report/appeal.

Pastor Billmeier

Good Morning Pastor!

Please put out this word and update on the trip. I have been asked by several people and promised to keep

them posted. We were short about $1500 not too long ago and thankfully have bridged that gap-- Praise God! However, we still have

a lot to raise in a short amount of time and then our fund will be at 0 when we get back so we do need help and I get the impression a

lot of people were waiting until the end to see how much we really needed to help us out so this is it...

Main need: With only eleven days before we go we are about $775 short for our trip to Detroit just to feed everyone and gas two cars

enough to get them there, back, and around for the week--that's at a modest $5 per meal budget just to make things simple, assuming 3

meals per day for five days for nine people. (5 X3X5 X9) We will obviously be able to skimp more sometimes and not as much others

or need to pick up more snacks and waters when we are on the run. Since we do not set our own schedule we are not in control of our

food options, so unfortunately we are usually in convention center or hotel environments a lot of time where food is costly and not

great so the money goes quick. (When we are in service environments, they usually bus us there so we don't have the option to stop

for food.) We offset the pricier meals with the cheapie McD type meals when you can, but it's still bad food, so then you need to buy

the kids better food to make up for that later and then while it is better, its more costly, so its usually a lose-lose proposition on the

budget. Somehow we make it work. As I mentioned, this amount covered anticipated fuel costs for two cars driving there and back

and around Detroit for five days as well.

Smaller needs: That leaves us without any money for activities but if we could get anywhere close to that much, we would be sooo

grateful. Also, since we are driving, I can pack a limited amount of granola bars and small snacks and some water perhaps if

someone wants to sponsor those by getting them to me or the funds for same -$20-40 would do wonders. We just can't pack too much

food because of how many people and bags we will have. I can also use a sponsor for misc hygiene bag for boys room and girls

room. This helps us ensure that everyone has what they need regardless of their home's finances and that packing is light as well.

(Shampoo, soap, disposable razors, deodorant, feminine supplies, etc.) I also need to put together a leader's pack that

includes emergency type stuff as well as common needs. I have this all down to a science and can

pretty much get it all for about $20 if someone is willing to cover cost.

Fundraisers: We had to go lighter on the fundraisers than planned due to lots of rain days and lots of

illness and personal trials of the youth leaders but we do plan to have our "youth garage sale" when we

get back and we are still accepting quality items for that. (The "pre-sale" has started thanks to the help

of our WELCA ladies who have been selling some of our larger donations that have come in.) We

will also do a bake sale and hopefully a car wash and small outdoor event. We also are still open to

scheduling more "Rent a Youth Group " days or RAY days as we call them. RAY days allow us to

receive a generous donation that is somewhat earned and allow a member to get help with a project at their

home. Youth are driven to the site by the youth leader and stay under the supervision of the youth leader at all times (who also works)

:) RAY days also give a chance for youth and members to get to know each other a little better since we are at the member's home and

usually are sitting down to a snack at some point as well. Thanks to the member who took us on this week. We appreciate you!

Purpose: Thanks to everyone else who has donated thus far to our trip as well. This is truly a transformational trip for a young person

to be around tens of thousands of other Christian teens for a week, worshipping, doing service work, etc. Not to mention, we are

sending a team of positive youth to help our sister city get things done, and at the same time training these youth to be better Christian

servants for when they come back to their own hometown. This is only the third time our church has been able to send youth to the

Gathering. We made it a priority for the first time little more than 12 years ago, to send our kids 9 years ago, and boy am I glad we

did! Every time it is truly worth the struggle or I wouldn't do this! I always say, Heck-- just for some of our youth to leave their

neighborhood and see life from a different vantage point is the best thing that could ever happen to them let alone what ever happens

after that! If you got to talk to some of the kids who fed the homeless in New Orleans (because they were moved to and asked if they

could, not because it was part of a project), or saw them praying over Eugene who lost his wife, or heard the story of how some of

us met Jesus three times on the way to the convention center when we went down the wrong road, or read the letters they wrote to

congress about human trafficking, you would understand what these trips really do to open their hearts more fully to God and

empower them to get involved. It's a lifetime of learning and witnessing condensed in a week is all I can say.

(Continued on Page 6—please see: Youth Group News Continued:)

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6 Youth Group News Continued:

Youth group status: Of course, when we come back, our fund will be depleted, so there is no

danger of giving too much, or praying too much over this issue for us, especially since we really

don't have a decreased need right now. We have been seeing some new faces as well as some old

friends back again. Many of the youth we see each week still depend on this small but mighty

program for many needs, and even those that come sporadically really appreciate knowing

the program is here when they need support and aren't getting it anywhere else. Every week we

deal with everything here from family problems and food insecurity to mental health issues and

homelessness, so your support is always appreciated.

FYI—Recently, the youth have planted gardens across the street under the direction of leader Russ Wells. We also hosted youth from

other churches here at an all night "Lock-In" event as part of Northwest Ohio's "Summer in the City" event (with help from

leaders Heidi Gillenwater, Russ Wells and guest leaders Michal Hamilton and Medgine Eugene) and there was interest from some of

those youth in continuing relationships and building partnerships with their churches. (Special thanks also to Angie & Sandy for help

with our food prep:) One of the adults connected to the SIC event asked if we might like to help give Communion in Detroit to all of

the other youth, so we may be doing that. Another saw the quality event we put on and how the youth responded and were shocked by

how small our budget was. She said she would talk to her church to see if there was some way they

could help support our program. All great people and good things in the works. Keep your prayers

in!

Other help needed: I have more boys becoming involved again and occasionally, as some of you

may have seen during Lent, I will have a whole gaggle of boys show up so I would love to find a

few reliable male leaders to add to leadership now that we have expanded our female leadership

and have one male leader again. This would allow to add more activities again, including possibly

other days or a basketball day or night that the kids have been asking for. If you are an active male or

female and interested in leading basketball as a coach type, please see me, so we can explore this more with our

Youth Advisory Board. Some of those things do not have to cost more money as they do not have to include meals,

depending on the times they are offered. However, we do have to have reliable men to participate. Other women are welcome too. If

you have a lively spirit and love for young people, please let me know you are interested in working with the teens and we will find a

place for you. You do not have to be physically active. You do not have to be young. Someone willing to sit and do puzzles, help

with homework, and to just hang out and talk is as welcome as anyone else. We could also use people that would help with setting up

food and cleaning up or putting room back together at end of night--things like that. A "room mother" or "room father" type

person. That would be a big load off the leaders to allow us to spend every precious minute focused on the youth and not on our "to

do" list. Back to help with homework, tutors in math, English, and other subjects would be very helpful for the Fall. Many youth

struggle a bit-- or a lot. Also, help with transportation in the South End would be a big help--particularly at the end of the night and

on rain days. Sometimes we also need help on the west side, downtown and for Waterville.

PS—I am typing this while I am sick and sleep deprived as I often do with my church emails so forgive me if I made a typo:)

God bless!

Katina

From Deb Reis:

Testimonial About Members of the

St. Lucas Youth Group (CYF2G)

Assisting Me in a Yard Project!

I was asking about getting help for weeding and clearing my front

garden. I pulled my back out and knew I could not do this

project alone. My mother, Mary Good, reminded me of the

youth group and one of their offers of RAY Days to assist with

projects. We arranged for members to come out for half a

day. These are great youth and hard workers! They are friendly, asked

questions and worked together to get the project completed. I enjoyed getting to know

them and sharing time together. Also, I appreciate their efforts to reach their goal to go to convention - so

important and inspirational! I encourage you to consider the RAY Day or to assist in other ways to help these youth to

meet their dreams! Blessings to all!

Deb Reis

An Important Letter from: The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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Inch by inch, row by row, Come and watch our Garden grow...

The St. Lucas Garden Crew wants to thank all the people who have helped build, fill, rake, plant, and weed our burgeoning garden, especially Phil Chambers, who procured the lumber for the new beds; Clyde Singh, Fred Ruhm and his daughter, Audrey, who helped build and fill the beds; Russ Wells, Katina Werner, Heidi Gillenwater, and the rest of the crew from the CYF2G who filled, raked, seeded, and feasted on the first fruits; Randy Hyter and his helpers who keep the garden area trimmed and shipshape; and of course, to our Good Lord, who sends the sun and rain to nourish the seeds.

The garden is yielding radishes and leaf lettuce now, both of which need to be picked and used - the radishes need thinning and the leaf lettuce also - just pick the bigger outer leaves and the lettuce will continue to grow. The herbs are coming along nicely - we'll have basil, dill, and others to offer soon. Tomatoes are growing well, as are cucumbers, carrots - just walk across the street and check the garden out. If you spot a weed, give it a yank! Thanks again to all who helped and any whose names I forgot!

Community Garden News by Mike Biscay

Volunteer(s) Needed To Clear

Walks/Steps of SNOW & ICE! It’s July…SNOW REMOVAL! What?!?

Yep! We are nearing that time of the year when the cold winds will blow and

drifts of snow and sheets of ice will once again return. The St. Lucas Property

Team is in need of someone (or “someones”) who will clear snow/ice from the

walks and steps around the church whenever “Old Man (or Woman) Winter

leaves us with a “gift” of the cold stuff! The person who takes (or people who take) on this task

must be able to come to the church first thing during or right after a snow or ice event to make sure that everything is

cleared and safe for everyone using the buildings. Please see Randy Hyter or contact Pastor Billmeier at the St. Lucas

Office (stlucasoffice@gmail.com, pastorstlucas@gmail.com, or 419-243-8189) to volunteer/make suggestions. Thanks!

Sympathy and Prayers

The St. Lucas faith community extends sympathy and prayers to the families and friends who have lost loved

ones. Please keep the following in your prayers:

The family and friends of Jody Steuer whose husband, Jeff, passed away in Lompoc, California. Jeff and

Jody are members of St. Lucas who moved to California a number of years ago.

The family and friends of Francis “Charlie” Hamilton in Las Vegas on May 13, 2015. Francis is Lee Jagodzinski and Dan Hamilton’s father. The funeral service was at Foth-Dorfmeyer Funeral Home on

May 21, 2015.

The family and friends of Richard A. Eckman whose funeral was conducted by Pastor Billmeier on May 16,

2015 at the Walter Funeral Home.

May the hope of the resurrection sustain them and all who mourn. 1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3.

He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4. Yea, though I walk through the val ley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4

Windows Financial Report:

Loan Amount $56,000.00

Donations to Date 14,695.50

Remaining Goal $41,512.50

Proceeds from the purchase of SCRIP Cards go toward

the retirement of this debt. For other donations made

toward this project, please mark checks or envelopes

with: “Window Project.” Thank you!

St. Lucas Monthly

Financial Report: Balance Forward—5-1-2015 $ (19,723.53)

Receipts + 14,780.35

Fund Transfers (00.00)

Disbursements (16,492.13)

Balance—5-31-2015 $ (21,435.31)

Balance Last Year $ (40,880.09)

From the Faith Response (Stewardship) Team:

"The grain, the animals, even the drink offerings...these

were the ancient equivalents of money. The Israelites

found it worthwhile, indeed necessary, to give away their

possessions in sacrificial acts of worship to God. The

point was not what happened to the grain after it was

placed on the alter; the point was simply putting that

grain on the altar in the first place." (from Giving to God

by Mark Allan Powell)

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SCRIP! From Georgia Steele

Saturday SCRIP Gift Cards Now Available! Vicki Deeds has SCRIP Cards at the 4:00 p.m.

Saturday services! How cool is that? Thank you Vicki! Carmen Ball will continue to have SCRIP

Cards at the early service on Sundays and Georgia Steele will have them at the 10:30 a.m. services.

(Thank you also to Carmen and Georgia!) Please consider purchasing a weekly Kroger gift card

specifically to purchase fuel. Also,

remember to use your Kroger Plus Card

to earn $$$ for St. Lucas! SCRIP Cards are an absolutely

painless way to purchase things that you are already using! Get

a SCRIP Card, use it to purchase stuff, and earn $$$ for St.

Lucas! WOW, it is a win-win-win situation for the Sunday

School Windows Fund! Please remember to see Vicki Deeds on

Saturdays, Carmen Ball at the 8:30/9:00 a.m. Sunday service, and/or Georgia Steele at the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service to

purchase or order cards. You may also contact Georgia at gksteele001@yahoo.com or 419-215-4150.

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Thrift Shop Volunteer Schedule

Wednesday, July 15 Sue & Rose Thursday, July 16 Angie & Sally

Wednesday, July 22 Betty & Sandy Thursday, July 23 Carol, Marie & Mary

Wednesday, July 29 Sue & Rose Thursday, July 30 Angie & Hildegard

Thank you to ALL who volunteer!

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The Next WELCA Meeting Is:

Tuesday, September 15, 2015 from 10am to Noon in the Community Room-Sunday School

Building. Meeting and Bible Study. Questions: Please call Angie Basilius @ 418-244-5213.

United In Marriage! Our congratulations, best wishes, and prayers for Justin Guerrero and Dana Reiter who were united in marriage

at the St. Lucas altar on Saturday, May 9, 2015!

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The St. Lucas Healing Ministry Invites You

The St. Lucas Healing Ministry invites you to experience God’s peace, comfort, and healing presence on the third Tuesday of each month.

Upcoming date(s):

Tuesday, July 21 and August 18, 2015 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the St. Lucas Sanctuary.

Please join the Healing Ministry for a peaceful time of God’s encouragement, renewal, and spiritual healing. Come by yourself or invite someone to join you and come/go as you wish between 6:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Members of the Healing Ministry may be available to make hospital or home visits and/or may be able to help arrange transportation to one of the healing times. Please contact Jeannie Dennler at drjeannie1@aol.com/419-

343-4003 or the St. Lucas Office at stlucasoffice@gmail.com or 419-243-8189 for more information!

Prayers of the St. Lucas Parish

Please pray for the people and situations noted in this section of the Acts, for those about whom/which you know there are needs, and for the financial well-being of St. Lucas so that we, as a congregation, may continue to do God’s work with our hands. Also, please remember to give God thanks for the blessings which He has provided.

Prayers of Concern, Healing, Protection, Guidance, Leadership, and Encouragement

The Adults of All Ages at St. Lucas, Howard & Sarah Abts, Paul Babcock, Linda Balusik, Marcus Beightol, Lois Bening, the Children of St. Lucas, Bill Cottle, Ruth Fox, Heidi Gillenwater and her parents (Gene & Joanne Jenny), Pat Goeble, Bill Granger, Carl & Judy Hischka, James Hoch, Peggy Ickes, Ellamay Jerman, Cheryl Ivy Jones, Cindy Kirk, Josh Loper, Joni Meyers-Carothers, Helen Nostrant, Carol Petoskey, Marilyn Pockmire, Bill Reddington, Alice & Carl Ritter, Betty Schmidt, Wendy Sherer, DeAnna Thomas, Merle Weiss, Bob Wollenschlager, the Youth of St. Lucas, those in the Service, those seeking employment, the Leadership of all St. Lucas Ministries/Church Council/Pastor Billmeier, all those unable to attend services, and those who are caring for loved ones.

Prayers of Thanksgiving & Praise For the gift of our country! For the gift of all St. Lucas Faith Community Members: Yes! This means YOU! For the volunteers who have stepped forward to help in the Cindy’s Corner Café! For the volunteers who are working in the St. Lucas Community Garden! For the Holy Spirit at work in our anxious society! For the graduates and retirees who are stepping into the next chapter of their lives! For Dan Maza, Jaycovy Green, and Jerimiyah Flowers and their Confirmation and Baptisms!

Let’s ALL be intentional about Praying for these things and more!

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Happy Birthday!

June:

Steve Seaton—1, Sam Mason—12, Justine Hoch—13, Brandon Petoskey—14, Bryan Petoskey—

14, Bill Dennler—18, Mark Storer—18, Ron Bacon—22, Howard Abts—22, Wyatt Hoch—22,

Alice Ritter—22, Debra Reis—23, Brian Hoch—24, Vicki Deeds—26, Gerald Willoughby—26,

Pat Goeble—29, Ron Lang—29, and Bill Huepenbecker—29.

July:

April Girardot—7, Adam Adams—8, Justin Pritchard—8, Lee Jagodzinski—10, John Sattler—10, Joseph Lydic—14,

Jan Hoffman—18, Betty Schmidt—18, Hildegard Ruelke—20, Mary Lou Good—21, Amy Herrick—22,

Gina Brasel—23, Dan Markley—23, Brenden Ottney—24, Jody Steuer—24, Rob Dauel—24, Ruth Fox—27,

Roy Deeds—28, Brittany Pritchard—28, Sue Alley—29, Mike Biscay—29, Susan Lang—30, and Helen Nostrant—30.

Happy Anniversary!

June:

Bob & Lori Ritter—14, Ron Bacon & Alan Langevin—16, Paul & Debbie Babcock—17,

and Tyler & Amy Woody—20.

July:

Mike & Karen Biscay—3, Steve Hdson & George Pfaff—4, Frank & Melva Nelson—9,

Robert & Jennifer Kasee—11, Gene & Dawn Keeler—12,

and Craig Lammers & Susan Purviance—31

My View of the Church

By Guenther the St. Lucas Church Mouse

Greetings Everyone! We’re baaaaaaaccccckk! Guenthiana, my lovely wife and I are so happy to return to Toledo after an interesting

and harrowing nine months! We certainly have missed everyone and want you to know how special all you St. Lucasizians are! We

have traveled to many places in the U.S.A. and around the world and there are few places which can compare to St. Lucas in terms of

loving, caring, and helping each other. We think the St. Lucas Choir and Musicians are the absolute best. We love the spirit of

inclusion for everyone no matter what (even furry forest creatures like us). The people who volunteer at St. Lucas are incredible and

make amazing things happen in the church and to help those in need. The people who take care of the buildings and grounds do a

great job; everything always looks super. Pastor Billmeier and the other workers do remarkable a remarkable job of preparing,

sharing, and leading weekly services—it takes a huge amount of effort to get everything ready and presented. We’re just so pleased to

be part of a church like St. Lucas!

Before we get to telling you where we’ve been, we really want to thank all of

you for sponsoring the huge parade in honor of our return home…it was

wonderful! We have never seen the parade route (from the parking lot in front

of Subway, on to Frank Street turning to the left on Walbridge, and finally in to

the parking lot right beside the church) so jam packed with people (please see

picture)! It made us feel so loved and wanted! Thank you! (Picture to right)

For those of you who would like to know where we have been: We received

an urgent e-mail from Guenthiana’s mother, Guentheena, who needed our

immediate assistance with legal matters at the monastery (The Monastery of St.

Bernard) where she works high in the Italian Alps. The Monks were being

threatened with eviction from their home if they didn’t manage to convince the authorities that the monastery bell tower does, in fact,

meet all zoning, noise, and safety regulations as set forth in the laws of the Italian government. You might ask what the problem

is…all they have to do is explain that everything is in order, right? Wrong! All the Monks and workers (including Guentheena) had

taken a vow of silence for a period of two years and were in month number fourteen when the problems started. So, rather than

breaking their vows of silence, Mom and the monks asked us to help out by talking with the officials. Well, we thought the wheels of

regulations worked slowly here in the U.S.A. Let us tell you, our regulatory wheels move like an Indy 500 race car in comparison

with what we encountered! Anyhow, let’s just say that it took a LONG time and a lot of effort to get things successfully worked out.

Fortunately, Mom and the Monks only have one month of silence left. We think that everyone will be glad to hear the St. Bernard

Choir actually singing again rather than just mouthing the words of the anthems and hymns! Till next time…

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St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church

745 Walbridge Avenue

Toledo, Ohio 43609

419-243-8189

Address Service Requested

Time Sensitive Material

Please Handle Promptly

Confirmation/Baptism Sunday, May 17, 2015

June & July 2015

The Acts of St. Lucas Newsletter

AFFIRMATION OF WELCOME All people are welcome within our membership and are encouraged to participate in the sacramental life and work of our

congregation, including those of all sexual orientations, gender identities, ages,

races, abilities, economic levels, and previous religious experiences.

Non-profit

U.S. Postage PAID

Toledo, Ohio Permit # 987

Parish Staff Martin E. Billmeier, Pastor Sharon Jordan, Secretary Jamie Dauel, Organist Ron Lang, Choir Director Vernon Williams, Custodian

Church Council Phil Chambers, President; Lee Jagodzinski, Vice-President; Garry Adams, Mike Biscay, Joe Carriel, Bill Dennler, Brian Hoch, Randy Hyter, David Jerman, Theresa Johnson, Cindy Kirk, Sharon Schaefer, Steve Seaton, Russ Wells, and Lorraine Willoughby

Parish Office Information Tuesday-Friday—9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Phone: 419-243-8189 Fax: 419-243-8180 Secretary Email: stlucasoffice@gmail.com Pastor Email: pastorstlucas@gmail.com ACTS Newsletter: steamloco80@hotmail.com /419-351-4723 Website: www.stlucastoledo.org

Northwest Ohio Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church In America 621 Bright Road, Findlay, Ohio 45840 1-419-423-3664 Rev. Marcus Lohrmann, Bishop Website: www.nwos-elca.org

Worship & Sunday School Times

Saturdays: 4:00 p.m.—Service with Healing Rite. Sundays: 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Services. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m.—Classes for ages 3 through Adults Wednesdays: 11:45 a.m.—Wednesday Prayer Circle The Sacrament of Holy Communion is offered at all services.

Mission and Vision

ST. LUCAS PURPOSE STATEMENT:

The people of St. Lucas Lutheran Church invite and welcome everyone to enter and feel God’s presence.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES:

1. We believe that Jesus is Lord and Savior. 2. We embrace diversity and welcome all unconditionally. 3. We commit to live God’s Word and share the Good News. 4. We strive for closer relationship with God and each other. 5. We demonstrate compassion and forgiveness through open hearts and open minds.

**Handicap Accessible Building** Elevator Next to Handicap Parking on Walbridge Street Please come dressed as you are…ALL ARE WELCOME!

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