PAGE 1

FEBRUARY 2016

sidebysideministry.com & friend us on facebook at John-Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran and St. John Lutheran, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio

From Pastor Chris

BEING
Strengthen me with power through your Spirit, in my inner being. Ephesians 3:16
I cannot tell you how many times I make this prayer my own. It centers me on what I need most the power of
being that is not my own, but is Christ in me. This sense of being is often buried or lost in the pile of all our
doing. We see doing as strength, but if it distracts us from being, than it becomes the source of our
greatest weakness, and leaves us empty and exhausted. Lent is a time of letting go of the pile of our endless
doing and giving space and thought to our being. No one lives this being better than our Savior. Jesus
teaches us that the Kingdom of God is within, it is about being found by the power of the Spirit given in our baptism. From this center flows the strength to be who God created us to be. Gods name, revealed to Moses, is I
am who I am. Gods essence is expressed in a verb of being. Being is about who we are and whose we are.
Its not easy to be in a world that seems to demand our doing. Come, explore with me the ways of being
that are Christs, and in the process may we find who we truly are.

The Ways of BEING for Christ-Followers

BEING filled with the Holy Spirit February 14
BEING focused on Gods mission February 21
BEING obedient to Gods will February 28
BEING grace-full for others March 6
BEING open to see beyond the external March 13

February 10
12 Noon at St. John
7 pm at St. Paul

BEING innocent March 20, Palm Sunday/Sunday of

the Passion
Wednesday Lenten Meals and Worship
Meal at 6:00 pm Taize Worship at 7:00 pm
February 17 @ St. John;
February 24 @ St. Paul
March 2 @ St. John;
March 9 @ St. Paul; March 16 @ St. John

Lenten Taize Worship

Take time to just be in the presence of
God, as we enter into a time of beautiful
music, scripture, prayer, and meditation.
Taize is a form of music that helps focus our
thoughts towards God.

PAGE 2

FEBRUARY 2016

Special Events
Homerun Parenting
New Member/Disciple
Information Lunch
Sunday, February 7, 11:45 at St. Paul
Find out more about our side-by-side
ministry. For persons wanting to connect, and/or who are interested in
membership at either church

This months Homerun Parenting session will

be held at Id Rupp Public Library on Monday the 15th from 6-9 p.m.
Inning: Batting Average
Topics include, overcoming fears, unconditional love, and consistency.
Bring your children, we will provide activities
for them, and a family meal is included.
For reservations call Heartbeat at:
419-734-9359

Please sign up on Events Board or call St. Paul so

we have a count for lunch:)

Daniel Plan
The Daniel Plan will meet on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm,
at St. Paul. During Lent the Daniel Plan will meet at
whichever church has the service that week.

Consecration of the Elements on

February 7th for Blessing Cup Teams

If you are interested in attending Patty Baughmans Baby Shower please RSVP to Patty at
330-416-7633 by February 1st.
The shower will be held on February 27th, 2pm
6615 Crossbow Ct.
North Royal ton, Ohio 44133
Baby Registry: Amazon.com
Patty Baughman and Aaron Baughman/ Port
Jervis NY/ May 2016
Diaper Shower: http://www.gdiapers.com/

Just A Look Back

Back in '76, our records tell us that there were five marriages and about the same number of funerals. There were 18 confirmands and on April 16, Easter Sunday, there were 105 adults who took
communion. So church attendance that Sunday would have been the 105 adults plus the 18 confirmands. Now baptisim records for '74 and '75, the two previous years, indicate that there were about 40
baptisms is each of those years, so conservatively speaking there were probably another 35-50 kids in
church. This would put total attendance somewhere near 175.
And all of this happened not back in 1976, but back in 1876, right here at St Paul. However,
back then they rode horses and drove buggies, and walked to a church lit with candles and oil lamps.
I'll bet there was a coal furnace in the basement as well. This was also 15 years before our brick church
here was built. And yet they still came...for the same reasons we come here today. It is our strong
Christian faith and our belief in an almighty God that draws us to this place.

PAGE 3

FEBRUARY 2016

Thank You
-Thank you for your help and support for the Danbury Food Pantry. They served 1,507 people with a

total of 500 families for the first 11 months of the year.

-Dear Wednesday Morning Bible Study Group, Thank you so much for your gift in memory of Sandra
Reep. We met Sandra through her husband Gary and she became a great friend. She made several
prayer shawls and blankets for our women and I know she always kept them in her thoughts and prayers.
We have been missing her as she struggled with her health and we will continue to miss her. I hope your
memories of Sandra will bring you peace. An acknowledgement of your generous gift was sent to Sandras sister. Sincerely, Linda J. Hartlaub, Director of Ottawa Country Transitional Housing, Inc.
-Dear St. John and St. Paul Lutheran Church Members, Thank you so much for you generous gift to
Pastor Claudes ministry. It was a wonderful surprise! I have set it aside to be used later for pews or
church supplies. Pastor Claude was delighted! The ministry is going well and we are able to reach out
more, to building stable buildings. Sincerely in Christ, Sara Tanner (A generous donor gave $500 to Pastor Claude through each congregation.)
-Thank you for your medicine bottles! Alexis Dayton would like to thank everyone for donating their
medicine bottles. The campaign for collecting medicine bottles is fulfilled and finished. Thank you!
-Thank you to the ladies who sent me a Christmas bag with many Christmas gifts which were appreciated. Thank you so much, Joyce RopersHave a happy New Year!
-Marge & Blessing Cup Team, Thank you so much for bringing the Lords Body and Blood to us. You will
never know how much all of you are appreciated and loved. Always, Jim & Marge
-Dear Marge, Thank you all for all your enjoyable visits and gifts. The pictures are precious.
Thank you so very muchtrust you have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy New Year. God
Bless You All! Love to all, Iatha

Bible & Discipleship Studies

Womens Bible Studies (WELCA All women are invited to participate! )
St. John Women meet on second Wednesday at 2:00 pm
St. Paul Women will meet 3rd Thursdays at 1:00 pm
Weekly Wednesday Bible Study Meets every Wednesday at 11:00 am at St. Paul. All Ladies are welcome. We are
now studying the book of John. Please join us as we dig deeper into the Lords word. Good discussion and laughter.
Texts for Worship PreparationWorship is richer and deeper when we study the texts during the week before. Try it!
February 7th: Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99 (9); 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:4:2; Luke 9:28-36 [37-43]
February 14th: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:12, 9-16 (11); Romans 10:8b-13; Luke 4:1-13
February 21st: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27(5); Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35
February 28th: Isaiah 55:1-9; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9
Moms Bible StudyAny moms interested in getting together with other moms, for a Bible Study? Please let Pastor
Chris know, or sign up on the Event Board.

PAGE 4

FEBRUARY 2016

Side-by-Side Youth and Sunday School Page

The Sacrament of Holy Communion
Learning Opportunities
First Communion Sunday School (Pre-K 8th), during the month of February, will concentrate on the story
and meaning of the Lords Supper. Children of any age are eligible to receive First Communion, according to
the parents determination of their childs understanding. Pastor Chris is available if you have questions.
We will celebrate First communion on Sunday, March 6th, at both congregations. Please let Chrissy or the
Church office know if your child will be receiving their first communion that Sunday, so we may make preparations and provide certificates.
Adult (9 am) join in the studying the Sacrament, as well as the ELCA document. The Use of the Means of
Grace during February. Come and gain a deeper understanding of our sacraments through a Lutheran Lens.

7th and 8th graders

Senior High

Confirmation Class

Side-by-Side Youth

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

Youth Sunday

Wednesdays in February, 6:00 7:00 pm

1st Sun. of each Month

February 3Finish 10 Commandments

February 10Ash Wednesday Worship @ 7 at St.
Paul for the whole family.

Sign up on the easel on the ramp at church to help

with greeting, ushering, lecturing (reading). See
Pastor Chris if you can help with Special Music.

February 17 at St. John, meal/6; worship/7

February 24at St. Paul, meal/6; worship/7

High School Youth Plus

Sunday School

Erie Social and Shuffleboard

Beginning in February, Sunday School classes will

study the Sacrament of Holy Communion. First
Communion will be celebrated on March 6th
during the service (see above)
Sunday school classes begin at 9:00 AM. Classes are
offered for Preschoolers, kindergarten- 6th grade,
Junior High Confirmation Class, High School Class
and an Adult Class. There is something for everyone!
We hope to see you there!!

VBS SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, February 28
Worship, Hospitality Lunch, Family Fun
Join us for shuffleboard and other games!
Bring friends and family
Fun Dayis $10.00/person or $15/couple for as
long as you want.

Save the dates, 2016 VBS, June 27th - July 1st! We are excited to announce that St. John's Lutheran Church in Port Clinton has
invited us (pre-school through high school) to attend their action packed Vacation Bible School the week of June 27th. VBS will be
held Monday-Friday at the following times: preschool through entering kindergarten 9:00-noon, children entering first through sixth
grade 9:00-3:00, JR High-High School (dinner will be provided) 5:30-7:30 PM. More information to be announced!

PAGE 5

FEBRUARY 2016

Directory Updates
JANUARY 2016Please clip these corrections on a blank page in your directory.
St John

Page

Change

Meet Friends of St. Paul Lutheran Church:

Armbruster, Tim

Apt #207

Benya, Joan

Joan, not Jean

Peticos, Bev

15

New Address:

Don and Judy Brehm

11004 Twp Rd 49

20674 Chestnut Drive

Upper Sandusky, OH 43351

Strongsville, Ohio 44149

St Paul

Page

Change

Baughman, Aaron

Zip code: 12771

Carpenter, Karen

10

Phone: 419-967-0004

Gulau, Paul

23

Died: January 11, 2016

Hirt, Marian

26

Died: December 10, 2015

Sorgenfrei, Robert

53

9372 Hartley Way

Feb-March: 3420 Gulf Shore N

Naples, FL 34103
Donjudybrehm05@gmail
Phone numbers: 216-701-3312, 440-537-3324
Home 440-238-8737

Phone: 419-702-9020

Serving in Christs Name

Noisy Offering on February 14Ruth Anns House, transitional housing for abuse victims
Blessing Cup TeamsTo be part of this fellowship of Christs love, please contact Marge Bridgett or Myra Prokop. The
visits will extend through the month of February (Consecration on February 7th)
Celebration ChorusPractice on Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., at St. Paul. All are welcome!
Community GardenDirect questions for 2015 to Emily Glynn 314-517-2402 or Betsy Deer 419-310-4406.
Council NightsThursday, February 18, at St. Paul Joint Parish Board/5:30; St. Paul Council /6:15 ; St. John/ 7:00
Danbury Food PantryThey are in need of volunteer help- They need full size pickup trucks to pick up the pallets of
food on the Thursday before the food pantry distribution. If you would be willing to volunteer your truck and time, please
call Jan Hirt at 419-732-2703. Also needed are people who can carry and bend with heavy boxes to help put the food
away after the distribution on Saturday morning at 10 am. If you would like to volunteer come to St. Paul at 8 am on the
third Saturday of the month January through November at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Donations can be mailed to Danbury
Food Pantry, c/o Jan Hirt 1775 S. Church Rd. Marblehead, OH 43440
Prayer ChainSt. 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 taylors@frontier.com. God promises that our prayers are heard!
Prayer Shawl Plus Ministryprayer shawl meeting will be on Wednesday, February 3rd, at 10:00 at St. Paul.
SNAP Ministries(Supporting Native African Pastors) For info. go to snapministries.org (Welcome. to Home).

Building Friendships
Not Older, Just Better - Not Older, Just Better is meeting at Averys on Tuesday, February 9 th at 11:30 a.m.
DartballPlease see the attached church calendar for dates and locations.

PAGE 6

FEBRUARY 2016

St. john beacon light

For February, 2016
St. John Council Highlights
Council highlights: Due to the lack of a quorum there was no meeting held.
St. John Treasurer Curt Laubner prepared a report of our congregations 2015 NWO Synod giving:
Synod General Fund

$ 4,285.00

World Hunger

$ 3,805.30

World Relief

695.00

Seminary Debt Relief

275.64

$ 9,060.94
Special dates:

Birthdays

General Operating Fund:

December

10 Maryanne Laubner
18 Pastor Chris Young

Receipts

$5,581.26

Expenses

$4,547.67

20 Jim Otermat

24 Myra Prokop

33.59

St. John History Happenings

St. John Jr. High Sunday School Class- taught by Mrs. George Benya 1963-1964
Mark Crossley

Diana Dress

Terrie Pepon

Jim Dress

Micky Twinning

Joyce Grau

Becky Kemp

Morris White

Jeanette Grove

Reminders:
If you need to get a container of soup at the Parish
Hall you can contact any council member or Alar
Guild member who will let you in the hall. You also
can grab a container on Sunday before or after the
service.

Annoucement:
Weve been invited to a baby shower honoring Patty
Baughman. It is going to be held on February 27th
at the home of Nancy Surace in North Royalton,
Ohio. If anyone would like to attend RSVP is needed
by February 1 at 330-416-7633. Possibly we could
carpool to the event.

PAGE 7

FEBRUARY 2016

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger

February 2016
St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger
Budget Highlights
General Fund
Restricted Fund

RevenueExpenseRevenueExpense-

$23,042.19
$15,548.22
$ 3,569.70
$ 575.00

St. Paul Church Council Highlights:

January 21, 2016
-Sanctuary Renovation: Charles Scott presented a proposal to be placed in the Sandusky Register seeking bids from design firms
with experience in sanctuary renovations. Proposals are accepted until February 29, 1016.
-Archive Committee represented by Maryann Laubner, Coni Ann Limpert and Helen Stines requested $2000.00 to purchase: 36
storage cabinet, four drawer file cabinet and a four drawer fireproof file cabinet. These cabinets will be used to store archives from
St. Paul Lutheran Church.
-Heritage Fund Application: an application to request monies from the Heritage Fund was reviewed. A Motion stating: If the Heritage fund is over three times the current years operating budgeted amount then the surplus monies can be reviewed for possible
disbursements.
-The current boilers may need to be replaced. In addition, due to a possible fire hazard, three electrical panels may need to be
replaced. A price quote will be presented to council at a later date.
-A congregational meeting will be held on February 7, 2016 to obtain approval to have the church property owned by St. Paul in the
northwest part of Lot 9, Section 2, surveyed by BEC Associates.
The Congregational meeting was held on January 17th after Worship. The reports were reviewed and approved.

Please remember in your prayers:

Barb Agne, Barb Batcha, Cleo Bodi, Karen Carpenter, Ben Chapman, Gary Cover, Rebecca
Dress, Betty Dubbert, David Heinzl, Bill Hirt,
Steve Hosko, Ruth Keller, Nelf Kimerline, Joyce
Linder, Rev. Sarah MacDonald, Alice Peroni,
Kathy Stine, Sarah Tanner, Pat Thursby, Gordon Wahlers, Sally Willis.
Paul Gulau passed away on January 11th. His
funeral was held at the funeral home on January 15th. May God comfort all who mourn his
passing.
The medicine bottles are no longer being
collected. Their goal has been reached.

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

(WELCA)
The regular meeting and Bible study of the Women of the Church will be Feb.
18th at 1:00 pm. in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited. Betty Easton
will have refreshments. The Bible Study Christian Citizenship 101
(Confidence in Gods beginnings and endings) will be from the Gather January study.
WELCA received Thank You notes from many of the organizations to which
we send donations.
The Monthly Service Projects are: canned fruit, nail clippers, and ball
point pens.

-The Giving Statements are ready for you to take home. Youll find them in the
Fellowship Hall.
-This years Christian Unity Sunday potluck was held at Wesley Lodge on
January 17th It began with a pot luck meal, followed by fellowship.

PAGE 8

FEBRUARY 2016

St. Paul February Special Dates

Birthdays

Wedding Anniversary

2 Thelma Goodyear

4 Dennis and Linda Berhent,

land and Laurel Berhent

3 Diana Schenko, Chantel Lewis

4 Shelley Seamon
8 Brett Pahl
9 Evelyn Bodi, Landon Funk, Colleen Byrne,
Kirk Gangl, Nate Waters

Ro-

7 David and Sharon Allen

15 Scott and Maureen Kerik
17 Bill and Debbie Lenner
26 Charles and Norma Fannin

10 Scott Bradbee
11 Katie Lenner
12 Connie Kihlken, Grayden Boss
14 Valerie Mahler, Joshua Schenko, Justin Waugh

Baptismal Anniversary

15 Robert Glovinsky, Matthew Mahler, Vincent Manuella

14 Alandra Willis, Zachery Tokar

17 Steve Nevin

15 Lee French, Jim Kovach

18 Rev. Chris Young

18 Mia McDonald

19 Dustin Deluca, Kerstin Thompson

19 Darlene Mahler, Frank Mahler, Mike Doski, Gerald

Mackey

20 Gail Bergman
21 Forrest Hornbeck
22 Helmi Freeh, Sophia Mullins
24 Zack Kihlken, Daniel Bergman
25 Phyllis Humphrey, Ryann Steinbrick, Riley Steinbrick, Graham Bartzen
26 Sarah Boss, Collin Bush, Elizabeth Bush
27 Trudi Steinbrick
28 Matthew Seamon

21 Christina French
26 Sharon Salyers
27 Christina Grimm, Brandon Mooney, Lauren Mooney

PAGE 9

FEBRUARY 2016

Mutual Ministries
February 7

February 10

February 14

February 21

February 28

Ash Wednesday
Greeters

Barb Batcha

Carol Kubit

Norma Kihlken

Shirley LaCumsky

Linda Dubbert

Lectors

Janet Strauss

Tammy Davis

Jim Deer

Tammy Davis

Laurel Berhent

Ushers

Shirley Lacumsky

Charles Scott

Shirley Lacumsky Bob and Janet

Strauss

Ruth Scott

Dave Hirt

David Hirt

Acolytes

Heather Lambert

Ginny Cameron

Daleigh Lerch

Justin Tibbels

Daniel Lambert

Zeke French

Maddie Harris

Erik Wadsworth

Matt Seamon

Nolan Chapman

Hospitality

New Member
Reception

Hospitality Lunch

Bulletins
Steeple Lighting

Dee & Jim Warren

Perpetual Light

Dee & Jim Warren

Roland & Laurel

Berhent

Assisting Minister Tammy Davis

Tim Mackey
Altar Guild

Ruth Scott

Trish Ahrens
Counters

Tammy Davis
Fran Chapman

Flowers

Internship Update
Pastor Chris attended a retreat at Trinity Seminary the last week of January. Its looking good! We
should find out by the beginning of March if there is a good match for an intern. Please keep this in your
prayers, and also consider helping us build up our Seminary Fund. (Donations to either congregation,
marked Seminary Fund will go into our joint account.)

PAGE 10

FEBRUARY 2016

PAGE 11

FEBRUARY 2016