IMMANUELGRAM January, 2015 VOL. 43 NO. 1

Sunday, January 25

Luther League Sponsored

Breakfast at 8:15 AM.

Meeting starts at 9:00 AM

in Mittermaier Hall.

Happy New Year and Maybe still Merry Christmas Folks,

It is the later days of December 2014, as I write this letter. It occurs to me it will be January 2015 when you actually read this newsletter. Christmas is also known as “Nativity of our Lord” season. It lasts 12 days and the altar paraments are the color white. It is a high festival of the church (a “lesser” festival might be All Saints and Reformation Sundays). Christmas is a time for anthems, decorations, and yes lively parties. The Eastern Orthodox Church traditions have tended to carry the Christmas season much further into January, than the western Christian churches, who usually de-emphasizes the spirit after New Year’s Day. I think the Eastern Church is “onto” something here.

Still, it is a time for me to pray and reflect as to how I plan to grow as a Christian and as a pastor this coming year. I do invite conversation as to where we as a congregation may consider looking in terms of mission for 2015. One project I am working on is a First Communion Instruction get together for a Sunday night and Monday morning in 2015. I have been in conversation with council on this topic.

One central belief for us as Lutherans throughout 2015 is that we are a people who experience God through the Word and Sacraments. Christmas spirit does not have to end around New Year’s Day. I once knew a Greek instructor who used to celebrate a Christmas on Fourth of July parties. I think that was what the early church had in mind for the true Christmas spirit.

Sincerely,

Dave Coffin, Pastor

Immanuel Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Those present were: Jesse Quiroga, Marty Panning, Robin Tussing, Kirk Behrman, Pastor Dave Coffin,

Gerry Kruse and Pat Scholl, and Dave Bartley. Absent - Sarah Arps, Eric Johnson

Marty called the meeting to order. Pastor Dave gave a scripture reading and prayer.

The minutes from November 11, 2014 were reviewed by Council and approved.

Treasurer’s report was reviewed and approved.

Pastor’s Report – Getting ready for Advent and Christmas. Will be off the week between Christmas

and New Years, however will be doing the Oak Grove Service on Dec. 31, 2014. Pastor will attend the retreat at Saw Mill Creek January 20-22, 2015.

Committee Reports were given:

Worship – Christmas decorating went well. Questioned whether or not we want to advertise our services over the Christmas week in the NW Signal. At this time Council does not want to advertise, if

we do anything it would be in the local Deshler Flag.

Education – 1 additional catechism student has joined the class. The adult supervision is very helpful.

Trustees – Boiler has been corrected and is now under control. A valve had been in the shut position

causing the issue.

Catechism & Luther League – Angel Tree project very successful

Elder Communion Schedule: 12/24 Kirk-Sarah; 12/28 Kirk; 1/04 Sarah; 1/25 Robin

Old Business:

Front Signs - The metal sign hinges have been found and will be ordered.

Adams Sign Co. calls to see if we want an estimate on a digital sign. – Council does not wish to pursue at

this time.

Capital Improvement Fundraiser - $37,209.00 pledged to date; Paid to Date $22,806.17; Outstanding

$14,402.83

New Business:

Annual Congregational meeting Sunday January 25, 2014 at 9:00a.m. Items on the agenda - Voting on

Changes to Constitution, Committee Reports

Dumpster/Trash Issues - Increase in the cost based on increase in amount of trash. A few changes will be

implemented and we will go back down to normal cost starting 1/1/15. The situation will continue to be

monitored.

Thanks was given to Jesse Quiroga as he completes his term on Council. Election for the 2015 calendar

year were held with Marty Panning elected President and Kirk Behrman Vice President.

Council reviewed Building Use Schedule and approved.

Next Council meeting will be Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Christmas De-Decorating

TUESDAY, JANUARY 6

6:30 PM

Linda Babcock: 419-278-0385, 1-049 Co Rd E, Deshler, OH 43516

Charlotte Harris: Oak Grove Healthcare Center, 620 Water St., Deshler, OH 43516

Millie Hoops: Oak Grove Healthcare Center, 620 Water St., Deshler, OH 43516

Barb Schnabele: 419-278-3246, 415 Oak St., Deshler, OH 43516

Raymond Sunderman: Van Crest Health Care Center, Room 3, 600 E. Joe E. Brown Ave, Holgate, OH 43527

Olga Tietje: Lutheran Home, Alpine Village Rm 406, 1036 S Perry St, Napoleon OH 43545

Martha Van Horn: 567-208-5674, Birchaven Village, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Birch Rm 53, Findlay, OH 45840

Mary Ellen Wendt: 419-425-3791, Birchaven Village, 15100 Birchaven Ln, Edelweiss Rm 14, Findlay, OH 45840

Margaret Willier: Oak Grove Healthcare Center, 620 Water St., Deshler, OH 43516

December Visitors

John Edgell—Findlay Justin Haake—Deshler

Dave & Jan Seemann—Deshler Dean Volkman—Deshler

Josh Coleman—Fostoria James Botjer & Kathleen Sims—Georgia

Roberta Hoops—Deshler Alex Myers—Ft Wayne, IN

Joel Eichenlaub Kirk Speith—Flossmoor, IL

Jacob Brumbaugh—N. Baltimore, OH Bill & Pat Rose—Defiance

Johnny & Ella Kissner—Defiance John, Amanda, & Ella Kissner—Defiance

McChesney Family—Hilliard, OH Marissa Merritte—Defiance

Judy Tietje & Denise Bruce—Ft Wayne, IN John & Trevor Rose—Defiance

Jeremy George Jeff & Joy Botjer—McClure

Katie Seaholm—Findlay Cathy Labie—Deshler

Brian, Libbie & Will Morrow—Deshler Lori, Brooke, & Brett Yungmann—Deshler

January Special Offering

Immanuel Camping Fund

Prayer Concerns: Chris Kaptur, Arnie Schwiebert, Leslie Boden

Financial Statement for the

Month of November 2014

BEGINNING BALANCE

General Fund $ -618.32

Total $ 430.68

RECEIPTS

General Fund $ 14,884.32

Total $ 15,009.32

DISBURSEMENTS

General Fund 13,598.46 Salem/Redeemer LC 20.00 World Hunger/World Am Missions 125.00 Lutheran Social Services 25.00 Mission Festival 644.00 Henry County Christmas Cheer $ 235.00

Total $ 14,647.46

ENDING BALANCE

General Fund $ 667.54

Ending Balance $ 792.54

Memorials for the Month:

Paul Schnabele

Salem/Redeemer LC 20.00 World Hunger/World Am Missions 125.00 Lutheran Social Services 25.00 Mission Festival 644.00 Henry County Christmas Cheer $ 235.00

World/American Missions $ 125.00

World/American Mission $ 125.00

Thank You!

Thanks to all who

decorated the

Sanctuary and

outdoor Nativity this

Christmas season!

Thank you to all who donated cookies for the Christmas pro-

gram last month! We had a great turn out and everyone enjoyed

the cookies and punch!

Thank you to our Meals on Wheels drivers for December: Helen Pe-

tersen, Myra Mays, Robyn Neider-house, Bill Smith, Paul & Glennadine

Burner, and Misty Behrman.

New Phone Number?? New Address??

If you no longer have a land line, or have

changed phone numbers, PLEASE contact

the church office by January 10 to

update your record. Also, if you have

changed addresses and have not

contacted us already, please do so!

Every newsletter that gets sent back costs

the church an additional 57 cents in

postage.

2015 Church Council

President: Marty Panning

Vice President: Kirk Behrman

Recording Secretary: Pat Scholl

Trustees: Marty Panning, Eric Johnson, Dave Bartley

Elders: Robin Tussing, Sarah Arps, Kirk Behrman

What the Pastor is reading…

Gordon W. Lathrop. “The Four Gospels on Sunday: The New Testament and the Reform of Christian Worship.” This author is part of the modern liturgical movement who encourages Christians to consider Sunday worship as a family get together of sorts. The early churches actually met in the homes of people who had enough worship space for a crowd. The reading of the Gospel was the centerpiece of the worship service besides the sacramental meal. Mark was the earliest writer who gathered sayings of Jesus into a narrative called a “gospel” or “good news” that brings stability in an otherwise difficult life. Authors such as Matthews and Luke freely drew from the accepted (Old Testament) Hebrew Scriptures of that time to make sense of how Jesus has fulfilled God’s greater plan for humankind. Lathrop believes that the church should not apologize for its liturgical heritage because it tells a counter narrative against the larger culture be it Roman gods or consumerism interests. He also uses an ancient document called the “Didache” as his link between the early gospel writers period and the eventual formation of the New Testament. What kind of family meal and words of praise do we offer to our God? This is one of the questions liturgy strives to answer in practical terms such as hymns, Scripture readings, communion etc. Robert Farlee, Editor. “Sundays and Seasons: Preaching Year B 2015.” Farlee and his team of writers are attempting to help preachers and worship leaders make some sense out of Mark’s gospel. Since it is the shortest of the gospels that omits a nativity, sermons on the mount Farlee believes this gospel is intended to be heard by the inner circle of Christians who are en-during hardship, doubts and instability. Farlee does not want preachers or worship leaders to ignore lesser read lessons such as in Titus or 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & Kings.

Catechism Classes

The 6th grade class has been learning the 10 Commandments from “Luther’s Small Catechism.” We complete one page a session from the workbook. Also, we go over the commandments which we have learned in previous lessons. The 7th and 8th grade classes have been learning about: Worship practices in the Lutheran church, Baptism teachings from scripture and the rationale for calling this a “Sacrament.” Both classes begin each session with the (Green Book) Responsive Prayer 2 liturgy which is also used at the Saturday informal service. The purpose of such worship is to offer stability of God’s presence.

2015 Altar Guild

January Wanda Scholl

February Marsha George

March Linda Prowant, Esther Bergman

April Carolyn Moore, Sue Eis, Carlene Moehrman

May Nedra Bartley, Doris Botjer

June Becky Tietje, Janette Edmonds

July Hope Yarnell, Carla Yarnell

August Helen Petersen, Rita Mahlman

September Joyce Bremer, Jenny Krauss

October Jackie Shidler, Linda Sharpe

November Leigh Ann Wright, Joan Meyer

December Karen Breece

2015 Offering Envelopes are available in the Narthex.

If you do not see your name, please contact the church office.

NEEDED: All reports from committees for 2014

emailed or sent to the church office no later than

January 10, 2015.

Thank You -- Thank you to all who came to the Sunday School Christmas Program on December 14.

The youth did a fantastic job putting on “An Unplugged Christmas.” Thank you also to Judee Suber and Sara Whitman for directing and choreographing the program and the Sunday School staff for their hard work, and to the parents for bringing their child(ren) to practice and Sunday School each week.

Thank you to everyone who donated

items for the Angel Tree this year.

Also, thank you to those of you who

gave monetary donations and gift cards.

All were greatly appreciated.

- Luther League

TIME AND TALENT SURVEY

Please let us know what you’d like to help with in 2015.

Usher ______

Read Lessons at Worship _____

Greet _____

Altar Guild _____

Run the Power Point &/or Cameras _____ (6th grade & older)

Help with Funeral Luncheons ______

Deliver Meals on Wheels ______

Other _____

Please return to the church office (or place in offering plate) by January 11th. THANK YOU!

NAME: _________________________________________________________________________

Volunteer At the Deshler Area Free Community Dinner

Volunteers are needed to help with the Deshler Area Free Community Dinner to

be held Wednesday, January 28th from 5:00 to 6:30pm. Shifts are only an hour,

so all volunteers have an opportunity to sit down and enjoy the meal of Spaghetti

with Meat Sauce, Tossed Salad, French Bread, desserts and beverages. People

are needed to greet our guests, serve the food and beverages, bus tables and do

dishes. You can start as early as 4:45 or as late as 6:45 depending on the job.

This is a community wide effort, so feel free to invite friends who are not

members to work a shift with you. If you are interested in helping out, call Kay

Yantz at 419-278-0700.

Senior Citizen Food Ministry

Distribution for this Northwest Ohio Food Bank program takes place the 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30pm at the rear entrance to Immanuel’s hall.

The January distribution will be on the 28th. There will be someone to assist you in loading the box into your vehicle.

Applications are available on the small table by the back door by the kitchen. Applicants must be 60 years of age or older. For more information, please contact Sandy Blackwood at 419-599-5515.

Greeters

4 Mark & Raechel Feehan and Family

11 Bill Smith & Vic Gerken

18

25 Luther League

Acolytes

4 Taylor Crawford & Trista Fintel

11 Layke Crossland & Gage Seemann

18 Kolton Holloway & Brett Sugg

25 Haley Crouch & Ryanna Tietje

Readers

4 Tyler Meyer

11 Kirk Behrman

18 Pat Scholl

25 Marty Panning

Communion Assts.

4 Sarah Arps

25 Robin Tussing

Wo r s h i p A s s i st a n t s f o r J a n u a r y

Altar Care

Wanda Scholl

1 Chris Willier, Angelica Cruz, Faith Kern,

2 Elizabeth Junge

4 Bernie George, Brian Hennings,

Trevor Sterling

5 Donald Hoops*, Tatum Stollings

6 Delores Rickerd, Lisa Hathaway,

Adam Inbody, Clayton Feehan

8 Kyle Hogrefe, Draken Kestner-Schooley

10 David Schnabele, Laurie Crawford,

Ashley Siefker

12 Brandon Arps

14 Michelle Von Deylen

16 Gina Weber, Devan Quiroga

17 Joann Bergman, Addison Vance

18 Bonny Ellerbrock, David Follett

19 Kenneth Hogrefe

20 Danielle Budde, Timothy Gerken III

21 Abigail Bilow, Kolton Holloway

23 Rich Lederer, Art Schnabele

24 Ronald Yarnell, Joesph Boden, Derek Crouch

25 Trista Fintel

26 Margaret Behnfeldt

27 Barb Coffin

28 Nedra Bartley, Bryce Bostelman

29 Taylor Crawford

30 Kristine Kruse-Neifer, Alexis Grotz

31 John Budde, Tiffany (Diem) Baker

Immanuel Lutheran Church 220 West Elm St. Deshler, OH 43516 Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit #2 Deshler, OH 43516

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Pastor David Coffin

220 West Elm St. Deshler, OH 43516

Office: 419-278-1601 Home: 419-278-0035

dbcoffin@embarqmail.com

Office e-mail: ilcdeshler@yahoo.com

Worship: Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m.

Staff:

Secretary: Robyn Neiderhouse

Treasurer: Gerry Kruse

Council Chairperson Marty Panning

Vice-Chairperson Kirk Behrman

Elders Robin Tussing

Sarah Arps

David Bartley

Trustees: Marty Panning

Eric Johnson

Kirk Behrman

Recording Secretary: Pat Scholl

Custodian: Eric & Mary Bostelman

Organists/Pianists: Myra Mays, Ryan Mays