St. John’s Lutheran Church The VOICE Newsletter€¦ · St. John’s Lutheran Church September...

St. John’s Lutheran Church

September 2016 The VOICE Newsletter

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

Transition Team Update

“Transition” is defined as the movement, passage, or change from one position, state, stage, subject, concept, etc.,

to another. This is where we find ourselves today as a church -- in a state of change. We have all gone through

transitions before in our lives. Whether we transitioned from home to college, to married life, or to a new career,

what we experienced afterwards was different. When we finally call our new lead pastor, it will be different than

with Pastor Daniel, but each pastor has their own unique strengths and gifts for ministry.

Following Pastor Daniel will be a challenge, therefore we don’t want to rush the process toward making a call.

Because of this, an interim pastor is necessary to bridge Pastor Daniel’s tenure to whomever God sends us as our

next leader. Today we are beginning the transition into the next step in the process of calling a new lead pastor.

At the August meeting, Church Council voted to accept the assignment of Pastor Cindy Ritter as our Part Time

Interim Pastor.We are excited to welcome Cindy in our transition forward to a new Lead Pastor. You might

remember Cindy, since she spent a year of her education at Seminary here at St. John’s. She is excited to begin

this next step in her career as well. Pastor Cindy’s first Sunday with us will be September 18, 2016. This step in

the process will take from 1 – 2 years. Another Part Time Pastor will be assigned in the future to compliment

Cindy’s talents. We must remain patient and trust in God, that He will send someone to us when we are both

prepared for a new call.

Although we are in a state of transition in the area of lead pastor, many familiar programs are continuing. Sunday

School, Catechism and Adult Education will be kicking off a new year on Rally Day on September 11th

. A New

Disciples (members) Class and Financial Peace University will also be starting in September. Our Pulpit Supply

pastors are all assigned through the end of September, although we are hopeful for a full-time interim prior to the

end of September.

The transition team is attempting to be prepared for any situation that comes at us. We have been working closely

through this time, attempting to keep things as much the same as possible. If we stay together and make the

transition together, we believe that we will be an even stronger church when this phase is over.

In God’s Name,

The Transition Team: Sharon Bitter, Clyde Bame, Lyle Diefenthaler, Linda Henry, Gordon Moore

PASTORAL CARE Anyone in need of Pastoral Care, please contact

Gordon Moore at 419-708-7047 and a Pastor will be made available.

tel:419-708-7047




A message from our Christian Learning Coordinator, Dawn Dumke

Dear Christian Friends,

I would like to thank you for your very warm welcome as your new Christian Learning Coordinator. Even

though I know many of you, I would like to “officially” introduce myself. My dad was a pastor (currently

Pastor Emeritus at St. John’s UCC in Genoa) and I grew up as a part of Christian communities that

encouraged my faith and taught me to live in God’s love. I became passionate about wanting to share

that love! God has blessed me with many opportunities to do that. For over 44 years I have served in a

variety of roles (youth director, Director of Christian Education, Student Associate Pastor, Christian

preschool administrator, etc.) in nine different congregations.

My most important role, however, began when I met Jim at the Methodist Seminary in Delaware. Jim

and I have eight children and nine grandchildren. We lived in Pemberville for over seventeen years

where Jim served as pastor of Bethlehem and I taught at Woodmore Elementary. We moved to

Perrysburg sixteen years ago when Jim accepted a call to serve at Lutheran Homes Society. Since that

time we have enjoyed worshipping at many different area churches. We started coming often to St.

John’s because our daughters Rachelle Chaffee and Angie Powell and their families – five of our

grandchildren (Mason, Max, MacKenzie, Toby, and Troy), are members here. As I worshipped with you I

was inspired by the spirit of this congregation and VERY impressed by how gifted you are and how

beautifully you share those gifts. So I feel honored to have been asked to fill the VERY big shoes that

Diane left behind. I believe that my job is to learn what your gifts are and then find how we can work

together to use those gifts to God’s glory and in His service! What a joy it is to be a part of this Christian

community. Please let me know how we can work together!

In His service,

Dawn Dumke

___________________________________________________________________________________

You are invited to come to Rally Day on September 11th to JOIN OUR TEAM!

Sunday School 9:35-10:30 (worship 8:30 and 10:45)

We would like to invite all children (3 yrs old through 5th grade) to join us on Sunday mornings to be a part of a team

dedicated to learning and growing together as God’s family!

Our teaching teams will lead classes the way Jesus taught- using everyday objects and lessons

to teach God’s truths.

Together we will learn to: Understand God’s word, Love God, Listen to God,

Know that we are loved, and Know that God is with us in good times and bad!

Please JOIN US as together we have FUN learning to follow Jesus!




We invite all children ages 2-5th grade to JOIN the TEAM!

Come to RALLY DAY ON SEPTEMBER 11 !

Faith and Family Events:

We would also like to invite you to be a part of our Faith and Family events! These will be opportunities for families to join

together in faith, fun, and fellowship activities.

These activities will reinforce lessons learned on Sunday mornings (glow bowling, Imagination Station, visit to the aquarium,

Christmas caroling etc.) and will give us opportunities to grow together as a Christian family.

Please JOIN US as we have FUN being a Christian family!

Financial Peace Jr.

While Rachel Abbey leads adults through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace program we would like to invite our children to

also learn about managing money.

FPU Jr. makes teaching kids about money fun! The lessons of working, giving, saving,and spending are brought to life

through fun stories and activities. (beginning Sept. 18)

Please join us as we learn to use God’s gifts responsibly and wisely.

Installation of Teachers – Rally Day: Sunday, September 11th

We are blessed to have a wonderful, dedicated team of teachers who will be helping all of us learn and grow as a

Christian Community this year.

All of our teachers (Sunday School, Catechism, Bible Adventures, Adult, etc.) will be installed on Sunday, September

11th at either the 8:30 or 10:45 service

Catechism Classes Welcome to all of our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders!

Christi Kieper will serve as our Catechism Coordinator again this year! We welcome back our seventh and eighth

graders and invite all of the sixth graders to become a part of the catechism program. Parents and youth are asked to attend

an informational meeting on Sunday, September 11th at 9:45 in the catechism rooms. Catechism classes will resume on

September 18th.

HIGH SCHOOL AND CATECHISM STUDENTS –

You are invited to POINTFEST AT CEDAR POINT - September 17

Point Fest is a full day of fun at Cedar Point and a full night of rocking out with concerts by great

contemporary Christian artists (or you can just attend the concert). This year’s artists include

TOBYMAC, CHRIS TOMLIN, FOR KING AND COUNTRY, HOLLYN, and BOB SMILEY.

Please let Dawn know if you would like to attend! Group rates are available




Our Vision: "Spiritual Practices for the Sake of the World" 1. DAILY PRAYER In our prayers (from August bulletin):

Marriage of Melissa & Andrew Heilman

Bob Carstensen, health concerns

Installation of Pastor Cindy Ritter as Interim Pastor of St. John’s

Joanne Schulte, health concerns

Richard P. Veler Family upon his death

Ed Janick, health concerns

If you or someone you know needs prayers, 25 volunteers on the Phone Prayer Chain are

ready to pray for the needs of others. Contact 419-874-8175.

2. DAILY BIBLE READING

Sept 1 Leviticus 1 Sept 2 Leviticus 2 Sept 3 Leviticus 3 Sept 4 Leviticus 4 Sept 5 Leviticus 5 Sept 6 Leviticus 6 Sept 7 Leviticus 7 Sept 8 Leviticus 8 Sept 9 Leviticus 9 Sept 10 Leviticus 10

Sept 11 Leviticus 11 Sept 12 Leviticus 12 Sept 13 Leviticus 13: 1-28 Sept 14 Leviticus 13: 29-59 Sept 15 Leviticus 14: 1-32 Sept 16 Leviticus 14: 33-57 Sept 17 Leviticus 15 Sept 18 Leviticus 16 Sept 19 Leviticus 17 Sept 20 Leviticus 18

Sept 21 Leviticus 19 Sept 22 Leviticus 20 Sept 23 Leviticus 21 Sept 24 Leviticus 22 Sept 25 Leviticus 23 Sept 26 Leviticus 24 Sept 27 Leviticus 25:1-7 Sept 28 Leviticus 25: 8-55 Sept 29 Leviticus 26 Sept 30 Leviticus 27

3. WEEKLY WORSHIP

Regular Worship (begins Sunday, Sept. 11) 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Fellowship and Refreshments 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Fellowship and Refreshments No Quiet Communion September

August Worship Attendance August 7 ~ 212 August 14 ~ 217 August 21 ~ 194 August 28 ~ 185

4. GENEROUS GIVING

Financial Giving as of August 28, 2016

General Fund Income (Year-to-Date)

Budget Actual $269,842 $232,129

Benevolence Fund (Year-to-Date)

Budget Actual $19,841 $26,483

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




Electronic Giving ~ Throughout the year, many of you already support the

congregation with your time, talent, and financial contributions, but greater participation is always welcome. We encourage you to look into our electronic giving program. It takes just a few minutes to set up a giving plan. To set up a recurring or one-time giving schedule, visit us online at stjohnsstonyridge.net (or scan this square with your phone) and locate the Give Generously button. Or, if you wish, you can complete a paper authorization form and return it to Shirley Johnson, Financial Secretary.

PASTORAL ACTS

Weddings Melissa & Andrew Heilman on 8/27/16

September BIRTHDAYS (Those over 74 years young!)

Sept. 1 Arlene Baker, 6433 Five Point Rd., Perrysburg, 43551 Sept. 1 Raymond Swartz, 4870 Libbey Rd., Perrysburg, 43551 Sept. 4 Jane Sibbersen, 3630 Hanley Rd., Perrysburg, 43551 Sept. 17 Kathryn Dreier, 524 Woodpointe Dr., Woodville, 43469 Sept. 17 Walter Minarik, 23781 Bradner Rd., Genoa, 43430 Sept. 27 Eloise Schober, 5110 Libbey Rd., Perrysburg, 43551 Sept. 30 Jim Umbaugh, 3690 Lakepointe Dr., Northwood, 43619

FELLOWSHIP

Men's Breakfast Men's Breakfast will be on September 3rd, from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at

Panera Bread on Rt. 20 in Perrysburg. All Christian men or men seeking to know more about Christ are invited!

Sept. 11 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.




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 11, at 6:30 pm. Classes will begin on Sunday, September

18, from 6:30 to 8 pm. Child care will be provided.

The cost of the class is $100. 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: http://click.e.daveramsey.com/?qs=a6b4fa28d3c5dab151c26db908ec750225a94d80acb93eef7c8dc2ea4ee0bca54efdd717ee509cb0

Child Care Volunteers Needed for FPU

We are looking for volunteers to do childcare on Sunday evenings, beginning Sunday, Sept. 11, through Sunday, Nov. 20, from 6:15 until approximately 8:30-8:45. You can volunteer for one evening of childcare or more. For those high schoolers looking for service hours, this is a great opportunity to earn them. Please see Rachel Abbey or call the church office if you can volunteer.

http://click.e.daveramsey.com/?qs=a6b4fa28d3c5dab151c26db908ec750225a94d80acb93eef7c8dc2ea4ee0bca54efdd717ee509cb0




In September, we will begin a three-session study on “When God’s not fair: coming to terms with a merciful God.” The first study is entitled: “Jonah and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day” found in the SEPTEMBER issue of Gather magazine. The study will begin at 1:30 in the lounge on Wednesday, September 14th. All are welcome.

COMFORTERS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF will be tied on Thursday, September 1st, in the Parish House from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30. Enjoy the fellowship while working on a worthwhile project.

DATES TO REMEMBER IN AUGUST: Thursday, September 1 – Tie Comforters Wednesday, September 14 – Bible Study (Rebekah Circle)

PRAY FOR SPECIAL CONCERNS EVERY MONDAY AT NOON. Pray especially for Pastors, Sunday School teachers, and congregational leaders as a new church year begins.

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Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America WELCA are assembling Lutheran World Relief School kit drawstring backpacks. To fill each backpack we are inviting anyone wishing to donate any of the following:

1. 70 sheet notebooks (280-300 sheets total) of wide or college ruled paper approximately 8” x 10 ½” – no loose leaf paper

2. 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other 3. Pencil sharpeners (that hold shavings) 4. Unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers 5. Black or Blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink) 6. 16 or 24 boxed crayons 7. 2 ½” erasers You can drop off your donations in the box in the coatroom. Deadline for collection is

September 11th. Thank you in advance for your gifts of extraordinary love to help a child with the tools

they need to go to school and learn




MEMORIALS

In memory of Marilyn Conaghan Marion Puse

Clarence & Maxine Haas Lawrence & Beverly Nissen

LIBRARY NEWS

It is hard to believe it is September already. Sunday school, Catechism, and Adult Bible Study will start up again. St. John's Dayschool will also begin. While you are here for these activities take time to stop and browse the Church Library. We have added these books and DVD's for you to enjoy. They are displayed on top of the shelves in the middle of the library. Children's Books God's Little Girl Is Kind by Elizabeth George God's Little Girl Is Helpful by Elizabeth George Ralph S. Mouse by Beverly Cleary The Zoo Book by Jan Pfloog The Creepy, Crawly Book by Bobbi Katz Two Animated DVD's The Jesus Storybook Bible Vol 1 The Jesus Storybook Bible Vol. 2 Family DVD 12th Annual Wood County History Day 2015 - Includes Pastor Daniel Beaudoin portraying The Reverend John Born Adult Books Yesterday in Haiti - Journals of a Missionary Nurse by Pat Bramhall Live Original Sadie Robertson - Star of duck Dynasty with Beth Clark (How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values) Wyoming - Four Novels of Love in Frontier Forts by Colleen Coble

Stop and spend some time in the Church Library.

It is open whenever the church is open.




COMMUNITY EVENTS

The Travelers of St. John’s will be providing music and message at Zion Lutheran Church in Gibsonburg on September 25th

Please join us at the McDonald’s on Route 20 on Wednesday, September 28th from 5-7 pm.

Proceeds to benefit the Social Ministries fund

CHILI COOK OFF ALERT!! CHILI COOK OFF ALERT!! CHILI COOK OFF ALERT!!

It’s that time of year again to be thinking about our 5th annual Chili Cook-off. It will be

held in conjunction with the Day School’s trunk or treat event on Sunday, October 23rd.

We are in need of volunteers who would enjoy helping in the kitchen. Jobs would

include finding volunteers to make cornbread and desserts, making drinks and

restocking table items as necessary, and helping chili-makers find their places and plug

in their pots. We are also in need of cupcake or muffin pan holders to place our chili

cup samples in. These can be used and cleaned up pans or purchased ones (The Dollar

Tree carries them – 6/$1.00). There will be a box in the Narthex coatroom for collection.

Please consider helping out and having lots of fun at the same time!

Contact Sandy Welling-Miller for more info.

Come lift your voice in song!

You are invited to share your musical skills as we sing praises to our Lord. Festival choir (adults and high school age) will resume rehearsals beginning Wednesday, September 7th at 7:30 pm. Cherub choir (children 1st through 6th grades) will begin rehearsing Thursday, September 15th at 6:30 pm.

All are welcome!




Thank you to our Hilltop Dayschool for serving during August

fellowship time.

Thank you to all who brought in cookies and snacks. Our Health Care workers will be serving in September.

Thank yous were received from the following: Lutheran Social Services for the gift of $59.46

The Redeemer Family for the gift of $274.39, Group Cares for the gift of $500.27 for the Domestic Missions Effort Thanks so much for the birthday card from the boys and girls at St. John’s Hilltop Dayschool and also the teachers. They really made my day. Marian Welling Thank you to Chuck and Helen Kurfess for their donation of drink mixes for our August food pantry giveaway. I want to thank everyone for their cards, phone calls and prayers during my recent hip surgery. I also want to thank Sharon Bitter for bringing communion to Jane and me prior to my surgery. Pastor Bob Noble from Calgary Lutheran church was present at the time of surgery for prayers and support. Also, thanks to Barb Hersch for bringing me alter flowers and her visit. Bob Sibbersen A big “THANK YOU” to all who donated to our school supplies drive. Because of your generosity, we were able to distribute 45 tote bags of supplies to our shoppers and our kids here at St. John’s. We couldn’t continue this ministry without all of you. Blessings to you all. Shared Bounty Thank you for the many cards, prayers, visits, alter flowers and rides to the grocery store and church. I feel blessed to be a part of such a caring church family. Ruth Powell A big “THANK YOU” to Larry and Becky Warns for the parish house chairs!

Mark Your Calendars

Sunday, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 New Members Classes

Sunday, Oct. 2, 9, 16 Financial Peace University classes, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 23 Chili Cook off and Trunk or Treat

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