But Only God Can Make a Tree All the trees of the field shall know that I am the Lਮਣ. I bring low the high tree; I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the Lਮਣ have spoken; I will accomplish it. Ezekiel 17:24 When Joyce Kilmer wrote “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree…” he was not standing in my side yard. There is nothing poetic or lovely about that huge tree lying there. It’s an ugly monstrosity and daily annoyance. As most of you know, I lost a tree during the “Great Derecho of May 2018.” The straight winds blew it over, crossing Crater Avenue and taking down the power lines. The city and woodcutters quickly did all they could do clear the street and restore power. But the larger part of the tree rested in my year. I contacted a tree service who eagerly took the job to remove the tree. The workers brought their chains saws and set to work. Clang! Clang! Who knew, but apparently 50-60 years ago, tree planters put an iron pie in the center of a tree to help it grow straight and tall. The tree grows up around it. Good for the tree; but not so good on chain saws. I’m now working with another tree removal service on plan C or maybe it’s D. In the meantime, I’ve been offered suggestions on how to rid myself of this unsightly maple. The most popular is to burn it and have a church or community weenie roast. That’s a lot of hot dogs, for sure. Before Vacation Bible School, consideration was given to using the tree for that week’s craft project. However, that was quickly nixed. There’s something disturbing about kids and chainsaws. My idea is to donate it to Dover City Schools for this fall’s rivalry week bonfire. That would be some conflagration! Though Joyce Kilmer got it all wrong about this particular tree, he got it totally right when he wrote, “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.” In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. An on the earth God planted trees, all bursting with leaves and bearing their fruits in due season. Every tree is a masterpiece. All bless the world with food and shelter. Everyone declares the glory of God. Long before Joyce Kilmer, the Psalmist praised God proclaiming, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice…let the fields exult, and everything in it. Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord…. (Psalm 96:11-12) Yes, I bemoan my fallen tree. But, I will remember it’s stately beauty. I’ll remember its welcome shade. I’ll thank God it served His purpose. And I’ll thank God that when its time was over, it didn’t fall on my house! Amen to that! Worship Schedule Sunday: 8 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School for all ages: 9:15 AM Senior Pastor Donald L. Rice Jr. 2018 Planning Council Pg. 2 Since You Asked... Pg. 3 VBS Registration Pg. 4 Announcements Pg. 5 Bible Study Pg. 6 Worship & Worship Assistance Pg. 12 & 13 Member Celebrations Pg. 14 Calendar Pg. 15 Announcements Pg. 7 WELCA Pg. 9 Outreach Pg. 10 & 11 Announcements Pg. 8 Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 216 North Wooster Ave Dover Ohio 44622-2948 Phone: 330-343-6915 Fax: 330-602-0263 Church E-Mail: [email protected]Pastor’s E-Mail: [email protected]Website: www.gracedover.org
Transcript
But Only God Can Make a Tree
All the trees of the field shall know that I am the L . I bring low the high tree; I make high the low tree; I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish. I the L
have spoken; I will accomplish it. Ezekiel 17:24
When Joyce Kilmer wrote “I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree…” he was not standing in my side yard. There is nothing poetic or lovely about that huge tree lying there. It’s an ugly monstrosity and daily annoyance. As most of you know, I lost a tree during the “Great Derecho of May 2018.” The straight winds blew it over, crossing Crater Avenue and taking down the power lines. The city and woodcutters quickly did all they could do clear the street and restore power. But the larger part of the tree rested in my year. I contacted a tree service who eagerly took the job to remove the tree. The workers brought their chains saws and set to work. Clang! Clang! Who knew, but apparently 50-60 years ago, tree planters put an iron pie in the center of a tree to help it grow straight and tall. The tree grows up around it. Good for the tree; but not so good on chain saws. I’m now working with another tree removal service on plan C or maybe it’s D. In the meantime, I’ve been offered suggestions on how to rid myself of this unsightly maple. The most popular is to burn it and have a church or community weenie roast. That’s a lot of hot dogs, for sure. Before Vacation Bible School, consideration was given to using the tree for that week’s craft project. However, that was quickly nixed. There’s something disturbing about kids and chainsaws. My idea is to donate it to Dover City Schools for this fall’s rivalry week bonfire. That would be some conflagration! Though Joyce Kilmer got it all wrong about this particular tree, he got it totally right when he wrote, “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.” In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. An on the earth God planted trees, all bursting with leaves and bearing their fruits in due season. Every tree is a masterpiece. All bless the world with food and shelter. Everyone declares the glory of God. Long before Joyce Kilmer, the Psalmist praised God proclaiming, “Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice…let the fields exult, and everything in it. Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord…. (Psalm 96:11-12) Yes, I bemoan my fallen tree. But, I will remember it’s stately beauty. I’ll remember its welcome shade. I’ll thank God it served His purpose. And I’ll thank God that when its time was over, it didn’t fall on my house! Amen to that!
Worship Schedule Sunday: 8 AM and 10:30 AM
Sunday Church School for all ages: 9:15 AM
Senior Pastor Donald L. Rice Jr.
2018
Planning Council Pg. 2
Since You Asked... Pg. 3
VBS Registration
Pg. 4
Announcements
Pg. 5
Bible Study
Pg. 6
Worship & Worship Assistance
Pg. 12 & 13
Member Celebrations Pg. 14
Calendar Pg. 15
Announcements Pg. 7
WELCA Pg. 9
Outreach Pg. 10 & 11
Announcements Pg. 8
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 216 North Wooster Ave Dover Ohio 44622-2948 Phone: 330-343-6915 Fax: 330-602-0263 Church E-Mail: [email protected] Pastor’s E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.gracedover.org
Planning Council
Facts and Figures
A endance May 2018 A endance May 2017 Weekly Average: 148 Weekly Average 178 Difference: ‐30 (‐17%) Offerings May 2018 Offerings May 2017 Total Offerings: $12,664.60 Total Offerings: $14,114.00 Difference: ‐1479.40 Weekly Average: $3,166.15 Weekly Average: $3528.50 Difference: ‐362.35 (‐10%)
PLANNING COUNCIL
Next Meeting July 10th, 2018
@ 6:30 PM
2016-2017 BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS Jim Heller - President Ron Stahl - Vice President Christine Sergent - Secretary Beverly Frantz - Treasurer
Congregational Life
Ron Stahl - Director Susie Erickson Elaine Margo
Liz Miller Melody Rader
Hospitality
Sarah Wolfe - Director Marcie Castricone Melissa Engstrom
Cindy Jerles Traci Smith
Property
John Nelson- Director Jeff Hootman Audra Miceli
Nathan Vaughan Larry Wallick
Brad Wharmby
Stewardship Development
Tom Margo - Director Charles Castricone
Jill Hootman Keith Lands Craig Rader
Nancy Wharmby
Christian Faith and Life
Faith Bambeck- Director Julie Brothers Karla Burrier Ashley Eick
Debbie Flood Tiffany Shepherd
(Rhonda Fisher, Coordinator YFM)
Outreach
Joe Penrod– Director Joe Erickson
Tanna Loveday Judy Martin
Paul McFadden John Wolfe
Scott Ebert (church sign) David Elliott (church website)
THE MESSENGER
Senior Pastor: Rev. Donald L. Rice Jr. Coordinator of Youth & Family Ministries: Rhonda Fisher Organist: Linda Hanna Choir: Linda Hanna Secretary: Lisa Morris Treasurer: Beverly Frantz Custodian: Glenn Mitchell
Page 2
Before You Ask…
On one of the following pages, you will find the headline “Shammash! Thank You for Serving.” You’ll probably wonder, “What is Shammash.” Before you ask, it is one of the Hebrew words we learned during this year’s VBS program. It means service or serving. Each day during Vacation Bible School, the children learned a new Hebrew word that corresponded to the day’s Bible Story. Here is what we learned. Monday: Hosanna! means “save us.” This is what the crowd shouted as Jesus rode through Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Tuesday: Shammash! as noted, means serving. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet on Maundy Thursday and said, “I have set you and example. As I have done for you, so you are to do for one another.” Wednesday: Ahaba! means love. Jesus showed us his great and saving love for us when he died on the cross for our sins on Good Friday. Thursday: L’Chaim! means “To Life!” On Easter Sunday, Jesus rose from the dead to give us eternal life. Friday: Shalom! means peace. Jesus comes to bless us with his peace. Peace be with you!
Since You Asked
Page 3 THE MESSENGER
A Food Parade and More! Our Vacation Bible School youth donated 102 items during our Hosanna! Food Parade. The Food Parade is an annual Wednesday evening event to support our Grace Grocery Bag Ministry. This year’s parade was especially exciting! In addition to our food collection, Grace Lutheran was presented with a check for $4000.00 from the Westfield Insurance Foundation to support this ministry to our neighbors in need. Grace Lutheran was one of 95 non-profits to receive a Legacy of Caring grant this year. Pastor Rice completed the grant application as made available through member Charles Castricone of the Hanhart Insurance Agency. Pictured above is Pastor Rice receiving the $4000.00 check from Castricone. Some of the children from the VBS Hosanna! Food Parade are shown with some the evening’s donations.
THE MESSENGER Page 4
Announcement
THE MESSENGER Page 5
Announcements
SUMMER FUN ALL CHURCH POOL PARTY!
Thursday, July 19th 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Summer is for baseball, vacation, reading, and SWIMMING! Let’s all get together at the Dover City Pool on Thursday evening July 19th! Grace Lutheran Church has the pool reserved for two hours. If you don’t want to swim, come with your lawn chair, and spend an evening by the pool with your Grace Lutheran friends. We ask that each family or individual bring a snack food (chips, pretzels, cookies) or a 2 liter soft drink. The church will provide hot dogs. Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex.
Anniversary Blessings Pastor and Mrs. Fred Grosse will be celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary on July 13th. In honor of this very special occasion, the family is requesting we join their celebration with a “card shower.”
You may send your cards to: Pastor Fred and Jane at:
1011 Evergreen Drive NW
Strasburg, OH 44680
May God bless this happy couple with many more years of love, peace and joy.
Congregation Affirms
Leadership Grace Lutheran members approved the 2018-2020 slate of officers, Ministry Board Directors and Ministry Board members during the congregational meetings on June 17. After two session the vote was near unanimous (57-1) to approve the ballot.
Newly elected and continuing offices, directors and board members will be installed during a brief ceremony during both services on July 1. An updated listing of our leadership team is on page 2.
Thank you to all who participated in this biennial election. May God continue to bless us as we serve one another and our neighbors in Christ.
Page 6 THE MESSENGER
Hammerstrom Scholarship
Eleven Grace Lutheran Students Receive $4,500 Scholarships
Eleven Grace college students received $4500.00 scholarships from the Hammerstrom Scholarship Fund. The fund is administered by Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. All recipients are active members of the congregation. The Hammerstrom Scholarship Fund was established to assist college students pursuing degrees in the medical field or engineering. Trade school educational assistance is also acceptable for consideration. First preference is given to active, participating members of the congregation. “We are so blessed and pleased to be able to support these young people as they pursue their higher educational goals,” says Senior Pastor Donald Rice, Jr. “Each one has a strong commitment to serve God and our community.” These eleven students received $4,500 one-year scholarships. Olivia and Madeline Bauer are daughters of Er ick and Molly Bauer of Dover . Olivia is studying to become a nurse practitioner. Madeline is pursuing coursework in health sciences and disability studies at The Ohio State University. Jason and Sarah Dreher both attend Ohio University, Athens and are the son and daughter of James and Debra Dreher of Strasburg. Jason is majoring in industrial chemical engineering. Sarah plans to become an optometrist. Melissa Engstrom of Dover is studying to become a nurse practitioner at Stark State College in North Canton. Joshuah Fisher, son of Rhonda Fisher of Strasburg and Paul Fisher of Canton, attends Akron University. He is working on a degree in mechanical engineering with his sights on working in the automotive industry. Lindsey Jerles, daughter of Scott and Cindy Jer les, of Dover enters Muskingum University this fall with the goal of becoming a physical therapy assistant. Kristin Miceli is working towards a paramedic and nursing degree at Stark State College. She is the daughter of James and Audra Miceli of Dover. Maguire Morris attends Mar ietta College where he studies athletic training and physical therapy. He is the son of Jimm and Lisa Morris of Dover. Aaronn Sergent attends The Ohio State University where he is pursuing a Master ’s Degree in mechanical design and electric powertrain systems. He is the son of Michael and Christine Sergent of Dover. Kooper Smith is the son of Kur t and Traci Smith of Dover . He will attend Ohio University, Athens and begins studies in chemical engineering. The Hammerstrom Scholarships reflect the benefactors’ academic and professional interests. Phillip Hammerstrom, Jr. worked forty years for B&O and C&X railroads in various capacities, including terminal freight agent. Marceil “Maysie” Hammerstrom was a graduate of Ball State School for Nursing and a graduate nurse anesthetist. Over the years she was employed at University Hospital in Cleveland and the Cleveland Clinic. She worked at Union Hospital for over twenty-five years. Members of the 2018 Grace Hammerstrom Scholarship Committee include Congregation President Lynn Foust, Treasurer Beverly Frantz, Linda Homrighausen, Janie Kreisher Huffman, Tom Margo and Pastor Rice.
Page 7 THE MESSENGER
Announcements
Thursday Bible Study on Summer Break
The Thursday Noon Bible Study will be on summer hiatus June 14 through August 16. Classes will resume on August 30.
Study Guides for that date will be mailed to all current participants ahead of time. If you wish to join the study group, you pay pick up a copy of the study at the church office or contact us and we will send you a copy.
When in session, the Bible Study meets on Thursdays for one hour, 12:00-1:00 p.m., in Luther Hall. The group currently examines the New Testament Epistle lesson for the upcoming Sunday. We may decide to study the weekly Gospel lesson when sessions resume. We’ll keep you posted. All are welcome to join our lively and informative discussions.
We are in need of volunteers to help out in the office on
Mon., July 23rd through Fri., July 27th while the
secretary is on vaca on. The hours are 9 am to 3 pm.
Please let Pastor or Lisa know in the office if you would
be available to help out. Your help would be greatly
appreciated. Thank you.
Dress‐A‐Child Registra on for
Dress‐A‐Child will
be in Outreach Center
on Tuesday, July 10th
from 10:00 am ‐ 1:00 pm
and 5:00 pm ‐ 7:00 pm.
The family of John & Kathe-
rine Stahl invites
the congrega on to
help celebrate their
60th Wedding Anniversary
on July 1st, 2018,
immediately following the
10:30 am service in the
Outreach Center. A light
Page 8 THE MESSENGER
Announcements
Shammash! Thank You for Serving!
A great big Thank You to all who volunteered to help with this year’s Hosanna! Here Comes Jesus! Vacation Bible School program. We had close to 40 children register and participate in the June 18-22 activities. It was noted that close to half of the students were from local neighborhoods and not immediately associated with the congregation. What a wonderful outreach opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus with others! Each evening began with a 5:30 Summer Supper. Following opening exercises and music, children enjoyed learning through Bible Stories, crafts and recreational activities. The week-long learning took us through Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter morning. The children adorned our traditional VBS Jesus Trees. With ornaments related to the day’s Bible story. Fri-day evening featured a Hosanna! Celebration Potluck Dinner and musical program. Thanks also to all who contributed food items for our evening suppers. Of course, we greatly appreciated all the prayers and kind expressions of support and encouragement. God bless you all! Our wonderful VBS staff included: Pre-School: Deb Flood, Skylar McPeek, Jake Flood and Katie Hootman Kindergarten-1st Grade: Pastor Rice and Sarah Wolfe 2nd-3rd Grade: Julie Brothers and Reagan Brothers 4th-5th Grade: Charles Castricone Crafts: Faith Bambeck, Tiffany Shepherd, Allison Fletcher and Marcie Castricone Music: Deb Flood Recreation: Rhonda Fisher and the Grace Lutheran Youth Mission Trip Team Kitchen Crew: Prep Chef Brody Morris, Linda McFadden, Keith and Becky Lands, Chad and Melissa Engstrom, Marcie Castricone and Kay Bambeck Registration: Lisa Morris, Donna Fox and Shirley Grafe Publicity: Beverly Frantz
Men’s Corn Roast Thursday, August 9th,
6:00 pm Deis Hill Shelter #3
Join us in welcoming to our Grace family,
Samson Jeffery Woodby Born June 17th, 2018, 7 lbs. 4 oz.
Parents are Jana (Keller) & Josh Woodby Grandparents are Jeff & Pam Keller
Great Grandparents are Art & Doris Keener
Dear Phillip Jr. and Marceil Hammerstrom Scholarship fund:
Thank you very much for the scholarship and for your generous donation to my education. I was very glad that I managed to get a generous scholarship from a local source. Mr., Mrs. Hammerstrom were very hard working people and I hope to be able to advance in my education and grow to be as successful as they were.
Thanks again, Jason Dreher
Thanks So Much!
Thank you for all the lovely and thoughtful birthday cards and other expressions of best wishes. You really brightened my day and made my birthday extra special. I deeply appreciate all your kindness and good will. God bless you all,
Pastor Rice
Lutheran World Relief Final Project Numbers
for 2017
Quilts: 32 Personal Care Kits: 8 Soap: 21 School Kits: 3
Page 9 THE MESSENGER
Cost of stocking the food pantry for one month.
This is the amount needed to stock the food pantry for 1 month. We thank the congregation for donating food items and cash to keep the pantry stocked. Soap and toilet tissue are purchased and paid by cash donations.
Fruit Cocktail Peas Spaghetti Cereal Pork/Beans Luncheon Meat
Tuesday, July 17th 9:00 am
THE MESSENGER
GROCERY BAG MINISTRY Thanks to all who have volunteered to be packers for the Grocery Bag Ministry this year.
Donations to the Food Pantry have increased in response to a greater need for our food bags. In May, we distributed 100 bags, and have already distributed 95 in June. We are seeing a greater demand for this outreach program. Monetary and food donations are very much appreciated.
What goes into a bag to feed the hungry? The basic food items are: peanut butter, canned meat, vegetables, fruit, cereal, soup, macaroni & cheese, canned white potatoes, spaghetti sauce and spaghetti noodles. We also pack a roll of toilet paper and a bar of soap when available.
We welcome all packaged/canned donations. We will pack any kind of soup, fruit, vegetable, soap or toilet paper that is donated, as well as extra items not on the list. Grocery size paper bags are also needed.
Thank you to all who bring food in for the grocery bags that are filled each month. Look in the Sunday bulletins to see which items are most urgently needed.
Outreach
All those serving in the armed forces, especially Christopher Smith, Seth Erickson, Gerald Case, Richard Martineau.
Ella DeVore William Page Glenn Siber Tom Hardin Mildred Schauer Dale Kreisher Francis Moser Janet Murphy JoAnn Hammond Msgr. Ken Sheafer Jim Gipson JoAnn Miller John Page Mary Marino Rachelle Coulter Sensel Jim Horn Norma Grywalski Wayne Page Cathy Nardecchia Dorothy Hanna Holly Young Robert Ryan Karen Page Jim Rosenberry Molly Bauer Evan Cameron Tom Cox Jane Buehler Tom Grezlik Buffy Gray Tracy Debord Art Keener Margaret Ronning Susan Zimmerman
IN OUR PRAYERS…
Please take a moment to review the names on our church prayer list. If you know the current recovery status, condition, or needs of any person listed, please advise Pastor Rice or the church office. We rejoice in God’s healing and grace when someone is well enough to come off the list and we promise our prayers to all who are added. Thank You.
Page 10
Our deep and heartfelt sympathies are with the family and friends of Joseph Palmer and Susie Hawk (mother of Sarah Wolfe).
May the Lord embrace these families with His love and bless them with peace.
Thank you to the volunteers who prepared and delivered food to the Homeless Shelter on June 24th, 2018.
July’s’s dinner at the Homeless Shelter is on Sunday, July 22nd, at 6:00 pm. The sign-up sheet is posted in the Narthex. We have cut down on the expense of the items needed (less meat, more casseroles) or have divided the donations into smaller units to make it financially easier for you to donate. Please check to see how you can help.
OUTREACH NEWS… HERE’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE A BLESSING TO OTHERS
We at Grace have volunteered to provide one meal per month — the 4th Sunday of each month — and need volunteers to provide the meal and to deliver it to the Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County which is a group of concerned citizens from various churches and social service agencies in the county who have recognized the need to assist persons experiencing homelessness. The residents eat dinner at 6:00 each evening. All tableware is provided by the shelter, and they ask that if we are just dropping the food off to bring it in disposable pans.
If you are unable to deliver your portion of the meal, please contact someone else who has signed up to deliver food.
Let’s continue to work together as the body of Christ and serve our brothers and sisters in need.
New sign up sheets are posted for the August meal to the homeless shelter. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex.
Outreach
Page 11
PERSONAL CARE KITS
The power of a small package Personal Care Kits especially help cleanliness and prevent disease outbreaks that can so frequently happen in foreign countries or right here in the United States after natural disasters. LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF is asking congregation participation to help restock their supply of personal care kits. Consider making a kit or dropping off one or more of the items listed below to the church office. Thanks for helping!
Personal care items that go into each kit are:
Personal Care Kits 1 light weight bath towel 20” X 40” to 52” X 27” (dark color) 2 bath size bars of soap 1 wide tooth comb 1 adult size toothbrush 1 nail clipper with file
THE MESSENGER
Page 12
Worship
OPEN ALTAR FLOWERS
If you would like to provide altar flowers in memory or in honor of loved ones, please either sign up on the list in the Narthex or call the church office at 330-343-6915.
The cost for one vase is $18. You will be billed by Blossom’s Florist.
Altar Flowers are available for the following dates.
July 1st - 1 vase
July 8th - 1 vase
July 15th - 1 vase
Altar Guild Monday,
July 30th, 2018 6:30 pm
Tuesday, July 31st, 2018
9:00 am
Replenishing the Children’s Worship Bags Our worship bag continues to be a blessing to children and parents in our worship each week! Most of the 10 bags are used every Sunday. The bags serve as a way for parents to have their young children in worship with them while they get a chance to worship. We will be purchasing new books, toys and crayons for the bags soon. If you would be interested in providing money for the purchase of these items you may make a donation by placing it in a special offering envelope with worship bags written on it. If paying by check please remember to write Children’s Worship Bags in the memo line. Thank you for continuing to support this ministry.
Worship Readings
Children’s Church will resume in September.
Sunday, July 1st
Lamentations 3:22-33
Psalm 30
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43
Sunday, July 8th
Ezekiel 2:1-5
Psalm 123
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
THE MESSENGER
Sunday, July 15th
Amos 7:7-15
Psalm 85:8-13
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
Sunday, July 22nd
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
THE MESSENGER
Worship Assistants
Get the Messenger By Email If you’d like to receive the Messenger by email please send an email to [email protected] with the words “Email Messenger” in the subject heading.
Remember you can also view the current and archived Messengers online at www.GraceDover.org
