sidebysideministry.com & friend us on facebook at John-Paul Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran and St. John Lutheran, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio Our Vision: “To be a vibrant, Spirit-filled people, participating in God’s work in the world.” Our Mission: “Loving God and loving neighbor, we witness to Christ’s saving grace, that others may believe and find life.” Side-by-Side Ministry November 2014 From Pastor Chris… I did it again. It was a huge and delicious catered lunch with our Danbury Ministerial. Our host gave us a bag of candy which I ate on my trip to and from a visit to Toledo Hospital. A short time after my return, Steve and I went to the pizza challenge. There is no way to eat logically or responsibly when there is a room stacked with boxes of every flavor pizza under the sun. I did it again. I ate myself sick. As I moaned and groaned through the night, it seemed as if God was pleading with me to “STOP it!”. I knew I needed help, and am thankful that God and I are fighting this together. I never thought about it, but when we don’t care for what we’ve been given, it is an expression of ingratitude. In one breath I can thank God for life, for the beauty of the earth, for my family...and in the next breath I can abuse what I’ve been given. Perhaps the greatest form of giving thanks is not in beautiful words and prayers, but in stewardship of what we have been given—body, mind, Spirit, earth, truth, faith, hope, love. God exuberantly expresses thanksgiving for us in the overflowing love and grace of a Son. Jesus leaves us a helpmate through which the Spirit in us expresses thanksgiving back to God in overflow- ing love and grace poured out for the world around us. We will be tempted to take what we have for granted, we will be tempted to abuse the gifts we’ve been given (I already see the turkey and stuff- ing coming my way), and there will be times we disappoint ourselves and God. But God loves us enough to call us in the middle of the night and say,“Stop it!”, and then wake us up to a new day, a clean slate, and a grateful heart. Thanks be to God! May this Thanksgiving bring us to a renewed gratitude. Blessings and love! Remembering Loved Ones All Saints Day, Sunday, November 2 rd , 8:45 a.m. at St. John, 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul You are invited to bring a white flower for our “Cross of Remembrance” in honor of a loved one. There will be a special time in the service to bring our flowers forward. The bell will be tolled as Fall Chicken Dinner Wednesday, November 19 th , 4-6:30 p.m. Please call the church office with your reservations. If you leave a message please be sure to include name, phone number, how many tickets, and whether you want eat -in or carry-out. Cost is $9.00 per meal. Call St. Paul 419-734-1662 or Shirley LaCumsky at 419-734-1460. If you could sign up to help, that would be great, as we will need apple peelers and slaw makers, etc.. We are also in need of 67 pies and desserts, - honest! See the Events Board at church or talk to Ruth Scott to help. Special Events
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sidebysideministry.com & friend us on facebook at John-Paul Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran and St. John Lutheran, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio
Our Vision: “To be a vibrant, Spirit-filled people, participating in God’s work in the world.” Our Mission: “Loving God and loving neighbor, we witness to Christ’s saving grace,
that others may believe and find life.”
Side-by-Side Ministry November 2014
From Pastor Chris…
I did it again. It was a huge and delicious catered lunch with our Danbury Ministerial. Our host gave us a bag of candy which I ate on my trip to and from a visit to Toledo Hospital. A short time after my return, Steve and I went to the pizza challenge. There is no way to eat logically or responsibly when there is a room stacked with boxes of every flavor pizza under the sun. I did it again. I ate myself sick. As I moaned and groaned through the night, it seemed as if God was pleading with me to “STOP it!”. I knew I needed help, and am thankful that God and I are fighting this together.
I never thought about it, but when we don’t care for what we’ve been given, it is an expression of ingratitude. In one breath I can thank God for life, for the beauty of the earth, for my family...and in the next breath I can abuse what I’ve been given. Perhaps the greatest form of giving thanks is not in beautiful words and prayers, but in stewardship of what we have been given—body, mind, Spirit, earth, truth, faith, hope, love.
God exuberantly expresses thanksgiving for us in the overflowing love and grace of a Son. Jesus leaves us a helpmate through which the Spirit in us expresses thanksgiving back to God in overflow-ing love and grace poured out for the world around us. We will be tempted to take what we have for granted, we will be tempted to abuse the gifts we’ve been given (I already see the turkey and stuff-ing coming my way), and there will be times we disappoint ourselves and God. But God loves us enough to call us in the middle of the night and say, “Stop it!”, and then wake us up to a new day, a clean slate, and a grateful heart.
Thanks be to God! May this Thanksgiving bring us to a renewed gratitude. Blessings and love!
Remembering Loved Ones All Saints Day, Sunday, November 2rd , 8:45 a.m. at St. John, 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul
You are invited to bring a white flower for our “Cross of Remembrance” in honor of a loved one.
There will be a special time in the service to bring our flowers forward. The bell will be tolled as
Fall Chicken Dinner
Wednesday, November 19th, 4-6:30 p.m.
Please call the church office with your reservations. If you leave a message please be
sure to include name, phone number, how many tickets, and whether you want eat-in or carry-out. Cost is
$9.00 per meal. Call St. Paul 419-734-1662 or Shirley LaCumsky at 419-734-1460.
If you could sign up to help, that would be great, as we will need apple peelers and slaw makers, etc.. We are
also in need of 67 pies and desserts, - honest! See the Events Board at church or talk to Ruth Scott to help.
Special Events
Special Events, cont.
Community Thanksgiving Eve Worship Wednesday, November 26th, 7:00 p.m., Chapel on the Lake
Join together in a unity of giving thanks at this ecumenical worship offered through our Danbury
Ministerial. Youth – please note that this worship will be in place of our usual Wednesday gath-
ering. All are invited to bring food items or donations for the Danbury Food Pantry.
Traveling Christmas Party December 1st - 4th
If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, consider helping us take Christmas joy
into homes and nursing care centers, as part of our Blessing Cup Team Ministry.
If you cannot go on the visits, but would like to contribute to the gift bags, please bring your gift
items to either church office by November 30th.
If you would like to participate, even for one of the days, or know of someone who would like a
visit, please let Pastor or Marge Bridgett know.
Christmas Luncheon Sunday, December 7, 12:00 p.m.
at the Victorian Inn St. John women (WELCA) invite both congregations to
their annual Christmas Luncheon. Enjoy a jump-start to
the Christmas season with this festive meal, joyous con-
versation, and fun time. Tickets are
$12.00 each. Reservations may be
made by calling the church offices
or through Myra Prokop or Linda
Merckens at St. John and Louise
Rogers at St. Paul.
Advent Mid-week Worship Meal at 6, Worship at 7
December 3rd at St. John, December 10th at St. Paul,
December 17th at St. John
Wreaths Across America We have a chance to participate in a national movement
to honor veterans by placing a wreath on each gravesite
in December, including St. Paul Cemetery. If you would
like to donate $10 for the cost of a wreath, please contact
Charlie Scott.
1st Sunday in Advent
November 30
Thankoffering Sunday
November 23, 2014
Women are invited to bring their offering boxes (mites) and canned goods to worship as they join with other
women from Lutheran Churches around the world to honor God and make a difference in Christ’s name.
Communications Tech Our councils have voted to create a new position to help
Pastor Chris, pending budget approval. They will be looking for someone with a strong knowledge and skill in computer, graphic arts, and communication/outreach. A
job description is available through the church offices. This position is proposed for 10 hours per week, with the
cost being shared by St. John 1/3 and St. Paul 2/3. Please pray for God’s guidance and provision.
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Building Friendships
Bible & Discipleship Studies
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“Not Older, Just Better” - Not Older, Just Better is meeting at Frisches, Nov. 10th, 11:30 a.m.. Call Marge at 419.798.8816 if you have questions/need a ride. You’re Not Alone – Young Adult singles are encouraged to participate in the Sunday morning, 9:00 a.m., adult group study .at 9:00. Our “You’re Not Alone” group will meet the first Tuesday of each month (Nov. 4th) at 6:30 p.m. at Pastor Chris’s. Dartball—please see the attached church calendar for dates and locations. Tuesdays at the Danbury Senior Center Come Tuesdays at 5:00. Call in your reservation in to Paula by the Friday at 419.798.4101. Picture Directory Updates - One of our goals is to keep updating this directory with contact infor-mation on new members and changes or corrections on existing members. It is so important that you report any change in the present information to Margaret Stellhorn at St. John or Louise Rogers at St. Paul.
Sunday Morning, 9:00 a.m.— Adult Bible Study, Have fun with us as we explore the theme, If
You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat, by John Ortberg
Men’s Bible Study—1st Sat. of month at St. Paul (Nov. 1); 3rd Sat. of month at St. John (Nov. 15); 7:30 a.m. with
breakfast served; “Tough Questions of Faith”
Women’s Bible Studies (WELCA – All women are invited to par ticipate!
St. John Women meet on second Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.,
St. Paul Women will meet 3rd Thursdays at 1:00.
Weekly Wednesday Bible Study – Meets every Wednesday at 11:00 am at St. Paul. All Ladies are welcome. We
are studying the Women of the Bible. A different woman every week - so you are never behind in the series. Please
join us as we dig deeper into the Lord’s would. Good discussion and laughter. Sandra Reep 239-273-5244 or san-
paste, shampoo, soap, TP. Also toys, socks, hats, mittens. Watch for the mitten tree!
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Side by Side Youth Group Activities
Sunday, November 2, 12-2 p.m. at St. Paul
Jr. & Sr. High Youth—Join us after worship for a Sloppy Jo lunch together
Along with fun and games, Our service project will be to begin the clean-up of the cemetery in preparation for “Wreaths Across America” to honor our veterans
Tuesday, November 18th—come to St. Paul at 6 p.m. to help set up for the Chicken Dinner
Wednesday, November 19th—come to St. Paul around 3:45 p.m. to help serve the meals.
**Thank you for all the help and fun we shared in the Community Halloween Party! It was a freeeeakish good time!!!
7th and 8th graders
Confirmation Classes
Classes meet Sundays at 9:00 a.m.,
and most Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m.
No confirmation on Wednesday, November 19th, as youth will be helping with the Chicken Dinner.
Nov. 26 students and families are asked to attend the Community Thanksgiving Eve Worship at Chapel on the Lake at 7:00 p.m.
SIDE BY SIDE YOUTH & Families
Sunday School!
Sunday School is memorizing the Lord's Prayer and learn-ing the meaning of each part through games, activities, songs and crafts.
Watch for information about the Christmas Play, coming soon.
***We are in great need of a couple more teachers/helpers to help share the joy:) Please contact Chrissy French (419) 341-4653 with any questions and/or to offer your help.
Senior High Side-by-Side Youth
Youth Sunday—1st Sun. of each Month
Sign up on the easel on the ramp at church to help with greeting, ushering, lecturing (reading),
Watch for texts and calls from Chris and Helmi.
National Youth Gathering, Grades 9-12
July 15-19, 2015 in Detroit
Pastor Chris is encouraging parents and youth to seri-ously consider attending this youth gathering next summer. So many young believers together in one space is a life-changing experience.
Please consider, and we will make sure money is not a problem. If you are considering this at all, please contact Helmi Freeh or Pastor Chris
as soon as possible. So far we have 2 youth going. Let’s do this:)
Home Run Parenting
Pastor Chris and a team of people who offer services to parents and young children are working together to pro-vide opportunities for the parents of our Danbury community. If you are interested in knowing more or partici-pating in the planning, please contact Pastor Chris. We welcome parents, representatives from churches on the
peninsula, and anyone who loves this community and our families.
Watch for more information to come after the first of the year
Serving Others
Holiday Bureau—See page 3 of the newsletter
Blessing Cup Teams—Wine and bread will be consecrated Nov. 30th for the Traveling Christmas
Party. To be part of this fellowship of Christ’s love, please contact Marge Bridgett or Myra Prokop
Celebration Chorus - Practice on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul please join the fun!
Community Garden - Direct questions for 2015 to Emily Glynn 314-517-2402 or Betsy Deer 419-310-4406.
Council Nights– Thursday, Nov. 13th at St. Paul, 6:30 p.m.; Thurs. Nov. 20 for St. John at Pizza Hut, 6:00 p.m.
Joint Parish Board—Thursday, Nov. 6th, 6:30 p.m. at St. John
Danbury Food Pantry - November 15th; St. John brings spaghetti sauce, St. Paul brings canned vegetables
Noisy Offering for November 9th is Lutheran Indian Ministries. They provide our Advent and Lenten devotional
booklets each year. Thank you for your generosity.
Prayer Chain – St. Paul contact Joan Harris at 419.734.3971 or 419.341.6373 or [email protected].
St. John contact Myra Prokop at 419.798.5101 or [email protected]. God promises that our prayers are heard!
Prayer Shawl Plus Ministry - Prayer shawl meeting will be on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 10:00. Ginny
Kihlken will lead the meeting. Please bring finished shawls to be tagged. We are in need of Men’s & Ladies’
St. John Council Highlights SEPTEMBER’S COUNCIL MEETING was held late, September 30 due to scheduling problems. At that meeting
the treasurer, financial secretary, secretary, and Pastor’s reports were accepted as presented.
Discussed with no action taken were: parish board’s recommendation that a tech person be hired at $11.50 per for
10 hours a week to help Pastor Chris. Paul Lee continued instruction of the present system of keeping track of our
weekly income, in light of the lack of a full time financial secretary.
We were reminded of the Ham Loaf sale on October 18th.
Old Business: The motion was made and passed to pay Maryanne Laubner $50 per month to clean the Parish Hall.
The “God’s Hands, Our Hands” Sunday was reported to be a great success. Our congregation continues to look for
a president and full time financial secretary.
New Business: Our annual budget meeting will be held November 16th. Pastor’s Appreciation Sunday will be cel-
ebrated with a cake and a gift card for Pastor Chris. The motion was made and passed that there be a $200 budget
for the purchase of a weed wacker for lawn care. The revised Agreement for Alignment of Two Churches between
St. John and St. Paul was examined and signed by council.
OCTOBER COUNCIL MEETING: The secretary, treasurer, financial secretary, and Pastor’s reports were all
accepted as presented. Copies of the job description for the Communications Technology person were distributed
as presented by the Parish Board. St. John will need two people for parish board because Curt Laubner and Jim
Benya will be going off.
New Business: The church sign on Main Street in Marblehead needs repair or replaced. We need to pick a logo
before work on the sign can begin.
A motion was made and passed that Pastor Chris be given a raise.
SPECIAL DATES: Birthdays: Anniversaries: Baptisms: Jim Benya Nov. 14 Bob & Sue Vyrostek Nov. 25 Anna Jean Povlick Nov. 24 Bob & Sue Alley Nov. 25
St. John History Happenings From the Lakeside Courier, November 18, 1909 The Lutheran church at Marblehead will celebrate its annual mission festival next Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Rev. O. Lilje, of Latchie, Ohio, will preach a German sermon and Rev. H. Sut- ter, of Norwalk, will preach an English sermon. A collection will be raised at these services for the benefit of both home and foreign missions. The public is kindly invited to these services. This article is courtesy of Dave Glick.
Volunteers needed:
St. John Council President, and Council
Financial Secretary (for winter months)
Ham Loaves
St. John W.E.L.C.A. wishes to thank everyone who helped make our ham loaves. And a big thank you to everyone who purchased and en-joyed them. We still have some available. Please call Linda Merckens (419-798-5101) or Myra Prokop (419-798-5101) for additional
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November 2014
Let us hold up in prayer all who are in need of healing, hope and forgiveness. Especially Vince and Nancy Adams,
Barb Agne, Barb Batcha, Mary Butchko, Delta Cooley, Terry Davis, Jean Fatiga, Paul Flickinger, David Heinzl, Bill
Hirt, Steve Hosko, Terri Jaek, Delores Mahler, Kathy Stine, Sarah Tanner, Gordon Wahlers, Jerry Weichman. We
pray for all family and friends in the armed forces.
St. Paul Lutheran Church “Messenger”
September 2014 budget highlights:
General Fund- Est. Budget needs per month- $8,400.00
