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FEBRUARY 2015

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

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

From Pastor Chris

We all know people who only show up or call when they need something. Sometimes I am that person, not just with people, but with
God. I show up in prayer when I need something sometimes for myself, and most often for others.
I would love to have the kind of relationship with God that I have with my grandchildren! I just show up or call (or Facetime) because I
want to be with them. I want to share in their lives, know them completely, enjoy spending time with them, listen, laugh, be silly, be
honest, talk about things that matter, share deepest feelings and insights. Truthfully, Im pretty sure that is the relationship God
wants and offers us. How exciting!
During the season of Lent, please join me in a series of Visits with God where we will learn to share more and more of our lives with
God. We will spend time getting to know God, listening, laughing, being honest, talking about things that matter, sharing deepest feelings and insights, and maybe even sometimes being silly. God and we can all be excited about that!
To enjoy the fullest experience of these visits, you are invited to show up at Gods doorstep every day for 40 days using the resource,
The Living Prayer Workbook by Maxie Dunham. Pastor Chris has some copies and will order more ($9.15) or you can go online and
order yourself (Kindle version is available). We will begin Sunday, February 22 and continue through the Wednesdays and Sundays of
Lent. Helen Steins Adult Sunday School classes will be participating in the readings and small group discussions of the book.
Join us as we visit God In the Yard, At Mealtime, In Secret, With Friends, In the Classroom, In the Barn, Under the Night Sky, In the
Living Room, In a Group Hug, and All Day Long. We may find ourselves wanting to move in with God forever.
Here is the reading schedule for The Living Prayer Workbook by Maxie Dunham:

Feb. 15-21

Week 1

Mar. 8-14

Week 4

Feb. 22-29

Week 2

Mar. 15-21

Week 5

Mar. 1-7

Week 3

Mar. 22-28

Week 6

Midweek Lenten Meals and Worship

February 18

Meal at 6:00 pm...Worship at 7:00 pm

February 25 @ St. Paul

12 Noon at St. Paul

March 4 @ St. John

7 pm at St. John

March 11 @ St. Paul

March 18 @ St. John

Holy Week
Maundy Thursday...April 2...7 pm @ St. John
Good Friday...April 3..12 pm @ Lakeside United Church of Christ; 7 pm @ St. Paul
Easter Sunday...April 5th...7 am @ St. Paul...8:45 am @ St. John...10:30 am @ St. Paul

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FEBRUARY 2015

Special Events

New Member/Disciple
Information Lunch

Dream-Casting for the Future

Transfiguration Sunday, February 15

Sunday, February 8, 11:45 at St. Paul

Following worship at both churches

Find out more about our side-by-side

ministry. For persons wanting to connect, and/or who are interested in
membership at either church

We listen to each other as to how

God is calling us into the next 5 years
of ministry together.
Take a couple minutes to add
your ideas to our

Please sign up on Events

Board or call St. Paul so we
have a count for lunch:)

Dream-Casting Wall

Quiet Witness Corner

Come to me, you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest Matt 11:28
Of course when it was Christmas, all of us were weary and heavy laden with too much to do. It was the last Sunday before
Christmas with the day already full of plans and the first cup of coffee hadn't been finished yet. I had to get Mom to church from Otterbein Assisted Living and we were going to early church at St. John, because other events were planned for the whole day. Santa
was flying into the airport and I volunteered for that from 11am to 2pm. After that my slim opportunity for setting up for the Christmas
Eve puppets was from 2:30 to 3:30pm at the church. Once that was done, I called Dad and let him know that plans were still on
track to have supper with him at the Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky. However, as I called him from the church, I was comfortably
sitting on the communion kneeling cushions at the altar. With my own personal energy meter flashing Low Battery, I reclined back
on the cushions and closed my eyes for just a minute or two....only it wasn't a minute or two, it was thirty minutes before I woke up.
Never slept at the altar before, but it was very restful, like snuggling up under His arm. It was also refreshing....and a little bit embarrassing. Who takes naps at the altar, anyway? However, I was in His house doing His work, and it wasn't til I thought of that passage, that I knew He was there all the while. It just felt really comfortable knowing I was in His care.
Dave Hirt
This corner is provided so that you may have a space to tell us about how God inspires you, or what God does for you, or how God says, I am
really here. Your quiet witness could just make a difference in someones life. God encourages us to share our stories. Got something to
share? Jot it down and send it to us. Need help putting it in words, then see Dave Hirt. We are creating a corner just for you.

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FEBRUARY 2015

Thank You from Bishop Marcus Lohrmann

On behalf of the Northwestern Ohio Synod and the Evangelical Lutheran Church, I want to Thank You and your
congregation for sharing your "treasure chests" in order that the Light of Christ might be reflected in the mission
and ministry of this synod. Because of the Mission Support you share, we are able to:
prepare future leaders for ministry in Christ's church
assist pastors, associates in ministry, and diaconal ministers (rostered leaders) and congregations in calling processes
work with congregations is developing mission strategies and shared ministries
provide ministry in hospitals, campus ministry, correctional facilities, outdoor ministries
support congregational ministry in places of poverty
nurture ecumenical relationships and relationships with our Lutheran Service Agencies-to name just some of the ministry
that happens through our life together in this synod.
Because you congregation shares your "treasure chest," together as the ELCA, we are able to:
provide relief in local and global situations of disaster
address matters of world hunger, malaria, and water shortages
provide training of global leaders in our seminaries
provide programs for growth in faith and life to youth and young adults through programs like the National Lutheran Youth
Gathering, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Abundant Life Together (ALT-with a central office in Toledo!), and Young Adults in
Global Mission (which presently includes Maddie Thomas, a member of Trinity, Delta, serving in Madagascar).
Through our life together in the ELCA we are able to nurture precious Companion Church Relationships such as we enjoy
with the Dodoma Diocese in Tanzania and the Slovak Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession in Vojvodina, Serbia. Again, I could provide many other examples of what happens because of your congregation's Mission Support. Feel
free to ask me!
On behalf of all of these ministries, thank you, thank you, thank you! Your generosity gives many people in Northwestern Ohio, the USA, and around the world the occasion to praise God for the manner in which your generosity bears witness to God's in-breaking reign in Christ Jesus.

Bible & Discipleship Studies

Sunday Morning, 9 a.m.:
1.) Adult Bible Study: Join us as we continue on exploring the theme, If You Want to Walk on Water, Youve Got to Get
Out of the Boat, by John Ortberg. On February 22nd we will take on a Lenten theme with, The Workbook of Living Prayer,
by Maxie Dunnam. Hope to see you there!
2.) Parents and Young Adults: Ruth Scotts class began a study on Grace and the difference it makes on daily life. Parents on Sunday School children are especially encouraged to join the conversation. They are working with the book,
Grace; More than We Deserve, Greater than We Imagine, by Max Lucado.
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
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 Lords would. Good discussion and laughter.

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FEBRUARY 2015

Side-by-Side Youth Page

Senior High Side-by-Side Youth
Souper Bowl of Caring: youth will be stationed at the exits of both St John & St Paul to collect
your donations for the Danbury FoodPantry on Sunday, February 1, 2015 as you leave services.
Please bring your non-perishable food items or checks (make out to either St John OR St Paul for
them to give to the food pantry) to church on Super Bowl Sunday. Your support of needy families is
greatly appreciated!
Calling ALL High School Youth of St Paul and St John; I've missed you! Let's get reacquainted at
Coffee Express in Port Clinton, 128 W. Second St (across from the Post Office), for talk & treats on
Sunday, February 8, 2015 around 12 noon or 12:15. See Helmi Freeh for Coffee Express' loyalty customer punch card or pick one up when you meet us there.
Rise Up ELCA Youth Gathering; youth and leaders are continuing their study of the Gospel of Mark and
how it relates to sharing our faith with the communities of Detroit. Their next fundraiser will be announced
soon, your continued prayers and support are energizing!

Senior High
Side-by-Side Youth
7th and 8th graders

Youth Sunday

Confirmation Class

1st Sun. of each Month

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

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. See Pastor Chris if you
can help with Special Music.

Wednesdays in February, 6:00 7:00 pm

February 4Chpt. 11
February 11Chapter 12
February 18Ash Wednesday Worship
February 25 at St. Paul
Lenten Meal Table Talks, 6:00 pm
Lenten Worship, 7:00 pm

Side-by-Side Jr. High Youth

Wednesday, Feb. 4 & 11, 7-7:30 pm

Sunday School for Preschool 8th

Sunday School Teachers Needed!
***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.

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FEBRUARY 2015

An Opportunity to Make a Difference in the Lives of our Kids

You are invited to experience the excitement of youth ministry! The Bible teaches that all of us are
unique and important, and that we have each been blessed with valuable gifts to offer in service to
God and others. With this in mind, please give serious thought and prayer about becoming a Sunday School teacher.
Sunday school meets every Sunday at 9:00 AM and we are in desperate need of additional help.
Perhaps you can sign up to do a craft, lead a game, share an outreach project, do a group cooking
session or share any other talents that God has given you. Volunteers can sign up for one Sunday a
month or for every Sunday. I would be willing to coordinate schedules
to accommodate all volunteers. By only committing to one Sunday a month this is a great opportunity to see if this ministry is one that God is calling you to.
Currently, Sunday School lessons are focusing on the Apostle's Creed. Lessons have been planned
from now until Easter. This is a great time to join the ministry as all of the planning has been done.
Help is especially needed with the preschool play and pray group. The preschool group participates
in the opening and music. They are then dismissed to hear a story from The Little Lutheran read to
them by their teacher. After this, they play in the nursery area supervised by their teacher.
If you are interested in learning more about Sunday School teaching please contact Chrissy French
at 419-341-4653 or chrissy.french74@gmail.com. Thank You! In His Service, Chrissy French

Serving in Christs Name

Noisy Offering on February 8Together we work to eradicate hunger in the world, Lutheran World Hunger
Blessing Cup TeamsTo be part of this fellowship of Christs love, please contact Marge Bridgett or Myra Prokop. The
first week of February will begin our next round of visits.
Celebration Chorus - Practice on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., at St. Paul. All are welcome!
Community Garden - Direct questions for 2015 to Emily Glynn 314-517-2402 or Betsy Deer 419-310-4406.
Council Nights Thursday, February 12, at St. Paul St. John Council @6:00 pm, St. Paul at 6:30 pm
Danbury Food Pantry - For February 21, St. Paul is to bring canned fruit, and St. John is to bring Applesauce.
.
Prayer Chain St. 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@cros.net. God promises that our prayers are heard!
Prayer Shawl Plus Ministry - Prayer shawl meeting will be on Wednesday, February 4th, at 10:00 at St. Paul.
Ministries (Supporting Native African Pastors) For info. go to snapministries.org (Welcome. to Home). Pastor Claude will
be visiting our congregations from Cameroon on May 10th.
Portage Retail Center - Our Danbury Pantry is one of the charities that receives money from the profits of the Portage
Resale Center in Port Clinton (west of the post office at the Heineman Building). The Portage Resale Center needs people
to shop there, donate items and volunteer. Even one hour of volunteer help is greatly appreciated. Items donated are tax
deductible. A truck can even pick up any large items that are donated. Shopping there is so much fun! Most things are
under five dollars and are in excellent condition. If you'd like more information, there are pamphlets in the fellowship hall
for you to have. Any questions? See Janet Strauss

Building Friendships
Not Older, Just Better - Not Older, Just Better is meeting at Pizza Hut on Monday, February 9 th at 11:30 a.m. Call
Marge at 419-798-8816 if you have questions or need a ride.
DartballPlease see the attached church calendar for dates and locations.
Youre Not Alone Our Youre Not Alone group will not meet in February, but will plan on the first Tuesday in March.

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FEBRUARY 2015

St. john beacon light

For February, 2015
St. John Council Highlights
Following the joint council meeting held at St. Paul, St. John council met.
The secretarys report was read and accepted. There was no treasurers report because a bank statement was
not received due to the New Year holiday. The financial secretarys written report was presented. There were
$6175.17 in receipts for the month of December.
The council voted to accept the recommended candidate of Mallory Kukay for the administrative assistant for
Pastor Chris.
There was no old business.
New Business: Our copier needs repair. Anna will contact Dupps to have it looked at.
Special dates:

General Operating Fund:

Birthdays
10 Maryanne Laubner

December

18 Pastor Chris Young

Receipts

20 Jim Otermat

$6,175.17

24 Myra Prokop

St. John History Happenings

January 14, 1955- The congregation held a short meeting for the following: The
Slovack members are to have the use of the church at their own convenience.

Volunteers Needed:
Counters for Sundays
Financial Secretary (for winter months)

Please consider lending your time and talent!

Corrections
In last months Newsletter we accidentally thanked Paul Lee
for his service, when we should have thanked Jim Benya.
Thank you, Jim, for your service on the Parish Board!
We also forgot to thank Ann Rust for going on the Traveling Christmas Party. Thank you, Ann!

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FEBRUARY 2015

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger

February 2015
St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger
December 2014 Budget Highlights
General Fund

General Funds received$21,665.94

General Funds spent$13,107.45
Restricted Fund
Restricted Funds received$1,962.49
Restricted Funds spent- $925.00
St. Paul January 8th 2015 Council Highlights
January 8, 2014
-$1700.00 was given to the Danbury Food Pantry from the Heritage Fund.
-All Monies must be in place before a final commitment for internship can be make.
-Hearing Assist has been purchased from All Pro Sound for $699.00 taken from the General Fund.
-The Parish Board recommends that we hire Mallory Kukay as the Administrative Assistant to start January 14, 2015.
Motion carried.
-Charlie Scott provided an estimate from Starcher Enterprises, LLC for a Magic-Aire hydronic air-handling unit for the
church office area for $3,088.00.
-Seth French has completed his Eagle Scout Project and will give his remaining funds to Pastors Discretionary Fund.
-Memorial Bricks for a walkway from the parking lot to the Shelter House and also for trees that have been planted in
Memory of. Samples will be available to view for purchase.
-Charlie Scott has provided the Firelands Nursing Program our requirements for giving 2 $500.00 scholarships annually.
The Annual meeting was held after Worship on January 18th. The reports were approved. The Proposed Constitution was voted on an approved.
Please remember in your prayers:
Vince and Nancy Adams, Barb Agne, Barb
Batcha, Mary Butchko, Ben Chapman, Delta
Cooley, Gary Cover, Terry Davis, Bill Hirt,
Steve Hosko, Terri Jaek, Ruth Keller, Delores Mahler, Jerry Weichman.
10th.

Jean Fatiga passed away on January

A graveside service will be held June 5th at
11 am in Meadow Green Memorial Park,
Huron, OH.

Tina Wadsworth passed away on January

18th. Her funeral was January 22nd at St.
Paul. May God comfort all who mourn their
passing.

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

(WELCA)
This years Christian Unity Sunday potluck was held at St. Paul on January
18th It began with a pot luck meal, followed by fellowship and presentations
from each church about their outreach to the community and a scripture verse
that guides them.
The regular meeting and Bible study of the Women of the Church will be
Feb. 19th at 1:00 pm. in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited. Betty
Easton will have refreshments. The Bible Study will be from the Gather
January study, Transforming Life and Faith. This month Repent and Forgive.
WELCA received Thank You notes from many of the organizations to which
we send donations.
The Monthly Service Projects are: canned fr uit, nail clipper s, and ball
point pens.

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FEBRUARY 2015

St. Paul February Special Dates

Birthdays

Wedding Anniversary

2 Thelma Goodyear

4 Dennis and Linda Berhent,

3 Diana Schenko, Chantel Lewis

Roland and Laurel Berhent

4 Shelley Seamon

7 David and Sharon Allen

8 Brett Pahl

15 Scott and Maureen Kerik

9 Evelyn Bodi, Landon Funk, Colleen Byrne,

Kirk Gangl, Nate Waters

17 Bill and Debbie Lenner

26 Charles and Norma Fannin

10 Scott Bradbee
11 Katie Lenner

Baptismal Anniversary

12 Connie Kihlken, Grayden Boss

14 Alandra Willis, Zachery Tokar

14 Valerie Mahler, Joshua Schenko, Justin Waugh

15 Lee French, Jim Kovach

15 Robert Glovinsky, Matthew Mahler, Vincent Manuella

18 Mia McDonald

17 Steve Nevin
18 Rev. Chris Young

19 Darlene Mahler, Frank Mahler, Mike Doski, Gerald

Mackey

19 Dustin Deluca, Kerstin Thompson

21 Christina French

20 Gail Bergman

26 Sharon Salyers

21 Forrest Hornbeck

27 Christina Grimm, Brandon Mooney, Lauren Mooney

22 Helmi Freeh
24 Zack Kihlken, Daniel Bergman

Change of address;
Kim Bossetti,

25 Phyllis Humphrey, Ryann Steinbrick, Riley Steinbrick, Graham Bartzen

1321 East 4th St.

26 Sarah Boss, Collin Bush, Elizabeth Bush

Lakeside, OH 43440

27 Trudi Steinbrick

A Thank You from Seth French

I would like to say Thank You to everyone at St. Paul Lutheran Church. The shed for the parsonage is
now complete. I could not have been able to complete this project without the support of my church
family. As I completed my Eagle Scout project I learned that successful projects depend on many people
helping. I could not have done this project on my own. Thanks Again! Eagle Scout Candidate, Seth
French.

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FEBRUARY 2015

Mutual Ministries
February 1

February 8

February 15

February 18

February 22

Greeters

Heather Lambert

Heather Lambert

Linda Dubbert

Norma Kihlken

Fran Chapman

Lectors

Bethany Urban

Chrissy French

Laurel Berhent

Laurel Berhent

Ushers

Helen Stines

Chrissy French

Shirley Lacumsky Betty Kovach

John Rhodes

Seth French

Nancy Kihlken

Shirley
LaCumsky

Erik Wadsworth

Jack Easton

Nancy Kihlken

Bob Strauss
Janet Strauss

Acolytes

Nate Ahrens

Justin Tibbels

Heather Lambert

Sarah Bossetti

Matt Seamon

Maddie Harris

Abby Cameron

Nolan Chapman

Hospitality

Lunch

Bulletins

Berhents

Eastons

Steeple Lighting

Warrens

Eastons

Perpetual Light

Warrents

Eastons

Assisting Minister

Tim Mackey
Tammy Davis

Altar Guild

Sharon Allen
Crystal Chapman

Counters

Nancy Kihlken
Sandy Reep

Flowers

Sandy Reep in
Memory of Gary
Reep

Shirley
LaCumsky

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FEBRUARY 2015

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FEBRUARY 2015