PAGE 1 June 2015

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.”

From Pastor Chris…”Advice from a Lake”

I love this time of year, when I can sit out on my deck with my cup of tea in the morning and look at the water. We have a pond that

is separated from West Harbor by just a narrow land bridge. This is my place for prayer and reflection, my place to listen to God and

breathe in creation, the place where sermons often take birth. How blessed we are, no matter where we reside, to be only moments

away from this expanse of water. When was the last time you took a few moments to just sit and let God speak to you from the wa-

ters? I have a wall-hanging in my kitchen titled, “Advice from a Lake”. It reads…”Be clear, make positive ripples, look beneath the

surface, stay calm, shore up friendships, take time to reflect, be full of life!” Reflecting on God’s Word by the water brings us to the

refreshing power of our baptism. Thank you, God, for your advice from our Lake!

4Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the

Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4

Speaking of Baptism – what about adults?

If you are a young person or adult considering baptism, you are not alone. While baptizing infants became our tradition through

Martin Luther because he lived in a time of high infant mortality, the early church baptized adults by the thousands. What was/is so

important about baptism, why was/is it life-changing, what does God do in

baptism? If you are hesitant to be baptized because you are not comforta-

ble standing before the congregation in worship, if you are hesitant to be

baptized because you have too many questions, if you are hesitant to be

baptized because you do not know if you are ready to make a commitment

to the work of Christ in this world, if you are hesitant to be baptized be-

cause of what your friends might think…come talk to me. I promise an

open heart, a listening ear, and no pressure. 419-635-6062

The Summer Season is here!

Welcome visitors,

and make a special effort

to sign up for hospitality!

Fathers Day is Sunday, June

21st. Come Worship as a family!

Our Noisy Offering this month is

the Baby bottle Campaign for

Heartbeat Pregnancy Center. If

you haven't gotten you baby bot-

tle there are still some available.

Please return them on Fathers

Day.

PAGE 2 June 2015

Report of Delegates Northwest Ohio Synod Assembly

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America May 15 and 16, 2015

On May 15 and 16, 2015, the Northwest Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America held its annual assembly at

Bowling Green State University. The theme for the weekend was “Sent With The Spirit.”

This was the first assembly that we’ve attended and it was a privilege to represent the congregation of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Friday morning opened with Morning Prayer and then opened with the business portion of the assembly. 227 attendees were an-

nounced by the committee on credentials and the large room was filled with clergy and lay delegates anxious to get started with

the business at hand. The day was filled with elections of assembly council members, voting on various resolutions and many re-

ports of the activities of the Synod, both domestic and overseas. One very contentious resolution pertaining to eligibility require-

ments to be a communing member was tabled indefinitely until more prayer and deliberation among the synod’s congregations

could take place.

Further activities on Friday included Bible Study and the Assembly Eucharist along with various workshops. The day ended with a

buffet dinner and a concert for voting members and the youth gathering.

Saturday opened again with morning prayer and then we began our most enjoyable part of the weekend, Mission Projects. Vari-

ous projects were conducted in various rooms throughout the Assembly building. Betsy visited a project where blankets were be-

ing made using plastic bags tied into knots. Approximately 750 bags were needed to complete one blanket and the completed

blankets were being sent to homeless shelters in Chicago. Jim joined the group that was divided into assembly line tables and

20,000 meals of macaroni and cheese were created, packaged, sealed, boxed and sent to various food shelters in the Northwest

Ohio Synod. Both projects were lots of fun and all the people involved were excited and worked very well together.

After completion of the mission projects, celebration of NWOS discipleship and the last business sessions of the assembly were

held with budgets for next year being approved. There continues to be concern about the level of financial support from the con-

gregations to the Synod for its outreach, mission work and ongoing administration. Congregations are being asked to consider in-

creasing their synod donations in their upcoming budgets.

The assembly concluded with Assembly commissioning and the Sending Worship.

Once again, we thank the congregation of St. Paul, Marblehead for the opportunity to attend this Assembly. We saw many old

acquaintances and rekindled friendships we’ve made over the years, as well as meeting many new friends all with the same goal of

serving Christ in our communities and our congregations. To Him be all the Glory.

Respectfully submitted,

Jim and Betsy Deer

May 16, 2015

Thank you to Jim and Betsy Deer from St. Paul, and Margaret Stellhorn from St. John for being

our delegates for the Northwest Ohio Synod Assembly.

PAGE 3 June 2015

Bible & Discipleship Studies Sunday Morning, 9 a.m.:

Adult Bible Study: We are currently working on “If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat,” by John Oter-

berg. Please join us every Sunday before Worship!

Women’s 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

Lord’s word. Good discussion and laughter. Any questions, please contact Cheryl Laubner.

NEW: Men’s Bible Study—Men's Bible study will be starting Saturday June 6 at 8:00 am in St Paul's fellowship hall. All men are

welcome to come and enjoy breakfast and Bible study. We will be using "GRACE more than we deserve, greater than we imagine"

We will meet the first Saturday of the month at St. Paul and the third Saturday at St John.

Special Events

Quiet Witness Corner

2015 Baby Bottle Campaign—Heartbeat Pregnancy Center of Ottawa County is holding their annual fundraiser. Please fill it with

change, bills, or checks and return the filled bottle by Father’s Day (June 21). This is their biggest fundraiser of the year.

Special Guest—Bishop Marcus Lohrmann will join us for worship June 7th. Please help us give him a warm welcome with your

presence!

Summerfest—St. Joseph Church Choir is hosting their annual Marblehead Summerfest. It will take place June 26– June 28 at

James Park. Mark your calendars and make sure to stop for food, fun, and live music!

VBS Dates—Mark your calendars for July 27-31 at St. Paul. We are considering an evening program, instead of morning in hope of

increasing participation from working families. Please share your thoughts with Chrissy French, our VBS director.

Peach Social—The Peach Social will be held on August 8th, at St. Paul. All are welcome!

Daleigh Lerch – My hope for the future is

that my relationship with God will grow

stronger over time. I also hope that I will

not only turn to him in times of trouble,

but in times of happiness as well. I will

continue in my faith walk after confirma-

tion by not only attending church services,

but by teaching others about Christ. My

favorite verse is Isaiah 41:13, “For I am

the Lord your God who takes hold of your

right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I

will help you”…it reminds me that God is

always there and I will not be alone…that

God is in control and we need to trust

Him.

Hannah Polanco – I talk to Jesus when I’m

happy, sad, bored, whenever really. I go

to church with my family to be happy and

to forget about all the bad things that

happened that day or in the past week…

Jesus has helped me through some hard

times, because I can talk to him about

anything. My favorite verse is Psalm 23,

the Lord is my shepherd…because my

great gramma read it to me the week be-

fore she passed away. It was a comfort

for her to share it with me.

Erik Wadsworth – Jesus is the person who

died for my sins, and on the third day he

rose from the dead. He watches over us.

At age 7, I could say the Lord’s prayer.

Jesus has been a part of my life for as long

as I can remember. My favorite verse is

Psalm 142:2-3, “I pour out my complaint

before him; before him I tell my trouble.

When my spirit grows faint within me, it is

you who know my way.” If I’m over-

whelmed on a certain thing, I know God is

there with me and will lead me on the

right path where to go.

Here are some excerpts from our Confirmation Youth’s faith stories

PAGE 4 June 2015

Side-by-Side Youth Page “In St. Paul Youth Group we will try to help others and ourselves grow in their faith while promoting a

nice environment to share our thoughts and ideas.” -Senior High Youth

First Communion Instruction– Children of all ages are

welcome at the Lord’s Table. Parents are welcome to

contact Pastor Chris when they feel their child is ready, so

she is aware. Children may be taught to hold out their

hands for the bread, so the Pastor or servers know and

remember. If you would like materials to help teach your

child the meaning of this sacrament, Pastor Chris can

help. Or if you would like your child to receive instruction

from Pastor Chris, please let her know. Even infants and

young children who may not understand are welcome to

receive and then be instructed as they are able to learn

more.

Youth Mentors – Confirmands from this year and last,

and their Mentors, will soon be contacted about getting

together as a group. If you are interested in being a

Youth Mentor, please talk to Pastor Chris. She would like

all of our high school youth to have the same opportuni-

ty.

PreK-8 Classes will be taking a break through the summer

Sunday School for Preschool –8th

May 17th was also the Sunday school picnic.

Thank you to all our Sunday School teachers,

helpers and students. Please consider being a

teacher or helper in the Fall.

Please contact Chrissy French (419) 341-4653

with any questions and/or to offer your help.

Senior High Side-by-Side Youth

Let’s Stay Connected: If you are interested in what’s going on in the youth group and would like up-dates, join us on twitter! Follow us @StPaulDanbury to keep up! Rise Up ELCA Youth Gathering: Preparations continue for the RISE UP ELCA Youth Gath-ering and hotel assignments have been given. Our group still needs to raise $1500, so stay tuned for a car wash in warmer weather! Youth/Mentor Gargantuous Game Night: Wednesday, June 24, 6-7:30 pm at St. Paul Shelter House

All youth and mentors are invited. If you are a youth without a mentor or a mentor without a youth, come and we will get you connected! Gargantuous fun is in store!

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. See Pastor

Chris if you can help with Special Music.

Thank you to our Sunday School Staff for their amaz-

ing work this past year – Chrissy French, Crystal

Chapman, and Heather Lambert.

Thank you to our Confirmation Class Mentors/

Teachers, Beth Lambert and Bob Strauss for their

valuable work with our middle school youth this

year.

PAGE 5 June 2015

Building Friendships

“Not Older, Just Better” - Not Older, Just Better is meeting at Ginza in Port Clinton, on Monday, June 8th at 11:30 a.m.

Call Marge at 419-798-8816 if you have questions or need a ride.

“Mom 2 Mom” - If you are interested in meeting with other moms and sharing the joys and trials of motherhood this is the

group for you. Our meeting on Tuesday, June 9th we will be having a movie night. Come watch “Mom’s Night Out,” at St.

Paul from 6-8:30 pm.

Noisy Offering— The Noisy Offering this month will be the Baby Bottle Campaign for Heartbeat Pregnancy. Remember

to return your bottle on Father’s Day, June 14th. If you haven't picked up a bottle yet, please do!

Celebration Chorus—Each Wednesday at St. Paul, 7:30 p.m. All are welcome!

Community Garden— You may notice an empty flower pot in the Fellowship Hall. Please help us fill it with donations for

the community garden. Your donations will be used for more hoses and garden seeds. Thank you for being a part of our

garden ministry. Everyone is welcome to help.

Council Nights—Council Meetings will be held on the third Thursday, June 18th. Joint Parish Board meets at 5:30 pm,

St. Paul Council meets at 6:15 pm, and St. John Council meets at 7:00 pm.

Danbury Food Pantry—If you would like to volunteer at the Pantry come to St. Paul at 8 AM on a distribution Saturday. If

you have any questions call Jan Hirt 419-732-2703 or Rev. Janine Dress 419-265-7298. The food pantry will be held on

May 16th. This month St. Paul is to donate applesauce, and St. John is to donate cereal.

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!

Lawnmowers—Won’t it be great to see the green grass, soon?! See Steve Young if you can be on the lawn mowing team at St. Paul, or call the church office. Please see the sign-up sheet at St. John if you can help with lawn mowing there. Picnic Tables—St. Paul Council is making plans for picnic tables for the Shelter House. The plan is that all tables will match and be durable. The plan will be made know soon, so anyone may participate in the project. Shared Ministry Event— Pastor Chris is looking for a couple of representatives from each congregation to accompany her to an event sponsored by the Synod for those with 2 or more churches sharing ministry. "CALLED BY CHRIST, UNIT-ED TO SERVE", SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 9AM-3PM, AT ST. PAUL, UPPER SANDUSKY. Check your calendar!

Serving in Christ’s Name

Congrats Grads!

Ryan Chapman graduates from Danbury High School, Lauren Kalinoski from Danbury High School, Seth French from

Margareta High School. Emilee Salyers (Elaine Mackey’s granddaughter) from Bowling Green. Allie Willis from Terra

Community with two Associate Degrees in Science and Biology. She will continue for 3 years plus at Ohio State for a Fo-

rensic Science Degree. Collin Bush from Terra Tech in Electronics. Helmi Freeh from Lorain County Community college

with a Technical Certificate. Her goal is to work in the Silver Sneakers program after obtaining the next two levels of Cert i-

fication.

PAGE 6 June 2015

St. john beacon light

For June, 2015

St. John Council Highlights

Council Highlights:

The officer’s reports were presented and approved. Under new business we discussed spraying the parish hall

for spiders. Preparations for “Sundaes on Saturday” also were discussed.

A guest, Linda Merckens, presented a plan for improving the landscaping around the church. $200 was allot-

ted for new landscaping.

Birthdays

2—Jason Lee

9—Julie McElheny

28—John Mc Elheny

30—Janice Beachy

Anniversaries:

11—Bill & Linda Smith

15—Ted & Margaret Stellhorn

22—John & Julie McElheny

Baptisms:

3—Patrice Lee

12—Ann Rust

29—Julie McElheny

St. John History Happenings

1963-1964 Sunday School Senior High class: Sherri Staub Charles Dress Nancy Waldecker Scott Brauer Christine Dress Bob Anderson Micky Crossley Rick Lessentine Kathy Twinning Joe Kemp Jim Waldecker Nancy Kemp (teacher) Earlene Miller (teacher)

General Operating Fund- February

Receipts $6,014.00

Expenses $4,519.87

$1,494.13

If there is an interest in St. John W.E.L.C.A.

meeting this summer, please call Myra

at 419.798.5101. Otherwise we will not be

meeting the months of June, July and August. We

encourage you to continue your GATHER Bible

study at home. June’s study is titled Give in Se-

cret, based on Matthew 6, The Sermon on the

Mount—with an emphasis on prayer, fasting and

alms.

PAGE 7 June 2015

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger June 2015

St. Paul Lutheran Church “Messenger”

February 2015 budget highlights:

General Fund

General Fund income $14,181. 80

General Fund expense $13,153.71

$ 1,028.09

Restricted Funds

Restricted Funds income $2,792.60

Restricted Funds expense $ 395.50

$2,397.10

Highlights of May 21st Council meeting:

-The cemetery scan is scheduled for the week of May 25th

-10 picnic tables have been completed at the cost of 120.00 each, 3 are handicapped accessible.

-The basement storage room is cleaned out and organized. Further storage will be in plastic totes.

-The flashing repair on the church roof will be looked into.

-We are looking to upgrade the electric in the Parish Hall to install ceiling fans.

-The fire extinguishers have been inspected.

-Will be looking to interview Architects for Sanctuary Renovations.

There will be a Congregation meeting after Worship on June 14th:

It is about electrical updates.

Please remember in your prayers:

Vince Adams, Barb Agne, Barb Batcha,

Mary Butchko, Ben Chapman, Gary Cover,

Rebecca Dress, Jack Easton, David Heinzl,

Bill Hirt, Steve Hosko, Ruth Keller, Janet

Kimerline, Joyce Linder, Delores Mahler,

Kathy Stine, Sarah Tanner, Janet Vodicka,

Gordon Wahlers, Jerry Weichman, Sally

Willis, Steve Young. We pray for family and

all friends in the armed forces. We pray for

all who stand in need of healing, hope and

forgiveness.

Pastoral Acts

-On May 10th new members were received: Davin,

Jackie, Daleigh, Ryleigh, Hadleigh, and Ahna Leigh Lerch,

and Kay Verhoff

- May 17th was Confirmation Sunday. Those Confirmed

were: Daleigh Irene Lerch, Hannah Maria Polanco, and

Erik Lee Wadsworth.

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

(WELCA)

-The All-Daughters and Sons Dinner on May 3rd was a big success. St. John

and St. Paul women had their dinner together. “Avery’s catering” did a fine

job. We enjoyed the program given by the “Calvary Hallelujah Puppets”.

-The Confirmands were recognized with a reception after Worship on May

17th.

- The Women of the Church will recognize the Graduates at Hospitality on

May 31st.

- On June 22nd we will go to Riverview to host a Bingo game for the resi-

dents at 2:00 PM. Anyone can come out to help.

-Our regular meeting and Bible study will be on June 18th at 1:00 pm.

Shirley LaCumsky will have refreshments.

-The Monthly Project Contributions for June are: apple sauce, hand towels,

baby socks.

Member information:

The Lerch family; Darin, Jackie, Daleigh, Ryleigh, Hadleigh,

Ahna Leigh. 3895 Baycliff Dr. Marblehead, OH 43440.

Kay Verhoff, 5 W. Bass Ckircle, Marblehead, OH 43440.

PAGE 8 June 2015

Birthdays

1 Marge Bridgett

2 Linda Limpert

3 William Lenner, Treena Kihlken

4 Jason Mahler, Daniel Harris

5 Cole Steinbrick, Steve Fannin

6 Margaret Pahl, Lexi Mitchell

7 Carrie Holmes

8 Karen McLaughlin

9 Gavin Covey, Erin Sandvick

11 Charles Hallier, Stuart Humphrey, Dana Mahler, Aubrey Johannsen

12 Brendon Mullins

13 Hazel Chapman

14 Adrien Lowein, Charles Scott, Paul Glovinsky, Miles McDonald

15 Lorna Eberly, Dale Mackey

17 Joan Harris, Devon Grosswiler

19 Cindy Waugh

20 Mark Stobie, Douglas Mackey

21 Sarah Burmeister

22 Talin Bowman

26 Barbara Batcha

28 Dale Dubbert, Bill Chapman

29 Roger Priddy

St. Paul June Special Dates Wedding Anniversaries

1 Susan & Michael Smith

5 David & Patricia Howell

14 Loree & Brian Ronk

26 James & Laura Kovach,

Matthew & Amanda Kovach

27 Bob & Janet Strauss

Baptismal Anniversaries

1 Kelley Sotak

2 Justin Chapman

5 Cassandra Mullins

6 Jennifer Wentzel

8 Thomas Goff

13 Devon Grosswiler

14 Debra Flickinger

15 Robert Biers, Sr.

17 Brenda Pepa, Kayden Glovinsky, Cortnie McRitchie

21 Michael Hallier

22 Elizabeth Bush, Collin Bush, Joseph Bartzen

24 Christine Priddy

24 Anna Bradway, Delores Mahler, Sarah Burmeister

PAGE 9 June 2015

Mutual Ministries

June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28

Greeters Heather Lambert Nancy Kihlken Shirley LaCumsky Mary Sennich

Lectors Jo Meyer Laurel Berhent Jim Deer Vicky Doski

Ushers Linda Waters

Mason French

Coni Ann Limpert

Marge Bridgett

Shirley LaCumsky

Vicky Doski

Chrissy French

Coni Ann Limpert

Shirley LaCumsky

Dee Warren

Jim Warren

Acolytes Sarah Bossetti

Abby Cameron

Daniel Lambert

Brendon Mullins

Erik Wadsworth

Nick Bossetti

Maddie Harris

Nolan Chapman

Hospitality Lunch

Bulletins Joan Harris

Steeple Lighting Laurel Berhent

Perpetual Light Laurel Berhent

Assisting Minister Seth French

Tim Mackey

Altar Guild Vicky Doski

Tammy Davis

Counters Tammy Davis

Flowers

PAGE 10 June 2015

PAGE 11 June 2015