The Messenger June/July 2016

We Need Each Other

Adrian Doll, Pastor

Every family has its favorite movies, and in our family there is always a debate about

how many times we’ve watched some of ours. Every December, we have to watch How the

Grinch Stole Christmas at least once. And there are some movies that nearly all of us could

repeat line after line such as The Sound of Music or My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Of course,

I’m always looking for some theological insight in every movie.

My all-time favorite movie has to be Chariots of Fire. It is the story of Eric Liddell, the

British athlete who ran in the 1924 Paris Olympics. In one of its most memorable scenes,

Liddell struggles to help his sister understand his God-given passion for running: “I believe

that God made me for a purpose...He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His

pleasure. To give it up would be to hold Him in contempt.” Liddell knows in his heart of

hearts that everyone has a God-given talent that has to be expressed if we want to fully

honor our Lord.

Hollywood often has a way of surprising us when it comes to a movie’s power to

underscore the importance of faith and community. And sometimes, it is even in the most

unexpected of movies. In My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the Greek father of the bride

compares the Greek meaning of his last name Portokalos (Orange) to that of his new son-in-

law, Miller, (Apple). He then makes this memorable toast: “OK...here tonight we have

apple and orange. We all different, but in the end, we all fruit.” It’s his way of saying,

“We’re going to have our differences. But we need each other because all of us have

something to offer and something to share.”

As a church, we are at our best when all of us share our gifts and talents. It is how we

honor and worship God, and share God’s love and grace in our world. I am reminded of

Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians:

“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.” (I Cor. 12:4-5)

The Bible tells us we need each other because it is the way God wired us to live and

express our faith in Jesus Christ. Think of church like a baseball team. Everyone has a

position to play, and when one player doesn’t show up the entire team is weak.

We are always at our best when every member of the team has their part to play.

It is a joy to be part of a church family where we can celebrate the diversity of our God-

given gifts. This summer, let’s honor God as we step up to the plate and look for ways to

give back because we have been blessed by God.

Grace and Peace -

Adrian

Summer Explorers

During the 9:30 worship service,

children who have completed one year of

pre-school - second grade are invited to

attend our Summer Explorers program.

Following the children’s moment, kids can

go with their Explorers’ Leader to the

Children and Worship Room, across from

the nursery, for an age-appropriate class

focused on learning and understanding

God’s lessons through bible stories. Parents

can pick them up there following the

worship service.

A BIG Thank You!

Sunday, May 22 marked the end of our

2015-16 Sunday School year. Our Christian

Education Committee would like to thank the

following people who have faithfully served as

teachers and helpers, sharing God’s love with

our youth: Val Christian, Tina Davidson, Scot

Davidson, Nancy Gfell, Abby Keefer, Kayliann

Matter, Don Renninger, Norm Sommers, and

Tracey Sommers. We would also like to thank

those who came in to teach in their absence

when needed: Amy Bond, Brice Fries, Mindy

Klett, and Georgiana Scherz. For those of you

that served our adult education classes, we

also give our greatest thanks: Clair Brewer,

Scot Davidson, Adrian Doll, Laurie Flickinger,

Curt & Jackie Markley, Joel & Wende

Mersereau, Brian Pancost, Norm Sommers,

and Kellie Weisenburger.

Thank you to our Children and Worship

leaders, Crissy Cooperrider, Adam and Tracy

Konik, Tracey Sommers, and Kathleen

Wheeler, as well as our Children and Worship

substitutes, Linda Carino, Heidi Strong, and

Hazel Tinker, for giving of their time and

talent. Thank you also to those who led our

youth groups! Leaders of Fusion include

Shannon Sommers, Tracey Sommers, Heidi

Strong, and Kathleen Wheeler. Leaders of

Catalyst included Brice Fries, Don Renninger,

and Patricia Tkach. Your commitment to

these kids is a true testimony of your faith!

Sunday School News

100 Point Club

Sunday School Students earn points

in class through attendance, bringing

their Bibles, bringing friends, praying

aloud and making respectful choices.

Congratulations to our new 100 point

club members!

Ella Fries, Thomas Gfell, Brooke

Heyman, Eli Kluding, and Sam Konik

TEACHERS NEEDED!

The 2016-2017 school year marks the third year of our Sunday School series, “Bible Studies

for Life,” and we would be blessed to have you as a part of our teaching team! From Preschool

through 6th grade kids are exposed to God’s Word in true and relevant ways that foster their

spiritual growth and excite their desire to know more about God. Don’t you want to be a part of

this exciting experience? We are looking for dedicated, caring and enthusiastic people to come

and share their time and talent with us as a teacher, assistant or substitute.

Are elementary students not really your calling? Consider teaching our Jr. High or High

School classes. Still too young for you? Come and lead an adult Sunday School session. Most

adult classes last 6 weeks. We can definitely use you in whatever age-group you are most

comfortable (or step outside your comfort zone if that’s where God is leading you!).

If getting involved with teaching interests you, please contact Kathleen Wheeler for more

details. Please consider giving to the education of our youth and adults. The reward is beyond

compare!

THE MESSENGER

HELPERS

NEEDED!

Sharlene White is looking for helpers to

check in people as they arrive for their

photo session. The time slots are 2 or 2 ½

hours long. The dates are Thursday, June

16th and Friday, June 17th from

2:00PM – 8:30PM and Saturday, June

18th from 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM. If you are

willing to help, please contact Sharlene at

419-577-0353 or russnshar@hotmail.com.

Home Builders Couples Class

Cookout at the Mersereau’s

Friday, June 24 at 6 p.m.

110 Norwood Ave., Norwalk

419-663-0077

Please join us for a cook out at Joel and

Wende’s home on Friday, June 24. We will

provide the meat, drinks and table service.

Please bring a side dish to share. It doesn’t

matter if you’ve never been to our class. All

couples are welcome! Bring your swimsuit,

if you dare. Join us for a night of food, fun

and fellowship.

Presbyterian

Women’s

Annual Picnic

Presbyterian Women will celebrate the

beginning of summer with a picnic on

Monday, June 6 at 6 p.m. at the Norweco

Scout House on Halfway Road. All ladies

are welcome. Bring a dish to share. Call

Michele Graves for more information or

for directions at 419-668-1873.

CHURCH PICTORIAL

DIRECTORY

IF YOU WORSHIP WITH US, YOU ARE

PART OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY…

MEMBERSHIP IS NOT NECESSARY!

WE NEED EVERYONE TO GET THEIR

PICTURE TAKEN SO OUR DIRECTORY

IS COMPLETE.

Our photo sessions are fast approaching.

Universal Church Directories will be here

June 16, 17, and 18 to take your picture.

If you have not signed up yet, please do it

as soon as possible.

Online: Go to www.ucdir.com and

enter Church #oh1845 and

password firstpres

OR contact Sharlene White at 419-577-

0353 or at russnshar@hotmail.com

If you are not available on these dates,

please contact Sharlene White as soon as

possible.

Keenagers (ages 65+)

Mark your calendars for a Lunch

and Ice Cream Social!

Friday, June 10 from Noon - 2:00 p.m.

in the Great Room and Court Yard

Come join us for chicken salad sandwiches,

summer salad, ice cream sundaes, and lots of

fun and entertainment.

Thank You

Address Change

Curt and Jackie Markley

1760 Clinton Road

Collins, OH 44826 Curt - 419-681-1198

Jackie - 419-681-0529

Memorial Service Announcement There will be a Memorial Service to celebrate

the life of Barbara Crosby Cornell held on

Saturday, June 18, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the

First Presbyterian Church of Ashtabula, 4317

Park Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio. Dr. Stephen R.

Long, Pastor, will officiate. Barbara passed

away November 21, 2015 following her husband

David Cornell, who passed away October 31,

2015. A family service for a double interment

will follow at Edgewood Cemetery in Ashtabula,

Ohio. Memorial contributions may be made to

First Presbyterian Church of Norwalk, Ohio.

Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main Street,

Norwalk, Ohio is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made by going to

www.edwalkerefuneralhome.com.

Rummage Sale

The Presbyterian Women’s Association, we

would like to say THANK YOU! This year’s

rummage sale was a huge success. There were

many hands that helped pull this off. Thank

you for supporting such a charitable cause. As

many of you know, 100% of the money raised

goes to missions that PW supports. We tried to

let the general public know this as they shopped

our sale. This was a much bigger task than

anyone could have anticipated and we knew

there was a big space to fill when Ann Gaston

left us. We dedicate this sale in her memory

and we honor her and all the time and energy it

took to organize such an event. Thanks to her

and her family for all the furniture donations,

and love and support that they gave during the

sale weekend. She was missed.

Thank you to all,

Presbyterian Women’s Assoc.

To My Church Family,

I enjoyed my visits from Adrian, Clair,

Donna, Marge, Aundrea, Edie, Dale and Lois.

We would like to thank everyone for the cards,

flowers, and all the good food that was brought.

Thanks to my deacons Nancy and Marilyn.

Thanks to Dave, Dawson, and Tom for the

wonderful ramp they helped build.

Sincerely,

Jack and Barb Churchill

_______________

Dear Church Family,

Thank you for your love and support as

I've recuperated from my recent back surgery.

The many cards, beautiful flowers, phone calls,

and visits are greatly appreciated! A special

thank you to Adrian and Clair for their visit.

Bob and I have really appreciated your

thoughtfulness!

In God’s Love,

Becca Schumm

________________

Dear Church Family,

Thank you so much for all the prayers

and the cards. I’ve loved opening all the cards!

Thank you for the meal, the applesauce and

cookies too!

Love,

Annie Hiler

_________________

I received so many wonderful cards from

everyone in the church. I can’t begin to tell you

how wonderful it made me feel. All the prayers

and love shown made me heal faster and also

let me know what a wonderful church family

you are.

Thanks so much,

Jo Yates

Church Family News

THE MESSENGER

Annual Church

Potluck Picnic

July 3

Get ready for food, fun and fellowship.

Come to the annual church picnic on

Sunday, July 3, following the 9:30 a.m.

worship service. Meat, and drinks will be

provided. Dress is casual. Bring a dish and

enjoy the fun!

A - H Vegetable

I - O Salad

P - Z Dessert

Vacation Bible School 2016

"Search me, God, and know my heart; test

me and know my concerns. See if there is

any offensive way in me; lead me in the

everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24

June 27 - July 1

9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Come with us on an

adventure like no

other, deep within the mysterious sea! As

you submerge yourself in God’s Word, you

will discover that Jesus didn't just see

what’s on the outside of people. He looked

deep down on the inside. So grab your

goggles, step into your flippers, and dive in

to find truth below the surface!

Registration is now open for students who

have completed a year of Preschool - 6th

grade! Sign up today at the bulletin board

in the Narthex, in the church

office or by visiting the website:

kideventpro.lifeway.com/

mychurch/?id=34715.

See you on the ocean floor!

Vacation Bible School Needs You! Still looking for ways you can get involved with this year’s VBS? If you can donate any of your

time from 9am-1pm, June 20th – 24th we will gladly use your help decorating for this year’s

event! Simply show up at the church and we will put you to work. Even if your decorating

skills don’t go beyond using a pair of scissors, there is something for you!

We are also in need of the following items: blue and/or white sheets or yards of fabric, tissue pa-

per of all colors, clear ball ornaments, blue & clear balloons, long paper rolls (like the kind used

for wrapping paper), pvc pipe and connectors of any shape and size, coffee filters, cardboard egg

cartons, and clear plastic water bottles (with labels removed). Please bring any of these items

to the church office at your convenience, and thank you, in advance, for your donation!

Page 5 THE MESSENGER THE MESSENGER

Youth Group (7th-12th grades) Title: Summer Freedom

Summer is awesome! There is just no way around it. It is my favorite season of the year

because of the extra freedom that summer brings. No longer am I confined to remaining

indoors; no longer am I worried about hitting an ice patch and sliding into a car wreck. When I

was a boy, summer was great because I was free of the oppressive mundanity of school. I could

be outside, run free, climb trees, play games with the neighborhood kids, pick fights with my

younger (but larger) brother and all the other stuff kids like to do.

Summer is also great because it is the time of year when the fruits of winter and spring come

about. As I worked on a farm growing up, I recognized the amount of careful work that went

into preparing fields for planting seeds and then watching as the desired plants grew. One

thing that always left an impression on me though was how much of that process we could not

control. It was God that caused the seasons to come about. He is the One that declares when

winter ends; He decides when the snow melts and the rains come. He is also the One who lifts

the haze of clouds to allow the sun to shine and the plants to grow.

It is exactly the same way for us. We have freedom to make choices, but we are still only

human. What we must recognize is that it is God who brings about seasons in our life. He is

the One that decided to place you in your specific family; He is the One that decided to place you

in (the vicinity of) Norwalk, Ohio. God is the One who is really in control of our destiny, and

when we realize that it brings a new freedom that is liberating. The psalmist says, “I will walk

about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” When we are following the commands

and will of God, we have a new kind of freedom that does not come from this world: a freedom

that is wrapped in grace, mercy and blessing straight from the source of all life. So as you go

and do your thing this summer, remember the One that created you, sustains you and will

direct your path so that you can receive His amazing freedom!

SUMMER STUFF

June 12 Paintball

June 19-25 Pittsburgh Project

June 26-July 1 VBS

July 10 Swim Party @ Mersereau’s

July 24 Water Olympics

July 30 Under His Wings Service Project

THE MESSENGER

Homebuilders

You are invited to a canvas painting party. Even if you don’t/haven’t

attended the Homebuilders Sunday School class, you are WELCOME! We

will gather in the Fellowship Hall and have an entertaining evening

together, painting on canvas. No experience necessary. Our instructor

Christen will walk us through each and every step. Please plan on attending. The cost is $35

per person/$70 per couple. If money is an issue please let us know, there is help

available. Please bring your favorite snack and drink to share.

Friday, July 15, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.

RSVP by Monday, July 11, 2016 to the church office OR call Wende 419-663-0077.

Relay for Life

Join us for a Mini Relay for Life in Fellowship

Hall after the worship service on Sunday,

June 5, 2016. There will be luminarias to be

purchased. Come and help us celebrate

another birthday for all the survivors and

remember those who have passed. There will

be a “special” table for you to see and sign the

table cover, come and see what that is all

about.

Relay for Life is July 16th

Come and CELEBRATE with us.

Opening Ceremony is

at noon Friday. There

will be a Survivor

Ceremony and

complimentary

survivor dinner to follow at 5:00 p.m. The

Luminaria Ceremony is held at 9:30 p.m. and

you won’t want to miss that one. During the

Luminaria Ceremony, hundreds of luminaria

light the track to celebrate the lives of those

who have battled cancer, remember those who

have lost their battle and fight back against a

disease that has taken too much. This

ceremony of light symbolizes the HOPE and

perseverance with which we all continue to

fight.

Christmas in July

The mission statement of

Erie-Huron Counties

Community Action

Commission, Inc. (CAC) is to

promote self-sufficiency and improve the

quality of life of those in need. Each year,

CAC sponsors Christmas in July.

Christmas in July, is a program designed

to help provide new school clothes for

students of low-income families. With a new

outfit, children have added confidence as

they begin a new school year.

First Presbyterian Church once again is

planning to sponsor the 2016 Christmas in

July project. Sponsorship cards which list a

child’s first name, gender, grade, size and

favorite color are available. Items are to be

purchased in July and returned to the

church. Christmas in July clothing is to be

wrapped in Christmas paper with the

sponsorship card attached to each gift. A

second sponsorship card, price tags, and gift

receipts (in case of return or exchange) may

be placed in the envelope. Wrapped gifts are

to be returned to the church by August 1.

If you want to help with this project, but

do not wish to go shopping, you may make a

donation to the Christmas in July program.

Questions or for more information contact

Kay Kersey, 419-668-6079.

Saturday, June 25, 11:30 - 1:30

Join us in Willard as we reach out in love to

the ladies in the Teen Challenge program.

We will treat them to a picnic lunch as we

fellowship and share together. Sign up in

Fellowship Hall to be a

part of this exciting

ministry.

Year of Service

THE MESSENGER

News From the Session April 2016

Year of Service Forty-eight volunteers

showed up at Pleasant Hills Outdoor Center

Work Day. The Willard Teen Challenge

workday is June 25 and Community Service

day will be September 11.

The 2016 Confirmands will lead worship on

May 15. A dinner will be served in their

honor. The Confirmands join the church on

Sunday, May 22.

The Deacons are planning a Keenagers

luncheon for June 17.

Support our Relay for Life team this summer.

Luminaries will be sold.

The Child Protection Policy was revised by

CE Director Kathleen Wheeler. She attended

the Maumee Valley Presbytery Child

Protection Seminar in Tiffin.

There are 4 men’s small groups with 29

members, 9 women’s groups with 63

members and 3 co-ed groups with 20

members. Call Christian Education if you

wish to be part of a small group.

Building and Grounds is working with

Columbia Gas to resolve a faulty meter issue.

The boiler representative visited to help

adjust the new system. The dumpster pad

will be repaired. The newly installed heat

tapes for the roof valleys worked well this

winter. An inviting seating area at the

south-west entrance with a smaller

memorabilia cabinet has been donated.

Metal roof quotations were requested for the

sanctuary. Windows in the sanctuary are to

be weather sealed. The gutter system on the

Northside of Fellowship Hall will be removed

and river rock installed on the ground. Soffit

will be replaced.

Congratulations High

School Graduates!

Congratulations to:

David Graves

Edison High School

Lydia Bowles and Mallorie Gregory

Norwalk High School

Garrett Markley

Western Reserve High School

We are extremely proud of your

accomplishment and look forward to seeing

how God blesses your life from here on out.

College Graduates

Do you have a college graduate in your family?

We would also like to honor those graduating

from college in our August Messenger. Please

call the church office with your graduate’s

name, college and major by July 1.

THE MESSENGER

Serving in June

Coffee Hour

Deacons

Screen Door Caller

Marilyn Huston

Separate Flowers

5 Judy Eckler

12 Joan Ackerman

19 Michele Graves

26 Sandy Shope

Flower Delivery

5 Nancy Gelvin

12 Jim Marchyshyn

19 Tina Hormell

26 Kathy Scott and

Alice Pleasnick

Greeters

Outreach Committee

Ushers

9:30 a.m.

The Mersereau Family

Liturgist

9:30 a.m.

5 Scot Davidson

12 Dale Rafie

19 Julie Myers

26 Ryan Cooperrider

Nursery

5 Janet Newcomer

12 Amy Winkelman

19 Joan Ackerman

26 Jaime Fries

Church Finances as of

04/30/16

YTD Income

154,398.34

YTD Expense

138,574.00

Difference

15,824.34

Serving in July

Ushers

9:30 a.m.

Norm Sommers and family

Greeters

Outreach Committee

Nursery

3 Bev Miller

10 Vanessa Winkler

17 Kellie Pancost

24 Rebecca Hann

31 Tina Davidson

Liturgist

9:30 a.m.

3 Alice Pleasnick

10 Joel Mersereau

17 Julie Myers

24

31

Separate Flowers

3 Tracey and Nancy Sommers

10 Patricia Tkach

17 Marilyn Huston

24 Crissy Cooperrider

31 Connie Kluding

Flower Delivery

3 Jane Kluding

10 Amy Bower

17 Amanda Cook

24 Marilyn Huston

31 Jackie Markley

Coffee Hour

Deacons

Screen Door Caller

Wende Mersereau

CHURCH STAFF:

Rev. Adrian N. Doll, Pastor

adrian@firstpresbyterian.net

Rev. Clair H. Brewer, Parish Associate

Kathleen Wheeler, Director of Christian Education

kwheeler@firstpresbyterian.net

Michael Matter, Director of Worship and Music

Serena Bowles, Organist

Patricia R. Babcock, Treasurer

pbabcock@amishtrails.com

Connie Gregory, Office Coordinator

cgregory@firstpresbyterian.net

Kayliann Matter, Worship Media Coordinator

kmatter1@ashland.edu

Tasha Prather, Nursery Caregiver

Kay Leimeister, Custodian

Burt W. Zimmerman, Custodian

Non Profit Org.

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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN C HURCH

Phone: 419-668-1923 Fax: 419-663-5115 Web Page: http://www.firstpresbyterian.net

Save Your IGA Slips

The Presbyterian Women save Schild’s

IGA cash register receipts and turn them

into cash. IGA will donate one percent of

the receipts’ total to the Presbyterian

Women. The association does not

accept receipts that have used the

Golden Buckeye Card. Turn your

receipts in to the church office or put

them in the offering plate. Thank you for

your support.

9:30 a.m. Worship

Pleasant Hill

Outdoor

Summer Camp

During the summer months, 8 of our

youth will be attending church camp. Pray

that God will enrich their lives through

their camping experience!

Rooted in Grace… Growing in Christ... Reaching out in Love...