The monthly newsletter of Glenwood Lutheran Church February 2020

February 26

Service at 6 PM

Discipleship Challenge: Practice Fasting

ORGAN

REPAIR

TO BEGIN.

As the result of the two fundraisers and the designated gifts of many members and friends, in 2019 Glenwood received $17,556 toward the repair of our organ. The initial phase of the work on the organ will begin shortly and hopefully be completed by Easter Sunday. We express our gratitude to all who offered their support and made this project possible.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT GLENWOOD

Glenwood is a multi-racial parish by God’s grace. To honor the gift of being one of the few places where black folks and white folks worship together and enjoy each other’s love, we acknowledge that Black history is also our history. This year we will fold Black history into our liturgy by accompanying readings from the Scriptures with short excerpts from Frederick Douglass’ autobiography, making space for a prophetic Black voice from history. The Spirit then will pull strands from these various sources and from voices in our midst to shape our hearing and proclamation of the Gospel. God’s love creates unity within diversity!

February 2nd: Watch the ELCA’s Apology and Part of Its Acceptance

February 9th: Deaconess Rebecca West-Estell

February 16th: A Conversation with Ruth Whittle

February 23rd: Where do we go from here?

A WORD ABOUT FASTING IN LENT

The church has held Lent as a season of fasting. The practice of withholding food can focus the body on prayer through the gift of our desire and longing. You are invited to experiment with fasting from meals as you are able. But what about withholding other things we crave? What our carving for news and information and knowing an event the second after it happens? We live saturated by reports of what is happening all around the globe. A discipleship challenge for any who choose to try it will be to fast from the News. Use the TV less. Go on Facebook less. Do not worry simply because everyone else is worrying. Return to slow news, once a day from people you trust. Notice life right in front of you, rather than concerning yourself with someone else. May your fast, however you fast, relax you and open your eyes to what God is doing in you.

God’s purpose for Glenwood Lutheran Church is

that we accept all people, share the Good News,

and help those in need.

GLENWOOD’S EARLY HISTORY

On January 19th, an icy day, a group of twelve sat down to discuss origins and growth of Glenwood Lutheran Church. We started for the reason to examine history and agreed that we would look for answers to the challenges that we face now, membership across many mainline churches decreasing and budgets tied to membership remaining unbalanced. We looked for distinctive features of Glenwood as a church and key decisions made by our forerunners in faith.

First we noted that our real name, Glenwood Avenue English Lutheran Church, tells us a lot about our church’s beginning. We were planted by the General Synod to be an English speaking parish in a growing neighborhood. Our name, ‘Glenwood’ told everyone where we were. Our distinction, ‘English,’ let people know that we were Lutherans committed to translating German, Lutheran ideas and liturgy so that new people in our neighborhood might experience the Gospel.

We then observed a really beautiful transition between Glenwood’s founding pastor, Fremont E. Leamer, and the pastor under whom the church grew and blossomed, Alvin Bell. Pastor Leamer picked the pastor who became Dr. Bell and remained in contact with him. Even though Pastor Leamer called Glenwood “his child” -- he did not have other children -- no rivalry between these leaders makes it into our sources. Indeed, Bell reflects that one of the two strongest gifts of Glenwood Lutheran and the reason for its extraordinary growth is ‘unanimity.’ I read this through the lens of Philippians 2:2 “be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord, and of one mind.” The people of Glenwood were not acting out of selfish ambition, but in humility, including their wildly successful pastor, looked only to the interests of others.

They did this through their next quality which Dr. Bell lauded: ‘missionary zeal.’ Glenwood sent the Ziegler family as missionaries to India in January 1929. When the stock market crashed, Glenwood continued its support of Dr. Ziegler, the only western-trained doctor in his area, and renewed him for a second term in 1936.

Glenwood also was crucially formed by the decision to call Sister Alma Boarts, a trained Deaconess. Sister Alma left a huge mark by loving this community, especially in education, visiting the sick, and caring for children.

Mary Lindberg observed how each of these leaders was meeting the needs of the community at that time. As the Old West End grew, Glenwood Avenue English Lutheran Church was planted to meet the spiritual needs of that community. When the growing church community needed more spiritual care than one mission-oriented pastor could provide, Glenwood met those needs by recruiting Sister Alma.

A few other things that we noticed (and some that I just completely forgot to highlight):

Glenwood’s growth and decline in numbers basically follows a pattern of Lutheran churches around the US. Noting this fact does not take away from the amazing accomplishments of Dr. Bell and the ministry of Sister Alma; certainly “Growing Glenwood” as it was nicknamed in the 30’s had some very special aspects and was well positioned in a neighborhood, as Ken Schumaker pointed out, we were surrounded by neighbors before the expressway. American Churches experienced a growth unlike any in its history from 1945-1965, for many reasons and our numerical height coincides with the middle of that period. We rode a great wave! This detail does not make us or our predecessors any more or less faithful.

We did not become a financially self-sufficient church until 1918, five years into Dr. Bell’s tenure. That’s how long it takes to grow a mission plant church, even with 130 members. Churches in 2020 can no longer rely on member giving to be financially solvent, we will need new ideas and help from the outside. Remember, this too is a part of our history.

Women played a key role in shaping Glenwood. We could bring out that part of our story even more. What are ways that we can honor and embrace Sister Alma’s legacy and the other strong women of Glenwood’s past? Also, were there any African Americans who worshipped at Glenwood in its first 50 years? Did anyone fall in love with someone who shared their gender or did anyone feel like they did not fit in the body and gender they had been assigned? Their stories did not make it into our sources. If you know of one, we need it! That’s a crucial part of our history. Did somebody live with a disability who called Glenwood home? We need that story too. Even though these stories may not have been catalogued, there is One who knows them and who loves them beyond what we can know.

Last, this story isn’t just Glenwood’s history. It’s our history. It’s not someone else’s. We remember it, we learn from it, and when we have encountered it together, we get to shape Glenwood’s future.

Your brother in Christ,

Pastor Chris Hanley P.S. This month I will be praying for you from the antipodes, the other side of the globe! Toledo’s antipode (the place where someone’s foot would be directly across the planet) is somewhere in the Pacific but I’ll be just to the west of there in Australia. My mother invited me as her guest on an amazing, travel agent trip to Melbourne, and we will spend a couple nights in Sydney as well, a little taste of Australia. Please hold us in prayer as we travel. We know that Australia is hurting right now from all the fire, made horrific by the effects of human-caused climate change. We are glad to support Australia’s travel industry and businesses when they are in need. See you on February 16th!

MAKING HISTORY AT GLENWOOD

Ellen Kraft, Ken Schumaker, and Rodney West-Estell wrote a history of Glenwood for their Diakonia class, Lutheran Faith in the American Context. Their research has contributed greatly to our history and mission sessions. Carol Ardner walked them through an extensive chronology she had composed and researched. We have gifted historians in this place! These historians can decide whether and how they would like their work to be shared.

Be a part of the next discussion following worship on

February 23rd

as we look at the next period in Glenwood’s history.

SPECIAL CAT-ECHISM PROJECT

Greta and Brittany (Greta’s mentor) have been volunteering at Paws and Whiskers cat shelter for Greta's catechism service project. Greta has created a donation box and a poster listing items from the

shelter's wish list. Many of the items can be purchased at a grocery store, Target/Walmart, or dollar store. Others are found on Amazon. If you prefer to shop online, the direct link to the shelter wish list is : https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/DCFT0FRYX3MM/ref=bnav_topnav_lists_1 Any donations from Glenwood would be greatly appreciated! There is a collection box and a poster in the narthex. The poster has removable cards. If planning to donate an item, please remove the card and take it with you as a reminder, and return the card on your item. For those preferring to make a cash donation, checks can be made payable to Paws & Whiskers Cat Shelter. Thanks in advance for supporting Greta's CATechism project!

NEW DAY FOR ADAM

ADAM (Abled Disabled Awareness Ministry) will now meet at noon on the fourth Tuesday of each month with the exceptions of November when there will be no meeting and December, when the group will meet on December 15th. ADAM meets in Bell Chapel.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NW OH

NIGHT WITH THE TOLEDO WALLEYE

Sunday, March 1 @ 5 p.m. at the Huntington Center

Special Faith and Family Night presentation with the Walleye players at 3:30 p.m. as the Walleye players interact with fans and talk about their faith journey while playing away from home. Game tickets are $20 each and proceeds will benefit LSS. LSS will also benefit from the game day raffle ticket sales. You can purchase tickets online at toledowalleye.com: use promo code: LSSNWO

THANK YOU

We thank the Women of the Old West End for a most generous gift towards the cost of the Tours de Noel After-Party. The party was a huge success and enjoyed by all!

ATTENTION:

CHOIR MEMBERS

Please meet in the choir room, Sunday, February 16 at 11:15 a.m. as you will again be part of the interview process for a prospective music director candidate. The audition process will be similar to what it was last time.

CELEBRATING FEBRUARY

BIRTHDAYS

1 – Emily Taylor 2 – Timothy Cutright 8 – Dorrie Arman 9 – Quinlan Cook 14 – Rebeca West-Estell 15 – Toree Dunn 19 – Leslie Uhlman 20 – Delano Dancy 21 – Brian Miller 23 – Ken Schumaker 23 – Dr. Lance Talmage Sr. 25 – Kelsey Cook 25 – Rodney West-Estell 28 – Annelle Donaldson

CANCELLATION POLICY

If Lucas County is at a level 2 snow emergency, all activities are cancelled except Sunday worship. Sunday worship is cancelled if it is a level 3. Please use your best judgment in deciding whether to come out.

IN OUR PRAYERS

Our Homebound Dottie Cupps Virginia Klotz

Al & Loretta Kraft Thelma Moore

Lenore Mortemore Eileen Pratt

Madeleine Smith

For health and wholeness Georgia Ardner

The Ausmus family Jerry Bell

Shannon Crandall Annelle Donaldson

Rob Donaldson Doris Ann

Teri Hanenkrath Harold L. Sr.

Dorothy Harris Louise Holder

Therene Hollis & family Karen H.

Carol & Dennis Kanfield Paul McKaig

Family of Nancy Meyers Nilila Jean

Mike Pinkstaff Esther Rochte

Makalah, Ken & Liam Sande Kelly Schmidt

Denison Sevens Allison Swin Terri & Tom

Missy Tolson Norman Uhlman

Floyd Ward Kaye Weiner

Dave Wehmeister Mason Zeh

You are invited to submit prayer requests on the con-nection cards or by contacting the church office. Names will remain on the “for health and wholeness” list for 4 weeks unless notified otherwise that additional prayers are desired.

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN INVITES YOU

Cafe Church - Wednesdays, 5–6:30 p.m. - Join us for intimate worship, prayer, discussion and a light meal every Wednesday evening in the Social Room.

Scandinavian Winter Tea – Sat., Feb. 8, 11:00am – 1:00pm A Scandinavian themed tea will be served in the

Parlor. Cardamom scones, smoked salmon, Hazelnut Gato with Nutella cream are just a few of treats we’re excited to serve. The gallery will open

at 10:30am with a photo documentary “They Left 150 Years Ago” - a photo exhibit tracing generations of the same family, some of whom immigrated to the US in the 1890s, while others remained in Finland. Cost for the three course tea is $25, payable in cash or check to our greeter, as you enter. Make reservations through kate@stpaulstoledo.org.

Pinot, Pasta & Pistols - Friday, February 14⋅6:30 – 8:30pm Back by popular demand, a murder mystery dinner. Your table will discover clues to the murder while enjoying baked ziti, winter green salad, and an assortment of Italian inspired desserts. Make reservations through kate@stpaulstoledo.org. Cost is $15 per person. Guests are encouraged to bring their beverage of choice.

Blessing of Downtown Helping Professionals Service Wednesday, February 19,⋅12:15 – 12:45pm in St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel. All are welcome to participate in a blessing of those who help others.

Apron Strings: Ties to the Past - Lunch and Learn Thursday, February 20⋅12:00 – 1:00pm Featuring 60 vintage and contemporary examples, the exhibit boasts a variety of styles and fabrics from the 1900s to present day.. The exhibit also includes handmade aprons for sale by local crafters. Members of Riverside Writers, a legacy writing group for seniors, will share pieces written on the exhibit topic. If you have an apron to display, or to make lunch reservations, contact kate@stpaulstoledo.org.

Culture At the Crossroads – Thurs., Feb. 6, noon – 1:30pm The speaker is Stephen MacDonald: Bridges Out of Poverty. Cost: $15 (cash or check only) (includes a light lunch & parking) RSVP 2 days prior to event to FirstThursdayToledo@gmail.com or 419.243.4214 St. Paul’s is located at 428 N. Erie St., across from the courthouse. The HeART Gallery is a ministry of St. Paul’s and is located there. Parking is available in the Kwik parking lot next to the church. If visiting during the week, bring your ticket stub to the office to be validated.

Glenwood Lutheran Church 2545 Monroe St. Toledo OH 43620

GLENWOOD LUTHERAN CHURCH Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Phone: 419-255-0886 E-mail: glenwoodlc@gmail.com

Website: http://www.glenwoodlc.net

Sunday Worship at 9:45 a.m.

The Giving Store Second Saturday of each month

Worship 9:45 -10 a.m. Store is open 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Doors close at 12:30 p.m.

Fill-a-Bag Event Every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon

In the gym

Rev. Christopher Hanley………………....Pastor glenwoodpastor@gmail.com

Ellen Kraft………………..…….. Office Manager Barry Ramlow…….………... Financial Manager Nancy Russell……………………..….. Organist Del Schmidt………………………….. Custodian

Council Carol Ardner, Pres. Mark Hill Bill Earley Harold Morgan Cindy Findlay Ken Schumaker Sarah Gulch, Sec. Rodney West-Estell Fred Henning, VP

Fritz Hartkopf, Treasurer

Lutherans

leave the first

three rows

open for God.