october 2018 the voice page 1 a newsletter for …...october 2018 the voice page 1 a newsletter for...

October 2018 THE VOICE

A newsletter for the members and friends of St. John's Lutheran Church, Stony Ridge, Ohio - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From the Pastor Fall is here! This is the season when leaves are changing into beautiful colors, the air is feeling cooler

and people are coming together for special occasions. We begin with something new and exciting! St.

John’s first ever “Apple Butter Event” will be held on Saturday October 6th. All are welcome to come

and stir the apple butter and to enjoy a delicious “Hobo Dinner.” Following that are special events for

Halloween and then two of my favorite holidays…Thanksgiving and Christmas. During each of these

times we will be spending special times with the people we love…our family and friends.

This is a time of sharing and caring and serving the Lord. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are

encouraged to share our faith with others in a variety of ways…we can pray prayers with others, share

stories of where we have seen God active in our lives and serve the Lord to help people in need. It is

possible that we may be the one person who helps someone feel God’s loving presence and we may be

the only Bible a person ever reads. We are the hands and feet and voice of Jesus. Our actions may

bring more help and comfort to another person than we could ever imagine. This is how we live to share

God’s love.

Per author, Dr. Mark Allan Powell…there are three words that express the most profound truth in the

universe. These words are: “GOD LOVES YOU.” In the Old Testament, we heard God say in Isaiah

43:4, “You are precious in my sight and honored and I love you.” In the Gospel of John, chapter three…

Jesus said, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.” And in Romans, St. Paul wrote, “God

demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” It has been said

that to love and to be loved is the best gift in the world. God loves us, we love God and we are called to

love others with an unconditional love like the Lord has for us. Colossians 3:14 says: we are called to

put on love, which is the bond of unity.

What does putting on love look like? The Bible tells us to put on a heart of compassion, kindness,

humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another and forgiving each other. Clothed with

these attributes we are ready to follow where our Lord guides us… teaching us to love God and to love

others. This is the heart of the Great Commandment. In the Gospel of Matthew 22: 36-40, a Pharisee

asked Jesus, “Teacher which is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus answered, “Love the

Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the

most important commandment. The second most important commandment is like it: Love your neighbor

as yourself. The whole law of Moses and the teachings of the prophets depend on these two

commandments.”

Love…sometimes it is easy to love and other times it is not. Our lives and relationships may be

complicated. Yet, we desire to please the Lord and we can pray to the Lord to soften our hearts

concerning difficult or challenging situations in our lives. Recently I had folks during our worship

services share what was in their heart that they would like our Lord to help them with. I’m grateful for

each person’s participation. Here are some of the responses:


A newsletter for the members and friends of St. John's Lutheran Church, Stony Ridge, Ohio - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Hope…forgiveness…patience…unconditional love for all…caring…love…peace…giving…helpful… less

judgment…joyfulness…generosity…empathy…kindness…less judgmental…forgive…more

acceptance…better listening…thankfulness…discernment…respecting others…intentional prayer…think

before speaking…love with all your heart…die to self…uplift others…truth…

love those who hurt you…softer words toward others…brokenness…healing…share…support

others…giving…family-to meet them with a loving heart where they are…mow neighbor’s lawn…be

caring…caring for others-without judgment or resentment…caring can be physical and emotional

support…caring for all of God’s creation…love for everyone! We pray to God, who is with us always,

that we will receive these desires of our hearts.

With God all things are possible!

As we prepare for this new fall season to spend precious times with our loved ones… to decorate our

homes, and make delicious foods, let us also prepare our hearts to love and care for others, as our Lord

God loves and cares for us. May this prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi guide us:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen.

God Bless You!

Peace & Love,

Pr. Cindy Ritter



Our Vision: “Spiritual Practices for the Sake of the World”

1. DAILY PRAYER In our prayers (from September bulletins):

Ruth Carstensen, health concerns

Jean Baker, health concerns

Alma Camp, recovering from surgery

The family of Ed Janick, brother of Peggy Day, upon his death

Jim Umbaugh, health concerns

2. DAILY BIBLE READING

Oct. 1 Jer. 12-14 Oct. 2 Jer. 15-17 Oct. 3 Jer. 18-21 Oct. 4 Jer. 22-23 Oct. 5 Jer. 24-26 Oct. 6 Jer. 27-29 Oct. 7 Jer. 30-31 Oct. 8 Jer. 32-33

Oct. 9 Jer. 34-36 Oct. 10 Jer. 37-40 Oct. 11 Jer. 41-44 Oct. 12 Jer. 45-47 Oct. 13 Jer. 48 Oct. 14 Jer. 49-50 Oct. 15 Jer. 51 Oct. 16 Jer. 52-Lam 2

Oct. 17 Lam 3 Oct. 18 Lam 4-Ezek 1 Oct. 19 Ezekiel 2-5 Oct. 20 Ezekiel 6-9 Oct. 21 Ezekiel 10-12 Oct. 22 Ezekiel 13-15 Oct. 23 Ezekiel 16 Oct. 24 Ezekiel 17-19

Oct. 25 Ezekiel 20-21 Oct. 26 Ezekiel 22-23 Oct. 27 Ezekiel 24-26 Oct. 28 Ezekiel 27-29 Oct. 29 Ezekiel 30-32 Oct. 30 Ezekiel 33-35

Oct. 31 Ezekiel 36-37

3. WEEKLY WORSHIP

Sunday Schedule 8:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service

9:30 a.m. Fellowship time 9:45 a.m. Christian Education 10:45 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 11:45 a.m. Fellowship time

Worship Attendance September 2 ~ 154 September 16 ~ 174 September 9 ~ 173 September 23 ~ 179

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS (Those over 74 years young!)

Oct. 18 Marilyn Rudolph, 4030 Indian Rd. Apt. 215, Ottawa Hills 43606 Oct. 23 Mary Shook, 23745 Bradner Road, Genoa 43430 Oct. 25 Pastor Bob Johnson, P.O. Box 248, Stony Ridge 43463 Oct. 31 Doris Welling, 6862 Devils Hole Road, Pemberville 43450

4. GENEROUS GIVING

Financial Giving as of Sept. 23, 2018

General Fund Income (Year-to-Date)

Budget Actual $224,353 $184,315

Benevolence Fund (Year-to-Date)

Budget Actual $20,726 $21,657

(Copies of current Financial Reports are in the wooden holders located to the right of the Prayer Desk in Narthex.)



MEMORIALS

In Loving Memory Alana Gribble

Paul & Pam Brackney Betty Wolf

Genevieve Kurfess Jim & Nancy Crane Ronnie & Harriet Hall Ronald Sondergeld

Lee Schober David & Luann Nelson Linda Boltman

Ella Freeman St. John’s WELCA Elaine Gardner June Mitchell Clarence & Thelma Smithers Becky & Wayne Johnson Betty Bockbrader Beverly Koenig Ron Reitz Sharon & Steve Delventhal Thomas & Shelley Bowlus Marilyn Brossia Ron & Nan Bretz Bunco Club Leo Wasserman Jan & Neil Bair Bruce & Norma Tuttle Ginny & Galen Whiteman R.L. & D.C Gerkensmeyer Everett, Diana & Melissa Haskins Gary & Cindy Akenberger George & Linda Boerger Dale & Carole Petersen Ed & Linda Bolyard Jean Snyder Chris Johnson Mary Belle & Bob Heilman Fred Brinker & Anita Nietz Ed & MaryAnna Cochrane Dave & Linda Bockbrader Marilyn Goeckerman Bob Johnson Clarence & Maxine Haas Mike & Judy Hannan Rick, Lynda & Michael Lees Shirley Johnson Helyn & Chuck Kurfess Mark & Doris Schulte Larry & Darlene Michel Jerry & Jerri Reitzel Thelma Schaller Glen & Doris Welling Mike Sibbersen Jane Sibbersen Bill & Carolyn Staib & family Ken & Sharon Swartz Bill & Judy Trombly Scott & Laura Abke Pastor & Mrs. Jim Budke Jeff & Nancy Wellman Tom & Terri Schaller & family Pastor Cindy Ritter Rachel Fox Marilyn Beckman Jim & Elaine Arnold Betty Wolf Marian Welling Carolyn Goodman James & Gail Swartz Jim & Sue Dashner David & Michelle Welling Paul & Pam Brackney Tim & Patti Bihn Carolyn Burns Ron & Kathleen Holzman Mary Jane Reitzel Dick & Betty Bahnsen Karen Brossia Pamela & Antonio Ricciardi Ellie Schober Nancy Boes & John Yunker Sharon & Ted Bitter Sandy Welling-Miller Greg & Linda Boltman Paul & Judy Bamford John & Kathy Storch Howard & Phyllis Bookenberger Larry & Becky Warns David & Linda Polzin Ann & Warren Hale Barbara Hersch Ed Brough Gary & Dianne Welling Mickey Gerwin Darryl & Diane Traver William & Jennie Buckenberger Arlene Baker Marge Sheldrick St. John’s Comforter Tying Crew Bonita Bultemeier Carolyn & Barry Wallner Ronnie & Harriet Hall Mary Lou Welling Jan Rucki

Eric Twining Steven Awxter Lyle Schulte Jerry & Jerri Reitzel Jerry & Jerri Reitzel Ed Brough



You can now manage your giving online! Giving online is easy and allows you to set up automatic recurring contributions or a one-time contribution and view your complete online giving history from anywhere you have access to the Internet. Simply follow these easy steps:

Visit the church website: www.stjohnsstonyridge.net 1. Click on the Give Generously button. 2. Click on the Create Profile button, then 3. Follow the onscreen instructions to create an online profile and to schedule your recurring or one-

time contributions. If you are currently giving on a weekly or monthly basis, you will no longer need to write out checks or prepare envelopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis. If you need additional information about the on-line giving please contact Shirley Johnson.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES Sunday Specials for October

Shared Bounty is collecting shampoo

Food Pantry is collecting boxed stuffing and boxed potatoes

Please place in the bin in the coatroom. Thanks in advance for your support! The Food Pantry is now serving 112 families.

Chili’s Fundraiser

Please join us for lunch and/or dinner!! Social Ministries will have a fundraiser at the Chili’s on Route 20. This will take place on Wednesday, October 10th and is all day from 11:00 a.m. – close. Carryout orders are also included. It was fun to see everyone come out last time!

Operation Christmas Child

Operation Christmas Child will kick off in mid-October with boxes in the Narthex. Start picking up items to stuff into your boxes to make a child’s Christmas much brighter.

Cookbook

Our cookbook is off to the publisher!!! Thank you to all that helped put together this piece of St. John’s history with your recipes, art, prayers, photos and the updated history. We hope to have the cookbooks available in early November. Our committee will sample recipes and pre-sell cookbooks during the October cookie hour!

Red Cross Blood Drive

The Red Cross will once again have a blood drive on Friday, November 23rd from noon – 5:00 p.m.



CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Catechism Service Event

Calling ALL catechism students to help Shared Bounty bring down the winter / fall clothes and take the summer / spring clothes upstairs. Please plan on helping from 8:30-10 a.m. on Saturday, October 20th.

Marmon Valley Farm Retreat The Marmon Valley Farm Retreat will be on Saturday & Sunday, October 6th & 7th.

Corn Maze Catechism will be going to Wheeler Farms Corn Maze on Sunday, October 14th. We will meet at the church at 12:30; have pizza, then carpool to Wheeler Farms. We will be home around 6:00 p.m. The cost is $8 and chaperones are free. Money is due by October 7th. Email Christi Kieper at [email protected] with any questions.

Calling all 3rd Graders On Reformation Sunday, October 28th, our 3rd graders will receive their Bibles from St. John’s. If you have a child who is a 3rd grader, please email Rachael Swartz at: [email protected]. We want to make sure we do not miss anyone!

Dayschool Fundraiser The Dayschool will be selling Little Caesar’s pizza kits in between services on September

30th and October 7th. Pickup will be on October 24th between noon and 6 p.m.

Due to space issues, items cannot be stored.

FELLOWSHIP Wood County Dartball League

This league is made up of 12 Wood County churches that play on Monday evenings through April 2019. St. John’s Dartball League begins on Monday, October 1st. We are looking for new players – male, female, teens! Come join us and have some fun and support the

church team. Questions, call Earl Hagg at 419-348-8711. Dartball Banquet April 2019.

Military Care Package Project Do you have a friend, relative, or even a neighbor currently serving in the military that we can

add to our mailing list? (This person/family does not have to be a member of St. John’s) If

so, please turn their name (including names of family members), a current address, a list of

favorite snacks, candy, hobbies, or interests, along with a local contact person and phone

number they can be reached, to the church office. You can also email your information

directly to Pam Brackney, [email protected]. Please have your information to the church

office by October 28th. Thank you for helping us show our appreciation to our military

personnel.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



St. John’s 150th Anniversary In just over one year, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Stony Ridge, Ohio will be

celebrating its 150th anniversary as a congregation. Bishop Daniel has been invited to

worship with us on September 22, 2019 to celebrate this monumental anniversary.

As of our August meeting, church council has authorized the formation of a 150th Anniversary

Planning Committee to organize activities for our anniversary celebration. We need your

input to help us decide how this congregation will celebrate its 150th birthday.

Please consider joining the 150th Anniversary Planning Committee. We will hold our first

meeting (organizational and brainstorming) on Sunday, October 7th at noon in the lounge.

Please consider getting involved. We need your help. Come share your ideas. All are

welcome.

Men of St. John’s November 4, 2018 - And if it rains on the 4th, November 11, 2018. We will make our yearly pilgrimage to the Wilson Woods in Jenera.

Calling All Crafters! Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting? Do you have another hobby such as cross stitch or needlepoint? We’d like to invite you to join us on Monday, October 1st from 9:30 to 11:30 in the Lounge. Bring your latest project to work on as we share conversation and snacks. If you have any questions, please see Lynda Lees. Hope to see you there!

Thursday Evening Bible Study On Thursday evening’s beginning on October 4th through November 8th at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Cindy will be leading a bible study on Nehemiah written by Bishop Daniel. All are welcome!

Stephen Ministry

“Christ caring for people through people” is the Stephen Ministry motto. With so many

people going through grief, divorce, job loss, illness, and other challenges, congregations

have a unique opportunity to reach out to them with Christ’s care. A team of lay caregivers –

called Stephen Ministers—would then provide one-to-one Christian care to these people.

Members of St. John’s congregation showed their interest and support at the information

meetings held in August. There are currently nine people showing interest in learning more

about becoming Stephen Ministers. You, too, can join us in October to hear a story from a

Stephen Minister from another church. She will give us an overview of her training and work

as a caregiver, answering any questions about being a Stephen Minister. This additional

meeting will be announced at a later day and time. Watch for this upcoming news in the St.

John’s Weekly Voice.



2018 Fall Gathering’s featuring the Bishop’s Bake-Off

All gatherings will start at 6:30 p.m. with worship, followed by the bake-off and a time of learning.

Bishop Daniel will kick-off the evening with the introduction of the Year of Scripture. The Fall

Gatherings are not conference specific, so attend the nearest gathering or the gathering that features

your favorite flavor! All are invited! Visit http://nwos-elca.church/ for more info! RSVP to the church

office 5 days before the event of your choice. October 11: Glenwood, Toledo Flavor: Lemon October 16: Nevada, Nevada Flavor: Apple

October 23: St. John’s, Oak Harbor Flavor: Pumpkin October 26: St. Peter, Delphos Flavor: Chocolate

October 30: Emanuel, Napoleon Flavor: Baker’s Choice

The Bible Study for October is entitled “Turning to Others,” Session 2, found in the October issue of Gather magazine. The Bible study will begin at 1:30 on Wednesday, October 10th, in the Lounge.

COMFORTERS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF will be tied on Thursday, October 4th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 in the Parish House. Please consider joining us. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Afterward, the comforters will be taken to the nave where they will be displayed over the pews. The comforters and kits will be dedicated on Sunday, October 7th. These comforters warm bodies and hearts around the world. On Tuesday, October 9th, we will meet at 10:00 a.m. in the church to pack the comforters. Any help is appreciated.

The Northwest Ohio Synod Women’s Convention will be September 20-21, 2019 at Heritage Inn at Sauder Village in Archbold. More information to follow.

DATES TO REMEMBER: Thursday, October 4th ~ Tie Comforters

Sunday, October 7th ~ Dedication of comforters and kits

Sunday, October 9th ~ Pack comforters to take to New Rochester

Wednesday, October 10th ~ Bible Study (Rebekah Circle)

Donations of filler for mission comforters are always welcome, including old blankets, sheets, bedspreads, tablecloths and mattress pads. These donations may be placed in the LWR box in the coatroom. Your donations are greatly appreciated.

PRAY FOR SPECIAL CONCERNS EVERY MONDAY AT NOON. In October, pray for The Nominating Committee as they seek candidates for Church Council.

http://nwos-elca.church/



LIBRARY NEWS

Stop in and see what is new in our Church Library. The library is open on Sunday mornings and during the week whenever the church is open.

We have 5 new books for adults: Katie Luther - First Lady of the Reformation by Ruth A. Tucker

The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian

The Amish Bride by Emma Miller

The Amish Mother by Rebecca Kertz

Coach Wooden's Pyramid of Success by John Wooden and Jay Carty

Song Books: This Mystery by Nichole Nordeman

Country Gospel by USA

We have added eight new kids’ books: David and Goliath by Barbara Shook Hazen

The Lord is My Shepherd

The Incredibles by Disney Pixar

Cars by Disney Pixar

UP by Disney

Toy Story 3 by Disney Pixar

The Twins by Ruth and Harold Shane

God Gives Us Helpers by Jean Fischer



Thank you to those involved in Health Care for serving

during September’s fellowship time.

Thank you to all who brought in cookies and snacks.

Social Ministries will be serving in October.

Thank yous were received from the following: Lutheran Homes Society for the gifts of $141.44 &125.79 Lutheran Social Services for the gift of $46.00 Genacross for the gift of $106.21 Redeemer for the gift $254.62

Thank you to all who visited our mom, whether it was at the hospital, Kingston Rehab, or Hospice. It is greatly appreciated. A big thank you to Pastor Cindy for all of her visits, communion, prayers, and her funeral message. Thank you, also for all who helped with her funeral luncheon and all who donated the delicious food. The family of Ella Freeman I would like to say thank you for the pretty altar flowers I received and to Barbara Hersch for bringing them to me. Marian Welling I want to thank the congregation for their prayers and cards and the beautiful quilt. I can never thank Pastor Cindy enough for her visits. I am home and still going to rehab. Judy Smiczek I would like to thank Pastor Cindy for the visits at the hospital and at home, as well as bringing communion. Also, thank you to Jan Rucki for the lap blanket and Doug Brough for bringing food while recovering from surgery. Earl Hagg I wish to thank both Pastor Cindy and Pam Brackney for their visits and their distribution of Holy Communion. I greatly appreciate their coming. Marilyn Rudolph A very appreciative "Thank You" to everyone who graciously gave of themselves in preparing food and serving God's people at the bereavement lunches of: Lee Schober; Alana Gribble, and Ella Freeman. Much thanks! August Funeral Luncheon Ministry Team

~ Mark your Calendars!

Nov. 4 ~ All Saints Sunday (Daylight Saving Time ends) Nov. 4 ~ Men and Boy’s Steak Fry Nov. 21 ~ 7:30 p.m. Community Thanksgiving Eve Service Nov. 23 ~ Red Cross Blood Drive

october 2018 the voice page 1 a newsletter for …...october 2018 the voice page 1 a newsletter for...

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