st. john’s lutheran church the voice newsletter page 1 ......2016/06/07 · hope lutheran church...

St. John’s Lutheran Church

June & July 2016 The VOICE Newsletter

Our Mission Statement: Saved by the Grace of God to Witness and Serve Others - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From the Pastor Dear Friends in Christ,

On Saturday, May 21, I was elected to serve as the Bishop of the Northwestern Ohio Synod at the Annual Synod Assembly held May 19-21 at Bowling Green State University. The theme of the assembly was “Expecting to Be Surprised.” As I announced to the congregation on Sunday May 22, Rachel and I were quite surprised.

Back in February 2016, I was nominated as a potential candidate for the position of Bishop. Potential candidates were invited to send in their biographical information, but I chose not to participate in the pre-nomination process. I have always believed that the call to serve as a Bishop is a call from God that must come through the people of God. And when my name was lifted up by the assembly on May 19, my prayer was very simple, “God, if you are calling me, I will go, but please make it clear.”

On May 20, I was asked to share a word with the assembly. My remarks were limited to five minutes. These are the words I shared. I began with a prayer and read Psalm 131. “That’s the psalm I always pray when I’m feeling that I am in a bit over my head. Like right now. I am Daniel Beaudoin, and I am married to Rachel. On June 24 we will be married 27 years. We met our freshmen year in college, and I’ve loved her since the day I met her. She is the glue that holds our family together. We have a son Joshua, who is 25. He is married to Michelle. They live in Columbus. Elijah is 21, and is a student right here at BGSU. When he graduates next May, he will marry Chelsie. And our sweet Hannah is 14. Last Sunday (Confirmation Day), I laid my hands on her head and prayed for the Holy Spirit to do powerful things in her life. I’ve got a lot of hope for that young lady.

I serve at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stony Ridge. Our parish is about 10 miles southeast of Toledo. We are a people of faith, and we are committed to our mission, Saved by the grace of God to witness and to serve others. When we were putting our mission together, our Church Council president at the time insisted that the word “others” be included. “It’s not about us!” he would say. “It’s not about us!” Thanks be to God that he was persistent, because this focus on others has changed our congregation from the inside out. And out is the direction to which we are called as God’s people.

Now I have prayed about this call. And I know that some of you are praying for me. A couple of weeks ago I was at Our Lady of the Pines in Fremont, and when I am there on retreat, I ask God to give me a word I need to hear or to show me something that I need to see. I was praying the Stations of the Cross, and I came to station #5, where Simon of Cyrene is forced by the Roman soldiers to carry the cross of Jesus. So there is Simon, shouldering the cross. And there are his two boys looking on, Rufus and Alexander.




And there is Jesus, battered, and broken, and behind. But then I see the hand of Christ on Simon’s back. Jesus is bearing up the one who is bearing the cross. I shared that image with my retreat colleagues, and they encouraged me to hold on to that image. And I am holding on… I’m holding on to the one who is holding on to me.

Because, to be honest, this is pretty daunting. And when Bishop Eaton was going through the constitutional requirements for the Bishop’s position, I quickly realized that I don’t know how to do a lot of that stuff. But I do know how to pray. And I know how to listen. But you gotta promise me, that if God sees fit to call me through you, that your hands will be on my back. That you too will bear me up. And pray for me. And help me. We gotta be in this together.”

As the election progressed, it became very clear to me that God was calling me to the position of Bishop. On July 23 at 1:00 p.m., I will be installed as the Bishop of the Northwestern Ohio Synod at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green. The church is located at 315 S College Dr, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402. I hope that you can be a part of this special and sacred occasion.

As I shared with the St. John’s congregation on Sunday, May 22, I want you to know how great my love is for you. You have loved me and you have loved my family. You have grown me into the person and the pastor that I am today. And I could not do what God is now calling me to do without your love and your support. I want to thank you for that.

I also want to alleviate some anxiety. I’m not leaving tomorrow. I will still be with you for some time. All of those transition dates will be figured out in the next couple of weeks. And I will be working with the Church Council and the Staff, and we will keep you informed. We have steady, solid leaders in this congregation. I simply ask that you pray for me, my family, and our congregation.

Bless you, Pastor Daniel G. Beaudoin

Pastor Daniel’s 20th Ordination Anniversary & Bishop Election Celebration

On Sunday, June 19 (Father’s Day), we will be giving thanks to God for Pastor Daniel’s 20th Ordination Anniversary and Bishop Election

Pastor Daniel will preach at each service, 8:30 and 10 a.m. There will be a time to greet Pastor Daniel during the joint Fellowship time after the 8:30 service. In addition, we will also gather together to celebrate at a potluck luncheon to be held after the late service, beginning at 11:15. Chicken chunks, drinks, and dessert will be provided. The Fellowship Committee is asking everyone to bring a dish to share. There are sign-up sheets in the Narthex. Please RSVP on the sheets (for food ordering purposes) and also add what dish you will be bringing to the celebration. We have been so blessed over these past years with Pastor Daniel’s teaching, leadership and compassion. And, what other Pastor, through is Paradise Sermons, has done more for tourism in Michigan’s UP, than our own Pastor Daniel




20 YEARS OF SERVICE - Rev. Daniel George Beaudoin

Pastor Daniel G. Beaudoin, son of George Alexander and Mary Ellen (Purcell) Beaudoin, was born June 7, 1968, in Royal Oak, Michigan. He graduated from Avondale High School in Auburn Hills, Michigan, in 1986. He was confirmed May 7, 1987, at Faith Lutheran Church in Shelby Township, Michigan, by Rev. Darwin Wilson. Daniel studied at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in History in 1991. He married Rachel Mae (Wilson) on June 24, 1989, at Faith Lutheran Church in Shelby Township by Rachel’s father, Rev. Darwin Wilson. Daniel and Rachel are blessed with 3 children: Joshua (married to Michelle), Elijah, and Hannah. Pastor Beaudoin had planned to attend Bowling Green State University to study history and become a teacher, but was encouraged to enter Trinity Lutheran Seminary in Columbus, Ohio, in 1992. He graduated from Trinity with a Master of Divinity degree in 1996. He served as the pastoral intern at Hope Lutheran Church and St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Hamler, Ohio, in 1994 and 1995, with supervisors Rev. Norm Norden and Rev. Kent Wilson. Pastor Daniel Beaudoin was ordained on June 16, 1996, at Good Hope Lutheran Church in Arlington, Ohio. He was ordained by Bishop James A. Rave of the Northwestern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Starting in July 1996, Pastor Beaudoin served St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Edon, Ohio. He served until September 2004, with his last preaching service there on September 12. He has also furthered his education with graduate studies at the University of Toledo from 1999 until 2004, and was awarded a Master of Arts in Medieval History. Pastor Beaudoin met with our congregation on August 19, 2004. On August 22, 2004, our congregation voted unanimously to extend a call to him to be our pastor here at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stony Ridge, Ohio. After accepting this position, he was installed on October 3, 2004 by Assistant to the Bishop Dennis Maurer and former Pastor David Scharf, who served at St. John’s from 1952 to 1963. Pastor Beaudoin and his family reside in the small town of Luckey, Ohio. Since his ordination, Pastor Daniel has been involved in several Synod and church-wide ministries. Beginning in 1998, he participated on Bishop Lohrmann’s Transition Team which developed the formation of the Northwestern Ohio Synod structure. He served on the Ohio multi-Synodical Candidacy Committee from 2001-2010, and was elected chairperson from 2005 to 2010. He recently completed serving as dean of the North Central Conference from 2013-2015. And now, he is Bishop-elect of the Northwestern Ohio Synod. Pastor Daniel will be installed as the Bishop of the Northwestern Ohio Synod on July 23, 2016, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green, Ohio.




Northwestern Ohio Synod Assembly 2016

On Thursday – Saturday, May 19-21, the 164 Lutheran congregations of the Northwestern Ohio Synod met in assembly at Bowling Green State University. Voting members from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stony Ridge were John & Linda Henry, Amanda Withrow, and Pastor Daniel G. Beaudoin.

Here is a summary of the highlights of the Assembly:

Guided by the Holy Spirit, we elected Pastor Daniel G. Beaudoin of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stony Ridge to be our next Bishop. His installation will be Saturday, July 23 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green.

We celebrated and gave thanks for the ministry of Bishop Marcus Lohrmann, who has faithfully led and guided us as a synod for the past 18 years.

We were inspired and challenged by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and freelance theologian Anna Madsen.

We collected offerings for ELCA World Hunger ($3,380), to help with the Flint Water Crisis ($3,651) and for northwestern Ohio hunger ministries and the Fund for Leaders ($3,400).

Here are some impressions of the Assembly from our voting member John Henry: The Assembly was Spiritual. It was a privilege to attend an Assembly with Presiding Bishop Eaton, Bishop Lohrmann, and Bishops of the other Synods in our Region of the ELCA in attendance and to have them preach, speak, lead us in prayer, guide us in the election of the Bishop. I am truly impressed with the ELCA Presiding Bishop; she is a real hoot! (I have been a Lutheran a long time, and I never would have expected to string those words together into a sentence!). Bible Study was led by “freelance theologian” Anna Madsen; her talks were thought-provoking. Worship services were uplifting and varied, and it was great to have the music of the closing service provided by members of St. John’s Stony Ridge and Bethlehem Pemberville.




We are part of a larger whole. It is always good to hear about the work of the Synod, Churchwide ELCA, and related ministries. Our Benevolence offerings which go to the Synod are well-used, and 51% of our Synod receives goes on to Churchwide and on to other ministries. Our offerings help do the work of the church throughout the world; the hungry are being fed and given water, the naked are being clothed; those in despair are being comforted. In addition, I was surprised to hear how our retiring Bishop Lohrmann has served as a mentor for a number of other Bishops, including Presiding Bishop Eaton. The work of our Synod extends further than I had imagined. We are brothers and sisters in Christ who support each other. St. John’s has had times of difficulty and weakness, and we have been supported by others in those times. There have also been times we have been strong and healthy, and in those times we have been able to help others. Now retired Pastor Denny Mauer was a part of the Synod staff who led us through conflict resolution, and now retired Pastor John Ferne was an Interim Pastor for us. Both of them helped our congregation through a difficult time and helped set the stage for us to become who we are today. Pastor Mark Wenz and Pastor Cindy Ritter were both elected to positions of leadership in the Synod at this Assembly (Synod Council and Nominating Committee); they were each helped in their development as Pastors and leaders by our congregation. It was a pleasure to be able to see and talk with these four Pastors at the Assembly; I have come to think of all of them as friends. Daniel Beaudoin has been prepared and called by God. While it is good to feel the Spirit in our individual lives, it is humbling and truly awe-inspiring to be in a room with five hundred other people and feel the Spirit move through the room and guide the group. I have heard a number of people who were there talk about feeling the Spirit guide and direct the election. Pastor Daniel told us he had asked God that if this was his calling to make it clear, and God made it clear to Pastor. You should know that God made it clear to the Assembly. There is no doubt in my mind that this is God’s work; we have been privileged to have Pastor Beaudoin be with us and to have been a part of his preparation for the work to which he has been called. Bishop Elect Beaudoin will be a mentor, leader, teacher, pastor to individuals, congregations, and pastors throughout Northwestern Ohio. In time, I expect that, like Bishop Lohrmann before him, he will become mentor, leader, teacher to other Bishops. He will also need our support, our prayers, our hand on his back. We all need to be in this together. How You Can Help

Please pray for our synod and Bishop Marcus Lohrmann, Bishop Elect Daniel Beaudoin, the Synod Council, and all who serve in the ministries of the synod.

Consider a gift to the NW Ohio Synod annual appeal. This year’s offering will support hunger ministries in the Northwestern Ohio Synod, our nation, and around the world: http://nwosappeal.church

http://nwosappeal.church/




Pastor Bob Johnson’s 50th Anniversary Celebration

On Sunday, June 5, we will be giving thanks to God for the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of Pastor Robert Johnson

There will be a time to greet Pastor Johnson during the Fellowship Time following both the 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. services. Former intern Pastor Richard Hartman and his wife Melissa from Epiphany Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN, will be joining us to celebrate. Pastor Johnson has requested no gifts please, but if folks insist, a donation made in his honor to Luther Home of Mercy in Williston would be greatly appreciated. Pastor Johnson volunteers at Luther Home of Mercy. The address is: Luther Home of Mercy, 5810 Williston Main St, Williston, OH 43468.

50 YEARS OF SERVICE - Rev. Robert Joseph Johnson

Rev. Robert J. Johnson, son of John Sturgis and Lucile Rebecca (Guess) Johnson, was born October 25, 1940, in Dayton, Ohio. He was baptized December 9, 1949, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Germantown, Ohio, by Rev. Paul L. Bressler. He was confirmed on March 29, 1953, also by Rev. Bressler.

Bob graduated from Germantown High School in 1958. He attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, from 1958 to 1962, and graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree. He studied at Hamma Divinity School in Springfield from 1962 to 1964. He served as an intern at St. James Lutheran Church in East Cleveland, Ohio, from 1964 to 1965. Rev. Johnson then studied at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, graduating in 1966 with a Master of Divinity degree. Rev. Johnson was ordained on May 18 1966, by the Ohio Synod (Lutheran Church in America) by Dr. Herbert Veler at Trinity Episcopal Church in Columbus, Ohio. His first parish was St. Matthew Lutheran in York, Pennsylvania, where he served from 1966 to 1969. He then served at Zion Lutheran in Erdman and St. Michael Lutheran in Klingerstown, Pennsylvania, from 1969 to 1974. In April of 1974, he was called to Christ Lutheran Church in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, and served there until 1978. He was the pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Jackson, Ohio from 1978 to 1985. Rev. Johnson was called to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stony Ridge, Ohio, and began his duties here August 1, 1985. He continues to live in Stony Ridge. Rev. Johnson was installed on September 8, 1985, and served here until July 13, 1997. During that year, he was called to The Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Toledo, Ohio. Rev. Johnson retired from full time ministry on May 1, 1999.

After retiring, he served as interim pastor at St. Paul: Blissfield, Michigan, Zion: Luckey, Grace: Luckey, St. Philip: Trenton, Michigan, St. Paul: New Rochester, St. James: Bradner, Hope: Cloverdale, St. Paul: Haskins, St. Paul’s: McClure, St. James and St. Paul’s: Toledo, and continues to do supply preaching as requested.

Rev. Johnson was involved in a number of ministries outside the parish. At one time, he was the chairman of the Deaf Ministry of the Central Pennsylvania Synod. He also helped on the Witness Committee of the Ohio Synod. For many years he served on the Ohio Multi-Synodical Candidacy Committee and the Elections Committee.

Bob served as a volunteer firefighter in Klingerstown, Lewisburg, Jackson, and Troy Township and served as Fire Chief in Troy Township. He was also active in the Red Cross for years teaching first aid and CPR classes and was the Chairman of the Red Cross Chapter in Jackson, Ohio. He continues to devote time to Boy Scouting. He is active as an Amateur Radio operator, K3RC and enjoys singing in the Festival Choir at St. John’s and serves as a substitute organist.




Six Vision Statement Guiding Principles

“A church of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who are

dedicated to spiritual growth for the sake of the world”

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

Our Confirmands

Our Graduates

Our new Members/Disciples

Barb Lashaway, St. Clare Commons

Mary Lou Welling, Perrysburg Manor

Mike Powers, Installation as Lead Custodian Sandy Minarik Family, upon her death

Ed Jordan Family, upon the death of his mother, Betty

Benjamin Cherry, health concerns

Marian Welling, recovering from surgery

Bentley Richards baptism

Carson Clark baptism

Pastor Brenda Piper Installation at All Saints Lutheran Church in Toledo

The election of our next Northwestern Ohio Synod Bishop

Betty Staib Family, upon her death

Pastor Daniel and the Beaudoin Family, upon his election as Bishop

The men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military

2. WITNESS/INVITING OTHERS - Do take the opportunity to invite others to join us

for summer worship on Sunday Mornings. Use our new summer invitation card, located in the Narthex. Pick up a few to hand out.

3. SERVING OTHERS

4. GENEROUS GIVING

Financial Giving as of May 31, 2016

General Fund Income (Year-to-Date)

Budget Actual Difference $168,650 $150,086 ($18,564)

Benevolence Fund (Year-to-Date)

Budget Actual Difference $12,401 $18,449 $6,048

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

If you or someone you know needs prayers, 25 volunteers on the

Phone Prayer Chain are ready to pray for the needs of others. Contact 419-874-8175.




5. WEEKLY WORSHIP

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

9:30 a.m. Joint Fellowship between services 10:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 3:00 p.m. Quiet Communion (1st Sunday of the month)

Go to www.ustream.tv/channel/stjohns-stonyridge for a live broadcast of our Sunday morning worship services. To protect the privacy of our members, the services are broadcast with

audio only, except for the Gospel reading and sermon, when the video is turned on. Expect ads to pop up, since our webcast subscription is free. Sermons are recorded and saved on the site for 30 days.

6. DAILY BIBLE READING2016 Daily Bible Reading Schedule. See the light blue sheets next to the Prayer Desk in the Narthex. During the summer we will be reading through the Sermon on the Mount, which is recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapters 5-7. Take a moment each day to read and reflect on God's Holy Word.

June 1 Matthew 5:1-2 June 2 Matthew 5:3 June 3 Matthew 5:4 June 4 Matthew 5:5 June 5 Matthew 5:6 June 6 Matthew 5:7 June 7 Matthew 5:8 June 8 Matthew 5:9 June 9 Matthew 5:10 June 10 Matthew 5:11-12

June 11 Matthew 5:13 June 12 Matthew 5:14-16 June 13 Matthew 5:17-18 June 14 Matthew 5:19 June 15 Matthew 5:20 June 16 Matthew 5:21-22 June 17 Matthew 5:23-24 June 18 Matthew 5:25-26 June 19 Matthew 5:27-28 June 20 Matthew 5:29-30

June 21 Matthew 5:31-32 June 22 Matthew 5:33 June 23 Matthew 5:34-36 June 24 Matthew 5:37 June 25 Matthew 5:38-39 June 26 Matthew 5:40-42 June 27 Matthew 5:43-45 June 28 Matthew 5:46 June 29 Matthew 5:47 June 30 Matthew 5:48

July 1 Matthew 6:1 July 2 Matthew 6:2 July 3 Matthew 6:3 July 4 Matthew 6:4 July 5 Matthew 6:5 July 6 Matthew 6:6 July 7 Matthew 6:7 July 8 Matthew 6:8 July 9 Matthew 6:9 July 10 Matthew 6:10 July 11 Matthew 6:11

July 12 Matthew 6:12 July 13 Matthew 6:13 July 14 Matthew 6:14 July 15 Matthew 6:15 July 16 Matthew 6:16 July 17 Matthew 6:17 July 18 Matthew 6:18 July 19 Matthew 6:19 July 20 Matthew 6:20 July 21 Matthew 6:21 July 22 Matthew 6:22

July 23 Matthew 6:23 July 24 Matthew 6:24 July 25 Matthew 6:25 July 26 Matthew 6:26 July 27 Matthew 6:27 July 28 Matthew 6:28 July 29 Matthew 6:29 July 30 Matthew 6:30 July 31 Matthew 6:31

Worship Attendance May 1 281 May 8 287 ~ Mother’s Day May 15 366 ~ Confirmation Sunday May 22 316 ~ New Member Welcome

May 29 229 ~ Memorial Day Weekend

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/stjohns-stonyridge




PASTORAL ACTS

Baptisms Funerals Welcome New Members Joseph James Budke on 4/10/16 Patrick Carr on 4/19/16 Doug Bolfa, Veronica Chalfin, Bentley Jaxon Richards on 5/22/16 Sandy Minarik on 4/29/16 Phil & Mary Catherine Caron, Carson Matthew Clark on 5/22/16 Betty J. Tompkins on 5/7/16 Margaret Haar, Rilee Nissen,

Betty Staib on 5/24/16 Megan, Andy, & Mason Rice, Dayna Ryan, Tom & Judy Sevits,

Jeff & Nancy Wellman

MEMORIALS in Honor of 50th Wedding Anniversary of

Larry & Becky Warns

Jane and Jerry Ahrens

in Loving Memory of Patrick Carr Marilyn Wauford

Sandy Minarik Ed Brough

St. John’s WELCA Howard & Phyllis Bookenberger

Ruth Minning Eleanor Richards LaRue Reitzel Luther Henline Loretta Bruns Sue & Brad Deal Ella Freeman Thelma Schaller Ethel Gilsdorf

Hazel Deiebel Larry & Becky Warns Marian Welling Gary & Dianne Welling Mr. & Mrs. John Whiteside Anna Louise Witker Janet Witker Ruth Marie Witker Kinley

Dan & Irma Byrnes Mark & Linda Ault & sons Jim & Sue Ault Ken Gilsdorf Dick & Betty Bahnsen Sharon & Ted Bitter Marilyn Goeckerman Mary Jane Reitzel & family

Helyn & Chuck Kurfess Mike Sibbersen Bob & June Sibbersen Ronald & Kathleen Holzman St. John’s WELCA

Betty Staib Gregory and Linda Boltman Anita Butler Eileen Mahaney Sharon and Ted Bitter Louise Warns Schwartz Fred Sullivan Jase and Kristen Sweede Jon, Joan, and Jane Staib St. John’s WELCA Judy Remele Ed Brough Matthew & Monica Schober

Jeff and Nancy Wellman Tim and Patti Bihn Janis E. Sheldrick Pastor Jim and Chris Budke Kathy Storch Stephen and Joan Swartz Joe and Nancy Nycz Bill and Judy Trombly Sandy Welling-Miller Larry and Becky Warns Ken and Sharon Swartz Leann and Bruce Peiffer

Bob and Jane Sibbersen Thelma Schaller Gordon and Kathy Moore Ruth Powell Anita Nietz Fred Brinker David and Linda Polzin Shirley Johnson Richard Hoodlebrink Rick, Lynda, & Michael Lees Tom and Denice Huth Barbara Hersch

Clarence and Maxine Haas Bob Johnson Marilyn Goeckerman Ella Freeman Dave and Linda Bockbrader Myrl and Sheri Bretz Howard & Phyl Bookenberger

Clyde & Susie Bame & family Lee and Ellie Staib Ronald & Kathleen Holzman Jerry and Jerri Reitzel




Members/Friends: Please help donate supplies for VBS by choosing a tag off of the

VBS board on Sunday morning. There are many supplies / items to choose from.

VBS is two weeks away!

Register on line TODAY at vbsstjohns.weebly.com

~ V.B.S. ~ The BRIGHTEST Week of the Summer! Come join your VBS friends ~ Olivia, Ray, Tad, Sal, Mawtha & Radar

At Cave Quest VBS, kids explore the rock-solid foundation of Jesus’ love. Cave Quest VBS is filled with incredible Bible-learning experiences kids see, hear,

touch, and even taste! SciencyFun Gizmos™, team-building games, cool Bible songs, and tasty treats are just a few of the standout activities that help faith flow into real life. We will also discover how to see evidence of God in everyday life - something we call

God Sightings. Get ready to hear that phrase a lot!

Cave Quest VBS will be June 20-24 from 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Toddler (potty-trained) through 5th grade (entering 5th)

WE NEED YOU ON OUR CREW! Every summer during our annual VBS, we are able to witness to 100 toddlers

through fifth-graders, sharing the amazing love God has for them. None of this would be possible without the help of our talented crew.

There are so many different ways that we need volunteers. Please prayerfully consider helping this year!

If you have never helped before, you will be amazed at how often the crew gets as much out of VBS as the kids attending.

If you would like to help, have any questions, or need more information, please contact the VBS Director, Rachelle Chaffee, at 419-376-1757 or [email protected]

Register to volunteer on line TODAY!

Register your kids TODAY!

Go to vbsstjohns.weebly.com

mailto:[email protected]




at St. John’s was on May 15.

Pictured in front row: Alexandra, Payton, Taylor, Kendra

Middle row: Bailey, Hannah, Libby

Back row: Pastor Daniel, Austin, Cole, Emily

Below you will find the Confirmands’ Bible verses that they chose.

Hannah Mae Beaudoin Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle

quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4

Emily Kay Cajka “I will never leave you nor forsake you. The Lord is my helper. I will not be afraid.” Hebrews 13:5-6

Elizabeth “Libby” Lauren Dix Do not remember the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to Your love remember me,

for You, LORD, are good. Psalm 25:7

Kendra Nicole Hagg For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, nor the present nor the

future, nor any powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Taylor McKenzie Hannan Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

Bailey Jean Henry All things work together for good for those who love God. Romans 8:28

Austin James Kieper My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me and I give them eternal life, and they

shall never perish, no one shall pluck them out of My hand. John 10:27-28

Cole Michael Pawlowski “Blessed are they that do His commandments, they may have right to the tree of life and may enter in

through the gates of the city.” Revelation 22:14

Payton Aaron Schroyer Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the

Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15

Alexandra Aubrey Strauss Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Confirmation Teaching Team: Pastor Daniel Beaudoin, Rachel Beaudoin, Diane Boelkens, Christi Kieper, Amy Schroyer




2016 High School Graduates

Lindsay Boelkens Graduated from Lake High School, attending Bowling Green State University,

majoring in Social Work & minor in Spanish

Kristen Deal Graduated from Lake High School, attending The Ohio State University,

majoring in Nursing

Tessa Linke Graduated from Woodmore High School, attending Owens Community College,

majoring in Nursing

Alex Reitz Graduated from Rossford High School, attending The University of Toledo,

majoring in Information Technology

Megan Pustay Graduated from Eastwood High School, attending The University of Findlay,

majoring in Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Megan Rolf Graduated from Eastwood High School, attending Mercy College,

majoring in Nursing

Heather Schaller Graduated from Rossford High School, attending Bowling Green State

University, majoring in Health Care Administration or Accounting

Taylor Schuller Graduated from Perrysburg High School, attending Wright State,

majoring in Material Science and Engineering

Alexis Waclawski Graduated from Rossford High School, attending Bowling Green State University,

majoring in Criminal Justice




2016 College Graduates

Veronica Chalfin The Ohio State University, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, plans to teach

Emily Elston Bowling Green State University, Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development

& Family Studies, she will continue on to Graduate School at The University of Toledo

Morgan Murphy Spring Arbor University, Bachelor of Social Work Degree

Accepted a seat in the Masters of Social Work Program at SAU

Ali Okenka

Bowling Green State University, Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies, she will become a Certified Family Life Educator

Alyssa Waclawski Spring Arbor University, Special Education Degree, she will complete her student

teaching in the fall

Nick Waclawski Lourdes University, Master of Organizational Leadership,

he is the Operations Manager of John Paul Jones Arena (basketball) at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA

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Pastor Jim Budke’s Retirement & Farewell Celebration

On Sunday, July 3, please join us as we celebrate Pastor Jim Budke’s

Retirement & Farwell at the 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. service.

A time of fellowship and appreciation will follow each worship service.




JUNE & JULY BIRTHDAYS (Those over 74 years young!)

June 30 Carolyn Warns 2755 Hemlock Drive, Toledo 43614

July 3 Marian Welling 4293 Moline-Martin Rd., Millbury 43447

July 8 Geraldine Levorchick P.O. Box 272, Stony Ridge 43463

July 9 Natalie St. Arnaud P.O. Box 284, Stony Ridge 43463

July 21 Mary Lou Welling 24526 Stony Ridge Rd., Perrysburg 43551

July 24 Donna Rolf 5392 Fremont Pike, Perrysburg 43551

July 24 Edna Stebbins 605 Marilyn Dr., Rossford 43460

July 26 Mary Anna Cochrane P.O. Box 338, Lemoyne 43441

July 28 Stephen Levorchick P.O. Box 272, Stony Ridge 43463

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FELLOWSHIP

Men's Breakfast

Men's Breakfast at Panera on Rt. 20 in Perrysburg from 7:30-9:00 a.m. will be on Saturday, June 4, and Saturday, July 9. All men are invited.

Pairs and Spares

In June, Pairs and Spares are taking a road trip to Pemberville to tour Alpaca Farm on Saturday, June 11. The owner will give a talk on the Alpacas. Lunch will be in Luckey. We will be leaving the Church at 10:30 a.m. Please let Pastor Jim (419-341-0397) or Shirley Johnson (419-874-7234) know if you are going with us by June 9. In July, Pairs and Spares are taking a road trip to Port Clinton to tour the Liberty Aviation Museum on Saturday, July 9. The Museum is about World War II aviation. Lunch will be in Port Clinton. We will be leaving the Church at 10 a.m. Please let Shirley Johnson (419-874-7234) know if you are going with us by July 7.

Church Council

There will be a Special Church Council meeting on Wednesday, June 8, at 7 p.m. The Church Council Cookout will be in the shelter house on Tuesday, July 19, at 6:00 p.m. At 7:15 p.m. we will have Devotions and Communion in the shelter house and at 7:30 p.m. the Church Council Meeting will begin.

St. John’s Church Council has appointed a six-member Transition Team

to help guide the congregation through Pastor Daniel’s departure

and the beginning of an interim time of ministry. This team will meet

weekly through June and July to facilitate a smooth transition into the

future. St. John’s is blessed with a great group of leaders.

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SOCIAL MINISTRIES Sunday Specials for June & July

Shared Bounty is collecting dish soap and school supplies

Food Pantry is collecting cereal and individual snack bag items

Please place in the bin in the coatroom. Thanks in advance for your support! ~ The Food Pantry is currently serving 149 families. ~

Shared Bounty will be collecting school supplies during the month of July to distribute to

the children. THANK YOU in advance for your donations. We couldn’t do it without your help! These are the items that we are requesting to fill the bags:

Pencils crayons black pens glue sticks

white glue markers scissors erasers (large)

2-pocket folders colored pencils rulers spiral notebooks

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CHRISTIAN LEARNING Christian Learning Coordinator

POSITION OPEN: Part-time Christian Learning Coordinator position with flexible hours of approximately 120 hours per month. Complete job description available in the church office or by email request to [email protected]. Email or send letter of application/resume to [email protected] or mail to: St. John’s Lutheran Church, ATTN: Church Administrator, PO Box 279 (5520 Fremont Pike), Stony Ridge, OH 43463.

Catechism Camp We will be attending camp at Lake Luther Bible Camp in Angola, Indiana, from

Sunday, June 12, to Friday, June 17. We will depart on Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. and will return home on Friday afternoon.

VBS Donations Thanks to all who have volunteered to donate food for VBS! Your generosity is greatly appreciated. There are still tags on the donation board if you would like to donate. Please drop off all decorating items in the box in the Narthex and drop off all food items in the kitchen on or before Friday, June 17. Thank you!

THANK YOU to Doris & Glen Welling for organizing the May blood drive for the American Red Cross. Also thank you to everyone that helped set up/take down & baked cookies.

THANK YOU St. John’s, for your generous donation of $283 for the Redeemer Collection on May 22. Thank you so much!

pencil sharpeners (those that catch the shavings)






Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America

THE BIBLE STUDY FOR JUNE is entitled “Keep on keeping on,” found in the April issue of Gather magazine. The theme verse is: Philippians 4:4-23.This is the last session on Philippians and will explore ways Paul encourages Christians to live their lives and depend on God. The Study will begin at 1:30 in the Lounge on Wed., June 8. All are welcome.

COMFORTERS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF will be tied on Thursday, June 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 in the Parish House. Enjoy the fellowship while working on a worthwhile project.

A REGION 6 SPIRITUAL GATHERING will be held June 17-18 at the French Quarter in Perrysburg. The theme is: “Dancing with God,” based on Jeremiah 31:4: “I will build you up again and you will be rebuilt O’ Virgin Israel. And again you will take up your tambourines and go out and dance with the joyful.” If you are interested, please see Sandra Diefenthaler or Ruth Powell for details.

DATES TO REMEMBER IN JUNE: Thursday, June 2 – Tie Comforters Wednesday, June 8 – Bible Study (Rebekah Circle) Friday & Saturday, June 17-18 – Spiritual Gathering For Christian Women

PRAY FOR SPECIAL CONCERNS EVERY MONDAY AT NOON. Pray for all the graduates that God would guide them in the choices they must make.

FOR JULY, THE BIBLE STUDY is “Mary and Elizabeth – Sisters Across the Generations.” It appears in the May issue of Gather magazine. The theme verse is Luke1:26-56. This one-session study will begin at 1:30 in the Lounge on Wed., July 13. All are welcome.

COMFORTERS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF will be tied on Thursday, July 7, in the Parish House from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30. If you can tie a knot, you can do this!

DATES TO REMEMBER IN JULY: Thursday, July 7 – Tie Comforters Wednesday, July 13 – Bible Study (Rebekah Circle)

PRAY FOR SPECIAL CONCERNS EVERY MONDAY AT NOON. Pray for our country and for all those who are serving in the armed forces.




LIBRARY NEWS for June/July

Explore the church library this summer and find books, music CD's and DVD's for the whole family.

Two new music CDs: How Can It Be by Lauren Daigle Welcome to the New by Mercy Me

Check out our Videos: Tim Tebow On a Mission 100 Sing Along Bible Songs for Kids

For the adults to enjoy: Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy Hoffman Illustrated Bible Handbook Coffee Break with God - Freeman Concepts, Inc. Woodlawn by Todd Geralds with Mark Schlabach 50 People Every Christian Should Know by Warren W. Wiersbe Yes God - The Adventures of First Time Missionaries by James D. Cowart Great for God - Missionaries Who Changed the World by David Shibley

For the kids to enjoy: The Tortilla Quilt by Jane Tenorio-Coscarelli The Tamale Quilt by Jane Tenorio-Coscarelli The Pinata Quilt by Jane Tenorio-Coscarelli Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids by Rob Elliott The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood The Berenstain Bears and Mama's New Job by Stan and Jan Berenstain

Alpha Pets books by Ruth Lerner Perle Monty See, Monty Do Ollie's Folly Perry's Not-So-Perfect Day Queenie's Secret Rupert to the Rescue Sylvester and the Sand Castle Take One Home Free Tina Tells the Truth Una Cheers Us Up Vinnie Takes a Bow Nelly That's Not Nice by Shirley Bogart

Stop in and find a book to enjoy this summer. The library is open when the church is open.

St. John's Library Committee recently completed the yearly inventory. There are many books and movies, from the adult and the children sections, that are missing. If you have borrowed any items without signing them out, please return them or let us know. We would like to update our catalog files. Thank you.




Two photos of our St. John’s congregation are included in this

newsletter. The pictures, taken after each service on April 17,

turned out great and we thought everyone should have a copy. Thank you to Ali Okenka for taking the photos.

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BABY CARE KITS

FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF Last fall our WELCA group sent 32 Baby Care Kits to Lutheran World Relief from St. John’s. A big "Thank You" to all who donated items. The need is great and we plan to do the project again this year. There is a box in the coatroom for donations. Gently used items (no stains or

tears) are welcome. The following is what is needed for each kit this year: 1. Two lightweight cotton T-shirts. (PLEASE - NO ONESIES WITH SNAPS IN THE CROTCH

2. Two long or short-sleeved gowns, sleepers WITHOUT FEET, or pajama tops & pants WITHOUT FEET.

3. Four cloth diapers (flat fold so mothers can fold them to fit the baby as it grows). 4. One jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt with a hood, or include a baby cap. 5. Two pairs of socks. 6. One hand towel, dark color recommended. 7. Two or three bath-size bars of gentle soap equaling 8 to 9 oz., any brand in original

wrapping. 8. Two diaper pins or large safety pins.

Sizes 6 months to 24 months may be used. Varying the sizes of the clothing within the kit makes it more useful as the baby grows.

(You may notice that blankets were not included in the above list. We have an inventory of quite a few receiving blankets from last year. But, we could use larger crib-sized blankets, afghans, or comforters up to 52” square.)

Questions? Call Ellie Schober (419) 837-5992

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THANK YOUS Thank you to Shared Bounty for serving during Sunday’s fellowship time in May. THANKS to all who brought in cookies & snacks. Cherub & Festival Choirs will be serving in June and our Educators will be serving in July.

Thank yous were received from the following: Lutheran Social Services, for the donation of $103.13 (4/20/16) & 62.68 (5/4/16) Lutheran Homes Society, for the donation of $235.13 (4/27/16) & $142.92 (5/5/16)

Dear Consecration Sunday Team, Thank you for the opportunity to be guest preacher this past Sunday, as well as the chance to speak with the gathered leadership of your congregation on the Sunday prior. I appreciate your generous honorarium (and two fine lunches!). As well as your warm welcome. May your good stewardship continue to bless (and change) you! --Serving in Grace, Jeannine

The family of Ruth Minning would like to thank all who were involved in Mom’s funeral. Thanks to Pastor Dan and Sharon Bitter for the wonderful service, to all others who helped, from the meal to the DVD recording of service, to prayers that were said for her and us. --Thank you, Bill Minning

Thank you for the scholarship. It will help a lot with my expenses at BGSU. Thanks, Alexis Waclawski

Your kind and thoughtful expression of sympathy is deeply appreciated and gratefully acknowledged. --The family of Michael Lang

Thank you to Pastor Dan and Pastor Jim for the hospital visits, prayers, and phone calls. Thank you to the congregation for the prayers and cards and to Howard and Phyllis Bookenberger for bringing flowers to the hospital. Bob is recovering at home. –Bob and Ruth Carstensen

I want to say thank you to our church, Pastors and people for their prayers and contribution to my daughter Karen Williams and family. Karen is strong and a fighter to keep going against this disease Sclerderma. She has more tests and surgery coming in June at the Cleveland Clinic. --Thank you, Betty Wolf

Pastor Dan and our St. John’s Family, We all want to thank you for the love, support, and prayers during the passing of our mother and wife, Sandy Minarik. The food was very good and the prayers were heard. Pastor Dan’s service was perfect and touched all our hearts. Another big thank you to Pastor Dan and Pastor Jim for the many visits to her at the home. –Walt Minarik, Kelly Leady, Mark Minarik

Dear Friends in Christ, Thank you for your gift of 3/31/16 for $569.25 for Redeemer. We are very grateful for your prayers and continuing support of our work, you are true partners in mission. Our after-school program is in its last few weeks and we are starting to gear up for the Summer Camp, which will be 8 weeks again under the direction of Leigh Ann Meinecke. We are so grateful for her. Please keep her in your prayers. Thank you again for your help. –The Redeemer Family

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Mark your Calendars for

Sunday, August 14 Helping Hands for Haiti at Grace United Methodist Church in Perrysburg

Monday - Wednesday, August 15-17 Congregational Bus Trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania

st. john’s lutheran church the voice newsletter page 1 ......2016/06/07 · hope lutheran church...

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