Side-by-Side Ministry

From Pastor Chris

October, 2013

sidebysideministry.com& friend us on facebook at John-Paul Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran and St. John Lutheran, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio
Our Vision: To be a vibrant, Spirit-filled people, participating in Gods work in the world. Our Mission: Loving God and loving neighbor, we witness to Christs saving grace, that others may believe and find life.

I can usually accept others just as they are, unconditionally, but not so with my own self. In the last week, after several decades of warfare, I resolved to stop beating myself up every day over my body and its imperfections. I found a real peace in accepting that this is the weight with which my body is comfortable. I finally admitted that losing 20 pounds would not make me look like I was in high school, nor was that necessary. It was like I lost 20 pounds of emotional weight very freeing. Accepting ones self allows joy to rush in! And then the mail arrived yesterday with Health magazine. The front page articles included: Slim for Life, Get a Superstar Body, Never Look Old, You-Happy and in Control Every Day. I went to check my email and was met with the Yahoo headline, Six Habits of the Thinnest Americans. The magazine went in the waste basket and with one click the Yahoo headline disappeared. The old me wanted to say, Look at all that is wrong with you that needs fixing, but the new me fought back and said, Remember the freedom and peace of being who you are without regret. I believe that is the message of the Kingdom of God. Its not that we let go of taking care of our bodies, minds, or spirits. But it is about finding peace in the fact that what is really important the freedom and peace of being who we are in Christ allows us to live without regrets. When we truly understand the grace of the cross, even for a moment, it overwhelms us with peace and an enormous emotional weight is lifted. We can stop beating ourselves up every day over our soul and its imperfections. A new self arises that has the ability to throw away or click off the worlds expectations. So, I invite you to join me in the irrational thought that we are more than okay before God, that all the fixing that is really important is done for us through the forgiveness of the cross, the washing of our baptism, and the Spirit that lives in us. Because of Christ, God accepts us and loves us unconditionally. God invites us to stop beating ourselves up to love ourselves and each other with no regrets. That is where we can find freedom and peace for all our days.

Galatians 5:1 - For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
Also from Pastor Chris What a blessing God has sent us all in our first intern, Aaron Baughman. It has only been a few weeks, and the positive impact of his life and Spirit among us is already apparent. Thank you to our congregations for your part in hearing Gods call and answering with such support and enthusiasm!

******************

From Pastor (Vicar) Aaron

I want to send a thank you to everyone for the warm welcomes that I have received over the past few weeks. They have helped me feel at home here on the peninsula. I also wanted to thank everyone who made my first Sunday at St. John and St. Paul a special and memorable experience. I would especially like to thank the internship committee that worked so hard to get me here. I look forward to the days ahead, and am excited to learn and grow with both congregations. Quick update on my wife, Sunny: She is enjoying her internship at the Carolina Raptor Center in Charlotte, NC. She has also just taken on two more jobs! She is now working as a math and science tutor and working on the weekend at an indoor trampoline center.

Special Events
Ham Loaf Sale
Saturday, October 19, Pick-up 10 a.m. noon, St. John Parish Hall
Ham Loaves will be made on Saturday, October 19, 2013 in the Parish Hall. We will begin at 8 am. Ham loaves will be available at 10-noon that day. Each package of four individual loaves is $7.00. Place your order now! Please call Myra (419-798-5101) or Linda (419-732-9977) to place your order. Volunteers needed!!!

Community Halloween Party

Wednesday, October 23rd, 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
Invite neighbors and friends, all ages, to wear their costumes and join us for the festivities. There will be plenty of food and fun to go around. Our youth group has sponsored this event with friends for many years. Your help is needed for bringing treats, desserts, and prizes, and for helping with games. Treat bag donations may be brought to either church office by Sunday, October 20th. Call Ruth Scott if you have questions, and watch for the sign-up poster at St. Paul in the near future.

5 Bible & Discipleship Studies

The Story Whole Church Book Study
Didnt get a copy of the book? You can read along in your Bible see attached schedule and scripture texts Please read along with us, one chapter each week for 31 weeks
10/6 -- Chapter 24 No Ordinary Man (Jesus) 10/20 Chapter 26 The Hour of Darkness (Jesus) 10/13 Chapter 25 Jesus, the Son of God (Jesus) 10/27 Chapter 27 The Resurrection of Jesus (Easter)

Sunday Morning 9:00 Bible Study continues their study of The Story. Please join Roland Berhent in the
exploration and discussion. Coffee provided. Mens Breakfast & Bible Study 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 7:30 a.m., 10/5 at St. Paul & 10/19 at St. John Womens Bible Studies (WELCA- Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) All women are invited to participate. St. John Women usually meet on second Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. (Oct. 9) St. Paul WELCA will meet 3rd Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. (Oct. 17) Weekly Wednesday Bible Study , 11:00 at St. Paul. Currently we are studying The Names of God. We are looking at new topics. New topics will be announced the end of September. For more info call Sandra Reep at 419.732.7846 The Lee-Smith-Stellhorn home Bible study has started a study of 1st Corinthians. Ask one of us when our next meeting is all are welcome to join this walk through this letter of Paul. Contacts are: 419.341.9811 (Paul Lee) and 419.341.9144 (Patrice Lee)

Serving Others
Blessing Cup Teams are in need of additional visitors beginning the first week of October. Visitors go in small groups to (ideally) 2-4 homes every other month. They travel in larger groups to more visits for Christmas and Easter. Please contact Marge Bridgett if you would like to be part of this important ministry! (419.798.8816).

Quilt Raffle - See the beautiful quilt made by Diane Wadsworth as a gift of love to raise money for the funding of our intern. It will be on display at St. Paul and at various community functions. Congregational members are invited to each take an envelope of tickets to sell. A drawing will be held on November 20, 2013. Celebration Chorus practices at 7:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at St. Paul. Come all are welcome! Food Pantry St. John is to bring laundry detergent - St. Paul is to macaroni and cheese. Next Food Pantry is October 19th. Lutheran World Relief Projects WELCA is asked to macaroni and cheese, bath sized bar soap, and 8 x 1070 sheet ruled tablet. Council Meetings Joint Council Night is Thursday, October 17th at St. John. Joint Parish Board is 5:45 p.m.; all 3 council worship (and reports from Pastor and Joint Parish Board) is at 6:45 p.m., mtgs. at 7:00 p.m. Internship Committee Next meeting is October 13 after Worship at St. Paul. Prayer Chain If you have someone to put on the prayer chain or would like to be one of the prayers, you may call Joan Harris at 419.734.3971 or 419.341.6373 for St. Pauls prayer chain. The St. John prayer chain contact is Myra Prokop at 419.798.5101. God promises that our prayers are heard! Prayer Shaw Ministry Prayer shawl ministry is meeting on Wednesdays at 10:00. We are working on hats, scarves and wrist warms for the Giving Tree. We are still in need of all white (Baby should be about 60 long) and red, white & blue shawls. Contact Sandra Reep at 419.732.7846 for patterns and yarn. PSM will take any donations of yarn, hooks, and needles. Mission Sundays for Northwest Ohio Synod The third Sunday of each month is Mission Sunday and an offering basket is set out for donations to assist the ministries of our Synod, which includeTrinity Lutheran Seminary, Lutheran Outdoor Ministry of Ohio, Lutheran Disaster Relief, Global Mission, ELCA World Hunger and others. Noisy Offering October 13th, our noisy offering will be for Bread for the World, a mission that seeks to end hunger in the world, and is an ELCA-endorsed organization. We add our voices to the call for an end to hunger. SNAP Ministries (Supporting Native African Pastors) If you would like to help with a donation to Pastor Claude and the African Pastors, the needs are always great rent for learning center building, 100 cds for printing courses for students, ink and paper for their printer to print class syllabus, a desk, and travel expenses to Ngambe Tikar mission. If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation, please make your check out to SNAP and send to SNAP Ministries c/o Sara Tanner, 646 Barker Rd., Fremont, Ohio 43420 Volunteer Opportunities Current contact information is attached for a variety of ways to serve.

Building Friendships
Youre Not Alone Ever have questions about faith, feel alone in your struggles, and want to have a closer relationship with God? Pastor Chris and Steve Hosko invite you, especially young adult singles, to continue the exploration of The Tough Questions of Faith. Saturdays, 5-6 p.m. at St. Paul By Still Waters Care for the Caregiver will meet on Tuesday, October 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Jerry and Jo Meyer, 243 Elizabeth Drive. If you are a caregiver of another (or one who wants to offer support), we went to create a safe place for you to come and take a break by still waters. Contact Kay Tibbels at 419.656.5093 if you have questions. Not Older, Just Better - On Monday, September 30, the group meets at Terrys Tavern, and on Monday, October 14th the group will meet at the Peninsula Restaurant. Call Marge at 419.798.8816 if you need a ride. Tuesdays at the Danbury Senior Center Come Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. Call in your reservation to Paula by the Friday before at 419.798.4101. Picture Directory Updates One of our goals is to keep updating this directory with contact information on new members and changes or corrections on existing members. It is so important that you report any change in the present information to Margaret Stellhorn at St. John or Louise Rogers at St. Paul.

Youth News
Youth Leaders Many thanks to our youth for taking leadership positions this year. Ryan Chapman is our youth leader, Heather Lambert is our Assistant Youth Leader. Seth French was voted to be the first youth to serve on St. Paul Council. Other youth leaders include: Hannah Polanco, Sarah Bossetti, Erik Wadsworth fund-raising; Brandon Mooney, Ryan Chapman, Devon Grosswiler Recreation; John Rhodes, Haley Doski, and Justin Tibbels Service and Outreach; Mason French, Heather Lambert Spiritual growth. Thank you to our adult leaders- Chrissy French, Rebecca Dress and Pastor Aaron. Another thank you to our confirmation parents for providing a meal every Wednesday night for our youth.

Thank you
Side by Side Youth
(formerly known as DYO)
Wed., Oct. 2 Sun. Oct. 6 Wed., Oct. 9, 16 Wed. Oct. 23 Wed. Oct 30 7:00 p.m., at St. Paul 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Hike and geo-cashing, leave from St. Paul after church 7:00 p.m., Prep for Halloween Party 6:00 7:30 p.m., Community Halloween Party 7:00 p.m. at Pastor Aarons (134 Elizabeth Drive) game night

Join us Wednesday nights at 7:00 pm for games, activities, and food! Each week we will start off with games, followed by a short devotion followed by an activity that will benefit our community. Then wrap up with a snack. The first Sunday of each month we will go on an outing. This month, on Wednesday, Oct. 6, we will be going for a hike and geo-cashing! A picnic lunch will be provided. We will leave from St. Pauls directly after service and return to the church around 3:00pm. We hope to see you here! This year the youth group will start having Wednesday meetings once a month at a congregation members home. This month we will be at Pastor Aarons on October 30th for a Game Night. If you would like to host a Wednesday night for the youth to come to your home please let us know. We will provide games and a devotion, all you need to do is provide an activity and a snack! Halloween Party For the next few weeks we will be gearing up for the Halloween Party! This year the Party will be on October 23. We will need lots of extra help from youth and adults this year as we plan on having more youth than ever before. If you would like to help out please contact Ruth Scott at 419-3413288. Looking forward to an extra spooky night this year! SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT SIDE BY SIDE YOUTH! For more information please contact Chrissy French (419-341-4653), Rebecca Dress (419-635-5059), or Pastor Aaron (614-746-5119, aaronroyle@gmail.com

Miscellaneous
Thrivent Members Need help designating Thrivent Choice Dollars? If you have any Thrivent Financial for Lutherans products and you want to direct any choice dollars that you have available, you must contact them quarterly now. A one-time designation doesnt work anymore. * Call 1-800-847-4836 * When prompted, say Thrivent Choice. * When prompted again, say Choice Dollars. * A representative can process your request to direct Choice Dollars. Changes take effect quarterly, April 15, July 15, October 15 & Feb. 1, 2014. St. Paul and St. John are eligible to receive your Choice Dollars.

November 3, 2003 is Daylight Savings Time

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger

August 2013 budget highlights: General Funds Restricted Funds General Fund incoming General Fund outgoing Restricted Funds incoming Restricted Funds outgoing $ 8,246.02 12,437.17 1,707.39 1,666.00

St. Paul Council Highlights of September 12, 2013 Meeting

The Proposal to create a Joint Internship Fund account to facilitate payment of internship fees, stipends, etc., has been set up. St. Paul is now a part of Lakeshore Network, a smaller branch of the North Central Conference. Treasurers General Fund report shows a balance of $29,666.10. Roof work has been completed and damaged ceiling tile in fellowship hall replaced by Carrara Construction. New gutters will be put up soon. A special congregational meeting is scheduled for the purpose of seeking approval for new windows in the parsonage and church basement. Sunday school will now meet every Sunday. Confirmation classes for 7 & 8 graders will meet Wednesdays at 6 p.m. DYO meets on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Let us hold up in prayer: Barb Agne, Dick Arn, Mary Butchko, Jan Cieslak, Delta Cooley, Phyllis Dress, Jean Fatiga, Paul Flickinger, David Heinzl, Bill Hirt, Steve Hosko, Katie Lenner, David Mahler, Hillary Newman, Christine Priddy, Karen Ruth, Kathy Stine, Sarah Tanner, Gordon Wahlers, Brenda Young and Michael Young. We pray for all family and friends in the armed forces. We pray for all who stand in need of healing, hope, and forgiveness.

Attention All Women of the Church

October 3rd we will meet at 10:00 a.m. to assemble the Lutheran World Relief Kits. October 19th the St. John WELCA will be selling their ham loaves. Each package of 4 small loaves is $7. To order call Myra Prokop at 419-798-5101 or Linda Merckens at 419-732-9977 and state your name and number of packages you want. WELCA will meet on Thursday, October 17th at 1:00 PM. The study is In Good Company: Stories of Biblical Women. This month isHannah, a Promise Keeper. Bring your October Gather magazine. After the Bible study, we will have a brief business meeting followed by refreshments served by Shirley LaCumsky. You are invited! On October 21st at 2:00 pm the Women of the Church and anyone who would like to join us will go to Riverview to host the Bingo game. The Monthly Project contributions for October are: macaroni & cheese, bath sized bar soap, 8 x 10 ruled school tablet (70 sheets) Address changes: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Biers Sr., 1887 Marblewood Dr., Lakeside-Marblehead, OH 43440. Aaron & Sunny Baughman, 134 Elizabeth Dr., Lakeside-Marblehead, OH, 614-746-5119 Please put on your calendar Chicken Dinner at St. Paul on November 20th from 4 6:30 pm

If you drop your land line, change your phone number or address, PLEASE notify the church office. We dont want to lose you in the shuffle.
U.S. Flooding
Colorado REUTERS / Mark Leffingwell

The Situation:
After record-breaking September rains, flood waters are raging in Colorados front range. These floods have consumed parts of Colorado; damaging or destroying over 18,000 homes and businesses. Three ELCA church buildings have also been affected. Some areas continue to experience mudslides, damaged roads and downed power lines. Your help is needed to make a difference in the affected area.

Our Response:
We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. Through congregations, pastors and Lutheran-affiliated social ministries, we are working together to help serve those most affected. Lutheran Disaster Response is at work, assessing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the floods. Throughout the United States we are working hand-in-hand with ELCA synods and other ministry organizations that are experts at outreach in their communities. We know it will be a long road to recovery, and your gifts are needed to begin coordinating relief efforts.

What you can do:

Pray:
As the communities work to recover, please keep them and those who work on their behalf in prayer.

Give:
Your donation to Lutheran Disaster Response, designated for U.S. Flooding, will be used entirely (100 percent) to help families whose lives and livelihoods have been impacted by this disaster . Donations from people like you allow the ELCA to respond to those in need. Go to http://www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-

Action/Responding-to-the-World/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Disaster-Responses/Ongoing-Responses/USFlooding-2013.aspx or pick up a bulletin insert at church.

Service Opportunities and Contacts:

At St. Paul: Acolyte Shirley LaCumsky, Callie Kihlken Altar Guild Barb Batcha Building Matthew Seaman Cemetery Care Tim Mackey Chicken Dinner WELCA, Ruth Scott Chicken Barbeque Scott Family Childrens Sermons Pastor Chris Church Nursery Cindy Coles Coffee hour Louise Rogers (sign up easel) Council Tim Mackey Folding Bulletins Louise Rogers Greeters Louise Rogers Halloween Party Ruth Scott Hospitality Meals Barb Batcha, Shirley LaCumsky Lawn Mowers Steve Young Money Counters Shirley LaCumsky Musicians Louise Rogers, Laurel Berhent Newsletter Louise Rogers Outdoor Sign Steve Young Peach Festival WELCA, Diane Wadsworth Powerpoint Chrissy French Prayer Chain (phone) Joan Harris Prayer at Worship Dave Hirt Prayer Shawl s Betty Easton or Sandra Reep Puppet Ministry David Hirt Sunday School Ruth Scott Adults Roland Berhent Ushers Louise Rogers (sign up easel) Women (WELCA) Louise Rogers Worship Assistants Tim Mackey Joint Ministry Opportunities Bible study leaders Pastor Chris Blessing Cup Visitation Marge Bridgett Care for Caregivers Kay Tibbels Celebration Chorus Laurel Berhent Community Garden Dick Arn Confirmation Pastor Chris Danbury Food Pantry Jan Hirt Danbury Youth Org. Chrissy French, Rebecca Dress Dartball Steve Young Joint Parish Board Curt Laubner Joint Web Site Dalton Chapman Mens Bible Study Steve Young Joint Newsletter Deb Carmoney Not Older, Just Better Marge Bridgett Outreach Team Brenda Rettig Prayer at Worship Bill Smith VBS Chrissy French Wed. Bible Study Sandra Reep Worship Planning TeamPastor Chris Young Adult Singles Steve Hosko Please contact Pastor Chris about additions or changes At St. John: Altar Duty Workers Margaret Stellhorn Bible StudyLeaders Pastor Chris Building/Grounds Curt Laubner, Rocky DeWalt Bulletins Bill Smith, Anna Jean Povlick Coffee Hr. Hospitality Linda Merckens Council Curt Laubner Greeters, Readers Anna Jean Povlick Ham Loaves Linda Merckens, Myra Prokop Lawn Mowers Rocky DeWalt Musicians Pastor Chris, Fran Eckert Newsletter Anna Jean Povlick Outdoor Sign Steve Plottner Prayer Chain (phone) Myra Propkop Prayer Shawls Linda Merckens Ushers Anna Jean Povlick St. John Web Page Bill Smith Women (WELCA) Myra Prokop Dick & Rosemarie Arn Barb Batcha Laurel & Roland Berhent Marge Bridgett Deb Carmoney Cindy Coles Dalton Chapman Tammy & Terry Davis Rocky DeWalt Rebecca Dress Betty Easton Chrissy French Joan Harris David & Jan Hirt Steve Hosko Curt Laubner Shirley Lacumsky Tim Mackey Linda Merckens Anna Jean Povlick Myra Prokop Sandra Reep Brenda Rettig Louise Rogers Ruth Scott Matt Seaman Bill Smith Margaret Stellhorn Kay Tibbels Diane Wadsworth St. John St. Paul Pastor Chris Young Steve Young 740-229-1308 419-734-7282 419-734-9244 419-503-1261 419-606-7497 419-734-3798 419-656-7994 419-734-3652 419-798-2060 419-635-5059 419-732-0863 419-341-4653 419-734-3971 419-732-2703 419-341-1152 419-798-5791 419-734-1460 419-732-2700 419-732-9977 419-798-8011 419-798-5101 419-732-7846 419-732-8350 419-734-2893 419-734-4703 419-732-6615 419-798-5321 419-798-4946 419-656-5093 419-898-9610 419-798-4162 419-734-1662 419-635-6062 419-307-0366

St. Paul October Special Dates

Birthdays 1 2 3 4 5 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 18 19 20 25 26 Paul Hallier Denise Coles Cassidy Rhodes John Rhodes Marcia Clink Eugene Covey Jack Tibbels Perry Geller, Jr. Kassandra Oxendale David Owen Susan Smith Lisa Monak Tammy Bartzen Nathan Lowien Mia McDonald Jack Peters Kelsey Pepa John Christiansen Abram Sandvick Betty Hornbeck Luco Manuella Ruth Ann Henninger Jessica Mahler Betty Dubbert Lloyd Dayton Charleigh Steinbrick Wedding Anniversary 2 3 5 6 7 16 17 18 21 22 23 25 29 Perry & Debbie Geller Jennifer & Eric Ringeisen Tom & Stacey Manuella Richard & Karen McLaughlin Andrew & Hannah Turinsky Jennifer & Charles Wentze Vince & Nancy Adams Steven & Rachel Fannin Scott & Stephanie Bradbee Bill & Marian Hirt Doug & Cindy Waugh Charles & Melanie Hallier Eugene & Shawn Covey Joseph & Tammy Bartzen Tim & Debra White Jim & Marge Pahl Baptismal Anniversary 5 7 10 11 17 18 22 24 25 26 Mark Owen Addison Trang Coles Heather Lambert Douglas Waugh Lori Urban Tegan Allison Audrey Dayton Eugene Covey Ezekiel French Linda Guiher Lindsey Timmons Mark Sandvick Tim Stobie Kaitlyn Mackey

29

Birthdays Continued 28 Dalton Chapman 29 Morgan Scott Ralph Dubbert, Jr. 30 Betty Biers 31 Dave Hirt Carson Steinbrick Deb Carmoney

Stacey Manuella
Laura Smucker

St. Paul October Special Ministries

Greeters Lectors Ushers Oct. 6 Laurel Berhent Helen Stines Shirley LaCumsky Charles Scott Coni Limpert Devon Groswiler Nate Ahrens Oct. 13 Joan Harris Shirley LaCumsky Sandy Reep Jim Warren Dee Warren John Rhodes Cassidy Rhodes Oct. 20 Linda Dubbert Laurel Berhent Shirley LaCumsky Marge Bridgett Sharon Allen Hayley Doski Nick Bossetti Oct. 27 Mary Sennich Helen Stines Jack Easton Betty Kovach Jerry Meyer Brandon Mooney Lexi Mitchell Congregation Lunch

Acolytes

Hospitality Bulletins Steeple (Lighting) Ginny Kihlken Sandy Reep Ginny Kihlken Perpetual (Light) Sandy Reep Flowers Sandy Reep in memory of Gary Assisting Minister and Communion Helper Matt Seamon, Tammy Davis Altar Guild Barb Batcha, Linda Goff Counters Shirley LaCumsky, Deb White

Laurel Berhent