Volume 32 Issue 2
February
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
(The eighth commandment)
ST. JOHN NEWS
S T. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
What is this? What does this mean?
It may seem like there is a simple answer to this question, but do you know all of
your ten commandments? Do you know how they really tell encourage us to live?
For example, this eighth commandment means “We are to fear and love God, so
that we do not tell lies about our neighbors, betray or slander them, or destroy their
reputations. Instead we are to come to their defense, speak well of them, and interpret everything they do in the best possible light (Martin Luther’s Small Catechism).
Somehow this commandment always surprises me. I figure that it’s fairly easy
not to lie about our neighbors, or sometimes even to refrain from speaking poorly
about them. But this commandment means so much more! We are called to interpret what people do in the best possible light. So when someone cuts us off in
traffic, perhaps we are called to think they must have an emergency and to give
them a little extra room. When someone seems to be in a bad mood, maybe we
should pray that their day improve.
Over the next few months, we will spend time reading through the catechism,
praying, and studying Scripture. It is my hope that as we go back to the basics of
our faith, we are able to go a little deeper than some of us did when we were back
in middle school. It won’t be about memorization, but it will be about our relationship with our loving Lord.
I have confidence that the Holy Spirit will move through our gatherings and
help us hear Scripture in new ways. Hopefully we will also see how these commandments, the sacraments (Holy Communion and Baptism), the Apostles’ Creed,
and the Lord’s prayer still have meaning for us wherever we are on our faith journeys. Also, this seems especially fitting as we get ready to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation!
Will you please join us? The gatherings won’t be the same without you! Come
with your questions, your hopes, or even your memories of exploring the Catechism before. We will meet at Barry’s Bagels on Milan Road (behind Five Guys)
in their private room on Thursdays at 11 AM beginning January 26th. You are
welcome to bring lunch or to buy one there.
I can’t wait to explore the Bible and the Catechism with you!
Walking with you in Christ,
Pastor Stacy
Inside this issue:
Special points of interest:
Sisters in Faith
2
 First Quarter Ministry Team
Supper Club News
3
Poets Corner
3
FLAMe Highlights
4
 Birthdays and Anniversaries
 Weather Cancellations
 2017 Council Members/Team Leaders
Home Bible Reading
5
Message from Bishop Beaudoin
6
 February Ministry Leaders
 Souper Bowl
Calendar
7
 Lutheran Memorial Home Worship
Church Council and Team Leaders
We are blessed to have the following leaders in
place for 2017:
President:
VP:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Deacons:
Elders:
Trustees:
Ex-officio:
Bob Krawetzki
Ann Voight
Peg Kingsley
Colleen Shupe
Jerrie Krawetzki
Bonny Ambos
Paula Hoffman
Barry Laird
Jake Deehr
Ray Witt
Kevin Young
Jim Moore
Ministry Team Leaders:
Faith Life:
Paula Hoffman
Finance:
Peg Kingsley
Garden:
Jeff Justi
Property:
Jeff Justi
Worship:
Sandy Thompson
Special thanks also to Lori Stacy, Dale Osbun, Jeff
Justi who have completed their service on Council.
Your Prayers Needed
Prayer is one of the most beautiful and meaningful
gifts we can offer one another. Occasionally there
are folks in this congregation, or friends or relative
of members, in need of prayer for various reasons.
Your prayers are needed for:
Patty Stelzer—daughter of Paul and Phyllis Stengel undergoing cancer treatments.
Sharen Smith—diagnosed with cancer
Barbara Vance—diagnosed with cancer
Paul Stark—in need of our prayers as he deals
with cancer.
Bob Staley—neighbor of Vicki & Don Johnson,
diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Larry Schlessman—Acute rehabilitation Cleveland after heart procedure. Address:
Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital
33355 Health Campus Blvd.
Avon, OH 44011
440-937-1157
VO L U M E 3 2 I SS U E 2
Lenten News
The season of Lent begins with
Ash Wednesday, March 1st with
the “Imposition of Ashes.”
Wednesdays in Lent
will include a soup
supper at 6:00 pm. Followed by worship at 7:00 pm. A sign-up list is on
the Welcome Table to provide food
for soup suppers. Plan to join us for
this special time of worship, food,
and fellowship!
Sisters in Faith
the Baaske and Neate families in grieving
the loss of Joyce Baaske and Ann Neate
faithful members of St. John’s.
We join
Joyce passed away on January 19, 2017
and the funeral took place on Tuesday,
January 24th.
Ann Neate passed away on January 22nd
funeral held on Friday, January 27, 2017.
Please keep these families and friends in
your prayers during these difficult days.
ST. JOHN’S HOMEBOUND MEMBERS
Ruth Bruns: Lutheran Memorial Home, Sandusky
June Gorga: At home, Sandusky. (Mother of Nancy
Osbun - Recently relocated to Sandusky)
Jean Hlavin: Parkvue Place, Sandusky (Pastor Bill's
mother)
Rachel Kaliszewski: Gaymont Nursing Home, Norwalk (Renee Barkhimer's mother)
Wayne Knupke: at Admiral’s Point, Huron
Ruth Knupke: At home, Huron
Ann Neate: At home, Sandusky
Lois Oltman: At Parkvue Place
Margaret Ommert: At home, Huron
Joan Zorn: Portland House, Sandusky
Addresses and contact information may be found in
the congregational directory unless they reside in a
nursing home. Thanks for caring!
Page 2
R
i
Supper Club News
Our next Supper Club will be on Thursday, February 23rd at
6:00 pm at the Brick Oven Bistro on Cleveland Rd. They offer a
wide variety of salads, appetizers, sandwiches, calzones and pizzas all of which are very tasty! Join us for fellowship, fun and food on a winter evening. It
doesn’t get any better! The sign-up sheet is on
the Welcome Table. Kathy Strayer
Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission
Sunday, February 12: St. John’s 6 pm all FLAMe
Pastors and Church Council members are invited to a FLAMe
meeting.
Lutheran Memorial Home Worship
Your help is needed!
On Sunday, February 19th at 2:00 pm, St. John's
will be sponsoring worship at Genacross Lutheran
Services (Lutheran Memorial Home). Your help is
needed to worship together with the residents of
the home.
Poet’s Corner
by Jerry Bauer
I Am Sends Me
"God said to Moses, "I am who I am.'"
Exodus 3;14
God speaks to Moses.
God speaks to me.
I am who I am.
I will be who I will be.
I will send, guide
and direct you to
accomplish my work,
what I call you to do.
From God I receive
voice to speak
and write
God's words,
courage and strength
to do God's work.
God speaks,
I hear,
I act.
Speak my Lord,
your servant
hears.
Spirit Fire
"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit
Weather Cancellations
It doesn't happen often that inclement weather causes us to cancel Sunday worship, but it is wise for us to be prepared just in
case. In the event the weather is frightful on a Sunday morning
and you have internet access, please check the church website
for the status of Sunday morning events. The web address
is http://www.stjohnlcsandusky.com/. Status will be posted
on the site by 8:00 am. Also, cancellations will be broadcast on
102.7 FM WCPZ and 96.1. If there is a level 2 or 3 snow emergency for Erie County, worship services and church events will
be cancelled.
If you get the word about a worship cancellation, please help us pass the word by calling
friends and relatives. The last thing we want
is someone needlessly braving dangerous
roads and then arriving to an icy parking lot
and an empty sanctuary.
VO L U M E 3 2 I SS U E 2
Dear St. John’s members,
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to attend the National
Conference for Sacred Music earlier this month.
It was a wonderful learning experience, and I had
a great time. A big thank you is owed to the committees and individuals who aided me every step
of the way in bookings, flights, and other conference details. Also, thank you to the Scheid family
for your donations for the conference! I feel so
honored by your generosity. Lastly, thank you to
ALL who gave donations, well wishes, and support for the conference. Your generosity and
kindness was truly appreciated. I am thankful to
be a part of such a loving and supportive church,
and again, thank you so much. I look forward to
improving our music ministry! Morgan Noon
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Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission
Grace, Castalia—St. John’s Union Corners—St. John’s, Bellevue—St. Paul, Sandusky
St. Peter, Norwalk—Trinity, Sandusky—Zion, Sandusky—Zion, Huron
Save the date of Saturday, October 7, 2017. FLAMe is a silver sponsor for the Opening Night of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra (FSO). The Orchestra will perform Mendelssohn’s Reformation Symphony. Make plans to join us as we
share our rich Lutheran musical heritage with the community. Opportunities to donate to this event will be released
soon. Bishop Beaudoin and his wife have been invited as our guests.
The FLAMe Board would like to publically thank outgoing President Barb Rohrbacher from Grace, Castalia for her multiple years as our faith-filled FLAMe leader. Barb was elected president in 2012 and prior to that served as vicepresident. Barb, thanks for your inspiration, commitment, vision, and leadership.
FLAMe is once again asking all of our Erie County congregations to set aside an offering on Sunday, March 19th for
“Pass the Plate” Sunday. This offering will support the Erie County Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels program. We ask
you to watch area news for additional activities which will include ride-alongs, a rocking chair marathon, and a “dine to
donate” at Texas Road House.
Lutheran Schools Week is March 5th thru March 11th. Visit St. Peter, Norwalk as their Christian Day Nursery School
celebrates on March 6th and 7th at 7 P.M. with an Open House and Art Extravaganza.
Calling all FLAMe Pastors and Church Council members! Please attend a special meeting at St. John’s on Sunday, February 12th at 6:15 P.M. The Board needs your input on the FLAMe goals for 2017 and the adoption of our revised Rules
and Governance documents.
Check out our new FLAMe banner. Thanks to Dee Ridenour, St. Paul, for handling all arrangements.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FLAMe CHURCH NEWS:
NEW!!! Men in the Morning. The last Wednesday of every month this group meets at the Lunch Box in downtown
Sandusky for opportunities for spiritual growth.
Sunday, February 12: FLAMe Special Meeting, St. John’s 6:15 pm FLAMe Pastors and Church Council members are
invited .
Tuesday, February 14: Gencross Lutheran Services- Sandusky Campus, Valentine’s Day Waffles and bingo,
multipurpose room, 10 am. Come join in for delicious waffles, exciting bingo, and the opportunity to tour the
building.
Sunday, February 26: St. Paul’s, Sandusky Welcome Table 12-1:30.
Saturday March 18: Rocking Chair Marathon at Sandusky Mall for Erie County Senior Center.
Sunday, March 19: Pass the Plate Sunday for all Erie County Churches to support Meals on Wheels.
Tuesday, March 21: Texas Road House, Sandusky, Dine to Donate for Erie County Senior Center
Saturday, April 8: St. Paul, Sandusky,The Eastern Conference Women of the ELCA: Spring Gathering
Saturday, September 30: Faith Lutheran Church, Fremont, The Eastern Conference Women of the ELCA Fall Retreat
VO L U M E 3 2 I SS U E 2
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Mark
Wed. Feb. 1
Thurs. Feb. 2
Fri. Feb. 3
Sat. Feb. 4
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
The Preaching of John the Baptist
Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man
The Man with a Paralyzed Hand
The Parable of the Sower
Sun. Feb. 5
Mon. Feb. 6
Tues. Feb. 7
Wed. Feb. 8
Thurs. Feb. 9
Fri. Feb. 10
Sat. Feb. 11
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Jesus Heals a Man with Evil Spirits
Jesus is Rejected at Nazareth
The Teaching of the Ancestors
Jesus Feeds Four Thousand People
The Transfiguration
Jesus Teaches about Divorce
The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem
Sun. Feb. 12
Mon. Feb. 13
Tues. Feb. 14
Wed. Feb. 15
Thurs. Feb. 16
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
The Parable of the Tenants….
Jesus Speaks of the Destruction….
The Plot against Jesus
Jesus Before Pilate
The Resurrection
For a stark contrast in thinking we will finish the month of February reading
the Book of Ecclesiastes which contains the thoughts of “the philosopher
“who reflected deeply on how short and contradictory human life was with
its mysterious injustices and frustrations, and concluded that life is useless.
He could not understand the ways of God, who controls human destiny. Yet,
in spite of this, he advised people to work hard, and to enjoy the gifts of God
as much and as long as they could.
Ecclesiastes
Fri. Feb. 17
Sat. Feb. 18
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Life is Useless
continues the theme of uselessness
Sun. Feb. 19
Mon. Feb. 20
Tues. Feb. 21
Wed. Feb. 22
Thurs. Feb. 23
Fri. Feb. 24
Sat. Feb. 25
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
A Time For Everything
Injustice in the World
Don’ t make Rash Promises
more of the same thoughts
Thoughts about Life
Obey The King
The Wicked and the Righteous
Sun. Feb. 26
Mon. Feb. 27
Tues. Feb. 28
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
More of his pondering
What a Wise Man does
Summing it up
Youth Team: We are starting a youth team! If you
are interested in family gatherings, youth events, Bible studies, and prayer, please let Pastor Stacy know.
There will be few meetings, but hopefully numerous
events. Please call or text Pastor Stacy at 419-6800358.
VO L U M E 3 2 I SS U E 2
Thank You St. John’s.
It has been and honor to
have
serviced my church Family
during the past eight years.
Linda and I will use the gift
cards at Long Horn Steak
House, one of her favorite
restaurants.
Friends of ours gave me a
card with this on it:
Through each passage and
every season, may you
trust the goodness of God.
Great words to live by.
Thank you each for making
my job the best I have ever
had.
Blessing
Jim
Page 5
Dear Friends in Christ,
As I look back I remember that there was always someone... There was always someone... living with us. My uncle,
aunt, and cousin, when my uncle lost his job at the Chrysler plant. My grandma, when her Alzheimer's was just starting. Our neighbor Karen and her 2 small children. Living with us, to escape an abusive and alcoholic husband.
A Message
from
BishopI can
Daniel
G. my
Beaudoin
Karen's 4-year-old daughter would wake
in the night
screaming.
still see
mom holding her close and walking her slowly back and forth in the front room. Telling her that she was safe and loved. Whispering in her ear that
everything would be all right.
When I was in high school Clayton Hendley moved in with us, because he had no place to live. Clayton was from the
east side of Detroit, and played basketball for the team my dad helped coach. Arguing over bedroom and bathroom
space helped us work through our racial and cultural differences. Growing up, I had 2 sisters, but Clayton became my
brother.
Looking back now, I realize that this is simply who mom and dad were and still are. This is how they lived out their
Christian faith. When some folks follow Jesus, they actually do what Jesus calls them to do. So, there was the faith
component.
And then there was the truth that dad's family did not come to America like they should have. They walked in from
French Canada to work in Upper Michigan's logging industry, and they stayed. They worked. They went to Mass.
They married. They had children and grand-children. But they were always near the border, and on the edge. Here,
but not fully here. Aliens and immigrants among us. I think that experience had a profound effect on dad, and caused
him to live his adult life with an open heart and an open home.
I am troubled. I am troubled by the words of God in Leviticus 19, "When an alien resides with you in your land, you
shall not oppress..." I am troubled by the words of Jesus in Matthew 25, "I was a stranger and you did not welcome
me..." I am troubled by what we are becoming... closed, angry, and fearful. This is not of Christ, and we are called by
the Holy Spirit to be better than this. I want to be my father's son, with an open heart and an open home. And I want
to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, with open eyes and open arms (which is what bearing the cross demands of us every
single time).
Maybe you'll join me:
1. In Prayer: pray for the leaders of our nation and for the immigrant and refugee.
2. In Scripture: read Leviticus 19:34-35; Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37.
3. In Study: read the 1997 ELCA Social Message on Immigration in a small group and talk through it.
4. In Conversation: gather in small groups to pray and to talk through your own learning and experience with immigration.
5. In Invitation: invite a recent immigrant to come and share their story with your small group. Simply listen. Ask
questions. Learn.
6. In Action: If you are aware of someone who is being adversely affected by new governmental policies, please do
what you can to help make their plight easier. And please, share your stories with me, for as brothers and sisters in
Christ, we are in this together. Together in the synod and in the world.
Let us pray, "Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is
faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I; for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. Let me
abide in your tent forever, find refuge under the shelter of your wings" (Psalm 61:1-4).
Bless you,
Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin
VO L U M E 3 2 I SS U E 2
Page 6
A F AMILY OF
D ISCIPLES ,
F AITHFULLY M AKING
C HRIST KNOWN
February 2017
SUN
MON
TUE
Ushers:
Feb.
5, 12, 26
Voights
WED
1
Choir
Practice
7:00 pm
Feb.19
Jim Semon
Sr
SAT
4
Good News
Amen
6:00 pm
7
Council
7:00 pm
8
Choir
7:00 pm
9 Bible Study 10
Barry Bagels
11 am Crossroads 3:306:00. Food to
church by
noon
Joy Time
6:00 pm at St.
Paul’s
11
12 Flowers:
14
Worship
Team
6:00 pm
15
Choir
7:00 pm
16
17
Bible Study
Barry Bagels11 am
18
19
Flowers:
Neate
family
Phone: 419-625-2192
E-mail:
[email protected]
2
3
Bible Study
Barry Bagels11 am
FRI
5 Flowers: 6
John &
Barbara
Wagner
FLAMe
Meets at
6:15 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church
106 Scheid Rd
Sandusky, Ohio 44870
THU
13
Quilting
Session
9:00 am
Book Study
6:00 pm
20
26 Flowers 27
Quilting
Session
9:00 am
21
22
Choir
7:00 pm
23
24
Bible Study
Barry Bagels11 am
25
28
Website:
www.stjohnlcsandusky.com
VO L U M E 3 2 I SS U E 2
Page 7
St. John’s Lutheran Church
106 Scheid Rd.
Sandusky, OH 44870
A Family of Disciples,
Faithfully Making
Christ Known
Sunday School 9:00 AM
Sunday Worship 10:30 AM
ADDRESS CHANGE REQUESTED
First Quarter Team
Birthdays
Feb. 3 —Andrew Davie
6 —Judy Miller
10 —Sally Kelley
10 —Ray Witt
13 —Kalynn Welch
February 5th
18 —Jean Cromley
Communion Glasses/Fellowship
David Voight
20 —Ashley Riley
March 1st-Ash Wednesday
22 —Cara Stacy, Lisa Chill
Lenten Soup Suppers setup each
23 —Sue Lucht
week.
25 —Kevin Young, Ted Call
26 —Randy Deehr
March 5th
27—Julie Deehr
Communion Glasses/Fellowship
Allison & Kevin Young
Judy & John Miller
Sandy & Chuck Thompson
Worship Leaders
LAY READERS
Feb. 5—Linda Miller-Moore
12—Jim Semon
19—Paula Hoffman
26—Kevin Young
COMMUNION ASSISTANT
Feb 5—Jim Semon, Sr.
19—Paula Hoffman
USHERS
Dave & Ann Voight
Feb. 5th, 12 & 26st
Jim Semon, Sr. Feb. 19th
Altar Flowers
Feb. 5—John & Barbara Wagner
12—
19—Neate family in memory
of Paul
26—
VO L U M E 3 2 I SS U E 2
The Souper Bowl is
Sunday February 5th!
Please
donate
your
loose
change.
Cash donations will
benefit Care and Share in
Sandusky. Thanks for playing in
the Souper Bowl.
Page 8