Side-by-Side Ministry

January, 2014

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.

From Pastor Chris

The New Year brings with it the hope of new beginnings. Maybe this year I will take better care of myself with exercise, a new diet, or this year I will visit my grandparents more often, or this year I will stick to my budget and get those credit cards paid off. New beginnings are especially important when we have messed up, done wrong, hurt another, or fallen away from our faith. Thats why Christ came, thats why we are so in need of hearing the good news of forgiveness and reconciliation with God, that is why our baptism is a daily repentance. Christ comes to make all things new including us everyday. So, go ahead and make those new years resolutions, pursue those new beginnings, offer forgiveness to others and to yourself todayand above all, find yourself made new in Christ.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 2 Corinthians 5:17

Christian Unity Sunday

Sunday, January 19, 4:00 p.m. Chapel on the Lake Once again, the Danbury Ministerial is sponsoring a Unity Sunday Gathering with Potluck. The clergy will bring the main dishes, and ask you to bring yourselves and a side dish or dessert. Pastor Aaron and Sunny will share resources and ideas for churches to work together in our call to care for Gods creation.

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, January 13th at St. Paul Call 1.800.733.2767 for an appointment.

Synod Assembly and Gathering

Something brand new! For families, youth groups, young adults, visitors of all ages, as well as voting members. Plan to come for a weekend filled with mission experiences, music, worship, fun, learning! May 15-18, 2013 at Kalahari Resort, Sandusky. Visit www.nwosgathering.com for detailed information and pricing

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Bible and Discipleship Studies

Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Many thanks to Roland Berhent for his years of teaching this class!! He will be handing the reigns over to others, beginning with Helen Steins in January at 9 a.m. All are welcome! 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 2:00 p.m. Next date is January 8th. St. Paul WELCA will meet 3rd Thurs. at 1:00. Next date is January 16. Anyone interested in meeting in the evenings instead of afternoons should contact Louise at the church office. A Weekly Wednesday Bible Study This Bible study group meets at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul. They will resume on January 8th.

God saw everything he had made, and indeed, it was very good. Genesis 1:31

Green Bible Study with Pastor Aaron

Starting this February, take a new look at the Bible that is creation focused. Come see what God is saying about our connection to the environment and its connection to us. Bring thoughts and opinions as we prayerfully explore the scripture. Please call Pastor Aaron if interested at 614-746-5119. The tree of Life forms the bookends of the Scriptures; trees, together with branches, vines, leaves, and bushes, punctuate a thousand passages in the Bible.

Building Friendships
Dartball See Newsletter Calendar By Still Waters, Care for the Caregiver January 14th, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Brenda Rettig, in Bass Haven. Call Brenda at 419.217.6205 for more details. Not Older, Just Better - This singles group will meet Monday, January 13, 11:30 a.m., Pizza Hut. Call Marge at 419-798-8816 if you have questions, or need a ride. Hospitality Lunch January 19th following Annual Meeting at St. Paul Tuesdays at the Danbury Senior Center Come Tuesdays at 5:00. Call in your reservation in 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. Youre Not Alone Will meet on January 7th at 5:00pm at St. Paul.

Building Friendships Continued

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Parenting: Early Years

Come and join us as we explore this, sometimes overwhelming, yet wonderful gift of parenting. It is the most important and rewarding calling you will ever have. St. Paul Lutheran Church, 541 Church Road, 6 sessions, Sundays at 11:30 a.m., beginning January 12th, Cost - $25 per person; $40 per couple (financial assistance available), Lunch served; Child Care/Activities will be provided To register, contact the church office, 419.734.1662, by December 31st Leaders include: Pastor Chris and Linda Waters, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Parenting: Early Years, Registration Form

Please register me/us for the 6 sessions beginning Sunday, January 12, at 11:30 at St. Paul. I understand lunch and activities for children is included. (Registration due by January 5th) Make checks to: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 541 Church Road, Lakeside Marblehead, Oh 43440

Adults Name(s) Childs Name(s) & age(s)______ Address __________________________________________________________________________ Phone ____________________Can you receive texts? _______E-mail ________________________ Fee is $25/person or $40/couple. Check enclosed____________ Payment later____________ Would like scholarship____________ The sessions are open to the community, so thank you for sharing this information! Questions or issues about parenting I would like the sessions to address (continue on back)

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S IDE BY S IDE Y OUTH

Confirmation Remember to come Sundays at 9:00 a.m., as well as Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m.!
(No class Jan. 1st)

Sunday School 9:00 every Sunday, Preschool through 6th grade. 7th & 8th grade meet in Sanctuary.
Senior High meets the first Sunday of each month in Pastors Office. Adults in the fellowship hall by the coffee.

SIDE BY SIDE YOUTH

Happy New Year! Starting this month I need youth to help me lead each week of SBS Youth! Each week we will plan for the following week of SBS Youth. So each participant in SBS Youth will have an important role to play each week! I have many new games to teach and fun activities to lead and now I need all of you to help me lead them! Pastor Aaron Be sure to join us for our outing this month to St. John in Port Clinton for a game and pizza night with the youth group from St. John! We will be meeting at the St. Paul at 4:30pm and be back by 8:00pm.

Confirmation Schedule
Wed. 1 No Confirmation New Years Day Sun. 5 No Confirmation Wed. 8 Serving Others Through Vocation Sun.12 Theology of the Cross Sun. 12 Pizza and Games St. Johns Port Clinton Wed. 15 Review Theology of the Cross Sun. 19 Connection with God through Prayer.

Side by Side Youth Schedule

Wed. 1 No SBS - New Years Day Wed. 8 Church Recycling Project Sun 12 Pizza and Games St. Johns Port Clinton Wed. 15 , 22 & 29 to be decided by youth

Contra (New England Folk) Dancing

Interested in seeing what contra dancing is all about? Try coming to a dance! Here are some dates for some nearby dances that Sunny and I might be attending this January. If youre interested please let me know! You would be welcome to carpool with us to the dance. - Pastor Aaron [email protected] 614-746-5119 Contra Dance Schedule Thursday, January 9, 2014, Peninsula, between Akron and Cleveland Band: Hu$hmoney; Friday, January 10, 2014, All Soles, Columbus Caller: Richard Ades; Band: Contraband (OH); Thursday, January 23, 2014, Peninsula, between Akron and Cleveland Band: Hu$hmoney; Saturday, January 25, 2014, Bowling Green, Caller: Mark Hillegonds; Band: Cottonwood Jam Friday, January 31, 2014, All Soles, Columbus Caller: Ryan Smith; Band: Contrarians

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Internship Update
What has Intern Aaron been doing? The Internship Committee is so pleased with Pastor Aarons involvement in St. John/St. Paul Churches and our community that we would like to share some of his activities with you. Worship/Proclamation/Preaching Participate in leading Weekly Worship, preaching once a month at Sunday Services Participate in the Advent worship planning meeting, will be responsible for all mid-week Advent Worship Beginning to sing the liturgy, has been practicing with Fran and Louise Conducting monthly worship service at Mission at the Bay Funeral/Baptisms/Weddings Participate in one baptism and one funeral Administration Proof the Sunday Power point and has done weekly power point about 3 or 4 times Maintain the Here we stand Confirmation Website Wrote the November newsletter devotion, and write the Side by side youth column. Updated the website Attend Church Meetings, St. Johns Council, St. Pauls Council, and Budget planning meetings Congregational Involvement Go out to lunch often with the womens Bible study, attend the Youre not alone young adult group Practices with and sings with church choir Attend dart ball every other week Community Participate in Danbury Ministerial Group Active scoutmaster in Scout Troop 33, attending weekly meetings every other week, including camping Youth Attend Confirmation on Wednesday evenings and teach confirmation about every other week Bowling with our youth group and Port Clinton Lutheran Church youth group as well as other youth group activities Help plan and run Side by Side Counseling/Calling Visits members who are shut in, nursing homes and hospitals on a regular basis Teaching Create a meditation workshop for congregation, first Thursday of the month (in future) Confirmation and youth group Lead Bible Study (3-6 week study) on stewardship of creation starting after the new year Church-at-Large Attend the Internship Cluster Retreat in MI, North West Ohio Lakeshore Mission Support Connectors Meeting and one Bishop meeting

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A Study of Meditation

Join us on the First Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul. Learn about a wide range of meditation practices from guided meditation to laughter yoga. Meditation is a way to help center your day around God and a great way to find relaxation in a busy day. For more information call Pastor Aaron at 614-746-5119 or [email protected].

Serving Others
Internship Team Meeting Thursday, January 9th, 4:45 pm at St. Paul Quarterly All-Council Night Thursday, January 9th at St. Paul; Joint Parish Board, 5:45 pm; All council worship, 6:45 pm; St. John and St. Paul Councils, 7:00 p.m. St. Paul Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 19, following worship. Ministry annual reports due by January 8th to church office. Noisy Offering for January 12 is Lutheran Indian Ministries. We are grateful for their messages of hope in the Advent Devotional we receive for distribution each December, and share in their ministry to share the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with Native communities. Thank you for your generosity! Danbury Food Pantry - Saturday, January 18; St. John Tuna; St. Paul PB and Jelly Prayer Chain If you have someone to put on the prayer chain, you may call Karen Cieslak at 419-341-2348 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! You may also contact Karen or Myra to be added to our group who pray. Prayer Shawl Plus Ministry - Meets Wed. before Bible Study at St. Paul, around 10 a.m.. Lutheran World Relief Project Cloth diapers and pins; bath size towels 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. Volunteer Opportunities -See www.sidebysideministry.com for more opportunities for serving.

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Thank You
St. John and St. PaulMany thanks for the many cards, gifts, and treats for Christmas! Also thank you for all who worked together to make our Christmas Worship Services a true celebration! Pastor Chris and Steve Pastor/Intern Aaron and Sunny To St. John & St. Paul - Many Faces, One Appeal, NWO Synod of ELCA sends a hearty thank you for your help with the annual synod appeal for 2013. Together our 180+ congregations raised $103,000 to help with a variety of ministries St. Pauls, Toledo, Abundant Life Together; Trinity Seminary students; Redeemer and Salem in Toledo (anti-poverty ministries), Dodoma Diocese in Tanzania (health, education, outreach), Ohio Lutheran Outdoor Ministries. Praising God for generous hearts! SNAP Ministries (Supporting Native African Pastors) Pastor Claude and the team say Thank you for a great year! Two new churches have been planted in Ngamebe-Tikar and Nditam, 35 students are studying to work for the Lord, Dr. Roger has joined the efforts and brings the construction of a new building, the community garden, goats, cocoa trees, and small businesses are doing well to help supply income for Pastors. For more information go to snapministries.org (Look for Welcome to. Home) Prayer Shawl Plus Ministry Thank you for the prayer shawl given to me on Veterans Day. Your kindness is a blessing, Nelf Kimerline (and the other veterans) Pastor Chris and the Traveling Christmas Party Friends Thank you so much for all the goodies again all great and God bless you all. Enjoyed your visit! Your kindness is special and so are you. Iantha

S T . J OHN B EA CON L IGHT F O R J ANUARY , 2014

History Happenings
March 1, 1925
A special meeting was called for the purpose of voting on kneeling benches. A motion was made to have the kneeling benches. This motion carried. (Nine in favor; five against) January Birthdays: 12 Sue DeWalt 17 Carol Yoakum 29 Russ Merckens

There was no Council meeting held in December. Our All Council Night meeting will be on January 9th at 6:45 p.m.

November Financial Statement Treasurers Report General Fund Designated Funds Total General Operating fund Receipts Expenses Total $ 60,675.37 22,879.43 $ 83,554.80 $ 3,760.00 4,4767.08 $ 1,007.08

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St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger

November 2013 budget highlights: General fund Est. budget needs per month $10,000.00 Incoming 14,828.51 Outgoing 15,562.43 Incoming 1,067.45 Outgoing 61,000.00

Restricted Fund

St. Paul December 12, 2013 Council Highlights Balance of $29,479.82 in General Fund. Transfer of $4,542.36 from Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund to ELCA Mission Fund, leaving a balance of $1,500.00 in Perpetual Care. Replace Seminary Fund, now a separate account, with line item for Shelter House on the 2014 budget. Transfer funds from Memorial Window Fund to Heritage Business Savings Account to pay for new basement windows. Windows for parsonage will be taken from Parsonage Fund. WELCA received $2,941.00 Thrivent choice money. Let us remember in our prayers: Vince Adams, Barb Agne, Dick Arn, Mary Butchko, Jan Cieslak, Delta Cooley, Audrey Dayton, Phyllis Dress, Jean Fatiga, Paul Flickinger, David Heinzl, Bill Hirt, Steve Hosko, David Mahler, Hillary Newman, Christine Priddy, Karen Ruth, Kathy Stine, Sarah Tanner, Gordon Wahlers, Brenda Young, and Michael Young. We pray for family and friends in the armed forces. Sunday School News On December 15th our Sunday School students held their Christmas Program Santa Bowed at Christmas. The children were great! The staff and children are to be commended. Vicky Doski directed the program. It was well attended by families, friends and church members. Annual Congregational Meeting on January 19 - All reports due January 8th. St. Paul WELCA: Our regular meeting and Bible Study will be January 16th at 1:00 p.m. We will use the Bible study in the January Gather magazine. The January Project contributions are: peanut butter and jelly, cloth diapers and pins. ALTAR GUILD: Our Annual meeting will be January 11th at 10 a.m. We will clean up Christmas decorations also. Please pick up your new Portals of Prayer in the Fellowship Hall. Your new Offering Envelopes for 2014 are available. We ask that you pick up for all your family members and any one you can deliver them to. If you didnt get offering envelopes or there was a mistake, please contact Beth Lambert and please watch for your giving statements later in January. Change of address: Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan Widmer, 911 Columbia, Port Clinton, OH 43452.

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St. Paul January Special Dates

B IRTHDAYS 1 Jim Kovach Sandra Lambert Valo Lewis 2 Jo Anne Meyer 4 Mary Arquette 6 Garie Richards Gary Mackey 7 Donna Bergman 8 Paul Flickinger Nicole Meier Portland Scott 9 Robert Glovinsky Ellie Kettler 10 Lee French 12 Allen Lambert 13 Christine Priddy 14 Sharon Salyers Julie McDonald 15 James Pahl Terry Davis Natalie Lambert
BIRTHDAYS contd

Baptismal Anniversaries 2 6 9 10 11 13 16 18 19 21 22 Cleo Bodi Matt Batcha Lisa Monak Sophia Glovinsky Abram Sandvick Rob Wadsworth Matthew Mangan Dakota Goon Alexandria Pahl Tracie Pahl Jean Rhodes Adam Steinbrick Charleigh Steinbrick Trudi Steinbrick Celena Coles Marian Hirt Julie McDonald Dillon Ringeisen Tammie Boss James Warren Seth French

16 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 28 29 30 31

Seth French Tony Wadsworth Kaydence Bowman Andrea Tibbles Samuel Kuenzer Ginny Kihlken Thomas Steinbrick Joanne Stobie Leighanna Bartzen Steve Young Izabella Hall Harold Flewelling Rebecca Meier Maureen Kerik

26 28 30

St. Pauls December Special Ministries

Jan. 5
Greeters Lectors Ushers Nancy Kihlken Nancy Kihlken Devon Grosswiler Lexi Mitchell

Jan. 12
Betty Easton Jim Kovach Jack Easton Marge Bridgett Alexis Dayton Natalie Lambert

Jan. 19
Janet Strauss Bob Strauss

Jan. 26

Dick & Rose Marie Arn Norma Kihlken

Janet Strauss Bob Strauss

Acolytes

Hospitality Bulletins Laurel & Roland Berhent Steeple Lights Sandy Reep Dee Wallace Perpetual Light Sandy Reep Joan Harris

Maddie Harris Matt Seamon Mason French Nick Bossetti Cong. Life Lunch Jack & Betty Easton Jack & Betty Easton Linda Dubbert in honor of Kaydence Bowmans 8th birthday

Flowers Assisting Minister & Communion HelpersRuth Scott, Charles Scott Altar Guild Vicki Doski, Trish Ahrens CountersTammy Davis, Fran Chapman