Inside this issue: Ask the Pastor

Volume 0815, Issue 231
August 2015
Ask the Pastor
“In church we hear the word ‘grace’ used a lot. I have a general idea, but what exactly does ‘grace’ mean?”
Sometimes in the church, words are used that are not necessarily
part of our everyday vocabulary, or if they are, they may have a
different meaning. Grace is one of those words.
Inside this issue:
Faith Practice Readings
3
Chicken BBQ
4
Scholarships
6
Memorials
6&7
Ice Cream Social
8
Anniversaries
9
Thanks
10-12
Golf Outing
13
Birthdays
17
Financial Statement
18
August Worship Assistants 19
September Worship Assts. 20
Calendar
21
A quick illustration… The movie “Christmas Vacation” is a holiday favorite of mine. In
one scene the family is
gathered around the table
and Clark Griswold, Chevy
Chases’ character says,
“Since this is Aunt Bethany's 80th Christmas, I think
she should lead us in the
saying of grace.”
Aunt Bethany put her hand to her ear and says, “What dear?”
One of the family members gathered at the table shouts, “Grace!”
Aunt Bethany says, “Grace? Ohhh... She passed away thirty years
ago...”
Uncle Lewis corrects her, “They want you to say grace... The
BLESSING!”
“Oh,” Aunt Bethany says. As everyone at the table folds their
hands in prayer and reverently bows their heads she prays, “I
pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America…”
(Continued on next page)
Ask the Pastor
The Forerunner
Continued from page 1
When we use the word ‘grace’ we are referring, perhaps to a
woman’s name, but usually to a table prayer. Hopefully not that
table prayer, but a simple blessing before a meal. In the church,
however, the word carries an additional meaning.
Technically the word ‘grace’ means “unmerited divine assistance
given humans for their sanctification” but that’s not necessarily
helpful. Simply put, in the Bible, grace is how we receive God’s
blessings. Salvation, sanctification, righteousness, redemption
(and a bunch of other “churchy” words that I would be glad to
define someday) are given to us “unmerited.” That is to say, we
don’t earn God’s favor. There is nothing we do to deserve good
stuff we receive from God.
Actually, St. Paul would say we are not CAPABLE of earning
good stuff from God because of our sin. Our human sinfulness
creates a sort of barrier to the holiness of God. We simply can’t
go there on our own. The Good News is that Christ breaks down
that barrier; since we can’t do it ourselves, Christ does it for us.
Not because we deserve good things, but because Jesus deserves
good things and he desires us to have them. This is done out of
love. Freely given. That’s grace.
In Paul’s own words from Romans, “For there is no distinction,
since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are
now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22-23)
Many Christians want to know what they have to do to be sure
they’re cool with God. But in reality, there’s nothing we can do.
Christ did it for us on the cross. Grace. The real question is, for
us, as recipients of God’s grace, how do we say thank you for the
free gift?
If you would like to submit a question for “Ask the Pastor”, Biblical, theological, church related, anything you have been dying to
ask a pastor, you can hand me a note, ask me after church, send
an e-mail, or sneak into the church after dark and anonymously
slide a sealed envelope under my office door. If I answer your
question in print, I will not include your name unless you explicitly ask me to.
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is published monthly
by St. John Lutheran Church
Williston, Ohio
21140 W. Toledo Street
Corner of Main and Toledo Streets
Telephone: 419-836-5514
e-mail: [email protected]
www.stjohnwilliston.org
Pastor Shawn O’Brien
[email protected]
Our Worship Schedule
Saturday at 5:00pm
Sunday at 9:00am
Deadline for the September issue
is August 23, 2015.
“Creating and nurturing
life changing
relationships based on
the love of God in
Jesus Christ, so that we
may grow in faith,
serve God and
serve our neighbor.”
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ST. JOHN–WILLISTON
CHICKEN
BAR-B-QUE
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9th
10:30am - Sold-out
DINNERS - $9.00
(1/2 Chicken, Baked Potato, Coleslaw,
Roll/Butter, Beverage and home-made Pie)
St. John Lutheran Church
21140 W. Toledo St., Williston
EAT-IN OR DRIVE-THRU AVAILABLE
Pies provided by St. John Women of the ELCA
PROCEEDS TO OFF-SET COSTS OF TRUNK OR TREAT
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Genoa Food Pantry Fundraiser
For $5 you can buy a ticket to win a car of your choice. Bauman
Auto Group is donating either a 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, 2015
Ford Mustang or 2015 Dodge Challenger. The Genoa Food Pantry receives 100% of the proceeds sold. This is an easy way
to support the food pantry for
those with busy schedules. If
you would like to buy a ticket
please contact Joan Truman or
Cindy Hartman or stop by the
church office.
Williston Encounter Type Event for Adults?
We are considering a Williston Encounter type
program for adults during the non-summer
months. This would be a once a month event
where we would have lunch and then time for a
program, games, a speaker, etc. Before we
begin this new ministry, we need to judge interest. Is this something you would be interested in? What day of the week would be the best
for something like this? Do you have ideas for
activities? Please contact Pastor O’Brien or the
church office with your feedback. Thank you.
Registrations being
accepted for rescheduled golf outing.
The golf outing was rescheduled due to the heavy rain on
the original date. The new date
is set for Sunday, September
13th. Registration is at noon
and the shotgun start is at 1pm.
You can still register your team
even if you were not registered
for the original date. It’s a four
person scramble. Cost is $65
per golfer which includes 18holes of golf, a cart and lunch.
Registration forms are on the
bulletin board or contact the
church office. Any questions
contact Tom Cashen.
Seven Faith Practices
I will strive to…
1. PRAY daily
2. WORSHIP weekly
3. READ and study the Bible
4. SERVE at and beyond St. John
5. INVITE others into a loving relationship with Jesus
6. GIVE of my time, talents, and resources
7. ENCOURAGE spiritual growth in others
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In Loving Memory of
James Leppert
Forest and Arlene Sabin
In Honor of Our Patriarch,
Donald Ruthsatz
Ron and Diane Gerkensmeyer
th
In Honor of the 80 Birthday
of JoElaine Schimming
Helen Jean Rollins
Rene Berger
In Loving Memory of
Jeff Johnson
Avis Johnson
th
In Honor of the 90 Birthday
of Edna Rideout
Congratulations to the following students who received scholarships for furthering their education. A Special thank you to Marlin
Younker and Carol Tank for the generous support of our young
member’s education.
Ron and Diane Gerkensmeyer
Jim and Dilly Schimming
Tank Scholarship
Jacob LaRue attending University of Akron
Ben Jensen attending Capital University
Michaela Goldstein attending Tiffin University
Younker Scholarship
Andrew Schloegl attending The University of Tampa
You can call the church office
(leave a message if no one is
in) 419-836-5514 or email at
[email protected]
Megan Ulrich attending The Ohio State University
Jeremiah Berger attending The University of Toledo
Please help us stay in touch!
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In Loving Memory of
Jim Lowe
Lowell and Diane Hartman
Gene and Amy Bihn
Craig and Sharon Blausey
Ronnie and Bonnie Schimming
Dean and Mary Lowe
Dan and Ruth Petersen
Sue Mesker
Keith Lenz and Diane Adams
Tom Witt Family
Tim and Tara Taylor
Jared and Janene Lattimore
Jane Whittaker
Richard and Lenore Harmeyer
& Family
David and Gayle Millinger
Ronald and Debra Clark
Carole Beamer
Fritz Lau
Steve and Susan Reuss
Marleen Madison
Becki Weidner
Steve and Marcia Morgan
Don Ruthsatz
Bill and Carol Biller
Wendy Wilburn
Schilling Family
Greg and Marcia Konczal
Jerry and Becki Goldstein
& Family
Richard and Nyla Denman
Ron and Diane Gerkensmeyer
Don and Donna Genzman
Howard and Phyllis
Bookenberger
Arlyn and Candace Bench
Walter and Doris Windisch
Linda Schlievert
Gerald and Jeanette Lentz
Roland and Carol Foreman
John, Tammy and Anna Mazur
Michael, Peffy, Erin, Dustin,
Alison and Eric Sohnly
Dorothy Kinsel
Tom and Joan Truman
Bob and Diane Kapp
Ken and Pat Sievert
Memorial
Fund
Joann Sayen
Dorothy Banky
Ed and Karen Davidge
Judy Szymanski
Jeff and Peggy Szymanski
& Family
Mark and Karen Stasa
Mincheff Family
Jim and Mona Vogelbacher
Suzanne Kielozewski
Tom and Cindy Reinhart
Rene Berger
Mike and Jane Lentz
Chris, Jillian & Emma Brandt
Frances Cranfield
Shirley Beck
Norbert and Brenda Goetz
Glen and Vera Sager
Jon and Cheri Nutter
Beverly Foreman & Family
Todd, Melissa and Nolan Kapp
Gary and Sally Stone
Jim and Evalyn Witty
Paul and Rosemary Fredericksen
Gertrude Eckermann
Bill and Kathy Knierim
Derrick and Mary Ann Siefke
Tom and Bonny Ottney
Cal and Marvel Nelson
Jim and Dilly Schimming
Clyde and Mary Sandrock
Mary Harmeyer
Beth Johnson
Rich and Joni Hillman
Joe and Carol Vargo
Rich and Alice Witt
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Clarence and Wilma Smithers
Al and Traci Brown
Darryl and Diane Traver
Mike and Ann Mann
Barry Kinsel
Carolyn Lasseter
Marilyn Sandrock
Dave and Cheryl Grosjean
Doug and Sandy Opfer
Terry and Susan Lowe
Carol Bates
Fred Schultz
Robert and Grace Twining
Tom and Christine Gulva
Grace Johnson
Roland and Janice Sandrock
Doris Titgemeyer
Gary and Darlene Carstensen
Larry and Nancy Strohscher
Kathryn Wilka
Herman and Lois Kohlman
Ken and Nancy Arndt
James Schlievert
Merle and Shirley Berger
Joseph and Marilyn Nycz
Edna Sandrock
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2015
3:00—4:30pm
To Honor All Veterans and
Military Members
EVERYONE IS INVITED!
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Olivia Marie Smith, born on
June 17, 2014, daughter of Ken
and Misty Smith was baptized
on Sunday, June 28, 2015. Her
sponsors are Adam Zambrano
and Crystal Shimman.
Jayce Thomas Rymers, born on
October 21, 2013, son of David
and Leah Rymers was baptized
on July 12, 2015. His sponsors
are Jon Rymers and Michelle
Holland.
Stephen Ministry awarded grant from Northwest Ohio Synod of the ELCA.
The Synod recently recognized St. John Williston and awarded us with a generous financial grant of $1,000. The grant was
one of ten awarded to congregations to support outreach initiatives intended to serve their local communities. Ours was awarded for the implementation of “Stephen Ministry,” which is intended to serve both our congregation and our local community. These funds, in addition to several generous memorials has
helped get our congregation off to having a team of trained Stephen Ministers. This new ministry is an exciting caring extension
to help those in need receive God’s love. It was nice to be identified by the Synod and with your memorials as a Ministry worthy
of support. Thanks again to our congregation and to the Synod.
James Alfred Lowe
December 27, 1950
July 6, 2015
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25
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26
27
29
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Tim and Cebie Titgemeyer
Butch and Lynne Downes
Michael and Andrea Coughlin
Robert and Sarah Nowak
Dave and Kris Lee
Richard and Doris Shields
John and Tammy Mazur
Owen and Karolyn Jansen
Michelle & Eric Jimerson
Merle and Shirley Berger
Levent and Beth Cendere
Tom and Tracy Wojciechowski
Ken and Barbara Wolf
Roger and Barbara Jensen
Dean and Janet Davis
Dan and Joyce Lenz
17th
36th
11th
2nd
25th
68th
27th
10th
6th
53rd
7th
3rd
32nd
55th
6th
35th
Many thanks to my church family and friends!
I feel very blessed to have such a wonderful
and thoughtful extended family. Many thanks
for your continued support, concern, notes of
encouragement, prayers, thoughtfulness, cards,
visits and kindnesses. My family and I truly
appreciate all that you do for all of us. Thanks
to Pastor O’Brien for his continued spiritual
guidance and visits. God’s blessings to each
and everyone of you. Your continued prayers
are greatly appreciated.
Peace,
Kathi Martzke
Thank you for your gift of $826 (Good Friday
offerings) to help the poor and homeless. So
many people in our community are still struggling. Your gift helps provide critical needs such
as meals to those who are hungry and safe refuge
for men and women who would be on the streets.
Because you care and considered others, people
can experience hope and transformation through
Christ.
Restoring Hope,
Dan Rogers
President and CEO/Cherry Street Mission
THANKS TO …
… Diane Gerkensmeyer for volunteering to staff
the church office when Shelley is on vacation.
… Everyone who has helped with the lunches on
Wednesdays for the Williston Encounter, and
also helped with activities.
… Kris Johnson for all her work on the community garden.
… Betty and Virgil Roecker, Diane Hartman,
Linda Schlievert, Marilyn Sandrock and Carolyn
Lasseter for their help in folding and sealing the
July Forerunner.
… John Meyer for the weed spray and to Ron
Gerkensmeyer for spraying the weeds around the
sidewalks, curbs, etc.
Thank you for the prayers for Kathy Knierim’s
aunt, Virginia Cover she has made a great recovery after being taken off life-support. She is
recovering at a nursing home. Kathy enjoyed
watching this miracle happen and prayers answered. Thank you again!
Kathy Knierim
I would like to thank you for awarding me the
Younker Scholarship. This will help me with
my education at the University of Toledo
where I’ll major in Chemical Engineering. I am
grateful to be honored with this scholarship.
This will greatly lighten the financial burden of
college. With your help, it has brought me closer to achieving my dream.
Jeremiah Berger
I just want to give a huge thank you to the volunteers who helped at the Genoa Food Pantry
on Saturday, July 18th. I know this is a very
busy time, and you gave up precious hours to
help those in need. We could not function without you.
Joan Truman
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The first farm day for our Williston Encounter on July 8 was a huge success -- thanks to the many
participants. Sincere thanks to all who gave up their time to bring equipment and animals for the kids
(young and old) to enjoy, love and adore. It was such a fun day for all!
There was a lot of excitement and enthusiasm for the kids to hold and pet the animals and to climb on
the equipment, play in the wheel wells and blow the horns. We had a combine, six tractors (large and
small) and a wagon with a bale of hay on it!!. There was a goat, a sheep, a pot-bellied pig and a
rooster to pet. There were kittens and bunnies to hold. Even the 'church cat' received a lot of attention! What an entertaining and enjoyable time for the kids!
We had about 100 people who enjoyed the chicken nuggets for lunch. The fellowship was great!
Again, many thanks to all for making it so successful!!
Diane Gerkensmeyer
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I am very grateful that after the heavy rain of June
27th, nothing in my house was damaged, but my
entire acre was covered with corn stubble after the
water receded, sometimes as deep as six inches. I
want to acknowledge and thank everyone who
helped; first to my sisters, brother and Gert Eckerman who raked the first day. Then Rollie and
Janice Sandrock and their entire family worked for
two evenings. Rollie furnished his tractor and farm
wagon to haul the stubble away. Arnie Sutter contacted the Boy Scouts from Troup 342 and six
scouts and their leaders also worked two evenings. We also had some neighbors who came with
their rakes and wheelbarrows. Thanks to everyone
for your willingness to help us. Words cannot express how thankful I am for everyone's help.
God bless you all!
Carole Beamer
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4th Annual Benevolence Golf Outing
Proceeds to benefit St. John Good Samaritan Fund
(Good Samaritan Fund assists with emergency requests from individuals and families of the community.)
Volunteers Welcome and Needed!
Foursome Team Scramble
Sunday, September 13, 2015
Chippewa Golf Club
23550 St. Rt. 579, Curtice, OH 43412
12:00pm—Registration
1:00pm—Shot Gun Start
$65 per player/18 holes
with cart
Includes Meal
New
date
PRIZES PRIZES
PRIZES
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For more information: 419-836-5514
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SIGN-UP
outside PASTOR’S OFFICE
Workers to help with projects at
Luther Home of Mercy
NEEDED:
Beginning September 13th
SATURDAY WORSHIP
5:00pm
SUNDAY WORSHIP
9:45am
SUNDAY SCHOOL
8:30am
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SATURDAY
5:00pm Worship
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Acolytes
Andrew Blausey
Owen Schloegl
AJ Rubeis
Zack Buhrow
Andrew Blausey
Lectors
Beth Johnson
Nancy Strohscher
Shirley Berger
Amy Schloegl
Gene Bihn
Ushers
Dave Lee Family
Tom Truman, Harold Fitzpatrick
Jack Mathews, AJ Rubeis
Gene and Amy Bihn
Carol Vargo, Alice Witt
Dean and Mary Lowe
Gerald and Jeanette Lentz
John and Helen Meyer
Jim and Dilly Schimming
Communion Servers
Amy Schloegl, Wayne Bauman
JoElaine Schimming
Al Brown, Nancy Strohscher
Gene Bihn
Carol Vargo, Beth Johnson
JoElaine Schimming
Ron and Diane Gerkensmeyer
Holly Henn
Amy Schloegl, Al Brown
JoElaine Schimming
Communion Set-up
Ruth Petersen
Dilly Schimming
Carol Vargo
Holly Henn
Brenda Keeley
Door Greeters
Carol Vargo
Mary and Dean Lowe
Jeanette Lentz
JoElaine Schimming
Dave and Kris Lee
Sound/Projector Techs
Phil Milbrodt/Traci Brown
Ron Gerkensmeyer/JJ Milbrodt
Traci Brown/Kurtis Lee
Phil Milbrodt/Matt Milbrodt
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Traci Brown/JJ Milbrodt
SUNDAY
9:00am—Worship
Acolytes
2 Caleb Goldstein
9 Luke Johnson
16 Andy Kessler
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Lectors
2 Mike Mann
9 Elaine Foss
16 Roland Sandrock
23 Kris Johnson
30 Jill Kao
Ushers
2 Fred Lammers Family
9 Tim and Andrew Titgemeyer
16 Barry Kinsel, Bob Kapp
Heather and Sophia Cashen
23 Dave Neuman, Dan Nelson
Bernie Blausey, Jeff Schimming
30 Fred Lammers Family
Communion Servers
2 Mike and Ann Mann
Jane Phillips
9 Wilma Smithers, Karolyn Jansen
Tim Titgemeyer
16 Carole Beamer, Bob Kapp
Mona Vogelbacher
23 Heather Cashen, Carol Jensen
Kris Johnson
30 Roland Sandrock, Marcia Morgan
Elaine Foss
Communion Set-up
2 Heather Cashen
9 Cebie Titgemeyer
16 Deanna Neuman
23 Janice Sandrock
30 Diane Pfaff
Door Greeters
2 Dave Neuman
9 Cebie Titgemeyer
16 Deb Wehner
23 Karen Jeffers
30 Carole Beamer
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SUNDAY
9:00/9:45am—Worship
Saturday
5:00pm Worship
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Acolytes
Rylee Fredericksen
Owen Schloegl
AJ Rubeis
Zack Buhrow
Lectors
Doris Titgemeyer
Amy Schloegl
Beth Johnson
Nancy Strohscher
Ushers
Gene and Amy Bihn
Ken and Pat Sievert
Alan and Beverly Harder
Jack Mathews, AJ Rubeis
Dave Lee Family
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Tom Truman, Harold Fitzpatrick
Ron and Diane Gerkensmeyer
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Communion Servers
Gene Bihn, Holly Henn
Carol Vargo
Beth Johnson, Donna Mathews
Amy Schloegl
Wayne Bauman, Al Brown
Doris Titgemeyer
Nancy Strohscher,
Ron and Diane Gerkensmeyer
Communion Set-up
Traci Brown
Holly Benn
Joan Truman
Diane Gerkensmeyer
Door Greeters
JoElaine Schimming
Jeanette Lentz
Mary and Dean Lowe
Joni Hillman
Sound/Projector Techs
Phil Milbrodt/Matt Milbrodt
Ron Gerkensmeyer/Traci Brown
Traci Brown/Kurtis Lee
Phil Milbrodt/JJ Milbrodt
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Acolytes
Caleb Goldstein
Luke Johnson
Andy Kessler
Lectors
Marcia Morgan
Wilma Smithers
Sophia Cashen
Cebie Titgemeyer
Ushers
Barry Kinsel, Bob Kapp
Heather and Sophia Cashen
Dave Neuman, Dan Nelson
Bernie Blausey, Jeff Schim-
ming
20 Bob Bench Family
27 Clarence Smithers, Barry Kinsel
Tim and Andrew Titgemeyer
Communion Servers
6 Jean Fowler, Jill Kao
Pat Delventhal
13 Mike and Ann Mann
Wilma Smithers
20 Jane Phillips, Karolyn Jansen
Carole Beamer
27 Tim Titgemeyer, Bob Kapp
Mona Vogelbacher
Communion Set-up
6 Pam LaRue
13 Nancy Brittian
20 Melissa Lammers
27 Cebie Titgemeyer
Door Greeters
6 Marcia Morgan
13 Heather Cashen
20 Melissa Lammers
27 Linda Schlievert
Children’s Time
13 Megan O’Brien
20 Caira Goldstein
27 Puppets