Jennifer kicked the ball as hard as she

could—and giggled as she ran around the

bases, and screaming with delight she

crossed home plate!

I loved to play games with my kids.

One of the favorite games we often

played was “Hide and Seek”. I would

count. They would hide. Matt picked the

best hiding places. Jen never knew

where to hide. I could hear her giggling

behind the closed door or under the table.

“ I FOUND YOU JENNY!!!”. She would

laugh and sign to me , “I wanted you to

find me Daddy! I love it when you find

me!!”.

“I love it when you find me.”

On Sunday, January 14th the Gospel of

Mark will bring to our attention men

named Phillip and Nathanael----both of

whom are FOUND by Jesus. Oh, at the

time, it probably felt very odd and

unusual. Who is this man? What does

Jesus want with me? Eventually,

Nathanael would rediscover child like

faith—and every time the Master FOUND

him—what a thrill!

“I love it when you find me.”

JANUARY 2018

Pastor Matthew S. Lash6517 Finzel RdWhitehouse, OH 43571

419-877-0607www.commofchrist.orgpastormatt@commofchrist.org

FROM THE PASTOR“I Wanted to Be Found…”

So many games. I played so many games with my children. I shot baskets on the

drive way with Matt. I tossed a whiffle ball to Jennifer. We played catch. We kicked

a ball around. Matt hit the ball at the local backstop and I chased all the balls.

Throughout this year, God’s Word will

speak good news to you and me. In Word

and Sacrament, Jesus finds us. In prayer

and praise, Jesus finds us. In the Lord’s

House and in your own quiet room, Jesus

finds us. In sickness and in health, Jesus

finds us. In faith and in doubt, Jesus finds

us.

“I love it when you find me Daddy!”.

“I love it when YOU find me, Lord”.

May the Grace, Love, mercy and Peace

of our

God find you again and again this New

Year.

Blessings of Grace in 2018.

Pastor Matt & Marsha

WORSHIP“Irejoicewiththosewhosaidtome,“LetusgotothehouseoftheLord!”(Psalm122:1)

Worship Life in January

Didn’t we just flip over our calendar? A New Year welcomes us to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We find HOPE in his Word. We find MERCY in His forgiveness. We find STRENGTH at the Lord’s Table. Making changes and resolutions this New Year?

Let’s set aside Saturday or Sunday for regular worship and growing! Blessings in the Lord’s house in 2018!

Weekend of January 6 & 7Epiphany CelebrationSaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage Pastor Ron Heinz

Sunday, January 7Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am

Weekend of January 13 & 14

2nd Sunday of Epiphany Saturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage “He Knows ME???”

Sunday, January 14Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am

Weekend of January 20 & 213rd Sunday of EpiphanySaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage “You Want ME??”

Sunday, January 21Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am

Weekend of January 27 & 28

4th Sunday of EpiphanySaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage “You Want to do WHAT with ME??”

Sunday, January 28Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am

_

2018 WORSHIP SIGN UP DAY!!!!Hey—Check out our Worship Table on Sunday, January 21st! You will have an opportunity to:• Sign up to read the lessons

• Distribute Holy Communion• Serve as a Greeter

• Distribute Bulletins

• Join our Lay Assistant

• Acolyte• Crucifer

We would love to have you share in the privilege of Worship and leadership! Sign up on Sunday,

January 21st!

Parents of Acolytes & Crucifers

Please check the 2018

schedule and select a convenient date for your son or daughter to serve on Sunday morning. Please fill up the calendar so we are assured to have young people prepared to serve on the weekends. Thank you so much!

__

WORSHIP“Irejoicewiththosewhosaidtome,“LetusgotothehouseoftheLord!”(Psalm122:1)

Epiphany Sermon Series Pastor Matt is preparing a series of messages based on the Gospel lessons appointed for the season of Epiphany. We will follow Jesus through a period of ministry when He revealed himself to friends, fishermen, demons and disciples! Pastor Matt begins a series based on Mark’s Gospel beginning the weekend of January 13. Invite a friend!

Many, many thanks to all who served and shared their time towards providing us with an inspiring Advent and Christmas season! Many thanks to all who assisted with the worship services, all who provided drinks and meals for us, our teens who served, set up and assisted in the clean up on Wednesday nights! We are blessed with many willing and supportive servants! Thank you for adding to our joy this season! May the Lord bless His people in 2018! --Pastor Matt.

Holy Baptism If you are interested in holy baptism this New Year, please contact Pastor Matt at the church office. (419-877-0607). Baptism may be celebrated during worship on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Private baptism is also scheduled for those who are unable to attend our regular worship times. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. (Matthew 28). We encourage you to be blessed in the waters of Holy Baptism!

Weddings in the coming year? If you are interested in discussing a wedding at Community of Christ, please contact the church office. We have a wedding brochure that provides details about wedding policies and appropriate fees. Weddings may held on any date of the week, however traditionally are scheduled Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons or early evenings. Questions? Contact our office manager, Michelle Gebhart, 419-877-0607.

PACKED HOUSE – GREAT PERFORMANCE BY CURT CLONINGER THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED!

_

FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR

The Adult Choir and Bell Choir at Community of Christ Church are OPEN to new members…so don’t be shy! Anyone interested in singing just come to the Sanctuary on a Wednesday night at 7pm.

And to ring bells meet us on Thursday night at 7:30pm.

Contact Eric Dickey with any questions. 419-877-0607

CHOIRS AND YOU

JAN 28 – 10am SERVICE

The Children’s Choir of Northwest Ohio will be performing with our very own adult choir in a combined anthem.

Don’t miss this very special piece.

_

PARISH EDUCATION“Theydevotedthemselvestotheapostles’teaching,tofellowship,tothebreakingofbread”(Acts2:42)

SONrise---Resumes Sunday, January 7! Fun and educational for all our elementary children! Each Sunday is SOMETHING NEW! Join SONrise on Sunday,

January 7th and enjoy some great storytelling from KaroleSigg! Everyone has a part in the story! SONrise is great for three and four year old’s too! Our second week will include a craft, followed by activities and Krystal Bells in the last few weeks of January!

Our theme: I BELIEVE…In Jesus, His Only Son, our Lord! Come and know Jesus our baptized Lord!

WINTER STUDY---ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING!Could you use some C A L M in your life?? Are you feeling anxious each day? We seem to have more mountains to climb, obstacles to avoid, curves to navigate. Our study will reflect on the scripture truths in Philippians 4:6-7 and the latest best seller by Pastor Max Lucado.

Join us in the new year for Bible Study! PASTOR MATT WILL HOST AN AFTERNOON AND EVENING STUDY FOR ALL INTERESTED! THIS SIX

SESSION CLASS BEGINS ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 AT 1pm & 7pm. Please call the church to register OR sign up on the kiosk.

Walking in God’s Word (Library) Join Pastor Matt for a Sunday morning study of “Hope For The

Hurting---A Word from Peter. Believers faced social ostracism, slander, mistreatment, and serious threats on their life. They lived on the edge of persecution! Join us for encouragement from the faithful disciple, Peter. We will study the 1st

and 2nd letter of Peter. Join us on Sunday, January 14 at 9am.

Pre-Communion instruction? Attention! NEW this year!

Winter dates for Holy Communion instruction! Students who are currently in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and above are welcome to begin instruction. Classes will be held on MONDAY AFTERNOON from 5-6pm. Classes begin on MONDAY, MARCH 5.

First Communion Sunday will be held on Palm

Sunday, March 25 at our 10am worship. Please contact the church office to let us know if your child will be attending the winter classes.

_

YOUTH MINISTRIES“Teachthemtoyourchildren,totheirchildrenafterthem”(Deuteronomy4:9)

Big Stuf Retreat Gathering #2! Those who have registered for the BIG STUF retreat are expected to attend (monthly/or as scheduled) gatherings of the group for discussion, fun, getting better acquainted and fund raising discussion.

OUR FIRST GATHERING IN 2018 WILL BE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 28!!! TIME: 11:15-12:45 P.M.

Join us for a bite of lunch, conversation & planning!! LOTS TO DISCUSS!! SEE YOU THERE!

FUTURE EVENTS:

Sun., February 11 WINTER JAM CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL AT LITTLE CAESAR ARENA IN DETROIT-ONLY 15.00!!! (Must Sign up)

Tues., February 13 Lenten Cooking NightWed., February 14 Ash Wednesday soup suppers Sun., March 11 Pizza Papalis & Walleye Game

C of C TEENS BASH!!!---SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST,

5:30-8:00 p.m.! Join us for munchies, pizza, drinks, youth lounge relaxing and conversation. “Strange games” will be planned to welcome in 2018. Brainstorm activities for 2018! SIGN UP TODAY TO ATTEND!!!! High school students will work on their ‘bricks’. Don’t’ have one yet? Come and make Community of Christ Teen history!

Confirmation

Students & Parents!

Our confirmation students are studying the Ten Commandments this winter! Our class meets from 4:45-6pm every Tuesday.

Classes resume on Tuesday, January 9th with an AGAPE afternoon. Our time together includes Bible adventure, group discussion and plenty of activity! If you have a teen in 7th or 8th

grade and would like more information about our confirmation program, please contact the church office.

Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program – Delivery Date: 1/31/2018

Help our Teens raise FUNDS for Retreat Ministries!

Go to www.pizzakit.comClick on Products, then Shop

Select your preferred Shipping Method

Enter the Fundraiser ID# 344397 and place your order!!

OUTREACH“Serveoneanotherinlove”(Galatians5:13)

4th Sunday---“Clean & Feed!”

We will begin setting aside the fourth Sunday of the month for us to share love offerings with Salem Lutheran, Toledo & Whitehouse Food Pantry!

Please bring bars of soap for Salem’s neighborhoodfamilies and food for those who have needs here in Whitehouse.

Baskets will be placed near the doors on Sunday, JAN 27 &

28.

Thank you for your generous offering of support!

_

Community of Christ BOOK CLUB 2017-18 Selections

January 16 - Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barber

February 20 - Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott

March 20 - Boston Girl by Anita Diamant

April 17 - Orphan Mother by Robert Hicks

May 15 - Killers of the Flower Moon by David Gran

June 19 - Dry by Jane Harper

RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS—JANUARY 21!!

We will formally receive new members into our congregation on Sunday, January 21. If you know a neighbor, classmate, family member or friend who may be looking for a new church home in 2018, please introduce them to Pastor Matt on Sunday morning. Thank you!

LADIES LUNCH BUNCH

Our first luncheon is Friday, Jan 26 at

11:30. We will be eating at Brandywine Country Club. Karen and I taste tested it (twice!) and it is wonderful! We tried the French Onion Soup, Cheddar Broccoli Soup, Patty Melt, BLT and Club Sandwiches. All were wonderful and left our tummies very happy. There are no steps, but a fairly long walk to the restaurant – with lots of places to sit along the way. This will be a wonderful way to start the year.

March 23, May 25, September 28

We are skipping July and November due to vacations and Thanksgiving Day. December will be the annual joint pot luck with the Ladies Dinner Group.

Kathryn Whitacre 419-441-2273Karen Oden 419-878-8300

LADIES LUNCH BUNCHSAVE THE DATES FOR 2018 LUNCHES

Sync our Church Directory to your Mobile Device.

1. Go to your device’s App store.2. Search for Instant Church Directory.3. Enter your email as it’s listed in our church

directory. If email not listed please email publicity@commofchrist.org to have your email added.

4. Follow the directions on screen to complete the login process.

STEWARDSHIP“Forwhereyourtreasureis,thereyourheartwillbealso.”(Matthew6:21)

Consider a New Year Offering---“I was Glad to Go up to the House of

the Lord!” We are committing extra gifts and offerings to renovate many

areas of our facility in drastic need of repair. Your extra offering will cause our

faith thermometer to rise! We are grateful for every gift that decreases the

pressure on our annual budget. Repairs on the windows above the fellowship

hall, roof and parking lot will begin in the spring. Thank you for your offerings!

Our most recent totals of gifts received: $5,800.

2018 Offering Envelopes

Please pick up your box of offering envelopes. Your weekly gifts support the

resources for many ministries. We have expanded our benevolent outreach

locally and internationally. Many thanks for your offerings! *You may give

‘electronically’ if you so desire. Please contact the church office. *

DATES TO MARK ON

YOUR CALENDAR:

JAN 13

Epiphany Sermon Series Starts

JAN 14 – 8 &10 am

Council Members Installation

JAN 16 – 1 pm

Book Club Meets

JAN 21 – 11:15 am

Reception of New Members

JAN 21 – 11:15 amWorship Sign Up Day

JAN 21 – 5:30-8 pm

CofC Teen Blast

JAN 26 – 11:30 am

Ladies Lunch Bunch

JAN 27 & 28

Clean & Feed

JAN 28 – 10 am

Children’s Choir of NW Ohio and Adult Choir Anthem

JAN 28 – 11:15-12:45 pm

Big Stuf Retreat Gathering

JAN 29 – 7 pm

Church Council Meeting

JAN 31

Delivery date for Little Caesar’s Pizza Kit orders

We have another easy and efficient way of giving toward the General Fund, Building Fund or Capital Improvement Fund (window replacement). This is not only for 2017 year end offerings, it is also for any future offerings as well.

There is still time to take advantage of a 2017 offering and possibly avoid capital gains taxes with an offering. We have a brokerage account with UBS Financial Services. I set it up earlier this year at the request of one of our members, with councils permission.

Jamie Kaczmarski, Wealth Management Associate - Findley Wise Wealth Management Phone 419.318.5500 / Toll Free 855.258.6295

UBS Financial Services, 5757 Monroe StreetSylvania, OH 43560

Your Assistance is

NEEDED! The church office and money counters are needing your assistance with your offering envelopes….if writing a check, we are asking you please write your

check number on the upper right corner outside of your offering envelope.

This will help us to keep an accurate record of how you have made your offering and helps the office with record keeping. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

_

CHURCH LIFE

Our New Church Council will hold its first meeting on Monday, January 29 at 7:00

p.m.

All council members will be installed and blessed before the congregation on Sunday, January 14 at our 8:00 & 10:00

a.m. worship service. *This installation

will take place at the beginning of the

service for those who may attend other

worship service. Please plan to attend.

OUR CHURCH COVENANT RENEWED!

Our covenant of membership will be formally available on Sunday, January 14 at all worship services. Adults and young people are encouraged to ‘sign’ the covenant as a commitment to support and pray for the mission, ministries of Community of Christ. Your willingness to stand with us in prayer is a gift for us all! May God’s Church stand strong in 2018!

*The covenant is available year-round near the mosaic. Members may sign it at any time throughout the year.

Our Brand New Pictorial Directory is available in the gathering area. If your photo was NOT updated—and you would like to be included in an ‘insert page’ for the New Year please contact the church office. We will set up a time with our church photographer. Thank you for helping us provide a colorful church directory!

Thrivent Choice Dollars Benevolence

A brief meeting will be held for all members who are ‘choice dollar’ members of Thrivent. Throughout the year Thrivent financial members choose to donate funds that benefit the mission and ministries of the congregation and community. Pastor Matt will convene a meeting on Sunday, February 4th

immediately following the 10:00 am. We will receive a list of recommendations and vote on recipient ministries for the church council to consider. If you are Thrivent choice member, please plan to attend! Thanks!!!

Church Council Leadership Our congregation approved the proposed budget for 2018.

We also elected new members to our church leadership council; Jeff Baden,

Max Kohr, Stephanie Phillips and Carol

Weimken.

Our church council met afterwards and elected members of our executive board; President: Brian Jones

Vice President: Sarah Rockwell

Recording Secretary: Cammie Abraham

Council members selected liaison/communicator positions for specific ministries in the congregation. Please continue to pray for your council leadership.

_

SYMPATHY, PRAYERS & THANKS

We extend our prayers and love to the family

of Kathie Myers, eldest sister of Sarah

Rockwell who passed away from cancer.

Funeral services were held in Toledo on

Wednesday, December 6.

We extend our prayers and love to the family

of Blaine Lloyd, husband of Betty Lloyd, who

passed away Thursday Dec 21. Funeral

services were held on Wed., Dec 27.

We extend our love and support to Todd,

Ally, Joshua Cranmore. Todd’s home was

lost to a fire the week of November 28. We

are sharing a free will offering and gift cards

to support the family at this time. Please

contact the church office if you would like to

assist the family. Many Thanks.

Dana Chafin Recuperating from brain surgery

Flo Hannum Recent back surgery

Mary Ann Gorniak (Julie Holliker’smother) Ongoing dementia

Dayle Reed Care for cancer

Glenn & Rosa Lee Johnson Residing at Lakes of Monclova. Rosa Lee has severe Alzheimer’s. She resides in the Legacy building. Glenn is a resident at Lakes of Monclova.

Cindy Wixey Continuing care for Alzheimer’s

Kay Terveen Heart by pass surgery on Dec 18

Becky King Hip surgery on Dec 18

A huge THANK YOU to our Ladies Craft Group for all the mittens, hats, scarves and headbands that were donated to Salem and the Women’s Shelter!

Donated to Salem were: 56 mittens, 31 hats, 5 scarves and 5 headbandsDonated to Women’s Shelter were: 57 mittens, 28 hats, 5 scarves and 8 headbands.

Ladies Craft Group:

Dorothy Petrell, Carol Heuerman, Yvonne Walters, Molly Wachtmann,Sue Eheret, Sue Meeker, Annette Wagner, Karen Dohse and Nancy Dangler. Thanks be to God!

We continue to pray for members of our church family;

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Thank you Community of Christ Lutheran Church for sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive. Angel and ARC Staff. Presenting donors: 31. Total Units 23 for Alzheimer’s.

Dear Prayer Friends,

Thank you for your prayers for my

mom, Kathleen Berquist. After many

procedures, tests, doctor visits, etc., my

mom’s main digestive problem is that she is

severely lactose intolerant. With changes in

her diet and additional medications, she is

doing well! Praising God for your prayers,

especially in August and September when she

was extremely ill. God is so incredibly good!.

Thanking and praising HIM for you and HIS

healing.

Happy 12 days of Christmas,

Susan

01/09 Katie Sullivan

01/10 Becky King

01/11 Greg Aubell

01/12 Dana Gill

01/12 Steven Gill

01/13 Andrew Kuhlman

01/13 Sarah Hoy

01/14 Anna Heinz

01/15 Luke Yokum

01/15 Nicholas Kronmann

01/15 William Baden

01/16 Annette Merritt

01/16 Brandon Carman

01/16 Saoirse Bucher

01/17 Zoe Rozick

01/18 Karen Herzberg

01/18 Gregory Nitz

01/19 Ellen Marshall

01/19 Rita Kuetemeyer

01/20 Abby Langendorfer

01/20 Bev Howard

01/20 Beverly Howard

01/20 Lillian Ahrens

01/20 Richard Hannum

01/21 Dana-Renee Chafin

01/21 Patricia Roth

01/22 Brian Ray

01/22 Nicholas Kronmann

01/23 Dale Grimes

01/24 Andrea Pontsler

01/24 Bryson Bellner

01/25 Dave Nowak

01/25 David Schwartz

01/25 Kerri Johnson

01/01 Elizabeth Fowler

01/01 Kirk Reid

01/01 Spencer Reid

01/02 Irina Haack

01/02 Robert Curtis

01/03 Aidan Zimmerman

01/03 John Rust III

01/04 Kari Swagler

01/04 Linda Mackey

01/04 Zachary Brown

01/05 Amanda Reisner

01/05 Jeffrey Bright II

01/05 Jill Kaplan

01/07 Kristopher Kose

01/07 Susan Rasmusson

01/08 Claudia Jones

01/08 Sophia Cedargren

01/08 Tom Schreiber

www.commofchrist.org6517 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571

419-877-0607

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Reminder---Prayers

of the Church – In order that we keep our prayer concerns current and fresh in worship---we update our prayer concern list every two weeks. The concern you provide will be included in the prayers of the congregation for two weeks.

If you would like to renew your prayer request, please use the form available in the gathering area or contact the church office. Continue to pray for another!

Would you like the NEWSLETTER in your mail box?

Simply call the church office and we would be happy to send it to your mailbox! A limited number of newsletters are copied and available in the gathering area. The newsletter is always available on our web site, www.commofchrist.org.

Our Church Office Hours will remain 8:30-3:30 pm (Monday through Friday). Our office manager will be available during these hours. Her hours will be increased to serve as Pastor’s executive assistant eight hours a week. This was approved following the staff’s task force recommendation to provide additional lay support staff for the pastor’s office. These duties and activities will be reviewed at the end of 2018.

Angel Tree gift

delivery team

for Salem.

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our members we provided gifts to approximately 65 children!