ALL THINGS GREAT AND SMALL September...

“St. Mark’s Lutheran Church exists to gather the people of God,to equip them in faith, and to send them into

the world to make a difference in Christ’s name.”

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church315 S. College Drive

Bowling Green, OH 43402

Phone: (419) 353-9305Fax: (419) 354-3000

[email protected]

Website:stmarksbg.org

Worship Services:Saturday

5 pm

Worship Services:Sunday

8:30 am & 11 am

Wednesday Night Live!Community Meal served each

Wednesday at 6 pmSeptember through May

Church Council Meeting3rd Tuesday

6:30 pm

Staff MeetingTuesdays

10 am

ALL THINGS GREAT AND SMALL September 2015

Attention All Fathers and Sons!

In honor of the 100th Anniversary of our church, I will be organizing anevent for fathers and sons. The timing of the event is a date in June2016, so we have some time to plan.

If you have an idea for an event, please email Rob Johnson [email protected]. I have some ideas, but I want to make a decisionbased on the interest of all. - Rob Johnson

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Dear Saints of God,

One of the things we did at the Vision Forums in August, was to look at various visions God gave tohis people in the bible.

For instance, when God first called Abraham to leave his family & nation, he gave him this vision:“Go ... and I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, sothat you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:1-2

Later, when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, God gave them this vision:“I will deliver my people to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Exodus3:7-8

And just before he ascended to the Father, Jesus gave his disciples this vision:“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnessesin Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

We then asked the question:What is God’s vision for St. Mark’s?What will St. Mark’s be like in 10 years, if we pursue God’s vision for us today?

These question prompted lots of exciting ideas from everyone. As the Vision Team has noted in theirreport (see page 3), there are several common themes beginning to emerge.

The one theme that seems to be the most consistent, common and clear, is our shared desire to growmore passionate in our spirituality and knowledgeable of the bible and our faith.

I’m excited about this fact, because as we deepen our spiritual intimacy with Christ and one another,we’ll develop an optimistic faith that views obstacles as opportunities and turns defeats into victories.And we will see how God can and does act through us in powerful and miraculous ways!

“For I know the plans I have for St. Mark’s, declares the Lord … to give you a future and ahope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (paraphrased)

Pursuing God’s vision with you!Pastor Rob Spicer

Vision Team Update

A core value is defined as a persistent, passionate, corebelief that empowers and guides a congregation’s ministry.At our August 17 meeting, the Vision Team performed acore values audit to begin determining what St. Mark’score values are.

We discussed the difference between actual core values and aspirational core values. Anactual value is a belief that is currently empowering and guiding a congregation’s ministry. Anaspirational value is a belief by which a congregation wants to be empowered and guided.

Using an audit tool from Dr. Aubrey Malphurs book, Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21stCentury Model for Church and Ministry Leaders, each person individually rated his/herperception of the St. Mark’s actual core values.

When we compared our individual ratings, we found a consensus around the following values:Worship, Family, Encouragement, Prayer, Fellowship, Excellence, and Leadership.

Using the feedback we have received through the Vision Forums, we then discussed what wethought St. Mark’s aspirational core values are, and identified the following: BiblicalInstruction, Cultural Relevance, Creativity, Innovation, World Missions, and Ministry/Service.

Finally, the Vision Team examined what appeared to be the most prominent responses to thesix major questions concerning, “What St. Mark’s might look like a decade down the road.”Areas of strength and weaknesses are quite naturally beginning to emerge with some clarity.

Before going further with this, one major step remains: distributing an appropriatequestionnaire to the congregation in order to make sure that everyone has an opportunity forinput into the process. The Vision Team will be reviewing the questionnaire at our nextmeeting on Aug. 31 before distributing it to the congregation in September.

We are appreciative of the interest being shown in this process, and thank everyone for theirconscientious input.

The Vision Team:Angie BlakeAndrea DepinetMary DeWittArdy GonyerDave HollingerBill RockLarry WeissPastor Rob

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Dear Saints of God,

One of the things we did at the Vision Forums in August, was to look at various visions God gave tohis people in the bible.

For instance, when God first called Abraham to leave his family & nation, he gave him this vision:“Go ... and I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, sothat you will be a blessing.” Genesis 12:1-2

Later, when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, God gave them this vision:“I will deliver my people to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” Exodus3:7-8

And just before he ascended to the Father, Jesus gave his disciples this vision:“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnessesin Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8

We then asked the question:What is God’s vision for St. Mark’s?What will St. Mark’s be like in 10 years, if we pursue God’s vision for us today?

These question prompted lots of exciting ideas from everyone. As the Vision Team has noted in theirreport (see page 3), there are several common themes beginning to emerge.

The one theme that seems to be the most consistent, common and clear, is our shared desire to growmore passionate in our spirituality and knowledgeable of the bible and our faith.

I’m excited about this fact, because as we deepen our spiritual intimacy with Christ and one another,we’ll develop an optimistic faith that views obstacles as opportunities and turns defeats into victories.And we will see how God can and does act through us in powerful and miraculous ways!

“For I know the plans I have for St. Mark’s, declares the Lord … to give you a future and ahope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (paraphrased)

Pursuing God’s vision with you!Pastor Rob Spicer

Vision Team Update

A core value is defined as a persistent, passionate, corebelief that empowers and guides a congregation’s ministry.At our August 17 meeting, the Vision Team performed acore values audit to begin determining what St. Mark’score values are.

We discussed the difference between actual core values and aspirational core values. Anactual value is a belief that is currently empowering and guiding a congregation’s ministry. Anaspirational value is a belief by which a congregation wants to be empowered and guided.

Using an audit tool from Dr. Aubrey Malphurs book, Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21stCentury Model for Church and Ministry Leaders, each person individually rated his/herperception of the St. Mark’s actual core values.

When we compared our individual ratings, we found a consensus around the following values:Worship, Family, Encouragement, Prayer, Fellowship, Excellence, and Leadership.

Using the feedback we have received through the Vision Forums, we then discussed what wethought St. Mark’s aspirational core values are, and identified the following: BiblicalInstruction, Cultural Relevance, Creativity, Innovation, World Missions, and Ministry/Service.

Finally, the Vision Team examined what appeared to be the most prominent responses to thesix major questions concerning, “What St. Mark’s might look like a decade down the road.”Areas of strength and weaknesses are quite naturally beginning to emerge with some clarity.

Before going further with this, one major step remains: distributing an appropriatequestionnaire to the congregation in order to make sure that everyone has an opportunity forinput into the process. The Vision Team will be reviewing the questionnaire at our nextmeeting on Aug. 31 before distributing it to the congregation in September.

We are appreciative of the interest being shown in this process, and thank everyone for theirconscientious input.

The Vision Team:Angie BlakeAndrea DepinetMary DeWittArdy GonyerDave HollingerBill RockLarry WeissPastor Rob

4 4

Michael BarnettRodney Conrad

Luke CustarBrandon DavisThomas Davis

John EllingJacob Hunt

Nathan InstoneCole JenningsAaron Kriekel

Lindsey Bruns-KriekelEric Matthews

Bruce NeighborRoy OberhausKyle OsborneMark Piper

Joshua RussellChristopher Singh

Stony SmithJohn Turkal

Christopher TurnowGeoffrey Wyatt

Please pray for those serving in themilitary and remember in prayer their

family and friends.

Call or email the church office withchanges to this list: 419-353-9305 ext.

111 or [email protected]

Stephen Ministry Training willbegin in October!

The art of listening is one of the most powerfulministry tools at our disposal. In Stephen Ministry, agreat deal of time is spent in teaching and practicinglistening skills because of its importance as acaregiving tool.

Beginning in October, the Stephen Series will helpSt. Mark’s train some of our members to provideorganized, quality care and extend the caring ministryour pastors already do. It’s based on the idea that allChristians are ministers of caring.

We know there are hurting people all around us. Wemay be hurting ourselves. At times, life’s challengescan be overwhelming... the death of a loved one, aserious illness or operation, a divorce, the loss of ajob.

Often we suffer silently or don’t request or receivethe level of care we really need. Stephen Ministryis a proven way to help address these needs. In thelast three years, we have trained 15 people to beStephen Ministers who have cared for 40 people.The time commitment is a minimum of two years andit’s time for new Stephen Ministers to rotate into theprogram as a few others rotate out.

So what is a Stephen Minister?They are members of our congregation.They go through 50 hours of training, broken down

into 20 sessions.Topics include confidentiality, assertiveness, the art

of listening, dealing with feelings, maintainingrelationship boundaries, and caring for peoplefacing various life challenges or crisis.

Once the training is complete, each minister may beassigned a care receiver to meet with for about anhour a week. This caring relationship will last for aslong as the care receiver needs it.

We hope that you’ll pray about your spiritual gifts andif you have a heart for Christian caregiving.

Smile for FreedomSimple, tangible ways to help girls in our home via our ‘Smile for Freedom’ event.

Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 5 pm and 8 pmThe University of Toledo

Last year we raised $22,000 for our girls. This year we want to sell out bothshows for a total of 2,000 people and raise $40,000 for our girls.

Tickets are $20 per person and are available at:http://thedaughterproject.org/#/smile-4-freedom/tickets

Women’s Bible Study

The Women’s Bible Study is starting Monday,September 14, at 6:30 pm and every otherMonday thereafter. We meet in the MultipurposeRoom.

The study for this fall is: “What Love Is” by KellyMinter. This seven session study of First, Secondand Third John, encourages you to remain faithfulto the truth.

You will be challenged to look at contrastingthemes such as walking in the light instead of dark-ness, truth versus lies and deception, loving Godmore than loving the world, and the meaning of truefellowship and community rather than shallowness.

The workbook is $12.99 (not required, but highlyrecommended). If you have questions or would likea workbook, please email Amy Schroeder at [email protected] or call 419-575-4766.

If you feel God tugging at your heart to bechallenged, to share wonderful fellowship or todeepen your faith, then this study is for you.

All women are welcome, so please invite your family and friends.

New Women’s Small Group

A new women’s small group is starting. Ourfirst meeting will be Monday, September 21,at 7 pm. We will meet the third Monday of

each month in the Multipurpose Room.

The group is open to women in their 30s and40s. It will be a time of fellowship, study, and

prayer. We hope you can join us!

If you have any questions, please call LisaProcyk at 419-353-7693.

2016 Mother Daughter Tea

Please join us as we begin planning for the 2016Mother Daughter Tea. This tea will be “extraspecial” as it is one of the many events plannedin celebration of St. Mark’s 100th Anniversary!

The first planning meeting will be held on Sunday,October 4, at 12 noon in the Multipurpose Room.

Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch along to themeeting. If you are interested in helping plan thetea but are unable to attend on Oct. 4, pleasecontact Belva Kallenbach or Terry Nowicki.

5 5

Michael BarnettRodney Conrad

Luke CustarBrandon DavisThomas Davis

John EllingJacob Hunt

Nathan InstoneCole JenningsAaron Kriekel

Lindsey Bruns-KriekelEric Matthews

Bruce NeighborRoy OberhausKyle OsborneMark Piper

Joshua RussellChristopher Singh

Stony SmithJohn Turkal

Christopher TurnowGeoffrey Wyatt

Please pray for those serving in themilitary and remember in prayer their

family and friends.

Call or email the church office withchanges to this list: 419-353-9305 ext.

111 or [email protected]

Stephen Ministry Training willbegin in October!

The art of listening is one of the most powerfulministry tools at our disposal. In Stephen Ministry, agreat deal of time is spent in teaching and practicinglistening skills because of its importance as acaregiving tool.

Beginning in October, the Stephen Series will helpSt. Mark’s train some of our members to provideorganized, quality care and extend the caring ministryour pastors already do. It’s based on the idea that allChristians are ministers of caring.

We know there are hurting people all around us. Wemay be hurting ourselves. At times, life’s challengescan be overwhelming... the death of a loved one, aserious illness or operation, a divorce, the loss of ajob.

Often we suffer silently or don’t request or receivethe level of care we really need. Stephen Ministryis a proven way to help address these needs. In thelast three years, we have trained 15 people to beStephen Ministers who have cared for 40 people.The time commitment is a minimum of two years andit’s time for new Stephen Ministers to rotate into theprogram as a few others rotate out.

So what is a Stephen Minister?They are members of our congregation.They go through 50 hours of training, broken down

into 20 sessions.Topics include confidentiality, assertiveness, the art

of listening, dealing with feelings, maintainingrelationship boundaries, and caring for peoplefacing various life challenges or crisis.

Once the training is complete, each minister may beassigned a care receiver to meet with for about anhour a week. This caring relationship will last for aslong as the care receiver needs it.

We hope that you’ll pray about your spiritual gifts andif you have a heart for Christian caregiving.

Smile for FreedomSimple, tangible ways to help girls in our home via our ‘Smile for Freedom’ event.

Saturday, October 17, 2015 at 5 pm and 8 pmThe University of Toledo

Last year we raised $22,000 for our girls. This year we want to sell out bothshows for a total of 2,000 people and raise $40,000 for our girls.

Tickets are $20 per person and are available at:http://thedaughterproject.org/#/smile-4-freedom/tickets

Women’s Bible Study

The Women’s Bible Study is starting Monday,September 14, at 6:30 pm and every otherMonday thereafter. We meet in the MultipurposeRoom.

The study for this fall is: “What Love Is” by KellyMinter. This seven session study of First, Secondand Third John, encourages you to remain faithfulto the truth.

You will be challenged to look at contrastingthemes such as walking in the light instead of dark-ness, truth versus lies and deception, loving Godmore than loving the world, and the meaning of truefellowship and community rather than shallowness.

The workbook is $12.99 (not required, but highlyrecommended). If you have questions or would likea workbook, please email Amy Schroeder at [email protected] or call 419-575-4766.

If you feel God tugging at your heart to bechallenged, to share wonderful fellowship or todeepen your faith, then this study is for you.

All women are welcome, so please invite your family and friends.

New Women’s Small Group

A new women’s small group is starting. Ourfirst meeting will be Monday, September 21,at 7 pm. We will meet the third Monday of

each month in the Multipurpose Room.

The group is open to women in their 30s and40s. It will be a time of fellowship, study, and

prayer. We hope you can join us!

If you have any questions, please call LisaProcyk at 419-353-7693.

2016 Mother Daughter Tea

Please join us as we begin planning for the 2016Mother Daughter Tea. This tea will be “extraspecial” as it is one of the many events plannedin celebration of St. Mark’s 100th Anniversary!

The first planning meeting will be held on Sunday,October 4, at 12 noon in the Multipurpose Room.

Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch along to themeeting. If you are interested in helping plan thetea but are unable to attend on Oct. 4, pleasecontact Belva Kallenbach or Terry Nowicki.

6 6

THANK YOU TO OUR DISCIPLESTHANK YOU TO OUR DISCIPLES

Saturday, September 12Scripture Reader: Nancy Mancuso

Worship Assistants: Roger & Cheryl Hayward

Sunday, September 13Rally Day!

9:30 Pray with Pastor: Marlene North 10:00 Greeters: Dennis & Beverly Meyer

Acolyte: Luke JohnsonCrucifer: Linda AllenAssisting Minister: Bonnie NewbyScripture Reader: Carla GonyerUshers: Ed Bresler, Jim Cessna,

Don Morlock, Jim VollmarWelcome Center Host: Chris NorthKitchen Monitor: Donna PulschenWelcome Ministry Visitor: Rose AckermanCoffee Hour Hosts: Jim & Nancy Cessna

Friday, September 11 Bulletin Assembly:Pat McGinnis and Connie Meeker

Saturday, September 19Scripture Reader: Susanna Herman

Worship Assistants: Craig & Sharon Traver

Sunday, September 20 8:00 Pray with Pastor: Jerry & Jan Ruffner 8:30 Greeters: Jonathan & Carol Lenox,

Jordyn & EthanCommunion Setup: Sue KlotzCommunion Servers:

Center (North)Bread: Cindy FullerWine: Jan HigginbothamTransepts:Bread: Donna PulschenWine: Amy WellerCenter (South)Bread: PastorWine: CruciferAssisting Minister: Robin SmallAcolyte: Trena WisemanScripture Reader: Anne WalstonCrucifer: Dennis MartenUshers: Bryan Christy, Gerry Kallenbach,

Larry Lewis, Don MorlockWelcome Center Host: Sally Bresler

11:00 Greeter: Nancy KernCommunion Setup: Kelly & Hana JenningsCommunion Cleanup: Kelly & Hana JenningsCommunion Servers:

Center (North)Bread: Denise KisabethWine: Joan StaibTransepts:Bread: Brian BushongWine: Sara BushongCenter (South)Bread: PastorWine: Crucifer

Acolyte: Garrett GermannAssisting Minister: Carla GonyerScripture Reader: Kelly RoddyCrucifer: Austin EzzoneUshers:Welcome Center Host: Shirley McGeeKitchen Monitor: Donna PulschenWelcome Ministry Visitors:

Terry Marland, Kim WarnkeCoffee Hour Hosts: Bill & Sue Rock

Friday, September 18 Bulletin Assembly:Wib & Lola Miller

Saturday, September 26Scripture Reader: Deb Marten

Worship Assistants: Don & Cathi Neifer

Sunday, September 27 8:00 Pray with Pastor: Lee Sundermeier

8:30 Greeter: Mary StrausbaughAcolyte: Abbi NorthCrucifer: Asa LanningAssisting Minister: Martha WoelkeScripture Reader: Bob WillmanUshers: Bryan Christy, Gerry Kallenbach,

Larry Lewis, Don MorlockWelcome Center Host: Bonnie Newby

11:00 Greeters: Ned & Jo BakerAcolyte: Keegan DigbyAssisting Minister: Ardy GonyerScripture Reader: Larry WeissCrucifer: Heath HuberUshers:Welcome Center Host: Norma BadenKitchen Monitor: Donna PulschenWelcome Ministry Visitors: Jim & Barb

Vollmar, Darlene HerringshawCoffee Hour Hosts: Jerry & Jan RuffnerFriday, September 25 Bulletin Assembly:

Brenda Meyer and Donna Pulschen

Saturday, September 5Scripture Reader:

Worship Assistants: Denny Laube, Jodee Philo

Sunday, September 68:00 Pray with Pastor: Ardy Gonyer8:30 Greeters: Rob & Betsy Johnson, Jessica & Luke

Communion Setup: Kathy CableCommunion Servers:

North RailBread: Martha WoelkeWine: Jim WoelkeCups: Cindy StockwellSouth RailBread: Pastor Wine: CruciferCups:Acolyte: Madeline DepinetAssisting Minister: Donna PulschenScripture Reader: Atonn SmeltzerCrucifer: Don RalstonUshers: Gary Marten, John Kretzschmar,Cheryl Kurfess, Mark StrausbaughWelcome Center Host: Sandy Kerr

11:00 Greeter: Carol BlackCommunion Setup & Cleanup: Ruth Ann

BeaversonCommunion Servers:

North RailBread: Shirley McGeeWine: Kathy CableCups: Elana CableSouth RailBread: PastorWine: CruciferCups:Acolyte: Kaylee AshmanCrucifer: Dave HollingerAssisting Minister: Larry WeissScripture Reader: Patti HerberUshers: Joe McGee, Bob Willman,Larry ZimmermanWelcome Center Host: Carol BlackKitchen Monitor: Donna PulschenWelcome Ministry Visitors:Diana Bruns, Kim WarnkeCoffee Hour Hosts: Dale & Carol Melcher

Friday, September 4 Bulletin Assembly:Joyce Chambers and Phyllis Bailey

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THANK YOU TO OUR DISCIPLESTHANK YOU TO OUR DISCIPLES

Saturday, September 12Scripture Reader: Nancy Mancuso

Worship Assistants: Roger & Cheryl Hayward

Sunday, September 13Rally Day!

9:30 Pray with Pastor: Marlene North 10:00 Greeters: Dennis & Beverly Meyer

Acolyte: Luke JohnsonCrucifer: Linda AllenAssisting Minister: Bonnie NewbyScripture Reader: Carla GonyerUshers: Ed Bresler, Jim Cessna,

Don Morlock, Jim VollmarWelcome Center Host: Chris NorthKitchen Monitor: Donna PulschenWelcome Ministry Visitor: Rose AckermanCoffee Hour Hosts: Jim & Nancy Cessna

Friday, September 11 Bulletin Assembly:Pat McGinnis and Connie Meeker

Saturday, September 19Scripture Reader: Susanna Herman

Worship Assistants: Craig & Sharon Traver

Sunday, September 20 8:00 Pray with Pastor: Jerry & Jan Ruffner 8:30 Greeters: Jonathan & Carol Lenox,

Jordyn & EthanCommunion Setup: Sue KlotzCommunion Servers:

Center (North)Bread: Cindy FullerWine: Jan HigginbothamTransepts:Bread: Donna PulschenWine: Amy WellerCenter (South)Bread: PastorWine: CruciferAssisting Minister: Robin SmallAcolyte: Trena WisemanScripture Reader: Anne WalstonCrucifer: Dennis MartenUshers: Bryan Christy, Gerry Kallenbach,

Larry Lewis, Don MorlockWelcome Center Host: Sally Bresler

11:00 Greeter: Nancy KernCommunion Setup: Kelly & Hana JenningsCommunion Cleanup: Kelly & Hana JenningsCommunion Servers:

Center (North)Bread: Denise KisabethWine: Joan StaibTransepts:Bread: Brian BushongWine: Sara BushongCenter (South)Bread: PastorWine: Crucifer

Acolyte: Garrett GermannAssisting Minister: Carla GonyerScripture Reader: Kelly RoddyCrucifer: Austin EzzoneUshers:Welcome Center Host: Shirley McGeeKitchen Monitor: Donna PulschenWelcome Ministry Visitors:

Terry Marland, Kim WarnkeCoffee Hour Hosts: Bill & Sue Rock

Friday, September 18 Bulletin Assembly:Wib & Lola Miller

Saturday, September 26Scripture Reader: Deb Marten

Worship Assistants: Don & Cathi Neifer

Sunday, September 27 8:00 Pray with Pastor: Lee Sundermeier

8:30 Greeter: Mary StrausbaughAcolyte: Abbi NorthCrucifer: Asa LanningAssisting Minister: Martha WoelkeScripture Reader: Bob WillmanUshers: Bryan Christy, Gerry Kallenbach,

Larry Lewis, Don MorlockWelcome Center Host: Bonnie Newby

11:00 Greeters: Ned & Jo BakerAcolyte: Keegan DigbyAssisting Minister: Ardy GonyerScripture Reader: Larry WeissCrucifer: Heath HuberUshers:Welcome Center Host: Norma BadenKitchen Monitor: Donna PulschenWelcome Ministry Visitors: Jim & Barb

Vollmar, Darlene HerringshawCoffee Hour Hosts: Jerry & Jan RuffnerFriday, September 25 Bulletin Assembly:

Brenda Meyer and Donna Pulschen

Saturday, September 5Scripture Reader:

Worship Assistants: Denny Laube, Jodee Philo

Sunday, September 68:00 Pray with Pastor: Ardy Gonyer8:30 Greeters: Rob & Betsy Johnson, Jessica & Luke

Communion Setup: Kathy CableCommunion Servers:

North RailBread: Martha WoelkeWine: Jim WoelkeCups: Cindy StockwellSouth RailBread: Pastor Wine: CruciferCups:Acolyte: Madeline DepinetAssisting Minister: Donna PulschenScripture Reader: Atonn SmeltzerCrucifer: Don RalstonUshers: Gary Marten, John Kretzschmar,Cheryl Kurfess, Mark StrausbaughWelcome Center Host: Sandy Kerr

11:00 Greeter: Carol BlackCommunion Setup & Cleanup: Ruth Ann

BeaversonCommunion Servers:

North RailBread: Shirley McGeeWine: Kathy CableCups: Elana CableSouth RailBread: PastorWine: CruciferCups:Acolyte: Kaylee AshmanCrucifer: Dave HollingerAssisting Minister: Larry WeissScripture Reader: Patti HerberUshers: Joe McGee, Bob Willman,Larry ZimmermanWelcome Center Host: Carol BlackKitchen Monitor: Donna PulschenWelcome Ministry Visitors:Diana Bruns, Kim WarnkeCoffee Hour Hosts: Dale & Carol Melcher

Friday, September 4 Bulletin Assembly:Joyce Chambers and Phyllis Bailey

8 8

Project ConnectProject Connect Wish List

Please drop these items off in thebox provided across from the

Welcome Center.

Adult Men Care PackShampoo/Conditioner

DeodorantToothbrush/Toothpaste

Shower soapRazorComb

Adult Women Care PackShampoo/Conditioner


Shower soapRazors

Combs/HairbrushFeminine Products

Children Care PackKids Shampoo/Conditioner

Kids Toothbrush/ToothpasteBody washHairbrush

Box of crayons/or asmall stuffed toy

Items can be placed in a large Ziplocbag, ready to be distributed. Pleaselabel bags by gender and age group.

Additional items needed are:diapers, wipes, laundrytokens and gift cards.

Donations can also be accepted atthe Fringe Thrift Store, inside Wood-land Mall, Tuesday throughSaturday 10 am - 7 pm.

Project ConnectWednesday, October 14

9 am-3 pmAt St. Mark’s

Matthew Christy in the News!

Matthew Christy was featured in The Columbus Dispatch,August 2, 2015!

This will be Matthew’s fourth cake-decorating contest at thefair. He’s the pastry chef at Scioto Country Club, but thefair entries are on his own time—about five to eight hoursfor each one.

First he whipped up 22 pounds of frosting, using 16 poundsof highly refined powdered sugar, six pounds of Crisco,eight pinches of salt, and water as needed. Building a“6-10-14” cake means the top layer is 6 inches in diameter,the second is 10 and the bottom is 14.

Matthew’s family also attends St. Mark’s: his mother, Barb,and brothers, Jon and Bryan.

Matthew Christy, member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, resident of Merion Village, decorates his entry for the Ohio State Fair’s cake-decorating contest.

9 9

Project ConnectProject Connect Wish List

Please drop these items off in thebox provided across from the

Welcome Center.

Adult Men Care PackShampoo/Conditioner


Shower soapRazorComb

Adult Women Care PackShampoo/Conditioner


Shower soapRazors

Combs/HairbrushFeminine Products

Children Care PackKids Shampoo/Conditioner

Kids Toothbrush/ToothpasteBody washHairbrush

Box of crayons/or asmall stuffed toy

Items can be placed in a large Ziplocbag, ready to be distributed. Pleaselabel bags by gender and age group.

Additional items needed are:diapers, wipes, laundrytokens and gift cards.

Donations can also be accepted atthe Fringe Thrift Store, inside Wood-land Mall, Tuesday throughSaturday 10 am - 7 pm.

Project ConnectWednesday, October 14

9 am-3 pmAt St. Mark’s

Matthew Christy in the News!

Matthew Christy was featured in The Columbus Dispatch,August 2, 2015!

This will be Matthew’s fourth cake-decorating contest at thefair. He’s the pastry chef at Scioto Country Club, but thefair entries are on his own time—about five to eight hoursfor each one.

First he whipped up 22 pounds of frosting, using 16 poundsof highly refined powdered sugar, six pounds of Crisco,eight pinches of salt, and water as needed. Building a“6-10-14” cake means the top layer is 6 inches in diameter,the second is 10 and the bottom is 14.

Matthew’s family also attends St. Mark’s: his mother, Barb,and brothers, Jon and Bryan.

Matthew Christy, member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, resident of Merion Village, decorates his entry for the Ohio State Fair’s cake-decorating contest.

10 10

Wednesday Noon Live 2015

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving themthe things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does nothave works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show meyour faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

James 2:14-18

With this in mind, I want to thank the following Wednesday Noon Live Disciples for all their humble andhard work, dedication, and good hearts for being part of the first 2015 WNL Noon Luncheon teamserving God's people of our community:

Sarah Acors* Becky PaskvanElaine Arnold Jay Pilkington*Tom Baer Donna PulschenDiana Bruns Karen RileySarah Haas* Jeff RobertsCarolyn Hall* Rebecca RobertsKathy Hunt* Mick Sayen*Linda Kinder Richard SlandzickiJane Koerner Joan StaibAlex Martinez* Jim SzalejkoVi Martinez* Jodi Tyson*Wib Miller

*A very special "Thank You" to those designated with an asterisk who chose toshow their faith by their works at St. Mark's but who are NOT members of St. Mark's.

Meals:

Our lunches each week included potato chips and watermelon or fruit salad.

Sandwiches served were:

Hot Dogs/Chili DogsCheeseburgersGrilled Cheese with Bacon and TomatoGrilled Ham and CheeseSloppy JoesFried BolognaA special delight in week five was: Baby Back Ribs (Courtesy of Alex Martinez).

Wednesday Noon Live Statistics for 2015Total Lunches Served: 675 Avg. 67.5/week

Total Gross Cost: $814.78 Avg. $81.48/week

Donations from Volunteers andBusinesses: $172.98 Avg. $17.30/week

Total Out of Pocket from Budget: $641.80 Avg. $64.18/week

Donations from Guest: $ 91.00 Avg. $9.10/week

Total Net Expenditure: $550.80

Avg. Total Cost per Week $55.08

Avg. Cost per Dinner Served $0.83

Volunteers 101 Avg. 10/week(Total Volunteer Hours - 202)

A FINAL NOTE:

The first year for Wednesday Noon Live was successful and I hope we will be able to continue this asa similar tradition of Wednesday Night Live.

Wednesday Night Live will start up on Wednesday, September 9. Remember this is an excellentopportunity for you to become a disciple and show your faith by your works.

This year we are asking Thrivent members if they would be willing to sponsor a month by reaching outto their Thrivent representative and asking for a $250 Action Team debit card to support a specificmonth of Wednesday Live Meals. Call me if you need any assistance with this task.

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circleand comes back to us.”

See you in September !!

May God BlessJim Szalejko & Dee SzalejkoWNL Coordinators & Disciples

11 11

Wednesday Noon Live 2015

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving themthe things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does nothave works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show meyour faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

James 2:14-18

With this in mind, I want to thank the following Wednesday Noon Live Disciples for all their humble andhard work, dedication, and good hearts for being part of the first 2015 WNL Noon Luncheon teamserving God's people of our community:

Sarah Acors* Becky PaskvanElaine Arnold Jay Pilkington*Tom Baer Donna PulschenDiana Bruns Karen RileySarah Haas* Jeff RobertsCarolyn Hall* Rebecca RobertsKathy Hunt* Mick Sayen*Linda Kinder Richard SlandzickiJane Koerner Joan StaibAlex Martinez* Jim SzalejkoVi Martinez* Jodi Tyson*Wib Miller

*A very special "Thank You" to those designated with an asterisk who chose toshow their faith by their works at St. Mark's but who are NOT members of St. Mark's.

Meals:

Our lunches each week included potato chips and watermelon or fruit salad.

Sandwiches served were:

Hot Dogs/Chili DogsCheeseburgersGrilled Cheese with Bacon and TomatoGrilled Ham and CheeseSloppy JoesFried BolognaA special delight in week five was: Baby Back Ribs (Courtesy of Alex Martinez).

Wednesday Noon Live Statistics for 2015Total Lunches Served: 675 Avg. 67.5/week

Total Gross Cost: $814.78 Avg. $81.48/week

Donations from Volunteers andBusinesses: $172.98 Avg. $17.30/week

Total Out of Pocket from Budget: $641.80 Avg. $64.18/week

Donations from Guest: $ 91.00 Avg. $9.10/week

Total Net Expenditure: $550.80

Avg. Total Cost per Week $55.08

Avg. Cost per Dinner Served $0.83

Volunteers 101 Avg. 10/week(Total Volunteer Hours - 202)

A FINAL NOTE:

The first year for Wednesday Noon Live was successful and I hope we will be able to continue this asa similar tradition of Wednesday Night Live.

Wednesday Night Live will start up on Wednesday, September 9. Remember this is an excellentopportunity for you to become a disciple and show your faith by your works.

This year we are asking Thrivent members if they would be willing to sponsor a month by reaching outto their Thrivent representative and asking for a $250 Action Team debit card to support a specificmonth of Wednesday Live Meals. Call me if you need any assistance with this task.

“In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circleand comes back to us.”

See you in September !!

May God BlessJim Szalejko & Dee SzalejkoWNL Coordinators & Disciples

12 12

Noisy Offering totaled $536.85. Thismoney will go to Wood County AreaMinistries (WAM). The Noisy Offeringfor August will go to LutheranAgencies, and for September toProject Connect.

2015 Plan Summary

July Year-to-date Comparison2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 to 2014

Actual Receipts $ 45,640 $ 42.188 $343,712 $325,261 $(18,451)Actual Expenditures $ 65,397 $ 54,017 $382,005 $353,961 $(28,044)Surplus (Deficit) $ (19,757) $(11,829) $ (38,293) $ (28,700) 9,593

PRAYERS FOR PASTOR ROBPRAYERS FOR ST. MARK’S

Have you noticed in the announcements that before theSunday morning services prayers are being offered?

WHO – VOLUNTEERS – singles, couples, families, youth

WHAT – Prayers for Pastor and HIS message; goings on of St. Mark’s (ex. VBS) those attending theservice today.

WHERE – Pastor’s office

WHEN – 8 am

HOW THIS WORKS - Ask Pastor, “how might I pray for you this morning?” Pastor will not be offeringprayer, only receiving prayer. Be confident that the Holy Spirit will direct you in praying. Prayers areoffered in a comfortable setting in Pastor’s office; sitting around the table holding hands during prayerseems to work well. Lift Pastor and St. Mark’s in prayer as the spirit leads; that Pastor will follow God’swords and call for the morning and hearts of the congregation will be open and filled. (Pray for Pastorlasts five to ten minutes tops so Pastor may finish preparing for the morning).

If praying aloud is uncomfortable for you, volunteer to accompany someone else on a Sunday. I promiseit is not scary. The Spirit will lead you and our Pastor is a very sweet person!

We already have had many volunteers, however, more is better. This could be something so huge, thatyou might only be taking a turn every three or four months. Let’s ENVISION once every year, five yearsfrom now. WOW, I believe that is possible!

The following website offers some great insight as to why Pastors need our prayers. Please take time tocheck it out OR Google - Pray for Pastor to find more.

http://www.my-pastor.com/how-to-pray-for-your-pastor.html

I ask that you give much thought and prayer to this. You may call or email me, or see me betweenservices. I ALWAYS have the Pray for Pastor calendar with me!We prayed for Pastor Rob for over two years to come to St. Mark’s, may we continue to support him.

Sally Bresler419/454/[email protected]

100th Anniversary

Committee MeetingA 100th Anniversary Committeemeeting is scheduled for Tuesday,September 8, at 6:30 pm.

We would love to have you join usand bring your ideas! We will needlots of people to help us make thiscoming year a great celebration.We already have a tentative list ofevents planned to celebrate thishistoric milestone. We will be kickingoff our year of celebration with a spe-cial service on Sunday, January 31,with Bishop Lohrmann as our guestspeaker. This special service will befollowed by a Soup and ChiliCook-off in the Family Life Center.

Throughout the following months, wehope to have various music events, aMother/Daughter Tea, and a Father/Son Gathering. In addition, we willbe reviving our tent weekend in July,with a special music concert onSaturday evening under the tent.

We have much more to plan and lookforward to your input! If you have anyquestions, please contact DeniseKisabeth at [email protected]

13 13

Noisy Offering totaled $536.85. Thismoney will go to Wood County AreaMinistries (WAM). The Noisy Offeringfor August will go to LutheranAgencies, and for September toProject Connect.

2015 Plan Summary

July Year-to-date Comparison2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 to 2014

Actual Receipts $ 45,640 $ 42.188 $343,712 $325,261 $(18,451)Actual Expenditures $ 65,397 $ 54,017 $382,005 $353,961 $(28,044)Surplus (Deficit) $ (19,757) $(11,829) $ (38,293) $ (28,700) 9,593

PRAYERS FOR PASTOR ROBPRAYERS FOR ST. MARK’S

Have you noticed in the announcements that before theSunday morning services prayers are being offered?

WHO – VOLUNTEERS – singles, couples, families, youth

WHAT – Prayers for Pastor and HIS message; goings on of St. Mark’s (ex. VBS) those attending theservice today.

WHERE – Pastor’s office

WHEN – 8 am

HOW THIS WORKS - Ask Pastor, “how might I pray for you this morning?” Pastor will not be offeringprayer, only receiving prayer. Be confident that the Holy Spirit will direct you in praying. Prayers areoffered in a comfortable setting in Pastor’s office; sitting around the table holding hands during prayerseems to work well. Lift Pastor and St. Mark’s in prayer as the spirit leads; that Pastor will follow God’swords and call for the morning and hearts of the congregation will be open and filled. (Pray for Pastorlasts five to ten minutes tops so Pastor may finish preparing for the morning).

If praying aloud is uncomfortable for you, volunteer to accompany someone else on a Sunday. I promiseit is not scary. The Spirit will lead you and our Pastor is a very sweet person!

We already have had many volunteers, however, more is better. This could be something so huge, thatyou might only be taking a turn every three or four months. Let’s ENVISION once every year, five yearsfrom now. WOW, I believe that is possible!

The following website offers some great insight as to why Pastors need our prayers. Please take time tocheck it out OR Google - Pray for Pastor to find more.

http://www.my-pastor.com/how-to-pray-for-your-pastor.html

I ask that you give much thought and prayer to this. You may call or email me, or see me betweenservices. I ALWAYS have the Pray for Pastor calendar with me!We prayed for Pastor Rob for over two years to come to St. Mark’s, may we continue to support him.

Sally Bresler419/454/[email protected]

100th Anniversary

Committee MeetingA 100th Anniversary Committeemeeting is scheduled for Tuesday,September 8, at 6:30 pm.

We would love to have you join usand bring your ideas! We will needlots of people to help us make thiscoming year a great celebration.We already have a tentative list ofevents planned to celebrate thishistoric milestone. We will be kickingoff our year of celebration with a spe-cial service on Sunday, January 31,with Bishop Lohrmann as our guestspeaker. This special service will befollowed by a Soup and ChiliCook-off in the Family Life Center.

Throughout the following months, wehope to have various music events, aMother/Daughter Tea, and a Father/Son Gathering. In addition, we willbe reviving our tent weekend in July,with a special music concert onSaturday evening under the tent.

We have much more to plan and lookforward to your input! If you have anyquestions, please contact DeniseKisabeth at [email protected]

14 14

St. Mark’s Staff

David Brondos, ELCA Missionaryhttps://sites.google.com/site/dbrondos/home

Rob SpicerSenior Pastor, ext. [email protected]

Melanie HaackSaturday Evening Pastor/Visitation Pastor

[email protected]

Jim SzalejkoParish Administrator, ext. 121

[email protected]

Kevin McGillDirector of Music, ext. 119

[email protected]

Emily GerkenInterim Director of Youth Ministries, ext. 115

[email protected]

Terry NowickiAdministrative Assistant, ext. 111

[email protected]

Karen RileyPart-Time Secretary, ext. 112

[email protected]

Norm CarpenterBell Choir Director

[email protected]

Mattison Moomaw and Kyra BloomNursery Supervisors

Karen KlinePart-Time Custodian

Marilyn NobleTreasurer

Ruth Ann BeaversonFinancial Secretary

419-308-8206

PresidentArdy Gonyer (419) [email protected]

Vice PresidentMarlene North (419) [email protected]

Fellowship/HospitalityBrian Bushong (419) [email protected]

Kelly Roddy (419) [email protected]

Outreach/MarketingNancy Cessna (419) [email protected]

Sandy Kerr (419) [email protected]

PropertyMark Henning (419) [email protected]

Kent Stambaugh (419) [email protected]

Safety TeamKent Stambaugh (Chair)Nancy Cessna, Stephanie Lane,Marlene North, Kelly Roddy

StewardshipMartha Woelke (Chair) (419) [email protected] Bushong, Mark HenningSandy Kerr, Atonn Smeltzer, Beth Utz

WorshipStephanie Lane (419) [email protected]

Atonn Smeltzer (330) [email protected]

Youth, Family & LearningMarlene NorthSally Snyder (419) [email protected]

Beth Utz (419) [email protected]

2015-16 CHURCH COUNCIL

ALL THINGS GREAT AND SMALL September...

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