First English Lutheran Church 94 Long Street Ashville, Ohio 43103

First English Lutheran Church94 Long StreetAshville, Ohio 43103

Worship InformationSunday Worship Service

10:00 A.M.

Sunday SchoolSeptember – May

Pastor Marie Duquette

Church 740-983-2641

The Mission of First EnglishLutheran Church is:

to grow in faith, to spread God’s love,to share god’s gifts, together,through service and worship.

March 2012First English Lutheran Church

The MessengerA Message from Pastor Marie…

When I had been a pastor for about 5 years, I had an experience I will never forget. I had given a sermon on Forgiveness, in which I kept repeating the phrase, “It’s either about forgiveness, or it isn’t.” Composing that sermon required me to wrestle with the Holy Spirit and the scriptures long and hard, and still, I wasn’t particularly composed when I preached it. In fact, I think I was still wrestling aloud with God, right there in front of everyone as I preached.

In that same service, we celebrated Holy Communion. When I poured the wine from the flagon into the chalice it produced a fountain-like effect, casting large amounts of wine onto the white altar linens and splattering the front of my alb. A few drops even hit my face. I was stunned. I had never had them happen before, and I’ve never had it happen since. I was visibly shook as I served communion that day, and embarrassed when I tried to explain to the altar guild what had happened.

That experience increased my passion about trying to understand forgiveness. I have noticed that in the Christian faith we speak often about forgiveness, but we don’t say much about the particulars. For example, how do we forgive someone who is convinced they did nothing wrong? How do we ask for forgiveness? What do we do when we initiate a conversation aimed at forgiving and the other person has no interest in reconciliation? Is it faithful if we forgive but can not forget? And why does it seem so impossible to forgive ourselves, sometimes, for things that have happened that we know logically we could not control?

These questions have led me to believe it would be helpful to do a sermon series on forgiveness that offers a process, or at least a deeper understanding of what it means to forgive and to be forgiven.

It has been 4 years since that memorable day at the altar when the wine poured itself out onto the altar linens as if to emphasize the words I had just preached: either it’s about forgiveness, or it isn’t. And though I still don’t feel ready to tackle this, my sense is that the Holy Spirit is telling me it’s time.

On Wednesdays through the season of Lent, beginning on February 29th, we will gather at 6:00 for a light supper before moving into the sanctuary for Holden Evening Prayer. Within that service, each week I will share with you some of the things I have learned through my study and experience of forgiveness.

My prayer is that it will open conversations that lead to our being able to better forgive one another, and to forgive ourselves.

Please come with an open mind and an open heart. Let us speak of forgiveness. Let us begin to reconcile some of our pasts with our presents. Let us seek to find the peace this world cannot give.

In the name of Jesus Christ who died, so that we might be…Forgiven,Pastor Marie


The Messenger

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•Family and Friends of Mike Raver’s sister Grace uponher passing•Thomas Wilson-Serving in the U.S. Marine Corp•Our Mission Partner Living Waters Lutheran •Church, Cherokee, NC•Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson and the work of the ELCA•Bishop Cal Holloway, his staff and the ministry of our Southern Ohio Synod•The poor and needy within our community and in the world•All our brothers and sisters throughout the world suffering through War and Natural Disasters•Those serving in the military and their families.

The ongoing healing of:Gretchen FeatheringhamThomas RifeJane WilsonBill DanisonBrenda HarnessMarie Milewski (Harness’s Great Granddaughter)Paul MyersCarol RamsayMadeline RichardsonCarole KuehnJennifer PattonDamarisBridget (Pastor Maries childhood friend)Pastor Leslie Fox Pastor Dave ShugertPastor Gerhard Kraus (Trinity Luth. Circleville)

Prayers of IntercessionWhen Pastor Marie first issued the challenge to the congregation to participate in the worship service by writing and presenting the Prayers of Intercession I did not see a long line forming to jump at the chance. I actually waited about two months before I decided to pursue it. Some questions arose in my mind and were probably the same questions that others pondered also. What all is involved? Can I do this? Do I really want to do this? For me, the questions were answered in reverse. Do I really want to do this? Yes, I think that I do. Can I do this? With some help, I believe that I can do this. What all is involved? Well, there was only one to find out and that was to ask the Pastor. We had some discussion on the topic and she gave me some very good guidelines and turned me loose to attempt my first Prayers of Intercession. Keep in mind that doing this type task is completely out of my comfort zone. After finishing my first attempt I sent a copy to Pastor Marie for editing. She was not critical but very gracious in editing my works and I felt much more comfortable presenting the prayers as edited. I learned a lot from her editing and as a result of studying what was changed and why, I improved considerably the second week. By the time you read this article I will have presented the Prayers of Intercession for four weeks. This entire experience has been quite rewarding for me. I believe it is the first time in my life that I truly felt the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding me. It is a feeling that I can’t really explain but I know God was with me while I was writing the prayers. The reason I share this with you is because I know that all of you can do this. I am proud to be a member of this congregation at First English and it has been a great and rewarding experience to be able to participate in the worship service. I look forward to future service also. So, step up. I ask you to serve your church…serve your God.

Be blessed,Mike Raver

A Message about Worship…

Thank you for volunteering to serve as a worship assistant. If you are unable to serve on your

assigned date please get a replacement if possible.

If you can’t make it please switch or call Ernie Reeb at 983-3826


The Messenger

MarchCommunion

Set-up

Mona Lee Trego

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Wednesday – 7:40 p.m.(During Lent )

March 4 ReebsMarch 11 Niels JohnsenMarch 18 OpenMarch 25 Ken Harness

March 4 Sam AllenMarch 11 Destiny ReedMarch 18 Dalton BlantonMarch 25 Patrick Williams

March 4Scripture: Mark 12:1-12Story by: Mike KentSermon Title: What do tenants and money

have in common?

March 11Scripture: Mark 12:28-34Story by: Robyn HelselSermon Title: Write This Down…You’ll Need to

Know it for the exam.

March 18Scripture: Mark 12:38-44Story by: Lind ReebSermon Title: Pay attention to the widow

March 25Scripture: Mark 13:1-12 (14-31) 32-37Story by: Youth]Sermon Title: Curtain!

Wednesdays during Lent6:00 P.M. Soup Supper7:00 P.M. Holden Evening Prayer Service


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We apologize if we missed a special date in family. Please contact Jana Kent at 983-6285 with additions or corrections

March 2 Jennifer BowlingMarch 13 Carla DraiseMarch 14 Bryan ReebMarch 15 David CleaverMarch 16 Nancy BausumMarch 19 Jana KentMarch 21 Jennifer ScarberryMarch 31 Beth Allen

March 28 Autumn DraiseMarch 30 Addison Scarberry

Please Come walk with me!

When I was relatively new to the church, my home pastor, Dave Jahn, took time to take walks with me. We talked about many things, but questions about God, faith, the church, and scripture always wove their way into our conversation. I came to look forward to walking with my pastor, right up until the day he walked me out the front door of the church as I left for seminary, ten years after we had first met.

We have been friends now for 20 years. His family is like my own, and when we get together, we still take a walk.

Because that was such a great experience for me, I’d like to continue the tradition, and extend the invitation to you.

Beginning March 1st, you can find me lacing up my walking shoes at 8:30 a.m. at the North end of the walking track in the park, right behind my house on Glenn Road. I invite any and all who are able and willing to walk with me to come on out. Come once, once in awhile, or every week.

See you at the park!Pastor Marie

To Pastor Marie on celebratingher 1st year with First English.We are so glad you are part of

our family!

Mike was married 42 1/2 years until the passing of his wife Mary in 2009. He has one daughter Michelle Paugh (Jonathan) and two granddaughters Natalie and Amanda. Retired in 2009 from Diamond Power in Lancaster, Ohio after 38 years of service. Worked there as a Drafter, Production Supervisor and Quality Assurance Tech. Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Photography, Woodworking and collecting old tobacco tins. He also likes classic cars especially my 1971 Mustang. He has been attending First English for about a year now and truly loves his new CHURCH HOME. Fun fact: Mike has a 1993 Honda Goldwing motorcycle that he has had for 2 1/2 years and has never taken the first ride on it.

Mike Raver280 Holder Rd. NWBaltimore, OH 43105

Mike Raver


The MessengerCommittee & GroupMessages…

The Ladies of the Yo-YoCircle are gathering recipes for a Cookbook to commemorate First English’s 125th Anniversary.

Please feel free to give us as many as you like, along with any stories and or pictures you might like to share about the recipe. There will be a collection box in the Social Room.

Lydia Circle

Esther Circle

Jocebed (Yo-keh-bed) Circle

Next meeting, March 3rd at 9:00 a.m. in Social RoomThey will be cleaning out the bookshelves and donatingwhat books aren’t wanted by the congregation. Breakfastwill be provided but bring your own drink. The Esther Circle will be hosting the First Thursday Meal on April 5th. Patti thanked everyone for their ongoing prayers and meals provided.

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The next Jocebed meeting is March 11th after worship.The ladies of the circle are studying the devotional series “Out of the Mouths of Babes”. Will also be organizing the March 1st Thursday event.They continue to collect recipes for the AnniversaryCookbook. See above for more information.

Ham Loaf (or mini Loaves)

2 lbs. ground cured ham1 lb. ground fresh pork2 eggs¾ cup milk1-1/2 cups cracker crumbs1 small can drained crushed pineapple (save juice)

Sauce¾ cup brown sugar¼ cup vinegar1 tsp. dried mustard½ tsp. dried clovesAdd pineapple juice

Mix well. Press into loaf pan or shape into mini loaves.Top with sauceBake at 350 degrees for 1-1-1/2 hours Make ahead of time and use slow cooker. “GREAT!”

Submitted by:Shirley Norris

She said “this recipe from-Mona Lee Trego”

Next Meeting March 13th at the Kent’s 10:00 A.M.Lunch will be provided


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From Linda Cummins, Food Pantry Director

The Food Pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month

from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Committee & Group Messages…

January Totals

Regular Offerings $5617.50Designated Funds (see below) $ 590.59Total Income $6,208.09

Designated Funds for JanuaryBuilding Fund $186.00Food Pantry $100.00First Thursdays $123.00SS Missions $ 46.00Special Funds Interest $ 10.59Memorials $125.00

$590.59

Total Expenditures/Transfers $8,921.53

Current Assets (checking/savings)AAL Money Market $28,326.98Building Fund $10,539.08Dore Memorial $ 1,946.59Education Fund $ 4,418.17General Fund $23,727.96Memorial Account $10,213.59Peters Grant $17,889.07Savings Bank CD $24,223.24TOTAL $121,284.68

Finance Committee… The food pantry is in need of all non-perishable

food items, especially canned meats, cereal, canned and powdered milk, crackers, corn muffin mix, peanut butter, and canned or dry beans. The Board of Directors decided to provide non-food items such as detergent and personal hygiene items with each distribution. In the past these items were distributed when available, which wasn't often. First English has been asked to donate dish detergent. Another church is also donating dish detergent so we only need 30-40 per month.

Thank you for your on-going support.!!

Not able to make it to church?Still want to enjoy the service?Sunday morning church services are nowavailable on CD. If you missed a particular Sunday and want to hear the service please contact either Ernie Reeb or Pastor Marie Duquette for a copy.


The MessengerMessages on upcoming Events…

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Our next “First Thursday” will be heldMarch 1

6:00 P.M Meal Served7:00 P.M. Captive Free

Come enjoy a meal of:Pizza & Subs

Tossed & Pasta SaladsChips

Desserts & Beverages

Activities for the children

Upcoming Anniversary Celebration

Sundays(and the time periods they reflect)

April 22nd 1962-1987May 20th 1987-2012

Still Growing and Serving after 125 Years

Anniversary Celebration SundayMarch 25, 2012

This Sunday’s Celebration will “look back” at the time period 1937 – 1962

This period goes from FDR era to the beginning of the JFK time. The time brought a lot of changesto Ashville and our church.

Don’t’ forget to look for any pictures or mementoesfrom this era (ration coupons, WWII items, etc.)

The costumes for our Anniversary Sundays have been outstanding! Keep them coming! See belowfor some ideas.

A Message from the Youth….

February 2012First English Lutheran Church

The Messenger

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To date

$6971.00

GOAL$7,200.00

FELC YouthGathering

Funds

Need Help SPRING CLEANING?

The youth of First English are available for hire to help you with your spring cleaning. If interested please contact Cindy Reed at 740-983-2288

or Beth Allen at 740-983-4329 to coordinate your needs

March 25th

February 2012First English Lutheran Church

The MessengerA Message from Council…

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FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCHCONGREGATION COUNCIL MINUTES

Thursday, January19, 2012

The regular meeting of the FELCCC was called to order by President Tom Ramsay. Present were Raven Blanton, Sheryl Cleaver, Ernie Reeb, and Pastor Marie Duquette. Not present was Beth Allen, Linda Cummins, and Cindy Reed.

Pastor Marie led prayer.

Since there was not a quorum present, no official business was conducted.

PASTOR’S REPORTWe need to find someone else to change the sign on a weekly basis. Pastor & Tom will work on the agenda for the annual meeting, which will be held on Sunday, February 5.Pastor has spoken to the person that will be leading the Healthy Leader Training. She will discuss available dates at the February council meeting.

We discussed the First Thursday’s that were held in November and January. Council made a list of groups within the church to contact to ask if they would be responsible for organizing future First Thursdays.

Committee AssignmentsWe discussed the committee assignments for 2012.

Ernie Reeb - Worship & Music Tom Ramsay – Finance and Stewardship Cindy Reed – Mutual Ministry Raven Blanton – Memorial

Sheryl Cleaver – Evangelism Beth Allen – Christian EducationMission Offerings for 2012January LOMO Camperships for FELC YouthFebruary Oesterlen Services for Youth or Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center (Pastor Marie will

get information on both & council will decide at February meeting)March Circle of CaringApril Haven HouseLent/Easter to be determined by Stewardship CommitteeMay Trinity SeminaryJune/July Lutheran Outdoor MinistriesAugust/Sept. Good Samaritan FundOctober Ashville Food PantryNovember Youth EncounterDecember ELCA World Hunger

Tom will work on compiling the Emergency Call List and will distribute at the next meeting.The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, February 7, at 7 p.m. at the Cleavers’ home. The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Sheryl Cleaver

First English Lutheran Church 94 Long Street Ashville, Ohio 43103

Documents

Transcript of First English Lutheran Church 94 Long Street Ashville, Ohio 43103