from the Pastor 2020... · Pastor Matthew S. Lash 6517 FinzelRd Whitehouse, OH 43571 419-877-0607...

Pastor Matthew S. Lash6517 Finzel RdWhitehouse, OH 43571

[email protected]

from the Pastor

Join us on Facebook Live!

Worship & SacramentSunday 9am

Mid-Week Pick-Me-UpWednesday 7pm

Worship ServicesAvailable on the net

www.commofchrist.org

Church Office Hours8:30-12 noon

Monday – Friday

Call Pastor MattFor personal communion, counsel or an appointment

419-877-0607

Love your Neighbor Social DistanceWear your Mask

Be Safe & Sensitive

September 2020

If you knew at the age of two that you were

going to ‘Fall and go boom’—would you have

bothered trying? If you knew that after you

pulled yourself up from the couch, and let

go, you might fall----would you have tried?

AND YET…children never stop. Try and try

again. Fall and fall again. Little ones just keep

picking themselves up, pulling themselves

up, standing, falling, walking, falling, running,

tripping, skipping—and always, always

falling.

Children inspire me.

Because I keep falling. One day, I think I’m

okay. By noon, I take a fall. I pull myself up

again—and try again—and fall again. Oh,

there are no bruised knees, just a bruised

spirit. All of us strive to stand on hope, trust

and faith—and we take a few bold steps, and

we fall. Up and down. Up and down.

I am a child of God. However, unlike a

toddler, I know that I am going to fall. I Know

that the darkness will knock at my door. I

know that worries will pay me a visit. I have

a defense. Actually, a defender. Jesus. The

scriptures remind you and me, “Cast all your

cares on me, for HE cares for you”. When I

fall, my Father picks me up. When darkness

comes to my door---Jesus shines a light.

When worries come to visit, Jesus fills my

heart with confidence.

If I Knew I Was Going to Fall….

Each one of us are entering new

seasons of our life. You have dropped

off your son or daughter on a college

campus. You are leaving your

elementary child, junior high, high

school child on a crowded campus

every morning. You are starting a new

job. Retirement is just around the

corner for you (and for me). All of us

will take a few bold steps, and we will

fall down. Your choice? My choice? Lay

there---or get up and try again?

Children inspire me.

I’m getting up. Even if I fall again. I’ll

keep getting up—praying that I will

lean more dearly on the arms that love

me, hold me and forever save me—the

arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Amen.

Stay well. Healthy. Faithful. Loving.

Sensitive and Strong.

Peace

Pastor Matt

mailto:[email protected]://www.commofchrist.org/

WORSHIP

WORSHIP LIFE in SEPTEMBER

We are grateful for the opportunity to worship ‘virtually’. We are safe in our homes with loved ones and friends. We can worship in the morning. We can worship later in the day. We can hear the weekly message on Monday—AND there is always our ‘Mid-Week’ worship experience!

During these difficult days, we want you to remain connected to God’s Word and one another---if only, via the computer and the internet. We are grateful for your participation and the invitation you have extended to many friends to join us on FACEBOOK LIVE on Sundays at 9:00 a.m. & Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, September 6th14th Sunday of Pentecost

Message “Agree----to A G R E E!”“We don’t agree on politics, we don’t agree on peanut butter or pastrami, we don’t agree on religion---and JESUS says, “wanna see something happen—where two or three agree!!!”

Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, September 13th15th Sunday of Pentecost

Message “A Long and Winding Road…”“Forgiveness is just not that simple. It’s a long and winding road that comes back around”


Sunday, September 2016th Sunday of Pentecost

Message “Generosity Groupies!”What’s my gripe? A fair shake is my gripe!. Unjust decision is my gripe! Call it what you want---give any reason you can come up with---but TRUTH---my foundational GRIPE IS GENEROSITY!


Sunday, September 2717th Sunday of Pentecost

Message “My least concern—Myself!”Tripped up by me, myself and I…Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.

Wednesday, September 2“HighLIGHTS of Water and Word!”The joy of the baptismal journey!Facebook Live 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 9“Tempted and Tried!”The challenges on life’s journey!Facebook Live! 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 16“You’ve got a F R I E N D!”The privilege of friendship on life’s journey!Facebook Live! 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 23“Followed by a Sinner”The journey with the good, bad and ugly!Facebook Live 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 30“What to do with your enemies?”When you become aware, not everyone likes you!Facebook Live! 7:00 p.m.

Mid-Week Worship

WORSHIP

Sunday Messages Sunday morning messages for the month of September are focusing on the Gospel readings of Matthew. In October, Pastor will focus on the letters of the Apostle Paul. Each message relates to the joys

and challenges we are facing today. Please click on Facebook, (Community of Christ Lutheran, 9:00 a.m. Sunday mornings) and join us for worship.

All Worship Services are Available on

Website! We appreciate our media coordinator, Cheri Outly

transferring our worship services to the church website each week. (you do NOT need Facebook). Please join us for worship at www.commofchrist.org. Enjoy God’s Word.

Holy Communion is offered during our Sunday morning worship ‘virtually’. If you would appreciate individual or family communion with Pastor Matt, please call the church office to schedule a time for prayer and communion in the

sanctuary. Pastor will provide the sacrament to individuals or families.

Confirmation Sunday, September 13,

11:30 a.m.

Two members of our 2020 Confirmation class

and limited family members will gather for

worship service on September 13.

We will social distance and require masks of all attending.

Pastor will share a brief message for the students and family, along with music and

sacrament.

Please keep our students in prayer;

Anna Rasmusson

Josh Kohntopp

http://www.commofchrist.org/

ACTIVITIES

Youth MinistriesCollege Students and Families!Would you do us a favor? Please provide the church office with an updated picture of your college daughter or son! We would like to post their year, and the University they currently attend!

We appreciate the

music Eric provides on

Wednesday and

Sunday.

If you would like to

participate and assist

our morning or evening

worship with an

instrument, solo or

offering of music,

please contact the

church office!

We would love to

welcome you!

WE PLAN TO POST THEIR PICTURES IN THE OCTOBER NEWSLETTER.

We would love to bless your students by staying connected! Pray for your college kids! 😊

Book Club will meet on September 15th @ 1 in

the meeting room at the Whitehouse Library to

discuss GHOSTED by Rosie Walsh.

We will need to wear masks and disinfect hands

with provided sanitizer.

Thanks, LuAnn

_

PARISH EDUCATION

Pastor’s

Weekly Bible Study“NEVER ALONE!” You are stronger than you think because God is nearer than you know!

Benevolence & Outreach

What is Community of Christ D O I N G????

We miss the weekly updates of our activities! I hope you will

JOIN ME AND GIVE THANKS to God for the giving that has

been inspired our congregation!

• Community of Christ remains one of the strongest benevolent partners of the Northwest Ohio Synod, ELCA. We continue to enjoy the support and favor of our Bishop in these difficult days.

• Community of Christ remains an active partner with GENACROSS ministries and responds to every request we have received.

• Community of Christ members and friends provided masks for the staff of Wolf Creek and submitted numerous supplies to support their good work. Many of our members provided masks and PPE for St Luke’s and other local needs.

• Community of Christ provided resources of personal hygiene supplies for residents at nursing facilities operated by Genacross.

• Community of Christ provided financial support to Redeemer Lutheran of Toledo for their summer lunch program for urban youth.

• Community of Christ delivered food and staples to the Salem Lutheran family in Toledo.

• Community of Christ has opened our doors to the local AA group that has resumed gathering on Wednesday and Friday evening. AA gathers safely with PPE resources each week. They have met here for over 40 years!

• Community of Christ and Pastor Matt has provided shelter, food and counsel for a recent homeless family in Toledo.

• Community of Christ has shared an extra measure of financial support for needs with Genacross ministries.

• Community of Christ has extended a gift of support to missionaries Carey & Olivia, serving with Jesus Film Project.

Confirmation Classes Held on ZOOM! Confirmation changes the hearts of young teens! We will enjoy an awesome fall study on the awesome activity of God in the Old Testament!! Students will receive weekly packets with study sheets, worksheets and

class projects. Our classes will be held for one hour beginning Thursday, August 27th at 7:30pm.

A NEW fall release by Pastor Max Lucado with DVD Segments and

biblical teaching with Pastor Matt.

Thursday afternoon 1:00-2:15 p.m.

Sign up by contacting the church office and let us know you plan to participate.

Dates: October 1-November 19. As of this date, sessions will be held

by Zoom. (subject to change should conditions improve).

YOUTH EDUCATION

STOLES FOR

CONFIRMANDS!

Crafts & Activities!

Each Sunday we offer packets of children’s

crafts to be enjoyed with their families! Please pick

up a craft on Sunday afternoon or all day Monday. Crafts are

available the remainder of the week in the church

office. Please share with a friend!

Confirmation Themes this month.Our students Zoom instruction schedule this September:

Date Theme

August 30 “Why is the world a mess?”

September 3 “God’s Family Plan” – Abraham!

September 6 NO CLASS

September 10 “One way street of Grace!”

September 13 “Dysfunctional Family meets a Functional

God!” – Joseph

September 17 “Forgiveness – Jesus Style” – Joseph

September 20 “100 year long enough!” – Moses

September 24 ”Powered Pledges” – Moses

September 27 “Promised Lord Problems” – Moses

And the Lord spoke to the sewers and assemblers….”Put down your iPad, remotes and books! Pick up your

needle and thread to help complete the confirmands

looks!” Stole sewers desperately needed.

Please, please, please call Joan Bierley (419) 823-1136 for

more information. Thank you!

OUTREACH

We are grateful for those offerings that are received. Your gifts to the mission of the church keep us strong and able to meet the costs of our ministries. Thank you for sharing your faithful

offering with your congregation!

2020 BUILDING & GENERAL FUND ANALYSIS

STEWARDSHIP

SIMPLY GIVING PROGRAMa regular electronic withdrawal that supports your

congregation when you are out of town.

Let us be cheerful givers to the Lord!

2020 OFFERING ENVELOPES

Our weekly offering envelopes include weekend offerings, Lenten Wednesdays, Holy week, Easter,

Thanksgiving, Advent services and more!

If you have questions as to how to complete your weekly offering, please contact the church office.

PLEASE REMEMBER ---we offer an electronic offering, (Simply Giving) that will withdraw your

support automatically from your account.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE LORDS WORK AT COMMUNITY OF CHRIST AND THE ENTIRE

CHURCH!

2020 Building Loan FundIncome Expense Diff.

Mar $10,475 $12,563 ($2,088)YTD $33,089 $37,689 ($4,600)

2020 General FundIncome Expense Diff.

Mar $33,138 $35,797 ($2,659)YTD $100,180 $115,786 ($15,605)


Apr $13,290 $7,198 $6,092YTD $46,379 $44,887 $1,492


Apr $38,317 $24,084 $14,233YTD $138,498 $139,870 ($1,372)


May $11,537 $7,502 $4,035YTD $57,916 $52,389 $5,527


May $34,399 $15,524 $18,876YTD $172,897 $155,394 $17,504


Jun $9,205 $12,563 ($3,358)

YTD $67,121 $64,952 $2,170


Jun $30,363 $23,085 $7,278

YTD $203,260 $178,479 $24,782


Jul $10,190 $12,563 ($2,373)YTD $77,312 $77,515 ($203)


Jul $28,629 $35,879 ($7,250)YTD $231,890 $214,358 $17,532

Our Church Council gathers by ZOOM on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

You are always welcome to be part of the conversation. If you would like to address the council or share a concern or joy, please call the church office so we might invite you to be present during the ZOOM meeting.

If you would like to address the council, we will need to put your names on the agenda.

July Council Decisions

The following are highlights of our July council gathering;

• The council by motion accepted Pastor Matt’s retirement letter. Our President Max Kohr has been in contact with Bishop Daniel Beaudoin and a meeting will be scheduled to begin initial plans towards a call process.

• The council discussed a motion to add streaming technology to the sanctuary. Our plan is to continue streaming worship to the internet, while improving the quality and reception of the broadcast. The council is currently considering two companies.

• The council approved a motion to add a second method for electronic giving. This method will enable members and friends to “TEXT” a gift directly to Community of Christ. We hope to have this technology in place in the next month or two.

• The council reports that while the office remains open with limited hours and Pastor Matt is here five days a week, the facility is closed for all ministry and community activities. No meetings (besides AA) may occur in the facility. The council supports continuing ‘virtual worship’ on Sunday and Wednesday in August and September.

• The council approved the confirmation of five teenagers and limited family on Sunday, September 13. All activities must be held outdoors.

COUNCIL NEWS

Our next meeting:

Tuesday, September 8

Please remember the following

members who are ill, shut in, or recently hospitalized:

Dayle Reed – Care for cancer

Lois Nofzinger – Rehab for Hodgkin’s disease & Covid

Mike & Betty McSurley – Rehab, recovery from Covid

Dennis Rober –

Jim & Bev Howard –

Sharon Dapkus –

Family of Gale Longnecker –(Father of Bob)

Please remember them in your daily prayers. Thank you.

Praying for God’s People

SYMPATHY, PRAYERS & THANKS

Memorial Funds & Gifts

Community of Christ is grateful to receive funds in memory or in honor of loved ones.You may select from

the following funds:

Building Reduction Fund - Music FundStained Glass Fund - Landscape & Ground Fund

Youth Ministry Fund

Remembrance & Prayers

Max & Pauline KohrDick & Kay BurdoJerry & Dayle ReedChris & Natalie RillingBill & Shirley MillerSharon & Dave PrueterDoris DisherBecky & Wayne KingChris, Carole, Sara, & Luke CampbellFred & LuAnn ShumanBob & Cathy SautterKathy ChamberlainTom & Karen Jennings

Lila Aubell

John SheetsGlenn Johnson

Betty MohlerLarry Wagoner

Betty Kroncke

Barbara Lash

Glenn CampbellGuy McEwen

Cindy WixeyNorma Ruehle

Eleanor Gleason

Sharon MillerBrenda DruschelCaron & Donna CochranDean & Susan NofzingerBev HowardTim & Patty RothGreg AubellDon & Karen SchroederEunice KronbergMolly WachtmannBruce & Elaine Lammon

Memorial Gifts Shared by…..

I am remembering those who have left our

Community of faith for their home in heaven.

Our Blessed Saints

Family of Paul Oden(Husband of Karen)

September Birthdays!

09/01 Brenda Druschel

09/01 Don Heilmann

09/01 Joan Bierley

09/04 Ethan Rozick

09/05 Larry Battles

09/06 Karen Oden

09/07 Cherryl Stout

09/07 Jacob Detwiler

09/08 Pauline Kohr

09/08 Sheryl Couch

09/09 Beth Stewart

09/09 Ellie Mruzek

09/09 Larry Druschel

09/09 Leanna Swartz

09/10 Stephanie Olman

09/12 Brian Bocian

09/12 Chris Campbell

09/16 Anna Ollerenshaw

09/16 Elaine Schubert

09/17 Joseph Perkins

09/18 Donna Cochran

09/18 John Schuchmann

09/18 Susan Gill

09/18 Taylor Johnson

09/19 Amanda Kohntopp

09/19 Matthew Rardin

09/20 Luke Campbell

09/21 Lainie Davis

09/22 Gavin Rardin

09/22 Tracy Brosten

09/24 Grant Schuchmann

09/25 Noah Pitzen

09/28 Beverly Fischer

09/28 Catherine Sautter

09/28 Lisa Papenfuss

09/28 Sandy McPherson

09/28 Susan Kaplan

09/29 Kara Yokum

09/29 Kevin Swagler

09/29 Lucas Ray

[email protected]

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

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@commofchrist

NOTES & REMINDERS

Our Church Office Hours:

8:30 am - Noon (Monday through Friday).
mailto:[email protected]://www.commofchrist.org/

from the Pastor 2020... · Pastor Matthew S. Lash 6517 FinzelRd Whitehouse, OH 43571 419-877-0607...

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Transcript of from the Pastor 2020... · Pastor Matthew S. Lash 6517 FinzelRd Whitehouse, OH 43571 419-877-0607...