Pastor Matthew S. Lash6517 Finzel RdWhitehouse, OH 43571

419-877-0607www.commofchrist.org

pastormatt@commofchrist.org

from the Pastor

Join us on Facebook Live!

Worship & Sacrament

Sunday 9am

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

October 2020

This probably won’t conclude with any

great spiritual truth. This edition of “From

the Pastor” may not be anything

profound. I’m not even sure it’s God-

inspired. And yet, if God gets the credit

for thoughts that ‘pop’ (at least the good thoughts) into my head throughout the

day---I guess God should still get the

credit.

I am sitting at my computer this Saturday

morning asking myself, “What do you miss, Matt?”. And by the way, for those

who of you who may think I’m perfectly

happy with virtual worship/Facebook live/

video/ recording/ standing before a

camera on Wednesday and Sunday----if

you think I’m just hunky-dory with it all—you are wrong.

I miss you. I miss you—and so much, a

lot. This morning, I offer you my list.

I miss seeing the back row filled with same folks at 8:00 a.m.

I miss my faithful fifty at 4:00 on Saturday

afternoon.

I miss Gavin.

I miss Ava.

I miss Natalie. I miss Emma.

I miss Jillian.

I miss my teens. A LOT.

I miss/ed Big Stuf.

I miss the person who sits in the third row

and sleeps through every sermon.I miss John and Robin in the front row.

I miss seeing the Pitchford family in the

same row, every Sunday.

What do I miss?

I miss noise in the building.

I miss Paul making coffee in the morning.

I miss the smiles.

I miss the laughter.

I miss hugging.

I miss a firm handshake.I miss sharing the peace.

I miss placing bread into your hands.

I miss hearing you sing.

I miss Sunday Bible Study.

I miss helping an acolyte get a robe on.

I miss a smile in the middle of a sermon.I miss welcoming the visitor.

I miss the voices of choir, the sound of

handbells.

I miss standing with you in prayer when we

lose a dear member.

I miss making plans with people.And I could go on….

I Miss the COMMUNITY of Christ Lutheran

Church.

I pray you are healthy while reading this. I pray

you will remain safe. I pray that we never forget how precious are the people of God.

I pray that in a day God has set aside—We will

return to the house of the Lord unencumbered

by restrictions, fully prepared to shout to the

Lord praises and more praises!

I will say it again….No matter what hard

decisions face us all….Please be assured….

I miss you.

Peace

Pastor Matt

WORSHIP

WORSHIP LIFE in OCTOBERFriends, these worship plans are current as of Sunday, September 27th. They

are tentative. Should there be a schedule change, you will be informed as soon as possible. Thank you.

Sunday, October 4 18th Sunday of PentecostMessage LOVE LETTERS“Walking on Pavement!”

Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, October 1119th Sunday of PentecostMessage LOVE LETTERS

“Pins& Needles”Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, October 1820th Sunday of PentecostMessage LOVE LETTERS“Hopes & Expectations”

Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.

Reformation Sunday, October 25Message LOVE LETTERS“But Now…”

Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.

Council held a special meeting on Tuesday

September 29 to meet Pastor Marcus Lohrmann, Immediate Past Bishop of the Northwest Ohio Synod, and consider his

leadership as a "coach" through the transition process. In our "Get Acquainted" session, Pastor Lohrmann ask us where we

are now, and where we want to be in 3 years. We discussed ways that the Holy Spirit might stretch us in our ministry as a

church.

The next meeting of the church council is

Tuesday, October 13.

OUR PROCESS

TOWARDS THE

CALL OF A PASTOR

Thank you for Participating! We gathered over 250 opinions regarding your thoughts on “In

person Worship”. The results are posted below. Our elected church council leaders are responsible to set the direction of the

life and worship of the congregation. This discussion will occur

at our church council gathering on Tuesday, October 13th. We

will keep you updated with any decisions that may result from

this gathering. Please continue to support and pray for your church family! Stay safe. Stay healthy. Embrace God’s grace!

WORSHIP

All Saints Day, Nov 1st Join us for a holy remembrance of

family and friends who rest in the

Kingdom of heaven. Pastor Matt will

share the names of those you have

provided for us. We will toll the bell in

remembrance as we celebrate the

Saints of faith! PLEASE EMAIL THE

NAMES OF LOVED ONES AND

FRIENDS WHO REST WITH THE

LORD. We will respectfully include

each name in the prayer of the

Church. (secretary@commofchrist.org)

Mid Week Worship Services Our thanks to staff and volunteers who

assisted with the ‘mid-week-pick-me-

up’ worship services. Thank you for

viewing and letting us know you

enjoyed these services. Our

Wednesday night services began

during the Lenten season with Pastor

developing a variety of different

themes and messages for each month

following. We have prayed for the

needs of our world, community,

congregation, family, and friends. As

our members and friends, become

busier with fall activities and

commitments, we decided to

conclude these mid-week worship

services on Wednesday, September

30th. Thanks be to God for His

encouraging Word!

Results of the voting about who would attend in-

person worship showed 100 responses "Yes" and

163 "No". This represents a 38% in favor and 62%

opposed. Approximately 70 people would be

willing to assist. The survey was taken to sample

the congregations feelings at this time. Council will

consider these statistics as one of the factors in

making their decision about holding in-person

worship.

Big Stuf Survey! Our church office has sent out a ‘survey’ to measure the interest of

Junior High & High school students who desire to attend the 2021 BIG STUF CAMP during the month of June.

We will need 3 adult sponsors to support and attend the trip. A

15.00 non-refundable deposit will be required.

PLEASE RESPOND TO THE SURVEY AND WE WILL CONTACT

THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED. Thank you!

*As of Sunday, September 27 Big Stuf is planning summer camps

and is currently receiving registrations.

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!

ACTIVITIES

Youth Ministries

Since the beginning of the

pandemic, we have

provided our children and

young people with weekly

craft activities!

These resources will

continue to be available

outside the church doors

on Sunday and Monday.

Please pick up a resource

for your elementary age

child and enjoy some

family time sharing the

fun of God’s Word!

Children’s Craft & Activity!

Blessings in these difficult times!

Confirmation –JUNIOR HIGH MINISTRY! We are enjoying an awesome study! Our teens are celebrating

the GREATEST ACTIVITY of God in the Old & New Testament.

Our confirmation instruction currently meets TWICE weekly;

Sunday morning, 10:30 a.m. & Thursday evening, 7:30 p.m. We

meet ‘virtually’ over ZOOM. Our parents have asked for Pastor Matt to confirm their teens before his retirement at the end of the

year. After completing 22 weeks of instruction, our students will be

prepared for confirmation on Sunday, December 13th. Tentative plans have been made for individual family confirmation

experiences. (subject to change)

Teens Confirmed on Sunday, October 18th

Two of our teens, with a limited amount of family will gather for a brief service of confirmation on Sunday, October 18th. Please

keep Josh Kohntopp and Anna Rasmusson in your prayers as they are blessed with this significant step of faith!

_

PARISH EDUCATION

Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study---NEVER ALONE! Come and be renewed in God’s Word, and

the latest release by author and Pastor,

Max Lucado. Join us and rejoice in the

assurance of the real presence of Christ our Lord. Pastor Matt leads us in scripture,

while we also enjoy a segment of teaching

from Pastor Lucado Join us on Thursday

afternoons, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Our study

begins on October 1 and concludes on Thursday, November 19. CALL THE

CHURCH—WE WILL PROVIDE YOU A

LINK TO ZOOM SO WE MIGHT SAFELY

GATHER.

Growing in God’s Holy Word

Holy Communion Preparation?

Do you have a youngster who is ready to receive the

Sacrament of Holy

Communion? Pastor Matt

will meet with a small group (Less than 10) to teach the

basics of God’s sacrament of

forgiveness and grace.

Please call the church office and Pastor Matt will

schedule two sessions for

instruction.

(419) 877-0607.

STOLES FOR CONFIRMANDS!

This year’s second year students will be confirmed in the month of December. We are in need of sewers to prepare

stoles for the students. If you would like to Volunteer, please contact the church office. We will provide the fabric and designs---all the help you need!

Can you help?Please contact Pastor’s assistant, Michelle Gebhart,

419 877-0607.

YOUTH EDUCATION

2020 December Confirmation

Students

Emma Abraham

Will Baden

Maci Bartley

Avya Bartley

Mariah Britsch

Tyler Britsch

Avery Jones

Cate Malohn

Will Malohn

Emili Pollock

Lucas Ray

Avery Rozick

Ethan Rozick

Lydia Smucker

Anna Swartz

Josh Kohntopp Anna Rasmusson

OUTREACH

Community of Christ ANGEL TREE!

Community of Christ will meet the needs of neighborhood families in South Toledo this season! The Angel Tree board will be located in the main hallway of our gathering area.

You will be WELCOME to come and select a specific child to bless this Thanksgiving & Christmas season!

Gifts will be returned to the church on a date in early December. Watch for more information.

Genacross—‘ADOPT A GRANDPARENT’

We will continue to provide the NAMES of those who do not have family and reside in our care facilities throughout Toledo. This outreach will begin in

November. Please watch for an opportunity to care!

ANTHONY WAYNE FOOD PANTRY

During the month of October we are hosting a food drive for the local community! Please deliver your staples to the church! Boxes are marked, “Food

Pantry”.

All generous gifts will be shared with needed families

and individuals at the end of the month.Thank you! You can bring your GIFTS TODAY! 😊

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

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!

STEWARDSHIP

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.

You may attend as an observer, OR you are welcome to address the council on any topic related to church life.

PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE SO WE MAY SEND YOU A LINK TO OUR NEXT GATHERING.

Please pray for our church leaders.

Our next meetings:

Tuesday, October 13

Tuesday, November 10

COUNCIL NEWS

Council Minutes are E-MAILED TO ALL MEMBERS once they are approved by council action. If we do not have your email, please contact the church office, and provide us with your current email. We

invite you to keep in touch with all the important decisions that are being made at church council each

month.

Council Nominees! We are currently receiving nominees for 6 Council positions. One position is a one-year term. These

positions of leadership are important as we move into a process of call and deliberation for a new pastor.

If you want your voice heard, this is a perfect time to serve your church family. Please contact Pastor

Matt, our Vice President, Matt Dewitz or council member, Stephanie Phillips. Thank you.

Thanks to those who joined the first Zoom Bible Study!

Please remember the following members who

are ill, shut in, or recently hospitalized:

Dayle Reed – Care for cancer

Mike & Betty McSurley – Rehab, recovery from Covid

Dennis Rober –

The family of Paul Oden

The family of Loisan Merritt

The family of Lois Nofzinger

Please remember them in your daily prayers.

Thank you.

Praying for God’s People

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 FundYouth Ministry Fund

BLESSINGS & PRAYERS

We Rejoice with Wedding Bells!We rejoice with Taylor Wise & Steven Despoth who were married by Pastor

Matt at the home of Gary & Nadine Wise

on Saturday, September 27th.

We Rejoice in Water & Word! We rejoice with those who are planning baptisms in October & November;

• Sunday, October 4, The Baptism of Harper Korb

• Monday, October 12, The Baptism of

Lucas Rardin

• Sunday, October 25, The Baptism of Asher Ortner

Let us pray for the family of Rosalie

Baumbach (mother of Marlene LaChine). Pastor served at her funeral on Saturday,

September 12. May the Lord Jesus comfort you in the days ahead.

October Birthdays!

10/01 Brian Smucker

10/01 Jillian Dewitz

10/01 Karen Schroeder

10/01 Kurtis Lutz

10/01 Linda Ayres

10/01 Lydia Smucker

10/01 Vicki Keil

10/02 Debbie Warner

10/02 Marie Sheets

10/02 Mary Jo Bright

10/03 Amy Bartley

10/03 Grant Delas

10/03 James Fischer

10/04 Elizabeth Brenneman

10/04 Keith Carpenter

10/05 Kyle Ruhe

10/07 Nadine Wise

10/07 Robyn Spilker

10/08 Dayle Reed

10/08 Kyle Gebhart

10/09 Matthew Davis

10/11 Emily Steinman

10/11 Jill Bocian

10/14 Alicia Lipinski

10/14 Dawn Ray

10/14 Joshua Hartbarger

10/14 Neil Nutter

10/14 Richard Knight

10/14 Sara Boehly

10/15 Teegan Winkelman

10/16 Dean Nofzinger

10/18 Brandy Outly

10/18 Kraig Keil Jr.

10/18 Maggie Meyers

10/19 Carol Heuerman

10/19 Jeffrey Johnson

10/19 Natalie Dewitz

10/20 Andrew Carman

10/20 Mike McSurley

10/20 Zoe Spilker

10/22 Doris Disher

10/22 James Matthews

10/23 Ellen Nowak

10/26 Evonne Johnson

10/29 Flo Hannum

10/29 Pat Lutz

10/30 Greg Brenneman

10/30 John Cedargren

10/31 Autumn Gebhart

10/31 Will Malohn

419-877-0607secretary@commofchrist.org

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

Like us on Facebook

Community of Christ Lutheran ChurchFollow us on twitter

@commofchrist

Our Church Office Hours:

8:30 am - Noon (Monday through Friday).

NOTES & REMINDERS

College 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 PLAN TO POST THEIR PICTURES IN THE

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER.

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