Good Shepherd Lutheran Church ECHO the love of Christ

We are a Christian community united in God’s call

to serve others by sharing the love of Christ.

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

JANUARY 2020

The Rev. Patrick J. Van De Motter Grace and peace to you as we wind our way into a new year.

The turning over of the calendar is an uneasy thing to do sometimes. We are now used to what the old

year has wrought. This New Year, however, is an unknown. People get unnerved and apprehensive at

the start of anything new. It’s normal. But, I would like to remind everyone that your record for getting

through iffy days, bad days, and catastrophic days is 100%.

We do not know what will happen in the new year. We do not know what will happen in the next day.

We do not know what will happen in the next ten minutes. By perseverance, we are allowed to look at

just the seconds that are coming immediately after this one.

We can, however, hope. This is our one true legacy of Christ: hope. Through all that we may suffer, we

know that we can persevere in hope.

Hebrews 12:1-2 …let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

We do not know where we go. We can only meet the result with love that Christ in us has nurtured.

And with that love we hope for the best outcome in any circumstance.

Romans 5:3-5 …suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

Wherever we may head, whatever direction we may take, let us take it in love with hope that that love

rules our every circumstance.

May God bless us all in this unknowable new year. Trust in God. Trust in Jesus. Trust in love and hope.

Blessings of peace in the new year,

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Good Shepherd Ministries All committees meet the second Tuesday of the month at 6:00 PM

(For more information about our church ministries please call the church office)

Evangelism Property Social Ministry Worship & Music Christian Education

· Community Outreach · Promote Events · Maintain Website · Family Fun Night · Circus · D-Day Parking · Craft Fair · Back to School Rally · Support Other

Committees

· Maintain building and grounds

· Care for church rental properties

· Set up/tear down for events

· Men’s Maintenance Ministry (3 M’s) is a group of men who meet every Tuesday at 9:00 am for social time and to work on the maintenance of the church.

· Tree of Warmth · Cooks for Christ · Holy Communion

Home Visits · Card Ministry · BINGO at Ashtabula

County Home · Nisua Bakers · Turkey Box · Quilting

· Special Music · Ushers · Assisting Ministers · Altar Guild · Abiding Memorial · Pastoral Support · Acolytes

Sunday School Classes 9:45 am

Kindergarten to Adult September thru May

· Acolyte Training · First Holy

Communion · Bible Study · Confirmation · Vacation Bible

School · Youth Sunday · Mission Trips

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

876 Grove Street Conneaut, OH 44030

440-599-8908 / www.gslcc.org

Worship Times Sunday 8:30 Contemporary

Sunday 11:00 Traditional Holy Communion at all services

Office Hours

Monday-Thursday – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Pastoral Staff Rev. Patrick Van De Motter, Pastor

gslcpastor@gwcmail.net

A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The deadline for ECHO articles is the 20th of every month. Articles/notices received after the 20th will be saved for the following month. Submissions can be emailed to Kelly Anthony at klanthony@gwcmail.net.

Contents

Section I – Monthly Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Section II – Upcoming Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Section III – Updates, News & Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Section IV – Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

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Monthly Prayer Calendar January

To initiate a prayer on the prayer chain for someone CALL: Nancy Sackett (440-593-3673)

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

For remem-brance of Jesus as our salvation whenever we hear, say or think his name

2

For an end to human traffick-ing & healing for all who suffer its abuse

3

For the cloud of faith-filled witnesses who surround & enrich us thru their example

4

For the people & communities affected by the recent fires in California

5

For those who question

6

For the Epiphany & nurturing of our lives to better emulate Jesus

7

For the gift of wisdom that comes from God

8

In thankfulness that we are adopted & called children of God

9

For our shut ins

10

For the good news that forgiveness & eternal life is for all humanity

11

For God’s acceptance of us just as we are in all our human endeavors

12

For our daily cleansing & renewal through our baptism

13

For those who struggle with substance abuse & addiction

14

For the lonely

15

For remem-brance of Martin Luther King Jr. & all saints, martyrs & leaders

16

For sisters & brothers

17

For the next person you see

18

For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

19 For the same curiosity, hope & faith that moved the first disciples of Jesus

20 For our church staff & volunteers

21 For the leaders of every nation, including our own

22 For mending of suspicion & hatred in our nation & around the world

23 For joy in following the will of God as revealed in Scripture

24 In thanks for our special relationship with the Presbyterian Church

25 For remem-brance of the Conversion of Paul & how God has trans-formed you

26 For the ill

27 For thanks for women in the early church, throughout history & today

28 For theologians & teachers in our church

29 For forgiveness for the conflicts that divide our church & congregations

30 For legislation that will protect the gift of life & honor the handiwork of our Creator

31 Praise God & shout with joy!

If you know of someone who is hospitalized, sick or needs a visit, please CALL the church office (440-599-8908) so that a visit can be arranged.

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January Birthdays

Robert Beagle Tina Beagle Gail Burlingham Kris Cameron Chase Carpenter Sydney Carpenter Wes Combs

Susan Diamond Alison Hathy Marilyn Hathy Kevin Manniko John Montagano Mark Owens Emily Pew

James Poff Joe Reed Carol Silis Deborah Sturtevant Beth Vendetti RaeAnn Wright

GENERAL FUND BALANCE AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2019 $7,054

MONTH OFFERING

INCOME YTD

INCOME

%ESTIMATE BUDGETED REVENUE

EXPENSE

YEAR TO DATE

% ESTIMATED OPERATING

COST January $ 15,232 $ 15,232 73.7% $ 26,125 $ 26,125 102.0% February $ 20,881 $ 36,113 87.3% $ 19,823 $ 45,948 92.3% March $ 17,081 $ 53,194 85.8% $ 19,992 $ 65,940 100.5%

April $ 16,220 $ 69,414 83.4% $ 21,391 $ 87,331 105.6% May $ 14,161 $ 83,610 82.5% $ 18,530 $ 105,861 100.0% June $ 16,824 $100,199 80.8% $ 19,126 $ 124,987 100.2% July $ 12,995 $113,194 78.2% $ 24,085 $ 149,072 100.0% August $ 13,599 $126,793 76.7% $ 17,813 $ 166,885 98.6%

September $ 16,677 $143,470 77.1% $ 18,936 $ 185,821 98.8% October $ 14,494 $157,964 76.4% $ 16,729 $ 202,550 97.6% November $ 14,228 $172,563 79.5% $ 13,021 $ 215,570 94.3%

ATTENDANCE

11/24 121 12/1 98 12/8 99 12/15 134 12/22 129 12/24 232 12/29 64

The Big Churchy Word this month is:

“Soteriology”

Soter means “savior” in Greek, making the word effectively savior-ology, which we think sounds much cooler since it states the straight-forward intent of the word: the study of the way your sinful self gets saved. A fancy word for the fancy study of salvation.

Adapted from: Jacobson, R.A., Editor, {Crazy Talk}: A Not-So-Stuffy Dictionary of Theological Terms, p. 164, Augsburg Books, (2008), Minneapolis.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Our annual Super Bowl Sub Sale will begin Sunday, January 5, and run thru January 26. The price is $5.00 for an Italian sub. Contact the youth for ordering or sign up at church. Members of our community can order subs and prepay through January 23, 2020 by calling the office at 599.8908.

ELCA Youth Gathering

June 29-July 3, 2021

Please join us for an informational meeting on January 19, 2020, immediately following the 11:00 service. This meeting is for youth and adults. Youth in 8th – 12th grade at the time of registration (Fall 2020) are eligible to attend.

BLOOD DRIVE

Wednesday, January 22, 1 - 6 p.m. in Fellowship Hall

Contact Stephanie for more information (440) 599-8908

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Can you find your way out?

Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to experience an escape house in Erie with their friends on January 26. A letter will be sent home with each student with all the information. For those who attend Sunday School regularly the cost is $6.00 (due to the cost of the event). For all others, the cost is $12.00. This fee includes the escape room experience and refreshments afterwards. We would like to have at least 11 signed up, then we can race each other through the two rooms. Sign-up sheets will be posted on the bulletin board. The deadline to sign up is January 18.

Mmmmm! Nisua!

The next Nisua bake will be February 22. Please place your order with Suzanne Malys or Jerry Lampela after Sunday worship services by February 15. The last day to place your order with the office is Thursday, February 13. Order yours soon! The next bake will be April 4.

Family Bowling February 16

2:00 PM

Our annual family bowling event at El Camp Lanes in Conneaut will be February 16. The event is free for those who attend Sunday School; $7.00 for those who don’t. Included are bowling, shoes, pizza and soda. We are asking that you bring an unwrapped toy to give to the Halo Toy Chest for next year's sharing day. Even if you don't bowl, please come and join us for fellowship, pizza and soda!

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Mission Sunday January 12

The Food Pantry item for January is paper towels. Please bring a roll and place it on the altar. If everybody brings just one, we should have a nice amount to take to the food pantry.

Thank you!

Turkey Box is Empty! Please look for the Turkey Box in the gathering space and drop in your spare change and bills. Money collected year-round then used for our Thanksgiving and Christmas families.

Thank you!

Please continue to save your box tops for Conneaut Schools. Watch for them on grocery items you purchase. You’ll find a collection box in the gathering space.

Looking for the perfect venue for your special event? Consider renting Fellowship Hall! Call the Church Office, (440) 599-8908, and speak with Stephanie to find out more.

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News & Updates

Christmas Trees to Donate

GSLC has two 8-foot artificial Christmas trees (non pre-lit) to donate to a family or organization who can use them. These trees were used on the chancel prior to the 10-foot trees we have now. Those interested, or know of someone who might be, please contact the church office or see Andy Chiodo.

Committee News

Evangelism

The Escape House experience and family bowling event are on tap for our youth, but also mark your calendars for the second annual Spa Day which will be held on May 16, 2020. Tickets will go on sale in April. A reminder for Sunday School kids – Every time you come to Sunday School your name will be entered into a drawing for gifts, candy and prizes. You also get to attend events at little or no cost. Serving Christ,

Michelle Logan

Chair, Evangelism

Keep Everyone Informed

Committees, groups, and ministries: Share your news here! Keep the congregation informed of all the wonderful things you’re planning, how past events went, and invite them to join in the fun. Submit information for this publication to Kelly Anthony by the 20th of each month; email klanthony@gwcmail.net.

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January 2020

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

OFFICE CLOSED

2

3

OFFICE CLOSED

4

5 8:30 Service 11:00 Service 1:30 Service at the Villa

6 7

9:00 3M’s 9:00 Quilters

8

1:30 BINGO at ACNRC 6:00 Choir

9

10 OFFICE CLOSED

11

12 8:30 Service 11:00 Service

13 14

9:00 3M’s 9:00 Quilters 6:00 Committees

15

6:00 Choir

16

17 OFFICE CLOSED

18

19 8:30 Service 11:00 Service

20 Echo Articles Due

21 9:00 3M’s 9:00 Quilters 1:30 Comm. Svc. at Lake Pt. 1:30 Comm. Svc. at The Villa 6:00 Council

22 1:00-6:00 Blood Mobile 6:00 Choir

23

24 OFFICE CLOSED

25

26 8:30 Service 11:00 Service

27

28 9:00 3M’s 9:00 Quilters

29

6:00 Choir

30

31 OFFICE CLOSED

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Lord, we are your servants . . .

DATE/ TIME

ASSISTING MINISTER

COMMUNION ASSISTANT USHERS GREETERS READER HOSPITALITY ACOLTYES PROJECTION

1/5/2020 8:30

Mary Vidmar Grace Patriarco Mike & Suzanne

Malys George & Nyla

Lindgren Tim Moga Heidi Parkomaki Tim Montagano Luke Patriarco

11:00 Shirley Harco Nickolas Mason Jerry & Faye

Lampela Rich & Pam

Herner Cindy Nelson Michelle Logan

Amelia Sanford Emma Van Norman

Taylor Racut

1/12/2020 8:30

Jasmine Steighner Rae Van De Motter Bud & Janet

Maenpaa Budd & Shirley Brookhouser

Susan McCarron Suzanne Malys Luke Patriarco Jennifer Best

11:00 Andy Chiodo Michelle Logan EJ Hybert

Cindy Nelson Ray & Gail

Burlingham Nickolas Mason Natalie Huya

Aurelia & Thaddaeus Huya

Stacy Racut

1/19/2020 8:30

Mike Malys Susan McCarron John & Sue

Chapin Bob & Joe

Reed Grace Patriarco Stephanie Patriarco Sofi Thompson Luke Patriarco

11:00 Shirley Harco Paul Mechling Stacy & Taylor

Racut Jerry & Faye

Lampela Paul Mechling Joanne Mechling

Emily McQueeney Natalie Wood

Michelle Logan

1/26/2020 8:30

Mary Vidmar Heidi Parkomaki Katrina Pavolino Grace Patriarco

Dolores Pelow Nancy Altman

John Chapin Sue Chapin Tim Montagano Jennifer Best

11:00 Andy Chiodo Taylor Racut Craig & Natalie

Huya Cindy Nelson Stacy Racut

Peggy & Shirley Harco

Ben Owens JR Hutchison

Michelle Logan

JANUARY ALTAR GUILD: Pearl Ann Curtis, Phyllis Waid, Heidi Parkomaki, Peggy Harco, and Shirley Harco

FEBRUARY ALTAR GUILD: Pearl Ann Curtis, Phyllis Waid, Heidi Parkomaki, Peggy Harco, and Shirley Harco

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