PAGE 1 May 2015

sidebysideministry.com & friend us on facebook at John-Paul Lutheran

St. Paul Lutheran and St. John Lutheran, Lakeside-Marblehead, Ohio

Our Vision: To be a vibrant, Spirit-filled people, participating in Gods work in the world.

HOPE 12Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12

And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three. 1 Corinthians 13:13

knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5and hope does

not disappoint us.

Hopewhen Hope was named, I am sure no one imagined how God would make her a shining example of her name. Some people

will name her a child with disabilities, as the effects of seizures and emergency brain surgery at age 3 include a feeding tube, a cath-

eter, limited speech, and a weakness in her left hand and leg.

But the Spirit names her Child of God. Some would ask why God allowed this to happen to her, and maybe that would include me.

But I realize that if it hadnt, we would probably never know her, and she may not have found our family. The amazing thing is that

when I am with her, my heart sees HOPE a 6 year old little girl with a smile that brings life to those around her. I see the twinkle

in her eyes and the joy in her being. After a meal, as we sit around the kitchen table, we are entertained by what we call The Hope

Show as she makes us belly laugh with her facial expressions and squeals. Our sweet Hope reminds me of what the Apostle Pau l

writes, suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disap-

point us. God uses the sufferings of this life to draw us to faith, to exercise our hope, and to deepen our love.

As of April 20, 2015, Hope has a new name Hope Sara Marie Young. She is our newest grandchild, and we are blessed!

Visiting St. Paul & St. John Lutheran Churches

from Cameroon Africa

Pastor Bangbe Amba Claude, from Cameroon, Africa, will be speaking May 10th at St. John (8:45 a.m.) & St. Paul (10:30

a.m.) Lutheran Churches in Lakeside Marblehead.

He is hosted by SNAP ministries, Inc. which is a team of Fremont and Marblehead volunteers who have been working with his

team in Cameroon for 9 years. He will be staying with Pastor Chris and Steve Young while in Marblehead. St. John and St.

Paul have helped with the purchase of French Bibles, Cocoa Bean trees, goats, church benches, and other needs as they arise.

Pastor Chris was able to visit Pastor Claude and his family in Cameroon a few years ago, and was

blessed by the richness of joy she found in the midst of great poverty.

Please come to welcome this pastor and hear about the joys and struggles of starting churches

and farming in the rain forest to support Gods ministry as this team of native African pastors

and congregations work together to make Christs gospel known.

Visit our website: snapministries.org

PAGE 2 May 2015

Special Events We have lots of Special Events planned for the upcoming months, make sure to mark them in your calendar!

The Daniel PlanAre you interested in feeling better, having more energy, learning how

to cook a variety of healthy delicious recipes, and regaining control of your body and

health? If so, you will be interested in THE DANIEL PLAN! This class being held by Linda

Merckens and Kim Bossetti will take place on Saturdays from 9-10 AM, April 18 & 25

May 2, 9, 16 & 23, at St. Pauls fellowship hall. If you are interested please contact Linda Merckens at 419-707-2212. Class size is

limited! We plan to cook and eat! Cost of $20--Register early to be sure your book is reserved! For Gods temple is holy, and you

are that temple. 1 Corinthians 3:17b

All Sons and Daughters BanquetThe Banquet will be held on Sunday, May 3rd at 5

pm at St. Paul. Women from St. John and St. Paul and their guests are welcome. The

program will be Blast Off! Discovering the God of Creation presented by the Calvary

Hallelujah Puppets. The dinner will be served by Averys in Marblehead. The menu is

Roast Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, garden salad, roll and butter,

beverages, cookies and cupcakes. Tickets are $10.00.

Pastor Claudes Bangbe Ambas VisitSunday, May 10th, at both St. John and St. Paul Worship. We welcome him as he shares

about the Ministry in Cameroon, Africa. Pastor Claude will also be at Danbury Middle School on Friday, May 8th

NWO Synod AssemblyMay 15-16 in Bowling Green. St. Paul delegates are Jim and Betsy Deer; St. John female delegate is

Linda Otermat.

ConfirmationSunday, May 17th, at 10:30 worship we will celebrate confirmation at St. Paul. Reception to follow.

Sunday School PicnicSunday, May 17th, following worship, along with the confirmation celebration.

Danbury BaccalaureateWednesday, May 27th, 7:00 pm, at St. Josephs Catholic Church

in Marblehead. Graduates are to wear their gowns (but not hats). All are invited!

Graduation ReceptionMay 31st, at St. John and St. Paul Sunday worship. Please let the church offic-

es know about any graduates from the congregations and their families, including both high school and

college.

2015 Baby Bottle CampaignHeartbeat Pregnancy Center of Ottawa County is holding their annual

fundraiser. On Mothers Day (May 10) they will deliver a basket of baby bottles for your family to take home.

Please fill it with change, bills, or checks and return the filled bottle by Fathers Day (June 21). This is their big-

gest fundraiser of the year so make sure to grab a bottle!

Special GuestBishop Marcus Lohrmann will join us for worship June 7th. Please help us give him a warm

welcome with your presence!

SummerfestSt. Joseph Church Choir is hosting their annual Marblehead Summerfest. It will take place June 26 June 28 at

James Park. Mark your calendars and make sure to stop for food, fun, and live music!

VBS DatesMark your calendars for July 27-31 at St. Paul. We are considering an evening program, instead

of morning in hope of increasing participation from working families. Please share your thoughts with Chrissy

French, our VBS director.

PAGE 3 May 2015

Bible & Discipleship Studies

Sunday Morning, 9 a.m.:

Adult Bible Study: We are currently working on If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat, by John Oter-

berg. Please join us every Sunday before Worship!

Womens Bible Studies (WELCA All women are invited to participate! )

St. John Women meet on second Wednesday at 2:00 pm

St. Paul Women will meet 3rd Thursdays at 1:00 pm

Weekly Wednesday Bible Study Meets every Wednesday at 11:00 am at St. Paul. All Ladies are welcome. We are studying the

Women of the Bible. A different woman every week - so you are never behind in the series. Please join us as we dig deeper into the

Lords word. Good discussion and laughter. Any questions, please contact Cheryl Laubner.

Quiet Witness Corner So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. I Corinthians 10:31

Bob and I have been acting as the Easter Bunny and Miss Easter Lily for five years now. Each year brings us new faces, many who were not even born when this event was first started. This year one little girl asked me many ques-tions about Jesus and where He was. Our pointing to Heaven and our hearts was not really answering her ques-tions. She wanted to know what Jesus looked like. YIKES! A silent prayer went up from my heart as I searched for an answer. As I went up the ramp, there was a picture above the beverage window of Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper. "There", I said, "There is Jesus eating with His friends just like we do in church with our friends", I said pointing to the picture as I walked up to the sanctuary to help Bob get out of his costume. She seemed satisfied with my an-swer. This got me to thinking. We have only lived here full time for four and a half years. In that time you wonderful peo-ple have really fed us! Celebrations, Bunny Luncheons, Dartball meals, end of the month dinners, funerals, Advent meals, Lenten meals, fund raisers, "just because we had some left-overs", and of course, "it is fine to eat dessert before you go home for lunch" snacks. There it is . . . just like Christ used the setting of a meal to discuss what was in His heart , or get to know His followers better, or so that His followers could get to know Him better, the congregations of St. Paul and St. John provide so much more than just earthly food to all who enjoy the dishes provided. Holy Communion, too, reminds all of us of Christ's love for us. So thank you, our friends, for all that you have done through these years to help remind us that all of this eating and drinking is truly for the glory of God.

Janet

a new television series is premiering on NBC. It is a

twelve week study that started easter Sunday and goes

through the book of Acts and will cover all of the ma-

jor stories in the first 10 chapters. We invite you to

watch what will be an exciting and educating show about

the journey of the first followers of Christ!

PAGE 4 May 2015

Side-by-Side Youth Page In St. Paul Youth Group we will try to help others and ourselves grow in their faith while promoting a

nice environment to share our thoughts and ideas. -Senior High Youth

7th and 8th graders

Confirmation Class

Classes meet Sundays at 9:00 a.m.,

Wednesdays May 6, 6:00 7:00 pm

Last class until fall.

Side-by-Side Jr. High Youth

Wednesday, May 6th - 7:30 pm

Year end party!

Confirmation is May 17th.

A reception will follow right after Worship

Sunday School for Preschool 8th

Sunday School Teachers Needed!

***We are in great need of a couple

more teachers/helpers to help share

the joy :)

Please contact Chrissy French (419) 341-4653

with any questions and/or to offer your help.

Senior High Side-by-Side Youth

Lets Stay Connected: If you are interested in whats going on in the youth group and would like updates, join us on twitter! Follow us @StPaulDanbury to keep up! Calling ALL High School Youth of St Paul and St John: We are going to meet at Coffee Express in Port Clinton, 128 W. Second St (across from the Post Office), for talk & treats on Sunday, May 3rd, around 12 or 12:15. See Helmi Freeh for Coffee Express' loyalty customer punch card or pick one up when you meet us there. Rise Up ELCA Youth Gathering: Preparations continue for the RISE UP ELCA Youth Gathering and hotel assignments have been given. Our group

still needs to raise $1500, so stay tuned for a sweatshirt/t-shirt sale and a car wash in warmer weather!

Senior High

Side-by-Side Youth

Youth Sunday

1st Sun. of each Month

Sign up on the easel on the ramp at church to help

with greeting, ushering, lecturing (reading). Watch

for texts and calls from Chris and Helmi. See Pastor

Chris if you can help with Special Music.

GRADUATES!! Are your graduates listed here?

Seth French from Margareta High School.

Ryan Chapman from Danbury High School.

Lauren Kalinoski from Danbury High School

PAGE 5 May 2015

Building Friendships Not Older, Just Better - Not Older, Just Better is meeting at Casa Las Palmas on Monday, May 11th at 11:30 a.m. Call

Marge at 419-798-8816 if you have questions or need a ride.

Mom 2 Mom - A new group is forming! If you are interested in meeting with other moms and sharing the joys and trials

of motherhood this is the group for you. Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 5th at 6:30 pm, at St. Paul. There

will be snacks and crafts, and children are always welcome.

Noisy Offering The Noisy Offering for this May will be for SNAP Ministries for Cameroon Africa.

Celebration ChorusEach Wednesday at St. Paul, 7:30 p.m. All are welcome!

Community Garden You may notice an empty flower pot in the Fellowship Hall. Please help us fill it with donations for

the community garden. Your donations will be used for more hoses and garden seeds. Thank you for being a part of our

garden ministry. Everyone is welcome to help.

Council NightsCouncil Meetings will be held on the third Thursday, May 21st. Joint Parish Board meets at 5:30 pm, St.

Paul Council meets at 6:15 pm, and St. John Council meets at 7:00 pm.

Danbury Food PantryIf you would like to volunteer at the Pantry come to St. Paul at 8 AM on a distribution Saturday. If

you have any questions call Jan Hirt 419-732-2703 or Rev. Janine Dress 419-265-7298. The food pantry will be held on

May 16th. This month St. Paul is to donate Macaroni & Cheese, and St. John is to donate canned soup.

Prayer ChainSt. Paul contact Joan Harris at 419-734-3971 or 419-341-6373 or harris2110@roadrunner.com.

St. John contact Myra Prokop at 419-798-5101 or taylors@cros.net. God promises that our prayers are heard!

LawnmowersWont it be great to see the green grass, soon?! See Steve Young if you can be on the lawn mowing team at St. Paul, or call the church office. Please see the sign-up sheet at St. John if you can help with lawn mowing there. Picnic TablesSt. Paul Council is making plans for picnic tables for the Shelter House. The plan is that all tables will match and be durable. The plan will be made know soon, so anyone may participate in the project.

Serving in Christs Name

Pastor Aaron is graduating on Saturday, May 23rd. If you would like to send him a card send it to the following address:

2186 E. Main St. Apt. 304

Bexley, OH 43209

Intern Update

Vision Team Update

Thank you for your creative thoughts during our Dream-Casting process! The Visioning Team is taking the ideas that were

shared and is creating a survey for the congregations to help in the prioritizing of these ideas. Please continue to pray for

Gods guidance as we look towards the future.

PAGE 6 May 2015

St. john beacon light

For may, 2015

St. John Council Highlights

The secretary, treasurer and financial secretarys reports were presented and approved.

The parish board is hoping to create a survey from the visioning board notes and distribute it to both congrega-

tions. Mallory Kukay has been removed from probation on the job.

Please note that St. Johns annual congregation meeting will be held Sunday May 24th. Please save that date.

The election of officers will be held at this time. We are still in need of a winter months financial secretary.

Birthdays

Jim Ruth 1

Patrice Lee 18

Ann Rust 22

Shannon Prokop 25

Ruth Keller 31

Anniversaries:

Russ & Linda Merckens 2

Jason & Julieanne Lee 17

Paul & Patrice Lee 19

Ron & Sue Dewalt 26

Baptisms:

Samantha Lee 1

Jane Kemp 11

St. John History Happenings

The members of the newly formed choir for St. John in 1954 were: Mrs. Robert Anderson Mrs. Lois Miller Mrs. Norman Waldecker Mrs. Marvin Crosley Mrs. Wm E. Storrs Miss Pat Hammon Mrs. Wesley Oglesbee Mrs. Edward Dress, organist Mrs. Charles Biers Mrs. H. Lindeman, director Mrs. Joseph Kryknock

General Operating Fund- February

Receipts $ 4,999.07

Expenses $ 5,950.61

$ -951.55

The archive committee would like to begin a new page

in our newsletter. Do you remember someone in the

church from when you were young? Could you write a

few lines about that person from your recollections?

We would like to honor some of our past members

with short biographies in the newsletter. If you can

remember anyone please contact Maryanne Laubner,

Helen Stines or Bernell Lowien. We hope to begin with

the June newsletter.

St. John has welcomed new members recently:

Glenn & Janice Beachy

4315 S. Memorial Shoreway

Marblehead OH, 43440

614-202-4902Glenns Cell

614-563-0664Janices Cell

John Dominy & Jane Mallernee

113 Cottage Cove Drive

Marblehead OH, 43440

jdom0711@gmail.com

jmmallernee@aol.com

Pat Isaman

2175 NE Catawba #23

Port Clinton OH, 43452

419-307-5262

PAGE 7 May 2015

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger May 2015

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger

February 2015 budget highlights:

General Fund

General Fund income $13,828.33

General Fund expense $11,431.44

Restricted Funds

Restricted Funds income $2,167.56

Restricted Funds expense $ 0.00

Highlights of April 16 Council meeting:

-Visioning team to put together a survey for the congregation to choose the top 5 items that are

most important.

-Financial report: General fund $32,708.82

-Erik Wadsworth, Daleigh Lerch, and Hannah Polanco were approved for confirmation.

-Training for electronic donations will be held after service May 24th for anyone interested.

-Shelter house landscaping will be purchased by WELCA

-Hospitality for April will be hosted by the Altar Guild.

-May 17th Picnic.

Special Congregational Meeting after Worship April

12th.

-Approved the imaging of the cemetery.

Confirmation Sunday is May 17th.

Confirmands are

Daleigh Lerch, Hanna Polanco, and Erik Wadsworth.

Nancy Ann Adams passed away on April 1st. Her

funeral was held at St. Paul on April 7th. May God

comfort all who mourn her passing.

The N.W. OH. Synod of the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

America is holding the 2015 convention on June 20th at St. Marks Lutheran

Church in Bowling Green Ohio. The convention will begin at 9:00 am and

conclude at approximately 5:00 pm. The theme verse is from Psalm 145:4 One generation shall laud your works to another, and

shall declare your mighty acts. Come ready to think about and share your stories of how you have shared faith from one genera-

tion to another. Personal stories will be shared by Kiesa Schwochow from Fremont, Lisa Kohlenberg of Pemberville, and Ivy

Nehls from Bluffton. Karen Voris, our churchwide representative from the Alaska synod will speak about how the roles of wom-

en in the church have changed through the generations. Registrations must be in by June 1st. The cost is $25 for registration and

$15 for lunch and snacks for a total of $40. See Louise Rogers for Registration forms. There is also a Friday evening meet and

greet event at 7:30 pm. If needed there is a block of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express reserved, but will probably go quickly. See

Louise for the information.

Please remember in your prayers:

Vince Adams, Barb Agne, Barb Batcha,

Mary Butchko, Ben Chapman, Gary Cover,

Rebecca Dress, Jack Easton, David Heinzl,

Bill Hirt, Steve Hosko, Ruth Keller, Janet

Kimerline, Delores Mahler, Kathy Stine, Sa-

rah Tanner, Janet Vodicka, Gordon Wahlers,

Jerry Weichman, Steve Young. We pray for

family and friends in the armed forces.

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church

(WELCA)

Our All-Daughter and Sons Dinner is May 3rd at 5 PM. The women of St.

John are joining us for this event. Averys Catering will provide the meal.

Blastoff! Discovering the God of Creation will be presented by the Calvary

Hallelujah Puppets.

On April 20th we hosted Bingo at Edgewood.

May 21st is our next regular meeting and Bible study (from the April maga-

zine Gather) Mary Sennich is hostess.

The Monthly Project Contributions for May are: macaroni & cheese, baby

jackets, or sweatshirts with hood or baby cap, 30 centimeter ruler, pencil

sharpener.

PAGE 8 May 2015

Birthdays

1 Nicky Upson, Charles Fannin

2 Zachery Rayle, DJ Coles

4 Gerald Mahler, Cassandra Warren, Abbey Urban

5 Kelley Sotak, Alandra Willis, Candace Geller

7 Louise Rogers, Makenzie Wheeler, Ruth Scott, Mary Sennich

8 Cassandra Mullins

9 Amanda Goff

10 Coni Ann Limpert

12 Mike Kovach

13 Kaitlyn Mackey,

Sophia Glovinsky

16 Emilie Salyers

17 Patric Uhinck

18 Dawn Lowien

19 Janet Strauss

20 Jon Koch

21 Mike Beasley

22 Lori Urban, Chris

Steinbrick

23 Addison Urban

24 Natalie Carraway

25 David Heinzl, Erin Steinbrick, Kennedy Goff, ParkerBoss

26 Lisa Dayton, Kayla Lucas

27 Marian Sandvick, Jane Sandvick

29 Rachel Fannin

St. Paul May Special Dates Wedding Anniversaries

1 Joel & Dawn Lowien, Kurri & Chantel Lewis

7 Michael & Stephanie Kovach

15 Robert & Randi Miller

21 Todd & Stacey Johannsen

22 Joseph & Kelley Sotak, Charles & Beth DeLuca

28 Bill & Crystal Chapman

Baptismal Anniversaries

1 Sheila Dress

2 Bradley Biers, Mason Kihlken

6 Valo Lewis

8 Courtney KIhlken

12 Emmett Mackey

14 Brett Pahl

17 Evelyn Bodi, Lydia Lammers

18 Ryan French, Dakota Mackey

PAGE 9 May 2015

Mutual Ministries May 3 May 10 May 17 May 24 May 31

Greeters Erik Wadsworth Betty Easton Linda Dubbert Laurel Berhent Chrissy & Zeke

French

Lectors Heather Lambert Dave Hirt Tammy Davis Laurel Berhent Tammy Davis

Ushers Dave Hirt

Seth French

Mason French

Jack Easton

Vicky Doski

Jim Kovach

Tammy Davis

Bob Strauss

Janet Strauss

Betty Kovach

Jerry Meyer

Helen Stines

Chrissy French

Nancy Kihlken

Jim Kovach

Acolytes Nick Bossetti

Maddie Harris

Natalie Lambert

Matt Seamon

Nolan Chapman

Kenneth Kerik

Heather Lambert

Daleigh Lerch

Larisa Kerik

Mason French

Hospitality Reception for

Pastor Claude

S.S. Picnic & Confir-

mation Recognition

Graduate

Recognition

Bulletins Jack & Betty Easton

Steeple Lighting Jim & Dee Warren

Perpetual Light Jim & Dee Warren Jim & Dee Warren Roland & Laurel

Berhent

Assisting Minister Shirley LaCumsky

Matt Seamon

Altar Guild Nancy Kihlken

Stacey Johannson

Counters Nancy Kihlken

Betty Kovach

Flowers Shirley LaCumsky

in memory of Bud

Thank You

-God Bless you for what you and others have done for me. I really love it when you all come to see me, and also Luke the dog. Many Thanks, Darlene and Valerie

-Dear St. John and St. Paul Lutheran Church Congregation: On behalf of Ottawa County Transitional Housing, Inc., please accept our thank you for your recent donations of cleaning supplies for families involved with Ruth Anns House. Sincerely, Barbara S. Phillabaum

-Rise Up National Youth Gathering : Thank you to WELCA for donating $300 to the in-kind gift that the youth will offer to families living in poverty who need diapers for their children. Diapers will be purchased when we arrive in Detroit.

-To Barry Bergman for keeping the parking lot clear of snow this past winter, Our weather really kept you busy this year.

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