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Jennifer kicked the ball as hard as she
could—and giggled as she ran around the
bases, and screaming with delight she
crossed home plate!
I loved to play games with my kids.
One of the favorite games we often
played was “Hide and Seek”. I would
count. They would hide. Matt picked the
best hiding places. Jen never knew
where to hide. I could hear her giggling
behind the closed door or under the table.
“ I FOUND YOU JENNY!!!”. She would
laugh and sign to me , “I wanted you to
find me Daddy! I love it when you find
me!!”.
“I love it when you find me.”
On Sunday, January 14th the Gospel of
Mark will bring to our attention men
named Phillip and Nathanael----both of
whom are FOUND by Jesus. Oh, at the
time, it probably felt very odd and
unusual. Who is this man? What does
Jesus want with me? Eventually,
Nathanael would rediscover child like
faith—and every time the Master FOUND
him—what a thrill!
“I love it when you find me.”
JANUARY 2018
Pastor Matthew S. Lash6517 Finzel RdWhitehouse, OH 43571
FROM THE PASTOR“I Wanted to Be Found…”
So many games. I played so many games with my children. I shot baskets on the
drive way with Matt. I tossed a whiffle ball to Jennifer. We played catch. We kicked
a ball around. Matt hit the ball at the local backstop and I chased all the balls.
Throughout this year, God’s Word will
speak good news to you and me. In Word
and Sacrament, Jesus finds us. In prayer
and praise, Jesus finds us. In the Lord’s
House and in your own quiet room, Jesus
finds us. In sickness and in health, Jesus
finds us. In faith and in doubt, Jesus finds
us.
“I love it when you find me Daddy!”.
“I love it when YOU find me, Lord”.
May the Grace, Love, mercy and Peace
of our
God find you again and again this New
Year.
Blessings of Grace in 2018.
Pastor Matt & Marsha
WORSHIP“Irejoicewiththosewhosaidtome,“LetusgotothehouseoftheLord!”(Psalm122:1)
Worship Life in January
Didn’t we just flip over our calendar? A New Year welcomes us to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We find HOPE in his Word. We find MERCY in His forgiveness. We find STRENGTH at the Lord’s Table. Making changes and resolutions this New Year?
Let’s set aside Saturday or Sunday for regular worship and growing! Blessings in the Lord’s house in 2018!
Weekend of January 6 & 7Epiphany CelebrationSaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage Pastor Ron Heinz
Sunday, January 7Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am
Weekend of January 13 & 14
2nd Sunday of Epiphany Saturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage “He Knows ME???”
Sunday, January 14Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am
Weekend of January 20 & 213rd Sunday of EpiphanySaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage “You Want ME??”
Sunday, January 21Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am
Weekend of January 27 & 28
4th Sunday of EpiphanySaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4pmMessage “You Want to do WHAT with ME??”
Sunday, January 28Worship & Holy Communion 8 & 10am
_
2018 WORSHIP SIGN UP DAY!!!!Hey—Check out our Worship Table on Sunday, January 21st! You will have an opportunity to:• Sign up to read the lessons
• Distribute Holy Communion• Serve as a Greeter
• Distribute Bulletins
• Join our Lay Assistant
• Acolyte• Crucifer
We would love to have you share in the privilege of Worship and leadership! Sign up on Sunday,
January 21st!
Parents of Acolytes & Crucifers
Please check the 2018
schedule and select a convenient date for your son or daughter to serve on Sunday morning. Please fill up the calendar so we are assured to have young people prepared to serve on the weekends. Thank you so much!
__
WORSHIP“Irejoicewiththosewhosaidtome,“LetusgotothehouseoftheLord!”(Psalm122:1)
Epiphany Sermon Series Pastor Matt is preparing a series of messages based on the Gospel lessons appointed for the season of Epiphany. We will follow Jesus through a period of ministry when He revealed himself to friends, fishermen, demons and disciples! Pastor Matt begins a series based on Mark’s Gospel beginning the weekend of January 13. Invite a friend!
Many, many thanks to all who served and shared their time towards providing us with an inspiring Advent and Christmas season! Many thanks to all who assisted with the worship services, all who provided drinks and meals for us, our teens who served, set up and assisted in the clean up on Wednesday nights! We are blessed with many willing and supportive servants! Thank you for adding to our joy this season! May the Lord bless His people in 2018! --Pastor Matt.
Holy Baptism If you are interested in holy baptism this New Year, please contact Pastor Matt at the church office. (419-877-0607). Baptism may be celebrated during worship on Saturday or Sunday mornings. Private baptism is also scheduled for those who are unable to attend our regular worship times. Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”. (Matthew 28). We encourage you to be blessed in the waters of Holy Baptism!
Weddings in the coming year? If you are interested in discussing a wedding at Community of Christ, please contact the church office. We have a wedding brochure that provides details about wedding policies and appropriate fees. Weddings may held on any date of the week, however traditionally are scheduled Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons or early evenings. Questions? Contact our office manager, Michelle Gebhart, 419-877-0607.
PACKED HOUSE – GREAT PERFORMANCE BY CURT CLONINGER THANKS TO ALL WHO ATTENDED!
_
FROM THE MUSIC DIRECTOR
The Adult Choir and Bell Choir at Community of Christ Church are OPEN to new members…so don’t be shy! Anyone interested in singing just come to the Sanctuary on a Wednesday night at 7pm.
And to ring bells meet us on Thursday night at 7:30pm.
Contact Eric Dickey with any questions. 419-877-0607
CHOIRS AND YOU
JAN 28 – 10am SERVICE
The Children’s Choir of Northwest Ohio will be performing with our very own adult choir in a combined anthem.
Don’t miss this very special piece.
_
PARISH EDUCATION“Theydevotedthemselvestotheapostles’teaching,tofellowship,tothebreakingofbread”(Acts2:42)
SONrise---Resumes Sunday, January 7! Fun and educational for all our elementary children! Each Sunday is SOMETHING NEW! Join SONrise on Sunday,
January 7th and enjoy some great storytelling from KaroleSigg! Everyone has a part in the story! SONrise is great for three and four year old’s too! Our second week will include a craft, followed by activities and Krystal Bells in the last few weeks of January!
Our theme: I BELIEVE…In Jesus, His Only Son, our Lord! Come and know Jesus our baptized Lord!
WINTER STUDY---ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING!Could you use some C A L M in your life?? Are you feeling anxious each day? We seem to have more mountains to climb, obstacles to avoid, curves to navigate. Our study will reflect on the scripture truths in Philippians 4:6-7 and the latest best seller by Pastor Max Lucado.
Join us in the new year for Bible Study! PASTOR MATT WILL HOST AN AFTERNOON AND EVENING STUDY FOR ALL INTERESTED! THIS SIX
SESSION CLASS BEGINS ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 AT 1pm & 7pm. Please call the church to register OR sign up on the kiosk.
Walking in God’s Word (Library) Join Pastor Matt for a Sunday morning study of “Hope For The
Hurting---A Word from Peter. Believers faced social ostracism, slander, mistreatment, and serious threats on their life. They lived on the edge of persecution! Join us for encouragement from the faithful disciple, Peter. We will study the 1st
and 2nd letter of Peter. Join us on Sunday, January 14 at 9am.
Pre-Communion instruction? Attention! NEW this year!
Winter dates for Holy Communion instruction! Students who are currently in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and above are welcome to begin instruction. Classes will be held on MONDAY AFTERNOON from 5-6pm. Classes begin on MONDAY, MARCH 5.
First Communion Sunday will be held on Palm
Sunday, March 25 at our 10am worship. Please contact the church office to let us know if your child will be attending the winter classes.
_
YOUTH MINISTRIES“Teachthemtoyourchildren,totheirchildrenafterthem”(Deuteronomy4:9)
Big Stuf Retreat Gathering #2! Those who have registered for the BIG STUF retreat are expected to attend (monthly/or as scheduled) gatherings of the group for discussion, fun, getting better acquainted and fund raising discussion.
OUR FIRST GATHERING IN 2018 WILL BE
SUNDAY, JANUARY 28!!! TIME: 11:15-12:45 P.M.
Join us for a bite of lunch, conversation & planning!! LOTS TO DISCUSS!! SEE YOU THERE!
FUTURE EVENTS:
Sun., February 11 WINTER JAM CHRISTIAN MUSIC FESTIVAL AT LITTLE CAESAR ARENA IN DETROIT-ONLY 15.00!!! (Must Sign up)
Tues., February 13 Lenten Cooking NightWed., February 14 Ash Wednesday soup suppers Sun., March 11 Pizza Papalis & Walleye Game
C of C TEENS BASH!!!---SUNDAY, JANUARY 21ST,
5:30-8:00 p.m.! Join us for munchies, pizza, drinks, youth lounge relaxing and conversation. “Strange games” will be planned to welcome in 2018. Brainstorm activities for 2018! SIGN UP TODAY TO ATTEND!!!! High school students will work on their ‘bricks’. Don’t’ have one yet? Come and make Community of Christ Teen history!
Confirmation
Students & Parents!
Our confirmation students are studying the Ten Commandments this winter! Our class meets from 4:45-6pm every Tuesday.
Classes resume on Tuesday, January 9th with an AGAPE afternoon. Our time together includes Bible adventure, group discussion and plenty of activity! If you have a teen in 7th or 8th
grade and would like more information about our confirmation program, please contact the church office.
Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program – Delivery Date: 1/31/2018
Help our Teens raise FUNDS for Retreat Ministries!
Go to www.pizzakit.comClick on Products, then Shop
Select your preferred Shipping Method
Enter the Fundraiser ID# 344397 and place your order!!
OUTREACH“Serveoneanotherinlove”(Galatians5:13)
4th Sunday---“Clean & Feed!”
We will begin setting aside the fourth Sunday of the month for us to share love offerings with Salem Lutheran, Toledo & Whitehouse Food Pantry!
Please bring bars of soap for Salem’s neighborhoodfamilies and food for those who have needs here in Whitehouse.
Baskets will be placed near the doors on Sunday, JAN 27 &
28.
Thank you for your generous offering of support!
_
Community of Christ BOOK CLUB 2017-18 Selections
January 16 - Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barber
February 20 - Hallelujah Anyway by Anne Lamott
March 20 - Boston Girl by Anita Diamant
April 17 - Orphan Mother by Robert Hicks
May 15 - Killers of the Flower Moon by David Gran
June 19 - Dry by Jane Harper
RECEPTION OF NEW MEMBERS—JANUARY 21!!
We will formally receive new members into our congregation on Sunday, January 21. If you know a neighbor, classmate, family member or friend who may be looking for a new church home in 2018, please introduce them to Pastor Matt on Sunday morning. Thank you!
LADIES LUNCH BUNCH
Our first luncheon is Friday, Jan 26 at
11:30. We will be eating at Brandywine Country Club. Karen and I taste tested it (twice!) and it is wonderful! We tried the French Onion Soup, Cheddar Broccoli Soup, Patty Melt, BLT and Club Sandwiches. All were wonderful and left our tummies very happy. There are no steps, but a fairly long walk to the restaurant – with lots of places to sit along the way. This will be a wonderful way to start the year.
March 23, May 25, September 28
We are skipping July and November due to vacations and Thanksgiving Day. December will be the annual joint pot luck with the Ladies Dinner Group.
Kathryn Whitacre 419-441-2273Karen Oden 419-878-8300
LADIES LUNCH BUNCHSAVE THE DATES FOR 2018 LUNCHES
Sync our Church Directory to your Mobile Device.
1. Go to your device’s App store.2. Search for Instant Church Directory.3. Enter your email as it’s listed in our church
directory. If email not listed please email [email protected] to have your email added.
4. Follow the directions on screen to complete the login process.
STEWARDSHIP“Forwhereyourtreasureis,thereyourheartwillbealso.”(Matthew6:21)
Consider a New Year Offering---“I was Glad to Go up to the House of
the Lord!” We are committing extra gifts and offerings to renovate many
areas of our facility in drastic need of repair. Your extra offering will cause our
faith thermometer to rise! We are grateful for every gift that decreases the
pressure on our annual budget. Repairs on the windows above the fellowship
hall, roof and parking lot will begin in the spring. Thank you for your offerings!
Our most recent totals of gifts received: $5,800.
2018 Offering Envelopes
Please pick up your box of offering envelopes. Your weekly gifts support the
resources for many ministries. We have expanded our benevolent outreach
locally and internationally. Many thanks for your offerings! *You may give
‘electronically’ if you so desire. Please contact the church office. *
DATES TO MARK ON
YOUR CALENDAR:
JAN 13
Epiphany Sermon Series Starts
JAN 14 – 8 &10 am
Council Members Installation
JAN 16 – 1 pm
Book Club Meets
JAN 21 – 11:15 am
Reception of New Members
JAN 21 – 11:15 amWorship Sign Up Day
JAN 21 – 5:30-8 pm
CofC Teen Blast
JAN 26 – 11:30 am
Ladies Lunch Bunch
JAN 27 & 28
Clean & Feed
JAN 28 – 10 am
Children’s Choir of NW Ohio and Adult Choir Anthem
JAN 28 – 11:15-12:45 pm
Big Stuf Retreat Gathering
JAN 29 – 7 pm
Church Council Meeting
JAN 31
Delivery date for Little Caesar’s Pizza Kit orders
We have another easy and efficient way of giving toward the General Fund, Building Fund or Capital Improvement Fund (window replacement). This is not only for 2017 year end offerings, it is also for any future offerings as well.
There is still time to take advantage of a 2017 offering and possibly avoid capital gains taxes with an offering. We have a brokerage account with UBS Financial Services. I set it up earlier this year at the request of one of our members, with councils permission.
Jamie Kaczmarski, Wealth Management Associate - Findley Wise Wealth Management Phone 419.318.5500 / Toll Free 855.258.6295
UBS Financial Services, 5757 Monroe StreetSylvania, OH 43560
Your Assistance is
NEEDED! The church office and money counters are needing your assistance with your offering envelopes….if writing a check, we are asking you please write your
check number on the upper right corner outside of your offering envelope.
This will help us to keep an accurate record of how you have made your offering and helps the office with record keeping. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
_
CHURCH LIFE
Our New Church Council will hold its first meeting on Monday, January 29 at 7:00
p.m.
All council members will be installed and blessed before the congregation on Sunday, January 14 at our 8:00 & 10:00
a.m. worship service. *This installation
will take place at the beginning of the
service for those who may attend other
worship service. Please plan to attend.
OUR CHURCH COVENANT RENEWED!
Our covenant of membership will be formally available on Sunday, January 14 at all worship services. Adults and young people are encouraged to ‘sign’ the covenant as a commitment to support and pray for the mission, ministries of Community of Christ. Your willingness to stand with us in prayer is a gift for us all! May God’s Church stand strong in 2018!
*The covenant is available year-round near the mosaic. Members may sign it at any time throughout the year.
Our Brand New Pictorial Directory is available in the gathering area. If your photo was NOT updated—and you would like to be included in an ‘insert page’ for the New Year please contact the church office. We will set up a time with our church photographer. Thank you for helping us provide a colorful church directory!
Thrivent Choice Dollars Benevolence
A brief meeting will be held for all members who are ‘choice dollar’ members of Thrivent. Throughout the year Thrivent financial members choose to donate funds that benefit the mission and ministries of the congregation and community. Pastor Matt will convene a meeting on Sunday, February 4th
immediately following the 10:00 am. We will receive a list of recommendations and vote on recipient ministries for the church council to consider. If you are Thrivent choice member, please plan to attend! Thanks!!!
Church Council Leadership Our congregation approved the proposed budget for 2018.
We also elected new members to our church leadership council; Jeff Baden,
Max Kohr, Stephanie Phillips and Carol
Weimken.
Our church council met afterwards and elected members of our executive board; President: Brian Jones
Vice President: Sarah Rockwell
Recording Secretary: Cammie Abraham
Council members selected liaison/communicator positions for specific ministries in the congregation. Please continue to pray for your council leadership.
_
SYMPATHY, PRAYERS & THANKS
We extend our prayers and love to the family
of Kathie Myers, eldest sister of Sarah
Rockwell who passed away from cancer.
Funeral services were held in Toledo on
Wednesday, December 6.
We extend our prayers and love to the family
of Blaine Lloyd, husband of Betty Lloyd, who
passed away Thursday Dec 21. Funeral
services were held on Wed., Dec 27.
We extend our love and support to Todd,
Ally, Joshua Cranmore. Todd’s home was
lost to a fire the week of November 28. We
are sharing a free will offering and gift cards
to support the family at this time. Please
contact the church office if you would like to
assist the family. Many Thanks.
Dana Chafin Recuperating from brain surgery
Flo Hannum Recent back surgery
Mary Ann Gorniak (Julie Holliker’smother) Ongoing dementia
Dayle Reed Care for cancer
Glenn & Rosa Lee Johnson Residing at Lakes of Monclova. Rosa Lee has severe Alzheimer’s. She resides in the Legacy building. Glenn is a resident at Lakes of Monclova.
Cindy Wixey Continuing care for Alzheimer’s
Kay Terveen Heart by pass surgery on Dec 18
Becky King Hip surgery on Dec 18
A huge THANK YOU to our Ladies Craft Group for all the mittens, hats, scarves and headbands that were donated to Salem and the Women’s Shelter!
Donated to Salem were: 56 mittens, 31 hats, 5 scarves and 5 headbandsDonated to Women’s Shelter were: 57 mittens, 28 hats, 5 scarves and 8 headbands.
Ladies Craft Group:
Dorothy Petrell, Carol Heuerman, Yvonne Walters, Molly Wachtmann,Sue Eheret, Sue Meeker, Annette Wagner, Karen Dohse and Nancy Dangler. Thanks be to God!
We continue to pray for members of our church family;
AMERICAN RED CROSS
Thank you Community of Christ Lutheran Church for sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive. Angel and ARC Staff. Presenting donors: 31. Total Units 23 for Alzheimer’s.
Dear Prayer Friends,
Thank you for your prayers for my
mom, Kathleen Berquist. After many
procedures, tests, doctor visits, etc., my
mom’s main digestive problem is that she is
severely lactose intolerant. With changes in
her diet and additional medications, she is
doing well! Praising God for your prayers,
especially in August and September when she
was extremely ill. God is so incredibly good!.
Thanking and praising HIM for you and HIS
healing.
Happy 12 days of Christmas,
Susan
01/09 Katie Sullivan
01/10 Becky King
01/11 Greg Aubell
01/12 Dana Gill
01/12 Steven Gill
01/13 Andrew Kuhlman
01/13 Sarah Hoy
01/14 Anna Heinz
01/15 Luke Yokum
01/15 Nicholas Kronmann
01/15 William Baden
01/16 Annette Merritt
01/16 Brandon Carman
01/16 Saoirse Bucher
01/17 Zoe Rozick
01/18 Karen Herzberg
01/18 Gregory Nitz
01/19 Ellen Marshall
01/19 Rita Kuetemeyer
01/20 Abby Langendorfer
01/20 Bev Howard
01/20 Beverly Howard
01/20 Lillian Ahrens
01/20 Richard Hannum
01/21 Dana-Renee Chafin
01/21 Patricia Roth
01/22 Brian Ray
01/22 Nicholas Kronmann
01/23 Dale Grimes
01/24 Andrea Pontsler
01/24 Bryson Bellner
01/25 Dave Nowak
01/25 David Schwartz
01/25 Kerri Johnson
01/01 Elizabeth Fowler
01/01 Kirk Reid
01/01 Spencer Reid
01/02 Irina Haack
01/02 Robert Curtis
01/03 Aidan Zimmerman
01/03 John Rust III
01/04 Kari Swagler
01/04 Linda Mackey
01/04 Zachary Brown
01/05 Amanda Reisner
01/05 Jeffrey Bright II
01/05 Jill Kaplan
01/07 Kristopher Kose
01/07 Susan Rasmusson
01/08 Claudia Jones
01/08 Sophia Cedargren
01/08 Tom Schreiber
www.commofchrist.org6517 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571
419-877-0607
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@commofchrist
Reminder---Prayers
of the Church – In order that we keep our prayer concerns current and fresh in worship---we update our prayer concern list every two weeks. The concern you provide will be included in the prayers of the congregation for two weeks.
If you would like to renew your prayer request, please use the form available in the gathering area or contact the church office. Continue to pray for another!
Would you like the NEWSLETTER in your mail box?
Simply call the church office and we would be happy to send it to your mailbox! A limited number of newsletters are copied and available in the gathering area. The newsletter is always available on our web site, www.commofchrist.org.
Our Church Office Hours will remain 8:30-3:30 pm (Monday through Friday). Our office manager will be available during these hours. Her hours will be increased to serve as Pastor’s executive assistant eight hours a week. This was approved following the staff’s task force recommendation to provide additional lay support staff for the pastor’s office. These duties and activities will be reviewed at the end of 2018.
Angel Tree gift
delivery team
for Salem.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our members we provided gifts to approximately 65 children!