St. John’s Lutheran Church

380 Keny Blvd.

London, OH 43140

The Chimes

Christ in us, the hope of glory! February 2018 740-852-1522 www.stjohnslondon.org

Ash Wednesday Service

February 14th

7:00 PM

Special Children’s Worship Service

February 4th 10:45AM

Daylight Bible Group Tuesday’s 10:15AM

When you are criticized … The following article was taken from the January 22, 2018 edition of the Lutheran Witness

by Rosie Adle

Pop quiz! When you are criticized, your first reaction is to …

comfort yourself with assurances that you did nothing wrong. Whew!

wail with loud wailings. You’re a flop and no one likes you.

determine that it’s someone else’s fault. That scoundrel!

take the opportunity to repent, learn and grow, seeking the Lord’s help.

In Ramona Quimby, Age 8 there’s a fad sweeping through the third grade. Kids bring hard-boiled eggs for lunch and crack them on their heads. Ramona is really excited when her mother packs her an egg. She winds up for a huge lunchroom whack. What!?! There’s raw egg all over her! Stewing in the nurse’s station, she overhears her teacher remark, “I hear my little show-off came in with egg on her head. What a nuisance.” These words play over and over in Ramona’s mind. Her reactions range from denial: “Show off! Nui-sance! Did Mrs. Whaley think she had broken a raw egg into her hair on purpose to show off?” to despair: “Mrs. Whaley doesn’t like me.” And somewhere along the way, she finds another comfy coping pocket: “Her mother was to blame.” Ramona Quimby cares deeply about what others say about her, and she doesn’t handle criticism well.

What about you? (By the way, answers 1, 2 and 3 are all worth zero points. Sorry.)

How do you take criticism?

Several years ago, Tim Keller, the now-retired pastor of a large Presbyterian church in New York City, wrote a blog article called “How Do You Take Criticism of Your Views?” In his post, Keller contends that, “the biggest danger of receiving criticism is not to your reputation, but to your heart.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 counsels, “Be not quick in your spirit to become angry, for anger lodges in the heart of fools.” Keller urges that we “should look to see if there is a kernel of truth in even the most exaggerated and unfair broad-sides. There is usually such a kernel …”

When Ramona eventually talks to Mrs. Whaley about those critical words, she insists that she was not showing off by cracking the egg on her head. Her teacher accepts this, but presses. “Tell me, Ramona, don’t you ever try to show off?” The kernel! Ramona can’t deny it. “Well … maybe sometimes … a little.”

Everyone’s a critic, but not all critics are created equal. Keller also notes that it is important to consider the wisdom of the critic and the person’s relationship to you. Give each critical word the appropriate weight it warrants. Ramona’s teacher was a part of her life, and she knew her stuff. Critical comments from a semi-acquaintance online or a total stranger probably don’t require the same level of care and attention.

Ecclesiastes 7:5 affirms, “It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.” So especially when the rebuke comes from the wise, let it be music to your ears. And even when it doesn’t, look for the kernel of truth to remind yourself that you’re in as much need of grace as the next person.

If you answered 1, 2 or 3 to the question posed above, this kernel hunting expedition will take time. Don’t respond to a critic until you’ve calmed down. Examine your motives and actions and thoughts. Slow down, rest and pray for an increase in humility and clari-ty. Before you know it, that kernel of truth will reveal itself. Maybe you didn’t want to look at it, but you’re better off now that you have.

Got the kernel. Now what? You could bury that obnoxious little kernel in a dark place in your heart. There it can grow into a large plant of self-loathing, or of deep bitterness toward your critics and others like them. But this plant is not of the Lord. It is no fruit of the Spirit. Take the kernel of truth to the Lord, along with prayers of repentance. He already knows all about it, but He invites you. Cast your anxieties surrounding the criticism on Him, because He cares for you. Pray that the spirit of self-righteous pride or resentment or anger or despair over your critic’s words will not take root. Rather, ask that you would be filled with the Holy Spirit. Then you can respond in peace and love, with gifts of grace and the marks of a true Christian as St. Paul describes: “Live in harmony with one anoth-er. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:16-18)

Daylight Bible Study

Looking for a Bible study that meets during the day? This is the group for you. Please join our circle of friends on Tuesdays, at 10:15 AM in Luther’s Café. Contact Vici Geer, 852-4494 for more information.

Invitation to join in the reading and study of

GIFTS OF THE DARK WOOD – Eric Elnes

Seven Blessings for Soulful Skeptics (and OTHER WANDERERS) Drawing on examples from his own life, ministry, and scriptures the author shows how bewilderment my yield insight and how by getting lost, we may find our way. Whether it is the dark time is personal or global you will find wise insight and guidance in this book, donated by our church librarian.

2018 Altar Flowers/Eternal Flame Candle

The 2018 Altar Flower/Eternal Flame Candle charts are posted. If you would like to have the altar flowers or eternal flame candle in memory of or in honor of someone special, please sign up on the altar flower chart or the eternal flame chart posted in Luther’s Café. The altar flowers are $12.50 each or $25.00 for the pair and the eternal flame candle is $5.00.

Offering Envelopes

Offering envelopes for 2018 are available in Luther’s Café. If you would like to have envelopes but do not see your name, please let Debbie in the office know.

Ash Wednesday Service February 14th - 7:00 PM

Mid-Week Lenten Services

Beginning February 21st - 7:00 PM Soup Supper 6:00 PM

Children’s Sunday School Children’s Sunday School is held at 10:45 each Sunday morning. Enjoy Bible stories, crafts, games, snacks and great fellowship.

Adult Sunday School Classes Please join one of St. John’s Adult Sunday School classes at 9:00 in the Conference Rm. (weekly lectionary), 10:00 in the Chapel (Book of Acts), and at 10:30 in the Conference Rm. (weekly lectionary).

Teens,’Tweens, & in Betweens Our youth will once again be leading the 10:45 service on Feb. 4th! Special action songs will be enjoyed by all and another fun “kid friendly” coffee hour will be held between the services. Please plan to join us as we celebrate our children!

Health Ministry

St. John’s Health Ministry will be doing monthly blood pressure checks the first Sunday of each month where you can have your blood pressure checked in Luther’s Café at 10:00 am.

H.E.L.P. HOUSE /Food-thru-Faith

The HELP House and Food-thru-Faith are in need of your help. If each family would pick up a few extra items while shopping, it would help tremendously. Place your donations in the box marked “H.E.L.P. House” or basket marked “Food thru Faith” at the church entrance. During December Food-thru-Faith served 30 families which included 54 adults and 16 children for a total of 70 people.

Food thru Faith is especially looking for tea bags, canned potatoes, jiffy corn bread mix and jelly. The Help House is especially looking for deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap & shampoo.

Save Your Pop Tabs St. John’s is collecting pop/beer tabs to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Candy Bar Sale Have a sweet tooth that needs satisfied?? We have Anthony Thomas candy bars for sale! Choose from Almond, Crunch, Caramel, and Peanut Butter for $1.00 each.

Little Soul Food Library

A collection of Christian Based books for all ages is now located in Luther’s Café. Enjoy! Swap your favorites in and out….share….leave a comment on the library card book-mark for the next reader.

Lutheran World Relief Soap Drive

We are continuing to collect wrapped bars of soap for Lutheran World Relief. If you have an extra wrapped bar or two, please consider dropping it off in the basket at the church entrance.

Matthew 25 Ministries

Thank you to everyone who is participating in the Matthew 25 Ministries. We are still collecting prescription medicine bottles for 3rd world countries where doctors have nothing to dispense medication in. Please continue bringing in your medicine bottles and don’t forget, we need the labels removed.

Paint Night Friday, March 9th

7:00PM Join us for a fun night of painting

canvas $35.00 per person. Questions?? Call Kelly Cooley, 614-374-4331

Yoga Classes Did you know that St. John’s has a yoga class every Tuesday? If you would like to join, the class meets every Tuesday at 7:00 PM. See Debbie Henneman for details.

“While it is February one can taste the full joys of anticipation.

Spring stands at the gate with her finger on the latch.”

~ Patience Strong

St John’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting January 9, 2018

380 Keny Blvd London, OH 43140

Present were: Tim Amling, Diane Miller Ryan, Kelly Cooley, Brynne Adkins, Keith Languell, Scott Spohler, Sharon Dillion, and guest, Debbie Carter

The meeting was called to order by Keith Languell at 7:06PM.

Welcome of Visitors: Debbie Carter brought forth some correspondence regarding a potential supply pastor willing to fill in until an interim is assigned. She also mentioned that Food for the Poor is interested in speaking at service. It was brought to Council’s atten-tion that Ash Wednesday is February 14 and a Pastor will need to be secured for that service. Discussion was had about how to pro-ceed with the Wednesday evening Lenten services.

Approval of Minutes: Kelly Cooley motioned to approve the minutes from the December council meeting, Diane Miller-Ryan se-conded, motion carried.

Approval of Financial Report: Keith Languell motioned to approve the financial report from December, Kelly Cooley seconded, motion carried.

Pastor’s Report: Kelly Cooley made a motion to approve Pastor’s report as presented, Sharon Dillion seconded, motion carried.

IT Committee: The new projector was installed and seems to be working well.

Fundraising: The 2017 goal for the fundraising committee was to raise $7,500. $6,514 has been raised, and the change bucket has yet to be included- the goal is expected to be exceeded. The fundraising committee will continue to meet at 6:00PM before Council meetings in Luther’s Café.

Christian Education: The signup genius has been well received. The children’s Sundays are going well- some details need orga-nized further.

Building and Property: The thermostat and furnace issues were resolved as was the leak in the refrigerator.

New Business: The 2018 proposed budget was presented. Council offered a few adjustments and suggestions and the budget was finalized for the congregational meeting to place Sunday, January 28, 2018. Per the request of multiple congregation members, a special informational meeting will be held in Luther’s Café on Wednesday, Jan-uary 17 at 7:00PM to discuss the current state of the church and the process to expect moving forward.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 10:11PM with The Lord’s Prayer.

The next St. John’s Church Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2018 at 7:00PM

Respectfully submitted, Brynne Adkins

This Month

Wed. 2/7 7:00 Council Wed. 2/14 7:00 Ash Wednesday Service Wed 2/21 6:00 Soup Supper 7:00 Mid-Week Lenten Service Wed 2/28 6:00 Soup Supper 7:00 Mid-Week Lenten Service

Attendance and Finance

Needing our prayers:

Lois Newman, Derek Miller, Adley Absten, Ernie Burton, Mike Datz, Piper Thompson, Luke Ben-ner, Fred Rousculp, Aurther Mathew, Irene Davis, Sharon Hostetler, Anita Boiven, Royce Cooley, Brenda Fitch, Teddy Busk, Gary Seckel, Janet Phillips, Sonia Hazlett, Mary Komives, Lynda Junk, Judy Dixon, Shirley Dillion, Gary Boiven, Gayle Seckel, Pam Smathers, Audrey Penn, CiCi Henry, Jacqui Groves, Logan Reese (soldier) and John Bisha (soldier).

Attendance Averages for the Month of February

2005- 144 2006- 154 2007- 131 2008- 155 2009- 182 2010- 160 2011- 168

2012- 167 2013- 134 2014- 139 2015– 116 2016– 123 2017– 107 2018– ?

Attendance Averages for the Month of January

2005- 133 2006- 156 2007- 154 2008- 147 2009- 166 2010- 141 2011- 187

2012- 153 2013- 122 2014- 198 2015– 117 2016– 121 2017– 95 2018– 86

Weekly Schedule

Sunday 9:00 Traditional Worship 9:00 Adult Sunday School 10:00 Coffee Hour 10:00 Adult Sunday School 10:30 Adult Sunday School 10:45 Contemporary Worship 10:45 Children’s Sun. School 3:00 DD Service Tuesday 10:15 Daylight Bible Study 7:00 Yoga

Church Council Brynne Adkins Sharon Dillion Tim Amling Keith Languell Kelly Cooley Scott Spohler

Leaders

Elizabeth Lassel: Prison Ministry Diane Miller Ryan: Disabled Min. Deb Ball: Care Group Leader Deb Ball & Melonie Fisher: Altar Guild Fran Datz: Thrivent

Birthdays and Anniversaries

February

3. Emma Gaston 5. Kathy Erbaugh 6. Burke Mayne, Linda Ward 7. Roger Ruble Mr. & Mrs. Darren Meinke 10. Laura Toops 11. Beverly Richards 14. Mike Ruble 15. Matt Congleton, Elizabeth Hazlett, Dick Stelz 17. Karen Streit 18. Lyllian Ball 22. David Dillion 26. Judy Stelz

Prayer Requests

If you have a prayer request, please pick up a prayer request card in the church office. In agreement with the HIPAA Law, a prayer request should not be published without the person’s knowledge.

Finance Report December 2017

Total: December Actual YTD Actual

Income $34,982 $223,123

Expenses $30,697 $237,091

Pos / (Neg) $4,285 ($13,968)

Worship Assistants for February Ministry February 4 February 11 February 18 February 25

9:00 10:45 3:00

Acolyte

Andy Wood Abbie Watkinson Shaundra Sayre

Jeff Blain Aodhan Kelly Shaundra Sayre

Jakob Friend Autumn Johnson Shaundra Sayre

Keith Languell Anna Spohler Shaundra Sayre

9:00 10:45

Com. Assistant

Sharon Dillion Nancy Hodosko Skylar Smith Josh Stekli

Gary & Ruth Peters Dorene Browning Linda Ward

Al & Fran Datz Dana Fisher Kelly Cooley

Tim Amling Keith Languell Mike & Dawn Johnson

9:00 10:45

Lector

Bobby Wood Gracie Gaston

Elaine Komives Diane Miller Ryan

Susan Friend Anna Ernst

Mark Erbaugh Gene Noble

9:00 10:45 3:00

Ushers

Kate Sparks Carol Waggoner Emma Gaston Anna Spohler Jeff Horn Charlie Elliott

George & Elizabeth Lassel Jarrod & Khara Cunningham Jeff Horn Charlie Elliott

Marty & Elaine Komives Nick & Brynne Adkins Jeff Horn Charlie Elliott

Jerry & Debbie Ball Nancy Penix Jeanne White Jeff Horn Charlie Elliott

9:00

Greeter

Jeff Blain

George Lassel

Marty Komives

Gary Peters

9:00 10:45 3:00

Power Point

Liz Lassel Wyatt Eades Rebecca Bell

Vici Geer Will Cooley Rebecca Bell

Mark Erbaugh Ryan Ernst Rebecca Bell

Fran Datz Bailey Ernst Rebecca Bell

Offering Care- givers

Kelly Cooley Scott Spohler

Tim Amling

Brynne Adkins Kelly Cooley

Nancy Hodosko Sharon Dillion

10:00 Sunday School Teacher

Terri Widen Gary & Ruth Peters

Altar Guild

Debbie Henneman Sandy Moller

Debbie Henneman Sandy Moller

Debbie Henneman Sandy Moller

Debbie Henneman Sandy Moller

Altar Flowers

Jerry & Deb Ball

Eternal Flame

Jeff and Tonya Blain

Jeff and Tonya Blain

Jeff and Tonya Blain

Jeff and Tonya Blain