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 God’s work in the world.” Our Mission: “Loving God and loving neighbor, we witness to Christ’s saving grace,

that others may believe and find life.”

Side-by-Side Ministry December 2014

From Pastor Chris…

It’s easy to feel stuck in the darkness...but there is a time, right before the sun is visible, when its light is seeping out onto the horizon and colors begin to glow, when beauty and hope of a new day is just moments away. It is God’s daily reminder that night is always followed by day, darkness is followed by light, and death is followed by life. That is also what Advent does.

When darkness seems eternal, we enter a season of reminders, a time before the Son is visible, a time when we are blessed to see and to be Christ’s light glowing on the horizon. Just as the morning sun calls us to the miracle of a new day and a new beginning, so does the Son of God.

We wait in this in-between time, anticipating Christ’s coming into our darkness, ushering in the promise of a new day... a new heaven and a new earth are only moments away. Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

“It is I, Jesus, who sent my angel to you with this testimony for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the

bright morning star." Revelation 22:16

Sunday Advent Worship – “Coming!” November 30 Coming in the Clouds December 7 Coming on the Highway December 14 Coming in the Water December 21 Coming in Flesh and Blood

Midweek Advent Worship – Blessed and Called “Out of Poverty” Reflections on Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5, the Beatitudes

As Jesus meets us in our poverty, we are called to meet others in their poverty.

Each week we will have opportunities to help local families.

Meal and Table Talk @ 6:00 p.m….Family-Friendly Hands-On Serving @ 6:30 p.m….Worship @ 7:00 p.m.

December 3 @ St. John Hands-on Service – Make invitations for Christmas Eve Worship to give out

*Sharing as you can – Bring for Holiday Bureau – Mitten Tree (+hats, scarves, socks)

December 10 @ St. Paul Hands-on Service – Make “Noisy Offering” jars to save at home

*Sharing as you can – Bring for Toys for Tots

December 17 @ St. John Hands-on Service – Tie blankets for Ruth Ann’s House (domestic abuse shelter)

*Sharing as you can – Bring donations of cleaning supplies for Ruth Ann’s House

Christmas Eve Worship 5:00 p.m. at St. Paul – For families and kids of all ages; puppets, carols, communion

7:00 p.m. at St. John – Candlelight, Carols, Communion

10:30 p.m. at St. Paul – Music starts at 10:00, Candlelight, Carols, Communion

Special Events, cont.

Traveling

Christmas Party December 1st - 4th

If you want to experience the

true meaning of Christmas,

consider helping us take Christ-

mas joy into homes and nursing

care centers, as part of our

Blessing Cup Team Ministry.

A schedule is posted at each

church to help with your plan-

ning. Please join us for one

visit, for all visits, or for anything in between.

Christmas Luncheon Sunday, December 7, 12:00 p.m.

at the Victorian Inn St. John women (WELCA) invite both congregations to their

annual Christmas Luncheon. Enjoy a jump-start to the

Christmas season with this festive

meal, joyous conversation, and fun

time. Tickets are $12.00 each. Res-

ervations may be made by calling the

church offices or through Myra Pro- kop

or Linda Merckens at St. John and

Louise Rogers at St. Paul by Dec. 1st

Wreaths Across America Thanks to those who have donated, and to Charlie Scott for

being our local contact. We are happy to be part of a na-

tional movement to put a wreath on each Veteran’s grave

in America in December, including those in St. Paul’s

Cemetery.

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Toys for Tots

St. Paul has a drop-box for Salvation Army’s annual collection of toys. There is need in Ottawa County for all ages, but the need for gifts for teens is estimated at 400. You are encour-aged to bring any unwrapped toys or gifts to St. Paul on or

before our December 10th Joint Midweek Advent Worship at St. Paul.

Ruth Ann’s House

Cleaning supplies is the most current need to help those moving into transitional housing. Buckets will be pro-vided at St. John and both congregations are invited to help fill them with cleaning supplies on or before our December 17th Joint Midweek Advent Worship at St.

John.

Eagle Scout Project Invitation

Sunday, Dec. 14th, after worship at St. Paul

Hello, I am building a shed for the parsonage at St. Paul for my Eagle Scout project. I am looking for donations to help offset the cost of building materials. Please join me for re-freshments after worship, where a free-will offering will be received. All money collected will go towards this project, and any extra will be donated to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. My goal is to have the entire project finished by Jan-uary 16th. Thank you for your help. Seth French

“The King’s Birthday”

Directed by Vicky Doski

Sunday, December 14th

6:30 pm at St. Paul

Followed by our

!

Everyone is invited!

Building Friendships

Bible & Discipleship Studies

Page 3

“Not Older, Just Better” - Not Older, Just Better is meeting at Marge Bridgett’s home for what has become an annual Christmas tradition. Come on Monday, December 8th at 11:30 a.m.. Call Marge at 419.798.8816 if you have questions/need a ride. You’re Not Alone – Young Adult singles are encouraged to participate in the Sunday morning, 9:00 a.m., adult group study .at 9:00. Our “You’re Not Alone” group will meet the first Tuesday of each month (December 2nd) at 6:30 p.m. at Pastor Chris’s. Dartball—please see the attached church calendar for dates and locations. Tuesdays at the Danbury Senior Center Come Tuesdays at 5:00. Call in your reservation in to Paula by the Friday at 419.798.4101. Picture Directory Updates - One of our goals is to keep updating this directory with contact infor-mation on new members and changes or corrections on existing members. It is so important that you report any change in the present information to Margaret Stellhorn at St. John or Louise Rogers at St. Paul.

Sunday Morning, 9:00 a.m.— Adult Bible Study, Have fun with us as we explore the theme, If

You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat, by John Ortberg

Women’s Bible Studies (WELCA – All women are invited to par ticipate! )

St. John Women meet on second Wednesday at 2:00 p.m., no meeting in December .

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

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 Lord’s would. Good discussion and laughter. Sandra Reep 239-273-5244 or san-

dra@sandrreep.com

Administrative Assistant/Communications Tech

Our councils and congregations have voted to create a new position to help Pastor Chris. This posi-tion requires someone with a strong knowledge and skill in computer, graphic arts, and communi-cation/outreach. It will include oversight of PowerPoint and volunteers, improving webpage, Fa-cebook, and e-mail communications, creating newsletters and brochures using Microsoft Publisher. A full job description is available through the church offices. This position is proposed for 10 hours per week, with the cost being shared by St. John 1/3 and St. Paul 2/3. Applicants are encouraged to turn in a resume and cover letter to the church office c/o Ruth Scott by December 15th. Please

pass the word. Together we pray for God’s guidance and provision.

Baptism

On November 2nd David Stetler Mackey, son of Timothy Mackey and Stacey Stetler, was Baptized into the Christian faith. His spon-sors are Joe Fetzer and Mindy Bishoff.

Baptism Promises fulfilled

On November 11th Paul Flickinger passed away. His funeral was held at the church on Saturday, November 15th. May God comfort all who mourn his passing, with the joy of his new birth into everlasting life.

PAGE 4

Side by Side Youth Group Activities

Youth who are attending the National Youth Gathering will make buckeyes Saturday, December 6th, beginning at 10 a.m.,

and Friday, December 12th at 4 p.m., for their first trip fundraiser. A baker's dozen buckeyes is $8.00, a 6 piece package is

$5.00. See Mason or Seth French, Heather Lambert, or Erik Wadsworth to place your orders. Buckeyes will be delivered by

Christmas. Even if you are not going to the gathering, please know you are invited to be part of the fund-raising activities!

St Paul Lutheran is partnering with St John Lutheran-Port Clinton, and their seminary intern, Jeremy Hollingshead, to attend

the National Youth Gathering in Detroit. Registration is still open for the trip. See Helmi or Chris Freeh for details. Look for

future fundraisers in 2015 to assist youth in meeting trip costs.

7th and 8th graders

Confirmation Classes

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

Wednesdays in December

Dec. 3 @ St. John, 6 meal, 7 help with worship

Dec. 10 @ St. Paul, 6 meal, 7 help with worship

Dec. 17 @ St. John, 6 meal, 7 help with worship

Dec. 24 Christmas Eve!

SIDE BY SIDE YOUTH & Families

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

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 is you can help

with Special Music.

National Youth Gathering, Grades 9-12

July 15-19, 2015 in Detroit

Pastor Chris is encouraging parents and youth to seri-ously consider attending this youth gathering next sum-mer. So many young believers together in one space is a life-changing experience. Please consider, and we will make sure money is not a problem. If you are considering this at all, please

contact Helmi Freeh or Pastor Chris. So far we have 4 youth going. Let’s do this:)

Sunday School Christmas Program

Sunday School Christmas Play, The King's Birthday,

will be December 14th, directed by Vicky Doski. Play

practice will be every day during Sunday school. Addi-

tional play practice information will be sent home with

all participants. The last day of Sunday school play

practice will December 14th.

***There will be no Sunday school December 21 - Jan-

uary 4. We will resume Sunday school on January 11,

2015.

Church Nursery

We have a gift in Cindy Coles, our Nursery Supervi-sor!! Thank you, Cindy, for your faithful and trusted

caring for our kids during worship!

**Anyone who can be on-call to give Cindy a break when she needs to be elsewhere, please let her or

Pastor Chris know.

Serving Others

NON-Noisy Offering on November 30th for the Holiday Bureau (put quiet money in the can:)

Blessing Cup Teams—Wine and bread will be consecrated Nov. 30th for the Traveling Christmas Party. To be part

of this fellowship of Christ’s love, please contact Marge Bridgett or Myra Prokop or sign up on the Event’s Board

Celebration Chorus - Practice on Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., after Advent Worship at the church where we worship.

Community Garden - Direct questions for 2015 to Emily Glynn 314-517-2402 or Betsy Deer 419-310-4406.

Council Nights– Thursday, Dec.11th at St. Paul, 6:30 p.m.; Thurs. Dec. 18th for St. John at Dianna’s Rest., 5:00

Danbury Food Pantry - No distribution in Dec. Holiday Bureau’s greatest needs are canned goods, paper products,

cleaning supplies, disposable diapers

Prayer Chain – St. 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!

Prayer Shawl Plus Ministry - Prayer shawl meeting will be on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 10:00. Our

group is making Christmas ornament gifts for children for Christmas Eve and Hats, scarves and mittens for the Holi-

day Bureau Mitten Tree. Contact Sandra Reep at 239-273-5244 or sandra@sandrareep.com.

SNAP Ministries (Suppor ting Native Afr ican Pastors) For current ministry information go to snapminis-

tries.org (Welcome. to Home). Orders for holiday baking will be delivered December 10th.

Toys for Tots—Collection box at St. Paul; toys for infants and school age; especially for teens (400 this year); see

Linda Smith if you have any questions.

“Keep Christ in Christmas” magnets; $5.00 each; benefitting the Danbury food Pantry; contact Linda Merck-

ens at 419-732-9977 or 419-707-2212 or stop in St. Paul office.

Bibles were given...on November 16th, to Ezekiel French, Kennedy Goff, and Abigail Walker , from St. Paul, in

honor of the promises made in their baptisms to place God’s Word in their hands. All made a commitment to make

Bible reading a regular part of their week.

See www.sidebysideministry.com for more opportunities for serving.

PAGE 5

Thank You

Thank you for your gift to our ministry in Cameroon. It always warms our hear ts when you

remember us. Everyone is well and has been able to avoid “ebola” which is rampant in West Afri-

ca. One of Pastor Claude’s daughters watched as a truck killed six of her closest friends. The brakes failed and ran

into a small shop where Anna and her friends were spending time after school. Someone pulled her out of the way as

the truck killed both her friends on each side of her. She is unable to sleep. Please pray for her. Thanks, again, Sara

Tanner

Our Sincere Thanks for your kind generosity and suppor t of our wildlife rehab effor ts. Help like yours allows

us to keep our doors open to injured wildlife and public education. Thanks so much for believing in our word and

helping to make a difference! Sincerely, Mona Rutger, Back to the Wild Wildlife Rehabilitation &Nature Education

Thank you for your gift of $145.80, which we received. Your generous contr ibution helps Bread for the World

strengthen our voice in the halls of Congress, and you are making it possible for us to involve more individuals and

churches in our work together to end hunger. Sincerely, James R. Lund, Vice President for Dev. and Membership

To Pastor and Church Council, My wife and I wish to say how thankful we are for your generous help with

our utility bills. You will always be in our prayers. Your gift is greatly appreciated. Jon and Kitty Jones

St. Paul Annual Chicken Dinner was held on November 19th. A special thank you to Ruth Scott for chairing the

dinner. Thank you to everyone who donated time and talents- setting up, preparing, serving and cleaning up. A spe-

cial thank you to everyone who brought in delicious pies.

ST. JOHN BEACON LIGHT

FOR DECEMBER, 2014

Page 6

St. John Council Highlights Highlights of the November council meeting.

St. John council met at Pizza Hut with 5 members in attendance and 1 guest. The secretary’s re-

port was accepted with correction. Treasurer’s report was presented, accepted and filed for audit. A

financial secretary’s report was presented. Pastor Chris gave a verbal report highlighting some of

her activities.

St. John WELCA will once again be hosting the Christmas Brunch on Sunday December 7th.

The worship committee met and decided on preparations for midweek Advent services. St. John

will be hosting 2 of the 3 services this year. The dates are December 3rd and 17th.

St. John will be meeting Saturday November 29th at 9am to decorate the church for the Christmas

season. We need as many helpers as possible.

Old Business: The congregation will hold its annual meeting to discuss and vote for the annual

budget November 23rd.

New Business: Linda Otermat has graciously accepted the appointment to president of St. John Lu-

theran Church Marblehead. We will be attempting some technology in order to include council

members that may be out of town for a lengthy period of time.

The cost of the insurance for the church has risen along with an increase of our deductible.

A 2015 budget was presented along with last year’s for comparison. Council will be presenting the

budget on the 23rd to the congregation.

SPECIAL DATES:

Birthdays: Linda Otermat December 12

Anniversaries: Curt & Maryanne Laubner- December 19

Jim & Karen Ruth- December 21

St. John History Happenings Martin Luther Brotherhood hosts:

Oct. 14, 1931- Ed Miller & Herbert Miller

Nov. 12, 1931- Ed J. Eberly & Edwin Eberly

Dec. 9, 1931- Franklin Ohlemacher & Elmer Eberly

October 1, 1953 from the vestry meeting minutes. The subject of an outdoor announcement board was dis-

cussed and is to be investigated as to cost of same.

Volunteers needed:

Financial Secretary (for winter months)

Ham Loaves

St. John W.E.L.C.A. wishes to thank everyone who helped make our ham loaves. And a big thank you to everyone who purchased and en-joyed them. We still have some available. Please call Linda Merckens (419-798-5101) or Myra Prokop (419-798-5101) for additional loaves.

Poinsetta Orders

Please contact Linda Merckens for information. Order forms will be available soon.

Page 7

December 2014

St. Paul Lutheran Church “Messenger”

October 2014 budget highlights:

General Fund- Est. Budget needs per month- $8,400.00

Income- 10,013.18

Expense- 11,697.46

Restricted Funds- Income- 1,237.33

Expense- 953.00

St. Paul November13, 2014 Council Highlights.

-New revised constitution to be presented to congregation for review and will be voted on at the annual meeting in January.

-Discussed and reviewed the 1015 budget to be presented to the congregation for approval on November 16th.

-General Fund balance was reported as $25,887.83

-Upon approval of the budget by the congregation, an Administrative Assistant position will be filled to assist Pastor with duties requiring digital technology.

-Effective the fall of 2015 a $500 Scholarship for a married woman seeking a degree in nursing will be presented to an applicant meeting set criteria. A second $500 Scholarship will be given in the Spring of 2016.

-The next big church project will be the renovation of the Sanctuary.

Congregational Meeting Highlights – November 16th

-The proposed 2015 budget was presented and approved.

-The newly revised Constitution was distributed for review and to be voted on in January.

-Internship feedback was positive. The Internship Committee is meeting in December to discuss the possibility of a future intern, providing the necessary funds are available.

-Seeking applicants for the Administrative Assistant position.

-A total of $253,633.44 was spent for projects from 2011 through 2014.

-Seeking ideas for a fund raiser to replace the Peach Social in 2016.

-Council members for 2015 were elected as follows: President- Tim Mackey; Vice-President-Matt Seamon; Secretary-Tammy Davis; Finan-cial Secretary- Beth Lambert; Council-at-large- Fran Chapman, Kirk Gangl, Charles Scott. Remaining Council members are Jim Deer, Seth French, Shirley LaCumsky, Crystal Chapman, and Sunday School Superintendent Chrissy French. Terry Davis and Dee Warren were thanked for their dedicated years of service on Council.

Our Annual Meeting with reports will be in January. The reports are due before then.

St. Paul Lutheran Church Messenger

St. Paul Women of the Church:

-The regular December meeting will be Dec. 18th at 1:00 pm with a pot luck. All women of the congregation are

members and encouraged to attend.

-St. John WELCA’s Chr istmas par ty is December 7th at the Victorian Inn.

-The Monthly Project Contributions for December are: canned goods and paper products for the Holiday

Bureau. Also, disposable diapers for Holiday Bureau or Food Pantry

-The Traveling Christmas Party and Blessing Cup visits are December 1st through the 4th.

-Thankoffering Sunday was November 23rd . The Women of the Church brought their Thankofferings and food

offerings to church. The Thankoffering was sent in to the Women of the Church offices to be used for the world

wide missions and programs they support. Our guest speaker was the WELCA Synod Vice President, Chris

Budke, and Sharon Moenter, Conference President..

Altar Guild - St. Paul Altar Guild will be taking orders for Christmas poinsettias at a cost of $8.50 for red or white. Please have your Poinsettia orders in by December 14th. Our Advent schedule. We meet for work sessions on Dec. 6th at 8:00 am. Dec. 13th at 9:00 am to decorate. Dec. 20th 8:30-10:00 am assemble cookie plates and flowers delivered. - January 10 at 9:00 am we will clean up Christmas decorations, and have the annual meeting.

Special Notes from Louise:

Please sign on the easel for January to help with our mutual ministries.

-Please pick up your offering envelopes as soon as possible for yourself and your family. They must all be picked up before the first of the year.

Portals of Prayer- We have both regular and large print, be-ginning with January

Wedding Anniversary

3 Mike & Vicky Doski

9 Kevin & Kim Oxendale

11 Guy & Rose Tibbels

14 Bill & Bonnie Biers

23 Jenna & Mark Sandvick

Baptismal Anniversary

1 Bryan Ahrens

2 Bradley Zura

3 Elaine Mackey

4 Olivia Goff

5 Scott Mackey

6 Marcy Bergman, Kimberly Oxendale

10 Matthew Sandvick, Derek Mackey

15 Scott Bradbee

16 Paul Hallier

17 Jack Peters

21 Jim Lenner

22 Dave Hirt

23 Vincent Manuella, Dominic Manuella, Luco Manuella

25 Dawn Mullins, Sandra Lambert, Ashley Henninger

St. Paul December Special Dates

Page 8

Birthdays

2 Evan Sandvick, Robert Biers,Sr.

3 Susan Koch, Tammy Davis

5 Deborah French, Marla Hirt, Guy Tibbels

8 Dillon Ringeisen, Roberta Gangl

9 Douglas Waugh

10 Matt Batcha, Christina Grimm

11 Zachery Tokar

12 William Covey

13 Lauren Indorf, Chris Freeh

14 Julie McDonald, Janis Zura, Jonathan Smucker

15 Brooke Butler, Loree Ronk

18 Jim Boss

19 Mike Doski

20 Pat Puntel

21 Aubrey Harris, Meadow Rohrbaugh, Penelope Sandvick

22 Gary Cover, Jean Rhodes

23 Jackie Grosswiler

25 JESUS

26 Steve Schenko, Brynn Schenko

28 Bonnie Dubbert, Linda Tvorik, Brandon Mooney, Emmett Mackey

29 Adam Steinbrick, Kaydon Glovinsky, Nancy Nielsen

31 Ted Dayton, Haley Strimpfel

Page 9

Mutual Ministries

Dec. 7 Dec. 14 Dec. 21 Dec. 24 Dec. 24 Dec. 28 5:00 10:30

Greeters Heather Lambert

Norma Kihlken

Coni Ann LImpert

Meyers Eastons

Lectors Ryan Chapman

Chrissy French

Tammy Davis

Shirley Tammy Tammy LaCumsky Davis Davis

Ushers Lexi Mitchell

Jim War-ren

Tammy Davis

Shirley Tammy Davis LaCumsky

Matt Sea-mon

Dee War-ren

Seth French

Hayley Nancy Doski Kihlken

Nancy Kihlken

Coni Ann Limpert

Chrissy French

Vicky Shirley Doski LaCumsky

Acolytes Larisa Kerik

Abby Cam-eron

Brendon Mullins

Erik Ryan Justin Wadsworth Chapman Tibbels

Natalie Lambert

Maddie Harris

Heather Lambert

Matt Nate Nolan Seamon Ahrens Chapman

Hospitality Betty, E. Shirley L.

Bulletins Meyers Norma Kihlken

Berhents Meyers Coni Ann LImpert Celeb. Jeffrey A Limpert

Steeple Lighting Eastons

Perpetual Light Berhents Eastons Coni Ann LImpert

Assisting Minster Charles Scott

Altar Guild Shelley Seamon, Nancy Kihlken

Counters Shirley LaCumsky, Deb White

Flowers

St. Paul New Constitution Draft Proposal is available in the office or from an usher on Sunday mornings. Members are encouraged to read it and direct any thoughts or questions to Tim Mackey. The constitution will be up for congregational vote in January.

Our Intensive Prayer List

Our intensive prayer list: Let us hold up in prayer Vince and Nancy Adams, Barb Agne, Barb Batcha, Mary Butchko, Ben Chapman, Delta Cooley, Gary Cover, Terry Davis, Bernard Dubbert, Erin Henry, Steve Hosko, Terri Jaek, Ruth Keller, Delores Mahler, Kathy Stine, Tina Wadsworth, Jerry Weichman. We pray for family and friends who are serving in the military.

The Messiah Community Choir

You are invited to join in singing Handel’s Messiah. They are practicing on Thursday evenings at 8:00 pm at St. John Lutheran Church, Port Clinton. The Messiah concert will be presented Sunday, December 14 at 3:00 pm at St. John Lutheran Church, Port Clinton.

St. Paul Altar Guild Will have a cookie sale after Worship on December 21st.