Pastor Matthew S. Lash 6517 FinzelRd Whitehouse, OH 43571 ... 2019 Newsletter-9.pdfreading a new...
Transcript of Pastor Matthew S. Lash 6517 FinzelRd Whitehouse, OH 43571 ... 2019 Newsletter-9.pdfreading a new...
Pop one in your DVD player—and you
won’t miss Netflix one little bit! And just
in case----you are tempted to stream—
reach for the very best piece of cinema
during the Holidays—The Christmas
Carol.
Tune in. See the embodiment of sin in
Ebenezer Scrooge. Listen to the
Christmas witness of a believer. Watch
while a little boy changes his family with
those precious words, “God Bless Us
Everyone”. Kneel and weep with
Ebenezer as he wipes away the name
on the tombstone. Find your hope
again—in Christmas morning.
The best drama on Hulu cannot replace
them. The best series on Netflix has
nothing to offer you---while these are
stacked on your entertainment center.
Binge watch.
Better yet---Come and share a scene
or two with us on Wednesday night
this Advent season. Look at Ebenezer
closely. Listen to Tiny Tim. The price
of sin, the Joy of new birth and
resurrection at Christmas!
See you at the movies!
Pastor Matt
Pastor Matthew S. Lash6517 Finzel Rd
Whitehouse, OH 43571
419-877-0607
FROM THE PASTOR
NOV 9
Men’s Breakfast at
Pub & Grub
NOV 9
CofC Confirmation Teens
Retreat
NOV 10
Operation Christmas Child
Boxes due
NOV 12
Church Council Meeting
NOV 19
Book Club
NOV 22
Ladies Lunch Bunch
NOV 23/24
Clean & Feed Weekend
NOV 27
Thanksgiving Eve Service
at Zion
DEC 7
Christmas Concert
The Toledo Tower
Brass Group
NOVEMBER 2019
My monthly newsletter articles have not been
published. I haven’t been paid extra to write
this stuff. You won’t read these articles in any
book someday. I am sure my children won’t
frame the content. All these articles may end
up at the bottom of retirement storage case.
These messages may get lost. Never to be
read again! Oh—Perish the thought!
Well, this ONE MESSAGE may just be worth
a few dollars. This November contribution
may actually be worth some extra cash in
your pockets. In fact, a lot of cash! Beginning
Thanksgiving Day, November 28th, I am
advising you to CANCEL all your streaming
services! Turn off Netflix. (ouch—I know, it
will hurt for a few seconds). Get rid of Hulu.
Remove Amazon Prime. And if I could so
bold to suggest---tell your cable provider,
“Sayonara!!”.
Wow, what do we do? What do we watch?
Reach for the classics! The movies! No
streaming allowed from Thanksgiving day
until January 6!! Search your cabinets, make
space for the movies that will lighten your
heart and life this season! You know the ones
I’m talking about, “Rudolph the Red Nosed
Reindeer”---learn something from Herbie The
“den—tist”, Yukon Cornelius, (Bumbles
bounce!)---Grab Santa Clause, Part one, two,
three, four, five, six, seven eight, nine ten-and
more! Add Frosty to the stack, Christmas
Vacation, It’s a Wonderful Life, White
Christmas, Elf—and whatever other movie
you are now thinking about!
I Can Save You Money!
Weekend of November 23 & 24Christ the King Sunday!Saturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4:00 p.m.Message “THANK GOD---I am in chains!”Sunday, November 24Worship & Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday, November 27Thanksgiving Eve Worship! 7:00 p.m.Worship with our Community neighbors!
Free will offering supports the Zion/Whitehouse Food
Pantry
WORSHIP HELD AT ZION UNITED METHODIST!Special Music provided by Eric & Sarah
Sermon with Pastor Warren NEW PASTOR, HOPE
METHODIST
Worship & Prayer 7:00 p.m.
Weekend of November 30 & December 1First Sunday of Advent!Saturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4:00 p.m.Message Presider, Pastor Ron HeinzSunday, December 1Worship & Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
WORSHIP
WORSHIP LIFE in NOVEMBER
Come---GRATEFUL! Come to worship grateful that you and I are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses---ALL THE SAINTS who long to welcome us to our heavenly home! We will be blessed by ALL SAINTS on the weekend of November 2 and 3! During the month of November, each one of us has time to take inventory of our daily blessings! Come and be inspired by a sermon series, “THANK GOD!”. We look forward to making memories with family and friends! Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving and Joy in the Lord’s house! Let us find our joy in the presence and promise of Christ our Savior!
Weekend of November 2 & 3For All the Saints!
Saturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4:00 p.m.Message “THANK GOD---I Remember to pray for you!”Sunday, November 3Worship & Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
Weekend of November 9 & 1022nd Sunday After PentecostSaturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4:00 p.m.Message “THANK GOD—God Chose You!”Sunday, November 10Worship & Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
Weekend of November 16 & 1723rd Sunday After Pentecost Saturday, Worship & Holy Communion 4:00 p.m.Message “THANK GOD---I am busy, busy, busy!”Sunday, November 17Worship & Holy Communion 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
Charles Dickens changed the hearts of his readers! Join us for three very special Wednesday evening worship services
beginning at 7:00 p.m. Pastor Matt will share three messages reflecting on scenes from the beloved movie!
Join us for “GOD BLESS US EVERYONE”--- Beginning, Wednesday, December 4, at 7:00 p.m.
Teens and parents will serve a light meal beginning at 6:00 p.m. BRINGING A FRIEND IS A MUST! 😊
Advent WorshipA Touch of the Christmas Carol!
Messages at Thanksgiving Time!
Among those who stand tall with GRATITUDE in the scriptures is the Apostle Paul! Often in chains, house arrest, shut up in prison cells—Paul continues to give thanks to Jesus!
During these weeks of November, Pastor Matt will teach on biblical texts from Colossians, 2 Thessalonians and Ephesians!
Come and learn to copy the example of one of the finest ambassadors of the faith---the Apostle Paul. Invite a friend to enjoy these weekend messages with you!
WORSHIP
Thanksgiving Eve
Give Thanks with a grateful heart!
Worship with us on Thanksgiving
Eve, Wednesday, November 27 at 7:00 p.m.
This year, we worship at Zion
United Methodist Church.
A free will offering will support the Food Pantry at Zion United
Methodist this year!
Please join us and support this joint worship service!
“God Bless Us Everyone!” Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18
Community of Christ welcomes TOLEDO TOWER BRASS, outstanding brass musicians! We enjoy many Community of
Christ vocalists & instrumentalists, December 7, 6:00 pm
Christmas Carol/Hymn Sing Weekend, December 21 & 22
Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion 4:00, 7:00 & 11:00 pm
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. Thank you. Continue to pray for another!
Teens & Children—ADVENT & CHRISTMAS EVE ACOLYTES! Please check out the sign up chart posted on the kiosk and pick your favorite weekend---and those holiday day worship services! We need acolytes and crucifers for Christmas Eve and holiday weeks! Would you serve the Church by carrying the light of Jesus?? Thank you!
Looking Ahead…Please make a note on your calendar!
Believe it or not…it’s time to order your Christmas
Poinsettias!
We would love to fill the Lord’s house with at least 100 beautiful
poinsettias!
Please use the order envelope to
order yours today!
Christmas
Poinsettias
Absolute last day to turn
orders in is Nov 17th!
ACTIVITIES
CHOIRS AND YOU
Adult choir Wednesdays - 7 pm Bell choir Thursdays - 7:30 pm
1ST Saturday of the Month 8:30-9:30 amNovember 9, 8:30 am* / “Pub & Grub” Whitehouse
Devotions! Food! We are back!
All are invited to join us for fun making music.
We'll be increasing the number of times the choirs participate in worship this year, spurred in part by popular
demand. We Love our choirs!
Coming soon to CofC! They are booked!
We look forward to welcoming
The Toledo Tower Brass to Community of Christ.
We want to welcome these gifted
brass players with a FULL sanctuary!
DATE: December 7
TIME: 6 pm
Set aside the date NOW! A Christmas Concert!
Teens…Worship can use YOU!!!
If you would like to assist during worship, please let
Michelle know!
Meet our new Lay Assistant, Aurora Pitzen!
DISCOVERING HAPPINESS---Pastor’s Study Our fall Bible study will conclude on Thursday, December 5. You are welcome to attend these last sessions of the fall class! We are reading a new release by Pastor Max Lucado, How Happiness Happens. We meet on Thursday afternoon (1:00) and evening (7:00) on November 7, 14, 21, December 5. Join us in the fellowship hall!
PARISH EDUCATION
CONFIRMATION---
TEENS ARE GROWING!
Our confirmation students have been reviewing the articles of the Apostle’
Creed on Tuesdays!
A fall retreat is planned for Saturday, November 9th; 6:00-10:00 p.m. Our fall classes conclude on Tuesday,
November 12.
We will resume with four weekend retreats beginning in the month of
January.
PARENTS: Your available dates are DUE TO PASTOR’S OFFICE ON
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9.
Retreat dates to be announced! Thank you! Thanks be to God for enthusiastic teens and supportive
parents!
We are the people of F A I T H! We were created to live the abundant life in Christ. We all experience the “Unexpected”---How do I respond? How might my faith respond even in those times when the “unexpected” would steal my joy? Join us for an eight week scripture study. We will also read a recent release by New York Times Bestselling author and minister, Christine Caine.
PROPHETS STILL SPEAK TODAY! Pastor Matt has been leading us through a contemporary look at the Old Testament Prophets on Sunday mornings at 9:15 a.m. We study the identity and prophetic character while reviewing their message for the Church family than and now! Join us in the library for study and conversation. All adults are welcome!
Pastor’s “NEW YEAR” Weekly Bible Study—UNEXPECTED!!
Our sessions will include inspirational DVD talks led by Christine too! The cost of the book is $15. We hope you will join us for the NEW YEAR BIBLE STUDY, BEGINNING JANUARY 16, 1:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Please sign up for upcoming winter events OR email Pastor Matt and let him know you will be attending! ([email protected])
YOUTH EDUCATION
Teens Committed to BIG STUF CAMP! Our youth committee is supporting BIG STUF Camp, a multi-denominational camp that focuses on worship and teen discipleship for Junior High & High school students. The camp is located in Panama City Beach FL.
The following teens are registered for BIG STUF, June 21-27.
We depart on Saturday, Sunday June 21 and return Saturday, June 27.
A bake sale/fund raiser will be held Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. We need our Big Stuf and ALL Community of Christ teens to serve in the TEEN BAKE SHOP! J Parents & Teens—PLEASE BRING IN TONS OF BAKED GOODS ON MONDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 4.
Ariba! Support Teens!! Ariba! Mexican Night! We have made dinner reservations for YOU! Grab a COUPON and join us on Monday, December 9, ALL DAY (Lunch, Dinner or BOTH! You Choose!!). Your purchase provides 15% to our retreat ministries!!! We will be very grateful for your support! BIG STUF TEENS AND FAMILIES—Join us at 6:00 p.m. We will grab a bunch of tables and enjoy each other’s company! DON’T FORGET—COMMUNITY OF CHRIST TEEN NIGHT AT LA FIESTA’ MAUMEE, DECEMBER 9!
Upcoming Youth Events—HOLIDAY HITS! Parents---I will soon send out an e mail asking you to commit to specific activities in the month of November & December.
• Big Stuf Retreat Gathering #1 November 23, 5:30-7:00 p.m.
• C of C Christmas Party Scavenger Hunt!!! Friday, December 6th; 5:30-10:00 p.m.! Dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. $10.00 per teen. Gift Exchange! GREAT EVENT!!
UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS
Emma AbrahamThomas Abraham
Claire BadenAyva BartleyMaci Bartley
Mariah BritschTyler Britsch
Adam Colburn
Ali FritzKyle Gebhart
Simon GottwaldBrooke HamblinZoe Hamblin
Avery JonesZach Jones
Amanda Kohntopp
Spencer ReidZoe Reid
Grant SchuchmannAudrey SmuckerLydia Smucker
Mallory SmuckerJosh Swagler
Anna Swartz
Shelby MyersClara Ollerenshaw
Allie PalmerEmily PollockMallori Pollock
Anna RasmussonJay Rasmusson
Hailey Reid
OUTREACH
Outreach Volunteers
REACH OUT!
Enthusiastic volunteers of our church
family distributed nearly 400 bags to the
surrounding community!
We shared the good news of all the
activity in our church family! We invited
many to come and join us for worship!
The faithful seed of God was sown at the
Roche de Boeuf festival in Waterville.
Many thanks to ALL who participated!
Mission and Benevolence
Name Tag Sundays!
“I love this idea—so easy to get to know
someone!”.
Thanks for your support of NAME TAG SUNDAY!
Our future NAME TAG events:FIRST SUNDAY OF THE ADVENT
SEASON, SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1!
Give us your autograph and share your NAME!
The Good Work of OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD!This ministry takes the Gospel to all nations! Jesus called us to “Go therefore, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!” (Matthew 28).
Once our Christmas boxes are shipped from Waterville to North Carolina—they are shipped across the world to children and families who reside in poverty- stricken environments. OCC offers children hope, joy---CHRISTMAS!
Your gifts change the hearts of many children! Thanks be to God! *Our boxes are due on Sunday, November 10!
Be An Angel---Bless An Angel! Coming soon! We will have the opportunity to reach out to children and families in the Salem Lutheran Church neighborhood! Our Christmas gifts provide assistance, while blessing the Christmas season for many who struggle daily! Your generosity and love is deeply appreciated! Watch for your opportunity to be an angel—and Bless an angel this season! Thank you.
Adopt a Grandma & Grandpa! Many of the elderly who live in Lutheran sponsored rest homes do not enjoy the presence of family. Many of our seniors are alone at the holidays.
Community of Christ has been adopting ‘grandparents’ and offering gifts of love. We will post the needs of those who reside at Lutheran Home of Mercy.
Thank you for caring. You may contact the church office if you have any question about any of our seasonal benevolent programs. Bless you.
4th Sunday---“Clean & Feed!”Join us on 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 neighborhood
families and food for those who
have needs here in Whitehouse.
Baskets will be placed near the doors on NOVEMBER 23/24.
Thank you for your generous
offering of support!
We are grateful for those offerings that are received. Your gifts to the mission of the church keep us strong and able to meet the costs of fall ministries. Thank you for sharing
your faithful offering with your congregation!
2019 BUILDING &
GENERAL FUND ANALYSIS
2019 Building Loan Fund
Income Expense Diff.
SEP $11,871 $12,563 ($692)
YTD $107,991 $113,067 ($5,076)
2019 General Fund
Income Expense Diff.
SEP $35,224 34,464 $760
YTD $301,900 327,356 ($25,456)
STEWARDSHIP
COMMITMENT CARDNOVEMBER 9 & 10!!
The Bible calls us to be faithful and cheerful givers of our time, talent and tithe!
Once a year, we take a moment to pray about our financial giving to our congregation and Its
mission.
You will receive a ‘commitment card’ in the mail. We are asking you to complete the card and plan to share it as part of our offering on
the second weekend in November.
Thank you for being a faithful steward of every blessing! Thanks be to God!
SIMPLY GIVING PROGRAMa regular electronic withdrawal that supports
your congregation when you are out of town.
Let us be cheerful givers to the Lord!
Community of Christ hosted around
100 guests!
Bishops Fall Gathering - thank you to all who attended!
Our Church Council gathers on the second Tuesday of
the month. You are always welcome to be part of the
conversation.
We meet in the Sunday school classrooms beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Please pray for our church
leaders.
Council Minutes are available in the gathering area once they are
approved by council action.
We invite you to keep in touch
with all the important decisions that are being made at church
council each month.
CHURCH LIFE
2019 ANNUAL FAMILY GATHERING! Our church membership gathers to celebrate the ministries and mission of our congregation on Sunday, December 8 immediately following the abbreviated 10:00 a.m. worship service.
• A continental breakfast will be available. • We will receive the proposed budget for mission,
benevolence and ministries.• Elect four members to three- year terms on the church
council.
Please plan to attend. Many thanks!
NOMINATION PROCESS
On Sunday, December 8,
we will elect FOUR new
Community of Christ members
to our leadership team! Our church family hosts an annual meeting on the 2nd Sunday of Advent
season.
We will gather on Sunday, December 8th, at 11:15 am.
We will review our ministries, discuss any agenda items and vote for FOUR
nominated council leaders.
Annual MeetingCommunity of Christ
Please circle the date on your calendar!
NOV 12 – 7pm
November 22, 11:30 a.m.Clara J’s Tea Room in
Maumee
Wear a hat if you wish!
Call Becky King if you
have any questions419-349-7319
Ladies Lunch Bunch
Please remember the following members who are ill, shut in, or recently hospitalized:
Dayle Reed – Care for cancer
Cindy Wixey – Care for Alzheimer’s
Norma Ruehle – Shut in residing at Swan Creek
Glenn Johnson – Shut in at Lakes of Monclova
Sharon Dapkus – Care for cancer
David Schwartz – Rehab at Elizabeth Scott
Dave Alleman – Recuperation
Carson Cochrane – Recuperation
Please remember them in your daily prayers. Thank you.
Prayers of God’s People
SYMPATHY, PRAYERS & THANKS
Family of MaryJo Dressell – Charter member and friend of Community of Christ. Our prayers
are with the Dressell family.
Holy Baptism Benjamin James Bear
Son of Christopher & Kaitlyn Bear
Max Frederick WeberSon of Zach & Brea Weber
Michael & Elaine Niese
Fred & Ruthann Ortner
Doris DisherRoger & Lisa Boester, Marjorie
Boester
Lucas County 4-H Committee
Larry & Brenda Druschel
Thomas & Kelsey Wulf
Joe & Annie O'Leary
Wayne & Becky King
Cynthia & Neil Nutter
Barbara Coleman
Kronberg Family
Rebecca Rude
Felix Rude
Martha & Robert Hartman
Carson & Donna Cochran
Caren Dille
Mason Family Farms LLC
Anna Snyder
Jean Knipp
Mr. & Mrs. James Downs
Diane Myers
Stephanie Setmire
Shirley Williams Family
Chris & Natalie Rilling
Carl & Marcia Heckert
Thank you for donations on behalf of Jim Kronberg Memorial
Here are some tentative dates for future planning;
Growing & Learning Committee(Sunday School, Bible Study, Parish
Education)November 18, 6:30pm
Youth Committee(Children & Youth, Teen Activities & Ministries)
November 17, 10:15am
Worship Committee(Planning & Enhancing our Worship Life)
November 19, 11am
Outreach Committee(Welcome Visitors, Assimilating Members,
Media, Identity Build)
Upcoming Committee Meetings Interested in participating in planning, sharing new ideas and getting involved in a variety of
ministries?
Nov. 19: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely
Fine by Gail Honeyman
Dec.: Christmas get-together
Jan. 21: And Then There Were None
by Agatha Christie
Feb. 18: Lila by Marilynne Robinson
Mar. 17: A Place for Us by Fatima
Farheen Mirza
Apr. 21: Ghosted by Rosie Walsh
May 19: Little Fires Everywhere
by Celeste Eng
June 15: Educated by Tara Westover
1pm – CofC library
Book Club
11/01 Jerald Nemire
11/01 Lisa Boltz
11/02 Kevin Gebhart
11/04 Anna Rasmusson
11/04 Erika Brenneman
11/04 Stephen Eberly
11/05 Vickie Geha
11/06 Chloe Brown
11/06 Dennis Dohse
11/06 Shelby Phillips
11/06 Tammy Myers
11/06 Terrie Knight
11/07 Brittany Holliker
11/07 Charlie Johnson
11/07 Mark Pitchford
11/07 Parker Ray
11/08 Anne Greenhagen
11/08 Austin Nofzinger
11/08 Matthew Britsch
11/10 Dave Rockwell
11/10 Erin Esterhuizen
11/10 Liz Uhlik
11/11 Kenneth Terveen
11/12 Haylee Verhoff
11/12 Scott Boltz
11/13 Kari Hagemeyer
11/14 Brooklynn Stout
11/14 Rita Wagoner
11/14 Zach Weber
11/16 Ken Outly
11/16 Marie Archer
11/16 Michael Karg
11/17 Don Archambeau
11/19 Melissa Deacon
11/22 Gracee Pitchford
11/22 Sally McEwen
11/23 Al Lipinski
11/23 Michelle Graceffo
11/24 Bob Longnecker
11/24 Mallori Pollock
11/26 Avery Rozick
11/26 Josie Heilmann
11/26 Rebecca Myers
11/27 Rick Korb
11/29 Brian Mruzek
www.commofchrist.org6517 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571
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@commofchrist
NOTES & REMINDERS
Our Church Office Hours:
8:30-3:30 pm (Monday through Friday).
Our office manager, Michelle Gebhart, will be available during these hours.
SAFETY - In order to provide a safe and secure facility for visitors, members and staff, we are asking all persons to identify yourself to the office when entering the building. This will allow for us to know who
is here in case of an emergency. For those who are here on a regular basis for bible studies or ladies craft, the office is already expecting you so there is no need to let us know.
Thank you to our Band!!! What a joy it was to hear you!!
Way to ROCK
those drums, Josh!!
Thank you, Eric and Sarah for the beautiful
music written by our own Eric Dickey!!