St. Jacob Lutheran Church September Newsletter... 1 St. Jacob Lutheran Church September Newsletter...

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St. Jacob Lutheran Church

September Newsletter Growing and Sharing; Inviting and Caring

2 ThankYou, Alzheimer’s Walk

2 WELCA, HUGS

3 Sunday Morning Servants

3 Brotherhood, Men’s Prayer

Breakfast, Choirs, KK,

Teen Scene

4 Birthdays & Anniversaries

5-6 Council Minutes

7 Mission Interpreter News

7 Greeters

7 Football Concession Stand

8 Upcoming Events

8 Property Team Report

9 Calendar

September 2018

From the Pastor

Allow me to introduce myself. I am Pastor Bonny Kinnunen, your Interim Pastor. Previously I worked at Oesterlen Services For Youth, Inc., as the Church Relations and Development Director. On behalf of Oesterlen, I want to say thank you for your gracious support throughout the years. And now, I thank God for the privi-lege to serve the people of St. Jacob. In my devotional time, I have chosen to work with Bishop Daniel Boudoin’s Bible Study on Nehemiah. His Bible Study is found on the Northwestern Ohio Synod’s webpage, entitled: “A study of Nehemiah, a life of prayer.” I invite you to join me in this journey. In chapter 1, Nehemiah is a cup-bearer for King Artaxerxes. This position requires Nehemiah to daily test the wine that is placed before the King. Daily, Nehemiah puts his life on the line on behalf of the King. Through travelers in the Kingdom, Nehemiah learns that the walls of Jerusalem have been destroyed and the people are in anguish. Nehemiah responded by sitting down, weeping, and mourning . He then collects himself and prays very specifically on behalf of himself and the Israel-ites. He first praises God for who God is, secondly he confess his sins as well as the sins of the Israelites, thirdly, he reminds God of the promises that God has made with his people and finally he asks God to continue to guide him in the choices that he makes. It is a simple and direct prayer. As a cup-bearer, a servant of the king, he has few rights to ask for time off, yet the King notices his down-trodden look and asks him what is wrong. Nehemiah states it clearly, “The wall of Jerusalem has been demolished and I fear for my people.” Because the King and Nehemiah have a relationship, the King asks him, “What do you want to do?” Nehemiah again, very clearly states that he wants to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall. The King grants him the ability to go and do precisely what he asks as well as bringing that which he needs to accomplish the job. As St. Jacob’s goes through this “in-between time” of pastors, I invite the congre-gation to be in prayer. I invite you to read Nehemiah and comprehend how Nehe-miah’s prayer laid a foundation to do the ministry that God placed before him. I invite the congregation to also trust that God has everything under control and even now, God is preparing the leader who will be the new pastor at St. Jacobs. Remem-ber “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). In Christ’s name, Pastor Bonny Kinnunen

What’s INSIDE

Thought of the Month God, grant me the serenity to stop beating myself up for not

doing things perfectly, the courage to forgive myself be-cause I‘m working on doing

better, and the wisdom to know that you already love me just

the way I am. Eleanor Brownn

Bible Trivia Question How many books are in the

Bible?

Answer on page 8

Faith of the Heart "It's impossible!" said Pride. "It's risky!" said Experience. "It's pointless!!" said Reason. "Give it a try!" said the Heart.


WELCA News We will be collecting Personal Care Kits for the Lutheran World Relief until Sunday, September 23rd. We can only accept complete kits. The kits include: • One light weight bath size

towel (20”x40”to 52”x27”) dark color recommended

• 2-3 bath size bars of soap totaling 8-9 oz (no mini hotel size bars, please) in original packaging

• One adult-size toothbrush in it’s original packaging*

• One sturdy comb (no picks or fine-toothed combs); remove packaging

• One metal nail clippers (attached file optional); re-move packaging

• Rubber bands, string, rib-bon or yarn to secure each Kit.

• *toothbrush multi-packs may be used by sealing an individual toothbruch in a business size envelope; no plastic bags or wrap.

Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed. All items should be new in good condition. Wrap all the items in the towel and tie se-curely with ribbon or yarn. Do not enclose the Kit or any of its contents in plastic bags. A sheet is located in the back of the sanctuary with more in-formation. If you have any questions, please see Bonnie Schmidt, Lorrie Moniaci, Linda Pleiman, or Kathy Fogt.

I would like to thank the ladies at the church for the quilt that they made. I truly appreciate it. It is something I will keep forever. Thanks, Logan Cathcart Dear Children and Congregation, Thank you so much for the baking supplies that you gave to me during the Children’s Message. What a surprise, and you know that I will en-joy using it all, and will think of you, as I bake. Thank you all. I loved being with you! Love, Pastor Doug Thank you very much for allowing us to borrow your VBS decorations. We greatly appreciated it. Sincerely, Grace Lutheran Church VBS/SS *Additional thank you are on the bulletin board in the office area: The Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, ELCA World Hunger Team

HUGS-Relay for Life Team

I would like to thank all who supported our team this year, and that Jan & I are stepping down as Co-chairpersons and pray that someone will take over this team for 2019. Winners: Fred Zwiebel—quilt Andy Grillot & Mark Sturwold– 1/2 hog each We raised for 2018 $2,970—Bronze Level

Alzheimer’s Team

We continue our raffle for the quilt by Wilma Elsass & Jane Wahl (displayed in the back of the sanctuary). The tickets will be $1 each or 6 for $5. You can purchase your tickets from Joyce Ike or Cheryl Pulfer. Our team is registered on the Miami Valley Alzheimer’s website, so you may register to walk or donate at anytime. We also have paperforms available. Come and join us on Saturday, Septem-ber 22nd at 10:00am at the Sidney/Shelby County court square to walk with us!

Assistive Listening System

Coming soon! St. Jacob will have several transmitters for those who would like to use an assistive listening device during worship. Please let the church office or Cody Limbert know if you are interested in using one of these devices.

Thank You


September 2 September 9 Sepember 16 September 23 September 30 Readers 8am Velma Billing Mike Bertsch Linda Pleiman Keith Elsass Steve Elsass Readers 10am Joyce Jones Jim Brandt Jim Koppin Brad Pleiman Amy Stratton Acolytes Audrey Krites Carly Rogers Sara Thomas Carly Wahl Ashley Anthony Crucifer Jared Line Ava Bertke Greeters N-Jay & Shanna N-Jill Wilt N-Ann Huffman N-Donna Russell N-open Wentz S-David & Kathy S-Geoff Wilt S-Lois Fogt S-Fred & Cheryl S-open Fogt Pulfer Communion Betsy Hammergren Blood Pressure Ashleigh Radick

Men’s Brotherhood

Men’s Prayer Breakfast is starting up the fall season every 3rd Sunday morning at 7:15 a.m. in the church basement. Come join us for breakfast, fellowship, devotion, and prayer time. Next Prayer Breakfast is Sunday, September 16th.

Sunday Morning Servants

Brotherhood will resume monthly meetings beginning in September. Our first meeting of this fall season, will be held on Monday, Septem-ber 10th at 7:00 p.m. September 16th will be our annual observance of Brotherhood Sunday, during the 10:00 a.m. worship, with our tradition-al Men’s choir. All Men of St. Jacob are welcome!

Kids of the Kingdom

The Parish Ed team is looking for a volunteer to head up Kids of the Kingdom. If you are interested in working with children K-6th grade one or 2 times a month, please contact the Parish Ed team or the church office.

Teen Scene

Teen Scene will begin on Wednesday, August 29th at 6:30pm in the upstairs. There will be snacks, games, and devotion time. This is open to all teens and pre-teens of the community. Teen Scene advi-sors are Brad & Karla Plei-man. Come and bring a friend or two!

St.Jacob Choir’s

Bell Choir will be resuming our Wednesday practices on September 5 at 6:30 pm. We are again grateful for all those who shared their talents and time to play in the Bell Choir in the past two years: Alex Blosser, Jim Brandt, Gina Fogt, Jenni Shoffner, Eve Pleiman,

Linda Pleiman, Jill Brandt, Sharon Schnell, Laura Brady, and Anna Brady. We are always willing to train new ringers, and we would like to have at least one new member, as we had to let go of one of our ringers so she can attend The Ohio State University this fall. If you are interested in learning a new instrument or have experience in playing English hand bells, please contact Amy Stratton at 937-726-0011 or the church office. Senior Choir will begin rehearsal on Wednesday, Sept. 5th at 7:30 p.m. Come join us in singing God’s praises!


Sept 1 Phyllis Boone, Larissa Himmeger

Sept 2 Timri Berning, Justin Krites, Angela Maher

Sept 3 Erin Luellen, Jaime Quatman

Sept 5 Katie Lentz

Sept 7 Elias Cooper, Doug Huffman, Randy Krites, Ezra Quatman

Sept 8 Jill Brandt

Sept 9 Morgan Spence

Sept 10 Paul Lang

Sept 12 Bailey Althauser, Ron Frank, Kate Opperman

Sept 13 Kim Klopfleisch

Sept 14 Amy Krites

Sept 17 Ashtin Bowman

Sept 18 Nancy Spence

Sept 19 Isaac Cooper, Geoff Wilt

Sept 20 Heather Althauser

Sept 21 Ashton Berner, Carly Rogers

Sept 22 Hunter Bowman, Elizabeth Butcher

Sept 23 Brandon Renner

Sept 24 Beverly Dunlap

Sept 25 Abigail Current, Kantessa Stewart

Sept 26 Cody Limbert

Sept 27 Austin Fogt

Sept 28 Carter Dirksen, Lois Fogt

Sept 29 Sherrill Clifford, Taylor Spence

Sept 30 Zachary Cost

Sept 6 Fred & Cheryl Pulfer

Sept 10 Bruce & Carol Bulle

Sept 14 Chris & Andrea Hilgefort, Mark & Jane Wahl

Sept 16 Scott & Sharon VanFossen

Sept 19 Steve & Jan Elsass


Members in attendance: Brad Pleiman Steve Wildermuth David Fogt Dave Bell Darrell Heintz Jerry Pleiman Chery Pulfer Pastor Kinnunen Deb Christman Keith Elsass Carol Bodenhorn Ann Huffman Excused Members: Rick Ike The meeting was called to order by Pastor Kinnunen. Devotion- by Pastor Kinnunen Secretary’s Report Roll Call was taken. The minutes from the July 16, 2018 meeting were reviewed. Keith Elsass moved and Ann Huffman seconded to accept the Secretary’s Report. Motion passed. Financial Secretary’s Report, For July, 2018, the Current Offering was $14,478.00 and the Benevolence Offering was $2,057. The Capital Campaign collected $977.00. David Fogt moved and Keith Elsass seconded to accept the Financial Secretary’s report. Motion passed. Treasurer’s Report For July, 2018 the receipts were $16,603.77 and expenses were $13,813.90 for a positive difference of $2,789.87. This brings the Year-to-Date receipts to $125.079.96 and the expenses to $92,312.42 for a positive difference of $32,767.54. Keith Elsass moved and Jerry Pleiman seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Motion passed. Offering Our Gifts and Talents Trustee’s Report Jerry advised the Assisted Listening System comes with an amplifier and 4 listening devices. More devices can be added. The total price is $1,186.00. Cody Limbert said we can get a 10% discount. It is compatible with the sound board. Addi-tional receivers will cost about $94.00. Jerry Pleiman moved to purchase the system and Carol Bodenhorn seconded. Mo-tion passed. Jerry also requested the trustees keep snow removal in mind. Dave Bell is going to take care of the elevator inspection. The small wooden chairs were given out last week. Three chairs were left. The church received $195.00 in donation for the chairs. Pastor Kinnunen stated she would like two of the remaining three. This was ok’d. Steve Wildermuth and his wife trimmed shrubs around the church. Dave also helped them. The glass has been removed from the north and south doors. Window Creations is working on them. It is unknown how long it will take to get them back. The north doors are going to be painted. They will clean, sand, stain, and put two coats of sealant on the door. Botkins Paint will charge about $780.00. The carillons have been repaired and are playing. They are playing the carillons 10 minutes before the service as well as after the service so the congregation can hear them. They are also played at noon and 6PM daily. Deacon’s Reports Keith Elsass reported that Parish Ed sent post cards to 6th grade and elementary students to remind them that Sunday school is starting back up. They will be putting information in the bulletin, looking for volunteers to lead Kids of the Kingdom. Confirmation had a meeting on Sunday to kick off their season. Keith said Parish Ed will be checking with Jane Wahl to see if she will be doing Senior Quilts this year. Rally Sunday is August 26th. Carol Bodenhorn reported the Worship committee is picking out music for upcoming services. Reformation Sunday is October 28th. Vision development team- has not met. They will meet Monday August 27th. Benevolence/Christian Action- has not met. Christian Action did donate money to Henry Springer, a 2 year old that has cancer. He is the grandson of Larry Springer. Deb Christman advised that the Evangelism Team is working on creating a booklet for visitors and congregation members. This will inform people what the committees are for; what tasks are being done; and how to get involved or join these committees. Ann Huffman stated a sign-up sheet has been put up for greeters. David Fogt advised the Eucharist commit-tee has served all people on the shut in list except one person at this time.

Church Council Minutes August 20, 2018


Admin. Report: Cheryl updated council on Tithe.ly. She said the church paid a $14.00 fee for July. We were paying about $40.00 a month prior to US Bank. Cheryl also had information on Stewardship for all Seasons. She thought starting a Stewardship Team would be good. She was going to pass information on to the Vision Development Team, the synod was asking for a stew-ardship covenant of $2,000.00 each year for 1018 and 2019, beyond what we already give. She will let the Vision Devel-opment team look at the info. Confirmation class will have five 7th graders and nine 8th graders. Bibles will be handed out to the 7th graders on Septem-ber 2nd. Cheryl also reported the following events: Jacob’s Porch guest will be Sept 16th. Gideons Sunday will be Sept 23rd they will be doing a ministry minute. Football Concession Stand October 19th. We will be working with the Methodist Church. There will be a sign-up sheet. We received a letter from Todd Mills of Trinity Seminary. He was paid as a supply pastor by the church, he in turn put the money back into a Congregational Partner in Ministry fund. The money goes towards Trinity Scholarships. Cheryl suggested that we may want to put money into Trinity Scholarships instead of the Adopt A Seminarian Program. The scholarship donations run from $500.00 to $2500.00. We are giving $5000.00 to the Adopt a Seminarian program. We have never met the Seminarian and she is currently in Colorado. This will be passed on to Vision Development. Continuing Business Jim Koppin spoke to council about the veteran’s plaque. The Don Rump family said they will come up with the money for a new full size plaque. We will have to move the banner for the new plaque to fit. The estimate from Regal Trophy for the plaque is $1,000.00. Keith Elsass moved and Dave Bell seconded to go ahead with the purchase of the plaque. Motion passed. David Fogt spoke about the interim/call process. He said the profile has been updated. He also spoke to Pastor Jeff Wick and there a no new names to report at this time. President Heintz said that Pastor Kinnunen will be with us for the next 6 months. He also said that Sprint informed him we are on the list for the sight evaluations but no date for the evaluation has been set. New Business Cody Limbert had a request from a congregation member to put up 3 TV’s in the Sanctuary. Two TV’s would go in the front sanctuary where the two wooden hymnal boards are now. The other TV would go in the back of the Church above the office doors. They would show the lesson readings and music lyrics during the service. They would display the church schedule and church information before and after church. The back TV would be for the pastor to read during the service if they wished. They would be 96” TV’s. Cody said they would have to drill all the way through the wall and there would be a steel metal plate on the back of the wall that will hold the TV in place. The member will donate the money for the TV’s. The member wishes to remain anonymous. Council decided that the congregation would need to decide on this issue. It was suggested to have cardboard cutouts that would be the size of the TV for members to visualize. It will be ta-bled till the next council meeting. Cody was asked to bring a presentation to the next council meeting. A future congrega-tional meeting will then be scheduled for presentation. Dave Bell said a member approached him and requested that the church start giving donations towards scholarships at Trinity. Deb Christman said the church is giving money to Trinity at this time, it just isn’t designated towards scholarships. Trinity uses the money as they see fit. The church gave $5,000.00 to the Trinity Seminary last year. It is discussed about specifying that we give directly towards scholarships. Cheryl and Deb brought up an idea of having the back area of the church as a gathering area during the 9AM hour. They talked about moving confirmation upstairs and bringing 3rd and 4th grade class to the basement. Then the present Confir-mation class area could be used as a café/coffee area for members and possibly having a devotion and social time for teens and young adults. This area could also be used as a cry room for infants during the service. This would help give the younger members more attention and help get them more involved. Members leaving the morning service could stay for a little longer, The members attending the late service could arrive a little early and have some coffee or beverages. This will be looked into further. Envisioning Business The September Council Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 7:00pm. Respectfully Submitted, Brad Pleiman


After the media leaves Lutherans stay… What does disaster response look like years later? Among the first to respond to a disaster and the last to leave the site, Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) has a reputation for serving communities even when other agencies have packed up. Working mostly behind the scenes, it’s able to respond so readily through an extensive network of partnerships around the world. “We often joke that long after the media’s gone, Lutherans are the ones leav-ing the building and turning off the lights,” said Michael Stadie, LDR-U.S. program director. Last year LDR worked on 47 relief and recovery projects in 29 countries, distributing almost $6.6 million. Meeting the needs of people according to what they need, and utilizing their resources and gifts is a hallmark of how the ELCA engages with people around the world. LDR’s sustainability is intrinsic to the way in which it responds to disasters. After the 9/11 attacks in New York, it continued to help those affected for seven years, phasing out its New York affiliate in 2008. Area pastors also report that counseling is continuing for first responders in their ongoing heal-ing from the trauma at ground zero. “This shows that we don’t forget people and communities impacted by disas-ter,” Stadie said. “That’s why we’re in it for the long haul—we don’t forget them. “LDR can stay in assisting those impacted by disaster because of our under-standing of the incarnation of Christ. We see Christ in those who are impact-ed by the disaster, following Matthew 25.” Sustaining help for those in need is a building block of the Lutheran faith, said Mark A. Anderson, assistant to the bishop in the Northeastern Iowa Synod. Anderson, also a victim of flooding in 2008, organized a synodwide collection this year of supplies for future flood cleanup needs. “This is a Lu-theran thing and goes back to the Reformation, when Martin Luther said it was the church’s responsibility to care for people,” he said. LDR work is only possible through generous gifts. Much of the financial re-sponse comes after disasters are reported in the news. Giving can vary from year to year depending on the severity of the disaster and the extent of the news reporting. 2016 was a tough year, because the presidential election dominated the news. Need was up, especially after flooding in the South, where Federal Emergency Management Agency applications were four times the norm, he added. Michael Stadie, called 2016 the “year of the forgotten disaster.” With the media focused on the election, it was easy to forget disaster giving, he said, adding, “A lot of the money that comes in does so because of what’s on CNN.” LDR is at work, however, even when donations are low, she said. Still, it managed to raise enough last year to respond to nine major disasters. Nancy Martin-St. Jacob Mission Interpreter

Mission Interpreter News

The Evangelism team has posted a sign-up sheet for greeters on yellow paper on the back window. Please help by signing up for one or more Sunday’s. Greeters are to greet people at both entry-ways on Sunday mornings and make sure they have a bulletin. Greeters should ar-rive no later than 9:40am and greet until 10:00am.

FOOTBALL CONCESSIONS

St. Jacob along with the Unit-ed Methodist Church here in town will be running the con-cession stands at the October 19th Anna vs Parkway foot-ball game. There is a sign up sheet in the back of the church for those interested in helping. We need at least 10-12 people to help. We will need to be at the football field by 6pm. Any questions, please contact the church office.


Sept. 2 Blood Pressure Check 9-9:45 a.m. Sept. 5 Teen Scene 6:30 p.m. Bell Choir 6:30 p.m. Senior Choir 7:30 p.m. Sept. 11 Ruth Circle 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 Men’s Prayer Breakfast 7:15 a.m. Pastor Grant Eckhart from Jacob Porch at OSU Campus Ministry Sept.22 Shelby County Alzheimer’s Walk 10:00 a.m. Sept.23 Gideon Ministry Minute Bible Trivia Answer: 66 total, 39 OT, 27 NT (in the Protestant Bible)

Property Use / Development team The first stage in the project has been completed, the Freytag team has completed interviewing the majority of the of the Ministry team leaders. They are scheduled to meet with the Vision team on Monday August 27th, where they will present a summary of the data collected from the interviews, potential square footage requirements and costs based on that data. Freytag is also scheduled to begin the inspection of the church on August 23rd, the inspection will examine the electrical, plumbing and the HVAC systems. They will also inspect the church to make sure there are no structural deficiencies. We have not received the final report on the potential use of the Freisth-ler property, however early feedback indicates the property would be cost prohibitive to bring it up to code for use as an office or any use for the general public. Please feel free to get with me on any questions you may have at this stage in the process, as this project moves further into the decision mak-ing phase within the Vision Team and Council, more information will be available. A special thanks to everyone who participated in the interview process your support is greatly appreciated by everyone involved. Mike Christman

Do You Carry Your Umbrella? As a drought continued for what seemed an eternity, a small community of farmers was in a quandary as to what to do. Rain was important to keep their crops healthy and sustain the townspeople's way of life. As the problem became more acute, a local pastor called a prayer meeting to ask for rain. Many people arrived at the church to pray for the needed rain. The pastor greeted most of them as they filed in.

As he walked to the front of the church to officially begin the meeting he noticed most people were chatting across the aisles and socializing with friends.

When he reached the front his thoughts were on quieting the attendees and start-ing the meeting.

His eyes scanned the crowd as he asked for quiet. He noticed an eleven year-old girl sitting quietly in the front row. Her face was beaming with excitement.

Next to her, open and ready for use, was a very colorful and extremely large umbrel-la, much bigger than her in fact.

The little girl's beauty and innocence made the pastor smile as he realized how much faith she possessed. No one else in the congregation had brought an umbrel-la.

All came to pray for rain.But the little girl had come expecting God to answer.


Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

2 Worship 8am & 10am

Sunday school 9am

Blood Pressure Ck 9-

9:45am

3 Labor Day

Church office

closed

4

5 Teen Scene

6:30pm

Bell Choir

6:30pm

Senior Choir

7:30pm

6

7

1/8


Sunday school 9am

10 Parish Ed

6:30pm

Brotherhood

7pm

11 Ruth Circle

7:30pm

12 Teen Scene

6:30pm

Bell Choir

6:30pm

Senior Choir

7:30pm

13 14 15


Sunday school 9am

Men’s Prayer Breakfast

7:15am

Brotherhood Sunday

Guest-Grant Eckhart

Jacob Porch OSU cam-

pus ministry

17 Church

Council 7pm

18

19 Oct newsletter

items due

Teen Scene

6:30pm

Bell Choir

6:30pm

Senior Choir

7:30pm

20 21 22 Alzheimer’s

Walk 10am

Sidney Court

square


Sunday school 9am

24 Basement

rented

Vision team

7pm

25 26 Teen Scene

6:30pm

Bell Choir

6:30pm

Senior Choir

7:30pm

27

28 29


Sunday school 9am


NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PERMIT NO. 3

SIDNEY, OH 45365

St. Jacob Lutheran Church 101 W. Main St., P.O. Box 434 Anna, OH 45302 Phone: 937-394-4421 Email: [email protected] Www.stjacoblutheran.com

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