THE PARISH PUBLISHER

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1 THE PARISH PUBLISHER ST. PETER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH NORWALK, OHIO MARCH 2017

2 FROM PASTOR ANN Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:7a) Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10a) Being still is not something that most of us do well. Oh, we may be still when we collapse with exhaustion or are ill with the flu or are waiting for someone or something. But few of us are still before the Lord. Few of us still ourselves in the presence of God. It is not a practice that is generally taught in churches. Instead, we fill our worship time with music and talking. When silence occurs in worship, we look around to see who has missed their cue. Even when silence is planned during the worship time (such as during confession), we can usually only take so much of it. We get fidgety and restless and may even crack open an eye to see what s taking the pastor so long. Yet being still before God can be a profound spiritual experience. Like any new thing, one needs to practice repeatedly in order to develop the skill. One of the most ancient ways of practicing stillness is called centering prayer, a practice in which I have engaged for over 20 years. Sitting still, emptying one s mind, and simply resting in the presence of God is simultaneously challenging, relaxing, and energizing. My most profound spiritual insights have come through the practice of centering prayer. However, I must also say that the vast majority of the time, there is no insight in the centering prayer experience. It is simply the practice of being still before God. So I would like to invite you to find time to be still this Lent. You might try centering prayer as a model, beginning with only a few minutes a day. (A handout on centering prayer is on the Lent Resource table in the narthex.) You might try using the prayer stations in the sanctuary as a means to be still. You might simply spend a few moments at the end or beginning of your day to be still in God s presence. You might read a bit of Scripture and simply sit and absorb it in silence. In your being still, try not to engage in mind prayer or any thinking activity. Simply BE STILL and know that God is present with you. You may find that body, spirit, and attitude beginning a slow, steady journey towards deeper communion with your Creator. Peace, Pastor Ann May God bless us with a holy, faith-filled Lent journey.

3 Worship Notes WORSHIP IN MARCH Lent begins on March 1. For the six weeks of the season, we will be using a simplified version of the liturgy on Sunday mornings, with hymns serving in place of a sung liturgy. We will also have a more extended confession and of course, we will eliminate the use of the word Alleluia until Easter weekend. The gospels for this month include the temptation of Jesus, the visit of Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman at the well, and the healing of the blind man. LENT The word Lent comes from an Old English word meaning spring. The concept of spring cleaning corresponds with the season, as we work to clean out things that cause separation between us and God. Hence the Lent focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving as disciplines to strengthen our relationship with God. Lent is a sort of spring cleaning of our spiritual lives. A number of Lent resources are available in the narthex, including some devotional material, a guide to help you choose and maintain a Lent discipline, and an invitation to practice centering prayer. ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP On Ash Wednesday, March 1, there will be three opportunities for worship. A brief service of Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion will take place at 7:00 a.m. in the Chapel for those who wish to start their Lent early in the day. A full service of Confession, Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion will take place at noon and 7:00 p.m. in the main sanctuary.

4 WEDNESDAY WORSHIP IN LENT Midweek worship in Lent will be on Wednesdays at NOON and 7:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. The noon service includes lunch. The evening service will offer refreshments. The theme for Wednesday worship will be Luther s Small Catechism. The worship will be integrated with food and table conversation. We do need lunch preparers and refreshment providers. Please sign up on the bulletin board by the office. PRAYER STATIONS Last year s Holy Week prayer stations were well-received. The Liturgical Arts Team decided to expand this personal worship opportunity to encompass all of the Lent season. Beginning March 5, there will be two prayer stations in the front of the sanctuary. One station will feature that week s Gospel theme; the other will focus on a part of the Small Catechism. Each week, the stations will change, offering new activities, meditation suggestions, and visual stimuli. You are welcome to make use of the stations whenever the building is open. SO NOW YOU KNOW: A Liturgical Primer This is the eighth in a series of short articles on items used in worship, their names, origins and significance. The pulpit is the larger of the two reading desks in our sanctuary. Pulpit comes from a Latin word for platform. It is traditionally the place from which the sermon is preached. Pulpits did not come into use until the 12 th or 13 th century. Prior to this, the bishop or preacher delivered the sermon from a chair in the chancel area, while the congregation stood to hear the message. (There were no pew or chairs in early churches.) Larger, more elaborate pulpits were popularized beginning in the early 16 th century and they were moved closer to the worshippers to enable better hearing. The lectern is the smaller of the two reading desks and comes from the Latin word for reader. It is the place from which the lessons are read. Many lecterns are made in the shape of an eagle, a symbol traditionally associated with the author of the gospel of John. Ambo is another word for pulpit. It comes from a Greek word meaning raised place. It was used as early as the 4 th century and was the place from which both the Scripture and the sermon were proclaimed. As such, the ambo predates the dual use of pulpit and lectern. Many churches are returning to this more traditional practice of a single place from which the Word of God is proclaimed. Next month: the altar.

5 LITURGICAL ARTS GROUP The Liturgical Arts Group will be introducing several new visual elements into our worship areas for the season of Lent. Because Lent is often understood as a journey, some of the art will be dynamic, making its own visual journey towards the day of resurrection. The next LAT meeting is March 20 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone interested in being a part of the team is welcome to attend or contact Pastor Ann. MARCH WORSHIP ASSISTANTS All worship assistant lists can be found on the bulletin board in the narthex or the church website at: MARCH ALTAR DUTY Shirley Silcox and Cindy Thayer CHANCEL FLOWERS March 5 Woody & Johnna Dail March 12 Michelle Schaffer March 19 Cathe Ritz March 26 Jackie Baum The 2017 flower calendar is up on the bulletin board in the narthex. Space is filling up quick, so hurry to pick the date you want for your special occasion. The price is still $35 this year.

6 SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Sunday School is going really well, thanks to all of the parents who bring their children. All of the Sunday School classes enjoy making Valentine s for the shut-ins. The shut-ins who received them really appreciated them. We will be teaching the children about Lent in March. Some Lenten material will be sent home on February 26. Peace, Shirley Silcox and Sandy Reitzel CONFIRMATION In March, we will meet on the 12 th and 26 th at 4 p.m. Our topics will include the Word, human will, vocation, and Luther s theology of the two kingdoms. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL The adult Sunday School continues our video series Luther, Gospel, Law and Reformation. We meet at 9:15 a.m. in the Chapel. Join us! PARTNERS IN EDUCATION Do you have a college student attending a Lutheran college or university? If so, s/he is eligible for a $500 tuition scholarship from our Partners in Education fund. This scholarship is often matched by the University. Contact Pastor Ann for an application or if you have questions. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL We are looking for a Vacation Bible School Director. VBS will be from June from 9:00 a.m. until noon, with a theme of A Mighty Fortress. Duties will include: ordering curriculum, getting staff organized, promoting VBS and finalizing the schedule. The former director is available to help the new director. Please pray about this position and if you receive the calling, contact the church office either by at stpeternorwalk@gmail.com or call

7 YOUTH GROUP YOUTH SCHEDULE March 5 - Soup Lunch and Silent Auction May 21 Chicken Bar-B-Que **Youth group activities are open to 7 th through 12 th graders except those marked Senior High Only. SOUP LUNCH & SILENT AUCTION Please join us for this year s Soup Lunch & Silent Auction on Sunday, March 5 at 11:30 a.m. Once again we will offer All you can eat homemade soup, assorted breads, a dessert buffet and beverages. Ticket prices are $6.00 for adults (12 and over), $4.00 for children (ages 2-11), children under 2 are free. Tickets can be purchased on February 26 and March 5 in the narthex following worship services. We are looking for soup makers and donations for the Silent Auction. Soup makers are asked to make a roaster (or crock pot) of homemade soup. Donations for the Auction should be new and unused. Suggestions include themed gift baskets, homemade crafts, homemade desserts, etc. Please contact Vickie Hemenway, for soup and auction donations. CHICKEN BAR-B-QUE SUNDAY, MAY 21 Mark your calendars now for the Annual Chicken Bar-B-Que. Dinners will include 1/2 chicken, choice of 2 sides, dinner roll and a slice of pie/cheesecake. Dinners are available for Dine-in or Carry-out. Tickets are $10.00 and will go on sale May 7. SOUPER BOWL OF CARING 2017 The youth group would like to thank everyone who donated to this year's Souper Bowl of Caring. We collected $ in the soup pots. In addition, 140 food items were donated. A check for $ and the food were delivered to the Norwalk Area Food Bank by Chuck Hemenway on February 9. With this simple act of kindness we made a big difference in our community. Thank you once again.

8 CHRISTIAN DAY NURSERY SCHOOL March 6 through March 10 is Lutheran Schools Week! This year s theme is Loved Beyond Measure. This is a time for us to send to the community the message that Lutheran schools are unique, affordable, and for anyone who wants to attend. To CELEBRATE the unique nature of our Christian Day Nursery School we are celebrating with our 3 Year Olds and PreK Open House and Art Extravaganza on March 6 and Four Year Olds Open House and Art Extravaganza on March 7. These events are both at 7:00 p.m. Next, we are having a Pajama Day on March 9 & 10, Storyteller TBA. Everyone is to come to school in their PJ s and plan on a special day of stories, songs, art and treats. To serve the community in honor of Lutheran Schools Week, the children will be bringing in items for the United Fund BASKET BASIC Project (personal items, cleaning supplies and paper goods). This is a perfect opportunity for our CDNS students to experience reaching out with Jesus love to all people. Registration for the nursery school year is underway. We have already registered 23 Three-Year Olds, 31 Four-Year Olds, and 14 PreK s. Registration will continue until all classes are filled. Applications are available in the Nursery School office. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all your support at our first annual Chili Cook-off. We profited just under $2, to be used towards CDNS operations. Don t forget...you can help the Nursery School by saving Schild s IGA receipts and General Mills Labels for Education; place the labels in the box on the narthex coat rack, thank you. ~Michelle Schaffer, CDNS Director Classes for next year are as follows: Open enrollment has started. Three-year-old Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Monday & Wednesday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Child must be 3 by July 30, 2017) Four-year-old Monday, Wednesday & Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Child must be 4 by July 30, 2017) Pre-K Mon. - Tues. - Wed - Thurs. Mornings 9:00-11:30 Mon. - Tues. - Wed - Thurs. Afternoons 12:30-3:00 (Child must 5 by July 30, 2017) Registration fee will be $50. Children must be toilet trained.

9 COUNCIL NEWS COUNCIL NEWS - Congratulations to David Deehr, Lauren Yeagle, Amanda Stang, and Scott Smith on their election to Church Council. And many thanks to our departing Council members Mark Rupp, Pat Spino, Rob Whitman, and Mike Sutter. Council officers for 2017 are Scott Wetzel-president, Joyce Stevens-vice president, Amanda Stang-secretary, Amy Parchertreasurer, and Melissa Carpenter-financial secretary Council Members Scott Wetzel - President Joyce Stevens Vice President 1460 Ridge Rd 63 Twin Oaks Norwalk, OH Milan, OH swetzel1@neo.rr.com joyce.a.stevens4@gmail.com Amanda Stang Secretary Amy Parcher - Treasurer 5000 Lovers Lane Road 718 Townline Rd. 151 Norwalk, OH Norwalk, OH aastang2010@gmail.com amyparcher514@yahoo.com Melissa Carpenter Financial Secretary Jo Chaffee 22 Summit St. Apt D 2299 Seminary Rd Norwalk, OH Milan, OH melissa.cervelli@gmail.com jaclibrary@yahoo.com Russell Culler David Deehr 1790 Old State Rd N. 21 Milan Manor Dr Norwalk, OH Milan, OH russculler@sunriseco-op.com daviddeehr@yahoo.com Chuck Hemenway Ernie Mangold 191 West Main St 61 South Linwood Ave Norwalk, OH Norwalk, OH cvhemy1@aol.com mangold11@frontier.com Ellie Sigsworth Scott Smith 32D Falcon Crest Dr 1380 Peru-Olena Rd Norwalk, OH Norwalk, OH elliegolfer@neo.rr.com scott.smith@janottaherner.com Lauren Yeagle Pastor Ann Marshall 26 Rosedale Blvd Riley Rd Norwalk, OH Milan, OH yeagle.lauren@gmail.com pastorannmarshall@gmail.com

10 CHRISTIAN SERVICE DAY Christian Service Day Lenten Project OUTREACH/CONCERNS This season of Lent, we will walk with people around the world afflicted by war, displacement and poverty by collecting and assembling LWR PERSONAL CARE KITS. Each week, please bring in the featured kit item so that we can reach out as Christ's healing hands in the world. Please check the board by the elevator if you are not sure what we need. Please help us reach our goal of 50 Kits. Last year we made 41 Kits. Items we need are: Week 1 (March 5 th ) Dark Bath Towel (20 x40 ) No larger than 52 x27 Week 2 (March 12 th ) Dark Bath Towel (20 x40 ) No larger than 52 x27 Week 3 (March 19 th ) 2-3 Bath Soaps Week 4 (March 26 th ) Metal Nail Clipper Week 5 (April 2) Metal Nail Clipper Week 6 (April 9) Any of the above items or gifts of money As always, everyone is welcome to come and join Christian Service Day/Evening on either the third Wednesday of the month at 9:00 a.m. or the third Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m. Come enjoy the service work, a potluck meal and fellowship. I lift up my eyes to the hills-from where will my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. -Psalm 121:1-2 (NRSV) Thank You! Christian Service Day NORWALK FOOD BANK The Norwalk Area Food Bank is asking the community to help with monetary and food donations. You can come in and give your time and/or talent. It takes a community to battle hunger and they need and appreciate all the wonderful support from everyone at St. Peter. Fall requests: oatmeal, cereal, ravioli, canned soup, canned vegetables, popcorn, brownie/cake mix, dish soap, tissue and toilet paper. Place your donations in the shopping cart in the narthex.

11 FELLOWSHIP JOIN OUR T.E.A.M! Have you always wanted to learn to make jam? Or are you a jam pro? Join T.E.A.M. on Sunday, March 19th at 3:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall to learn to make and can your very own Carrot Cake Jam! Contact Megan Culler for more information at T.E.A.M. stands for Today s Evangelical Adult Ministry. T.E.A.M. is St. Peter s young adult ministry. ST. PETER S REFORMATION500 TEAM The Team continues to work on our yearlong celebration of the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation, with a focus on the Small Catechism during Lent. The Team is also working to arrange conversations with local Roman Catholics about the ecumenical agreements between our two denominations, as well as planning a joint prayer service. And Luther himself might grace us with his presence soon. Our next meeting is March 13 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join us. Luther Movie Night The Reformation500 team is sponsoring a movie and ice cream social on March 26 at 6:00 p.m.. We will watch the 2002 film Luther and indulge ourselves with some sweet treats. All are welcome. Bring a friend. ELCA AND CONFERENCE EVENTS EASTERN CONFERENCE WOMEN S NEWS The Spring Gathering will be held April 8 at St. Paul in Sandusky. The theme for the day will be Caring for Others. The speaker of the day will be Jean Werten back from the Erie County Health Department. and she will speak about Infant Mortality. Our In-kind offering will be layette items (receiving blankets, onesies, socks, etc). We will put together layette bundles to give to the ECHD. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m., with the church service at 9:00 a.m. and brunch at 10:00 a.m. Please sign up on the bulletin board by the elevator if you are interested in attending.

12 ADDITIONAL UPCOMING EVENTS March 11 8:00 a.m. Men s Breakfast/Bible Study. All men are welcome to come and join in a breakfast at McDonald s followed by a Bible study at the church. Contact Chuck Hemenway for more information, March 11 10:00 a.m. - Prayer Shawl Ministry meets in the Fellowship Hall. All knitters and crocheters welcome! Contact Pastor Ann ( ) for more information. March 15 9:00 a.m. Christian Service Day with lunch after service work. We will work on LWR kits. All women are welcome. Contact Betty Oblender ( ) for more information. March 16 6:00 p.m. Christian Service Day Evening starting with a potluck. We will work on LWR kits. All women are welcome. Contact Michelle Schaffer for more information at March 23 1:00 p.m. Afternoon Guild meeting. Contact Betty Oblender ( ) for location. THANK YOU Dear Friends, Thank you for your recent gift of $1, to Luther Home of Mercy Dear God, thank you for the faithful ministries provided there, and for so many ministries supported and encouraged beyond the village ~Rev. Donald L. Wukotich, Luther Home of Mercy Dear friends in Christ, Thank you for your gift of $ for Redeemer s mission. It is because of caring Christian friends like you that we were able to celebrate 100 years of bringing the love of the Savior to the adults and children in our neighborhood. May our Lord continue to bless you! ~The Redeemer family, Redeemer Lutheran Church, Toledo

13 FLAMe (Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission) The movie The Shack will be at the Sandusky Cinemark Theatre on March 3, with a premier event on March 2. Men in the Morning meets on the last Wednesday of every month at 8:45 a.m. at the Lunch Box downtown Sandusky for spiritual growth. Dinner Church has a permanent home and a regular meeting time. Dinner Church will meet the third Sunday of the month at Chet and Matt s back room at 5:00 p.m. Dinner Church is an alternative for those that cannot make Sunday morning service. The evening includes a meal, communion, singing and praying together. Save the date of Saturday, October 7. FLAMe is a silver sponsor for the Opening Night of the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra will perform Mendelssohn s Reformation Symphony. Make plans to join us as we share our rich Lutheran musical heritage with the community. Opportunities to donate to this event will be released soon. Bishop Beaudoin and his wife have been invited as our guests. Congratulations to Zion, Sandusky. They will be welcoming Rev. Dr. Eric Bodenstab as their new pastor.

14 SAINT PETER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 243 BENEDICT AVENUE NORWALK, OH MISSION STATEMENT: KNOWING CHRIST AND SERVING OTHERS PASTOR: Ann Marshall Church Office & CDNS: Fax Number: Web: Twitter: Facebook: CDNS Facebook: Mon. - Fri. - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Church Secretary: Sandy Boggs WORSHIP SCHEDULE: Holy Communion Celebrated Weekly Saturday 5:30 p.m. Sunday - 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday School for All 9:15 a.m. (September- May) 10:30 a.m. service live on WLKR, 95.3 FM and