From our President ST. JOHN NEWS. News from our new Pastor!

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1 S T. J O H N L U T H E R A N C H U R C H ST. JOHN NEWS Volume 31 Issue 7 August From our President Were Almost There from the Church that Can Yes, just a couple more weeks and Pastor Stacy Lauer-Scovanner will be here to be our Shepherd. The other day Linda and I were talking over lunch about how the time has gone during the last year. It got me thinking well how many days? Our phones to day can all most give you and answer to anything, I checked Google. Best of all you can talk to your phone, so I asked How many days between August 3, 2015 and September 5, Right now the answer popped up on the screen, 400 days. Now that is not that long for our Family to be without our Shepherd guiding us. During that time we have grown our Ministry with more out reach beyond our walls and we are stronger today than we were. Little bit of an update on Pastor Stacy coming to St. John's. She is going to start with us September 6, Tuesday after Labor Day. Her installation Service is Wednesday night September 7 th at 7 PM with social after down stairs. The Bishop with be here that night to do the service. Sunday September 11 th will be her first Sunday morning service with St. John's with a potluck after down stairs. We all are looking forward to her, Ryan and Mia coming to St. John's. *President see Pg. 2 News from our new Pastor! *Scuttlebut page 2 Greetings from Toledo! As I type this, I am in the midst of my last week of Vacation Bible School at the congregations I have been serving for five years. Throughout the week, we have been talking about all of the journeys we go on as disciples, which seems even more fitting this year. Ryan, Mia, and I are excited about the next stage of our journey as we head to St. John s to walk alongside you as we serve our Lord together. This truly feels like a call from God, and that the Spirit is going to use all of us together to help share the Gospel with this world *Pastor see Pg. 2 Inside this issue: From the President 2 SACS 2 Installation of Pastor Stacy 3 Welcome Tree for the Scovanners 3 Scholarship Fund Drive 4 FLAMe Minutes 5 Special points of interest: Altar Flowers Birthdays Blessing of the Book Bags Crossroads Servant Event Worship Team Ministry Leaders Bible Reading Challenge

2 Pastor from pg. 1 that is so hungry for the good news. As we share stories of our journey with you, we can t wait to hear how your lives have been shaped by our crucified and risen Lord who walks alongside us. We can t wait to learn your traditions and see the amazing things you are already doing. We look forward to ing, serving, praying, and learning with you. We are holding you in prayer, and are excited to know each of you better. I m sure that God has great things planned for us together. Walking with you in Christ, Pastor Stacy President from pg. 1 It has been a busy year with a lot going on. The Transition Team was the first to start the process of finding a new Minster, there first job was the Health Congregation Workshop. Then the Five Developmental Tasks, they use the info from the survey we sent out last fall. The Call Committee was formed in November and went to a workshop at Synod in December Then the Call Committee along with the Transition Team worked on our Ministry Site Profile which was filed with Synod in early January At this time we were ready for accepting a Call from any Minster, this was the big point in the whole process for us to get a new Minster. They had two Calls form Minsters, Pastor Stacy's first interview was a very big night with all on the committee wanting to schedule a second interview, and this is where we are now waiting for her to come. At this time the Call Committee has done the work and are inactive, I want to thank each of them for their time and commitment during the interview process. Shortly after Pastor Stacy starts her service with us the Transition Team will go inactive, I am looking at about a month. Then a new team called the Mutual Ministry Committee will help Pastor Stacy with support and prayers and facilitates ministry within the congregation. Yes a lot has happen during the past 400 days, we all have worked together to get where we are today, we are a STRONG FAMILY working together to pass God's Word. A special thanks to the four retired Minsters at St. John's, Pastor Ray Vance, Pastor Jerry Bauer, Pastor Bill Lucht and Pastor Paul Stengel. These four men have helped us to get thought the whole process during the last year. Especially Pastor Jerry for keeping his size 14 shoes planted on my back side, he keep talking about deadlines we needed to meet to keep things moving and to get us ready to except a Call. Pastor Vance for covering a lot of Sundays morning and going to meetings. THANKS GUYS Now we need to enjoy Pastor Stacy as she adjusts to our family and as we do the same thing during the months to come. Change, maybe, maybe not but we all need to help to make St. John's strong as we move forward in our love of God. Blessings Jim SACS Sandusky Area Crisis Services As a denominational, faith-based initiative, our goal is to give targeted, meaningful assistance to clients with unexpected emergency needs that cannot be met by other means. The group, organized by Catholic Charities Crisis Navigator Kristina Woods, along with Pastors Gardner and Jacobs, are leading discussions on the possibility of Sandusky area churches pooling benevolence dollars and working together. Others at the meeting included St. Mary and Salvation Army. St. John s and Care and Share were represented by Linda Miller- Moore. We hope to grow the number of participants for the next meeting on August 16th at St. Paul. Stay tuned for more information. VO L UME 31 I SS UE 7 Page 2

3 Crossroads St. John will serve their monthly meal at the VOA Crossroads shelter on Thursday, August 11th from 3:30 6:00 pm. All are invited to participate, and sign-up to provide food items in support of the meal. A new list is on the Welcome Table at church. Food items to church by 12:00 noon. Installation service will be held Wednesday, September 7, 2016, 7:00 p.m. at St. John s Lutheran Church. Presiding Minister will be Bishop Daniel G. Beaudoin. Fellowship will follow in the fellowship hall. Installation of Pastor Stacy Lauer-Scovanner The Rev. Stacy Lauer-Scovanner has accepted a Letter of Call to be the next pastor of St. John's Union Corners. Pastor Stacy will complete her present call, utilize her accrued vacation time, and then begin this call. Mark your calendar! Pastor Stacy s first Sunday to lead will be September 11th at 10:30 a.m. A welcome potluck will following in the fellowship hall. Please bring a dish to share. Table service and drinks will be supplied. Poets Corner Come Home by Jerry Bauer "Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'" Genesis 1:26a Come home to who I created you to be. Creative people, the way God made us. Use God given gifts, creative gifts, to serve God's world. Using God's gifts, abilities GOD gives, brings satisfaction and joy. To welcome our new pastor and her family, Faith Life Team is sponsoring a gift card shower to Meijer, Wal Mart, Target, Subway, Perkins, Bob Evans, and Panera. You can donate $2, $5, $10, $20 or more if you desire. All donations will be added together to purchase the gift cards thru the SCRIPTS program. If you d like, you can purchase a gift card to any of these places. We will collect money and gift cards thru August 30. Gift card tree will be presented to the Scovanners at the potluck on September 11th. Lutheran Memorial Home Auxiliary A need has been identified in our Lutheran Community. We are forming an auxiliary for the Lutheran Memorial Home, which will help with decorating, activities and other small projects which will enhance the lives of the residents. If the Holy Spirit leads you to this ministry, call Brenda Reid at or Chris Hamilton at Quilters Quilting will resume in September. The quilters meet on the 2nd and 4th Monday s at 9:00 AM. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come help and enjoy the fellowship. VO L UME 31 I SS UE 7 Page 3

4 Stand by for learning opportunities Coming in September Sunday school for all ages. Sunday School will resume September 18th at 9:00 a.m. NEWSLETTER DEADLINE If you have any information to be included in the September Newsletter, please give to Sandy Thompson by Sunday, Aug. 21st or mail to 2009 Jeffries Rd. Huron, Ohio 44839, phone or Scholarships Your help is needed! Attention St. John members! Applications for scholarships are available from Sue Lucht, Linda Miller Moore, Sally Kelley. SCHOLARSHIP FUND DRIVE Beginning in September we will be raising money for the St. John Scholarship Fund. The fund benefits college, Seminary students and anyone who is doing continuing education or training beyond high school that is a member of this congregation. We need your financial help to ensure that these scholarships will continue to be available. Please give prayerful thought to help with this special ministry at St. John. Back to School Teachers and students, it s hard to hear but the start of a new school year is just around the corner! St. John will mark the occasion again this year with the Blessing of Book Bags. on Sunday, August 21st during our service. Students, teachers, bus drivers, school staff are all invited to come forward during with whatever it is you carry with you to school...book bag, back pack, brief case. August Birthdays Aug. 1 Paula Hoffman 3 Bonnie Semon, Chuck Kingsley 4 Dale Schlessman Rebecca Johnson Bob Krawetzki 5 Amanda Zorn 6 Dawn Warner 7 Barbara Vance 8 Chuck Thompson 11 Allison Schlessman 12 Aaron Schlessman Nicole Kalis 14 Paul Stengel 15 Margaret Ommert 19 Madeline Lane 20 Tim Zorn 21 Samantha Bechtel 22 Mary K Schlessman 24 Danielle Osbun 27 Eloise Mitchell 27 Raymond Smith 29 Sherri Harlan Barnes August Anniversaries Aug. 4 Bob & Lori Stacy 8 Dale & Cindy Schlessman 12 Bill and Sue Lucht 16 Pat & Sally Kelley Mark & Samantha Bechtel 18 Ray & Sharen Smith 20 Mike & Lisa Chill 21 Chuck and Heather Ruggles 25 Preston & Kimberly Luman 28 Bob & Jerri Krawetzki 30 Larry & Dawn Schlessman Altar Flowers Aug. 7 Denny & Sue Bottorf memory of mother s birthday 14--Sally and Patrick Kelley in honor of their anniversary 21 Jack Maguire memory of Phyllis and Matt Roth (son) 29 Bob & Jerrie Krawetzki in honor of their anniversary Aug Ushers VO L UME 31 I SS UE 7 Page 4

5 Firelands Lutherans Active in Mission Grace, Castalia St. John s Union Corners St. John s, Bellevue St. Paul, Sandusky St. Peter, Norwalk Trinity, Sandusky Zion, Sandusky Zion, Huron Congratulations to St. John s Union Corners! Pr. Stacy Lauer-Scovanner has accepted the call to serve at St. John s. All FLAMe congregations are invited to attend the installation of Pr. Stacy on Wednesday, September 7 th at 7:00 pm with a reception to follow. Pr. Stacy was born in Gibsonburg, Ohio. She attended Capital University and received a Bachelor's of Social Work, followed by graduating with a Master's of Divinity at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. She worked as a licensed social worker before serving five years as Pastor at Bethany Lutheran and Reformation Lutheran, Toledo. The Giving Garden is growing and coming on strong. The corn is tasseled and extra help may be needed at picking time. Consider helping FLAMe feed the hungry by volunteering, even if it is only one day. All congregations have been invited to visit and take fresh produce back to your congregation for dispensing. Also, if you have a congregational picnic coming up, come and pick what you need-corn, beans, cabbage. 500th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. FLAMe is working to have Catholic Lutheran discussion groups and a resource has been found that includes a special Lenten Program and bulletin inserts for A park mound has been reserved and The Firelands Symphony Orchestra will help us share our musical heritage on Opening Night in Watch this sight for future details as we seek financial assistance to sponsor this concert. See Board members if you have other thoughts and ideas for the 500 th. The Dinner Church committee held a practice event in August. The Lifetree Café committee extended invitations to each congregation to host a café to experience Lifetree. Pr. Bruce Batchelor-Glader and the Port Clinton Trinity United Methodist Life Tree Café team will present To Heaven and Back from the author of Heaven is for Real. Contact Brent Gardner if your church has not yet set a date. Sandusky Area Crisis Services is a non-denominational, faith based initiative with a goal to give targeted, meaningful assistance to those with unexpected emergency needs. This group will vet applicants, establish a data base, and setting guidelines. Erie County Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Care & Share, FLAMe members, and St. Mary s Parrish Outreach are involved. This group hopes to better direct our church benevolence funds and avoid duplications. With sadness, FLAMe joins Zion, Huron in saying good-bye to Pastor Mandy Oleson on Sunday,August 7th. Pr. Mandy will become a pastor at Salzburg International Christian Church and also teach religion in the public school system of Austria. The FLAMe Board deeply regrets the loss of Pr. Mandy and the fact that another of our congregations must begin the call process. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND SALM CHURCH NEWS: Thursday, August 11: JOY Time, a Christian ministry and fun for adults with disabilities, St. Paul, 6-7:30pm. Sunday, August 14: Experience Lifetree Café at Zion, Sandusky, 7pm Monday, August 15: Experience Lifetree Café at Trinity United Methodist, Sandusky, 7 pm Thursday, August 18: Blood Drive, St. Paul Lutheran. 2-6pm Wednesday, August 24: Experience Lifetree Café at St. Paul, Sandusky, 7 pm Thursday, August 25: Experience Lifetree Café at Trinity, Sandusky, 7 pm Monday, August 29: Experience Lifetree Café at St. Peter s Norwalk Sunday, August 28: St. Paul outdoor service at 10 am followed by the Welcome Table, community meal noon-1:30 Saturday, September 10 th : Zion, Sandusky and St. Paul, breakfast for first responders, 8-11 am. Sunday, September 11: God s Work. Our Hands. Service Sunday. Keep first responders in your project planning. Saturday, September 17 th : Third Annual Recovery Walk, 9 am-11 am Sandusky Artisans Center to Shoreline Park. Mark your calendars! St. John s choir practice begins on Wednesday, August 10th at 7:00 pm. VO L UME 31 I SS UE 7 Page 5

6 Reading Challenge! Pastor Paul Stengel Mon. Aug. 1 Joshua 17 The Other Half Tribe of Manasseh Tues. Aug. 2 Joshua 18 The Territories of the Remaining Tribes Wed. Aug. 3 Joshua 19 The Territories Thurs. Aug. 4 Joshua 20 The Cities of Refuge Fri. Aug. 5 Joshua 21 The Cities of Refuge Sat. Aug. 6 Joshua 22 Joshua Sends The Eastern Tribes Home Sun. Aug. 7 Joshua 23 Joshua s Farewell Address Mon. Aug. 8 Joshua 24 Joshua Speaks to the People at Shechem For the next several weeks we will be reading from the Book of Psalms the Book of Psalms is the Hymnbook and prayer book of the Bible. Composed by different authors over a long period of time, these hymns and prayers were collected and used by the people of Israel in their, and eventually this collection was included in their Scriptures. The Psalms were used by Jesus, quoted by the writers of the New Testament, and became the treasured book of of the Christian Church from its beginning. Tues. Aug. 9 Psalms 1,2,3 True Happiness, God s Chosen King, Morning Prayer for Help Wed. Aug. 10 Psalms 4,5,6 Evening Prayer for Help, Protection, and in time of trouble Thurs. Aug. 11 Psalms 7,8 Prayer for Justice, God s Glory and Man s Dignity Fri. Aug. 12 Psalms 9,10 Thanksgiving to God for His justice, prayer for justice Sat. Aug. 13 Psalms 11, 12 Confidence in the Lord, Prayer for help Sun. Aug. 14 Psalms 13,14,15 Prayer for help, Wickedness of men, what God requires Mon. Aug. 15 Psalms 16,17 Prayer for confidence, Prayer of an innocent man Tues. Aug. 16 Psalm 18 David s Song of Victory Wed. Aug. 17 Psalm 19 God s Glory in Creation Thur. Aug. 18 Psalms 20, 21 Prayer for Victory, Praise for Victory Fri. Aug. 19 Psalm 22 A Cry of Anguish and a song of Praise Sat. Aug. 20 Psalms 23, 24 The Lord our Shepherd, The Great King Sun. Aug. 21 Psalm 25 A Prayer for Guidance and Protection Mon. Aug. 22 Psalms 26, 27 The Prayer of a Good Man, A Prayer of Praise Tues. Aug. 23 Psalms 28, 29 A Prayer for Help, The Voice of the Lord in the storm Wed. Aug. 24 Psalms 30, 31 A Prayer of Thanksgiving, A Prayer of Trust in God Thur.. Aug. 25 Psalm 32 Confession and Forgiveness Fri. Aug. 26 Psalms 33, 34 A Song of Praise, In Praise of God s goodness Sat. Aug. 27 Psalm 35 A Prayer for Help Sun. Aug. 28 Psalms 36, 37 The Wickedness of Man, The Destiny of the Wicked and the good Mon. Aug. 29 Psalms 38, 39 Prayer of a Suffering Man, Confession of a Suffering Man Tues. Aug. 30 Psalms 40, 41 Song of Praise, the Prayer of a Sick Man Wed. Aug. 31 Psalm 42, 43 Longing for God and His Help in Distress, Prayer to God in Time of Trouble Pastoral Care Coverage: Pastor Phil Gardner will provide pastoral care as needs arise: Pastor Phil Gardner, Trinity Lutheran Church, Sandusky Office (419) Home (419) Backup Call Care Coverage: Pastor Kathleen Suggitt, Grace Lutheran Church, Castalia Office (419) Administrative needs: Sandy Thompson Office (419) Home ( sandy8110@gmail.com VO L UME 31 I SS UE 7 Women of St. John s! You are invited by the Zion Lutheran Women of the ELCA to join them in a Joint Bible Study on Saturday, August 13th, from 9-1:30 pm. At the Muirwood Social Room, McCartney Road. Please bring a sack lunch, beverage and your Bible. They ask that we join them for fun, learning and great fellowship! Page 6

7 A FAMILY OF DISCIPLES, FAITHFULLY MAKING CHRIST KNOWN August SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 2 Church Council 7:00 pm Flowers: Denny & Sue Bottorf Pastor Ray Vance leads Choir Practice 7:00 pm 11 Crossroads 3:30-6:00 Food to church by 12:00 noon Women s joint Bible Study 9-1:30 pm Muirwood Social Rm 14 Flowers: Pat & Sally Kelley \Pastor Ray Vance leads Worship Team 6:00 pm 18 Faith Life Team 6:30 pm Flowers: Jack Maguire Pastor Merlin Jacobs leads Blessing of the bookbags Transition Team 4:30 pm Choir Practice 6:30 pm 25 Finance Team St. John s Lutheran Church 106 Scheid Rd Sandusky, Ohio Flowers: Bob & Jerrie Krawetzki Pastor Merlin Jacobs leads Choir Practice 7:00 pm Phone: stjohncal@gmail.com Website: Sept. 4 Pastor Jacob s final Sunday farewell fellowship to follow Ushers needed for the month of August

8 St. John s Lutheran Church 106 Scheid Rd. Sandusky, OH A Family of Disciples, Faithfully Making Christ Known!! Sunday Worship 10:30 AM ADDRESS CHANGE REQUESTED August Ministry Leaders COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Aug. 7 Jim Semon, Sr. 21 Linda Miller-Moore LAY READERS Aug. 7 Linda Miller-Moore 14 Jim Semon, Sr. 21 Jan Fulton 28 Paula Hoffman We give thanks to God for sending Pastor Merlin Jacobs to St. John s to lead during this time of transition. Also for his guidance and leadership. Pastor Jacobs last Sunday will be September 4th. A thank you/farewell fellowship will follow. Mark your calendar! ST. JOHN S HOMEBOUND MEMBERS Joyce Baaske: At home, Huron Ruth Bruns: Lutheran Memorial Home, Sandusky June Gorga: At home, Sandusky. (Mother of Nancy Osbun - Recently relocated to Sandusky) Jean Hlavin: Parkvue Place, Sandusky Rita Justi: Gaymont Nursing Home, Norwalk Rachel Kaliszewski: Gaymont Nursing Home, Norwalk (Renee Barkhimer's mother) Wayne and Ruth Knupke: At home, Huron Ann Neate: Providence Care Rm 71, Sandusky Jean Nottke: At home, Huron Lois Oltman: At Admiral s Pointe Margaret Ommert: At home, Huron Jeanette Walz: Parkvue Health Care Center, Sandusky Joan Zorn: Portland House, Sandusky Eloise Mitchell: At home in Milan. Ruth Deehr: At home, Berlin Heights Irma Moon: At home, Berlin Heights Addresses and contact information may be found in the congregational directory unless they reside in a nursing home. Thanks for caring!