Worshiping God, Growing in Faith, Serving Neighbors--near and far. Pastoral Update

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1 The Messenger May 2015 St. Matthew Lutheran Ithaca, OH Worshiping God, Growing in Faith, Serving Neighbors--near and far Pastoral Update If you are a member of St. Matthew s, and we have your current address, you should have received a letter in late April announcing that Pastor John Gilmore, currently serving Gordon United Methodist Church, will be our interim Pastor for the next six months, beginning May 1. The St. Matthew council, along with the Bishop and Assistant to the Bishop, Jeff Wick are excited to be a part of this concept of being in full communion with another denomination and paving a new path in what that means to share a Pastor between two separate denominational churches. We encourage all of you to let your Exec. Council (Chris, Rhonda, Shannon and Jane) know your thoughts about Pastor Gilmore throughout the next 4 months. Because both churches are affected by this, the exec teams of the two churches will get together sometime in September to discuss how this is working out for both churches in order to determine if we would like to move forward with Pastor Gilmore, or start a call process through the Synod office. Your input is very important in this step. Read more about Pastor Gilmore on Page 2!! Beginning May 3, Pastor Gilmore will begin a sermon series using the book The Story the bible, as one continuing story of God and his people. This is the bible, like you ve never experienced it before! Through its 31 chapters, it tells the story of the bible, arranged in chronological order. Join us and read The Story and find where your story crosses with God s story. If you d like to purchase the book, adult, teen and children s versions can be purchased through several websites for anywhere from $5 to $10. You can even find a few used versions cheaper than that. If you don t have web access and would like a copy of the book, let Shannon know. Don t miss this opportunity to join us for a journey through The Story!

2 Hi, my name is John Gilmore and I will begin serving as your interim Pastor starting May 1 st. I have been married to Judy for 30 years and we have one daughter Molly who is 28 and getting married on June 6 th in Baton Rouge Louisiana. I have been serving as a pastor in rural churches for almost 15 years. For the last 7 years I have served at Gordon UMC. Before that, I served at the Southern Charge of the UMC. Southern Charge is a three point charge that includes Bethany, Carmel-Sutton and Morning Star UMC. All told the charge had about 300 members and adherents. I finished seminary in 2005 and was ordained in June You may be wondering, what in the world was this guy doing with his life before he went to Seminary? Well, I grew up in Deer Park, Ohio on the North end of Cincinnati. I went to school at Morehead State University and studied Speech and Theatre with an emphasis in Technical Theatre. After graduation I got a job at Sycamore High School teaching Speech and Theatre. I left Sycamore High School to become the Technical Director at LaComedia Dinner Theatre. It was while I was at LaComedia that I met Judy. She was the Stage Manager (my boss) at the theatre. We were married in 1978, two months before we both entered graduate school at Ohio University pursuing Masters of Fine Arts degrees in theatre. After receiving our degrees we moved to the Cincinnati area where I worked as an Asst. Professor of Theatre at Xavier University for three years and then went to work at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. I left Miami University in 1990 and returned to Ohio University as a student. In 1992 I became the Associate Director of Public Occasions at Ohio University. The Office of Public Occasions is responsible for all the non-athletic public events that happen on campus. In 2000 I made the decision to leave Ohio University and go to seminary. During my time in seminary I served the Amesville Co-operative parish and served for one year in the West Somerset Circuit in Minehead, England. The time in England was remarkable. My family and I are changed forever by having been strangers in a strange land even though England is not that different, at least on the surface, than the US. Molly made lifelong friends and really grew as a person during this time, as we all did. On a personal a note I enjoy fishing, reading, hiking, and playing volleyball. Judy grew up in a small loving family, in Medway, a small town in Southwestern Ohio, where she enjoyed music, art, sports, and drama. She returned to school in 1995 to earn her teaching certificate for pre-k through 3rd grade. She presently works as a preschool lead teacher at Kids Learning Center in Greenville, Ohio. She enjoys singing, movies, plays, gardening, acting, and doing things with friends and family. Molly graduated from Ohio University in June of 2008 with a BS in Political Science and a Certificate in International Studies. Before she was able to even walk for her Commencement, she was due in South Louisiana and Phoenix for training and introductions for her two-year stint as a Kindergarten teacher for Teach for America. She now lives and works as a kindergarten teacher in Baton Rouge LA. She will be married to Chris Means on June 6 th, Yours in Christ, From the Pastors Desk: Pastor John 2

3 Receiving the Sacrament of Holy Baptism during worship at St. Matthew on April 12, 2015, was Thomas Raymond Daggett. On this special day in his life, we rejoice with him and his family; along with his sponsors; Ben & Katie Cottrell and Nick & Becky Daniels Tommy, we welcome you into the body of Christ and into the mission we share: join us in giving thanks and praise to God and bearing God s creative and redeeming word to all the world (ELW, p. 231). Congratulations, Graduates Class of 2015! We would like to publish a list of all graduates in the next Newsletter, whether it be high school, vocational school, technical school, college, or otherwise. Please contact Shannon at or skmccullough@earthlink.net with your name, graduation date, school you are graduating from and a hint of what you plan for your future! We would also like to include a picture, if you d like!! Entries are needed by May 25!! Work Day!! On Saturday, May 30, we invite you to put on your work gloves and meet us at the church for a work day. We will begin at 8 a.m. and work outside mulching and doing other activities to beautify the church grounds. If you prefer to work indoors, we have a few projects for you too! Your help is greatly appreciated!! SMLC Hosts Girl Scout Sewing Day On Saturday, April 25, SMLC hosted a Sewing Day for Girl Scouts. The girls learned a lot of neat stuff about sewing and earned a badge for the event. Thanks to Jane Brown for her time in organizing this. We are so blessed to have the opportunity to send Karr and Anna Stump to summer camp sponsored by Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOMO). Karr will be going to Camp Mowana All-Stars and Anna is signed up for Camp Mowana Rising Stars. If you would like to help sponsor a child, monetary gifts are accepted through the offering, just earmark your donation for LOMO Camps. All regularly worshipping children from St. Matthew are eligible for fee payment. See Jane Brown if your child would like to go. 3

4 Open House for Cory Miller Come and wish Cory Congratulations upon graduating from Franklin Monroe!! Everyone is welcome to join us in the barn at 8853 Graw Road, Arcanum Sunday May 17, 2015 from 2-5 p.m. OUR MONTHLY WELCA MEETING will be held at the home of Earlene Morris on May 13 at 7 p.m. We will continue our studies in the Gather magazine with the May issue, The Church Transforming and Reforming, based on Acts 15: ONE Ministry Castine Food Bank item of the month: Sugar During the months of April, May, and June, we collect new bars of soap (in it s original wrapping any size or brand) for Lutheran World Relief. There is a box at the back of the sanctuary for your donations. We will also begin our collection of monetary gifts for Wernle Home between Mother s Day and Father s Day. Please look for the Wernle house to make your donation. Wernle is also in need of boys new or gently used (no holes, unless they were manufactured that way) jeans sized 34X32 through 36 length and 36X32 through 36 length. If you are shopping at garage sales this spring, pick up a pair or two of jeans for the boys at Wernle!! Also needed are sneakers, sizes 9 to 13 1/2 and large, good quality bath towels Please remember to save your empty pill bottles for the people of Malawi. There is a donation basket in the back of the sanctuary. 4

5 Youth News Hello St. Matthew youth and parents. My name is Pastor Travis Qualls and I am the Director of Family Life. I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you about and invite you to participate in the great opportunities that we have in store for the combined youth of Gordon, St. Matthew, and the surrounding communities. Our regular youth group meeting occurs each Sunday night from 7pm to 8:30pm at Gordon UMC. This meeting has given our teenagers in grades 6-12 an opportunity to come and enjoy some delicious snacks, some extraordinarily fun games, fellowship with each other, and time learning about God s plan for each of their lives. As we near the summer, and as the students prepare for a break from school, summer jobs, and summer vacations, we are also preparing to wind down the regular Sunday night youth group. Sunday May 17 th, will be our final scheduled Youth meeting for this school year. This will be a combined youth meeting with Covington Presbyterian church and should be an amazing opportunity to connect and have fun with some Jesus lovers from another town. *No youth group on Sunday May 10 th for Mother s Day. DAYTON DRAGONS GAME On May 21 st we will be attending a Dayton Dragons game. The cost is $15 per person which includes a free hat and a $5.00 food voucher. The game starts at 7 p.m., and we will be leaving around 5:30 p.m.. If you would like to attend we need to know by May 14 th so that we can arrange transportation. or Call Travis at travis@gordonumc.com or (937) for more info or to secure a ticket. THEN WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO THIS SUMMER? Well, I m glad you asked. On July 2 nd, the youth will once again be united with the folks at Covington Presbyterian to go on a 2-day camp excursion to Camp Wesley in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Complete with all the regular camp activities like campfires, hot dogs, s mores, fishing, swimming, games and relaxing, this camp experience will also be a time to explore our relationships with Christ and each other. Twice each day we will come together for worship, a message, and group building exercises that have been specially created for this camp event. We have enlisted the help of 4 trained Camp Wesley counselors to help us create this amazing opportunity. The all-inclusive cost which includes all meals, travel, and lodging, is $50 per student. Money will need to be turned into Pastor Travis by noon on Sunday May 31 st. *Camp scholarships are available 5

6 4th 5th 9th 10th 12th 20th 30th May Birthdays Janet Ehlers Joel Kress Kristine Herr Suzanne Lammi Faye Harman Devon Eley Carol Castello Gary Brown Sue Mills May Anniversaries 5th Mike & Charlotte Delong 15th Dave & Barb Shoemaker 31st Duane & Janet Ehlers April Prayer Concerns Justin Troutwine Linda Kinninger Pam Yeomans Evelyn Pahl Earlene Morris Pat Koogler Don Coffey Jane Brown Adele Strunks Becky Denn Bob Daughtery Aiden Buschur Betty Daughtery Bev Erdmann Vickie & Michelle Pastor John Gilmore, wife Judy and mom Francis Lorraine McGraw Pastor Joene & Peter Kirby Goff Dorothy Hunt Steve Knick Megan Daggett Elease Jones Becky Fitzpatrick Don Potete Prayers of sympathy and healing for the families of: Bill Gunder Please remember to keep us updated with any changes you may have to your address, phone number or address. Blessings Tom Knick no spots on his lungs Anna Stump no food allergies and adenoids are better Thomas Raymond Daggett baptism Julia McCullough Top 10 academically in her class To reach us for the prayer chain, please call Rhonda Kress at or Notes of thanks Dear Council - My sincere and heartfelt thank you for a goodbye well done! I will never forget the celebration on Palm Sunday, or the beautiful quilt. Peter and I will make good use of the Lensic tickets soon. With much love, Pastor Joene Thanks to all who donated in memory of Joe. We have sent out thank you cards to most of you, but didn t want to forget anyone s kindness. Mark & Sue Mills 6

7 May 2015 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 3 Easter 5 Lector: Anita Schneider Acolyte: Josie McCullough Bread: Janet Ehlers Easter 6 Lector: Jessica Pahl Acolyte: Alysson Pahl Bread: Jane Brown 17 Easter 7 Lector: Bob Brown Acolyte: Josie McCullough Bread: Jessica Pahl 24 Pentecost Lector: Sherry Marten Acolyte: Alysson Pahl Bread: Neva Birt 11 7 pm Worship Planning Team meeting pm WELCA Newsletter entries due Memorial Day observed :30 pm Youth leave from GUMC for Dragons game am Work Day at church 7 31 Holy Trinity Guest Pastor Jeff Wick, Asst. to Bishop Lector: Rhonda Kress Acolyte: Mickie Ary Bread: Keri Covert May Greeters: Duane & Janet Ehlers

8 Church Address 6825 St. Route 722 Ithaca, OH Office Phone/Fax: Interim Pastor: John Gilmore Phone: Parsonage Phone: Wheelchair accessible + Elevator on premises + Holy celebrated - 1st Sunday of every month- major church festivals We re on the web!! Facebook: St. Matthew Sunday Worship services: 9 am Traditional worship 10 am Coffee Break (food & fellowship) 10:15 am Sunday School for all ages St. Matthew Lutheran Church Ithaca 7820 State Route 722 Arcanum, Ohio Dated Material 8