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St. Paul's
Evangelical Lutheran Church
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127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646
330 832-7409
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- Pastoral message
- Upcoming events
- American Red Cross Blood Drives
- Bible studies on Sunday and Thursday
- Friendship Circle had first meeting of 2024
- Forty Days of Giving report
- Church Council highlights
- Income and expense summary
- Grand opening of Gleitsman Lounge
- Save the date: Fundraising Dinner, June 8 at 5 pm
- Kitchen Angels planning for dinner
- Easter Sunday
- New banner for Easter
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- April Community Meal report
- Help is always appreciated for the Clothes Closet
- Two concert series events to come
- Spotlight on church member Donna Viles
- Thank you letters
- Prayer list
- May birthdays
- May anniversaries
- Flowers for the altar
- Council members
- Committee members
- Serving during the month of May
- St. Paul's phone app
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Pentecost: Empowered by the Spirit for Witness
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Dear Friends in Christ,
In May we celebrate the Day of Pentecost. Fifty days after the resurrection of Jesus—the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This momentous occasion marks the birth of the Church and the empowerment of believers to fulfill their mission in the world. As we reflect on Pentecost, we are reminded of the transformative work of the Spirit in our lives and our call to share the love of Christ with all nations.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the disciples are driven out into the streets, crossing the language barrier, erasing the lines that separate us. The Holy Spirit transcends all boundaries that would separate us, uniting believers from every nation, tribe, and tongue. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended upon a diverse crowd of strangers, breaking down barriers of language and culture. In the same way, the Spirit continues to bring the wideness of God's mercy to unexpected places—reviving dry bones, comforting weary hearts, and reconciling estranged relationships. Let us embrace the inclusive nature of the Spirit's work, welcoming all into the family of God with open arms.
The Spirit Guides us in Truth: Jesus promised his disciples that they would be accompanied by the Holy Spirit, who reveals the truth. This truth is not merely an abstract concept but a person—Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God's love and grace. As believers, we are inspired by the same Spirit, who guides us into all truth and empowers us to bear witness to the gospel. Let us be attentive to the promptings of the Spirit, allowing the truth of Christ to illuminate our minds and transform our lives.
Today we are United in Worship, Sent in Mission: Empowered by the Holy Spirit, believers join together in worship, lifting their voices in adoration and praise. Yet, worship does not end within the walls of the church but propels us into mission. Filled with the fullness of Christ's love, we are commissioned to go forth and share the gospel with a world in need. Whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities, may we be vessels of God's grace, demonstrating Christ's love through acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation.
As we celebrate Pentecost, let us be reminded of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. May we embrace the Spirit's work of widening boundaries, guiding us into truth, and empowering us for mission. And may we be united in worship, sent forth as ambassadors of Christ's love to a world in desperate need of redemption. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
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The church calendar is always available on every page of the church website on the right side, along with the church address, phone number, email address, and Youtube link for the online services. The online calendar contains the most up-to-date listing of events.
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Events that occur every week
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Sunday: Worship 10:00 am
Sunday: Sunday School 11:30 am
Wednesday: Snip-N-Stitch 9:00 am
Wednesday: Bells 6-6:50 pm, last rehearsal on May 1 for May 5 service
Wednesday: Choir 7-8:30 pm, rehearsals go until May 29
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Thursday, May 2, 6 pm--Friendship Circle
Tuesday, May 14, 7 pm--Church Council
Friday, May 10, 4:30 pm--Community Meal and Clothes Closet
Tuesday, June 4, 6:30 pm (no May meeting)--Worship and Music Committee
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Attention: Congregational Meeting after church service on May 19.
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Upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives
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If you are willing to give blood this spring and summer, here are the dates to show up at the church between 12 and 6.
5/6/2024
7/1/2024
8/26/2024
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Bible studies on Sunday and Thursday
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Adult Sunday School Class
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What Just Happened?
“Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us….” (Luke 24:32a)
It is hard to imagine the reaction of those who personally encountered the resurrected Christ. Yet as recorded in the scriptures, we catch a glimpse of their confusion, amazement, and subsequent actions. Continuing the study we began in April, we’ll look closely at those who had the supreme privilege of seeing the Lord Jesus after his resurrection. We will study the words of Jesus to them and their response, all so we might be more faithful.
The class meets at 11:30 am after the Sunday worship service, upper floor of Parish Hall. An elevator is available for easy access.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study
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Thursday Morning Bible Study 10:00 am in the Gleitsman Lounge
New study started April 11: Ten Women of the Bible by Max Lucado
Their actions stood out to the writers of Scripture, even though society overlooked their contributions. In Ten Women of the Bible, a 10-session workbook, Lucado tells the stories of 10 pivotal biblical women, including Sarah, Rahab, Abigail, Esther, Sapphira, Mary Magdalene, and others. Each session features insights and study questions that explore their lives—and help you apply the lessons to yours.
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Friendship Circle had first meeting of 2024
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Friendship Circle has been in existence for at least 20 years. It's a group that has shared their life journeys over the years, knowing they have a place they can talk freely. Christian Fellowship and camaraderie are what is members value the most in this organization.
All are welcome to join them! They will meet next on Thursday, May 2, at 6:00 pm in the lounge. LaShell Williamson will do the Bible study. Lynda Klein and Marilyn Perkowski will host.
They usually meet on the first Thursday of the month. The rest of the scheduled dates for summer are June 6, July 11 (moved for the 4th of July), and August 1.
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Friendship Circle started up their spring and summer meetings with a gathering in the newly decorated lounge. The new tv was put to good use with a DVD for the Bible study. The meeting was hosted by Sue Ambrosic and Tracie Schmolt. The Bible study on the Passover was led by Janet Kuller.
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The evening ends in prayer. Pictured here are members Janet Kuller, Kim Oberlin, Marsha Fortune, JuDee Reed, and Sue Ambrosic.
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Forty Days of Giving report
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Thank you for being a part of "40 Days of Giving.” Together we donated $2,276.13 to provide hunger resources at home and around the world. This will be matched with $2000 from Mission Endowment for a total of $4,276.13 that will be sent to ELCA World Hunger. Together we are making a difference.
Thank you for joining us! God bless you!
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Church Council highlights
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Report from April 9, 2024, Council meeting
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Church Council met on April 9, 2024. Pastor Mark shared information about the Northeastern Ohio Synod event called “Project Isaiah 43.” Each congregation within the synod is being asked to send 4 representatives. Per information from the synod, “Each Project Isaiah event will include a brief presentation time, but will be heavily focused on conversations as we think together about the future of Lutheran Christianity.” The event date for the South Central Conference, in which St. Paul’s resides, will be Saturday, May 4, 10 am at Zion Lutheran Church in North Canton. It is hoped we will have 4 representatives from our church attending.
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Membership Addition and Council Resignation
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Council was pleased to accept the application of Faith Roehlig for church membership. The resignation from Church Council of Lea Lang, for personal reasons, was accepted with regret. Lea’s place on Council will be filled at the May congregational meeting as the ballot of nominees for Council is presented for a vote.
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Dan Farrar, our church treasurer, presented the “2024-2025 Finance Committee Recommended Budget” to Council for review. After a careful examination of the budget, line by line, the budget was approved by Council in order to then be recommended to the congregation for final approval at the May 19th meeting.
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Capital Campaign Progress
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Pastor Mark reported regarding the Capital Campaign. The balance for the fund as of 3/31/2024 is $160,913.61. It was also announced that there will be a fundraiser for the Capital Campaign to be held at the church on Saturday, June 8th. Pastor also reminded Council that the next project to be addressed is the enclosure of the space between the buildings and the front entrance. The reordering of the projects, which occurred at the October 10 Council meeting, was due to a $100,000 donation made to the enclosure and entrance project. Building the accessible restrooms in Parish Hall was then moved to fourth.
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Property Management: heating and cooling in Parish Hall
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John Stanko reported on the Property Management Committee meeting held April 2nd. The committee recommended to Council that the bid by ComfortPro Heating and Cooling of Massillon be accepted for recommendation to the congregation to address the issues related to heating and cooling in the Parish Hall lounge and choir room directly above. The total cost of the project per that bid and necessary electrical work totaled $34,508. A special congregational meeting will be called for April 14 in order to approve this expense.
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Property Management: portico and entrance bids
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Property Management also considered the initial quotes from Roseman Construction and Norman Eckinger Inc. for the portico enclosure and entrance project. The Roseman bid came in at $194,245 with an automatic door opener included. The Eckinger bid came in at $189,340 without the automatic door opener. Both bids are preliminary and could come in at a higher amount depending on material costs. The Property Management Committee recommended to Council that “we invest more time to collaborate on the needs and assessment of the space,” related to this project. After much discussion, it was decided more information and professional advice should be gathered in the next couple of weeks before a decision is made on the design and cost of the project.
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Mission Endowment Committee
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Dan Farrar reported for the Mission Endowment Committee, which approved the following distribution of funds: $2000 for Impact Massillon, $2000 for the Domestic Violence Project of Massillon, and $15,800 for the St. Paul’s Parish Hall HVAC issue. Per our Church Constitution regarding the Mission Endowment Fund and the amount for the heating and cooling issue, we may use “Up to 15% [of the distribution of income] for capital improvements, debt reduction or a building program….” (CR1.14).
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A special congregational meeting was approved for April 14 with the only item being congregational approval of the bid by ComfortPro. The agenda for the congregational meeting to be held on May 19th was also set to include the presentation of nominees for elected positions of the church, approval of the operating budget for 2024-2025, consideration of expense and possible approval of a plan to replace the boiler system in the sanctuary, and an update regarding the Capital Campaign.
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Respectfully shared,
Patty Long
President, Church Council
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Income and expense summary
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Grand opening of Gleitsman Lounge
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One of the major achievements in the redesign was creating a warm, relaxing environment that invites members and guests to enjoy fellowship. The sofa and chairs pictured here are from Casey's Furniture. The flooring was from Hosner Carpet One Floor & Home.
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Featured at one end is a multi-use island on wheels for receptions and refreshments.
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Versatility was a major goal in the redesign. The island can be moved for various functions as needed. The big-screen TV also can serve multiple purposes: here it is running a slide show of the stages in the lounge make-over; it can be useful also for Bible studies, receptions, movie days, or watch parties--to name a few possibilities.
At the left rear in the photo above is a beautiful display of crosses surrounding a picture. The picture was donated by Pastor Bob and Vicki Groenke; the crosses were donated by Pastor Bob Bringham; and the arranging of the pictures and crosses was by Kathryn Myers and Nancy Malicary. The team effort created a lovely and meaningful feature.
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Becky Johnson celebrated the Grand Opening of the lounge on Easter Sunday with Bob and Julia Englehart.
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Committee members Sue Ambrosic, Kathryn Myers, Janet Kuller, and Becky Johnson appreciate the top-tier work done by Rubin Miller and his team at Dutch Craft Furniture in Berlin, Ohio, on the furniture. (Sue Reid and Lynda Klein, not pictured, are also part of the committee.) The committee was responsible for all the accessories and decorations and will continue working as a committee, occasionally changing up the wall decor and small touches.
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Save the date: Fundraising Dinner, June 8 at 5 pm
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God's Kitchen Angels are in charge, so you know it will be good!
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Kitchen Angels planning for dinner
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A crew of over 20 have met twice to make the necessary plans for the upcoming fundraiser dinner. They will meet again on Tuesday, May 7, at 11:00 in the lounge to further discuss the plans for the June 8th event.
Tickets will go on sale May 5th in the lounge: $20 for adults, $10 for kids 10 and under.
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Attendance for the 10:00 am Easter Service was 157. Combined with 21 for the Sunrise Service, a total of 178 people celebrated the Risen Lord at St. Paul's.
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Thanks to Kathy and Bryan Corban for the beautiful new Easter banner which they crafted from an available pattern design.
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April Community Meal report
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Jack and Marsha Fortune report on the past month's Community Meal:
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Our monthly Community Meal and Community Closet was held on Friday, April 12. Our menu consisted of creamed chicken over biscuits, buttered peas, applesauce and either a piece of cake or a cupcake for dessert. The cake was donated by a friend of the church who supports this ministry.
The number of meals served was 84, a very healthy number considering it was a cold, blustery day. Last month the number served was 88. There was plenty of food, including “seconds” for everyone.
There were 2 young girls (ages 4 and 5) in attendance with their grandma and grandpa. Each of the girls was given a special gift from the congregation.
Both our Community Closet and our “care bag” tables were very busy once again. Our attendees have many needs, and we are so privileged to be in a position to help them. Your donations of time and gifts are much appreciated. Call the church office to find out how you can help.
St. Paul’s Community Meal and the Community Closet provide a free meal and clothing for all on the 2nd Friday of each month. Our next opening is Friday, May 10, from 4:30 to 6:00. As always, we thank you for your many prayers and continued support of this much needed ministry.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Jack and Marsha Fortune
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Help is always appreciated for the Clothes Closet
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Thank you to all for your generous donations!
Thank you to all the volunteers who have helped sort clothing the past couple months. Many hands make light work, and we appreciate all of your support with one of our most popular ministries!
Spring/ Summer donations requested 2nd week of April to September 1.
Fall/ Winter donations requested 2nd week of September to April 1.
ITEMS ALWAYS NEEDED: personal care items, purses, undergarments (men's underwear and undershirts, women's underwear, bras, pajamas), seasonally appropriate outerwear, such as jackets and shoes.
HELP SORT CLOTHES on the 3rd Wednesday of the month (May 15)
HELP DURING SHOPPING every 2nd Friday of the Month 4:15 - 6:00pm (May 10)
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Two concert series events to come
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This weekend, Sunday, April 28, at 2 pm, we invite you to come hear the Canton Symphony Chorus in performance.
Then join us again on Sunday, May 19, at 5 pm for our resident brass ensemble, the Camarada Brass Quintet, along with the Silver & Strings Trio.
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The Canton Symphony Chorus combines the intellectual brilliance of Mozart with the luminous radiance of the star in this afternoon performance. Eighty-two singers will perform in our beautiful sanctuary. Five members of the Chorus are members of our own church choir.
They will reprise selections from their recent Masterworks concert featuring Mozart's Requiem, followed by several pieces on stars, including a choral rendition of Robert Frost's poem "Choose Something Like a Star."
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Percussionist Scott Thomas is joining in with the trio of Robin Tryon on flute, Elaine Anderson on cello, and Michelle Massouh Makhlouf on piano.
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First organized in 1985, the Silver & Strings Trio broke new ground as one of the first chamber ensembles to play their own original arrangements for weddings, receptions, corporate and political events, recitals, fundraisers, and more. Its members are current and retired professors at the University of Mount Union as well as performers in their own right in other orchestral, wind, and chamber ensembles.
The Silver & Strings Trio has a large repertoire of classical, jazz, and popular standards to fit every occasion. Still one of the few acoustical ensembles that provide sound equipment when playing in large venues, the Silver & Strings Trio has been invited to perform for large gatherings such as those for former President Bush and Vice president Quayle, CBS Sports, the PGA, Bill Cosby, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Jeff Huston, Chris Hall, Jonathan Stuck, Phil Tryon, and Josh Devore (not pictured) will regale us with their powerful brass ensemble.
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The Camarada Brass Quintet was first organized in the spring of 1970 and was the inspiration of Bill Hall to promote the performance of Brass Quintet music in Stark County. All the members of the CBQ were Instrumental Music teachers in Stark and Summit Counties and included the following:
David Elsass, Trombone, Oakwood High School
Ken Ferris, Trumpet, Tuslaw local Schools
Bill Hall, Bass Trombone. Northwest Local Schools
Chris Hall, Trumpet, Tuslaw Local Schools
Terry Stouffer, French Horn, Manchester Local Schools
After numerous rehearsals in early 1970, the CBQ began performing for various occasions and presented a formal concert at Oakwood High School on March 7, 1970. Sadly, the CBQ was disbanded in 1973 when Bill Hall won an audition for The United States Army Field Band and Chris Hall became the Head Band Director for Rittman City Schools.
During the early 1980’s the CBQ was reorganized and again began performing at Zion Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and Church of the Savior. The current Camarada Brass Quintet regularly performs for weddings, AGO Chapter festivals, Octoberfests, social gatherings, and worship services throughout Stark County. All the members of The Camarada Brass Quintet are professional musicians who have performed with the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Orchestra, Canton Concert Band, Stark County Fair Band, Canton Players Guild, The John Trapani Big Band, high school musical productions, and many other musical venues.
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Preview of next year's Concert Series
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Dr. Abigail Haake, our Director of Music, is pleased to present next season's artists. More details with specific dates and times will be coming soon!
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- September: Singers Companye
- October: James Kibbie, organ
- November: Bowling Green State University Men's Chorus
- February: Minnita Daniel-Cox, soprano
- March: OPUS 216 String Quintet
- April: Canton Symphony Orchestra Chorus
- May: Abigail Haake, piano and organ
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OPUS 216, one of the groups for next year's concert series, is based out of Cleveland.
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Spotlight on church member Donna Viles
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The volunteers in St. Paul's ministry GOSPEL ON WHEELS visit members of our church who are no longer able to participate in church life but are not forgotten and still treasured. This month's feature is on Donna Viles.
Donna has been a member of St. Paul’s a long time. In fact, she worked as an assistant secretary for St. Paul’s under Pastor Groenke.
Enjoy getting to know a little more about Donna!
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- Married Harpo Viles in 1950 at Brewster Methodist Church.
- She was a pin setter at YMCA Bowling Center.
- Then worked at Republic Steel for 12 years.
- She has one daughter Carla, a son-in-law Eric, and 4 wonderful grandsons.
- When daughter Carla was in 4th grade, she went back to work as a teacher’s aide in Navarre.
- Her favorite color is purple.
- Favorite foods are spaghetti and pizza.
- One thing people may not know about Donna is her love of shoes when she was working. She had a colorful pair for all her outfits!
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Dear Mr. Maurer and the Mission Endowment Committee,
Thank you so much for your generous donation to Forever Amber Acres. The money will benefit the horses greatly. These horses are very special, and they have a special job—helping humans! I am so grateful.
Sincerely, Henry H.
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Patricia Kandle, Mary Ann Breslin, Vickie Groenke, Joy Smith, Chrissy Sturtz, Lynne Nunley, Steve Kress, Jack Saarela, David Paul, Amy White, Lindsay Mays, Noah & Axel Casserar, Errett Butler, Pat Adams, Chris Collard, Theresa Eckleberry, Jack Young and Phyllis Keefer.
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Favorite Bible or hymn verses:
Loren Veigel: My life has all been about hymns--and no better summary of GRACE exists than the final verse of Isaac Watts’ masterpiece “When I Survey”: “Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were a present far too small. Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all!"
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May 1--Amelia Deerwester
May 4--Seth Dunlap
May 4--Leona Corban
May 5--Barbara Palmer
May 7--Matthew Diuk
May 7--Roxanna Bader
May 8--Trisha Lash
May 10--Sandra Bennett
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May 11--Thomas Haake
May 11--Vivianne Greene
May 11--Paul Daily
May 11--Susan Dovel
May 12--James Johnson
May 14--Peggy Gibbs
May 14--Barbara Starrett
May 14--James Howe
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May 14--Loren Veigel
May 17--Izabella Haring
May 20--Bob Funderburk
May 21--Kiera Lafferty
May 22--Audrey Hepler
May 28--Elizabeth Haring
May 29--Gayle Jackson
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May 9--Dave & Stephanie Hollender
May 12--Richard & Mary Jo Theiss
May 23--Ed & Lori Davila
May 24--Andrew & Lea Lang
May 25--Michael & Rachel Deerwester
May 27--Carl & Gretchan Sekulich
May 27--Eric & Carla Myers
May 30--Robert & Marilyn Perkowski
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Please text Sue Ambrosic at 330-844-7648 if you would like to have the Altar or Throne flowers for 2024.
The cost of Altar flowers is $40 per Sunday; the Throne flowers are $28. Please contact Patty Carmola if you have any questions at 330-832-9405. You will be billed directly by Carmola's Flowers in Massillon.
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Gary Collard
Scott Larson
Cindy Lash
Kathryn Myers
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John Stanko
Carol Stoner
David Stoner
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Kathryn Myers, Chair
Amy Burkett,
Sue Ambrosic
Gayle Jackson
Becky Johnson
Cindy Lash
Deidra Monastra
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Greg Klein, Chair
Carol Butler
Dwight Butler
Abigail Haake
Karl Kalk
Patty Long
Kathryn Myers
Kim Oberlin
Phyllis Staver
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WELFARE AND SOCIAL ACTION
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Cindy Lash, Chairman
Christine Bates
Judy Fichter
Lynda Klein
Deidra Monastra
Kathryn Myers
Kim Oberlin
JuDee Reed
David Stoner
LaShell Williamson
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Jim Johnson, Chair
Dave Allman
Joe Hepler
John Liebermann
Dennis Morgan
Paul Mutchler
John Stanko, Liaison for Chair
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YOUTH AND PARISH EDUCATION
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Serving during the month of May
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If you are interested in serving, click on the contact person's email link.
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Contact Karl Kalk
May 5—Karl Kalk
May 12—David Stoner
May 19—Scott Larson
May 29—Carol Stoner
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May 5--Patty Long & Greg Klein
May 12--Carol Stoner & Gary Collard
May 19--Kathryn Myers & David Stoner
May 26--Patty Long & Tracie Schmolt
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Contact Karl Kalk
May 5—Sue Ambrosic
May 12—Rob Pritchett
May 19—Pastor Lynn & LaShell Williamson
May 29—Dick & Robin Cordes
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Contact Dick Longworth
John Liebermann
Lynn Williamson
Tom and Deb Schmolt
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Choose My Church by Pushpay from the App Store.
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Find the "My Church" by Pushpay app in the App store on your phone or computer. It is a free download.
Open the app and search for St. Paul's by typing STPLC APP. Then click on the St. Paul's logo.
To take advantage of all the app’s features, you must create an account. Get notifications and reminders of upcoming events, access our live stream worship and worship bulletins, send prayer requests, see the church calendar, and give electronically.
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St. Paul's
Evangelical Lutheran Church
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We are a community of believers called together to be the Body of Christ for the sake of our families, community and our world. We invite you to join us for worship on Sunday mornings as we celebrate God’s redeeming and freeing grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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The Reverend Mark Kreemer officiating.
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Thank you to all who have submitted photos for this newsletter. To see more photos, follow the Facebook pages listed below.
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Cathedral Concerts Facebook Page
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St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church
127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646
330 832-7409
Office Hours: T, W, F 9am-1pm
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ELCA Vision: A world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation..
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