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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: the journey to Easter
- March events
- Bible studies on Sunday and Thursday
- Forty Days of Giving initiated by St. Paul's youth
- Church Council highlights
- Capital Campaign report
- Income and expense summary
- God's Kitchen Angels serving up the soup
- Shrove Tuesday pancake supper
- Community Lenten Service meal
- February Community Meal was well attended
- Clothes Closet: an impressive organizational feat
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- Choir features new bass singer, Andy Rambler
- Cathedral Concert Series: March 10, 5 pm
- UA choir to sing at St. Paul's
- Thank you!
- Prayer list
- March birthdays
- March anniversaries
- Flowers for March
- Council members
- Committee members
- Serving during the month of March
- St. Paul's phone app
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Pastoral message: the journey to Easter
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Dear friends in Christ,
As we enter into this sacred season of reflection and anticipation, may we recognize the profound truth that the journey to Easter requires us to experience the death of the Cross if we are to truly embrace the joy of resurrection.
In Romans 6:3-11, we are reminded that through baptism, we have been buried with Christ in His death so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Help us to grasp the significance of this union with Christ's death. In laying down our old selves, we participate in the redemptive process, paving the way for the new life promised in the Resurrection.
In John 12:24-26, Jesus teaches us about the paradox of life emerging from death. "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." As we contemplate the seed that must die to bring forth new life, let us recognize the necessity of surrendering our lives to the transformative power of the Cross. Only through death can we experience the abundant and fruitful life that Easter promises.
Colossians 2:12 speaks of being buried with Christ in baptism and raised with Him through faith in the power of God. Help us, Lord, to internalize the truth that the Cross is not just a historical event but a personal and ongoing experience. As we identify with Christ's death, may we also share in the glory of His resurrection.
As we approach Holy Week at the end of this month, as we journey towards the Cross, grant us the courage to confront our own brokenness, sin, and the areas of our lives that need to be crucified. In the shadow of the Cross, may we find not only a place of surrender but also a source of hope and transformation.
As we approach the joyous celebration of Easter, let the reality of Christ's victory over death resonate deeply within us. May the resurrection joy be magnified in our hearts because we have walked the path of the Cross, experiencing the death that gives way to life.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
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The children learn about the water in the baptismal font during the Children's Message.
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Events that occur every week
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Sunday: Worship 10:00 am
Sunday: Sunday School 11:30 am
(No Sunday School for adults, children, or youth on Palm Sunday and Easter.)
Wednesday: Snip and Stitch 8:30 am
Wednesday: Bells 6-6:45 pm
Handbell ensemble will rehearse February 21, 28, March 6, and 13 from 6:00-6:50 in preparation to play in worship on March 17.
Wednesday: Choir 7-8:30 pm
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Tuesday, March 5, 6:30 pm--Worship and Music Committee
Friday, March 8, 4:30 pm--Community Meal and Clothes Closet
Tuesday, March 12, 7 pm--Church Council
Tuesday, March 19, 6 pm--Finance Committee
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Community Lenten Services
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Soup Supper 5:30 Worship 6:30
Wednesday, February 28--Grace UCC
Wednesday, March 6--Central Presbyterian
Wednesday, March 13--St. Timothy's Episcopal
Wednesday, March 20--First Baptist
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Holy Week at St. Paul's Lutheran Church
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Palm Sunday: March 24, 10am
Maundy Thursday: March 28, 7 pm
Community Stations of the Cross: Friday, March 28, noon
(St. Mary’s Roman Catholic)
Good Friday: March 29, 7pm
Easter Sunrise Service: Sunday March 31, 7:30am
Easter Morning Service: Sunday March 31, 10am
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Reminder: Pick up date for soup orders is Sunday, March 10.
Note: The Blood Bank will be at St. Paul’s on Monday, March 4, 2024 from 12:00-6:00 pm.
Note: Easter gifts for those who are home-bound will be available Sunday, March 17, on a table outside the Gleitsman Lounge.
Deadline: Article and photo submission deadline is March 21 for the April Bridge issue.
Deadline: Submit your Easter flower order by March 3.
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Flowers adorn the chancel, Easter of 2023.
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Bible studies on Sunday and Thursday
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Adult Sunday School Class
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What is a spiritual discipline? During this series of lessons, we’ll explore spiritual disciplines that help get us ready for Easter, for resurrection, including our own. What is the place in our daily Christian lives for such practices as meditation, fasting, simplicity, and submission? And is there joy is this preparation, these disciplines? The answer is a resounding, yes!
Please join as we meet each Sunday for Bible study and fellowship at 11:30, top floor of Parish Hall. An elevator is available for easy access.
Special Notice: No Sunday School on Palm Sunday or Easter because of length of service.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study
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Struggling with uncertainties on your spiritual journey? Whether a longtime Christian or brand new to the faith, get to know the God who is unafraid of hard questions. Hamilton draws from the wisdom of the Bible to approach reservations with honesty and insight. Learn how doubt can drive you to a deeper encounter with the Lord!
Join Pastor Mark in this series at 11:00 on Thursdays, usually in the Gleitsman Lounge, but temporarily held in the Classroom 2. This book study began on January 11.
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Forty Days of Giving initiated by St. Paul's youth
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Join us as we enter the Lenten season with ”Forty Days of Giving." We will join together to help provide resources to fight hunger at home and around the world. There are Lenten Calendars at the side and rear entrances of our church. The Lenten calendars will give you daily praise and reflections with Scriptures as we celebrate Christ Jesus.
Our youth Sunday School class is preparing displays with information about “God’s Global Barnyard” and more resources for you to take home. With your help we can buy a farm, chicks, honeybees and more. We can also help community programs fight hunger. With this program you can be part of God’s work. Look for giving envelopes and banks at the displays. We will be gathering our gifts at the altar on the Sunday after Easter, April 7. Thank you for joining us!
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Church Council highlights
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Report from Dr. Patty Long, Church Council President
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Church Council met on February 13. In his report, Pastor Mark shared that our church will likely be involved in Impact Massillon in 2024, which is an opportunity to help a specific neighborhood of Massillon residents with outdoor home repair and yard improvements. The date for the event is Saturday, June 1. More information will be provided in the coming months. The annual event is organized by the Massillon Area Clergy Association, in which Pastor Mark is very active.
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Capital Campaign: bequest from Ann Hopkins
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The Capital Campaign has a balance of $158,929.69 as of this reporting. Renovations continue on the Gleitsman Lounge with the goal of most improvements completed by Easter Sunday. The estate of Ann Hopkins donated $29,000 which will go to the Capital Campaign and the lounge project. Ann’s family is delighted this contribution will be put to good use targeting the lounge.
Ann Hopkins died on November 27, 2023, at the age of 98. She was a graduate of Capital University and a very active member of St. Paul’s as Director of Education and church secretary. She relocated to the Columbus area about 25 years ago to be closer to her adult children. We give thanks to the Lord that Ann remembered her St. Paul’s family and praise God for her faithfulness.
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A photo of Ann Hopkins from the 1991 church directory.
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Mission Endowment Fund: matching funds, Amber Acres, new form
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The Mission Endowment Fund approved two requests for funding. The Church Youth and Parish Education Committee asked that the fund match up to $2000 for donations received toward the “Forty Days of Giving” Lenten appeal, targeting ELCA Hunger Programs.
The second request came from Henry Haake on behalf of Forever Amber Acres in Medina, Ohio. “The mission of Forever Amber Acres is to provide safe, purposeful rehabilitation, and retirement aftercare for special needs horses and other animals to serve military veterans, children, families, and seniors dealing with physical and emotional challenges.” The Mission Endowment Fund will donate $1500 to this good work. It’s notable that one of our St. Paul’s youth submitted the application and is active, along with his dad, in the program at Amber Acres. Thank you, Henry!
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Henry Haake tending to the hooves of Princess as part of her daily grooming. She gets a pedicure every evening.
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Mission Endowment Fund committee members have adopted a new form for making nominations. This form is available by request from a committee member or by clicking the button below. If you have an organization or cause for consideration, please request the form and submit the details to the committee.
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Property Management Committee: phone system, room usage, church boiler
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The Property Management Committee brought two requests to Council. One was to explore options for improving our church phone system for greater efficiency, effectiveness, and confidentiality. The motion was approved.
The second request was to consider the possibility of allowing the Massillon Amateur Club to utilize space in the St. Paul’s Education Building. Council encouraged the committee to further explore options with the Club.
Property Management also wanted to alert Church Council to fairly serious issues regarding the church boiler. Although there continues to be good service provided to keep the boiler operational through this winter, there may be a need to replace it before the winter of 2024-2025. The system is more than 30 years old and is definitely showing signs of wear, which may require substantial repair or complete replacement. We are grateful for the work of Jim Johnson and others on the committee who keep a close eye on these critical systems of operation in our church buildings.
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Change in newsletter format
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Beginning with this March issue of The Bridge, Carol Butler will assume the responsibilities as editor. The Bridge will be shared in a new electronic newsletter format and will be more accessible and effective in disseminating information within and beyond the St. Paul’s Church community. We are grateful to Carol for her willingness take on these additional responsibilities. We also are very appreciative of the work of Tracie Schmolt in getting The Bridge out each month after the resignation of our Communications Coordinator. Thank you, Tracie, for all your time and energy committed to The Bridge over the last 6 months. We are very thankful for you!
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Respectfully shared,
Patty Long
President, Church Council
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The Gleitsman Lounge is progressing: the new floor is in, and a TV is ready to be mounted. We are still waiting on furniture and a few other renovations.
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Income and expense summary
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First table: Month Ending January 2024, Second table: Fiscal Year 2023-2024
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God's Kitchen Angels serving up the soup
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Reminder: Pick up date for soup orders is Sunday, March 10.
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God’s Kitchen Angels hard at work making 72 half quarts of stuffed pepper soup.
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Carol Marlow's t-shirt sums up the mission of the Kitchen Angels.
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Preparing chicken noodle soup for our members unable to attend in person.
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Shrove Tuesday pancake supper
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John Lieberman, long-time member, relishes the meal and fellowship.
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Shrove Tuesday, this past February 13, was celebrated by a good crowd in the Fellowship Hall. In addition to delicious pancakes, guests had the chance to decorate their own Mardi Gras masks.
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Community Lenten Service meal served at St. Paul's
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Before the Community Lenten Service held on Wednesday, February 21, here at St. Paul's, soup was served in the Fellowship Hall. Nine different soups were offered plus salads and an amazing selection of cookies. We served about 70 people. Thanks to all who helped!
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What you missed if you didn't attend!
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An impressive 105 quarts of vegetable beef prepared in the days before the meal.
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February Community Meal was well attended
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Jack and Marsha Fortune report on the past month's Community Meal
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Our February Community Meal had a Super Bowl theme on Friday, February 9. With the big game only 2 days away, our guests were treated to special Super Bowl buttons and other assorted prizes to mark the big event. Taylor Swift/Travis Kelsey shirts/buttons were among the most popular. As we did last year, our guests were given an opportunity to guess the final score of the football game. The winning entry will be announced next month with a special prize being awarded.
We had good weather on this particular February evening, which helped us to attract 93 hungry souls for our dinner. Among the guests in attendance were 4 children; all were given a special gift from the congregation.
Our February menu consisted of fried chicken, cheesy potato casserole, green beans, dinner roll, beverage, and dessert. Dessert consisted of football-shaped cut-out cookies. There was plenty to eat with many having seconds. Either before or after eating, most of our guests made their way to both the Community Clothes Closet and our Care bag tables. These people are so grateful for our kindness, and we are so grateful to the Lord that we are in a position to give.
We wish to acknowledge with thanks and gratitude some important gifts this month. Some of the cookies were donated by a good friend of the congregation. Also, a large cash contribution was received from one of our members. Thanks to all who give so generously in support of this ministry.
St. Paul’s Community Meal and Community Closet provide a free meal and clothing for all on the 2nd Friday of each month. Our next meal is Friday March 8, from 4:30 to 6:00. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
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The smiles of Phyllis and Julia are part of the joy of the meal.
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Marsha Fortune, "Head of the Kitchen," is the chief, the planner, grocery shopper, and cook. It’s quite a responsibility each month and a lot of work. She deserves recognition and our thanks.
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Jack Fortune, on right, sporting his Swiftie shirt, joined by a couple of pals.
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Sydney and Andrew offer their time in service.
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Clothes Closet: an impressive organizational feat
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After the Community Meal, guests are welcome to visit 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 (March 20)
HELP DURING SHOPPING every 2nd Friday of the Month 4:15 - 6:00pm (March 8)
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A well-organized men's department.
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Choir features new bass singer, Andy Rambler
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Andy Rambler, a junior at Firestone CLC, is the newest member of our church choir.
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Anderson (Andy) Rambler is a 16-year-old music scholar, who is dedicated to and passionate about learning, studying, and pursuing music not only currently, but also in college and professionally. Andy is a bass-baritone and studies classical voice with Denise Milner Howell, adjunct Professor of Voice at the Cleveland Institute of Music.
He is a junior in high school, attending the Akron School for the Arts at Firestone CLC, where he sings in 4 choirs, including the Madrigals Chorus, Bass Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and Symphonic Choir, where he serves as bass section leader, all under the direction of Mrs. Megan Meyer. At Firestone, Andy is an auditioned student in the theatre program, where he has performed supporting and leading roles in 10 productions, plays, and musicals.
Recent accolades Andy has been honored to receive include a Superior (I) rating in the class A category at OMEA Solo and Ensemble, a finalist at the Schmidt Classical Voice regional competition in Fall 2023, placing 3rd in the High School classical voice category in the Ohio NATS competition in Fall 2023, in which he was the highest placing male singer.
Finally, he is premiering a piece written for him by Cleveland composer Margi Griebling-Haigh in May with the Cleveland Composers Guild. Andy is incredibly honored to be singing at St. Paul’s Lutheran church, and we at St. Paul’s are so lucky he is sharing his gifts with us!
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More members of our Chancel Choir.
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Cathedral Concert Series: March 10, 5 pm
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We look forward to another visit from Hector Olivera for our Cathedral Concert Series. His concerts have always been well-attended and thoroughly enjoyed by our audiences.
INTRODUCING MAESTRO HECTOR OLIVERA:
"Born in Buenos Aires, Mr. Olivera began playing the pipe organ when he was three. At age five he played for the legendary Eva Perón; at twelve he entered the University of Buenos Aires and by eighteen had performed for heads of state and celebrities throughout Latin America. When offered a scholarship at the renowned Juilliard School of Music in New York, he moved to the United States. Three years later, Mr. Olivera’s outstanding professional concert career was launched when he won the AGO’s National Improvisation Contest.
Whether in a prestigious venue like Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, Constitution Hall, or Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, the most sophisticated and demanding organ aficionados claim that Maestro Hector Olivera is 'one of the finest organists in the world today.'" (Information as cited from his webpage listed below.)
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UA choir to sing at St. Paul's
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A LETTER FROM SHORE HAVEN LUTHERAN CHURCH
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On behalf of Shore Haven Lutheran Church, thank you for your generosity in gifting our congregation with the lovely furniture. It is an absolute blessing to us and we are so happy to have these pieces of furniture in our building to enhance our gatherings. The couches, tables, chairs, lamps, and pillows look absolutely beautiful in our lounge and fellowship areas. Our members are elated to see such a lovely change and are enjoying the comfortable setting.
God's blessings to you and your congregation with your remodeling project and best wishes on all your future endeavors. We are very grateful for this gift and thank you so much.
Yours in Christ,
Lenore Hughes
VP and Council Secretary
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A NOTE FROM CINDY SCOTT, daughter of Martha Scott
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Pastor Mark,
Words cannot describe the grateful appreciation for the "Going Home" service you facilitated for my mom. It takes a special soul to provide the guidance, prayers, organization, and intimate fellowship you fostered on my mom's behalf. . . . communion for my mom and family at home, your beautiful singing and words at her service and fostering a place for Pastor Groenke in the service. Thank you.
Much love and appreciation, Cindy, Linda, Bill, and Mike Scott.
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LETTER AND CARD FROM HEARTLAND BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
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The service project for the Adult Sunday School resulted in delivering 33 electric shavers to the Heartland Behavioral Center in Massillon.
The gifting of shavers through the generosity of the Sunday School class spans more than 65 years, even during the time the facility was known as Massillon State Hospital.
We are grateful to Marcia Wright for regularly collecting the money and buying the shavers, especially when they go on sale. The shavers are then delivered to the Center just before Christmas.
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Barb and Tom Hamilton, Dave Paul, Eleanore Grunden, Lyn Delon-Fellonsteps, Mary Hardesty, Pat Adams, Linda Shaffer, Chris Collard, Chrissy Sturtz, Carol Rohr, Mary Gainer, Will Vandevander, Adam Sadler, and Theresa.
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Please note: In order to communicate the names of those who are in need of our more immediate attention and prayers,
the names of individuals will be kept on the prayer list found in the church bulletin for one month and then,
removed. If there is an individual who needs to remain on the list, a call should be made to the church office,
requesting the name be placed on the list.
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For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well. --Psalm 139: 13-14
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March 5--Benjamin Bunting
March 6--Dana Cottle
March 8--Sydney Johnson
March 9--John Liebermann
March 12--Marsha Fortune
March 13--Sue Morgan
March 15--Rebecca Myers
March 15--Rev. Mark Kreemer
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March 15--LaShell Williamson
March 15--Marilyn Sheaters
March 15--Richard Theiss
March 17--Michael Reiman
March 18--Scott Larson
March 19--Marilyn Perkowski
March 23--Paula Kritzer
March 24--Joel Moden
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March 25--Gretchen Sekulich
March 26--Eric Myers
March 30--Carol Stoner
March 30--Wanda Evans
March 31--Nancy Morningstar
March 31--Christopher Johns
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Congratulations on your wedding anniversaries!
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Bryan & Kathleen Corbin, March 22
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John & Jennifer Stanko, March 22
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John and Jennifer, March 22, 1997.
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Dedication of new candlesticks
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A close up of one of the candlesticks dedicated on February 18. The candlestick holders were purchased on approval of the Worship and Music Committee. A separate cost was for the candles themselves. These candles are given in memory of Karl Kalk’s parents and Kathryn Myer’s husband James.
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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. Thank you!
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
Lea Lang
Scott Larson
Cindy Lash
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Kathryn Myers
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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Dan Farrar, Chair
Greg Klein
John Liebermann
Patty Long
Tracie Schmolt
John Stanko
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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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Greg Klein, Chair
Jennifer Nelson Maurer
Jackie Pritchett
Elizabeth Schehl
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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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Carol Stoner, Chair
Gary Collard
Sue Reid
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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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Lea Lang, Chair
Amy Burkett
John Liebermann
Lisa Skelly
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YOUTH AND PARISH EDUCATION
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Scott Larson, Chair
Deidra Monastra
Sue Reid
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Serving during the month of March
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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
March 3—Andrew Lang March 10—Scott Larson March 17—Karl Kalk March 24— Kathryn Myers March 28 (Maundy Thursday)—Carol Stoner March 31—Veronica Kreemer
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March 3--Cindy Lash and Scott Larson
March 10--Lea Lang and Greg Klein
March 17--Carol Stoner and Dave Stoner
March 24--Kathryn Myers and Gary Collard
March 28--Patty Long and Tracie Schmolt (Maundy Thursday)
March 31--Lea Lang and Greg Klein
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Contact Karl Kalk
March 3—Sue Ambrosic March 10—Rob Pritchett March 17—Pastor Lynn & Lashelle Williamson
March 24—Dick & Robyn Cordes
March 31—Gary Collard
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Contact Dick Longworth
Gary Collard
Chris Hall
Shane Jackson
Craig Maurer
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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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To give an idea of one of the features available to you with My Church, here is a screen shot of the St. Paul's Events page.
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Reminder, 2023 Thrivent Choice Dollars expire on March 31st. St Paul's is one of your choices. To direct your dollars, go to Thrivent.com or refer to the February Bridge.
The Thrivent materials listed in the last bulletin are available in the links below:
Thrivent Choice
Action Teams
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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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