Upcoming Events

July 5   Office closed
July 10 ARC Blood Drive

July 31  Relay Bus Trip
July 31  ARC Blood Drive

Worship Schedule

July 4 thru & including Aug. 29

9:30 a.m.

Why Worship Matters

“Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deed, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another … Through Jesus, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God” (Hebrews 10:24-25; 13:15-16)

One of my former seminary professors, Dr. Powell, often tells the story of a conversation he once had with a student about worship. The student told the professor that he hadn’t settled into one congregation because he thought that most worship services were boring. He would attend Bible studies, but not worship. This piqued the interest of Dr. Powell, so he asked the student some questions to learn more about his boredom in worship. Hearing how much the student loved Jesus and loved being a Christian, Dr. Powell asked: “Would you die for Jesus?” The student enthusiastically replied: “Yes, I would give my life for Jesus”, the student proclaimed. Dr. Powell replied: “Then why won’t you be bored for Jesus?”

The Letter to the Hebrews in our Christian Bible was written some 60 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Scholars debate over to whom the letter was written, but it is clear that the letter was written to a Christian community that had existed through several generations of believers. At the time of the letter, Christians were facing various threats from political, cultural, and economic forces. The excitement of Jesus’ resurrection was wearing off, especially in the face of social ridicule, shame, and abuse toward those who participated in Christian activities.

The result was that increasing numbers of Christians stopped going to worship. The Greek word translated “neglecting” above has a much stronger meaning: Christians were “abandoning” worship altogether. Among other things, Christians were abandoning worship because they didn’t feel that worship was necessary for personal faith, particularly if worship meant having to face ridicule from neighbors and friends.

The Letter to the Hebrews was included in the Bible as a reminder to all Christians that worship with other Christians in the house of God is necessary for Christian faith. It is something that God expects and desires of us. We Americans often feel that worship is a personal choice – a personal freedom – made by the individual and the individual alone. The author of Hebrews knew better, though. Worshipping God with other Christians in a common space is necessary in our relationship with God.

The past two years have been a struggle for St. Paul Lutheran. High hopes turned to disappointment in calling a new pastor; economic troubles that cause us to be afraid about our future; family, friends, and neighbors we have had to say goodbye to: there is much to be anxious about. But, worship is not one of them.

Worship is about service to God and to God alone. The words in Hebrews ring just as true today as they did 2,000 years ago: “let us not neglect to meet together, but encourage one another”. In times of trouble and anxiety, give yourself over to the worship of God. Your whole self, not just your Sunday best self. God wants your boredom. God wants your frustration. God wants your anxiety. God wants your worship. Pastor Johnson
 

 Please check with the office in relation to scheduling. In the meanwhile our continued thanks go to our assisting ministers for parish leadership and for the care our homebound members continue to receive from Jim Illencik, Karen Battin-Vitale and Shirley Gardner.

COUNCIL NEWS

NEOS ASSEMBLY SUMMARY – May, 2010

The meeting was held at John Knight Center in Akron. Sue Kemp and myself were joined by Pastor Zimmann as we registered as representatives of St. Paul.

Most of Friday morning involved Synod business. The adoption of the agenda, establishing rules of procedure, reports and announcements took up the morning. Committee reports and election of representatives to theses committees followed.

Next came four resolutions. The first resolution, submitted by First Lutheran, Beach City would have created a non-geographical “Federal Ministries Synod” consisting of military personnel and their families. Upon hearing many ex-military or retired military chaplains speak in opposition to its passage, the resolution was voted down.

The second resolution was submitted by Hope Parish (Lordstown, Newton Falls, St. Mark, Emmanuel) and would have memorialized the 2011 Churchwide Assembly to rescind the actions on ministerial policies enacted by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly and to reinstate those policies that were in effect prior to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. Discussion ensued and continued for some time. Many congregations, citing Scriptural authority in all matters, spoke in favor of adopting the resolution. Probably an equal number spoke in opposition – what’s done is done. In the end, the resolution was defeated by, what we estimated to be, a super-majority (2/3).

The third resolution was submitted by First Lutheran of Beach city and supported by Holy Trinity of Mansfield and would have instructed the 2011 Churchwide Assembly to reconsider and remove the social statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust”. Discussion seemed less enthusiastic than that of the previous resolution and those on the side of the majority seemed perturbed prompting Bishop Eaton to remind the assembly of the provision to respect each other’s “bound conscience”. The resolution was defeated by a similar majority.

The fourth resolution, submitted by Advent Lutheran of Mentor, provides that the NEOS Synod and its member congregations support and sustain Lutheran Campus Ministry through prayer and offering. The resolution was adopted.

The keynote speaker was Rev. Dr. Gemechis Buba, ELCA Director for African National Ministries. He gave a very moving address of mission outreach in third world countries. His entire speech is available on CD & DVD through the Synod office.
Jim Illencik, Council President
 

HOME MINISTRY CONTINUES
Karen Battin-Vitale, Shirley Gardner, Jim Illencik and Rodger Bartlett continue the ministry of visiting our members who are homebound or hospitalized. If you, or someone you know, is homebound, please call the church office.
 

PLUS FUND UPDATE…The narthex chart indicates gifts received of $6,217.00 to date. The purpose of this fund is to encourage “above and beyond” gifts to offset shortages in relation to congregation expenses. Envelopes marked “Plus Fund” are recorded separately.

Naomi  - Financial Secretary

The Helping Hand Tree in the Narthex needs your help.

A tree grows in the narthex sprouting spaces for gift cards and cash.
Pick one (or more) from the tree to help replenish our Helping Hand Fund which is now very low. Your help is needed and greatly appreciated.

HELP US GET CREDIT WITH THRIVENT FINANCIAL…
Whenever you are making a clothing donation to the Clothes closet, ask for a receipt.

Give the receipt to our Church Advocate, BONNIE THOMPSON, who will keep a total of the good thing we are doing in our community, thus allowing our church to qualify for some Care in Community funds from Thrivent.
 

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS TRAINING @ LORDSTOWN LUTHERAN CHURCH        July 17           Registration at 8:30 a.m.

Training 9:00 – 3:00 p.m.

See Bonnie Thompson for more details

330- 847-7284

Ruth Circle
No meeting in July


REBEKAH CIRCLE

The Rebekah Circle is planning a fun night out with dinner and a musical on Friday, July 23.
Dinner will be at 6:00 at Enzo’s followed by “Oliver” at KSU Trumbull.
Any one wishing to attend are to RSVP to Sue Kemp, Diana Bauman, or the church office by July 21

The Strawberry Social was well attended! All of the food items were donated by Ruth and Rebekah Circle members and the proceeds of $721.25 were given to the church.

HonorFlight
is an organization that provides FREE trips to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, DC. Applications are processed in the order they were received. For more information check the bulletin board or visit www.HonorFlight.com for more information.

Here is a n opportunity to meet and thank a real hero. Ted Moran is a Bataan Death March survivor. His story appeared on the front page of the Warren Tribune dated September 1, 2009.

Christian Education News
July 2010

*** It is NOT too soon to plan next year!!!

The Education Committee will not meet in July. The next meeting for the Education Committee will be Monday, August 2^nd  at 6:30PM in the parlor. Our topic will be Rally Day!!! Anyone who would like to join us in the mission of spiritual growth through Christian Education is invited to attend! Anyone unable to attend but willing to donate their time and talents can contact any of the committee members: Sue Kemp, Debbie Bartlett, Naomi Prox, Kay Pajannan, or Teri Lacy.

                                          - Teri

The Education Committee would like to thank everyone involved in our 2010 Vacation Bible School!

2010 Vacation Bible School  

St. Paul teamed up with Central Christian Church to provide another wonderful VBS experience for the children of both congregations and the children in our community! Over 40 children were encouraged to love God from their head to their feet as they took part in Bible study, crafts, skits, movement, as well as singing contemporary music, and well-loved hymns and songs. Thank you to Sue Kemp, Kay Pajannan, Debbie Bartlett, Amy Martin, Rachel Skoczylas, Kelly Hutchinson, Anna and Kate Lacy, and Emily and Molly Martin for their help in this important mission!!!

RELAY FOR LIFE WRAP-UP

   The St. Paul Relay for Life team has completed another successful year and would like to thank everyone for their continued support and encouragement.

     Our award winning team received much recognition and includes awards for:

            1^st Place – Best T-shirt

            1^st place – Best Banner

            1^st place – Most money raised on site

            1^st place – Best Coffee

1^st place – Best Serious Talent

1^st place – Frozen T-shirt contest

1^st place – opening lap/Church Division

2^nd place – Opening Lap Overall

1^st  place – Best Campsite/Church Division

2^nd place – Best Campsite/Overall

3^rd place – Best Late Nite snack

  We would like to congratulate our 24 hour walkers – Debbie Bartlett and Joe Sarko for their endurance and determination; and thank Pastor and Marilyn for their support and participation.

  Despite the inclement weather, St. Paul Lutheran Church was a meaningful presence and displayed our role as a loving and caring congregation.

Co-Chairs:  Diana Bauman and James Illencik

WEAR YOUR NAME TAG! Please remember to wear your name tag on Sunday morning.
Your tag identifies you as a member of St. Paul and will help Pastor learn your name. The name tag also helps ushers and greeters to identify visitors. There are still people who do not know each other in the congregation; and at times, we all could use a little help putting a name and face together to find the right person! The proper place for your name tag is on your right shoulder.

From the Social Ministry Committee The Social Ministry Committee will serve free lunches at St. Vincent de Paul on the first Friday of each month. You are invited to help us in providing this important ministry. If you are interested, please contact Karen Battin-Vitale. ****Please Note – We will  resume our regular schedule on June 4, 2010.****

Introductions and variations From the Choir Director—Organist 

Liturgy Factoid

“Is it Biblical?”

Each Sunday, we, the people of God, come together to celebrate in various ways. Lutherans celebrate using a form of service referred to as The Great Thanksgiving, Holy Communion, Divine Worship, Holy Mass. We refer to our form of worship as Liturgical or having “Liturgy”. What does this mean? The word comes from the ancient Greek, leitourgia, meaning simply ‘the work of the people’. It is the culmination of the peoples’ work presented on Sunday morning as our oblation and thanksgiving to God. How biblical then is our Leitourgia? Below is a list of the “Ordinary” of the Evangelical Mass (as Luther calls it):

– Kyrie (Matt 15:22; 17:15; 20:30-31; cf. Ps 123:3)

– Gloria (Luke 2:14; cf. Rev 4:11; 5:11-14)

– This is the Feast (Rev. 5)

– Holy, Holy, Holy (Isa 6:3; Rev 4:8)

– Lamb of God (John 1:29, 36; cf. Rev 5:6-13; 22:1-3)

As you can see, our “Ordinary” is completely, totally, Biblical. In next month’s newsletter, we’ll show you the “propers” and how they are completely Biblical.


 

The Evangelism Committee

Book of Faith
Please read and participate in the reading of the Bible. The synod has provided us with a schedule of what to read for the Epiphany Season. You are encouraged to gather together to read, discuss and ask questions regarding the readings.

Newspaper Ads The advertisement for our church each Saturday in the Tribune-Chronicle costs $20/week. Please consider making a donation in a loved one’s name for $20. Your loved one’s name will be listed in the Seasons. Thank you in advance! The Evangelism Committee


HOUSE OF WORSHIP Program

Please keep in mind that St. Paul’s is now enrolled in the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program with Sherwin-Williams.

This is a program where you will save 20% on regular priced merchandise and 5% on all sale priced merchandise.

Each time someone uses one of the cards at any Sherwin-Williams store, a percentage is reimbursed to St. Paul’s. Please share these cards with friends and neighbors, which are located in the narthex on the information table.

EMMANUEL CLOTHES CLOSET

The Emmanuel Clothes Closet is in need of Clothing and Linens:

New or used Bedding
Sheets and pillowcases
Blankets
Kitchen towels
Bath towels
Seasonal Clothing
New Underwear

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Second Harvest Food Bank is in need of volunteers to sort through and re-box food. If you can spare
a few hours a week, please call 330-792-5522. The Food Bank is located at 2805 Salt Springs Road
(off Meridian) in Youngstown.

FOOD COLLECTION...Thank you to all who have been bringing groceries for our shopping cart! The following items will be donated to Emmanuel’s food pantry. They are always in need of canned goods with a pull top.  JULY: mac & cheese, Canned meats (no tuna), pudding and Jello ready made cups, Ramen noodles.

EVANGELISM INFORMATION

Judy Muehlbauer is the chair for our Evangelism Committee.

She and the committee ask that each member of St. Paul be an active disciple for outreach by
handing out Discipleship Cards and inviting people to come to our church.

The cards are available on the table in the Narthex.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Write your prayer concerns on the Prayer Cards in the pews and drop them into the offering plate. Remember to call the church office with hospital information.

Remembering those with health issues: Susan Huffman, April Williams, Fred Larson, Elaine & Ron Benka, Jeanette Meardith, Chris Maurice, Charles English, Gabriel Baumgartner.

Remembering with special needs: John Conti, Virginia Lau, Helen Nelson.

Remembering in Military Service: Joe Baudo, Jonathan Whaley, Christopher Alley, Ryan Romack, Justin Harvey, Adam Turner, Adam Dempsey, Michael Maradin.

Rejoicing in Birthdays: 7/1 George Calugar, Kara Eaton 7/3 Nicole Baumgartner, Andrew Thirion 7/6 Georgia Mikola, Todd Waldron 7/7 James Gore, Ernestine Leonard, Emily Thirion 7/8 Chris Cesta 7/9 Ruth Gross 7/10 Kirk Groves 7/11 Edna Cooper, Craig Stevens 7/12 Tim Martin 7/15 Ron Benka, 7/17 Sarah Bartlett, Heidi Lapmardo 7/18 Shirlee Chambers, Ean Dodge, Ethan Dodge, Lisa Husted 7/19 Sandy Stevens 7/21 Erika Lapmardo 7/23 Megan Marchionda 7/25 Wayne Kemp 7/26 Joan Lewis 7/28 Elizabeth Campbell, Tom Colarich 7/29 Deborah Whaley 7/30 Emma Stewart 7/31 Brenda Hart, Chris Maurice

INTERCESSORY PRAYER FOR YOU

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)

If you’re in need of prayer, your special prayer request can be made known to our prayer chain leader Phyllis Kreitler at 330-898-3307.

We would like to have more persons on the prayer chain. If you would like to be involved with this prayer ministry, call Lucille or Phyllis and you can become a powerful link in our prayer chain.

GIFT OF SIGHT PROGRAM

A box has been placed in the narthex to collect your old eyeglasses. The Lions Club International
is working with LensCrafters to recycle the glasses and provide free optical services to the needy
around the world. Please bring in your old glasses!!

American Red Cross Blood Drawing at
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
SATURDAY, July 10 & July 31

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Note: You may donate every 56 days if you are at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds
and are in good health.

Give the gift of life. . .please donate blood!

FROM THE HISTORY Committee...

the Committee wishes to make the following request: when submitting any information for our use, such as pictures, articles, etc., it is imperative that everything be marked with name, date and name of event. This information will be incorporate into our record. Thanks for assisting in this matter.

DUE TO NEW REGULATIONS…

In the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), churches and clergy can no longer make written or oral public announcements of health information regarding our members. Thus, unless specifically requested by a member to share other information, we are only able to indicate where a person is hospitalized or that they have been discharged.

Memorials

Do you have a will?
Please consider St. Paul Endowment Fund in your will.

Shepherd of the Valley

Independent Living

Are you tired of mowing the grass, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or just maintaining a home?

Shepherd of the Valley’s retirement homes and apartments allow you to live an independent life,
meet new friends, and leave the worries of home maintenance behind.

Call 1-877-768-0022 for more information or take a tour during an open house at Howland, Niles or
Poland every Sunday from 1-4 p.m.

The Alzheimer’s Assistance and Referral Network
meets at St. Paul on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00p.m.

This is a support group for families and care givers of Alzheimer’s victims.

DEADLINE FOR SEASON ARTICLES

The Deadline for articles, stories, committee reports and items of interest for the SEASONS will always be the 3rd Sunday of each month. Please have your WRITTEN articles to the church office by that date or e-mail your article to Mary at mpclaney@aol.com. Thank you!

St. Paul Servants for JULY, 2010

LECTORS
4 Georgia Mikola
11
18 Rachael Skoczylas
25 Kelly Hutchison


FLOWER DELIVERY
4 Alix Hannan
11 Heidi Colarich
18 Renee Stewart
25 Peggy Skoczylas



COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
4 Karen Battin-Vitale, Wayne Kemp

18 Carol & Wally Hipple


ALTAR CARE  Brenda Ceplecci

CHURCH CLOSING Georgia Mikola

VISITOR NOTES  Judy Muehlbauer

ACOLYTES   9:30 worship (agreed dates by parish youth)
4 Taylor Bartlett
Crossbearer

11 Natalie Halavick

18 Nate Sutton
Crossbearer

27 Emily Martin
Crossbearer Savannah Foltz


Acolytes: Please be present ten minutes before the service begins.

If you are unable to acolyte as scheduled, please trade with one of the other acolytes and notify the church office of the change 330– 394-5741.

Thank you for your help! We count on you to be here!

ASSISTING MINISTERS

4 Diana Bauman
18 Terry Ceplecci


USHERS
Georgia Mikola, Wally Hipple, Tom and Peggy Skoczylas

FUNERAL DINNERS
Julythru September: Carol Hipple, Lillian Barbutes, June Hutchison, Margaret Kraynak, Phyllis Biery
 

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