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Pastor Matthew S. Lash6517 Finzel RdWhitehouse, OH 43571
419-877-0607www.commofchrist.org
from the Pastor
Join us on Facebook Live!
Worship & Sacrament
Sunday 9am
Worship ServicesAvailable on the net
www.commofchrist.org
Church Office Hours8:30-12 noon
Monday – Friday
Call Pastor MattFor personal communion,
counsel or an appointment
419-877-0607
Love your Neighbor Social DistanceWear your Mask
Be Safe & Sensitive
October 2020
This probably won’t conclude with any
great spiritual truth. This edition of “From
the Pastor” may not be anything
profound. I’m not even sure it’s God-
inspired. And yet, if God gets the credit
for thoughts that ‘pop’ (at least the good thoughts) into my head throughout the
day---I guess God should still get the
credit.
I am sitting at my computer this Saturday
morning asking myself, “What do you miss, Matt?”. And by the way, for those
who of you who may think I’m perfectly
happy with virtual worship/Facebook live/
video/ recording/ standing before a
camera on Wednesday and Sunday----if
you think I’m just hunky-dory with it all—you are wrong.
I miss you. I miss you—and so much, a
lot. This morning, I offer you my list.
I miss seeing the back row filled with same folks at 8:00 a.m.
I miss my faithful fifty at 4:00 on Saturday
afternoon.
I miss Gavin.
I miss Ava.
I miss Natalie. I miss Emma.
I miss Jillian.
I miss my teens. A LOT.
I miss/ed Big Stuf.
I miss the person who sits in the third row
and sleeps through every sermon.I miss John and Robin in the front row.
I miss seeing the Pitchford family in the
same row, every Sunday.
What do I miss?
I miss noise in the building.
I miss Paul making coffee in the morning.
I miss the smiles.
I miss the laughter.
I miss hugging.
I miss a firm handshake.I miss sharing the peace.
I miss placing bread into your hands.
I miss hearing you sing.
I miss Sunday Bible Study.
I miss helping an acolyte get a robe on.
I miss a smile in the middle of a sermon.I miss welcoming the visitor.
I miss the voices of choir, the sound of
handbells.
I miss standing with you in prayer when we
lose a dear member.
I miss making plans with people.And I could go on….
I Miss the COMMUNITY of Christ Lutheran
Church.
I pray you are healthy while reading this. I pray
you will remain safe. I pray that we never forget how precious are the people of God.
I pray that in a day God has set aside—We will
return to the house of the Lord unencumbered
by restrictions, fully prepared to shout to the
Lord praises and more praises!
I will say it again….No matter what hard
decisions face us all….Please be assured….
I miss you.
Peace
Pastor Matt
WORSHIP
WORSHIP LIFE in OCTOBERFriends, these worship plans are current as of Sunday, September 27th. They
are tentative. Should there be a schedule change, you will be informed as soon as possible. Thank you.
Sunday, October 4 18th Sunday of PentecostMessage LOVE LETTERS“Walking on Pavement!”
Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, October 1119th Sunday of PentecostMessage LOVE LETTERS
“Pins& Needles”Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.
Sunday, October 1820th Sunday of PentecostMessage LOVE LETTERS“Hopes & Expectations”
Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.
Reformation Sunday, October 25Message LOVE LETTERS“But Now…”
Worship & Holy Communion 9:00 a.m.
Council held a special meeting on Tuesday
September 29 to meet Pastor Marcus Lohrmann, Immediate Past Bishop of the Northwest Ohio Synod, and consider his
leadership as a "coach" through the transition process. In our "Get Acquainted" session, Pastor Lohrmann ask us where we
are now, and where we want to be in 3 years. We discussed ways that the Holy Spirit might stretch us in our ministry as a
church.
The next meeting of the church council is
Tuesday, October 13.
OUR PROCESS
TOWARDS THE
CALL OF A PASTOR
Thank you for Participating! We gathered over 250 opinions regarding your thoughts on “In
person Worship”. The results are posted below. Our elected church council leaders are responsible to set the direction of the
life and worship of the congregation. This discussion will occur
at our church council gathering on Tuesday, October 13th. We
will keep you updated with any decisions that may result from
this gathering. Please continue to support and pray for your church family! Stay safe. Stay healthy. Embrace God’s grace!
WORSHIP
All Saints Day, Nov 1st Join us for a holy remembrance of
family and friends who rest in the
Kingdom of heaven. Pastor Matt will
share the names of those you have
provided for us. We will toll the bell in
remembrance as we celebrate the
Saints of faith! PLEASE EMAIL THE
NAMES OF LOVED ONES AND
FRIENDS WHO REST WITH THE
LORD. We will respectfully include
each name in the prayer of the
Church. ([email protected])
Mid Week Worship Services Our thanks to staff and volunteers who
assisted with the ‘mid-week-pick-me-
up’ worship services. Thank you for
viewing and letting us know you
enjoyed these services. Our
Wednesday night services began
during the Lenten season with Pastor
developing a variety of different
themes and messages for each month
following. We have prayed for the
needs of our world, community,
congregation, family, and friends. As
our members and friends, become
busier with fall activities and
commitments, we decided to
conclude these mid-week worship
services on Wednesday, September
30th. Thanks be to God for His
encouraging Word!
Results of the voting about who would attend in-
person worship showed 100 responses "Yes" and
163 "No". This represents a 38% in favor and 62%
opposed. Approximately 70 people would be
willing to assist. The survey was taken to sample
the congregations feelings at this time. Council will
consider these statistics as one of the factors in
making their decision about holding in-person
worship.
Big Stuf Survey! Our church office has sent out a ‘survey’ to measure the interest of
Junior High & High school students who desire to attend the 2021 BIG STUF CAMP during the month of June.
We will need 3 adult sponsors to support and attend the trip. A
15.00 non-refundable deposit will be required.
PLEASE RESPOND TO THE SURVEY AND WE WILL CONTACT
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED. Thank you!
*As of Sunday, September 27 Big Stuf is planning summer camps
and is currently receiving registrations.
We appreciate the
music Eric provides on
Wednesday and
Sunday.
If you would like to
participate and assist
our morning or evening
worship with an
instrument, solo or
offering of music,
please contact the
church office!
We would love to
welcome you!
ACTIVITIES
Youth Ministries
Since the beginning of the
pandemic, we have
provided our children and
young people with weekly
craft activities!
These resources will
continue to be available
outside the church doors
on Sunday and Monday.
Please pick up a resource
for your elementary age
child and enjoy some
family time sharing the
fun of God’s Word!
Children’s Craft & Activity!
Blessings in these difficult times!
Confirmation –JUNIOR HIGH MINISTRY! We are enjoying an awesome study! Our teens are celebrating
the GREATEST ACTIVITY of God in the Old & New Testament.
Our confirmation instruction currently meets TWICE weekly;
Sunday morning, 10:30 a.m. & Thursday evening, 7:30 p.m. We
meet ‘virtually’ over ZOOM. Our parents have asked for Pastor Matt to confirm their teens before his retirement at the end of the
year. After completing 22 weeks of instruction, our students will be
prepared for confirmation on Sunday, December 13th. Tentative plans have been made for individual family confirmation
experiences. (subject to change)
Teens Confirmed on Sunday, October 18th
Two of our teens, with a limited amount of family will gather for a brief service of confirmation on Sunday, October 18th. Please
keep Josh Kohntopp and Anna Rasmusson in your prayers as they are blessed with this significant step of faith!
_
PARISH EDUCATION
Pastor’s Weekly ZOOM Bible Study---NEVER ALONE! Come and be renewed in God’s Word, and
the latest release by author and Pastor,
Max Lucado. Join us and rejoice in the
assurance of the real presence of Christ our Lord. Pastor Matt leads us in scripture,
while we also enjoy a segment of teaching
from Pastor Lucado Join us on Thursday
afternoons, 1:00-2:00 p.m. Our study
begins on October 1 and concludes on Thursday, November 19. CALL THE
CHURCH—WE WILL PROVIDE YOU A
LINK TO ZOOM SO WE MIGHT SAFELY
GATHER.
Growing in God’s Holy Word
Holy Communion Preparation?
Do you have a youngster who is ready to receive the
Sacrament of Holy
Communion? Pastor Matt
will meet with a small group (Less than 10) to teach the
basics of God’s sacrament of
forgiveness and grace.
Please call the church office and Pastor Matt will
schedule two sessions for
instruction.
(419) 877-0607.
STOLES FOR CONFIRMANDS!
This year’s second year students will be confirmed in the month of December. We are in need of sewers to prepare
stoles for the students. If you would like to Volunteer, please contact the church office. We will provide the fabric and designs---all the help you need!
Can you help?Please contact Pastor’s assistant, Michelle Gebhart,
419 877-0607.
YOUTH EDUCATION
2020 December Confirmation
Students
Emma Abraham
Will Baden
Maci Bartley
Avya Bartley
Mariah Britsch
Tyler Britsch
Avery Jones
Cate Malohn
Will Malohn
Emili Pollock
Lucas Ray
Avery Rozick
Ethan Rozick
Lydia Smucker
Anna Swartz
Josh Kohntopp Anna Rasmusson
OUTREACH
Community of Christ ANGEL TREE!
Community of Christ will meet the needs of neighborhood families in South Toledo this season! The Angel Tree board will be located in the main hallway of our gathering area.
You will be WELCOME to come and select a specific child to bless this Thanksgiving & Christmas season!
Gifts will be returned to the church on a date in early December. Watch for more information.
Genacross—‘ADOPT A GRANDPARENT’
We will continue to provide the NAMES of those who do not have family and reside in our care facilities throughout Toledo. This outreach will begin in
November. Please watch for an opportunity to care!
ANTHONY WAYNE FOOD PANTRY
During the month of October we are hosting a food drive for the local community! Please deliver your staples to the church! Boxes are marked, “Food
Pantry”.
All generous gifts will be shared with needed families
and individuals at the end of the month.Thank you! You can bring your GIFTS TODAY! 😊
We are grateful for those offerings that are received. Your gifts to the mission of the church keep us strong
and able to meet the costs of our ministries. Thank you for sharing your
faithful offering with your congregation!
2020 BUILDING & GENERAL
FUND ANALYSIS
SIMPLY GIVING PROGRAMa regular electronic withdrawal that supports your congregation when
you are out of town.
Let us be cheerful givers to the Lord!
2020 OFFERING
ENVELOPES
Our weekly offering envelopes include weekend offerings, Lenten Wednesdays, Holy week, Easter,
Thanksgiving, Advent services and more!
If you have questions as to how to complete your weekly offering,
please contact the church office.
PLEASE REMEMBER ---we offer an electronic offering, (Simply
Giving) that will withdraw your support automatically from your
account.
THANK YOU FOR GIVING TO THE
LORDS WORK AT COMMUNITY OF CHRIST AND THE ENTIRE
CHURCH!
STEWARDSHIP
Our Church Council gathers by ZOOM on the second
Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m.
You are always welcome to be part of the conversation.
You may attend as an observer, OR you are welcome to address the council on any topic related to church life.
PLEASE CONTACT THE CHURCH OFFICE SO WE MAY SEND YOU A LINK TO OUR NEXT GATHERING.
Please pray for our church leaders.
Our next meetings:
Tuesday, October 13
Tuesday, November 10
COUNCIL NEWS
Council Minutes are E-MAILED TO ALL MEMBERS once they are approved by council action. If we do not have your email, please contact the church office, and provide us with your current email. We
invite you to keep in touch with all the important decisions that are being made at church council each
month.
Council Nominees! We are currently receiving nominees for 6 Council positions. One position is a one-year term. These
positions of leadership are important as we move into a process of call and deliberation for a new pastor.
If you want your voice heard, this is a perfect time to serve your church family. Please contact Pastor
Matt, our Vice President, Matt Dewitz or council member, Stephanie Phillips. Thank you.
Thanks to those who joined the first Zoom Bible Study!
Please remember the following members who
are ill, shut in, or recently hospitalized:
Dayle Reed – Care for cancer
Mike & Betty McSurley – Rehab, recovery from Covid
Dennis Rober –
The family of Paul Oden
The family of Loisan Merritt
The family of Lois Nofzinger
Please remember them in your daily prayers.
Thank you.
Praying for God’s People
Memorial Funds & Gifts
Community of Christ is grateful to receive funds in memory or in honor of loved ones. You may
select from the following funds:
Building Reduction Fund
Music FundStained Glass Fund
Landscape & Ground FundYouth Ministry Fund
BLESSINGS & PRAYERS
We Rejoice with Wedding Bells!We rejoice with Taylor Wise & Steven Despoth who were married by Pastor
Matt at the home of Gary & Nadine Wise
on Saturday, September 27th.
We Rejoice in Water & Word! We rejoice with those who are planning baptisms in October & November;
• Sunday, October 4, The Baptism of Harper Korb
• Monday, October 12, The Baptism of
Lucas Rardin
• Sunday, October 25, The Baptism of Asher Ortner
Let us pray for the family of Rosalie
Baumbach (mother of Marlene LaChine). Pastor served at her funeral on Saturday,
September 12. May the Lord Jesus comfort you in the days ahead.
October Birthdays!
10/01 Brian Smucker
10/01 Jillian Dewitz
10/01 Karen Schroeder
10/01 Kurtis Lutz
10/01 Linda Ayres
10/01 Lydia Smucker
10/01 Vicki Keil
10/02 Debbie Warner
10/02 Marie Sheets
10/02 Mary Jo Bright
10/03 Amy Bartley
10/03 Grant Delas
10/03 James Fischer
10/04 Elizabeth Brenneman
10/04 Keith Carpenter
10/05 Kyle Ruhe
10/07 Nadine Wise
10/07 Robyn Spilker
10/08 Dayle Reed
10/08 Kyle Gebhart
10/09 Matthew Davis
10/11 Emily Steinman
10/11 Jill Bocian
10/14 Alicia Lipinski
10/14 Dawn Ray
10/14 Joshua Hartbarger
10/14 Neil Nutter
10/14 Richard Knight
10/14 Sara Boehly
10/15 Teegan Winkelman
10/16 Dean Nofzinger
10/18 Brandy Outly
10/18 Kraig Keil Jr.
10/18 Maggie Meyers
10/19 Carol Heuerman
10/19 Jeffrey Johnson
10/19 Natalie Dewitz
10/20 Andrew Carman
10/20 Mike McSurley
10/20 Zoe Spilker
10/22 Doris Disher
10/22 James Matthews
10/23 Ellen Nowak
10/26 Evonne Johnson
10/29 Flo Hannum
10/29 Pat Lutz
10/30 Greg Brenneman
10/30 John Cedargren
10/31 Autumn Gebhart
10/31 Will Malohn
www.commofchrist.org6517 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571
Like us on Facebook
Community of Christ Lutheran ChurchFollow us on twitter
@commofchrist
Our Church Office Hours:
8:30 am - Noon (Monday through Friday).
NOTES & REMINDERS
College Students and Families!
Would you do us a favor? Please provide the church
office with an updated picture of your college daughter or son! We would like to post their year, and the University they currently attend!
WE PLAN TO POST THEIR PICTURES IN THE
NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER.
We would love to bless your students by staying connected! Pray for your college kids! 😊