` One of my favorite Christmas holiday songs, is not a Christmas carol, but an “Epiphany carol.” It is “The March of the Kings.” I have sung the piece with several choirs and always wished I could sing the bass part, but have had to settle for the tenor part.

Three wise men were seen at early morn with all their retinue were proudly marching, Trappings fine their camels did adorn, for they were hasting to the recent born

With gifts of gold brought from far away and valiant warriors to guard their kingly treasure,

With robes of splendor and banners gay, and shields all shining in their bright array.

I have often wondered about those wise men. What possessed them to come leave their own country with such regal gifts and travel so far to find the infant Jesus? The wise men tell Herod that they had seen a star rising in the heavens which told them of his birth. But the question is still unanswered, why would they leave the comfort of their own homes and travel to a distant land to worship present gifts and worship the new born king?

The stars must gave told these sages that this was no ordinary king if they were to worship him. Isaiah describes this infant child as “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace.” The angel tells Joseph that this infant is Emmanuel or “He saves.” This child is not just a new born king. This child was God’s presence in our world.

So what brought the wise men to travel so far to seek the infant Jesus? It was not a star, nor was it signs in the heavens. It must have been the Holy Spirit. It was the Holy Spirit which brought the wise men to the infant Jesus.

That very same Spirit rests upon each and every one of us. At our baptisms we were given the same Spirit. That same Spirit drives us to seek the Lord Jesus. That same Spirit calls us not to give gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh; but rather a gift infinitely more precious, the gift of ourselves to the infant Jesus. The odd thing is that when we give the gift of ourselves, we find the blessings the king offers us in return are much greater than what we could ever offer him.

This Epiphany Season may we join the wise men on their journey to the infant Jesus. May we offer him the most precious gift of all – ourselves.

Blessings,

Pastor Dan

ST

.P

AU

L’S

E

VA

NG

EL

IC

AL

LU

TH

ER

AN

C

HU

RC

H

P A S T O R ’ S P E R S P E C T I V E

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

F R O M Y O U R

C O U N C I L

P R E S I D E N T

2

C O M M U N I T Y

C A N D L E L I G H T

W A L K

3

H E A L T H K I T S 4

T H A N K Y O U ,

I N H O N O R &

B I R T H D A Y S

5

Y O U T H N E W S 6

P R O J E C T B L U E 7

C O M M U N I T Y

M E A L & C L O S E T

7

W O W , O M E G A ,

S N I P - N - S T I T C H

8

F R I E N D S H I P

C I R C L E , B E L L

C H O I R S &

M U S I C N O T E S

8

C O M M U N I O N

B R E A D B A K E R S

9

S A L V A T I O N

A R M Y &

M A K E - A - W A Y

9

S E R V E R

S C H E D U L E

1

0

C A L E N D A R 1

1

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

F R O M Y O U R C O U N C I L P R E S I D E N T

Page 2 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

As we start into a new year I would like to take a moment to

thank all the many volunteers we have at St. Paul’s. We have a

tremendous staff but without the large numbers of congregation

members volunteering their time and talents in all areas of ministry

we would not be able to accomplish all the things that we do. Some do a lot and some just help out here and

there but the end result is much more than any of us could accomplish alone.

I would also like to thank the Community Candlewalk Committee for recognizing St. Paul’s as the community

member/organization that was chosen to be honored for 2016. They recognized us for helping the

community and in particular for helping out St. Mary’s by sharing our facilities and

showing goodwill towards our neighboring congregation.

At our December Council meeting we voted to continue to have our traditional service

at 10:00 am after St. Mary’s returns to their building. This was recommended by the

worship and music committee and it was felt that it is best for the greatest number of

people to keep our current schedule. It will allow for children’s Sunday school to meet

before the service for a longer period of time than they currently meet. Patty Long’s

adult study group will continue to meet following the service. The Praise Service

schedule is under discussion but for the time being will remain at 11:45. The possibility

was discussed that we may have an additional early service during the summer months

to better serve those with plans for activities later in the day.

Council also voted on two other motions regarding exploring improving the lighting in the church.

Property and Management will look into stage type lighting to better light groups performing on the steps

between the pulpit and the lectern and also look at improving the general lighting in the building possibly

using LED lighting to make the church brighter. They will then bring the results of their studies back to Council

for possible action.

Council will be having a half day retreat on January 7th to work on developing some strategic plans for moving

St. Paul’s forward into the future. We will determine what programs we want to concentrate on and what

things we should be spending our time, energy and money on in the coming years. These plans may be

updated once we have a new full time pastor but at least we will have figured out what seem to be the best

courses of action at this point in time.

Greg Klein,

Church Council President

“Volunteers

aren’t paid—not

because they

are worthless,

but because

they are

priceless.”

Page 3 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Massillon kicks off holidays with community tradition

Beautiful singing by the soft glow of candlelight. Sharing cookies and cocoa with friends, family and the community. Model trains clickety-clacking through tunnels and around miniature villages. Historic churches and beloved local landmarks decked in all their glory. And luminarias guiding the way.

The treasured tradition of the Community Candlelight Walk returned to downtown Massillon on Sunday night. The free event kicked off the holiday season for some, and gave others a peek inside the beautifully-decorated churches and historic buildings all in one magical evening.

C O M M U N I T Y C A N D L E L I G H T W A L K

People filed into St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church for two identical music and candlelighting ceremonies and enjoyed the talented voices and musicians from Washington High School and St. Paul’s. Since fire damaged St. Mary’s Catholic Church last year, which traditionally housed the grand finale for the candlelight walk, two ceremonies were at St. Paul’s to accommodate the large crowd.

And, appropriately, the congregation of St. Paul’s was chosen as this year’s honoree for the candlelighting ceremony because of how the church opened its doors to St. Mary’s parishioners for church and special events.

Margy Vogt, chairperson of this year’s event, said this was the first year the walk committee had a nomination process for the honoree. Members agreed unanimously to select St. Paul’s, which had been one of the nominations. Greg Klein, president of the church council, lit the candle.

Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry called the Candlelight Walk “one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season.”

She said St. Paul’s has showed the message of Christmas all yearlong by opening its doors to St. Mary’s while it recovers from fire and smoke damage. She encouraged people to continue in the spirit of giving and helping others this holiday season.

“I believe Massillon is truly blessed,” she said.

Loren C. Veigel was the master of ceremonies at the music and candlelighting ceremonies, which each lasted about an hour.

Other churches along the walk—St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church,

St. George Greek Orthodox Church, St. John’s United Church of Christ, Central Presbyterian Church, and First United Methodist Church, Mount Calvary Baptist Church—welcomed visitors and provided music and warmth.

Vogt said the churches and music at each of them were truly highlights of the evening.

“I thought the variety of music in the churches was just amazing,” she said.

For example, she said that one point, the Tuslaw Band was playing at St. John’s, and then she particularly enjoyed jazz carols on the baby grand piano at St. Timothy’s.

“I was overwhelmed,” she said. “I’m pleased because the churches all said that they had a lot of people.”

Even though wet wintry mix began to fall on the walkers, they warmed up around burn barrels at the Thomas H. Russell House and escaped the cold by ducking to churches, Five Oaks mansion, and other stops along the self-guided route.

A steady flow of people came and went to see the Massillon Railroad Club’s elaborate display in the lower level of First United Methodist Church. Library staff and friends caroled on the steps of the Massillon Public Library. Nearby, a scale mode of St. Mary’s Church made by Massillon resident Bob Graber, was on display at the Massillon Museum. The museum estimated about 200 people stopped by to see the model, Vogt said.

This article written by Christina McCune, Independent staff writer, appeared in The Independent on Monday, December 5th, 2016.

Page 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

C O M M U N I T Y C A N D L E L I G H T W A L K

H E A L T H K I T S

It’s that time of year again! As the ladies prepare to collect items for Health Kits, there are a couple noteworthy

changes: (1) Health Kits are now called Personal Care Kits; (2) The list has been changed and now includes the

following items: bath size bars of soap, adult size toothbrush, sturdy combs, metal nail clippers (w/ or w/o file),

lightweight bath size towels (20” x 40” to 52”x 27”) dark in color. These items can be placed in the drawer by

the elevator or given to Pat Myers. As always, thank you so much for your generosity!

T H A N K Y O U

A very special THANK YOU to all my “elves” that helped throughout the

holiday season to make this Christmas merry and bright for so many people.

We could not have done it without all your help! Thank you for your spirit of

giving! Wishing you the very best in this new year!

Becky Myers,

Welfare & Social Action, Chair

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 Page 5

B I R T H D A Y S

January 4th

Earl Everett Jr.

Rose Lane Health Center

5425 High Mill Ave. NW

Massillon, Ohio 44646

January 31st

Irene Yost

200 Marion Ave. NW

Massillon, OH 44646

Thank you, St. Paul’s!

How can we ever thank you for the use of your church

after the fire? What a wonderful example of “what

would Jesus do”. May God bless all of you!

Ruth Anne and Bob Bernstein,

St. Mary’s Parishioners

Thank you for your generosity and support. You not

only opened your church, but also your hearts to the

people of St. Mary’s Parish. We have been blessed by

all you have done for us over the past many months.

God bless you now and in the future! Have a blessed

Christmas season!

Gordon & Susan Cox,

St. Mary’s Parishioners

Thank you kindly— for adding some extra merry to

Christmas.

What a wonderful (and delicious) holiday greeting

from St. Paul’s! It is a delightful treat and so

thoughtful of my church members to be

remembered!

Blessings to everyone!

Betty Jean George

The bronze angel statue on the window sill in the Hax

Chapel was given by Mary Jane Lewis in honor of her

children: Scott and Randall; grandchildren: Carrie,

Andrea, Tiffany, Marissa, Michaela, Heather, Misty,

Travis and the late Arthur Lewis; great-grandchildren:

Melissa, Trinity, Raymond, Kayley, Peyton, Mike & JC.

I N H O N O R

Page 6 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

CHECK OUT THESE PHOTOS FROM LAST MONTH’S YOUTH OVERNIGHTER…

Y O U T H E V E N T S

Y O U T H F U N D R A I S I N G

CAN COLLECTION—The Youth are collecting aluminum cans.

They can be left inside the Harvard Door of the Education

Building. Please bring them in plastic bags. Thank you for your

donations!

Tracie Brumfield, Youth Director

ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS—The Youth are now selling 2017 Entertainment

Books. Books are $30.00 each and all funds raised will go towards sending

St. Paul’s Youth to the next Youth Gathering. Please contact the church office

or see me in the Welcome Center on Sunday mornings if you would like to

purchase a copy.

Greg Klein

C O M M U N I T Y M E A L & C L O S E T

Greetings to you all and a Merry Christmas from your Community Meal and Closet.

The harsh reality of winter impacted the attendance at our monthly Community Meal

and Community Closet on Friday, December 9. Seventy-two (72) hearty souls braved

frigid temperatures and icy roads and sidewalks to attend our Christmas themed

dinner consisting of ham, shredded potato casserole, green beans, dinner roll, beverage, and dessert.

Nearly all attendees visited the Community Closet after the meal. Warm winter clothing was much desired

and we are pleased to tell you that everyone seemed to find something that met their needs.

The Community Closet has proven to be an important outreach to our friends and neighbors here in

Massillon. We need your help to ensure that we continue to be positioned to provide what the people need.

Your donations of warm, quality clothing for men, women, children and infants and toddlers are most

welcome. As always, a sign up for volunteering at the closet is available to make sure we have dedicated

helpers each month. See Lea or call 330-224-2263 to sign up for the second Friday of the month of your

choice.

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 opening is Friday,

January 13, from 4:30 to 6:00. Thank you for your prayers and continued

support.

Jack & Marsha Fortune Lea Lang

Community Meal Directors Community Closet Director

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7 Page 7

A V E R Y S P E C I A L T H A N K Y O U

A very special THANK YOU to everyone that helped to make Project Blue a

SUCCESS!

We had a great night! Sgt. Harting stopped by to pick up the gift card tree and

she was so thankful to all the members of St. Paul's!

The following is a note from the Massillon Police Department Facebook page:

A huge "thank you" to St Paul's (youth) for inviting us over and presenting

us little gifts for every one of our officers. Very kind!

God Bless them & Merry Christmas!

Sgt B Muntean

Page 8 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Come join use each Wednesday for WOW! The children begin with a

meal at 5:30, followed by Bell/Choir practices at 6:00, then Choir/Craft at

6:30 and conclude with Bible Study at 7:00.

We look forward to seeing you there!

If you have any questions or would like more details, please see Amy

Stuck.

W O W ( W O R D O N W E D N E S D A Y )

F R I E N D S H I P C I R C L E

Friendship Bible Study

Group meets on the

2nd Thursday of the

month in Gleitsman

Lounge at 6:00pm. All women are invited to attend.

We look forward to seeing you there!

S N I P - N - S T I T C H

Come join us each

Wednesday from 9-11:30am for

Snip-n-Stitch. If interested,

please contact Gladys Zepp for

more details.

Jubilee Ringers meet each Wednesday from 5:15-6:00pm while Reformation Ringers

meet each Wednesday from 6:30-7:30pm. We would love for you to be a part of this

ministry as we come together to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Jonathon Stuck, Director of Handbell Choirs

B E L L R E H E A R S A L S

M U S I C N O T E S

Adult vocal choir rehearsals are held each Wednesday at 7:30pm. All are welcome and

encouraged to join this meaningful family of faith, fellowship, and music!

Chad Pittman, Choir Director

O M E G A C I R C L E

Omega Circle Bible Study Group will be meeting on January 3rd at 1:00pm in Gleitsman Lounge.

Members are to bring leftover Christmas cookies to share. Jacquie Zupp will have devotions and

Donna Viles will lead the Bible study.

Shirley Tasseff

President Omega Circle

M A K E - A - W A Y T H E S A L V A T I O N A R M Y

Page 9 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Hello all -

2016 has gone by quickly! As another new year begins, I am looking for volunteers to bake communion bread

for the up coming year. If enough sign up, you will only need to bake for one month. The recipe covers one

month, so you only need to bake once. Please see or call me with questions, and to sign up. Thank you!

Blessings and peace, David Stoner

330-844-1185

Dear Friends at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church,

On behalf of the Make-A-Way Center, I would like

to thank you for your generous gift of $215.00.

Please know that your generosity will help

Make-A-Way continue to make a difference in the

lives of our members.

Each year Make-A-Way continues to provide

worthwhile activities and programs free to its

members at our center, and we couldn’t do it

without your help!

Your most generous gift to the Make-A-Way Center

is an investment in the future of persons with

disabilities. It is a promise that their future can be

brighter, and that they may receive experiences that

will enhance their lives and allow them to grow

toward greater independence and happiness.

Sincerely,

Bryan E. Stuck

Director

We are writing to express our deepest thanks for the

recent donation of $150.00 from St. Paul’s Lutheran

Church to The Salvation Army of Massillon. Generous

gifts from organizations like St. Paul’s Lutheran

Church provide the financial and moral support

needed to continue our mission.

There is no way to fully express our gratitude for your

donation. We at The Salvation Army are continually

inspired by the dedication and generosity of donors

like yourselves who answer the call to give again and

again.

It is our hope that this thank you will help to

communicate our very big thanks for your

generosity. We aim to glorify Jesus in all we do

for the Kingdom!

Sincerely,

Thomas and Linda-Jo Perks

Majors, Corps Commanding Officers

C O M M U N I O N B R E A D B A K E R S

Page 10 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

S E R V E R S S C H E D U L E

Jan. Acolytes

Communion

Greeters Bread

Baker Servers Sacristy

1

Caroline

Deerwester &

Justin Litman

Becky White No Servers Becky White Greg & Lynda Klein

8 Jacob Hodge &

Molly Hodge Becky White

(T) Greg Klein & Linda

Litman; (P) Amy Burkett Becky White David Stoner

15 Aaliyah Litman &

Madison Reiman Becky White

(T) Becky Moden &

Sue Reid;

(P) Chris Hall

Becky White Becky Myers

22 Jaden Brumfield

& Tony Davila Becky White

(T) Jennifer Stanko &

Doug White;

(P) Elizabeth Juergensen

Becky White Russ & MaryAnn Poling

29 Audrey Hepler &

Katrina Hepler Becky White

(T) Christine Bates &

Amy Burkett;

(P) Adam Johnson

Becky White Dick & Robin Cordes

Jan. Lector Offering Counters Ushers Assisting Minister

1 Scott Larson No Counters Chuck Gesen, Chuck

Richards and Mike Skelly Patty Long

8 Scott Larson Doug White, Linda Litman &

Adam Johnson

Chuck Gesen, Chuck

Richards and Mike Skelly Ron Stoner

15 Scott Larson Elizabeth Juergensen,

Amy Burkett & Greg Klein

Chuck Gesen, Chuck

Richards and Mike Skelly Dave Stoner

22 Scott Larson Chris Hall, Sue Reid &

Christine Bates

Chuck Gesen, Chuck

Richards and Mike Skelly Doug White

29 Scott Larson Jim Johnson, Jennifer Stanko

& Becky Moden

Chuck Gesen, Chuck

Richards and Mike Skelly Andrew Lang

Page 11 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

January 2017

1pm-Omega

Sunday of

Epiphany

10am-TW

11:25am-BS

11:45am-PW

1:00pm-Catechism

Baptism of our Lord

10am-TW

11:25am-BS

11:45am-PW

1:00pm-Catechism

10am-TW

11:25am-BS

11:45am-PW

1:00pm-Catechism

5:00pm-Chili &

Soup Cook-off

7pm-Council

TW=Traditional Worship

PW=Praise Worship

BS=Bible Study

9am Snip-n-stich

9am Snip-n-stich

5:15pm Jubilee

5:15pm Jubilee

7:00pm Cub Scouts

6:30pm Reformation

6:30pm Reformation

6:30pm Reformation

6:00pm Friendship 4:30-6pm

Community Meal

& Clothes Closet

5:30pm WOW

5:30pm WOW

7:00pm Cub Scouts

7:00pm Cub Scouts

Deadline to submit articles for the February edition of the Bridge is Wednesday, January 18th.

Please submit your articles via email to: chris@stpaulsmassillon.org or drop them off at the office

at your earliest convenience. Thank You!

Chris Ralston, Office Administrator

10am-TW

11:25am-BS

11:45am-PW

No Catechism

6:30pm Property

9am Snip-n-stich

5:15pm Jubilee

5:30pm WOW 7:00pm Cub Scouts

Youth Quake

6:30pm Girl Scouts

6:30pm Girl Scouts

Spice of Life Staff Post-

Christmas Party

9am Snip-n-stich

5:15pm Jubilee

5:30pm WOW

6:30pm Reformation

New Year’s Day

10am-Lessons &

Carols

Office Closed

Council Retreat

12-6pm

Blood Drive

Office Closed

***Please note: Pastor Dan will be at a conference January 17-20th.***

Check us out on:

W O R S H I P S E R V I C E S

127 Cherry Road NE

Massillon, Ohio 44646

Rev. Daniel J. Cammarn, Pastor

djcammarn@gmail.com

Phone: 330.832.7409

Office Hours: M-Th 9-4pm; F 9-1pm

S T . P A U L ’ S E V A N G E L I C A L

L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

Address Service Requested

The Bridge—Connecting Church and home

10:00am—Traditional Service

11:25am—Adult Bible Class

11:45am—Praise Service

Nursery is staffed by qualified personnel

and available for infant to age 5 from

8:30am to 12:00pm.