IMMANUELGRAM September, 2015 VOL. 43 NO. 9

Back to the Basics Still The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Psalm 118:22 Dear Folks of Immanuel Lutheran Church,

One of the most often quoted passages from the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) into the New Testament is Psalm 118:22. It is also a basic or core teaching of the Lutheran understanding of the theology of the cross. That is, God meets us in our times of rejection, distress, and often embarrassing moments. God then makes these times into building blocks of our Christian faith. The cherished cross of the church was once an instrument of shame when the Roman Empire executed the lowliest of prisoners. This Psalm 118:22 text is also cited in: Mathew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:7. This is one of the basic teachings of the Christian faith as Lutheran confessional theology understands who Jesus is for us today.

When you first called me as your pastor about two years ago, I told you I am all about “the basics of the Christian faith.” I love to quote John 3:16. Teaching the basic parts of “Luther’s Small Catechism” not only happens in midweek Catechism classes, but I cite portions of Luther’s Small Catechism from the pulpit. The Catechism is not only to be read, but lived out in daily living. For example, not stealing is not the total story. But we are to help improve and protect our neighbor’s property. Not bearing false witness is to be accompanied by defending the “neighbor, speak well of him, and explain his actions in the kindest way” (Catechism, Part 1). These are the basics of the Christian faith.

This year, the 6th

and 7th grade class will continue studying our workbooks on “My Christian Faith,” from Concordia Publishing House. It has come to my attention that basic Adult Bible study is not as strong as it could be in our congregation. So I shall plant some seeds in this area by being more intentional about Bible study with the 8

th graders this year. Both classes will get a study booklet on First Communion

Ministry, so at Confirmation, they will know how important this sacrament is in the Lutheran Church.

For me, this back to the basics sort of ministry is similar to planting seeds. Anybody who has ever planted seeds in a garden will realize that once the seeds are planted, they need to be watered, nurtured and maybe pull a few weeds along the way. This year, as your Pastor I am pledging to be all about “Back to the Basics” (still…as when you first called me here at Immanuel Lutheran Church here in Deshler, Ohio).

Blessings,

Pastor David Coffin

Church Council Notes

Immanuel Lutheran Church Council Meeting

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Those present: Marty Panning, Robin Tussing, Eric Johnson, Pastor Dave, Kirk Behrman, Sarah Arps, Gerry Kruse, and Pat Scholl Absent: Dave Bartley Marty called the meeting to order; Devotions were read to start the meeting. The minutes from June 9, 2015 were reviewed. Eric made a motion to accept the minutes as written, 2nd Robin The Treasurer’s report was reviewed. A motion was made to provide money to the Youth and Chaperone attending the 2015 Youth Gathering in Detroit from July 15th – July 19th. $100/attendee will be given and taken from the Thrivent Choice Savings Account. We did not receive the grant for the Handicap Bathroom Project so a discussion started as to other viable options to be able to fund this project. Different ideas were discussed and we will put together a project plan and will be reviewed by Council and then presented to the congregation to see how to proceed. Fund-ing could come from undesignated Memorial Money, Thrivent Choice Dollars, and other undesignated funds received from members over the years. Pastor Dave gave his Pastor’s Report: Continuing to focusing on the ministry of the church. The combined Mission Festival held on Sunday July 12th was a success with 350 attending and roughly $7000 raised from the event. Is taking a few days off the week of 7-20-15. Committee Reports Worship – No meeting held in June, next meeting is scheduled for September. Education – No report Trustees – Restroom repairs were completed. The new light pole is ready to be installed, Kirk will let Trustees know what date he is going to put the new light in. Catechism & Luther League - Youth attending 2015 Youth Gathering in Detroit July 15 – 19, 2015. Old Business: Fundraiser Update: $37,209 pledged to date; $26,730.17 paid to date; $10,508.83 outstanding New Business: No new business to discuss Thank you to Mike Meyer for electrical work that he has done around the church in the last few weeks. Council reviewed Building Use Schedule and approved. Next Council meeting will be Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Immanuel Lutheran Church Council Meeting Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Those present: Marty Panning, Robin Tussing, Dave Bartley, Pastor Dave, Kirk Behrman, Sarah Arps and Pat Scholl Absent: Eric Johnson, Gerry Kruse

Marty called the meeting to order; Pastor Dave gave devotions to start the meeting.

The minutes from July 14, 2015 were reviewed. Sarah made a motion to accept the minutes as written, 2nd Kirk

The Treasurer’s report was reviewed. During July $4900 had to be transferred from our general savings fund into the checking to meet expenses. Offerings have been down with us only meeting the budgeted amount 5 out of 30 Sundays so far in 2015. Balance remaining in the general fund savings is down to $4042.21.

Funding available for the bathroom project was reviewed and at this time decided to put on hold. An overview of the project costs and funding that we do have that could be used, along with the amount we would be short will be provided to the congregation in the September newsletter.

Discussion was had about things we as a congregation can do to bring people back to the church and what we have to offer that will help to build both our attendance and giving back up. Additional discussion to take place.

Pastor Dave gave his Pastor’s Report: Continuing to focusing on the ministry of the church. Will be out of town after Labor Day Sunday for a few days visiting family.

Committee Report Worship – Worship has continued to be in the Sanctuary this summer, moved to Mittermaier Hall one time due to the heat. . Education – September 13th will be Rally Day for Sunday School. Different ideas are being discussed to keep the kids excited about learning. Rotating teachers and themes. Will do blessing of the back packs on Rally Day.

Trustees – Footer for the new light pole to be poured potentially this week. Once that is complete the new light pole and light will be installed. Kellermeyer to be called and scheduled for October to fix the pipes that were leaking for the new boiler system prior to starting the system up for winter. Marty to call Hogrefe’s about roof leak in the Library. Some books have been damaged due to the water coming in and will need to be removed due to mold.

Catechism & Luther League - Catechism will start after Labor Day. The 8th grade class will focus towards Bible Study, while the 7th graders will continue with the Concordia books. 1 new 6th grader coming into the classes.

Old Business: Fundraiser Update: $37,209 pledged to date; $28,324.17paid to date; $8,884.83 outstanding

New Business: Wernle Home would like to do a presentation in church to review their mission and how we help. Council will allow this but will wait now until 2016 when we do our special offerings for the Wernle home in July.

Council reviewed Building Use Schedule and approved.

Next Council meeting will be Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 6:30 p.m.

Meeting with Synod Representative will be Thursday, September 10th at 6:00 p.m. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Updates from Council Over the past months, Council has been investigating ways to renovate the existing narthex bathrooms to meet Handicap Standards in line with ADA regulations. A grant application had been submitted to the County Officials to see if money could be received to assist with this project. In July we received notice that we did not get approved for a Grant and after review this project has been put on hold. During the past two Council meetings we have reviewed our current funding that would be available and we wanted to provide the information below to let you know our review and why we have decided to hold the project for now.

During our discussion we talked about what funding we would use and what funding we will not touch in order to safe guard from unexpected repairs that could come up at the church.

The Property Improvement Savings Account will not be used so that we have fall back for incidentals around the Church.

We would send notice to the family of the undesignated memorial money to let them know how the money is going to be used.

There is $18,537.01 in the Bert Ackerman savings account - we would want to investigate if some of this money could be used for this type of project.

Continue to encourage members to designate their Thrivent Choice dollars to Immanuel. As you can see above, this account has a nice balance in it, and is being used for projects around the church. Since we are in only the 2nd year of our last Capital Improvement Fund Drive which was used to cover the parking lot renovations, we did not want to start another project at this time. We know that renovations to these bathrooms will continue to be needed, and we will review the project as we go forward and get input from you as members before proceeding with a project of this magnitude.

Budget Update As summer comes to a close we find ourselves running short to our 2015 Operating Budget. We know that summer means vacations, reunions, trips, and many other things that cause us to all be away from our normal Sunday worship routines; however the expenses of the church continue whether you are here or not. We need your help as we go into the last months of the year. If you are able, please help us catch up our deficit as you return to our Sunday services. We appreciate the support that all of our members give, and know that we can come together and meet our expenses.

PROJECT: Est. Costs

HANDICAP BATHROOM - RESTROOM UPGRADES $37,000.00

Total Projected Projects $37,000.00

FUNDING: Acct Values

Acct 10764 - Olga Tietje Death Benefit - Life Insurance $8,101.51

Acct 9559 - Memorial Savings (need to determined undesignated amount)

$8,701.82

Acct 11408 - Thrivent Choice Dollars Savings Total Value $24,134.91 Use 50% of this account

$12,060.00

Herman Ackerman Acct - Capital improvement designation $2,146.99

$31,010.32

Shortage to fund the project: ($5,989.68)

Volunteers are needed to assist with the meal/clean up Please contact Carol Heuerman for more information!

SEPT. FREE COMMUNITY DINNER

Spaghetti with Meat Sauce French Bread Apple Sauce

Assorted Desserts Beverages

Dear friends in Christ,

On behalf of the filling homes community, I want to thank you for your generous

gift of $249. when august arrives, many henry county residents start to think

about the county fair, harvest time, and the start of school.

Filling homes hab center participants spend many hours working with the garden-

ing program. They started in February—potting seeds indoors then moved out-

doors when the weather was warm enough. They planted: cabbage, broccoli, white

potatoes, sweet potatoes, watermelon, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, car-

rots, beets, green and lima beans, lettuce, spinach, garlic, as well as an herb garden.

New this year were plants for a tea garden! Hab participants plan to make jams, can

pickles, pickled beets, and salsa. They will also take a few days and make French fries

with the white and sweet potatoes. All so delicious and always best fresh from the

garden!

Thank you for your gift and the expression of love in which it was given. We

would like you to know that your thoughtfulness is truly making a difference in

the lives of so many. Wishing you many blessings during this upcoming harvest time.

Warmest regards in Christ,

Jean cohrs, executive assistant

Join us for Sunday School and

cool treats at 9 am!!

Plan to stay for Worship & make sure

to bring your backpacks!!

WORSHIP BEGINS AT 10:15 AM.

Worship will feature

Blessing of the Backpacks!!

ALL ARE WELCOME SO BRING A FRIEND!

July Visitors

Mike Dicke—New Bremen, OH Sue Rayle—Deshler

Prayer Concerns: Savannah Albright, Helen Petersen

Linda Babcock: 419-278-0385, 1-049 Co Rd E, Deshler, OH 43516

Charlotte Harris: Oak Grove Healthcare Center, 620 Water St., Deshler, OH 43516

Don Hoops: 419-278-3372, 301 E. North St., Deshler, OH 43516

Barb Schnabele: 419-278-3246, 415 Oak St., Deshler, OH 43516

Raymond Sunderman: Van Crest Health Care Center, Room 3, 600 E. Joe E. Brown Ave, Holgate, OH 43527

Martha Sunderman: Van Crest Health Care Center, Assisted Living, Apt 4, 600 Joe E Brown Ave, Holgate, OH 43527

Mary Ellen Wendt: 419-425-3791, Birchaven Village, 15100 Birchaven Ln, Edelweiss Rm 14, Findlay, OH 45840

We extend Christian Sympathy to the family and friends of Millie Hoops. She passed

away on July 10, 2015. Her funeral was on July 18th at Immanuel.

September Special Offering

Lutheran Social Services

Congratulations to Marc & Kelcey Krauss on the birth

of their daughter, Kennedy Jo on July 16th.

She weighed 7 lbs 12 ounces and measured 21 1/2 inches.

Kennedy was welcomed home by big sister Ava!

September Birthdays 1 Trent Crouch 2 Kasey Spence, Logan Smith, Luke Neiderhouse 3 Eugene Yungmann, Kathie Diem 5 Alan Hill, Kollin Spence, Brynn Meyer 6 Laurie Brown 7 Julia Behnfeldt, Paige Moehrman, Konlee Wilson 8 Charlotte Harris*, Rodney Crouch, Arabella Myers 9 Thomas Panning 10 Willis Croninger, Chelsea Brannan, Shelby Lederer 12 Nick VonDeylen, Curtis Baer 13 Roger Heuerman, Alex Eis 14 Sherry Myers, Lisa Crouch, Kristen Hogrefe, Kory McKitrick, Brezlee Powell 15 Bill Mays, Diana Willier, Coleen Wright

16 Daphne Gottschalk, Kenneth Rood, Seth Hathaway

17 Diana Smith, Eric Abrams 18 Barb Rosebrook, Larkin Holloway 19 Beverly Holloway, Steve McCance 20 Leah Johns, Marlee Powell 21 Linda Panning, Nick Tolles 22 David Bartley, Joan Meyer, William Bartelheim,

Jayden Bergman, Karsen Ellerbrock 23 Terry Baer 24 Tabitha Pontious, MaKayla Panning,

Dylan Russell 25 William Smith*, Sean Koppenhofer,

Tyler Varner 26 Barb Schnabele, Todd Harris, Danielle Ruskey,

Amber Tackett, Christopher Plotts 27 Loretta Gerken, Kevin Reese 28 Jerry Spence, Mariah Boyer 29 Marvin Mahlman, Kay Yantz, Ronald Mahlman,

Kent Petersen

Greeters

6 Phil & Karen Breece

13 Mark & Raechel Feehan and Family

20 Duke & Lisa Sugg and Family

27 Luther League

Acolytes

6 Abigail Detmer, Chloe Ballow

13 Ryder Eis, Kolton Holloway

20 Ryanna Tietje, Haley Crouch

27 Hunter Wilson, Joesph Boden

Readers

6 Pat Scholl

13 Joan Meyer

20 Carolyn Moore

27 Kirk Behrman

Communion Assts.

September 6 – Robin

September 27 – Kirk

Wo r s h i p A s s i st a n t s f o r S e pt e m b e r

Altar Care

Joyce Bremer

Jenny Krauss

Financial Statement for the

Month of July 2015

BEGINNING BALANCE

General Fund $ - 1,022.02 FISH of Henry County 700.00 Filling Home 249.00 Immanuel Scholarship (Bryce Bostelman) 204.00

Total $ 130.98

RECEIPTS

General Fund $ 8,623.50

From Prop Imp Savings 1,413.00

From G. Fund Savings 4,900.00

Total $ 14,936.50

DISBURSEMENTS

General Fund 7,369.22 FISH of Henry County 700.00

Filing Home 249.00

Imm. Scholarship 204.00

From Prop Imp Savings 1,413.00

From G. Fund Savings 4.900.00

General Fund $ 14,835.22

ENDING BALANCE

General Fund $ 232.26

Memorials for the Month:

Millie Hoops

THANK YOU MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERS

For August

Helen Petersen Paul & Glennadine Burner

Karen Breece Betty Hill

Brehnen James Junge was baptized on July 4th, 2015 at

Immanuel. Brehnen’s parents are Joshua and Raven

Junge.

Sawyer Emmitt Trubee became a child of God through

the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on August 15th. Sawyer

is the son of Jared and Tamara (Budde) Trubee.

Savannah Albright became a child of God through the

Sacrament of Holy Baptism on August 16th. Savannah’s

parents are Todd and Heather (Tussing) Albright).

Adult Bible Study begins @ 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Come & Enjoy & Learn!!!

This Fall Quarter the bible study is entitled, “The Christian

Community Comes Alive” by Pastor Chip Borgstadt, of Nebraska,

which is based on the book of Acts. Larry Kruse will be teaching this

quarter. Free coffee will be provided.

This is a new study, so it is a great time for all---- new and regular

members to come & enjoy & learn more about God’s Word given to

us through the apostles!

Immanuel Lutheran Church 220 West Elm St. Deshler, OH 43516 Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Permit #2 Deshler, OH 43516

Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor David Coffin

220 West Elm St. Deshler, OH 43516 Office: 419-278-1601 Home: 419-278-0035

dbcoffin@embarqmail.com Office e-mail: ilcdeshler@gmail.com

Worship: Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m. Staff: Secretary: Robyn Neiderhouse Treasurer: Gerry Kruse Council Chairperson Marty Panning Vice-Chairperson Kirk Behrman Elders Robin Tussing Sarah Arps Kirk Behrman Trustees: Marty Panning Eric Johnson David Bartley Recording Secretary: Pat Scholl Custodian: Eric & Mary Bostelman Organists/Pianists: Myra Mays, Ryan Mays