Community of ChristCommunity of Christ May Making Jesus Known 2017

6517 Finzel Rd., Whitehouse, OH 43571

419-877-0607 www.commofchrist.org

Pastor Matthew S. Lash pastormatt@commofchrist.org

FROM THE PASTOR Encore! Encore! Encore! All of us have seen a great entertainer perform on stage! You’ve got a great seat and you are enjoying every song! You are singing along with every hit! It’s a concert you just don’t want to end. Two hours pass by so quickly—and your favorite artist begins to stroll off stage…. But you’re not leaving. You want more. While the entire crowd stands and claps their hands in rhythm, the singer appears from behind the curtains, and has one more song to sing! Encore! And the crowd cheers and all go home happy! On Easter morning, the women go to the tomb and they find that the stone had been rolled away. Mary runs to tell Peter, Peter tells John, and the race is on towards the front of the stage! And the hit song, “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today” plays in our head---and we sing along! We gathered on April 16th and stood to cry out, ‘HE IS RISEN!’ Children, teenagers and adults all rejoice---Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia. We reached for a deviled egg and a bite of chocolate in the afternoon---and the Easter concert came to an end. But, are you like me? You’re not leaving. You want more! You want an encore! Easter is much more than a festival Sunday. Easter is much more than a day to wear the good grey suit. Easter is much more than a day to allow yourself to splurge on Cadbury eggs. Easter is much more than a bonnet and cooked ham. Easter isn’t just a day. Easter is a daily event….morning, noon, night—even in the middle of the night…. I want an encore. I need to be reminded in the darkest hours of the night, in those hours of grief, moments of discouragement, a rainy, downer day that JESUS IS RISEN AND YES, HE STILL REIGNS! I need to see him come from the behind the ‘clouds and curtains of life’ and reassure me that even though I am down, He will life me up. Even though I am silent, His voice still speaks for me. Even though one dies, one will live! I need an encore. Don’t you? Jesus is the Resurrection and the life! During the Easter season we will celebrate the ENCORE MOMENTS of Jesus and the many and various ways He reveals His Risen presence—still today! Stand and rejoice. Even applaud. The curtain parts….Encore! Encore! Encore! Jesus Christ is Risen today! Pastor Matt

WORSHIP “I rejoice with those who said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 122: 1)

The month of May continues the joyful celebration of the Risen Christ! May is good news! May honors God’s authority over death itself! Joyful Easter hymns proclaim, “He Is Risen” over and over again! On Sunday, May 14th we honor our Moms and share a spring carnation with our ladies! On Sunday, May 21st, we have the pleasure to celebrate the affirmation of Christian faith with ten of our teenagers! Let us PACK the house of the Lord at 10:00 a.m. to share our support with our young people! Your encouragement and prayers change lives. On Sunday, May 28th, we remember our veterans in our prayers and with patriotic hymns. Please ‘bring a friend’ and join us for worship!

Fourth Weekend of Easter Fifth Weekend of Easter Worship & Holy Communion Come, Give Thanks for our Mothers! Saturday, May 6, 4:00 p.m. Worship & Holy Communion Sunday, May 7, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 4:00 p.m. Message “ENCORE! The Risen Voice!” Sunday, May 14, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Message “ENCORE The Risen Invitation for Great Things!” Sixth Weekend of Easter Worship & Holy Communion Saturday, May 20, 4:00 p.m. Seventh Weekend of Easter Sunday, May 21, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Memorial Day Remembrance Message “ENCORE Risen Love Reveals All!” Worship & Holy Communion Saturday, May 27, 4:00 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. Message “ENCORE Risen Protector!”

WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Friendship Pad---Please pass it along! A great way to make a new friend!

Please share the friendship pad each time you worship! You may update your address with our church office—or indicate a prayer concern or the desire for a pastoral visit. Visitors—we would love to communicate a welcome to you! Please introduce yourself following worship on Sunday morning! Pass the pad! Thanks!

Upcoming Worship Celebrations We are looking forward to a joyful Easter season at Community of Christ! Please mark these special celebrations on your church calendar:

Mother’s Day Worship, Sunday, May 14 Confirmation (10:00), Sunday, May 21 Remembrance of Memorial Day/Patriotic Hymns, Sunday, May 28

Our Worship Committee has recommended to the church council that we continue with ONE worship service on Sunday mornings throughout the summer months. OUR SUMMER SCHEDULE BEGINS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 4TH. Our Sunday morning worship begins at 9:00 a.m. We offer an optional worship service on Saturday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. Please make a note of the change.

Acolytes & Crucifers Please select a Sunday you may be available to serve! You share the light of Jesus with us on Sunday morning! Your ministry is very important for our worship. Please SIGN UP on the kiosk in the Gathering Space. We encourage our younger children to sign up as well (speak with Pastor Matt about training)! Many, many thanks!

Worship Readers?? We would LOVE to have you, your children, teenagers, adults share in the reading of God’s Word during the spring and summer months! Please check your calendar and let our church office know you are interested in reading the Word on the weekend! Thank you for participating!

GROWING IN GOD’S WORD “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path!” (Psalm 119:105)

Sunday School Concluded in April. We are grateful for our teachers and students who have attended classes this Sunday school season. Please pray for our planners as we look forward to something NEW in the fall for children and teens! Thank you teachers!!!

Vacation Bible School—June 12-16, 9:00—11:30 a.m.!

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD! Our young people and volun-teers will celebrate the strength and might of our loving God! Our week long Bible school, in partnership with Zion Methodist Church, includes worship, crafts, Bible stories and drama, recreation, snacks and much more! Pastor Matt hosts a morning camp for all 5th & 6th graders! Awesome times for your ‘little bit older’ youngster! A Big hit! Check out the display in the gathering area. Register soon—and plan to volunteer this summer! WE WILL NEED MANY VOLUN-TEERS! Questions? Contact Susan Nofzinger, Cindy Smigelski or Pastor Matt. SEE YOU AT VBS THIS SUMMER!

CONFIRMATION

Confirmation Students— Statement of Faith! Our students are studying the Christian faith and the resurrection appearances, and the story of the early Church! Our second year students are preparing for ‘Affirmation of Baptism’ on Sunday, May 21 at 10:00 a.m. Each 2017 confirmation student will begin to prepare a two page paper based on a scripture verse of their choosing. This ‘statement of faith’ will be shared with their family and friends on Saturday, May 20. Blessings to all of our young people studying God’s Holy Word! LET US FILL THE SANCTUARY OF OUR LORD ON SUNDAY, MAY 21 TO ENCOURAGE ALL OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO AFFIRM THE FAITH THEY HAVE BEEN BLESSED TO RECEIVE!

ADULT EDUCATION

Pastor’s Bible Study - CHRISTIAN—More Than What You Think! Our six week Spring Bible study begins on Thursday, May 4th, 1:00-2:15 p.m. What does it mean to be a Christian in the season of Easter! Join us for Bible Study and video segments with Pastor Andy Stanley. Come and experience the scriptures that share the good news of Easter’s good news! What a great opportunity to invite a friend! ALL ARE INVITED! Our class will conclude June 8th.

YOUTH MINISTRIES “Teach them to your children, to their children after them” (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Big Stuf Teens & Parents

An IMPORTANT gathering for all students and Big Stuf teens is planned for Monday, May 15th at 7:00 p.m. We will discuss finances, transportation, medical concerns and rooming. We would appreciate at least ONE PARENT attending. Please make every effort to adjust your schedule. Thank you so much!

Summer 2017 Includes Cedar Point! This seems very early—but never too early to plan! A sign up is posted for a summer adventure to Ohio’s amazement park on Tuesday, June 27. All incoming and current junior high & high schoolers AND FRIENDS are invited to join Pastor Matt for a great summer day!!! A great introduction to our youth group! We will need adult sponsors and drivers. Thank you!

FELLOWSHIP “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42) Book Club Liane Moriary’s novel, The Husband’s Secret, is better described as a comedy of manners with a serious tinge. As in her previous books, Moriarty chronicles the life of middle aged, middle class Australian women, suburbanites who grapple with prosaic issues like marital fidelity and torturous ones like moral guilt and responsibility with wit. You can’t help but laugh along with the small observations. But it’s the big ones--Can good people do very, very bad things, and what, exactly, are we responsible for, and for how long?--that will make you think. Come join the discussion on Tuesday, May 16th, at 1 p.m.

LADIES LUNCH BUNCH will be May 26. Details will follow. Watch the announcement page for location and the kiosk for a sign-up sheet. Questions? Contact Kathryn Whitacre—whitacrek@bex.net; 419-441-2273 or Karen Oden—grandmakaren@bex.net; 419-878-8300.

SERVING ONE ANOTHER “Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13)

Garden Group Happy Spring! In March we had our initial meeting with seven gardeners present: Greg Aubell, Susan Dental, Becky Fansler, Cheryl Fisher, Sandy Godwin, Tom Jennings, and Cinda Pontsler. I have had several conversations with more people who were not able to attend, but would like to help out in any way that they can. The more volunteers we have, the better. Thanks to all of you who have already trimmed the rose bushes, dug up perennials and weeded. It looks great! The flower bed that is by the sign is in need of some work as far as the border goes. Initially, several of us worked to stack the pavers as they are now. If you have noticed, the pavers are not staying where they are supposed to! If there is anyone in the church who installs borders around flower beds and would be interested in helping us out, please give me a call, Cinda at 419-356-9290. We do have a budget to work with. When work on the border is being done, we would also like to sand and paint the cross. If anyone remembers when the cross was initially placed in that flower bed and knows how it was placed, i.e. stone base or cement base, that will help us in knowing the best way to be able to sand and paint it. We are looking for volunteers to do the sanding and painting. This can be done on your own time schedule. If you would like to help with the flower beds, prepping, planting, weeding, watering, please see the sign up sheet on the kiosk. Our next gathering is Saturday, April 29, at 10:00 a.m. We would like ideas as to plantings in the beds. Please come and join us.

LOMO (Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio) are seeking energetic summer staff to join our team this summer. These are paid positions and provide weeks of housing, food, and experiences that will last a lifetime. We need help recruiting and would appreciate you spreading the word about this opportunity. Thanks for helping us provide the best possible summer staff to lead campers to Christ this summer. See the bulletin board in the hall for more information.

Stewardship “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Welcome---New Beginnings! Pastor Matt is hosting a SPRING ORIENTATION FOR VISITORS on Sunday, May 7 at 11:15 a.m. Pastor Matt will share a brief summary of our Lutheran confession and Christian faith. We will also share the Community of Christ story and provide a tour of the facility. Call the church office if you are interested. An invitation towards congregational membership will be extended, however there is no obligation by attending. Do you love a PARADE??? We will be looking for children, teens and adults to participate in the WHITEHOUSE CHERRY FESTIVAL PARADE on Saturday, June 10th beginning at 1:00 p.m. We are hoping to distribute fliers about our upcoming Vacation Bible School program on June 12! Do you love a parade??? Want to walk with us and share the good news of Community of Christ?? *We are also looking for a vehicle to give us some significant attention! PLEASE SIGN-UP ON THE KIOSK IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP! Outreach is looking ahead!! Please set aside Saturday, September 23rd for the Roche de Boeuf festival in Waterville! Community of Christ will present a NEW and IMPROVED booth for sharing the good news of our congregation! We are looking for friendly congregational ambassadors to serve with us! Watch for a sign up to participate this fall. Witness to the good news of our Community of CHRIST! Congregational Photo Directory We have just about completed all the picture taking! Many thanks to Fred Ortner for his time and generous efforts taking and reviewing pictures! We will soon be assembling activity pages, staff page, charter member page, and more to form our directory! We hope to have the directory in your hands this fall! MANY, MANY THANKS for your participation!! It’s been overwhelming! HEY!!! SIGN IN PLEASE!!! NAME TAG SUNDAY! Do you know your name? Then, this will be easy! Create your name tag on Sunday morning, May 7th! A great way to easily get acquainted. We will host periodic “name tag” Sundays this summer and fall! Thanks for participating!

Operation Christmas Child — Year-Round Packing Ideas Savvy shoppers know that they can impact more children around the world for eternity by looking for shoebox items throughout the year. Samaritan’s Purse provides a suggested item of the month to help put together shoebox gifts that are sure to bless and delight boys and girls. Here are the May & June ideas.

Attendance & Offering

4PM 8AM 10AM Total SS

Apr 1/2 45 60 96 201 20

Apr 8/9 57 120 165 342 24

Apr 15/16 65 168 2574 549 0

Apr 22/23 40 55 45 140 0

Apr 29/30

CHURCH LIFE “They enjoyed the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those

who were being saved” (Acts 2:47)

Pastoral Acts Funeral John Sheets, Sr., March 27, 2017 Doris Mae Schwartz, April 6, 2017 Our Church Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. We discuss new plans and business for the congregation each month. Pastor shares a written report of his activities in the last month. Our Treasurer provides a detailed report of our income and spending and mission funds. ALL COUNCIL MEETINGS are open to members of the congregation. Approved monthly minutes are available in the gathering area and on our website (www.commofchrist.org). Please pray for your church leaders! Our Northwest Ohio Synod Assembly is scheduled for Friday, May 19 and Saturday, May 20

at Bowling Green State University. Our synod delegates as of this date are Carol Wiemken, Marlene LaChine, and Pastor Matt. Please pray for our Bishop, Rev. Daniel Beaudoin and all the pastors, people and congregations in the Northwest Ohio Synod. God bless the Church. Staffing Task Force Initial Gathering An initial meeting was held on Tuesday, April 4. Additional meetings have been set for May 2 & May 23. Many thanks to those who are serving. Please keep those representing the concerns of the congregation in prayer. Once completed, recommendations will be shared with the church council and the congregation. Retreat Follow Up—New Ideas & Planning! This NEW task force is taking a very close look at the exciting affirmations and new ideas that were shared from the congregation in the fall. Our initial meeting was held on Thursday, April 6th. Our second meeting will be held on May 8th at 7:00 p.m. Those who have volunteered are asked to please attend. ONE NEWSLETTER WILL BE PUBLISHED for the months of June and July in a combined news-letter. Deadline for submission of articles is May 21st. Thank you.

Prayers of God’s People

Please remember these in your daily prayers. Please remember the following members who are ill, shut in, or recently hospitalized.

Cindy Wixey, Robin Fritz, Glenn & Rosa Lee Johnson, Helen Nation,

We remember the family and friends of our members. Matt Howard, Amanda Roth, Delbert Britsch, Gary & Mary Ann Gorniak, Robby Spanbauer, Mary Bobinski, Deb Cassidy, Paul Oden, Kelly Harder, Joyce Jasso, Mary Hayes, Dennis Dieball, Judy Dieball, Mary Worchuck, Ellen Graber, Barb Kanavel, Maura Ericsson, Billy Rosati, Bob Phillips, Eileen Mains, Jack Burns, Jr.

Sympathy

May the Lord comfort all who grieve the loss of family and friends. We remember the families of:

John Sheets, Sr., David Woods, Joe Montion, Doris Schwartz, Imogene Campbell, Leroy Terveen, Maybell Whitcomb, Terry Mohler

Memorial Gifts

Community of Christ is blessed by designated and un-designated gifts to support our many ministries and outreach programs. Youth Retreat Fund in Loving Memory of Jean Lash Ed Pohlman Doug & Cinda Pontsler Memorial Fund in Loving Memory Of Doris Schwartz Tom & Bev DeShetler Music Fund in Loving Memory Of John Sheets, Sr. Edward Pohlman Dick & Kay Burdo Randall & Jo Havel

Thanks of Appreciation Recently, the church’s current Office Manager and Financial Secretary, Lisa Boltz, informed me as Church Council President and Pastor Matt of her intent to resign her position effective Friday, April 28. Lisa was presented with a great opportunity outside the church, which she could not decline. As you can imagine, this decision was a difficult one for Lisa. On behalf of the Church Council, I would like to thank Lisa for her time and service to the church and wish her continued success in her new position. Lisa and her family will continue to be members at the church so she’s not going away completely! So when you see her, please join me in wishing her well. Rick Yokum Church Council President Dear Community of Christ Lutheran Church, Thank you for your generous support of ELCA World Hunger. Your leadership in this work of our church makes a difference to families and communities in need. Blessings to you as you live out God’s call to love our neighbors. The ELCA World Hunger Team On behalf of USWA Local 8316, Thank You for the use of your hall. Bruce Robertson

5/1 Michael Abraham Marsha Lash Rachel Nutter 5/3 Carole Campbell Kevin Swagler Emilee Brenneman 5/4 Fred Shuman 5/5 Keith Lance Pat Lehman Brad Rockwell Mark Donnal 5/6 Kirsten Cox 5/7 Dick Rison Daniel Holliker 5/10 Tim Borkowski Cindy Hartbarger 5/11 Julie Swartz Sara Campbell Sidney Raymond 5/12 Andy Pollock Hailey Reid Zoe Reid Adam Colburn Reese Ruhe 5/13 Dick Burdo Becky Freeman 5/14 Doug Deacon Richard Ludwig 5/15 Rachael Brown Cayden Ortner 5/16 Greg Myers 5/17 Lois Wise

5/18 Matt Dick 5/19 Rex McKee Alexia Ortner Kersten Pitchford 5/20 Beverly Reifert Susan Raymond Joel Reid Dave Ortner 5/21 Debbie Grimes Cindy Nutter Cory Ahrens AJ Jones Andrew Yokum 5/22 Kris Serafin 5/24 Carol Borkowski Dave Prueter Rick Yokum Emily Nutter 5/25 Jack Colburn 5/26 Phyllis Sturgeon Julie Holliker 5/28 Cheryl Fischer Bob Mackey Amy Cedargren Suzan Johnson Kristen Rockwell Alivia Moser 5/29 Owen Karg 5/30 Bob Schalitz 5/31 Marty Kronmann Tom Jennings

1:00pm Ladies Craft Group 8:00pm AA

3130Memorial Day - Office Closed 29

8:00am Worship/Communion 10:00am Worship/Communion

28

4:00pm Worship/Communion 27

11:30am Ladies Lunch Bunch 8:30pm AA

261:00pm Pastor's Bible Study 6:30pm Adult Bells

251:00pm Ladies Craft Group 7:00pm Adult Choir 8:00pm AA

248:30am Bible Study 7:00pm Staff Task Force

235:00pm CCNWO Auditions 7:00pm Bible Study

228:00am Worship/Communion 10:00am

Worship/Communion/Confirmation

21

Synod Assembly 4:00pm Worship/Communion 6:00pm Faith Statement Dinner

and Confirmation Rehearsal

20Synod Assembly 8:30pm AA

191:00pm Pastor's Bible Study 6:30pm Adult Bells

181:00pm Ladies Craft Group 8:00pm AA

178:30am Bible Study 1:00pm Book Club 6:45pm Kids of the Kingdom

166:30pm Big Stuf Meeting 7:00pm Bible Study

15Mother's Day 8:00am Worship/Communion 10:00am Worship/Communion

14

10:00am Natalie Rilling Fellowship Hall

4:00pm Worship/Communion

138:30pm AA 12

1:00pm Pastor's Bible Study 6:30pm Adult Bells

1110:00am Pastor Matt at

WHCM 1:00pm Ladies Craft Group 7:00pm Adult Choir 8:00pm AA

105:00pm Confirmation Class 6:45pm Kids of the Kingdom 6:45pm Youth Choir 7:00pm Church Council

96:30pm Worship & Music

Committee 7:00pm Congregational Retreat

Follow-Up Task Force 7:00pm Bible Study

8Eric Vacation 8:00am Worship/Communion 10:00am

Worship/Communion/Owens Baptism

11:15am New Beginnings Orientation

1:00pm Shannon Ford Recital

7

Eric Vacation 4:00pm Worship/Communion

6Eric Vacation 8:30pm AA

5Eric Vacation 1:00pm Pastor's Bible Study

4Eric Vacation Pastor Matt Vacation 9:00am George Blackney

Rehearsal 1:00pm Ladies Craft Group 8:00pm AA

3Pastor Matt Vacation 8:30am Bible Study 6:45pm Kids of the Kingdom 6:45pm Youth Choir 7:00pm CCNWO Bd Meeting 7:00pm Staff Task Force

Meeting

2Pastor Matt Vacation 4:30pm CCNWO 7:00pm Bible Study

1

SaturdayFridayThursdayWednesdayTuesdayMondaySunday

May 2017

May Worship Assistant Schedule

Date Service Lector Acolyte/Crucifer Bulletin Assistants Door Greeters Lay Assistant Coffee Hour Nursery Comm Set Up

6-May 4 Paul Ayres Rick & Pat Willey 10:00 service only Cindy Hartbarger

7-May 8 Bob Keogh Volunteer/Volunteer Jeff & Ellen Bucher Bob & Jackie Schalitz Joe Perkins Ellen Bucher Autumn Gebhart/ Cindy Hartbarger

7-May 10 Kevin Swagler Devin Karamol/Volunteer Kevin & Kari Swagler Greg & Tammy Myers Dean Nofzinger Lorri Britsch Alex Swagler Susan Gill

13-May 4 Bill Lutz Annette Merritt 10:00 service only Doris Disher

14-May 8 Thomas Lytle Volunteer/Charlie Johnson Chris & Natalie Rilling Suzan Johnson Bea Ludwig Beverly Reifert Delaney Boltz/ Doris Disher

14-May 10 Max Kohr Volunteer/Volunteer Neil & Susan Raymond Max & Pauline Kohr Stephanie Phillips Susan Raymond Matt Yokum Susan Raymond

20-May 4 Edward Pohlman Paul & Linda Ayres 10:00 service only Pat Lehman

21-May 8 Dick Burdo Volunteer/Volunteer Jeff & Kerri Johnson Evonne Johnson/Doris Disher Laurie Mauro Evonne Johnson Jessica Baden/ Pat Lehman

21-May 10 Carol Wiemken Volunteer/Volunteer Carson & Donna Cochran Fred & Ruthann Ortner Carl Brosten Kara Yokum Fuzzy Sheetz Carol Wiemken

27-May 4 Jim Stiles Jim & Carol Stiles 10:00 service only Pat Lutz

28-May 8 Wayne King Volunteer/Volunteer Jerry & Dayle Reed Richard & Terrie Knight Cheryl Fischer Renee Mruzek Lauren Swartz/ Pat Lutz

28-May 10 Tammy Myers Volunteer/Volunteer Jerry & Dorothy Petrell Tom & Amy Pitzen Ron Hetherwick Lora Keil Erin Esterhuizen Sandy Boehly

3-Jun 4 Kathryn Whitacre Karen Oden Nursery Available; Becky King

4-Jun 9 Molly Wachtmann Volunteer/Volunteer Jim & Nancy Shaw Ron & Anna Heinz Joe Perkins Marita Perkins No Attendants Anna Heinz

Thank You for Serving! If you are unable to serve at your scheduled time, please replace yourself and call the church office. Thank you!

Lectors: You will receive the readings a couple of days before the service.Bulletin Assistants: Pass out bulletins. Count the number of people in attendance (including worship volunteers and all in the nursery) and mark this number on the chart inside the kiosk. Close the sanctuary doors at the beginning of the service.Door Greeters: Greet members and visitors at doors of both entrances of the church.Coffee Hour: Please clean up after people have finished gathering. Place condiments inside the coffee cart, turn off coffee pot in fellowship hall, and rinse out coffee pots.