Author: sslsecretary

Vision of St. Stephen

March 2020

St. Stephen Lutheran Church 7800 Erie St. • Sylvania, OH (419)885-1551 www.ststephenlutheran.church

Pastor: Rev. Beth Ferne Johnson sslcpastor@buckeye-express.com Worship: Sundays 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Spiritual Growth 9:45 AM

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.”
Leo Tolstoy
Be transformed…….
Change is a constant in our lives. Some changes happen gradually, as when day deepens into twilight, or winter becomes spring. Water drips water on rock and carves away stone over countless years. Other changes happen in a second, separating time into “before” and “after”. We choose to opt out of some changes after considering our options, while others are forced upon us.
Change is a challenge. We often feel most comfortable with what is expected and familiar. But there are times when tradition can feel a bit constraining. We also often find ourselves in the midst of uncertainty and the unknown. We are not able to predict how things will turn out.
All these things were true for the disciples as well. They were called from the familiar into following Jesus. Just when following Jesus was starting to feel comfortable, they were caught up in events beyond their control. Jesus was arrested and brought to trial. Even though Jesus had talked about this, the disciples were probably hoping that it wouldn’t happen. But it was. The crowds were yelling “Crucify!”. Jesus was on trial for his life. And then he was condemned to death. And the biggest transformation was yet to come!!
Here in church, our Sunday worship and our Wednesday Lenten worship will be focused on “Be Transformed”. On Sundays, in our gospel readings we will see people encounter Jesus. And when they do, their lives are never the same. They are transformed. On Wednesdays, we will think about changes we make throughout our lives and how those changes transform us as well.
During these days of Lent, you’re invited to think about change, about transformation. As you do so, please prayerfully consider inviting someone who has been, is now, or will be soon in the midst of change, to come and experience God’s presence here in worship.
Peace, Beth Ferne Johnson, pastor

March
Contents

Spiritual Growth	2
Youth & Family	3
Women	3
Additional Opportunities	3
Outreach	4
Church Finances	5
Administrative News	5
Council Update	6
In Loving Memory	7
Prayer	8
Fun	8
Council	9
Steve’s Bulletin Board	10
Celebrations	10
Volunteer Celebration	11
Calendar	12

BIBLE 101
Our Bible conversation continues on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. as we continue to focus on important stories from the Old Testament. You are welcome to join in, even if you haven’t participated before.
CHOIR BEGINS
Love to sing? Our rehearsals for Easter will meet towards the end of March and will take place after our Wednesday worship service. Hope you can join in! We will also be singing on Pentecost, May 31st. Be looking for the exact dates in the Beacon!
GATHERING SPACE
On March 15th, we’ll be hosting a special guest. Laura Harrison, a friend of the Haddix family, has recently started the Selene Center in downtown Sylvania to accompany women seeking to leave domestic violence situations. The Center is intended to help women access services in our area. Come and hear stories from Laura and learn how we can help those who may be in abusive situations. We’ll gather at 9:45 in the large room north of our Fellowship hall.
LENTEN WORSHIP
We’ll be gathering for Wednesday worship at 7:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m., you’re invited to come for a soup supper and fellowship before our worship. Each Wednesday, our worship will focus on God’s presence throughout the changes of our lives. Check the Narthex for a sign up to bring soup or bread!
BE TRANSFORMED
A new sermon series begins on the 1st Sunday of Lent and will continue through Easter Sunday. Come and see how Jesus transforms those he encounters and us! If you’ve been thinking about inviting someone to worship, this series provides a good opportunity to do so!
HOLY WEEK
On Palm Sunday, April 5, our worship will focus on Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem as he was welcomed by crowds, waving palm branches and crying, “Hosanna!”.
On Maundy Thursday, April 9, we will remember Jesus’ final meal with the disciples as we worship together at 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday, April 10, offers two worship opportunities. We will be joining local churches for the ecumenical worship at Sylvania UCC at 12:00 PM. At 7:00 that evening, we will worship together using the Tenebrae service of gathering darkness, as we recall Jesus’ last hours on the cross.
On Easter Sunday, April 12, in addition to our usual worship services, we will be having our annual Easter Breakfast at 9:45 a.m. and our Easter Egg Hunt for kids 5th grade and under at 10:15. Easter Candy Collection will begin March 1!

PALM CROSS WORK SHOP
We’ll meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 4th to shape palm branches into crosses for our fellow worshipers on Palm Sunday. No experience is needed! We will show you how!

SUNDAY YOUTH
Our trip through important stories of the Bible continues with Gathering Space for our younger members. We meet each Sunday at 9:45 with Kristin in the yellow classroom.
CATECHISM
Catechism classes will meet in March, keep an eye on the beacon for the exact dates. Please remember to bring your Bible and your Manna and Mercy book. Thanks!
BABY PLAYDATE
A new group is forming for some of our youngest youth! On the second Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting on March 11 at 10:30 AM, we’re inviting babies and their caregivers to an hour of sharing and giving the babies a chance to interact with each other.

JOY CLUB
We will be meeting March 17th at Mancy’s Italian Grill on Monroe St. lunch at 12:00PM. A sign up sheet is available on the bulletin board in the Narthex so we can know how many to expect, but everyone is welcome! If you have any questions please contact Pat Hoehing!
LWR QUILTING
We will be meeting March 24th for quilting in the month of March. Everyone is welcome and no experience is necessary. We will train you! We start at about 9:30 AM and quilt until 3:00 PM. We do take a lunch break, so if you come for the day please pack a lunch! We hope to see you there!

Movie in March
St. Stephen will be hosting its Indoor Big Screen Movie Night on Sunday, March 15 at 4:00 PM. We will be enjoy a story of four sisters and their lives in an era shortly after the Civil War. Please join us for the show and then we’ll have snacks and discussion following it.

Saturday Morning Coffee
Enjoy a cup of coffee and good conversation in the morning? Head over to Chick-Fil-A on Central and McCord at 9:45 AM every week. It is a great chance to connect and participate in fellowship! Questions? Contact Tricia Kunkel or Pastor Beth!

Beeping Easter Egg Hunt
The annual “Beeping Easter Egg Hunt” has been scheduled for March 28th from 10:00 AM to 1 PM! We are always looking for volunteers to help out and this year is no exception. If you would like to be a part of this event please contact either Pastor Beth or Michelle Ballard!

Kid’s Movie Club
St. Stephen’s Kid’s Movie Club will be meeting Thursday, March 5th at 5:00 PM. We will meet once a month at 5:00 PM on the first Thursday of the month for a movie, snacks, and discussion afterwards!

Game Night
.Join us at St. Stephen Lutheran Church on March 13 from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM for a free Game Night! Bring friends and family as all are welcome! Bring your favorite game or check out some of ours! Food will be provided and we hope that you join us!

Souper Bowl of Caring
St. Stephen collected $163 for Lutheran Social Services of Northwest Ohio’s food bank. Across the United States, we were one of 3,345 groups that collected $8,871,057 for charities in their local area!! Thanks to all who contributed and to all who made the great soups we enjoyed!!

SIMPLY GIVING
Have you been thinking about signing up for the Simply Giving Program here at St. Stephen? What is keeping you from doing so? This is such a great program….you never have to think about writing that check each week. You can designate whichever bank account you would like the money withdrawn, either savings or checking; and when you would like it deducted, weekly, twice a month, or monthly. It is just as the name implies….it’s so simple. Just complete the application found in the tract rack in the narthex and give it to me for processing.
Sally Goetz
Coordinator
KROGER REWARDS
We are pleased to report St. Stephen received $144.29 in total donations from 20 of our households who shopped at Kroger between Nov 1 - 2019 and Jan 31 - 2020 of this year. This quarter, these funds will be in support of the LWR Quilting Project. A huge thank you to all who are participating in this program. If you have not already done so, please go online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com, and sign up to have your Community Rewards directed to St. Stephen! Also, every few years, Kroger’s requires each household to re-confirm their donation choice, which you can do through the same website Our organization number is PJ196. If you would like assistance in signing up for this program, please see Marilyn Scuralli or Kathy Aldrich.

THRIVENT ACTION TEAMS
I am available to help Thrivent Members write for an action team for anyone who wishes to have the help. It is always good hear how creative our Thrivent Members are with spending the Thrivent Action Team’s $250 to supplement a project you, as a member of the congregation, have in mind.
Ruth Moeller Council Liaison
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
As always our newsletter deadline for anything you want to be added is the 2nd Tuesday in the month. So for April 2020 Newsletter please have all your items submitted by March 10.

Your council team has been busy planning and establishing a listing of goals for 2020. After a brainstorming session, we have compiled ideas into 3 buckets:
(a.) Communication – this is a 2 fold plan
Work to communicate all the projects we have been involved in both internally and externally
Invite the community to join us in making a positive impact on others
(b.) Spiritual Growth – this was our lowest score in the New Church Development survey a few years back and one that if built upon, strengthens our congregation. Watch for ways we are improving our worship services and ways to learn more of the Bible.
(c.) Kids and Family Events – events have been planned out for the balance of the year to ensure that connectedness to St Stephen and grow our youth groups.
The list can be found in the monthly council meeting minutes on the bulletin board. We urge all to get involved in one or more of these opportunities. Please let a council member or Pastor know of an event that is of interest to you. With your volunteer efforts, we can make a difference.
Marilyn Scuralli
Council President

Throughout the year we receive memorial donations in honor of St.Stephen members who have passed on. Recently, we received a donation along with a touching letter from a woman whose life was impacted by Carolyn Dunlap, and we wanted to share it with the congregation. The following in a transcript of the letter which Jenni Yoder sent to St. Stephen:

Hi –
My son, Tyler Yoder, had Mrs. Dunlap as a first grade teacher at Whitehouse. She was a great educator. At the end of first grade Mrs. D said to me… “I’ve had many students over the years, but Tyler is so special. He is going to do great things.”
In second grade, Tyler was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. And he did great things! Not president or CEO or Dr. but he taught so many about determination, acceptance, self-worth and love of faith and family.
Those words Mrs. Dunlap said to me have stayed in my head through all of Tyler’s trials.
He lived 31 more years, passing on May 30, 2019.
Carolyn Dunlap came to his celebration. I was able to share the fact that one sentence, said 31 years ago, sustained me for his lifetime.
Unfortunately, I was unable to be at her service as my own mom was in intensive care that day.
Mrs. D was a special teacher. She did great things!
Jenni Yoder

Prayer Notes March 2020
One of the things I am so grateful for is the ability to read. When you are older and alone and have time on your hands, reading is a joy and a companion. I am reading a Mitford book. That is a series of books by Jan Karon and I read them several years ago. I’m not sure I read this one before but I am enjoying it now. It is “To Be Where We Are” and I think it may be the last book in the series. One of the characters in the book makes the statement, “we do that, don’t we? Pray for something , but don’t trust God for it.” That really jumped out at me and I thought, yes, I do that….probably often. I wonder what that says about our trust in God. Do we really trust or do we just kind of hope He’ll do something about our situation. And when the prayer is answered, do we thank God or do we complain that it wasn’t answered the way we wanted. I have been wondering about this and praying that I am learning to trust God to answer, not as I want, but as He knows best. Let’s pray.
Betty Lock

Jill—Comfort, Strength & Peace
Joel—Strength and Recovery Jamie—Healing and Insight
Hanna C.—Strength and Healing
Chelsey—Healing & Peace Lila & Lib—Peace & Comfort Sarah’s Family—Comfort & Healing
Linda—Cancer
Zachary—Answers and Comfort
Don—Healing
Richard—Work
Ryan—Peace & Success Noah—Strength and Understanding
Jeff—Guidance & Understanding Lyndsey—Healing and Comfort
S.—Request Unspoken Chesney’s Family
Mary Jo—Guidance & Discernment
Sean & Tim—Success at New School Patsy—Healing in Ears and Eyes
Mark D—Healing & Comfort Dianne—Cancer
JoAnna—Blessings Danielle—Flu Complications Rich—Transplant Recovery

COMMUNITY PRAYERS

ALL IN GOOD FUN

BIBLE QUIZ
Where do the ashes for Ash Wednesday come from
(Answer page 9)
Campfires
Supply store
Palm Branches
Passed on Saints

HANDICAPPED PARKING
We have a few people who are finding it difficult to get from their cars into the church building On Sunday mornings. In addition to the marked spaces at the front door, if we could leave the 6 spaces closest to the back door (3 on either side of the door) available to them, it would make it much easier for them to worship with us. Thank you!

2020 Council Members
President Marilyn Scuralli
Vice President Joe Kahl
Secretary Corrie Schuppenies
Treasurer Libby Boldt
Ministry Liaisons were established as follows:
Christian Education Pastor Beth
Finance Libby Boldt
Prayer, Praise, Worship Marilyn Scuralli
Property Joe Kahl
Stewardship/Staff Support Beth Thomsen/Marilyn Scuralli
Technology John Lock
Youth & Family Ministry Corrie S./Doug Paxton
Social Ministry Joan Haddox

Hearing Assistance Available
Hearing assistance equipment for up to 8 users available for anyone who needs help hearing the service better. Please ask Jeremy Hopkins or anyone who uses the equipment for assistance.

ALTAR FLOWERS
The new altar flower sign up sheet is now available on the bulletin board in the Narthex!

Sylvania Township Police Department stopped by to shoot a nerf war at a birthday party here at St. Stephen!

Bible Quiz Answer:
Palm Branches

Making Valentine’s for shut-ins!

Baptismal Birthdays
3/1 Jim Bork
3/1 Linda McDonough
3/13 Craig Scholl
3/17 Ken Marvin
3/24 Mia Scsavnicki
3/24 Beth Thomsen
3/31 Sally Goetz

Birthdays
3/1 Betty Lock
3/2 Joe Kahl
3/3 Annetta Schmidt
3/4 Chase Mercer
3/9 Amy Chauvette
3/9 Sally Goetz
3/13 Cathy Hopkins
3/14 Sue Kahl 3/16 Betty Carpenter
3/25 Kathy Aldrich
3/25 Beth Ferne Johnson
3/28 Garry Ward
3/29 Beth Thomsen

Anniversaries
3/23 Patrick & Angela McCoy

	March 1, 2020		March 8, 2020
	8:30 AM	11:00 AM	8:30 AM	11:00 AM
Counter	Tom Pfau		Herb Hoehing
Communion Assist.		Doug Paxton		Joan Haddox
Lay Assistant		Beth Thomsen		Marilyn Scuralli
Altar Prep	Carol Brown	Kathy Aldrich	Cathy G.	Nancy Rieck
Greeters
Ushers		J&S Kahl
Praying Friend

	March 15, 2020		March 22, 2020		March 29, 2020
	8:30 AM	11:00 AM	8:30 AM	11:00 AM	8:30 AM	11:00 AM
Counter	Herb Hoehing		Lin McKelvey		Dave Haddix
Comm. Asst.		Joe Kahl		Doug Paxton		Beth Thomsen
Lay Assistant				Marilyn Scuralli	Nancy Pfau
Altar Prep	Pat Hoehing	Betty Lock	Carol Brown	Cathy G.	Nancy Pfau	Joanne J.
Greeters
Ushers						J&S Kahl
Praying Friend

SERVICE ASSISTANTS
Service assistants are an important part of our worship. The 2020 volunteer sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board for each month.

REMINDER
If you are unable to serve on your day, it is your responsibility to find a replacement and call the church office with that information.

March 2020

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1 / Noisy Offering / 8AM Prayer 8:30AM Traditional Worship / 9:45 AM Spiritual Growth 11AM Contemporary Worship	2	3 / 7:00 PM Bible 101	4 / 6:30 PM Soup Supper / 7:00 PM Lenten Worship	5 / 5:00 PM Kid’s Movie Club	6	7 / 9:45AM Saturday Morning Coffee
8 / Spring Forward / 8AM Prayer 8:30AM Traditional Worship / 9:45 AM Spiritual Growth 11AM Contemporary Worship 12PM Shepherd’s Meeting	9	10 / Newsletter Deadline / 7:00 PM Bible 101	11 10:30AM Baby Play Date / 6:30 PM Soup Supper / 7:00 PM Lenten Worship	12	13 / 6:00 PM Game Night	14 / 9:45AM Saturday Morning Coffee / 10:00AM Huey Rental
15 / 8AM Prayer 8:30AM Traditional Worship / 9:45 AM Spiritual Growth 11AM Contemporary Worship / 4PM Movie Matinee	16 / 6:30 PM Council Meeting	17 / Election Day / 12:00 PM JOY Club	18 / 5:30 PM Brownie Scouts / 6:30 PM Girl Scouts / 6:30 PM Soup Supper / 7:00 PM Lenten Worship	19 / 6:00 PM Girl Scouts	20	21 / 8:00AM Via di Cristo / 9:45AM Saturday Morning Coffee
22 / 8AM Prayer 8:30AM Traditional Worship / 9:45 AM Spiritual Growth 11AM Contemporary Worship	23 / 9:30AM LWR Quilting	24 / 7:00 PM Bible 101	25 / 6:30 PM Soup Supper / 7:00 PM Lenten Worship	26	27	28 9:45AM Saturday Morning Coffee / 10:00 AM Beeping Easter Egg Hunt
29 / 8AM Prayer 8:30AM Traditional Worship / 9:45 AM Spiritual Growth 11AM Contemporary Worship	30	31 / 7:00 PM Bible 101

Pastor Ponderings Pr. Beth
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION & ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Gathering Space Nancy & Bob Rieck/Larry Golba
Sunday Lessons Pr. Beth
Men’s Bible Study Darrell Staup
Women’s Bible Study Pr. Beth
?Wednesday Chapel Time Pr. Beth?
YOUTH & Family Lin McKelvey
5th & 6th Grade Pr. Beth
Catechism Pr. Beth
Confirmation
Youth (Events with Detroit Gathering Group;) Pr. Beth
WOMEN
Joy Club Betty Lock/?
Quilting Mary Ann Klimesh
PRAYER
Prayer Notes Darrell Staup
Personal & Community Prayers
Pastoral Care Team Pr Beth
St. Stephen Shepherds
Praying for the Congregation Pr Beth/Secretary
BULLETIN BOARD
Book Club Carol Haddix
Finances Libby Boldt / Rodney Pearson / Marilyn Scuralli
Counters Marilyn Scuralli
Simply Giving Sally Goetz
Thrivent Choice Sally Goetz/Ruth Moeller
Kroger Rewards Joe Kahl
KID’S PAGE
KidZone ?
Nursery ?
FUN & MISCELLANEOUS
Christian Symbols Secretary / Bob & Nancy Rieck
Bible Quiz Secretary
Music Scott Ballard (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost, Rally Day)
Hospitality ?
SOCIAL CONCERNS
Monthly info Kristi Shepler
Noisy Offering Kristi Shepler/ Joan Haddox
LSS Food Pantry item Krist Slhepler
Operation Christmas Child Jeremy & Lisa Hopkins
LUTHERAN/SYNOD/THRIVENT
Synod/LSS Synod/LSS/Ruth
Thrivent Ruth Moeller/ Thrivent
COUNCIL
Council or as assigned
THANK a VOLUNTEER
Anyone Else??
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
Volunteers Cathy Gustafson/Ruth Moeller/Secretary
Celebrations Secretary
Little Miracles
Mom to Mom Sale Annetta Schmidt
Special dates
• Labor Day, September 5, 2016
• Patriot Day, September 11, 2016
• National Grandparents Day, September 11, 2016
• Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15-October 15, 2016
• First day of autumn, September 22, 2016
Upside down?
Even amid increased secularization, God makes the core Christmas message known. Take, for example, the story of a “winter pageant” a mother attended at her son’s grade school. Songs of reindeer, snow and Santa included one titled “Christmas Love,” in which the youngest performers held up letters as the song progressed: “C,” “H,” etc. When a little girl unknowingly held her “M” upside down, the older kids snickered and the adult audience smiled acceptingly. But as the song drew to a close and all the letters were revealed, surprised recognition struck the Christians in the room. “CHRISTWAS LOVE,” read the string of student-borne letters. God’s truth had penetrated the human clutter and confusion around Christmas — as it has power to do throughout our lives: “Christ was love.” And of course, he still is.
"Autumn Song"
Now’s the time when children’s noses All become as red as roses And the color of their faces Makes me think of orchard places Where the juicy apples grow, And tomatoes in a row. Come then, find your ball and racket, Pop into your winter jacket, With the lovely bear-skin lining. While the sun is brightly shining, Let us run and play together And just love the autumn weather. —Katherine Mansfield

REMINDER
If you are unable to serve on your day, it is your responsibility to find a replacement and call the church office with that information.

CHRISTMAS EVE
Please join us at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 21, as we give thanks to God for the blessings we have received. At this worship, we will also be gathering canned goods for Lutheran So
cial Services.

Altar Flowers
In lieu of altar flowers at the Thanksgiving service on November 21, please bring in any non-perishable food items which will be donated to the LSS Food Bank and help to feed those in need in our own
community. Thanks!

ONE WONERFUL
WORSHIP
Mark your calendar for May 20th at 10:00 AM for our One Wonderful Worship followed by a church potluck! A sign up sheet can be found on the bulletin board.

2018 Council Members
President Marilyn Scuralli
Vice President Joe Kahl
Secretary Lin McKelvey
Treasurer Libby Boldt
Ministry Liaisons were established as follows:
Christian Education Bryan Huffman
Finance Libby Boldt
Prayer, Praise, Worship Marilyn Scuralli
Property Joe Kahl
Stewardship/Staff Support Beth Thomsen/Marilyn Scuralli
Technology
Youth & Family Ministry Lin McKelvey
Social Ministry Anetta Schmidt

Date	In Honor Of:
8/6	Kristi Shepler’s Birthday
8/20	Memory of Betty Thomsen
8/27	Memory of LaVern Goetz

One of our “Souper Bowl Soups!

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