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St. Paul's
Evangelical Lutheran Church
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127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646
330 832-7409
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- Pastoral message
- Upcoming events
- Bible studies on Sunday and Thursday
- Cathedral Concert Series to begin
September 29
- Organist James Kibbie to perform
- '24-'25 Concert Series
- Follow concert series information on web and on FB
- Pumpkin rolls!
- Church Council highlights
- St. Paul's video feature
- Income and expense summary
- Capital Fund Update
- Plan now to join the Road Rally
- September Community Meal report
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- Collecting nonperishables
- Scholarship recipients
- Save the dates for Bell Choir
- Members enjoy the change of seasons with mums
- Trick or Treat
- We know fall is near when the chili is cooking!
- Prayer list
- October birthdays
- October anniversaries
- Flowers for the altar
- Council members
- Committee members
- Serving during the month of October
- St. Paul's phone app
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Embracing the Season of Change
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Scripture: "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)
Dear Friends in Christ,
As the crisp air of autumn sets in and the leaves transform into brilliant hues of red, orange, and gold, we are reminded of the beauty that comes with change. The trees, once full of life and greenery, now shed their leaves, preparing for a time of stillness. It’s a season of transition, and in many ways, it mirrors the spiritual seasons in our lives.
God, in His infinite wisdom, has designed creation to reflect deeper truths about His nature and our journey with Him. Just as the trees let go of their leaves, we are often called to release things in our lives—habits, comforts, even relationships—that may have been good for a season but are no longer necessary for the path ahead. Autumn teaches us the value of surrender.
Yet, in letting go, there is a promise. The falling leaves are not a sign of death, but of preparation for renewal. Though the trees become bare, they are not lifeless. They are preparing for a new season, one where growth will return in abundance. In the same way, God is always at work in our lives, even in times that feel like loss or waiting.
Autumn also reminds us of the harvest—a time to gather the fruits of what has been sown. In our spiritual walk, there are seasons where we see the fruits of our labor, the prayers answered, and the blessings given. But we must remember, the harvest is the Lord’s, and we are stewards of what He provides. As we gather, we give thanks, knowing that it is God who brings forth the increase.
Reflection:
What might God be asking you to let go of in this season?
How can you embrace the changes in your life with faith, trusting that God is working even in the quiet moments?
Are you recognizing and giving thanks for the harvest—whether it’s in blessings, lessons learned, or spiritual growth?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beauty of autumn and the reminder it brings of Your faithfulness in every season of life. Help us to trust You when change comes, knowing that You are preparing us for new growth. Give us the grace to release what is no longer needed and to embrace the new things You are doing in our lives. May we always be grateful for Your provision, and may we rest in the assurance that You are with us through every season. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
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The church calendar is always available on every page of the church website on the right side, along with the church address, phone number, email address, and Youtube link for the online services. The online calendar contains the most up-to-date listing of events.
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Sunday: Worship 10:00 am
Sunday: Sunday School 11:30 am
Wednesday: Bell Choir 6 pm, Chancel Choir 7 pm
Wednesday: Snip-N-Stitch 9 am
Thursday: Bible Study 10 am
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Tuesday October 1, 6:30 pm--Worship and Music Committee
Thursday, October 3, 6 pm--Friendship Circle
Tuesday, October 8, 7 pm--Church Council
Friday, October 11, 4:30-6:00 pm--Community Meal and Clothes Closet
Tuesday, October 15, 6 pm--Finance Committee
Monday, October 21--Deadline for November issue news
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Sunday, September 29, 5 pm--Cathedral Concert Series: Singers Companeye Before the concert: Art Show (3-5 pm)
Sunday, October 6--Last day to order Pumpkin Rolls
Sunday, October 6, 4 pm--Cathedral Concert Series: James Kibbie, organist
Sunday, October 6, 3 pm, at Holy Trinity pavilion in Massillon--Blessing of the Animals.
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Bring your vaccinated critter, a lawn chair and a bag of pet food to donate to a local food pantry. Holy Trinity is located at Holy Trinity (275 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, OH).
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October 19, 11 am--Road Rally Text Sue Reid 330-323-6688
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Bible studies on Sunday and Thursday
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Adult Sunday School Class
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The Origin of Evil and the Love of God
He does not deal with us according to our sins….For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is his steadfast love….(Psalm 103:10a, 11a)
We continue in the book of Genesis with both the origin of our sinfulness and the extravagance of God’s love and grace. From Adam and Eve to Cain and Abel, we will see God at work, fulfilling God’s divine purpose for all humanity. Please consider joining us for this important study of God’s redemptive story. The class meets on Sundays at 11:30, upper floor Parish Hall. An elevator is available for your convenience.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study
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Starting October 3rd, at 10:00am, we will begin a new study titled The Grace of Les Misérables. Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a truly epic story. Whether you’ve tackled the 1,400-page 19th century novel, witnessed the Broadway musical (and memorized its soundtrack), or seen the several screen adaptations of it, you already know the power of its story.
In the six-week study The Grace of Les Misérables, author and pastor Matt Rawle dives into six ideals found in the story—grace, justice, poverty, revolution, love, and hope—each represented by a character in Hugo’s story. As these imperfect and relatable characters interact, we can see how these ideals work together (perhaps even in spite of each other) out in the world.
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Monday Evening Bible Study
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If you are unable to attend the Thursday Morning Bible Study, we have good news! Starting October 7, at 6:00pm, you can join Pastor Tina Crog at Tremont Coffee (215 Erie St N. Massillon) for the six-week study of "The Grace of Les Misérables."
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Cathedral Concert Series to begin September 29
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For our first concert of the year, we are proud to bring back one of northeast Ohio’s premiere choral ensembles, Singers Companye. Celebrating their 25th anniversary season, they will present Dan Forrest’s Jubilate Deo on Sunday, September 29 at 5 pm.
"This modern work is a brilliant statement about diverse cultures, that demonstrates how music is a vehicle for building community. Sung in seven languages (English, Latin, Hebrew, Arabic, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish), the spectacular multi-movement celebration is a setting of Psalm 100. The ensemble’s Artistic Director, Samuel Gordon, is conducting this program and will be joined by the organization’s VoxMix Collective."
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Art Show in lounge before concert
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Janet Kuller’s original paintings were so popular at our spring fund raiser that we asked her to do a solo show with more of her art. Several pieces of her work are already displayed in the lounge. Janet will be adding more paintings for this art show, which is scheduled before the first Cathedral Concert, and the pieces will be available for purchase. A portion of the money will be donated to St. Paul’s.
Join us for appetizers and wine in the lounge from 3:00-5:00 pm.
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Organist James Kibbie to perform
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For our second Concert Series performance we welcome James Kibbie, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan.
From his published bio: "James Kibbie is internationally renowned as an authority on the organ music of Johann Sebastian Bach. He has performed the complete cycle of Bach organ works in a series of eighteen recitals and is in constant demand as a Bach recitalist and clinician. His recordings of the complete Bach works on historic baroque organs in Germany have been welcomed with enthusiastic critical and audience acclaim. Thanks to generous support from Dr. Barbara Furin Sloat in honor of J. Barry Sloat, the University of Michigan is offering Dr. Kibbie’s recordings of all 274 Bach works as free internet downloads at www.blockmrecords.org/bach."
Dr. Abigail Haake extends her personal invitation: "I hope you will join us Sunday, October 6, at 4:00 PM when we host Dr. James Kibbie, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan. Internationally renowned as an authority on the music of J. S. Bach, his program will include music of Bach, Mozart, Price, Sowande, Vierne, and Weaver. Though he was not my primary instructor, I had the privilege of learning from him in seminars and while he served on my dissertation committee. You won’t want to miss his artistry on our beautiful organ!"
Click below to hear his recordings of some of the more famous Bach works.
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Note from our Director of Music, Dr. Abigail Haake:
Part of our mission is to make our concerts accessible to all. All concerts are offered at no cost to those attending, and while we do collect a free will offering at every concert, the monies collected cover only a portion of our expenses.
Would you consider helping us with this outreach ministry by becoming a patron? Any donation is gratefully and joyfully received!
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DONOR LEVELS to be recognized in programs at the concert:
Patron: $50+ Beethoven Circle: $150+ Bach Circle: $250+ Conductor's Circle: $500 and over
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You can give electronically on your smart phone by texting STPAUL MASSILLON to 833-245-7486 and select one-time donation to Cathedral Concert Series.
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We have matched and surpassed the $3,642 amount given by the Ohio Arts Council grant. We are well on our way to reach the $20,000 goal for the year. Currently we have, including the grant money, $13,492 committed. We thank our donors for their support.
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Follow concert series information on web and on FB
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The church website provides information about each of the upcoming concerts: background about the artists, additional photos, reviews. Click on the button below to see the full list. Once on the site, click on the name of each group to learn more about them.
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Another excellent source of information is our newly redesigned Facebook page dedicated to the Concert Series. Click the button below to access this page. Follow the page and share with your friends.
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God's Kitchen Angels are making our fall favorite: pumpkin rolls. All orders must be received by October 6th. Orders may be dropped off in the offering plate or at the office, or you can call/text Sue Ambrosic at 330 844-7648.
Half roll (5 inch) is $8.
Whole roll (10 inch) is $15.
Pick up date will be October 20th.
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Church Council highlights
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Report from September 10, 2024, Council meeting
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Lutheran collaboration gatherings
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Church Council met on Tuesday, September 10. Pastor Mark reported that conversations continue concerning the very best ways for the Lutheran churches in the Massillon area to collaborate. Small group gatherings have been held at St. Paul’s to discuss the possibilities as well as the challenges of collaborating in very intentional ways. Pastor Mark reinforced the point that St. Paul’s will enter into only collaborative agreements that fully benefit all involved.
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Thank you to Annual Report contributors
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Gratitude is extended to each committee chair and ministry leader who contributed to the St. Paul’s Annual Report which was distributed at the August 25th congregational meeting. Special thanks go to Tracie Schmolt, council secretary, for compiling the report.
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Thank you for church video
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Council is also grateful to Carol Butler and Abby Haake who invested much time to create the video that is now available on the St. Paul’s church website and Facebook showing various photos taken around our church building and featuring Abby playing the organ. It is hoped that the video will be viewed by many and be a source of encouragement--not only for our own members, but for those who are being newly introduced to our church as a place of worship. In addition, the video provided us an opportunity to mark the one-year anniversary of Abby and her family joining us at St. Paul’s.
See article below.
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The council meeting did not include any new business items. In addition, a number of the committees did not meet during the month of August and so did not have business to bring before the group. As ministry activity picks up during the middle of September into October, there will no doubt be items for consideration added to the agenda when we once again meet on October 8th.
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Respectfully shared,
Patty Long
President, Church Council
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The interior of St. Paul's is rich with history and beauty. Images alone can't convey the sacredness of this space; our magnificent organ completes the experience. Listen to Dr. Haake as she presents Dan Locklair's composition "The Peace May Be Exchanged."
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We are grateful that Abby and her family have joined us at St. Paul's. Every week she brings her artistry to our services.
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The video is accessible on the church's homepage and has been posted on our church Facebook page. From there you may share it with friends. Or you can send them the Youtube link.
To view the video, click the link below.
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Income and expense summary:
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Financial notes: We had a $2,800 roof repair that added to the August deficit. --Dan Farrar, Treasurer
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Remaining funds posted in the September newsletter: $78,666.
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Plan now to join the Road Rally
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Sue Reid reminds the congregation to make reservations for the upcoming Road Rally on October 19. It will be a chance to have some fun in groups of 4, answering the questions and following the clues.
We will meet at St. Paul's in the upper parking lot at 11:00 am on that Saturday and will team up and ride together. You will end up at a location where you can enjoy food and drink . . . and see how well you answered the questions.
If you've been on a Road Rally before, you know how much fun it can be. If you haven't, this is your chance!
Make a reservation by calling or texting Sue Reid at 330 323-6688.
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September Community Meal report
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Jack and Marsha Fortune report on the past month's Community Meal:
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September 13, 2024
Well, folks, we set a new record. St. Paul’s welcomed 112 guests to our monthly Community Meal and Community Closet on Friday, September 13. Our previous high was 110 in October of 2022. We are pleased we can fulfill this need, but are saddened that, nearly 2 years later, there is still so much need here in Massillon, Ohio.
Our late summer meal consisted of macaroni and beef casserole, tossed salad, dinner roll, beverage, and either cookies or ice cream for dessert. The cookies were donated by a friend of the congregation who supports this ministry. Among the attendees were 5 children and 1 baby. All of the children were given both a toy and a book as gifts from the congregation.
Despite the huge crowd, we managed to feed everyone, including seconds. By the end of the evening, we were totally out of food. All of the Care Bag tables were emptied, and a significant amount of clothing had been given out to those in need.
And we were all exhausted.
It is a privilege to serve the Lord, but it can be, and often is, hard work. But when you see the happiness that we bring to these folks, even for just one night, it is worth it all.
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, October 11, from 4:30 to 6:00. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
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Collecting nonperishables
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St. Paul’s will collect nonperishable food and miscellaneous items for our Community Meal families. The items will be given for Christmas at our Community Meal on Friday, December 13.
We will begin collecting in October. Please place your donations in the box provided at the side entrance of the church.
If you have questions, please contact Cindy Lash at 330-417-7407.
Oct. 20 Tea and Coffee
Oct. 27 Peanut Butter and Jelly
Nov. 3 Canned Soups and Pork n Beans
Nov. 10 Cereal and Mixes (cake, brownie, muffins)
Nov. 17 Canned fruits and Vegetables
Nov. 24 Spaghetti Sauce, Pasta, Instant Potatoes
Dec. 1 Paper Products (paper towels, toilet paper)
Dec. 8 Bar Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrush
Thank you for your generosity!
Blessings and peace,
Cindy Lash
Welfare and Social Action Committee
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Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients from St. Paul’s for the 2024 fall semester:
Renewal applications Tony Davila - Miami University, Oxford, OH
Computer and Electrical Engineering
Caroline Deerwester - University of Dayton
Environmental Biology
Lauren Karch (Klein) - Wilmington University
MSN Leadership/Education
Aaliyah Litman - The Ohio State University
Material Science Engineering
New Applicants Brooke Duplain - Western Governors University
BA Special Ed and Elementary Ed
Annabelle Roehlig - Cleveland State University
Master’s in School Psychology
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Save the dates for Bell Choir
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Bell choir rehearsals have started up again for their first performance on October 13.
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Consider joining the ensemble for the Advent Season!
In preparation to ring December 15, they will rehearse on the following
Wednesdays from 6-6:45: November 20, December 4, and December 11
Please RSVP Abby so she can be sure to have music for you.
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Members enjoy the change of seasons with mums
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From Becky Johnson:
Fall is proof CHANGE can be beautiful. Always enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
A group caravanned a short distance from St. Paul’s to a mum field. So many colors and varieties of LARGE mums to choose from. A big thank you to Wilda and her dog Abby, who always welcomes our group and assists as needed.
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The Massillon City Trick or Treat time is Sunday, October 27, from 3-5 pm. St. Paul's will have treats for the children, so if you're out, please stop by our church on your adventure.
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We know fall is near when the chili is cooking!
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Tuesday, September 17, the Kitchen Angels met at the Lints' home to make their annual chili. They sold the 67 quarts of chili on Sunday, September 22, after church. The revenue from this fundraiser was $403.
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Rosemary Stephen, Ariane Roberts, Shane Reed, Chrissy Sturtz, Donnie Whitman, Risa Blyer, Michael Jordan, Mary Ann Hinton, Mary Martin, Amy White, Lindsay Mays, Theresa Eckleberry, and Bobbee DeGordon.
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Favorite Bible or hymn verses: Every month we invite those celebrating birthdays to share their favorite verses. Be ready to send in yours!
Lynn Williamson: "For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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Oct 1--Robert Mitcheal
Oct 3--Serenity Brumfield
Oct 3--Monte Geuy
Oct 3--Bob Long
Oct 3--Michael Reiman
Oct 6--Lori Miday
Oct 7--Joyce Mitcheal
Oct 12--Heather Hall
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Oct 14--Charles Richards
Oct 15--William Davila
Oct 17--Charles Gesen
Oct 18--Georgiana Lafferty
Oct 19--Jennifer Larson
Oct 19--Vivian Getz
Oct 20--Michael Deerwester
Oct 22--Lee DiLoreto
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Oct 24--John Haake
Oct 24--Tracie Brumfield
Oct 25--Danese Bunting
Oct 27--Rev. Lynn Williamson
Oct 29--Robert Morningstar
Oct 29--Kathleen Corban
Oct 31--Brittany Hostetler
Oct 31--Jill Wallace
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October wedding anniversaries
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October 7--Jared & Emma Lafferty
October 8--Tom & Lori Miday
October 21--Lawrence & Kim Oberlin
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Kim and Larry Oberlin were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Canton on October 21st in 1978. This picture was taken in the Westbrook Park on the first day of their honeymoon as they departed for a stay in Colonial Williamsburg.
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"From our family’s beginnings we have been blessed with three beautiful daughters, two of whom are identical twins. Our family continues to grow, and we now have nine granddaughters, one grandson, and even a great-grandson."
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Please text Sue Ambrosic at 330-844-7648 if you would like to have the Altar or Throne flowers for 2024.
The cost of Altar flowers is $40 per Sunday; the Throne flowers are $28. Please contact Patty Carmola if you have any questions at 330-832-9405. You will be billed directly by Carmola's Flowers in Massillon.
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Dwight Butler
Gary Collard
Shane Jackson
Cindy Lash
Dennis Morgan
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Kathryn Myers
Barb Palmer
Jackie Pritchett
Carol Stoner
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Kathryn Myers, Chair
Amy Burkett,
Sue Ambrosic
Gayle Jackson
Becky Johnson
Cindy Lash
Deidra Monastra
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Dan Farrar, Chair
Shane Jackson
Greg Klein
John Liebermann
Patty Long
Tracie Schmolt
John Stanko
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Greg Klein, Chair
Carol Butler
Dwight Butler
Abigail Haake
Karl Kalk
Patty Long
Kathryn Myers
Kim Oberlin
Phyllis Staver
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WELFARE AND SOCIAL ACTION
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Cindy Lash, Chair
Christine Bates
Judy Fichter
Lynda Klein
Deidra Monastra
Kathryn Myers
Kim Oberlin
JuDee Reed
David Stoner
LaShell Williamson
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Jim Johnson, Chair
Dave Allman
Joe Hepler
John Liebermann
Dennis Morgan, Liaison for Chair
Paul Mutchler
John Stanko
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YOUTH AND PARISH EDUCATION
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Serving during the month of October
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If you are interested in serving for a future month, click on the contact person's email link.
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Contact Karl Kalk
Oct 6: Sue Reid
Oct 13: Karl Kalk
Oct 20: Kathryn Myers
Oct 27: Patty Long
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Contact Patty Long
Oct 6: Patty Long & Gary Collard
Oct 13:Shane Jackson & Barb Palmer
Oct 20: Jackie Pritchett & Greg Klein
Oct 27: Dennis Morgan & Kathryn Myers
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Contact Karl Kalk
Oct 6: Russ & Mary Ann Poling
Oct 13: Greg & Lynda Klein
Oct 20: Gary Collard
Oct 27: Craig Maurer
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Contact Dick Longworth
Jack and Marsha Fortune, Shane Jackson, and John Liebermann
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Choose My Church by Pushpay from the App Store.
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Find the "My Church" by Pushpay app in the App store on your phone or computer. It is a free download.
Open the app and search for St. Paul's by typing STPLC APP. Then click on the St. Paul's logo.
To take advantage of all the app’s features, you must create an account. Get notifications and reminders of upcoming events, access our live stream worship and worship bulletins, send prayer requests, see the church calendar, and give electronically.
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St. Paul's
Evangelical Lutheran Church
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We are a community of believers called together to be the Body of Christ for the sake of our families, community and our world. We invite you to join us for worship on Sunday mornings as we celebrate God’s redeeming and freeing grace in Jesus Christ our Lord.
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The Reverend Mark Kreemer officiating.
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Thank you to all who have submitted photos for this newsletter. To see more photos, follow the Facebook pages listed below.
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Cathedral Concerts Facebook Page
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St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church
127 Cherry Rd. NE, Massillon, OH 44646
330 832-7409
Office Hours: T, W, F 9am-1pm
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ELCA Vision: A world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation..
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