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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
- Church Council highlights
- Income and expense summary
- Capital Fund Update
- BGSU Men's Chorus, Thursday, November 7, at 7 pm
- Singers Companye received a warm welcome in September
- Organist James Kibbie played masterfully at October concert
- Organist Abigail Haake joins the Paragon Brass Ensemble
- '24-'25 Concert Series
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- Another successful Pumpkin Roll season
- Beautiful day for the Road Rally on October 16
- October Community Meal report
- Collecting nonperishables
- Bell Choir enhanced the service
- Trick or Treat
- Prayer list update
- November birthdays
- November wedding anniversaries
- Flowers for the altar
- Thank you notes
- Council members
- Committee members
- Serving during the month of November
- St. Paul's phone app
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Embracing the Season of Fall with God’s Grace
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Scripture:
"For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."
— Ecclesiastes 3:1
Dear Friends in Christ,
As the vibrant green of summer fades into the brilliant golds, reds, and oranges of fall, we witness a beautiful transformation. The air becomes crisp, the days shorten, and nature prepares for a season of rest. Fall reminds us of the cycles of life — birth, growth, death, and renewal. Just as the leaves must fall to make way for new life in spring, we too must sometimes let go of things in our lives so that God can renew us.
In this season of change, we can reflect on the areas in our lives where God is calling us to surrender. What burdens or old habits do we need to release? What past failures or regrets are we holding onto? As the trees release their leaves, we are invited to release anything that prevents us from fully trusting in God's plan. Letting go can be difficult, but it is in this surrender that we make room for God’s grace to work in us.
Fall also reminds us of the importance of preparation. Just as farmers gather the harvest, we are called to store up spiritual “harvest” — the wisdom, peace, and strength we gain from walking with God. This spiritual nourishment sustains us during the winter seasons of life when times may be difficult or we feel distant from God.
Through it all, fall is a time to marvel at God's creativity and faithfulness. Even in the midst of shedding and loss, there is beauty. The trees, though stripped of their leaves, stand tall, trusting that new life will come. We can stand firm in the knowledge that no matter what season we are in, God is with us, working all things for good.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the beauty of fall and the reminder that change is part of Your design. Help us to release the things that no longer serve Your purpose in our lives. Give us the strength to trust in You as we face the changing seasons. May we be ever aware of Your presence, drawing closer to You and allowing Your Spirit to renew us. Help us to find joy and peace in every season, knowing that Your love never changes. 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: Chancel Choir 7 pm
Wednesday: Snip-N-Stitch 9 am
Thursday: Bible Study 10 am
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Tuesday November 5, 6:30 pm--Worship and Music Committee
Thursday, November 7, 6 pm--Friendship Circle
Tuesday, November 12, 7 pm--Church Council
Friday, November 8, 4:30-6:00 pm--Community Meal and Clothes Closet
Tuesday, November 19, 6 pm--Finance Committee
Monday, November 21--Deadline for December issue news
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Sunday, October 27, 11:30 am--Reformation Day Potluck Dinner
Please bring a covered dish of your choice.
The main dish and drinks will be provided.
Sunday, November 3, following church service: Special Congregational Meeting
Wednesday, November 20, 6 pm--Bell Choir rehearsals will resume November 20, December 4, and December 11 in preparation to ring December 15
Tuesday, December 31, 8 am to 2 pm--Red Cross Blood Drive
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Special Congregational Meeting: November 3
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A special congregational meeting has been called by Church Council for Sunday, November 3, to be held in the church sanctuary following the worship service.
The meeting will include proposals for much needed repair work to the flat roof of the church as well as masonry repairs on the exterior of the church building. Please plan to attend this important meeting. Thank you!
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Bible studies on Sunday and Thursday
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Adult Sunday School Class
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A Grace-Filled Promise
But Noah found favor in the sight of the Lord. (Genesis 6:8)
The familiar story of Noah and the flood reminds us of God’s very first covenant. In response to the sinfulness of humankind, God communicates enduring principles of his grace and forgiveness as well as expectations for righteous living. Join us as we continue our study of Genesis. We meet together on Sundays at 11:30, the third floor of Parish Hall. An elevator is available for easy access.
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Thursday Morning Bible Study
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On October 3rd, we began 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, you are welcome to join Pastor Tina Crog at 6 pm at Tremont Coffee (215 Erie St N. Massillon) for the six-week study of "The Grace of Les Misérables."
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Church Council highlights
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Report from Tuesday, October 8, 2024, Council meeting
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Pastor Mark's Report: Confirmation Classes, OSU Glee Club
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Church Council met on Tuesday, October 8. In Pastor Mark’s report he let us know that confirmation has once again begun and includes Ethan and Jarrett Deuble, now in their last year of confirmation classes. Pastor Mark also shared that he will participate in a mandatory continuing education event at St. Stephen Martyr Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 30th.
Pastor informed Council he will be in Columbus for a very special event on October 25 and 26. The Ohio State University Men’s Glee Club will celebrate the Glee Club’s 150th anniversary. On Saturday the 26th, Pastor Mark will have the exciting opportunity to sing with current members and alumni of the Glee Club on the field at the OSU football game.
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Introducing Pastor Tina Crog of St. Jacob Lutheran Church
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Pastor Tina Crog, of St. Jacob Lutheran Church, was welcomed to the meeting and invited by Pastor Mark to introduce herself to Council and share some thoughts on opportunities for collaboration among the Massillon Lutheran Churches. Pastor Tina has a very interesting personal story regarding her call to ministry and communicated a strong passion for inviting people into a commitment and walk with Christ. She communicated a sincere desire to collaborate in ministry but also shared that she realizes such partnering takes time to initiate, organize, and foster. Pastor Tina has created a Facebook page for the Massillon Lutheran Churches which allows for sharing information and inspiration across the various parishes.
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Collaborative Ministry Explorations
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On Saturday, November 2, representatives from the Lutheran Churches of Massillon will meet to discuss the information gained by the small group conversations which have taken place at each of the churches over the past two months regarding possible collaborative ministry opportunities. St. Paul’s will host this event. All members of our Council who are able to attend are invited to do so. Representatives from the Northeast Ohio synod will also be present.
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Heat Switch-over, Roofing
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Dennis Morgan reported for the Property Management committee that the switch over to heat will occur in all three church buildings on October 15. The committee was scheduled to meet on October 10 to discuss various items including possible repairs to the flat roofing of the church building. Additional details with the committee recommendations will be shared with Council at our November meeting.
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Non-perishables and Salvation Army Gifts
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Cindy Lash let Council know that the Welfare and Social Action Committee will be collecting nonperishable items from October 20 - December 8 to distribute to families who attend our December Community Meal. Gifts will also be collected at St. Paul’s for the Salvation Army “Christmas Assistance” program. Gift tags will be available Sunday, November 24. Unwrapped gifts will be collected at the church through Sunday, December 8.
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Jackie Pritchett, on behalf of Youth and Parish Education, is preparing 50 treat bags for neighborhood children to distribute for Trick or Treat. This is an opportunity to intentionally connect with families in the neighborhood around St. Paul’s.
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The Mission Endowment Committee met and Dan Farrar reported the funding recommendations for ministry which include $5,000 for the Massillon center for Serving Area Military, Veterans, and Widows; $1150 for Forever Amber Acres; $5000 for individuals affected by the recent hurricanes through Lutheran Disaster Relief; and $600 for the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
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Music and Worship Committee: Cathedral Concerts, Collaboration Efforts
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Greg Klein reported for the Worship and Music Committee. The Cathedral Concerts continue to go well with two concerts held at St. Paul’s including Singers Companye on September 29 and James Kibbie, organist, on October 6. The Bowling Green State University Men’s Chorus and Festival Choir will be at St. Paul’s on November 7, at 7 pm. Several area high school choirs will participate as well in the evening of choral music. Greg also reported there was discussion regarding possible collaboration efforts among Lutheran churches in Massillon. Although supportive of such efforts, the committee recommends that Pastor Mark continue to lead worship at St. Paul’s each Sunday, except for absences due to vacation, continuing education, or illness. Also recommended by the committee is that the 10 a.m. worship service start time at St. Paul’s remain unchanged.
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Respectfully shared,
Patty Long
President, Church Council
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Income and expense summary
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Financial notes:
We had 5 Sundays in September that aided our surplus.
--Dan Farrar, Treasurer
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BGSU Men's Chorus, Thursday, November 7, 7 pm
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We are very excited to host the Bowling Green State University Men's Choir for our third Cathedral Concert. In addition to these college students, a Festival Choir will join them, made up of tenor and bass singers from area high schools. While they're on their tour of Northeast Ohio, they will make stops at McKinley Senior High School. Hoover High School, GlenOak High School, and Dover High School. A very busy Thursday and Friday for these college students!
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Singers Companye received a warm welcome in September
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The vocal ensemble amazed the crowd with their soloists, precision, and volume. The small instrumental ensemble resonated as a full orchestra, lifting the music to new heights.
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Organist James Kibbie played masterfully at October concert
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For our second Concert Series performance we welcomed James Kibbie, Professor Emeritus at the University of Michigan. Selections included Bach, Mozart, and Florence Price.
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Organist Abigail Haake joins the Paragon Brass Ensemble
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Sunday, Nov. 3, at 4 pm, hear Dr. Haake play with the Paragon Brass Ensemble.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
50 N. Prospect Street
Akron, Ohio 44304
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Abby shares the view from the organ of the beautiful interior of Holy Trinity Church.
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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.
We also thank all those who sponsored rooms or housed students for the BGSU Men's Chorus.
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Another successful Pumpkin Roll season
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Pumpkin mix, eggs, butter, cream cheese--plus some extra love and dedication from our
Kitchen Angels!
Sue Ambrosic is pleased to report that the Kitchen Angels sold 98 pumpkin rolls at $15.00 each for a total of $1,470.00 in revenue.
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Time to start planning for Christmas cookies now
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Beautiful day for the Road Rally
on October 16
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Report from Sue Reid:
Seventeen people in five cars joined in the Road Rally. Since it was a beautiful day, participants were able to get out and enjoy stops along the along the Scenic Byway, such as the Exploration Gateway, where we learned you can recycle electronics.
Other stops included the McKinley Monument, where some of our group walked the 106 or 107 steps (depending how you counted) and the Canton Garden Center. We also passed through the little town of Ciaro before visiting a graveyard and then Hartville, where we ended up at Maize Valley Winery to enjoy time together while we ate lunch.
Everyone wants to have another road rally next year, so watch for it and join us for a good time.
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October Community Meal report
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Jack and Marsha Fortune report on the past month's Community Meal:
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Community Meal and Community Closet
October 11, 2024
There was definitely a fall look and feel for our October Community Meal. Our ladies decorated all of the tables with fall-themed centerpieces, as well as setting up a separate table with assorted fall decorative items. All attendees were invited to submit their name for a chance to win either one of the table centerpieces, or an item from the table with the decorations. It was great fun, and all seemed to enjoy it. As we enter this special season of colorful leaves, cooler days, and cooler nights, we must not lose sight of the fact that the needs of those in need does not change. A hot meal, warm clothing, much needed household items, and the camaraderie of being with friends and companions attracted 95 guests to our October edition of St. Paul’s Community Meal and Community Closet.
Our meal consisted of Conveys baked beans, potato chips, beverage, and cookies for dessert. There was plenty for all, including numerous seconds.
Most in attendance visited the Community Closet either before or after the meal. With cold weather approaching, warm coats, gloves, as well as woolen socks and other warm clothing are much in need. In addition, new underwear is always in short supply. If you can buy some extra underwear and donate it to the Community Closet, we will see that it is put to good use.
Our “care bag” tables offering general household items to those in need was once again very popular. By the end of the night nearly all items were distributed. Praise God!
Thanks so much to our many volunteers for their time and effort in support of this important ministry.
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, November 8 from 4:30 to 6:00. Thank you for your prayers and continued support.
Jack and Marsha Fortune
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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.
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- October 20: tea and coffee
- October 27: peanut butter and jelly
- November 3: canned soups and pork and beans
- November 10: cereal and mixes (cake, brownie, muffins)
- November 17: canned fruits and vegetables
- November 24: spaghetti sauce, pasta, instant potatoes
- December 1: paper products (paper towels, toilet paper)
- December 8: bar soap, toothpaste, toothbrush
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Thank you for your generosity!
Blessings and peace,
Cindy Lash, Welfare and Social Action Committee
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This list is available in the weekly church bulletins as well as on our church web page on the Upcoming Events link and the Calendar link. On the app it is under Events and in the Calendar portion.
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Bell Choir enhanced the service
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The bells resonated beautifully in our sanctuary on October 13. Listen to the prelude "The Gift of Love" starting at the 11:30 mark in the video recording.
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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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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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Jackie Whitman, Jessie Shaffer, Mark King, Sue Rodgers, Rick Theiss, Becky Myers, Jeanne Tidwell, Jim Loveday, Rosemary Stephen, Ariane Roberts, Shane Reed, Chrissy Sturtz, Donnie Whitman, Risa Blyer, Michael Jordan, Mary Ann Hinton, Mary Martin.
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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!
Phyllis Staver, November 6:
I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free; For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. (Derived from Luke 12:6)
Lynda Klein, November 14:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding.
In all ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Jack Norton, November 18:
Favorite hymn: "How Great Thou Art"
(Editor's note: Read the fascinating history of this hymn on the web.)
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Nov 2--Darrell Books
Nov 4--Jennifer Johnson
Nov 5--Russell Poling
Nov 6--Phyllis Staver
Nov 6--Chad Pittman
Nov 7--Bryan Corban
Nov 8--Chase Duplain
Nov 9--Daniel Hepler
Nov 11--Jonathan Litman
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Nov 12--Craig Maurer
Nov 12--Mary Martin
Nov 12--Miho Kobayashi
Nov 14--Lynda Klein
Nov 15--Judith Allman
Nov 16--Paul White
Nov 18--Amanda Gray
Nov 18--Jack Norton
Nov 19--Kim Oberlin
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Nov 20--Lindsay Mays
Nov 20--Richard Longworth
Nov 22--Corey Larson
Nov 23--D. Richard Getz
Nov 23--Dennis Morgan
Nov 24--JuDee Reed
Nov 26--Angela Sutter
Nov 26--Debra Stevens
Nov 27--Mathew Blaine
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November wedding anniversaries
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Jack and Marilyn Norton were married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Massillon on November 7, 1987, by Pastor Robert Groenke.
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Please text Sue Ambrosic at 330-844-7648 if you would like to have the Altar or Throne flowers for 2025.
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.
We are now posting the flower chart on the Parish Hall bulletin board, indicating open dates that are available.
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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 November
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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
Nov 3: Dave Stoner
Nov 10: Scott Larson
Nov 17: Carol Stoner
Nov 24: Veronica Kreemer
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Contact Patty Long
Nov 3: Tracie Schmolt, Carol Stoner
Nov 10: Dwight Butler, Cindy Lash
Nov 17: Patty Long, Gary Collard
Nov 24: Shane Jackson, Barb Palmer
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Contact Karl Kalk
Nov 3: Marilyn Norton
Nov 10: Sue Ambrosic
Nov 17: Rob Pritchett
Nov 24: Pastor Lynn & Lashelle Williamson
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Contact Dick Longworth
John and Jennifer Stank, Chuck Richards, Mike Skelly
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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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