The Light
St. Mark Lutheran Church
Pastor George Zehnder
2015
HAGAH ‫ָהגָה‬
This Hagah is the Hebrew word for mediate. It is used in Psalm 1:2 “Yet, His delight is in the
Law of the Lord in which he mediates day and night.” Typically we think of meditation as a quiet
reflection. So, we have this idea that we should quietly reflect on God’s law day and night, which
is of course a wonderful thing. But a parallel thought contained in the word Hagah is to moan or
growl. What we see in developing this word is a stress or problem that permeates our soul (our
thinking process) and we let in out by a making a sound.
My own transition in this last trimester of my life is dealing with the stress of an aging body. I
realize that I can’t stop getting older, but I want to be active and have a holistic approach to this
stage in my life. I want to find the God of peace. This God of peace has promised, “May the God
of Peace, Himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless
until the coming of your Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thessalonians 5: 12). Yet the absence of stress is not
emptying yourself of problems but dealing with the stress of these problems. Many meditative
processes, such as yoga, have you emptying your mind and forgetting about your stress. In the
Hebrew Scriptures you are constantly told to meditate on the Law of the Lord. “Do not let this Book
of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night…Then you will be prosperous and
successful” (Joshua 1:8).
Developing Hagah in your life is more than just getting rid of stress; it is waking up with a roar
in the morning. Hagah is an onomatopoeia, that it is a word that sounds like its meaning. The
word Hagah brings to mind a lion waking up and knowing that it is hungry and it lets out a roar,
Hagahhhhhhh! Many Christians treat God’s Word more like a snack. We haven’t integrated God’s
Word into our physical activity; we have separated body, soul and spirit. Doctors take care of your
bodies. Pastors take care of your souls. And the world influences your spirit. God created all of
life and he wants you to be “like a tree planted by living water it bears fruit in its season, its leaf does
not whither, in everything he does, he prospers” (Psalm 1:3).
Hagah is balancing the stresses of life with the opportunities in life. I am trying to capture that
vision of the lion waking in the morning, and roaring at the sunrise. Hagahhhhhhhh! I been
waking each morning and starting my own Hagah. I noticed that I have had three physical
ailments as I age: my bones, my breathing and my balance. In my morning Hagah movements, I
have the opportunity to work my joints, to developing deeper breathing and to work on my
balance. In all these movements I am not just physically doing them but using my mind in reciting
Psalms or other passages that become a part of my soul. The thought of Hagah has become a
great revelation to me in keeping my body, soul and spirit in balance until my Savior returns.
Pastor George Zehnder
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From the Associate Pastor’s Pen…
"Why Don't We Have 'Altar Calls' in Lutheran Churches?"
This all started with a letter I got from a good friend recently. I support his ministry and will
continue to support it. But he wrote that they had about 47 people saved at one of his meetings
recently. That makes me a little bit uneasy. I guess if he was here tonight I would ask, "How do
you know?" He would likely answer that 47 raised their hands or 47 came forward to be saved.
We don't do that in Lutheran churches. This is what is called "decision theology" and we don't see
a precedent for it in the Holy Scriptures. We believe that conversion is totally the work of the Holy
Spirit. So we would also be uncomfortable with those using the words "I accepted Jesus." They
may really have been converted at that point. But life has taught me that it is dangerous if we put
emphasis on what we have done rather than what the Holy Spirit through the Word has done. Let
me share two cases in point.
One is a man I know who I have invited to church many times. It is my understanding that he has
not been in church in a long, long time. He is a really nice guy, but when I suggest he should get
to church more often he tells me not to worry, that he was saved a long, long time ago at a youth
meeting. Yet he does not attend a church or support a church in any way and did not raise his
children in the Christian faith!
Another young man was in one of my youth groups in the past. He loved learning the Bible,
listened to Christian music, invited others to church, and showed many signs that he was a
Christian. One day he went with another church and wound up going forward at an altar call and
told me later he was saved that night. This experience has confused him, and that is what he
appears to be trusting in. He does not feel the need to go to church and did not attend anywhere
this past Christmas.
Sometimes I think we can all be too statistic-minded. We all want to see results, but none of us
except the Lord can really see and know people's hearts. We need to continue ministering with
God's Word and let God count the souls and the hearts and take credit for them. The emphasis
needs to be on discipleship.
I think we may well have some of this misunderstanding in our own churches. I often hear people
talk about how they were confirmed and learned all about "it" or used to attend church every
Sunday but don't feel the need to be involved anymore. But how do responses like that fit with our
Lord's words? In John 15:3 he says, "You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to
you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you...I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man
remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit, apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone
does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers…." Jesus also said,
"Not everyone who says to me, "Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who
does the will of my Father who is in heaven." Following the Lord is a lot more than a one-time
decision. May He help you do it.
Pastor Ken Welsh
Bible Verse of the Month: "Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of
life." -- Revelation 2:10
"A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing." -- Martin Luther
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NEWS AND NOTES ABOUT THE CONGREGATION
(AND BEYOND!)
From the Newsletter Editor
Where Is Sarah?
If you have any news that
you would like to share with
your St. Mark family, be
sure to drop the information
into the newsletter box in the church
office by the third Sunday of the month, or
email me at [email protected] by
the third Sunday of the month.
-- the church elf
Sarah Deau is doing better, and
thanks everyone for the cards and wellwishes. To keep those cards arriving on
her nightstand, you need her latest
address. You can send cards or notes to:
Thank You
Lenten Worship Schedule
Thank you for supporting
Pennies for Rice. Because
of your generosity the
children of Grace School in
Pt Est were given two
chicken dinners.
Sponsorships of
$240.00/year for the students of Grace
School are still available. Contact Lee
Stone at 440-668-7985
Lenten worship began
on Ash Wednesday,
February
18,
and
continues
on
Wednesdays through
March 25. Services will be held at 11:30
a.m. and 7:30 p.m. There will be a
Lenten supper each Wednesday evening
at 6:00 p.m., before evening worship.
Maundy Thursday, April 2, services
will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday, April 3, will have services at
noon and 7:30 p.m. On Easter, April 5,
services will be held at 7:00 a.m., 9:00
a.m., and 11:00 a.m., with breakfast after
each service.
Sarah Deau
Anchor Lodge Retirement Village
3756 W. Erie Avenue, Rm. 314
Lorain, OH 44053
Thank you from Bruce and Rose
Rancke for all your support, cards and
prayers.
Your thoughtfulness and
kindness is appreciated so much and was
just what we needed.
Thank you from Bobi Fellinger for all
the prayers, cards and kind words as a
result of her stay in the hospital. It was
appreciated very much.
It’s “Time” for a Change
A big thank you from Edie and Ken
Fetheroff for all the prayers, cards,
phone calls and well wishes during Ken’s
illness. Ken is now rehabbing at Hamlet in
Chagrin Falls and progressing.
Yes, it’s the time of year to
re-set all the clocks in our
houses. Be sure to “spring
forward” when you go to bed
on Saturday, March 7, or you’ll be late for
church on Sunday!
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WomenSafe Schedule
Hunger Knows No Season
Our Lord tells us that when we feed
the hungry, give the thirsty something to
drink, help the sick or visit people in
prison, we are doing this to God. Our
Lord wants us to help people that are in
need!
Please help the women and
children in need by helping at
WomenSafe Retail Shop on Saturday,
March 14 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
If you can help, please contact Janie
Palmer at 440-729-1847. God bless you.
-- Janie Palmer
We collect these nonperishable food items for
the Food Pantry at Trinity
Lutheran Church (Building
Hope in the City):
 peanut butter & jelly
 canned tuna
 boxed macaroni & cheese and
"deluxe" Mac 'n' Cheese (with
creamy cheese packet in the box)
 canned soups, stews, pastas,
fruits, vegetables, beans
 DRY beans
 DRY rice (NOT Minute® Rice)
Benefit for Center of Refuge
Orphanage Planned
Additional Cleaning Help
Needed
A chicken paprikas dinner to
benefit the Center of Refuge
Orphanage in Haiti is planned
for March 22. Dinner will be
served 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in Fellowship
Hall.
A free will offering for the
orphanage will be taken.
Volunteers are needed for cleaning
three areas of the building. The time
commitment is minimal. Areas that need
volunteers are the Cry Room (twice a
month), the Matthew Meeting Room
(twice a month), and the Nursery
(cleaning toys once a month). For more
information or to sign up contact Barb
Nicholson at 440-286-2079.
Tetélestai
Tetélestai is a musical production on
the trial, execution and resurrection of
Jesus the Messiah.
Please invite
someone
NOW
to
attend
this
performance with you, before people
make other plans for the dates. It will be
here on Friday, March 27 (8:00 p.m.),
Saturday, March 28 (8:00 p.m.) and
Sunday, March 29 (2:00 p.m.).
Washcloths for Haiti
We are collecting new or gently used
washcloths for the people of Haiti to use
in place of paper items. Place your
donations in the white basket in
Fellowship Hall or the marked box in the
Donation Closet.
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GROUP HAPPENINGS
The first group will be those members
whose Elder is David Toth and will be
contacted by him concerning your time.
The prayers may be done at home,
church, or wherever you can give God
your undivided attention, as you should
when you pray. If there is more than one
of you, you can split the time amongst
you. Suggestions for prayer and Bible
passages will be forthcoming. Check
your mailbox! If you have a conflict,
contact your Elder. This is not a demand
from your Elders, but we hope that this
spiritual journey with Jesus Christ begins
a life filled with prayer and thanksgiving.
-- David Toth, Elder N-R
ALTAR GUILD
Making Palm Crosses
It’s the time of the year to prepare for
Holy Week. The next project is to make
palm crosses for Palm Sunday. If anyone
would like to help, we will be getting
together on Thursday, March 26 at 10:00
a.m.
Please join us for fun and
fellowship; we have a lot of fun! If you
can make it, or have any questions,
please contact Janie Palmer at 440-7291847. Hope to see you there!
ELDERS
LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY
LEAGUE
Know Your Elders
If the first letter of your last name is
(A- C), your elder is Bob Boddy; (D-He),
your elder is Jim Burke; (Hi-K), your elder
is Nick Nicholson; (L-M), your elder is Jeff
Atchley; (N-R), your elder is David Toth;
(S), your elder is Mark Rychel; (T-Z), your
elder is Ed Tornberg
Any questions or comments about
church matters can be directed to your
designated elder.
Speakers for 2015 LWML
Convention in Des Moines, Iowa
The LWML Executive Committee
announces the names of those who have
accepted speaking invitations to the
LWML Convention in Des Moines, Iowa,
June 25-28, 2015.
Rev. Greg Seltz, Lutheran Hour
Ministries, will be the opening worship
Proclaimer, and Dr. James Lamb,
Lutherans for Life, will serve as Keynote
Speaker.
Rev. Keith Piotter, Iowa
District East, will be the Sunday morning
Proclaimer,
and
former
LWML
Counselors Rev. Larry Miller and Rev.
Mike Mattil will lead the assembly in
Bible Study. Mites in Action speakers will
Prayer Vigil Being Organized
You and/or your family will
be asked to pray for our
Vision
and
Planning
Process, and ultimately our
new Pastor. The Elders
have decided to have a
Prayer Vigil once a month, on a specified
day, the first being February 28, until a
new
Pastor
is
called.
Each
member/family will be assigned a time at
15 minute intervals, beginning at 9:00
a.m. until each Elder’s group is finished.
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include Carly Hatcher, MOST Ministries;
Rev. E. James Rivett, Prison Ministry;
Rev. Jim Hetzner, Lutheran Church
Charities (Comfort Dogs); and Rev.
Tilahun Mendedo, Concordia College,
Selma, Alabama. Noon luncheons will
bring other speakers, such as Director of
Mission Central Gary Theis, LCMS
President Matthew Harrison, Humorist
Jan Struck, and Songleader Dr. Dina
Vendetti to inspire and entertain
participants.
The theme, “Bountiful! Sow - Nourish Reap,” based on 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV,
will be highlighted throughout the worship
services, Bible studies, servant events,
and much more. Updates on the
convention
will
be
available
at
www.lwml.org/events/conventions.
Please check this site frequently for new
posts about the convention.
be the Savior of the World" (1 John 4:14).
From manger to cross, God's plan and
path were clear. Is God in your plan?
LWML is one of the ways we spread
God's word. Bring your mite box in on the
first Sunday of the month and pick up
another box to fill.
-- Ruthann Dular
MEN’S BREAKFAST
A nice turnout of nineteen
men gathered on Saturday,
February 7, at the Rise &
Dine Cafe in Chesterland.
We greeted a new guest, Richard
Christopherson
from
Chesterland.
Several guys cancelled out that morning
because of health issues, but the
attendance of four men from other
Lutheran churches helped fill in.
Ken Welsh, Associate Pastor here at
St. Mark, was the guest speaker. He
gave a book review of Lee Strobel's The
Case for a Creator. Strobel revealed the
surprising news that a good number of
scientists have turned to believing in God
as the best answer to the existence of the
universe and the complexity of life. A
two-page outline was presented showing
key points from Strobel's personal
interviews with scientists in many fields.
The book shares many facts which
support the declaration found in Psalms
19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of
God, and the firmament shows his
handiwork.” A copy of the outline of the
study is available from the speaker upon
request
The MBF is next scheduled to meet
on Saturday, March 7, at 9:00 a.m. at the
Rise and Dine Cafe in Chesterland.
When is the last time you invited
someone? Call Coordinator Ron Cudnik
at 440-338-3735 with your reservation(s).
See you there!
-- Pastor Ken
LWML Mites for 2015
Seminarians and church worker
students are assisted by
receiving food, clothing and
grants to pay schooling cost. Other
ministries receive funds for salaries,
expenses or equipment to continue their
outreach. All of these things happen
because you put your loose change in a
LWML mite box and brought it to church
the first Sunday of the month. The Ohio
District’s Mission Goal for 2014-2016 is
$98,000, and LWML funds $1,830,000 in
mission
grants
nationally
and
internationally.
At our annual Women's Luncheon, the
St. Mark Women’s League (a society
within LWML) set a goal of $2,300.00 for
2015.
We collected $54.00 at the
luncheon. To reach our goal, we need to
collect almost $200.00 per month. Our
vision as Christians is to tell the world
about God. "And we have seen and
testify that the Father has sent his Son to
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SECRET SISTERS
WOMEN’S LEAGUE
Each participating Secret
Sister received her new
assignment
before
Valentine's Day. All Secret
Sisters should have heard from their new
Sister who is praying for them in 2015. If
you have not, please contact Chris
Meister. During the month of March keep
in touch with your Secret Sister by
sending her a St. Patrick's Day card or an
Irish Blessing to let her know you are
praying for her.
-- Chris Meister
Summary of February Meeting
13 ladies were in attendance. After an
opening devotion, read from the summer
LWML Quarterly, the minutes and
treasurer’s report were reviewed and
accepted for filing. Discussion was held
on these topics:
 What can we do to help our shutins and/or disabled come to
worship if they wish? Holly Myers
will check with the Dept. of Aging
for their suggestions and thoughts
 Coordinators for the February and
March “Feed the Flock” lunches
were set
 Tetélestai
as
requested
a
reception after each performance
 Jamie Nicoletti is in charge of the
Mother’s
Day
Tea;
more
discussion at the March meeting

We are still looking for more
donations for the Plant Sale
auction

Sue Brill is still working on bids for
the blinds for Fellowship Hall
Under new business, we were
reminded to attend the Northeast Zone
Prayer Service at Holy Cross Lutheran
Church in Madison. We also had a first
discussion on having a Crafters’ Garage
Sale in conjunction with the Plan Sale,
with the proceeds being used to purchase
wash cloths for Haiti. Barb Nicholson
also suggested that we each make
personal invitations to other ladies to join
us at meetings and work days, etc.
The next Women’s League meeting
will be held on Sunday, March 1 at 11:00
a.m. in the small room next to the kitchen.
All ladies of St. Mark are welcome to
attend.
PRESCHOOL
Register. Shop. Swipe.
Earn. It’s that easy to
earn additional Labels
for Education points for St. Mark Christian
Preschool. Register your Giant Eagle
shopper card at eLabelsforeducation.com
and between now and July 31, 2015 we
will electronically collect 1 point for each
participating product purchased using
your shopper card. You can still clip and
turn in the paper UPCs to earn points,
too. This will help us to double our
points.
Thank you to those who submitted
labels recently. Please keep saving the
UPC codes.
-- Dona Weber
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HANDBELLS
ADVENTURE EVENING
Have you ever seen the bells at the back
of the church, and wanted to pick one up
and ring it?
(C’mon – you know you have!!!)
Here’s your chance!
On Tuesday, March 17, at 7:00 pm, we
will have a “Handbell Encounter”.
This event is for people who have
NEVER rung a handbell before, or
haven’t rung in ages.
A little history (very little), a little fun and
games, and then you will pick up bells
and ring.
One night only. No obligation.
Join me for a fun evening!
-Leah Spisak
bell choir director
BELL CHOIR RESUMES
The new season for bell choir begins with
practice on Tuesday, March 31 at 7:00
pm.
This is a great time to join, since we will
be doing much easier music while the
group gets used to a new director, and
the new director gets used to the group!
If you are interested in joining, and have
never rung before, you MUST attend the
“Handbell Encounter” on March 17 (see
above article).
Looking forward to a new season of
ringing God’s praises!
-Leah Spisak
bell choir director
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THOSE SERVING US IN MARCH
ACOLYTES
8:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
GREETERS
1
8
15
22
29
8:15 a.m.
Leonard Lowe and Dan Springer
Don and Carolyn Heuer
Don and Carolyn Heuer
Dennis and Janie Palmer
Dennis and Janie Palmer
7:30 p.m.
11:00 a.m.
Frank and Diane Keehl
Frank and Diane Keehl
Bob and Connie Boddy
Bob and Connie Boddy
Joan Shaw
LAY PRAY-ERS
8:15 a.m.
1 Becky Wright
8 Mark Rychel
15 Jeff Atchley
22 Ed Tornberg
29 Chris Meister
11:00 a.m.
Nick Nicholson
Jim Burke
Dave Toth
Tim Holt
Mark Zimmerman
LAY READERS
8:15 a.m.
1 Karen Springer
8 Janet Vesbach
15 Chris Meister
22 Ron Meister
29 Jane Webb
11:00 a.m.
Beth Reksten
Ellie Mercsak
Tim Holt
Nick Nicholson
Donna Toth
NURSERY
9:45 a.m.
1 Irene and Paige Corradetti
8 Frances and Michael Atwara
15 Lynn Swartzvinmicker
22 Sandy and Ed Gembka
29
no nursery service
USHERS
8:15 a.m.
1 Roy Blankschaen and Tom Zeitz
8 Dan Springer
15 Dan Springer and Roy Blankschaen
22
29 Howard Mabel
9:30 a.m.
Eric Uchbar and Ron Cudnik
Ed Gembka and Don Ondrejka
Mike Atwara and Bob Schneider
Jamie and Chuck Nicoletti
Chad Murawski and Jim Podojil
11:00 a.m.
Bridgette and Larry Keil
Josh Antonello and Tom Holt
Sally Ahrens and Ron Downs
Steve and Ellie Mercsak
Bridgette and Larry Keil
COFFEE HOUR
1 Team 3:
Janet Vesbach, Carol Deau, Winnie Holt, Mari Jane Pavilonis, Gerry Pretzlaf, Dawn Roth
8 Team 4:
Sue Brill, Donna Nass, Jennifer Schneider, Karen Springer, Lee Stone, Shawn Ziccarelli
15 Team 5:
Chuck Nicoletti and Jamie Nicoletti, Lori Cudnik, Brigette Keil, Kim Palivec, Rose Rancke, Beth Reksten
22 Team 6:
Monica McGurer, Carolyn Heuer, Jane Webb, Dona Weber, Kathy Zehnder
29 Team 1:
Virginia Burke, Sally Ahrens, Gayle Fecsik, Sandy Gembka, Yasmin Nehal, Beatrix Rosenstock
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A Look Ahead: Those Serving Us in April
ACOLYTES
8:15 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
GREETERS
8:15 a.m.
5
12
19 Gayle and Linda Gifford
26 Gayle and Linda Gifford
11:00 a.m.
Joan Shaw
Ray and Ellen Gilbert
Frank and Diane Keehl
Frank and Diane Keehl
7:30 p.m.
LAY PRAY-ERS
LAY READERS
8:15 a.m.
5
no lay readers
12 Mike Douglas
19 Beth Christopherson
26 Karen Springer
11:00 a.m.
Kathy Zehnder
Karen Rudar
Diane Keehl
NURSERY
9:45 a.m.
5
no nursery - Easter
12 Linda Deeken
19 Christina Schaffert
26 Kim Craig
USHERS
8:15 a.m.
5 Roy Blankschaen and Linda Gifford
12 Dan Springer and Linda Gifford
19 Howard Mabel and Tom Zeitz
26 Howard Mabel
9:30 a.m.
Ed Gembka and Don Ondrejka
Bob Schneider and Mike Atwara
Chuck and Jamie Nicoletti
11:00 a.m.
Brigitte and Larry Keil
Josh Antonello and Tom Holt
Sally Ahrens and Ron Downs
Steve and Ellie Mercsak
COFFEE HOUR
5 Easter breakfast, hosted by the Women’s League
12 Team 2:
Dawn Dean, Beverly Bunsey, Edie Fetheroff, Frieda Krause, Carolee Sandacz, Gayle Tomko
19 Team 3:
Janet Vesbach, Carol Deau, Winnie Holt, Mari Jane Pavilonis, Gerry Pretzlaf, Dawn Roth
26 Team 4:
Sue Brill, Donna Nass, Jennifer Schneider, Karen Springer, Lee Stone, Shawn Ziccarelli
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MARCH CELEBRATIONS
1 Jennifer Brenkus
3 Edward Gembka III
Lori Heritage
4 Ardis Danicic
6 Elisabeth Peterson
7 Morgan Atwara
8 Dona Weber
10 Julia Nicoletti
11 Kimberly Craig
12 Kelley Meyer
13 Charlotte Carducci
Diane Keehl
16 Elizabeth Schneider
17 Jerry Bartels
19 Isabella Schmidt
20 Donna Blankschaen
Caroline Hill
Matthew Ziccarelli
21 George Gleske
(celebrating 86 years of
God’s grace)
Joseph Simonetti
22 Melanie Palivec
23 David White
26 Gerry Grubac
Carl Kuchenbecker
(celebrating 85 years of
God’s grace)
27 David Bunsey
28 Ellen Gilbert
Mark Rychel
29 Michael Douglas, Sr.
31 Regina Mesa
March 3, 1962
Ernest and Carol Kiminecz
(celebrating 53 years of walking together)
March 8, 1975
Frank and Diane Keehl
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